SAAC welcomes Kristen Blossom as the visiting director and choreographer for this summer’s production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Blossom, who is currently the Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing at Louisiana Tech University, will be making her directing debut at SAAC’s Callaway Theatre. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring to the stage this classic tale of the power of light and love to defeat darkness and anger in the lives of Quasimodo and Esmeralda, set in the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris.
“It is so easy to let our beliefs about ourselves be shaped and warped by the people around us. It requires a tremendous amount of courage to redirect those thought patterns, step outside of the abuse and refuse to let other people’s opinions of us determine who we are,” Blossom says. “There is so much darkness in Quasimodo’s world and a lot of it exists in his own mind. Re-defining how you see yourself is no small feat. It takes all the inner-strength Quasimodo can muster to step into his personal power and allow himself to be immersed in light and experience love.”
A show with wonderful creative opportunities for actors, singers, dancers, and choir members of varying skill levels, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature. It includes the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs, with a storyline that embraces theatrical storytelling while including verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.
Blossom has extensive experience directing both children and adults at the community theatre and collegiate levels. She holds an MFA in Acting, from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory, which has been rated one of the top 25 Drama Schools in the world. She. As member of the Actors Equity Association, she has extensive experience performing and directing on stages all over the country. She is a trained dancer and registered yoga teacher, allowing her to incorporate her teaching techniques into all elements of the production.
“Working with me means that together we will constantly be peeling back layers and finding a deeper meaning in every word, movement and moment. I lead with my heart and try to encourage other artists to do the same,” Blossom says.
“The Hunchback of Notre” Dame is sponsored by Murphy USA and will run July 18-28, with auditions beginning June 1 with a call for choir members and June 2-3 for actors, singers and dancers. Stop by SAAC on Saturday, May 18 to meet Blossom and the other members of the creative team beginning at 4 pm. Audition materials will be available, and you will have a chance to hear more about Blossom’s vision for this classic tale. For more information, please call the SAAC at 870-862-5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.