LaGrange, Illinois. Present day.
cast and crew
cast
Jo ....................................................................................... Lily Lourigan
Emma ............................................................................. Chloe Kroeger
Mickey .............................................................................. Trevor Milne
Reed ............................................................................ Robert Rauscher
Ms. Delaney.................................................................. Jessie Skonesey
production and design team Director................................................................ Samantha Martinson
Co Stage Managers .......................................... Olivia “Liv” Bissonette
Co Stage Managers ........................................................ Paige Downey
Scenic Designer ........................................... Maureen Chavez-Kruger
Costume Designer ...........................................................Kim Instenes
Technical Director ................................................. William Newcomb
Lighting Designer ................................................... William Newcomb
Graphic Novel Artist ............................................... Mariah Andreasen
Projections Designer ................................................... Kurt Meinhardt
Sound Designer ........................................................... Alison Koclanis
Scenic Charge ........................................................ Martin McClendon
Lead Carpenter ............................................. Zachary “Slim” Simonini
crew
Wardrobe Crew Head ....................................................... Sierra Clark
Sound Board Operator ................................................ Alison Koclanis
Light Board Operator ....................................... Katherine Layendecker
Costume Crew ............................................................... Kendall Burns
Run Crew .......................................................................... Chase Juster
Run Crew ........................................................................Cecilia Parkes
Run Crew ........................................................................Madison Tock
Prop Crew ......................................................................... Theresa Kalb
Stepping back into the crowded hallways of a high school, the everyday pressures and dynamics wash over us. The future feels so expansive, and yet the present so insular. FML playwright Sarah Gubbins explained that the high school experience depicted in the play was not based on her own, because today teens show such bravery in stepping into the world genuinely themselves. So much of the play explores Jo’s journey towards finding her own voice, embracing her own passion, and claiming her own authenticity–all this in spite of prejudice, misunderstanding, and fear. The heart of this play wrestles with this very notion: what is it about someone being so confident and grounded in themself that threatens others? And how do you overcome life’s challenges to find the beauty and worth in the world around you?
Most importantly, this play is told from Jo’s perspective. While it allows us to see glimpses into her life as a queer teen and the prejudices she faces, that’s not the only story being told. As a current CDC report indicated, over 57% of female high school students struggle with mental health or feeling persistently sad or hopeless, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest reported over the past decade. In addition, the report confirms ongoing extreme distress among teens who identify as LGBTQ+. FML: How Carson McCullers Saved My Life humanizes these challenges and the realities that youth face today.
Sarah Gubbins brilliantly shapes the play in a way that allows us to explore the relationships between an artist and their art. When I first read FML in preparation to direct it, this quote deeply resonated with me: The first sentence of any story is the moment the author begins his or her relationship with you—the reader. Some writers will coax a reader, some will shock, some will quietly entreat you to join them. Some will be embarrassed and reticent to talk to you. But no matter their tactic that opening sentence defines the kind of relationship the two of you will have. ’Cause that’s what reading is, right? A relationship between you and an author.
Art has always been a way for humans to speak to each other across time and space; to collectively experience joys, challenges, heartbreak, and triumphs; to teach and learn from each other; to find common ground where we once thought there was none. The relationship between the playwright and the artists, the artists and the audience, the audience and the wider world, is something that changes show to show, night to night, and yet continues to impact lives and forge bonds. I hope you find something in this play that reminds you that it always can get better.
Lily Lourigan (Jo) is a sophomore with a Major in Chinese and a Minor in Theatre. Her previous roles at Carthage’s mainstage productions include Chorus Leader in ANTIGONE. She is thrilled to be playing her first lead role. She would like to thank her parents for always letting her follow her dreams and her boyfriend, Trevor, for helping her memorize lines.
Chloe Kroeger (Emma) is a sophomore Elementary Education major with a music minor. Previous credits include: SOMETHING ROTTEN (Portia), LITTLE WOMEN (John Brooke/Braxton), URINETOWN (Josepheine ‘Ma’ Strong), and QUILTERS (Sarah McKendree Bonham/Mama). She would like to thank her wonderful cast, crew, and production team for their dedication and her friends and family for their love and endless support.
Trevor Milne (Mickey) is a freshman double major in Music Theater and Engineering Science. This is his first appearance on the Wartburg Stage, only appearing in the directing scenes work SILENT SKY. He would like to thank all of the new friends made this year that pushed him to audition and his parents who have always supported him, this experience is one he’ll never forget.
Robert Rauscher (Reed) is a sophomore Chemistry major. He is extremely excited to be performing this phenomenal production with an amazing team. This will be his first performance at Carthage. Robert would like to thank his fellow members of Carthage’s Merely Players Improv Troupe for encouraging him to audition for this show and for always being an amazing group of supportive friends through the rehearsal process. He doesn’t have much planned for the future, but he hopes things will go well. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Jessica Skonesey (Ms. Delaney) is a First-Year Theatre Performance Major with a minor in French. She has previously been casted as Antigone in ANTIGONE and is honored to perform her second role at Carthage College as a freshman. Her past productions include CHICAGO (Velma) and RUMORS (Claire). She loves staying active in the theatre department, whether it’s performing on stage or dedicating time in the Scene or Costume shop to assist other productions. Jessie would like to give a special thanks to her parents, Brian and Michelle, for teaching her the only limits in life are ones she sets herself. She and her fellow cast members hope the show will remind you to never hide who you truly are. Enjoy!
Samantha Martinson (Director) is a Milwaukee-based theater artist, educator, and intimacy consultant. She has worked in administration, education and production at several regional theaters including Milwaukee Repertory Theater, First Stage, Door Shakespeare, and Milwaukee Chamber Theater. She currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement at Milwaukee Ballet. Previous directing credits include: THE WOLVES (Marquette University), ‘NEATH THE HILLS OF BASTOGNE (Sunstone Studios MKE), LEONA LIONHEART SAVES THE WORLD (Kohl’s Wild Theater), THE TEMPEST (Mad Rogues), TWELFTH NIGHT (Milwaukee Youth Theater), STITCHED WITH A SICKLE AND HAMMER (Renaissance Theaterworks, Br!nk Festival), MISS LULU BETT (Voices Freed). Assistant directing: THE ROOMMATE (Renaissance Theaterworks), MILWAUKEE CARRIES (Cooperative Performance), JUST FRIENDS (Milwaukee Chamber Theater, YPF Reading). Assistant produced Milwaukee Chamber Theater’s Young Playwrights Festival from 2014-2021 and annually produce Milwaukee Ballet’s BALLET BEAT. An alumnus of Marquette University. Up next: Assistant directing the world premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s ARTEMISIA at Forward Theater Company. Many thanks to my family and partner for their support.
Olivia “Liv” Bissonette (Stage Manager) is a freshman Theatre-Stage Management major with a Creative Writing and French double-minor, and is making her Carthage mainstage stage managing debut with this production. Liv comes to Carthage having stage managed and assistant stage managed fifteen productions at previous schools with her favorites including CINDERELLA, THE GREAT GATSBY, CLUE, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. She would like to thank her parents for introducing her to theatre, her sister for being her best friend, Samantha for being an incredible director, Paige for being the best person to share stage managing this show with, and the Carthage Theatre Department for giving her this opportunity.
Paige Downey (Stage Manager) is currently a freshman at Carthage College pursuing a degree in Stage Management with a minor in Dance. Paige started acting in local children’s theatre programs when she was 10 years old. Before long she developed an interest in tech and soon began helping with many other aspects of theatre from costumes and props to organizing set changes and assisting with the stage management aspect of things. She is excited for the opportunity to be co-Stage Managing, FML, alongside Liv and is looking forward to the many opportunities that the next 3 years at Carthage have to offer her. Paige would like to send out a special thank you to her parents for being her biggest supporters. She would also like to thank Liv for
being the best co stage manager she could have asked for and Samantha for being a wonderful and kind director to work with.
Maureen Chavez-Kruger (Scenic Designer and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theatre) is delighted to be a part of the 2022-23 season and celebrating the return of in-person theatre to the Kenosha community. Her regional design work includes productions at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, First Stage, Next Act Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Lawrence University, and UW-Milwaukee: Peck School of the Arts. Most recent scenic design:
BEEHIVE: THE 60’S MUSICAL, MY WAY at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre; ANTIGONE, PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE, WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, and ROMEO AND JULIET WALK INTO A BAR at Carthage College; and BONNIE & CLYDE, TWELFTH NIGHT at UW-Milwaukee: Peck School of the Arts. Maureen holds an MFA in Scene Design from Boston University and served as a board member for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (2014-2020).
Kim Instenes (Costume Designer, Associate Professor of Theatre) holds an MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Ohio University, and a BA in Theatre from UW-Whitewater. Kim continues to work as a freelance costume and make-up designer in the Milwaukee/Chicago area. Professional design credits include THE SNOW and BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, as well as the musical BIG at Milwaukee’s First Stage Children’s Theatre, the JEEVES Trilogy and INDECENT at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and numerous shows at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Renaissance Theatre Works, Utah Shakespearean Festival and the Racine Theatre Guild. Design work at Carthage includes SOMETHING ROTTEN and costumes for the world premieres of NO NAME by Jeffrey Hatcher and GHOST BIKE by Laura Jacqmin, to name a few. GHOST BIKE won her a Certificate of Merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for costume and makeup design and an invitation to show her work at the Festival. Kim is excited to be a part of the Theatre Department here at Carthage as it strengthens and strives to create theatre artists of the highest quality. She enjoys the thrill of watching a student understand what a costume does for their character and watching that character come to life as a result. She would also like to thank her family, husband Doug, and children, Lauren and Dalen, for their continued support of her creative endeavors.
Prof. William Newcomb (Technical Director/Lighting Designer, Assistant Professor of Theatre) holds a B.F.A. in Technical Theatre from Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas, and an M.F.A. in Arts Administration
from Southern Utah University. He was assistant manager of the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre for two years before coming to Carthage. William also served as production Manager for the Optimist Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park. William is a national member of USITT. Other credits include technical director of the Wells Fine Arts Center at Tarleton State University, assistant technical director at Oberlin College, scene shop foreman at Ohio Light Opera, and assistant to the production manager of the Utah Shakespearean Festival.
Mariah Andreasen (Artist) holds a BFA in Illustration and Digital Media Production from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. This is her first time working with a theater production and is thrilled by the opportunity. You can find more artwork by her on instagram @ryepact. Enjoy the show!
Kurt Meinhardt (Projection Designer) is a senior Technical-Direction Theatre Major. He is excited to be completing his final year as a student at Carthage College. He was most recently a part of the studio production ORDINARY DAYS as the technical director. He has also been involved in ANTIGONE as the stage manager, MEMENTO MORI as the projection technician, THE REVOLUTIONISTS as the sound designer, and PATIENCE AND FORTITUDE as the projections designer. He would like to thank his supportive family, his friends at Carthage, and the production team for allowing him to be a part of this exciting production as his thesis project.
Theresa Kalb (Properties Manager) is a junior double majoring in Studio Art with a self-design in Dance. Theresa enjoys all aspects of theatre, and is excited to be working behind the scenes for both this production, and future projects with Carthage Theatre. They also enjoy working as a House Manager and a member of the Box Office. She has appeared in the mainstage dance shows NOTHING TOO SMALL, IN THE MOMENT, and has choreographed pieces for AWAY FROM THE MIRROR ‘22 and AWAY FROM THE MIRROR ‘23. She was also featured in the Music Theatre Workshop production of HAIR. Theresa would like to thank her partner for his constant support, and the theatre faculty for helping her navigate this process.
Sierra Clark (Wardrobe Crew Head) is a senior Costume Design major and part of the Carthage Honors Department. Her design credits include BETRAYAL and BIG GUNS at Carthage College, and UNTITLED SPACE TRADERS PROJECT at The Williamstown Theatre Festival. Her wardrobe crew head credits include THE HANDBOOK, EURYDICE, PUFFS,
SOMETHING ROTTEN, and most recently MOMENTO MORI amongst others. She has also headed the wardrobe crew for several dance shows in recent years. Sierra is also the Student Box Office Manager for the Carthage Department of Performing & Fine Arts and the Carthage Jewish Student Union Secretary. Enjoy the show!
Kendall Burns (Costume Crew) is a Junior Technical Direction Major who joined the theater program in 2022 and has assisted backstage in two shows thus far. :)
special thanks
The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, part of the Rubenstein Arts Access Program, is generously funded by David M. Rubenstein.
Special thanks to The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust for supporting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
Additional support is provided by The Honorable Stuart Bernstein and Wilma E. Bernstein; and the Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation.
Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts. This production is entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The aims of this national theater education program are to identify and promote quality in college-level theater production. To this end, each production entered is eligible for a response by a regional KCACTF representative, and selected students and faculty are invited to participate in KCACTF programs involving scholarships, internships, grants and awards for actors, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, designers, stage managers and critics at both the regional and national levels.
Productions entered on the Participating level are eligible for invitation to the KCACTF regional festival and may also be considered for national awards recognizing outstanding achievement in production, design, direction and performance.
Last year more than 1,500 productions were entered in the KCACTF involving more than 200,000 students nationwide. By entering this production, our theater department is sharing in the KCACTF goals to recognize, reward, and celebrate the exemplary work produced in college and university theaters across the nation.