The Amphibians

Sundown Collaborative Theatre continues their 17th season with The Amphibians, written by Dan Caffrey and directed by Taylor Hoyt. The show opens June 27th and runs for two weekends, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. “Together?” “Together.” Set thirteen years in the future, The Amphibians takes place in west central Florida shortly after we've passed the point of no return in the fight against climate change. When two high schoolers unearth a wondrous discovery in the woods, they learn hard lessons about the evolution of friendship and what it means to take care of something at the end of the world. The Amphibians perfectly balances the coming-of-age tale of two young women soon to enter the next chapter of their lives and the haunting understanding that the world they are stepping into is dying. This is an extremely relevant, visceral, funny, and heart wrenching piece that will leave you thinking about the future and the fragility it can hold. Working with Sundown Theatre is always such an immense joy. As a company, they lead with heart, humanity, and exceeding kindness; the process for The Amphibians has been a testament to this virtue. The play itself is wholehearted and sincere, and I cannot wait for audiences to see it. It’s a show that asks us to examine the very best and worst parts of ourselves and how it affects our planet and every person in it. I am so thankful to Dan Caffrey for writing such a moving story. These girls will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even save the world. If not for yourself, then maybe for them. —Taylor Hoyt, Director Working on this project has been nothing short of amazing. It’s such a timely piece about the state of our planet, told in a down-to-earth way, and these characters feel so real (I always joke that I’m “healing my inner teenager” by playing Simone, since I see so much of me in her), that you can’t help but hope everything turns out okay for them. I’ve been a Sundown Collaborative Theatre fan since I first heard of them and getting to work with Taylor, Julia, Courtney, Ryan, and Lauren is such a treat. Be prepared to be deeply moved by a play that has an important message to share. —Claire Fountain, Simone About the Director: Taylor Hoyt is a Denton-based actor and writer making their directorial debut with The Amphibians. She has recently appeared as Ophelia in 12 Ophelias, Eleanor in The Haunting of Hill House, and Bessie in The Drowning Girls. Taylor also served as dramaturg for 12 Ophelias and holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Texas. Their written work has appeared in Hive Avenue Literary Journal, Snapdragon: A Journal of Art and Healing, and Boned Magazine. About the playwright: Dan Caffrey is a playwright with an interest in the natural world and is thrilled to be working for the first time with Sundown Collaborative Theatre. Other plays include Matawan, KAIJU, The Tusk Hunters, and River Watchers—an immersive theatre experience on a moving 14-person canoe, co-created with Dina Vosi and Jens Rasmussen. He has been a Resident Artist at Tofte Lake Center and alumnus of The Civilians' R&D Group, with work recently developed/produced by Gloucester Stage, Kitchen Dog Theater, The Workshop Theater, Think Tank, American Records, The Road Theatre, Atlantic Theatre Company, the cell, and many colleges/universities across the country. MFA: UT Austin. Find him at dancaffreywrites.com. About Sundown Collaborative Theatre: Sundown Collaborative Theatre was formed late in 2007 by six Denton artists driven by artistic passion but frustrated by the lack of opportunities. Sundown produces innovative and relevant performances by working as a true collective of artists; we strive to bring together a diversity of cultures, experiences, abilities, and identities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other traditionally marginalized voices to collaboratively create visceral and thought-provoking experiences for our audience. About Sundown’s production of The Amphibians: This production is directed by Taylor Hoyt. The cast includes Claire Fountain as Simone, Julia Bodiford as Bryn, and Lauren Juckniewitz and Ryan Davila as the puppeteers for the Creature. Performance dates: June 27-29 and July 4-6 Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Live at the Phil Gallivan Theatre in the Theatre Denton Annex (inside Golden Triangle Mall) Address: 2201 S Interstate 35E Denton, Texas 76205 Special performances: Sunday, June 29th performance will be followed by a talkback session Sunday, July 6th performance will include ASL interpretation Ticket prices: Tickets are $17; a discounted $14 option is available for any guests who may need it, and a $20 option is also available for anyone able and willing to donate a little extra to help Sundown offset company costs. Patreon supporters receive additional discounts. Purchase tickets at sundowntheatre.org/the-amphibians/

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