10/9/96 Contact: Liz Shaw, 614/593-9355, or Marianne Hales, 614/593-4811

ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University MFA acting students are on tour in Southeastern Ohio this week as part of their internship with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

The eight students form the Skilken/Brown Intern Touring Co., and are performing William Baldwin Young's "What's the Difference" for grades five through nine in Athens, Meigs, Perry, Washington and Morgan counties. The 30-minute play portrays a school environment in which students are defined by the color of their shirts. The performance evolves into a guided discussion between actors and students on the issues of tolerance and conflict resolution.

The group performed in Athens and Meigs counties Monday and Tuesday. The group's schedule the rest of the week includes:

Wednesday (Oct. 9)
* Miller Middle School in Corning at 1 p.m. (contact: Principal James Grinegear, 614/394-1173).

Thursday (Oct. 10)
* New Lexington Middle School at 9 a.m. (contact: Principal Joe Cavinee, 614/342-4128);
* Nelsonville-York Middle School at 1 p.m. (contact: Principal John Anderson, 614/753-1254).

Friday (Oct. 11)
* McConnelsville Elementary School at 9 a.m. (contact: Principal Mark Eliot, 614/962-3691);
* Marietta Middle School at 1:45 p.m. (contact: Principal Mark Doebrich, 614/374-6530).

The Ohio University School of Theater MFA professional actor training program and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park launched their new partnership in August. The Cincinnati program serves as the year-long internship for third-year MFA acting students. The students serve as resident artists and understudies, participate in the company's outreach touring company, and participate in a two-week, 14-performance rotating repertory of two shows.

Editors and news directors: Please contact school officials regarding coverage and photo opportunities at the schools. Contact Liz Shaw or Marianne Hales at Ohio University, 614/593-9355 or 593-4811, for more information about the internship program.