Denise Pullen, associate professor of theatre at Seton Hill University, debuted her play, “Bolt,” at the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 10-14.

Seton Hill University theatre alumni Jeffrey Gettemy (SHU ’05) and Steven J. Clements (SHU ’07) and sophomore actor Matthew Leslie performed Pullen’s play.

“Bolt” is about an autistic boy, Bolton, who fled home and is lost. Bolton wanders into traffic and becomes frightened. He is rescued by a man dressed in a sandwich suit. As the two characters are standing on the island in the middle of the traffic, they form a bond.

“I have a personal perspective on the topic of autism. My 20-year old nephew is autistic. I wrote this play in tribute to this family’s struggle and the strength of their love,” said Pullen.

Pullen developed “Bolt” with the Pittsburgh PlayWorks, which is a play development lab nurturing the work of six very diverse playwrights.