POCATELLO — Idaho State University’s theater fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega, will present “The Laramie Project” in the Beverly Bistline Theater at the Stephens Performing Arts Center on Feb. 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.

“The Laramie Project” tells the story of the Laramie, Wyoming, citizens’ reaction to the hate crime committed against a University of Wyoming gay student in 1998. The murder shed light on the lack of hate crime laws in Wyoming and in many other states across the nation.

The production focuses on more than 200 interviews with Laramie residents that were conducted by the Tectonic Theater Project after the murder took place.

“This story is almost 20 years old now, and it’s still somehow relevant today,” said Hailey Dugan, business manager for the Alpha Psi Omega fraternity. “So it’s really important to us to tell it.”

The theater fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega, is supported by Idaho State University and ASISU. Each year the fraternity hosts two fundraising events. During the fall semester, they put on a haunted house in Frazier Hall on campus, and each spring semester they do a spring production.

Alpha Psi Omega’s mission is to give the arts a purpose again and to give not just theater students an opportunity to participate in the Arts and theater on campus.

Based on the recent events throughout our country, community members are encouraged to attend this production to gain a new way of thinking about people who are different than themselves.

“We hope the community comes out to this production because we want people to feel things for other people,” Dugan said. “I think that is what the show is all about. It’s not about forcing opinions on people, it’s about showing people it’s okay to love one another.”

Cast members include Alpha Psi Omega members, Tanner Ketterman, Kimberly Flowers, Tanner Morton, Tristan Berg, Kylie Cosgrove, Rachael Fornarotto, Alissa Shirts, David Janssen, Chandler Fehr, Jack Johnson, Alisha Hunter, Abby Newell, Sam Murphy, Lauren Miller, Levi Bruner, Venus Gulbranson and Justin Lewis.

This production is a fundraiser for the club that helps support a student scholarship, club trips and other events. No tickets are needed. A $5 donation is suggested at the door. Due to strong language, the production is for mature audiences only.

“This production hits home for me because it’s one of the first things that I have done since becoming a part of the fraternity that’s felt like it’s really going to mean something,” Dugan said. “I really want it to mean something to the audience too. I hope people decide to give it a chance and come with an open mind and be free to think a little bit more.”