

February 7th - 15th
WWU DUG Theater
Written by Sara Jean Accuardi
Directed by Kamarie Chapman
17-year-old Randy has lived her entire life off the grid with her dad on an old rotting houseboat, and she’s sick of it. Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, this play explores the magic and power of the narratives we create. Winner of the Oregon Book Award for drama, the International Thomas Wolfe Playwriting Competition, and a finalist for the O'Neill Center's National Playwrights Conference.
Our production aims to provide depth and context to the reality, as well as the mythology, within The Storyteller – emphasizing the importance of each issue depicted within the material. Our goal is to inspire action and provide resources to cultivate careful responsibility.
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Cast

Alyssa Whorley
The Lady
Alyssa is a double major in Theatre and Psychology. Throughout her almost 6-year run as a student, she has worked on shows at Bellevue College, as well as several STP shows during her time at WWU, both on and off stage. She's also an employee at the WWU Theatre Scene Shop, and very excited to be part of this production during her last year before graduating this Spring. Her current hot take: Bring disco back into mainstream music.

Parker Curtiss-Knox
Tiff
Parker is thrilled to be making her DUG Theatre debut as Tiff. She is currently in her third year at Western Washington University, and is pursuing a major in Theatre Arts with a concentration in performance. Parker is deeply grateful to have had this opportunity to be a part of this production. Previous roles include Leanne in Puffs and as Female 2 in The Iliad, the Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less. When not acting, Parker enjoys spending time with her eight cats: Freyja, Hugh Mungus, Lil Grey, Henri, Olivia, Eurydice, Sirianna, and Princess Angel Baby Face.

Corwin Taylor
Paps
I have pursued an affinity for performance through 16 years of productions, and I'm excited to join another community in my first major production at WWU. Alongside theatre, I enjoy all forms of art, from sculpting to writing to drawing to music, and would like to play a three-hour strategy board game with you, if you're interested. Thanks to my parents for their support in basically everything, and thanks to all the people of Bellingham for being a kind, educated, and open-minded populace. Enjoy the show... if you dare!

Sara Kirsten Waywell
Jimmy
Sara Kirsten is a 3rd year student majoring in Theatre Arts with an acting concentration, and History with a Museum Studies minor. Her passion for acting was sparked when she joined her first production as Pepper in Annie. Since then, she has worked on a myriad of shows, participating both on and off stage. Some of her favorite roles have been Queen Aggravain in Once upon a Mattress, Donna in Mama Mia, and The Artful Dodger in Oliver. She is so excited to be in Storyteller and hopes you enjoy the show!

Eva Nguyen
Randi
This is Eva’s first principal role in a mainstage production at Western, and hopefully not her last. You may have seen her before as Emma in The Prom (Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts, Spot Conlon in Newsies (Village Theatre KIDSTAGE) or behind the scenes as the technical director of WWU Plays4Us. Eva is honored to be working on such a special play with such a special cast, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to have been cast in The Storyteller. If you would like to see more of Eva’s work, come see Untitled Tempest in the spring!
Nathan Gibson
Spencer
Nathan Gibson is a first year at Western and is over the moon to be a part of The Storyteller! This is his first production in his college career and is grateful it is with such an amazing cast and crew. He is a current Theatre Education major, eager to share this story with you. He is jumping up and down and dancing all around with excitement for this show! Finally he would like to thank his grandma for all her support.

Angela Faith Hinton
The Lady/Tiff U/S & Dramaturg
I am so thrilled to share this beautiful show with you all! I am honored to be working on this project as a designer, an actor, and a dramaturg. I get to do so many things I love - all at once - on a script that is well worth the work! Thank you to all my wonderful friends and family. Your love, support, and smiles mean the world! My art is dedicated to those who are no longer here to see it. Here's to stories and the ways we tell them.

Sarah Feltman
Paps/Jimmy U/S & Dramaturg
Sarah Feltman is a recent graduate of Western Washington University, who earned their degree in Theatre (Performance) just last December. While most of their more recent ventures have been in playwrighting and devising, they're excited to get back into the world of analyzing and bringing scripts to life! Telling truthful and honest stories has always been a priority, and this story deeply resonates with those ideals.
Charlise Haagenson
Randi/Spencer U/S & Dramaturg
Charlise is an aspiring Theatre/English educator and director, a lover of the arts, and performer. She is so excited to be a part of this production as an understudy and dramaturg. Previous experience includes WWU Student Theatre Production of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Bewitched by Charm, Camas High's Anastasia and more. She designed this amazing website and hopes you enjoy the show!
Production & Design Team

Kamarie Chapman
Director
While I have directed many things, this is my debut for WWU's main season! A more fitting production could not have been chosen. The cast, crew, and design team are very near and dear and I hope you can tell how much this production has been a labor of love for all these folks. Many thanks to the playwright, Sara Jean Accuardi, for trusting me with this beautiful script, and to Shannon and the Clams for the use of their gorgeous album! I hope you love this story as much as I do!

Addy Ebrahimy
Sound Designer
Adelaide Ebrahimy is a senior at Western Washington University studying Anthropology and Theater, focusing on sound design. Her previous sound design work includes Hay Fever and Duchess of Malfi. The Storyteller is her third show doing sound design. Her interests include reading, theater, the outdoors, and sound design.

Caitlin-Georgina Savage
Lighting Designer
Caitlin-Georgina is very excited to work on her third show with Western. A junior here at Western, studying entertainment design and technology and minoring in arts enterprises and cultural innovations. She has been designing lights since 2020, with projects including, assistant design for: UCSB’s The Threepenny Opera, and Western’s Ride the Cyclone and The Cake. As well as a lead designer and adult mentor for local high schools, including: The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom Tollbooth. Caitlin-Georgina is very excited to work with Western as a lead on such a creative project, exploring the liminal and dream-like spaces of such a beautiful and tragic story.

Teylor Lowe
Production Manager
Hello! My name is Teylor Lowe and I am the Production Manager for the WWU Theatre and Dance department. This is my second year as the Production Manager, after graduating in 2019 with a BA in Theatre Arts from Western Washington University. Kamarie and the students have been working so hard to make this beautiful piece of theatre and the love for this script and these characters really shows! I hope you enjoy The Storyteller!

Morgan Loftus
Stage Manager
Morgan is so excited to stage manage her first show with Western's theatre program! Her previous work includes stage managing L'amant Anonyme for Western's music program, and Steel Magnolias for Anacortes Community Theatre. She plans to graduate this spring and move into stage managing full time. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching schlocky movies and knitting.

Riley Gregg
Assistant Sound Designer
Riley Gregg is an engineering and theatre student who works in live event technology, including lights, sound systems, and mechanical set pieces. They love nothing more than assisting creatives in making their vision and building projects with their own two hands. In this production, they worked with the sound team, finding and editing sound effects for the show.
Maya Witt
Scenic Designer
I'm so excited to have designed the set for this wonderful show! I'm a senior at WWU, on track to graduate with a bachelor's in theater with a concentration in entertainment design and technology. Prior experiences include designing costumes (The Cake) and props (Ride the Cyclone) at WWU. I'm thrilled to work with all of the wonderful people involved with this production as well! There were many different aspects of the story to think about when designing for this show, so I had a wonderful time translating all it into the set. I hope you enjoy the show and remember to eat your vegetables.


Drew Ransom
Assistant Stage Manager
The Storyteller is the 12th production I have worked on in the past year. My previous work includes: Flooded Production's First Date and Bonnie and Clyde. STP's PUFFS and The Great Gatsby. WWU Mainstage's Duchess of Malfi. I am so grateful to work on a show with a new, still-changing script, the rehearsal process has been unlike any other I have worked on in the best way. It's been a privilege to be on this team.

Sarah Harder
Props Manager
Hello, my name is Sarah I'm a senior at Western graduating in March with a focus on props and set design. I am the Props Manager for this amazing play! I also am on the board for Plays4us as the Publicity and Sound Manager. My favorite music is Sabrina Carpenter and I love horror movies and musicals, weird combo I know. If you see me around campus stop by and say hi!

Ren Anderson
Costume Designer

Miles Stansbury
Hair & Makeup Designer

Emerson Ward
Assistant Production Manager
I didn't know I was gonna be getting a bio.
Darren McCroom
Lighting Design Faculty Mentor
Dipu Gupta
Scenic Designer Faculty Mentor
Perry Lewis
Technical Director

Sarah Jo Monaghan
Costume Design Faculty Mentor
Sarah Jo Monaghan is a maker, pie baker and wanna-be troublemaker ... but mostly she is a teacher.
Rachel Anderson
Costume Shop Manager
Marie Wildfield
Assistant Costume Shop Manager
Angela Hinton
Assistant Lighting Designer
Resources
​​​​​​​​The Storyteller addresses the theme of houselessness in a humanizing way, highlighting the struggles of those who are unhoused and the emotional toll that comes with living on the margins of society. The play sheds light on the often overlooked and stigmatized experiences of people without stable housing, allowing them to live on stage as individuals with rich inner lives and deep emotional needs. Through characters like Paps and Randi, the play emphasizes the harsh realities of living without a house—facing uncertainty, vulnerability, and societal rejection—while also showing the resilience and strength of those who endure such circumstances. By telling these stories, The Storyteller invites the audience to see beyond the stereotype and reconsider their perceptions of those who are unhoused, urging empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges that come with it.​
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We also want to acknowledge those in our community who may be facing similar experiences, and encourage them to seek support. Resources are available for those who are struggling, and no one should have to face these challenges alone. If you would like to donate or support the resources mentioned below, please visit their website for more information.

Shelters
Whatcom County Health And Community Services has resources on their website about Winter Shelters for Individuals and Families Experiencing Homelessness.
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Northwest Youth Services
Northwest Youth Services is a non-profit organization serving youth age 13-24 in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. They offer many services f, housing, education, employment and more.
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Bellingham Food Bank
Bellingham Food Bank provides free food in Bellingham and Whatcom County to help address local food insecurity. They have three different programs available.
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Lydia Place
Lydia Place is a nonprofit, community-based agency that serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Whatcom County. They offer a variety of programs and services to help those in need.
In this production, messages of grief are portrayed through the characters' struggles with loss and their attempts to navigate the pain of their emotions. The play explores how grief is a complex, personal experience, often leading individuals to search for meaning and connection. Through storytelling, the characters process their grief, sharing their stories and finding solace in the collective experience.
Grief can be isolating, but it is also a shared human experience that can offer opportunities for healing and understanding.
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​Our community has experienced great loss over the last year, and we know that we are not alone in our grief. We hope that this story reminds others they are not alone either, and that there is no "right" way to grieve. Whether it’s through silence, expression, or memory, every journey through grief is valid. By sharing these stories, we can find comfort in our shared humanity and support one another as we heal together.
In The Storyteller, the myth of Vega and Altair is central to the play’s exploration of love, loss, and longing. According to the myth, Vega and Altair are two stars separated by the Milky Way, destined to be apart except for one night each year when they are reunited. This story of separation mirrors the emotional distance felt by the characters in the play, who are navigating their own grief and longing.
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The myth of Vega and Altair highlights themes of yearning and the pain of separation, with the stars symbolizing both the beauty and the sorrow of love that cannot always be fulfilled. Just as the stars are distant yet still present in the sky, the play suggests that even in the face of loss, connections and love endure, offering a sense of hope and continuity. The stars serve as a reminder that, although we may be apart from those we love, the bonds we share are never truly broken.


The Stars
&
Their Myths

The Tempest

The Storyteller is inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest, drawing on its themes of isolation, loss, and reconciliation. In The Tempest, Prospero uses magic and storytelling to manipulate the events on the island and ultimately restore order. Similarly, in The Storyteller, the act of storytelling becomes a way for the characters to process their grief, search for understanding, and find healing.
Much like how Prospero's control over his environment reflects his emotional journey, the characters in The Storyteller navigate their own emotional landscapes through the sharing of stories. Both works explore how individuals cope with separation, whether it’s the literal isolation on an island or the emotional distance created by grief and loss. Ultimately, both plays suggest that storytelling and reconciliation are powerful tools for overcoming the pain of the past and moving toward a sense of resolution. In this loose adaptation, The Storyteller transforms the elements of The Tempest into a more intimate exploration of how we heal through connection and the telling of our own narratives.
About the Playwright
Sara Jean Accuardi is an award-winning playwright whose work has been seen at Shaking the Tree Theatre, Vivid Stage, Theatre Vertigo, PlayMakers Repertory Company, the Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, Spooky Action Theater, The Blank Theatre, and Victory Gardens, among others. She has received the Oregon Book Award for Drama, The James F. and Marion L. Miller Spark Award for Oregon artists, the Drammy Award for Outstanding Original Script, the Leslie Bradshaw Fellowship for Drama, and was the winner of the Inaugural International Thomas Wolfe Playwriting Competition. Sara Jean is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild and LineStorm Playwrights. She holds an MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage from Northwestern University.

"The Moon Is In The Wrong Place"
Director's Notes:
When it comes to live performing arts, we rely heavily on music for so many things. From choreography, to scene changes, to setting a narrative for the audience when they arrive at the theatre. All hold a special place in the overall experience of a production.
In the summer of 2024 one of my favorite bands released a new album. A record I had long anticipated and was anxious to listen to. And then I heard the news…
Just days before her wedding to her long-betrothed and very much cherished finance, Shannon Shaw (of Shannon and The Clams) was suddenly a widow before she had a chance to be a bride.
The album arrived in the mail and I was terrified to listen.
I love the way this band sounds like doo-wop, and country, and garage rock, and sometimes even rockabilly with a sprinkle of R&B. Shannon’s haunting voice over scores the composition and pulls you into the beautiful and fun concepts with each different song. It’s one of the many reasons I’ve admired the band for so many years now.
The Moon is in The Wrong Place absolutely keeps true to The Clams trademark sound, but this time the lyrics are absolutely heartbreaking. And the words? It’s almost like they were meant for this play.
We are so honored with this production of The Storyteller to have permission to use this album like a soundtrack for the play. Sharing this music with our audiences is a dream and we hope you will get a chance to listen for yourself and carry a little piece of this story (and Shannon’s) with you always.