News

Collaboration with Local Artist Creates Outstanding Theater Showcase

The Upper School presentation of “Overcoming” opened last night to a delighted audience who responded with thoughtful silence and uproarious laughter to the six vignettes presented in this impressive showcase.
Guided by the direction of guest artist and Siesta Key alumna Ms. Amanda Schlachter and produced by Ms. L’Tanya Evans, the evening of short plays focused on various themes, including love, fear, and society. Ms. Schlachter describes the production as “a sophisticated night of theater that we hope will not only entertain you, but cause you to think, dream, and feel.”

“Overcoming” achieved this handily. The cast of six student-actors demonstrated nuanced range in the multiple roles they played as their characters delivered both intense and lighthearted content. The pieces touch on everything from a dystopian society to social dynamics and conscience. Student talent abounded as seniors Sofia Delgado and Kelland Timothy directed pieces, Leeson Foullon wrote and directed a piece, and Clayton Watson directed the technical elements of the show. STEM teachers Mr. Mike Newhams and Ms. Beth Smithey showed their artistic aptitude under the spotlight in the Black Box Theater as they had the crowd laughing out loud. The maturity and growth of all our actors was evident in the poignant delivery and comedic timing on serious topics. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew.

It has been an honor to have guest artist Ms. Amanda Schlacter work with our students. Ms. Schlacter—a graduate and Company Member of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYC—holds a master’s degree in fine arts. She is an established adjunct professor with State College of Florida who has directed and performed locally. Ms. Schlacter is also an ODA alumna, having graduated from the Historic Siesta Key Campus in 1990. It has been a pleasure to welcome her to the Uihlein Campus and watch as she guides our student-actors in this very successful production.

With a dessert service for the 75-minute showcase, you won’t want to miss your chance to see our students shine. “Overcoming” runs tonight, November 2, and Saturday, November 3, at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $5 and ODA students and faculty are FREE.
Back

The Out-of-Door Academy

LOWER SCHOOL |  Historic Siesta Key Campus  |  Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-349-8133

LOWER SCHOOL |  Lower School Campus on Clark Road  |  Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241   |  COMING SOON

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS
  |  Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch  |  Grades 6 – 8 |  Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-907-1251
The Out-of-Door Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, physical ability, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
The Out-of-Door Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

© 2023 The Out-of-Door Academy