Turn of the Screw

Turn of the Screw is a chilling psychological thriller that explores the thin line between reality and the supernatural. Set in a remote estate, the story follows complex characters whose lives become entwined with mysterious and unsettling forces. With suspense building at every turn, eerie twists, and a haunting atmosphere, this timeless tale captivates audiences and keeps them on the edge of their seats. Rich in tension, intrigue, and moral ambiguity, Turn of the Screw is a masterful exploration of fear, trust, and the unknown, leaving viewers questioning what is real long after the final scene.

Photos courtesy of Martin Seelig, Catchlight Gallery

Director’s Note

“Turn of the Screw,” or plot twists, is a legendary novella by Henry James, and the first book which directly addressed modern psychology. It was quite a challenging piece for our small cast, but they dove head first into the twists and turns with an unbridled seriousness to uncover the “truths” of this play. I am so very lucky to have had such dedicated and analytical actors to rise to this challenge, and I am so very proud of what they have accomplished. Even our youngest actors rose to meet each nuanced moment.

I hope you all enjoy as much as we have, trying to unweave this story, all while being thrilled by each creepy minute. You never know what or who may appear, or what whispers may come to your ears, in the darkness. All I am sure of is that you will be talking about this story long after you leave the theater.

My heartfelt thanks to my amazing cast, brilliantly talented artistic and tech crews and my fabulous Producer, Jan Kotula for bringing this intricately complicated play to our stage. Enjoy!

-Sally Kinka

Who’s Who?

Audrey Head

Audrey is thrilled to return to the ACLT stage for her third production following her roles in Exit Laughing and Shrek the Musical. She would like to thank her husband for his infinite support, her fellow castmates and crew for their dedication and friendship, and director, Sally, for bringing this story to the Ashe County community.

Hunter Hogg

Hunter Hogg is happy to be back on the ACLT stage. Since his debut in 2018, Hunter has performed many roles, the most recent of which is the voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, B. Flatt in Second Samuel, and Dr. Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein.

Jill Gambill

Jill has been active in ACLT since 2000. She has participated in more than 30 shows, including The Mountain in Us where she portrayed her 6th great-grandmother, and Matilda as The Trunchbull. When not on stage, she teaches art at Ashe Middle School. Enjoy the show!

Maya Hernandez

Maya is excited to return to the Ashe County Little Theatre stage, where audiences previously saw her in The Time Wizard. She is thrilled to take on the role of Flora in Turn of the Screw. A huge fan of musicals, Maya loves being involved in theatre and is grateful for this opportunity to perform. She would like to thank Ms. Mary Job for encouraging her to become more involved in theatre and helping inspire her love of the stage.

Felix Young

This is Felix’s third production with Ashe County Little Theatre, and she is delighted to portray Miles. Felix is a student at Two Rivers Community School, and she loves crafting, thrifting, gaming and exploring new places. Felix dedicates this performance to her baby brother in Heaven. A fun fact: Felix catches crabs with her bare hands!

Angelica (Geli) Hogg

Angelica Hogg is delighted to haunt the ACLT stage yet again. Their onstage roles include Ruby in Second Samuel, Charlie in Willy Wonka, and many Ensemble characters. Geli is often found backstage, and she recently stage managed Ripchord, Matilda, and Little Shop of Horrors.

David Hecht

David is cast for his first production at ACLT. David recently moved to Ashe County with his wife and puppies, Gertie and Buster. David has played many characters in shows like Oklahoma and Little Abner. David also enjoys helping out behind the stage building set pieces.

Aiden DePalma

Aiden made his debut with Ashe County Little Theatre as “Tiny Tim” four years ago when he was 7 years old. Since then, Aiden has starred in several productions. Besides acting, Aiden loves playing soccer, wants to start a Rock Band and become a Private Pilot. Aiden thanks his family and ACLT for their constant love, encouragement and support.

Camri McCormick

Camri is excited to be on stage acting again with the ACLT. Last year, she appeared in The Christians and Cafe Murder, and she is enjoying participating in this production. When not acting, Camri enjoys reading, crafting, hiking, and volunteering with her therapy dog, Abby.

Christina Wagoner

Christina is delighted to be returning to the ACLT stage as Maggie the Maid. Previously, she has been seen in the ACLT productions of Matilda, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Christians. Off stage, Christina is a local CPA and the ACLT Treasurer. In her spare time, she loves hiking, singing, and playing music. She is thankful for her husband and children and their unwavering support.

Delia Gambill

Delia has been in theater since she was one. She attends Ashe Early College, loves to draw and write when not on stage. Delia has previously been seen on stage as Matilda in Matilda the Musical and most recently in the chorus of Shrek the Musical. Enjoy the show!

Elsie Friesland

Elsie is excited to return to the ACLT stage for her third production, playing Maid Milly in Turn of the Screw. She enjoys creating videos in CapCut, writing, drawing, and reading. One of her favorite past roles was Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical.

Jan Kotula

Producer
Jan’s musical interests began early with the oboe, flute, piccolo, and singing. Her love of performing grew in high school, leading to roles in productions. She discovered a passion for producing, with The Turn of the Screw marking her fifth production. For Jan, the magic of theatre is watching a story come to life alongside the director, cast, and crew.

Stephen Banks

Stephen is so excited to be involved with another ACLT show! His previous credits include "Dracula" and "The Christians." He also proudly serves as Vice President of ACLT, and enjoys playing piano and reading. He thanks each member of this show's cast, crew, and audience - you all put the "community" in community theatre!

Production Staff

Director: Sally Kinka
Producer: Jan Kotula
Assistant Director/Stage Manager: Stephen Banks
Backstage Techs: Jerry Brandt
Costume Design: Sally Kinka
Costume Techs: Jill Gambill, Della Vodenicker, Camri McCormick, Jan Kotula, Alexis Howard
Makeup/Hair Design: Charna Howson
Makeup/Hair Techs: Sophia Roten, Annette DePalma, Renee Thompson
Set Design: Sally Kinka
Lighting Design: Lennon Lupton
Sound Design/Tech: Richard Edmondson
Master Carpenter: Jerry Brandt
Set Construction: Eli Accetta, Mike Kotula, David Hecht, Bob Rogers, Mike Rocha, Chris Young
Set Painting: Mike Kotula, Jan Kotula, Jake Ross, RJ Ross, Sally Kinka
Props: Edie Miller, Jan Kotula, Sally Kinka, Angelica (Geli) Hogg, Kimberly Perzel
Photographer: Brooke Calhoun
Videographer: Brooke Calhoun, Shalama R. Blevins
Poster Design: Brooke Calhoun
Marketing/Promotion: Brooke Calhoun, Jan Kotula, Shalama R. Blevins
Publicity: Brooke Calhoun, Jan Kotula
Fundraising: Jan Kotula, Shalama R. Blevins
Front of House Managers: Mike and Jan Kotula
Front of House Volunteers: Eli Accetta, Jerry Brandt, Beth Calhoun, Melissa Edmondson, Janet and Bob Edsell, Jan Gambill, Kelly Halsey, Mary Job, Vicki Lutz, Edie Miller, Tracy Turner, Della Vodenicker, Abigail Vidal, Elizabeth Beach
Bakers: The Baker’s Addict, Ryanne Barker, Janet Edsell, Junine Johnson, Jan Kotula, Della Vodenicker, Edie Miller

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