the norma young advanced acting learning lab
showcase
May 10, 2024
Student actors
ADDISUN ABEITA
SUNJIATA BUSBY
MOLLY GRACE CHAKERY
VIVIEN CHAPMAN
MIRACLE CRAIG
LILY DEVLIN
TRACE EDGE
BEVERLY FRANKENFELD
ISABEL GAMEROS
JAYSSON JACKSON
MADDIE JENKINS
KAT McELHENIE
ELLA PRIETO
JUDE SEGREST
OLIVIA STANLEY
WYNTER SUBER
PROFESSIONAL actors
JAKIE CABE*
KALLY DUNCAN
PARKER GRAY*
LAUREN LeBLANC*
ALEJANDRO SAUCEDO
BEN STEGMAIR
JESSICA D. TURNER*
NATALIE YOUNG*
*Actor appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
DAFFODIL GIRLS
by Jeff Swearengen
Addisun Abeita, Olivia Stanley, Natalie Young
CLYDE’S
BY Lynn Nottage
Sunjiata Busby, Miracle Craig, Alejandro Saucedo
DANCE NATION
BY CLARE BARRON
Lily Devlin, Beverly Frankenfeld, Jakie Cabe
THE MOORS
BY Jen Silverman
Molly Grace Chakery, Ella Prieto, Jessica D. Turner
CRIMES OF THE HEART
BY Beth Henley
Maddie Jenkins, Kat McElhenie, Kally Duncan
THE PILLOWMAN
by Martin McDonagh
Trace Edge, Jaysson Jackson, Parker Gray
MR. MARMALADE
by Noah Haidle
Jude Segrest, Wynter Suber, Lauren LeBlanc
THE DREAM OF THE BURNING BOY
by David West Read
Vivien Chapman, Isabel Gameros, Ben Stegmair
SHOWCASE
PRODUCTION
TEAM
DIRECTOR
CHRISTIE VELA
STAGE MANAGER
KENNEDY SMITH
PRODUCTION MANAGER
DYLAN HEARNE
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
SARAH BARNES
T3 APPRENTICE
KELECHI IMOH
BOX OFFICE MANAGER
JAMES CHANDLER
special thanks
special thanks
BTW THEATRE GUILD
CATE CASSIDY
LISA COTIE
ADRIAN CHURCHILL
MICHAEL FEDERICO
IAN FERGUSON
DANTE FLORES
CLINT GILBERT
FRANKY GONZALES
BLAKE HACKLER
DENISE LEE
NICOLE NEELY
JULE NELSON-DUAC
GUINEA PRICE
ASHLEY WHITE
& the countless artists who allowed us to watch them work, shared a coffee, gave up their ten to answer questions, shared their writing, + offered inspiration.
The ripples you’ve made in this pond will create waves in years to come.
ADDISUN
ABEITA
SUNJIATA
BUSBY
MOLLY GRACE
CHAKERY
(she/her) is beyond grateful for her time at Booker T. and has loved spending senior year with her fellow lab rats, especially her main rat, Mrs. LeBlanc! In addition to Learning Lab, she is a member of the International Thespian Society, and the Booker T. Mime Troupe where she helped create and perform in mime shows like Children of War, Utopia, and Curse of the Cross. Some other favorite shows at BTWHSPVA are: Olympia in Big Love; Mrs Trotsky in All in the Timing by David Ives; Woman in Aviatrix’s Outfit in Chamber Music; Ensemble in Puffs. Addisun would like to thank her huge family for always supporting her, especially since she’s still deciding where to go for college-- they have more patience than most.
To her dad: I miss you so much but I know you’ll be watching over me from the best seat in the house.
I love you.
(he/him) is proud to be presenting at Theatre 3 for the first time! In Dallas, he's attended schools such as W.E. Greiner and Booker T Washington HSPVA. Some of his notable roles were the Dad in Rebel Without a Cause and Clay in The Dutchman. After he graduates from Booker T, he will be heading to New York to attend Long Island University Brooklyn to study film!
(she/her) is a senior at BTWHSPVA, and a member of the International Thespian Society–Troupe 5497. She is a member of the BTW Mime Troupe, with her favorite mime show being Utopia, in which she played a B.O.B. Molly is with the Linda Mcalister Talent Agency, and hopes to pursue a film career in the future. Some of her favorite past film works include: Marrisa Carter in Crossroads (SMU Film), Katie in Pink Money (SMU FIlm) and being featured in Run Hide Fight (Kyle Rankin/Cinestate.) Molly will be attending Pomona College in fall of 2024, and plans to pursue artistic knowledge whenever possible.
I wanted to be an artist but
I wanted my work
to matter.
-Patti Smith.
VIVIEN
CHAPMAN
(she/her) practices and studies theatre at BTWHSPVA. Her life has always been full of theatre, music, and art. Vivien’s mother spent her life on stage in several productions and now teaches theatre to high school students, and her father and stepmother are in several bands and have been pushing Vivien to express herself through music and theatre her entire life. She began playing drums at six and began participating in theatre shortly after. Besides music and theatre, history, politics, and social justice have her heart. Vivien has worked to combine her love for both through her acting experiences, stage management, limited playwriting endeavors, and music involvement. She works to be a civically and politically involved citizen and hopes to invoke a movement for social change and emotional intelligence. After graduation, Vivien will study History at Northeastern University in Boston, spending her first semester studying abroad in Berlin, Germany!
MIRACLE
CRAIG
(she/they/he) is so excited to be performing on the Theatre Three stage! It has been a spectacular year in the Learning Lab classroom and she's so ready to end it off on this incredible note! After graduation, Miracle will be attending UT Arlington’s BFA Acting program and will hopefully train to be a Sound Designer in Film along the way.
LILY
DEVLIN
(she/her) is a senior at BTWHSPVA, graduating from the theatre conservatory. She is so thankful to have been given the opportunity to sit in on Theatre Three rehearsals and watch incredible productions all throughout Dallas. Lily is still waiting to hear back from a few schools but currently is enrolled in The University of Oklahoma for acting and the Helmrich School of Drama. As this year comes to an end, she would like to thank Mrs. LeBlanc for giving her the confidence needed to face this industry, her close friends who have always stuck by her side no matter what, her boyfriend, Ethan, for truly believing she could do whatever she put her mind to, and last but not least, her mother, Susan, who she is endlessly grateful for and is so blessed to have a mom/best friend like her.
I love you all!
TRACE
EDGE
BEVERLY
FRANKENFELD
ISABEL
GAMEROS
(he/him) is a current senior in the 2024 Learning Lab Class at Booker T. He is super excited to be involved in the Learning Lab showcase, and for the opportunity to perform with his awesome scene partners Parker and Jaysson. Trace will be continuing his education at Pace University this fall, working on a BFA in musical theater. Trace has worked on lots of productions around DFW, and has been in some local films. Big shout out to Lauren LeBlanc for being an awesome teacher, and a big thanks for this opportunity!
(she/her) is a Dallas-based actress and singer. She will be graduating from BTWHSPVA as a member of the Learning Lab Class, the National Honor Society, and the International Thespians Society. She has been involved in over 20 shows at Booker T. and other local theatres throughout her four years of high school. She is one of the top three thespian hour earners in her grade with 600+ hours. Beverly will continue her education at the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Theatre and Dance and intends to double major in Music. Beverly sends love and her best wishes to her Learning Lab classmates and teacher.
(she/her) is so excited to be joining her peers in Learning Lab’s End of Year Showcase. Isabel will be attending the University of Texas at Austin this fall to major in History with Liberal Arts Honors through the Dedman Distinguished Scholars Program. Favorite prior shows include Big Love, Murder on the Orient Express (BTWHSPVA), and Florida Man (Netflix/ Aggregate Films). Isabel is a member of the International Thespian Society at Booker T. She hopes to be a lawyer post-grad and would like to thank her family, (Mom, Dad, Zoë, & Nick) friends, and Ms. LeBlanc for their support this year.
JAYSSON
JACKSON
(he/him) is a senior at Booker T Washington HSPVA who is currently pursuing theatre. His main focuses are acting and playwriting. Although COVID took his freshman year away from him, and he had a hard time keeping up with grades in sophomore year, he managed to enter his junior year powerfully in his debut show at the school, Puffs (Oliver Rivers). He plans on honing his craft at college after he completes high school to prepare to take the acting world by storm.
MADDIE
JENKINS
(she/her) is a graduating senior in the theatre conservatory at BTWHSPVA with a focus on musical theatre. She will be attending the University of Chicago this fall and plans to major in public policy. In addition to school, Madeleine trains in dance and theatre at The Dallas Conservatory and Dallas Children's Theater. Most recently, she performed in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (BTWHSPVA) in the dance ensemble and as the understudy for Princess Puffer. In the coming weeks, Madeleine will be playing The Cat in the Hat in Seussical (The Dallas Conservatory). She would like to thank her teachers, especially Mrs. LeBlanc, and her fellow classmates for making it such a great year.
KAT
McELHENIE
(they/them) is an actor and makeup artist and is thrilled to be a part of class of 2024’s Learning Lab. Kat is currently a senior attending BTWHSPVA in the theatre conservatory. Kat’s favorite performances include Pilar in Legally Blonde (Junior Players), Ya-Wi in Aliens Vs. Cheerleaders, and Edwin Drood in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (BTWHSPVA). Kat also has makeup and wig designed for shows like The Wiz! and Chicago and A Midsummer Night's Dream. After graduation, Kat will be attending The Hartt School at the University of Hartford and will be majoring in Musical Theatre. After college, Kat also plans on attending makeup school. Kat would like to thank Ms. LeBlanc for a wonderful year and for her encouraging words and advice. Kat would also like to thank their best friend Coy and their Mom, their biggest supporter.
ELLA
PRIETO
JUDE
SEGREST
(she/her) is an actor, playwright, and musician currently living in Dallas. She has performed on stages all around Dallas since childhood and recently had the show she wrote, Judith and Artemisia, produced. She enjoys playing music at venues around town, as well as writing her own novels, short stories, and the occasional blog. Ella is a soon-to-be graduate of BTWHSPVA, a member of the Internaional Thespian Society, and a proud student of the Learning Lab class. She is thrilled to be performing at one of her favorite theatres in the world and would love to thank Mrs. LeBlanc, her parents, and everyone who has supported her these past four years. After graduation, Ella will attend University of St. Andrews in Scotland to study Psychology and Theological Studies.
(he/him) is a senior at BTWHSPVA and has been acting for 10 years. Favorite Booker T shows: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Our Country’s Good, All in the Timing, and Black Comedy. Throughout his journey, he’s acted in Dallas, New York, and LA. In his spare time, he also plays music and writes. He hopes to continue acting all his life. After graduation, Jude plans to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
OLIVIA
STANLEY
WYNTER
SUBER
(she/her) has acted with and written for theatres across the DFW metroplex. An actor, published playwright, director, poet, and singer-songwriter, Olivia performs original music in her East Dallas community, and she has written plays ranging from one minute to two acts. She loves both performing and watching her written work come to life, and she has won awards for poetry, playwriting, creative writing, and film. Favorite roles include Thyona in Big Love, Dabby Bryant in Our Country’s Good (BTWHSPVA), Carol Melket in Black Comedy, and Andromache in Women of Troy (Cry Havoc). Her goals for the future include publishing her first novel, building a substantial artistic career, and acting, directing, and writing professionally. Olivia plans on studying theatre and creative writing in college. To Mom and Dad: Thank you for being there. To Anthony: Thanks for being my partner-in-crime. To the rest of the Lab Rats: It has been an honor to learn and grow alongside you.
Let's put on a show!
(any pronouns) is a 17-year-old theatre student currently receiving education at BTWHSPVA. She is very grateful for all the skills she’s been able to discover while studying at Booker T. Wynter has been able to learn stage construction, makeup, costume design, light design, sound design, film, and stage combat. She’s been able to use these skills in productions like: Endlings (Dallas Children’s Theater), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet Abridged, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (BTWHSPVA) Wynter likes to take part in all aspects of theatre productions. She's had the chance to be a sound designer, light board operator, makeup artist, and of course an actress. Wynter is now in her last year at Booker T and is very grateful for having been able to be in Learning Lab, performing her last production for the class. After graduation, Wynter plans to live life to the fullest.
JAKIE
CABE
KALLY
DUNCAN
(he/him) just finished playing the role of Shamrayev in The Seagull @ Theatre Three. Other Theatre Three performances include Raptured, The Farnsworth Invention, La Bete, Travesties, and Sherlock Holmes and the Crucifer of Blood. Most recently Jakie could be seen in Marjorie Prime (Stage West), Tiny Beautiful Things (Circle Theatre), and Noises Off! (Theatre Arlington). Jakie has performed in the area at the Dallas Theater Center, WaterTower Theatre, Second Thought Theatre, Stage West, Casa Manana, Circle Theatre, Amphibian Stage, Trinity Shakespeare Festival, Theatre Arlington, Fort Worth Shakespeare in the Park, the Virginia Shakespeare Festival, and the Mark Taper Too in Los Angeles. Jakie has numerous television, film, commercial and voice over credits including Prison Break and Dragonball Z. He holds an M.F.A. in Acting from Louisiana State University and is an Associate Professor of Drama at Tarrant Co. College.
(she/her) is a Dallas native and has been gracing these stages since the age of six. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Acting from SMU and is a children's director for North Texas Performing Arts. Some of her favorite stage credits include Life Sucks. (Stage West), The Cake (SMU), and The Addams Family (NTPA Rep), as well as working with Lyric Stage, Theatre Three, Dallas Children's Theater, and Kitchen Dog.
PARKER
GRAY
(he/him) is a Dallas-based actor, teaching artist, and playwright. Parker’s stage acting credits include work across the metroplex at Dallas Theater Center, Casa Mañana, Theatre Three, Amphibian Stage, Circle Theatre, Kitchen Dog Theater, Stage West, Undermain Theatre, Shakespeare Dallas, WaterTower Theatre, Fair Assembly, Lyric Stage, Shakespeare in the Bar, and Second Thought Theatre, where he currently serves as the Executive Director. Parker’s voice can be heard in various shows with Crunchyroll, and can be seen in several films, including the Dallas-made horror film The Finale. Parker’s premiere play, Incarnate, received a reading at Undermain for their Whither Goest Thou America Festival in 2022, and his play How to Lose a Sleep Paralysis Demon in 10 Days was chosen for the inaugural year of the Digital Development Project in 2023. More of Parker's plays can be found on New Play Exchange. He holds a BFA in Acting from SMU and is represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.
LAUREN
LeBLANC
ALEJANDRO
SAUCEDO
BEN
STEGMAIR
(she/her) is a Dallas-based actor, writer, and educator. At T3, she’s had the privilege of performing in Lizzie; God of Carnage; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; and as the title role in The Manufactured Myth of Eveline Flynn. Locally, she’s worked at Circle Theatre, Casa Mañana, Imprint Theatreworks, Shakespeare in the Bar, and Second Thought Theatre, where she’ll be seen this summer in Wink. As an educator, she’s worked with Broadway Dallas, Greenhill School, Junior Players, Shakespeare Dallas, and currently serves as guest faculty for the Norma Young Advanced Acting Learning Lab at BTWHSPVA. Lauren studied at Texas State, the University of Louisville, and SUNY-Stony Brook. She's a member of Actors' Equity Association, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and is the Chief Rep for the DFW chapter of PAAL, the Parent-Artist Advocacy League.
(he/him) is an actor/ director from Haltom City, TX, with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Texas Christian University. He has been fortunate to perform all around the DFW metroplex, including Stage West, Circle Theatre, TCU Theatre, Casa Mañana, Dallas Theater Center, Bass Hall, and Theatre Three. Role highlights include: Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Lottie in Scrooge in Rouge, Igor in Young Frankenstein, Tobias in Sweeney Todd, and Henry in Next to Normal.
(he/him) Recent DFW credits include: Deathtrap, The Immigrant, It Came From Theatre Three (Theatre Three); King Lear, Two Gentleman of Verona, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Pride & Prejudice (Shakespeare Dallas); What We Were (Circle Theatre and Second Thought Theatre); Is Edward Snowden Single? (Second Thought Theatre). Ben is also a voiceover artist for Crunchyroll. He is known for his roles in Kaiju no.8,
The Kingdoms of Ruin, Psycho-Pass: Providence, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, Sweet Reincarnation, Solo Leveling, and much more!
JESSICA D.
TURNER
(she/her) has appeared in The Seagull, Funny You Don’t Act Like a Negro, Seven Keys to Baldpate, and I’ll Leave it to You at Theatre Three. Other theatres where she has performed include: Cherry Lane Theatre, American Conservatory Theater (ACT), Berkeley Rep, Lyric Stage of Boston, Dallas Theater Center, Second Thought Theatre, Stage West, Circle Theatre, Dallas Children’s Theater and numerous Shakespeare festivals across the country. Jessica holds an MFA from American Conservatory Theater and a BFA from SMU. She is also a dialect and speech coach for actors, professionals, theatre, TV and film.
NATALIE
YOUNG
(she/her) was most recently seen in Theatre Three's God of Carnage, directed by Christie Vela. Other selected credits include Lela & Co, Bull, Red Light Winter, Some Girl(s), Edmond (Second Thought Theatre); The Taming of the Shrew, Titus Andronicus, The Merchant of Venice (Shakespeare Dallas); Jekyll & Hyde, Dracula, The Butterfly's Evil Spell (Theatre Three). Offstage she can be found on the feed @oooohnats.
a word from the instructor:
I’ve taught lots of ages + lots of subjects, but before this year, I’d never taught seniors. If I’m being honest, the idea was wildly intimidating. They’re gonna sniff me out! They’re gonna know I don’t know anything! They’re gonna roll their eyes + laugh at me, but not when I want them to!
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
These students--my “Lab Rats”--have proven they are a group of capable, honest, inclusive, kind unicorns. They work SO. HARD. We laughed + cried. We tried new things + asked hard questions. We created a little family that holds space for each other + checks on each other + reaches out when things are hard, but also celebrates when things are great.
I am here to tell you that we’re gonna be alright, because these kids are practical magic. It’s not hyperbole when I say I feel better about the future after spending this year with them. They are on fire for the greater good + the elevation of art + discourse. They are socially conscious + emotionally aware, but also smart + funny + cute. I mean, c’MON.
They have restored my hope.
Thank you, my precious Rats. I promise to never archive the Remind if you promise to keep in touch, because I can’t wait to see what you do next.
And remember, you can do it all.
Just not all at once.
Always here,
Mrs. LeBlanc
Learning Lab 2023-24
Units of Study
the work before the work
Fine Tuning your Audition Mechanics
local brilliance
The Work of DFW Theatre Makers
taking care of you
Protecting Your Mental Health
this is also shakespeare
The Bard’s Lesser-Performed Works
the business of the business
The Working Class Side
of Being a Working ARTIST
show your case
Showcase Prep
for T3 Performance
Tonight’s performance is dedicated to
Adrian Churchill
artist | educator | father | friend
We promise to always plant our feet + tell the truth.
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