Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
I grew up in Virginia with the most wonderful, liberal open-minded parents, who both were and still are Presbyterian
ministers. Although they worried that my brother and I would get an overwhelming dose of God, I can honestly say
that from where I stand now, they did alright. More than alright. They did fantastic. They allowed me to have an open,
self-chosen, and vivid connection to spirituality that was inherent in the love they raised me with and the beauty they
showed me that exists within the world. And they allowed me to grow into any sort of spiritual person I wanted to be –
to have discussions about faith and what it means to believe in a higher power. And I was able to come to it on my own.
All of us need to feel connected. But what drives the connection to God? To want to feel connected to something big-
ger – to spirituality, to divine and universal truths and powers? How do we move forward and define our modern beliefs,
in a world where Faith can seem pretty scarce? Why do we believe what we believe – and will we enlarge and change
our view as we step into the world? Do we change ourselves to adapt to what already exists or change the structure
itself? 11:11 takes us into a popular modern structure – the world of summer camp. Beyond the popularized visions
of jesus camps and ultra conservative tent revivals that the media loves to display, what do we see? What are young
people of faith really dealing with?
I did go to a Christian camp when I was younger, and I loved it. I have heard there is an unspoken lack of understand-
ing between those who have been to summer camp and those who have not – but at Camp Hanover in Virginia, it was
all the hype and then some. I have countless memories of the Mud Slide, the songs, the games, and the bonfires - but
it was challenging and questioning my young life and God that truly nurtured my love of the whole camp experience.
My hope is that inside of camp Methusalah Pines, you will be welcomed, be challenged, and be a part of this spiritual
dialogue that exists today.
I am a believer of artistic endeavors – in creation. I am so proud and happy to be actively working with one of the most
talented groups of weirdos I have even been lucky enough to call friends. It’s not easy – and probably shouldn’t be – to
push each other constantly to be better and extend further and stay just one more hour or write just one more page or
try the scene just one more time. We flip each other’s switches, we engage and disconnect, we tackle each other with
love and support. And we are always moving. We are always making choices and letting them
play out. We say YES more than we say NO and when it all shakes down at the end of
every day – whether it feels like a disaster or a masterpiece – it makes me want to keep
going. I am inspired and driven by my peers – not only within The New Colony – but
all around me. I’m all about exuding the joy chemical and helping people dis-
cover and embrace their inner self to share it with the world. In doing so, I truly
am able to discover myself, as well. Not only do I have a rockstar family that
loves me from afar, I have wonderful unique amazing friends – my bright
lights. And although it often gets passed off as naïve to try and remain so
damn positive in such a ridiculous world, it’s what I believe in.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you to people who helped me
so very much : Dandy Hobo for all of it, Hanklin Hankerstein for being
Hank, Julie Nichols for honesty and love, Matty Jillybean for being my
nonsexual life partner, Wendell for the cuddle parties, my love TK for
always making everything better, Tara Jayne (ladyfairy) and Evan for your
work and love, Thea Lux for the most amazing Jesus music ever made
by someone who dislikes the genre, Gary for being so solid, Mary Hol-
lis for being a beauty, all of TNC and Sam Snowden for the love, Casey
Adams for being on point, Shelby Wilson for being a goddess, the “Nicks”
for their awesome lighting and beautiful set design, Sean Kelly – who is
hands down the kindest, smartest, most wonderful AD I could have ever,
ever, ever been lucky enough to work with, and finally to this cast. YOU amaze
me, and I’m so honored and thankful for your zest. This show is full of your joy.
Pump it up, baby, pump it up.
Love
Meg Johns
Creative TEAM
Tara Sissom, Playwright, Dana
Tara Sissom was made Art Director, Marketing Director and a company
member of The New Colony after making her Chicago debut in TNC’s Frat and
Tupperware: An American Musical Fable. She graduated from Elon University
with BFA in Music Theatre and Digital Art and is a Company Member at B
Street Theatre in Sacramento, CA. Professional Theatre Credits: B Street
Theatre: Jack Goes Boating, Make Someone Happy, Seven Ten Split, The
Swan and Go, Dog. Go!; Flat Rock Playhouse: Beauty and the Beast, Chil-
dren of Eden, The Man Who Came To Dinner. TV/Film Credits: The Magical
World of Disney, ABC; You’re On! Nickelodeon; Gi-Ho-Lo, The Legacy of Rich-
ard Long, USA Winner of the International 48 Hour Film Festival. Tara is an
Indian Lakes Christian Camp Alumni (‘97 - ‘99), . Love to Mom, Dad & Connor.
“Indian Lakes, where the spiders and snakes get you before the grizzly bears
do. And though you run and inside you just can’t hide from those mosquitoes
that chew” - Billy Dale Sissom Jr.
Crew:
Pat Coakley Cole Orloff
Pat Fries Claire Paolini
Jay Patton -
Trailer Design
In order to redeem your Show Pass for another viewing, we will need to keep your name and contact
information on file. If you reserved tickets online, we already have your contact information. If someone else
purchased passes for you or you were a walk-in purchase, please provide your name and contact information
with tonight's box-office representative before you leave.
Returning pass holders are subject to space availability. To see Amelia again, e-mail a reservation request,
including your full name and desired show date/time to tickets@thenewcolony.org at least 48 hours prior to
your desired show time. Unfortunately, requests made within 48 hrs cannot be accepted. If space is available,
you will be emailed within 24 hours of your request.
Be prepared to show one form of government-issued photo ID at the performance. If you are bringing
first-time, paid guests with you, they must separately reserve and pay for their own passes. Please provide
us with the names of the first-time guests with whom you will be attending so that we may hold your space
with theirs.