Billy Bard and the Playground Tragedies Program
2025 JUNIOR DRAMA PRODUCTION
A One Act Play by Charlotte Nixon
Show Dates: December 11–13, 2025
Thursday, Dec. 11 – CAST A
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
Show Time: 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 12 – CAST B
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
Show Time: 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13 – CAST A
Doors Open: 10:30 a.m.
Show Time: 11 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13 – CAST B
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
Show Time: 7 p.m.
THE VIDEOTAPING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Synopsis: When playground king Billy Bard catches a spy from rival Canterbury Elementary, he shares the legendary Stratford “playground tragedies” as a warning. Through hilarious retellings inspired by Julius Caesar, King Lear, and Macbeth, Billy reveals a history of safety‐patrol coups, slide‐side civil wars, and allergy‐kid prophecies. The message is clear: Stratford’s playground isn’t just ruled—it’s epic, and not to be messed with. A playful, fast‐paced comedy about imagination, rivalry, and the high drama of recess.
Welcome to Billy Bard and the Playground Tragedies! Tonight, you’ll witness Shakespearean drama like you’ve never seen it before, complete with a safety patrol squad uprising, a fierce battle for control of the swings, and fortune-telling witches who know more than your horoscope app ever could.
This play proves that the playground can be just as dramatic as any royal court. Our junior high cast has poured their energy into bringing these stories to life. Through laughter, teamwork, and a few tongue twisters, they’ve shown that Shakespeare’s themes of rivalry, ambition, and destiny are alive and well, even between recess bells!
As directors, we could not be prouder of these students. Their creativity, courage, and commitment have turned rehearsals into a whirlwind of ideas and laughter. A heartfelt thank you to our crew, volunteers, families, and school administration for making this production possible. It really is a team effort to put a performance together, and a special thank you to Ms Matthews-Nichols, Mr Adam, Ms Williams, Ms Page, Ms McLim, and Ms Nixon for all they have contributed to the show.
So grab your seat, silence your cell phones, and prepare for a playground where swings are kingdoms, witches rule recess, and safety patrols dream of power. Enjoy the show!
– Ms. Bresciani and Ms. Haensel
Time and Place:
This play takes place on an elementary school playground. While the location doesn’t change, the story bounces between the present and various times in the past. The playground doesn’t need to change, though the past might seem ancient to the kids in the play, it’s only a few years.
Scene Breakdown:
Scene A: Red Rover, Red Rover – Billy Bard, Tom Waslingham
PART ONE | Julius Caesar
1. Safety Patrol Senate – Jules, Bruce, Cienna, Anthony, Portia, Calpur
2. Conspiracy to Murder – Cienna, Calpur, Portia, Bruce
3. The Ides of March – Jules, Bruce, Cienna, Anthony, Portia, Calpur
Scene B: Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum in a Dish – Billy Bard, Tom Waslingham
PART TWO | King Lear
4. Monday Lunch Recess – Lear, Kent, Knight, Curan, Eddie, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia
5. Tuesday Lunch Recess – Lear, Kent, Knight, Curan, Eddie, Goneril
6. Wednesday Lunch Recess – Lear, Kent, Knight, Curan, Eddie, Regan
7. Thursday Lunch Recess – Lear, Regan, Goneril, Eddie, Curan, Knight, Kent
8. Friday Lunch Recess – Lear, Kent, Knight, Curan, Eddie, Cordelia
Scene C: MacDonald’s, MacDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and a Pizza Hut – Billy Bard, Tom Walsingham
PART THREE | Macbeth
9. We Three Meet – Newt Eye, Hemlock, Hurly, Mac, Banks
10. Let’s Try Again – Newt Eye, Hemlock, Hurly, Duncan
11. Let’s Try Again, Again – Newt Eye, Hemlock, Hurly, Beth
12. Let’s Try Again, Again, Again – Newt Eye, Hemlock, Hurly, Maddox
13. Playground Prophecy – Newt Eye, Hemlock, Hurly, Mac, Banks, Beth, Duncan, Maddox
Scene D: Stella, Ella, Ola – Billy Bard, Tom Walsingham
Cast of Characters:
Aria (Cast A): Tom
Liam (Cast B): Tom
Cleo (Cast A): Billy
Nichlas (Cast B): Billy
Sofia: Knight, Maddox, Random Student
Olivia: Hurly, Goneril
Heidi: Portia, Banks
Cole: Bruce, Eddie
Evelyn: Regan, Mac
Lucy: Jules, Cordelia
Nat: Student, Cienna, Duncan
Maren: Lear, Beth
Dom: Kent, Hemlock
Grayson: Calpur, Curan
Kai: Newt Eye, Anthony
Creative Team and Technical Crew
Directors: Emilie Haensel, Sophie Bresciani, Brett Adam
Creative Director/Technical Directors/Show Design: Leeanne McLim, Andrea Page
Production Assistant: Dawn Matthews-Nichols
Technical Assistant: Emilie Haensel
Costumes: Andrea Page, Leeanne McLim
Student Stage Manager: Emma
Lobby Display: Sera
Running Crew: Sera, Weston, Kenley, Colin, Ella
Props: Julie Williams
Prop Master: Hannah
Lighting: Jake, Preston, Jenna
Booth Manager: Jason
Sound: Emilie Haensel, Gavin, Nolan
Follow Spot Operator: Brock
Slide Designer: Brock
Poster Design: Christine Talukdar
Artist in Residence: Morgan Platts
Photography Lead: Liz Hrycan
Cast Headshot Photographers: Nora, MacLean, Nick, Stephen, Matthew, Avery, Danica, Lyndon, William, Allison
Stage Photographer: Jonah
Program Design: Samantha Hust
Marketing and Promotions: Nick Hughes, Jelmer Derksen, Samantha Hust
Special Thank You
Our many helping hands have assisted in so many ways. Although unseen, these people are an integral part of this production and so much more:
We are so grateful to Calgary Academy’s leadership team for their consistent dedication and encouragement of the Drama program. Your support helps our students shine!
We’re so grateful to Mr. John Lee, whose dedication, teamwork, and tireless effort make him the true backbone of our facility. Thank you for everything you do!
Our front office leading ladies, Shab, Jolene, and Kat, bring professionalism, warmth, and magic to everything they do—thank you!
Morgan Platts, thank you for bringing your artistic vision and making the set shine—it wouldn’t look this good without you!
Liz Hrycan, your dedication to organizing the photography students turned a big task into a total success—thank you for everything!
Pat Grenier and Jamie Lafond-Thanks for rolling up your sleeves and making sure our playground is safe, secure, and ready for adventure!
A big thank you to the Communications and Marketing team for making our promotions fun, engaging, and unforgettable—we appreciate all your help.
Yvette, Nona, and Annette, and for all your support with ticket sales and for always keeping us in check!
The teachers of Calgary Academy for their understanding and flexibility with these tired, overworked, and underpaid actors.
Parents, your encouragement, time, and support help our students thrive—thank you for being the ultimate cheerleaders!
The Calgary Academy Cast and Crew’s energy and commitment to making this show a success.