College of Fine Arts eatre presents
A NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE DIRECTOR
Welcome to our Season!
The School of Theatre at Boston University is delighted and honored for you to join us as we present our work to the world–all of the rehearsal hours, production meetings, technical rehearsals culminate in an experience that is not complete without you, our audience. The theatre is one of the only spaces in our lives where we gather in witness together, be it in joy, grief, curiosity, or even anger. In this, the theatre is a special space, a sacred space, and we invite your imagination to take flight with us during these performances, and hope you will return again (and again) to witness all of what makes us human as it is expressed on our stages.
With warmth and gratitude,
Kirsten Greenidge Director, BU College of Fine Arts School of Theatre
JULIUS CAESAR
Written by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
NOVEMBER 15-17 2024
STUDIO ONE
Boston University College of Fine Arts
855 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA
Runtime
1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission
Caution
This production contains the use of atmospheric haze, flashing/strobing lights, simulated gunfire, fake blood, graphic imagery, and simulated violence, including murder, suicide, and self harm
This production employs the use of stage blood Due to the audience's close proximity to the playing area in Studio ONE, please note that there may be risk of a small amount of stage blood reaching patrons seated in the front row.
CAST
CALPURNIA CICERO
OCTAVIUS
TREBONIUS
CAESAR
VOLUMNIUS
CINNA
CASSIUS PORTIA
BRUTUS
POPILIUS
LUCIUS
CINNA THE POET
Ella Benjamin
Edward Bergham
Nicolas Bolton
Lucas Brown
Michael Cameron
Lucas Connor
Alexandra Dagen
Leo Flora
Josephine Goldfarb
Imayah Hawkins
Janie McRae
Amanda Miller
Claire Mitchell
Brandon Nnoli
Sophie Pugh
Jason Roblero
DECIUS
Avery Russey
TECHNICAL TEAM
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
PROPS COORDINATOR
PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN
SOUND ENGINEER
ASSISTANT SOUND DESIGNER
PROGRAMMER
ASSISTANT SCENIC DESIGNER
ASSISTANT SCENIC DESIGNER
ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER
ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER
ASSISTANT SOUND ENGINEER
ASSISTANT PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN
PAINT CHARGE
SPECIAL EFFECTS
COSTUME SHOP ASSOCIATE
DRAPERS
Caleb Dean
Hope Brown
Delaney Jankanish
Darius Knight Evans
Dylan Salinger
Rachael DeBraal
Ivy Comery
Si Shen
Cameron Carcasson
Shirley Brill
Joe Borsch
Angela He
Riley Higgins
Cleo Brooks
Cameron Carcasson
Amanda Feeley
Duncan Cordell
Julianna Devaney
Vyannie Saldaña Barrientos
Aldi Hegger
Saber Stetson
Esther O’Shea
FIRST HANDS
Webb Hodges
Emi Livingston
Nora Kempner
Zara Warburton
Rhea Davies
CRAFT TEAM
Ava Lumen
Will V. Galarneau
Blythe DeWitt
PRODUCTION TEAM
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
PRODUCTION MANAGER
ASSOCIATE
PRODUCTION MANAGER
STAGE MANAGER
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
VOICE & TEXT COACH
FACULTY PROJECT ADVISOR
FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
Claire Mitchell
Amanda Reynolds
Lauren Davis
Sebastian Sachs
Alix Petz
Carly Stegall
Christine Hamel
Chris Edwards
Yo-El Cassell
Ryan Winkles
PRODUCTION CREW
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
WARDROBE CREW
SOUND CREW
LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR
LIGHTING CREW
Zola Gutierrez
Juliet Malherbe
Cara Casey
Henry Robinson
Margo Segal
Ella Harris
Bo Violet Vig
Liam Fahey
Sam Lehrich
Jacob Robertson
Taylor Caroom
Caleigh Howell
Kendall Turner
Bridget Buckheit
Paolo Bonarriva
Annika Zhang
LEAD USHER
Johnny Burrell
DIRECTOR AND PLAYWRIGHT
Grant Sorenson (DIRECTOR)
Grant Sorenson is a director and theatermaker in his final year at Boston University pursuing his MFA in Directing. His credits at BU include “The Hot L Baltimore” and “anon(ymous)”. Originally from Minneapolis, MN, his directing credits include work at the Guthrie’s Dowling Studio, Open Eye Theater, Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre, Crane Theater, Maison Bodega, Everwood Farmstead, Wayzata Theatre, Minnesota Fringe Festival, and more. He was a founding company member of 7th House Theater from 2013-2017, producing original and reimagined musical theater productions. He has served as an assistant director at Theater Latte Da, The Moving Company, the Hennepin Theatre Trust, and others. Prior to his career as a director, Grant studied and worked as an actor for over 20 years (he started very young.) His work as an actor has been seen at the Guthrie, Theater Latte Da, Children’s Theatre Company, Yellow Tree Theater, The Playwright’s Center, New Epic Theater, and many more. He is a 2016 Ivey Award recipient and a member of Actors Equity Association. Upcoming: Paula Vogel's Desdemona at Boston University's Booth Theatre. www.grantsorenson.com
William Shakespeare was an actor, playwright, and theater manager living and working in the early modern period of English drama. His career spanned three decades from the 1590s to the 1610s, within which he wrote and collaborated on 37 plays (as far as we know) and innovated the world of English stage drama that has resonated throughout the world over the last four centuries. “Julius Caesar” marks the exact midpoint of his canon and his first mature tragedy, which premiered at the Globe Theater in London in 1599.
William Shakespeare (PLAYWRIGHT)
MEET THE DESIGNERS
Cleo Brooks (SCENE DESIGNER) is a senior scenic designer at Boston University. Recent projects at BU include assistant designing and propping “Sunday in the Park With George” (2024), painting “Fucking A” (2023), and designing “Alice Tierney” (2023). She also works as a graphic designer, and has experience in costume design and production.
Rachael Harned (LIGHTING DESIGNER) is a second year graduate student at Boston University. She is excited for her third design here at BU. She was previously the lighting designer on BU productions “One Penny Down” (2024) and "Orlando" (2023). She would like to thank the AMAZING creative team and crew on this show! None of this could have been possible without them!
Yao Kuang Lee (COSTUME DESIGNER) is a second year graduate student in costume design at Boston University. Lee's extensive experience includes designing costumes for a variety of productions, ranging from period to contemporary theater and film. Additionally, Lee has specialized skills in theatrical hair, makeup, and craft design.
Rory Shea (SOUND DESIGNER) is a senior sound design major from Morristown, New Jersey. Past design credits with BU include "The School for Lies", "Grow Until", "Andromeda in the Stars", and more. Most recently, Rory designed and A1'd Timber Lake Playhouse's 2024 summer season in Mount Carroll, Illinois. She'd like to dedicate this design to her beloved dog, Kobe, and to Ben Sigda, equally beloved sound shop manager.
MEET THE CAST
Arabella Benjamin (CALPURNIA) (she/her) is a Senior getting her BFA in Acting at Boston University. Some of her favorite performances at Boston University include Sunday in the Park with George (Yvonne, Blair Daniels), Sense and Sensibility (Fanny Dashwood), and The Spitfire Grill (Effy). She studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London last year, where she performed in As You Like It (Pheobe). For more information: https://linktr.ee/ellabenjamin Many thanks to the cast and crew and her family and friends for their constant love and support!
Edward Bergham (CICERO) is a Junior acting major, and is excited to be playing Cicero as he finds his way at Rome University. Edward is excited to be working with Grant Sorensen again after playing Jamie in The Hot L Baltimore last semester. He hopes that the audience enjoys this take on one of The Bard's most famous works and encourages everyone to confront "the green eyed monster" within them.
Lucas Brown (TREBONIUS) is a junior acting major at BU and is excited to make his Studio - One debut! Previous credits include Z in “Ever in the Glades”, Orlando in “As You Like It” (RADA) and Ali in “Anonymous” (Sophomore Acting Project.) Previous training includes Interlochen Arts Academy (Drama Graduate) and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts Gratitude to his family and friends always! lucasisiahbrown.com
Nicolas Bolton (OCTAVIUS) is from Los Angeles California and a Junior Acting major here at Boston University. Prior to
BU Nicolas studied at California School of the Arts SGV for high school, and the Accademia dell’Arte in Italy. Notable performances have been from One Penny Down (Elias), Jesus on Ice (Theo), and Cars Candy and Other Colorful Things (Niño). Nicolas has been apart of Nicolas is beyond grateful for his part in this process and would like to thank his Mom, Dad, and Sister who have always supported him in his career He would also like to thank all the Professors here at Boston University that have aided him in his process with Shakespeare, and Julius Caesar.
Michael Cameron (JULIUS CAESAR) |
After his longest hiatus from theatre in over a decade, senior acting major Michael Cameron is beyond stoked to be acting in one of his all-time favorite old, dusty plays. He is ineffably thankful to his Mum, Grammie, Pa, Caroline, Blake Leigh, Scottyboy, and Ms Willa for preserving his sanity and nourishing his life with love. He is also grateful to you yeah, you for supporting the arts!
Lucas Connor (VOLUMNIUS) is a senior acting major who is thrilled to be returning to StudioONE as a part of this production of “Julius Caesar.” During his time at Boston University, he has played Whit in “Entry,” Robert Ferrars and a Gossip in “Sense and Sensibility,” and was featured as a writer and cast member of the four week late-night sketch comedy show, “Going Down.” He studied abroad in London at LAMDA last spring, and is glad to be bringing his love for Shakespeare back from ‘across the pond’ and into 855!
MEET THE CAST
Alexandra Dagen (CINNA) (she/her) is an actor/dancer from New York City. She is an acting major at Boston University, who who has had the privilege of working on BU shows such as “Salome” and “Mother May I”. Alexandra would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support, especially her mother and sister!
Leo Flora (CASSIUS) (he/him) is a Junior Acting major and he is very excited to make his Studio One debut. Last semester, he played Mr. Morse in “Hot L Baltimore” and Soldier/Alex in “Sunday in the Park with George.” He would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers
Josephine Goldfarb (PORTIA) is a senior acting major at BU. She has previously appeared as Patricia Highsmith in ” Switzerland” and Marianne Dashwood in “Sense and Sensibility” She is so excited to be working on this production and would like to thank her lovely family for getting her here and the wonderful cast and crew of JC.
Imayah Hawkins (BRUTUS) (she/her) is a Senior Acting Major at Boston University, who has worked on several BU projects such as ,"Three Sisters", "Half" and "Marcus, or The Secret of Sweet". Outside of the program, Imayah specializes in dance, commercial work and singing. Imayah would love to thank her parents, family and friends for their continued support in her growth as an artist!
Amanda Miller (LUCIUS) (she/her) is a junior acting major from South Florida who is beyond delighted to be in this cast of
“Julius Caesar”. Amanda has previously been in “Yerma” (Laundress 1) and New Works at Boston University like “Sacred Heart” and “Priscilla” She wants to thank her family for all their endless support, and her friends for their constant encouragement.
Claire Mitchell (CINNA THE POET / ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) (she/ her) is a junior Theatre Arts Major with Psychology minor. This is Claire’s third production at BU as an actor, having previously been in “The Hot L Baltimore” and “Museum.” As well, Claire is overjoyed to be assistant directing “Julius Caesar”, making it her second directorial credit at BU, having previously directed a staged reading of Lucy Leahy’s “Sacred Heart” earlier this year during the New Works Festival. Claire would like to thank her family for all their support as well as thank Grant, the cast, the crew and her teachers for making this production so rewarding and enriching!
Brandon Nnoli (ANTONY) (he/him) is an Acting major at Boston University who has been involved numerous productions at BU, including Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet, Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea, Fucking A, and Serenity Now, Sanity Later. He has a strong passion for the art and absolutely admires the impact it has on the world. Brandon is thrilled for his growth as an artist and is anticipatory for the future. Brandon would love to thank his family and friends for their continual support.
MEET THE CAST
Sophie Pugh (METELLUS) is beyond excited to be a part of this production. She is a junior Theatre Arts major with a Musical Theatre concentration Born in Philadelphia,she is a Boston-based actor, singer, and theatre artist. She is a proud 2022 graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy for Musical Theatre. At BU she was last seen in the New Works Festival production of Sacred Heart by Lucy Leahy (Josie). Other recent credits include Hamlet in Hamlet (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), and Lilith in Amulet (Interlochen Arts Academy). Sophie would like to thank the entire cast and crew of Julius Caesar, and her friends and family for all their support. www.sophiempugh.com
Avery Russey (DECIUS) is a Boston based actor, singer, and theatre performer and current junior Acting major at Boston University. Previously she has performed in BU productions Sunday In The Park With George (Mrs./Harriet Pawling) as well as Sacred Heart By Lucy Leahy (Lizzie) and the sitcom pilot Monday School by Mimi Brown (Janie) as a part of the 2024 New Works Festival. She would like to thank the incredible cast and creative team for making this production possible as well as her family and friends for their neverending love and support. IG: @avery.russey / www averyrussey com
Jason Roblero (CASCA) (he/him) is a dedicated senior acting major and a South Florida native. His dynamic stage experience spans “Macbeth” (Macbeth) and “Lady Windermere’s Fan” (Lord Darlington) at the prestigious London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts, as well as “Hedda Gabler” (Hedda Gabler) and “El Nogalar” (Lopez) at Boston University Trained extensively in classical voice and ballet, Jason is committed to uplifting creative voices of color. With deep appreciation, he thanks his family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support.”
MEET THE TECHNICAL TEAM
Shirley Brill (ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER) is a first year MFA Costume Design student and is thrilled to be involved in her first production at Boston University! Recently she was the Wardrobe Supervisor and Patchwork Costume Designer at Weathervane Theatre which includes the select credits of 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical', 'Peter Pan', along with the world premieres of 'Swiftly Chasing Dreams' and 'The Story Goes On: The Songs of Maltby & Shire'. Shirley would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their continuous support
Hope Brown (ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR) is a second year grad student in technical production. She is endlessly grateful for the hard work of her team in making this show happen!
Cameron Carcasson (ASSISTANT SCENE DESIGNER) is a third year Theatre Arts major concentrating in Scenic Design, Performance, and Costumes. Recent BU productions include "Siren Song," "Museum," and "The School For Lies." Cameron would like to thank his people for being.
Ivy Comery (PROGRAMMER) is a junior lighting design major from Atlanta, Georgia. Her previous BU productions include “Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet”, “Fucking A”, “One Penny Down”, “Sunday in the Park with George”, and most recently, “Entry (Or You Think You Know Me)” Additionally, she spent this
past summer as an electrician and follow spot operator at Bard Summerscape. Ivy would like to thank her friends, family, and wonderful team for all of their support!
Caleb Dean (TECHNICAL DIRECTOR) has also held this position on other productions such as “Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet” and “Yerma”. As this was his last production, he is very thankful for all of the opportunities that were provided to him throughout every step of every process in each production!
Rachael DeBraal (ASSISTANT SOUND DESIGNER) is a sound design major in the class of 2027. She is so excited to be working on this incredible production. She would like to thank her friends and family for their unconditional support and love. She would also like to thank the superglue so vital in this process.
Darius Knight Evans (PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN) is a sophomore lighting design major at Boston University His previous production credits include Assistant Production Electrician for Cendrillon, Lead Spot op for La Clemenza di Tito, Assistant Lighting Designer for Dark Sisters at Boston University. As well as Assistant Master Electrician at the Forestburgh Playhouse. He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors who have helped him along the way.
MEET THE TECHNICAL TEAM
Angela He (ASSISTANT SOUND ENGINEER) is a fourth-year undergraduate Sound Design student studying at Boston University School of Theatre. She is grateful for all the hard work that has been put into this show and is excited to present it to you all
Riley Higgins (ASSISTANT PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN) is thrilled to be starting her second year at BU! "Julius Caesar" was an incredible learning experience for her and she is excited to take on the next semester of shows! She would like to thank her friends and faculty for their support, especially those who she bombarded with questions while extremely confused (usually around midnight).
Delaney Jankanish (PROPS COORDINATOR) is a sophomore theatre arts major who could not be more excited to have gotten the opportunity to work with such an amazing team. She’s been so excited getting to start working on her concentration in props this year and Julius Caesar has been such a challenging show. She wants to say a special thank you to Tasha and Alix for their support during this process.
Si Shen (ASSISTANT SCENE DESIGNER) is a second-year scene design graduate student with a background in illustration. Combining artistic skill with a passion for creating immersive stage environments, Si is focused on pushing the boundaries of scenic design.
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Lauren Davis (PRODUCTION MANAGER) (she/her) is a second year MFA Production Management student from Oak Lawn, IL. She is grateful to be part of the BU management community, and has so enjoyed partaking in Dark Academia Fall™ with the exceptionally talented friends, Romans, and scholars of "Julius Caesar". Lauren would like to extend her thanks and congratulations to the full team for all their hard work, as well as thanks to her partner Zac and her family for their support always
Alix Petz (STAGE MANAGER) is a junior stage management major, transferring to BU last fall. With previous BU credits including "Manspread" (SM), "Yerma" (ASM), and "Orlando" (ASM), Alix is so thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this amazing production. A huge thank you to Carly, Juliet, Zola, and Cara for being the dream team <3
Amanda Reynolds (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) is a Caribbean-American actor, writer, and director, born and raised in NYC. She is a Theatre Arts Major with a minor in African American studies. Her latest significant professional credits include: “Raisin In The Sun” (u/s, New Repertory Theatre); “DIASPORA!” (u/s, New Repertory Theatre); “#IamAntigone” (Teenage Antigone, Theatre Row); “One Day Down” (Paige, The Connelly Theatre) Educational Theatre Credits: “Midsummer Night's Dream” (Lysander, LaGuardia High School).
Sebastian Sachs (ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION MANAGER) (they/them) is a Junior studying Theater Arts with concentrations in Sound and Production Management. They are very excited to work with this amazing team. Past BU credits include Next Stage Workshops, “Sunday in the Park with George”, “One Penny Down”, “Fucking A”, “Art House”, and “Let The Right One In”.
Carly Stegall (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) is a North Carolina native currently majoring in Stage Management in the class of 2027. She looks forward to working on more shows and is excited to learn and grow in all aspects of technical theatre during her remaining time at BU School of Theatre! She would like to thank her loved ones as well as her DP&M family for their continued support!
JULIUS CAESAR
"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare is a timeless tragedy set in ancient Rome, revolving around the conspiracy and assassination of the titular character, Julius Caesar, by a group of senators led by Brutus and Cassius. The play delves into themes of power, betrayal, ambition, and the consequences of political intrigue. Following Caesar's death, Rome is plunged into chaos as the conspirators grapple with their actions and their aftermath. Mark Antony, Caesar's loyal friend, delivers a stirring funeral oration that ignites civil war, leading to further tragedy and the demise of many of the play's central characters. "Julius Caesar" is renowned for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and profound exploration of human nature and the complexities of leadership.
The team of “Julius Caesar” would like to give special thanks to:
Mark Stanley
Ashleigh Reade
Wendy Goldberg
Tasia Jones
Annie Enneking
Tasha Vogt
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