Curtains Creative

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Director
Kit Sawyer
Kit Sawyer is in her 38th year of teaching at BL. She is a 1977 graduate and earned her degree in Theatre and Speech Education from NTSU. She began her career at Lynch teaching Speech and Drama, directing student productions and Assistant Directing the Blackfriars Musicals. After a brief stint in East Texas, she came back to BL and in 1991 she took over the Musicals as Director. She has joyously watched many former students perform and create professionally in theatre and film and firmly believes the idea of “once a Blackfriar always a Blackfriar.” This universally held thought has led to Ms. Sawyer having the pleasure of directing several former students in 3 Alumni Revues produced in celebration of Lynch’s 40th, 50th and 55th anniversary years. Of all the Blackfriars she loves, her two favorite are her daughters Lindsay, ’09 and Merrill,’11. Currently teaching Speech, Film and Freshman Seminar. Mrs. Sawyer is also the Dean of Ricci House.
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Producer/Costumer
Terry May
Terry is a '74 graduate of BL and attended SFA, who got married and started a family before returning to work with the Alumni Assoc. in 1984 as editor of the alumni newsletter Reflections. In 1990 she began working with Kit Sawyer and the Blackfriars staff sewing costumes and later becoming Stage Manager, then producer. In 1994, Terry was h hired as Asst. Development Director and Alumni Director. Currently she holds the position of Theater Manager and produces of all of the Blackfriars shows. Terry is a proud mentor in the Ricci House and is the official historian for the school. She is the mother of three BL graduates - all Blackfriars - Casey Hosler ‘93, Jamey ‘97, and Kelly ‘00, and mother-in-law to Julie Welch May ‘00 (also a Blackfriar). She is also the step-mom to three BL alumni - Valda Hajdar ‘98, Sandor Hajdar '03, and Alex Hajdar '10. She and her husband have 13 grandchildren.
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Technical Director
Robert Clark
Robert Clark joined Bishop Lynch in 2017 as BL’s first full-time Technical Theatre Director. A Dallas native, Robert graduated from Horn High School before earning his B.A. in Theatre Design and Technology with a minor in Spanish from the University of North Texas. While at UNT, Robert was a part of several organizations including: The Denton Wesley Foundation, Denton Kiwanis Club and Habitat for Humanity. Prior to coming to Bishop Lynch, Robert Robert worked in Dallas doing freelance carpentry, tech theatre and design for local companies and schools. This past fall, Robert made his directorial debut at BL with the production of THE VISIONS OF SIMONE MACHARD and he also served as set designer and lighting designer for the show. In his spare time, Robert enjoys reading, painting, two-stepping, cooking, DIY projects and hanging out with his two dogs.
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Music Director
Katie Anderson
Katie Anderson a fourth generation Dallasite. She graduated from TCU with a Bachelor’s of Music Education, Vocal Emphasis. She studied piano with Neila Hook, Teresa Bledsoe, Susan Bourne, Wade Cottingham, and Guillermo Martinez, and voice with Terrie Preskitt-Brown, Angela Turner-Wilson, Cynthia Nott, Linda Harley, Dr. Sherri Neill, Dr. Dennis Shrock, Dr. Ronald Shirey, and Dr. Ken Davis. Katie began her teaching career as Music Specialist at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School in Dallas ISD, before moving to Woodrow Wilson High School as Head Choral Director where she served for four years. While at Stonewall and Woodrow, she directed five Woodrow musicals including Phantom of the Opera and The Music Man. Katie teaches piano and vocal lessons, as well as accompanying and music directing high school and community theatre musicals all over Dallas. Katie and her husband Brett have 2 cats and a dog and enjoy trying new restaurants and traveling.
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Choreographer
Nick Leos
Nick is a director and choreographer from Mesquite. He holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of Essex & East 15 Acting School: founded by Margaret Walker and based on the work of Joan Littlewood’s famed Theatre Workshop. DIRECTING: 3 x 3: Short Scenes from Premodern Playwrights (FIT 2020) small hours by Lucy Kirkwood and Ed Hime (US Premiere, FIT 2019), The Skin of Our Teeth (Mountain View College), Macbeth (Rowlett Performers), Antony & Cleopatra (Stockwell Playhouse), Free Solo: A New Musical by Jack Godfrey and Celine Snippe (World Premiere, Drayton Arms Theatre), In the Continuum by Danai Gurira and Nikkole Salter (Bread & Roses Theatre). This is Nick’s 12th show with the Blackfriars, past shows include The Drowsy Chaperone, High School Musical, Damn Yankees, The Pajama Game, Once Upon A Mattress, The Wedding Singer, and Curtains (the first time...so I know who did it!) He currently teaches in at Texas A&M Commerce, Dallas College, and Rowlett Dance Academy.
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Deck Manager
Katherine Earnshaw
Senior Katherine Earnshaw has had a distinguished career with the Blackfriars, serving as Stage Manager, Props Manager, Backstage Crew, and Deck Manager for 8 productions including "Footloose," "The Arsonists," "Mame," "Sense and Sensibility," TAPPS: "The Robe," "Proof," and "The Drowsy Chaperone." She is the captain of the Colorguard Team and serves as a Chaplain for her mentor group. As for hobbies - Katherine crochets...a lot! "Like all the times in the past, I'd like to thank my parents for all the su poport they've given in through theater and life in general. I'd also like to thank Mr. Clark, Mrs. Sawyer, Ms. May, Mrs. Anderson, and Mr. Leos. Without them this show owuldn't be the same. Lastly, I want to thank the crew; I'm super happy this is the last crew I'm working with on a Blackfriars musical. You guys rock!"
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Stage Manager
Jackson Reed
Senior Jackson Reed is a four-year Blackfriar whose credits include "Footloose," "Mame," and "The Drowsy Chaperone." He is a member of the BL Ambassadors and Student Leadership. "I'm so glad we got to do our show this year! I want to thank my family, teachers, crewmates and the cast for their support along the way. Thank you for making this year one of the best, even in a pandemic. Love Y'all!"
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Sound Technician
Alayna Horowitz
Alayna is spending her 4th year as a crew member for the Blackfriars. She is the manager for the wrestling team and participates in BL Ambassadors, For Our Children, Best Buddies, Environmental Club, and ASCC Club. "The Blackfriars Guild has provided me with experiences and perspectives that I would not have obtained anywhere else. I have learned so much about myself and Bishop Lynch. Without musical, I would not have formed the bonds and friendships that I have today. I will always cherish the memories of dance parties in the dressing room, pre-show dinners, and mic check concerts. I can’t thank my parents (and uber drivers) enough for chauffeuring me to and from BL at 6AM till 10:30 at night. I also want to shout out all my friends for their support these past 4 years, I have never worked a show without a friendly face in the audience and that has always meant the world to me. Without the Blackfriars, I would not have met by best friend Aubrey,, kin to Ms. May. We are inseparable."
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Lighting Technician
Simone Clarke
This show marks the third time Simone has assisted backstage. Previous credits include "The Drowsy Chaperone" and "Proof." She began learning her craft at St. Thomas Aquinas School where she worked on "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "High School Musical." Simone is a member of NEHS and Mu Alpha Theta, and she volunteers at the East Lake Pet Orphanage. "Even though we have faced different challenges this year, everyone has worked hard to make "Curtains" a show that we could say we are proud of."
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Stage Crew
Anna Robinson
Anna is a sophomore working on her second show with the Blackfriars. She was a member of the crew for "The Drowsy Chaperone," and is a member of Best Buddies, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, and FBLA. Anna is also a Ricci Mentor Group Chaplain and is a Girl Scout. "Thnak you to Mr. Clark, Mrs. Sawyer, and Ms. May for working so hard on this production and ensuring that this production can take place. Most importantly, than you to my parents for their constant support of me. I love you!"
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Stage Crew
Henry Adams
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Dramaturg
Jodie Orogun
Freshman Jodie Orogun joined the cast of “Curtains” virtually and has served as our Dramaturg - researching aspects of the production. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas where she has appeared in six productions including. She is a member of the Girls for Change Club, Social Justice Club, French Club, and Pan Africa Club. "Thank you to the cast and crew of “Curtains!” for making me feel included and forever loved, even though I’m doing everything virtually! Thank you to Mrs. Sawyer and TMAY for letting me contribute as much as I could to “Curtains!” Thank you to the entire staff and faculty of BL for being so kind and understanding during these tough times!"