In 1992, the Coterie formed a partnership with the graduate acting program at UMKC to have the third year graduating class make their Coterie debut each January-February. Because the program emphasizes the acting of classical material, the Coterie is able to produce plays that utilize the students' skills. |
In a time where we look at religion involved in church and state, I believe that this piece has contemporary relevance and provides much to think about when you see the play. I'm very excited about it. |
The early results, I think, are very encouraging. |
The Witch of Blackbird Pond examines society's intolerance about those who differ, using a witch hunt as the main action of the play. This book stands out as a children's literature classic and we're proud to be able to present it. This material is powerful to young adults the way Arthur Miller's The Crucible is for adults. |
They get to experience a brutally honest audience. There is no fakery allowed; their skills are put to the test and hopefully they've done their job and have the audience cheering by the end of the performance. |
This is so important to us because it gives these students such a great opportunity. It also allows us to have an expanded cast size, especially a cast that has been trained classically. This is the students' 'professional debut' and gives Kansas City a chance to see them onstage outside of UMKC, which sometimes has greater exposure. |