THE FILIGREE THEATRE
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  • TAKE CARE OF MY FRIEND Mental Health Resource links
Welcome to the World Premiere of
TAKE CARE OF MY FRIEND

By Kathleen Fletcher
Directed by Elizabeth V. Newman

ABOUT 'TAKE CARE OF MY FRIEND'

 ​Take Care Of My Friend by Kathleen Fletcher is an autobiographical play about a young woman diagnosed with severe OCD bravely navigating her physical, mental and emotional health and healing with grace and humor.  An excerpt (one-woman short play version) of Take Care Of My Friend premiered at FRONTERA FEST 2024 at Hyde Park Theatre, written and performed by Kathleen Fletcher and directed by Elizabeth V. Newman, where it was included in Frontera Fest’s ‘Best of the Fest’.

​ABOUT THE FILIGREE THEATRE
"To filigree” means "to make by hand and with much skill.” 

The Filigree Theatre is an independent theatre company committed to producing high-level, professional theatre and to creating thoughtful, innovative, challenging work for the stage. We embrace the dual roots of the word ‘Filigree’ (filum 'thread' and granum ‘seed’) in our mission, with an aim to serve both as a SEED by originating work in our home-base of Austin, TX and as a THREAD by collaborating with artists and engaging audiences in other theatre hubs such as New York & Los Angeles.
​
Connecting to the past...planting the seeds of the future
Each Filigree Season is structured to be comprised of three shows, connecting “Past” (honoring the theatre cannon) in the Fall; “Present” (playwrights living and working today) in the Winter; and “Future” (World Premieres/New Works) in the Spring, that are tied together with a common theme that runs throughout the season.

The Filigree Theatre’s SEVENTH SEASON themed “BODY & SOUL”, opens with “SUMMER AND SMOKE” by Tennessee Williams and is followed by the Winter 2026 production of “THE LAST MATCH” by Anna Ziegler and the Spring 2026 World Premiere of Kathleen Fletcher's "TAKE CARE OF MY FRIEND"

The Filigree Theatre is the winner of Four Austin Theatre Critics Awards, Two B. Iden Payne Awards (17 nominations) & Three Broadway World Awards for our 2024-25 Season (Season Six 'Masks & Mirrors).

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit: FiligreeTheatre.com

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO RESOURCES AND MORE INFORMATION REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH DYNAMICS

Please join us after the show for complimentary cookies and champagne!
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
CAST:

Kathleen Fletcher (SELF) is humbled to have The Filigree Theatre produce the world premiere of her script Take Care of My Friend. Recent Austin credits include Ground Floor Theatre’s Parade (Mrs. Phagan) Bottle Alley's The Last Seance of Harry Houdini (Bess Houdini), Vortex's Rabbits (Cass), Cold Frame Collective's Cyrano de Bergerac (Cyrano), Austin Playhouse’s Indecent (Chana Mandlebaum, the Ingenue), The Filigree Theatre’s Fire in Dreamland (Kate) and The Archive Theatre’s Macbeth (Lady Macbeth). She's been nominated multiple times and won for Broadway World Austin, B. Iden Payne, Austin Theatre Critics, and Austin Chronicle’s Best Of awards. As a playwright she’s had work produced across North America. She is a Vortex Repertory Company Member. The most heart-felt “thank you” to everyone part of this production who’ve shared their talents and stories. Love to Jay, her family, friends, cats, and the theatre community! 

Talya Hammermann (ACTOR 4) is stoked to be joining The Filigree Theatre for the first time amongst all of these amazing storytellers. Growing up in Houston, Talya was fortunate enough to have opportunities at creating and performing new shows. After showcasing two original musicals for Musical Theatre International, and performing with Adams Davy AXS on Broadway, Talya decided to pursue a career in theatre. She recently graduated with a BFA in Performance and Production from Texas State University, and would like to thank all of her educators and professors for making her dreams possible. Recent credits: Sagittarius Ponderosa (Austin Rainbow Theatre), The Manhole (Austin Rainbow Theatre), A little Like a Dance (Texas Performing Arts Workshop), Bring it On (Zilker Hillside Theatre), and Since We’ve No Place To Go (Bandwagon Arts). This summer, you can catch Talya as Pugsley Addams in Magnolia Musical Theatre's The Addams Family. Finally, Talya would like to thank this incredible cast and crew for all of the love, laughs, support, and memories shared throughout this process. ‘Twas a grand old time! 

Arielle Laguette (ACTOR 3) is grateful to return to Filigree for its 7th season and honored to tell this powerful story alongside this special cast. Recent credits: Beehive: The 60s Musical (TexArts), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Filigree Theatre), and Cyrano de Bergerac as Roxane (Coldframe Collective). An Austin-based actor, musician, and improviser, Arielle’s other favorite credits include Bigfoot! The Musical (Coldtowne, Amber Ruffin), hosting a TEDx Talk (AFS), and writing Love Island (UK): The Musical for FronteraFest 2024. When not on the scripted stage, she performs weekly at Fallout Theater with award-winning improv troupes Garage and Girls, Girls, Girls. You can also find her original music on all streaming platforms. Arielle is so glad you are in the audience for this one; special thanks to her amazing husband, incredible friends, family, and therapist for their ongoing support. Represented by Bankston Talent.

Kerry McGinnis (ACTOR 5) is honored to appear in the world premiere of Take Care of My Friend at The Filigree Theatre. An Austin-based actress and singer with more than 20 years of experience, her favorite roles include Violet (9 to 5), Diana (Next to Normal), Miss Hannigan (Annie), Chaperone (The Drowsy Chaperone), and most recently, Mom (Harpy). She is profoundly grateful to Kathleen for courageously sharing this important story, and to family and friends (and therapeutic professionals!) who have supported her own journey.

Molly McKee (ACTOR 1) holds a BFA in Acting from Texas State University, where she was an Irene Ryan Award nominee. Her training includes an intensive study abroad with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Molly is thrilled to continue her collaboration with The Filigree Theatre, having previously portrayed Female Hyde in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Elida in The Lady from the Sea and Julia in Fefu and Her Friends. Her other notable stage credits include Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Elektra in Orestes, and Felicity in The Real Inspector Hound. In addition to her stage work, she has appeared in over a dozen independent films. Molly is also an experienced improviser. She is grateful to her family, friends, and husband, Wesley, for everything. 

Rachel West
(ACTOR 2), joins The Filigree Theatre for the first time and is beyond honored to work on Take Care of My Friend with an incredibly talented and kind cast and creative team. In her short time in Austin she has enjoyed playing Cleopatra in Caesar + Antony + Cleopatra with Walking Shadow Shakespeare Theatre Company and Hecate in Macbeth with Austin Shakespeare. She’s also having a wonderful time devising with her fellow castmates of The Poison Circus at Bottle Alley Theatre Company. She is forever grateful for the support of her family, friends, partner, and therapist.

Bonnie Lambert (KF Understudy)


DESIGNERS & PRODUCTION:
Kathleen Fletcher (Playwright) is an Austin-raised actor and playwright, who spent 12 years in NYC honing her craft. She infuses her plays with emotional archeology, humor, and accessibility. As a playwright, she constantly seeks stories that aren't always told, and to provide more representation. Her plays have been produced across North America for audiences of all ages. She was the recipient of Broadway World Austin's Best Original Script of the Decade for her play, The Texas Chili Queens. She's honored to have The Filigree Theatre produce the world premiere of Take Care of My Friend.

Elizabeth V. Newman (Director, Filigree Producing Artistic Director) graduated from Yale University with dual B.A. degrees in History of Art and Theater Studies. She earned her M.F.A. degree in Film Production at Boston University. Her stage directing credits include: “SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER” by Tennessee Williams (Winner, 2025 Austin Theatre Critics Award, Outstanding Director; Winner 2025 Austin Theatre Critics Award, Outstanding Supporting Actress; Nominee, 2025 Austin Theatre Critics Award, Outstanding Lead Actress); “DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE” adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher (Winner, 2025 Austin Theatre Critics Award, Outstanding Supporting Actor; Winner, 2025 Austin Theatre Critics Award, Outstanding Lighting Design; Nominee, 2025 Austin Theatre Critics Award, Outstanding Production). “THE ILLUSIONARY GAMES OF EDWARD RYE” by Ashley Griffin (World Premiere, Austin, Nominee, 2025 Austin Theatre Critics Award, Outstanding Original Script) “ANTIGONE” adapted by David Rush (Nominated for three B. Iden Payne Awards, Including Outstanding Direction of a Drama). “Photograph 51” by Anna Ziegler (Nominated for two B. Iden Payne Awards, Austin); “LIFTED” by Charlie Thurston (World Premiere, Austin); “TIDE” by Molly Wagner (World Premiere, Austin); “FIRE IN DREAMLAND” by Rinne Groff (Nominated for B. Iden Payne Award Outstanding Small Cast, Austin); “100 PLANES” by Lila Rose Kaplan (World Premiere, Austin, West Coast Premiere, Los Angeles); “THE LADY FROM THE SEA” by Henrik Ibsen; “THE TURN OF THE SCREW” by Jeffrey Hatcher (Austin); “FEFU AND HER FRIENDS” by Maria Irene Fornes (Austin); “MISS JULIE” by August Strindberg (Austin); “A DELICATE SHIP” by Anna Ziegler (Austin Premiere), “ANY NIGHT” by Daniel Arnold and Medina Hahn (Los Angeles Premiere and Austin Premiere – nominated for four B. Iden Payne Awards, including Outstanding Direction of a Drama); “Body of Work” by Christine Hoang, (World Premiere, Austin); “MOCHA” by Eleanor Burgess (World Premiere, Austin); “GOODNIGHT CHILDREN EVERYWHERE” by Richard Nelson (London, ON, Canada); “FRAGMENTS” by Murray Schisgal (Los Angeles). “HELP MY V IS TRYING TO KILL ME” by Yola Jean Lu (World Premiere, Edinburgh International Fringe Festival.) “ULYSSES LIVE: A BLOOMSDAY EVENT” sponsored by Consulate General of Ireland, Austin. ​Her theatrical producing credits include: The Austin Premiere of “WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID” by Sarah Treem; the World Premiere of “MOCHA” by Eleanor Burgess (Austin); the World Premiere of “NIGHTS OF NOIR!” by Casey Wilson (Los Angeles); the West Coast Premiere of “ORANGE LEMON EGG CANARY” by Rinne Groff (Los Angeles); the American Premiere of “CLOCKS AND WHISTLES” by Samuel Adamson (New York) and “DUTCHMAN” by Leroy Jones (New York). Newman’s film directing credits include the award-winning feature film “CHILD OF LIGHT” as well as numerous short films, including the comedy short, “PIZZA MY HEART”. She has written several award-winning short and feature-length screenplays. She is a member of DIRECTOR’S LAB: NORTH and served as the Founding Co-President of Women in Film and Television: Austin (WIFT-AUSTIN) . She has twice served as a panelist at The Austin Film Festival. 

Patrick Anthony (Scenic & Lighting Designer) is a freelance lighting and scenic designer based in Austin, Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Loyola University: New Orleans, and studied Scene Design at the Lir Academy of Trinity College Dublin. Patrick has worked in the Austin community since 2009, designing over 200 productions of theatre, musical theatre and dance. Frequent collaborators include Austin Shakespeare, Capital T Theatre, Present Company & The Vortex Repertory Company. He has also designed internationally at the Dublin Fringe Festival. Patrick is thrilled to be working again with The Filigree Theatre. Patrick is the recipient of the 2012, 2016 & 2021 B. Iden Payne award for Outstanding Lighting Design, as well as the 2016 & 2017 Austin Critics' Table Award for Lighting Design. He teaches Stagecraft in the Department of Theatre at Southwestern University.

Johann Mahler (Johann Solo) (Sound Designer) is an Austin Tx based sound designer and music producer. He has designed and composed shows in Austin, for the past 6 years. His favorite designs include, Undocuments, Más Cara, Annie Jump, RAPunzel, Blerd, Edit Annie and Estar Guars. He is also the founder of the Austin based music group YOSO Collective which aims to help new musicians find their music style and direction.

Samuel Coldiron (Costume Designer) is a costume and makeup designer based in Austin, Texas. He holds an Associate degree in Fashion Marketing and a workforce certificate in Technical Theater with a focus on costume and makeup technology from Austin Community College, where he is currently completing his second associate degree in the same field. Sam has worked on numerous productions through ACC and regional theater, including serving as Lead Costume and Makeup Designer for Fiends Folio and contributing to The Wizard of Oz at Zach Scott Theater. His work blends strong technical skill, detailed research, and a passion for storytelling through clothing. He is excited to continue developing his craft with The Filigree Theatre.

Maddy Lamb (Costume Design Advisor) is a freelance costume designer, stage manager, and wardrobe supervisor in Austin, Texas. She graduated from Southwestern University with a BA in Technical Theatre with a focus in Costume Design and Stage Management. Recent shows: Dr Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (The Filigree Theatre - Austin Theatre Critics Award Nomination) Above the Fold (The Filigree Theatre) Undark (the Vortex), Photograph 51 (The Filigree Theatre), Paquito y Abuelito (Scottish Rite Theatre), Mousetrap (Georgetown Palace Theatre), The Memo (The Vortex), Dragonfly Princess (The Vortex). Maddy owns her own company for LARP and Renaissance Style wear called Gremlin Garb.  Maddylamb.com, Gremlin Garb on Facebook. Maddy is a company member of the Vortex Repertory theatre. 

Arielle Laguette (Musical Director)
Please see bio above.


Beau Harris (Technical Director) was a full scholarship theatre major and a paid assistant in the scenic shop in his hometown of Alvin, TX before moving to Austin over 20 years ago to pursue his career as a film producer. Harris enjoys the opportunity to build sets and has served as Technical Director for Filigree's recent productions of ABOVE THE FOLD,  THE ILLUSIONARY GAMES OF EDWARD RYE,  SUMMER AND SMOKE & THE LAST MATCH .

Kit Brooks (Stage Manager) (they/them) is an educator who brings theatre and creative arts to youth with a focus on inclusive programming. Kit has served as a youth improv teacher with The Hideout Theatre and Excused Absence, and they currently work as an aerial dance instructor at Sky Candy. Kit has thoroughly enjoyed stage managing numerous productions with Filigree, most recently, DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE,  THE ILLUSIONARY GAMES OF EDWARD RYE, SUMMER & SMOKE & THE LAST MATCH.

Marcia Dickenson (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Mexican-American artist and co-owner of Fallout Theater, where she champions bold, collaborative performance. Having worked in various roles across Austin’s theatre community, she’s still figuring out what she loves most—and is especially grateful to Filigree Theatre for being part of that journey! Previous credits include The Filigree Theatre's The Last Match and Zilker Theatre Productions’ Legally Blonde. Marcia is thrilled to help bring this world premiere to life and is grateful to be part of such a thoughtful and dedicated team.

Gavin Kenter (Master Electrician)

Adriana Fontanez (Scenic Charge)

​
Matthew Harrington  (Videographer/Photographer) is a freelance producer, director, and director of photography based in Austin, Texas. With a passion for storytelling and visual creativity, he collaborates closely with fellow artists to bring bold, original projects to life. Deeply rooted in the local film scene, Matthew thrives on connecting with other creatives and is dedicated to supporting and elevating Austin’s vibrant artistic community.

Liz Tyson (Filigree Season 7 Props Designer)

The Filigree Theatre is a proud affiliate of ATX Theatre, uniting Austin theatre makers and audiences to expand Austin’s economic and cultural vitality, cultivate access to live theatre, and foster community. For more info: ATXtheatre.org

The Filigree Theatre is a fiscally sponsored project of Austin Creative Alliance the mission of which is to advance, connect and advocate for Austin’s arts, cultural, and creative communities to strengthen and protect the character, quality of life, and economic prosperity of our region.


THE PRODUCTION WOULD LIKE TO THANK

ATX Theatre
Austin Cinemaker Space & Staff
Austin Creative Alliance
Howard & Maryam Newman
Isabelle Catalina Richter
Patricia Vardin
WIFT Austin
The Filigree Theatre Promotions Committee
KMFA
KUT
 Abbie Sage
Hyde Park Theatre
Ken Webster
Katherine Catmull
FronterFest
Vivi Verges
Eva McQuade
David Bellarosa
SPECIAL THANKS:
Jay Popham
Pam Friday
Juliane Taylor Shore
Megan Thornton
Patrick Wheeler
Marian Kansas
Rachel Hancock
Faith Sanders
Eva McQuade
Chris Fontanes
All of Kathleen's therapists 

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  • HOME
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  • SEASONS
    • SEASON SEVEN
    • SEASON SIX
    • SEASON FIVE
    • SEASON FOUR
    • SEASON THREE
    • SEASON TWO
    • SEASON ONE
  • PRESS & REVIEWS
    • SEASON ONE REVIEWS
    • SEASON TWO REVIEWS
    • SEASON THREE REVIEWS
    • SEASON FOUR REVIEWS
    • SEASON FIVE REVIEWS
    • FILIGREE IN THE MEDIA
    • FEATURE STORIES
  • SUPPORT
    • 'GOLD AND SILVER' GALA
    • GOLD & SILVER GALA COMMITTEE
    • FILIGREE PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE
    • SEASON SIX REVIEWS
    • JOIN OUR SUPPORTERS
  • STAGE ONE READING SERIES
  • CONTACT
  • AUDITIONS & SUBMISSIONS
  • RESOURCES
    • Filigree Code of Conduct
    • COVID Protocols and Policies
  • ABOVE THE FOLD PROGRAM
  • PHOTOGRAPH 51 Program
  • STAGE ONE PROGRAM
  • SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER PROGRAM
  • SUMMER & SMOKE PROGRAM
  • DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE PROGRAM
  • J&H DRAMATURGY
  • ILLUSIONARY GAMES PROGRAM
  • THE LAST MATCH PROGRAM
  • TAKE CARE OF MY FRIEND PROGRAM
  • TAKE CARE OF MY FRIEND Mental Health Resource links