Festival Preview: She Kills Monsters

TROUPE 1171’S PRODUCTION

At just three years old, Troupe 1171 never expected to be taking a production to the International Thespian Festival so soon. That’s why director Courtney LaChance-Denton describes the opportunity as “having your cake and eating it too. It is the sprinkles, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cherry on top.”

When selecting her season, LaChance-Denton knew she wanted a show that would challenge everyone involved. “I found She Kills Monsters and fell in love with the script,” she said. “I knew it would be challenging to my tech team for its elaborate props and lighting, but it also would offer my actors challenges in its physicality and blend of emotional and comedic scenes.”

Swordplay and stage combat are integral to the show’s Dungeons & Dragons-inspired plot. Cast members were required to be off book by the first week of rehearsal, as it was impossible to learn the fights with scripts in hand. The first four weeks were devoted to basic movement and falls, and LaChance-Denton collaborated closely with professional fight choreographer Michael Pierce to integrate the rest of the blocking with the action sequences. “It was much like learning dance choreography for a musical, breaking down each small element of the combat,” she said. “We would rehearse in slow motion so the actors would know exactly where to place their bodies for safety purposes. We’d slowly increase speed, and if something happened that could cause an injury in real time, we’d hold and reduce the speed again to be sure each movement was specifically placed.”

A team of students created the elaborate costumes and props. “My props team, a group of five female students, designed and built the Tiamat, a five-headed, multicolored dragon,” said LaChance-Denton. “I simply showed the ladies how to build a basic puppet, and they took it and ran with it. The end product features five puppets that breathe smoke, light up, glow under blacklight, have horns — so many elements that went above and beyond my initial concept. As a teacher, I’m always trying to find ways to step back and allow my students to step up, and with the props ladies, I could not be prouder. Throughout this show, every student involved stepped up and produced great work. I was in awe of their professionalism, commitment, dedication, and overall quality.”

The show turns traditional stereotypes on their head with its emphasis on strong female warriors. “She Kills Monsters is such a girl-power show,” said LaChance-Denton. “The character Agnes develops and grows into a strong, independent woman, and she’s a wonderful role model for my female students. The show is led by the relationship between two strong female characters. They not only carry the show but also kick butt and take names throughout.”

This aspect of the script was particularly appealing to Thespian senior Livy Potthoff, who plays Agnes. “It makes you feel very powerful. Being with a group of girls that really support each other is the best,” Potthoff said. “I love sharing a strong feminine message. I also love the depth of the character. Agnes has funny moments, and fierce moments, but she also has vulnerable emotions she has to conquer. It’s a roller coaster. I don’t think Agnes understands herself at the beginning of the show. She’s dealing with the death of her entire family, and she doesn’t know how to cope. At the end, she overcomes her fears and insecurities — that’s what each dragon head represents. She finally understands her own struggles and her sister’s life.”

LaChance-Denton was drawn to the way the show addresses LGBTQ issues. “On a basic level, I knew the ’90s pop culture references and costumes would intrigue my students. On a deeper level, acceptance, coming of age, learning what it means to be ‘me,’ and dealing with bullying are universal themes,” she said. “Everyone can find elements to connect with. I have students who identify as LGBTQ who don’t feel safe in the current climate. I wanted to direct and produce a show to tell LGBTQ teens of the community, ‘You are welcome, you are worthy, you are accepted.’” To that end, LaChance-Denton partnered with the school’s LGBT+ Alliance, which coordinated talkbacks after performances, and the cast and crew fundraised for a local shelter serving gay teens.

Like her director, Potthoff is thrilled to take the production to a larger audience. “I’m so excited to show everyone our heart and soul,” she said. “Our troupe is a true example of how passion and determination can pay off. To think that we didn’t have a troupe three years ago, and now we’re going to ITF is unbelievable. I’m ready to have fun doing what I love with my friends. I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this family.”