Help Casey Henley Bring Dry Lands to Life

Help Bring Dry Lands to Life!

Hello, my name is Casey Henley, and I’m a Junior BFA Theatre Performance major with a Minor in Musical Theatre at Virginia Commonwealth University. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to make the most of my time at school and in Richmond. I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking a full course load, made my Richmond professional theatre debut at Virginia Repertory Theatre, and worked at a local café. I’ve also had the privilege of being involved in multiple productions, including two collegiate mainstage shows and five Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre (SALT) productions. I’ve even performed with an improv comedy team.

Now, I’m excited to share that I’ve reached a new milestone in my journey: I’ve been selected to direct my own show!

Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre, a student-based theatre organization at VCU, gives a few lucky students the opportunity to direct their own production. After submitting a detailed application and interview, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be directing the first show of the Spring semester. The play I’m directing is Dry Lands by Ruby Rae Spiegel.

About Dry Lands

Dry Lands follows two high school girls, Amy and Esther, as they navigate an incredibly difficult decision without any support from the adults in their lives. Together, they struggle, laugh, and rely on each other. At its heart, Dry Lands explores what it means to be a girl in a world that isn’t always kind to your inner truth. It’s a powerful, emotional story that I’m deeply passionate about bringing to the stage.

Why I Need Your Support

While Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre has given me this incredible opportunity, the budget provided for student directors is limited. That’s where your support comes in! There are many costs associated with putting on a show, such as securing the legal rights to perform the play, building the set, purchasing costumes, printing marketing materials, and more. Any contribution, big or small, would help ensure that Dry Land becomes a reality.

I am so grateful for your time and consideration in reading about my project, and I would be incredibly thankful for any support you can offer. Your generosity will directly impact the success of this production, and I can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with me!

With gratitude,

Casey Henley