Shaun Hennessy

The Crucible is a show that has lived with me for some time. I saw a striking production at Artist's Repertory Theatre with my now colleague, Mr. David Sikking, playing the lead role of John Proctor opposite his wife. I had some personal connections to some others in the cast, and it was the last play I saw in Portland before I transferred to Southern Oregon University to finish my undergraduate degree. That was in August of 2001, mere weeks before the 9/11 attacks. It was a powerful production and stayed with me. I learned my classmates at Southern Oregon had done the production the year before I got there. Last year, I was in two performances of The Crucible with Theatre Vertigo's Anonymous Theatre and Bag & Baggage Productions, at roughly the same time.
   This is a show that is often produced, and it is not hard to see why. The themes of needing to exert control over all the wilderness elements in our lives and the overwhelming fear of the unknown are themes that have lived with us throughout human history. We root for the few people in this small town who keep their heads in a crisis, even though it becomes clear the odds are stacked against them. While Arthur Miller has taken some dramatic liberties, this story is based on historical events. Hopefully, this story can help us to keep our heads in crisis, and not let fear of the dark and the things therein rule our hearts and actions.

  THE CRUCIBLE

The citizens of Salem, Massachusetts begin to suspect each other of witchcraft as members of their own fall ill of unnatural causes. A group of teens begin pointing fingers, a small action that then leads to much conflict. Is it all fun and games, or is the devil really having them sign his big black book? ACMA Theatre Company kicks off a new season of shows with the first of three fall productions: The Crucible, right in time for Halloween with shows October 22nd, 23rd and 24th at 7 pm as well as a matinee at two on Saturday. ​

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=acma 

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Alayna Mock

Alayna Mock is a sophomore at ACMA. She has been involved in many productions here as well as in other Portland are theatre companies. She appeared in ACMA Live and Pride and Prejudice last year. Alayna would like to thank her family. 

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Aradia Burkhalter: Assistant Stage Manager

This is Aradia's first show since she has been at ACMA, and she is very excited to be a part of it. She has performed in musicals at her previous middle school, but this is her first time being on crew for a show. She is in the 10th grade and is very grateful for this opportunity.

Blain Radford: Lighting Designer

Blain Radford is excited to light his seventh show at ACMA: this fall's The Crucible. This year Blain is a senior -- although if you saw him working on the show you could have sworn he was younger. He has been an exclusive fixture in ACMA's theatre department since Our Town in 2013 and still loves what he does. He would like to thank his family, friends, and especially his crew, both old and new, wherever they may be.

Declan Bartel: Governor Danforth

This is Declan Bartel's first play at ACMA. He has been taking acting classes since childhood. Declan came to ACMA for vocal music, acting, band/instruments and dance. He loves to live free and is generally a goof. He'd like to thank you all for coming, and he hopes you enjoy the show.

Ellie Younger: Production Manager// Mercy Williams

Ellie Younger is a freshman at ACMA. She is excited to perform in her seventh production here. Ellie's past favorite shows include Hair (NWCT), ACMA Live and Our Town (ACMA). Ellie also trains at OCT and NWCT. She is the Vice President of the ACMA Thespian Society and would like to thank her amazing sister for all her support.

Geneva Hall: Abigail Williams

Geneva is very excited to perform in her sixth mainstage production at ACMA. She has been seen recently in Once Upon A Mattress as Princess Winnifred and in Pride and Prejudice as Mrs. Gardiner. Her hobbies besides theater include piano and singing. Geneva would like to thank her family for supporting her in theater, and all of her mentors and friends who have helped her get here. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Isaiah Nava: Reverend Parris

Isaiah Nava is proud to be in his 6th production here at ACMA. He's a sophomore and would like to thank Evelyn for making him audition.

Kelton Paul: Francis Nurse

Kelton Paul is super excited to be in The Crucible! He's a freshman this year and he spent his middle school years participating in shows such as Great Expectations as "Young Pip," Our Town as "Joe Crowell," and Coraline as "Ghost Child." He hopes you enjoy the show a whole bunch!

Mira Collins: Susanna Wallcott

Mira Collins is very grateful to be a part of The Crucible, her third ACMA mainstage show. Her past roles include Crutchy in "Newsies," Mulan in "Mulan," and Georgiana Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice." She would like to thank her family for their support and her friends for always having her back and being overall wonderful people. She hopes you don't get accused of witchery and that you enjoy the show.

Rachel Lewis: Ann Putnam

Rachel Lewis is extremely excited to perform her first show here at ACMA! She is so grateful to be in this amazing show as a freshman. She would like to thank all of her cast members, family, and friends. She wants to thank her mom for inspiring her to dream big and try her hardest. She wants to thank her cousin for helping her chase her dream as an aspiring actress. Finally, she would like to thank Morgan, Genna, and Jim Jam for supporting her in all she does and being the best friends a person could have, especially starting high school. She would like to thank all of you for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!

Anabel Walz: Stage Manager

Anabel Walz is looking forward to being the stage manager for the very first time in The Crucible. She is a sophomore at ACMA, and she would like to thank her family for their support and the cast and crew for making this such an amazing show.

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Christine Griffith: Ezekiel Cheever

Christine is happy to be in this year's production of the Crucible, her second ACMA show. She has previously been seen in The ACMA Zone and several Whitford plays. Christine is an 11th grader at ACMA, and her focus is in visual arts. Christine would like to thank her mother for driving her from rehearsal every day and for her support.

Dylan Calhoun: Giles Corey

Dylan Calhoun is a freshman starting his second year at ACMA. He performed in last year's The ACMA Zone in two of the short plays, as well as in last spring's Pride and Prejudice. Along with his interest in the theatre, Dylan is an active filmmaker who has written, directed, and acted in two short films that have been awarded at the Signal-2-Noise Film Festival. He is excited about his future on the ACMA stage.

Emmy Christopherson: Elizabeth Proctor

Emmy Christopherson is a junior in her fourth year at ACMA. She has previously appeared in Pride and Prejudice, Coraline, The 2013 One Act Festival, and Oregon Ballet Theatre's production of The Nutcracker. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Heather Rawlinson: Sarah Good//Headshots//Crew

Heather is excited to be in her fourth ACMA theatre production. She has previously been seen in the ACMA Zone, ACMA Live, and the 24 Hour Play Festival. She also worked this summer with experienced adult actors at Broadway Camp in New York. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support.

Jazanna-Marie: Tituba

Jazanna-marie is very excited to be in "The Crucible." This will be Jazanna-marie's premiere on the mainstage and first acting experience. Jazanna would like to thank her grandparents for believing in her. She would like to thank her Uncle Mike for always trying to stay involved with the projects she is in. She wants to show her love to her Aunty Apirl for encouraging her to be apart of this program by giving Jazanna knowledge about Tituba. She wants to thank her cousins and all of her family for supporting her in anyway they did and for her mom Michell Jones; and dad; Brandon Riddlesprigger for their love, support, and continuation to remind her to strive for the best.Thank you!

Kieran Lyden: Thomas Putnam

Kieran Lyden is proud to be a part of The Crucible, his second main stage performance. He played a role in The ACMA Zone and is back for more after a year of study. Kieran is a junior at ACMA. He has also taken part in the film program, recently completed a screenplay, several music videos, and enjoys rock climbing, meditating, and playing the piano. Kieran would like to thank his family, treasured friends, and those who have positively affected the course of his life.

Nathan Bowles: John Hale

Nathan Bowles is glad to be able to join in with everyone for the Crucible. With having only done small parts before this will be one of his first larger appearances on stage. Good ol' thanks to his friends and family.

Scott Castner: Co-Set Designer

Scott Castner is very excited to be sharing his first set design with you. In the past he has worked mainly as an actor in mainstage shows like Pride and Prejudice, Oliver, and Our Town, and is relatively new to technical theater. Last fall he had the opportunity to write and co-direct ACMA's original adaptation of Coraline by Neil Gaiman. This December he will be directing a production of Shakespeare's Macbeth. He would like to thank his co-set designer Oliver Streck.

Bethany Kemper: Betty Parris

Bethany is a 7th grader, here at ACMA.  She is very excited to perform in her fourth main stage show. She has most recently been seen in Children of Eden, The ACMA Zone and Once Upon a Mattress.  Bethany would like to thank her sister Chelsea for getting her excited about theater.  She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cooper Cavender: Sound Designer

Cooper is excited to tech for his sixth show at ACMA. He has previously helped with The Fantasticks, Our Town, Oliver!, Children of Eden, and Coraline. He has been doing tech since 7th grade, and would like to thank his parents and brother for their encouragement and support.

Eddie Ortiz: John Proctor

​Eddie Ortiz is a junior at ACMA and is excited to be in his first show here. He has been seen before in Godspell the musical as Judas. On the side he works as a monster at FrightTown and sings in ACMA’s very own synergy.

Evelyn Elston: Mary Warren

Evelyn Elston is so excited to be in her first major main stage role. Since starting high school, she has been in The ACMA Zone and The 24 Hour Plays. Evelyn is a sophomore in her fifth year at ACMA. She's so happy for you to see the show and would like to thank you for coming!

Isabella Trujillo: Assistant Costumer

This is Isabella's first time as assistant costumer and her first time on the crew of an ACMA production. She was last seen as Berger in Hair at NWCT, and A-Rab in Westside Story. She is delighted to learn from her amazing peers, and would like to thank her parents and Aradia Burkhalter's mother for the rides. She would also like to thank Sophia McIntosh for snacks, and Julianne Hines for moral support.

Julianne Hines: Rebecca Nurse

Julianne is a sophomore who will be performing in her sixth show, four of which were ACMA productions.The first show she ever participated in was Fiddler on the Roof, which will always be her favorite. She would like to thank her four best friends, Aradia and Izzy who are part of the crew, and Melissa and Makaylee who are here to support her. She would also like to thank her family, her mom and dad, and especially her brother J.J. for inspiring her to pursue acting. Lastly, she'd like to say to everyone, "Enjoy the show!"

Logan Collins: Marshall Willard

Logan is in 9th grade, and is enthralled to be in his first ACMA production. His theatre credits include The Music Man (Townkid), Beauty and the Beast (Baker), The Little Mermaid (Sailor, and Chef's Assistant), Fiddler on the Roof (Mordcha), and Rejection! Or, Will Date for Food (Fred). He would like to thank his parents and grandparents for their support, and Brian Brown for being an excellent teacher.

Nika Nagy: Judge Hawthorne

Nika is very excited to be a part of this year's production of the Crucible! This is her second main stage role, with the first being in The ACMA Zone. She had one previous role in ACMA Live, and was featured as one of the scriptwriters in this year's Voyage of the Shero. She would like to thank her family and friends for being here and hopes you enjoy the show!!

Sophia McIntosh: Head of Costumes

Sophia McIntosh, a junior at ACMA, is thrilled to be head of costumes for The Crucible. She has worked on other main stage productions such as Pride & Prejudice, Coraline, Oliver!, and ACMA Zone. Sophia would like to thank her costume crew, especially Becky Lopez (her mother) and Izzy. Sophia hopes you enjoy the performance that took many hours