by Jody Tuso-Key; Managing Editor

Lawrenceville-_Imagine being handed a death sentence… and a character sheet. That’s essentially the deal at the heart of INITIATIVE, a new work by Jacob York making its world premiere at Aurora Theatre from March 26–April 19.

This story follows five friends, and like any good adventuring party, each fills a crucial role. Dave (Cole Ferguson) is facing a grim cancer diagnosis—high stakes, no saving throw in sight. His best friend Tyrone (Tyshawn Gooden), acting as Dungeon Master and emotional support wizard, organizes a bi-weekly Dungeons & Dragons campaign where Dave gets to explore an alternate version of his life—one where the dice might roll a little more kindly. Rounding out the party are Dave’s girlfriend Meg (Michelle Pokopac), plus friends Sky (Avani Lesane) and Benny (Julio Zaconet Valentin), each bringing their own energy, humor, and occasional chaos to the table.

Through the campaign, Dave quite literally rolls for his future. Sometimes he wins initiative and takes control of the narrative; other times, he rolls low and has to improvise his way out of emotional and existential boss battles. (And let’s be honest—life is basically one long series of poorly timed dice rolls anyway.)

What makes INITIATIVE land so effectively is its balance. It’s an emotional campaign packed with high drama, but it never forgets to bring the laughs—think gallows humor with a +2 charisma modifier. The script blends heavy themes with humor, action, and genuinely tender moments, creating a story that feels both epic and deeply personal. You don’t need to know the difference between a d20 and a deli order to enjoy it—the game is simply the vehicle, not the barrier to entry.

Thematically, “initiative” is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. In everyday terms, it’s about taking action without being prompted. In Dungeons & Dragons, it determines who goes first in combat—and that first move can mean everything. Dave’s journey mirrors this mechanic beautifully. Sometimes he’s out in front, shaping his story; other times, he’s scrambling to catch up. Either way, he keeps playing—and that’s the real victory condition.

Director Katie Chambers takes on the ultimate DM challenge: building an entirely new world from scratch. With no previous production to guide the way, the creative team had the freedom to go full imagination mode—and they absolutely understood the assignment. This production is a masterclass in what D&D players call “party cohesion”—every design element knows its role and executes it flawlessly.

Technical Director Ashley Hogan and team clearly rolled a natural 20. Cody Russell’s set is nothing short of stunning—geometric, dynamic, and evocative of the polyhedral dice that define the game. It shifts seamlessly between scenes, never breaking immersion. Add in Milton Cordero’s projection design, which transports us into fully realized fantasy realms (with some seriously cool combat effects), and you’ve got a visual experience that feels like stepping into a live-action campaign.

And speaking of combat—fight choreographer James Gunn delivers sequences that are crisp, exciting, and some of the best staged fights you’ll see on a local stage. Lighting by Ben Rawson and sound by Mikaela Fraser hit every cue with precision, enhancing both the real-world and fantasy stakes. Costume designer Sydni Stephenson keeps things grounded in reality where needed, but has a lot of fun in the fantasy realm—each look feels intentional and character-driven.

At its core, INITIATIVE is about chosen family. Sure, the American myth tells us to go it alone, but this play argues (correctly) that no one survives the campaign solo. This group of five is a party in every sense—messy, loyal, occasionally ridiculous, and absolutely essential to one another.

Cole Ferguson anchors the production with a performance that is both grounded and devastating. His Dave is pragmatic on the surface, but as the story unfolds, the emotional armor starts to crack, revealing fear, anger, and vulnerability underneath. It’s a beautifully controlled performance that never feels forced.

Michelle Pokopac’s Meg is the emotional glue—a girlfriend/fiance/wife who is devoted, compassionate, and quietly strong. She could walk away, but chooses to stay, leaning into both the reality and the fantasy with equal commitment.

Tyshawn Gooden shines as Tyrone, the ultimate Dungeon Master with a heart of gold. He’s equal parts storyteller, best friend, and emotional anchor—guiding Dave through both the game and the unimaginable.

Avani Lesane’s Sky is a burst of chaotic-good energy—funny, bold, and unafraid to tell it like it is. She also juggles multiple in-game characters with ease, adding layers of humor and versatility.

And Julio Zaconet Valentin as Benny? A delight. What starts as comic relief evolves into something more nuanced, and Valentin handles the shift effortlessly. He’s a true character actor, bringing accents, timing, and just the right amount of ridiculousness to keep the audience laughing—even when things get heavy.

Ultimately, INITIATIVE is more than a play about Dungeons & Dragons. It’s about friendship, mortality, and the stories we tell to survive both. It reminds us that even when the odds are stacked against you, you keep rolling—you keep showing up—and sometimes, that’s the bravest move of all.INITIATIVE is Speakeysie highly recommended—and definitely worth adding to your quest log. Get your tickets at Aurora Theatre Announces World Premiere of INITIATIVE before this campaign ends