Gruesome Playground Injuries Performance Calendar - June 6 – 22

DALLAS (May 14, 2013) – Second Thought Theatre announced today that the next production in its ninth season is Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph. Joel Ferrell, Dallas Theater Center Associate Artistic Director, is making his STT directorial debut with this play, a story about life-long friendship and unfortunate injuries.

“I am incredibly thrilled to have Joel Ferrell working with Second Thought for the first time on a piece that’s so suited for the intimate, explosive brand of theater Joel is known for,” said STT Co-Artistic Director Steven Walters. “His vision for the play is brilliant and audiences should expect a truly visceral theater-going experience with Gruesome Playground Injuries. This production will be quintessentially ‘Second Thought’: simple design, powerful words and exceptional performances.”

Jessica Renee Russell and Montgomery Sutton make their STT debut as Kayleen and Doug. They have been friends for 30 years. They’re inexplicably and deeply connected to one another. In Rajiv Joseph’s dark comedy, their propensity for injuries has Kayleen and Doug meeting regularly, from the nurse’s office at school to the emergency room many years later. As they tend to each other’s physical ailments, the emotional impact of their meetings becomes evident.

“Rajiv Joseph has an astonishing ability to write about damaged people in a constant state of turmoil succinctly and directly,” said Ferrell. “This makes his characters approachable and familiar. His handling of fragile people and their delicate relationships in rocky situations makes Gruesome Playground Injuries a perfect fit for Second Thought Theatre and an exciting first production for me with the organization.”

Ferrell explained that the story is straightforward and, as a result, doesn’t require a poetic design. Instead, scenic designer Bob Lavallee will make his STT debut with a simple set comprised of four seating platforms and a playing space. “Their world isn’t soft-edged,” said Ferrell, “so the set will be hard and institutional-feeling.”

Jennifer Ables (STT’s Thom Pain (based on nothing)) will design costumes that the actors will access and change into in plain view of the audience – and each other. Lighting design by Alyssa Humphries and Travis Watson will enhance the hard and institutional aspects of the story. John Flores will return for the second time this season for sound design.

“Kayleen and Doug exist independently from one another, but they always seem to be connected. Joseph’s dialogue demonstrates that very well and all aspects of our planned design will support the dysfunction and beauty of the relationship between these two people,” said Ferrell.

Gruesome Playground Injuries opens with previews on Thursday, June 6 at 7:30pm. Opening and press night is Saturday, June 8 at 8:00pm. The Pay-What-You-Can performance of Gruesome Playground Injuries is Monday, June 10 at 7:30pm. PWYC tickets are available at the box office the day of the performance only and are subject to availability. Tickets to the PWYC performance can be reserved at the regular ticket price online at 2TT.co. Gruesome Playground Injuries runs through June 22. Tickets for Gruesome Playground Injuries are on sale now and are available online at 2TT.co or by phone at (866) 811-4111.

Cast Bios

Jessica Renee Russell (Kayleen)

New York Theatre: Your Colonel (Metropolitan Playhouse); The Girl from Nashville (NY Premiere, playwright Steven Michael Walters); My Past Girlfriends (Variations Theatre Group, Best Supporting Actress Award); Romeo and Juliet (The Secret Theatre). Regional: The Importance of Being Earnest (WingSpan Theatre, Best Supporting Actress Nominee); The Diary of Anne Frank (WaterTower Theatre); Wild Oats and Language of Angels (Theatre Three); The Night of the Iguana (Contemporary Theatre of Dallas); Much Ado about Nothing (Houston Shakespeare Festival).

Film/Television: Die with Me (Williamstown Film Festival); Groomed, Hole in the Wall, The Leap List, Stale Ramen, Hardbat, Evil, I (Discovery ID). Proud graduate of The William Esper Studio in NYC. www.jessicareneerussell.com

Montgomery Sutton (Doug)

NYC: King Lear (American Bard); Othello, Candide (Gallery Players); In the Ebb (FringeNYC 2012); The Girl from Nashville, Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar (EBE Ensemble); Henry IV, Henry V (Rebellious Subjects); Russian Tea (Metropolitan Playhouse); Clothes for a Summer Hotel (White Horse Theater Company).

DFW: The Ugly One (Watertower Theatre); A Bright New Boise, The Whipping Man (Circle Theatre); The Temperamentals (Uptown Players); Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest (Shakespeare Dallas); Language of Angels (Theatre Three).

Film: Office Rehab; Net Worth; Brute; March. Up next: The Nightmare ‘Dream’ (Bloody Shakespeare for FringeNYC 2013). BFA: NYU (Atlantic
Theater Company). www.montgomerysutton.com

Joel Ferrell (Director)

Mr. Ferrell is the Associate Artistic Director of Dallas Theater Center where his duties include directing and producing.

Credits for DTC include: Reasons To Be Pretty, Dividing the Estate, Cabaret, God Of Carnage, Red, and seven seasons of Richard Helleson’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Mr. Ferrell is the former Artistic Director of Casa Mañana Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas where he directed over 30 productions including: Sleuth, Big River, The King and I, Once On This Island, Deathtrap, Carousel, and Rocky Horror. Mr. Ferrell left in 2001 after helping that organization grow from an annual operating budget of six million to eleven million, having launched new programming, moved to a new venue and directed new works as well as re-envisioned classics.

Other Directing credits include: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Baltimore Waltz, and Alfred Stieglitz Loves O’Keefe for Stage West; Proof and Camelot for Plano Rep in Dallas, Texas; and a new adaptation of Huck Finn for Classical Acting Company.

Mr. Ferrell has worked nationally for Portland Center Stage, Papermill Playhouse, Ford’s Theater and North Shore Music Theater, among others. Mr. Ferrell is celebrating his 25th year as a member of The Society of Directors and Choreographers. He holds a Bachelor of Science in English from The University of Texas at Austin.

Miranda Parham (Assistant Director)

Miranda recently received a BFA in Theater Studies from Southern Methodist University. Miranda is happily returning to Second Thought Theater after assisting Lee Trull on The Midwest Trilogies. Miranda has previously assisted Joel Ferrell on A Christmas Carol at Dallas Theater Center and has directed both at SMU (Boom, And Baby Makes Seven) and Bishop Arts Theater (Amaryllis).

Bob Lavallee (Scenic Design)

Dallas Theater Center: A Christmas Carol (2005-2012), Joseph and the Amazing… , Cabaret, Second City Does Dallas and Red.

Production Designer for fourteen years PBS’ Barney and Friends; Senior Designer, Peter Wolfs,

Dallas; Resident Designer five years Casa Mañana Theater, Fort Worth,

65 productions including children’s theater and musicals: Dreamgirls, (Dir. David Thome), Lettuce and Lovage regional premier (Dir. Kent Paul), Chess (Dir. Rob Marshall), My Way, (Dir. Joel Ferrell), Phantom (Westport Playhouse, St. Louis, (Dir. Paul Blake),Chichester Psalms (The Bruce Wood Dance Company), Three Days of Rain (Dir. Adrienne Campbell-Holt); Water Tower Theatre: The Full Monty

Set Design: The Verizon Academic All American Hall of Fame Awards (Waldorf Astoria).

He has designed for Fort Worth Opera: Three December; UNT Opera: Don Giovanni, Romeo and Juliette, Pirates of Penzance, Werther; Shakespeare Dallas: Macbeth; Dallas Theatre Arlington: Rent, Wit, The Laramie Project.

Jennifer Ables (Costume Design)

Second Thought: Thom Pain (based on nothing) Dallas Theater Center: Red, To Kill A Mockingbird, Henry IV Parts 1 &2;

Alabama Shakespeare Festival: Charlotte’s Web; Oklahoma Shakespeare Festival: Macbeth, Winter’s Tale; University of Texas at Dallas: Dr. Calagari’s Cabinet, Comedy of Errors, Monkey: The Quest to the West, Alpha Male, R.U.R., The Way They Shine;

Watertower Theater: As You Like It; Risk Theater Initiative: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot; Florida Repertory Theater: All My Sons, The Underpants, Absurd Person Singular, Sly Fox, Amy’s View. Jennifer has been the costume shop manager at Dallas Theater Center since December 2008 and holds an MFA in costume design from Florida State University.

Alyssa Humphries (Lighting Design)

Alyssa is making her Second Thought Theatre debut. Previous theatre work includes Miss Julie at The Workshop Theater (NYC); The King and I, Chicago, Ragtime, She Loves Me, and Jekyll & Hyde at Maine State Music Theatre (MA).

Alyssa is also an Architectural Lighting Designer with Essential Light Design Studio and is a member of the International Association of Lighting Designers and the Illuminating Engineering Society. She holds a BFA in Design from Baylor University and a MFA in Architectural Lighting Design from Parsons The New School for Design.

Travis Watson (Lighting Design)

Travis is excited to return to Second Thought Theatre after several years hiatus. He is an original company member of Second Thought, designing for the first three seasons. Travis has returned from NYC where he received his MFA in Lighting from Parsons School of Design and has since been involved in the architectural world. Travis holds a BFA from Baylor University in Theatrical Design.

John M. Flores (Sound Design)

John’s previous Second Thought credits include: A Behanding in Spokane, Lobster Alice, and A Skull in Connemara.

An Artistic Company Member of Kitchen Dog Theater, credits include Se Llama Christina; One-Man Show; The Chairs; Beauty Queen of Leenan, Becky Shaw; Turn of the Screw; Collapse; 26 Miles; Ponzi; MacBeth; Betrayal; Long Way Go Down; and many, many more.

He recently designed Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo for Theatre Three and worked extensively with Shakespeare Dallas, Our Endeavors Theater Collective, Cara Mia Theater, Audacity Theatre Lab, Junior Players, Project X: Theatre & LimeHouse Theater.

Christopher Eastland (Stage Manager)

Christopher received his BFA in Theatre Performance at Baylor University. Locally, Christopher has stage managed My Name is Rachel Corrie, Lobster Alice (Second Thought), & Binge (Rite of Passage).

Selected acting credits include: The Madness of Lady Bright (One Thirty Productions), WASP (Upstart Productions), Execution of Justice, A Christmas Carol (Civic Theatre of Allentown), Wonder of the World
(BUTSS), Talking Pictures, & Courtship (Horton by the Stream).

In the fall, Christopher will be attending Bowling Green State University to receive his MA in Theatre.

Drew Wall (Production Manager/Prop Design)

Drew is glad to return to Second Thought Theatre, where previous shows include: A Behanding in Spokane; The Bomb-itty of Errors, Red Light Winter, A Skull in Connemara, Lobby Hero and The Country Wife.

Other Dallas credits include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Long Way Go Down, Macbeth and Slasher (Kitchen Dog Theater); The Dog Problem (Undermain Theater); This Is Our Youth (Upstart Productions); The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare Dallas); Defiance (Theatre Three); Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead (Inevitable Theatre Company) and The Secret War (Firebomb Productions).

He has also worked with The Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York (Dog Show and The Rotting of Tycho de Brahe) and Queen Mary University in London. Drew holds a BFA in Theatre

Performance from Baylor University and represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.

ABOUT SECOND THOUGHT THEATRE:

Second Thought Theatre seeks to capture the moment of creation between artist and audience. Dedicated to ensemble productions that explore challenging and dramatic works from the canon of theatrical literature, STT strives to enlighten and entertain its audience by pushing the boundaries of human thought and emotion. Old works done in new ways, new works done in old ways. Everything is possible when you take a second thought.

Box Office Phone (866) 811-4111 – Powered by OvationTix

Second Thought Theatre is sending the hit one man play BOB BIRDNOW’S REMARKABLE TALE OF HUMAN SURVIVAL AND TRANSCENDENCE OF SELF to the Hollywood Fringe Festival!

‘Bob Birdnow…’ tells the story of a courageous pilot who, in the face of a terrible tragedy, finds a way to endure. In this poignant drama, Steele explores the connection between our survival mechanism and our larger purpose in life. Bob Birdnow’s plight reminds us that pain and tragedy light the way to salvation and that the darkest of times are an opportunity for clarity. Life is hard, and tragedy is harder, especially when the loss of a loved one is at its epicenter. But in this play there’s a glimmer of hope: that through our pain, we can find our greatest self, pick ourselves up and get on with the business of life…living.

Help send Second Thought’s production of Bob Birdnow to the Hollywood Fringe Festival!

Support us on Kickstarter

My Name is Rachel Corrie

Adapted by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner

Tickets On Sale Now!

Bryant Hall on the Kalita Humphreys campus, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd.
Opening and Press Night: Saturday, March 16 at 8:00pm
Full Run: March 16 – March 30

DALLAS (Feb, 26, 2013) – Second Thought Theatre continues its ninth season with My Name is Rachel Corrie, a play based on the diaries and emails of Rachel Corrie, adapted by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner. My Name is Rachel Corrie will open on Saturday, March 16, the tenth anniversary of Corrie’s death in the conflict-ravaged Gaza Strip.

“My Name is Rachel Corrie provides Second Thought Theatre an important opportunity to invite members of our community to see a play that discusses pertinent and potentially sensitive issues. We hope to encourage our audiences to engage in productive and informative conversation after the play is over,” said STT co-artistic director Kelsey Head. “Our goal with this play is not to focus on controversy, but to tell Rachel Corrie’s story in a manner that strips away preconceived notions of right or wrong and to discuss how her story relates to the community we live in.”

Corrie, an American peace activist from Olympia, Washington, travelled to Rafah in the southern part of the Gaza Strip as part of college assignment. On March 16, 2003, Corrie was killed by an armed bulldozer operated by a member of the Israel Defense Forces while trying to prevent the demolition of homes belonging to Palestinian people. Exact details and responsibility for her death have been in dispute since the incident occurred.

Tackling the play for a second time are Barrett Nash as Rachel Corrie and director Clay Wheeler. The two are reprising their respective roles at STT after a well-received run at 2012’s Festival of Independent Theatres. The Dallas-Fort Worth Theater Critics Forum included Nash on last year’s list of Outstanding Performances by an Actress. Elaine Liner of the Dallas Observer said Nash is one half of an acting family “that simply commands your attention and welcomes your embrace.”

“This play is, at its core, about the journey of a young woman seeking to reconcile the sheltered, nurturing community of her youth with the ugly, stark realities of a world where millions of people are forced to live in near-constant fear of death and destruction,” says Rachel Corrie director Clay Wheeler. “Rachel Corrie is at once singular and universal in its perspective, and explores a human element that identifiable to the modern audience.”

My Name is Rachel Corrie opens on Saturday, March 16 at 8:00pm. The Pay-What-You-Can performance of My Name is Rachel Corrie is Monday, March 25 at 7:30pm. PWYC tickets are available at the box office the day of the performance only and are subject to availability. Tickets to the PWYC performance can be reserved at the regular ticket price online at 2TT.co. My Name is Rachel Corrie runs through March 30. Tickets for My Name is Rachel Corrie are on sale now and are available online at 2TT.co or by phone at (866) 811-4111. For this production only, all tickets are $10.

Barrett Nash (Rachel Corrie) is excited to be back with STT to reprise the role of Rachel Corrie. She recently performed with STT in A Behanding in Spokane. Ms. Nash recently won a DFW Critics Forum Award for her performance in My Name is Rachel Corrie (Rite of Passage Theatre Company), which played at the 2012 Festival of Independent Theatres. She and her father, Barry (who performed with Second Thought last season), were named “Best Acting Family” in the Dallas Observer’s 2012 “Best of Dallas” issue. Other DFW credits include: New Jerusalem (Stage West); Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Contemporary Theatre of Dallas); The Violet Hour, This is Our Youth (Upstart Productions); GINT (Broken Gears Project Theatre); Feeding the Moonfish (WingSpan Theatre Company) and The Dreamer Examines His Pillow (SATER). Barrett made the Dallas Observer’s “Best of 2011″ theatre list for her “Breakout Comedy Turn” in Five Women. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Texas at Austin.

Clay Wheeler (Director) is a locally grown director, actor, playwright, producer and educator who earned his BFA in Theatre Performance at Baylor University. He directed an abridged production of My Name is Rachel Corrie, which garnered several awards, for the 2012 Festival of Independent Theatres. Clay has also directed Binge (Rite of Passage Theatre Company) and Wonder of the World (BUTSS). DFW acting credits include: XSR: Die! (Pegasus Theatre), Children (WingSpan Theatre Company),Othello (SD/ATTPAC Reading Series), Ruth (Kitchen Dog Theater), The Farnsworth Invention, Language of Angels (Theatre Three), Spring Awakening (WaterTower Theatre), As You Like It (Shakespeare Dallas), Alice In Wonderland, Measure for Measure (Nouveau 47), The Pitchfork Disney (Broken Gears Project Theatre), and Talk Radio (Upstart Productions). As a playwright, his works have produced at FIT, the Out of the Loop Fringe Festival, Richland College, and the Horton Foote American Playwrights Festival. He is the Artistic Director for Rite of Passage Theatre Company and the Literary Director for Nouveau 47 Theatre.

Ken Farnsworth (Lighting Design) has designed for Second Thought Theatre (Thom Pain (about nothing)), Junior Players (The Taming of the Shrew) and Contemporary Theatre of Dallas (Crimes of the Heart). He has also worked as Assistant Lighting Designer at Dallas Theater Center (Cabaret and The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Next Fall and God of Carnage). Ken currently works as a Technical Coordinator for the AT&T Performing Arts Center, where he is privileged to design for many types of events ranging from private parties to concerts like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Alex Organ (Producer) recently directed A Behanding in Spokane. Previously for Second Thought Alex appeared in Red Light Winter. Locally he’s been seen at Lyric Stage (The Most Happy Fella), Theater Three (The Farnsworth Invention), Shakespeare Dallas (Coriolanus, Hamlet, Two Gentlemen of Verona), WaterTower Theater (Little Shop of Horrors), Trinity Shakespeare Festival (Macbeth, As You Like It) and Dallas Theater Center(A Christmas Carol). Regionally he’s appeared with Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Epic Theater Ensemble and Elm Shakespeare Festival. Alex holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and is represented by the Mary Collins Agency.

Drew Wall (Production Manager/Technical Director) is glad to return to Second Thought Theatre, where previous shows include: A Behanding in Spokane,;The Bomb-itty of Errors, Red Light Winter, A Skull in Connemara, Lobby Hero and The Country Wife. Other Dallas credits include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Long Way Go Down, Macbeth and Slasher (Kitchen Dog Theater); The Dog Problem (Undermain Theater); This Is Our Youth (Upstart Productions); The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare Dallas); Defiance (Theatre Three); Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead (Inevitable Theatre Company) and The Secret War (Firebomb Productions). He has also worked with The Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York (Dog Show and The Rotting of Tycho de Brahe) and Queen Mary University in London. Drew holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Baylor University and represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.

ABOUT SECOND THOUGHT THEATRE:
Second Thought Theatre seeks to capture the moment of creation between artist and audience. Dedicated to ensemble productions that explore challenging and dramatic works from the canon of theatrical literature, STT strives to enlighten and entertain its audience by pushing the boundaries of human thought and emotion. Old works done in new ways, new works done in old ways. Everything is possible when you take a second thought.

DETAILS AT A GLANCE
My Name is Rachel Corrie
Adapted by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner
March 16 – 30, 2013 at Bryant Hall on the Kalita Humphreys campus, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219

Director: Clay Wheeler
Lighting Design: Kenneth Farnsworth

Cast

Barrett Nash

“Martin McDonagh captures something very human and raw in his plays that gets to people at their core,” says Behanding director Alex Organ. “A Behanding in Spokane creates a foul, crazy, occasionally absurd world – it’s edgy and in-your-face – but ultimately the human experiences in this play are real and recognizable.”

Fort Worth’s Van Quattro makes his STT debut as Carmichael, a man who has been searching for his missing left hand for almost three decades. David Jeremiah and Barrett Nash play small-town con artists Toby and Marilyn, a young couple with a hand to sell who find themselves in over their heads. Rounding out the cast is STT regular Drew Wall as Mervyn, a peculiar and nosey hotel clerk.

“This cast is really remarkable,” says STT Co-Artistic Director Steven Walters. “From Van and Barrett who are making their Second Thought debuts to David Jeremiah who is back for the first time in several years and Drew Wall who is an integral part of the company – this is the perfect group of people to bring McDonagh’s characters to life.”

Leading the cast into this twisted story is Alex Organ, who audiences will remember from STT’s 2011 production of Red Light Winter. In addition to his role in the play, Drew Wall will design the set for A Behanding in Spokane. John Flores, Korey Kent and Kenneth Farnsworth will design sound, costumes and lighting, respectively.

Previews for A Behanding in Spokane begin Friday, January 4 and run through Sunday, January 6, 2013. All preview performances are Pay-What-You-Can. PWYC tickets are available at the box office the day of the performance only and are subject to availability. Tickets to preview performances can be reserved at the regular ticket price online at 2TT.co. Opening night is Monday, January 7 at 7:30p.m. A Behanding in Spokane runs through January 26. Tickets for A Behanding in Spokane are on sale now and are available online at 2TT.co or by phone at (866) 811-4111.

David Jeremiah (Toby)

Barrett Nash (Marylin) is excited make her STT debut with Behanding. Ms. Nash recently won a DFW Critics Forum Award for her performance in My Name is Rachel Corrie (Rite of Passage Theatre Company), which played at the 2012 Festival of Independent Theatres. She and her father, Barry (who performed with Second Thought last season), were named “Best Acting Family” in the Dallas Observer’s 2012 “Best of Dallas” issue. Other DFW credits include: New Jerusalem (Stage West); Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Contemporary Theatre of Dallas); The Violet Hour, This is Our Youth (Upstart Productions); GINT (Broken Gears Project Theatre); Feeding the Moonfish (WingSpan Theatre Company) and The Dreamer Examines His Pillow (SATER). Barrett made the Dallas Observer’s ”Best of 2011″ theatre list for her “Breakout Comedy Turn” in Five Women. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Texas at Austin.

Van Quattro (Carmichael)was born and raised in Los Angeles. During his time in L.A. he appeared in over twenty stage productions, some of which were award-winning. Van Studied with the esteemed Roy London for years and has appeared in many television shows including: Millennium; Chicago Hope; Pickett Fences; L.A. Doctors and General Hospital. He has been in films such as Fight Club and End of Days. Stage work includes Casa Mañana and Dallas Theater Center as Boo in To Kill a Mockingbird; Theatre Three as Arthur in Superior Donuts, a role that won him best actor by the DFW theater critics.

Drew Wall (Mervyn) is glad to return to Second Thought Theatre, where previous shows include: The Bomb-itty of Errors, Red Light Winter, A Skull in Connemara, Lobby Hero and The Country Wife. Other Dallas credits include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Long Way Go Down, Macbeth and Slasher (Kitchen Dog Theater); The Dog Problem (Undermain Theater); This Is Our Youth (Upstart Productions); The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare Dallas); Defiance (Theatre Three); Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead (Inevitable Theatre Company) and The Secret War (Firebomb Productions). He has also worked with The Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York (Dog Show and The Rotting of Tycho de Brahe) and Queen Mary University in London. Drew holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Baylor University and represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.

Alex Organ (Director) makes his directing debut with A Behanding in Spokane. Previously for Second Thought Alex appeared in Red Light Winter. Locally he’s been seen at Lyric Stage (The Most Happy Fella), Theater Three (The Farnsworth Invention), Shakespeare Dallas (Coriolanus, Hamlet, Two Gentlemen of Verona), WaterTower Theater (Little Shop of Horrors), Trinity Shakespeare Festival (Macbeth, As You Like It) and Dallas Theater Center (A Christmas Carol). Regionally he’s appeared with Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Epic Theater Ensemble and Elm Shakespeare Festival. Alex holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and is represented by the Mary Collins Agency.

John M. Flores (Sound Design) John’s previous credits with Second Thought Theater include A Skull in Connemara and Lobster Alice. An artistic Company Member of Kitchen Dog Theater, credits include Beauty Queen of Leenan; Becky Shaw; Turn of the Screw; Collapse; 26 Miles; Ponzi; MacBeth; Betrayal; Long Way Go Down; The Seagull; Vigils; The Goat or Who is Sylvia?; Richard III; Our Lady of 121st St.; Cloud Tectonics (2006 Leon Rabin Award & DFW Critics Award). He also worked extensively with Shakespeare Dallas, Our Endeavors Theater Collective, Cara Mia Theater, Junior Players, Project X: Theatre and LimeHouse Theater.

Ken Farnsworth (Lighting Design) has designed for Second Thought Theatre (Thom Pain (about nothing)), Junior Players (The Taming of the Shrew) and Contemporary Theatre of Dallas (Crimes of the Heart). He has also worked as Assistant Lighting Designer at Dallas Theater Center (Cabaret and The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Next Fall and God of Carnage). Ken currently works as a Technical Coordinator for the AT&T Performing Arts Center, where he is privileged to design for many types of events ranging from private parties to concerts like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

Korey Kent (Costume Design) has worked with Shakespeare Dallas, Kitchen Dog Theater and Dallas Theater Center, serving in a variety of roles ranging from House Manager to Assistant Director to Costume Designer to Assistant Stage Manager. Korey served as the Production Stage Manager for Southern Methodist University from 2003-2005, and as a Coordinator/Assistant at Miramax Films in New York. He holds a BFA in Theater Studies from SMU.

Drew Wall (Scenic Design) When not acting, Drew is a freelance welder, carpenter and properties artisan. Previous design and build credits including Shakespeare Dallas, The Dallas Children’s Theatre, GPO Theatrical, Southern Methodist University, Dallas Theater Center, Theatre Three, Contemporary Theatre Dallas, Richardson Community Theatre, Wingspan Theatre Company, Junior Players and The Ochre House. A Behanding in Spokane is his first set design in Dallas. Favorite sets to build in the past include Bob Birdnow, Pluck the Day, Dying City, Some Girls (Second Thought Theatre) and Boom (Kitchen Dog Theater).

ABOUT SECOND THOUGHT THEATRE:

Second Thought Theatre seeks to capture the moment of creation between artist and audience. Dedicated to ensemble productions that explore challenging and dramatic works from the canon of theatrical literature, STT strives to enlighten and entertain its audience by pushing the boundaries of human thought and emotion. Old works done in new ways, new works done in old ways. Everything is possible when you take a second thought.

DETAILS AT A GLANCE

A Behanding in Spokane

By Martin McDonagh

January 4 – 26, 2013 at Bryant Hall on the Kalita Humphreys campus, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219

Director Alex Organ

Scenic Design Drew Wall

Costume Design Corey Kent

Lighting Design Kenneth Farnsworth

Sound Design John Flores

Cast David Jeremiah, Barret Nash, Van Quattro and Drew Wall

Press Night Monday, January 6 at 7:30pm

RSVP EMAIL PR@SecondThoughtTheatre.com

Previews Friday, January 4 at 8:00pm; Saturday, January 5 at 8:00pm and Sunday, January 6 at 7:30pm.

Pay-What-You-Can All preview performances are Pay-What-You-Can. PWYC tickets are available at the box office the day of the performance only and are subject to availability. Tickets to preview performances can be reserved at the regular ticket price online at 2TT.co.

Monday, January 14, 2013 is an additional PWYC night. PWYC tickets are available at the box office the day of the performance only and are subject to availability. Tickets to this performance can be reserved at the regular ticket price online at 2TT.co.

Website 2TT.co

Box Office Phone (866) 811-4111 – Powered by OvationTix

A Behanding in Spokane Performance Calendar

Friday 1/4/2013 8:00pm Preview (PWYC)

Saturday 1/5/2013 8:00pm Preview (PWYC)
Sunday 1/6/2013 7:30pm Preview (PWYC)
Monday 1/7/2013 7:30pm Opening Night
Thursday 1/10/2013 7:30pm
Friday 1/11/2013 8:00pm
Saturday 1/12/2013 8:00pm
Sunday 1/13/2012 7:30pm
Monday 1/14/2013 7:30pm PWYC
Thursday 1/17/2013 7:30pm
Friday 1/18/2013 8:00pm
Saturday 1/19/2013 8:00pm
Sunday 1/20/2013 7:30pm
Wednesday 1/23/2013 7:30pm

Thursday 1/24/2013 7:30pm
Friday 1/25/2013 8:00pm
Saturday 1/26/2013 8:00pm Closing Night

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Bryant Hall on the Kalita Humphreys campus, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd.

Previews: January 4 – 6, 2013 • Opening Night: Monday, January 7, 2013 at 7:30p.m.

Full Run: January 4 – 26, 2013

DALLAS – Second Thought Theatre Co-Artistic Directors Kelsey Head and Steven Walters announced today the theatre’s 2013 season, which will take place at Bryant Hall on the Kalita Humphreys Campus. STT’s ninth season will include a Texas premiere, two dark comedies and a one-woman show.

“Uniquely dark comedies and great plays with keen storytelling make the 2013 season truly exciting,” says Head. “From a brand new work by American playwright Neil LaBute to a one-woman play about conflict in the Middle East, this season offers North Texas audiences four plays that will make them laugh, encourage conversation and provide unique perspectives.”

“STT is committed to creating memorable experiences for theater-goers while providing a nurturing environment for actors and artistic team members. Inviting several directors to make their STT debut and focusing on small cast shows ensures that the company presents plays that align with the mission of the theatre and continues to foster the visions of artistic contributors,” says Head.

The 2013 season will begin with A Behanding in Spokane, the newest play by award-winning Irish playwright Martin McDonagh. Alex Organ will make his directorial debut with Behanding, McDonagh’s first play set in the United States. Next up is My Name is Rachel Corrie, a play based on the diaries of American college student Rachel Corrie who was killed in 2003 while protesting in the conflict-ravaged Gaza Strip. This play, which audiences will remember a condensed version of from this year’s Festival of Independent Theatres line-up, will be directed by Clay Wheeler.

Joel Ferrell, Dallas Theater Center Associate Artistic Director, will direct Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries. This two-person play about an accident-prone relationship marks Ferrell’s first time working with STT. The final play of the 2013 season is Neil LaBute’s In a Forest, Dark and Deep, directed by Regan Adair. This will be Adair’s first time back at STT since directing Red Light Winter in 2011.

Second Thought Theatre’s 2013 season will be presented as follows:

• A Behanding in Spokane (Jan. 4 – 26)
• My Name is Rachel Corrie (March 16 — 30)
• Gruesome Playground Injuries (June 6 — 22)
• In a Forest, Dark and Deep (Aug. 9 — 31)

All performances will take place at Bryant Hall on the Kalita Humphreys Campus, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd.

Season memberships are available now for $60. Memberships can be purchased online at 2TT.co or by phone at 1-866-811-4111.

ABOUT SECOND THOUGHT THEATRE:

Second Thought Theatre seeks to capture the moment of creation between artist and audience. Dedicated to ensemble productions that explore challenging and dramatic works from the canon of theatrical literature, STT strives to enlighten and entertain its audience by pushing the boundaries of human thought and emotion. Old works done in new ways, new works done in old ways.

Everything is possible when you take a second thought.

A Behanding in Spokane

By Martin McDonagh
Directed by Alex Organ

Carmichael needs a hand. Toby and Marilyn have one to sell and the young couple is just dysfunctional enough to make the deal. Add a curious and persistent hotel clerk to the mix and the whole thing is bound to go up in flames. In this edgy — and bloody-play — Academy Award®-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright Martin McDonagh offers an unexpectedly hilarious look at desperation, lies and enduring hope.

January 4 — 26, 2013

My Name is Rachel Corrie

Adapted by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner
Directed by Clay Wheeler

My Name is Rachel Corrie is the story of a young woman’s experiences in the conflict-ravaged Gaza Strip. Her passion and enduring message of tolerance are a testament to the transformative power of activism.

March 16 — 30, 2013

Gruesome Playground Injuries

June 6 — 22, 2013
By Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Joel Ferrell

For Kayleen and Doug, whose propensity for injuries connect the two in an unexpected way, the bond of blood is forever. Gruesome Playground Injuries is a fresh, witty reflection of a 30 year friendship and the complicated truth of growing up.

In a Forest, Dark and Deep

By Neil LaBute
Directed by Regan Adair

Secrets and sibling rivalry aren’t foreign to Bobby and Betty. On a dark night, deep in the forest, the two are forced to face the reality of the harsh truths they’ve hidden away. The newest offering from celebrated American playwright Neil LaBute, In a Forest, Dark and Deep is a psychological thriller bound to surprise and intrigue.

August 9 — 31, 2013

“I am excited that Kelsey Head is taking on a more permanent and influential role with Second Thought Theatre,” said Walters. “Her fresh perspective, ability to identify opportunities for growth and long-term vision for the company make her ideal for the Co-Artistic Director position and I am looking forward to working with her to help push Second Thought Theatre into the next chapter of our history.”

Head began working with STT during the 2011-2012 season. She served as assistant director for Pluck the Day and producer for The Bomb-itty of Errors. Head replaces Chris LaBove, who joined STT in 2010 and will continue to serve on the company’s Board of Directors. Under the leadership of Walters and LaBove, Second Thought Theatre made the successful move from the Studio Theatre in the Addison Theatre and Conference Center to Bryant Hall on the Kalita Humphreys Campus. The pair also worked to re-focus and revitalize the STT Board.

David Guedry, former Board President of WaterTower Theatre, serves as president of STT’s Board of Directors. Additional Board of Directors members are Secretary Ben Guthrie, Emily Guthrie, Erik Archilla, Lance Currie, Lindsay Graham, Chris LaBove, Robert McCollum, Paige Southern, Steven Walters and advisory member Karol Omlor.

From David Guedry – “I believe Second Thought Theatre provides a unique perspective on theatre in North Texas – from the selection of plays, to the quality of the production, to the artist and patron experience,” said Head. “I look forward to contributing to such a strong company.”

KELSEY HEAD (Co-Artistic Director) relocated to Dallas two years ago to work with Dallas Theater Center. She served as DTC’s company manager during the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons. She also served as assistant director on the 2011 production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Kelsey began working with Second Thought Theatre during the 2011-2012 season as an artistic producer. Her work with STT includes The Bomb-itty of Errors and Pluck the Day.

ABOUT SECOND THOUGHT THEATRE:
Second Thought Theatre seeks to capture the moment of creation between artist and audience. Dedicated to ensemble productions that explore challenging and dramatic works from the canon of theatrical literature, STT strives to enlighten and entertain its audience by pushing the boundaries of human thought and emotion. Old works done in new ways, new works done in old ways. Everything is possible when you take a second thought.

Second Thought Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of season sponsor TACA.