hamlet
by William Shakespeare
Adapted by Craig Robinson
Adaption, Direction & Choreography
Craig Robinson*
Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design
Jim Koehnle Grace Muñoz Michael Jackson Chris Berchild
Choreography Fight Choreography Stage Management
Annie Elyce* Alicia Jay Will Nethery*
Ophelia ............................................................................................ Aicha Maidi*
Claudius ................................................................................Brenton Kessinger*
Gertrude ...................................................................................... Chloey Trinkle*
Polonius/Francisco ..................................................................... Jackson Waldrep
Ghost/Laertes ................................................................................ Luke Francis*
Rosencrantz/Marcellus .................................................................. Cannon Roop*
Guildenstern/Barnardo ................................................................. Lillian Meagher
* Member of Alpha Psi Omega, the national collegiate theater honor society.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
This show runs approximately 120 minutes. There will be one 10-minute intermission. -
Video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited by law.
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WARNING: This production contains physical violence, blood, onstage depictions of suicide and death, loud sounds, and flashing lights.
PLAYLIST
Curious about the music in the show? Add the HAMLET playlist on Spotify and Apple Music: https://spoti.fi/40yetsK
SETTING
United States, 1986.
The Elsinore, an underground nightclub. At times, Polonius’ apartment, and a graveyard.
SPECIAL THANKS
Laura Bates | Michael Compton | Caroline Good | Semaje Newton
Kathy Ocampo | Jerry Strain | Christan Watts | Kristin Wentz
Indiana State University Department of English Faculty
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
I began this adaptation in the fall of 2023. At the time of its inception, I did not know what it was going to be. I wrestled with frames and perspectives to apply to the classic tale but could not settle on a final answer.
In October of 2023, I lost someone very dear to me to a battle with suicidal ideation and depression. He was my first love, and it began to feel like my sense of self was dwindling. That grieving process was unlike anything I had ever experienced. The magnitude at which I felt everything overtook my day-to-day life. The constant cycle of feelings, the constant asking of “why”, the endless pursuit for closure and answers, it felt as though it would never end.
It was then that this adaptation took its shape. In realizing what I was going through and allowing my body to express itself, I became very aware of the grief within the plot of the original HAMLET. I decided to place that as my frame and use rock music as my vehicle to explore it. In diving into this perspective, the whole world of this play began to bloom.
We seldom realize the battles other people may go through on a day-to-day basis. This show invites all audience members to express their empathy for one another, to realize the wars we all face, and reminds us that we may never know the extent of another’s pain.
I invite all of you to feel deeply, experience everything you can in this life, and extend a loving hand whenever and wherever you can. You never know whose life you can save just by being kind and understanding. Welcome to HAMLET!
- Craig Robinson, Director
Craig Robinson
Play Adapter & Director
Laura Bates
Associate Professor,
Department of English
Kathy Ocampo
Psychology Clinic Director
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager ............................................................................................... Michael Jackson
Technical Director ........................................................................................................ Jim Koehnle
Costume Shop Supervisor ............................................................................................ Grace Muñoz
Lighting Supervisor ................................................................................................ Michael Jackson
Properties Heads ....................................................................................... Annie Elyce, Anna Kirsch
Assistant Technical Director ........................................................................................ Luke Francis
Assistant Costume Designer .................................................................................... Morgan Hughes
Assistant Lighting Designer ....................................................................................... Adam Nethery
Assistant Sound Designer ........................................................................................ Spencer Hinton
Assistant Stage Managers........................................................ Oliver Ellis, Ellie Martz, Addison Roop
Dance Captain ................................................................................................................... Ty Eller*
Fight Captain ............................................................................................................ Cannon Roop*
Scene Shop Leads ............................................................ Paul Bontrager, Luke Francis*, Josie Smith
Scene Shop Staff .............................................................. Basil Dhaenens, Oliver Ellis, Malia Gregory Gavin Kunst, Adam Nethery
Scenic Build Crew ...................................................... THTR 177: Stagecraft & THTR 270: Practicum
Scenic Run Crew ......................................................... Ross Hendrickson, Ajay LaPlante, Noah Gable
Costume Shop Leads ................................................ Carter Buehl, Morgan Hughes, Morgan Withers*
Costume Shop Staff ....................................... Leah Barwick, Quinn Brickley, Suzy Head, James Jordan Brenton Kessinger*, Mo O’Toole, Samuel Snow
Costume Build Crew ......................................................................... THTR 271: Costume Practicum
Wardrobe Head ....................................................................................................... Cora Summers*
Wardrobe Run Crew ................................ Colin Freeman, Mo O’Toole, Nikkie Morton Jr., Sadie Murphy,
Light Board Operator ..............................................................................................Ze’kiyah Graham
Sound & Projection Assistants ............................................................ Spencer Hinton, Will Nethery*
Sound Board Operator ........................................................................................ Sophia Greenwood
Administration ........................................................................................................ Crystal Johnson
Marketing Director & Front of House Supervisor ................................................................. Alicia Jay
Marketing Assistants .................................................. Kalene Dean*, Craig Robinson*, Cannon Roop*
Poster Design.......................................................................................................... Sage Lundquist
Graphic Designer ............................................................................................................... Iz Slaven
Assistant Company Managers ................................................................. Koryn Gooch, Will Nethery*
Box Office Manager ................................................................................................. Crystal Johnson
Box Office & Concessions Staff ................................................ Carter Buehl, Kalene Dean, Sky Wood
House Managers ................................... Rebecca Baxter, Jason Blackburn, Sierra Lawson, Abby Miller
Ushers ......................................................................................................... ISU Student Volunteers
* Member of Alpha Psi Omega, the national collegiate theater honor society.
WHO’S WHO
TY ELLER Hamlet
Ty (He/Him) is a sophomore theater and dance student hailing from Pineville, WV. Ty has performed at Indiana State University (RIDE THE CYCLONE, DEVISED THEATER AND DANCE SHOW) and professionally at Theatre West Virginia (FOOTLOOSE, HATFIELDS & MCCOYS, ROCKET BOYS, HONEY IN THE ROCK). He sends love and gratitude to his family, mentors, and those West Virginia hills!
OLIVER ELLIS
Assistant Stage Manager
Oliver (He/Him/His) has stage managed two shows for the Department of Theater (SENSITIVE GUYS, ACCOMPLICE) and has served as an assistant stage manager (RIDE THE CYCLONE). Professional credits include assistant stage managing at Crossroads Repertory Theatre (SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL, PRINCESS PIGFACE).
Oliver is a theater major at Indiana State University.
ANNIE ELYCE
Head of Properties / Choreographer
Annie (she/her) is a junior at Indiana State University from Illinois. She is a theater major with an acting concentration and a dance minor. Annie is also a member of Alpha Psi Omega (APO). This is her first time as Head of Properties, and she is so excited for you to see the show!
LUKE FRANCIS
Ghost / Laertes
Luke (He/They) is a theater major at Indiana State University. He works as the Assistant Technical Director for the Department of Theater, and this is his second time acting at ISU with his most recent role being Mischa in the Fall 2023 production of RIDE THE CYCLONE.
SPENCER HINTON
Assistant Sound Designer
This is Spencer’s second time working sound at Indiana State University (SENSITIVE GUYS). Their professional credits in working as a assistant sound technician and sound operator on SPONGEBOB: THE MUSICAL with Crossroads Repertory Theatre. Spencer is a freshman theater major from Terre Haute, IN. They hope you enjoy the show!
MORGAN HUGHES
Assistant Costume Designer
Morgan is a costume creator specializing in functional sculpture costumes and costume crafts. She is currently a junior at Indiana State University majoring in Theater and Communications for Digital Media.
JAMES JORDAN
Horatio
James Jordan is a sophomore music education major with a theater minor. He is very excited to appear in HAMLET as Horatio. Previous Indiana State University Department of Theater credits include RIDE THE CYCLONE (Noel) and DEVISED THEATER AND DANCE SHOW (Ensemble). Professional credits include Perch Perkins (THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL), and Sorcerer Druid (PRINCESS PIGFACE), both with Crossroads Repertory Theatre.
BRENTON KESSINGER
Claudius
Brenton Kessinger is a transfer sophomore from Kentucky Wesleyan University. He’s a double major in theater and English literature, who has spent much time both on the tech and acting side of the theater. He is excited to make his debut as Claudius at Indiana State University.
ANNA KIRSCH
Head of Properties
Anna is a senior theater major with minors in nonprofit leadership and arts administration. Previously at Indiana State University, she’s co-produced a 24Hour Play Festival and worked as a sound board operator (MRS. HARRISON). Anna also led a theater program for Ryves Youth Center. Outside of school, she loves being in community at Faith Church and wandering around Vendors Village with friends!
AICHA MAIDI
Ophelia
Aicha is a sophomore theater major from Brownsburg, IN. This is Aicha’s second show on the Indiana State University Department of Theater mainstage, and she is thrilled to be a part of the show. She was previously seen in the spring 2024 production of ACCOMPLICE as Rupert. Aicha is the President of the Student Improv Troupe.
ELLIE MARTZ
Assistant Stage Manager
This is Ellie’s (she/her) second production with the Indiana State University Department of Theater (Assistant Stage Manager, ACCOMPLICE). She is a senior majoring in cybercriminology and security studies with minors in dance, forensic investigations, and law enforcement and evidence. As a law school hopeful, she is thrilled to have discovered the magic of theater before it was too late.
LILLIAN MEAGER Guildenstern / Barnardo
Lillian Meagher is a freshman honors student at Indiana State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English Education. This is Lillian’s first production with the Department of Theater.
ADAM NETHERY
Assistant Lighting Designer
Adam (They/Them/Theirs) is a sophomore theater major at Indiana State University. They work in the Department of Theater scene shop, where they have built sets for ACCOMPLICE and the DEVISED THEATER & DANCE SHOW. Professional credits include working the in the scene shop during the 2024 season at Crossroads Repertory Theatre.
WILL NETHERY
Stage Manager
Will is a senior at Indiana State University and served as Stage Manager for PRINCESS PIGFACE at Crossroads Repertory Theatre in 2024. He was the Director and Co-Sound Designer for ACCOMPLICE, he also was the Stage Manager for RIDE THE CYCLONE, and the Assistant Sound Designer for KEN LUDWIG’S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at Indiana State University.
CRAIG ROBINSON Adapter / Director
This is Craig’s directorial debut with the ISU Department of Theater. Craig has acted in five productions at ISU, and three productions with Crossroads Repertory Theatre. Most recently, he starred as Jon/Brian in ACCOMPLICE and was in the ensemble for THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL. Craig started his acting career with a Shakespeare troupe in his hometown and has been continuing this career for the last 11 years. He would like to thank the faculty for their continued support and all they have taught him, all his past directors for inspiring him to pursue directing, and his family for being his biggest support system and fanclub.
ADDISON ROOP
Assistant Stage Manager
Addison (she/her) is making her Indiana State University Department of Theater debut in HAMLET. Previously, Addison has assistant stage-managed BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and PETER PAN. Addison is a freshman theater major from Campbellsburg, IN.
CANNON ROOP
Rosencrantz / Marcellus
Cannon (he/him/his) is a theater major at Indiana State University. This is Cannon’s fifth show with ISU. Previous credits incude PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Mr. Darcy), DEVISED THEATER AND DANCE SHOW (Ensemble), and BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY (Ensemble). Professional credits include PRINCESS PIGFACE (Woodsman) and CINDERELLA (Ensemble) for Crossroads Repertory Theatre.
CORA SUMMERS
Wardrobe Head
Cora (she/her) is a junior theater major from Terre Haute, IN. Cora was wardrobe head for RIDE THE CYCLONE, she was on wardrobe crew for BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY and THE TEMPEST with Indiana State University Department of Theater. Professional credits include serving as wardrobe crew for SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL with Crossroads Repertory Theatre.
CHLOEY TRINKLE Gertrude
This will be Chloey’s (she/they) third production with the Department of Theater (Claire, THE PODCAST CHRONICLES and Adrian/Iris, THE TEMPEST). Some favorite roles of theirs include Aunt Eller in OKLAHOMA! and Diana in ISU’s 24-Hour Play Fest. Chloey is a junior theater major with a studio art minor from Jeffersonville, IN. She is also the president of the Student Theatre Association, the publicist of Alpha Psi Omega, and the publicist of Student Improv Troupe.
JACKSON WALDREP
Polonius / Francisco
Jackson (he/him) is relatively new to theater, with HAMLET being his first production at Indiana State University. Jackson is majoring in communication in media, as well as minoring in theater. His goal at Indiana State University is to develop a club or group for producing cinematography and film.
timelycare.com/indianastate Free24/7virtualmentalhealthcare
Student Counseling Center 217 North 6th Street, Gillum Hall 2nd Floor 812-237-3939
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-237-TALK (8255) 24/7confidentialtelephonesupportandliveonlinechatforcrisis counselingandmentalhealthreferrals.
Crisis Intervention Services 800-237-3825 24/7confidentialhelpline
Sycamores Care
Hulman Memorial Student Union, Room 508 ISU-DeanOfStudents@indstate.edu 812-237-3829
Campus-wideprogramtosupportstudentswhoarestrugglingor in distress.Getassistanceobtainingcare,resources,answers,and referrals.
MAINSTAGE SERIES
THE NERD
Comedy
Auditions: Aug. 5 & 6
Performances: Sept. 27-Oct. 6
THE HOLIDAY
CHANNEL CHRISTMAS
MOVIE WONDERTHON
Comedy
Auditions: Sept. 30 & Oct. 1
Performances: Dec. 6-15
OAKLEY SERIES
EDUCATING RITA
Romantic Comedy
Auditions: Sept. 9 & 10
Performances: Nov. 8-10
HONK!
TYA Musical
Auditions: Jan. 6 & 7
Performances: Mar. 14-23
ABOVEBOARD
Comedy
Auditions: Mar. 17 & 18
Performances: May 16-25
Drama Auditions: Feb. 10 & 11
Performances: April 11-13
THEATER FACULTY & STAFF
Chris Berchild........................................ Department Chair | Projection & Sound Design
Julie Dixon ..................................................................................... Acting | Movement
Michael Jackson ........................................ Lighting & Scenic Design | Stage Technology
Alicia Jay................................. Administration & Management | Introduction to Theater
Crystal Johnson ...................................... Administrative Assistant | Box Office Manager
Jim Koehnle ............................................... Technical Director | Scene Shop Supervisor
Tresa Makosky .......................................... Stage Management | Introduction to Theater
Teresa McCullough ............................................................................................Dance
Kate Mott ...................................................................Costume Design & Construction
Grace Muñoz ................................... Costume Shop Supervisor | Introduction to Theater
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THEATER
The Indiana State University Department of Theater provides practical experience and training that equips undergraduate students with a broadbased or a discipline-focused theater education in an inclusive and supportive environment. The Department provides a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience in all aspects of theater. Our students work in performance, design, production, direction, and administration before they graduate; this well-rounded training prepares them for a wide variety of careers in the performance and entertainment industries.
