Grantors

No items found.

Sponsors

Sponsors

Donors

Donors

Standing Ovations 2022

Gifts of $5,000 and more

The Honorable and Mrs. G. Steven Agee *

Avis Construction Company, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Jason E. Bingham *

Boxley Materials Company

Carilion Clinic

Ceres Foundation Inc.

Roanoke Arts Commission

Commonwealth of Virginia, Rebuild Virginia CARES grant

Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia

Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc.

Freedom First Federal Credit Union

The Sam & Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation, Inc.

The Huntly Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Shields Jarrett *

Jewell Machinery

The Louise R. Lester Foundation

W. E. McGuire Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Kathryn B McQuade Foundation *

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Roanoke Women's Foundation

The Honorable and Mrs. Frank W. Rogers, III *

Skyline National Bank

Edgar Thurman Foundation For Children

U.S. Small Business Administration, Pandemic Economic Stimulus grants

Virginia Commission for the Arts

Producers 2022

Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999

Brandon Oaks Retirement Community

Center in the Square

Davenport & Company LLC

Mrs. Anne G. Downing

Ms. Sarah Copenhaver and Mr. G. Franklin Flippin, Esq.

Mr. & Mrs. W. Heywood Fralin Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Garbee *

Gentry Locke Attorneys

The Glebe

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Member One Federal Credit Union

Mr. & Mrs. G. Marshall Mundy

Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op

The Roanoke Star

Marsh & McLennan Agency

Truist Bank

Mrs. Mary Meade G. Winn

Stars 2022

Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499

American National Bank & Trust Company

Anonymous donors to Mill Mountain Theatre

Anstey Hodge Advertising Group

ARD Properties LLC

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Avis *

Mr. and Mrs. L. Scott Avis

Better Sofas, Inc

Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop *

Mr. and Mrs. Abney S. Boxley, III *

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Brock, Jr.

Business Solutions

The Candy Store

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City of Salem

Claytor-Wirt Associates

Cox Communications Charities

Mr. and Mrs. Warner Dalhouse

Dixon, Hubard, Feinour, & Brown Inc.

Dominion Risk Advisors, LLC

Dunkenberger-Waskey Group at Morgan Stanley

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Mr. and Mrs. William D. Elliot

Entre Computer Center

Mrs. Sibyl N. Fishburn

5 Points Creative

Frith, Anderson & Peake, P.C.

Dr. Gary E. Glontz

Ms. Nancy O. Gray and Mr. David N. Maxson *

Dr. Robyn Hakanson and Mr. Erik Moledor *

Mr. Harry W. Hamilton, III

Mr. and Mrs. John Higginbotham

Howell's Motor Freight, Inc.

Innovative Insurance Group

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jones, Jr.

Kiwanis Club of Roanoke

Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Lawrence *

Dr. and Mrs. Lee Learman *

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Lionberger, III

Mr. and Mrs. Charles I. Lunsford, II

Lunsford, A Trustpoint Company

Miller, Long & Associates, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry G. Norris

Oakey's Funeral Service & Crematory

Ms. Yvonne Olson

Ms. Nancy R. Patterson *

Mr. and Mrs. William N. Powell

Punch Boutique

Mrs. Carolyn W. Rakes

Roanoke Animal Hospital

Roanoke Gas Company - RGC Resources, Inc.

Roanoke Valley Orthodontics

Mr. and Dr. John G. Rocovich, Jr. *

Frank W. (Bo) Rogers, Jr. Fund

Rosie's Gaming Emporium

Ms. Rachel Sailer and Mr. Peter Barber

Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Smith *

Dr. and Mrs. Donald G. Smith, Jr.

Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Division

Mr. Maury L. Strauss

Ms. Lesleigh B. Strauss

Sun Tan City

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Tenzer *

Dr. Bruce R. Thomas and Ms. Linda Bowden

Dr. and Mrs. John T. Tielking

Mr. and Mrs. Raphael M. Traen

Will Trinkle and Juan Granados *

Mr. Charles J. Wehrmeister *

Mr. and Mrs. Barton J. Wilner

Woods Rogers PLC

Leading Roles 2022

Gifts of $500 to $999

Ms. Cathy Acri

Reverend and Mrs. George C. Anderson *

Mr. & Mrs. D. James Bailey III

Mr. and Mrs. W. Chan Bolling *

Mr. and Mrs. J. Keith Bown

Ms. Dorothy S. Clifton and Dr. Lou Singer

Connexions Professional Services

Mr. & Mrs. Grimes W. Creasy

Dr. and Mrs. Antonio T. Donato

Dr. and Mrs. F. Joseph Duckwall

First Citizens Bank

The Honorable and Mrs. Robert W. Goodlatte

Mr. and Mrs. Will Griffeth

Mrs. Robert Jaeger

Dr. and Mrs. David A. Kinsler

Laurence Kufel *

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Lee

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Long

Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds G. Lynch lll *

Dr. Elizabeth Rice Martin and Mr. Eddie Martin *

Mast General Store, Inc.

Dr. and Mrs. G. A. McClellan

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip McKeage *

Mr. and Mrs. Robert McMican

Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Meidlinger

Ms. Donna L. Mitchell

The Newbern Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Nordt, III *

Mr. & Mrs. J. Lee Osborne *

P1 Technologies, Inc.

Capt. and Mrs. Gary S. Powers *

Mrs. B. J. Preas *

Dr. Randall R. Rhea

Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Timmermann

Mr. and Mrs. Raphael M. Traen

Ms. Vicki Turner

Ms. Yvette Van Hise

Mr. and Mrs. Joe H. Vaughn

Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Vietmeier

Wabtec Graham-White

Mr. and Mrs. Byron L. Yost

Scene Stealers 2022

Gifts of $1 to $249

Ms. Kailey Absher

Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. Akers

Mr. and Mrs. David K. Allen *

AmazonSmile Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Don H. Andree

Mr. and Mrs. Briggs W. Andrews

Ms. Sharon Angle

Mr. Andrew S. Arbury, III

Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Ashwell

Anne T. Avis

Ms. Brenda Ayers

Ms. Bettie Baber

E R Bane Trust

Mr. & Mrs. D. Stan Barnhill

Dr. and Mrs. Vincent T. Basile

Ms. Ashleigh Bayer

Mrs. Ruth G. Babylon

Ms. Kathy Bibb

Ms. Mary H. Bivens

Mr. Norman Blanchard

Ms. Joellen K. Bland

Ms. Cynthia Blevins

Ms. Leanna Blevins

Dr. and Mrs. John Bouldin

Ms. Nancy A. Bourne

Mr. Alexander Bowman, Jr.

Ms. Amanda Bozack

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Bradshaw Jr.

Ms. Michelle Brandt

Ms. Henriette B. Brooks

Ms. Stephanie Bryant

Ms. HelenRuth Burch

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bush

Mr. Andrew Callahan

Capt. Anne Cannon

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Carlin

Mr. Zachary Carney

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Carroll

Mr. and Mrs. Reed Carter

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Cates

Ms. Gloria Cauley

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Celin

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Cheadle

Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Childress

Mr. & Mrs. W. R. Clemmer, Jr.

Mr. William Colbert

Carl E. Coleman Family Trust

Mr. and Mrs. W. Patton Coles, IV *

Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Conner

Mrs. Mary Ann Conrad

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas C. Conte

Mr. John Cornthwait

Mr. and Mrs. James G. Cosby

Frankie Courtemanche

Mr. & Mrs. Grimes W. Creasy

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Cribbs

Mr. Mark Culbreth

Mr. and Mrs. Declan F. Daly

Mr. & Mrs. H. Lawrence Davidson

Ms. Michelle Davis

Ms. Elizabeth G. Deisher

Kelly Derrick

Ms. Stacy Deyerle

Mrs. Barbara M. Dickinson

Dr. Elizabeth H. Duckworth & Mr. John M. Duckworth

Ms. Jeanne M. Duddy

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Dunkenberger, Sr.

Ms. Kathy Dupont

Ms. Patricia Ebbett

Mr. Charles L. Echols Jr.

Ms. Melvina Edwards

Ms. Christina Englehart

Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. English

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Ewart, Jr.

Ms. Kelly T. Farber

Ms. Emily Farmer

Ms. Janet Faulkner

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory W. Feldmann *

Ms. Victoria Ferris

Mr. Eric E. Fitzpatrick

Mr. and Mrs. Juergen F. Fleck

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Francis, Jr.

Ms. Gail Godsey

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Goldstein

Mr. Mark Goodes

Dr. James J. Gooding

Mr. Glen Graye

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Greear

Dr. and Mrs. Frank Guilfoyle

Mr. James E. Hall, Jr.

Dr. & Mrs. Geoffrey Harter

Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Harvey

Dr. & Mrs. J. Bruce Hauser

Ms. Katherine Havener

Mr. and Mrs. Walker B. Healy Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Hess

Ms. Jessica Hilbish

Mr. and Mrs. Frank F. Hill, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Hite, III

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Hoff

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Holdgreve

Macel Holloway

Ms. Donna B Horak

Mr. Chris Howard

HHHUNT Homes Richmond

Ms. Carin Hunt

Dr. and Mrs. Alvin J. Hurt

IBM International Foundation

Mr Richard L Ikenberry

Mr. and Mrs. John Jackson

Mr. Edward F. Jennings Jr.

Ms. Sarah Jernigan-Tompkins

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jewell

Marcia and Lewis Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Pegram Johnson, III

Drs. James and Janet Johnson

Ms. Erma L. Jones

Mr. Pedro Martin Jose Juan

Mrs. Ann M. Journell

Mrs. J. Robert Justice

Mr. and Mrs. William K. Keesee

Mr. Matthew Kelley

Mr. and Mrs. Herman D. Kemp, Jr.

Ms. Victoria Kessler

Mr. Joshua Kier

Mr. and Mrs. Rich Kirchhoff

Ms. Shoshana Knapp

Mr. and Mrs. Alton L. Knighton, Jr.

Kroger

Dr. and Mrs. Arthur A. Kunkle

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kurshan

Mrs. Susan P. Lancaster

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Laughon

Mr. Terry Lauver

Mr. and Dr. Todd A. Leeson

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony F. Lefkowicz

Ms. Zoe Manoukian

Ms. Tara A. Marciniak

Ms. Jane Markson

Mr. Gene H. Marrano

Mr. Robert Martin

Ms. Lee B. McBride and Ms. Katherine M. Rakes

Mr. Norman Foggin and Mrs. Kathryn McCathern

Debra McClure

Dr. and Mrs. Maston R. McCorkle, Jr.

Mr. W. D. McCoy

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas McLaughlin

Mr. and Mrs. John G. McLeod

Ms. Amber McLoney

Mr. and Mrs. John D. McMillen

Ms. Bette McNamara

Ms. Melissa Merritt

Mr. Thomas Mesner and Ms. Jeanne Larsen

Mr. and Mrs. David Moledor

Ms. Connie Jo Montz

Ms. Pamela Morgan

Leslie J. Morrissett and Rebecca F. Morrissett

Ms Katherine Mortara

Mr. Marcus B. Moses

Mr. and Mrs. Allan Mower

Ms. Suzana Muller

Ms. Bethany Murphy

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Myers

Richard Nance

Ms. Jacquelyn Nasca

Ms. Carmen Neal

Ms. Rhonda Neely

Theresa Ruth Neilsen-Steinhardt

Network For Good

Mr. and Mrs. John Nicklo

Dr. and Mrs. James R. Niederlehner

Mr. and Mrs. Robert O. Nordt, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. George W. Norton

Ms. Rachel Nunez

Amanda O'dell

Mrs. Phyllis A. Olin

The Rev. and Dr. David Olson

Mr. Patrick J. O'Reilly

Dr. and Mrs. Ronald B. Overstreet

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Padis

Ms Melissa Palmer

Mr. & Mrs. John C. Parrott, II

Mr. Jeffrey Pasciak

Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Pasternak

Dr. and Mrs. John W. Pendleton

Mrs. Ashley Pennington-Tripp

Ms. Joan K. Petrus

Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Pooley

Mr. and Mrs. John Powell

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pratt

Dianne & Nick Prout

Mr. Mauricio Ramos

Jacqueline Rearick

Dr. and Mrs. Wayne G. Reilly

Mr. Ian Ridgway

Mr. William Riedy

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Rigsby

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Robertson

Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Rottkamp

Mr. Carl Milton Rowan

Mr. James Royalty

Mrs. Charles B. Ryan

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Sailer

Mr. Connor Savage

Ms. Sharon Schwind

Ms. P. Annie Seago

Ms. Sally A. Seagraves

James C. Sears, Ed.D.

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick N. Shaffner *

Ms. Katherine Shaver

Mr. and Mrs. Barry L. Shelor

Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Silverman

Mrs. Gene H. Smallwood

Ms. Diane T. Smith

John H. Smithey, Jr.

Ms. Mary J. Snedegar

Ms. Ann Marie Soltis

Ms. Melanie Starks

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce C. Stockburger, Esq.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur P. Strickland

Mr. Robert Stutes

Ms. Leila Summo

Ms. Angela Swain

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Swanson

Mr. and Mrs. William B. Symonds

Ms. Anne T. Tiffany

Mr. and Mrs. David Todd

Ms. Ann Penny Tully

Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Vernon

Mrs. and Mr. Jane I. Wallace

Mr. Jason Walsh

Mr. & Mrs. J. Robert Walton

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy R. Ward

Mr. and Mrs. Lilburn E. Ward, III

Ms. Tiffany Waters

Ms. Maureen Watson

Hugh and Jaye Harvey Wellons

Ms. Virginia West

Ms. Judy West

Mr. Roy Westmoreland

Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Whaley

Mr. and Mrs. Damon W. White

Mr. and Mrs. James Whitney

Mrs. Pamela H. Wiegandt

Ms. Deborah Wilhelm

Ms. Kimberly Williamson

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Willis

Mr. and Mrs. J. David Wine

Ms. Edna Wood

Ms. Savannah Woodruff

Mr. Trenten Woods

Mrs. Lee H. Woody

Ms. Vella Wright

Mr. and Mrs. Keith F. Young

VIPs 2022

Gifts of $250 to $499

Mr. and Mrs. Carlton W. Alcorn

Mrs. Lynn D. Avis

Ms. Hazel Bernard

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Brailsford

Ms. Helen A. Burnett

Mr. and Mrs. Russel M. Danstrom

The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. David Dixon, III

Mr. Paul A. Economy and Mr. Randy Craver

Mrs. Lauren Ellerman *

Mrs. Marianne E. Gandee *

Dr. and Mrs. Charles D. Gilliland

Dr. & Mrs. J. Bruce Hagadorn

Donna Hancock

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Janoschka *

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Jernigan Jr.

Robyn and David Johnsen

Mr. and Mrs. James F. Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Keely

Mr. Talfourd H. Kemper

Anna and Tom Lawson

Mr. and Mrs. Kirk A. Ludwig

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Machado

Ms. Martha L. Martin

Dr. Suzan R. and Dr. John R. Merten

Paul and Robert Metz

Mr. Bob Mills

Ms. Leisa Mundy

The Muse Family Foundation *

Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Nash

Dr. and Dr. Michael S. Nussbaum

Mr. and Mrs. Mike O'Brochta

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis J. Pillis

Mr. Dale Rakes

Ms. Mary L. Sailer

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Shaver

Mr. and Mrs. James D. Sheahan

Mr. and Mrs. Barry L. Shelor

Janet M. Siems

Dr. and Mrs. Bertram Spetzler

Dr. and Mrs. Brian A. Torre

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Whittle

Mr. & Mrs. W. Lee Wilhelm, III

Mr. Adam Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Scott W. Winter

Tributes

Performers

Ella Blue Berzins

*

Duke Senior/Duke Frederick

Leah Bouldin

*

Jaques/LeBeau

Grace Cordle

*

Celia

Conner Hunt

*

Understudy

Kaitlin Jackson

*

Touchstone

Will McLoney

*

Oliver/Martext

James Moledor

*

William/Second Brother/Ensemble

Ellen Riegger

*

Audrey

Griffin Shaver

*

Orlando

Ruby Spence

*

Rosalind

Lily Stanley

*

Silvius/Charles

Bella Turner

*

Phoebe/Adam

Riley Whisnant

*

Corin/Amiens/Dennis

May 14th Understudy William/Second Brother/Ensemble - Conner Hunt

Setting

The Duke's Court and

The Forest of Arden

There will be no intermission.

Songs & Scenes

No items found.

Production Staff

Producing Artistic Director

Ginger Poole

Director/Production Stage Manager

Victoria Buck

Assistant Stage Manager

Conner Hunt

Production Manager/Props/Scenic Designer

Matt Shields

Costume Designer

Tiffany Waters

Assistant Costumer

Josh Polk

Assistant Music Director

Caroline Moledor

Production Photography

Ian Ridgway

Venue Staff

School Administration Staff

Producing Artistic Director

Ginger Poole

Director of Development

John Levin

Business Manager

Larry Kufel

Director of Education

Victoria Buck

Production Manager/Props/Scenic Designer

Matt Shields

Creative Director of Public Relations

Ian Ridgway

Resident Musical Director

Seth Davis

ATD/Lighting & Sound Supervisor

Savannah Woodruff

Education Associate & Community Engagement Coordinator

Francesca Reilly

Teaching Artist

Josh Polk

Spot Operators‍

Drew Callahan Trenten Woods

Musicians

No items found.

Board of Directors

President

Doris Rogers

Vice President

Amanda Nelson

Treasurer

Robyn Hakanson

Secretary

Macy Ware

Board Members

Amy Bridge Jeremy Butterfield Kerry Edmonds JT Fauber Linda Garbee Robyn Hakanson, MD Anthony LaMantia, PhD Lindsey Law Cassandra Laymon William L. Lee Mark Nayden Amanda Nelson, PhD Nancy F. Reynolds Doris Rogers Edward Smith Macy Ware Sherrene Wells Christine Workowski

Student Advisory Board

Credits

Lighting equipment from PRG Lighting, sound equipment from Sound Associates, rehearsed at The Public Theater’s Rehearsal Studios. Developed as part of Irons in the Fire at Fault Line Theatre in New York City.

Special Thanks

*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

“Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers, Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an International organization of performing arts unions. www.actorsequity.org

United Scenic Artists ● Local USA 829 of the I.A.T.S.E represents the Designers & Scenic Artists for the American Theatre

ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers (IATSE Local 18032), represents the Press Agents, Company Managers, and Theatre Managers employed on this production.

Director's Note

As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, and the only one (that I know of) featuring an epilogue given by the heroine. Filled with lovers, clowns, family feuds, disguises, and, of course, some of Shakespeare’s most famous lines, the story of As You Like It is not only immensely entertaining, but also highly relevant to our work and our lives today. In a time when we all still feel a bit uncertain and are attempting to understand what’s going on even while it’s happening to us, it feels more important than ever to show a variety of characters demonstrating the difference a positive (or negative) outlook on life and your circumstances can make. Fortunately for me, I can say that this lovely cast of actors all lean towards the former perspective, and they are all a joy to work with each and every day. Being able to bring this crazy comedy to life with this incredible group of young people has been “wonderful, wonderful, most wonderful,” and I am immensely proud of the work the cast has done on this show. I want to extend a huge personal thank you to the MMT team, the families of the students who have supported this process in every way, this fantastic cast and crew, and of course all of you for coming to see this production and making what we do possible. We could not have done this without each and every one of you, and I am eternally grateful.

Victoria Buck

Meet the Cast

Ella Blue Berzins

*

Duke Senior/Duke Frederick

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

Ella Berzins is an aspiring entertainer and a very big fan of all things art and performance. She graduated The Community High School of The Arts and Academics in 2021, and is now beginning to navigate life out of highschool. This summer, her self-run performance group DOOMSDAY DOOMSDAY DOOMSDAY, aka DOOMSDAY x 3, will be performing 3 absurdist shows in Roanoke, and one In Atlanta, GA! Ella has been involved in theater from a young age and is very excited to be working with people at Mill Mountain Theatre. She spends her free time working restaurant jobs, going to open mics and concerts, working on DOOMSDAY x 3 projects, bowling at Lee-Hi lanes, creating videos, and exploring the sidewalks of downtown Roanoke.

Leah Bouldin

*

Jaques/LeBeau

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

she/her

Leah Bouldin is a sixteen-year-old high school homeschooler. This is only her second play with Mill Mountain, but she is excited to join in on another Shakespeare production after last spring's A Midsummer Night's Dream. She has participated in Miss Mona's Drama Camp for the past four years and has taken part in several Masterclasses with MMT. Leah thanks her brother for helping find her love for the arts and her parents for helping her access them. She hopes you enjoy the show and have as much fun watching it as she does performing it.

Grace Cordle

*

Celia

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

Grace Cordle is a high school sophomore at a private online school. She loves writing, reading, cooking, and singing musicals constantly. She has loved getting more involved in theatre and she is extremely thankful to her wonderful family for their support! This past fall, she was in her first production at MMT, The Botetourt Project. She also loves being an active member of her church, participating in the Roanoke Valley Children's Choir and the National Homeschool Honor Society, and getting involved in student government. She has long been an avid Shakespeare nerd and is thrilled to finally help bring one of his works to life on stage!

Conner Hunt

*

Understudy

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

Conner is a 10th grader at Roanoke Catholic School and is excited to be part of the cast and crew for As You Like It. His work has appeared at MMT twice as part of the Write Stuff Young Playwright Festival, and he also served as a 2021 MMT intern. Conner is grateful to his parents and sister Katie for inspiration, support and encouraging his creativity and humor.

Kaitlin Jackson

*

Touchstone

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

Kaitlin first joined MMT during the year 2020 while everything was virtual. They wanted to expand their acting horizons through various classes and productions. After meeting many wonderful people and getting to feel more comfortable with her skills, she felt ready to take a shot at the 2022 season. Needless to say they were very excited to start their role in “As You Like It”. She cannot wait to be able to share this Shakespearean masterpiece onstage with a live audience.

Will McLoney

*

Oliver/Martext

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

Will is honored to return to MMT and perform with this incredibly talented cast in As You Like It! Will is in 7th grade and attends Cave Spring Middle School. He was last seen in MMT’s December 2021 production of A Christmas Story as Scut Farkus, and then enjoyed his spring MMT Music Theatre Conservatory and Acting Conservatory classes. Recent roles include Cecco the pirate in Peter Pan Jr. and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Jr. Past roles include Munchkin Barrister (OZ), George Banks (Mary Poppins Jr.), Friedrich Von Trapp (The Sound of Music), and Little Boy Blue (Babes in Toyland). Will enjoys singing and plays piano, trumpet, and French horn. He would like to thank his voice and acting teacher, Michelle Cha, as well as Victoria, Tiffany, and Seth at MMT for all their support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!

James Moledor

*

William/Second Brother/Ensemble

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

he/him

James is a homeschooled sophomore who is excited to be back on the stage at MMT! He spends most of his time singing, acting, and dancing and has been taking conservatory classes at MMT for over four years. He worked as an intern for the theater last summer and has been performing for as long as he can remember. Some of his favorite credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snug/Cobweb), The Sound of Music (Friedrich), Shrek TYA (Pinocchio), and A Christmas Story (Ensemble/Male understudy). MMT has become like a second home to him, and he is thankful for the opportunity to put on in this show with such a wonderful cast. He would like to thank his family for supporting him in all that he does.

Ellen Riegger

*

Audrey

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

Growing up in New York City, Ellen was exposed to theater from a young age. Since moving to Blacksburg she has had the opportunity to deepen her theater studies as a member of the cast in several productions including the role of Violet Beauregard in “Willy Wonka Junior” and the title role of Annie in “Annie” with the Blacksburg Middle School Drama Club. She also played the roles of Martha Cratchit in “Scrooge'' and Charlie in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” with the New River Stage Company. Currently Ellen’s favorite Broadway show is “Six.”

Griffin Shaver

*

Orlando

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)

(

)

Pronouns:

Griffin Shaver (Orlando) is an 8th grader at Hidden Valley Middle, who has been involved with theatre since he was seven. He enjoys cracking jokes with his mom, reading and discussing comic books and movies with his dad, and playing the French horn and trumpet in HVMS’s band. He loves to cook, write, and watch TV. Some of his favorite credits include: The Boy in The Velveteen Rabbit (2016), Kurt in The Sound of Music (2019), and Jr. Associate Director for Mill Mountains 2021 production of “A Christmas Story”. Griffin would like to thank his family, friends, and the amazing staff at MMT.

Ruby Spence

*

Rosalind

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

Ruby is a sophomore at Salem High School. Her favorite thing to do is act, and she is thrilled to be a part of the cast for As You Like It! This is her first show with MMT, and is so excited to continue working with them. Along with theatre, she also enjoys writing music, singing in her school's choir, and dancing. She is so grateful for all the people participating in this production, and thanks them for inspiring her so much.

Lily Stanley

*

Silvius/Charles

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)

(

)

Pronouns:

Lily Stanley is a fourteen-year-old Conservatory student at Mill Mountain Theatre. She has been taking classes at Mill Mountain Theatre for the past two years and has really enjoyed it. She has previously been in The Botetourt Project and Write Stuff with Mill Mountain Theatre. She would like to thank her friends, family, and everyone at MMT for all their love and support.

Bella Turner

*

Phoebe/Adam

(

)

(

)

Pronouns:

Bella is a freshman at Cave Spring High School. She enjoys photography, reading, and writing along with acting in local theater. Her favorite credits include Write Stuff 2022 (MMT), Cinderella (VCT), The Botetourt Project (MMT), Frozen Jr. (CSMS), Matilda (VCT), Annie (VCT), and Willy Wonka Jr. (MMT). One of her most recent film projects includes being an “Extra” in the Hulu Miniseries, Dopesick. Bella is also taking classes with the New York Film Academy as well as Mill Mountain Conservatory. She thanks her family and friends for always supporting her, and her instructors for always pushing her to do her best.

Riley Whisnant

*

Corin/Amiens/Dennis

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)

(

)

Pronouns:

she/her

Riley Whisnant, a Roanoke Catholic 6th grader, is excited to return to the Waldron Stage. She has performed in 18 shows across the Roanoke Valley including some of her favorites: The Sound of Music (Gretl), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy) and Junie B Jones (May). She trains with Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory, Virginia Children's Theatre and The Kevin Jones Performing Arts Studio. In between shows, she can be found skiing the slopes, water skiing at the lake or belting show tunes around the house. She thanks all who have encouraged her to follow her dreams. Enjoy the show!

Meet the Team

Victoria Buck

*

Director/Production Stage Manager

(

)

Pronouns:

she/her

Victoria is originally from Columbus, Georgia, where she spent her childhood acting, singing, and dancing in local theaters and studios. After graduating from high school, her passion for the performing arts and education led her to Greenville, South Carolina, where she received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts from Furman University, and then on to Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia, where she received both her Master of Letters (MLitt) and her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Shakespeare & Performance. In her time as an artist, Victoria has worked primarily as an educator and actor, serving several theaters in Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, including the Springer Opera House, the Warehouse Theatre, and the American Shakespeare Center. Currently, Victoria resides in Roanoke, Virginia, where she works as the full-time Director of Education for Mill Mountain Theatre, a Visiting Lecturer in Theatre at Hollins University, an actor, a guest artist, and a private acting coach. She is so grateful for all of the wonderful students and colleagues she gets to work with!

Ginger Poole

*

Producing Artistic Director

(

)

Pronouns:

She/Her

Ginger Poole is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and an Associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Union. She has studied, taught, choreographed, and performed throughout the U.S. She has worked in GA, HI, FL, MS, SC and VA with, Theatre in the Square, The Alliance City Series, Theatre Gael, Synchronicity Performance Group-GA, Mill Mountain Theatre-VA and SC Children’s Theatre. Originally from Atlanta, she has worked with the N.F.L. and The Atlanta Falcons as their director and choreographer and The Atlanta Opera. Prior to coming to Mill Mountain Theatre, she was based out of North Carolina where she has worked with Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina, in over 25 productions. She was a part of the Education program at Flat Rock Playhouse for 5 years where she taught for their Apprentice Companies and their Conservatory Program in Acting, Dance, and Musical Theatre. Ginger has taught at The University of Southern Mississippi, Western Carolina University, William Carey College, Mississippi University for Women, and currently teaches at Hollins University. With Ginger’s strong background in dance she finds herself not only acting and dancing on stage but also directing the choreography and classroom skills for her students. Ginger holds her M.F.A. in Acting Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi and continues to teach acting and dance. She has worked with students that range in age from kindergarten through professionals.

Ginger has worked in commercials, voice-overs, film, stage, and the classroom, and was profiled in the book FIRESTARTERS as “the actor”.

Ginger serves on the following Board of Directors: South Eastern Theatre Conference (SETC Secretary, Second Term), Junior League of the Roanoke Valley (Past President and Current Nominating Committee, Second Term), Burton Performing Arts Advisory Board, The Roanoke City Public Schools Education Foundation, and she has served on the Review Panel for theVirginia Commission for the Arts. She was the recipient of the DePaul’s Women of Achievement Award in the Arts in 2013 and was named the 2016 Kendig Award recipient for Individual Artist. Ginger is also a guest host with WSLS, the NBC affiliate, Daytime Blue Ridge television show, and is the host of the new Mill Mountain Theatre Podcast, Meet Me at Mill Mountain. She is very proud to be a member of the Mill Mountain Theatre team and looks forward to its continued growth, success, and artistic influence in the region.

Tiffany Waters

*

Costume Designer

(

)

Pronouns:

Tiffany is an educator, actor, costume designer, and director who joined Mill Mountain's education team last year. She earned her MLitt and MFA in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University in partnership with the American Shakespeare Center. Previous costume design credits include The Cake (Mill Mountain Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Bards Ablaze Theatre Collective, MFA) and Two Noble Kinsmen (BATC, MFA). Most recent directing credits include Write Stuff 2022 (Mill Mountain Theatre), The Botetourt Project (MMT in partnership with the History Museum of Western Virginia) and Twelfth Night (The Rude Mechanicals) which was nominated for Best Direction of a Streaming Play among other awards from BroadwayWorld DC Regional Awards 2021. Tiffany would like to thank MMT's staff for their constant support, the As You Like It cast and crew for their extraordinary talents, Victoria Buck for her fearless leadership, and T.H. for inspiring her to create.

Matt Shields

*

Production Manager/Props Designer

(

)

Pronouns:

he/him

Matt Shields is an accomplished arts leader and theatre professional, currently serving as the Executive Director of Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke, Virginia. A graduate of Radford University, Shields has built his career through a wide range of hands-on roles at Mill Mountain Theatre, including Carpenter, Designer, Costume Shop Manager, Technical Director, Director of Production, and Company Manager. This breadth of experience has given him a deep understanding of both the artistic and operational sides of regional theatre.

In addition to his leadership at Mill Mountain Theatre, Shields serves as the Vice Chair of the Professional Division of the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), where he contributes to the advancement of theatre professionals across the region. He has worked in a variety of theatrical roles around the country, bringing a broad perspective to his work, but is proud to now call Roanoke home.

Under his leadership, Mill Mountain Theatre continues to thrive as a cultural cornerstone, known for its professional productions and commitment to arts education. In recognition of his impact and leadership, Shields was named to Virginia Business Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list in 2025.

Savannah Woodruff

*

Lead Electrician & Sound Engineer

(

)

Pronouns:

she/they

Savannah Woodruff was born and raised in Southern Pines, North Carolina, where she was encouraged to become involved in technical theatre in high school. Savannah is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and received a BFA in Technical Production. Prior to joining the Mill Mountain Theatre staff, she worked as a member of Weston Playhouse Theatre Company’s Intern Company. Savannah is grateful for the support of her family (and especially her cats) in her endeavors, and is thrilled to be able to continue working and growing with Mill Mountain Theatre.

Conner Hunt

*

Assistant Stage Manager

(

)

Pronouns:

Conner is a 10th grader at Roanoke Catholic School and is excited to be part of the cast and crew for As You Like It. His work has appeared at MMT twice as part of the Write Stuff Young Playwright Festival, and he also served as a 2021 MMT intern. Conner is grateful to his parents and sister Katie for inspiration, support and encouraging his creativity and humor.

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Fortunato

Italian

|

104 Kirk Ave SW

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, Virginia, Fortunato is the region's only traditional Italian kitchen & Neapolitan style pizzeria.

Fortunato

Italian

|

104 Kirk Ave SW

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, Virginia, Fortunato is the region's only traditional Italian kitchen & Neapolitan style pizzeria.

Marquee Deal!

Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.

Martin's

Tavern

|

413 1st St SW

Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio. ‍

Martin's

Tavern

|

413 1st St SW

Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio. ‍

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The Pine Room

American

|

110 Shenandoah Ave NE

From the snack n' share options and hearth flatbreads to the farmland offerings and signature items, The Pine Room features American Rustic cuisine that presents simplistic, sustainable, and high-quality ingredients in an inviting presentation.

The Pine Room

American

|

110 Shenandoah Ave NE

From the snack n' share options and hearth flatbreads to the farmland offerings and signature items, The Pine Room features American Rustic cuisine that presents simplistic, sustainable, and high-quality ingredients in an inviting presentation.

Marquee Deal!

Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.

The Regency Room

American

|

110 Shenandoah Ave NE

Enjoy dining al fresco! Spring is here and it's patio season! The Regency Room and The Pine Room Pub are the perfect place to enjoy dinner or drinks on the patio with spring in the air!

The Regency Room

American

|

110 Shenandoah Ave NE

Enjoy dining al fresco! Spring is here and it's patio season! The Regency Room and The Pine Room Pub are the perfect place to enjoy dinner or drinks on the patio with spring in the air!

Marquee Deal!

Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.

Awful Arthur's‍

Seafood

|

108 Campbell Ave SE

Modern tavern offering varied seafood, bar bites & a raw bar plus sports on TV & live music.

Awful Arthur's‍

Seafood

|

108 Campbell Ave SE

Modern tavern offering varied seafood, bar bites & a raw bar plus sports on TV & live music.

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Corned Beef & Co‍

Gastropub

|

107 S Jefferson St

Sports bar serves sandwiches & pub grub in expansive digs equipped with pool tables & countless TVs.

Corned Beef & Co‍

Gastropub

|

107 S Jefferson St

Sports bar serves sandwiches & pub grub in expansive digs equipped with pool tables & countless TVs.

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Crescent City Bourbon and Barbecue

Barbecue

|

19 Salem Ave SE

The smoked meat is made with care and passion in a stick burner smoker and indoor wood burning smoker.

Crescent City Bourbon and Barbecue

Barbecue

|

19 Salem Ave SE

The smoked meat is made with care and passion in a stick burner smoker and indoor wood burning smoker.

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Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

Hamburger

|

210B Market St SE

Bar chain serving creative burgers & a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space.

Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint

Hamburger

|

210B Market St SE

Bar chain serving creative burgers & a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space.

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Nawab Indian Cuisine

Indian

|

118A Campbell Ave SE

Indian classics & all-you-can-eat buffet lunches, served in a low-key traditional dining room.

Nawab Indian Cuisine

Indian

|

118A Campbell Ave SE

Indian classics & all-you-can-eat buffet lunches, served in a low-key traditional dining room.

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Wasabi's

Japanese

|

214 Market St SE

Casual Japanese restaurant offering a large sushi menu, plus maki, traditional entrees & bento.

Wasabi's

Japanese

|

214 Market St SE

Casual Japanese restaurant offering a large sushi menu, plus maki, traditional entrees & bento.

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Raise a Glass

Sidecar

Tavern

|

413 1st St SW

Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio.

Sidecar

Tavern

|

413 1st St SW

Casual dining on burgers, BBQ & other bar food in an open tavern setting with live music & a patio.

Marquee Deal!

Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.

Three Notch'd Brewing Co.

European

|

411 1st St SW

The food menu features traditional European foods like handmade sausages in traditional German, Polish, and English styles, as well as Belgian hand-cut fries, mussels, steak frites, and Polish pierogies.

Three Notch'd Brewing Co.

European

|

411 1st St SW

The food menu features traditional European foods like handmade sausages in traditional German, Polish, and English styles, as well as Belgian hand-cut fries, mussels, steak frites, and Polish pierogies.

Marquee Deal!

‍Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.

Twisted Track Brewpub

Pub

|

523 Shenandoah Ave NW

In addition to hand crafted beer, we offer pub fare with yet another twist and a selection of wines, ciders and soft drinks – something for everyone.‍

Twisted Track Brewpub

Pub

|

523 Shenandoah Ave NW

In addition to hand crafted beer, we offer pub fare with yet another twist and a selection of wines, ciders and soft drinks – something for everyone.‍

Marquee Deal!

Have a group ticket? Show your MMT Ticket stub to receive 10% off your meal! Valid for one-time use only at participating restaurants.

Benny Marconi's

Pizza

|

120 Campbell Ave SE

Serving huge slices of pizza in downtown Roanoke, VA. Established in 2012.

Benny Marconi's

Pizza

|

120 Campbell Ave SE

Serving huge slices of pizza in downtown Roanoke, VA. Established in 2012.

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Billy's

American

|

102 Market St SE

Buzzy dining room with a full wooden bar plating refined American cuisine such as lobster Alfredo.

Billy's

American

|

102 Market St SE

Buzzy dining room with a full wooden bar plating refined American cuisine such as lobster Alfredo.

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Fork in the Market

American

|

32 Market Square SE

Quirky, independent eatery offering updated comfort food, a full bar, a patio & live music nightly.

Fork in the Market

American

|

32 Market Square SE

Quirky, independent eatery offering updated comfort food, a full bar, a patio & live music nightly.

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Texas Tavern

American

|

114 Church Ave SW

Family-owned since 1930, this 24/7 diner offers breakfast, burgers, sandwiches & its popular chili.

Texas Tavern

American

|

114 Church Ave SW

Family-owned since 1930, this 24/7 diner offers breakfast, burgers, sandwiches & its popular chili.

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Exclusive First Listen to Claybourne Elder Singing "How Glory Goes" On New Solo Album

Emily Wyrwa

April 2, 2026

This album is sure to be a star! Claybourne Elder is releasing his debut album with Center Stage Records, titled If the Stars Were Mine, on Friday April 3. The album features Elder’s favorite Broadway numbers from Sunday in the Park with George and Floyd Collins to Into the Woods and If/Then, in addition to songs made famous by Whitney Houston, Eartha Kitt, and Melody Gardot.

Elder is best known for his role on screen in The Gilded Age and on stage in the most recent Broadway revival of Company. His album weaves themes of sex, fatherhood, and religion. He will celebrate the album’s release with three concerts at 54 Below on April 3, 4, and 15.

Theatrely has an exclusive first listen to Elder singing “How Glory Goes” from Floyd Collins written by Adam Guettel.

If the Stars Were Mine features music direction, arrangements, and orchestrations by Bryan Perri and Rodney Bush. It is produced by Elder and Andrew House, and co-produced by Bryan Perri.

The album will be available on streaming and digital formats on April 3, CD on April 10, and vinyl later this year.

To pre-save If the Stars Were Mine, visit here. For tickets to see Elder at 54 Below, visit here.

HAPPY FEET Will Be Developed as a New Musical Directed by Michael Arden

Emily Wyrwa

April 1, 2026

Some happy news! The Academy Award-winning animated film Happy Feet is being developed as a new Broadway-bound musical.

The production will be directed by Michael Arden, who won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his work on Maybe Happy Ending. The team also includes book writer Douglas Lyons, choreographers Ayodele Casel and duo Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher “Cree” Grant. Music will include hits from the film and chart-topping favorites audiences know and love.

The design team for the musical features Tony Award-winning set designer Dane Laffrey, Tony Award-winning costume designer Susan Hilferty, Tony Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, world-renowned puppet designer Basil Twist, award-winning Orchestrator/ Co-Arranger Kenny Seymour, and Music Supervisor/Co-Arranger Jackson Teeley.

Dates for future productions, as well as additional creative team members, will be announced shortly.

HEATED RIVALRY: THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY Will Run Off-Broadway For 8 Weeks This Summer

Emily Wyrwa

April 1, 2026

Ready to go to the cottage? Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody will have a full, staged run off-Broadway after eight sold-out concert presentations earlier this year. It will star Jay Armstrong Johnson as Ilya Rozanov and Jimin Moon as Shane Hollander. Performances begin Tuesday May 12 at the 6th Floor Theatre, with official opening set for May 26.

Inspired by the hit show about hockey (kind of), Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody follows Shane Hollander on his journey from power center to power bottom.

Relive all of the moments from the show that made you wet (with tears) up close on the small-stage by an incredible cast of Broadway actors who thought they were auditioning to be in Season 2. Sporting a bop-infused score, scene-stealing cameos by characters like "Rose Landry" and "Ilya's Ass,” and time jumps absolutely no one can keep track of, audiences will find themselves hot and bothered.

The production will also star Ryann Redmond, Cherry Torres, and Ryan Duncan. The creative team includes Dylan MarcAurele (Book, Music, Lyrics and Orchestrations), Alan Kliffer (Direction), Brooke & Tiffany Engen (Choreography), Sully Ross (Scenic Design), Brendan McCann (Costume Design), Devin Cameron (Lighting Design) and Germán Martinez (Sound Design).

Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody will run at the 6th Floor Theater on West 27th Street in New York City for eight weeks beginning May 12. For tickets and more information, visit here.

Theatrely News

EXCLUSIVE: Watch A Clip From THEATER CAMP Starring Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, and Molly Gordon

Theatrely News

READ: An Excerpt From Sean Hayes Debut YA Novel TIME OUT

Theatrely News

"Reframing the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Stage Manager’s Eyes"

EXCLUSIVE: Watch A Clip From THEATER CAMP Starring Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, and Molly Gordon

By: Maia Penzer

14 July 2023

Finally, summer has arrived, which can only mean one thing: it's time for camp! Theater Camp, that is. Theatrely has a sneak peak at the new film which hits select theaters today.

The new original comedy starring Tony Award winner Ben Platt and Molly Gordon we guarantee will have you laughing non-stop. The AdirondACTS, a run-down theater camp in upstate New York, is attended by theater-loving children who must work hard to keep their beloved theater camp afloat after the founder, Joan, falls into a coma.

The film stars Ben Platt and Molly Gordon as Amos Klobuchar and Rebecca-Diane, respectively, as well as Noah Galvin as Glenn Wintrop, Jimmy Tatro as Troy Rubinsky, Patti Harrison as Caroline Krauss, Nathan Lee Graham as Clive DeWitt, Ayo Edebiri as Janet Walch, Owen Thiele as Gigi Charbonier, Caroline Aaron as Rita Cohen, Amy Sedaris as Joan Rubinsky, and Alan Kim as Alan Park.

Theater Camp was directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman and written by Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman & Ben Platt. Music is by James McAlister and Mark Sonnenblick. On January 21, 2023, Theater Camp had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

You can purchase tickets to the new film from our friends at Hollywood.com here.

‍

READ: An Excerpt From Sean Hayes Debut YA Novel TIME OUT

By: Kobi Kassal

29 May 2023

Actor Sean Hayes is what we in the biz call booked and blessed. On top of his Tony-nominated performance as Oscar Levant in Good Night, Oscar, Hayes has partnered with Todd Milliner and Carlyn Greenwald for the release of their new YA novel Time Out.

Heralded by many as Heartstopper meets Friday Night Lights, Time Out follows hometown basketball hero Barclay Elliot who decides to use a pep rally to come out to his school. When the response is not what he had hoped and the hostility continually growing, he turns to his best friend Amy who brings him to her voting rights group at school. There he finds Christopher and… you will just have to grab a copy and find out what happens next. Luckily for you, Time Out hits shelves on May 30 and to hold you over until then we have a special except from the book just for Theatrely:

The good thing about not being on the team the past two weeks has been that I’ve had time to start picking up shifts again at Beau’s diner and save up a little for college now that my scholarship dreams are over.

The bad part is it’s the perfect place to see how my actions at the pep rally have rotted the townspeople’s brains too.

During Amy’s very intense musical theater phase in middle school, her parents took her to New York City. And of course she came back home buzzing about Broadway and how beautiful the piss smell was and everything artsy people say about New York. But she also vividly described some diner she waited three hours to get into where the waitstaff would all perform songs for the customers as a way to practice for auditions. The regulars would have favorite staff members and stan them the way Amy stans all her emo musicians.

Working at Beau’s used to feel kind of like that, like I was part of a performance team I didn’t know I signed up for. The job started off pretty basic over the summer—I wanted to save up for basketball supplies, and Amy worked there and said it was boring ever since her e-girl coworker friend graduated. But I couldn’t get through a single lunch rush table without someone calling me over and wanting the inside scoop on the Wildcats and how we were preparing for the home opener, wanting me to sign an article in the paper or take a photo. Every friendly face just made the resolve grow inside me. People love and support the Wildcats; they would do the same for me.

Yeah, right.

Now just like school, customers have been glaring at me, making comments about letting everyone down, about being selfish, about my actions being “unfortunate,” and the tips have been essentially nonexistent. The Wildcats have been obliterated in half their games since I quit, carrying a 2–3 record when last year we were 5–0, and the comments make my feet feel like lead weights I have to drag through every shift.

Today is no different. It’s Thursday, the usual dinner rush at Beau’s, and I try to stay focused on the stress of balancing seven milkshakes on one platter. A group of regulars, some construction workers, keep loudly wondering why I won’t come back to the team while I refuse proper eye contact.

One of the guys looks up at me as I drop the bill off. “So, what’s the deal? Does being queer keep ya from physically being able to play?”

They all snicker as they pull out crumpled bills. I stuff my hands into my pockets, holding my tongue.

When they leave, I hold my breath as I take their bill.

Sure enough, no tip.

“What the fuck?” I mutter under my breath.

“Language,” Amy says as she glides past me, imitating the way Richard says it to her every shift, and adds, “even though they are dicks.” At least Amy’s been ranting about it every free chance she gets. It was one thing when the student body was being shitty about me leaving the team, but the town being like this is even more infuriating. She doesn’t understand how these fully grown adults can really care that much about high school basketball and thinks they need a new fucking hobby. I finally agree with her.

[She’s wearing red lipstick to go with her raccoon-adjacent eyeliner as she rushes off to prepare milkshakes for a pack of middle schoolers. I catch her mid–death glare as all three of the kids rotate in their chairs, making the old things squeal. My anger fades a bit as I can’t help but chuckle; Amy’s pissed-off reaction to Richard telling her to smile more was said raccoon makeup, and her tolerance for buffoonery has been at a negative five to start and declining fast.

I rest my arms on the counter and try not to look as exhausted as I feel.

“Excuse me!” an old lady screeches, making me jump.

Amy covers up a laugh as I head to the old lady and her husband’s table. They’ve got finished plates, full waters. Not sure what the problem is. Or I do, which is worse.

“Yes?” I say trying to suppress my annoyance.

“Could you be bothered to serve us?”

Only five more hours on shift. I have a break in three minutes. I’ll be with Devin at Georgia Tech tomorrow. “I’m sorry, ma’am,” I say, so careful to keep my words even, but I can feel my hands balling into fists. “What would you—?”

And suddenly Amy swoops in, dropping two mugs of coffee down. “Sorry about that, you two,” she says, her voice extra high. “The machine was conking out on us, but it’s fine now.”

Once the coffee is down, she hooks onto a chunk of my shirt, steering us back to the bar.

“Thanks,” I mutter, embarrassed to have forgotten something so basic. Again.

“Just keep it together, man,” she says. “Maybe you’d be better off with that creepy night shift where all the truckers and serial killers come in.”

Honestly, at least the serial killers wouldn’t care about my jump shot.

It’s a few minutes before my break, but clearly I need it. “I’ll be in the back room.”

Right before I can head that way though, someone straight-up bursts into the diner and rushes over to me at the bar. It’s a middle-aged dad type, sunburned skin, beer belly, and stained T-shirt.

“Pickup order?” I ask.

“You should be ashamed,” he sneers at me. He has a really strong Southern accent, but it’s not Georgian. “Think you’re so high and mighty, that nothing’ll ever affect you? My kid’ll never go to college because of you and your lifestyle. Fuck you, Barclay Ell—”

And before this man can finish cursing my name, Pat of all people runs in, wide-eyed in humiliation. “Jesus, Dad, please don’t—”

I pin my gaze on him, remembering how he cowered on the bench as Ostrowski went off, how he didn’t even try to approach me. “Don’t even bother,” I snap.

I shove a to-go bag into his dad’s arms, relieved it’s prepaid, and storm off to the break room.]

Amy finds me head in my arms a minute or two later. I look up, rubbing my eyes. “Please spare me the pity.”

She snorts and hands me a milkshake. Mint chocolate chip. “Wouldn’t dare.” She takes a seat and rolls her shoulders and neck, cracks sounding through the tiny room. “Do you want a distraction or a shoulder to cry on?”

For more information, and to purchase your copy of Time Out, click here.

‍

Reframing the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Stage Manager’s Eyes

By: Kaitlyn Riggio

5 July 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in the United States in March 2020, Broadway veteran stage manager Richard Hester watched the nation’s anxiety unfold on social media.

“No one knew what the virus was going to do,” Hester said. Some people were “losing their minds in abject terror, and then there were some people who were completely denying the whole thing.”

For Hester, the reaction at times felt like something out of a movie. “It was like the Black Plague,” he said. “Some people thought it was going to be like that Monty Python sketch: ‘bring out your dead, bring out your dead.’”

While Hester was also unsure about how the virus would unfold, he felt that his “job as a stage manager is to naturally defuse drama.” Hester brought this approach off the stage and onto social media in the wake of the pandemic.

“I just sort of synthesized everything that was happening into what I thought was a manageable bite, so people could get it,” Hester said. This became a daily exercise for a year. Over two years after the beginning of the pandemic, Hester’s accounts are compiled in the book, Hold Please: Stage Managing A Pandemic. Released earlier this year, the book documents the events of the past two years, filtering national events and day-to-day occurrences through a stage manager’s eyes and storytelling.

When Hester started this project, he had no intention of writing a book. He was originally writing every day because there was nothing else to do. “I am somebody who needs a job or needs a structure,” Hester said.

Surprised to find that people began expecting his daily posts, he began publishing his daily writing to his followers through a Substack newsletter. As his following grew, Hester had to get used to writing for an audience. “I started second guessing myself a lot of the time,” Hester said. “It just sort of put a weird pressure on it.”

Hester said he got especially nervous before publishing posts in which he wrote about more personal topics. For example, some of his posts focused on his experiences growing up in South Africa while others centered on potentially divisive topics, such as the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Despite some of this discomfort, Hester’s more personal posts were often the ones that got the most response. The experience offered him a writing lesson. “I stopped worrying about the audience and just wrote what I wanted to write about,” Hester said. “All of that pressure that I think as artists we put on ourselves, I got used to it.”

One of Hester’s favorite anecdotes featured in the book centers on a woman who dances in Washington Square Park on a canvas, rain or shine. He said he was “mesmerized by her,” which inspired him to write about her. “It was literally snowing and she was barefoot on her canvas dancing, and that seems to me just a spectacularly beautiful metaphor for everything that we all try and do, and she was living that to the fullest.”

During the creation of Hold Please, Hester got the unique opportunity to reflect in-depth on the first year of the pandemic by looking back at his accounts. He realized that post people would not remember the details of the lockdown; people would “remember it as a gap in their lives, but they weren’t going to remember it beat by beat.”

“Reliving each of those moments made me realize just how full a year it was, even though none of us were doing anything outside,” he adds. “We were all on our couches.” Readers will use the book as a way to relive moments of the pandemic’s first year “without having to wallow in the misery of it,” he hopes.

“I talk about the misery of it, but that’s not the focus of what I wrote... it was about hope and moving forward,” Hester said. “In these times when everything is so difficult, we will figure out a way to get through and we will move forward.”

‍

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Marquee Match

Find the match & take a bow.

Hello! Please use portrait mode when viewing Marquee Digital Programs on a mobile device, in order to ensure the best user experience.

Event Date has Passed

Hello! It appears your event date has passed. You can view the archived Event Marquee for 5 minutes before this pop up gets activated.

Event Preview

Hello! This is the Preview limit for your Event until the show's Opening Day. You will be able to view the Marquee for 5 minutes before this pop up gets activated. Simply refresh the page to restart the timer.