Senior Addie Zaner is originally from Jacksonville, Alabama, double majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Production and History. Zaner is the director of Omicron Eta’s The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less, one of the featured events in Kaleidoscope. 

According to chapter president Carley Carey, Omicron Eta is JSU’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, a theatre honor society that has the purpose of acknowledging students with a high standard and accomplishment in theatre and allowing like-minded individuals to gather in hopes of making art and accomplishing theatre together. Alpha Psi Omega is also intended to demonstrate what can be accomplished to stimulate interest in college and university theatre by an honor society. 

Everyone is invited to attend the show at no charge at Stone Performing Arts Center on Friday, April 14^th, at 7:30 pm. 

Tell us about this show. What are some of your responsibilities as director? What has been your favorite part in preparing for the show? What are you most looking forward to?

This show is a whirlwind comedy that tells the story of the Iliad, the Odyssey, and All of Greek Mythology! This show is fast-paced and full of witty and physical comedy. Some of my responsibilities as director is to run rehearsals, working with our production team to create a fun and cohesive show, and helping guide the actors to creating a fun show for people of all ages to enjoy. My favorite part of preparing for the show is our nightly warm-up games. It gets everyone physically and mentally warmed up for the rest of rehearsal, but it also brings everyone together and creates a fun-loving environment. I’m really looking forward to having schools come see this funny show and see their reactions. 

When did you know that JSU was the right school for you?

I knew that JSU was the right school for me when I came to watch The Imaginary Invalid in 2019. I loved the show and all of the designs in it. The cast was amazing, and I could tell that we would get along really well. In fact, this is where I met my now fiancé who was in the cast!

What are some benefits of your major?

Some of the benefits of my major is it gives me a space and the skills in order to express myself creatively. I love to be able to create something that people enjoy and that will make people for years to come remember certain aspects of the shows I work on. I enjoy being able to create a healthy working environment for everyone around me and providing a safe space of actors and creatives alike to come to me if they have any concerns.

What is your favorite thing about JSU?

My favorite thing about JSU is the people. I have made so many friends in my time here that I will keep for a lifetime, and I am so glad to be close with these people.

What clubs/organizations are you involved in? 

I am currently the treasurer in Alpha Psi Omega, which is the theatre honor society here at JSU.

What is one way that you have grown during your time at JSU? 

One way that I’ve grown in my time at JSU is learning to be more confident in my skills while also keeping an open mind about learning new things and being open to new opportunities. Confidence is key, especially in the theatre industry and I’m glad I have had the help and support in order to grow in this way.

What is your favorite course that you have taken? 

My favorite course that I’ve taken is probably Elements of Design with Freddy Clements. I love Freddy and his style of teaching; he has taught me many ways to be able to express my creativity and think critically that I know I will use for the rest of my life.

Any recent accomplishments? 

Recently I have been hired as a props intern for Des Moines Metro Opera theatre in the summer of 2023. I was also nominated for a KCACTF award for my work as Stage Manager in last fall’s production of Alison’s House.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? 

After I graduate, I plan on travelling around the country and working at various theatres. Eventually I would love to move to the UK and attend graduate school to obtain my M.F.A. One day I would love to settle down and teach others the joy and wonders of theatre and how they can express themselves in a healthy way.

What is a fun fact about yourself? 

A fun fact about myself is that I have a scar on my finger from where I sliced it open trying to open a new knife with another knife.

What advice do you have for first-year students? 

Some advice I would give to first year student is to take some classes that will be fun to you. These classes will be the ones you remember most and will teach you lessons that you can apply to any aspect in your life.