PlayMakers is...

“One of America’s Best Regional Theatres” (American Theatre Magazine), PlayMakers Repertory Company is North Carolina’s premier professional theatre company, proudly in residence on the dynamic campus of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The professional company was founded in 1976, growing out of a storied 100-year tradition of playmaking at Carolina. Our mission is to produce relevant, courageous work that tells stories from and for a multiplicity of perspectives. We believe that theatre can have a transformational impact on individuals and entire communities, and we are committed to the work of becoming an anti-racist organization whose work is accessible to all.

At the very heart of the PlayMakers experience is one of the nation’s last remaining resident theatre companies, made up of accomplished performers, directors, designers, artisans, and technicians, and supported by exceptional graduate students in UNC’s Department of Dramatic Art. Our company works side by side with guest artists from all over the world and our alumni include Pulitzer Prize, Tony®, Emmy®, and Grammy Award® winners.

Creating Tomorrow’s Classics, Today

Producing Artistic Director Vivienne Benesch is continuing PlayMakers’ tradition of producing vibrantly reimagined classics, large-scale musical theatre, and significant contemporary work, but is also broadening the company’s reach to become a home for new play development and a true hub of social and civic discourse in the region. Her first six seasons have already given life to ten important new American plays.

A Hub of Engagement

PlayMakers seeks to provoke thought, stimulate discussion, and push the boundaries of the theatrical form in everything we do. Whether through our intimate @Play series, our mainstage offerings or our virtual line-up, we look for opportunities for direct, dynamic engagement between audiences, artists, and thinkers. The Vision Series, post-show discussions and a host of unique engagement opportunities enrich our audience’s experience of the live arts.

Theatre for the People

PlayMakers Mobile is an initiative that seeks to contribute positively to the civic and social life of our region by taking world-class theatre out of our building and into the community. We create a streamlined production of a play and take it to schools, transitional housing facilities, and long-term treatment facilities around the Greater Triangle area. And best of all, it’s all free of charge.

Passing the Torch

PlayMakers’award-winning Summer Youth Conservatory is the only professionally supported training program of its kind in the region. The Theatre Quest program provides camps to area middle school and high school students, while the Theatre Intensive and TheatreTech programs allow Triangle high schoolers to apprentice directly with professional directors, choreographers, musical directors, and technicians, culminating in a professional quality production on the PlayMakers mainstage for the whole community to enjoy.

Eliminating Barriers

With a commitment to eliminating barriers for attendance, PlayMakers offers All Access performances for our patrons living with disabilities. We also offer accessible $20 tickets for all performances and ticket prices are reduced to just $10 for UNC students. For more information, please contact prcboxoffice@ unc.edu.

Our Mission

PlayMakers Repertory Company is North Carolina’s premier professional theatre company, proudly in residence on the dynamic campus of the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. Our mission is to produce relevant, courageous work that tells stories from and for a multiplicity of perspectives. We believe that theatre can have a transformational impact on individuals and entire communities, and we are committed to the journey of becoming an antiracist organization whose work is accessible to all. PlayMakers is devoted to nurturing and training future generations of artists and audiences inextricably linked to UNC’s Department of Dramatic Art.

Our Vision

Antiracism Accountability Statement

At the heart of PlayMakers Repertory Company’s mission is the belief that theater has the power to transform individuals and entire communities. There is no more aspirational or urgent a use of that power than working to dismantle the systems of oppression, white supremacy, and racism that pervade American life and consume the American Theatre. PlayMakers continues to assess and evaluate our own practices in order to embed equitable, antiracist policies into strategic planning, our mission, and our operations.

PlayMakers Repertory Company, and those of us who work here, commit to the following:

• To work intentionally to create an antiracist culture in our company.

• To continually educate ourselves on the ways in which we can combat racism locally and nationally as we move to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable sense of belonging for every one of our constituents.

• To demonstrate our values through action in our policies, practices, and procedures.

As a professional theatre company embedded in, and inextricably linked to, the Department of Dramatic Art (DDA) at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, our path forward will be complex and singular. We will therefore be updating our action items and commitments continuously as our work evolves.

We at PlayMakers understand our responsibility not only to the artists, staff, and audiences with which we engage, but significantly, to the many students training here for a career in the theatre.

These are not our first steps, and by no means our last. They are not perfect. And they are not enough. But they are steps forward. We invite you to come back to our website and our theater often and monitor our progress. We take our responsibility to this effort seriously and we welcome your involvement and assessment.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the Center for Dramatic Art is located on the unceded lands of one or more of Abiayala’s (the Americas’) original sovereign nations, the name(s) of which have not yet been affirmed. The unjust acquisition of these Indigenous lands came about through a history of racism, violence, dispossession, displacement, and erasure of cultures by settlers as part of the larger, land-centered project of settler colonialism.

As we look to the future, please join us in acknowledging and learning about the atrocities committed against these Nations and work with us towards inclusion, representation, and a better relationship with citizens of sovereign American Indian and Alaska Native nations.

Why is Land Acknowledgement important?

This statement is part of the continual interrogation of our own participation and complacency in colonial structures and a call for greater awareness, accountability, and intentionality in the work we

do.

As

storytellers,

we are committed to learning and telling stories in ways that will have transformational impact in our immediate and extended communities.

We are excited by future partnerships with Native Americans and look forward to sharing this journey of knowledge and growth with you.

Learn more: UNC American Indian Center americanindiancenter.unc.edu/

Joan H. Gillings Center for Dramatic Art

CB# 3235, UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3235

Box Office: 919.962.7529

Website: www.playmakersrep.org

What Will Shows Look Like This Year?

The 22/23 season features six productions on the Paul Green Theatre stage, which will be transformed into the heart of the Harlem Renaissance, a usurper King’s court in Denmark, a neighborhood backyard battleground, a queen’s playground in Florida, a meddlesome English matchmaker’s drawing room, and, finally, familiar ground in the South for a young man’s journey of creative self-discovery.

Health and Safety

PlayMakers Repertory Company is committed to the safety and well-being of our patrons, artists and staff. We will be following state, industry and University safety guidelines in the 22/23 season.

All patrons are encouraged to wear masks while inside the Joan H. Gillings Center for Dramatic Art.

We have increased sanitation measures throughout the building and put some new protocols in place to improve safety including:

• Touch free electronic ticketing

• Hand sanitizers throughout the Center for Dramatic Art

• More frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces

• HEPA filtration units

Box Office Hours

Tuesday-Friday, 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m. and 90 minutes before each performance.

What If I Have to Miss My Performance Date?

For the safety of all our artists, patrons, and staff, if you feel unwell, please stay home. You may call our Box Office and ask to be reseated for another performance, or request a refund up to 48 hour before your ticketed performance.

If you know you will miss a performance date, we can exchange your ticket for you, based on availability. Please call our Box Office at least 48 hours before your scheduled performance, and please be aware that all exchanges are based on availability and a fee or additional cost may apply. Subscribers may exchange their tickets with no additional fee, but additional cost may apply with a change in performance or section.

Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronics

Texting and using cell phones, laptops, smart watches, and other devices lightor sound-emitting devices are strictly prohibited during the performance. Please turn all electronic devices to silent, theatre mode, or off during the show.

Cameras or Recording Devices

Taking photographs or videotaping inside the theatre is strictly prohibited during performances. However, before the show, during intermission, and after the show, you are invited to take and share your photos of the stage and scenery.

Parking

There are several paid and free parking options available near PlayMakers. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before the show so that you have time to park and pay (Monday-Thursday evenings only) and find your seat. For more information and an interactive map of nearby parking options, please visit www.playmakersrep.org/parking

Policy on Young Children

As a courtesy to our patrons, it is the policy of PlayMakers not to admit children under the age of 5. All of our shows have content ratings for each production (for example: Rated PG-13). If you are considering bringing your child, please refer to website or contact our Box Office for further information. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Headsets for Hearing Impaired Patrons

Our theatres are equipped with sound systems that amplify the sound from the stage. Patrons who wish to use the system may obtain headsets on a first-come, first-served basis from the coat check. Headsets must be returned immediately after the performance.

Late Seating and Leaving Your Seat During the Show

To minimize disruptions to the actors and other patrons, late seating will be provided at the discretion of the house manager at an appropriate break in the action on stage. Patrons who need to be seated late must be escorted by house staff to seats at the rear entrance of the auditorium, which entails climbing a flight of stairs. Patrons can take their regular seat at intermission.

PlayMakers’ 2022/23 Season is Made Possible in Part by Grants from Foundation Support

National Endowment for the Arts, North Carolina Arts Council, The Shubert Foundation, Fidelity Foundation, Truist Foundation, The Educational Foundation of America

Additional Funding for Guest Artists is Provided by Robert Boyer and Margaret Boyer Fund, Louise Lamont Fund, Emeriti Professors Charles and Shirley Weiss Fund

Producing Council

Mebane Lumber, Residence Inn Chapel Hill, Spoonflower, Larry's Coffee, The Siena Hotel/Il Palio Restaurant

Corporate Council

De Maison Selections, Aloft

Associates

Cambria Suites

PlayMakers Repertory Company is a program of the Department of Dramatic Art, The College of Arts and Sciences, and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, recognizes PlayMakers as a professional theatre organization and provides grant assistance to this organization from funds appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. PlayMakers is a beneficiary of the Elizabeth Price Kenan Endowment and the Lillian Hughes Prince Endowment.

PlayMakers Repertory Company is a Member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre.

This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League Of Resident Theatres (LORT) and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.

The Director and Choreographer are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

Administration

Vivienne Benesch, Producing Artistic Director

Artistic

Jeff Aguiar, Director of Engagement

Tracy Bersley, Movement Coach/Choreographer

Kathryn Brown, Education & Engagement Coordinator

Chelsea James, Producing Associate

Tia James, Vocal Coach

Gregory Kable, Dramaturg

Jacqueline E. Lawton, Dramaturg

Jeffrey Meanza, Associate Artistic Director

Mark Perry, Dramaturg

Gwendolyn Schwinke, Vocal Coach

Sarah Tackett, Assistant to Producing Artistic Director

Adam Versényi, Dramaturg

Administration

Johanna Ashwell, Administration Assistant

Matara Hitchcock, Company Manager

Kate Jones, Associate General Manager

Lisa Geeslin, Accountant

Maura Murphy, General Manager

Elena Holder, Sage Howard, Amy Madrigal, Nijal Morgan, Hannah Richman, Alexis R Steele-Kubuanu, Undergraduate Assistants

Faculty

Development

Kymberly Burkhead-Dalton, Director of Development

Kyle Kostenko, Assistant Director of Annual Giving

Lenore Field, Events & Gala Coordinator

Marketing & Audience Services

Hannah LaMarlowe, Marketing Communications Specialist

Thomas Porter, Box Office Manager

Rosalie Preston, Associate Director of Marketing

Lauren Van Hemert, Marketing Consultant

Kori Yelverton, Audience Services Associate

Jenna Zottoli, Audience Services Associate

Connor Sule, Lucy Albanil-Rangel, Marketing Undergraduate Assistants

Albert Carlson, Eli Dietrich, Tygia Drewhowell, Jenny Huang, Tina Lin, Ava Lytle, Olivia Morse, Alicia Norman, Krystal Rivera, Faith Robisch, Naomi Smith, Katherine Stevens, Lily Vance, Cora Willis, Kevin Zhang, Box Office and Front of House Undergraduate Assistants

Department of Dramatic Art

Kathryn Hunter-Williams, Chair and Associate Professor

Bobbi Owen, Distinguished Professor Emerita

Milly Barranger, Professor Emerita

Vivienne Benesch, Professor of the Practice

Tracy Bersley, Associate Professor

Jan Chambers, Professor

McKay Coble, Professor

Jeffrey Blair Cornell, Associate Chair, Teaching Prof.

Ray Dooley, Professor Emeritus

Samuel Ray Gates, Assistant Professor

Julia Gibson, Associate Professor

David Hammond, Professor Emeritus

Letitia James, Assistant Professor

Gregory Kable, Teaching Professor

Jacqueline E. Lawton, Associate Professor

Adam Maxfield, Teaching Professor

Triffin Morris, Professor of the Practice

David Navalinsky, Professor

Laura Pates, Teaching Assistant Professor

Kathy Perkins, Professor Emerita

Mark Perry, Teaching Associate Professor

Rachel E. Pollock, Teaching Assistant Professor

Michael Rolleri, Professor

Gwendolyn Schwinke, Assistant Professor

Aubrey Snowden, Teaching Assistant Professor

Craig Turner, Professor Emeritus

Adam Versényi, Professor

Tao Wang, Assistant Professor

Staff

Lisa Geeslin, Accounting Technician

Taylor McDaniel, Student Services Manager

Karen Rolleri, Business Coordinator

Jamie Strickland, University Manager

Production

Michael Rolleri, Production Manager

Costumes

Amy Evans, Costume Shop Manager

Marissa Lupkas, Wardrobe Supervisor

Matthew Mallard, Assistant Costume Director

Triffin Morris, Costume Director

Rachel Pollock, Costume Craftsperson

Costume Production Graduate Students:

Matty Blatt, Jocelyn Chatman, Emma Holyst, Zachary

Morrison, Lou Pires, Sally Rath, Athene Wright

Lighting

Benjamin Bosch, Electrics Supervisor

Props

Emma Anderson, Props Artisan

Lauren Reinhartsen, Properties Supervisor

Lydia McRoy, Undergraduate Assistant

Stage Management

Aspen Jackson, Stage Manager

Sarah Smiley, Stage Manager

Zoe Lord, Production Assistant

Sound

David Bost, Sound Supervisor

Andrew Fleming, Sound Undergraduate Assistant

Scenic

Anthony Cacchione, Production Carpenter

Adam Maxfield, Technical Director

Laura Pates, Assistant Technical Director

Jessica Secrest, Scenic Charge Artist

Technical Production Graduate Students:

Brock Burton, Joel Ernst, Luke Robinson, Rachel Van Namen, Garrett Weeda

Will Peele, Undergraduate Assistant-Scene Shop

Danielle Mou, Alex Rhinehalt, Carpenter Work Studies

Faith Wang, Paint Work Studies

Kaitlin Mcguire, Paint Undergraduate Assistant

PlayMakers’ Resident Acting Company

Jeffrey Blair Cornell

Kathryn Hunter-Williams

Samuel Ray Gates

Tia James

Professional Actor Training Program:

Julia Gibson

Gwendolyn Schwinke

Hayley Cartee, Heinley Gaspard, Jamar Jones, Saleemah Sharpe, Sanjana Taskar, Adam Valentine

For this Production

Chelsea James, Assistant Director

Ethan Sichel, Assistant Choreographer

Garrett Weeda, Production Technical Director

Brock Burton, Assistant Technical Director

Zoe Lord, Production Assistant

Rachel Van Namen, Shop Lead

Angella Fraser, Wigs

Matty Blatt, Jocelyn Chatman, Emma Holyst, Lou Pires, Sally Rath, Athene Wright, Drapers

Zachary Morrison, Crafts Assistant

Toni Darden, Isabella Patterson, Denasia Pegues, Katherine Ryan, Wardrobe crew

Lily Lehman, Madeline Litty, Kieran Murphy, Deck crew

Chris Baumann, Light Board Operator

Theo Holt, A2