Louise & Steven Koch
Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller
Linda & Tod White
Associate Producer
Laurie Smits Staude
Executive Season Producer
Bette & Wylie Aitken
Associate Season Producer
The Family of Mary Kay Fyda-Mar
On the Cripe Stage…
Heidi Schreck’s timely, hilarious, and deeply felt play breathes new life into our country’s most important document. Fifteen-year-old Heidi paid her college tuition by speaking in (and winning) debate competitions across the country. Now older, she resurrects her teenage self to tell the story of four generations of extraordinary women in her family whose lives were shaped by the Constitution. Nominated for two Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, Schreck’s boundary-breaking play reimagines our founding document and considers how it will shape the next generation of Americans.
One of Plays to See this Fall
Content Advisory: This production contains mature language, themes, and the usage of flashing lights. For more information, please visit this page.
“It is the audience experiencing this compelling piece of personalized political theater who depart as winners.”The Orange County Register
“As Schreck, Saverino, overall, is a superb storyteller, able to deliver seemingly endless pages of powerful dialogue with ease, eloquence, and convincing efficacy. Her snarky side comes through quite vividly when needed, wringing out the critical humor embedded in Schreck’s text. Though, emotional moments get their due, too.”Broadway World Los Angeles
“more than worthy of discussion”Orange Curtain Review
“Best and most important new play of the season.”The New York Times
“Something every citizen must see.”Time Out New York
“Let me preface this review with a strong plea to every man, woman and mature teenager in the Los Angeles area to see this play. At a time when the Constitution is being assailed by those who have sworn an oath to defend it, this buoyant and often-stirring civics lesson is the theatrical curriculum Americans desperately need now.”Los Angeles Times
“One of the most exciting things I’ve ever seen….I left feeling more hope about the survival of democracy.”Tony Kushner
"What the Constitution Means to Me" includes references to domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and abortion. It also features strong language and frank discussion of constitutional rights.The performance also contains flashing lights. For those who prefer more context or full spoilers, please visit this page.
Special Events:
Community Spotlight
Pride Night
Wine Night
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Join us before and after the performance for a happy hour and get to know our community partners. Schedule is subject to change. Saturday, October 18, 2025 starting at 2:00PM.
2:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks. Be sure to meet our Community Partners!
3:00 PM - The show begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
4:45 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and our Community Partner.
5:00 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
6:00 PM - Last call! The event comes to an end.
PRIDE NIGHT
Join us for our Pride Night, where theater lovers who share an identity can connect over refreshments and conversation before enjoying a performance. Schedule is subject to change. Saturday, October 18, 2025 starting at 7:00 PM.
7:00 PM - Mingling in the Chance lobby over light bites and Happy Hour drinks.
8:00 PM - The show begins! We can't wait for you to see this performance!
9:45 PM - Participate in a post-show conversation with the Cast and each other.
10:00 PM - Don't leave just yet! We have a second round of bites and drinks.
Back by popular demand, Wine Night features four signature wines for the first 50 patrons in the door. Members and their guests receive priority access. Schedule is subject to change. Friday, October 17, 2025 starting at 7:00PM.
6:45 PM - Check-In Starts
7:00 PM - Wine Night starts. Enjoy free exclusive wines!
7:15 PM - Doors to the Wine Tasting close.
7:45 PM - Wine Night ends. Get prepared for the show!
8:00 PM - Show starts, feel free to bring in your cup!
Are you part of a Community Organization? Contact us at [email protected] for information on special discounts and fundraising opportunities.
IN PERFORMANCE
Aubrey Saverino in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
Aubrey Saverino and Robert Foran in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
Aubrey Saverino in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
Robert Foran in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
Robert Foran and Aubrey Saverino in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
Robert Foran in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
Maria Wang and Aubrey Saverino in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
Aubrey Saverino and Robert Foran in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
Aubrey Saverino in “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3 – October 26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Doug Catiller.
IN REHEARSAL
Aubrey Saverino in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Aubrey Saverino and Robert Foran in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Robert Foran and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Aubrey Saverino and Robert Foran in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Aubrey Saverino and Robert Foran in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Aubrey Saverino and Robert Foran in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Robert Foran and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Maria Wang and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Maria Wang in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Aubrey Saverino in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Maria Wang, Aubrey Saverino, and Robert Foran in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Maria Wang, Louise Koch, Aubrey Saverino, and Robert Foran in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Maria Wang and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Maria Wang and Aubrey Saverino in rehearsal for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Chance Theater. Playing October 3-26, 2025 at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage. Photos by Steve Leiken.
Since this administration came into office, I have been taking a monthly American History Study with friends, and this play just seemed to fit into my current involvement with the history of our nation. Aubry was AMAZING and that young debater is destined for stardom
— Mary Anne Vaccaro
It was extremely thought provoking – our country needs to participate more in our government. Would love to have our schools experience this Production.
— Anonymous
Provocative, timely, so well acted, and important
— Anonymous
Wonderfully written and passionately delivered
— Anonymous
Outstanding production! (And i’m a cranky New York theatergoer!) The task of owning Heide Schreck’s extremely personal text was daunting, and Aubrey Saverino had each of us convinced that SHE, not Heidi, was the author of the funny, painful and illuminating work.
— Jamie Leo
Excellent acting. Thought provoking. I enjoy the talks with the cast after the play.
— Anonymous
The acting was incredible and the theater is small and comfortable/personable
— Kaatje Morris
Timely and important information, perfectly executed show! Loved it! And the two friends I brought loved it too!
— Kathleen DeRobbio
Powerful performance and extremely important topic. Loved it completely. Powerful performance and extremely important topic.
— Anonymous
Wonderful play with outstanding performances! Interaction with audience a real plus!
— Victoria Levin
A perfect play for the this scary time in American history. What’s there to criticize??
— Yvonne Realini
Show is extremely timely for our current political climate. I was fortunate enough to see the original performance years ago with Heidi Schreck playing the role of Heidi. One aspect that made that performance outstanding was a tension that was produced by having the quiz performed in none other than an American Legion headquarters. It was not difficult for the audience to note that this was a facility where many of the photos spread across the walls were those of legionnaires who had never perceived that their biases were and still are abhorrent to Heidi as she so well argued. Our Legionnaire played by Robert Foran seemed like a too nice a person. Was he listening to Heidi and not feeling anger if not rage? I am anxious to hear how others in the audience felt about how this extremely well chosen setting played its role in just one of many aspects that made this play a must see!
— Rob Greenfield MD
I love being up close and able to see and hear everything
— Anonymous
It was really an excellent lesson on the U.S. Constitution. The actors were excellent!
— Anonymous
It’s an important play about the Constitution, and about growing up!
— Anonymous
The show was intensely thought provoking.
— Ray Ward
The acting was exceptional!
— Anonymous
excellent cast. Timely message
— Anonymous
Enjoyed the performers immensely. And Aubrey was sensational.
— Richard Comeau
It was enthralling (big word, yes). Wonderful actors and the emcee set a great vibe.
Plays to See this Fall
JUST SO TIMELY AND COMICAL AND EMOTIONAL
Since this administration came into office, I have been taking a monthly American History Study with friends, and this play just seemed to fit into my current involvement with the history of our nation. Aubry was AMAZING and that young debater is destined for stardom
It was extremely thought provoking – our country needs to participate more in our government. Would love to have our schools experience this Production.
Provocative, timely, so well acted, and important
Wonderfully written and passionately delivered
Outstanding production! (And i’m a cranky New York theatergoer!) The task of owning Heide Schreck’s extremely personal text was daunting, and Aubrey Saverino had each of us convinced that SHE, not Heidi, was the author of the funny, painful and illuminating work.
Excellent acting. Thought provoking. I enjoy the talks with the cast after the play.
The acting was incredible and the theater is small and comfortable/personable
Timely and important information, perfectly executed show! Loved it! And the two friends I brought loved it too!
Powerful performance and extremely important topic. Loved it completely. Powerful performance and extremely important topic.
Wonderful play with outstanding performances! Interaction with audience a real plus!
A perfect play for the this scary time in American history. What’s there to criticize??
Show is extremely timely for our current political climate. I was fortunate enough to see the original performance years ago with Heidi Schreck playing the role of Heidi. One aspect that made that performance outstanding was a tension that was produced by having the quiz performed in none other than an American Legion headquarters. It was not difficult for the audience to note that this was a facility where many of the photos spread across the walls were those of legionnaires who had never perceived that their biases were and still are abhorrent to Heidi as she so well argued. Our Legionnaire played by Robert Foran seemed like a too nice a person. Was he listening to Heidi and not feeling anger if not rage? I am anxious to hear how others in the audience felt about how this extremely well chosen setting played its role in just one of many aspects that made this play a must see!
I love being up close and able to see and hear everything
It was really an excellent lesson on the U.S. Constitution. The actors were excellent!
It’s an important play about the Constitution, and about growing up!
The show was intensely thought provoking.
The acting was exceptional!
excellent cast. Timely message
Enjoyed the performers immensely. And Aubrey was sensational.
It was enthralling (big word, yes). Wonderful actors and the emcee set a great vibe.