I have never played Dungeons and Dragons.
I HAVE seen all the seasons of Stranger Things- multiple times. That is about the extent of my knowledge. So why would I chose a show that has SO many references I am not familiar with to start our 23/24 Season?
The answer is our students.
We have a VERY dedicated group of students that love Dungeons and Dragons. They find themselves in sitting around a table, led by their Dungeon Master (Mechelle, who you will see in this show) creating characters, listening to each other, using critical thinking, communication, social responsibility and personal development to create the most wonderful adventures. Just listening to them talk about how much they love it and how much they learn from playing sold me on SHE KILLS MONSTERS.
And why are you sitting on the stage? What is happening?
Well, welcome to ECC Theatre! If you are joining us for the first time, we pride ourselves on creating incredibly unique experiences for our audiences. The show will surround you on all sides- and you will be truly immersed in this magical world of faries, monsters and dragons. It's different, it's a little 'weird' and I think you will love it. It's also a great opportunity for our actors to work in a different environment as they tell you this story.
The last reason why I chose this show is that I have a younger sister. As I have watched the story of Agnes and Tilly unfold- the secrets they kept, the things they learned about each other and the bond they built- I have been reminded time after time of the importance of family.
Family can be what you're born into, what you chose or both. Agnes and Tilly both chose family in different ways...and come to realize that blood or not, family is forever.
This show is dedicated to my sister, Caroline Austin. When you were born I was pretty sure we'd never be friends. Now, we are besties- and I cannot imagine my life without you. I love you so much.
As always, I am so grateful to my team- Sylvia, Morgan, Mike, Ron, Erik, Carly, Grace, Jillian, Mechelle, Robby, Sarah, Kar, Kassidi, Jarred, Big I, Adrian, Tara, Amy, Ann, Dawn, Abby - it takes a HUGE village to make this type of art come to life. I am so lucky to be in your village. I am also so grateful to my partner, Brian Tucker. Your support and love make all the difference on the hard days.
Thank you to YOU- if you are reading this, you are a part of our ECC family. Thank you for sharing this story with us and we can't wait to amaze you.
Let's roll!,
Grace Austin
Director, SHE KILLS MONSTERS
