Created by Adrienne Wilson, Jeri Dickey, and Andrew Lynch
Featuring the Auburn University Dance Ensemble
ABOUT THE SHOW
The creative process has the potential to be rewarding as a personal journey. With two choreographers/directors, one composer/sound designer, and one video designer, this process has been exciting, challenging, and at times, intimidating. We have approached the work with curiosity and a spirit of exploration, a willingness to create and edit, and the desire to work as an ensemble to shape and refine our visions for the greater good of the project. The concepts of flying and falling, open to interpretation, have helped guide the way to opening night. We invite you to experience what we have created, to soar and glide, to give in to gravity, knowing that the work is never finished. The work has the potential to discover many more possibilities to explore in the future.
— Adrienne Wilson and Jeri Dickey, Directors and Choreographers
ABOUT THE SONGS
When we began working on Flying/Falling, I researched people with interesting connections to flight. I read about Georgia O’Keefe and her experience flying around the world in the 1950s. This new aerial perspective inspired an important collection of her work including the monumental Sky Above Clouds IV.
I discovered the compelling story of St. Cupertino, the Patron Saint of Flight — a ne’er do well who failed at most things, until the local priests finally took pity on him and put him to work in the stables. There he experienced a religious revelation and claimed to levitate. The church was suspicious of his claims, and when he wouldn’t renounce them, he was exiled. Still the stories of his flight persisted and eventually he earned his saintly moniker.
Finally, I learned about Katharine Wright, sister of the Wright Brothers. She played an important role in their aviation success, so much so that she was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor. After Wilbur died, she grew estranged from Orville following a divisive marriage, but on her death bed the family pleaded with him to visit her one last time, which he did. These people and their stories inspired these songs.
— Andrew Lynch, Composer and Sound Designer
ARTISTIC TEAM
Artistic Director: Tessa Carr
Directors and Choreographers: Jeri Dickey, Adrienne Wilson
Composer and Sound Designer: Andrew Lynch
Assistant Sound Designer: Davy Davis
Costume Designer: Sam Heilhecker
Lighting Designer: Bryan Ealey
Video Designer: Nick DiJulio
Additional Music Credits: Fly Me to the Moon by Bart Howard Fallin’ by Alicia Keys
PRODUCTION CREWS
Scenic Studio:
Jeb Bethel, Romelo Blackmon, Hannah-Mae Burnette, Davy Davis, Brian Eldredge, Kirsten Estes, Rosemary Gross, Lily Hamilton, Will Johnson, Abigail Krehling, Avery Melton, Kate Nymark, Sam Oliver, Olivia Prather, Maeson Proctor, Emma Grace Ramb, Sarah Schomburg, Evie Slaughenhoup, Ashleigh Vickery
Costume Studio:
Olivia Beland, Kinsey Bosher, Caroline Brooks, Tapley Cronier, Wil Eplett, Hali Everette, Catherine Govignon, Linnie Johnston, Kathryn Mims, Berkley Peacock, Kara Anne Smith, Lily Sosebee, Bekah Taylor
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director of Production: Laura Sims
Technical Director: Matt Gist
Costume Coordinator: Jennifer Salter
Stage Operations Coordinator: Emily Olson
Costume Shop Manager: Sam Heilhecker
Stage Manager: Madison Todd
Wardrobe Supervisor: Caroline Brooks
Wardrobe Crew: Kinsey Bosher, Isabella Doyle, Harrison Dunn, Catherine Govignon, Bekah Taylor
Head Electrician: Emma Grace Ramb
Light Board Operator: Lindsey Beam
Deck Crew: Wil Eplett, Alaya Young
A1: Davy Davis
A2: Addie Tripp
Projections Operator: Evie Slaughenhoup
LEARN MORE
• Join us after the Thursday November 21st performance for a talkback session with the dancers and members of the artistic team.
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for interviews, takeovers, and other features about the show!
@auburnuniversitytheatre
SPECIAL THANKS
Auburn University Theatre & Dance gratefully acknowledges the following:
Support for our season from Dr. Vini Nathan and the Office of the Provost of Auburn University.
To the dancers who so graciously became collaborators in creating this work, especially Caroline Erikson and Andrew Hayworth.
To Andrew Lynch for his collaboration and inspiring compositions.
To Nick DiJulio for his willingness to explore dance on camera, a new adventure for us in dance.
To Jenna Dickey for assistance in rehearsals
— Jeri Dickey and Adrienne Wilson, Directors and Choreographers
Photography, videotaping, or other video or audio recording of this production is prohibited. auburnuniversitytheatre.org
DANCERS
Olivia Beland
Hannah-Mae Burnette
Marielle Burque
Cahlin Cheek
Anna Daniels
Caroline Erickson
Abbey Godfrey
ORDER OF SHOW
to the Moon
Andrew Hayworth
Liz Koifman
Kathryn Mims
Samantha Richardson
Ella Stacy
Drew Vance
Sara Kate Weiss
GUEST ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
Bryan Ealey (Lighting Designer) is a New York-based designer from Houston, TX, and holds an MFA in Lighting Design from the University of California, San Diego. He is a Board Member and Resident Lighting Designer for NobleMotion Dance Company (Houston). Bryan’s most recent accomplishments include Lighting Design for the Off-Broadway World Premiere of The Fires at SOHO Repertory Theatre, 2024 Henry Hewes Design Award Nominee for The Fires, and the 2023 San Diego Craig Noel Critic Choice Award Winner for Outstanding Lighting Design for the World Premiere production of Sharon at Cygnet Theatre. His passion for lighting design is rooted in the fundamental ability to support, give focus, and elevate the performance that draws an emotional response from the audience.
Nick DiJulio (Video Designer) (he/him) is an actor and independent filmmaker from Auburn, AL. A recent graduate of Auburn’s BFA performance and BA filmmaking programs, Nick produces documentary and educational content for Auburn University’s Media Production Group. With his special background in stage performances, Nick is well acquainted with video production for theatre, and creative digital storytelling remains his passion. He has been thrilled to return to the Peet and collaborate with the department again.
The show runs approximately 60 minutes without an intermission.
5 “Cs”of Resilience
We offer this season’s productions as a way to add to our collective understanding of resilience.
Developed by Dr. Joel Bennett and staff at Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems, the 5 “Cs” listed here are known as the five competencies of resilience and considered useful tools to assess our own unique resiliency skills.
Flying/Falling examines the ways in which we center ourselves, whether grounded, flying, falling, or inhabiting the spaces in-between. Considering our reliance upon and defiance of gravity and sustained by the element of air as supportive breath, this highly collaborative, original work explores the wonder of movement & sound beyond the boundaries of language.
STUDENT COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES
Olivia Beland (Ensemble) is a junior BFA music theatre and speech, language, and hearing sciences double-major from Helena, AL. Some AUTD credits include Spring Awakening (Swing), Pippin (Ensemble, Leading Player/Fastrada u/s), Fractals : Infinite Movement (Ensemble), and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Hélène). She would like to thank Adrienne and Jeri for this wonderful opportunity!
Hannah-Mae Burnette (Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA music theatre major and is so excited to be a part of her 3rd show at Auburn. Her previous AUTD credits include Fractals: Infinite Movement (Ensemble) and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble/Marya u/s). She would like to give all glory to God!
Marielle Burque (Ensemble) is a freshman exercise science major and dance minor from Dothan, AL. Flying/Falling is her first performance with AUTD. Marielle has 15 years of dance experience. She loves to choreograph in her spare time and teach dance classes, especially in the styles of tap and hip hop.
Cahlin Cheek (Ensemble) is a freshman double majoring in theatre and business management. He was a company dancer for 5 years and is excited to grow as a performer at Auburn! This is his debut with AUTD! War Eagle!
Anna Daniels (Ensemble) is a sophomore exercise science major and dance minor from Mobile, AL, making her AUTD debut. She has over 17 years of dance experience and a repertoire of performance experience. Anna is also a group fit instructor at Auburn’s Rec and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.
Caroline Erickson (Ensemble/Choreographer) is a junior biomedical science major and dance minor from Auburn, AL. She performed in AUTD's 2023 dance concert, Fractals: Infinite Movement, and has been dancing for 18 years. Her previous experience includes The Nutcracker (Sugar Plum Fairy/Clara), Alice in Wonderland (Queen of Hearts), and The Sleeping Beauty (Aurora).
Abbey Godfrey (Ensemble) is a senior industrial engineering major and dual dance and business engineering technology minor from Orlando, FL. Previous AUTD credits include (re)imagine (Ensemble), Fractals: Infinite Movement (Ensemble), and ...And Dance! (Ensemble). She thanks the Lord, her family, friends, roommates, and boyfriend for the endless love and support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Andrew Hayworth (Ensemble/Choreographer) is a 3rd year senior majoring in computer science and minoring in dance. He has been dancing for 13 years. He has previously been a part of AUTD’s productions of ...And Dance! and Fractals: Infinite Movement.
Liz Koifman (Ensemble) is a junior environmental science major from Madison, AL. Previous AUTD credits include Fractals: Infinite Movement (ensemble). Liz has over 13 years of dance experience.
Kathryn Mims (Ensemble) is a junior BFA music theatre and journalism double major from Dothan, AL. Kathryn’s AUTD credits include Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble, Hélène u/s), Pippin (Player/Arielist), Fractals: Infinite Movement (Ensemble), and ...And Dance! (Ensemble). Kathryn would like to thank Jeri Dickey and Adrienne Wilson for this amazing opportunity!
Samantha Richardson (Ensemble) is a sophomore pursuing a degree in nursing and a dance minor. She is from Spring Hill, TN, and is making her AUTD debut. Samantha has danced for 10 years and is excited to further her dance education at Auburn.
Ella Stacy (Ensemble) is a sophomore exercise science major and dance minor from Glendora, CA. Ella has 16 years of dance experience, including being on competitive and high school dance teams. She loves to choreograph whenever she can, and was a dancer in Greek Sing last year.
Madison Todd (Stage Manager) is a senior BFA theatre management major from Columbus, GA. AUTD credits include Dare WE Defend (Stage Manager), Barbecue (Stage Manager), Twelfth Night (Stage Manager), Pippin (Assistant Stage Manager), and The Wolves (Assistant Stage Manager) among others. Professional credits include Legends in Concert (Dresser) and Mary Poppins (Tech Crew) with the Fireside Theatre. Madison thanks her family for supporting her.
Andrew Vance (Ensemble) — y’all can call him Drew — is a junior BFA music theatre major from Orange Beach, AL. Previous credits include Monstersongs (Mummy/Sasquatch), and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Bolkonsky/Pierre u/s) This is his second dance concert with AUTD, and his first major performance on aerial silks. Drew would like to thank Jeri, Adrienne, and his truly invaluable support system. Cheers!
Sarah Kate Weiss (Ensemble) is a sophomore architecture major and dance minor from Columbia, SC. Her previous AUTD credits include Fractals: Infinite Movement (ensemble). She has over 16 years of dance experience. SK loves everything she is involved in on campus and is overjoyed with this amazing opportunity! :)
u/s = understudy
Flying/Falling is dedicated to the memory of
Linda Wallner Bell
April 2, 1951 ~ November 7, 2024
Auburn University recently lost an icon of the arts with the passing of the incomparable Linda Wallner Bell. Linda served for 30 years as the director of marketing and public relations for the Department of Theatre from 1989 until her retirement in 2019.
Linda was a master at making connections between people, ideas, and action. Whether creating marketing collateral and programs for shows, planning festive special events, handling PR and donor relationships, mentoring students, managing the box office, or coming up with the most esoteric, obscure props and furniture pieces for productions, Linda made things happen with her insatiable curiosity and boundless creativity. If anyone could garner a donation or favor from a local business for AU Theatre, it was Linda. If anyone could help create and pull off a summer dinner theatre season at the Peet, it was Linda. Also a fixture in the Art Department, she earned her MFA in art with a concentration in graphic design and taught typography, all while supporting theatre at Auburn. A conceptual artist herself, she curated hundreds of art shows in the Telfair Peet Theatre gallery, showcasing artists from the community, the Southeast region, and beyond.
Perhaps most important, Linda Bell had a heart of gold, an incredible supply of empathy, and the ability to talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable. She knew how to inspire others and to have fun. She was fierce, strong, and independent. She was also immensely kind and soft-hearted. All of these qualities extended to her love and advocacy for animals. Over the years, she rescued, sheltered, and rehomed countless dogs, cats, and even a couple of pigs.
Fly, Linda Bell, wild and free. We will never forget you.
Across 5 major degree tracks and 3 different minors, our students engage daily in the rigorous hands-on work of the theatre. They construct sets, sew costumes, create designs, call shows, choreograph dance, devise new work, build props, focus lights, analyze texts, block scenes, score scripts, and everything in between.
Support Theatre and Dance at Auburn University
AU Theatre and Dance students are some of the hardest working on campus. And every year we must start anew in finding ways to help support their remarkable efforts.
We are especially in need of gifts to support Theatre and Dance Scholarship Fund. Our students depend on scholarship support to keep up rigorous academic and creative schedules, and to balance the various aspects of student life.
Please consider becoming an AU Theatre and Dance donor today, or renew your previous generous gift if you gave in the past.
Every gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference and will mean the world to our students!
We are profoundly grateful to our generous donors. Every gift helps to support the work of our department and our incredible theatre and dance students.
We would love to thank you publicly, but we need your permission to list your name. This listing includes all donors who have given us permission to list as of the time of printing. If your name is missing and you’d like to be included, please contact us to be added to the next program.
Students at Work Top: Eva Howard works on a combination in Intermediate I dance class. Bottom: Sh'kayla James takes in the discussion in Introduction to Theatre I. Photos by Henry Eiland.
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE
OUR MISSION
Theatre has the potential to foster dialogue, alter perceptions, and inspire social change. The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to the education and professional training of theatre artists, scholars, and audiences within a liberal arts environment.
The Department champions the interaction between theory and practice and produces citizen artists who advocate for the arts through their own work in local, national, and international communities.
Auburn University theatre and dance students think critically, creatively, and collaboratively and carry their knowledge from rehearsal spaces and classrooms to stages, campuses, and communities worldwide.
Learn more about our department and degree tracks at: auburnuniversitytheatre.org
Event Staff: Romelo Blackmon, Wil Eplett, Rosemary Gross, Kate Johnson, Abby Krehling, Presley McQuiddy-Gasparlin, Kate Nymark, Bekah Taylor, Ashleigh Vickery, Reid Williams
Costume Studio Assistants: Linnie Johnston, Tino Soto, Andrew Vance, Michaela Williams
Props Assistant: Reid Williams
Production Assistant: Abigail Bowling
Marketing/Recruitment Assistants: Olivia Beland, Hannah Carstarphen, Kara Anne Smith
Scenic Studio Assistants: Daisha Flint, Jason Owens
Sound & Lighting Assistant: Davy Davis
Wig Assistant: Hali Everette
Follow @auburnuniversitytheatre on Facebook and Instagram
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.
Top: Alyssa Panchyshyn performs “Cappella Josh” in Fractals: Infinite Movement (2023). Center: Telfair Peet Theatre. Bottom: Tino Soto works in the costume shop (2024). Photos by Henry Eiland.
