Pegasus PlayLab 2023

summertime (an interlude)

Playwright: Aniello Fontano
Director: John Gardiner
Assistant Director: Andres Procel*
Dramaturg: Gian Arellano*
Production Stage Manager: Marisa Figueras*
Stage Managers: AJ Willis*, Jaina Hope*

*Theatre UCF student

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CAST

VINCE: Zachary Racine*
DAVID: Arthur Johnson*
WINDY: Alyssa Vincent*
SYD: Lauren Schulke*
TRIGG: Izzie McKenzie*
KYRI: Dominique Marshall*
STAGE DIRECTIONS & U/S VINCE: Seth Thornton*
U/S DAVID: Kyle Machande*
U/S WINDY: Alayna Ruggiero*
U/S TRIGG & U/S KYRI: Rachel Yurchick*

*Theatre UCF student

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“summertime (an interlude)” SONG CREDITS

"Cielo Dorado"
Music and Lyrics by Santrio

"BUTTER DREAMS"
Music by E Woods

"Bronzeville Blues"
Music and Lyrics by Lesage Williams

"Tomorrow is Forever"
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton and sung by Quimbly Majkowski

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DESIGN TEAM

Design and Technology Advisor: Vandy Wood
Lighting: Ally Reichard*, Reyann Epps*
Sound: Kate Jeffcott*
Scenic: Leslie MacMillan*
Costumes: AJ Hued*, Morgan Barkhurst*, Nicolas Zamora*
Props: Lauren González*

*Theatre UCF student

SHOW CREW

Celise Carson*, Taylor Petros*, Nick Moffa*

*Theatre UCF student

SHOP CREW

Scene Shop Crew: Gil Bloom*, Annie Swift*, Hailey Osborn*, Leslie MacMillan*, Celine Salcedo*, Spencer Valdez*, Idannys Gonzalez*, Janiyha Harris*, Ian Cardwell*, Macserne Salomon*, Pedro Polillo*, Marinee Reynoso*, Hayden Costner*, Alexis Calderwood*
Costume Shop Crew: AJ Hued*, Nara Juarez*, Caleb Jones*, Analucia Raimont*, Nicolas Zamora*, Adam Laws*, Morgan Barkurst*, Tatiana Brown*, Savannah Kutryb*, Jalen Stewart*
Lighting/E-Shop: Sam Sherrard*, Michael O’Brien*, Ally Reichard*, Reyann Epps*, Megan Nowik*, Emily Duncanson*, Lizett Echevarria*, Jon Curry*, Kevin Scates*, Emily Nardoni*, Anthony Miller*
Sound Show Crew: Kate Jeffcott*, Lance Labonte*, and Demetri Rath*

*Theatre UCF student

FRONT OF HOUSE

Ushering: Maya Carpentiere*, Makenna Siefke*, Jasmine Robinson*
Box Office: Mitchael St. Martin*, Spencer Valdez*, Anastasia Landron*

*Theatre UCF student

PEGASUS PLAYLAB/Theatre UCF

Artistic Director: Julia Listengarten
Design and Technology Advisor: Vandy Wood
Stage Manager Advisor: Claudia Lynch
Artistic Associate: Cory Kennedy*
Marketing Coordinator: Jessica Compton
Assistant Marketing Coordinator: Morganne Flood
Box Office Manager: Bridget Parry
Assistant Box Office Manager: Austen Martin
Production Manager: Gary Brown
Production Electrician: Beth McAshan
Production Sound Engineer: Casey Deiter
Costume Shop Manager: Allison Rexrode
Costume Shop Supervisor: Amanda Roberts
Technical Director: Tramaine Berryhill
Assistant Technical Director: Thomas Taylor

* Theatre UCF student

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Cast Bios

Arthur Johnson (David) is in his Sophomore year in the BFA Acting Program. He has appeared in commercials and indie and student films. This is Arthur’s second performance for Theatre UCF. Arthur was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. His love for the arts led him to Theatre UCF to continue his theatrical training.

Kyle Machande (U/S David) is a sophomore in the B.A. Theatre Studies program. He was last seen on the Theatre UCF stage in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Goodwill/Fish/Ensemble). Previous UCF credits include Affinity Lunch Minutes (Cal) as part of Pegasus PlayLab, and Ghostwriter (Clark) and A Guide Through Hell (Hephaestion) with Project Spotlight.

Dominique Marshall (Kyri) is a first-year in UCF’s MFA Acting Program. She was most recently in UCF’s production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Emmanuele Giri). Other UCF roles include The Interference (Reporter/Marcie). Prior to UCF, she played in HWS Colleges’ theater production of Marisol (June) and abroad through U.E.A., U.K. she was in Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (Dirk Gently). Some other HWS credits include: Isle of Slaves (Arlequin), The Breach (Older Quan/Woman), Love/Sick (Sarah), Aria De Capo (Assistant Stage Manager) and Servant of Two Masters (Assistant Stage Manager).

Isabelle McKenzie (Trigg) is a British actress who has worked on and off the stage, appearing in stage productions during her time at the University of Manchester as well as parts in Zoom productions and professionally produced documentaries. Having worked with both classical and contemporary pieces, she has a well-rounded background in performance. She uses her skill in both acting and hosting for numerous YouTube and TikTok channels, amassing more than 8000 followers.

Zachary Racine (Vince) is a first-year student in the MFA Acting Program. He earned his B.A. from Flagler College, St. Augustine. Regional: Horn in the West (Samuel, Jack U/S). Theatre UCF: Bright Star (Daddy Cane), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Ol Dogsborough, Clark), The Interference (District Attorney). Other: Once (Guy), The Old Man and the Old Moon (Old Man), White Christmas (Bob Wallace) and Eurydice (Father).

Alayna Ruggiero (U/S Windy) is a rising junior in the Creative Writing program, minoring in Theatre. Her favorite roles include As You Like it: the Musical (Silvia) and Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio). She is a volunteer for youth theatre and enjoys scareacting. @alaynaruggiero

Lauren Schulke (Syd) recently finished her first year in the MFA program. This is her first Theatre UCF production. She holds a BFA from University of Minnesota Duluth and was most recently seen in Silent Sky (Margaret), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Kayleen), In a Word (Fiona), and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Lana Sherwood). She also apprenticed with Commonweal Theatre Company, where she worked as an actor and in areas of scenic design and scenic painting.

Seth Thornton (U/S Vince) is a third-year transfer in the BFA Acting Program. Prior theatre credits include See Rock City (Raleigh) and As You Like It (Jacques). Seth would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him through it all. Seth is also an avid chess player.

Alyssa Vincent (Windy) is going into her third year in the BFA Acting program. She is so excited to be a part of this Pegasus PlayLab show as this is her first show at UCF. Prior to this, some of her favorite roles have been Into the Woods (The Witch) and Lord of The Flies (Simon(e)). She has loved the process so far and has learned so much by being able to work with the writer of this play. She hopes you enjoy this piece as much as she does and welcomes you to Chicago! @alrvincent

Rachel Yurchick (U/S Trigg & U/S Kyri) is a senior in the Theatre Studies program and is making her UCF debut. Her favorite role is the musical 9 to 5 (Missy). She is also a part of the Political Science program double majoring with a track in International Relations.

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Creative Team Bios

Gian Arellano (Dramaturg) is a senior in the B.A. Theatre Studies program and former artistic director of Project Spotlight, UCF’s developmental student-theatre RSO. Gian’s play, Race to Infinity, read as part of Pegasus PlayLab in the summer of 2022, was recently produced by Project Spotlight as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts 2023. Outside of theatre, Gian participates in The Improv Academy and Playback UCF.

Morgan Barkhurst (Costume Designer) is a rising talent in theater costume design, currently pursuing a BFA in Technical Theatre. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Morgan has already made her mark with notable productions such as As You Like It, Shrek The Musical and Bright Star. Inspired by the immersive power of theater, Morgan's dedication continues to captivate audiences.

Celise Carson (Show Crew) is a Junior in the B.A Film program, minoring in Theatre.

Reyann Epps (Co-Lighting Designer) is a first-year transfer student in the BFA Design and Technology program. Other credits include Bright Star (Board Operator) with Theatre UCF and The Zoo Story (Lighting Designer) with Alpha Psi Omega’s Chi Xi Cast. She is involved with Project Spotlight and a member of Alpha Psi Omega’s Chi Xi cast.

Marisa Figueras (Production Stage Manager) is a rising second-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. Her theatre credits include Bright Star (Production Assistant), The Drowsy Chaperone (Stage Manager) and Das Rheingold (Assistant Stage Manager).

Aniello Fontano (Playwright) is an award winning playwright, screenwriter, and educator originally from Little Italy, Chicago. After receiving his BA in Directing and Design from the University of Illinois at Chicago, he earned his MFA in Dramatic Writing at New Mexico's flagship university, UNM, on teaching and graduate assistantships in Dramatic Writing and Women’s Studies. Until its cancellation, he served as the Writer’s Room Assistant and an Art Department Lead Person on HBOMax’s South Side. Before the writer’s strike, he was writing for a show in development at Netflix and developing a project with writer/producer Christopher Oscar Peña and actor/director Ty Molbak. In addition, he is a Board Member of Prop Theater in Chicago, once Associate Board Events Chairman and now volunteers with BUILD Chicago (a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side), a Journeyman in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Chicago Local 476 and Los Angeles Local 871, and a member of SAG-AFTRA.

Lauren González (Props Manager) is a first-year in the BFA Design and Technology program.

Jaina Hope (Stage Manager) is a rising second-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. Her theatre credits include Writes of Spring (Production Assistant) at the Orlando REP, Knights Season of Joy (Assistant Stage Manager) with
UCF at the Dr. Phillips Center, and Broadway on Magnolia (Assistant Stage Manager) with CFCA at the Dr. Phillips Center.

Kate Jeffcott (Sound Show Crew) is a rising second-year Sound Designer in the BFA Design and Technology program. She is thrilled to be A2 for The Prom and Assistant Sound Designing The Cherry Orchard this upcoming fall and spring. Her recent theatre credits include Bright Star (Qlab operator) and Bite Me (Qlab operator).

Leslie MacMillan (Scenic Designer) and Scenic Charge Artist for Bite Me, is a senior in the Design Technology BFA program. Previous Theatre UCF credits include Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine (Scenic Charge), Working (Props Manager and Scenic Charge Artist), Bright Star (Scenic Charge) and UCF Celebrates the Arts' production of Shrek The Musical (Scenic Charge). Additionally, she is a professional fine artist, focused on textiles and is very involved in the Central Florida arts community. LKMArtist.com

Nick Moffa (Show Crew) is a junior in the UCF Theatre Studies B.A. Program. His theatre credits include Spoon River Anthology (Butch Weldy, Frank Drummer and Hamilton Greene), Importance of Being Earnest (Merriman) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Alf) at Seminole State College. He was also a sound board operator for theatre at Seminole State.

Ally Reichard (Co-Lighting Design) is a rising third-year in the BFA Theatre Design and Technology program. She has previously worked on The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Production Electrician), and Fabulation (Assist. Production Electrician). Other Lighting Design credits include Rent, Frozen Jr, and Seussical the Musical. Her next project will be Lighting Design of Peter and the Starcatcher in the Main Stage Theatre.

AJ Willis (Stage Manager) is a rising second-year transfer student in the BFA Stage Management program. Their theatre credits include: Junie B. Jones Jr. (Production Assistant) at the Orlando REP, Peter and the Starcatcher (Production Stage Manager) and The World Goes Round (Stage Manager) at St. Petersburg College.

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Dramaturg's Note

Laughter. Gossip. The ‘cshhh’ of a beer can opening… the city is alive.

These stage directions mark the beginning of Aniello Fontano’s summertime (an interlude), set in a Chicago neighborhood on the hottest day of summer. The play follows the activities of four residents of an apartment building and two dope radio hosts in their adjacent self-made studio following the shooting of deli owner and one of the most cherished members of their community, Red. One of the biggest plot threads revolves around David, originally thrown into prison 10 years ago on marijuana charges, and his adjustment (or lack of) to life outside. By capturing the everyday lives of his characters set against the backdrop of recent violence in their peaceful yet impoverished community, Fontano explores the joy still found in the struggles of this neighborhood while also bringing systemic issues into the spotlight.

For example, characters converse about “the system” and how it works to keep marginalized groups suppressed, which speaks to the larger systemic issue of housing inequality  in the United States. Homer Hoyt, head chief of the Federal Housing Administration (created by the National Housing Act of 1934), created a list that ranked a multitude of ethnicities and races by “desirability” in 1933, which placed white ethnicities at the top and African-Americans and Mexicans at the bottom. Then, from 1935 to 1940, the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) created maps of large American cities that ranked neighborhoods from “best” to “hazardous,” based on Hoyt’s racist heirarchy in a process called redlining. HOLC used these maps to determine what groups of people could receive loans; combined with “white flight” to the suburbs that took business with them, these actions created impoverished inner-city neighborhoods of working-class white people as well as various peoples of color. Today, black Chicagoans are five times more likely to own a home in an area previously marked as red (“hazardous”) than green (“best”).

Another area of systemic inequality addressed by the characters in this play is the current mass incarceration system also fueling the racial inequality in the US. Statistics from 2018 reveal that Latino men and African-American men are respectively 3.1 and 5.9 times more likely to be arrested than their white counterparts, no doubt influenced by racist police tactics (such as random top-and-frisks and over-policing of petty crimes)  and a lack of government-allocated resources (such as employment and housing programs, mental health services, drug treatment centers).  Looking at marijuana arrest rates specifically,  a racial disparity exists in all states; at its best, African-Americans are 1.5 more times likely to be arrested for marijuana in Colorado, and at its worst, they are 7 times more likely to be arrested in several states - such as Illinois, where the play is set.

Fontano’s play sparks these conversations at a pivotal point in Florida’s history. Throughout May, Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed several bills into laws that prohibit what kindergarten through high school teachers can discuss about sexuality and gender, with other laws cutting Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs in universities as well as college curriculums that teach critical race theory (a concept that explores the aforementioned systemic racism and its existence in American society). Yet these “Culture War” policies that aim to ignore systemic issues hurting marginalized groups do nothing to actually solve the issues facing Americans like the characters in summertime (an interlude). However, Fontano and his characters do not focus on the hardships of their lives - some out of choice and some out of necessity - but rather the joy. The act of violence against Red is just what the title suggests: an interlude in an otherwise peaceful neighborhood. Despite the voiced struggles and fights over the investigation of who shot Red, Fontano also manages to capture the excitement and laughs and sense of community that inspires a hope that someday our country’s unjust structures may not have as much of an impact on those we love.

- Gian Arellano, Dramaturg

Building a Shared Home

(funded by the Pabst Steinmetz Arts and Wellness Foundation)

 

Facilitators: Sage Tokach***, Christian Anderson*, Julia Veiga*
Asst. Facilitator: Caroline Cutillo*
Production Stage Manager: Olivia Perez*
Stage Managers: Elliott Bertrand*, Addy Wood*

*Theatre UCF student, ***Theatre UCF Alumni

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FACULTY ADVISORS

(IDD Consultants and Pabst Steinmetz Grant Facilitators)

Rebecca Hines: UCF College of Innovation and Education
Keri Watson: UCF School of Visual Arts and Design
Elizabeth Kinchen: UCF College of Nursing
Missy Glavey: USF Department of Language, Literacy, Exceptional Education, and Physical Education

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PARTICIPANTS

Amelie Andujar
Aurora Andujar
Isabelle Aviles***
River Banks*
Gil Bloom*
Caroline Cutillo*
Caroline Hull*
Rotem Miara*
Elyse Mundelein
Emany Volcey**

*Theatre UCF student, **UCF Student, ***Theatre UCF Alumni

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MUSICIANS

Andre Anthony Braza*
Ariel Siverio

*Theatre UCF student

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DESIGN TEAM

Design & Technology Advisor: Vandy Wood
Lighting/Costumes: Sam Sherrard*
Sound: Annie Swift*
Scenery: Gil Bloom*

*Theatre UCF student

SHOW CREW

Celise Carson*, Taylor Petros*, Nick Moffa*

*Theatre UCF student

SHOP CREW

Scene Shop Crew: Gil Bloom*, Annie Swift*, Hailey Osborn*, Leslie MacMillan*, Celine Salcedo*, Spencer Valdez*, Idannys Gonzalez*, Janiyha Harris*, Ian Cardwell*, Macserne Salomon*, Pedro Polillo*, Marinee Reynoso*, Hayden Costner*, Alexis Calderwood*
Costume Shop Crew: AJ Hued*, Nara Juarez*, Caleb Jones*, Analucia Raimont*, Nicolas Zamora*, Adam Laws*, Morgan Barkhurst*, Tatiana Brown*, Savannah Kutryb*, Jalen Stewart*
Lighting/E-Shop: Ally Reichard*, Emily Duncanson*, Kevin Scates*, Megan Nowik*, Michael O’Brien*, Reyann Epps*, Sam Sherrard*
Sound Show Crew: Kate Jeffcott*, Lance Labonte*, and Demetri Rath*

*Theatre UCF student

FRONT OF HOUSE

Ushering: Maya Carpentiere*, Makenna Siefke*, Jasmine Robinson*
Box Office: Mitchael St. Martin*, Spencer Valdez*, Anastasia Landron*

*Theatre UCF student

PEGASUS PLAYLAB/Theatre UCF

Artistic Director: Julia Listengarten
Design and Technology Advisor: Vandy Wood
Stage Manager Advisor: Claudia Lynch
Artistic Associate: Cory Kennedy*
Marketing Coordinator: Jessica Compton
Assistant Marketing Coordinator: Morganne Flood
Box Office Manager: Bridget Parry
Assistant Box Office Manager: Austen Martin
Production Manager: Gary Brown
Production Electrician: Beth McAshan
Production Sound Engineer: Casey Deiter
Costume Shop Manager: Allison Rexrode
Costume Shop Supervisor: Amanda Roberts
Technical Director: Tramaine Berryhill
Assistant Technical Director: Thomas Taylor

*Theatre UCF student

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Participant Bios

Amèlie Andújar Villalón (Participant) is a high school freshman that graduated from UCP Bailes and will be attending Timber Creek. She was born in Puerto Rico and relocated with her family to Orlando in 2011. She has done some acting for school plays and was casted as Jasmine for Aladdin the musical in 2021. Strong advocate for inclusion and thrives in making everyone feel welcome.

Aurora Andújar Villalón (Participant) was born in Puerto Rico and relocated to Orlando in 2011. Diagnosed with a genetic condition after birth she has defeated all the odds and is thriving at a general education classroom at Timber Creek. She is currently a sophomore at school and is an active member of the Best Buddies organization.

Isabelle Aviles (Participant) is a part of best buddies and an alumnus of UCF. They are excited to be part of this play. It was a good experience to be part of it.

River “Billy” Banks (Participant) is a second-year BFA Acting Major. His Theatre UCF credits include Home of the Brave (Ty), As You Like It (U/S Dukes/Silvius/Forester), Indecent (U/S Avram). Other Credits include Footloose (Ren) and Once on this Island (Agwe).

Caroline Cutillo (Participant) is a BA Theatre Studies Major with a Dance Minor. Most recent credits include the Orlando Fringe Production of We Begin in a Tavern (Heroine/Bard 3). UCF credits include The Games We Play (Robin), Manor of Death (U/S The Entertainer/The Mistress) and choreographing the Mannequin for UCF Celebrates the Arts Dance Concert 2022. Past credits include Chicago (Assistant Choreographer), Sweeney Todd (Young Lucy), as well as many film and television roles. @caroline_cutillo

Caroline Hull (Participant) is a second year MA Theatre student at UCF, and is an avid playwright, dramaturg, and performer. Her most recent ten-minute play, Foul Lines, recently received two awards from KCACTF Region IV – Excellence in Playwriting in the Short Form, and The Citizen Artist Award. Later this month, Caroline will be seen in the role of Stella in the Timucua Arts Foundation production of A Streetcar Named Desire. She is a member of both the Dramatists Guild and the New Play Exchange. www.carolinemhull.com

Rotem Miara (Participant) is a fourth-year student in the BA Theatre Studies program and also majoring in BS Psychology. At UCF, she has previously been in Project Spotlight’s Act Naturally (Ted). Other non-UCF theater credits include Mary Poppins Jr. (Winnifred Banks), Once Upon a Mattress TYA (Minstrel), and James and the Giant Peach (Ladybug).

Elyse Mundelein (Participant) is a UCF graduate with a general studies degree from UCF She’s been in many theatre and dance performances in her past. Being a member of Best Buddies she is so excited to be a part of this production.

Emany Volcey (Participant) is a hospitality from IES in 2024. Their favorite artist is Drake. They are autistic, talented, passionate, confident and a creative genius. They grew up in a poor family and are self-made and independent. They like talking to friends, listening to music and helping their peers.

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Creative Team Bios

Andre Braza (Musician), filipino American actor and musician, is excited to be a part of Pegasus PlayLab once again! He received his BA in theatre performance from Appalachian State University and is hoping to finish his MFA in Acting from the University of Central Florida this Summer. Some of his favorite roles include Ens / Swing in Kinky Boots (Orlando Shakes Theatre), Duke of Bedford in Henry V (OST), Young Scrooge / Future in A Christmas Carol (OST), Avery / Homer / Sheep in Charlotte's Web (OST), Farris Frankfurter / Pirate Captain in Spells of the Sea (Pegasus PlayLab), and Ensemble/Accordion in Indecent (UCF). Local music directing credits include Legally Blonde Jr. (ME Performing Arts), The SpongeBob Musical (ME Performing Arts), and Brightstar (West End Prep).

Elliott Bertrand (Stage Manager) is a first-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. His Theatre UCF credits include TECHnique: A Dance Concert (Production Assistant). Other theatre credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Puppeteer).

Caroline Cutillo (Asst. Facilitator) is a BA Theatre Studies Major with a Dance Minor. Most recent credits include the Orlando Fringe Production of We Begin in a Tavern (Heroine/Bard 3). UCF credits include The Games We Play (Robin), Manor of Death (U/S The Entertainer/The Mistress) and choreographing the Mannequin for UCF Celebrates the Arts Dance Concert 2022. Past credits include Chicago (Assistant Choreographer), Sweeney Todd (Young Lucy), as well as many film and television roles. @caroline_cutillo

Dr. Elizabeth Kinchen (Faculty Advisor) is an Associate Professor in the UCF College of Nursing, and a board-certified Advanced Holistic Nurse. Her research is focused on holistic nursing as a philosophy and mode of care that considers all aspects of a person’s existence (body, mind, and spirit) in promoting health and healing, and that honors the importance of patient-centered, relationship-based and comprehensive care.

Olivia Perez (Production Stage Manager) is a first-year transfer in the BFA Stage Management program. Her recent theatre credits include UCF Celebrates the Arts 2023 (Stage Manager), Junie B. Jones the Musical (Production Assistant) at the Orlando REP, and In the Heights (Production Stage Manager) at Polk State College.

Sam Sherrard (Lighting/Costume Designer) is a BFA Design and Technology student. Her other UCF credit is Home of the Brave (Light Board Operator).

Addy Wood (Stage Manager) is a first-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. Her recent theatre credits include UCF Celebrates the Arts 2023 (Stage Manager) and As You Like It (QLab Operator).

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Dramaturg's Note

Responding to the theme “There’s No Place Like Home,” TheatreUCF students partnered with community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to explore memories about home, community, and belonging.

This workshop was made possible through an arts and wellness grant that connected Theatre UCF with the College of Community Innovation and Education and Best Buddies of Central Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for inclusive living. The project was designed to bring students with and without disabilities together to grow as artists and build community by learning from each other. In addition to constructing a performance, participants ate lunch together and scheduled social events outside of rehearsal, broadening our view of UCF as a shared home.

While most Pegasus PlayLab workshops develop a new script, “Building a Shared Home” participants began without any text and collaborated to create a devised theatre piece that weaves their personal experiences together. The creative process explored the full emotional landscape of home through writing prompts, visual art exercises, object theatre investigation, sensory activities, and embodied memories. The final piece merges the experiential memories shared through the devising exercises with physical spaces of home. As we bring the audience through each room of our shared house, we hope to celebrate the individuality of our unique histories while discovering communal experiences that make our homes universal.

Go Like Saints

Playwright: Skye Robinson Hills
Director: Chloe Edmonson
Ass. Director: Kayla Amburgey*
Dramaturg: Joseph Slater*
Production Stage Manager: Matthew Patterson*
Stage Managers: Grace Caudill*, Luis Williams*

*Theatre UCF student

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CAST

CLIFF: Seth Thornton*
HAZEL: Maddy Wolfe*
HENRY: Forrest Stringfellow*
ELIZA: Gabriella Headley*
LYDIA: Paige Mason*
NELL: Alayna Ruggiero*
STAGE DIRECTIONS, U/S ELIZA, U/S LYDIA: Madeline Anderson*
U/S HAZEL, U/S NELL: Rachel Yurchick*
VOICE, U/S HENRY, FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER: Zachary Racine*

*Theatre UCF student

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DESIGN TEAM

Design and Technology Advisor: Vandy Wood
Lighting: Michael O’Brien*, Megan Nowik*, Emily Duncanson*
Sound: Demetri Rath*
Scenic: Hailey Osborn*
Costumes: Nara Juarez*, Analucia Raimont*, Adam Laws*

*Theatre UCF student

SHOW CREW

Celise Carson*, Taylor Petros*, Nick Moffa*

*Theatre UCF student

SHOP CREW

Scene Shop Crew: Gil Bloom*, Annie Swift*, Hailey Osborn*, Leslie MacMillan*, Celine Salcedo*, Spencer Valdez*, Idannys Gonzalez*, Janiyha Harris*, Ian Cardwell*, Macserne Salomon*, Pedro Polillo*, Marinee Reynoso*, Hayden Costner*, Alexis Calderwood*
Costume Shop Crew: AJ Hued*, Nara Juarez*, Caleb Jones*, Analucia Raimont*, Nicolas Zamora*, Adam Laws*, Morgan Barkhurst*, Tatiana Brown*, Savannah Kutryb*, Jalen Stewart*
Lighting/E-Shop: Ally Reichard*, Emily Duncanson*, Kevin Scates*, Megan Nowik*, Michael O’Brien*, Reyann Epps*, Sam Sherrard*
Sound Shop: Demetri Rath*, Kate Jeffcott*, Lance Labonte*

*Theatre UCF student

FRONT OF HOUSE

Ushering: Maya Carpentiere*, Makenna Siefke*, Jasmine Robinson*
Box Office: Mitchael St. Martin*, Spencer Valdez*, Anastasia Landron*

*Theatre UCF student

PEGASUS PLAYLAB/Theatre UCF

Artistic Director: Julia Listengarten
Design and Technology Advisor: Vandy Wood
Stage Manager Advisor: Claudia Lynch
Artistic Associate: Cory Kennedy*
Marketing Coordinator: Jessica Compton
Assistant Marketing Coordinator: Morganne Flood
Box Office Manager: Bridget Parry
Assistant Box Office Manager: Austen Martin
Production Manager: Gary Brown
Production Electrician: Beth McAshan
Production Sound Engineer: Casey Deiter
Costume Shop Manager: Allison Rexrode
Costume Shop Supervisor: Amanda Roberts
Technical Director: Tramaine Berryhill
Assistant Technical Director: Thomas Taylor

* Theatre UCF student

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Cast Bios

Madeline Anderson (Stage Directions, U/S Eliza, U/S Lydia) is a fourth-year Double Major in Vocal Performance and Music Education. Madeline has worked in many facets of performance and production such as Stage, Film, Voiceover, Costuming, Makeup, and Music Composition. Previous credits include Working (Rose Hoffman), Chicago (Mary Sunshine u/s), As It’s Written (Parker u/s), Phantom of the Opera in Concert (Carlotta), and The Diary of Anne Frank (Mrs. Van Daan).

Gabriella Headley (Eliza) is a first-year student in the MFA Acting Program. She has been seen on the Theatre UCF stage in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Woman). She also loves to direct and has directed and assistant directed at Theatre UCF, American Stage, Stagedoor Manor, Patel Conservatory - Straz Center, Florida Southern College, CFCArts, and The First Academy. Gabriellaheadley.com

Paige Mason (Lydia) is a rising second-year in the MFA Acting program. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University. Theatre UCF Credits: As You Like It (Rosalind), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Flake/Prosecutor), Bright Star (Mama Murphy). International Tour: The Wizard of Oz (Wicked Witch). Regional: The King and I (Anna), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), Shrek: The Musical (Fiona), Steel Magnolias (Shelby). paige-mason.com @paigeliza.beth

Zachary Racine (Voice, U/S Henry, Fight Choreographer) is a first-year student in the MFA Acting Program. He earned his B.A. from Flagler College, St Augustine. Regional: Horn in the West (Samuel, Jack U/S). Theatre UCF: Bright Star (Daddy Cane), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Ol Dogsborough, Clark), The Interference (District Attorney). Other: Once (Guy), The Old Man and the Old Moon (Old Man), White Christmas (Bob Wallace), Eurydice (Father).

Alayna Ruggiero (Nell) is a rising third-year in the Creative Writing program, minoring in Theatre. She made her Theatre UCF debut in summertime (an interlude) (U/S Windy), another Pegasus Playlab production. She is a volunteer for youth theatre and enjoys scareacting. @alaynaruggiero

Forrest Stringfellow (Henry) is a recent 2023 BFA Acting class graduate. He has been seen in multiple productions with Theatre UCF including Shrek: The Musical (Shrek), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Arturo Ui), The Interference (Dad/Tom), Indecent (Avram), and more. Forrest will next be seen at the Orlando Shakes, where he will understudy both Dromio of Ephesus and Dromio of Syracuse in their production of The Comedy of Errors.

Seth Thornton (Cliff) is a third-year transfer in the BFA Acting Program. Prior theatre credits include See Rock City (Raleigh) and As You Like It (Jacques). Seth is also an avid chess player.

Maddy Wolfe (Hazel) is a senior in the B.A Theatre Studies program. Some theatre credits include She Kills Monsters (Lilith), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Ms. Shingle), and Newsies (Tommy Boy). She is involved with Florida State Thespians and Thespians Junior District as a judge and is earning her teaching certificate to teach high school theatre. @Actress_4_ever

Rachel Yurchick (U/S Hazel, U/S Nell) is a senior in the Theatre Studies and was previously understudy in Summertime (an interlude). Her favorite role includes Missy from the musical 9 to 5. She is also a part of the Political Science program double majoring with a track in International Relations.

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Creative Team Bios

Celise Carson (Show Crew) is a Junior in B.A Film program, minoring in Theatre.

Emily Duncanson (Lighting Team) is a first-year in the BFA Design and Technology program. She has worked as a stagehand for multiple professional companies, and for the past two years has been the Master Lighting Technician for Project Spotlight.

Adam Laws (Costumes) is a second-year transfer student in the BFA Design and Technology program. He has worked on several Theatre UCF productions, including As It’s Written (Co-Scenic Designer/Charge Artist) and Bite Me (Draper). He has also worked professionally building haunted houses and the escape room company Exit Strategy (Assistant Creative Designer). Adam also freelances as a fantasy model commission painter. AdamDesignsStuff.com

Nick Moffa (Show Crew) is a Junior in the UCF Theatre Studies BA Program. His theatre credits include Spoon River Anthology (Butch Weldy, Frank Drummer and Hamilton Greene), Importance of Being Earnest (Merriman) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Alf) at Seminole State College. He was also a sound board operator for theatre at Seminole State.

Megan Nowik (Lighting Team) is a first-year transfer student in the BFA Design & Technology Program. She was previously part of the Electrics Shop Crew for the Spring 2023 season at Theatre UCF. @meganoliivia

Michael O’Brien (Lighting Team) is a rising sophomore in the BFA Design Tech Program. His past work at UCF includes Home of the Brave (Qlab Operator) at UCF. He also worked as a Programmer in Project Spotlight’s One Act Festival.

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Dramaturg's Note

Proctor: They think to go like saints. I like not to spoil their names.

Danforth: Mr. Proctor, do you think they will go like saints?

Proctor: This woman never thought she done the Devil’s work.

--- The Crucible by Arthur Miller, 1953

 

Go Like Saints: What if You’re Wrong?

Go Like Saints is a drama by Skye Robinson Hillis where the main character, Eliza Everett, is called to testify in front of the House on the Un-American Committee (HUAC) during the height of the Second Red Scare. She must face the law and her loved ones while struggling to hold onto her ideals and career. Even today, we live in a society of people who can be persecuted due to their political beliefs, who are facing the same adversity that Eliza encountered.

The Second Red Scare was a time in American History when great fear of communism spread into the United States, making government officials paranoid everywhere from local school boards all the way up to the White House. As a result, the HUAC was created to stop the spread of American communism. Any suspected card-carrying Communist or even communist sympathizer would, at best, lose their jobs and, at worst, be imprisoned or deported. It was a time when much of the country was frightened, but for different reasons. The government feared communism corrupting America’s capitalist society. This fear grew after the Rosenbergs, a couple who spied and sabotaged the United States, were caught and executed. While some government officials fought to protect America and its economic system, others used the fear of communism to get political power and authority over others. On the other hand, communists feared this system because of how devastating the Great Depression was. In addition, they had a great fear of being found out and losing everything. Even though the First Amendment protects people’s right to free speech, saying or believing the wrong thing could have cost one’s entire life. While there were some people such as the Hollywood 10 who stood up to the HUAC, most communist sympathizers were too afraid to fight back, and would often give up other people to save themselves.

Today, many would find it absurd how people could lose their jobs and freedom just for having different beliefs. Both groups are confident that their economic system is correct and that the other side is unreasonable and dangerous. In other words, both groups thought that they were in the right, and nothing could prove otherwise. Even today, people are losing their careers due to them having different political ideologies. Whether it’s the person firing or being fired, they both most likely believe they are in the right as well.

One of my essential responsibilities as a dramaturg is to answer the question: why this play now? And I think the most important thing to consider is how defensive people still can get when their beliefs are questioned. Think of something you believe so strongly that no matter what anyone says, you are positive you are right about. It could be political, like how much influence the government should have on abortion. It could be a religious position like Christianity. It could be something in pop culture, like how Star Wars is better than Star Trek. In the play, the HUAC is as confident that intimidating and interrogating citizens like Eliza due to their beliefs is as correct as you are on the best music genre. However, to prevent history from repeating itself, you and anyone you know should ask this question: What if I’m wrong?

Bite Me

Playwright: Eliana Pipes
Director: Edmarie Montes
Production Stage Manager: Delayna Wahlberg*
Scenic Designer/Lighting Designer: Vandy Wood
Sound Designer: Lance LaBonte*
Costume Designer: Caleb Jones*
Original Music by Cody Mathewson

*Theatre UCF student

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CAST

MELODY: Ola Baraka*
NATHAN: Justin Joseph Rotolo*
U/S MELODY: Dominique Marshall*
U/S NATHAN: Jake Haugland*

*Theatre UCF student

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PRODUCTION TEAM

Stage Managers: Chris Wilson*, Brandy Ramos*
Assistant Director/Dramaturg: Gabriella Headley*
Assistant Lighting Designer: Ally Reichard*
Props Manager: Lauren González*
Programmer: Reyann Epps*
QLab Operator: Kate Jeffcott*
Draper: Adam Laws*
First Hand: Nara Juarez*
Assistant Production Electricians: Megan Nowik*, Emily Duncanson*
Deck Crew: AJ Willis*, Jaina Hope*, Marisa Figueras*
Wardrobe Crew: Elliott Bertrand*, Olivia Perez*, Addy Wood*

*Theatre UCF student

SHOP CREW

Scene Shop Crew: Gil Bloom*, Annie Swift*, Hailey Osborn*, Leslie MacMillan*, Celine Salcedo*, Spencer Valdez*, Idannys Gonzalez*, Janiyha Harris*, Ian Cardwell*, Macserne Salomon*, Pedro Polillo*, Marinee Reynoso*, Hayden Costner*, Alexis Calderwood*
Costume Shop Crew: AJ Hued*, Nara Juarez*, Caleb Jones*, Analucia Raimont*, Nicolas Zamora*, Adam Laws*, Morgan Barkhurst*, Tatiana Brown*, Savannah Kutryb*, Jalen Stewart*, Nia Davis*
Lighting/E-Shop: Ally Reichard*, Emily Duncanson*, Kevin Scates*, Megan Nowik*, Michael O’Brien*, Reyann Epps*, Sam Sherrard*
Sound Shop Crew: Kate Jeffcott*, Lance LaBonte*, and Demetri Rath*

*Theatre UCF student

PEGASUS PLAYLAB/Theatre UCF

Artistic Director: Julia Listengarten
Design and Technology Advisor: Vandy Wood
Stage Manager Advisor: Claudia Lynch
Artistic Associate: Cory Kennedy*
Marketing Coordinator: Jessica Compton
Assistant Marketing Coordinator: Morganne Flood
Box Office Manager: Bridget Parry
Assistant Box Office Manager: Austen Martin
Production Manager: Gary Brown
Production Electrician: Beth McAshan
Production Sound Engineer: Casey Deiter
Costume Shop Manager: Allison Rexrode
Costume Shop Supervisor: Amanda Roberts
Technical Director: Tramaine Berryhill
Assistant Technical Director: Thomas Taylor

* Theatre UCF student

FRONT OF HOUSE

Ushering: Maya Carpentiere*, Makenna Siefke*, Jasmine Robinson*
Box Office: Mitchael St. Martin*, Spencer Valdez*, Anastasia Landron*

* Theatre UCF student

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Cast Bios

Ola Baraka (Melody) is a first-year in the MFA Acting program. She was most recently seen in Theatre UCF’s production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. Other credits include Tragedians Anonymous and Love and Information. Ola received her Bachelor’s degree in Acting from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Jake Haugland (U/S Nathan) is excited to be making their PlayLab debut with Bite Me! Jake's experience within the theatre has led to roles in productions of Into the Woods (Steward), in UCF Project Spotlight's Ghostwriter (George Burroughs), and most recently in the Orlando Fringe debut of Manor of Death (U/S Collector/Hunter). Jake has also been involved in UCF student short films including The Grin (Petitioner) and He's on His Way (Tyler).

Dominique Marshall (U/S Melody) is a first-year in UCF’s MFA Acting Program. She was most recently (Emmanuele Giri) in UCF’s production Arturo Ui, other UCF roles include (Reporter/ Marcie) in The Interference. Prior to UCF she played (June) in HWS Colleges’ theater production of Marisol and abroad through U.E.A., U.K. she played (Dirk Gently) in Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Some other HWS credits include: Isle of Slaves (Arlequin), (Older Quan/Woman) The Breach, (Sarah) Love/Sick and (assistant Stage Manager) for Aria De Capo and Servant of Two Masters.

Justin Joseph Rotolo (Nathan) is a first-year transfer student in the BFA Acting Program. He is Secretary of APO and BFA Acting Representative for The School of Performing Arts Student Advisory Board. Theatre UCF: The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Mulberry, Vegetable Dealer, U/S Old & Young Dogsborough, U/S Goodwill, U/S Fish). Florida Southern College: The Diary of Anne Frank (Peter Van Daan, Co-Sound Designer), Stop Kiss (Peter), Tom Jones (Actor #6). @Justinrotolo

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Production Team Bios

Elliott Bertrand (Wardrobe Crew) is a first-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. His Theatre UCF credits include TECHnique: A Dance Concert (Production Assistant) and Building a Shared Home (Assistant Stage Manager). Other theatre credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Puppeteer).

Emily Duncanson (Assistant Production Electrician) is a first-year student in the BFA Design and Technology program. She has worked as a stagehand for multiple professional companies, and for the past two years has been the Master Lighting Technician for Project Spotlight.

Reyann Epps (Programmer) is a first year transfer student in the BFA Design and Technology program. Other credits include Bright Star (Board Operator) and summertime (an interlude) (Co-Lighting Designer) with Theatre UCF and The Zoo Story (Lighting Designer) with Alpha Psi Omega’s Chi Xi Cast. She is involved with Project Spotlight and a member of Alpha Psi Omega’s Chi Xi cast.

Marisa Figueras (Deck Crew) is a rising second year student in the BFA Stage Management program. Her theatre credits include summertime (an interlude) (Production Stage Manager) Bright Star (Production Assistant), The Drowsy Chaperone (Stage Manager) and Das Rheingold (Assistant Stage Manager).

Lauren González (Props Manager) is a first-year student in the BFA Design and Technology program.

Gabriella Headley (Assistant Director/Dramaturg) is a first-year student in the MFA Acting Program. She has been seen on the Theatre UCF stage in Arturo Ui (Woman, Cicero Vegetable Dealer) and is involved in Pegasus Playlab this summer in Go Like Saints (Eliza). She has worked as a Director at American Stage, Stagedoor Manor, Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center, Florida Southern College, CFCArts, & The First Academy. Gabriellaheadley.com

Jaina Hope (Crew) is a rising second-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. Her theatre credits include: summertime (an interlude) (Assistant Stage Manager) with Theatre UCF, Writes of Spring (Production Assistant) at the Orlando REP, Knights Season of Joy (Assistant Stage Manager) with UCF at the Dr. Phillips Center, and Broadway on Magnolia (Assistant Stage Manager) with CFCA at the Dr. Phillips Center.

Kate Jeffcott (Qlab operator) is a rising second year Sound Designer in the BFA Design and Technology program. She is thrilled to be A2 for The Prom and Assistant Sound Designing The Cherry Orchard in fall and spring. Her recent theatre credits include Summertime (an interlude) (Sound Designer) and Brightstar (Qlab operator).

Caleb Asher Jones (Costume Designer) is a second-year transfer in the BFA Design and Technology program. This is his designer debut at Theatre UCF. @calebasherjones

Adam Laws (Draper) is a second-year transfer student in the BFA Design and Technology program. He has worked on several Theatre UCF productions, including As It’s Written (Co-Scenic Designer/Charge Artist) and Bite Me (Draper). He has also worked professionally building haunted houses and the escape room company Exit Strategy (Assistant Creative Designer). Adam also freelances as a fantasy model commission painter. AdamDesignsStuff.com

Edmarie Montes (Director) graduated from Theatre UCF with a BFA in Acting. She is  working as both an Actor and Director in the Orlando area. Some of her recent credits include: Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry, You Too August Wilson (Yael U/S performed), Closer (Anna), Office Funeral Party Musical Extravaganza (Yolanda). She has worked as a Director at Renaissance Theatre Company (La Medea), Orlando Shakes Playfest (Bite Me), Rollins College (Into the Woods), and Theatre UCF with Pegasus Playlab in 2022 (Race to Infinity).

Megan Nowik (Assistant Production Electrician) is a first-year transfer student in the BFA Design & Technology Program. She was previously part of the Electrics Shop Crew for the Spring 2023 season at Theatre UCF. @meganoliivia

Olivia Perez (Wardrobe Crew) is a first-year transfer in the BFA Stage Management program. Her recent theatre credits include Building a Shared Home (Production Stage Manager), UCF Celebrates the Arts 2023 (Stage Manager), Junie B. Jones the Musical (Production Assistant) at the Orlando REP, and In the Heights (Production Stage Manager) at Polk State College.

Eliana Pipes (Playwright) is a writer, filmmaker and actor based in her hometown of Los Angeles. Her plays include DREAM HOU$E (world premiere co-production Alliance Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, and Baltimore Center Stage, published by Concord Samuel French); HOOPS (world premiere commission Milwaukee Chamber Theater); and BITE ME (workshop production Pegasus PlayLab). She holds commissions from Two River Theater and South Coast Repertory. Her work has been developed or presented at the New York Theatre Workshop Dartmouth Residency, Playwright's Realm Scratchpad Series, South Coast Repertory Pacific Playwright’s Festival, NNPN National New Play Showcase, Kennedy Center NNPN MFA Playwright's Workshop, Old Globe Powers New Voices Festival, Fire This Time Festival, and Drama League DirectorFest. Her writing awards include the Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellowship, Alliance Kendeda Prize, Leah Ryan Prize, KCACTF Harold and Mimi Steinberg Award, National Latine Playwrights Award, and Dr. Floyd Gaffney Award. As a filmmaker she's been awarded the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women through AMPAS, the WAVE Grant and Outfest x Colin Higgins Youth Filmmaker Grant. BA English Columbia University, MFA Playwriting Boston University. elianapipes.com.

Brandy Ramos (Stage Manager) is a rising second-year transfer in the BFA Stage Management program at UCF. Previous credits include The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at UCF (Production Assistant). Credits outside of UCF include Florida School of the Arts: The Marriage of Bette and Boo (Stage Manager), The Servant of Two Masters (Stage Manager), Ragtime (Stage Manager), and Fringe: We Begin in a Tavern (Deck Crew).

Ally Reichard (Assistant Lighting Design) is a rising third-year student in the BFA Theatre Design and Technology program. She has previously worked on Pegasus Playlab’s Summertime (an interlude) as Co-Lighting Design, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Production Electrician), and Fabulation (Assist. Production Electrician). Other Lighting Design credits include Rent, Frozen Jr, and Seussical the Musical. Her next project will be Lighting Design of Peter and the Starcatcher in the Mainstage theatre.

Elizabeth Anne Smith-Cortelyou (Intimacy Director) is a teaching artist and actor from Los Angeles, CA. Her theatrical credits include Light Up the Sky at the Pasadena Playhouse, Working and Follies with Chet Walker and Call Me Madam with Joann Worley. Television credits include series regular and recurring roles in Good Company with Lauren Graham and Wendy Malick, According to Jim, Almost Perfect, Thanks, The Shield, Third Rock from the Sun, Murphy Brown, It’s Good to be King, Becker, Mad About You, The Second Half, Everybody Loves Raymond, Lois and Clark, and Bob with Bob Newhart. She can be seen in Steven Spielberg’s productions of Little Giants and Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Elizabeth is a recent graduate of UCF’s MA Theatre program and a member of SAG-AFTRA/Actors Equity Association. Her Intimacy director credits at UCF include productions of Indecent, First Date, and Twelfth Night.

Delayna Wahlberg (Production Stage Manager) is a rising second-year transfer in the BFA Stage Management program. Previous credits include The Interference (Production Assistant) with Theatre UCF, and Speed Dating Tonight! (Production Stage Manager) with UCF Opera. Other professional credits include Elf the Musical (Music Director) and Mary Poppins (Music Director) with Central Florida Community Arts.

AJ Willis (Deck Crew) is a rising second year transfer student in the BFA Stage Management program. Their theatre credits include: summertime (an interlude) (Stage Manager) at UCF, Junie B. Jones Jr. (Production Assistant) at the Orlando REP, Peter and the Starcatcher (Production Stage Manager) and The World Goes Round (Stage Manager) at St. Petersburg College.

Chris Wilson (Stage Manager) is a rising second-year BFA Stage Management student at UCF. Most recently, he was a PA on TECH-nique: A Dance Concert at UCF Celebrates the Arts. Past credits include Area Stage Company’s Be More Chill (ASM) and Aladdin (ASM), as well as Actors’ Playhouse’s The Addams Family (SM) and Descendants (SM).

Addy Wood (Wardrobe Crew) is a first-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. Her recent theatre credits include UCF Celebrates the Arts 2023 (Stage Manager) and As You Like It (QLab Operator).

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Dramaturg’s Note

Bite Me is a coming of age play, by Eliana Pipes that invites you into the hallways and storage closets of the 2004 American public school system. It takes a look at the experiences shared between two teenagers: Melody and Nathan, who are both average teens going through adolescence and experiencing the daily life of a high schooler, but within very different socio-economic and cultural circles. Throughout the piece, Melody and Nathan experience life’s highest highs and lowest lows while learning important lessons and get a glimpse into each other's reality. But Pipes’ play makes us wonder, can this new connection exist outside of this confined space?

Indeed, there is something so intimate about the environment shared between these characters. For both, the storage closet represents a safe haven or an escape from the reality of daily life. It allows them to step outside their created identities and social circles and to simply exist. For Nathan, the closet is where he can imbibe in substances that settle him, not realizing that over time Melody becomes one of those soothing agents. For Melody, this space grants permission to engage with someone who she normally wouldn’t associate with, and therefore provides her with what she wants most: a friend. The setting of the storage closet stays consistent over the course of the play, even while these characters are experiencing so much change. Pipes’s decision to make Nathan and Melody the only two characters we see on stage focuses our attention on their relationship over anything else, allowing us to see their evolution from who they are to who they become because of this relationship from the first act to the second. They both have strong responses to their overall high school years and selves, and as a result, we find both determination and strength will drive the choices shaping Nathan and Melody into the adults they become. But as they have changed, how has their relationship changed? Do they jump back into their previous transactional relationship or is there more than meets the eye?

This play addresses common issues that teenagers today are still experiencing and how they cope. Teenagers then and now both deal with outside pressures, changing brains and bodies, and internal questions of identity. Today’s teenagers also have the added difficulties that come with the layer of technology and social media on their relationships. But at the core of all teenage experiences then and now, people at this point in their life simply long for true human connection. They share a need for acceptance. They relish the bliss that comes with another person really knowing you. They experience the pain that comes with being hurt the worst by the people you love the most. This is the tragically beautiful tapestry of the human experience that is unavoidable as we surround ourselves with other people. As you watch this story unfold, I urge you to evaluate your closest relationships: how do you treat those whom you love and cherish the most?

“The people sometimes who are closest to us are the ones who bear the brunt of our frustration.”
- Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage

What is Pegasus PlayLab?

Pegasus PlayLab is a festival dedicated to developing plays by emerging playwrights. Playwrights are invited to UCF's campus for a two-week residency to develop their new play with students and faculty. Audiences are to hear staged readings and experience a full production of a new play first workshopped at Orlando Shakes’ PlayFest. Follow these plays into the next stage of development and be part of the creative process with playwrights, casts and artistic teams!

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When is Pegasus PlayLab?

Pegasus PlayLab spans six weeks starting mid-May through the end of June. Selected playwrights are expected to commit to a two-week residency within that timeframe.

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What Should I Expect at a Workshop?

What you will see on stage is the culmination of 8 days of rehearsals, script changes and discussions between the actors, playwright, director, dramaturg, and designers. Actors will bring the new work to life in front of the audience with scripts in-hand and minimal staging.

After the performance, discuss what you saw and heard with the playwright, director, cast and the rest of the creative team. You play a crucial role in the work’s development through your feedback.

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What Should I Expect at a Full Developmental Production?

This is a play that has already been through workshops and readings and is ready for a fully-staged production with a set, costumes, lighting and a full rehearsal schedule.

This does not mean that this is the final version of the script. After developmental productions, the playwright will use what they saw and the feedback you give to continue to revise the script.

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How do I get involved as a UCF student?

All UCF students can audition to be in the readings and workshops. Auditions for Pegasus PlayLab are typically held in March. Check the Theatre UCF Production Audition page for the most up to date audition information. Design, technology and stage management students may also be assigned roles on the performances.

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How Do I Submit My Play?

Please upload a draft of a full-length play and complete the required questions on the Pegasus PlayLab Google Form.

We are seeking four full-length plays, including devised works and Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) pieces, which we will rehearse for two weeks in collaboration with the playwright and subsequently present as workshop productions. There is a possibility that one play will be fully mounted into a production.

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, UCF encourages all qualified applicants to apply, including women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].