Scott Castner, Writer & Director

Scott Castner is a junior at Beaverton's Arts & Communication Magnet Academy (ACMA), where he is pursuing a pathway endorsement in Theatre.  Prior to coming to ACMA three years ago, he had participated in one school play; "ACMA introduced me to theater," he says.  His advice for other high school students considering a project like this?  Be Fearless.  

Looking back upon the year and a half it has taken to create this show, I’m filled with a sort of wonder. To think that this 200 page children’s book could come into our lives and our department, and have an impact of this magnitude is nothing less than astounding. This story, Coraline's story, has become our own. Watching this wonderfully curious, lost young girl discover bravery, and love, and strength within herself is perhaps the best guide we could have asked for as we begin to discover ourselves as artists and take the first tentative steps into independence. And we have left this story with something new as well. Coraline stands before you, the audience, as a true testimony to the limitless possibilities of collaboration and passion, and the amazing capacity of student artists.

I have been graced with the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people on this production, and I can only commend them all for their constant ingenuity and dedication to a process that is anything but easy. To watch this team and this cast create has been a true joy, and I owe every one of them the deepest gratitude for bringing my words to life, and for helping me to realize what started out as a monologue and a song into a show like this. Special thanks to Jessica Stewart, whose mark upon this show is indelible and ever uplifting, Noah Marger, who has pushed and guided me from day one, Emilia Smart-Denson, who has been a rock, a true support, and an inspiration to me, and to Kelly Schenk, I owe this entire show to you, and cannot thank you enough for giving us the music that has breathed life into this world. Thank you all for helping me find the rays of light in a world as dark as Coraline's. 

— Scott Castner
Writer & Director