October 15, 16, 17
She Kills Monsters
Written by Qui Nguyen
Directed by Jessie Chapman
Performed in The Hanaway Theatre
A comedic and heartfelt play about Agnes Evans, who, after her teenage sister Tilly’s death, discovers Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook and plays through it to understand her sister better, encountering 90s pop culture, fantasy creatures, and Tilly’s hidden life as a lesbian. The play blends the real world with the fantasy world of the game, exploring themes of grief, loss, acceptance, and identity through an action-packed adventure.
November 13-18
Cabaret
Book by Joe Masteroff
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Directed by Scott Sweat
Performed in the Elizabeth Cheney Studio Theatre
A landmark musical set in 1930s Berlin, chronicling the rise of Nazism through the lens of the Kit Kat Klub and its performers, particularly the American writer Cliff Bradshaw and the English singer Sally Bowles. The show is famous for its dark, provocative themes, iconic songs, and its numerous successful revivals.
March 4-6
Almost Maine
Written by John Cariani
Produced by Jessie Chapman, Directed by PSU students
Performed in the Mark T. Sylvestre Planetarium (Boyd) & the Smith Recital Hall
Students interested in Directing one or more scenes in this production will be invited to apply early in the Fall for this unique opportunity. A small cohort of students will be selected from the applicants to Direct this production. Set in the fictional, almost-not-a-town of Almost, Maine, where residents experience love, loss, and magic on a cold winter night, exploring relationships through nine interconnected, heartwarming, and heartbreaking vignettes. The play is known for its unique structure, blending realism with magical realism.
April 15-17
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Directed by Fran Page
Performed in The Hanaway Theatre
A Tony Award-winning musical based on a play by Rebecca Feldman. It follows a group of quirky middle schoolers competing in a spelling bee, revealing their personal stories through hilarious and touching songs, with audience participation adding to the fun. The show is known for its witty, fast-paced, and heartwarming nature, exploring themes of adolescence, insecurity, and the pressure to succeed
Auditions & Callbacks will be the week of April 20 (main auditions happening the night of April 20)—signups will be live 4/13. If you are looking to get ahead on preparations: students auditioning for both shows should prepare a one-minute cut of a song with sheet music & a contemporary monologue. Students not auditioning for the musical, should prepare two contrasting one-minute monologues.
Please speak with Jessie in person or via email by the end of April if you would like to Stage Manage next season OR if you have specific thoughts about an Advanced Practicum next year.