Issuu

DIRECTORS Michelle Prince, Luke Foti, Jordan Palmer, Noah Omelchuk, Luke Morton, Zoe Seare, Olivia Hellin, Caro Ciet & CoCo Berwald

COMPANY Kathleen Williams, Michaela Blades, Ella Mei Williamson, Joel Thompson, Charlie Miller, Griz Siebeneck, Alison Hagen, Noelle White, Zachary Harvey, Tyler Kline, Emily Tatum, Jake Englestad, Jack Anderson, Talia Thorpe, Hailey Peterson, Tim Feroah, Aly Carter, Kirsten Henriquez, Olivia Hellin, Guy Yarkoni, Hans Fenton, and Camden Barrett

Content Advisory Language Violence Profanity Loud noises/Yelling Religious themes Alcohol consumption Portrayal of blood Animal cruelty Mentions of death Themes of Abandonment Sexual Innuendo

We acknowledge that this land, which is named for the Ute Tribe, is the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes. The University of Utah recognizes and respects the enduring relationship that exists between many Indigenous Peoples and their traditional homelands. We respect the sovereign relationship between tribes, states, and the federal government, and we affirm the University of Utah’s commitment to a partnership with Native Nations and Urban Indian communities through research, education, and community outreach activities. University of Utah Communications Resources: American Indian Resource Center, Utah Division of Indian Affairs

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing by Finegan Kruckemeyer | Director Michelle Prince The Flick by Annie Baker | Director Luke Foti The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh | Director Jordan Palmer The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, adapted for the stage by Joel Horwood | Director Noah Omelchuk True West by Sam Shepard | Director Luke Morton I Wanna Fucking Tear You Apart by Morgan Gould | Director Zoe Seare The Pride by Alexi Kaye Campbell | Director Olivia Hellin Dracula adapted from Nicholas T. Hutchinson | Director Caro Ciet Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice | Director CoCo Berwald

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing Written By: Finegan Kruckemeyer Directed By: Michelle Prince

As the director of this magical scene from This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing by Finegan Kruckemeyer, I am so excited to share with you this journey we have taken in bringing this whimsical tale to life. From the moment I first read this script, I was intrigued by the core question: What defines our identity, and how do our choices shape the people we become? I believe this is a question we have all asked ourselves at one point or another. We are curious how our lives could have been different if we had chosen another path. This question has set the stage for a creative exploration that has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. I would like to thank the incredible actors in my scene, Joel, Kathleen, Michaela, and Ella, for coming on this journey with me. Their patience and collaboration is what has helped bring this piece to life. I would also like to thank Andra Harbold for helping me become more confident in my abilities as a new director. I hope the magic of the stage transports you to a realm where stories and choices intertwine, leaving you exploring your own unique decisions, and appreciating your own life's adventures. Enjoy the show!

Company

Kathleen (Albienne) is a sophomore in the ATP originally from Texas. She was most recently in Seussical with Youth Theatre at the U, and will be an understudy in Dancing at Lughnasa in the spring.

Michaela (Beatrix) is a current sophomore in the ATP. She was most recently seen in the Department of Theatre's production of The Tempest and is looking forward to understudying in Dancing at Lughnasa in the Spring.

Ella Mei Williamson (Carmen) is a sophomore in the MTP from Seattle, Washington. Some of her favorite past productions include R&H Cinderella, Grease, and Pride & Prejudice. Current projects include YTU's BOTS (Assistant Director) and YTU's Spongebob Squarepants the Musical (Assistant Choreographer), which will begin next semester. She hopes you have a good evening!

Joel (Narrator/Father) is pleased to be acting once more since high school. He is currently a Junior at the University of Utah pursuing a BFA with a concentration in Stage Management. His most recent theatre involvements with the University include his role as Stage Manager for A Christmas Carol (2023) and as the 1st ASM for The Lightning Thief (2023).

The Flick

The Flick Written By Annie Baker Directed by Luke Foti

Have you ever watched a glorified cash grab of a movie or read a screenplay that your high school friend wrote and thought “who fucking talks like this?” You will never think that when reading or witnessing the worlds created by Annie Baker. Especially The Flick. “So what do you want?” -Rose. Annie Baker has a mystical way of creating imperfect relatable characters that makes acting seem trivial. We’ve all had a dead-end job at some point in our lives with people that we can only know as “work friends” regardless of how much time is spent with them outside of work. The Flick is a perfect Pulitzer winning story that invites us in to witness the lives of three struggling people working at the one of the last standing film projector movie theaters in Massachusetts. It’s funny, genuine, relatable, and theatrical. All while never taking itself too seriously. Life imitates art and Annie Baker portrays life through her art. So please sit back and allow yourself to enjoy a slice of life.

Olivia Hellin (Rose) is a junior in the Musical Theater Program. Recent credits include The Prom at Pioneer Theatre and Bright Star at Hale Center Orem. She would like to thank Luke for the opportunity to perform and Andra for teaching this incredible class! Let’s go directors!

Hans is very excited to be a participant of this Student Directing Final. Hans has done various student films and student director projects, and productions at the University of Utah. Hans is currently a double major in the Actor Training Program and QAMO. He wants to give a special thanks to his parents, friends, and family for supporting him throughout this project, as well as his fellow cast and student director for creating a strong and playful environment to create inspiring work.

Guy Yarkoni is back for another round of directing scenes! Previously involved in: Seussical as Mr. Mayor, In Pieces as Ensemble, and On a Clear Day as Warren. He is ecstatic about the energetic playground of directing scenes and can't wait to share the work everyone put in together!

Griz Siebeneck (Padraic) is in their fourth year of the Actor Training Program at the U. Griz’s university credits include TownHall (E), Somewhere: A Primer for the End of Days (Diana), and Liminal (Shadow/Martha).

Charlie Miller (James) is a Sophomore in the Actor Training Program. This show is going to be his first performance at the University of Utah and he is ecstatic to get to perform for the first time. He is so grateful to be able to work with his fellow ATP cohorts both as directors and fellow actors. He hopes you enjoy the show!

The Lieutenant of Inishmore Written by Martin McDonagh Directed by Jordan Palmer

What happens when we're driven by unbridled passion? How far should we go when trying to do the "right" thing? Padraic lives in a world that is black and white. The good guys are good and the bad guys deserve to be painfully tortured in an abandoned warehouse. That’s just the way it is. Padraic may seem blatantly hypocritical to us, but we justify our bad behavior in the name of what is "good" all the time. Sometimes what is "good" isn't always as straightforward as it might seem. It might take less than you think to convince you that what’s right is wrong and what's wrong is right. Especially if cats are involved. It's been fun to explore perspective in the boundaryless world of The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

The Ocean at the End of the Lane Written by Joel Horwood Directed by Noah Omelchuk

Stories that draw me in are ones that use visual splendor along with messages that will stick with you through the ages. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Joel Horwood, adapted from Neil Gaiman’s book of the same name, intrigued me from the instant I heard about it. This story is a visual spectacle demonstrating creativity through the lens of childlike wonder. There are themes of memory, magic, loss, and love at every stage and in all of its most visceral forms that anyone of any age can empathize with and learn from. The scene you’re about to see is of a 12 year old boy being tasked with finding a safe location as he is running from these flying monsters who cannot wait to rip him to shreds. With the help of his best friend, Lettie, he is able to find a circle of mushrooms in the dark forest next to his home. Once in the circle, the boy must be cunning and courageous as these monsters have the ability to shapeshift into the people that the Boy loves most. Who is he supposed to trust?

Alison Hagen (Lettie) - cannot believe Zachary Harvey (Boy) - is a Junior she is nearing the end of her BFA in musical theatre and minor in English! She is a California native who grew up performing all over the Bay Area. Alison just finished her run as Silena/Janis Joplin in The Lightning Thief, her last show at the U. Her other Utah credits include Oliver! (Woman #2/Rose Seller) at Hale Center Theatre Orem, Cabaret (Swing/Dance Captain/Schneider understudy) and The Old Man and The Old Moon (Solomon/Ghost Singer/Accordionist) in the Babcock, and Matilda Jr. (Dance Ensemble) in Kingsbury Hall. In the spring, you can find Alison in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at Pioneer Theatre Company!

in the Actor Training Program. He has been passionate about acting since he was a seventh grader at Union Middle School. He continued acting all through high school. He was fortunate to have gone to Hillcrest High School, which has one of the best theatre departments in the state. He is now at the University of Utah in the Actor Training Program, and is excited to continue his education and for what the future has in store.

Noelle White (Sis) - is in her senior year of Jake Englestad (Dad) - is a Junior the musical theatre program at the University of Utah and is stunned that her time at the U is almost up! In the spring she will perform in the University's production of Into the Woods as Lucinda/Cinderella u.s. and was most recently seen as Gertrude in the YTU/University of Utah's Seussical the Musical! Originally from Puyallup, Washington, Noelle grew up performing both theatre and piano in her free time. Some of her most memorable roles have been Marvalyn (Almost, Maine) and Emily/Sue u.s (The Emily Dickinson Musical). She is so thankful to her family and friends for always supporting her and loving her throughout her college experience.

in the MTP He most recently played the Swing in The Lightning Thief. He also was a proud member of “Light Crew” for the Senior Showcase. He would like to thank Noah, Alison, Noelle and Harvey for creating such a wonderful environment for making art.

Actors

True West

[insert director’s note]

True West

I Wanna Fucking Tear You Apart by Morgan Gould Playlist

I Wanna Fucking Tear You Apart Written by Morgan Gould Directed by Zoe Seare How do we as humans live and how do our actions impact those around us? I have always been fascinated by plays that portray normal people living normal lives. I think that being able to represent the human psyche in front of an audience can be more impactful in its message than something extravagant and fanciful. It forces an audience to see themselves onstage, and reflect the play's message into their own lives. This play, I Wanna Fucking Tear You Apart, by Morgan Gould does just that: puts normal people on stage and asks the audience to see themselves in the action. This play centers around two best friends, Leo and Sam— unlikely friends against the world— until a new friend upends their cozy co-dependent diet of mutual self-loathing and Grey’s Anatomy marathons. It’s an ode to the complications of friendship in its many fucked-up forms, with a special nod to a kind of love that sometimes looks a lot like rage. It forces the audience to look into their own lives and ask, “What parts of love look like rage in my life?” I would like to thank my INCREDIBLE actors for coming to rehearsal every day ready to explore and play with me in the space. I could not have created this piece without them. I would also like to thank Andra, our incredible instructor, for understanding my crazy visions and allowing me this opportunity to play. Enjoy the show!

TALIA THORPE (she/her) (Sam) is a

HAILEY PETERSEN (she/they) (Chloe) is a

sophomore in the Musical Theatre Training

sophomore in the MTP. Recent roles include

Program at the University of Utah. Talia is

Matilda in Matilda and Maria Romanov/Stage

from Denver, Colorado where she attended

Manager in Anastasia (Wasatch High

Denver School of the Arts for seven years,

School). In 2022, she was awarded the

performing in A Chorus Line as Val, 9 to 5 as

Theatre Arts Sterling Scholar Scholarship.

Judy Bernly, and Shrek the Musical in the

She would like to thank her friends and family

Ensemble. She is stoked to be in her second

for their continued support in her artistic

directing final!!

endeavors.

JACK ANDERSON (he/him) (Leo) is a sophomore in the MTP from Santa Clarita, California. Recent roles include a Swing in Cabaret (Babcock), a Swing for In Pieces: A New Musical (Babcock), and Michael Hobbs in Elf: The Musical (Canyon Theatre Guild). Before attending the University of Utah, he has also performed in many other local theatre productions at ESCAPE Theatre in Santa Clarita, some of which include Shrek: The Musical and Li’l Abner. He would like to thank his family and friends for encouraging him to keep up his dedication to his work and for all of their love and support over the years.

The Pride

Director’s Note “What is the point of this stupid, painful life if not to be honest? If not to stand up for what is in the core of one’s being?” The Pride is set in 1950s England, a time when queer people were still thrown in prison for being honest about themselves. Today, although there is much more legal freedom in who we marry, this external homophobia has been reformed into an internalized shame for many in the queer community. Whether it stems from religion, family, or other societal factors, the shame that Philip and Oliver feel in 1958 is far too similar to queer experiences of today. I chose this scene for that reason. These two characters are so in love, but internal conflict stops them from acting on it. The Pride is a story of self-acceptance, forgiving others, and forgiving yourself. My hope is that the audience finds themselves in the love and agony of Philip and Oliver. Love is beautiful, hopeful, desperate, and painful, no matter if it is queer or straight, 1958 or 2023. It gives us our highest highs and our lowest lows. As Oliver says, all we can control is living truthfully. Alexi Kaye Campbell has written a beautiful script and it has been such a joy to work on this scene with two of my best friends. Thank you for being here. - Olivia Hellin

The Pride Company Jake Englestad (Philip) is a Junior in the MTP. He most recently played the Swing in The Lightning Thief. He also was on “Light Crew” for the Senior Showcase. He would like to thank Tim and Olivia for creating such a wonderful environment for making art.

Tim Feroah (Oliver) is a junior in the Musical Theatre Program. Most recently seen as Percy in The Lightning Thief at the Babcock Theatre, he would like to thank Olivia for the opportunity to work on such a challenging piece!

DRACULA

Director’s Note / Content Advisory Our scene is an adaptation of a classically modern Dracula in late 17th century England. Most every retelling of the tale is one of Van Helsing, Seward, and Harker on the hunt for Dracula. Often overlooked, the discovery and collection of all the documents and clues regarding Dracula can be accredited to Mina, Harker's fiancé. We welcome you to venture into the lives of Mina’s maid and Renfield’s attendant, as they prove to make the effort to protect and connect under the jurisdiction of the Count. How are we complicit in our ignorance? – Caro Ciet CONTENT : religious themes, violence, alcohol consumption, portrayal of blood (presumably animal and human), animal cruelty

DRACULA HEADSHOTS N BIOS

Kirsten Henriquez (MINA) completed her bachelors in Psychology last spring and is currently a senior in the ATP. Most recent theatre credits include portraying Prospera in The Tempest by William Shakespeare (Babcock Theatre/Dir. Melinda Pfundstein), and Cassandra in Somewhere: A Primer for the End of Days (Studio 115/Dir. Penny Caywood). Film credits include Lilith in Enactment (2023) by Bridger Roberts, and Waleska in The Dropoff (2021) by Christian Lopez.

Aly Carter (she/they) (MAID) is a senior in the Actor Training Program. Most recent credits include The Tempest (Babcock Theatre/Dir. Melina Pfundstein), Kite Flyer by KID SISTER at the Salt Lake Fringe Festival, Everything is about Something by KID SISTER, The Sweet Science of Bruising (Babcock Theatre/Dir. Alexandra Harbold), and You on The Moors Now (PAB 115/ Dir. Sarah Shippobotham)

Camden Barrett (they/them) (DRACULA) is a senior in the Actor Training Program and Modern Dance Program. Most recent credits include: The Tempest (Movement Director/U of U/dir. Melinda Pfundstein), Can I Say Yes to That Dress (Associate Director/SLAC/dir. Jamie Rocha Allan), Radiant Vermin (Director/U of U), Queer the Stage: The Golden Age (Performer/Good Company Theatre), and As You Like It (Rosalind/U of U/dir. Robert Scott Smith). Camden is the co-founder and co-artistic director of KID SISTER Theatre Collaborative, a non-profit organization based in Salt Lake City. KID SISTER most recently produced a devised work called Kite Flyer at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival garnering an award for “Outstanding Ensemble.”

Tyler Van Oostendorp (he/they) (ATTENDANT / RENFIELD) is a senior in the Acting Training Program. Most recent credits include The Tempest (Babcock Theatre/Dir. Melinda Pfundstein), Kite Flyer by KID SISTER at the Salt Lake Fringe Festival, Everything is about Something by KID SISTER, As You Like It (Studio 115/Dir. Robert Scott Smith), and Matilda Jr. (Kingsbury Hall/Dir. Alicia Washington) James Sterling Barton (he/him) (HARKER) is a senior in the ATP. Recent theatre credits include The Sweet Science of Bruising (dir. Alexandra Harbold) and You on the Moors Now (Sarah Shippobotham). Recent film credits include Mechila (dir. Michael Palmer), The Great Destroyer (dir. Atticus Riéo), and Secular (dir. Jackson Volger).

CARO CIET (they/them) is a senior in the Actor Training Program. Most recent credits are The Tempest at the U of U (dir. Melinda Pfundstein), Moon Beach with KID SISTER/Good Co., the NPSS reading of Let Down Your Hair (dir. Alexandra Harbold) with Salt Lake Acting Company, and You on the Moors Now with the U of U (Dir. Sarah Shippobotham).

Peter & the Starcatcher By Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice Peter and the starcatcher is the story about how Peter Pan and all the magic came to be. The orphan boy’s sad world is turned upside down when he meets Molly. The daughter of famous Starcatcher Lord Astor, our heroine is on a mission to save the world and protect a treasure trunk filled with magical star stuff from getting into the hands of evil and greedy pirate Black Stache. As they travel aboard the Neverland ship headed for a faraway land, Molly and Boy learn about love, friendship and forge an unbreakable bond. Peter Pan was always a prevalent story throughout my childhood and continues to be. I read Peter and the Starcatcher, a series by Dave Perry and Ridley Pearson, when I was in the fifth grade and loved Molly with all my heart, she was strong headed, full of energy and love, and stood up to all the boys around her, she became a role model and dare I say an influence for the rest of my life. As I am ending my college experience I feel as though I am right where Peter is at the end of my scene, I don't want this amazing adventure to end. I feel as though it's something we all can relate to, an amazing adventure that because of time, must end. "It's supposed to hurt, that's how you know it meant something.” I want to thank allie, Helen, Mom, Kevy and all family, friends,and cohort for making my college experience something that I never want to end. I would also like to thank my wonderful actors, I am so proud and lucky to have worked with them. – CoCo Berwald

Macey J Shackelford (Molly) was born and raised in Henderson, Nevada and is currently a junior in the ATP. Recent roles include Polly Stokes Understudy in The Sweet Science of Bruising (University of Utah Theatre), Mabelu and The Old Woman in The Old Man and The Old Moon (University of Utah Theatre), and Mia in HowFlowers Bloom written by Olivia C Smith(The Alliance Theatre). She will also appear as Lauren in the upcoming feature film Life Almost Gone (Olympian Productions), which is set for a 2024 release.

AIDAN HUGHES (Peter, Zophar) is a freshman in the ATP from Draper, Utah. Some of Aidan’s favorite roles include Sir Galahad in Spamalot, Mr. Zangler in Crazy for You, and Charlemagne in Pippin (Corner Canyon High School) as well as Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods (Draper City). Aidan is looking forward to continuing his education at the University of Utah, and would like to thank his directors, CoCo and Adam, for this amazing opportunity.

Laney (She/they) (Prentiss) is a current second year in the actor training program and is so excited to be a part of this production! having participated in directing scenes before, they were so stoked to have the opportunity to share work again. they are very grateful for their director coco and the amazing cast members involved. hope you enjoy!

Cormac (Ted) is a Sophomore in the Actor Training Program. He was most recently seen in Town Hall. He loves board games, reading and improv. He is incredibly happy to be a part of this scene and has loved the process.

Special Thanks All of us directors want to extend a special thank you to all of the wonderful and willing actors for lending us their talent and time over the last few weeks, especially amongst the sea of ﬁnals! Their work has been extraordinary, helping all of us directors to bring our visions to life tonight. We would also like to thank our amazing instructor, Alexandra “Andra” Harbold, for guiding us through this process, bird by bird. Without her invaluable instruction we surely would’ve never been able to build these incredible scenes and gift you all this amazing night of theatre.

We hope you’ll join us again tomorrow at 6 pm for

Split Perspectives DIRECTORS Aly Carter, Marci Piña Cota, Hannah Ekstrom, Theresa Fassler, Savannah Gersdorf, Kirsten Henriquez, Adam Jaskuloski, Matthew Jbara, Michael Tirrell, Olivia Welter

COMPANY Kolton, Harrison Timm, Sandy Detweiler, Ella Frank, Maggie Goble, Zachary Harvey, Jason Hogue, Aidan Hughes, Andy Luo, Laurel Morgan, Veda Parker, Arika Schockmel, Griz Siebeneck, Emily Tatum, Tyler Van, Brenda van der Wiel, Michael Tirrell, Hannah Ekstrom, Michaela Blades, Ashlen Boresow