Theatre Develops Two Fall Productions

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.

“

I love doing two productions at the same time!

— Kaylea Clay

“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