Playground Playbill

2020 - 2021 SEASON

STUDENT CHALLENGE PIECE

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.

The School of Theatre at Florida State Presents

Director

Jordan Richards

Director

Elaine Hendriks Smith

Stage Manager

Lizzy Lewis

A Virtual Performance from The Grounds of Goodwood Museum

Land Acknowledgement “We acknowledge that this land is the ancestral and traditional territory of the Apalachee Nation, the Muscogee Creek Nation, the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to their descendants and to all Indigenous people.

We recognize this land remains scarred by the histories and ongoing legacies of settler colonial violence, dispossession, and removal. In spite of all this, and with tremendous resilience, these Indigenous Nations have remained deeply connected to this territory, to their families, to their communities, and to their cultural ways of life. We recognize the ongoing relationships of care that these Indigenous Nations maintain with this land and extend our gratitude as we live and work as humble and respectful guests upon their territory. We encourage all to learn about and educate others on the contemporary work of the Indigenous Nations whose land we are on and to endeavor to support Indigenous sovereignty in all the ways that we can.”

Land acknowledgement was taken from FSU’s Student Government & Art History websites.

Directors Note Last semester, the School of Theatre issued a challenge to the students. They asked us to think about how theatre continues during a pandemic and explore the possibilities for performance in ways that do not include people gathering inside a theatre for a scripted play. How do we come together as artists to create and perform while keeping everyone safe? Well, we both felt that an outdoor performance comprised of short pieces spread around a large space would be the best structure. That is how we began devising The Playground: A Choose Your Own Adventure Experience.

After a tough year that brought us isolation, division, and far too much violence, we wanted to create something to bring us all together again, even if we aren’t all in person together quite yet. We have been determined to create a safe, engaging, comfortable space for our fellow students to shine. The challenges they have experienced during this pandemic include more than shifting their life and schooling to an online format.

They have also been learning how to be performance artists in a virtual world. What is so extraordinary is that they are learning it along with the entirety of the professional and academic performing arts world in real-time. Though it has been a challenge, this did not stifle their creativity; instead, the student body’s endless creativity is on full display in The Playground. We are impressed by their scrappy artistry and hope you will enjoy them as much as we do.

The experience does not have a single narrative. Instead, we have created performance stations where you will encounter poetry, original short plays, historical monologues, dance, Lyra, music, puppetry, and more. Each piece is the performers’ interpretation of the idea of “reanimation.”

Our wish for you, the audience, is an afternoon where you can tune into Instagram to connect with each other, encounter live performance, and feel the sense of belonging that comes from experiencing performance together. We invite you to be a part of our artistic family for an afternoon with the hope that you feel reanimated by the performances of the Florida State University students.

See you on The Playground, Jordan Richards & Elaine Hendriks Smith

Performance Breakdown Finding Love Ashley Rose Cendere The extraordinary ability to find love in nature, one’s surroundings, and oneself is reimagined through dance in this one-woman exploration not just of love, but of the journey to be able to accept love.

Frobble Condemned Aidan Mitchell This one-man, one-puppet play is the story of an immortal puppet who struggles with his power to create and destroy as he deals with his own personal chaos. Hilarious and fuzzy, Frobble’s story is truly divine.

Carbon Copy Francesca Alfano, Allison Crawford, Brianne Jackson Join our Sculptor as she finds out what it means to yield her love for her work to the collective consciences of those who visit her completed Sculpture. The journey from creation to letting go is filled with both Hope and Despair.

Liberation Jenny Hesoun (u/s), Clayton Lawrence, Sawyer Perry A quasi-improvisational musical/performance duet. Two saxophonists struggling to find the inspiration, time, or resources to pursue their passions while tied to the obligations of their pointless desks jobs. Only through cooperation, and using their art to uplift each other, the two artists are able to break off their corporate chains and dedicate themselves to living in the moment and enjoying the truly beautiful gifts of life.

Renouvelé Callee Egan, Cameron Kay Sophie Lehman, Madeline McClure, Abby Nelson Choreographed around the idea of revitalization, this contemporary dance piece explores the idea of creation, rebirth and growth as the dancers experience their artistic awakenings.

Change On, Changer Melody Geiger, Kimberly Gibson, Jessica Gray, Maya Herbert Sarah Johnson Using Andy Shauf’s album The Neon Skyline, a group of tap dancers will take audiences on a journey through friendship and camaraderie, then moving on and letting go.

Big Mama G Justin Banton, Mohera Beason, Elena Brace, Deonte Clarke, Elizabeth Lee Big Mama G personifies the Earth as a bakery lady named G. Through singing, dancing, instruments, and rhythmic literature, journey through the story of her existence, the crisis she is now, and what we can do to help her heal.

Sky So Blue Jessica Pollack Get ready to embrace the theme of “reanimation” with this clarinet piece about the freedom a child feels, without demands, fears, and responsibilities-simply being free to be oneself.

Johnny Reanimates Punk Billy Lister, Jerry Sola Johnny tries to convince everyone around him, including his step-siblings that punk music and it’s culture are alive and well. Can Johnny entice his siblings to learn more about the punk movement? Will his siblings come to understand the heartbreak behind the music?

No Bears Allowed Improv Comedy Marisa Luciano, No Bears Allowed appx. 8-12 members Bring your suggestions to find out what the Bears have in store for you! This will be performed by FSU’s improvisational troupe, No Bears Allowed.

Performance Breakdown Come to Life Peyton Halliday A curious doll is granted life and discovers the Lyra as a means of expressing her confidence with the gift she has received, being alive.

Zen Garden Brianna Eljaua The cast and crew of The Playground are invited to join Bri in the Garden for a pre-show meditation in one of the most beautiful locations on Goodwood Grounds.

The Legend of Pizza Boy and the Grassy Garden David Benne Whatever you do, keep the Pizza boy guessing.

Fairytales and Other Lies Hannah Howe, Dylan Redshaw A performance of original poetry with a new whimsical take on the reanimation of the stories of old.

Patrons make it possible Patrons Association members provide vital support for School of Theatre students and programs. To see your name above and join our community of donors, call or email the Community Engagement Office!

Catherine Mungai, Patrons association coordinator 850.644.1377 |cnm20s@my.fsu.edu

Cast Headshots

Francesca Alfano

Justin Banton

Mohera Beason

David Benne

Elena Brace

Ashley Rose Cendere

Deonte Clarke

Allison Crawford

Callee Egan

Brianna Eljaua

Melody Geiger

Kimberly Gibson

Jessica Gray

Peyton Halliday

Maya Herbert

Jenny Hesoun

No Bears Allowed

Cast Headshots

Hannah Howe

Brianne Jackson

Sarah Johnson

Cameron Kay

Clayton Lawrence

Elizabeth Lee

Sophie Lehman

Billy Lister

Madeline McClure

Aidan Mitchell

Abby Nelson

Sawyer Perry

Jessica Pollack

Dylan Redshaw

Jerry Sola

Production Staff Directors..................................................................... Elaine Hendriks Smith & Jordan Richards Stage Manager............................................................................................................ Lizzy Lewis Assistant Stage Managers......................................................................................... Holly Carroll Directing Advisor................................................................................................... Aaron Thomas Stage Management Mentor..................................................................................Casey Hagwood Properties Master........................................................................................................ Kevin Grab Properties Artisans..................................................Nathaniel Feit, Ethan Follett, Hanna Smaglis Director of Production Services..........................................................................Joshua Wickham Production Manager...........................................................................................Joshua Wickham Associate Production Manager............................................................................... Carson Bishop Assistant Production Managers............................................... Jackson Golden, Braeden Ingersoll Covid Compliance Officer....................................................................................... Emily Mason Safety Coordinator....................................................................................................... Alex Farley Run Crew................................ Julie Adams, Jacqueline Buehner, Sarah Flores, Lucille Lawrence, Christine Moeggenberg, Sofia del Cueto Perez, Madison Rist, Hanna Smaglis, Sam Smith, Caden Wessner Director of the Fine Arts Ticket Office..................................................................Sarah Goodson Associate Director of Patron Services.....................................................Jessica Dudley-Rodriguez Patron Services Manager.........................................................................................Sam Stenecker Ticket Office Operations Coordinator..........................................................................John Stark Assistant Patron Services Managers..................................... Njeri Mungai, Jack Rizzo, John Stark Fine Arts Ticket Office Staff.................................... Brigitte Anderson, Alice Bishop, Leah Davis, Lizt Garcia, Kimberly Gibson, Cole Jones Associate Directors of Marketing...................................Moletedi One Ntseme, Jennifer Reichert Marketing Communications Manager....................................................................Sam Stenecker Marketing Assistant...................................................................................................... Jack Rizzo Media Specialist....................................................................................................Megan Mowery Associate Director of Community Engagement.....................................................Amanda Fraser Community Engagement Manager.................................................................... Emma Calabrese Patrons Association Coordinator.............................................................................Njeri Mungai

EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Priority Tickets for all virtual shows

$150-$249

FRIEND

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$250-$499

$500-$999

BY LEVEL

$1,000 +

BENEFITS

ANGEL

MEMBERSHIP

DIRECTOR

Not only do Patrons provide over $40,000 in support for School of Theatre students, they also get more out of their theatre experience. . .

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Invitations to Patrons Exclusive Virtual Events and Content

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Complimentary “Bring a Friend” Tickets

Free Tickets To any show with fee

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Special Video From a Patrons Scholar

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Special Gifts and Suprises throughout the Season!

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Virtual Toasts and Celebrations Free Ticket Exchanges and Waived Ticket Name Recognition in All Playbills Access to the Patrons Concierge Line Exclusive Patrons Press E-Newsletter Season Sneak Preview

(pending availability)

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!

Catherine Njeri Mungai: cnm20s@my.fsu.edu |

Patrons Association Members BOARD MEMBERS

DIRECTORS

Ellen Berler, President Robert Clickner, Vice President Sunny Phillips, Secretary Laura Rogers, Treasurer Linda Clickner Rob Contreras Howard Eisenman Barbara Elam Kathie Emrich Howard Kessler Annelise Leysieffer Lynn McWilliams KC McWilliams Jay Newman Carol Weissert Dennis Williams

J. Kent & Flora Caruthers Mark Chin-Lenn, MD & Kevin Pfeiffer Jo Ann Fain Margie L. Fletcher Law offices for Friedman, Abrahamsen & Cruz Robert & Janice Inzer Howard Kessler & Anne Van Meter Bill & Susan Leseman Jennifer Fitzwater & Geof Mansfield Marykay Mentzer Steve Ray Laura & Sam Rogers Emily Ruddell

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 Rob Contreras & Ellen Berler Sandy Brown, Magnolia Properties and Investments Inc. Robert & Linda Clickner Jim & Sandy Dafoe Howard & Susan Eisenman Barbara & John Elam Annelise Leysieffer Lynn & Todd McWilliams KC & Bob McWilliams Russ & Genie Morcom Jay & Dr. Sue Newman Jim & Betty Ann Rodgers Brence Sell Mr. & Mr. Michael Stephens Carol & Bill Weissert Dennis & Barbara Williams

BENEFACTORS Susan Barnes & Kenneth Kranz Christine & Charles Barrilleaux Steven & Ellen Bellenot The Brannigan Family Mr. & Mrs. Brian & Leah Bristow Paul Downing* & Marie Cantwell Tony & Sherry Carvalho Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ciaccio Will Cowen Mrs. Sara DuChene Barbara & Bryon Ehlmann Kathie A. Emrich Dr. Susan Fiorito & Jack Fiorito Larry Gerber Mrs. Jennifer Guy Jerry & Bobbi Hill Linda & Rick Hyson Debby Kearney Michele Kiker John & Linda Kilgore Charles & Dian LaTour Fred & Jill Leach Mike & Joanne Mallardi Ralph & Sue Mancuso Patricia Yancey Martin Laurie & Bill McCort Kathy McGuire Meredith & Elsa McKinney Ms. Fran McLean Dr. Marion & Martin Merzer Karen Oehme & Nat Stern

Joel Padgett Sunny Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Larry & Joanne Pintacuda Lili Quintiliani & Blan Teagle Arlene Sandberg Kip & Bev Wells FRIENDS Dr. Fran & Bill Berry Donna E. Blanton Randal & Laurie Brown Susan & Mark Canning Marshall & Susan Cassedy Christina Coble Terry & Linda Cole Juan & Jessica Comas Lance & Amanda Davis Chris & Bernie Grossman Robin Hassler Thompson William & Maura Heebink Ross & Susie Henderson Tanya Hollady Roxanne Hughes, Ph.D. The Knowlton Family Ms. Ken Wilkinson Cindy & Walt Loomis Anonymous Dr. & Mrs. Cecil B. Nichols Anonymous Jana & Jim Northcutt David & Lin Ornstein Henry Pollock Gloria Priest Dr. Nikki Pritchett Martin & Rae Roeder Patricia & Bob Romig Diann Schultz Kiki & David Slaton Carey Smith Judy Taps & Bob Beiseigel Dana & Barbara Wilson Martin & Amanda Wood Latika L. Young

Patrons Association Members listed as of February 16, 2021 All (*) following a donor’s name indicates the person has passed away.