Headline: Theatre Department Presents new play About Coping with Isolation
After a nearly year-long pause due to COVID-19, the Schoolcraft College Theatre Department returns with a play that’s particularly appropriate for these times, Alone/Together by Michigan playwrights Michael Alan Herman and Joseph Zettelmaier.
The play, which was filmed in the James R. Hartman Theatre on the Schoolcraft College campus, will be available for free on Schoolcraft’s YouTube channel beginning Monday, March 8, at noon, and will be available for viewing for a week. A link to the broadcast will be available at the Schoolcraft Theatre website: www.schoolcraft.edu/theatre.
“I am so excited about this production,” said Paul Beer, adjunct faculty member of the Theatre Department and director. “We’ve been planning for nearly a year (since our Spring 2020 production was cancelled) to bring something unique to our audience, and to give our students a chance to show their skills.
“I’m so grateful for talented playwrights Michael Alan Herman and Joseph Zettelmaier for a terrific script, which is both topical and timeless. I’m thrilled with my student cast and crew, and with the terrific work from Schoolcraft’s Media team in bringing this together.”
Alone/Together has been specifically written for our present situation, when many feel isolated because of COVID concerns. The play features six monologues which tell six unique stories of dealing with life in isolation, featuring characters from a Victorian ghost to an astronaut from the future.
Here’s a look at members of the production:
Paul Beer – Director
Paul Beer has been teaching in Schoolcraft’s Theatre Department since 2015, and most recently directed Sylvia here in 2020. Like many of his students, he was bit by the theatre bug in high school. Beer earned his Master of Arts at Brigham Young University, and did graduate coursework at the University of Pittsburgh.
Joseph Zettelmaier – Playwright
Joseph Zettelmaier is a veteran of the James R. Hartman Theatre, having directed a number of plays here at Schoolcraft, most recently T-Bone N Weasel in 2019. (His play It Came From Mars was to have been the College’s Spring 2020 offering until COVID restrictions led to its cancellation.) Zettelmaier is a four-time nominee for the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association Award for best new play and two of his plays have appeared in the National New Play Network’s Festival of New Plays. He is the two-time winner of the Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award. His plays have been performed around the globe. At home he is an adjunct lecturer at Eastern Michigan University and Adrian College, and he’s the artistic director of Penny Seats Theatre in Ann Arbor.
Michael Alan Herman – Playwright
Michael Alan Herman is a playwright, and screenwriter from St. Joseph, Michigan. His plays have been produced around the U.S., and he’s one of the writers behind James Franco’s thriller The Mad Whale. He is co-showrunner of the award-winning audio drama The Call of the Void with his wife, Rosie.
Destinee Palazzolo – Annabelle
Destinee Palazzolo returns to the James R. Hartman Theatre to play Annabelle. She played the title role in last year’s Sylvia. She’s pursuing degrees in theatre and cosmetology while working in the frontlines of healthcare during the pandemic. She also works as a princess performer for children’s parties and charity events.
Palazzolo plays Annabelle, a Victorian ghost who shares her home with its present living resident, Sadie Andrews, and Annabelle laments having to spend so much time with her co-habitant during the COVID lockdown.
Parker Miles – Anthony
Parker Miles returns to the Schoolcraft stage to play Anthony. He previously appeared as Howie in the 2019 production of Rabbit Hole. When he finishes his degree at Schoolcraft, Miles plans to pursue a BFA. In addition to acting, he is an active writer, recording and performance artist. He trust’s Wayne Gretzky’s wisdom: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Miles plays Anthony, who is in an accidental long-distance relationship. The lockdown began after his girlfriend moved west, but before he could follow her.
Sara Doty – Lynn
Sara Doty has worked on a number of productions at Schoolcraft; this is her first credited role. She is near the end of her Associate Degree and plans to continue her studies in Sociology and Law. Her interest in theatre began in middle school and she’s play a variety of roles since then.
Sara plays Lynn who, because of the lockdown, is at one with her couch and her Roku.
Hassan Chammout – Arthur
Hassan Chammout returns to the Schoolcraft stage as Arthur. He previously appeared as Jason in the 2019 production of Rabbit Hole. Chammout is graduating from Schoolcraft this year and will continue his study of science and theatre at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His theatre career grew out of his experience in high school, and he is continuing to expand his portfolio beyond Schoolcraft, as well.
Chammout plays Arthur, who is afraid of the disruption that COVID regulations might cause to his beloved celebration of Halloween.
Sophia Tyler – Joyce Peters
Alone/Together is Sophie Tyler’s first play at Schoolcraft. Prior to attending Schoolcraft, they attended Spec Howard for certification in Digital Media Arts, and works as a freelance video editor while working toward a Bachelor degree in theatre. Sophie has performed for several years in competitive dance and choir.
Sophie plays Joyce Peters, school photographer’s assistant turned felon in a story that could only be possible during a COVID shutdown.
Mycarra Whorton – Charlie
Mycarra Whorton is making her debut at Schoolcraft College after a seven-year hiatus from her theatre work. She’s presently pursuing a theatre degree and looks forward to continuing to explore her love for theatre.
Whorton plays Charlie, an astronaut who is truly isolated as she floats through space after an accident strands her there.
Nicole Levine – Stage Manager
Nicole Levine is a sophomore at Schoolcraft College, studying Fine Arts and Theatre. She joined SC with tech experience in high school and has stage managed or supported us backstage on nearly every show since coming to Schoolcraft.