Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of The 39 Steps reimagines Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller with an ingenious theatrical twist. The story follows Richard Hannay, an ordinary man unwittingly drawn into a dangerous conspiracy after a chance encounter with a mysterious woman. When she’s murdered, Hannay becomes the prime suspect and must go on the run to clear his name. Along the way, he unravels a plot involving espionage, secret organizations, and, of course, the enigmatic “39 Steps.” What sets this adaptation apart is its playful use of just four actors portraying over 100 characters, creating a fast-paced, hilarious, and inventive homage to both Hitchcock’s film and the golden age of adventure stories.

This piece originated from a class project centered around the theme of metamorphosis, weaving a tale of a fairy yearning to embrace humanity. There is an idea in ancient folklore that fairies are born from a baby’s first laugh. But what happens when a fairy is born of a child’s cry? Olette, born differently from her sisters, navigates a world where she doesn’t seem to fit in. As she ventures into another world, our world, she makes a decision that will forever alter not only her own life but also the lives of her sisters.

Endgame stands out as one of my favorite projects, although we encountered an unexpected setback when one of the actors fell ill during tech week. Consequently, we were unable to capture production photos and I stepped in for the final project. This experience served as a profound lesson in both the practicalities of directing and the nuances of Theatre of the Absurd acting styles explored in class.

As part of a class project, I directed Joan of Arc's monologue from Henry VI, where she proclaims her divine calling as a virtuous and holy figure chosen by celestial grace. I chose a balcony on campus as the location, with the audience looking up at Joan of Arc (played by Cate Bounds). The difference in height wasn't very significant, so it maintained an intimacy between Joan of Arc and her accusers (the audience in this case).

As a contrasting piece to Joan of Arc's defiance against social norms, Cate also performed a monologue from The Forced Marriage, shifting the focus to emphasize the importance of tradition and parental guidance. The choice of a garden with a fountain as the setting enhanced the performance, with the surroundings being heavily utilized during the monologue. 

Collaborated closely with the director to bring the production to life, actively contributing to the creative process by assisting in scene blocking and ensuring the realization of the director's vision. Provided invaluable support and guidance to the props team, enhancing the authenticity and atmosphere of the play. Demonstrated a keen eye for detail by taking meticulous notes during rehearsals and live shows, contributing to a polished and consistent performance. Flexibly supported the stage managers as needed, showcasing adaptability and a commitment to the production's smooth operation.