Galbreath directs student-run play

University of North Georgia (UNG) junior Katie Galbreath and several of her theater peers at UNG and Brenau University came together to produce Kevin D. Ferguson's  "Child's Play" Aug. 3 at UNG's Gainesville Campus.

"This student production is what we hope our students take on in their tenure with us," Zechariah Pierce, associate director of theatre and artistic director of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA), said. "Offering space and opportunity to our students to try their hands at producing their own work under their own auspices gives them the confidence to do so once they graduate, which is often what helps them own their industry future."

Galbreath, a Monroe, Georgia, native pursuing a degree in theatre arts, directed the performance in the Ed Cabell Theatre in the UNG Performing Arts building. She discovered the play in 2020.

"As the director, I did a lot of pre-production planning to analyze the show, form my concept, build a team and prepare for auditions," Galbreath said. "I had the idea of putting on this show when I first read it four years ago in a UGA theatre appreciation class. I knew I would want to direct it someday when I could do it right. I began preparing this past spring."

Galbreath shared that one of her goals is to be a professional director, so every chance she gets to exercise those skills and learn more gets her closer to that goal.

Her team included a cast of 11 and six creatives working behind the scenes. Addie Ellison played the lead role of the therapist.

This was Ellison's first time in a lead role, and she said it allowed her to reinforce her love for performing. Ellison is a junior pursuing a degree in theatre arts. 

She plans to work as a professional stage manager and actor before returning to school to get her master's degree in theater education.

"This production, being student-led, shows how capable students are in creating their own art. We are constantly pushing boundaries, looking at new and creative ideas, and are always trying to learn from each other," Ellison said.

Kailey Avera, also pursuing a degree in theatre arts, served as the fight choreographer for the play. This play was her third time composing choreography, and she will be doing more for upcoming student productions this fall. Avera, who wants to get into acting and scenic positions after college, shared that she is very thankful for this opportunity.

"I loved watching the fight scenes come together on the night of the play with all the lights and sounds. Everyone's energy was super high, and I'm incredibly proud of the actors' performances," the Madison County, Georgia, native said. "Being able to use my stage combat knowledge to grow and create for Child's Play was a truly marvelous and enlightening experience. I am very thankful to Katie Galbreath for trusting me with the choreography for her production."

Alpha Psi Omega sponsored the play. The group is an American recognition fraternity for participants in collegiate theatre.