Theory City: Live Reloaded

Theory City: Live Reloaded is an extension of my web series, Theory City, a workplace comedy about the absurd situations a conspiracy theory company gets into while putting on broadcasts sharing its theories with the world. Rather than simply turning the web show into a play, I wanted to bring our insane boss, Mr. Cipher, into an unfamiliar space under unique circumstances, seeing what could happen live. Although I’ve played this character for five years, I’m still discovering new sides to him. This project pushed me to grow as a performer and writer, learning to be present, not perfect. Artistically, I focused on holding onto the ridiculous energy of the web series while slowing down enough to let the emotions breathe underneath it.

This play reflects the work I’ll continue to make after Purchase, layered and rooted in what’s happening around me. Theory City uses humor to call out things like burnout and media addiction, showing how we can laugh at what overwhelms us without losing the message underneath. Live Reloaded reflects frustration with trying to market my work in a world where visibility is unpredictable. This play doesn’t just connect with like-minded artists at Purchase; it’s set at Purchase. The storyline involving the college isn’t just a plot twist; it’s a reflection of how institutions and truth can get twisted in real life. It’s close to home. Purchase is full of artists making powerful work that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. I want them to recognize their worth, even through Mr. Cipher’s antics. I appreciate those short-term viewers who find my work by accident, but this play offers something honest in return: a live audience who showed up on purpose.

Keysaun is a Senior majoring in Theatre and Performance, with a minor in Screenwriting. From the Bronx, NY, he has always loved writing his own stories and bringing them to life. He began Theory City on YouTube as a web series in the fall of 2021. Since then, he’s produced twenty-one episodes entirely solo and has amassed over 90,000 views on his channel. The series is currently in Season Five, with episodes still releasing, including Live Reloaded as a special flashback installment. Keysaun has enjoyed bringing his music to the stage on campus as a Hip Hop recording artist, and he’s thrilled to showcase his acting skills in this production. He thanks his family for always supporting him. He is honored to bring the whimsical world of Theory City to Purchase, and hopes everyone enjoys the show! – even those audience members his unhinged character inevitably calls out.