WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. Fifth St., Reading, will present “Trich,” a powerful and unexpectedly funny solo performance written and performed by Becca Schneider and directed by Jenn Haltman and Casey Pfeifer.
Becca Schneider during a rehearsal for “Trich.” (Courtesy of the WCR Center for the Arts)
Performances will take place Sept. 25 at 7 p.m., and Sept. 26 and 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20, with free admission for students with valid ID.
For more information, visit trichplay.com or follow @trichplay on Instagram.
“Trich” explores the experience of living with trichotillomania, a body-focused repetitive behavior involving the compulsive urge to pull out one’s hair. Through humor, vulnerability and plenty of ’90s references, the production offers an honest look at mental health, isolation and the complicated journey toward recovery.
Audiences meet a teenage girl carrying an undeniable secret that somehow no one seems to notice. Retreating to a basement cubicle, she wonders if anyone will ever come downstairs.
But “Trich” refuses to remain in the darkness. Instead, the story uses humor and heart to create an engaging and relatable exploration of what it means to struggle privately while searching for connection and a path forward.
Running approximately 75 minutes, “Trich” premiered at the 2021 United Solo Theatre Festival in New York City, where Schneider received both the Best Actress and Audience Choice Awards. Since its premiere, the production has enjoyed multiple sold-out regional runs along the East Coast.
The impact of “Trich” extends beyond the theater. The production has become an advocacy and educational tool, with performances at multiple mental health conferences, including a keynote appearance at the National Alliance on Mental Illness Pennsylvania State Conference.
• The Santander Performing Arts Center, 136 N. Sixth St., has announced the lineup for its 2026-27 Broadway season.
“The Bodyguard,” Oct. 30
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Nov. 27
“A Christmas Story: The Musical,” Nov. 30
Cirque Alice, Feb. 19-21
“Legally Blonde,” March 10
“Dr. Seuss’s the Cat in the Hat,” March 26
Burn the Floor: Maks and Peta Live, May 9
“A Beautiful Noise,” July 22.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://www.santander-arena.com/events/category/broadway.
Art
Reading Public Library and Reading Pride Celebration have announced that Anu Morgan, creator of “Living Pride,” as the winner of the Library Card Art Contest celebrating the 20th anniversary of Berks Pride Fest and Library Card Sign Up month.
“Living Pride” by Anu Morgan is featured on a new limited-edition Pride library card available at the Reading Public Library. (Courtesy of Reading Pride Celebration)
The winning artwork will be featured on a new limited-edition Pride library card available at Reading Public Library. The contest invited Berks County artists to submit original artwork reflecting the LGBTQ+ community, Reading Pride Celebration’s mission and values, and a shared vision of equity, respect, love, and joy.
Three local artists submitted designs for consideration: Sebastian Hoover, with “Books of Pride”; Anu Morgan, with “Living Pride”; and Craig Schaffer, with “Rainbow Road.”
Community members were invited to participate in the selection process throughout July, casting 303 votes among the three designs. A four-member judging panel representing Reading Public Library, Reading Pride Celebration, and community representatives evaluated the submissions using criteria including creativity and originality. The community vote also weighed in the final decision.
“This project has been about community participation from the very beginning,” said Sean Flannery, president of Reading Pride Celebration. “We asked local artists to share what Pride, belonging, and our community mean to them, and then invited the community to be part of the process. Seeing more than 300 votes cast for just three designs shows how much people connected with the artwork.
“We’re grateful to each of our artists, our judges, everyone who voted, and especially Reading Public Library for helping us turn one artist’s vision into something people will be able to carry with them.”
“We are excited to share this beautiful new card with our patrons and recognize everyone who helped bring the project to life,” said Jennifer Bressler, assistant director, Reading Public Library.
In celebration of Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, Reading Public Library will display all three contest designs at the Main Library, 100 S. Fifth St., throughout the month of September. The community is invited to visit the library to see the artwork submitted by all three local artists and celebrate the creativity and community spirit behind this special collaboration.
The limited-edition Pride library card featuring “Living Pride” will be available at no cost to individuals eligible for a Reading Public Library card, while supplies last.
The collaboration between Reading Public Library and Reading Pride Celebration brings together art, literacy, and belonging.