A Second Stage Production, performing February 28-March 2. 

Directors: Julianne Merritt and Marius Palmour (Music by Julianne Merritt)

An original Puppet Show/Musical. Scientists plant mannequin birds across an island, and Nigel, a living bird, flies down from a passing flock. He falls in love with a mannequin bird, Helen, and creates his home amongst the mannequins, feeding and taking care of Helen, dreaming of their family and life together. He is visited by scientists, and perhaps a threatening stranger, while the story follows Nigel’s aging, persistence, and eventual death.

The Thalian Blackfriars’ Second Annual New Works Festival
Directors: Wyn Thomas and Rhianna Walton

Anthology series of original works by UGA students

Performances October 25-27, 2024

Plays:

WHISKERS! written by Jenna Gubran
Directed by Wyn Alyse Thomas
Assistant Director Charlotte Pollack
A group of teenages gather for a homecoming after party, grappling with both their feelings and a feral cat.

Unstable by Bridget Blanchard
Directed by Arushi Raza
A brother and sister try to reconcile while choking on grief.

The “Bug” Play written by Abby McWethy
Directed by Alexandra Hutchison
Assistant Director Brantley Taylor
Gregory is trying to kill a bug.

Examination written by Wyn Alyse Thomas
Directed by Vale Prosper
Best friends Maggie and Ella spend five consecutive New Year's Eves together and set resolutions. As Ella faces confusion over her own sexuality and experiences mental health issues, she projects her struggles onto Maggie, giving unwarranted analysis of Maggie’s mental health issues and trying to force her out of the closet.

A Stranger Comes Knocking written by Neharika Koppineedi
Directed by Jenna Gubran
Assistant Director Bobby Gillespie
A group of friends on a holiday vacation is terrorized by a mysterious stranger who forces them to choose one among them to die. As they become increasingly desperate, paranoia takes hold and they begin to turn on each other.

Explorer 51: A Elegy For The Dying written by Willow Lockridge
Directed by Rhianna Walton
Assistant Director Gabby Almon
When Explorer 51 loses their only friend and confidante, their need for vengeance only leads to self-destruction.

By Matthew Lopez
Directed by Leslie Kimbell

Performances October 4-13, 2024

When a drag show comes to town, Elvis impersonator Casey, trades in his role as “The King” to become an all-out QUEEN with the help of some new friends who become the second family he never saw coming. The Legend of Georgia McBride takes us on a delightful journey of self-discovery through song, spectacle, and sequins!

*World Premiere*
Book, Lyrics, and DIrection by Derek Adams
Music and Music Direction by Jonathan Sparks

Performances December 6-15, 2024

Everyone dreams of attending a school for wizards. But what if you made it in and just…weren’t very good at magic? Winter is damaged, determined, haunted, and terrible at making friends. Can she figure it all out in one single night and make a spell that will put her on the map? Or at least keep her from utter embarrassment???

By Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Bryn Adamson

Performances February 7-16, 2025

“Some say that as we grow up we become different people at different ages, but I don’t believe this. I think we remain the same throughout, merely passing in these years from one room to another, but always in the same house. If we unlock the rooms of the far past, we can look in and see ourselves beginning to become you and me.” Sarah Ruhl’s endearing look at siblings being called back to their own Neverland 50 years later, as they face their own inevitable aging, the death of their father, and the dreamy allure of never growing up.