GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES - Digital Program

Apr 14- May 13

Arts at

Art Imitates Life

WHAT WE DO IN OUR STUDIOS, OUR REHEARSAL ROOMS, AND ON OUR STAGES SERVES AS REHEARSAL FOR WHAT WE DO IN OUR HOMES, OUR STREETS, AND EVEN OUR HEARTS.

webster.edu/conservatory

REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN.

Sargent Conservatory of Theatre

Webster University. 2021. Director Joanna Battles. Left to right, top: Elizabeth Atkins ’22, Ashley Schwach ’24, Giac Noelle ’23, Carmen Retzer ’23, Chloe Berek ’22. Bottom: Evie Bennett ’22, Maya Love ’23

APRIL 14 - MAY 13

THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS

130 Edgar Road St. Louis, MO 63119

ADMINISTRATION

314-968-7340

BOX OFFICE

314-968-4925

4 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

7 WELCOME

10 PRODUCTION

12 DIRECTOR'S NOTE

13 BIOGRAPHIES

22 LEADERSHIP

30 ABOUT THE REP

38 HONOR ROLL

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is a fully professional theatrical operation belonging to the League of Resident Theatres, the League of St. Louis Theatres, and is a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, Inc., the national service organization for the not-for-profit professional theatre. It operates independently of, but under a mutually beneficial agreement with, Webster University. The Rep operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The Rep hires directors and choreographers who are members of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and stagehands who are members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Scenic artists employed by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis are members of United Scenic Artists, Local 829, AFL-CIO. The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE. Financial assistance for this theatre has been provided in part by the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis; the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission; and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

OUR LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is important for us here at The Rep to acknowledge that the land beneath us owes its vitality to generations who have come before us in the spirit of making erased and silenced histories visible. We acknowledge that we are standing on the ancestral and occupied lands of many Native tribes that stewarded and cared for this land for centuries. The Illini, Osage, and Missouria tribes are just a few of the peoples that we pay our respects to. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration and settlement that bring us together here today and join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public in-person and virtual events.

WHY DO WE DO THIS

We honor and pay respects to the people that cultivated the land and then were forcibly removed from it. Our society is increasingly becoming more aware of the complexities of colonization, and those complexities come with us as we gather into spaces like The Rep. Acknowledging the land honors Indigenous communities, but more broadly it acknowledges he histories that brought us where we are today as a community. We are often fascinated by architectural history of a building; this gives us the opportunity to go further than a building and think about the history of a people that existed before buildings were erected. In addition to honoring donors and sponsors for financial gifts that they freely give, we believe it is critically important to honor those who lived and worked the land centuries before we arrived and still live here today.

About 80,000 people living in Missouri are a part of the Indigenous community. A land acknowledgment is a great starting point in honoring their history and legacy, and to make space for them in their own home.

Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins

Closes May 14

Monet/Mitchell: Painting the French Landscape Closes June 25

Action/Abstraction Redefined: Modern Native Art, 1940s–1970s

Opens June 24

The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century Opens

August 26

A world of

art within reach

Connect with us!

@stlartmuseum | slam.org

Pompeo della Cesa; Field Armor from a Garniture (detail), about 1595; steel, iron, brass, gold, silver, leather, fabric; weight: 47 pounds 15 ounces; Worcester Art Museum, The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection 2014.112; Image © 2021 Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved

Claude Monet, French, 1840–1926; Wisteria (detail), 1919-20; oil on canvas; 39 3/8 x 118 1/8 inches; Musee Marmottan Monet, Paris 2023.100; © Musee Marmottan Monet, Academie des beaux-arts, Paris

Henry “Hank” Delano Gobin, (Kwi Tlum Kadim), Tulalip/Snohomish, 1941–2013; Northwest Design (detail), 1966; casein, tissue paper, ink pen on paper; 18 x 22 inches; Institute of American Indian Arts / Museum of Contemporary Native Arts Collection (SNH-6), Honors Collection; © Henry "Hank" Delano Gobin

Jean-Michel Basquiat, American, 1960–1988; With Strings Two (detail), 1983; acrylic, and oilstick on canvas; 96 x 60 inches; The Broad Art Foundation, Los Angeles; © The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Licensed by Artestar, New York

Armory Collection at the Worcester Art Museum

Dear Rep Family,

There is no better way to celebrate the culmination of this season than with the triumphant return of the Steve Woolf Studio Series.

Steve’s lasting commitment to adventurous theatre and adventurous theatregoers is at the heart of the studio series. The unique kind of envelope-pushing, boundary-breaking art the studio series is known for is a vital part of our work. It’s thrilling to once again invite our audiences on journeys through new, wildly imaginative, theatrical landscapes; this time in the state of the art Strauss Black Box Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.

Gruesome Playground Injuries is an exquisitely beautiful and painful story of love, vulnerability, and missed opportunities spanning 30 years in the life of two friends. More than a decade ago, I encountered Rajiv’s incredible story, which is filled with gorgeous poetic language, sharp wit, and an unflinching gaze at the human condition. Rajiv’s commitment to creating multifaceted characters doing their best to navigate their injuries (both external and internal) in a complex world, while never judging them for their actions, is a beautiful homage to the power of theatre and its ability to expand our capacity for empathy.

Gruesome’s title belies the beauty at the heart of its story. Within his work, Joseph invites audiences to lean in with open eyes and open hearts as the play lays bare a bounty of moments ripe for self-examination and deep, personal catharsis. Every time I encounter this play, I always leave feeling more healed. As we close our 2022-2023 season season, I invite you to experience the healing beauty of Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries

Hana S. Sharif

AUGUSTIN FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS

augustin family artistic director

Hana S. Sharif managing director Danny Williams

THE STEVE WOOLF STUDIO SERIES PRESENTS

Composer

DAVID GOMEZ

written

assistant director matthew cox

Production Assistant KENTRELL JAMISON

Stage Manager SHANNON B. STURGIS*

Casting AMELIA ACOSTA POWELL

SEASON CO-SPONSOR

THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

directed by becks redman

by rajiv joseph

Costume Designer CAROLYN MAZUCA

set Designer Diggle

Lighting Designer Anshuman Bhatia sound designer KAREEM DEANES

CAST

Doug Brian Slaten*

Kayleen Jessika D. Williams*

This production runs for 80 minutes, with no intermission.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is grateful to the following donors for their generous underwriting support of this production:

Ann P. Augustin & Margaret Augustin

Ven & Cynthia Houts

Jane & Bruce Robert

Pat & Ken Schutte

Susan & Peter Tuteur

Mei Chen Welland

Reconnecting in moments:

gruesome playground injuries director's note

“ Maybe if I could climb to the top of this telephone pole in the rain at night, like the mast of a ship lost at sea, maybe I’ll see the shine of you, bringing me home again.” –Gruesome

Playground Injuries

When I was 18 years old, I moved away from home for the first time. I went to study across the country in Philadelphia, having originally grown up in Los Angeles. As an only child, my relationship with my mother was one of the most constant things in my life: she has always been my best friend. Since leaving for college, I have never returned to live in my home city but my relationship with her has been steadfast, flighting through time and distance apart.

When I was 20 years old, I studied abroad in London. There, I met a girl who was from India and we immediately became fast friends. My friendship with her felt like a lifetime; we were inseparable. She was a friend who felt more like a soulmate – a person who could understand me from the moment we met. The time and distance that make it harder to see each other since, have not made a dent in the bond that we share.

When I was 26 years old, I lost my father to cancer. The person I looked up too, turned too for advice, and valued their opinion above all was gone. In the most extreme of examples, and in the longest version of time and distance possible, my love has never changed – just now intermixed with grief, pain and sadness.

Later in my 26th year, I met my current partner. A touring musician, a majority of his life is spent on the road, away from our home. Our moments of reconnection are ones to look forward too and time and distance only strengthen our excitement to be in each other’s company again.

To tackle a piece that deals with what time and distance can do to two soul mates, battling separate battles, in a world that is simultaneously too big and yet far too small, has been an incredible process. We hope you enjoy the chaos and catharsis that comes with the journey of this production.

Becks Redman Director, Associate Artistic Director & Director of New Work for Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

CAST

BRIAN SLATEN (Doug) is honored to be returning to the Rep. Theatre: Lifespan of a Fact (St. Louis Rep) Angels in America, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Straight White Men (Steppenwolf Theater, and the Kirk Douglas Theater), Bent (Mark Taper Forum), Fool for Love (Chalk Rep), Hayfever (The Old Globe), Paris Commune (La Jolla Playhouse), The Good Thief (Slant Theater), Five Mile Lake (South Coast Rep-LADCC nomination). TV: Chicago PD, Masters of Sex, Rizzoli & Isles, Criminal Minds, Fringe, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: SVU, Army Wives, The Guiding Light . Film: Ramona At Midlife, Murder Bury Win, Happy 40th, Uggs for Gaza, Deception. Love to Yvonne and peace to Owiso .

JESSIKA D. WILLIAMS (Kayleen) St. Louis Rep debut. Shakespeare: Bastard, King John (Oregon Shakespeare Festival) Othello, Othello; Lady Capulet, Romeo and Juliet; Benedick, Much Ado about Nothing; Rumour, Poins, Archbishop, Henry IV, Part I and Part II; Jacques AYLI; Margaret, Richard III; Eleanor, Henry VI 2; Viola, Twelfth

Night; Goneril, King Lear; Gertrude, Hamlet; Morocco, Merchant of Venice (American Shakespeare Center);

Katherine,Taming of the Shrew; Alonso, The Tempest (Great Lakes Theater, Boise and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festivals); Rosalind, As You Like It (California Shakespeare Theater); Rosaline, Love’s Labour’s Lost (Shakespeare Forum, NY). Theatre: Eurydice’s Dream (Blessed Unrest NY); The Bacchae (National Theater of Scotland Tour and Lincoln Center); The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Almeida Theater, London); Wig Out (Royal Court, London); The Break Out (Theater Uncut NY) Film and TV: Taggart (Scottish TV); Dr. Who (BBC); The Descent 2 (Celador Films). Training: The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Interlochen Arts Academy.

DIRECTION & DESIGN

RAJIV JOSEPH (Playwright)'s play Bengal Tiger at the Bagdad Zoo has been awarded a grant for Outstanding New American Play by the National Endowment for the Arts. Rajiv’s New York productions include Animals Out of Paper (Second Stage Theatre, summer 2008), The Leopard and the Fox (Alter Ego, fall 2007), Hugo & Holden (Cherry Lane Theatre, 2006), and All Thus Intamacy ALL THIS INTIMACY (Second Stage Theatre, 2006). In Los Angeles HUCK &

HOLDEN was produced by The Black Dahlia Theatre in 2006. Through the Lark Play Development Center, Rajiv has traveled to Mexico and Romania, where BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO was translated into Spanish and Romanian, respectively, and performed in staged readings. Rajiv has been awarded the Paula Vogel Award by the Vineyard Theatre and the 2009 Kesselring Fellowship. Rajiv is a Founding Member of the new New York based theatre company The Fire Department and was a contributing writer on their first two theatrical events, SPEAKEASY and AT WAR:

AMERICAN PLAYWRIGHTS RESPOND TO THE WAR IN

IRAQ. He is a former Lark Playwriting Fellow and Dramatists Guild Fellow. His plays have been published by Samuel French, Dramatists Play Service, and Smith & Kraus. He received his B.A. in Creative Writing from Miami University and his M.F.A. in Playwriting from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and he is currently a Language Lecturer at NYU with the School of Art and Public Policy and the Expository Writing Program. He served for three years in the Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa.

BECKS REDMAN (Director) is the current Associate Artistic Director and Director of New Work at The Rep where she has line produced for the organization for the last

four seasons. Prior to working at The Rep, Becks worked in producing and casting positions in the Artistic departments at both Actors Theatre of Louisville (where she was a producer on the Humana Festival of New American Plays) and Baltimore Center Stage. Becks has previously directed an ITC production at The Rep, and is thrilled to be making her Steve Woolf Studio Series debut. Training: She received her BFA from The University of the Arts and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

DIGGLE ( Set Designer) is a proud Gay Mexican designer with Indigenous Mexica (Aztec) roots. Selected credits: The Harder

They Come (Public Theater); Cowboy Bob (Alley Theatre/NAMT); The Merry Wives of Windsor (The Old Globe); Fires in the Mirror (Baltimore Center Stage/Long Wharf Theatre); Shakespeare: Call & Response (Public’s Mobile Unit); The Conversationalists (Bushwick Starr); Decky Does A Bronco (Royal Family); Red Emma & The Mad Monk (Tank/ANT Fest); Electra, Fade (DTC) Visit: diggledesigns.com

CAROLYN MAZUCA (Costume Design) is a Texas-born and Los Angeles based Costume Designer. Her theatrical designs have most recently decorated productions of Native Gardens at Dallas Theater Center, Cashed Out at San Francisco Playhouse, and Alma at Center Theatre Group. She is the Costume Designer for the upcoming production of Kiss of the Spider Woman at A Noise Within. She has previously designed productions of Mojada (2020), Puss in Boots (2021), and T omás and the Library Lady (2021) at The Rep. Carolyn is an active member of the IATSE Costume Designers Guild 892. She is the Costume Designer of films Body Language, Merry Kiss Cam, What? and Esmerelda (Short). She recently worked as an Assistant Costume Designer on Perry Mason Season 2 and The L Word: Generation Q Season 2. Training: Carolyn earned her BFA in Costume Design from Carnegie Mellon University. Carolyn can’t wait to see what amazing future projects await her!

ANSHUMAN BHATIA (Lighting Designer) is a freelance costume and design’s for Opera, Theater, and Dance have been seen at Santa Fe Opera, Beijing’s National Center for the

Performing Arts, Dublin’s Civic Theater, The McKitrrick Hotel, Soho Rep, The Public, The Atlantic, Arena

Stage in Washington D.C., The Park Avenue Armory, Bard Music Festival, WP Theater, Palm Beach

Opera,The Juilliard School, Madison Opera, Kentucky

Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Opera Omaha, Writers Theater, Classic Stage Company, HERE Arts

Center, LoftOpera, Ma-Yi Theater Company, Keen Company, Pacific Symphony, Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, Virginia Arts Festival,. M.F.A. NYU.

Visit: bhatiadesign.com

KAREEM DEANES (Sound Designer) is thrilled to be working on this amazing production of Gruesome Playground Injuries . Kareem has been working in sound design and audio engineering for the past 20 years around the St Louis area. Most recently, Kareem has designed for: St Louis Shakespeare Festival, Upstream Theater, St Louis Black Rep, and Lindenwood University. Kareem holds a MA in Theatre Education and spends his days teaching Theatre and Media Studies at Parkway West Middle School and Sundays as a teaching artist at COCA. Kareem is also a founder and director of a children’s theatre program in residence at Sherwood Forest Camp in Lesterville MO. Kareem

is immensely proud of the work of the talented cast and crew Gruesome Playground Injuries we hope you enjoy it as much as we did creating it.

DAVID GOMEZ (Composer) Originally from Panama City, Panama, David Gomez is a composer and multi-instrumentalist, specializing in wood wind, percussion and guitar. He has toured the world with bands such as the Allman Family Revival, Devon Allman Project and Tonina. Most recently, David shared the stage and toured with Ivan Neville, Gregory Porter, Devon Allman, Duane Betts, Larry McCray, Donovan Frankenreiter, Tal Wilkenfeld, JD Simo, G-Love and Samantha Fish. David has performed his show “ Una Noche En Panama ” at Jazz St. Louis twice to sold out audiences. He is the co-writer with Tonina on singles such as “ Ruben ,”

“ Serpiente 1 y 2 ,” “ Papaya ,” and “ Esperanza .”

MATTHEW COX (Assistant Director) is born and raised in St. Louis, is thrilled to be making his Rep debut with such a generous team of artists! He will be graduating in May from Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Special thanks to Gabi,

his family, and Becks for all their support! Visit: matthewarthurcox.com

SHANNON B. STURGIS (Stage Manager) favorite theatrical experiences include Atlantic Theater Company, Shear Madness (Off-Broadway) and Altar Boyz (Off-Broadway and in The Rep’s Off-Ramp series). Other regional favorites include Westport Country Playhouse, Adirondack Theatre Festival, Victoria Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Phoenix Theatre (in New York) and the Gretna Playhouse.

KENTRELL JAMISON (Production Assistant)

is a Chicago native who graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelors of Performing Arts. He performed in an astounding version of King Lear for the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival 2021 season. In 2021, he was a Production Assistant at the Repertory Theater Company for the World Premier of The Gradient, Stick Fly and Private Lives . Recently, he was the Assistant Stage Manager for Big Machine, Matilda , and Little Dancer at COCA. Last year, he was also the Production Assistant intern for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at The Muny!

AMELIA ACOSTA POWELL (Casting) is the Impact Producer & Co-Director of Artistic Programming at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Previously she has been honored to serve as Associate Artistic Director at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Line Producer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Artistic Associate & Casting Director at Arena Stage. Most recent directing work includes La Egoista world premiere, Every Brilliant Thing, The Gradient world premiere, and The Thanksgiving Play (nominated for Outstanding Director of a Comedy, St. Louis Theatre Circle Awards). She is a steering committee member of the Latinx Theatre Commons, a member of the Casting Society of America, an inaugural grantee of TCG’s Rising Leaders of Color, and a proud alumna of the Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship. Her teaching credits include serving as adjunct faculty at Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts. She is originally from Denver and holds her bachelor’s and her master’s degrees from Georgetown University.

Ellen Harvey, Murder On The Orient Express

Photography Jon Gitchoff

HANA S. SHARIF (Augustin Family Artistic Director) has enjoyed a multi-faceted theatre career, including roles as an artistic leader, director, playwright and producer with a specialty in strategic and cross-functional leadership. She served for five years as Associate Artistic Director at Baltimore Center Stage, where she oversaw the day-to-day execution of all of the mainstage and studio productions, and was the architect of the innovative CS Digital program: a platform that pushes the boundaries of traditional theatre and looks at the nexus point between art and technology. Her other achievements at Baltimore Center Stage include prototyping the Mobile Unit, strengthening community engagement, producing multiple world and regional premieres and helping to guide the theatre through a multi-million dollar building renovation and rebranding effort. In 2012, Hana served as the inaugural Program Manager of the ArtsEmerson Ambassador Program and launched ArtsEmerson Artist-InResidency program featuring playwright Daniel Beaty. In addition to her work at ArtsEmerson, Hana leveraged her regional theatre experience to freelance produce for smaller theatre companies, looking to expand and restructure their administrative teams. Hana served as developmental producer and program manager for Progress Theatre in

Houston, where she consulted with the Artistic Director on redefining the artistic vision and subsequent recasting of the ensemble company and lead strategic organizational planning focused on LORT market entry. During her decade-long tenure at Hartford Stage, Hana served as the Associate Artistic Director, Director of New Play Development, and Artistic Producer. Hana launched the new play development program, expanded the community engagement and civic discourse initiatives, and developed and produced Tony, Grammy, Pulitzer and Obie Awardwinning shows. From 1997–2003, Hana served as the co-founder and Artistic Director of Nasir Productions, a theatre dedicated to underrepresented voices to challenge traditional structure. Her guest lecturer credits include Spelman College, Sewanee University, UT Austin, UCSD, Prairie View A&M, Emerson College, Maggie Flanigan Studio, Towson University, UMD, UConn, UMass and University of Hartford, among others. Additionally, Hana has directed acclaimed productions of Porgy & Bess, The Who & The What, Fun Home, Sense and Sensibility, The Christians, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Pride and Prejudice (DCArts: Best Director/Best New Play), The Whipping Man, Gem of the Ocean (six CCC nominations), Gee’s Bend (CCC Award Best Ensemble, two nominations), Next Stop Africa, Cassie, The Drum and IFdentity. Her plays include All the

Women I Used to Be, The Rise and Fall of Day and The Sprott Cycle Trilogy. Hana holds a BA from Spelman College and an MFA from the University of Houston. She is the recipient of the 2009–10 Aetna New Voices Fellowship, EMC Arts Working Open Fellowship, Theatre Communications Group (TCG) New Generations Fellowship, and is a founding member of The Black Theatre Commons (BTC). She serves on the board of directors for the TCG, BTC, and the Sprott Foundation.

DANNY WILLIAMS (Managing Director)

became

The Rep’s Managing Director in January 2022. An experienced arts administrator, Danny has expertise in nonprofit accounting, senior management and organizational development. Prior to joining The Rep, Danny worked at The Public Theater in New York, where he has served in various roles since 2006. Most recently, as Senior Director, Finance and Administration, he managed the daily and strategic financial operations of this $50 million nonprofit organization, successfully launched an organization-wide intranet, partnered with the development team to achieve fundraising goals, and collaborated on long-term financial planning and analysis, including cash investment strategies,

budget analysis and project management. Noteworthy and favorite productions include Broadway productions of Fun Home, Eclipsed, Hamilton and Hair along with OffBroadway productions of Here Lies Love, Into the Woods, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, White Noise and Rock Bottom. Williams has also held roles with Musical Theatre International, Warren Miller Performing Arts Center and Manhattan Theatre Club and has served as an adjunct professor in the performing arts management master of fine arts program at Brooklyn College. He earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing and theater from Fairfield University and spent a semester abroad studying at Regents University in the United Kingdom.

Stanton Nash, Private Lives

Photography By Jon Gitchoff

BECKS REDMAN (Associate Artistic Director & Director of New Work) is the current Associate Artistic Director & Director of New Work at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, where she has line produced the Mainstage and Studio productions for the past four seasons. Prior to her time at The Rep, Becks held producing and casting positions in the Artistic departments at Actors Theatre of Louisville and Baltimore Center Stage. She is thrilled to be making her Steve Woolf Studio directing debut with GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES later this season. Becks received her BFA from The University of the Arts and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

REGGIE D. WHITE (Associate Artistic Director)

is an award-winning multi-hyphenate artist, educator, and arts advocate whose international career spans almost 2 decades. As an actor, he made his Broadway debut in Matthew López's Tony Awardwinning epic, The Inheritance. Earlier this year he starred as Bayard Rustin in Bayard Rustin: Inside Ashland at People's Light (written and directed by Steve H. Broadnax III) Other Regional and Off-Broadway: I andYou (59E59), Hundred Days (New York Theatre Workshop), The Luckiest (La Jolla Playhouse), Macbeth In Stride (American Repertory Theatre

at Harvard University) and the world premiere of Flood In the Valley, a bi-lingual musical that toured China in 2018. His directing credits include Atlantic Theater Company, The Public, Bay Street Theater, The Williams Project, and PlayGroundSF. Earlier this year, Reggie co-conceived Lessons in Survival: 1971, based on the iconic conversation between Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin at Vineyard Theatre (NYT Critic’s Pick). He also co-conceived and appeared in the digital anthology series of the same title (NYT Best Theatre of 2020). His play, In Case You Haven’t Heard premiered last spring at Bay Street Theatre, and is currently co-writing a play with Lauren Gunderson (America’s Most-Produced Living Playwright). Reggie is a resident artist at Vineyard Theatre, a founding member of the mutli-generational theatre collective, The Commissary, and a founding company member with The Williams Project, a living-wage theatre company. As an educator, Reggie has taught, delivered, and developed arts curricula across the country for artists of all ages. Since 2015, has has been a member of the faculty at Atlantic Acting School (an NYU Partner Studio), where he served as its Artistic Director from 2018-2022. Reggie is a recipient of the Colman

Domingo Award, The TCG Fox Fellowship, the TBA Titan Award, the RHE Artistic Fellowship and an NCAAP Theatre Award nominee. Visit: www.reggiedwhite.com.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Gwen Middeke* the todd organization

VICE PRESIDENT

Brian Clevinger* prolog ventures

VICE PRESIDENT

Susan Stith* cigna

MEMBERS:

SECRETARY

Judi Scissors* community volunteer

TREASURER

Ven Houts* ernst & young

VICE PRESIDENT, VOLUNTEERS

Ann Harris Straw* community volunteer

Wendi Alper-Pressman

lathrop & gage, llp

Margaret Augustin*

community volunteer

Patrick Aydt

merrill lynch | vice president

Lauren Smith Blair

u.s. bancorp community development corporation | vice president

Dedric A. Carter*

washington university | vice chancellor for operations and technology transfer

Brian Clevinger* prolog ventures | managing director

Brandon Evans*

ernst & young | partner

Frank Hamsher*

skyline public strategies, inc. | principal

Laurie Hiler

cgb enterprise inc. | project manager

Gina Hoagland

collaborative strategies, inc. chairman and principal

Ven Houts*

ernst & young | community volunteer

Dan Jay*

christner architects | principal of counsel

Gwen Middeke*

the todd organization of st. louis | partner

Ronald L. Roberts ridge graves, llc | managing partner

Lauren Sagel community volunteer

Pat Schutte* community volunteer

Judi Scissors* community volunteer

Ann Cady Scott* community volunteer

Susan Stith* cigna | vp dei, civic affairs & foundation

Ann Harris Straw* community volunteer / vice president, volunteers

Elizabeth J. Stroble webster university | chancellor

Susan D. Tuteur

community volunteer

*executive committee

VOLUNTEER BOARD

One of the most treasured and dedicated resources, The Rep’s Volunteer Board provides amazing support each season with donations of time, talent and skill throughout all facets of the organization. We are so grateful to the Volunteer Board for their continued dedication as integral members of The Rep family. If you are interested in serving on The Rep Volunteer Board, please contact call the Development Department at (314) 687-4030.

PRESIDENT

Ann Harris Straw

SECRETARY

Ann Bronsing

MEMBERS:

Trish Alexandre

Susan Barley

Ann Bronsing

TREASURER

Carol Schreiner

VICE PRESIDENT

Trish Alexandre

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Laurie Hiler

Michaeleen Cradock

Dorothy Diehl

Denise Eschenbrenner

Karen Fairbank

Glenda Hares

Vicki Helling

Laurie Hiler

Marcia King

Margie Knapp

Linda Lowry

Barbara Mennell

Karen Miller

Shirley Raitzsch

Colleen Ritchie

Rocky Rosen

Helen Sandifer

Cindy Schnabel

Carol Schreiner

Ann Harris Straw

Linda Vandivort

Lynn Yearwood

Hana S. Sharif

Augustin Family Artistic Director

ARTISTIC

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

& DIRECTOR OF NEW WORK

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

learning & COMMUNITY engagement

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

LEARNING PROGRAMS MANAGER

TEACHING AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

TEACHING ARTIST

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

GENERAL MANAGER

COMPANY MANAGER

SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER

MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

ATTORNEY

DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

MARKETING DIRECTOR

MARKETING MANAGER

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

MARKETING ASSOCIATE

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Becks Redman

Reggie D. White

Adena Varner

Brian Coats

Britney Daniels

Brea Rollston

Claire Himstedt

Clifford Hannon

Michael Ward

Bailey Pashia

Alex Ray

Sara Robertson, Polsinelli PC

Stephanie Boyd

Tasha Kaminsky

Rob Kapeller

Ashton Beck

Mike De Pope

Cameron Wulfert

Michael Thanh Tran

Delores Eddington

Danny Williams Managing Director

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

STAGE MANAGERS

PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE

scenic

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

CHARGE SCENIC ARTIST

SCENIC ARTISTS

SCENIC SHOP FOREMAN

SCENIC CARPENTERS

PROPERTIES MANAGER

PROPS CARPENTER

costumes

COSTUME SHOP MANAGER

ASSOCIATE COSTUME SHOP MANAGER

HEAD DRAPER

DRAPER

FIRST HANDS

WIG AND MAKEUP SUPERVISOR

lighting

LIGHTING AND PROJECTIONS SUPERVISOR

MAINSTAGE HEAD ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

sound

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

SENIOR MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

AUDIENCE SERVICES

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE SERVICES

BOX OFFICE MANAGER

ASSISTANT BOX OFFICE MANAGER

DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR

BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATES

BOX OFFICE REPRESENTATIVES

LEAD HOUSE MANAGER

ASSOCIATE HOUSE MANAGER

ASSISTANT HOUSE MANAGERS

Michael T. Sondag

Laura Wandersee

Suzanne Bodenstein

Marsha Whitler

Ricki Marking-Camuto

Kristy Kannapell

Lin Joyce

Dan Ladd

Michael Dorn

Christian Hoffman

Taylor Kelly

Carl Wickman

Brittni Brown

Deanna Danger

Hope Harbour

Jessica Barnes

Mia Vitelli

Mo Moellering

MAINSTAGE SOUND ENGINEER

SOUND ENGINEER

crew

WARDROBE SUPERVISOR

WARDROBE

WIG TECHNICIAN

DECK CREW

Catherine Campbell

Emilee Buchheit

Lorraine Fiore

Shannon B. Sturgis

Jacob Cange

Michael Strickland

Emilie WeilbacherMcMullan

Scott Loebl

Stephen Pollihan, James Van Well

Dave McCarthy

Dan Roach, Jr.

Danny McCarthy

Eric William Barnes

Ralph Wilke

Kristie Osi

Erica Jo Lloyd

Robert Trump

Elizabeth Eisloeffel

Sandra Kabuye

Michelle Bentley

Dennis Bensie

Michael Jarvis

Connor Meers

Casey Morris III

Joshua Riggs

Sean Wilhite

Jen Blum-Tatara

Lauren Buzzell

Abigail Schmidt

Aahron Young

The Rep produces work in three spaces from September through April, all sharing the same high production values and commitment to presenting exciting live professional theatre.

MAINSTAGE

The work presented in the Mainstage series is eclectic, ranging from modern to classics to musicals, and benefits from the large space afforded by the Browning and Berges Theatres. Performances are given in both the Virginia Jackson Browning Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center and the Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA.

STEVE WOOLF STUDIO SERIES

Longtime Rep Artistic Director Steve Woolf was a champion of producing innovative and provocative plays in an intimate setting. The Rep continues his legacy with the STEVE WOOLF STUDIO SERIES and invites you to a

stunning new location to experience this exciting work. The Kirkwood Performing Arts Center (KPAC) is St. Louis’ newest performance space and houses the beautiful Strauss Black Box Theatre.

HOUSE POLICIES

Late Seating: Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate moment in the performance.

Electronic Devices: Please silence all electronic devices while in the theatre.

Inclement Weather Policy: In the event of inclement weather, please check our website, social media pages, or call the Box Office for current information. If a cancellation occurs, please call the Box Office starting the day after the inclement weather occurred to exchange your seats for another performance of the same production.

TICKET EXCHANGE POLICY

Exchanges are an exclusive subscriber benefit. Exchanges may be made within the run of each production. Tickets may be exchanged up to two hours prior to show time. If you choose to exchange into a higher-priced area, you will be charged the difference. No refunds are made for exchanges to lower-priced tickets.

WAYS TO SAVE

For parties of 10 people or more, please contact us at (314) 968-9489 or email groupsales@repstl.org to discuss group sales discounts.

For seniors, students, military, first responders or educators please visit repstl.org/events/ways-to-save or call (314) 968-4925 for additional information.

SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNTS

Subscribers can save two ways on additional ticket purchases. Advance purchases receive a 10% discount. Last-minute purchases (beginning48hourspriorto ashow) are discounted 50%! Prior sales are excluded. Please note: there are no refunds or exchanges on single ticket purchases.

YOUR BENEFITS

• Free Parking

• 100% Flexibility

• Special Discounts

• Exclusive Communications

• Early access to upcoming promotions and events

• Subscription Pass Boost

ACCESSIBILITY

Hearing: Free assistive listening devices using an FM system are available at Audience Services prior to all performances.

Open Captioning: We offer open captioning, an electronic text display which shows what the actors are saying or singing, at the last Sunday show for all Mainstage performances.

Vision: The Rep partners with MindsEye to offer live audio description for the final Thursday performance of each all productions.

Mobility: The Rep offers services for patrons who utilize mobility aids in all of our theatre spaces. Please discuss seating requirements with the Box Office when purchasing tickets or visit Audience Services when you arrive at the theatre.

American Sign Language: We offer ASL interpreted performances on the final Saturday matinee for all shows this season. Interpreters will be placed inside the theatre and sign what actors are saying and expressing for the audience.

ACCESSIBILITY CALENDAR

Masking: We offer masking-required performances for audience members with health conditions that put them at high risk for airborne illness. One-time use surgical masks will be available for patrons who need them. For details on masking requirements, visit repstl.org/safety.

The Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC) focuses on theatre for young people and their families. Through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales and new adaptations of classic works– ITC is committed to bringing the very finest in theatre to youth where they live and learn.

2022-2023 SEASON ITC PROGRAMS

THIS YEAR WE ARE EXCITED TO BRING YOU TWO BELOVED ADAPTATIONS OF CLASSIC CHILDREN’S LITERATURE– WITH THEMES OF FRIENDSHIP, BRAVERY, ADVENTURE, AND WHIMSY THAT ARE PERFECT FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-8.

BOTH PERFORMANCES HAVE AN ESTIMATED RUNTIME OF 60 MINUTES.

GIAC NOELLE Actor 1 MO MOELLERING actor 2 CHRISTINA YANCY actor 3

DANIEL MCRATH actor 4 JANNA LINAE actor 5 THOMAS PATRICK RILEY actor 6

director adena varner

director adam flores

Costume Designer Kristie Chiyere Osi

Set Designer SCOTT LOEBL

Musical Director Jermaine Manor

Production Stage Manager Britteny Henry

Choreographer Michael Baxter

Thoughtful design that matters.

ENGAGEMENT

ITC

The Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC) focuses on theatre for young people and their families. Through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales and new adaptations of classic works, ITC is committed to bringing the very finest in theatre to youth where they live and learn. For more information visit repstl.org/itc

STUDY GUIDE/CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Digital study guides include information on the play and production, as well as activities and worksheets that educators can modify to meet the needs of their students.

INTERVIEWS WITH THE ARTISTS

Hear from the actors who bring ITC to life as they discuss their work on the shows and their artistry.

Essence Tyler, Puss In Boots

Photo by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

LEARNING

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SHOW INFORMATION:

James and the Giant Peach

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

STUDENT MATINEES

The Rep’s student matinee program is designed to cultivate a love for theatre in young audiences. Schools pay $10 per ticket and bring eager students to the theatre for a performance and post-show discussion with cast members. Teachers receive a free, multi-disciplinary Study Guide containing information about the play, the playwright and the production, as well as useful background articles and suggested classroom activities. For more information visit repstl.org/student

STORY 2 STAGE

The Rep’s new Story 2 Stage program unlocks the power of storytelling by way of mining lived experiences, imaginations and aspirations. Through our 9-session residency program, schools receive an innovative, worldbuilding curriculum, designed for learners of all ages that leads youth and community members to create their own 10-minute plays. At the end of the residency, students may submit their work to the Story 2 Stage Festival for

a chance to have their play professionally produced. Additionally, all Missouri students may submit a play to the festival for consideration.

For more information about our residencies and festivals at story2stage.org

REPRESENT STL

This free conversation series takes a creative approach to building community through dialogue. Throughout the year, The Rep hosts thought-provoking public forums intended to provide a safe space for the free exchange of ideas, explore the intersectionality of art and civic life with experts and thought leaders and rigorously yet artfully discuss the issues that matter most to our community, all while actively discovering the subtle truths that unite our human experiences.

For more information, visit repstl.org/representstl

THE SNOWY DAY: A GLOWY SNOWY EXPERIENCE

The Rep is proud to present the 3rd annual The Snowy Day: A Glowy Snowy Experience from January 6 - January 9 2023! This wintertime drive-through spectacle is filled with giant, illuminated puppets, glow-in-the-dark scenery

LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

and a podcast that tells the story of a young boy playing outside with his friends during the season’s first snow. This free, family-friendly experience is based on the beloved children’s book, TheSnowyDay, by Ezra Jack Keats,.

For more information, visit repstl.org/snow Produced in partnership with StoneLion Puppet Theatre and the Missouri History Museum

CAMP REP

Each summer, The Rep is pleased to offer Camp Rep for youth in 2nd through 8th grade. Campers receive engaging instruction from some of the region’s leading teaching artists in Broadway Dance, Acting, Music, Creative Storytelling, Puppetry and more. This 2-week artistic immersion culminates in a creative showcase for families and friends. For more information, visit repstl.org/camp

Photography By John Gitchoff

The Leading Ladies are honored to continue their legacy of playing a major role in benefiting The Rep each season. We are grateful to the following donors, who pledged their support for the 2022-2023 season. We invite you to join our amazing group of Leading Ladies!

LYNN NOTTAGE

$10,000 + Anonymous

Ann P. Augustin & Margaret Augustin

JULIE TAYMOR

$7,500-9,999

IDINA MENZEL

$5,000-7,499

Juanita H. Hinshaw

SUZAN-LORI PARKS

$2,500-4,999

Pamela Wing Dern

Hannah Langsam

Pat Schutte

Judi Scissors

MARIANNE ELLIOTT

$1,000-$2,499

Crystal Beuerlein

Suzan Kelsey Brooks

Dotti Fischer

Nancy Kranzberg

Judith Weiss Levy

Jane M. Robert

Ann Scheuer

Lois Schultz

Ann Scott

Diane Sher

Susan Tuteur

Helen D. Ziercher

PAULA VOGEL

$500-$999

Trish Abbene

Wendi Alper-Pressman

Christy Beckmann

Pamela Belloli

Cindy Belmont

Terri Ciccolella

Samantha Davidson

Barbara Gervais

Carolyn Gold

Peggy Holly

Sara Kessler

David Kodner

Personal Jewelers

Merritt McCarthy

Elizabeth Meteer

Karen Miller

Lucy Schreiber

Lisa Easton Silverberg

Ann H. Straw

Susan Warshaw

Mei Chen Welland

Kathleen Wood

Lynn Yearwood

ANIKA

NONI ROSE

$250-$499

Bette L. Bude

Elaine Coe

Dorothy Diehl

Joan D. Dougherty

Roberta S. Frank

Laura Greenberg

Julie & David Hohman

Joanne Iskiwitch

Susan Kilo

Susan Knight

Sylvia Manewith

Judith Smart

Terry L. Thornton

Linda Vandivort

PHILLIPA SOO

$100-$249

Trish Alexandre

Penny Bari

Nancy Berg

Ilene Brooks

Kelley Ciampoli

Myra Crandall

Rose Mary Dieckhaus

Michelle Drabin

Denise Eschenbrenner

Karen L. Fairbank

Ann Franke

Judy Garfinkel

Shirley Haake

Glenda Hares

Mary Beth Hennessy

Linda Hensley

Jan Hermann

Carolyn Hileman

Laurie Hiler

Jeane Jae

Mx. Rob Kapeller

Margie Knapp

Suzanne Levin

Michelle Lommel

Dorothy Lovelace

Linda Lowry

Sally Rice Markland

Monica McFee

Susan Miller

Suzie Nall

Susan A. Oefelein

Marilyn Raphael

Lynn Rawlings

Marcia Roentz

Melanie Ryterski

Carol Schreiner

Janice Seele

Arlene Spector

Trish Williams

Lisa Zarin

Gifts received 6/1/2021 – 3/28/2023

For more information or to join Leading Ladies, please contact the Development Department at (314) 687-4030.

SUPPORT THE ARTS

why your donation matters

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

Your gift empowers a wide spectrum of artists, from local artisans and craftspeople to our administrative and leadership teams, to dream and innovate in new ways to continue to bring magic to our stages.

LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Your gift brings the power of live theatre to thousands of youth each year. These young learners gain an understanding of the literary value and the making of theatre while simultaneously developing skills in communication, teamwork and leadership.

REEMERGING TOGETHER

Your gift to The Rep helps overcome the financial challenges of the past two years and secures the longevity of our theatre for decades to come.

Photo by Jon Gitchoff

BENEFITS OF BEING A DONOR

Benefits are based on giving levels. Please visit www.repstl.org for more details and full benefits for all giving levels available.

Dive deeper into your theatrical journey with Rep Reads, our monthly play reading and discussion group (minimum gift of $100 or more).

Celebrate the season with us at the Annual Spotlight Society

End-of-Season Celebration (minimum gift of $1,500 or more).

Join in exclusive conversations with our Augustin Family Artistic Director, Hana S. Sharif and other artists in deep conversation around the artistry of productions and the impact of our work on the local community as part of our Artistic Director's Circle (minimum gift of $20,000 or more).

HOW TO MAKE YOUR GIFT:

ONLINE

Visit repstl.org/support

PHONE

Call the Development Department at (314) 687-4030.

MAIL

Send a check to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Attn: Development Department, 130 Edgar Road, St. Louis, MO 63119

CORPORATE & FOUNDATION PARTNERS

As a nonprofit organization, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis relies upon the support of corporate and foundation partners. The Rep gratefully acknowledges the following corporations and foundations whose generous support helps us to create the highest caliber of professional theatre for St. Louis, engage the next generation of theatregoers and provide opportunities for diverse artists. For information about how your business or organization can support The Rep, contact the Development Department at (314) 687-4030.

$100,000+

The Berges Family Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Schnuck Markets, Inc.

The Shubert Foundation Inc.

$50,000-$99,999

Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

$25,000-$49,999

Edward Jones

Mary Ranken Jordan and Ettie A. Jordan Charitable Foundation

PNC Arts Alive

$10,000-$24,999

Louis D. Beaumont Fund No. 1 of the St. Louis Community Foundation

The Trio Foundation of St. Louis

$5,000 - $9,999

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation

Dewitt and Caroline Van Evera Foundation

$2,500 - $4,999

Graybar Foundation

Sign of the Arrow/St. Louis Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi

$1,000 - $2,499

Joy Waltke Fisher Fund of the St. Louis Community Foundation

Lathrop & Gage LLP

UNDER $1000

Actor's Equity Foundation Commerce Bancshares Foundation

Photography By Eric Woosley

COMING SOON

look out for the rep's 23/24 season announcement.

THE DRAMA. THE THRILLS.

THE LAUGHS. THE REP.