The Theatre School at DePaul University HOLES, Runs 10/27-12/5

Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Presents HOLES Based on the Award-winning Children's Book by Louis Sachar

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents HOLES, written and adapted for the stage by Louis Sachar, and directed by John Jenkins, as the opening production of the 2009-2010 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Series. This production is generously sponsored by
Illinois Tool Works Inc., and will open Tuesday, October 27, 2009 and run through Saturday, December 5, 2009, at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM and Saturdays at 2 PM. There will be no performances on November 26 or 28. Additional performances will be held on December 2 and 4.

Fourteen year-old Stanley Yelnats' bad luck lands him in Camp Green Lake where every day he is forced to dig holes under the hot Texas sun. Adapted from the book, which won the National Book Award and Newbery Medal, HOLES is full of Stanley's unexpected discoveries; local history, buried treasure, tall tales, and true friendship. This production is recommended for ages 9 and up.

Tickets are $8. Subscriptions and group rates (15 or more people) are available at (312)-922-0999. DePaul employees, alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available online at http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or by calling the Box Office at (312)922-1999.

DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan, in Chicago. For information about parking, please contact the Box Office. The theatre is accessible via CTA busses (3-King Drive, 29-State Street, 146-Michigan/ Museums and others), and CTA trains (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple and Pink).

A wide range of events will be held in conjunction with this production including Community Partner Days, as well as an Ice Cream Social, Opening Day Autographs, Post Show Discussions, and much more! For details or a free Teacher Guide highlighting curriculum connections visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or call (312) 922-1999.

The cast features Mark Thomas Boergers (Mr. Sir/Igor), Katherine Cobb (Sara/Kate Barlow), Dave Daniels (Stanley's Dad/Zig Zag), Olivia Dustman (Stanley's Mom/Myra/Linda Walker/Mrs. Morngo), Meg Elliott (Madame Zeroni/The Warden), Andrew Goetten (Stanley), Rashaad Hall (Sam/Tough Kid), Connor McCahill (Sheriff), Felicia Oates (Armpit), Leveniz Riddle (Policeman/X-Ray), Lucy Sandy (Zero), Dan Smeriglio (Magnet), and Dustin Whitehead (Elya/Trout/Attorney General).

The production staff includes John Jenkins (Director), Ross Hoppe (Scenic Design), Rosella Nitti (Costume Design), Robert Tolzien (Lighting Design), Nicholas Gajary (Sound Design), Caitlin Hansen and Summer Sparacin (Dramaturgy) and Margaret Morton (Stage Management).

JOHN JENKINS (Director) serves as Head of Undergraduate Acting for The Theatre School at DePaul University. John has performed and directed professionally in England, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia, as well as throughout the United States. As a member of the San Quentin Drama
Workshop, he worked with Samuel Beckett as an actor in Mr. Beckett's direction of WAITING FOR GODOT and ENDGAME, and served as movement advisor for Mr. Beckett's production of KRAPP'S LAST TAPE. In Minneapolis, he worked for eight years as an actor, director, and teacher for The Children's Theatre Company. John's film credits include a starring role in the independent feature film PATTI ROCKS, which he co-wrote. He is a qualified teacher of the Alexander Technique.