Mr. Burns A Post Electric Play

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2018 - 2019 SEASON

THE LAB THEATRE

From the College of Fine Arts’ Dean Prepare to be amazed! Every time I sit where you are right now, I marvel at the magic our students create on this stage. For 45 years, the School of Theatre at FSU has brought the thrill of live theatre to FSU and Tallahassee audiences alike. Before this evening is over, you will see why our program has become one of the nation’s most distinguished. Alumni who have performed here have gone on to prestigious careers – on Broadway and in a multitude of other professions in theatre and beyond. While talent is a big part of their success, our students excel because of the hard work and dedication of our committed faculty and staff. You play an important role as well! Your attendance and support mean the world to our students. Great actors need great audiences! Thanks for being a part of our theatre community. Enjoy the show!

Scott Shamp Interim Dean, College of Fine Arts

From the School of Theatre’s Executive Director Welcome to the School of Theatre at Florida State. I want to thank you for joining us to celebrate the incredibly talented students, faculty, and staff who have worked tirelessly to create the production you are seeing today. For over 45 years, the School of Theatre has trained students not just for Broadway stages but as advocates, leaders, artists, and theatre-makers across the world. It is no wonder that the School of Theatre continues to be recognized as one of the top programs in the country. While at Florida State, our students gain experience that prepares them for a multitude of careers and none of this would be possible without our dedicated faculty and staff and the support from members of our community. Thank you again for joining us today and for supporting the School of Theatre at Florida State – we could not do it without you. Enjoy the show!

Brad Brock Interim Executive Director, The School of Theatre

The School of Theatre at Florida State Presents

By Anne Washburn Score by

Lyrics by

Michael Friedman

Anne Washburn

Director

Dallas Pollei Music Director

Scenic Designer

C. Jonah Watson

Tamara L. Honesty

Sound Designer

Lighting Designer

Zach Cramer

Technical Director

Bri Weintraub

Carrie Barton Dramaturg

Mike Franz

Costume Designer

Jason Estala

Choreographer

Jason Paul Tate Stage Manager

Hannah Spears

April 5 - 14, 2019 The Lab Theatre “Mr. Burns, a post-electric play” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS ON ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.SAMUELFRENCH.COM/WHITEPAPER

The Cast In Order of Appearance

ACT I Matt.............................................................................................Christian Douglass Jenny.......................................................................................................Kelly Astuto Maria.................................................................................................Hannah Corlew Sam..........................................................................................................Blake Lafita Colleen.............................................................................Amanda Fernandez-Acosta Gibson..................................................................................................Atticus Taylor ACT II Matt, Homer.................................................................................Christian Douglass Jenny, First FBI Agent..............................................................................Kelly Astuto Maria, Marge.....................................................................................Hannah Corlew Sam, Bart..................................................................................................Blake Lafita Colleen, Second FBI Agent, Lisa........................................Amanda Fernandez-Acosta Gibson, Husband, Bob..........................................................................Atticus Taylor Quincy, Wife.......................................................................................Brianna Eljaua Keyboard..........................................................................................C. Jonah Watson

Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play will be performed with one 15-minute intermission.

ACT III Edna................................................................................................Shannon Haskell Bart..........................................................................................................Kelly Astuto Homer...........................................................................................Christian Douglass Marge.................................................................................................Hannah Corlew Lisa......................................................................................................Brianna Eljaua Mr. Burns.................................................................................................Blake Lafita Itchy..................................................................................Amanda Fernandez-Acosta Scratchy.................................................................................................Atticus Taylor Keyboard..........................................................................................C. Jonah Watson Guitarist.............................................................................................Michael Giorgi

This play is set in the very near future Then 7 years after that Then 75 years after that

The School of Theatre at Florida State As one of the top-tier theatre training programs in the nation, the School of Theatre at Florida State provides its students with a wide variety of theatrical and educational opportunities. The primary mission of the School of Theatre is to offer students a comprehensive education in theatre and to prepare emerging artists to enter the professional theatre industry. As a result, the School of Theatre provides both student artists and community audience members a diverse array of productions that explore the spectrum of our shared humanity.

Founded in 1973 under the vision and leadership of then-Dean Richard G. Fallon, the School of Theatre enjoys a national reputation, in large part, because of the excellence of its undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a gifted faculty of nationally recognized professional artists/ educators. The London Theatre Studies program, the chance to work side by side with guest artists and eminent scholars, as well as showcase opportunities in New York City and Los Angeles are just a few of the many reasons why students are attracted to our various professional and academic degrees from all over the United States, many foreign countries, and every county in Florida.

Alumni of the program include Broadway stars Christiani Pitts, Montego Glover, and Leslie Flesner, television producer Steven Sears, Emmy Award-winners John Papsidera and John Brace, Broadway producers Heather Provost and Darren Bagert, Playwright and Professor Suzan Zeder, and a host of talented entertainment industry professionals. Through their creative work, research, publication, and service, School of Theatre alumni contribute to the commercial, educational, and cultural life of the citizens of Florida and the nation.

The School of Theatre at Florida State is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association, Inc. and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

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Subscriptions Available Now Single Tickets Available Thursday, September 5 850.644.6500 | tickets.fsu.edu

Understudies* In Order of Appearance

ACT I Matt.................................................................................................Nicholas Palazzo Jenny....................................................................................................Brooke Seiden Maria..............................................................................................Maggie Creasman Sam.......................................................................................................Gage Morgan Colleen....................................................................................................Caitlin Kirk Gibson..............................................................................................Simon Beckham ACT II Matt, Homer.....................................................................................Nicholas Palazzo Jenny, First FBI Agent...........................................................................Brooke Seiden Maria, Marge..................................................................................Maggie Creasman Sam, Bart..............................................................................................Gage Morgan Colleen, Second FBI Agent, Lisa..............................................................Caitlin Kirk Gibson, Husband, Bob......................................................................Simon Beckham Quincy, Wife......................................................................................Rhiannon Karp ACT III Edna, Lisa...........................................................................................Rhiannon Karp Bart......................................................................................................Brooke Seiden Homer..............................................................................................Nicholas Palazzo Marge..............................................................................................Maggie Creasman Mr. Burns..............................................................................................Gage Morgan Itchy.........................................................................................................Caitlin Kirk Scratchy..............................................................................................Simon Beckham *Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance

Playwrights Horizons, Inc. produced the New York City premiere of the play off-Broadway in 2013.

Originally produced in June, 2012 by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Washington, DC, Howard Shalwitz, Artistic Director; Jeffrey Herrmann, Managing Director.

Mr. Burns was Commissioned by The Civilians, New York, NY Steven Cosson, Artistic Director.

For the language of the remembering of the Simpsons’ episode, Cape Feare, the author would like to credit the Civilians actors involved in the initial workshop: Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Maria Dizzia, Gibson Frazier, Matt Maher, Jennifer Morris, Colleen Werthmann and Sam Breslin Wright.

Cast Headshots

Kelly Astuto

Simon Beckham

Hannah Corlew

Maggie Creasman

Christian Douglass

Brianna Eljaua

Amanda Fernandez-Acosta

Shannon Haskell

Rhiannon Karp

Caitlin Kirk

Blake Lafita

Gage Morgan

Nicholas Palazzo

Brooke Seiden

Atticus Taylor

Who’s Who Kelly Astuto (Jenny, First FBI Agent, Bart) is a sophomore BA Theatre major from Miami, FL. She was last seen on the FSU stage in Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat (u/s Puppeteer). She thanks her mom, dad, friends, and dog.

Simon Beckham (u/s Gibson, u/s Husband, u/s Bob, u/s Scratchy) is a junior BFA Acting major from Athens, GA. Previous credits include Shakespeare in Love, Tartuffe, Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat, and The Servant of Two Masters. He thanks his parents, friends, and mentors for getting him this far. Here’s to all the places yet to come!

Hannah Corlew (Maria, Marge) is a senior BA Theatre major from Winter Haven, FL. Previous FSU credits include Tartuffe (Dorine) and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Madame de la Grande Bouche).

She thanks her parents, siblings, and Dallas Pollei for this incredible opportunity.

Maggie Creasman (u/s Maria, u/s Marge) is a freshman BA Theatre major from Jacksonville, FL. Previous credits include Eurydice (Big Stone), Ragtime (Emma Goldman), and Footloose (Ethel McCormack). She thanks her friends and family.

Go Jags and go Noles!

Christian Douglass (Matt, Homer) is a senior BA Theatre and Communications double major from Orlando, FL. Previous FSU credits include Shakespeare in Love, Tartuffe, The Servant of Two Masters, and How I Became a Pirate. He thanks Mom, Dad, Katelyn, Ryan, Aunt Rose, and Granny for their endless love and support.

Brianna Eljaua (Quincy, Wife, Lisa) is a freshman BFA Acting major. She was last seen on the FSU stage in A Day in the Death of Joe Egg (u/s Sheila). Special thanks to Dallas for this incredible opportunity and her friends and family for their endless love and support.

Amanda Fernandez-Acosta (Colleen, Second FBI Agent, Lisa, Itchy) is a senior BA Theatre major from Miami, FL. Previous credits include Shakespeare in Love (Nurse), Tartuffe (Elmire), The Real Inspector Hound (Mrs. Drudge), The Taming of the Shrew (Kate), and In the Heights (Daniela). She thanks her family, friends, Tony Gunn, and the creative team.

Shannon Haskell (Edna) is a sophomore BFA Acting major from St. Petersburg, FL. Previous credits include Eurydice (u/s Big Stone), Les Misérables (Fantine), and Pride and Prejudice (Mrs. Bennett). She thanks her parents and friends for their support during the show!

Rhiannon Karp (u/s Quincy, u/s Wife, u/s Edna, u/s Lisa) is a sophomore BA Theatre major from Lake Worth, FL. Previous credits include Mary-Kate Olsen is in Love (Amazing Girl, u/s MaryKate), How to Succeed… (Rosemary), and Annie (Grace). She thanks Dallas and the production team for everything!

Caitlin Kirk (u/s Colleen, u/s Second FBI Agent, u/s Lisa, u/s Itchy) is a junior BA Theatre major.

Previous credits include A Day in the Death of Joe Egg (u/s Grace), The Drowsy Chaperone (Mrs. Tottendale), and Miss Nelson is Missing (Miss Nelson/Miss Viola Swamp). She thanks Dallas, the cast and crew, and all of her loved ones for the wonderful opportunities and endless support!

Blake Lafita (Sam, Bart, Mr. Burns) is a junior BFA Acting major. Previous FSU credits include Shakespeare in Love (Ned Alleyn) and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Rosencrantz). He is grateful to work his most treasured craft in collaboration with the great minds and personalities of the FSU Theatre community.

Gage Morgan (u/s Sam, u/s Bart, u/s Mr. Burns) is a freshman BA Theatre major from Tampa, FL. Previous credits include Legally Blonde (Emmett), Little Shop of Horrors (Dentist), and The Veldt (George). He thanks his parents, Drake, Katie, and Mason.

Nicholas Palazzo (u/s Matt, u/s Homer) is a junior BA Theatre major from Pembroke Pines, FL. Previous FSU credits include Shakespeare in Love (Fennyman) and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Polonius, Fortinbras). He thanks Dallas for this opportunity, as well as his friends and family for all of their love and support.

Who’s Who Brooke Seiden (u/s Jenny, u/s First FBI Agent, u/s Bart) is a junior BA Theatre major from Pembroke Pines, FL. Previous credits include The Most Massive Woman Wins (Carly) and Peter Pan (Peter). She thanks Dallas for the opportunity, her STEM major friends for listening to her rehearse, and her parents for never saying she should major in something more stable.

Atticus Taylor (Gibson, Husband, Bob, Scratchy) is a freshman BA Theatre major from Sarasota, FL. Previous credits include Shakespeare in Love (Tilney), The Crucible (John Hale), James and the Giant Peach (Centipede), and Hello, Dolly! (Rudolph, Ensemble). He thanks Scott Keys, Agustin Renteria, and his parents.

Carrie Barton (Lighting Designer) is the staff Lighting Supervisor for the FSU School of Theatre.

She holds a MFA in Lighting Design from Indiana University. Before FSU, she worked for Sam Houston State University, Indiana Festival Theatre, and Indiana University Summer Theatre. Her freelance design credits include Ensemble Theatre, Jewish Theatre of Bloomington, Cardinal Stage, Texas Repertory Theatre, Brown County Playhouse, Ohana Theatre Company, Houston Christian High School, and Sugar Land Baptist Church.

Zach Cramer (Sound Designer) is the staff Sound Designer for the FSU School of Theatre. He has been involved with theatre for over nineteen years and has since designed over 80 productions. Selected design credits include The Who’s Tommy, Peter Pan, Ragtime, Seussical The Musical, Nine (winner 2008 FTC, 2009 SETC and advanced to national AACT), Titanic, The Producers, The Addams Family, A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, Hedda Gabler, Legally Blonde, and Monty Python’s Spamalot. He is also the Sound Designer for Valdosta State University’s Peach State Summer Theatre.

Information in “Who’s Who” is provided by members of this production. Where opinions are expressed, they are those of the players, not necessarily those of the School of Theatre or Florida State University.

Jason Estala (Costume Designer) is the Visiting Professor of Costume Technology originally from El Paso, TX. He holds a BA in Theatre Arts from New Mexico State University and a MFA in Costume Design and Technology from the University of Florida. Jason has demonstrated a wide range of design and construction skills for the Brevard Music Center, Pensacola Opera, Dona Ana Lyrical Opera, The Spoleto Festival, University of West Florida, Kennesaw State, the University of California, and Wardrobe Witcheryan opera costume rental company. He thanks all of the wonderful students and colleagues at FSU for their help and dedication on this incredible production.

Mike Franz (Dramaturg) is a second year PhD Theatre/Performance Studies candidate. He holds a BA in Theatre with a focus in acting and directing from DeSales University and an MA in Theatre from Villanova University. His research centers on Sport and/as Performance and Molière in contemporary and modern U.S. theatre. He is a member of both the American Society for Theatre and Research and the American Theatre and Drama Society. Mike also works as a director and teaching artist during the summer at Moorestown Theater Company in Moorestown, NJ, and is a certified Spin Instructor for Campus Rec at Florida State University. He thanks Dallas, Hannah and her excellent stage management team, and the cast and crew for a wonderful experience. “Remember, remember, remember.”

Michael Giorgi (Guitarist) is a Commercial Music major from Tampa, FL. He is also featured in Florida State University’s Modern Guitar Ensemble and is the lead vocalist and guitarist for Tampa-based heavy metal act, The Prosecution. He thanks the cast and music director for welcoming him as a member of this production.

Who’s Who Tamara L. Honesty (Scenic Designer) is delighted to return to Florida State University to design her fourth show. Previous design credits include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Seminar, and Legally Blonde. Her designs have been on stages from New York City to the Midwest. Recent designs include An Evening with Groucho at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park along with the world premieres of Banned from Baseball and Family Ties at the Human Race Theatre.

Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at Kent State University. Visit her website at www.edwardlaynedesigns.com Dallas Pollei (Director) is a second year MFA Directing candidate from Roswell, NM. While at FSU, he directed a devised piece Guilty Until Proven Innocent and an one act The Most Massive Woman Wins. He also served as the Assistant Director for The Addams Family and Guys and Dolls. For 11 years, Dallas was a tenured professor of Theatre and Humanities at Eastern New Mexico UniversityRoswell Campus. There, he directed two shows a year for the past decade with an emphasis in musicals. He thanks Stephanie Defranco for all her love and support.

Hannah Spears (Stage Manager, Fight Captain) is a junior BA Theatre major from Pensacola, FL. She served as an Assistant Stage Manager for Tartuffe. She thanks her friends, family, and the incredible cast and crew for all their love and support.

Jason Paul Tate (Choreographer) is a Visiting Professor of Movement and Stage Combat on loan from his auxiliary life in NYC. A School of Theatre alum, his recent credits include Eurydice and Shakespeare in Love at FSU, RomĂŠo et Juliette at Pensacola Opera, and Assassins at Ole Miss.

Other credits include the Metropolitan Opera, A.R.T., BAM, Classic Stage, The Lost Colony, and numerous Shakespeare companies nationwide. He is a proud member of SDC, a Certified Instructor of stage combat with the SAFD, and co-founder of the movement solutions company Neutral Chaos, as well as the annual Tourist Trap Stage Combat and Stunt Workshop.

C. Jonah Watson (Music Director, Keyboard) is a senior BA Theatre major from Tampa, FL. Previous credits include One Hundred Years of Hope, Title of Show, and The Burnt Part Boys. He thanks Dallas, the cast, crew, and his loved ones for making his last theatrical experience at FSU such a great one.

Bri Weintraub (Technical Director) is a second year MFA Technical Production candidate. She received her BA in Theatre from FSU in 2013.

Since graduation, she has since spent time working at FSU, on a cruise ship, at multiple summer theatres, and a few other performing arts venues.

Her most recent credits include Shakespeare in Love and The Addams Family (Assistant Technical Director), Courtland Repertory Theatre (Season Master Electrician), and Contemporary American Theatre Festival (Studio 112 Master Electrician).

Production Staff Director................................................................................................................Dallas Pollei Music Director...............................................................................................C. Jonah Watson Scenic Designer..........................................................................................Tamara L. Honesty Costume Designer.................................................................................................Jason Estala Assistant Costume Designers..............David Jordan Baxter, Francesca Martin, Aolani Santiago Sound Designer...................................................................................................Zach Cramer Assistant Sound Designer...................................................................................Melissa Emery Lighting Designer...............................................................................................Carrie Barton Choreographer............................................................................................................Jason Paul Tate Dance Captain......................................................................................................Gabi Simon Technical Director.............................................................................................Bri Weintraub Assistant Technical Directors.....................................................Emily Davis, Alexander Farley Dramaturg.............................................................................................................Mike Franz Stage Manager, Fight Captain...........................................................................Hannah Spears Assistant Stage Managers....................................Jordan Johnson, Elizabeth Lewis, Gabi Simon Stage Management Mentor..............................................................................Antonia Collins Directing Advisor...................................................................................................Jessica West Director of Production Services.....................................................................Joshua Wickham Technical Direction Advisors............................................................Robert Coleman, Jim Lile Production Manager......................................................................................Joshua Wickham Associate Production Manager.........................................................................Kassidy Coburn Assistant Production Managers..........................................Erin Collopy, John Abraham Davis Scene Shop Manager.......................................................................................Colin Campbell Assistant Scene Shop Manager...............................................................................Brock Baird Drafters..................................................Emily Davis, John Abraham Davis, Alexander Farley, Cliff Glowacki, Colin Shay Carpenters...................................Brock Baird, Carson Bishop, Erin Collopy, Alexander Farley, Jackson Golden, Braeden Ingersoll, Jonathan May Paint Shop Manager..............................................................................................Jason Strom Scenic Charge Artist..............................................................................................Jason Strom Scenic Artists...........................Cynthia Carmona, Kassidy Coburn, Colin Shay, Bri Weintraub Properties Manager................................................................................................Kevin Grab Assistant Properties Manager............................................................................Allison Daniels Properties Master..............................................................................................Allison Daniels Properties Shop Foreman.......................................................................................Brock Baird Properties Artisans...............................Erin Collopy, Emily Davis, James Hill, Jordan Johnson, Ken Moore, Tyree Randall, Hannah Smaglis, Laura Swygert, Bri Weintraub, Reona Woods Costume Design Advisor.................................................................................Colleen Muscha Costume Technology Advisor.................................................................................Jason Estala Costume Shop Manager.................................................................................Sarah M. Jahnke Assistant Costume Shop Manager...........................................................................Caitlin Yost Wardrobe Supervisor................................................................................Hayley Tara O’Brien Draper...................................................................................................................Caitlin Yost Stitchers.................................................Julianne Babel, David Jordan Baxter, Celeste Collado, Katharina Koehler, Meredith LaBounty, Ilianna Maestri, Francesca Martin, Hayley Tara O’Brien, Courtni Riddick, Aolani Santiago Crafts Artisans.............................................Julianne Babel, David Jordan Baxter, Jennah Cruz, Jason Estala, Katharina Koehler, Meredith LaBounty, Hayley Tara O’Brien, Courtni Riddick

Production Staff Master Electricians....................................................Christina Dragan-Dima, Stevie Freeborn Electricians.................................Amorie Barton, Emy Herrera, Jacob Inman, Jordan Johnson, Sarah Mattis, Tyler Mello, Gavin Morales, Jessica Nelson, Renn Oberdick, Gabi Simon, Kylee Taylor, Kae Twichell, Claire Young Shop Electricians.............Skylar Andrews, Christina Dragan-Dima, Stevie Freeborn, Andy Lile Lighting Supervisor............................................................................................Carrie Barton Light Board Operator..........................................................................................Emma Patten Sound Programming.........................................................................................Melissa Emery Sound Operator..........................................................................................Caitlyn Woodward Run Crew...............................Samantha Love Boddie, Emily Copeland, Amy Marie Kealhofer, Karina Lago, Aidan Neal, Emma Patten, Samantha Riou, Laura Swygert, Caitlyn Woodward House Manager.....................................................................................Moletedi One Ntseme Director of the Fine Arts Ticket Office..............................................................Sarah Goodson Patron Services Managers..............................................Jessica Dudley-Rodriguez, Jay Pension Assistant Patron Services Managers...................................................................Amanda Fraser, Moletedi One Ntseme, Jennifer Reichert Usher Crew................................................Julia Archacki, Gabrielle Banuelos, Amorie Barton, Renn Oberdick, Zachary Philbeck, Jessica Posey, Rachel Weaver Fine Arts Ticket Office Staff............................Spencer Abramson, Haley Brown, Emily Davis, Melissa Emery, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Genesis Gates, Gabriela Iglesias, Cole Jones, Gabby Lawlor, Michael Pisani, Alex Turner, Elaina Zwiener Associate Director of Marketing...................................................................Naomi Longshore Marketing Communications Manager.................................................................Jawaan Smith Marketing Assistants..................................................Moletedi One Ntseme, Jennifer Reichert Community Engagement Manager...................................................................Katelyn Woods Patrons Association Coordinator.......................................................................Amanda Fraser Community Engagement Intern...................................................................Joshua Dy-Liacco Special Thanks to Chris and Debbie Garven for the organ arrangement of The Simpsons theme.

From the Director, Dallas Pollei Why stories? Whether cave paintings, oral tradition, or the latest Marvel movie, mankind has always been storytellers. What piqued my interest in this play was exploring that part of human nature.

While our tradition as storytellers has progressed with our technology, Anne Washburn chose to remove an essential element of our current lives: electricity. Electricity has powered our homes and our economies for a hundred years—though it has also succeeded in distancing us from one another. Mr. Burns is more than just a bleak examination of what happens after an apocalypse, but explores what happens when the grids go down. How do we continue to tell stories without online avatars? What do those stories look like when not confined to 140 characters?

Washburn forces us to look at our complicated and compulsive nature through storytelling. The stories on The Simpsons are ubiquitous; there are very few people who cannot quote The Simpsons on demand, whether knowingly or not. It follows naturally that we would cling to the stories we know as we try to pick up the pieces of our civilization.

No matter what the future holds, we will always tell stories. We will look and listen to one another again. Whether the stories are old or new they will be shared and, hopefully, passed down. If time passes and the power never comes back on, will those stories then become myth and legend? From campfire, to pageant, to reverent ritual, Mr. Burns speaks to the hope that even after a tragedy, our stories will live on as long as the human spirit endures.

We would like to dedicate our show to Ombra Sandifer who always gave her heart first to everyone she met. Ombra’s laugh, spirit, and artistic brilliance will be missed by all of us.

Thank you for your guidance, your love, and your friendship. We love you Ombra.

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From the Dramaturg, Mike Franz In 2008, playwright Anne Washburn, along with Steve Cosson and his New York-based theatre group The Civilians, began devising a work that eventually became Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, which premiered at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington D.C. in 2012. Only seven years earlier Washburn had been in New York City during the September 11 terrorist attacks. She became intrigued with the idea of using storytelling as a coping mechanism in the wake of an apocalyptic event. Her idea for Mr. Burns came from thinking about how society could use a pop culture narrative (like a popular television show) to negotiate its way through a post-apocalyptic world. By the time she began working with Cosson and his troupe in 2008, she had identified The Simpsons, along with Friends, Cheers, and Seinfeld, as possible television shows to use in exploring her ideas. Washburn debated using these particular shows because they garnered large fan bases and were universally recognizable to the general populace. Ultimately, she landed on The Simpsons because of its enduring character archetypes and its own layered pop culture references it would be the ideal springboard for her play’s unique structure.

Not just The Simpsons, but Theatre itself is the means through which Mr. Burns’ characters negotiate their survival in the world of the play. Washburn—like her characters--borrows from the entire world of theatrical forms, from ritual to ancient Greek, from Kabuki to melodrama.

She also infuses the play with various pop culture references in addition to The Simpsons, drawing on what theorist Paul Cohen would call, “popular memory.” Popular memory is the idea that a collective memory consists of what people generally believe happened, rather than the historical record of the event. Mr. Burns shows how popular memory played out through performance becomes society’s currency, a way to survive in a post-electric world. So, while an enduringly popular television program like The Simpsons serves as the cultural touchpoint for Washburn’s post-apocalyptic society, Mr. Burns is also a love letter to pop culture itself. For Washburn, theatre and pop culture are invaluable resources—they are a means of cultivating hope for future generations.

April 18 - 20 & 26 - 27 tickets.fsu.edu • 850.644.6500

Who’s Who in the School of Theatre Brad Brock........................................................................Interim Executive Director; School of Theatre Chari Arespacochaga..............................................................................Assistant Professor, Performance Terri Bourus.........................................................................................................Professor, Performance Sukanya Chakrabarti.............................................................Visiting Assistant Professor, Theatre Studies Fred Chappell................................................................................................................Professor, Acting Robert H. Coleman..................................................................Associate Professor, Technical Production Director - MFA Technical Production Antonia Collins..............................................................Visiting Assistant Professor, Stage Management Mary Karen Dahl..............................................................................................Professor, Theatre Studies Director - MA/Ph.D. Program Patricia Delorey...........................................................Teaching Faculty, Voice; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Jonathan Epstein.......................................................Teaching Faculty, Acting; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Jason Estala..................................................................Visiting Assistant Professor, Costume Technology Kate Watson Gelabert...............................................................................Associate Professor, Movement Director - BFA Music Theatre Anthony Gunn................................................................................Postdoctoral Scholar, Theatre Studies Debra Hale.......................................................................................................Associate Professor, Voice Cameron Jackson...........................................................................................................Teaching Faculty Dale F. Jordan.....................................................................................................Professor, Scenic Design Greg Leaming....................................................................................Director; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Jean McDaniel Lickson...................................................................................Associate Professor, Acting Director - BFA Acting Jim Lile.....................................................................................Assistant Professor, Technical Production Andrei Malaev-Babel.............................................................Professor, Acting; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Colleen Muscha..............................................................................................Professor, Costume Design Director - MFA Costume Design Elizabeth Osborne.............................................................................Associate Professor, Theatre Studies Thomas Ossowski................................................................................Associate Professor, Music Theatre Anthony Rhine.........................................................................Assistant Professor, Theatre Management Jennifer Riker............................................................................................Teaching Faculty, Performance Kris Salata..............................................................................................Associate Professor, Performance Director - BA Program Eliza Schwarz......................................................Teaching Faculty, Movement; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Jason Tate..................................................................................Visiting Assistant Professor, Performance Aaron C. Thomas.................................................................................Assistant Professor, Theatre Studies Jessica West.................................................................................................Associate Professor, Directing Director - MFA Directing Carrie Barton............................................................................................................Lighting Supervisor Colin Campbell....................................................................................................Scenic Studio Manager Jonathan Courtemanche.................................................Office Administrator; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Zach Cramer...................................................................................................................Sound Designer Michele Diamonti..................................................................Director of Academic and Student Services Sara Gomez..................................................................................................................Academic Advisor Sarah Goodson....................................................................................Director of Fine Arts Ticket Office Kevin Grab................................................................................................................Properties Manager Sarah Jahnke.......................................................................................................Costume Shop Manager Marcia McClellan................................................................................................Staff Services Associate Christopher McVicker........................................................Technical Director; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Rachel Morris.........................................................Production Stage Manager; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Megan Mowery...............................................................................................................Media Specialist Debi Schalch......................................................Student Services Coordinator; FSU/Asolo Conservatory Lauren Snyder................................................................................................F & A Operations Manager Jason Strom..............................................................................................................Paint Shop Manager Barbara Thomas.................................................................................Student Services Assistant Manager Amber Vann Lee......................................................................................................Office Administrator Joshua Wickham......................................................................................................Production Manager Caitlin Yost..........................................................................................Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Major Donors to the School of Theatre Don & June* Alford Mrs. Erika Anderson Angela Musette Russo Foundation Robert Barber* Julia Burnett Bryant* Mary Auger Burns* Ralph Cook* Deborah Cooley* John Degen* Mary Demetree Frank & JoAnn Fain Richard & Sue Fallon* Frank Flynn Richard & Kathleen Henry Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation Davis Gaines

Steve & Blanche Gordon Dr. Ben Grace Mr. Foster Harmon Richard & Betty Higginbotham Mart Hill Donald Hinkle Janet Hinkle The Hough Family Foundation Charles & Lillian Huisking Cameron & Teresa Jackson Barbara & Ted* Judd Howard Kessler Gil Lazier Magnolia Properties & Investments, Inc. Michael & Jean Martin Mark & Stephanie Medoff Esther Mertz

Mrs. Charlotte Palmer Patrons Association Cathy Peters Almena & Brooks Pettit Robb Pruitt Burt Reynolds* Jim & Betty Ann Rodgers Leon & Jane Schmehl* Steven Sears Janis Carter Stulman Fred & June Turner Wachovia Bank Steven W. Wallace & Elizabeth Berkley-Wallace Mae & Harvey Watt Foundation

All (*) following a donor’s name indicates the person has passed away.

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Exclusive Patrons Press E-Newsletter

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Invitations to Patrons Trips, Receptions, and Special Events

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Season Sneak Preview w/Reception

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Complimentary “Bring a Friend” Tickets

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Complimentary Concessions Vouchers

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Reserved Seating at The Lab Theatre

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Invitation to Special Dinners with Guest Artists

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Priority Ticket Purchases Free Ticket Exchanges and Waived Ticket Name Recognition in All Playbills Access to the Patrons Concierge Line

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JOIN TODAY!

For more information, contact

The Patrons Association provides support for student scholarships as well as valuable assistance to support performances and programs that enrich the lives of all students and community members. This year, the Patrons Association raised more than $40,000 towards student scholarships and recruitment.

We hope you will consider becoming a Patron today!

Amanda Fraser: alf18bi@my.fsu.edu | 850.644.1377

Patrons Association Members BOARD MEMBERS Lynn McWilliams, President Tom Crabb, Vice President Ellen Berler, Secretary Jay Newman, Treasurer Linda Clickner Robert Clickner Audrea Coniglio Rob Contreras Gary Cook Howard Eisenman Barbara Elam Howard Kessler Charles LaTour Annelise Leysieffer KC McWilliams Sunny Phillips Laura Rogers Carol Weissert Dennis Williams

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS Jalma Baker Richard Henry Mart Hill Ted* and Barbara Judd Lou Kellenberger* William Moncrief* Brooks & Almena Pettit Sara Rodrigue Dawn Sharp Nancy Sheridan* June Strauss*

ANGELS Frederic Brandt Sandy Brown, Magnolia Properties Judge Steve & Yvonne Brown Terry & Linda Cole Rob Contreras & Ellen Berler Gary & Joanne Cook Tom, Danielle, & Cassandra Crabb Alicia Crew Jim & Sandy Dafoe Howard & Susan Eisenman Barbara & John Elam Del & Diane Hughes

Annelise Leysieffer KC & Bob McWilliams Lynn & Todd McWilliams Russ & Genie Morcom Jay & Sue Newman Jim & Betty Ann Rodgers Brence Sell Mike Sheridan Mr. & Mr. Michael Stephens William & Carol Weissert Dennis & Barbara Williams Carol Woodward

DIRECTORS Steve Carter & Phyllis Thomson J. Kent & Flora Caruthers Robert & Linda Clickner Gloria Deison Jennifer Fitzwater & Geof Mansfield Tom Foley Tanya Hollady Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Janasiewicz Barbara Judd Howard & Anne Van Meter Kessler William & Susan Leseman Michael & Heather Lister Almena & Brooks Pettit Steve Ray Laura & Sam Rogers John & Emily Ruddell Kip & Bev Wells Judy Wilson & Michael Sheridan David & Mary Jean Yon

BENEFACTORS Susan Barnes & Kenneth Kranz Wallace Beall Joe & Patti Beckham Brad & Robyn Brock Tony & Sherry Carvalho Mark Chin-Lenn, MD & Kevin Pfeiffer William & Audrea Coniglio Dr. Paul Deitchman Michele Diamonti & Michelle MacVicar Cathy & Jerry Dufford Richard Dusenbury

Bryon & Barbara Ehlmann Dr. Susan Fiorito Barbara Frederich L. Kathryn Funchess Larry Gerber Barbara Goerke Patrick & Artis Gray Joan & Stu Griffith Steven Hall & Josh Willoughby Jerry & Bobbi Hill Mart P. Hill Jon & Dottie Hinkle Dr. T. Lynn Hogan & Robin Fowler Mr. Warren Husband Dr. Sally Karioth John & Linda Kilgore John & Jennifer LaVia Fred & Jill Leach Paul & Sandra Lewis Barbara & Tony Lombardo Mary & Clifford Madsen Mike & Joanne Mallardi Bill & Laurie McCort Meredith McKinney Ms. Fran McLean Alex H. Meng & Yi Zhu Martin Merzer Mary Ann & Duncan Moore Randy & Karen Murrell Sunny Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Joanne Pintacuda Lili Quintiliani & Blan Teagle Lynda Roser & Marilyn Yon Karen J. Russell Evelyn Shelley Gary & Patricia Smith Ms. Jane Watson Janice & Jerry Wise Mark T. & Amelia Zeigler

FRIENDS Mr. Francisco Alacron Alan & Nancy Asker Jeannie B. & Tommy Barrett Steven & Ellen Bellenot Dr. & Mrs. Joe Cain Marti & Bob Cohen Ann M. Coleman Juan & Jessica Comas

Patrons Association Members Jean Coyne Angie Delvecchio Bob & Ellie Disbennett Paul Downing* & Marie Cantwell Lynn Marie Firehammer Roy M. Forman & Paula Saunders Dean Gioia Ruth Godfrey Harvey & Judy Goldman Ms. Elenita Gomez Mark E. Griffard William & Maura Heebink James & Beverley Hovey Roxanne Hughes, Ph.D. Linda & Rick Hyson Bret Ingerman Charles & Dian LaTour

Donna Legare & Jody Walthall Cyndy & Walt Loomis Mrs. Jeralyn Lucking Ralph & Sue Mancuso John Mayo Beauvais McCaddon Ann & Don Morrow David & Nancy Norman Albert & Darlene Oosterhof Mrs. David Ornstein Dr. & Mrs. Steven Perfect Ms. Polly Pickering J.R. Prescott Gloria Priest Dr. Nikki Pritchett Lance, Beth, & Lindsey Rodan Martin & Rae Roeder Herb & Rowe Rogero Barbara Roufa

Jeanne & William Ryder Arlene Sandberg Bob & Gloria Shuman Carey Smith Leslie Spencer Robert A. & Martha C. Spivey Nancy Stepina-Robison Richard Stevens Mr. & Mrs. Brea Tato Dr. Gail Thompkins M.J. Vossler Brett Whissel Dana & Barbara Wilson Margaret E. Wright-Cleveland Latika L. Young Elizabeth Zipse

Patrons Association Members listed as of March 28, 2019.

All (*) following a donor’s name indicates the person has passed away.

Patrons Scholar Spotlight: Francesca Martin Francesca Martin is a junior BA Theatre major from Naples, FL. She spent last semester studying acting with the Theatre Academy London Program. She was Wardrobe and Assistant Stage Manager for The Addams Family and is the Assistant Costume Designer for Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play. She hopes to pursue a career in costuming to combine her love of theatre and fashion.

She is very involved with the Student Theatre Association and is a troupe member of the 30in60 Sketch Comedy Group, which has given her endless joy and friendship. Her favorite show of all time is 42nd Street and she loved getting to tap in that production.

She would like to thank the Patrons Association for their help with her study abroad opportunity in London. “It is truly an honor to be a Patrons Scholar and to know that my career path in the arts is supported. I know that when I have the opportunity, I will do the same for a young artist because I know how much I benefited and thrived from the support.”

2018-2019 Scholarship Recipients Angela Musette Russo Memorial Scholarship Cynthia Carmona, Naira Diptee, Michael Pisani*

Leon and Jane Schmehl Endowed Theatre Scholarship David Benne, Jordan Richards, Daydra Smith, Alison Wood

Brooks and Almena Pettit/Mart and Louis Hill Presidential Scholarship Claudia Montague, Tyler Verrier

Maximillian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Scholarship Anderson Khochaiche, Paige Pedersen

Davis Gaines Endowed Scholarship in Music Theatre Aidan Neal*, Lilianna Solum, Kate Vander Leest

Richard G. Fallon Scholarship Tyler Covington, Jeanne Schwenck, Julia Swann

Dean Gil Lazier Student Scholarship in the School of Theatre Gabriella Juliet, Marina Macherone, Lannie Rubio, Emma Safon, Hannah Schreer Frank and Jo Ann Fain Endowed Scholarship Gena Heylock, Connor Olney Ginger Earnest London Theatre Scholarship Claire McCarthy Hazel Sliger Presidential Scholarship Giancarlo Herrera Howard W. Kessler Endowed Scholarship Aaron Hagos, Joseph Merendino, Ramone Nelson, Faith Northcutt, Wendy Parkulo, Weston Warren

Robert S. Barber Endowed Scholarship Linnet Berna, Emily Davis*, Christina Dragan-Dima*, Stevie Freeborn*, Hannah Spears* Steven L. Sears Scholarship in Theatre Simon Beckham*, Jena Brooks, Nick Clark, Shannon Haskell*, Tanner Holman, Emily Onimus Theatre Patrons Association Scholarship Amir Bijan Adili, Ada Colli, Lizt Garcia, Jessica Gray, Amanda Norris, Matt Siperstein, Avianna Tato, Liam Wirsansky Theatre Patrons London Endowment Austin Adams, Bethany Brownrigg, Claudia Campos, Kara Grozan, Francesca Martin* Theodore and Barbara Judd Endowed Scholarship in Theatre Gabrielle Phillips

An (*) following a student’s name indicates a scholarship recipient involved in this production.

For Your Information Welcome to the School of Theatre at Florida State.

Whether you are returning or visiting for the first time, we want you to feel comfortable and be familiar with our facilities and services.

As a courtesy to the actors on stage and other members of the audience, we ask you to silence cellular phones, pagers, and watch alarms during the show.

Recording or photographing any part of this performance is strictly prohibited.

Cameras and recording equipment must be checked with the House Manager.

For persons in need of hearing reinforcement, infrared headsets are offered free of charge in the Fallon Theatre. Headsets should be reserved through the Fine Arts Ticket Office.

There is no charge for this service; however, a driver’s license, major credit card, or $10 returnable deposit is required.

Smoking is not permitted in any Florida State University building.

Lost and Found articles should be turned in to the House Manager and may be claimed at the Fine Arts Ticket Office, located in the Fine Arts Building.

Gift Certificates may be purchased at the Fine Arts Ticket Office in any dollar amount. Gift certificates are great ideas for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.

There are a variety of ticket packages and discounts available. Theatre parties with friends and business associates may be organized at substantial discounts for groups of ten or more.

Patrons in wheelchairs will find handicapped parking available in the parking garages adjacent to the Fallon, Lab, and Studio Theatres. Wheelchair seating is available at all of our theatres and should be requested when ordering tickets. Patrons should seek the House Manager for assistance upon arrival.

For group sales information, contact the Fine Arts Ticket Office Manager at 850644-6500.

Everyone must have a ticket for the event including infants and children in laps.

If your child is causing a disturbance, please exit to the lobby. It is not advised that children under our recommended ages listed per show attend School of Theatre productions.

Late arrivals will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager.

Restrooms are conveniently located in the lobby area.

Hours of operation for the Fine Arts Ticket Office are Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Ticket Office will open 60 minutes prior to each performance.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to performance time to guarantee seating.

Patrons arriving 15-20 minutes after the start of the performance will not be seated until intermission.