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POTUS:

Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive

 
BY SELINA FILLINGER
 
Presented by Jarrott Productions
at Trinity Street Playhouse
 
 
directed by
 
Karen Jambon
 
 
starring
 
Suzanne Balling
Kelsey Mazak
Mimi Strum
Oskar Brian
Helen Merino
 
Jacqui Calloway
Amy Minor
Alaithia Velez
 
“POTUS” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
 
Originally produced on Broadway by SEAVIEW 51 ENTERTAINMENT GLASS HALF FULL LEVEL FORWARD SALMAN AL-RASHID RUNYONLAND PRODUCITONS SONY MUSIC MASTERWORKS ONE COMMUNITY JAY ALIX AND UNA JACKMAN JONATHAN DEMAR IMAGINE EQUAL ENTERTAINMENT LUCAS KATLER DAVID J. LYNCH LEONID MAKARON MARK GORDON PICTURES LIZ SLAGER TED SNOWDON NATALIE GORMAN/TISH BRENNAN THROOP And THE SHUBERT ORGANIZATION MARK SHACKET, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
 
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CONTENT ADVISORY

This production includes strong profanity, sexual references, and adult situations. It is intended for an adult audience.

 

SETTING

Perhaps not the current administration, exactly--but broad strokes of past presidents, combined with fever dreams of future ones. And, if we are being honest, an amalgamation of them all.

Oh, and the action happens in several locations in and around the West Wing of the White House.

 

POTUS is performed in two acts. There will be one 15-minute intermission.

 

The use of photography or recording of any kind is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all cell phones and/or any other noise-making device. 



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Cast

Suzanne Balling

Harriett - His Chief of Staff
Helen Merino

Jean - His Press Secretary
Mimi Strum

Margaret - His Wife, The First Lady
Alaithia Velez

Stephanie - His Secretary
Jacqui Calloway

Chris - A Journalist
Oskar Brian

Charlee - His Cleaner.
Kelsey Mazak

Dusty - His Dalliance
Amy Minor

Bernadette - His Sister

Production Team

Karen Jambon

Director
Jennifer A. Anderson

Production Manager
Astrid A. Rangel

Production Stage Manager
Oskar Brian

Assistant Stage Manager
Anne Marie Gordon

Scenic Designer
Elaine Jacobs

Scenic Assistant
MacKenzie Mulligan

Lighting Designer
Pam Friday

Costume Designer
Kaitlyn Hartnagel

Props Coordinator
Brooke Sauerwein

Sound Designer/Audio Engineer
Rachel DeRouen

Fight Choreographer
Kelly Hasandras

Dance Choreographer

Additional Credits

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Production Photos by Steve Rogers Photography.

Michael Davis; Devin Finn; Amanda Cooley Davis; Trinity Street Playhouse & Jenny Larson-Quiñones; Violet Crown City Church & Janet Gurley; KOOP Radio (Off Stage and On The Air) & Lisa Scheps; Different Stages & Norman Blumensaadt; The VORTEX; Texas State University Department of Theatre, Dance & Film.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jacqui Calloway | Denise Hodgson | David R. Jarrott

Mark Kiester | Stephanie Todd

 

STAFF

David R. Jarrott - Producing Artistic Director

Will Gibson Douglas - Managing Director

Natalie D. Garcia - Marketing Director

Jennifer A. Anderson - Company Manager

Laura DiCristofano - House Manager

 

ADVISORY BOARD

Jennifer A. Anderson | Craig Brock | Janelle Buchanan

Carlo Lorenzo Garcia | Natalie D. Garcia | Max Langert

Isabella Anastasia Leigh | Ted Siff

 

JARROTT PRODUCTIONS IS A PROUD MEMBER OF:

             

Meet the Company


Suzanne Balling (Harriett - His Chief of Staff)
Suzanne is delighted to make her first appearance with Jarrott Productions. Recent-ish Austin credits include MISS LULU BETT (Ina), a live-streamed production of DOWN FROM HEAVEN (Jessica), NEVERMORE:THE IMAGINARY LIFE AND MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF EDGAR ALLAN POE (Eliza Poe/Player 5), MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Leonata/Don John/Dogberry), MRS. MANNERLY (Jeffrey) and SWEAT (Tracey). She’s excited to cast her vote on November 5 for the next, real POTUS!
Helen Merino (Jean - His Press Secretary)
Helen had a limited run in Jarrott Productions' THE SOUND INSIDE (Bella). Austin Shakespeare: MARY STUART (Mary), THE BELLE OF AMHERST (Emily Dickinson), MACBETH (Lady Macbeth), MEDEA (Chorus), THE SEAGULL (Masha), DESIGN FOR LIVING (Gilda), THE CRUCIBLE (Elizabeth), and HAMLET (Hamlet). ZACH Theatre: BAD DATES (Haley), PRESENT LAUGHTER (Monica), OMNIUM GATHERUM (Lydia), WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF (Honey), AS YOU LIKE IT (Rosalind), MY CHILDREN, MY AFRICA (Isabelle), THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO (Sunny). Gateway Theatre Project: GHOSTS (Helene). St. Mane Theatre, MN: Guest writer/performer for the devised piece A.R.T. 2018: SOUND AND FURY
Mimi Strum (Margaret - His Wife, The First Lady)
This is Mimi's first appearance with Jarrott Productions. Recent work includes THEATRE OF FAQS, UT Center for Teaching and Learning; Andee Kinzys’ DELORES and HOWARD KICK THE BUCKET/ PODCAST (Delores). Current work: William Grant Stills ”IF YOU SHOULD GO.” Gratitude to this beautiful company of humans that is Jarrott Productions. Et ma belle famille - je vous remercie de tout mon coeur!
Alaithia Velez (Stephanie - His Secretary)
Alaithia Velez (she/they) is an actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker. POTUS marks her first appearance with Jarrott Productions. Austin theater credits include EDIT ANNIE (Vortex), CYRANO DE BERGERAC (Archive Theatre), TINY BANGER (Trinity Street Playhouse), and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Austin Shakespeare).
Jacqui Calloway (Chris - A Journalist)
Jacqui is a SAG-AFTRA actor, educator, and theatremaker. For Jarrott Productions: THE NICETIES, THE FROG PRINCE, PALE HUMAN GARBAGE PEOPLE. Other recent theatre credits: BLKS (New Manifest), EDIT ANNIE (Vortex), & FRANK’S LIFE (CBC). Jacqui co-directs the Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble, a devised theatre program for teens working to prevent interpersonal violence, and recently assistant directed THRIVE, OR WHAT YOU WILL (The VORTEX). Jacqui is a VORTEX company member and teaches at Texas State University & The Actor's School. She is the winner of four B. Iden Payne awards.
Oskar Brian (Charlee - His Cleaner.)
Oskar is an actor, puppeteer, and stage manager making his Jarrott Productions debut. He currently performs in tours for the Brave Schools Program with Creative Action. He has recent performances in UNDARK! A RADIOACTIVE PUPPET PLAY with Trouble Puppet, and THE ART OF MARTYRDOM as “Servant” with Different Stages. This season he stage managed THE TAVERN with Different Stages, DEATH ON THE HALF SHELL with Mélange, and LAMMAS, SAMHAIN and BELTANE with Malum Malus Burlesque.
Kelsey Mazak (Dusty - His Dalliance)
Kelsey is ecstatic to be back onstage with Jarrott Productions! Kelsey is a graduate of SMU's BFA Acting program and has been acting throughout the Austin area for the past 10 years. JP credits include A MILLION MORE TO GO, PET DICK and SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Other recent credits include: Jenna in the world premiere of JENNA AND THE WHALE (Ground Floor Theatre), Betty in THE GULF (Street Corner Arts), Ellie in HEARTBREAK HOUSE (Different Stages), and Sevenly in BUTCHER OF BARABOO (Street Corner Arts). Kelsey is so excited to bring this feminist, electric, and topical script to life with such an amazing cast. Thanks to Karen Jambon for all of her trust and guidance throughout the process. And to Cole--I love you more than I can put into words.
Amy Minor (Bernadette - His Sister)
Amy Minor is thrilled to be in her first show with Jarrott Productions! Amy holds a B.F.A. in theater from Stephens College and prior to Austin, lived in Kansas City and Chicago for many years acting at various theater companies (Coterie, American Heartland, Chicago Shakespeare, Chicago Jewish Theater, Lifeline Theater, Barrel of Monkeys). Recently here in Austin she could be seen as Jenny Hill in Austin Playhouse's musical BIG FISH and as Sophia in CHARLIE’S GOLDEN GIRLS with La Fenice. Amy has also been diligently working on her most favorite role, being a mom to her two sons: Aiden and Liam, and wife/partner to the incredible Tobie Minor. Amy is a founding member and the managing director of Austin Crown Theatre, which produces original Christmas shows and cabarets in South Austin. More info at: www.crowntheatre.org.
Karen Jambon (Director)
This is Karen’s second outing with Jarrott Productions, having previously directed FOR PETER PAN ON HER 70TH BIRTHDAY. A Director and Actor in Central Texas for over thirty years, Karen has worked with the VORTEX Repertory Company, Different Stages, Sam Bass, Paradox Players, Austin Shakespeare, La Fenice, Loaded Gun Theory, Color Arc Productions, and Melange Theatre Company. Thanks to Jarrott Productions for taking on this wild play and to the fantastic cast and crew for bringing it to life.
Jennifer A. Anderson (Production Manager)
Jarrott Productions: DEATHTRAP, HOME, I’M DARLING, A MILLION MORE TO GO. Stage Manager: HOME, I’M DARLING, MOTHER OF THE MAID, SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Zilker Theatre Productions: MATILDA! THE MUSICAL, FOOTLOOSE. Austin Shakespeare: THE SEAGULL, WOLF HALL. Imagine That Productions: HERE’S TO YOU, HOUSE OF SEVERAL STORIES. Red Then Productions: WHEN SOMETHING WONDERFUL ENDS. ZACH Theatre: THE CLEAN HOUSE, PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS. Austin Opera Assistant Stage Manager: FLIGHT, THE ITALIAN GIRL IN ALGIERS, LA TRAVIATA, HANSEL AND GRETEL, L’ETOILE, LA BOHEME, DIALOGUES DES CARMELITES, RIGOLETTO. Three seasons as Artistic Administrator for Spotlight on Opera. Production assistant, crew member, and house manager for over 30 productions at ZACH from 2005 to 2009.
Astrid A. Rangel (Production Stage Manager)
Astrid A. Rangel is a Texas State University alumni where she graduated with a Fine Arts Degree in Theatre with an emphasis on Stage Management and Directing. Her shows include DEATHTRAP; Jarrott Productions, OAI - PALE HUMAN GARBAGE PEOPLE; Jarrott Productions, OAI - MOM & POP; Jarrott Productions CLYDE'S; Ground Floor Theatre, JENNA & THE WHALE; Ground Floor Theatre, ANNA IN THE TROPICS; Ground Floor Theatre, rain falls special on me; Ground Floor Theatre, THE LIBRARY; Different Stages, A CHRISTMAS CAROL; Penfold Theatre, LIGHTING GIRL; Frontera Fest and HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE; Texas State University. Astrid would like to thank her fiance Kyle for supporting everything she does and the wonderful theater community she has found for allowing her to grow along with them!
Oskar Brian (Assistant Stage Manager)
See above.
Anne Marie Gordon (Scenic Designer)
Ann Marie is pleased to be back in Austin to work with Jarrott Productions for the first time on this wonderfully hilarious show. She has been doing set design in Austin over the years and has done work with many companies including The VORTEX and Different Stages to name a few. She has received several B Iden Payne awards for set design including The VORTEX production of PERFORMANCE PARK which she shares with Griffon Ramsy. She encourages everyone to Vote!
Elaine Jacobs (Scenic Assistant)
Elaine has been creating sets and theatrical tricks for over 20 years in the Austin area. POTUS marks her first time working with Jarrott Productions. A lifetime of carpentry and related trades has enabled a stream of real water, a big revolving stage, and now this, for kicks. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented people.
MacKenzie Mulligan (Lighting Designer)
MacKenzie is a designer and electrician who has worked across the United States on a variety of projects from concerts to musicals and beyond. POTUS marks her third collaboration with Jarrott Productions. National credits include ANGELS IN AMERICA: PART ONE (Omaha Comm. Playhouse), Cain Park Summer Concert Series 2021 (Cain Park), THE BUBBLY BLACK GIRL SHEDS HER CHAMELEON SKIN (Karamu House), SHERWOOD, STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Creede Repertory Theatre), BOOK OF MAMAW (Barter Theater), AMELIA, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, CLEMENTINE THE MUSICAL, and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Barter Players). Regional credits include DEATHTRAP, HOME, I’M DARLING (Jarrott Productions), RENT, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, ROCK OF AGES (San Antonio Broadway Theatre), THE WIZARD OF OZ (San Pedro Playhouse) SECRETS OF THE SEA COMMERCIALl (Literati), A CHRISTMAS CAROL CLASSIC RADIOCAST (Penfold Theatre), PAGEANT, THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND (Stage Austin). http://www.mackenziemulligan.com
Pam Friday (Costume Designer)
Pam is a costume designer and retired public school theatre teacher. She has worked with many Austin companies including The VORTEX, Ground Floor Theatre, Penfold, Scriptworks and many others. Surveying the mountains of American flag lapel pins mixed in with the quilt and the safety pins spread across the landscape of her kitchen, she embraces her role as costumer to this company of talented and amazing folks on stage and off! She would like to thank Dave and Will for inviting me to this party and encourages all to be sure to vote and keep going to live theatre!
Kaitlyn Hartnagel (Props Coordinator)
Kaitlyn Hartnagel is a current student at Texas State University studying Technical Theatre. This is her 3rd show with Jarrott Productions. Previous credits include: Prop Manager: DEATHTRAP (Jarrott Productions), A MILLION MORE TO GO (Jarrott Productions), WHEN THOU WAKEST (TXST), and OH TO BE PURE AGAIN (TXST). Assistant Prop Manger: SHE KILLS MONSTERS (TXST), URINETOWN (TXST), and LEGALLY BLONDE (Zilker Theatre Productions).
Brooke Sauerwein (Sound Designer/Audio Engineer)
Brooke is a recent graduate from Texas State University with her BFA in Theatre Technical Production. This is her first time working with Jarrott Productions. Her favorite productions to work on at Texas State were RENT, MACBETH, SHE KILLS MONSTERS, and URINETOWN. She's had the privilege of working with the Santa Fe Opera as an A/V Apprentice on operas such as LA TRAVIATA, DON GIOVANNI, DER ROSENKAVALIER, and THE RIGHTEOUS (World Premiere). She's currently working as a freelance audio extraordinaire in the greater Austin area.
Rachel DeRouen (Fight Choreographer)
Rachel found her expression through middle school theater. The love she had for telling stories and entertaining audiences drove her to pursue a degree in Acting. She earned her BFA in Acting from Texas State University and worked as a Stage Combat Teacher's Assistant. This is her first time working with Jarrott Productions. Her most notable stage performance was playing Margo in Georgetown Palace's LEGALLY BLONDE. She has starred in several independent short and feature films including SCREAM: LEGACY - A FAN FILM and CARNAGE RADIO where she was able to put her combat skills to use on screen. After much time as a performer, she also developed a fascination in working behind the scenes. She has served productions in various capacities such as Screenwriter, Assistant Director, Fight Coordinator, and Producer.
Kelly Hasandras (Dance Choreographer)
Kelly is a choreographer and performer living in Austin, TX. This is her first time working with Jarrott Productions. Her most recent choreography credits include movement for KING OF HEARTS, DISCO DRACULA, ENTANGLEMENT THE MUSICAL, HUMAN RESOURCES THE MUSICAL, RAMALAMADINGDONG HIGH THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL (2023 B. Iden Payne award), THE ROVER (2019 B. Iden Payne award), fight choreography in ONCE THERE WERE SIX SEASONS (2019 B. Iden Payne Nominee) among many others. She won best Actress in 2017 at the 48Hour Film Festival and she was nominated for best Dancer/Choreographer by the Austin Chronicle 2017. She is a certified DanceAbility International instructor and holds a BA in Theater and Dance from the University of Texas in Austin. During the day Kelly co-directs the nationally recognized and award-winning teen art program, Totally Cool Totally Art with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

Multimedia



Donors

OUR 10th ANNIVERSARY 2024/2025 SEASON IS MADE POSSIBLE BY GENEROUS DONATIONS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

 

Matthew Alspaugh

 

Jennifer Anderson

 

Lariena Armstrong

 

Linda Ball & Forrest Preece

 

Tim Blackwood

 

Elizabeth Blair

 

Norman Blumensaadt

 

Koren Bowie

 

Bryan Bradford

 

Greg & Susan Broer

 

Robert Brown

 

Derk Brozowski

 

Janelle Buchanan & 

Ted Siff

 

Dan Bullock & 

Annette Carlozzi

 

Laura Cannon

 

Caryn Carlson

 

CK Carman

 

Mary Alice Carnes

 

Anthony Carter

 

Victoria Childers

 

Matthew Craven

 

Amado DeHoyos

 

Valena Despenza

 

Darlene Dickerson

 

Laura & Joe DiCristofano

 

Franchelle Dorn

 

Ruth & Gene Douglas

 

Will Gibson Douglas

 

Warren Durham

 

Emily Erington

 

Bradford French

 

Manuel Garcia

 

Natalie D. Garcia

 

William Garner

 

Kathy Garrett

 

Susan Gezana

 

Leighanne Glazener

 

Lacey Cannon Gonzales & Carl Gonzales

 

Joy Gooden

 

Sheila Greenstein

 

Marissa Greer

 

Iris Groten

 

Landon Hairgrove

 

Mary Hamby

 

Michael Harkins

 

Kelley Henry

 

Margaret Hoard

 

Gina Houston

 

Drake Howard

 

Diana Huckaby

 

Pat & John Ireland

 

Karen Jambon

 

David R. Jarrott

 

Trish Jarrott Jr

 

Barbara Johnson

 

Kristin Johnson

 

Robert Johnson

 

 

Barry Jones

 

Cathy Jones

 

Roger Kashlak

 

Janet Kautz

 

Gayla & Mark Kiester

 

Stephen Kinslow

 

David Kroll

 

Nola Lafayette

 

Max Langert

 

Lou Ann K Lasher

 

Priscilla Lightsey

 

Judy Livingston

 

Sara Lloyd

 

Ev Lunning

 

Buffy & Ian Manners

 

Tara Mattessich

 

Sandra & John May

 

Sheila McCoy

 

Vicki McKain

 

Bill McMillin / Mary Furse

 

Maggie Meador

 

Helen Merino

 

Alfred & Cade Minder

 

The Minor Family

 

Marita Mirzatuny

 

Michael Murray

 

Bernadette Nason & John B Payne

 

Jane Newchurch

 

Richard Noland

 

Lauren Osterhoff

 

Dustin Parker

 

Tom Parker

 

J Garry Peters

 

Robert Pierson

 

Michael & Diana Rafferty

 

Flo Ann Randle

 

Penny Reeves

 

Emily Rhea

 

Inge Rider

 

The Riemer Family

 

Mary Rochford

 

Holly Salas

 

Katherine Schroeder

 

Erin Scialabba

 

Neelie Slade

 

David Smith

 

Paul Smith

 

Robert Smith

 

Helen Sneed

 

Donald Solomon

 

Judy Talley

 

David Thornberry

 

Kris Thorne

 

Stephanie & Jim Todd

 

Kalista Torres

 

Jackie Vanerp

 

Tiffany Williams

 


join the JP family

Jarrott Productions receives NO national, state, or city funding. Your financial support allows us to continue bringing our critically-acclaimed and award-winning universal, relatable stories to the stage here in Austin. Check out our display in the lobby featuring patrons whose financial support sustains our organization.

 

Click here to join this growing list of supporters making our momentous 10th Anniversary Season possible; all levels of support are welcome and invaluable to our organization.

 

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