Concept

Proof is a compelling and emotionally nuanced play centered on Catherine, a young woman grappling with the legacy of her brilliant but mentally ill father. The story explores themes of inherited genius and instability, the emotional weight of caregiving, and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields. The play’s depth and complexity made it an ideal choice for a capstone production, and I was thrilled by the opportunity to both produce and contribute creatively through acting and design.

This project served dual purposes. First, to develop a high-quality theatrical production aimed at generating funds to support future student-led initiatives. Second, to provide hands-on experience in theatrical producing, a specialized area not formally covered within the curriculum at Flagler College. Through my comprehensive involvement in the production process, I was able to both apply and refine the foundational skills acquired through my coursework. 

As a cast member, crew member, and producer of the production, collaboration was critically important. As the producer of this capstone project, one of my foremost responsibilities was assembling a capable and collaborative team to bring the production to life. Before even selecting a play, I prioritized securing a director, as this choice would shape every subsequent decision. Having worked with nearly every director at Flagler College, I was particularly eager to collaborate with Professor Leah Page. Her vision and directorial style closely align with my own. Together, we engaged in extensive conversations about the scope of the capstone, my responsibilities within it, and potential scripts that would excite and challenge us both. After considering a range of options and reading several plays, we narrowed our focus to two Pulitzer Prize-winning works, and ultimately selected Proof by David Auburn.

Recognizing the scope of the project and our limited rehearsal timeline, we quickly identified the need for a strong support team. We invited a peer I have worked closely with before, Caz Minor to serve as our Stage Manager, a crucial role in maintaining structure and communication throughout the process. For the build crew, I reached out to peers eager to contribute and also coordinated with Flagler’s Technical Director, Britton Corry, to involve students seeking shop hours through hands-on set construction.