EXPLORE
Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis
Book by Joe Tracz
Based on the Novel by Ned Vizzini
Book by Joe Tracz
Based on the Novel by Ned Vizzini
The Student Run Musical is one of the best, most authentic learning experiences that Clayton students are given. It is a chance to take on a musical and direct, choreograph, musical direct, conduct, stage manage, design all on their own. Typically this show has also been more in the “campy” vein. In the past we’ve done shows like Rocky Horror Picture Show, Spelling Bee, Bat Boy and Urinetown. As soon as Be More Chill came out as the new teen cult musical, students have been clamoring to do it. It is a show about teenagers based on a Young Adult novel by Ned Vizzinni based on his own high school years. These are teenagers at their best and at their worst.
We want people to be aware that there are topics around sexuality, drinking, peer pressure, and a longing to fit in. Sometimes when these topics are addressed by and for teenagers, they can be a bit cringey for adults. These students have dealt with the themes with maturity and humor. They have worked incredibly hard under difficult circumstances to bring you this fun and campy teenage romp. If you are thinking of bringing younger siblings to the show, this blog written by a mom of tweens might be a helpful primer.
https://www.nyctechmommy.com/taking-the-kids-to-see-be-more-chill/
Kelley Weber, Theater Director
We want people to be aware that there are topics around sexuality, drinking, peer pressure, and a longing to fit in. Sometimes when these topics are addressed by and for teenagers, they can be a bit cringey for adults. These students have dealt with the themes with maturity and humor. They have worked incredibly hard under difficult circumstances to bring you this fun and campy teenage romp. If you are thinking of bringing younger siblings to the show, this blog written by a mom of tweens might be a helpful primer.
https://www.nyctechmommy.com/taking-the-kids-to-see-be-more-chill/
Kelley Weber, Theater Director
Student Directing Team
Director - Gen Hoelscher
Technical Director - James Waldrop
Orchestra Director - Sonia Palamand
Assistant Orchestra Director - Emma Baum
Vocal Director - Julia Harris
Scenic Designer - Julia Bautz
Choreographer - Jenna Bush
Lighting Designer - Will Winings
Stage Manager - Sabrina Kronemer
Costumer - Carolyn Goode
Additional Tech Crew - Lev Jersan, Marni McDermott, Anna Streeto
Costume Crew - Julia Bautz
Cast
Jeremy - Mason Barto
The Squip - Elle Winings
Christine- Sarah Vallo
Michael - Claudia Taylor
Rich - Jaxon Beeler
Jake - Stuart Whitmer
Brooke - Willa Stine
Chloe - Alex Hagemeister
Jenna Rolan - Madeline Hellwig
McKenna Rolan - Sabrina Whitmer
Mr. Heere - Damian Boric
Ms. Reyes- Anna Lawrence
Scary Stockboy - Angela Chen
Ensemble
Damian Boric
Angela Chen
Abby Hoelscher
Daphne Kraushaar
Anna Lawrence
Trey Perlut
Pit Orchestra
Oboe - Elaina Arndt
Guitar - Lukas Calsyn
Clarinet & Baritone Saxophone - Jonah Feinstein
Piano - Lane Hartman
Drums - Benjamin Michelman
Trumpet - Emmanuelle Wilson
Original Artwork By - Julia Bautz
Production Manager - Stephanie Manny
House Assistant - Cavan Helmering
Thank You to Our Adult Mentors - David Blake, Tai Oney, Jen Shenberger, Kelley Weber
Director - Gen Hoelscher
Technical Director - James Waldrop
Orchestra Director - Sonia Palamand
Assistant Orchestra Director - Emma Baum
Vocal Director - Julia Harris
Scenic Designer - Julia Bautz
Choreographer - Jenna Bush
Lighting Designer - Will Winings
Stage Manager - Sabrina Kronemer
Costumer - Carolyn Goode
Additional Tech Crew - Lev Jersan, Marni McDermott, Anna Streeto
Costume Crew - Julia Bautz
Cast
Jeremy - Mason Barto
The Squip - Elle Winings
Christine- Sarah Vallo
Michael - Claudia Taylor
Rich - Jaxon Beeler
Jake - Stuart Whitmer
Brooke - Willa Stine
Chloe - Alex Hagemeister
Jenna Rolan - Madeline Hellwig
McKenna Rolan - Sabrina Whitmer
Mr. Heere - Damian Boric
Ms. Reyes- Anna Lawrence
Scary Stockboy - Angela Chen
Ensemble
Damian Boric
Angela Chen
Abby Hoelscher
Daphne Kraushaar
Anna Lawrence
Trey Perlut
Pit Orchestra
Oboe - Elaina Arndt
Guitar - Lukas Calsyn
Clarinet & Baritone Saxophone - Jonah Feinstein
Piano - Lane Hartman
Drums - Benjamin Michelman
Trumpet - Emmanuelle Wilson
Original Artwork By - Julia Bautz
Production Manager - Stephanie Manny
House Assistant - Cavan Helmering
Thank You to Our Adult Mentors - David Blake, Tai Oney, Jen Shenberger, Kelley Weber
farewell seniors
elaina arndtOBOE, PIT ORCHESTRA
Elaina has always been a fan of musicals and theatre productions. In middle school, Elaina participated in the winter musical each year as well as the spring production. Pit orchestra was not part of the productions, so when she went to high school and became involved in theatre, she was thrilled to find out that students could play in the pit. As an oboist, clarinet player, and pianist, Elaina found the pit to be the right place. Some of her most meaningful friendships were created in pit, and she looked forward to each rehearsal because the students made the production enjoyable. The Student-Run Musical will forever hold a special place in her heart because of the memories and experiences she had, whether it was going to Shaw Park after a show to run around the playground or simply grabbing a bite to eat at Canes or Garbanzos. Sometimes the rehearsals were long and stressful, but knowing that she was surrounded by such talented, heart-warming people made the experience not only manageable but fun. Music has always been an important element in Elaina's life, and pit allowed her to share her passion for music with other people. |
julia bautzSCENIC DESIGNER, COSTUME CREW, ARTIST
Julia Bautz has been a part of theater since her freshman year, participating in every show behind the scenes. She was the set designer for Addams Family and Be More Chill, and the (co-)tech representative both 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Congrats and thanks to the other seniors who have made theatre what it is. |
jaxon beelerRICH
Jaxon Beeler has been doing theater since his freshman year, but has only been at CHS for two. He is so glad to have been able to come to Clayton and meet so many amazing people, and to participate in a community that loves the stage as much as he does. |
carolyn goodeCOSTUMER
This is only Carolyn’s second time being part of a show at CHS and she is thrilled to have been asked to direct costumes! She would like to thank Julia Bautz for helping her navigate a new opportunity. |
cavan helmeringASSISTANT HOUSE MANAGER
Cavan has been a part of the theater community at Clayton High School since her freshman year. She has loved being in multiple shows since then, including Seussical, Sister Act, Chicago, Wizard of Oz, and more. She had the privilege of being the co-president of Thespian Troupe during this difficult time and although she wasn’t able to perform in this production due to the in person rehearsals, she cannot believe that this is her last show experience at Clayton High School. She would like to thank all of the individuals who have graduated and taught her so much, the ladies in room 8 who have always had her back, and the other seniors who she got to spend these crazy four years with. Cavan will be the Assistant House Manager during this production, so make sure to say hello at the ticket booth! |
gen hoelscherDIRECTOR
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James waldropTECHNICAL DIRECTOR
James is a senior at CHS and Technical Director for the Student-Run Musical Be More Chill. James' first production was Wydown's 2015 show The 39 Steps, and since then has been a fervent member of tech. James is excited to share his work on Be More Chill with audience members and move on to more tech roles in college. |
Emmanuelle wilsonTRUMPET, PIT ORCHESTRA
Emma has been playing trumpet in pit orchestra on either mainstage or SRM musicals since Sister Act in her Freshman year. Although the past two years haven’t been ideal for the pit experience, she couldn’t be happier to have played to some degree in Addam’s Family and Be More Chill. Hopefully she can find another pit experience in college! |
will winingsLIGHTING DESIGNER, MASTER ELECTRICIAN
Will has been a part of the CHS theatre company since the start of his freshman year. He has been a part of Sister Act, Chicago, and The Wizard of Oz, among other shows. In Be More Chill Will has the role of Master Electrician and is responsible for setting up, programming, and running the lights. He’d especially like to thank everyone else on the tech crew for their great work through the years and making it such a fun experience. |