Welcome
Hi friends!
Are you a theater prepping for COME FROM AWAY performances?
Are your actors portraying history they did not live through or don’t remember? Even the actors who lived through 9/11 struggle to parse though their memories in a way that activates them as an actor who needs to play a time when there was new information coming in at every moment.
A quick 9/11History Google search brings an overwhelming amount of information full of rabbit holes and politics. What is essential information for your actors as they portray characters impacted by that day and the days surrounding it?
Let me help.
I have designed a packet which assimilates the history your actors need to know into information they need as actors.
Don’t play the history, embody the history.
Who am I?
I am an actor, an educator, and a New Yorker who lived through this moment in history.
I am a person who loves Come From Away. I am deeply interested in helping the “Never Forget” legacy of those tragic events.
I am a person who has spent a great deal of time in Newfoundland and knows all of the “real people” on a personal level.
Most importantly, I am an original cast member (Diane and others.) My eight year history with Come From Away, from the original production at the La Jolla Playhouse through the final performance on Broadway, means I was part of a multi-year rehearsal and development process of this beautiful show. I know what helped us—and what didn't from the inside out.
Recently I spent four days building a dramaturgy packet and teaching the students of the renowned Professional Performing Arts School in New York City as they prepped for their production. I am on faculty there and it made sense for me to help out. I didn’t go into these days with a plan to share this information with others, but over the days I realized the information I was sharing would be helpful to anyone staging Come From Away whether it’s a professional theater, an educational institution, or a local show. I made a pitch to Musical Theatre International, who licenses Come From Away, and they agreed.
I am in the process of prepping a COME FROM AWAY DRAMATURGY PACKET which will guide directors through a dramaturgy session. Interested in having me lead the discussion? You can bring me in virtually or in person to guide your cast I will work within your budget.
Email me directly for more information and pricing.Sharon@SharonWheatley.com
An announcement! My new comedy, DRIVE, has been selected for global licensing by Concord Theatricals. Currently I am in development with director Lisa Peterson and Concord Theatricals (with a lot of help from Beth Williams at Grove Entertainment) as we prepare to bring DRIVE to audiences around the world!
- Drive, which stars me and my long time friend and Come From Away cast mate, Astrid Van Wieren, played to sold out, standing room only crowds at La Jolla Playhouse’s WOW Festival in April of 2023 and had it’s Canadian Developmental Premiere in Newfoundland in the summer of 2024.
- Can’t wait for the play? Order DRIVE the book NOW!