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Director - David McCamishAssistant Director - Will Eggers

Production Manager - Candice Chirgotis

LoomisChaffeeDepartment of Theater & Dance

Cover Illustration by W. Keller GlassPhotography by Rachel M. Engelke

Set Illustrations by Karen Sparks Mellon

by Arthur Miller

The Crucible is presented by special arrangement withDramatists Play Service, Inc., New York

The Crucible

October 27-29, 2016

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• Christine Coyle for the skill and care with which she writes about out students and our shows, and most especially for sharing with her readers online and in print her keen insights into our work. Also, of course, for helping us get the word out.

• Ralph Branco, Chris Beckford, Rosie and the rest of the Housekeeping staff for taking such good care of our little red barn throughout the school year.

• Julia Knight, Joanna Harvey, and Marie Tanuis: Our vendors and our professional carpenters and other part-timers much appreciate your efforts.

• Sarah Weinstein for bringing our NEO ticket reservations system for faculty and staff into the 21st century, and for being consistently creative, generously flexible, and such a joy to work with.

• Keller Glass and Patty Cousins for our eye-catching poster.• Lisa Butterfield for making it possible for our student actors and technicians to get an early and

nutritious dinner on Tuesday night of performance week.• Steven Carignan, Lance Hall, Abe Passardi, Alberto Malave, and others too numerous to name

from the Physical Plant who bring their skills and talents to maintaining the Norris Ely Orchard Theater.

• Rich Esposito, Dan Corjulo and Andris Briga for their assistance in getting the NEO an upgraded audio mixer and a replacement lighting console. Goodbye floppy disc, we miss you already. And an extra thank you to Andris for the comprehensive Master Class in audio that he gave to our NEO Theater Technicians.

• Anna Vdovenko for her amazing photography, and for her generosity.• John Morrell and all of the Freshmen Team teachers in the English Department, for including Arthur

Miller’s The Crucible in the English I curriculum, and for bringing their educated and enlightened and thoughtful students to see this production, our interpretation of the script.

• Rachel Engelke, who despite the fact that she has a gigantic and complex department to attend to, still manages to find the time, interest, and energy to come work beside us in the dark auditorium as we “tech” the lighting, sound and costumes for the show … and then magically produces (through a potent combination of determination, devotion, and infinite patience) this beautiful playbill. Show, after show, after show.

• Finally, to the many parents and families whose support of our work makes it all that much more rewarding: THANK YOU!

• Please turn off all cellphones, smartphones, and other personal electronic devices, and refrain from using them during the performance. • Due to contractual agreements with the publisher, absolutely NO audio or video recordings of this show are permitted.• Patrons who have forgotten or misplaced their tickets will be placed on the waitlist.• Please unwrap all cough drops before the show. Otherwise, no food or drink (except water) is allowed in the auditorium.• The running time of the first half is 70 minutes; the running time of the second half is 50 minutes. There is one ten-minute intermission in between.

Gratitudes

Courtesies

Safeties• For the safety of the actors, please no flash photography of any kind.• The exits are located to the right of the audience and through the lobby.• Restrooms for patrons are located in the red brick building next to the NEO.• By direction of the Fire Marshal of the Town of Windsor, patrons may not occupy the aisles or the lobby during the show.

** Please note: there will be theatrical fog effects in this production.**

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As a Director, it is always such a thrill to tackle a production with student actors and technicians that bring their hungry curiosity and talent to each performance. Our little NEO Theatre can hardly contain the spellbinding energy and passion of this cast and crew of Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play, The Crucible. However, it is not fabricated magic that brings this show to life. Rather, it is the dedication and hard work of all those involved: from the seasoned NEO veteran to the newly minted NEO freshman; from the senior crossing boards for the last time to the new techie’s first cue. The questions and determination to delve into the words, into the story and into the characters is, to quote a character from our tale, “deep.” The Crucible is a work of historical fiction set during the infamous Salem, Massachusetts Witch Trials of 1692. Of course, as you are probably aware, we find out early in the story that there are no real witches, but rather, a community that lets fear, malice, misunderstanding, lust, greed, isolationism, and mob-mentality, to gain the rule of the day. It is a classic telling of a proverbial “witch-hunt.” Miller’s play tackles the horrifying tactics, fear-mongering, and results brought on by a community hunting witches, but really it was a community hunting its own insecurities. He wrote this historical drama as a parable for the McCarthy hearings of the 1950’s. These trials, where bullying people to name names of those who were considered “un-American,” led to mindless and unfounded persecutions. Unfortunately, mindless persecution and demonization of others “not like us,” against those who pose an imagined threat, or who are deemed through rhetoric to harm the “fabric of American life” (or at least the way one may narrowly view the world), is still alive and well centuries past the Salem trials.

History can show us our misdeeds and perhaps guide us to brighter futures if we do not repeat our mistakes. Does The Crucible, perhaps, encourage us to speak out when being part of a mob-mentality is easier than standing up for what is right? Does it encourage us to show acceptance, decency, and integrity, to help others in the face of oppressive bullying, fabricated threats or outright lies? One can only hope.

Thank you for coming, and enjoy the show.

~ David McCamish, Director

Director's Note

Act I, Scene 1: A bedroom in Reverend Samuel Parris’ house, Salem, Massachusetts, in the spring of the year 1692.Act I, Scene 2: The common room of Proctor’s house, eight days later.Act II, Scene 1: Five weeks later. A wood.

~Intermission~Act II, Scene 2: The vestry of the Salem Meeting House, two weeks later.Act II, Scene 3: A cell in Salem jail, three months later.

Scenes

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Hayley Balogh ’18 SARAH GOODNate Blumenthal ’17 REVEREND JOHN HALECallista DeGraw ’18 MRS. ANN PUTNAMEmily Favreau ’17 RUTHMaryam Fokur ’18 SALEM RESIDENTAbby Forrester ’18 MARTHA COREYEmma Goldfarb ’20 REBECCA NURSEIsaac Guzmán ’17 GILES COREY/HOPKINSSarah Gyurina ’18 ABIGAIL WILLIAMSMacon Jeffreys ’18 REVEREND SAMUEL PARRISBen Kallus ’17 DEPUTY-GOVERNOR DANFORTHPreethi Kannan ’17 GOODY PUTNAMLogan Katz ’18 FRANCIS NURSE/JOHN WILLARDWill Mandelbaum ’17 EZEKIEL CHEEVERSilvia Mayo ’19 MARY WARRENRyan Natcharian ’19 JUDGE HATHORNEBrendan Nelson ’17 JOHN PROCTORCameron Purdy ’18 SUSANNA WALLCOTTMarahyah Richardson ’19 TITUBA*Anya Sastry ’20 GEORGE HERRICKMelissa Scanlon ’19 BETTY PARRISSydney Steward ’17 TITUBA*Kiki Szemraj ’19 MERCY LEWISOlivia Thompson ’18 CHARITY LEWISKimmy Tufton ’19 ELIZABETH PROCTORRachel Walsh ’17 SALEM RESIDENT

The Cast

* Casting Note:Marahyah Richardson and Sydney Steward will alternate in the role of Tituba.

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The Production TeamLisa Bebey Costume DesignerTate R. Burmeister Lighting DesignerCandice Chirgotis Production ManagerWill Eggers Assistant DirectorRachel M. Engelke Playbill EditorSam Higgins Assistant Technical DirectorKen Jones Technical DirectorDavid McCamish Director, Fight Choreographer, Sound DesignerKaren Sparks Mellon Set DesignerAlexandra Nattrass Properties Designer, Scenic Artist

For this Production:Charley DeMars Scenery ConstructionAlec Drohan Scenery ConstructionRachel Greger Costume ConstructionMarti Simmons Costume ConstructionKacey Skurja Charge Scenic Artist

Rishi Basu ’19 Scenery Construction, Sound Crew HeadEmily Bian ’18 Assistant Stage ManagerJet Elbualy ’18 Costume Assistant, Lighting Crew Co-HeadMohana Ghosh ’20 Scenery Construction, Sound CrewJimmy Hu ’19 Scenery Construction, Sound CrewJulianna Lee ’19 Costume Construction, Lighting CrewAdam McDonagh ’20 Scenery Construction, Lighting CrewEvan McDonagh ’17 Scenery & Costume Construction, Lighting CrewSherly Quezada ’19 Assistant Stage ManagerRamal Rauf ’17 Stage ManagerMark Valadez ’19 Scenery Construction, Lighting Crew Co-Head

The Technical Crew

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Haley Balogh ’18 (Sarah Good) Hayley has been in a few plays throughout her life but this has by far been the best time she has ever had. She would like to thank her best friend Callista for making her come to auditions, and her parents for supporting her during the entire process. Hayley has had so much fun throughout these past few weeks. She would also like to thank the entire cast for making such a fun experience!

Nate Blumenthal ’17 (Reverend John Hale) This is Nate’s second production in the NEO—his debut was as Cowboy Slim in 2015’s Oklahoma!—and he’s super excited to be a part of The Crucible cast. Nate is an avid follower of current events, the New York Yankees, and the New York Football Giants. He would like to thank his parents as well as his wonderful sister for their support.

Callista DeGraw ’18 (Mrs. Ann Putnam) This is Callista’s third NEO show, and she’s very happy to be back in the little red barn for another year. She would like to thank her family and her best friend Cam for always loving and supporting her, as well as the Putnam Squad, with whom she’s most enjoyed working for giving her great reasons to laugh (“wood for your wood!”).

Emily Favreau ’17 (Ruth) Emily is thrilled to participate in her second fall show in the NEO. Having been away from the theater all summer, Emily is delighted to be back in a creative environment. Offstage Emily likes to swim, run, and play water polo, but is excited to break from these sports for another wonderful acting experience. She can’t wait to perform and hopes you enjoy the show!

Maryam  Fokur  ’18  (Salem Resident) Maryam is from Afghanistan, and this is her first time participating in a play in the United States. Her experience with her NEO family has been by far one of the most interesting and joyful activities in her time at Loomis. She enjoys learning about history very much and she has particularly appreciated learning about Salem through The Crucible.

The Cast

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Abby  Forrester  ’18  (Martha Corey)  Abby is thrilled to partake in her second NEO production and first play at Loomis! She would like to thank the whole cast and crew for making this experience so rewarding and enjoyable! Abby would also like to thank her family for bringing her snacks and coffee to long rehearsals. She is looking forward to the winter musical and hopes you enjoy the show!

Emma Goldfarb ’20 (Rebecca Nurse) Emma is thrilled to be making her NEO debut in the feel-good show of the year! In all seriousness, she is excited to perform in a work with such important themes. Favorite roles include Patty in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Shenzi in The Lion King. She also loves beating on her drums and playing guitar. Many thanks to Mr. McCamish, Ms. Chirgotis, the cast, and crew!

Isaac Guzmán ’17 (Giles Corey/Hopkins) Initially reluctant, Isaac is excited to be a part of his first NEO production! He enjoys this role, as he can empathize with Corey’s blunt, bold demeanor. Isaac would like to thank his mother and friends for supporting him. A special shout-out to the bum squad, the fam, and woke little big sis. Isaac hopes everyone enjoys the show, and remembers to “keep your waves loopy.” - Max B

Sarah Gyurina ’18 (Abigail Williams) Sarah is ecstatic to be a part of her third production at the NEO, playing her most challenging character to date! When not acting, Sarah enjoys singing, dancing by herself, writing about her feelings, and discussing current events. She’d like to thank all involved with the show, Cam, her family, and everyone who has supported her endeavors. She hopes you get #spooked today!

Macon  Jeffreys  ’18  (Reverend Samuel Parris) This is Macon’s fifth show in the NEO. After a bit of comedic relief in Cyrano when he played Le Bret, Macon is eager to explore a deeper role in The Crucible. He is excited to be a part of this twisted world of paranoia and deceit. Macon would like to thank everyone who has supported him and his fellow cast and crew. Be careful what you believe and enjoy the show!

Ben Kallus ’17 (Deputy-Governor Danforth) The Crucible, Ben’s fourth NEO show, has shaped up to be one of his favorites. Outside the theater, Ben enjoys whistling, singing, and scavenging in the Batch basement. Ben would like to thank Mr. Bour for being a good dorm head. He would also like to thank Will, Brendan, Macon, Sam, Jake, and Damo for teaching him to make fun out of nothing.

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Preethi Kannan ’17 (Goody Putnam) This is Preethi’s 7th NEO show and, keeping with tradition, she is again playing a gender-reversed role. She would like to especially thank Rachel for being her cloud-watching buddy, Brendan & Macon for going to Subway with her, & Callista for being her sister from another mister. #woodforurwood#THEPUTNAMSISTERS#bettyinthebed Enjoy! We’ll see u in the stump.

Logan Katz ’18 (Francis Nurse/John Willard) A new junior, this is Logan’s NEO debut, but he comes to the Island with plenty of experience. Recent roles include Hugo Peabody in Bye Bye Birdie, Jack Stapleton in Hound of the Baskerville, and the Improviser in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged. Logan would like to thank his parents for pushing him to reach his goals in the performing arts.

Will  Mandelbaum  ’17 (Ezekiel Cheever) From Southborough, MA, Will is appearing in his first production at the NEO, and he has really enjoyed The Crucible experience. He has found the challenge of a live show thrilling. Will would like to thank his advisor Mr. Sainz and all the NEO faculty and students for welcoming him. Will hopes to learn more about acting in future shows.

Silvia Mayo  ’19  (Mary Warren) Silvia has returned to the NEO for year two! After appearing in last year’s Cyrano and Young Frankenstein, she is excited to come back for more tortuous warm-ups, and everything else. Silvia would like to thank everyone for bearing with her random bursting into song and her somewhat last minute memorization of lines. But seriously, her experience has been amazing.

Ryan  Natcharian  ’19  (Judge Hathorne)  Ryan has some experience with comedic acting, performing in Young Frankenstein and as Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, but The Crucible marks his first “serious” role. Off-stage, Ryan runs the new Dungeons and Dragons Club, bringing a unique role-playing experience for his friends and fellow cast members.

Brendan Nelson ’17 (John Proctor) This is Brendan’s 5th NEO show, previously appearing in Young Frankenstein (Igor), Cyrano (Christian), Oklahoma! (Will Parker), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Egeus & Raven). He began fighting for what is right as Macduff in Macbeth at AOF. Brendan also enjoys playing electric guitar & jazz trombone, studying Viking history and whistling while he works. Skål

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Cameron  Purdy  ’18  (Susanna Wallcott)  Though she has performed here many times before, in the musicals Oklahoma! and Young Frankenstein and in various short pieces with the Framed-in Theater, this is Cameron’s first full play. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with the NEO family over these months, and would like to thank her family, friends, and other supporters who have helped her throughout the process.

Marahyah  “Richie”  Richardson  ’19  (Tituba)  Slowly slinking onto the stage, Richie squints at the bright theatrical lights, and shivers at the heat. Acting: a dirty word among the tech community. Sure, you might take an acting class, but being an actor is the highest dishonor. Now Rich crosses over to this new world, this acting world, betraying her honest, lighting-techie roots. Rich is a filthy traitor. So, enjoy...?

Anya Sastry ’20 (George Herrick) Anya is very excited to be in her first NEO production. She started acting at the age of eight and her most recent roles include Sylvia Barrett in Up the Down Staircase and the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. Anya would like to thank the directors for giving her this opportunity, the crew for making this show possible, and applaud the cast on their outstanding work.

Melissa Scanlon ’19 (Betty Parris) Melissa is very excited to act in her first play after having a great experience in the cast of Young Frankenstein. During rehearsals she has learned many important skills like crying, flying, and being possessed, and she will miss the push up circles, squats, and swoops dearly. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the entire NEO for this amazing opportunity.

Sydney  Steward  ’17  (Tituba) Welcome to The Crucible! Sydney adores the NEO and all the quirky people she’s come to love (shout-out to Richie!) Thanks for the emotional support during this process. For Sydney, taking on this role was not easy...but it was necessary. She hopes the audience dives into this world with wide eyes and a heightened awareness. Remember: all monsters are human, are we not?

Kiki Szemraj ’19 (Mercy Lewis) Kiki is thrilled to be acting in the NEO this fall! After performing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Cyrano, and Young Frankenstein, she is ecstatic to try something new with The Crucible! Additionally she wishes to give a big thank you to the entire cast, crew, friends, and her family for being so supportive throughout the rehearsal process!

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Our best wishes to these talented thespians in the Class of 2017, who cumulatively have performed in or tech’ed a total of 32 mainstage productions at the NEO—

beginning with The Good Person of Setzuan, as freshmen in the fall of 2013:Isaac (1), Preethi (7), Rachel (1), Nate (2), Will (1), Brendan (5), Sydney (4), and Ben (4).

In addition, we salute two of our dedicated technicians not pictured: Evan (3) and Ramal (4). Break a leg in college (and beyond!), and be sure to come back

and visit your beloved Little Red Barn on the Island.

Olivia Thompson ’18 (Charity Lewis) This is Olivia’s fifth show in the NEO! She is thrilled that she got the chance to work with a group of wonderful people this fall. She would like to thank the directors of this show for their spectacular ideas and creative insights, the stage managers and techies for all the work that they put into this play, and her family and friends for always supporting her. Enjoy the show!

Kimmy Tufton ’19 (Elizabeth Proctor) As a new sophomore, Kimmy is ecstatic to be in the NEO in just her first term on the Island. She is honored to be a part of such an amazing group, with whom she will remain friends when the show is over. Kimmy would like to thank everyone from her fellow cast mates, tech crew and her amazing directors for all the advice, support, and love that she has received.

Rachel Walsh  ’17  (Salem Resident) Rachel is so happy to finally be in a NEO production! She would like to thank Mr. McCamish and Ms. Chirgotis for giving her the opportunity to appear on stage. Rachel is also very grateful for the rest of the cast, who warmly welcomed her as a newcomer. Finally, she would like to thank her parents for always supporting her, no matter what. #abbywilliamstruth

SENIORS

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The Technical Crew

Rishi Basu ’19 (Scenery, Sound) Rishi is back, better than ever. Now emerging as the Head of Sound, he is excited for his 3rd major show at the NEO. Finally Rishi is moving up in the world and has started learning how to read and write the alphabet, double-knot his shoelaces, and close window blinds. With his new acquired skills, Rishi is determined to spread Buddhism throughout the world and find enlightenment.

Emily Bian  ’18 (Assistant Stage Manager) Ah, Emily has finally made it. She is thrilled to lord over Backstage Right as Props Master, and is definitely not wilting under the force of junior year. Despite having maintained a steady presence in tech since last fall, Emily is excited to broaden her horizons as she works more closely with the entire squad, actors and techies alike, to bring together the production you see. Enjoy!

Jet  Elbualy  ’18 (Costumes, Lighting) Wow, Jet’s third show at the NEO! After only a year of tech’ing, Jet has been entrusted with more responsibility than they should’ve been, and quickly abused it. They have also abused power as a prefect, a president of Spectrum, Music Club, Contour Club, as well as first chair in the orchestra and a varsity horseback rider. In lieu of flowers, they ask you to read Judith Butler.

Mohana Ghosh ’20 (Scenery, Sound) Mohana is delighted to be a part of technical theater in the NEO. Coming to the Island from the Greater Chicago area, she has previous experience as a stage manager in middle school shows. Mohana is excited to assist the technical crew in her first NEO production, The Crucible, especially since she enjoyed reading it in English class.

Jimmy  Hu  ’20  (Scenery, Sound) From Shenzhen, China, Jimmy is very excited to be taking part in his first NEO main stage production. He has had some previous theater experience from participating in productions at his old school, and now he’s ready to make his mark at Loomis Chaffee. Outside of theater, Jimmy enjoys soccer and skiing. Enjoy the show!

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Julianna  Lee  ’19 (Costumes, Lighting) Hailing from Fremont, California, Julianna is excited to work in her first show at the NEO. Current musical obsessions: Lea Salonga and Miss Saigon. Favorite musicals: Phantom of the Opera and Wicked. (She really likes Andrew Lloyd Webber!) Outside of the NEO, Julie can be found in the RAC or Hubbard. Meet her in the pit.

Adam McDonagh  ’20 (Scenery, Lighting) Adam is a first year techie, following in the footsteps of older brother Evan, who has so ably assisted the NEO in the last few shows. He has enjoyed the techie experience and plans to continue doing it for the rest of his Loomis Chaffee career. Adam also participates in the Robotics Team and the Computer Science Club.

Evan McDonagh ’17 (Scenery, Costumes, Lighting) There once was born a person destined to outshine all others and unite the NEO as one. Alas, Evan “Whisper” McDonagh is not that techie. (But please let us know when you find him or her!) An avid hiker with a dash of geekiness, Evan returns to the NEO for his third, and penultimate, major production. It’s been quite a run, but he’s ready to pass it along to Adam.

Sherly Quezada  ’19 (Assistant Stage Manager) Started in the sound booth, now she’s here, ready to face Satan this fall. That ol’ boy ain’t got nothin’ on this tech crew. Shoutout to the “Ginga Ninja,” yet another soldier fallen to junior year. Another to Rish-dawg @wedrk for holding it down in the booth. Most importantly, Emily Bean (not Bian, it’s Bean). Thanks for having my back, fam. You’re great, too, Ramal.

Ramal Rauf ’17 (Stage Manager) Ramal has been working at the NEO as a technician since her sophomore year on Oklahoma!, as well as Framed-In-Theater and Dance Revue. She also worked as an Assistant Stage Manager for Cyrano and Young Frankenstein last year. This year, she is very proud to serve as the Stage Manager of The Crucible, at her favorite place on campus, the NEO.

Mark Valadez ’19 (Scenery, Lighting) Mark, an enthusiastic and creative young man, returned this year uncertain of what extracurricular activities in which to participate. In between Stu-Acts, e-Proctors, Student Productions, Darwin Club and many more, the NEO certainly holds a special place in his heart. He reminds you cellphones and flying brooms are not allowed during the performance and wishes you a safe trial.

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The Production TeamLisa Bebey (Costume Designer) Lisa has worked with the student crews designing and building costumes for the past 15 years at Loomis Chaffee. She was the Costume Shop Manager at Hartford Stage for 14 years, and has also built costumes for the Long Wharf Theatre, Goodspeed Opera, Theaterworks and the Yale Repertory Theatre. Lisa recently added the role of entrepreneur to her resume by opening her online shop, FairyGodmotherForHire.com, featuring custom

dress up costumes for children.

Tate R. Burmeister (Lighting Designer) Tate has worked as a designer throughout Connecticut, Minnesota, California, and New York and is enjoying her eighth season as the lighting designer at the NEO. In addition to working as a designer, Tate is the Technical Director for the Ivoryton Playhouse and Production Manager for Bated Breath Theatre Company. In Connecticut, she has designed for Playhouse on Park, Ivoryton Playhouse, Seven Angels Theatre, Hartford Stage

Education Department, Oddfellows Playhouse, Albano Ballet, and others, as well as various local schools. Favorite lighting design credits include Metamorphoses (Loomis Chaffee), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Ivoryton Playhouse), Nuevo California, The Threepenny Opera (Oddfellows), and A Chorus Line (Merced, CA).

Candice Chirgotis (Production Manager) Candice became Head of the Theater & Dance Department in 2013 after a decade of working here as a part-time teacher and as the production manager for the NEO. In her previous life, she was an adjunct professor of Dramatic Arts at UConn, and before that she was the Department Chair of Theater Design & Production at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. For 16 seasons Candice was—for over 100 professional

theater productions—the Production Manager at Hartford Stage. She earned her master’s degree in theater at the University of Illinois. Candice considers herself incredibly fortunate to get to teach, learn, and make plays with these hardworking, talented and fun Loomis Chaffee student technicians and performers. She would like to take this opportunity to sincerely express how much she admires, appreciates, and is grateful for such creative, devoted, and generous professional theater collaborators and faculty colleagues.

Will Eggers (Assistant Director) Will earned his Ph.D. in medieval and English literature by identifying how modern expectations of lovers can be traced to changes in literary representations of lovers from the 11th to the 17th centuries. Basically, the idea that we should know what our beloved wants – without being told – is linked to changes in 11th century marriage law through Shakespeare’s plays all the way to modern romantic comedies. While attending Occidental

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College in Los Angeles, Will had the opportunity to work with a variety of acting troupes, acting in Shakespeare as well as performing with Cowboy Bob of Howdy Doody fame. Happily married and a father of two daughters, Will lives in constant awe of his astonishingly good luck. He appreciates the opportunity to work with such talented colleagues and students, and he is consistently amazed by the insight of everyone he meets every day.

Rachel M. Engelke (Playbill Editor) In her 17th year on the Island, Rachel is Chair of the History, Philosophy, Religious Studies & Social Science Department, a resident in Palmer Hall, and she serves as the adviser to Model UN and the Loomis Chaffee World Bulletin. A long-time friend of the NEO Theater, Rachel made her assistant directing debut in 2011 with The Boy Friend, while The Crucible is Rachel’s 26th production as playbill editor. She would like to express

her sincere appreciation to everyone in the cast and crew for their cooperation and good humor as she hounded them for bios, photos, endless lists, and other minutiae.

Sam  Higgins  (Assistant Technical Director) Sam spent eight years as a theatrical jack-of-all-trades for high school and college productions. His expertise is mostly in scenery construction, but he has worked at various times and locales as a lighting technician, sound board operator, run crew, and more. Favorite credits include The Adding Machine, The Glass Menagerie, What the Butler Saw and A Bright Room Called Day at University of Rochester, Hairspray at Lehman

College, and She Loves Me at Croton-Harmon High School. This is Sam’s first year at Loomis Chaffee and his second production of The Crucible. In addition to theatrical work, Sam is a member of the Math Department and serves as a dorm affiliate in Harman Hall. He would like to thank everyone involved for allowing him to collaborate with the theatre program, and he is very proud of this show.

Ken Jones (Technical Director) Ken is delighted to be back for his 9th consecutive show at the NEO Theater with the awesome Crucible crew! The set for this show reflects the character of the story, using austere primitive structure, surrounded by organic natural elements, all isolated in a black void. An interesting treat at the beginning of the show was the use of the main trap as the entrance to the “second-floor bedroom,” while the real trick was how to get so many

performers up and down it smoothly throughout the scene! Ken has directed and taught theater craft in the region since 2003, for over 75 productions with Canton Middle and High Schools, Avon High School, Avon Summer Theatre, Theatre Guild of Simsbury, and The Loomis Chaffee NEO Theater. He is also Vice President of Theater Operations and Lead Production Designer for Farmington Valley Stage Company in Canton, in its fifth season.

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David McCamish (Director) David is thrilled to direct The Crucible, his ninth show at Loomis. A Bluegrass native, David has performed and directed across the United States and throughout Connecticut. He was a core faculty member at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and an adjunct professor at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School. In addition to his work at Loomis Chaffee, recent directing credits include Vanities and Is There Life After High School

(Hartt), All’s Well That Ends Well (Capital Classics), and Servant of Two Masters (GHAA), as well as teaching at the Long Wharf Theater, Hartford Performs, CREC, and Manhattan Edge. David has provided fight choreography for Oddfellows Playhouse, Classical Magnet, GHAA, and for Hartford Stage’s Breakdancing Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo & Juliet, and Hamlet. Regionally, he taught Stage Combat at the Center for Creative Youth at Wesleyan University. David played Henry in the national tour of The Fantasticks, and has been seen in New York City at Lucille Lortel, 45th Street Playhouse, New Perspectives, @here, Manhattan Edge, Collective Unconscious, The Sandy Meisner Theatre, 23rd Street Studio, and with Shakespeare’s Sister Company. Locally, David was Bottom in ArtFarm’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and has performed with Bated Breath Theatre Company, Capital Classics, Oddfellows Playhouse, and HartBeat Ensemble. In 2015, David attended the International Festival Fringe in Scotland with the aspiration of taking Loomis students to perform there in the future.

Karen Sparks Mellon (Set Designer) Sparks has been a set designer and scenic artist in the Hartford/New Haven area since 1979. This is her 20th season, and 38th production, as Loomis Chaffee’s set designer. Sparks has designed scenery for, among others, Amherst College, the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, CPTV, Lincoln Theatre, the New England Actors Theatre, the Portland Stage Company, Trinity College, and the University of Hartford. As a scenic

artist, Sparks worked for the Hartford Stage Company and was a freelance painter for the Long Wharf Theatre and the Goodspeed Opera House. Other projects include backdrop design for the last G. Fox Christmas windows in downtown Hartford, interior painting for the first Banana Republic in New York City, and whitewashing the inside of a barn for the movie Funny Farm. She is currently a faculty member at The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, where she was named Artist-Instructor of the Year in May 2008.

Alexandra  Nattrass  (Properties Designer/Scenic Artist) Alex is excited to be working on her third production at Loomis. When she is not making props, she freelances as a costumer in Connecticut and New York. Previous theatrical jobs include Broadway, Off-Broadway, and many regional theaters, such as Hartford Stage and the Long Wharf Theater. Alex spent her summer working at the International Arts & Ideas Festival in New Haven and at the New Britain Museum

of American Art in the collections department. She is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Alex was voted Class Clown and Class Scientist in eighth grade.

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February 15-18, 2017

Stay tuned to the Daily Bulletin for details about the November auditions!

“There is a question yet unresolved, whether some of the

laws, customs and principles used by the judges in the

trials of witches were not insufficient and unsafe.”

~Reverend John Hale, 1697

“How can it be that so many whose souls are burdened with such a crime go to death without seeking the solace of confession? Has the devil so hardened their hearts that none is capable of repentance? Or is it possible that they have nothing to confess?

And why have two of the confessors renounced their confessions? Troubling. Who guides them: the devil, or is perhaps an angel of God. And if the latter, then who are the sinners, who the murderers? The devil is a wily one...”

~Reverend John Hale, 1692