15 Reasons Not To Be In A Play

St. Luke’s School Department of Theatre Arts PRESENTS

15 REASONS NOT TO BE IN A PLAY A ONE ACT PLAY by

Alan Haehnel with Jack Aronian Laurel Aronian Lexi Brady

Joe Derr Reese Kubick Sally Picon

Alex Shaplin Caroline Sproule Sawyer Woodruff

Background Design Ginny Caseres

Illustrations by Isabella Marcellini

Prop & Costume Design Jack Silverman

Technical Assistant Dylan West

Faculty Advisors Joshua Schneider Ty Wieland

Sound Design Chris Briggs

Technical Director John Rourke Conners

Stage Manager Liv Woodruff Directed by Leo Mahler and Laura Mercedes

Special Thanks Amber Berry, Mark Chuhta, Bryan DeVissiere, Dale Griffa, SLS IT Department, Beth Manspeizer, Kirche Zeile, Wolf Conners Š2020. This video recording was produced by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing/Playscripts. All rights reserved. This performance is authorized for non-commercial use only. By Accepting this video recording, you agree not to authorize or permit the video recording to be copied, distributed, broadcast, telecast, or otherwise exploited, in whole or in part, in any media now known for hereafter developed.

CAST (In order of Appearance) Jake, Baby, Mindy, Company………...…………………………………....……...Sawer Woodruff ‘24 Misty, Weatherperson, Becca, Company....…………………..……...….………..…...Sally Picon ‘24 Miss Griswald, TV Reporter, Mom 2, Gina, Company…………..…………………………………………..……..Laurel Aronian ‘25 Sharon, Cecily, Nora, Company………….………………..………………………...Reese Kubick ‘25 Alan, Travis, Chris, Company...………………………….………….……………………..Joe Derr ‘24 Emily, Bill, Butch, Company………………………………..……………...…………..Alex Shaplin ‘27 Pete, Megan, Boy, Zach, Company…..………..………………………………….Caroline Sprole ‘27 Stewart, Rob, Reed, Mavis, Company...…………..……………...………………….Jack Aronian ‘27 Jane, Mandy, Norm, Company………..………………………………………………....Lexi Brady ‘25

CREW Director………………………………....………..………....…………………...……..……...Leo Mahler Director....………………………………………..……………….....…………..…..Laura Mercedes ‘20 Stage Manager…………..…………..................…………………………...…….…...Liv Woodruff ‘23 Costume and Prop Designer…………..………….............………....……….…...Jack Silverman ‘23 Sound Designer...………………...…………….........…………….…………….……..Chris Briggs ‘24 Illustrations by...…………………………...………….………………..…………Isabella Marcellini ‘26 Technical Director……………..……………………...…………..………….…..John Rourke Conners Technical Assistant…..…....………………………….…………..……..……………….Dylan West ‘24 Background Designer……………..………………....…………………...…………Ginny Caceres ‘24 Faculty Advisor……………...………………………..……………………………….Joshua Schneider Faculty Advisor……………………………....………………….…………………………….Ty Wieland

DIRECTORS’ NOTES Attention seeking teachers, kissing scenes, and piranhas? 15 Reasons Not to Be in a Play presents the audience with a plethora of reasons why, you guessed it, they should never be in a play. What I enjoyed most about this script was how atypical it is. A mix of monologues, duets and ensemble scenes ironically express various “reasons” for avoiding the stage. Perhaps it seems an odd choice for actors who clearly relish their craft, but this dissonance lends an awkward absurdity to each line and paves the way for hilarious comedy of all forms. One of the advantages of working with a script like 15 Reasons is that it is very flexible. The result is that we have the same actors playing an impressive range of characters, from annoyed mothers to frightened television reporters. This flexibility allows everyone to experiment with different forms of comedy and explore a variety of emotion.

Along with tackling typical challenges, such as dialogue, timing, and playing multiple characters, actors have had to grapple with rehearsals over Zoom. Staging a play online was a unique hurdle, one that the entire cast and crew pulled together to face. From finding props at home to figuring out how and when to stop and start our cameras, the entire process has shown everyone how to be resourceful and think creatively to solve various issues. Though we may not be in the same room, this experience has allowed us all to connect, making something meaningful and fun. Whatever the circumstances, the show must go on.

Laura Mercedes & Leo Mahler Directors

WHO’S WHO Jack Aronian ‘27

as Stewart, Rob, Reed, Mavis, Company

This is Jack’s second show at SLS, after appearing in this winter’s production of Curtains (Company).

Outside of school he has performed in The Lion King (Young Simba) and Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble), as well as several skits and other plays. During his free time, Jack plays chess and reads.

He is happy to know that all of you are out there watching, and he is very thrilled to be doing this show.

He hopes you enjoy it!

Laurel Aronian ‘25

as Miss Griswold, TV Reporter, Mom, Gina, Company

This is Laurel’s fourth SLS show. She was previously seen in School of Rock (Ensemble), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia), and Curtains (Carmen). Outside of SLS, she has performed in Beauty and the Beast (Ms Potts), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Peter Pan (Ms Darling), and others. In her free time you can find her writing, listening to music, playing chess, baking, and singing. She hopes you’re awed by the show!

Lexi Brady ‘25

as Jane, Mandy, Norm, Company

This is Lexi’s fifth show at SLS. She has previously been in Curtains (Company), School of Rock (Ensemble), Wizard of Oz (Ensemble), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck). Outside of SLS, she has been in Twelfth Night (Sir Toby, Antonio, Priest, Curio, and others). When not acting, she enjoys reading, writing, horseback riding, soccer, and playing with her dog. She is so excited to be in 15 Reasons Not To Be in a Play, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Joe Derr ‘24

as Alan, Travis, Chris, Company

Joe cannot wait to share 15 Reasons Not To Be in a Play with all of you! This is his sixth show at SLS. Last year he was in School of Rock (Lawrence) and this year he was in Curtains (Harv). All told, Joe has appeared in nineteen shows and is currently working on number 20. Some of his other favorite productions include Annie (Oliver Warbucks), Sleeping Beauty (Felix the Fox) and a Crystal Theater original called Ellis Island (Commissioner Watchorn). He loves to swim and play video games with his friends. He hopes you enjoy the show and hopes that the reasons in this wacky production keep you out of show business.

Reese Kubik ‘25

as Sharon, Cecely, Nora, Company

Reese is in seventh grade and this is her sixth performance on the St. Luke’s stage. She was previously seen in Wizard of Oz (Winkie Leader), School of Rock (Glam Rocker), I Never Saw Another Butterfly (Honza Kosek), Curtains (Company), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Peter Quince). At last year’s Thespie Awards Reese won “Ensemble Stand Out” for her performance in School Of Rock. When Reese isn’t on stage she loves to sing, dance, and play field hockey and basketball. She has had an amazing time working with a great cast and crew and hopes you enjoy this amazing show!

Sally Picon ‘24

as Misty, Weatherperson, Becca, Company

Sally is in eighth grade and is overjoyed to be in her 10th show at SLS! On the SLS stage she has been in I Never Saw Another Butterfly (Teenage Raja Englandarova) for which she won “Best Performance in a MS Play.” She has also been in Homework Eats Dog (Diane), School of Rock (Glam Rocker), and most recently Curtains (Jessica Cranshaw, Company Captain). When she is not on the stage, you can find her singing, debating, or hanging out with friends. She hopes you love the show!

Alex Shaplin ‘27

as Emily, Bill, Butch, Company

This is Alex’s second show at SLS, after doing She Kills Monsters (Orcus, Ronnie) in the fall. She has done many other plays before SLS. She was in a production of Alice in Wonderland (Cheshire Cat) and The Pied Piper (Rat) at her old school. She has also done productions at the Theatre Barn near where she lives. In a show made up of different scenes from various plays combined into one, Alex did scenes from Annie (Piper), Oliver Twist (Pickpocket), Charlie Brown (Lucy), and many more. Alex loves to act!

When she is not acting you will find her playing with her pets, playing outside, and spending time with family! She hopes you enjoy this production/film.

Caroline Sproule ‘27

as Pete, Megan, Boy, Zach, Company

This Is Caroline’s 3rd show at SLS, after appearing in She Kills Monsters (Vera, Beholder, Farah, Evil Tina) and Curtains (Ensemble). She has also been in productions at the Ridgefield Theater Barn, including Xanadu, Jr (Muse), RTBK Sports Network (Cheerleader, Snoopy), Once on this Island (Chorus), Broadway Scores (Chorus), Annie (Police Officer), The Sound of Music (Chorus), and School of Rock (Billy). When not on stage, you can find Caroline playing with her three dogs, attempting to train her bearded dragon, or in the kitchen cooking up a delicious meal.

Sawyer Woodruff ‘24

as Jake, Baby, Mindy, Company

This is Sawyer’s third show at SLS. She is a seventh grader and performed in this year's fall show, She Kills Monsters (Lillith), and also worked on Tech for the winter musical, Curtains. Outside of school, Sawyer is enrolled in other theater programs, and has appeared in shows like A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snout) and Twelfth Night (Sebastian). At home Sawyer enjoys ballet, reading, and baking. She hopes you enjoy 15 Reasons Not To Be in a Play!

CREW WHO’S WHO Chris Briggs ‘24

Sound Designer

This is Chris’ fourth show, and he is really excited for this performance and says it will be super fun to learn how to do this online. He previously worked on School of Rock (Sound Board Operator), She Kills Monsters (Props, Great Mage Steve), and Curtains (Sound Effects Operator). In his free time he likes to eat, sleep, breathe and other necessary human things. He also likes to play with his dog, Finn, build model airplanes, hike, play video games, play lacrosse, carve, and build stuff. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Ginny Caseres ‘24

Background Designer

This is Ginny’s third show at St. Luke’s. Previously, she was in She Kills Monsters (Tilly) and Curtains (Jenny). At her previous school, she performed in Guys and Dolls (Nicely-Nicely Johnson), Into the Woods (Little Red Riding Hood), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Gloria), and she is elated to be a part of 15 Reasons not to be in a Play. Offstage, you can find her reading, studying, or listening to music.

John Rourke Conners

Technical Director

This is Mr. Conners’ 35th show at St. Luke’s. He is a veteran of the entertainment industry, having worked in theatre, television, and film as a set designer, art director, scenic artist, lighting designer, carpenter, electrician, set decorator, and props designer. Credits include: Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Dr. Oz Show, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Circle in the Square), America’s Next Top Model, and Superbowl XLVII. Mr. Conners has also worked for Manhattan Theatre Club, CBS, Food Network, MTV2, Solomon Group, LaMama, The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, as well as many other production houses and scene shops. He is very excited about this production and is very proud to be working with the next generation of production professionals.

Leo Mahler

Director

Better known as Magistra, Leo teaches Latin and Ancient Greek in the spare moments between rehearsals. Currently a year nine super-senior at SLS, their 23 previous productions on the Hilltop have included titles such as This is a Test, Comedy of Errors, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Although they discovered a passion for directing here, Magistra’s time in theatre began in front of the curtain, where they appeared in quite a few musical theatre and operatic productions. They strongly advise that you avoid being in a play at all costs due to the highly addictive nature of the spotlight.

Isabella Marcellini ‘26

Illustrations

This is Isabella’s first show at SLS, and she is excited to be part of the crew. Previous credits include Peter Pan (Mermaid). When away from the theater, Isabella enjoys baking, cooking, clarinet, violin and playing board and card games.

Laura Mercedes ‘20

Director

Laura is thrilled to be working with SLS Theater for the first time since middle school! At St. Luke’s, she has previously been seen in the ensemble of Fame, Hairspray, and Beauty and the Beast. She really loved getting to know the cast and crew, and hopes that you all enjoy the show.

Joshua Schneider

Faculty Advisor

Joshua is an upper school physics teacher. He has worked with the SLS Theater Department on The 39 Steps, School of Rock, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, She Kills Monsters, and Curtains. Prior productions have included Grease, Lend Me a Tenor, A Typical Atypical Day, Damn Yankees, All in the Timing, You Can’t Take it With You, Anne of Green Gables, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific, Harvey, Thoroughly Modern Millie, My Favorite Year, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Macbeth, The Crucible, Oh What a Lovely War, and Sweet Charity. He is thrilled to be a part of such an amazing team here at SLS!

Jack Silverman ‘23

Costume & Prop Designer

Jack is excited to be the costume and prop designer for 15 Reasons not to be in a Play. This is his ninth production on the SLS stage. He has joined SLS for August Osage County, Admissions, Curtains, The Wizard of Oz, Homework Eats Dog, School of Rock, and I Never Saw Another Butterfly. He enjoys traveling and spending time with family. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Dylan West ‘24

Technical Assistant

This is Dylan’s fourth show with the SLS Tech crew. He has worked on School of Rock (Light Board Operator), I Never Saw Another Butterfly (Light Board Operator), and Curtains (Lighting Designer). When not in Tech, Dylan likes to spend time with his family. Dylan hopes you have a great time and enjoy the show.

Ty Wieland

Faculty Advisor

Ty is enjoying his eighth year teaching at SLS and first year as the sixth grade English teacher. This is also his eighth year assisting with theater productions at SLS. He is thrilled to be lending his technical skills to the great line-up of shows this year and to be working with the awesome design and building crew. Ty began performing in theatre in fifth grade and has been theatrically involved in some aspect ever since. His early experience inspired him to continue to perform throughout middle and high school and even pursue performing arts in college, until he heard other opportunities calling him a bit more earnestly.

Theatre has always remained a passion, and he’s grateful for the opportunity to be creative and build cool stuff.

Liv Woodruff

Stage Manager

This is Liv’s sixth show at SLS. Before this show, she first worked on The Wizard of Oz, as a stagehand.

Last year, she was a mic wrangler for School of Rock and then a stage manager for My Big Fat Greek Tragedy. More recently, she was the stage manager for She Kills Monsters and Pippin. She also worked on the crew of the production of Admissions in the Greenwich teen center. Outside of school, play tennis, and hang out with family and friends.