Step into Jonas’ perfect world, where everything seems controlled and safe. No war, no fear, no pain—only assigned roles and no choices. But when he turns 12 years old, Jonas is chosen for special training from The Giver. He’ll receive memories of real pain and joy, unveiling the truth about life and the hypocrisy of his utopian world. Through this moving adaptation, discover what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of your own destiny.
Performed by NCTC’s High School Performance Ensemble
Approx. 70 minutes plus one intermission l Read the show program
Best for ages 10+ years.
Tickets: $24.50 Adults, $18.50 Youth (includes fees)
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.
“Beautifully thought-provoking…the play will give any family unit plenty of things to talk about” – Arts Knoxville
“Not only lives up to the promise of the book, but also adds another layer of depth to the story for those familiar with it already” – DC Theatre Arts
Creative Team
Director Stephanie Temple (she/her) is a Central California native who’s made SF (and NCTC!) her home for over 20 years. Since 2002, she’s worked as a teaching artist, director, and Children’s Playwright-in-Residence for NCTC Education. She loves when former NCTC students visit or even work professionally at NCTC! Stephanie specializes in curriculum development and creating devised original plays, and she enjoys mentoring both students and teaching artists. With a Master’s in Drama from SFSU and a B.A. from the University of Southern California’s School of Theatre, Stephanie is also a professional actor, puppeteer (most recently for San Francisco Opera and as Kate Monster in NCTC’s Avenue Q,) and a director/choreographer. In addition to creating opportunities for students at NCTC, Stephanie also runs the middle school drama program at Live Oak School in Potrero Hill and has led workshops at SFSU, CSU Stanislaus, Merced College, and PCPA Theatrefest. With NCTC students, Stephanie has proudly adapted and developed over 25 original plays such as Goldi Locks and the Three Aliens, Sock Puppet Jamboree, Bollywood Sleeping Beauty, The Odyssey, and The Emperor’s New Posts.
Stage Managers: Odysseus Gallagher and Iman Williams
Production Manager: Toni Guidry
Technical Director: Alan Huang
Set Designer: Devin Kasper
Sound Designer: Kaitlin Rosen
Lighting Designer: Kyler Stanion
Cast
Charlie Taumoepeau: Giver
Eleanor Hamlin: Larissa, Chief Elder
Luke Thompson: Father
Miela Raymond: Mother
Natalie Babler-Kuebler: Asher
Orlando Guzman: Jonas
Viola Bishop: Lily
Zoe O’Neal: Fiona, Rosemary