The theatre department is preparing to premiere two shows opening September 21. Taylor Jarman is directing The Liar, and Kari McKenzie is directing Taming of the Shrew.
“Directing a show by myself is interesting,” director Taylor Jarman said. “Normally, you have two people that are working towards the same thing but making different decisions. Now, it’s just me.”
Both shows open the same weekend, however, one will be presented in the Black Box, or the theatre room, and the other will be performed on the main stage in the Performing Arts Center. This difference calls for contrasting techniques to be used by actors.
“I would have preferred mine to be in the black box,” director Kari McKenzie said. “It is a whole new dynamic for actors to have the audience just a foot away.”
The shows each have a different style. Jarman is developing a French farce, while McKenzie’s show is a Shakespearean play.
“In The Liar, all of the lines are comedic,” senior actress Kayleigh Melvin said. “But, with Taming of the Shrew, it’s physical comedy that you have to add to the lines.”
Producing two plays rather than one involves more students with the program. Instead of one cast of twenty-five, together both shows consist of forty-two students.
“I love doing two productions at the same time,” junior stage manager Kaylea Clay said. “It’s nice because it gets more people involved in our theatre program, and it gives the opportunity for newbies to get on stage with many experienced actors.”
Taming of the Shrew Cast List
Lucentio- Alex Gaba
Tranio- Josh Smith
Baptista- Haley Bass
Katharina- Maddie Mezzell
Hortensio- Sam Payne
Bianca- Kayleigh Melvin
Gremio- Sarah McCeig
Biondello- Dakotah Harris
Pertuchio- Evan Howell
Grumio- Chase Welvaert
Curtis, Maidservant, Townsperson- Kayleigh Horstkamp
Pedent, Townsperson- Kaleb Cole
Nathaniel, Townsperson- Garrett Cameron
Peggy, Widow, Townsperson- Sarah Richardson
Mary, Townsperson- Halle Lambert
Ellie, Townsperson- Megan Johnson
Bonnetmaker, Townsperson- Aalia Weber
Tailor, Townsperson- Nalany Hernandez
Maidservant, Townsperson- Ainsley Smith
Maidservant, Townsperson- Anna Thompson
Maidservant, Townsperson- Victoria Ricketts
Stage Manager- Annie Evans
Asst. Stage Manager- Nalany Hernandez
Sound- Abby Payne
Lights- Hannah Boyer
Stagehands- Morghan Davis and Abigail Powell
The Liar Cast List
Dorante- Giddeon Storkson
Geronte- Luke Sims
Cliton- Elvis Farmer
Clarice- Alli Somes
Lucrece- Emma Cook
Alcippe- Julia Austin
Philliste- Carter Colvin
Isabelle/ Sabine- Cameron Hilliard
Maids- Sarah Carter, Grace Yancy, and Sophia Taylor
Stage Manager- Kaylea Clay
Asst. Stage Manager- Sarah Carter
Sound- Caleb Lawrence
Lights- Savannah Lillich
Stagehand- Carlin Root
