The Sarah Play
The 2011/12 Sarah Play is The Giver, by Eric Coble, based on the novel by Lois Lowry. It marks the 10th anniversary of the Sarah Metzger Memorial Play. 
The Sarah Play provides high school students from across the DC metro area the guidance and resources to mount a production at Round House under the mentorship of professional theatre artists and practitioners. It is the country’s only theatrical production, offered as part of a regional theatre’s regular programming, that is directed, designed, stage managed, and performed entirely by high school students. The theatre covers all related finances, allows access to equipment and supplies, and provides support in the areas of marketing and public relations.
Click here to watch a short video documentary on The Sarah Play, filmed by Docs In Progress as part of their Silver Spring Stories series.
Read Bethesda Magazine’s 2010 feature story on The Sarah Play.
Sarah Play History
The Sarah Play honors the memory of Sarah Emily Metzger, an active member of the theatre community in her school and at Round House, who was killed in an automobile accident during her freshman year of college. One of the Round House family’s lasting memories of Sarah is that, while still a high school student, she independently mounted a full-scale theatre production. Wishing to expand on the opportunities offered by her high school’s theatre department, Sarah worked to raise funds, secure facilities and a production staff, market and promote her production, and direct a full-length play.
After her passing, Sarah’s family worked with Round House to create The Sarah Metzger Memorial Fund as a tribute to the inspiring young woman. Through the generosity of many contributors, the fund provides the financial resources each season for similarly passionate and motivated high school students to create a fully-realized production with a professional theatre company.
Click here for a production history and photos of the past Sarah Play productions.
The Sarah Metzger Memorial Play 2012
The Giver
By Eric Coble
Adapted from the novel by Lois Lowry
March 23 ‑ April 1, 2012
Performances at Round House Theatre Silver Spring
ARTISTIC TEAM
Director: Jessie Klueter (Bethesda-Chevy Chase)
Stage Manager: Elisabeth Rudin (Duke Ellington School of the Arts)
Lighting Designer: Kari Barclay (Richard Montgomery)
Sound Designer: Sophia Hoffacker (School Without Walls)
Costume Designer: Sarah Goldberg (Sidwell Friends School)
CAST
Jonas: Sam Palca (School Without Walls)
Lily: Sarah Trunk (Blair)
Asher: Byron A. Johns II (Wootton)
Fiona: Dakota Ross Cabrera (School Without Walls)
The Giver: Catherine Giddings (Bethesda-Chevy Chase)
Chief Elder: Zoe Johnson (Blair)
Mother: Molly Lo Re (Bethesda-Chevy Chase)
Father: Gabriel Rodriguez-Fuller (Bethesda-Chevy Chase)
Rosemary: Naomi Langer (Bethesda-Chevy Chase)
Jonas’ world is perfect. Everything is under control and safe. There is no war or fear or pain. There are also no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. But when Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver ‑ to receive and keep the memories of the community. The Giver is the only person who holds the memories of real pain and real joy. Now Jonas will learn the truth about life ‑ and the hypocrisy of his utopian world. Through this astonishing and moving adaptation, discover what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of your own destiny.
Tickets $15 general admission, $10 RHT subscribers, patrons age 30 & under, senior citizens, groups of 10+: click here or call 240.644.1100 ($10 The Giver tickets not available online)
The Sarah Play is made possible in part by The Sarah Metzger Memorial Fund and Jeffrey and Carolyn Leonard.
For the most up-to-date info on this year’s Sarah Play, become a friend on Facebook.
Join the 2012/13 Sarah Play!
The 2011/12 Sarah Play is currently in rehearsal. Check back here in March for information on applying to direct, design, stage manage, or act in the 2012/13 Sarah Play.
Questions?
Call the Round House Education Center at 301.585.1225 or email sarahplay@roundhousetheatre.org
To contribute to The Sarah Metzger Memorial Fund, contact the development office at 240.644.1403.
