"What's Haunting You?" Fundraiser for a New Play

Introduction

What happens when you take a group of grad students studying new play development who live near each other? The production of a new play!

We are in the process of rehearsing the new play, “What’s Haunting You?” by David Veatch, which will perform on November 1st and 2nd at Roanoke Ballet Theatre in Grandin. Our mission with this creative endeavor is to produce theater that encompasses a variety of voices, body types, and representation here in Roanoke, VA. By creating more inclusive work, we hope to, in turn, inspire more inclusive art in our communities.

The Ask

As much as we would love to create art without a care in the world, the fact remains that productions cost money. By donating to this project, you are helping ensure that all artists directly involved with this play can earn compensation for their time, creativity, and energy. While this is a labor of love, it is much easier to make meaningful art when you don’t have to worry about any financial burdens the rehearsal process might create.

We also strongly believe in increasing accessibility to theater. One way we wish to achieve this goal is by making tickets for the play pay-what-you-can. By donating, you are ensuring that other people who may not have otherwise attended the play can come free of charge!

Lastly, donating to this project will also allow us to reimburse any purchases/rentals of costumes, set pieces, printing costs, etc., instead of pulling from ticket sales.

The Play

In this fall romcom, a Man and Woman grapple with their fears and insecurities, as they do not fit the traditional mold of being the leading man/woman while pursuing their relationship. Both of which can see their insecurities made manifest in the form of a bedsheet ghost haunting their every interaction.

The play will be performed at the Roanoke Ballet Theatre studios in Grandin (1318 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015) with a total of 3 performances: November 1st at 8pm, November 2nd at 4pm & 8pm

The Creative Team

David Veatch (Playwright) is a director, playwright, and dramaturg based in Greenville, South Carolina. David has directed, stage managed, and produced theatre all over the upstate in South Carolina. Past credits include And Getting Caught in the Rain (Director, Centre Stage), Eleemosynary (Director, Centre Stage), The Pink Unicorn (Stage Manager, Proud Mary Theatre Company), and The Rocky Horror Show, Jersey Boys, She Kills Monsters (Dramaturgy, Market Theatre), You're the Only One I've Told (Producer, Incluza-palooza). David is an M.F.A. student in the Hollins Playwright's Lab. David is excited to share this story with audiences and wants to thank Amber and Alex Voeller, Chloe Riederich, and their dear friend, Kaitlyn Dada, without whom this play would not exist.

Chloe Riederich (Director) is a director, actor, and dancer from Southern California who is currently based in Roanoke. Chloe has a BA in Theatre and Environmental Studies from Hollins University and is pursuing their MA in New Play Development from Hollins. Recently, Chloe has worked with Mill Mountain Theatre as a stage manager (Stellaluna) and wardrobe runner (Bright Star) and is currently the Education Associate at Virginia Children’s Theatre. Alongside theatre, Chloe loves plants, coffee, sunshine, and making new friends!

Alex Voeller (Producer) is a theater artist currently based out of Roanoke, Virginia while he pursues his M.A. in Theatre & New Play Development at Hollins University. Previously, Alex has worked with Hollins University as Production Manager for their 2024 WinterFest and as a Producing Apprentice for Amphibian Stage with their SparkFest ‘24 festival in Ft. Worth, Texas, which highlighted AAPI artists from across the nation.

Amber Voeller (Producer) is a theatre artist based out of New York City and Roanoke, VA. Amber is a graduate of Huntington University School of Arts with a B.A. in Theatre Performance. Though this is her first time producing, she has had the privilege of performing and working in theatre for the last 13 years professionally all over the United States and internationally in China. She recently received an award from The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her performance as Mirage in Chrysalis by Gwyneth Strope. She also runs her own voice and acting studio called Playhouse Studio LLC. In her free time she loves to hike, camp, and travel with her two best friends, Alex her husband, and Sonya their cat.

THE CAST LIST

Christian Watts - MAN

Amber Voeller - WOMAN

Alex Voeller - GHOST