UVU TYE Center Presents: New Kid

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY

October 24–25, 2025

CAST

Lillian Sampson Nick

Abby Fillmore Mench

Morgan Miller Luke Mug

Genesie Smith Mother

Tyla Engstrom Swing

Tyler McCabe Swing

PRODUCTION TEAM

Dr. John Newman Producer

Scott Savage Director

Hannah Michels Assistant Director

Hannah Michels Stage Manager

Shannon Hutchins Production Manager

Jen Delac Production Manager

Hannah Michels Sound Design

Cameron McBride Scene Design

Cameron McBride Prop Design

Kaely Hope, Scott Savage Costumes

Rick Lorig Scenic Design Supervisor

Meredith Campbell Tour Coordinator

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Most people attend an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school. If there’s a move, it can be a big deal. Between kindergarten and 12th grade, I attended nine different schools, including moving 12 times before I was 12. Being new is weird. No one knows you, there’s no requirement that anyone talk to or like you, and that is only compounded when you don’t know the culture, customs, or language (talk to me about the move from San Jose, CA to Spanish Fork [Fark], UT!).

Nick is in these shoes, and during this play, we want you to be, too. Nick is from the fictional foreign country “Homeland” and doesn’t speak this strange new language. During the play, notice how long it takes you to pick up what is happening or being said, and how you feel in each new situation that Nick enters. My hope is that watching this play helps us notice and embrace what is new and different a little more. Enjoy the show.

SPECIAL THANKS

This production was made possible through the collaboration and support of many dedicated members of the UVU community. We’d like to acknowledge Amy Whipple and the costume shop team for their assistance, and Kreg Kiggins and the scene shop for providing prop support. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the UVU Theatre faculty, whose mentorship and commitment to student learning and growth make experiences like this one not only possible but truly transformative for everyone involved.