She Kills Monsters

The Butler University Department of Theatre continues its 2024 – 2025 season with She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen, directed by William Fisher. Performances run in the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts from Wednesday, November 13 through Sunday, November 17, 2024.

As part of the JCA Signature Series, Playwright, Qui Nguyen, also of Strange World and Raya and the Last Dragon fame will be on hand for a free pre-show keynote address on Friday, November 15th and a post-show talkback on Saturday, November 16th. The creative team of this exciting collaboration includes members of the of the design team from the Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company’s original production of She Kills Monsters. Set designer, Nick Francone (Severance – Apple TV, Elsbeth – CBS) and Puppet Designer and Director, David Valentine, (2024 Drama Desk Award nominee for Outstanding Puppetry) are joined by Indianapolis Lighting Design superstar Laura Glover, Chicago-based Sound Designer Chet Miller, and Butler Theatre alum costume designer Amanda Rooksberry.

Set in 1995 Athens, Ohio, She Kills Monsters weaves a high-energy, dramatic comedy that tells the tale of Agnes Evans after the tragic death of her entire family, and especially her nerdy younger sister, Tilly. When Agnes stumbles upon Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons RPG module, we are catapulted into an imaginary world populated by supermodel elves, warrior women, ogres the other fantastical monsters that populate Tilly’s refuge. She Kills Monsters is a journey of discovery and affirmation, an action-packed adventure that explores friendship and acceptance, offering a heart-pounding homage to the inner geek and warrior in us all, with more than a touch of humor. Whether you are a D & D “noob” or a 4th Generation 7th level Paladin, this is an adventure that should not be missed!

 “Deceptively breezy and rather ingenious. The whole enterprise is kind of dopey and kind of invigorating and kind of remarkable. It will slash and shapeshift its way into your heart.” – The New York Times  

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students who present an ID at the Clowes Memorial Hall box office during the regular business hours of Wednesday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

The Butler Theatre cast includes Kaya Howell (Avon, IN) as Agnes, Rylee Morris (Kokomo, IN) as Tilly, Teagan Morrison plays Vera, the school guidance counselor and voice of reason. Maselli DeSantis plays Miles, Agnes’ boyfriend. Also in the cast are Dylan Earl (Brownsburg, IN) as Chuck, Agnes’ new dungeon master, who helps guide her through the game, in which the “great mage” Steve, played by Josh Matasovsky (Fishers, IN), repeatedly struggles and fails to succeed. Marissa Huggett as Lilith and Joslyn Bishop as Kaliope, help form part of Tilly’s and Agnes’ squad of adventurers alongside Sutter Sherwood as Orcus. Along the way, the group battles with Farah the Fairy, played by Izel Valdiosera (Carmel, IN) and cheerleaders Evil Gabbi and Evil Tina played by Morrison and Valdiosera respectively. Puppeteers Jordan Stivers, Zach Ross, Julia Ellisor, Sarina Allen (Avon, IN), and Matthew Couch round out the cast.

**She Kills Monsters contains references to death, sex, and sexuality, and strong language. Partially set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the performance contains fantasy gore and killing on stage, as well as intense sound and lighting and is generally suitable for ages 14 .

She Kills Monsters
November 13 – 17, 2024 (Wed-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:00pm)
Schrott Center for the Arts at Butler University
10 W 46th Street Indianapolis, IN 46208
Tickets are available at wwww.butlerartscenter.org