Dew Drop Drama Co. kills monsters in their new production
A fight scene during rehearsal. Credit: Dew Drop Drama Company
A look at Dew Drop Drama Company’s new production, “She Kills Monsters”
By M Yeager
This semester, Dew Drop Drama Company (3DC) takes on “She Kills Monsters,” a 2011 play by Qui Nguyen. The club’s biggest production to date, “She Kills Monsters” follows Agnes Evans in 1995 Athens, Ohio as she endeavors to learn more about and connect with her sister, Tilly, who died an untimely death. Agnes embarks on a classic Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) adventure written by Tilly with the help of a Dungeon Master by the name of Chuck. There will be two performances at the Frey Theater on campus, one on Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.and and the other on Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m.
“She Kills Monsters” is a production that has come up in many of 3DC’s production brainstorm sessions during board meetings, and several of the club members have either seen or taken part in other productions of the play. “It’s a really well-loved show,” said Madeline Maurer ‘25 (Elementary Education), stage manager of the production.
Another reason for the decision to perform “She Kills Monsters” is the fact that it is both a queer- and D&D-centered story, which melds well with the club, cast and wider campus community. “It’s been really cool to see those elements that are also very present on St. Kate’s campus and being able to bring that in with a fun show like this,” said Maurer.
Outside of the St. Kate’s community, this year marks the 50th anniversary of D&D and there has been a long history of the tabletop game in the Twin Cities. “The original prototype game for what would become Dungeons & Dragons was started here, a few blocks away from campus,” said Tessa Schoenecker ‘25 (History/Art History, ASL minor), co-director and costume head.
One of 3DC’s goals is to continue to hone their craft, and with the intensity of the production of “She Kills Monsters,” they do just that. “After ‘DNA’ last year went well, we were saying we just really want to continue to improve our craft and to continue to make better theater,” said Schoenecker.
“It definitely is one of our most advanced shows so far,” said Aurora Long ‘25 (Digital Media Studies/Women’s Studies, Psychology minor), co-director and tech director. “I’m just excited for people to see how hard we’ve been working.”
Maurer and Schoenecker agreed with Long’s assessment, explaining how the production is prop-, costume- and tech-heavy. With the large amount of props that need to be hauled across campus, Schoenecker noted that all of them are stored in her own living space. “We’ve [Maurer and Schoenecker] just been living in like cardboard town for the past three months.”
The most difficult aspect of production has been scheduling, which is what Schoenecker called “the natural consequences of student-run and student-cast theater.” There have been two two-hour rehearsals a week, with production meetings every other week. This week marks tech week, wherein there are four-hour rehearsals in the Frey Theater Tuesday through Thursday.
A scene with Tilly, Chuck and Agnes. Credit: Dew Drop Drama Company
Despite the difficulties, one thing that all three agreed on being the easiest part of the process was the cast. “The cast really gels well together and so I feel like kind of getting the chemistry going with our actors has been one of the easier parts of it,” said Maurer. The cast is also proactive and willing to adjust, help and offer input on many aspects of the production.
If you’re interested in attending one or both of the performances, Maurer, Long and Schoenecker stressed that there is something in the play for everyone, whether it be the queer representation, D&D and nerdy representation, the comedy or the heartfelt story itself.
“Come to the show, it’s epic,” said Maurer. “She literally fights monsters the whole time.”
“I think it’s so important to support student-run theater, especially since we don’t have an official theater program anymore. It’s important to show that arts are still really welcomed and loved on our campus,” said Schoenecker.
The tickets for the show are $5, and with the Frey Theatre across campus, Schoenecker and Long argued that there isn’t an excuse not to go if you aren’t already busy. In the words of Long, “Just pull up, guys.”
Tickets can be bought online through The O’Shaughnessy’s website.
Follow 3DC on Instagram: @dewdropdramaco
