Double the Challenge. Double the Fun.

Just before Thanksgiving break, the Advanced Theater classes will present not one but two plays. Anon(ymous) and She Kills Monsters.

“We wanted to find a way to maximize student’s abilities and challenge them.” Shea Fleming, Co-Director along with Sarah Fitzpatrick.

When the students found out they would be performing two plays, they relished the challenge. “Our cast is spectacular, when we decided to do two plays they’re like, ‘ok, let’s do it!’ They have this positive attitude and great work ethic. They’re willing to do it,” Fleming said.

The idea to perform two plays was born out of loving both works and wanting to choose plays not only written by non-white playwrights, but also plays that addressed relevant issues. Anon(ymous) follows the story of a refugee boy who gets separated from his mother and goes on a harrowing journey in search of her. His journey takes him on an adventure in search of his home. In a similar way, She Kills Monsters joins a heroine on a journey of her own to learn about her sister who had died in a car accident while weaving in a narrative that talks about the LGBTQ+ community. After the accident, she discovers her sister’s Dungeons and Dragons module and decides to play it. Along the way she learns more about her sister who, on the surface, seemed very different from her.

Putting on two plays is no easy feat. Many students are playing multiple parts or acting in both productions, which means running lines or blocking may be done without a scene partner or with stand ins. Lighting is being strategically designed to use similar palettes in multiple ways since there is no time to rehang and refocus lights between shows. Bill Johns’ stage production classes are also embracing the challenge of designing set pieces that are more universal or even two-sided so they can be used for both shows.

“The (stagecraft) students had great ideas for Sarah and I that we had never even thought about. And we’re using them,” Fleming said.

Some favorite moments Fleming has noted thus far is seeing how so many people get to be involved and use their talents to make the shows great. Students are embracing the challenges of the two productions in stride whether it be Maggie M. ('20) co-directing and choreographing sword fights or Alyssa J. ('20) putting together dance sequences. “One of the great things about working on a show at Overlake is you have so many different people focused  on this play and wanting to make it as great as it can be,” Fleming said.

Anon(ymous) and She Kills Monsters open on Friday November 22.