Church & State

ELECTIONS. THE TWITTER. GUNS. GOD.

SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2024

Thank you to our Season Sponsors!

Audience Services PURCHASING TICKETS • The box office is open from 3 pm until 5 pm Monday through Friday and for one hour prior to each performance.

• The box office accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.

• Single tickets become available for purchase 60 days before a production’s opening night.

NEED TO EXCHANGE YOUR TICKETS? Any ticket exchanges must be done through the box office in person or over the phone.

Tickets may only be exchanged for another performance of the same show.

UNABLE TO USE YOUR TICKETS? Please contact the box office to see if an exchange for a different date can be made.

On rare occasions, LCT has allowed a ticket for one production to be used at a different production. If no exchanges can be made, the ticket price may be written off as a donation tax credit.

CAMERAS AND/OR RECORDING EQUIPMENT The use of cameras and/or recording equipment is strictly prohibited in the theatre.

If you need to answer a call, please do so in the lobby so as to not disrupt the performance.

GREETING THE ARTISTS Flowers may be left in the box office for the stage manager to deliver or you may hand them to the cast member once they are in the lobby at the conclusion of the performance. Audience members are not allowed backstage.

BAD WEATHER POLICY If you have concerns about the weather facing an upcoming performance, please call the box office to double check that the performance will still continue. On rare occasions, LCT has canceled performances due to bad weather or cast conditions. If this occurs, exchanges or refunds will be issued.

BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN Every individual, no matter the age, must have a ticket in order to attend the performance. If you would like to bring your children, please purchase seats for them even if they will be seated on someone’s lap.

SEAT RESERVATIONS Reservations for the general public begin at least 60 days before the opening of each show; season ticket reservations open the week prior. Patron donors may reserve their seats at any time. Please call the box office at 608-784-9292 if you have any questions.

LATE SEATING POLICY Late arrivals will be seated at the house manager’s discretion during an appropriate point in the performance. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the show begins, we reserve the right to release your seat(s) to someone else.

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AUDITIONS COMING UP!

MONDAY SEPT. 23RD & TUESDAY SEPT. 24TH

6-9PM LCT is in search of 4 Deer Campers for our Winter Blackbox Musical!

Scan Here for More Information and to sign up for Auditions! p. 3

Director’s Note Written by Jason Odell Williams, Church & State presents a compelling narrative that challenges us to confront the intersection of religion and governance. The story unfolds through the lens of a politician grappling with his faith in the wake of a school shooting, prompting questions about the influence of personal beliefs on public policy.

Our talented cast has poured their hearts into these roles, bringing authenticity and depth to each character. I encourage you to listen closely to their dialogues; each line is laden with nuance and the weight of individual experience.

As you watch, consider how the themes resonate in today’s world.

How do our beliefs shape our actions? How can we engage in difficult conversations with empathy and understanding?

Thank you for being here and for being part of this exploration. I hope this experience sparks meaningful dialogue and introspection as you leave the theatre. Enjoy the show!

LEX VIOLETTE Director

A Note from our Executive Director Welcome to La Crosse Community Theatre’s Staged Reading of Church & State! I am beyond thrilled to present this thought-provoking and timely piece as our inaugural production in our new secondary home at 724 Cass Street. This space represents more than just a new stage; it is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for LCT, one rooted in growth, education, and deeper community engagement.

Our vision for 724 Cass Street extends far beyond what you see today. With your continued support, we aim to transform this space into a full-scale education and production facility—an environment where creativity can flourish and where the next generation of performers, directors, and theatre lovers can hone their skills. Phase 1 of this ambitious project is now underway, and Church & State symbolizes the beginning of that dream becoming a reality.

This production, like the future of 724 Cass Street, invites us to reflect on the intersections of belief, governance, and public discourse, asking bold questions about who we are as a society and what we value. It’s a fitting piece to mark this moment of transition for LCT, as we embark on new endeavors while staying true to our roots as a community theatre dedicated to inclusion, storytelling, and artistic excellence.

Thank you for joining us in this moment of celebration. Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to LCT, we’re grateful for your presence and excited to share this journey with you.

Enjoy the show!

ERIK VOSE Executive Director p. 4

La Crosse Community Theatre Presents

Originally developed with Artistic Director Ralph Meranto at JCC CenterStage, CHURCH & STATE was first produced as a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere by The Skylight Theatre (CA) and JCC CenterStage (NY).

For more info please visit www.nnpn.org.

CHURCH & STATE had its Off-Broadway premiere at New World Stages and was produced by Charlotte Cohn.

STARRING

STEVEN WALKER AS SENATOR CHARLES WHITMORE

HEATHER HENRY AS SARA WHITMORE/REPORTER

NICKALE BELTRAN AS ALEX KLEIN/REPORTER

MATT WENTHE AS NARRATOR

MACK MIKSHOWSKY AS TOM/ MARSHALL/ REPORTER/ MAYOR DIRECTED BY LEX VIOLETTE

STAGE MANAGEMENT BY JAMES MURPHY SETTING

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA. A SMALL GREEN ROOM BACKSTAGE AT NC STATE'S STEWART THEATRE. THE PLAY OPENS ON A SATURDAY EVENING, TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE THE SENATOR IS TO ADDRESS A CROWD OF SUPPORTERS, THREE DAYS BEFORE ELECTION DAY. LATER, THE SAME GREEN ROOM SHORTLY AFTER TUESDAY'S ELECTION RESULTS

CHURCH & STATE

is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.

(www.dramatists.com) p. 5

Who's Who STEVEN WALKER (Charles Whitmore) Thank you for choosing theatre for entertainment! I really hope you enjoy this staged reading of Church & State.

I hope it makes you ponder and feel. I hope it lasts with you. But mostly, I hope your children's children have no idea what the show is talking about. Oh, and please consider auditioning or coming to see Deer Camp at LCT! I'll be directing and can't wait to see you!

NICKALE BELTRAN (Alex Klein) Nickale was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and spent much of her life viewing the arts in many capacities. She began volunteering at LCT in February of 2024, with her acting debut in the production of The Odd Couple and following with The Enduring Families Project. She has been genuinely honored for the opportunities. She is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, and enjoys what each of these roles bring to her.

MATT WENTHE (Narrator) Church & State is my first role with LTC since debuting in 12 Angry Men in 2015. I am grateful for the opportunity to perform in another drama with strong social commentary. I have worked as a school administrator since 2005 and was a long time track coach and forensics advisor at G-E-T. I enjoy spending time kayaking, biking, and hiking with my dog Jinx.

LEX VIOLETTE (Director) Lex is currently serving as the Technical Director at LCT. She is ecstatic with the opportunity to direct the first production in our new space. Lex is known for wearing many hats in the theatre with notable credits including Come Back (Director), Dog Sees God (Patricia/TD), Mean Girls HS Edition (Scenic Designer/TD), and The Odd Couple (Scenic Designer/TD). Lex extends heartfelt thanks to everyone in the audience for their support and hopes you enjoy the show! p. 6

Who's Who HEATHER HENRY (Sara Whitmore) This is Heather's second show with LCT since being bitten by the staged reading bug in last year's The Lion In Winter. Her heart summoned by Jason Odell Williams' ever timely script, she is honored to be a part of this ensemble and this important work. She extends a deep bow to her friends and family who are perpetually supportive. Especially her magnificent children who give her hope for our future.

MACK MIKSHOWSKY (Tom/ Marshall/ Reporter/ Mayor) Mack Mikshowsky is thrilled to return to the LCT stage after last season's production of Come Back. They are excited at the opportunity to help tell this tragic, eye-opening, and politically relevant story. They hope the audience leaves with a better understanding of the stakes of this upcoming November. They would like to thank their loved ones for the endless support, especially their mother and their best friends. They would like to thank the audience for coming and supporting local theater. P.S.- VOTE!

JAMES MURPHY (Stage Manager) James is excited to once again be joining LCT for another production on the stage managing side of things. This will be James’ third time stage managing for LCT, and has been a part of a total of 14 LCT shows both onstage and off. Previous shows have included: Legally Blonde (Emmett), RENT (stage manager), Sister Act (“Sweaty” Eddie), and others. Thank you to everyone who helps make these shows possible, the cast, crew, production team, LCT staff, and of course everyone who comes to see the shows because you are what truly makes it possible to keep doing them. p. 7

Cast & Production Team Senator Charles Whitmore................................................................................................ STEVEN WALKER Alex Klein/Reporter........................................................................................................NICKALE BELTRAN Sara Whitmore/Reporter...................................................................................................HEATHER HENRY Tom/Marshall/Reporter/Mayor...................................................................................MACK MIKSHOWSKY Narrator................................................................................................................................ MATT WENTHE Director....................................................................................................................................LEX VIOLETTE Stage Manager................................................................................................................... JAMES MURPHY

LCT Staff Executive Director..........................................................................................................................ERIK VOSE Artistic Operations Director.......................................................................................................MARY CATE WESLING Artistic Advancement Director................................................................................................................ALEX ATTARDO Director of Education........................................................................................................... KATELYN KLIEVE Technical Director.....................................................................................................................LEX VIOLETTE Costume Shop Supervisor................................................................................................ THERESA SMERUD Marketing Manager | Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor................................................ JESSICA RIGDON Weber Center Operations Manager | LCT Audio/Visual Manager.................................RYAN VAN BERKUM Finance Manager................................................................................................................MELANIE NIMMO Front of House.........................................KALLAN DECKERT; BETH MORATTO; MAYA DOUGHERTY-HARRIS SHARON SINGER-DAWIDOWSKI; DAWN HAVICAN Scene Shop Staff....................................................................MACKINLEY BRUEMMER, AUGUST JENNINGS

LCT Board of Directors President........................................................................................................................................PAT HEIM First Vice-President....................................................................................................................JAY LOKKEN Treasurer................................................................................................................................MARY ISAACS Secretary........................................................................................................................MARY RATHGABER Past President....................................................................................................................BRADLEY WEBER Members at Large........................................STEPHEN CONRAD; KELLY GALVÁN; CAROLYN COLLEEN; JOE HAMMES; NEAL MEIER; MARLENE DE LA CRUZ-GUZMAN; BRADY LOWE; RANDY NELSON; DICK RECORD; ROB REIDER; RICHARD REYNERTSON HR Representatives.........................................................................STEPHEN CONRAD AND PAT HEIM

LCT's Mission At La Crosse Community Theatre, our mission is to honor and celebrate our rich theatrical heritage while establishing a sustainable foundation for the years to come. With collaboration as a cornerstone, we are a dynamic, educational, and visionary force shaping the destiny of our community by adapting to the ever-changing arts landscape and showcasing excellence in local community entertainment. p. 8

The La Crosse Community Theatre is a

UFAH enhances the cultural life of the area by encouraging and providing opportunities for businesses to invest in the programs of local Arts and Humanities organizations in an efficient and effective way.

Scan Here For More Information!

Resources Each day, 12 children die from gun violence in America. Another 32 are shot and injured. Guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens. Since Columbine, in 1999, more than 338,000 students in the US have experienced gun violence at school.

SandyHookPromise.org is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Based in Newtown, Connecticut, thier intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning their tragedy into a moment of transformation.

By empowering youth to “know the signs” and uniting all people who value the protection of children, we can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.

SANDYHOOKPROMISE.ORG p. 9

2024-2025 Advertisement Opportunities

Advertise for the whole season!

Full-page (4.75 in x 7.75 in) ..................................................................................... $975 Half-page (4.75 in x 3.5 in) ...................................................................................... $650 Quarter-page (2.25 in x 3.5 in) ................................................................................. $500 Have your ad featured in LCT programs all season long!

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For more Advertising information, please contact: Erik Vose

Jess Rigdon

Executive Director 608-615-1556 erik@lacrossetheatre.org

Marketing Manager 608-615-1559 jess@lacrossetheatre.org

428 Front Street South • La Crosse, WI 54601 • www.lacrossetheatre.org p. 10

Thank You to Our Season Sponsors!

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2024-2025 SEASON

FLE X & SE RIE S PASSES NO W AVAILABLE

608-784-9292 | www.lacrossetheatre.org

BROADWAY SERIES

STAGED READING SERIES

BLACKBOX SERIES