Photo of the Day: 

The cast and production team of Henry VI Parts 1 and 2 have their first read-through!

Today’s Date: June 12th, 2025

Show Title: 1 Henry VI + 2 Henry VI

Director: Hailey Pearce + Mili Koncelik

Staff Crew: 

1H6: Emerson Helmbrecht and Topher Zane (RDAs); Alexa Palena and Analise Toone (Interns)

2H6: Sara Bateman and Sarah Clayton (RDAs); Madeline Cook and Allison Monfalcone (Interns)

What we did

Following their learning of their roles before dinner and an intimacy master class led by RDA Topher Zane, the campers settled in for a double feature read-through of 1 Henry VI and 2 Henry VI. Since the campers will be performing in repertory and have parts in both shows, we had to have one mega read-through with everyone. During 1 Henry VI, the campers playing some of the French characters (Anna Caroline as Charles, Wren as Bastard, and Everett as Burgundy) got to try out their French accents while the English dove deep into the intricacies of English royalty through a particularly funny version of Mortimer’s monologue by Chiara. Between plays, Mili led a Chappell Roan dance party to keep the vibe up during the late night. The campers then began anew with their second play of the session, and continue with the same levels of high-abundance energy. Crazy, right? But, of course they would….these kids are pros!

Quick and Quotable

• From the play “She hath bewitched me with her words” -Burgundy 

• From the director  “H—O—T—T—O—G—O, you can take me hot to go!” -Mili during dance party break

Production Insights 

Through French accents and an award for the best mispronunciation, the campers are learning what it means to try new things and take risks. In the safe space of camp, the fear of embarrassment is lessened. If this is how willing they are to try on the first day, I can’t even imagine what this group will look like by the performances!

After a fun dance break and a sing-along to the hottest song to go, the camplers settled back down to start their read through of 2 Henry VI! Rearranging their chairs to create a stagelike space, campers were already fully prepared to step into both their character and a world full of betrayal, romance, and, of course…lots of beheading. Though we need to practice pronouncing some character names (English is stupid!), these campers are so ready to bring these fun and action-packed histories back to life!