Everyman Theatre Partnered with Morgan State and Coppin State Universities to Host Women+ on the Edge of Democracy: We’re Building Democracy at Lord Baltimore Hotel
HBCU students and Everyman artists spark civic conversation through performance and voter registration ahead of midterms
BALTIMORE, MD (October 28, 2026) On Monday, Everyman Theatre joined Morgan State University and Coppin State University to present Women+ on the Edge of Democracy: We’re Building Democracy, an evening of short play readings and conversation created for, and featuring, students from both universities. Everyman’s was the only Maryland event in the nationwide initiative.
Students from Morgan State and Coppin State shared the stage with Everyman Resident Company Member Megan Anderson and Tarshai Peterson, a Baltimore-based artist and Everyman Teaching Artist. Together, they brought to life new short works that ask a question as urgent as it is personal: what is the current state of democracy in America, and who gets to shape what comes next? After the readings, the audience stepped into the conversation themselves, turning the ballroom into a space where ideas were tested, challenged, and heard.
Everyman’s participation was part of a national initiative by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize that commissioned 34 women+ playwrights to reflect on the state of American democracy ahead of the 2026 midterms—the evening featured readings of four short works: GRWM: 4th of July Edition by Jenny Schwartz, Attestation by Lynn Nottage, Common Ground by Lauren M. Gunderson, and The Betsy Ross Book of the Dead by Paula Cizmar. Staged alongside nationwide readings hosted by theatres, universities, and community groups between October 23 and November 3, the event centered on theatre as an essential gathering space and vehicle for collaboration—a place where people unite across diverse political perspectives to build something no one could create alone.
What set Baltimore’s evening apart was who stood at its center. Where many readings nationwide were led by professional companies, Everyman’s version placed the next generation of HBCU leaders on stage—giving Morgan State and Coppin State students both the words and the platform to shape a conversation about the democracy they will inherit and help build.
The Lord Baltimore Hotel opened its Versailles Ballroom to the students, giving their voices a stage in one of the city’s most storied rooms. Its partnership reflects a shared belief that Baltimore’s civic life is strengthened when its institutions make room for the next generation of leaders.
Black Girls Vote, the Baltimore-founded organization dedicated to engaging and empowering Black women voters, was on site throughout the event to help attendees register to vote and check their registration status, just days ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.
“Theatre has always been a place where communities rehearse the conversations that matter most,” says Brandon Weinbrenner, Artistic Director of Everyman Theatre. “Watching students from Morgan State and Coppin State lead that conversation—with courage, humor, and real conviction—reminded all of us that democracy is built by the people willing to show up and speak. We’re honored to have shared the space with them.”
About Women+ on the Edge of Democracy Women+ on the Edge of Democracy is a national theatre initiative created by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, featuring 34 newly commissioned short works by women+ playwrights. Learn more at democracy.flynnvt.org.
ABOUT EVERYMAN THEATRE
Everyman Theatre is a professional Equity theatre company located in Baltimore’s Bromo Arts District. Founded in 1990 by Vincent M. Lancisi, Everyman centers its storytelling around a resident company of artists and is dedicated to offering transformative, accessible theatre experiences. Led by artistic director Brandon Weinbrenner and managing director Marissa LaRose, the theatre is entering its 36th season.
Everyman invests deeply in its community. Each season, the theatre employs more than 150 full- and part-time staff, actors, designers, and teaching artists to create exceptional programming for Baltimore and beyond. By building its shows from the ground up, Everyman creates meaningful opportunities for local artists, artisans, and theatre professionals to contribute to the work seen on its stages. Everyman prioritizes local talent whenever possible, ensuring its productions are rooted in the unique artistry of its home city. Kim’s Convenience is made possible in part by the generous support of show sponsor Gallagher Evelius & Jones, LLP; the Maryland State Arts Council; the citizens of Baltimore County; and The Shubert Foundation.
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