College Announces Margaret H. Hill Visiting Artist in Residence, Spring Theatre Production

The Saint Mary's College Department of Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre is proud to welcome writer, comedian, and actress Casey Whitaker to campus as this year's Margaret M. Hill Endowed Visiting Artist in Residence. Whitaker is a member of Second City improvisational troupe, who spent a week on campus in March 2015 as part of the Margaret M. Hill Endowed Visiting Artist series. Whitaker is directing Saint Mary's theatre students in the spring production, a play titled Lucky, Liar, Loser, which she wrote herself. The play will run April 27-30 in Little Theatre.

Whitaker's play, Lucky, Liar, Loser, tells the story of nine women's struggles and triumphs in the aftermath of abuse. Extremely funny, vulnerable, and full of truth, this exposed multimedia dramedy allows the audience to join in on the journey of each woman through sketches, shadow puppetry, and modern dance. The exploration of the human spirit and the cause and effect of each woman's choices inspire understanding and the realization that we can all do more.

The production also includes choreography by Hannah Fischer '11 and music composed by professor of music Zae Munn.

"The play presents a uniquely complex mix of the serious and the comic that is always unexpected, creative, and highly theatrical," Mark Abram-Copenhaver, associate professor of theatre said. "Lucky, Liar, Loser is a sophisticated treatment of this emotionally charged and current subject matter."

Whitaker is a seasoned stand-up, sketch comedy, and improv performer. Hailing from Beavercreek, OH, Whitaker now resides in Chicago where she trained with Second City and iO Chicago. Whitaker has toured with Second City's Shred Co. for the last three years and currently understudies Second City's Resident Stages. When she's not on stage at Second City, Whitaker can be seen performing at iO, The Paper Machete, and Zanie's Chicago. In addition to her work as a performer, Whitaker is a freelance comedy writer for the card game, Utter Nonsense: An Inappropriate Accent Game.

The Margaret M. Hill Endowed Visiting Artist Series is an annual event made possible by a generous gift from Hill, a Saint Mary's College alumna and a Broadway producer. Recent artists to visit the College as part of the series include Anna Deavere Smith (spring 2016), The Second City (spring 2015), Audra McDonald (spring 2013), Sigourney Weaver (fall 2011), Lily Tomlin (fall 2010), and Glenn Close (spring 2010).

"Saint Mary's is forever grateful to Peggy Hill for her gift to the College which allows us to, year after year, host artists who coach and instruct our students. The students receive advice about how to make their way in the professional theatre world. They also have the opportunity to ask the artists various questions about their technique, particular roles or scripts or shows, how to balance career and personal life, and how to take the first steps after college," professor of theatre Katie Sullivan added.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting saintmarys.edu/Tickets, calling (574) 284-4626, or stopping by the box office in O'Laughlin Auditorium.

Written by Claire Condon '17, media relations intern and communication studies major with minors in English writing and public relations/advertising.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women's liberal arts college offering five bachelor's degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. Saint Mary's College also offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary's College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2016 published by U.S. News & World Report. Follow Saint Mary's College on Twitter @saintmarys and @saintmarysnews.

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