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Sponsored by
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Summit Performance Indianapolis
presents
Skeleton Crew
by
Dominique Morisseau
Director
Melissa Mowry
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Stage Manager
Danielle Buckel Klein*
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Scenic Design
MeJah Balams
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Costume Design
Zephany Rivers
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Lighting Design
Laura E. Glover
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Sound Design & Composition
Darian Dauchan
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Props Design
Molly Dykstra
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Intimacy Direction
Claire Wilcher
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Assistant Stage Manager
Liesel Schmitz
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COVID-19 Safety Manager
Sean Qiu
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CAST
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Faye
Dwandra Nickole*
sponsored by Martha O'Connor & Greg Henneke
Reggie
Daniel A Martin
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Shanita
Akili Ni Mali
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Dez
Kerrington Shorter
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*Appearing through an Agreement between Summit Performance Indianapolis and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
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“Skeleton Crew” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
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"Skeleton Crew" premiered at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City in January 2016 under the direction of Ruben Santiago-Hudson.
***PLEASE BE ADVISED: herbal cigarettes will be smoked onstage during the production.
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THERE WILL BE ONE INTERMISSION
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Director's Notes
First, I would like to thank you for your support of Summit Performance of Indianapolis, of live theatre, and of this production of Skeleton Crew. The process of creating art is never easy, but it is even more difficult during times like these. What you are witnessing tonight is a labor of love. It has taken many sleepless nights, acts of deep trust, and moments of true courage to create this piece. Thank you for believing in it and bearing witness to this story. Our Story.
When I first read Skeleton Crew, I found myself deeply touched by the honesty of Dominique Morisseau’s writing. I knew these people. I recognized them. They were family. Each and every one of us will recognize the power of Faye’s presence. We will remember the pride that comes with chasing after a dream. We will connect with Reggie’s need to do what is right. That is the power of Skeleton Crew. These characters transcend the world of the play and touch the hearts of those who dare to listen.
This play is a love letter to factory workers, and the working class in general, giving voice to the backbone of America – the foundation of the American Dream. It gives space for us to witness their struggles and to stand in the glory of their pride. But it also invites us to reflect on ourselves, and how we care or don’t care about the needs of the working class. I ask that, as you witness this piece tonight, you dare to listen. And when the lights fade on tonight’s performance of Skeleton Crew, you are able to ask yourself “Is there a better way?”
- Melissa Mowry, Director
CAST
Dwandra Nickole* Lampkin (Faye) serves as an Associate Professor and Director of Multicultural Theatre at Western Michigan University. She earned her MFA in Acting from the National Theatre Conservatory. With a career spanning over two decades, Dwandra has performed regionally at the Tony Award winning Denver Center Theatre; The Huntington Theatre in Boston; the National Black Theatre in New York City; the Human Race Theatre in Dayton, and the Indiana Repertory Theater. Her most memorable roles include Aunt Ester in August Wilson’s "Gem of the Ocean"; Mrs. Muller in "Doubt"; and Calpurnia in "To Kill a Mockingbird". Her television credits include "Law and Order", "Third Watch", "Law and Order: SVU" and the critically acclaimed ABC series "Wonderland". Lampkin has also written a one-woman show entitled "The Conviction of Lady Lorraine”. For booking information, visit her website www.dwandra.com. Lampkin is a proud member of AEA, (Actors Equity Association) and SAG/AFTRA, (Screen Actors Guild/American Federation for Television and Radio Artists.)
Daniel A Martin (Reggie) is a local actor, director, teaching artist, and improv comedian who is honored to portray the role of Reggie in Summit Theatre’s Skeleton Crew. He trained at a very young age with the Asante Children's Theatre under the guidance of the Artistic Director, Deborah Asante, and found his love for the performing arts. Daniel is the founder of the hilarious comedy improv group Act A Foo Improv Crew, and is currently the teaching artist for The Sapphire Theater Company.
Akili Ni Mali (Shanita) is a RnB/Jazz vocalist based out of Indianapolis, IN, an actress based and represented out of Chicago, and a new mom to her now 6-month-old son, Leo. A graduate from Ball State University with a bachelors in Fine Arts: Musical Theatre, Akili has explored and worked in all avenues related to her craft in the arts. From television and commercials, to theme parks, theaters, and cruise ships, she has experienced (and is still experiencing) just what it means to be a young and hungry artist. Akili would like to dedicate this show to all young mothers who aspire to be more than what society tells them to be: breaking generational curses and curating their own versions of success.
Kerrington Shorter (Dez) is eager to be making his professional theatrical debut with Summit Performance as Dez. He is currently in his fourth year as a student at Marian University pursuing a BA in Theatre—with music production being a passionate past-time. Some of his favorite credits include Officer Lockstock in "Urinetown" at Marian, Angelo in Shakespeare’s "Measure for Measure" at Marian, and Usnavi in "In the Heights" at Scecina Memorial. He can also be seen as “The Leading Player” in Marian University’s upcoming production of "Pippin".
PRODUCTION TEAM
MELISSA MOWRY (Director) Regional: "I Have a Dream" (Director/Virginia Repertory Theatre), "Lights Out: Nat King Cole" (SDCF Observer/Geffen Playhouse). International/Other: “Party Chat” (Kervigo Ensemble Theatre/New York) “GEN” (Kervigo Ensemble Theatre/New York), “Mr. Lee” (Actors Circle Ensemble/Los Angeles), “Lone Star” (Hudson Theatre/New York), “Lost Sock Laundromat, Astoria, Queens” (Wild Project/New York), “Trouble in Mind” (Rutgers University, New Brunswick), “If Women Rose Rooted” (The Tank/New York), “(DE)CODED” (New York Fringe Festival/New York), “The Slave” (ASDS Repertory Season/New York), “The Audition” (ASDS Repertory Season/New York),“Proof” (ASDS Repertory Season/New York), “North of Providence” (ASDS Repertory Season/New York). Film/TV: “5iveSenese Short Films” (Director), “Becoming Electra” (Producer). Awards/Honors: SDCF Observership (2018), Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fellow (2018). SDC Associate Member. Melissa would like to thank Akili, Daniel, Danielle, Dwandra, Kelsey, Kerrington, Lauren, Liesel, and the wonderful design team for their time, talent and passion on the production. www.melissamowry.com
DANIELLE BUCKEL KLEIN* (Stage Manager) is excited to serve as stage manager once again for Summit. She previously stage managed "Mary Jane" and "Silent Sky." Additional stage management credits include "Bakersfield Mist", "Alabaster", "The Agitators", "The Children", "Cabaret Poe", "Halftime with Don", and "Barbecue" for Phoenix Theatre. Danielle would like to thank Justin and Theodora for all the love and support.
LIESEL SCHMITZ (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be making her debut with Summit Performance Indianapolis! Recently, she was stage manager for "1980 or Why Vote for John Anderson" at Storefront Theatre of Indianapolis. Her favorite credits include stage manager & props designer for "Pilgrims" at Storefront and assistant stage manager for "Winston's Big Day, A Very Phoenix Xmas", at Phoenix Theatre.
MEJAH BALAMS (Scenic Design) MeJah Balams is a multi-disciplined visual artist residing in Atlanta, GA. She received a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology from Auburn University and extended her studies at the reputable Cobalt Studios, for scenic art. Her work has been credited as a Scenic, Lighting, and Props Designer. She has also had the privilege of touring as art department lead for theatre production. Her most notable collaboration was as a lighting designer for Prague Quadrennial 2019’s main creative centerpiece, "Blue Hour", a large-scale, multifaceted and immersive installation. Balams is excited to now be working with Summit on such a timeless production.
DARIAN DAUCHAN (Sound Design & Composition) is an award winning actor, writer, poet, and musician who has appeared on both Broadway(Twentieth Century starring Alec Baldwin and Anne Heche) and Off Broadway theater (Jean Cocteau Rep., Classical Theatre of Harlem). TV and Film credits include "Law and Order", Nickelodeon's "Bet the House" as Darian the "SoundFX" Guy, and the Lionsgate feature film "Things Never Said". Darian is most known for "The Brobot Johnson Project", an Afrofuturism, Sci Fi Hip Hop transmedia piece which won for Outstanding Comedy Series at the LA Web Festival and BEST soundtrack at the Escape Velocity Festival sponsored by the Museum of Science Fiction. The show "The Brobot Johnson Experience" is a critically acclaimed Ben Brantley New York Times Critics' Pick. Most recently Darian was nominated for a Drama League award for Darian's piece "Brobot PSA" in the AFO Solo Short series and is a New Music USA grantee. Newly released singles Ohm and Dead can be found on Spotify and other streaming platforms. www.dariandauchan.com www.brobotjohnson.com
LAURA E. GLOVER (Lighting Design) is the Resident Lighting Designer for Dance Kaleidoscope and a company member of the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company. She is honored to have designed SILENT SKY, MARY JANE and BE HERE NOW for Summit Performance Indianapolis. Ms. Glover also has also designed lighting for the Phoenix Theatre, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indiana Repertory Theatre and Butler University. She is a Creative Renewal Arts Fellow with the Arts Council of Indianapolis and holds an M.F.A. in Lighting Design from SUNY Purchase, where she studied with Brian MacDevitt and William Mintzer.
ZEPHANY RIVERS (Costume Design) is a first year costume design graduate student at IU from Savannah, Ga. She graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in May 2021 with a B.F.A. in Production Design with a concentration in costume design. Her SCAD costume design credits include "Last Drinks", "Book of Ruth", and "Dinner by 9".
MOLLY DYKSTRA (Props Design) is an Indianapolis based artist with experience in filmmaking, visual arts and theatre. She has credits working as a props designer, on the art design team, managing, writing and acting. In addition, she creates visual art and enjoys community projects. Ms. Dykstra is happy to wear a variety of hats and bring her diversity of talent to projects which inspire her. For more information, feel free to visit her at www.mollydykstra.com.
CLAIRE WILCHER (Intimacy Direction) recently received her Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting at Michigan State University, where she also specialized in Intimacy Direction. Since then, she has been working as an Intimacy Director for various theatres in Lansing, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Previous ID credits include "LoveBird" and "Alabaster" (Phoenix Theatre), "Come Undone" (Three Brothers Theatre), "The Humans" (Redtwist Theatre), "Pippin" (Marian University), and more. Claire is a member of AEA and is trained under IDC Professionals, where she is now a teaching artist, spreading the word of consent-forward practices in theatre far and wide! More info at www.clairewilcher.com.
Production
Set Construction
Sapphire Theatre Co.
David Orr & Andrew Hastings
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Master Electrician
Tim Dick
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Electricians
Caleb Clark, Emily Koller
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Sound Engineer
Brittany Hayth
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Staff
Artistic Director
Lauren Briggeman
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Artistic Manager
Kelsey Leigh Miller
SPECIAL THANKS
Production Sponsor:
The Indianapolis Foundation
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Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation
Martha O'Connor & Greg Henneke
Laurie Tuttle
The Arts Council of Indianapolis
Indiana Arts Commission
Christel DeHaan Family Foundation
Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation
Dr. Lisa Harris
Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
Zac Hunter
Adam Bell
Toney Crawford
Summit Board of Directors
Asha Patel
Jeff Mountjoy
Laurel Canan
Emily Schwank
Upland Brewing Co.
Printing Partners
Sapphire Theatre Company
Storefront Theatre Company
University of Indianapolis
Indianapolis Repertory Theatre