The Story of PZRT

Dear Friends,

I’m happy to tell you about our organization that inspires me and gives me hope at such a polarized time in our country. It’s the People’s Zoom Readers Theater (www.pzrt.org).

(Poster for No Time to Give Up)

We are a uniquely diverse group of people interested in learning from each other about our differences while creating issue-focused dramas.

We are Black, White, Latino, Asian, European, Middle Eastern, straight, gay, young and older. Our religions are as diverse as our ethnic, economic, professional and social backgrounds.

Our performances are designed to not only enlighten our audiences about things that should concern us all but demonstrate the bonds we’ve created and our mutual understanding of our shared existence.

We started as Drexel University Readers’ Theater in 2014 with “Better to Light a Single Candle Than to Curse the Darkness.” It was an in-person performance and follow-up discussion on racism, homophobia, and antisemitism.

(our first live stage performance in 2014 with founding group members)

Our second performance, “Behind the Mask,” reminded us about the mistake of judging people by their appearances.

(Poster for Behind the Pandemic Mask)

When Drexel went online as a result of the pandemic (spring 2020), we evolved into a Zoom readers’ theater and expanded our membership to include anybody who shared our mission of combatting hate, prejudice and injustice through drama.

(Zoom rehearsal after we transitioned online in spring 2020)

Our performances include:

• The American Experiment

• Wake Up, America! This Is a Sputnik Moment (Today’s Crisis in American Education)

• "The Asian Threads of the American Tapestry"

• "We Are the Village: What’s the Problem With Our Children?"

• "Behind the Pandemic Mask"

• "Love Relationships – Past – Present" (LGBTQ, interracial, and interfaith)

• "Clybourne Park: We Could Be Better" (sequel to "A Raisin in the Sun")

• "Why We Need to Teach the Truth About Slavery in a Black History Class"

  
  

(Poster for Clybourne Park: We Could Be Better)

Most recent:

• "The Power of Their Words: Famous Monologues That Reflect Our Thoughts and Feelings"

• "Trumpgate: DEI and Banning Books"

• "Our Story: Just One More, Please" (our story about immigration)

• "No Shame – About Addiction"

• "MLK Day: No Time to Give Up!"

• "1776–2026: Rising or Setting Sun"

  
  

(Poster for 1776–2026: Rising or Setting Sun)

We are currently working on "The UnSupreme Court" and "What It’s Like to Be Me in Times Like These".

We are always looking to expand our membership and our audiences. If you are interested in learning more, contact Alexis Finger (fingerag@drexel.edu).

Aug. 06, 2026

Alexis Gerard Finger

Core Initiator & Coordinator of PZRT

Emerita Associate Teaching Professor, Drexel University

Email: fingerag@drexel.edu

Website: www.pzrt.org