CHAIR’S NOTE

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS[ D E P A R T M E N T O F T H E A T R E A N D D A N C E ]

If you want to turn your calling into a career, cultivate your craft, and become a well-rounded thespian, Samford is for you. Samford’s Department of Theatre and Dance develops the whole person . . . in a collaborative creative community, through purpose driven, personalized Catalyst projects, to impact the world as storytellers and artists.

MAJORS Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre Theatre for YouthBachelor of Arts Theatre: Acting and Directing Theatre: Production Design and Technology Theatre Worship Leadership MINORS • Dance • Film Production

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F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t :a r t s @ s a m f o r d . e d u | 2 0 5 - 7 2 6 - 4 1 1 1 | S a m f o r d . e d u / a r t s Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Institution/Employer.

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

Welcome back, in person, to live theatre, with the Department of Theatre & Dance 2021-22 season of performances. Especially this year, the opportunity to be with one another

in a theatre is a time to be cherished.

And welcome back to the newly renovated Harrison Theatre, where the paint has just finished drying! We hope you enjoy the improved sightlines and acoustics of the theatre, and the increased accessibil-ity and safety features which accompany them. And, of course, the comfy seats…

Given the challenges it takes to put on any theatre performance we’re particularly proud this year to be able to bring you a full season of diverse experiences from dance to drama, from opera to children’s theatre.

If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a community to put on a theatre production, and each hour of stage time in this season is the product of thousands of hours of backstage time in rehearsal, edit-ing blocking, choreography & combat, practicing music, building and painting scenery, cutting and sewing costumes, cabling and focusing lights, adjusting audio levels and building props. Every student in our department participates in the creation of the season, and they do it all so that collectively we can come together and share our world in all its complexity and, as Sanford Meisner puts it, “to live truthfully in imaginary circumstances”.

Two years ago, a group of students came together to advocate for increasing diversity in our presentations across the School of the Arts. With the support and encouragement of administration they created a Diversity Series, featuring contributions from all arts areas. Our second show of the season, Crumbs from the Table of Joy, by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, and featuring collaboration with Miles College, is the first product of that work on our mainstage theatre season. (continued on next page)

CHAIR’S NOTE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Our season begins with the beloved classic children’s story, The Wind in the Willows, a perfect example of how your friends can become your family. To round out our fall, and welcome in the holiday season, we present for the first time in our history, Dicken’s A Christmas Carol; the joyous celebration of the possibility of redemption. “God bless us every one!”

By contrast our spring begins in serious territory, as we contemplate the horrendous consequences of prejudice and discrimination in the documentary play, The Laramie Project. Designed to engender dis-cussion, this play asks us to examine our hearts and question our mo-tives, and we hope you join us for the talkbacks after each show. The spring continues with re/vise, a dance concert featuring our Dance Company in collaboration with faculty and dancers from Alabama State University in Montgomery. Our season ends in another collab-oration, this time with Samford Opera, to present the mystical world of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

From light to dark, from hope to the darkest depths of despair these are all human experiences that can be redeemed through faith. We hope that you join us, engage with us, and experience the full joy of live theatre!

Cheers,Mark CastleChair of Theatre & Dance

T he Wind in the Willows follows the adventures of Mole who has a sudden case of spring fever and gives up on his house cleaning to wander in the fields and meadows. So begins an adventure

that will change little Mole’s life forever! A world of friendships, care-free wandering, picnicking, and playing, opens to Mole as he Ratty, Otter, Badger, and Toad find adventure on the High Road and face down danger in the Dark Wood. Toad’s bad habit of reckless driving throws everyone into a desperate fight to keep the Weasels from over-running Toad Hall and taking over the riverbank. The friends go to battle to regain Toad Hall and vow to keep Toad from launching off on one of his adventures ever again! But will they succeed?

One of the reasons I love The Wind in the Willows is that the story reaches everyone. It’s about the importance of relationships, of being open to trying new things, of looking at the world in new ways. And it reminds us that even when things get a little scary, true friends will stand with us. I encourage you to take time to listen to the “wind” . . . it may change your life.

Laura BylandDirector

C A S T L I S TThe Riverbankers

Rat ........................................................................................... Benjamin Harding*

Mole............................................................................................. Charlotte Godat

Otter ............................................................................................ Olivia Sundberg

Toad ............................................................................................... Braydie Aldrich

Badger ........................................................................................... Claire Hammer

The Humans

Alice .......................................................................................Anna Kate Hindman

Policewoman ................................................................................... Maci Johnsey

Crazy Driver .............................................................................. Meredith Warren

The Pack of Weasels

Weeeeeeezel Weasel ....................................................................... Gracie Albee

Ginny Weasel...............................................................................Ansley Burnette

Wheezy Weasel .............................................................................Amy Ethington

Val Weasel ........................................................................................... Gracen Fisk

Ace Weasel ...........................................................................Anna Kate Hindman

Eleanor Weasel ................................................................................ Maci Johnsey

Louise Weasel ............................................................................ Meredith Warren

*Appears by permission of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Emma Taylor Theatre for Youth Series

The Windin the

WillowsBy Moses Goldberg

Adapted from the book by Kenneth Grahame

Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company, Inc.

P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F B I O G R A P H I E S

Braydie Aldrich - ToadBraydie Aldrich is a junior theatre for youth theatre major and film minor from Hueytown, AL. Some of his previous Samford credits include: The Boy Who Stole the Stars, Guardian of the Sidewalk, and Entropy. Braydie has also recently directed The Gulf for the 2020 Ten Min-ute Play Festival and Good Christian Girls for the 2021 Spring Underground season. Braydie thanks his family, his friends, and his wonderful cast and crew. He hopes you enjoy the show! Poop-poop, poop-poop!

Meredith Warren - Crazy Driver, Louise WeaselMeredith is a sophomore musical theatre major from Nashville, TN! Some of her past credits include Jamie (52nd Street Comics) and Mary Warren (The Cruci-ble). When she isn’t acting, she can be found walking around Target or watching The Office. Meredith would like to thank Ms. B for casting her in her first mainstage and is so grateful for the cast and crew! Thanks Mom!

Charlotte Godat - Mole Charlotte Godat is a sophomore acting and directing major and commercial music major. Some of her pre-vious Samford University credits include Josie in Good Christian Girls (Samford Underground Theatre). Mrs. Plant/Mrs. Vane/Miss Clarence in Blue Kettle (Samford One Act Play Festival). Phoebe in Traces of Memory (Samford 10 Minute Play Festival). She has also been Zelda Zanders in Singin in the Rain and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Preju-dice at Briarcrest Christian School. Charlotte is so excited to be in her first Main Stage show at Samford. She’d like to thank Mrs. B and the cast and crew. Enjoy the show!

Laura S. Byland ..........................................................................................DirectorKymbrie Barnes ............................................................................. Stage ManagerAudrey Myers ...........................................................................Assistant DirectorAbigayle DeBusk .....................................................................Costume DesignerDavid Glenn ................................................................................. Scenic DesignerChristian Specht .......................................................................Lighting DesignerLaura Byland .................................................................................Sound DesignerDavid Byland ..............................................................................Graphic DesignerStephanie Leary ..............................................................Hair/ Makeup DesignerSantiago Sosa ......................................................................Fight ChoreographerChristopher Crews ..................................... Scenic Construction, Scenic ArtistChristina Ledbetter .....................................................................House ManagerBaleigh Nelson and Christian Specht ...................................... Sound Engineers Katie Purdin ..................................................................... Sound Board Operator Lana Stringer, Avery Minotti .....................................Assistant Stage ManagersAdelaide Hudson .......................................................................Prop CoordinatorAlex Fetts, Jackson Wood ..................................... Assistant Lighting DesignersCarson Blaylock .......................................................................Master ElectricianJay Gendron ............................................................Assistant Master ElectricianSadie Sue Long .........................................................................Light ProgrammerLily Burchfield.....................................................................Light Board OperatorGoldie Hatch ...............................................................................Deck ElectricianEmily Weaver, Anna Wiley .................................................................... Mic TechsBrady Hosmer, Brandon Szep ......................................Scene Deck CarpentersMaddie Athearn, Rachel Harris ....................................................................PropsAntoinette Gilas, Brianna Harding, Kate Ortiz, Sam Riggs, McKenna Varner ..........................................Costume Maintenance

Ansley Burnette - Ginny WeaselAnsley Burnette is a senior double major in theatre and English with a concentration in film studies. In addition to acting, she enjoys stage managing, writing, studying like a nerd, and planning trips to Disney World. Past acting credits with Samford include Horacio Alger (Horace), The Pain in the Poetry (Pamala), and Tinker Bell (Twin 1/Crocodile/Nana). Ansley is so grateful to her parents for their love and support. Soli Deo gloria!

Amy Ethington - Wheezy Weasel Amy Ethington is a junior theatre for youth major from Cedar Park, TX. This is her second Samford Main-stage, and she is thrilled! Previously at Samford she has performed as Twin 2/Crocodile/Ensemble in Tinkerbell, the puppeteer/narrator in The Biggest Little House in the Forest, and the Fox in Aesop’s Fables. She is so thankful for the opportunity to be performing again, especially in the midst of a pandemic. She would like to thank Mrs. B for inviting her into this magical experience, and the rest of the cast and crew for making it a safe and an adventurous environment. All glory to God! Enjoy the show!

Anna Kate Hindman - Alice, Ace Weasel Anna Kate Hindman is a sophomore theatre for youth major, studying voice and minoring in dance. She is so excited to be working with this cast in her first main stage production! She would like to thank Ms. B for this opportunity and her family and friends for their con-stant love and support!

B I O G R A P H I E S B I O G R A P H I E S

Olivia Sundberg - Otter Olivia Sundberg is a sophomore theatre for youth major from Orlando, FL. Her previous Samford credits include Jesse and Grace: A Best Friend’s Story, Happy No-Lidays and assistant stage-managing Little Wom-en. She has a passion for children and is so excited to be involved in a show that is this fun and creative. Her deepest gratitude goes out to her family, her professors

and everyone who participated in Wind In The Willows!

Gracen Fisk - Val Weasel Gracen Fisk is a theatre major and Spanish minor from Houston, TX. She is absolutely delighted to be making her debut on the Samford mainstage! Past Samford credits include The Miss Firecracker Contest (Popeye) and This Property Is Condemned (Willie). She is grate-ful to her family and friends for all their support and is excited to help bring this magical tale to life. To God

Be The Glory!

Claire Hammer - Badger Claire Hammer is a senior theatre for youth major from Albertville, AL, and is thrilled to be a part of Wind in the Willows. Her past Samford credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (Alf), Ella Enchanted (Hattie), Shakespeare’s As You Like It (Jaques), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Kayleen), and Tinker Bell (John). Claire would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support,

the ensemble of Wind in the Willows for being the most creative and selfless “riverbankers,” and Laura Byland for giving her the opportunity to play and create onstage. Enjoy the show! Proverbs 16:3

THEATRE AND DANCE FACULT YMark Castle ........................................Professor of Theatre, Department Chair

Laura Byland ............................................................Professor, Theatre for Youth

Jane Caswell ...................................................................... Department Assistant

Christopher Crews ............................................ Lecturer, Scenic Charge Artist

Joanna DeHart ............................................................................ Lecturer, Dance

David Glenn ............ Associate Professor, Director of Technology and Design

Mary Gurney ..........................................Instructor, Director of Costume Shop

Jen Lane ..................................................................................... Lecturer, Theatre

Alisa McCool .................................... Lecturer, Coordinator of Dance Program

Chelsea Nicholson ................................... Assistant Professor, Musical Theatre

Don Sandley .............................................................................Professor, Theatre

Christian Specht .................................Assistant Professor, Lighting and Sound

Lindsay Troha ............................................................................... Lecturer, Dance

David Odenwelder ...................................................................... Lecturer, Dance

Therese Laeger ............................................................................ Lecturer, Dance

Maci Johnsey - Policewoman, Eleanor Weasel Maci Johnsey is a junior theatre for youth major/dance minor from Pell City, AL. Maci loves performing and has a growing passion for children focused theatre. She would like to thank the stage management team and show crew for all of their hard work and support. She would also like the thank Mrs. B for giving her another

opportunity to create. She is so excited to bring this fun and crazy show to the stage and she really hopes you all enjoy.

Gracie Abee - WEEEEEEZELGracie Abee is a junior theatre for youth major with a minor in dance. This is Gracie’s first TY and Samford mainstage show. She has served as a mic tech for Little Women and ASM for the Underground show Christian Girls last year. She would like to thank Mrs. B, Kymbrie Barnes, for the cast and crew, and her family. Hope you enjoy the show!

Benjamin Harding - Rat Benjamin Harding is a sophomore musical theatre major from Atlanta, GA. Some of his previous work includes Little Women here at Samford, as well as child acting in Matilda: The Musical on Broadway, The National Tour of Elf: The Musical, and James and the Giant Peach at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta. He is incredibly excited to be performing in such a fun show and hopes that you

will enjoy the show.

B I O G R A P H I E S

T H E AT R E , D A N C E A N D O P E R A S E A S O N 2021-22

T H E AT R E , D A N C E A N D O P E R A S E A S O N 2021-22

The Wind in the Willows Emma Taylor Theatre for Youth Series

Oct. 1-2, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 3, 2:30 p.m., Harrison Theatre

Crumbs from the Table of Joy by Lynn Nottage

Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series Sponsored by Alabama Power and The Daniel Foundation

and part of the Diversity Series Oct. 28-30, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 31, 2:30 p.m.,

Harrison Theatre

A Christmas Carol, the musical Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series

Sponsored by Elouise Williams Dec. 2-4, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5, 2:30 p.m.,

Wright Center

The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series

A Catalyst Project Feb. 3-5, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 6, 2:30 p.m.,

Harrison Theatre

Dance Concert Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series

Feb. 25-26, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 27, 2:30 p.m., Wright Center

The Magic Flute Dr. Chandler and Jane Paris Smith Opera Series

April 7-9, 7:30 p.m., April 10, 2:30 p.m., Harrison Theatre

ADDITIONAL EVENTS: Ten Minute Play Festival

Dec. 10-11

Catalyst Festival March 18-20, 25-27

One Act Play Festival April 21-22

tickets.samford.edu • 205-726-2853 For more School of the Arts Events visit

Samford.edu/arts/events

T H E 2021-2022 S O A D I V E R S I T Y S E R I E S

T H E 2021-2022 S O A D I V E R S I T Y S E R I E S

The Diversity Series is pleased to announce the 2021-2022 Diversity Series

Crumbs from the Table of JoyGuest Director Chalethia Williams of Miles College

Dates: Oct. 28th - 31st

re/viseThe 2022 Annual Dance Concert

The Samford Dance Company and Guest Artists Dates: Feb. 25th - 27th

The Road From The North Star A Capstone Project By Darian White

Dates: Mar. 18th - 20th

Authorial VoiceA Capstone Project By Lana Stringer

Dates: TBA

Guest Artist: Greg Johnson, Music Director of Northwest Christian Church

Dates: TBA

Lecture: “‘What a Band Should Sound Like’: Hearing Diversity at Samford”

Dr.Beth McGinnisDates: TBA

Visionary Art Environments: Experiential Encounters with Vernacular Art of the American South

Lauren Frances EvansDates: TBA

The History of African American Music Steven PotaczekDates: TBA

Diversifying the Classical Music Canon: A Lecture Recital on a Piano Sonata

by Sophia Maria WestenholzMark LackeyDates: TBA

F R I E N D S O F T H E A R T S

Become a friend of Samford Arts today and support our students and faculty as we prepare today’s artist to shape tomorrow’s world. Select your area of artistic interest or give to the general Friends of

Samford Arts fund.

I would like my gift of $_____________ to benefit: School of the Arts Scholarship Theatre and Dance Friends of Samford Arts Athletic Bands Art and Design Interior Architecture Music Academy of the Arts

Payment Options:To give on-line visit Samford.edu/arts/giving/ OrPay via: (Circle one) Check Visa Mastercard Discover

Amount:Credit Card #: Expiration Date: Security Code: Name on the Card: Address: City State Zip Home Phone Cell Email

Return to:University Advancement800 Lakeshore DriveBirmingham, AL 35229

Please contact Julie Boyd at 205-726-4656, jboyd10@samford.edu with questions.

MICHAEL J . AND MARY ANNE FREEMAN THEATRE AND DANCE SER I ES

SPONSORED BY ALABAMA POWER FOUNDATION AND THE DANIEL FOUNDATION OF ALABAMA AND PART OF THE DIVERSITY SERIES

MICHAEL J. AND MARY ANNE FREEMAN THEATRE AND DANCE SERIES

sponsored by Elouise Williams

December 2-4, 7:30 p.m.December 5, 2:30 p.m.

Wright CenterTickets.samford.edu

A CHRISTMAS CAROLIs presented through special arrangement with MusicTheatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

www.mtishows.com