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Artistic Staff: FALL 2024

First Year Players Presents: Guys and Dolls

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DIRECTOR – Maggie Polistina

The Director is responsible for all artistic elements of the production, including selecting of the show and the members of their artistic staff, casting the show, and leading rehearsals throughout the week. They work closely with the cast and the artistic staff, as well as the technical and pit directors, to put on a production embodying the vision presented in their proposal.

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​Maggie is a third year studying Political and Social Thought.

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Contact them at director@firstyearplayers.org

PIT DIRECTOR – Thomas Brown

The Pit Director commands the pit orchestra that accompanies every First Year Players production. They organize orchestra auditions, prepare and coordinate rehearsals, and conduct the orchestra for each performance. Throughout the semester, the Pit Director works to turn a freshly assembled group of instrumentalists into a unified, cohesive ensemble just in time for opening night!

 
Contact them at pitdirector@firstyearplayers.org

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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Hana Kewaisy

The Assistant Directors operate alongside the Director and work with cast members on anything from blocking to character development. They serve as the Director's second set of eyes, complementing the Director's notes for the cast when necessary, and take on any additional projects the Director may delegate.

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​Hana is a second year in Pre-Dental studies.

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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Kadyn Johnson-Smith

The Assistant Directors operate alongside the Director and work with cast members on anything from blocking to character development. They serve as the Director's second set of eyes, complementing the Director's notes for the cast when necessary, and take on any additional projects the Director may delegate.

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Kadyn is a second year intending to study Biology and Drama.

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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Liam Maguire

The Assistant Directors operate alongside the Director and work with cast members on anything from blocking to character development. They serve as the Director's second set of eyes, complementing the Director's notes for the cast when necessary, and take on any additional projects the Director may delegate.

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Liam is a third year studying Public Policy and Leadership with a minor in Psychology.​​​​

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VOCAL DIRECTOR – Kiera Butler

The Vocal Directors oversee all singing designated by the composer. Contrasted with the Pit Director, the Vocal Directors work with groups and individual cast members to ensure not only that the music is performed accurately, but that the vocalists learn to maintain healthy vocal strategies, take ownership of their music, and make their performances their own.

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​Kiera is a second year intending to study Computer Science and minor in ASL and Real Estate.

VOCAL DIRECTOR – Sam Holliday

The Vocal Directors oversee all singing designated by the composer. Contrasted with the Pit Director, the Vocal Directors work with groups and individual cast members to ensure not only that the music is performed accurately, but that the vocalists learn to maintain healthy vocal strategies, take ownership of their music, and make their performances their own.

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CHOREOGRAPHER – Caroline Shoaf

The Choreographers introduce dance, stunt work, and other movement into the production. They conceive, then teach any choreography to the cast. They and the Director strive to realize the artistic vision for the show through movement, and the Choreographer ensures that every cast member both understands and feels comfortable with all choreography.

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​Caroline is a second year intending to study Public Policy and Economics.​

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CHOREOGRAPHER – Sophie Curtis

The Choreographers introduce dance, stunt work, and other movement into the production. They conceive, then teach any choreography to the cast. They and the Director strive to realize the artistic vision for the show through movement, and the Choreographer ensures that every cast member both understands and feels comfortable with all choreography.

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​Sophie is a second year intending to study Public Policy and English.​

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STAGE MANAGER – Layne Parker

The Stage Manager attends all rehearsals, meetings, and manages the inner workings of the production. They play a crucial role in the management of props, distribution of production notes, and supervise lighting and blocking cues.  The Stage Manager reports to the Director and Tech Director to make sure the production is organized and the cast is welcomed. 

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​Layne is a second year intending to study English and History.​​

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Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.

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