Castlewood

by Bethany Paulson

During the London Blitz of 1940, young Winifred is sent to join her sister in the English countryside to escape the horrors of the war. When she arrives, she encounters Edwin, a young eccentric boy, whose imagination and friendship provides her solace and companionship. They escape their reality by creating a world together in the woods. Castlewood is a coming-of-age exploration of escapism, grief, and what it means to be happy.

There will be one 10 minute intermission.

Playwright's Note:

As a child, world building, escapism and safety was found in bedsheet fortresses, linen closet hideaways and valiant battles fought with sticks among the brush of a desertus backyard.

Castlewood was created from the recesses of childhood memory, and lingering childlike imagination. It is an exploration of escapism, perception, loss, and growing up.

Although a piece intended for all ages, I find this piece most relevant for students as it speaks to the many “adult” circumstances they are subjected to at a young age. I am thrilled to have this piece performed by students as I believe they bring a childlike innocence and poignancy to the piece.

My hope is that audiences enter into the escapism of Castlewood with childlike wonder, suspending their disbelief, and exit with self-reflection and a fresh perspective on what it means to share in the human experience.

“But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” – C.S. Lewis

~ Bethany Lynne

Cast and Production Team

CAST

Ella Knight

Winnie

Edwin Klemenz

Edwin

Sydney Kruger

Fern

PRODUCTION TEAM

Anna Marie Brendel

Director and Sound Designer

Laura Hicks

Technical Director and Master Carpenter

Minnie Brock

Set and Costume Designer

Derrick Vanmeter

Set Design Mentor

Macy Brown

Costume, Hair and Makeup Design Mentor

Costume Shop Manager

Max Guinn

Lighting Designer

Maddie Mennenga

Hair and Makeup Design

Hannah Kendrick

Stage Manager

Gabrielle Banker

Assistant Stage Manager

CREW MEMBERS

Set Construction: Noah MacDonald, Holly Shimmel and Smith Langstaff (Scene Shop Assistants); Gabrielle Banker, Ember Boyette, Josiah Creel, Emily Farley, Emma Flannagan, Tanner Jennings, Ethan Klemenz, Sydney Kruger, Emily Libbey, Maddie Mennenga, Geneva Singleton.

Costume Construction: Brooke Jenkins and Emma Flannagan (Costume Shop Assistants)

Scenic Crew: Ada Ruth Larson, Katya Baker

Light Board Operator: Jaiden Thompson

Sound Board Operator: Gabby Holbert

Costume Crew: Maddie Mennenga

Meet The Team

Gabrielle Banker, Asst. Stage Manager

Gabrielle is a Freshman Theatre Education major and this is her second production with Lee Theatre. She played Judy in Dear Albert Einstein in the Fall. After graduation, Gabrielle plans to start her own theater company with her degree, teach in a high school, or hopefully maybe make it to Broadway as a director.

Minnie Brock, Costume and Scenic Design

Minnie is a Junior Theatre major with a Graphic Design minor. Minnie previously performed in Lee Theatre productions Julius Caesar, Jack's Tale, Dear Albert Einstein as well as served on crew for The Sound of Music. She also designed the set for last season's Beware the Licorice Vines. Minnie has also been involved with Lee Opera Theatre. Minnie plans to pursue Set Design and/or Graphic Design in Graduate School. She intends to be a designer by many rights, and will one day permanently take her place in a Theater Company.

Hannah Kendrick, Stage Manager

Hannah is a first-semester sophomore from Sevierville, Tennessee. Her current major is Theatre and her minor is Cinema. This is her first Lee Theatre production. She hopes to continue as a stage manager or director throughout and past college.

Ethan Klemenz, Edwin

Ethan is a Musical Theatre major from Harriman, TN. This is Ethan's second Lee Theatre production, having served as Assistant Stage Manager for the Fall production of A Rock Sails By. Ethan He plans to continue to perform and pursue musical theatre professionally with the dream of performing on Broadway.

Ella Knight, Winnie

Ella is from Madisonville, Kentucky. She is a freshman Business Administration major and Musical Theatre minor. This is Ella's first Lee Theatre production. Ella plans to further her education with a master's degree and one day have a job in arts administration working with or running a professional theater.

Sydney Kruger, Fern

Sydney is a freshman Musical Theatre and Biochemistry double major from Rock Spring, Georgia. This is her first role in a Lee Theatre production, however, she served on crew for the Fall production of Dear Albert Einstein. Upon graduation, Sydney plans to attend medical school and go on to become a pediatric oncologist. She also plans to continue to dance, teach, sing, and act, for as long as possible.

Maddie Mennenga, Hair and Makeup Design

Maddie is a Junior Theatre major. She previously worked on several Lee Theatre productions: Antigone, Jack's Tale, Julius Caesar, It's a Wonderful Life and Dear Albert Einstein. Maddie is a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honor society. Maddie plans to pursue what the Lord has for her in store next, hopefully in a local stage management or directing position after graduation.

Bethany Paulson, Playwright

Bethany Paulsen is a passionate playwright, actress, and director, striving to combine her love of theology and storytelling into every project. She currently works as a professor of speech and performance at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. She is a graduate of the University of Idaho with her MFA in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in playwriting and directing. Bethany is very grateful to Anna Marie and Lee University for producing her favorite work, Castlewood. You can check out her other plays and upcoming projects at www.bethanypaulsen.com and on Instagram @bethany__lynne