The Laramie Project

In November, the GSA Thespians tackled a challenging drama under the direction of Matt Jurick. They performed "The Laramie Project," written by Moisés Kaufman and members of The Tectonic Theater Project, in the GSA gym on a special set with limited seating right by the stage to enhance the experience. 

     The production was a journey of understanding, a close look at what the townspeople in Laramie had to say after Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming, was beaten to death. They spoke words of love, hope, anger, confusion, hatred, suspicion, redemption, and more.

     As with any drama that asks us to confront something horrifying, heinous even, it wasn't really a show to take pleasure in, but it was definitely worth seeing. And there were a few laughs.

     According to Matt, "we're producing a show that speaks to our kids and community in a way that we haven't attempted before, and it's moving and powerful." 

     Indeed it was.

     Cast: Jenna Blodgett '23, Fiona Guiness '21, Rose Kazmierczak '23, Sarah Means '23, Emma Snow '22, Sarah Webb '22, and Nyamh Wolf '20. Director: Matt Jurick Assistant Director and Stage Manager: Chloe Politte '20. Lighting and Sound Designer: Quinn Stabler '20

2018 One-Act Festival

Our GSA players produced the play "All I Really Need To Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play" by Werner Trieschmann as their entry into the Maine Drama Festival one-act regional competition at Brewer Community School on March 8 and 9. The GSA performance took place on Saturday.

     The comedy, about "the process of putting on a show that is less than good," is a play within a play. 

     Acting in the production were Emma Brown, Asha Kirkland, Adam Mathewson, Hattie Slayton, Zeke Sacaridiz, Magnolia Vandiver, Timmy Lloyd, Emma Snow, and Haleigh Young. Assistant Director-Stage Manager Katie Forrest was assisted by Erik Grenier. Magnolia Vandiver led the costume design. Lucy Morison and Oshi Ragot worked as crew. 

     For those of you who couldn't make it to Brewer on March 9, Deer Isle-Stonington High School and GSA hosted a one-act "scrimmage" of the two schools' productions at the Reach Performing Art Center in Deer Isle on March 6. Admission was by donation with the schools splitting the proceeds.  

Our Goals

The objectives of the George Stevens Academy drama program are to familiarize students with the various genres of dramatic literature and explore the evolution of the theater's artistic movements. Students are encourged to test acting styles and staging techniques and to design sets, lights, props, and costumes.