Good comedy is ridiculous things happening to real people. That’s something my father told me about six years ago during the rehearsal process for a very different show, but I think Hand to God exemplifies that concept more than any other play I’ve come across in all my years in theatre. Yes, Hand to God is about a possessed sock puppet terrorizing a Lutheran puppet group, but on a deeper level it’s about dysfunctional family dynamics, grief, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the lengths human beings will go to in order to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. These characters are ones we can see ourselves in, something that should both draw us in and make us deeply uncomfortable. Even while you laugh at their misfortune and embarrassment, you cannot fully escape the feeling that, in some ways, they’re just a little bit too much like you.
Growing up with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I never quite understood how to interact with my peers. I struggled to articulate how I was feeling to those around me, so I suffered in silence until that wasn’t an option anymore, and I got angry. Angry at both myself and the world around me. I see the best and worst parts of my teenage years reflected in Jason and Tyrone. I see the other characters in the world around me.
Then, of course, there’s the role of religion in the play. It would be easy to dismiss a show like this as blasphemous. It is, after all, a satirical comedy set in a church. I would urge audiences to look a little deeper, however. Hand to God is not anti-religion, or even anti-Christianity. It simply asks us to acknowledge the worst parts of ourselves and address them instead of dressing them up like the devil in order to escape responsibility. So if you see yourself, both your virtues and flaws, reflected on this stage, I ask you not to look away. Don’t ignore the parts of yourself that you wish weren’t there. Instead, look deeper.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” - 1 John 1:8-10
The Blue Masque The Shuford School of Performing Arts The Theatre Arts Department Presents
No Religious Texts were defaced during this production
Run Time: This production of Hand to God runs approximately 120 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, beepers, and watches.
About the Writer
Credit: Rylan Lowe
Robert Askins was born in Cypress, Texas in 1980. He moved to New York in 2005. Rob has received two EST/Sloan grants, an Arch and Bruce Davis Award for Playwriting, and he has been commissioned by Divercity Theatre and Baylor University. Rob's play, Princes of Waco, was produced and developed by Youngblood. His play Matthew and the Pastor's Wife was a part of Marathon 2010 at the Ensemble Studio Theatre. Rob's play Doll Parts was read with the Write Club sponsored by Arlene Dahl. This summer, he was a part of the 52nd Streets’ Heads or Tail: The Chancey Plays, and at one time, he could be found on the second Sunday of every month running around a fancy Greek restaurant for his site-specific brunch serial All the Little Fishes, about the trials and tribulations of working fine dining in Manhattan with Greeks. Rob is an I-73 and Youngblood Alum.
His most famous work, Hand to God, opened Off-Broadway in 2014 after three sold-out runs at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in 2011-12. The production moved to Broadway on April 7th, 2015, and ran through January 3rd, 2016. Hand to God had a short run in London from February 5th, 2016, to April 30th, 2016. He received the Tony nomination for Best Play in 2015 and won the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Play and the 2015 Theatre World Award.
History of Hand to God
Credit: Andrew Grissom
Based on the idea concept of an irreverent puppet comedy depicting southern regionalism, Hand to God was crafted by Robert Askins to make a statement in the current Broadway scene. It first premiered at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in October 2011 and returned in February 2012. Known for its use of dark humor and exploration of grief, the show gained much engagement through these performances at the Ensemble Studio Theatre. It flourished in a 2014 Off-Broadway run at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Afterward, the Booth Theatre on Broadway picked up the production. It had a great run from April 7, 2015 to January 3, 2016. Hand to God then opened at the Vaudeville Theatre in London and ran for a couple of months in 2016. Throughout its many runs, the show has gained much esteem, earning the Off Broadway Alliance Award in 2014 for Best New Play and receiving five nominations in various categories in the 2015 Tony Awards.
Who’s Who — Cast
Teddy Lepage Teddy Lepage is a Sophomore Directing and Devising major with a minor in Creative Writing. This will be Teddy's second performance in the FBC at Catawba College! You may have seen him in Urinetown (Officer Lockstock), No Exit (Valet), Carrie: The Musical (Tommy Ross), and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Demetrius). Teddy is a Senator on the Blue Masque Board and a Carpenter in the Scene Shop (Work Study). Enjoy the show!"
Haley White (Margery) (she/her) is a Senior Theatre Arts Administration and Musical Theatre double major. You may have seen her in Natural Shocks (Angela), Alabaster (Alice), Carrie: The Musical (Carrie White), Breadcrumbs (Beth/Mother), Love/Sick (Louise, Sarah, Liz, Emily), and Goldilocks on Trial (Judge Hugo T. Wallabee / Melvin the Bailiff). When she is not onstage performing, you are very likely to find her in the Box Office. She is also the Blue Masque Secretary, a member of Alpha Psi Omega (Catawba’s Theatre Honors Society), the Theatre Management Studio’s Work Study, and the House Manager for the upcoming Wizard of Oz! She wishes to thank the company of Hand to God for allowing her to learn and grow with this intense process, her family for pushing her to keep going, and her partner for standing with her every step of the way. Let your soul be blessed and Have a Good Day! :)
Talik Robinson (Timothy) (he/him) is a sophomore Elementary Education major from Salisbury, North Carolina, making his Catawba College theatre debut in Hand to God. He has been involved in theatre since high school, performing in a variety of comedic and dramatic roles ranging from narrators to the Devil himself. Though this is his first college production, he looks forward to continuing to grow as a performer at Catawba. Outside of theatre, Talik is passionate about inspiring and teaching young students. He is grateful to the cast and production team of Hand to God, as well as his friends, family, and teachers, for their continuous encouragement and support.
Grayce Pittman (Jessica) (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre Arts Administration with a minor in Business Administration. You may have seen her in recent Catawba productions such as Urinetown (Little Sally), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), The Revolutionists (Marie Antoinette), or Jekyll and Hyde (Ensemble). You may have also seen her in Lee Street productions such as Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Suzanne) or The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Shy). She would like to give a special thanks to her loving family and her support system here at Catawba. Without them, she would not be here on this stage. Thank you for supporting local theatre! Enjoy the show!
Skye Sterrett-Spencer (Pastor Greg) (they/them/theirs) is a Senior at Catawba College, and they are thrilled to be back on the stage again! You may remember Skye from previous productions here at Catawba, such as Urinetown (Bobby Strong) or Avenue Q (Trekkie Monster). They are also very proud to have worked in a different capacity as ASM on Catawba's production of Love/Sick. Finally, Skye would like to extend a special "thank you" to their family, friends, and wonderful fiance for the continued support in helping them reach their goals, and they hope you enjoy the show!
Who’s Who — Creative
Kian Bannister (Director) (he/they/she) is thrilled to be making their directorial debut here at Catawba College. Previous work in the theatre department includes stage managing Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Natural Shocks, and The Revolutionists, working as sound designer and scenic charge artist for 2025’s Senior Company, and various performance roles. In the last year, you may have seen them as Officer Barrel in Urinetown or Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When not working on shows, Kian spends their time acting as secretary for the Where Are The Diamonds? Improv Troupe on campus. They hope you enjoy this insane show as much as they’ve enjoyed directing it!
Allie Rahman (they/he/she) is a second-year theatre arts student from Louisville, KY, working towards a dual major in Theatre Arts Design & Production/Performance and Entertainment Industries. Some of their recent tech credits include A Night With David Ives (Costume Design), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Asst. Costume Design), and Carrie (A2). You may have also seen them onstage at Catawba in productions such as Becky Nurse of Salem (Gail), Urinetown (McQueen), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lysander), and The Revolutionists (Charlotte Corday). Sending so much love to the cast and crew, and hoping everyone is enraptured by this production!
Luca Narciso is a first year student here at Catawba College, He’s worked as Asst. Lighting Designer for Love/Sick last semester here and has experience with lighting all throughout high school and for touring shows! He is super excited for you to enjoy the show and hopes that the only dark moments you remember are in the script and not a blown lamp!
Francine Green-Thomas (They/Them) is a Senior at Catawba College, majoring in Musical Theatre. You may have seen them perform in main stage shows like Carrie: The Musical or Spring Awakening, as well as Blue Masque productions like Breadcrumbs or Alabaster. Though they concentrate on performance, Francine has enjoyed participating in tech roles such as Run Crew and ASM and has enjoyed designing/styling wigs for The Revolutionists and Urinetown: the Musical. Outside of performance and tech, Francine has had the privilege to be the Artistic Director of the WATD? Improv Team on campus. Now, they have had the opportunity to design and fabricate puppets, which is out of their ordinary. Francine hopes you enjoy the show!
Who’s Who — Stage Operations
Madison Alwran (She/Her) (Stage Manager) is a Junior Theatre Arts Administration Major at Catawba College. You may have seen her in past productions onstage such as Urinetown The Musical (Penelope Pennywise), Carrie: The Musical (Carrie White), Alabaster (June), or Jekyll and Hyde (Lucy Harris). She has also worked as Audio Engineer for a multitude of productions (Spring Awakening, Avenue Q) and served as Stage Manager for Catawba’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. She is a proud member of Alpha Psi Omega as well as serving on The Blue Masque board as Service and Community Outreach Chair. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Zephyr Oljeski (they/them) is a Freshman majoring in Theatre Arts Design & Production & the Assistant Stage Manager for this production of Hand to God. You might have noticed them last semester working on Urinetown also as an Assistant Stage Manager! While they were feeling a bit out of their element then, they’re feeling much more comfortable with some stage management experience under their belt. They’re very excited to work with everyone on this team, and hope that you enjoy the show! :]
Rose Moore (She/Her) is a sophomore at Catawba College. She is a theater major and a counseling minor. Prior to Hand To God, she most recently worked the light board for the Piedmont Players production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Dixie Myers (Wardrobe/Run Crew) hasn't starred in any roles, but has taken an acting class and a playreading class, deepening her understanding of theatre. She worked behind the scenes of productions including working on the set of Becky Nurse of Salem. Dixie enjoys working with other people and helping others. Dixie is a Student Ambassador at Catawba College giving tours of the campus. She is highly equipped with event planning including planning car shows and events for her car club. She enjoys spending time with her animals, and taking care of them through the hard times. Dixie enjoys working on her car and customizing it. Looking forward to working at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach, as Lainey Wilson!
Teddy Lepage is a Sophomore at Catawba College. He is a BFA Theatre Arts Major with a concentration in Directing and Devising. His most recent technical position here was Stage Manager of Love/Sick. He is currently Propsmaster and Spotlight Operator for the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz. He has worked as a stagehand in several productions of The Nutcracker. He was also on the costume team for Catawba’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. He hopes you enjoy the show!
More Information
Production Leadership Students who wish to practice high level leadership, management and craft skills may apply for production specific leadership positions. Proven leadership is important in theatre. Significant leadership roles can make the difference between a decent post-graduation job and a stellar one. Catawba Theatre Student Leaders are resourceful, good problem solvers, idea-contributors, dependable and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life - in other words, model thespians.
Rehearsal & Performance The Rehearsal & Performance provides opportunities for students to practice procedural skills in a setting where they can observe, explore, solve problems, and gain mastery through hands-on use of tools and techniques in running a show in front of a live audience. In Rehearsal & Performance students perform onstage and run the stage operations of a show. Each student completes five semesters of Rehearsal & Performance in partial fulfillment of their degree requirements.
Production Studios In the Studios students work toward successive approximation of expert practice in the four major areas of preparing a show for performance; scenery, costume, electrics and management. Each student completes four semesters of studio in three areas in partial fulfillment of their degree requirements.
Scenic Studio
Costume Studio
Electrics Studio
Management Studio
Work Based Learning/Work Study/Campus Employment The Work Based Learning, Work Study and Campus Employment Programs provide support for part-time student employment on campus in jobs that help students practice professional skills.
President — Dr. David P. Nelson
Provost — Dr. Monica Cowart
Dean of the Shuford School of Performing Arts — Dr. Phillip Burgess
Theatre Arts Department Chair & Costume Director — Prof. Erin B. Dougherty
Music and Theatre Arts Office Manager — Mr. Sacha Witt
Scenic and Visual Art — Prof. David Pulliam
Acting, Directing and History — Dr. Beth Homan
Visual Art — Prof. Ashley Pierce Love
Musical Theatre Performance — Prof. Nicholas Fuqua
Dance — Prof. Kristin Kavanagh
Lighting Designer/Technical Director — Prof. John Wampler
Adjunct in Business of Acting — Mr. Tom Lapke
Adjunct in Music & Theatre/ Collaborative Pianist — Mrs. Susan Trivette
Adjunct in Theatre Arts Management — Mrs. Heather Wilson-Bowlby
Adjunct in Technical Direction/Lighting — Mr. André Lancaster
Archival Photographer — Mr. Sean Meyers
Faculty Emeritus — Prof. Dayna Anderson
Faculty Emeritus — Dr. Kurt Corriher
Faculty Emeritus — Dr. Jim Epperson
Faculty Emeritus — Dr. Hoyt M. McCachren
Land Acknowledgement The Theatre Arts Department acknowledges the land on which Catawba College sits as part of the traditional territory of the Catawba Nation. We make this statement as a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation. Such statements become truly meaningful when coupled with authentic relationships and sustained commitment. We therefore commit to move beyond words into programs and actions that fully embody a commitment to Indigenous rights and cultural equity.
The production would like to say a very special thank you to the following:
The Psychology Department for providing their copy of the DSM-5.
Named after Myrtle, the nearly 70-year-old mascot of the Blue Masque, Myrtle’s Club is a distinguished group of individuals who support Catawba Theatre and enjoy VIP ticketing services and invitations to private events with the Catawba Theatre ensemble. In addition to tickets, membership gives you hassle free exchanges, easy booking, presale access, special discounts and other exclusive benefits. Treat yourself. Become a proud member of Myrtle Nation. Director’s, Playwright’s and Producer’s Circle Myrtle’s Club member benefits include a Flex10 package and two tickets to the Annual Blue Masque Banquet.
Myrtle’s Circle member benefits include a Flex5 package and one ticket to the Annual Blue Masque Banquet.
Corporate Partners and Supporters
Golden Circle Life Members Prof. Dayna A. Anderson Dr. Karl Hales Dr. James R. Epperson Dr. Hoyt M. McCachren Dr. Janice Moore Fuller Producer’s Circle Kathy & David Pulliam Kathleen & Hamp Shuford
Playwright’s Circle Joe & Dani Hunter Elaine Holden
Director’s Circle Elaine C. Howie Jean Wurster Jay & Meg Dees Linda Kessler Mike Cline Clyde & Betty Mickle Jr. Theresa Matthews Jennifer Hubbard & Steve Cobb
Myrtle’s Circle Recent Grads - 5 Years Sean Meyers Beth Homan
The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, part of the Rubenstein Arts Access Program, is generously funded by David M. Rubenstein.
Special thanks to The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust for supporting the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
Additional support is provided by The Honorable Stuart Bernstein and Wilma E. Bernstein; and the Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation.
Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts.
This production is entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The aims of this national theater education program are to identify and promote quality in college-level theater production. To this end, each production entered is eligible for a response by a regional KCACTF representative, and selected students and faculty are invited to participate in KCACTF programs involving scholarships, internships, grants and awards for actors, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, designers, stage managers and critics at both the regional and national levels.
Productions entered on the Participating level are eligible for invitation to the KCACTF regional festival and may also be considered for national awards recognizing outstanding achievement in production, design, direction and performance.
Last year more than 1,500 productions were entered in the KCACTF involving more than 200,000 students nationwide. By entering this production, our theater department is sharing in the KCACTF goals to recognize, reward, and celebrate the exemplary work produced in college and university theaters across the nation.
Nov 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd @ 7:30pm Nov 16th @ 2:30pm
Hedrick Little Theatre
Becky Nurse of Salem
A Mainstage Production
Feb 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st @ 7:30pm Feb 15th @ 2:30pm
Hedrick Little Theatre
Hand to God
A Blue Masque Production
Mar 20th, 21st @ 7:30pm Mar 22nd @ 2:30pm
Florence Busby Corriher Theatre
Wizard of Oz
A Special Production
Apr 10th, 11th @ 7:30pm Apr 12th @ 2:30pm
Keppel Auditorium
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