"Wherever You’ve Been"

2023-2024 Carthage Theatre Department Presents

February 15-17| 7:30 P.M. February 18| 3:00 P.M. Studio Theatre Written by Caitlin DiGiacomo Directed by Adrianna Jones Get Tickets 24/7 carthage.edu/tickets Fine Arts Box Office | 262-551-6661 Tuesday - Friday, Noon - 5 p.m.

2001 Alford Park Drive Kenosha, WI 53140 facebook.com/CarthageVPA instagram.com/CarthageVPA

setting An interview, a shelter, the street, a business, a police station, and the Wherever Space.

Time: Past, Present, and Future.

Runtime: About 110 minutes; 15 minute intermission

cast and crew cast Ensemble 1..................................................................................Matthew Corgiat Ensemble 2........................................................................................Juan Navarro Ensemble 3...................................................................................McKenna Dehn Ensemble 4.......................................................................................Lily Lourigan Mandy.................................................................................................Sarah Loster

production team Director .........................................................................................Adrianna Jones Stage Manager ................................................................................Paige Downey Set Designer.................................................................................Herschel Kruger Costume Designer ...........................................................................Kim Instenes Technical Director .......................................................Zackary “SLiM” Simonini Lighting Designer ........................................................................Kurt Meinhardt Sound Designer...............................................................................Kendall Burns Light Board Operator....................................................................Colin Campbell Properties Manager...........................................................................Morgan Gray Assistant Stage Manager....................................................................Layla Nemri Painters............................................................Theresa Kalb, Martin McClendon Costume Crew Head.........................................................................Ellie Neybert Costume Crew.................................................Emma Mehnert, Melissa Schmidt

special thanks Special thanks to Caitlin DiGiacomo (our amazing playwright), Tamarra Coleman (Executive Director-The Shalom Center), Herschel Kruger, and the entire cast and production team.

director’s note “You've heard of the iconic line from Shakespeare's play Hamlet: "To be, or not to be, that is the question." This play, WHEREVER YOU'VE BEEN, presents another question, "To see, or not to see?" Similarly to the query in the iconic Shakespearean soliloquy, this play shows us that we have a choice. As human beings, we all want to be seen. It's a fundamental principle of human dignity–the right to be seen, valued, and respected for your own sake. This play allows us to look deeper into the lives of several unhoused characters and truly see them.

It can sometimes be hard to admit, but more often than not, we see what we want to see. In other words, if it's pleasing to the eye, we'll look. If it's entertaining, we'll watch, but if it causes discomfort, we do one of two things– part of our natural human instincts–we run or fight. We run away from the problem, or we fight to make the problem disappear. Let's address the first of those instincts: the desire to run. We do it all the time, sometimes consciously and other times without thinking about it. We cross the street to avoid walking by someone standing on the corner asking for change. When we drive by the mother sitting outside in the cold with her child, we avert our gaze. We fool ourselves into thinking that if we didn't see it, it didn't exist, and we don't have to do anything about it. We choose not to look because if we did, we could see ourselves reflected in these people. This play has taught me that we, as human beings, are more alike than we are different, but we must choose to recognize those commonalities.

Speaking with Tamarra Coleman, Executive Director of the Shalom Center, a local shelter in Kenosha, I learned that one thing many of the residents who come through their facility have in common is that they never thought they would find themselves there. Sitting in the audience watching this production, you might think, "That could never happen to me." Nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is that we are all one misfortune away from being unhoused. This play shows that homelessness has no season, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. It could happen to anyone. Rather than averting your gaze, I encourage you to see these characters. Then, we can begin to address the second of our instincts, and rather than fighting against the problem, we can fight for change. We can advocate for those who have no one to fight for them. We can support those who are not in a position to be able to help themselves. If you allow yourself to see, the choice to act will be inescapable.”

playwright’s note Wherever You’ve Been was born on the shores of Lake Michigan,like so many of us were. It took its first steps in the frigid February air, maybe in spite of it, in sheer rebellion. It grew up in a hundred different rooms – a classroom, a Box Office, a hotel lobby, a police station. It lives by the breath of so many voices, living, and lost. I can’t take credit for the work, not even close. All I really did was listen. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

It’s a cautionary tale. Even though it takes place in the present, it’s still a warning of what’s coming. It tells us not to forget, all the joy, all the loss.

All these fleeting moments that make up the human experience. These are true stories. I wish I could say that they weren’t. Some of the sources of the stories you’ll see tonight lived long enough to see their own tides turn again. Some of them were not so lucky. I won’t forget that, either.

Each actor plays two characters. They play one version of themselves that traveled down one fork in the road. Then they play the opposite version, the one that was carried the other way. They represent possibility.

Chance. Or, as is so often the case, blind luck. And Mandy, she is every girl that was ever afraid of the dark. She is every mother that ever tried and failed to protect her child. She is every woman that was ever lost.

She is all of us.

Eternal gratitude to the Carthage College Theatre Department, then and now. For teaching me to use my voice when others cannot, for listening when I did. Thanks to Mark Ofenloch, Eva Irving, Don O’Brien, Kenny Taylor, Lauren Pierson, Laine Newman, Colleen and Tim Abel, Caryn Harris, my parents. My muses: Marie Tredway, Rick Adams, Austin Winter. Thank you to my boys. You are my first reason.

For Mandy, always Mandy.

cast and crew biographies Matthew Corgiat (Ensemble 1) is a junior Theatre Performance major with a Psychology minor. This is his fifth performance role at Carthage, having previously acted as You 3 - Thinker in The Genderless Play Experiment, Anthony in I & You, M in LUNGS, and Two in Big Guns. He is also honored to have his first experience as a Fight Captain for this production. He has also worked as Assistant Technical Director for Ordinary Days. He is extremely excited for this performance, and he would like to thank the production team and cast for their positivity and support throughout the production.

Mckenna Dehn (Ensemble 3) is a freshman Theatre Performance and Social Work double major. This is her 1st official show here at Carthage College. She did the spotlight for Carrie: The Musical and acted in the directing scenes of Cry It Out and Drunken City. She would like to thank the rest of the cast, the production team, and Adriana for making her 1st show here at Carthage so special. She would especially like to thank her family and friends for being her strongest supporters throughout the years. “Thank you guys for all of your help! Without you, I could not have completed it!” Insta:@mckennajo12 Sarah Loster (Mandy) is a junior Theatre Performance Major, with Minors in Costume Design and Secondary Education. Previous roles here at Carthage include W in LUNGS and Andrea in MEMENTO MORI. She has also stage managed three dance productions and costume designed I AND YOU. Sarah would like to thank her Mom for always being there to support her.

Lily Lourigan (Ensemble 4) is a junior studying Theatre Performance with a minor in Chinese. She is very excited to be playing this role in WHEREVER YOU’VE BEEN! Other roles at Carthage include Chorus Leader in ANTIGONE, Jo in FML, and Caroline in I AND YOU. She hopes this play will give you a new perspective and leave you with a sense of wonder. She would like to thank her parents for always allowing her to explore the grand theatre of life.

Juan Navarro (Ensemble 2) is in his first show at Carthage, and first play ever.

He is a freshman majoring in Music Theatre. Some of Juan’s most recent roles include Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls, Trevor in Trevor the Musical, Grandpa Joe in Charlie and the Chocolate factory, and Amos Hart in Chicago.

He is grateful for all my friends and family for being so supportive! Juan would also like to thank his amazing director, cast mates and crew for making this such an amazing show!

cast and crew biographies Adrianna Jones (Director) is thrilled to be directing her first show at Carthage.

Adrianna began her career as a performing artist after she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from Webster University. After graduating, she performed in Los Angeles for several years before her performance career took her onto the high seas, performing for Norwegian Cruise Lines. Adrianna has worked as a director and assistant director throughout her performance career. Her recent directing projects include Fleeing Artists Theatre’s production of A RAISIN IN THE SUN, Kith & Kin Theatre Collective’s MUSIC AND A MOVIE: HAIRSPRAY and the Black Arts Council of Racine’s production of PIPELINE. She also recently made her directing debut at the Racine Theatre Guild with their production of SEASONAL ALLERGIES. Although she takes to the stage less often these days, Adrianna does perform occasionally. You may have seen her onstage in Carthage College’s staged reading of THE KENOSHA VERBATIM PROJECT or their production of FRONTLINE, a verbatim play. In addition to acting and directing, Adrianna currently teaches at Carthage College as adjunct faculty in the Theatre Department and is a graduate of their Master of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy program. She also teaches private voice lessons at RG Performing Arts Studios in Kenosha, WI. All of these experiences would not have been possible without the constant love and support of her family.

Adrianna would like to thank them for always encouraging her to push the boundaries as an artist and pursue her passions.

Paige Downey (Stage Manager) is a sophomore Stage Management and Directing double major with a minor in Dance. This is her 6th show here at Carthage College. Credits included dancing in, In The Moment Dance Show Fall 2022, Co Stage Manager for, FML: How Carson McCullers Saved My Life Spring 2023, Costume Crew for Legally Blonde The Musical Spring 2023 Stage Manager for, The Genderless Play Experiment. 2023, Costume Crew for In/Visible Dance Show 2023. Paige is also the recipient of the KCACTF Emerging Stage Manager Award for her work on The Genderless Play Experiment. She would like to give a special thank you to her friends and family for always being her biggest supporters, along with Layla her ASM for holding down the fort while she was away at The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. “Thank you guys for all your support I couldn’t have done it without you!” Insta:@Paigemary07 Herschel Kruger (Set Designer) joined the Carthage faculty in 2005. During the 2008-2009 school year Professor Kruger established the New Play Initiative commissioning original works each year for the Carthage Theatre Program. Professor Kruger has directed four of the new plays from this series including UP AND AWAY, written by Eric Simonson (KCACTF Citizen

cast and crew biographies Artist Award, Distinguished Costume Design, and eight commendations for Distinguished Achievement, 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe participant) NO NAME, written by Jeffrey Hatcher (2014 Edinburgh Festival Fringe participant), GHOST BIKE, written by Laura Jacqmin (2013, five KCACTF national awards including; Distinguished New Play, Directing, Lighting Design, Sound Design, and Outstanding Scenic Design) HONEST, written

by Eric Simonson (2010, winner of four KCACTF national awards including Distinguished Curricular Development, Playwriting, and two Distinguished Performance awards). Additionally, Herschel directed the staged reading of Mikaley Osley’s One-Act play MATILDA’S CHARACTER which was named a KCACTF Region 3 winner. This past January Professor Kruger was honored with the KCACTF Gold Medallion. The Medallion honors individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre and who have significantly dedicated their time, artistry and enthusiasm to the development of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Professor Kruger has directed more than 30 productions at Carthage, and teaches both acting and directing classes, and a variety of other theatre classes. He has led seven separate J-term study tours to Greece, New York City (6), and Germany to study theatre. He has worked as an actor and director in New York, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Professor Kruger earned his MFA in acting from the University of Illinois, is a graduate of the National Shakespeare Conservatory Professional Actors Training program in New York City, and holds a BA in Theatre Communication from Cardinal Stritch University.

Kim Instenes (Costume Designer, Associate Professor of Theater) 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

cast and crew biographies 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.

Zackary “SLiM” Simonini (Technical Director) is thrilled to be working with the Carthage team yet again. SLiM is professor of Stagecraft here at Carthage and enjoys being able to continue to make theatre magic! Check him out in his movie debut of Planetquake as Foreman Davis. He would like to thank his family, friends, Tommy, and his lovely superstar of a wife Allison Simonini.

All of these wonderful people are owed a thank you for encouraging SLiM to continue to pursue a life in the arts.

Kurt Meinhardt (Lighting Designer) holds a BA in Technical Theatre from Carthage College. He is excited to be returning to Carthage as a designer for this production. He is currently the Technical Theatre Manager at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois. He most recently was the lighting designer for Nazareth’s production of ALMOST, MAINE which was chosen to perform at Illinois High School Theatre Fest. His other recent projects include: ORDINARY DAYS & I AND YOU at Carthage as technical director, as well as FML: HOW CARSON MCCULLERS SAVED MY LIFE as projection designer.

Kendall Burns (Sound Designer) Colin Campbell (Light Board Director) Morgan Gray (Properties Manager) is freshman here at Carthage College.

She majors in Elementary Education with a minor in Theatre. So far this school year she have been involved in the Carthage Treble Choir and the 2023 Directing Scenes. During her senior year of high school, she assistant stage managed two shows and performed in another. Being given the role of Properties Manager was a very new and fun experience for her. Morgan was able to learn some new skills and get to know Carthage theatre better. She is very happy to have worked with this amazing cast and crew!

Layla Nemri (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman Music Education major with a minor in Theatre. This is her first show at Carthage, and she is ecstatic to be a part of this production! She would like to give special thanks to her friends and family for supporting her at every step, whether they’re here on campus or back at home. She would also like to thank her primary

cast and crew biographies stage manager, Paige, for her guidance on her first experience in stage management.

Theresa Kalb (Painter) Martin McClendon (Painter) Ellie Neybert (Costume Crew Head) Emma Mehnert (Costume Crew) Melissa Schmidt (Costume Crew)

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.

wherever you’ve been Written by Caitlin DiGiacomo Directed by Adrianna Jones THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists

upcoming events PAS: G Thomas Allen Wednesday, Feb. 21 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel Wind Orchestra with Gaudete Brass Wednesday, Feb. 28 • 7:30 p.m.

A. F. Siebert Chapel On The Verge Friday, March 15 - Saturday, March 16 • 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 17 • 3 p.m.

Thursday, March 21 - Saturday, March 23 • 7:30 p.m.

Wartburg Theatre Away From The Mirror Friday, April 5 - Saturday, April 6 • 7:30 p.m.

Wartburg Theatre Nine the Musical Friday, April 26 - Saturday, April 27 • 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 28 • 3 p.m.

Thursday, May 2 - Saturday, May 4 • 7:30 p.m.

Wartburg Theatre

Fine Arts at Carthage acknowledges that the land on which our building stands is part of the traditional Potawatomi, Sioux, Peoria, Kickapoo, and Miami peoples past, present, and future.

These homelands reside along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes. We honor with gratitude the land itself, and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. Many Indigenous peoples thrive in this place—alive and strong, and this calls us to commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit as well.

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