Thrive

Thrive, or What You Will (an epic)

By L M Feldman

Directed by Erin Birchfield

April 11, 12** and 13 at 8 p.m.

April 13 and 14* at 2 p.m.

in TheaterSpace

** Audio Described, ASL interpreted and Talkback to follow

* Audio Described

Content Advisory:

Implied depiction of rape

Strong language

Discussion of sexual themes

Transphobia

Forced pregnancy as result of assault

Non-firing prop firearms

Depictions of violence

What an honor it has been to work on Thrive, or What You Will as my final production at Mason. From my first time reading the script, I found the style of artistic storytelling to be incredibly inspiring and that inspiration has continued to grow in each stage of this process, with each member of the creative team, every cast member, every mentor and friend with whom I have shared this journey. Thank you all – it has been an incredible experience and a crazy wonderful challenge.

Thrive, being the epic that it is, does so many things all at once. It’s the story of an 18th century herb woman, a vast seafaring adventure, an interrogation of modern America, a devastating tragedy, and the melancholia of a woman’s perspective lost to history. This show is all of these things and more wrapped up into a beautiful behemoth of a play that is so full of hope.

Thank you for coming and enjoy Thrive, or What You Will!

– Erin Birchfield

DRAMATURG'S NOTE

Thrive, or What You Will is interesting to approach as a researcher because, well, so are the characters in the play! The plot exists as a discovery of its own events as they happen through the journeys of the Askers and their efforts to battle history over what narrative can be found. Going in, I was wholly unfamiliar with the story of Jeanne Baret, so my first act of research was reading Glynis Ridley’s The Discovery of Jeanne Baret, the same source material the playwright states inspired much of Thrive. Felt apt. Going from the play to the historical backing prompted a whole new set of questions (and appreciation for Ridley’s incredible work) – why isn’t this story more well-known? What kind of presence did these real, complicated people have? What can we, as makers of theatre, impart to a modern audience? And can we bring home just how human our history is?

The goal throughout this whole process was to create space for empathy – through theatrical conventions, we see the roots of Baret’s experiences take hold in multiple bodies, but this experience need not be restricted to the performers. This work inspires curiosity about how we ended up here, brings us closer to people centuries ago who feel the same kinds of emotions and troubles we do now, and challenges us to uncover what we can learn from their decisions and mistakes. To thrive is to overcome the elements and transcend the essentials, and thus to make something that others can further build off of. I hope we’ve managed to give more room for Jeanne Baret’s story to touch lives and spark thought about what it takes to thrive.

– Aven Hagen Grote

CAST

Jeanne 1 ....................................................................

Jalen Whitmore

Jeanne 2 ......................................................................

Jean 3 ................................................................................

Jean 4 .........................................................................

Jean/ne 5 ...................................................................

Commerson ...........................................................

Aurora Powell Lake Rusch

Felisha Cuenca

Nafisa Ferdous

Bertem Demirtas

Jeanne 2 and Jean 3 Understudy ............................

Commerson Understudy .....................................

JonKol Quinley

Dae’Quon Shines

DRAMATURG'S

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director ......................................................................

Assistant Director/Dramaturg .........................

Erin Birchfield

Aven Hagen Grote

Stage Manager ..................................................................

Assistant Stage Manager ................................................

Properties Coordinator..........................................

Costume Coordinator ...........................................

Ella Grant

Tess Tsolis

Isabella Koontz

Brianna Zawicki

Sound Designer ..........................................................

Lighting Designer .............................................

Lorelei Stuart

Mary Clare Bernier

Fight and Intimacy Choreographer .............................

Faculty Directing Mentor ...........................

Mimsi Janis

Elizabeth Forte Alman

Technical Director ....................................................

Gabriel Embry

CAST BIOS

Felisha Cuenca she/her (Jean 4) is a Biology major and this is her second on-stage theatrical production. Her previous experience was in her freshman year of high school, too long ago. She has always loved theatre and the arts and hopes opportunities and experiences like these will continue for her.

Bertem Demirtas he/him (Commerson) This is Bertem’s first lead role in a Mason Players Production and he is extremely excited! Bertem’s most notable role in previous shows at Mason was as the Tow Truck Driver in Road to the End. He would like to thank his wonderful cast, directors, stage managers, and crew for all their hard work. He could not have asked for a better group of people around him! Bertem would also like to thank his friends and family for supporting his dreams and would like to dedicate this performance to his cousin Alicem Akturk.

afisa Ferdous she/her (Jean/ne 5) is an nternational student from Bangladesh graduating ith a MA in Political Science. She worked with rachyanat, acting in street plays and cultural events ongside productions of Chompaboti and Kinu aharer Thetar. She participated and won interniversity drama competitions while pursing BA in nglish at the University of Dhaka. She also worked with Dope Productions as an assistant director and costume assistant. Nafisa’s journey with the performing arts began at age eight with singing, and she found her love for acting soon after. She enjoyed her time at Mason and wants to continue exploring life.

CAST BIOS

Aurora Powell they/she (Jeanne 2) is a second-year musical theatre student and Co-Historian on the board of Mason Players. Last year at Mason, you may have seen them as Pythio in Head Over Heels or Infanta Juana in Hunchback of Seville. Recently, they assistant directed fallen with Theresa Ohanian and designed the makeup and wigs for Twelve Ophelias. They thank you for supporting queer and female stories! IG: aurorajpowell

JonKol Quinley they/them (Jeanne 2/Jean 3 Understudy) is an actor from Richmond, Virginia. Other works include Angie in The Prom!, Cinderella's Stepmother in Into The Woods and Laurie in Little Women. They are very excited to work on this show and collaborate with everyone involved.

Lake Rusch they/them (Jean 3) Lake is thrilled to be in this production! They are a freshman and a theater performance major. You might have seen them as Nurse in Mason Player’s The Originals! last fall. They would like to thank their family for their love and the Thrive cast/crew for their constant support!

CAST BIOS

Dae’Quon Shines he/him (Commerson

Understudy)

Quon is a zealous individual with an immense love for Arts. He studied at the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School and currently studies performance theater at a collegiate level. He loves the color orange and also loves to teach! His goal in the arts is to bring joy and inspiration through others that come across his work!

Jalen Whitmore she/her (Jeanne 1) is a first-year student at Mason, pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. Last semester, she made her collegiate debut in fallen (Marina, U/S Cassandra), and is excited to perform at Mason again!

PRODUCTION BIOS

Elizabeth Forte Alman she/her (Faculty Directing Mentor) is an Associate Professor of Theater and the area head for Theater Studies at Mason. Dr. Alman has worked in various capacities in professional theater throughout the United States for over thirty years. She is the Founder and CEO of Spiel, a corporate training, private coaching and executive development consulting firm based in Northern Virginia.

Mary Clare Bernier she/they (Lighting Designer) is a junior BA Theater major (DTT), minoring in Medieval Studies and LGBTQ+ Studies. They most recently worked as the Lighting Designer on fallen, Master Electrician on 9 to 5 The Musical, and as Lighting Designer/Graphics lead on WHS’ 2023 Summerstage production of Footloose. She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their continued support!

Erin Birchfield she/her (Director) is a Senior Theater major with a focus in Directing. She is President of the Mason cast of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society and Development Manager for the Mason Players. She has worked as Assistant Director on the Mason Players productions - The Hunchback of Seville and 9 to 5 The Musical and is very excited for audiences to see her biggest project yet: Thrive or What You Will!

Gabriel Embry (Technical Director)

PRODUCTION BIOS

Ella Grant she/her (Stage Manager) is a second year student studying Theater Education with a minor in Performance. This is her first time stage managing! She would like to thank her loved ones for their ongoing support and encouragement.

Aven Hagen Grote he/they (Assistant Director/Dramaturg) is a Theatre Studies major in roughly the shape of a junior! They were recently spotted in The Mason Players’ Twelve Ophelias. He’d like to thank his family and friends for their support and encouragement, and Mason Theatre for the opportunity to bring this show to life. And Erin, they suppose, for letting them get this far. Hope you enjoy!

Mimsi Janis (Fight and Intimacy Choreographer)

Isabella Koontz (Properties Coordinator) is a first year majoring in Film with a concentration in Directing and minors in Event Technical Production and Marketing. She has been participating in theater since elementary school and working tech since middle school. She is so excited to be working as props coordinator for the first time and would like to thank her mentor, Stephan, and her friends!

PRODUCTION BIOS

Lorelei Stuart (Sound Designer) is a second year Music Technology major. Lorelei has also sound designed for Mason Players’ The Originals! and was A2 for The Masons Players’ production of 9-5 The Musical. She would like to thank her family and friends for their wonderful support!

Tess Tsolis they/them (Assistant Stage Manager) is the assistant stage manager for this production. They previously were assistant stage manager for George Mason's previous production of 9 to 5 The Musical. They are very excited to have the opportunity to work on a Mason production again.

Brianna Zawicki she/her (Costume Coordinator) is a second year Business major who loves the Theatre and costumes. She would like to thank the actors for being so amazing, and her family for supporting her passion of costume construction.

UNIT SUPPORT

Arts Support Umbrella

ASU Production Manager

ASU Technical Director

Assistant Technical Director

Scene Shop Supervisor

Scenic Charge

Lead Carpenter

Overhire Carpenter

Overhire Scenic Painter

Venue Technical Director

Costume Shop Supervisor

Costume Shop Assistants

Sound Board Operator Crew

Wardrobe Crew

Light Board Operator

Scene Shop Interns

Properties Intern

Production Intern

Paint Intern

Micah Stromberg

Carrie Cox

Stephan Starling

Ethan Osborne

Chloe Scheel

Maddie Southard

Vika Hearne

Susan Lane

Tom Terlecki

Laurel Dunayer

Sarah Alspach

Alexandra Beverina

Brianna Zawicki

Leah Aiken-Nelson

Adia Spezza

Meg Ayers

Bertem Demirtas

Gabriel Embry

Anna Jungkeit

Caleb McMurtry

Sydney Schepisi

UNIT SUPPORT

Costume Shop Interns

Anna Connole

Hannah Griffith

Lee Guber

Scene Shop Construction Practicums

Taylor Alexander

Mary Clare Bernier

Rosie Chan

E Griggs

Carter Hurd

Aadith Iyer

Kevin Kaluarachchi

Shannon Harrel

Jackson Ramos

Brianna Zawicki

Sydney Schepisi

Zatch Valenzuela

Walker Vlahos

Ky Wilcox

Spencer Wilde

Zoe Winter

Costume Shop Construction Practicums

Peter Dasher

Dyllan Hutchison

Kevin Kaluarachchi

Renee McFarland

Annelise Oullette

Valerie Pesot

Brianna Sullivan

Nathan Tilley

Alpha Psi Omega Officers

President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Associate Member Coordinators

Historian

Community Service Chair

Education Deputy

Faculty Advisor

Mason Players Staff

Company Manager

Associate Company Manager

Company Secretary

Development Manager

Development Apprentice

Marketing Manager

Marketing Apprentices

Co-Company Historians

Players4Change Staff

Equity and Empowerment Managers

Faculty Advisor

Erin Birchfield (she/her)

Elisabeth Dupuy (she/her)

Dyllan Hutchison (she/her)

Peter Dasher (he/they)

Jay Dews (he/him)

Kamy Satterfield

Lorcan Von Slomski

Meg Ayers (she/they)

Martin Desjardins

Mimsi Janis

Nathan Tilley (he/him)

Lexi Carter (she/her)

Peter Dasher (he/they)

Erin Birchfield (she/her)

Ella Grant(she/her)

Brett Womack (he/him)

Mercury Pitzer

Idil Erdoğan

Aurora Powell (she/they)

Mery Estrella (she/her)

Meg Ayers (she/they)

Mary Clare Bernier (she/they)

Jaylen "Jay" Dews (he/him)

Emma Harris (she/her)

Zoe Winter (she/they)

Deb Sivigny

SCHOOL OF THEATER FACULTY & STAFF

Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Director, School of Theater

Assistant Director

Production Manager

Academic Advisor

Office Manager

Marketing Assistant

Faculty

Elizabeth Alman

Kelly Armstrong

Djola Branner

April Brassard

Carrie Cox

Jonathan Dahm Robertson

Rick Davis

Kevin Dunayer

Laurel Dunayer

Leighann Enos

David Gaines

Erin Gardiner

James Gardiner

Edward Gero

David Goldstein

Nicholas Kfoury Horner

Rick Davis

Djola Branner

Nick Kfoury Horner

Lena Salins

Sara Simanski

Mary Burgess

Nafisa Ferdous

Mimsi Janis

Kristin Johnsen-Neshati

Mary Lechter

Billy Kessinger

Kaiulani Lee

Bryce Lenon

Ahmad Maaty

Heather McDonald

Sherrice Mojgani

Theresa Ohanian

Yaritza Pacheco

Franklin Robinson Jr.

Shaila Schmidt

Stefan Sittig

Debra Sivigny

Joseph Walsh

The School of Theater wishes to thank the following donors for their generous support

Professional Artist Residency in Theater (PART) Legacy Donors

Kenneth and Carol Adelman

Anonymous

John and Deborah Blacksten

Doris Bloch and Bill Hunt

Boeing Company

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth P. Braxton

Mary Brescia

Jane and Chris Brewster

Ms. Lois Brown

Byrd International, L.L.C.

Gordon and Judy Canyock

Ms. Grace Chae

Chevy Chase Trust

Council on American-Islamic Relations

Ms. Chris Downey

Charles and Eileen DugganKen and Molly Elston and The Greater Manassas

Christmas

Parade Committee

Linda Evans

Dr. and Mrs. William H. Gilcher

Irwin and Fay Gold

Vernon W. Gras, Ph.D.

Mr. Carl Hemmer

Emmett L. Holman, Ph.D.

IBM International Foundation

Ms. Kristin Johnsen-Neshati and Mr. Amin Neshati

Marilyn Jones

Eileen Mandell

Dr. Alan Merten and Mrs. Sally Merten

Mack and Paulette Miller

Merle L. Mulvaney

Diane and Tim Naughton

Warner and Cheryl North

Mr. Ronald Page

Robert and Ida Portland

Mrs. Lauren W. Rabb

Diane and Robert Rafuse

Captain Marsha and Robert Rease

Ted and Anne K. Rosenblum

Ms. Ann Steers

Daniel and Ann Toohey

Mikki Van Wyk

Verizon Foundation

Edward and Wava Vigen

1,001 Plays Supporters

Anonymous (2)

Ms. Kristin Johnsen-Neshati & Mr. Amin Neshati

Nicholas Kfoury Horner

Phyllis Krochmal

Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas

Vafa Mostaghim

Edward Jones

Diane and Tim Naughton Virginia Foundation for the Humanities angel ($5,000+)

Judy Canyock

Mack and Paulette Miller

Norma Jean Reck

Anonymous

Dianne and Gerard Blais

Charles and Eileen Duggan

Dr. Joy R. Hughes and Mr. Kenneth Lee

Brian and Laurie Lindberg

Patricia and Evans Mandes

Mitchell J. Martin

Lene Mcvoy

Mary and John Tuohy

Verizon Foundation performer ($200 - $499) cont.

Dr. Peter N. Stearns and Ms. Donna L. Kidd patron ($1,000 - $2,499)

Helen and Bill Ackerman

Mr. Rick Davis and Ms. Julie Thompson

Mr. and Mrs. Kosmo Tatalias producer ($500 - $999) sponsor ($2,500-$4,999)

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hamerschlag

Ms. Mary Lechter and Mr. Kevin Murray

Don and Sonja Palomaki

Robert and Ida Portland

William Schneider

Susan J. Aitel and Jonathan Goldman Anonymous performer ($200 - $499)

John and Toni Acton

Sheila Woods friend (up to $199)

April Brassard

Carol Burbage

James and Sue Christensen

Roland and Victoria Fabia

Dr. and Mrs. Robert Gerbracht

Linda and Shelly Gersten

Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Gholz

Zayd A. Hamid

Linda and Harlan Harber

Catie and Mark Hubbard

Shirley A. Joyce

David and Barbara Kilpatrick

Michael and Linda Kostrzewa

Christine Lange

Stanley Lichtman and Paulette

Lichtman-Panzer

Alice and Matt MagelssenGreen

Erica M. Nantais

Emily Roudebush

Terry Sarley

Dana D. Semmes

Bob and Pat Warakomsky

Christopher M. Ward

Joan R. White

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

School of Theater would like to thank the Friends of Theater for their ongoing support of our programs, especially their support of scholarships for our students. Please consider becoming a Friend and giving by logging onto our website

https://theater.gmu.edu/give

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

At the place George Mason University occupies, we give greetings and thanksgivings to these Potomac River life sources, to the Doeg ancestors, who Virginia annihilated in violent campaigns while ripping their lands apart with the brutal system of African American enslavement, to the recognized Virginia tribes who have lovingly stewarded these lands for millennia including, the Rappahannock, Pamunkey, Upper Mattaponi, Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Nansemond, Monacan, Mattaponi, Patawomeck, and Nottaway, past, present, and future, and to the Piscataway tribes, who have lived on both sides of the river from time immemorial.

THE MASON PLAYERS

spring 2024 performance season

1,001 Plays

April 19, 2024

A Concert Presentation of:

Once Upon a Mattress

April 26-28, 2024

Follow The Mason Players for Season Updates & Announcements on @THEMASONPLAYERS

THEATER.GMU.EDU