The upcoming action-packed comedy “She Kills Monsters” will feature ‘90s nerd culture and explore the unbreakable bond between two sisters.

The university’s theatre program will be putting on “She Kills Monsters” starting Nov. 7 until Nov. 10 at the Vonnie Borden Theatre.

Director and Associate Professor of Acting and Directing James Winter feels the show is well suited for an audience of college students.

“I really felt this was a unique play that would be incredibly fun for student actors and a student audience,” said Winter. “This show is tailor-made for universities.”

“She Kills Monsters” is about Agnes Evans who loses her little sister, Tilly. While going through her sister’s belongings, Agnes comes across Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook. In the hopes of learning more about Tilly, Agnes dives into the fantasy world created by her late sister, discovering a side of her sister she never fully understood.

Winter feels that the cast has responded well to the themes within the show.

“I think the play is so well-written,” said Winter. “The themes and storylines have been easy for our company to embrace.”

With the show involving many action-packed scenes, the company was trained in stage combat for the show.

“The challenges this show presents are of a more technical variety,” said Winter. “Our cast spent a month in stage combat training before ever getting into ‘acting’ rehearsals. They’re also learning to operate puppets. Plus we have a lot of special effects on this one.”

Winter explained why he chose to direct the show.

“I had heard of it and noticed a lot of theatres were doing it all over the country,” said Winter. “Usually, I run away from such popular shows, but I when I read it, I immediately fell in love with it.

“She Kills Monsters” gave the crew a unique opportunity to build new props and equipment for the show.

“We’ve got custom designed and built combat-ready weapons, custom designed and built puppets and an incredible, entirely original student sound design,” said Winter.

Winter hopes that attendees can enjoy their time watching the show while also taking away an important message.

“First and foremost I want them to come in and have a good time,” said Winter. “I’m hoping we open up their imaginations and encourage people’s playful side.  I also hope they come out being less quick to judge those who are different than them. This play has a lot to say about how much we lose when we judge people too quickly and distance ourselves from them as a result.”