Rising senior Elizabeth Lanier greets a young fan after a recent Jungle Book performance. Her character, a monkey called Bhopla (pronounced “Bop-la”) is a big hit with fans. She also plays Mowgli’s mother, Messua.

This summer, Elizabeth Lanier ’12 and Kyle Brumley ’12 have had to wear many hats—literally. As Georgia Shakespeare interns, they have been acting in the company’s summer productions, performing in The Tempest, Antony and Cleopatra, and The Jungle Book, all in repertory through late July. Both Kyle and Elizabeth are the first Georgia Shakespeare Scholars to work as interns during the summer season, and though they may be trainees, their schedules alone suggest that their jobs are the real thing.

“Jungle Book is a blast,” exclaims Elizabeth, who hopes to work as an actor, choreographer, and a costume designer after graduation.  “During the rehearsal period we worked 14-hour days…now that [most] shows are in repertory, we typically do Jungle Book in the morning and then either The Tempest or Antony & Cleopatra at night, plus three shows on Saturday and two on Sunday.  During the day we have been having understudy rehearsals which is another great opportunity for character development.  The internship is 200 percent worth it!”

Kyle Brumley ’12 (center) onstage during the Jungle Book.

But, Elizabeth and Kyle aren’t the only Petrels making their marks in the world of theatre.  Within the past year, several OU theatre students have been awarded exciting professional opportunities.

• Alexandria Ducksworth, a 2011 graduate, was a member of the Apprentice Company at Horizon Theatre in Atlanta and her play, Tell-Tale Board, was produced in a festival of plays by young playwrights.
• Weston Manders ’13 and Kyle Brumley ’12 completed prestigious internships at the Alliance Theatre Company in Atlanta.
• 2011 graduate Britton Buttrill became an Artistic Associate for Pinch ’n’ Ouch Theatre. Check out their edgy current season: www.pnotheatre.org
• Jessica DeMaria ’11, was hired as the Education Coordinator for Horizon Theatre. She also directed The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) at North Fulton Drama Club. (Ben Silver ’13 performed in this production.) She also works as an Instructor at The Center for Puppetry Arts.
• Ben Silver ’13 is teaching improv at Camp Barney this summer.

Several students worked with Georgia Shakespeare on various projects, or are a part of GS’s 2011 Summer Season:

• Danielle Hitchcock ’13 was production manager for the 2011 High School Acting Competition and currently is a Box Office Assistant.
• Seth Langer ’13 is the Company Manager Assistant and Assistant Stage Manager for The Jungle Book.
• Ryan Boland ’14 is a Front of House Assistant and Box Office Assistant.
• Justin Munson ’14 is a Front of House Assistant.
• Racheal Sharp ’13 is House Manager and Box Office Assistant.
• Chris Richardson ’14 is a Directing Assistant for The Jungle Book.

Congratulations to these thespian Petrels!