Crying Out Loud
Crying Out Loud is a British arts production company and registered charity dedicated to producing, commissioning, and programming contemporary visual theatre, encompassing circus, dance, physical performance, and music for audiences of all ages.[1][2] Founded in 2002 by producer Rachel Clare, the organization is based in the Solent region of southern England and focuses on nurturing emerging and established artists through partnerships, tours, and innovative projects that blend narrative structure with bold, visually striking elements.[3][4] Established with support from an Arts Council England Producer’s Bursary, Crying Out Loud evolved from earlier initiatives under its corporate entity, which was incorporated in 1991 as The Vision Network Limited before rebranding in 2002.[5][3] The organization's name draws from a family expression used to curb disruptive behavior, reflecting its commitment to channeling creative energy into structured, impactful work.[3] Operating as a company limited by guarantee without share capital, it supports activities in the performing arts sector (SIC code 90020) and maintains a strong educational emphasis, collaborating with UK and international artists both domestically and abroad.[5][1] Key activities include forging partnerships with venues and festivals, providing development opportunities for artists, and cultivating talent in the Solent area—encompassing Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Southampton—to foster creative and career growth.[6][7] Notable projects encompass the Circus Timeline, a visual chronicle of pivotal UK circus events from 1968 to 2018; the CANVAS network, an Arts Council England-funded initiative promoting international contemporary circus; and tours such as a 2014 contemporary circus program across 10 English venues.[8][9][10] Financially, the charity reported total income of £337,398 and expenditure of £351,903 for the year ending 31 March 2024, underscoring its ongoing operations in supporting bold, ambitious performances.[1] Under Clare's leadership as artistic director, Crying Out Loud emphasizes shows with a clear narrative arc, structure, and pace, often prioritizing visual stun over traditional dialogue to engage diverse audiences and expand access to physical theatre beyond London. In 2025, the organization continued its work with projects such as the immersive "A Sea of Words" installation in Portsmouth and professional development masterclasses.[3][4][11][12] Through these efforts, the organization has become a key player in promoting contemporary circus and visual performance, contributing to the UK's cultural landscape by bridging artists, venues, and communities globally.[2][13]Synopsis
Plot
In "Crying Out Loud," Claire receives an offer to become Senior Vice President of Promotions at a major hotel chain, a client of her father's business, Pritchett's Closets & Blinds.[14] She initially rejects the position, citing her commitment to family priorities over career advancement, but discusses it with Jay, who gives mixed signals by encouraging her while subtly revealing his reluctance.[15] Jay later confesses his sentimental attachment to having Claire work alongside him, staging a heartfelt skit using her childhood nickname "Bunny Foo-Foo" to express how her departure would feel like the end of an era, prompting an emotional conversation where Claire reaffirms her decision to stay.[16] Meanwhile, Phil, Haley, Luke, and Alex embark on a Senior Ditch Day adventure after Phil and the younger siblings trick the studious Alex into skipping school by feigning Luke's illness.[14] Their outing detours to an old movie theater Phil once helped renovate, now slated for demolition, where they locate a cement slab imprinted with the children's childhood handprints, footprints, and even an accidental imprint of Luke's head from years earlier.[17] Phil and Luke's slapstick attempts to excavate the slab lead to comedic mishaps, including getting stuck and covered in dirt, while Haley and Alex share a tense argument over Haley's lingering resentment toward Alex's academic achievements and fears that college will sever their bond.[16] The sisters reconcile emotionally at the site, with Alex promising to remain connected and expressing gratitude for Haley's practical life lessons, strengthening their sibling relationship amid the family's nostalgic reflections.[15] Gloria initially disapproves of Manny's new girlfriend, Kylie, viewing her as too similar to herself in fiery temperament and cultural background, and schemes to undermine the relationship while Manny recovers groggily from wisdom teeth surgery.[14] When Kylie visits with ice cream, Gloria intercepts her, sends her away, and convinces the disoriented Manny that the visit never happened, leading to a comedic confrontation filled with Gloria's overprotective antics.[16] Manny later regains clarity and recalls the incident, forcing Gloria to admit her jealousy stems from recognizing her own traits in Kylie and grappling with Manny's impending independence, ultimately leading to her reluctant acceptance of the relationship as a sign of his growth.[17] Cameron and Mitchell grow concerned over Lily's apparent emotional detachment, debating whether Mitchell's reserved nature or Cameron's frequent displays of emotion have caused her to lack empathy, even speculating about sociopathic tendencies.[14] They attempt to test her by watching the tearjerker film The Bridges of Madison County, but Cameron breaks down crying prematurely, just as Lily returns from rehearsing her school play role as a character dealing with loss.[16] The situation culminates in an emotional revelation when Lily, prompted by the play's themes, confesses her deep fears about her fathers' health and mortality, tearfully affirming her love and concern, which reassures Cameron and Mitchell while highlighting the family's underlying vulnerabilities through the performance's influence.[15]Cast
The principal cast of "Crying Out Loud," the twenty-third episode of the sixth season of Modern Family, includes the series' core ensemble, who portray the interconnected Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker family members central to the episode's storylines.[18]| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Ed O'Neill | Jay Pritchett |
| Sofía Vergara | Gloria Pritchett |
| Julie Bowen | Claire Dunphy |
| Ty Burrell | Phil Dunphy |
| Sarah Hyland | Haley Dunphy |
| Nolan Gould | Luke Dunphy |
| Ariel Winter | Alex Dunphy |
| Rico Rodriguez | Manny Delgado |
| Jesse Tyler Ferguson | Mitchell Pritchett |
| Eric Stonestreet | Cameron Tucker |
| Aubrey Anderson-Emmons | Lily Tucker-Pritchett |