JQA by Aaron Posner
Season 15
This country isn’t gonna get more perfect on its own.
“In Aaron Posner’s play, there is more than one John Quincy Adams, but only one way to ensure that American democracy endures.” —The New York Times
“Even if one isn’t a history buff, JQA is a thoughtful and thought-provoking piece of theatre, exploring the responsibility we owe to both our loved ones and our country.” —Broadway World
About the Play
John Quincy Adams was a brilliant but quick-tempered diplomat, one-term President, and Congressman. Award-winning playwright Aaron Posner (Stupid F**king Bird, Cyrano) imagines conversations between Adams and extraordinary Americans like George Washington, Frederick Douglass, and Abigail Adams. From BETC’s new traveling outdoor stage, four Colorado actors chart JQA’s 70-year journey from mischievous child to reluctant diplomat to abolition advocate. Provocative, haunting, and hilarious, this play challenges the ways we think about our country, our government, and ourselves. The BETC Theatre Truck hits the road for the first time this summer, bringing great theatre to Colorado communities. Free and outdoors, grab your chair or blanket, pack a picnic basket, and join us for an evening to remember.
Content Warnings
This production contains conversations about and depictions of American slavery. This production includes some moderately explicit language.
Pricing
Unless noted below, BETC Theatre Truck’s JQA is presented free of charge with the generous support of community organizations, sponsors, and donors. If you can, we invite you to give what you will to keep us moving this summer. Whether it’s $5 or $100, every dollar brings great theatre to Colorado communities.
Schedule
Sunday, June 27, 7 p.m.
Boulder Jewish Community Center
Saturday, July 3, 2 and 7 p.m.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center’s City as a Venue at Acacia Park, 115 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs
Friday, July 9, 7 p.m.
Anthem Ranch, Broomfield
Saturday, July 10, 7 p.m.
Northglenn Arts at E.B. Rains Jr. Memorial Park, 11701 Community Center Dr, Northglenn
Friday, July 16, 7 p.m.
Buntport Theatre parking lot, 717 Lipan Street, Denver
No registration required, just show up!
Saturday, July 17, 7 p.m.
ArtWalk at the Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Ave, Longmont
No registration required, just show up!
Friday, July 23, 7 p.m.
Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder
Free with registration
Friday, July 30, 7 p.m.
Frasier Retirement Community, Boulder
Please Note: This is a private presentation and is not open to public attendance.
Saturday, July 31, 4 p.m.
Depot Museum, 2201 W 10th Ave, Broomfield
No registration required, just show up!
Sunday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m.
Echo Brewing and Pizzeria, 600 Briggs St., Erie
No registration required, just show up! Please note: Outside food and drink are not allowed at this event. Enjoy the great food and drink from Echo Brewing and Pizzeria!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the show? Is there an intermission?
The show runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
What about the weather?
The show will continue through light rain but will be halted for more severe weather. Based on the most up-to-date forecast, we will determine if a pause in the show is temporary or if the show will be canceled. Advance cancellations will be announced at betcorg.wpenginepowered.com. Colorado weather can change quickly! Be prepared for heat, rain, and wind. We suggest bringing a hat and water for hot days and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Please bring rain ponchos, but leave the umbrellas at home, so they don’t obstruct the view of fellow patrons, should the show continue through light rain.
Do I have to bring my own chair?
BETC is not providing seating, so bring a chair or a blanket and settle in for a fabulous evening of theatre.
Are food and alcohol allowed?
Outside alcohol is notpermitted at any of our performances. Outside food is welcome, but please avoid noisy wrappers and indulge conscientiously. Please also be sure to dispose of any trash or recycling when you leave. Outside food is not allowed at our performance in Erie at Echo Brewing and Pizzeria.
Can I smoke?
We’d prefer you do not, but if you do, please respect those around you and abide by the rules of the facility.
Are there wheelchair-accessible restrooms?
Access to restrooms varies by location; please contact us for information 303-351-BETC.
Will there be ASL interpretation or captions?
We hope to provide ASL interpretation or captions for the BETC Theatre Truck in future years.
Is there wheelchair-accessible parking nearby?
Wheelchair accessible parking varies by location; please contact us for information at303-351-BETC.
Can I bring my dog?
We would prefer you wouldn’t, but if you do, please be respectful of your fellow patrons and abide by the facility’s rules.
Is this show suitable for children? Can I bring my baby?
Families are welcome to attend! JQA is equivalent to a PG movie. The show’s length and content make it best suited for children twelve and older, but parents with infants and very young children are welcome to attend and step out when needed so that the artists can continue the show without interruption.
Do I have to wear a mask or bring proof of vaccination?
BETC is not requiring proof of vaccination to attend. Please follow local guidelines,covid19.colorado.gov.
Digital Playbill for JQA by Aaron Posner
The People of JQA
Written by - Aaron Posner
Aaron Posner is a nationally recognized playwright, director, teacher and former Artistic Director. He has won an Outer Circle Critics Award, an Elliot Norton Award, a Joseph Jefferson Award, a Bay Area Critics Award, two Barrymore Awards and six Helen Hayes Awards as a playwright and director. His plays and adaptations include “The Heal,” “Stupid Fucking Bird,” “Life Sucks,” “No Sisters,” “District Merchants,” “Who Am I This Time (And Other Conundrums of Love),” “The Chosen,” “My Name is Asher Lev,” “Sometimes a Great Notion,” “Cyrano,” “A Christmas Carol,” and more. His musicals include “A Murder, A Mystery & A Marriage” and “What Ho, Jeeves!” His plays for young people include “The Gift of Nothing” and “Me…JAne: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall.” He has directed more than 150 productions at major regional theatres across the country and was the founder and Artistic Director of the Arden Theatre Company and a former Artistic Director of Two River Theatre.
Directed By - Candace Joice
Candace Orrino (Ensemble Member) is an actor, audiobook narrator, and director. In Colorado, she has worked with BETC, Curious Theatre, The Catamounts, Miners Alley Playhouse, and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, to name a few. A few favorite roles include Michelle in “Amerikin,” Eddie Van Halen in “Eddie and Dave,” Gloria and Nan in “Gloria,” Siobhan in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” Lizzy in “Pride and Prejudice,” Portia in “District Merchants” (Henry award nominee, best actress), Mother in “The Oldest Boy,” and Abby in “Belleville.” She has also played Shakespeare’s Malcolm, Olivia, Celia, Emilia, Perdita, Helena, Thaisa, and Bawd. Candace directed BETC’s “JQA” and “Dorothy’s Dictionary.” She is always up for a good story. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA. www.candacejoice.com
Stage Manager - Adara Baltazar
Adara Baltazar is a stage manager born and raised in Colorado. A recent graduate of the University of Denver, she has stage-managed productions throughout Colorado, including “La Boheme,” “Figaro,” and “Gato con Botas” with Boulder Opera Company, “Shrek: The Musical” with Peak-to-Peak Players, and “The Misanthrope” at the University of Denver. Notably, this is not her first truck-based production: she has also been an assistant stage manager and sound tech for Denver Center for the Performing Art’s Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. In addition to stage managing locally, Adara is currently studying at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology for her master’s in forensic psychology and counseling licensure. She is thrilled to be working with the fantastic cast, crew, and production team of BETC’s touring truck again this summer, after last year’s adventures with “JQA.”
ASM - Star Freeman
Star is an undergraduate studying theatrical lighting and creative writing. They are grateful to have been granted the opportunity to intern as an ASM with BETC as part of their education. They have previously worked with the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble in Pennsylvania and the Bennington College theatre program, as well as for an events company during the Fort Collins New West Fest. They look forward to participating in further projects up and down the Front Range.
ASM - Ashley Wagner
Scenic Designer - Tina Anderson
Tina Anderson (Ensemble Member) is a Boulder native. Her most recent designs include The Laramie Project for the Arvada Center and BETC’s Eden Prairie, 1971,for which she received a Henry Award nomination for best Set Design. Other BETC credits include Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson Apt. 2B, The Royale, Fourteen Funerals, Tiny Beautiful Things, Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time, Going to a Place You Have Already Been (also nominated for a Henry Award), Birds of North America, and The Revolutionists. Additional designs include Hurricane Diane for TRTC (Carbondale), Cherry Creek Theatre’s Moon for the Misbegotten, Peter and the Star Catcher, Ann, Steel Magnolias, and Tenderly.
Costume Designer - Erika Daun
Lighting Designer - Erik Frederiksen has worked both academically and professionally in the Greater Denver and Seattle areas. He previously served as the Lighting Designer on “JQA” at BETC, “Killer Joe,” and “The Magic Flute” at the University of Denver, “Puss in Boots” at the Boulder Opera, and “RENT: School Edition” and “Tuck Everlasting” at Village Kidstage Theatre. He is thrilled to be back at BETC this summer working on “Amelia’s Big Idea” and “Dorothy’s Dictionary.” He recently graduated from the University of Denver with a Masters in Education. When not designing, Erik works as a 7th grade social studies teacher in Denver Public Schools.
Sound Design - Ashley Campbell is a Henry-nominated Sound Designer who is thrilled to be working on her first ever show in a traveling truck with BETC. Her previous credits include “The Revolutionists”(BETC), “The Wolves” (BETC), “Tiny Beautiful Things” (BETC), “The Thanksgiving Play”(Curious), “1984”(Benchmark) to name a few. She graduated from the University of Denver in 2017.
Technical Director - Steven McDonald is an Associate Professor at the University of Denver, where he serves as the Chair and Technical Director for the Department of Theatre. Recent TD work includes “Saints of Failure” for Generator Theatre, “The Full Monty” and “Matilda” at PACE, “Reunion” with Creative Endeavor, and “Il Trittico” and “The Magic Flute” for Lamont Opera Theatre. Recent design work includes Sound Designs for “Twist Your Dickens” at Aurora Fox, “Pride & Prejudice” and “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)“ for Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, “Spamalot” at PACE, “Evita” at Phamaly, and multiple designs for Athena Project and Little Theatre of the Rockies. Steven has worked for a variety of performing arts organizations, including the Seattle Rep, South Coast Repertory Theatre, Single Carrot Theatre, and 22 seasons with the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. At DU, Steven teaches Stage Management, Sound Design, Properties, Lighting and Stage Technology. Steven earned his MFA in Theatre Design and Production from the University of California, Irvine.
Dramaturg - Heather Beasley (Ensemble Member) is the director of BETC’s 2023-24 Writers Group. Beyond BETC, she is the Director of Education at Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden, CO, and she teaches in the Professional Creative Writing and Arts and Cultural Leadership programs at the University of Denver. Her newest play, The Gentle Life-Changing Magic of Burning it All Down to the Ground, has received readings at Angels Theatre Company in Lincoln, NE; Valley Players in Napa Valley, CA; and Benchmark Theatre in Denver. Other recently produced plays include Amelia’s Big Idea at Miners Alley in Golden and for BETC on the 2022 Touring Theatre Truck, and Bone Records at Relative Theatrics in Laramie, WY. She has also worked with Imagination Makers Theatre Company, Seattle Public Theatre, the University of Colorado Boulder’s Eklund Opera, and the Nebraska and Colorado Shakespeare Festivals.
Actor A - Tresha Farris is an actor, writer, and model in her native state of Colorado. She has appeared across many Colorado stages. Notable appearances include Nina in “The Nina Variations” (Butterfly Effect Theatre Company), Bree Becker in “The Family Tree” (Arvada Center), Pearl in “Bull in a China Shop” (Benchmark Theatre Company), Aaron in “Titus Andronicus,” and Cordelia in “King Lear” (Fearless Theatre Company), Mrs. Baumgardner/Bonnie in “Atomic Sea Fish Death Romp from the Deep” (Pandemic Collective), and Amina in “Belleville” (Progressive Theatre). She is an Associate Company Member at the Catamounts, where she has appeared in roles including Susan White in “United Fight 232,” Somebody in “Everybody,” Mother in “Shockheaded Peter,” and Princess in “The Rough.” She is currently writing and creative directing the new play One Way-Back Day opening with the Catamounts February 2022. Tresha is represented by Big Fish Talent. treshafarris.weebly.com
Actor B - Jozeph Mykaels, is a native Coloradoan by way of Denver. Jozeph was educated in the public school system of Denver, graduating from Denver East High School in 2015. While at Denver East Jozeph’s love for the arts began to flourish as he became a member of the Speech and Debate team. As a freshman, a friend Suzette Turner who was already a junior and a member of the team saw Jozeph at registration and knowing that he needed electives, she basically told him that he would sign up for Speech. It was not long before speech became his passion, and Jozeph excelled. In 2013 Jozeph placed 10th in the Nation and in 2015 3rd in the Nation, and in 2014 2nd in the State, traveling to numerous states and performing at several universities, such as Harvard University and Western Kentucky University. Outside of speech, Jozeph has spoken at a number of engagements across the Midwest. While attending William Carey University, he played the role of Asagai in “A Raisin in the Sun”. In addition to his love for the arts, Jozeph has always made room in his life and schedule to give back to his community, by participating in many organizations, lending his talents as master of ceremonies during events, singing and acting when called upon. Jozeph’s goal is to continue to build his experience in his chosen craft, better said that craft that chose him, to fine-tune his abilities.
Actor C - Dan O’Neill Dan most recently appeared in 1984 with the Benchmark Theatre Company. He appeared in “Racing Demon,” “1933,” “You Never Can Tell,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Cyrano de Bergerac” with the Denver Center Theatre Company. Other shows in Denver include, “God’s Country” with the Denver Civic Theatre Company, “Oleanna” with the Avenue Theatre Company, “Lonely Planet” with the Other Theatre Company, and “Justin Bieber Meets Al Qaeda” with The Lida Project. Dan is proud to have just completed his 18th year as a drama and film teacher at Graland Country Day School.
Actor D - Kathryn Gray has been working in Denver theatre since 1978 and has acted or directed at the Denver Center Theatre Company, Hunger Artists Ensemble Theatre, Paragon Theatre, Denver Civic Theatre, Mizel Arts and Culture Center, HorseChart Theatre Company, University of Denver Theatre Program, and the University of Colorado Denver College of Arts & Media. As an Artistic Company Member at Curious Theatre Company since 2003 she has appeared as Miss K in “Praying For Rain,” Gert in “Fuddy Meers,” Nancy Shirley in “Frozen,” numerous roles, including Bix Beaver, in “Bright Ideas,” Nat in “Rabbit Hole,” Mrs. Gottlieb in “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” Dottie in “Good People,” Momo in “The Humans,” and Roberta in “Admissions.”
University of Denver Technical Internship Team - Ally Lacey, Max O’Neil, Ashley Wagner
Introduction to JQA
BETC’s new touring theatre truck enables us to engage with new audiences along the Front Range. By bringing free theatre to communities, we can dismantle the barriers to arts participation and broaden the scope and impact of our artistic efforts. We are thrilled to bring Aaron Posner’s JQA to your community today. This is our first time on the road, so we hope that you will take some time after the production to offer us your feedback. What we learn from today’s performance will shape our future.So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Director’s Note
In a 1784 letter to her friend Elizabeth Shaw, Abigail Adams wrote that “to be good, and to do good, is the whole duty of man comprised in a few words.” In just thirteen words, she tidily summarized a worthy ethos by which to live. And yet, is there really anything simple about that ideal?One look at our “fractured, fractious America” will tell you how difficult it is to get on the same page about what it means to do good. Yet, through the life of John Quincy Adams, playwright Aaron Posner has given us a citizen striving to do just that. We watch as over the course of his life JQA struggles to do good by his family, by his country, and by himself. Certainly, he does not always succeed. But one of the most remarkable things about him is that he recognizes the urgent need to keep endeavoring for that ideal, to seize the time he has right now to do good and to do more.This play is not just about the historical John Quincy Adams. In fact, I’d encourage you to let the historical aspects of our story take a backseat to someone even more interesting: the JQA of today. JQA is the four actors onstage embodying this story. JQA is the person seated next to you. JQA is you. The skills, knowledge, privilege, and character we each bring to the table can be leveraged to do real good in a world that needs our full commitment if we are going to live up to the ideals that this country represents. There is much work to do. There are injustices to face, inequities to correct, systems to repair. But when each of us chooses to not just do some good, but more good; not maybe tomorrow, but today and every day, there is also real hope for a better United States.May our JQAs inspire you in your ongoing journey to accomplishing more good. For your own family, for your country, and for yourself.—Candace Joice, Director
Food for Thought: JQA’s Journals
In 1779, at 12 years old, John Quincy Adams began a daily journal. His father John also kept a diary, while his mother Abigail corresponded in over 1,000 letters during their marriage. Abigail always knew her son loved writing. At one of their last meetings, she regretted that she had discouraged him from a career of crafting poetry and prose.Throughout his life as a prominent public servant, JQA continued his daily writing for over 68 years. At his death, he left behind 51 volumes with over 15,000 pages of entries. They detail his early diplomatic work, his presidency, his eight terms in Congress. Just as importantly, they chronicle his social life, his private life, and his struggles as a husband and father.JQA’s journals appear twice in this play, first in 1809, when he decides to leave his two oldest sons behind with relatives, in becoming ambassador to Russia. When Louisa confronts him, he claims, “The normal rules do not apply to men like me.” He complains children “bore him to distraction” and raising them is Louisa’s “Sacred Work.” His journal here is a symbol of his calling to change the world. Yet great politicians can be capable of good parenting, in spite of JQA’s claim as a young father. Today’s parents can still hear ourselves in this disagreement over work-life balance and the emotional demands of child care.The second time we see JQA’s journals on stage is the day he buries his second son John, twenty-five years later. In her grief, Louisa accuses him of being selfish in taking time to write for “future strangers,” asking: “How many hours of actual living do you suppose you’ve abandoned to that endless…to that maelstrom of posterity? How many hours that you might have spent with me? Or our children?”Now, personal writing has often required moments stolen from paid work, away from responsibilities to family members and friends. By this age, though, JQA knows the deep, painful costs of putting career and country before family life. His journals take on new meaning here, as he apologizes to Louisa. While they are already emblematic of all the work he accomplished for the country and for himself, they become symbols of his apology to later generations for what he did not accomplish, for the work he left undone.As he writes and reflects on each day, over many years, JQA learns that doing more may not lead a person to do better, or to do right. He may have kept his journal for self-improvement, but centuries later, we “future strangers” can still benefit from the lessons he learned.—Heather Beasley, Dramaturg
The University of Denver Technical Theatre Internship Program33
The University of Denver’s Technical Theatre Internship Program provides students with paid opportunities to work with professional companies and designers in a supportive setting that prepares them for the entertainment industry. During the build process, students are engaged full-time in the construction shop with working professionals, and then experience the challenges of moving the show elements to a professional venue, working with the theatre company’s team to install and present the show. Previous TTIP projects include “Saints of Failure with Generator Theatre,” “Full Monty” and “Matilda” for Parker Arts, “Reunion” for NYC-based Creative Endeavor, “Il Trittico” and “The Magic Flute” for Lamont Opera Theatre, as well as projects for The Athena Project and Phamaly.The Tech internship team for “JQA” was responsible for outfitting the Theatre Truck with touring lighting and sound systems. While each student had basic skills in lighting and sound, “JQA” was a deep dive into planning and logistics, building, and working to cross-train in different disciplines.
Team
Steven McDonald– Technical Director, Associate Professor, Department of TheatreAlly Lacey– Staff Assistant Technical DirectorMax O’Neil– Graduated in June having studied theatre, with an emphasis in sound design and directing, with minors in German and marketingAshley Wagner– Junior studying French and theatre with an emphasis in lighting technology and stage management
Thank you to our sponsors
BETC Truck Sponsor
Mark and Jamie Ragan Family
JQA Sponsor
Karen Steward Memorial Fund
Sustaining Sponsor
Cheri Belz, Architect and Realtor
Season Benefactors
Noel and Terry Hefty, Peak Asset Management Karolynn Lestrud
Support also from
SCFD, Shubert Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, Boulder Arts Commission, Boulder County Arts Alliance
