Sensory Friendly Guide

Hip-hop artist Pinnacle and his back-up rapper, Verb, have been laying down tracks together since childhood. Add the skills of genius beatmaker Peep One and a TV appearance to the mix, and their group might finally have it made. But when local police shoot an unarmed black teen, Verb feels called to respond—raising questions about whether it’s the trio’s responsibility as artists to speak out for justice. A timely play about using your voice, filled with explosive energy and electric rhymes.

Hype Man: a break beat play takes place in a shared rehearsal studio. However, throughout the play, there are scenes that shift to a figurative performance venue. Additionally, a few moments take place in a “liminal space,” or a space that doesn’t exist in literal time and space, more in the thoughts and feelings of the characters.

Verb — African American male, early 30s. Verb has been the hype man for Pinnacle since they were teenagers. They have recently found more widespread success. Verb has a complicated past with alcohol, drugs and partying. He has recently sought professional help for his substance abuse.

Pinnacle — White male, early 30s. Pinnacle is a rapper and Verb’s longtime friend.

Peep One — Female, mixed race, mid- 20s. The beatmaker. The newest addition to the group, she creates instrumental beats and tracks.

Choices While At The Show

Here are a series of options you have while attending Hype Man: a break beat play.

Before the play…

— Enter the theatre building
— If needed, pick up your ticket at the Box Office
— Before or when the announcement is made on the speakers, enter the theatre and find your seat
— Sit down in your seat
— Listen to the pre-show announcement speech

During the play…

—Stay seated and watch the play
— Move to the lobby to watch the play from a TV monitor
— Move to the lobby for a quiet space with no monitor and less noise

* For the safety and enjoyment of others, you may not be able to return to your seat if you leave the theatre during the performance.

After the play…

— If you wish, applaud during the curtain call when the actors bow
— Exit through the hallway to the Victor Jory Lobby
— Or stay seated until most of the crowd has exited to the lobby and then leave at your own pace