THEY SPEAK | SHE SPEAKS: POETS, PLAYWRIGHTS, AND PIONEERS

SAT Jul 26 at 7:30
SUN Jun 27 at 4:30

Running Time: 75 minutes

This evening foregrounds the words and wisdom of African-American women whose pens reshaped literature, theater, and social thought.

The Rockford Reader’s Theatre ensemble weaves together music, poetry, and dramatic excerpts to spotlight icons and unsung heroines alike—Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, Lorraine Hansberry, Nikki Giovanni, Zora Neale Hurston, and more.

Voices converge in a vibrant collage that celebrates resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of Black womanhood.

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TICKETS

FREE PUBLIC ACCESS TICKETS go on sale on week before show time.

A Tribute to August Wilson tickets go on sale:

June 19th

She Speaks: Poets, Playwrights, and Pioneers tickets go on sale:

July 17th

Lewis Lemon: An Uncommon Life tickets go on sale:

August 14th

For EARLY ACCESS TICKETS, become a WSSR Member today:  wssr.org/memberships

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MANAGE YOUR ORDER

CANCELLATIONS: Go to tickets.wssr.org/self-service/wssr or click on "Manage Tickets" at the bottom of your confirmation email.

CHANGE SHOW DATES: First cancel your order and then reserve tickets for the new date you want to attend.

If you need assistance, please contact us at: tickets@wssr.org

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PUBLIC ACCESS THEATER

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PERFORMING ARTS…

Here’s how it works:

1. We make all of our tickets FREE

2. You help us do it by DONATING

This simple, yet powerful approach makes sure everyone can attend!

If you "Add A Donation" to your tickets, you will help us cover our costs and support Public Access Theater by making sure everyone in our community can come to the show!

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

The West Side Show Room is located at 1414 N Main Street in Rockford, IL near Veteran’s Memorial Circle in the historic North End.

The WSSR Lobby opens 30 minutes before show time. 

**NOTE: The parking lot can get very full on Friday and Saturday nights so plan to arrive early. 

For more information on parking, accessibility, and things to do in the area, please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

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CONTENT INFO

THEY SPEAK is appropriate for all ages. Recommended for 13+

For specific information about the content: tickets@wssr.org

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CHILDREN

CHILDREN

Children age 5+ are welcome at the WSSR as long as they can sit quietly and watch the show. If your child becomes a distraction, you may be asked to step into the lobby. 

Children under the age of 5 will not be admitted

For more info please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

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ACCESSIBILITY

WSSR has an open single-level layout with no ramps or stairs. Our theater seats are moveable and can easily accommodate wheelchairs. When reserving tickets, let us know your needs and we will do our best to accommodate you. 

For more info please visit wssr.org/planyourvisit

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HEALTH SAFETY

If you aren’t feeling well or are experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home.