"Courtesy for Beginners" and "A Brief History of America"

Since its inception in 2004, the WILLIAMS COLLEGE SUMMER THEATRE LAB has served as an opportunity for current Williams students, as well as returning Alumni professionals, to work in a theatrical environment free from commercial and critical pressures. The Lab’s goal is to nurture theatrical projects that foster creative experimentation, artistic risk taking, and the collaborative process. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Kevin O’Rourke, the Lab has produced over 35 theatrical works involving over 70 undergraduates and 40 visiting alumni.

Courtesy for Beginners, adapted by Jay Tarses, Lab Artistic Director Kevin O’Rourke, and Professor Jim Shepard from the short story of the same name by Mr. Shepard, features members of the Lab’s student company and the Williamstown Theatre Festival’s apprentice program. Based on the short story from the National Book Award Finalist Like You’d Understand, Anyway: Stories, this new short piece features a young man reflecting on growing up and dealing with his troubled brother, the people around him, himself, and summer camp.

Cast list for Courtesy for Beginners:
Siegler: Connor
Young Siegler: Gideon
Fat Kid: Jonny
Mom: Paige
Dad/Mr. D: Matt
Georgie: Tallis
BJ: Frank
Joyce: David

A Brief History of America, written by Dipika Guha and directed by the Lab’s Associate Artistic Director Caitlin Sullivan, features members of the Lab’s student company. The play explores family, love, barriers and boundaries both personal and political. Ms. Sullivan graduated from Williams in 2007 and is currently the artistic director of the Seattle-based Satori Group.

Cast list for Brief History of America:
Sarah/Girl: Kimberly Golding
Sadie: Sarah Sanders
Roberto/Boy: Jonny Gonzalez