New Directors' Showcase ✦ Aug. 2 – 11, 2024

Produced by Kristi Ann Jacobson

Directed by Wallace Ross, Ruthann Saunders, Matt Haver

BOX OFFICE HOURS
2:00pm – 5:00pm | July 25 & 26, Aug. 1 & 2, Aug. 8 & 9
6:00pm – 8:00pm | Aug. 2 & 3, Aug. 9 & 10
1:00pm – 3:00pm | Aug. 4, Aug. 11

The lobby opens 1 hour prior to curtain. The house opens approximately ½ hour prior to curtain. Performances will take place in the The Robert B. Stewart Performance Hall.

Wallace Ross

Wallace has appeared on stages across Kitsap County for 30 years, in shows at Silverdale’s CSTOCK, Gig Harbor’s Performance Circle, Port Orchard’s WWCA, and here at BCT, most recently in Titanic. He directed two plays at Olympic High School before and after the COVID pandemic, and was recently the assistant stage-manager for The Addams Family at The Jewel Box. He is grateful for Kristi Ann’s coaching and encouragement, and the collegiality of his fellow directors in this terrific showcase.

Ruthann Saunders

Ruthann has been involved in the performing arts since she was a young child, and is now continuing that journey with directing and contributing to the community in another way. She is excited for this opportunity and has enjoyed working and learning with her fellow directors during this process.

Matt Haver

Matt first auditioned at BCT in 2018 to get experience for voice acting, but caught the theater bug and has been active ever since. He formerly co-hosted and produced Heilman & Haver—The Stage & Screen Podcast and recently narrated his first audiobook for Hachette Audio, Breaking Into Sunlight by John Cochran. This production of The Constituent is dedicated to Matt’s first political sparring partner, college radio co-host, and best friend of 20 years, Felix Johnson.

New Directors' Showcase (Kristi Ann Jacobson, producer)
The New Directors' Showcase is an exciting platform where emerging directors get the chance to demonstrate their creative talents by directing a one-act play. Under the expert guidance of performer and seasoned director, Kristi Ann Jacobson, these up-and-coming directors receive invaluable mentorship. Jacobson's extensive experience in capturing nuanced and provocative stories ensures that participants not only refine their directing skills but also gain deep insights into the art of storytelling. This showcase is a unique opportunity for new directors to shine.

Lantern in the Wind by Tim Kelly and directed by Wallace Ross.
Chasing the hottest story of 1915—Did Butch Cassidy fake his death?—journalist Florence Kilpatric tracks down Etta Place, paramour to the notorious outlaw’s sidekick The Sundance Kid, to a mountain cabin, and strikes a bargain for a scoop.

Content Advisory: Gun used.

Just Like Old Times by Robert G. Barone and directed by Ruthann Saunders.
It is six years after high school graduation. The girls were all members of the school's drama club and they were all friends...more or less.

Changes have taken place during those six years, but some things have not changed. The actresses are still actresses, though not necessarily on the stage. And the backstage workers are still "techies," but not necessarily backstage. And they are still dominated by their director, Mrs. T. While they were in school, the girls were like puppets under her control. Their daily lives are still dominated by the routine she taught them drama classes and play rehearsals. Even though they seldom see her now, Mrs. T still "pulls the strings," so to speak.

Only Sharon has found a way to cut the strings. She died.

Content Advisory: Strong language.

The Constituent by Ernest Thompson and directed by Matt Haver.
Chas Potter is a tough-minded, foul-mouthed old Republican from Maine, whose favorite pastime is writing insulting letters to his senator, Democrat William Blane. When Blane shows up at Potter’s cabin unannounced, the two men square off face-to-face for the first time. Strangely enough, this political odd couple find much in common — but then the fur begins to fly again, with hilarious results!

Content Advisory: Adult language, fist fighting.