MET to Present MATERIALIZE

MARYLAND ENSEMBLE THEATRE (MET) presents "Materialize, a thought-provoking, world premiere devised puppet production created by MET Ensemble Member Vanessa Strickland. "Materialize" delves into the idea of social identity and examines the masks we as individuals wear on a daily basis. What masks do you wear? Do you feel at home in your skin or do others affect how you feel about yourself? "Materialize" is an original piece presented as a collection of scenes told through puppetry. Inspired by and created from real-life stories, "Materialize" explores how we grapple with identity, invisibility, objectification, dehumanization, and realization. Let your mask slide... you might see your true self appear.

"'Materialize' originated in the need to create a piece that responded to current social events in a universal way," said Strickland. "Through conversations and collection of stories both personal and public, the piece has become an exploration on themes of invisibility, identity, dehumanization and objectification." Strickland is a 2006 graduate from UMBC with a BFA in theatre performance. She began learning how to puppeteer through productions with Colette Searls, who provided training in a modified Bunraku style of puppetry. Following her time at UMBC, she became a cast member with the Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park where she learned marionette, rod, and hand puppetry from Christopher Piper, Mayfield Piper, and Allan Stevens. Strickland says, "I've always been drawn to visual storytelling from a young age and I think puppetry marries my two passions of theatre and art. You'd be surprised how quickly puppeteers and audiences come to connect with puppets. My hope is that's what happens with those who come to see 'Materialize'."

The talented group of puppeteers under Strickland's direction are Wayne Denier, Leah Englund, Amber Dawn Fullmer, Rose Hahn, Dorie Marusich, and Cassandra Redding. Giovanni Kavota will design the lighting, Stephanie Hyder will design costumes and Kevin Cole, Cecelia Lee, and Bailey May Sterling will all assist in puppet construction.

"Materialize" will be presented as part of MET-X: special programming created outside of MET's Mainstage season and often self-produced by the MET's own company members to expand the collective horizons of both the ensemble and its audience. Performances are August 14-23 with a pay-what-you-can-preview on August 13th and audience talkbacks following each Sunday performance. All shows are at Maryland Ensemble Theatre (31 W Patrick St. Frederick) located in the historic FSK Hotel. Tickets for "Materialize" are $14.00 and can be purchased at 301-694-4744, marylandensemble.org or in person at Maryland Ensemble Theatre box office.

For more information on MET's production of "Materialize" or any of MET's other programs including The Ensemble School, The Fun Company or The Comedy Pigs you can visit marylandensemble.org.

MATERIALIZE INFORMATION

Puppeteers: Wayne Denier, Leah Englund, Amber Dawn Fullmer, Rose Hahn, Dorie Marusich, and Cassandra Redding

Production Team: Vanessa Strickland (Director), Rachel Smith (Stage Manager/Board Op), Lauren Johnson (ASM/Sound Design), Giovanni Kavota (Light Design), Kevin Cole (Puppet Construction), Cecelia Lee (Puppet Construction), Bailey May Sterling (Puppet Construction), Stephanie Hyder (Costumes)

Where: Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701

Dates: August 14 - 23, Fri & Sat @ 8 p.m., Sun @ 3 p.m. Pay-what-you-can preview on August 13th @ 8 p.m. with audience talkbacks following the Sunday performance

Ticket Prices: $14

Box Office: 301-694-4744 or marylandensemble.org at the MET (Tuesday- Thursday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 1 hour before each show.)

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