Dave Steakley, Producing Artistic Director 
Jamie Herlich, Managing Director

by Heidi Schreck
Directed by jenny lavery

Scenic Designer
Michael Hoover**

Costume Designer
Jenny Hanna-Chambers

Lighting Designer
S. Elliott

Sound Designer
Allen Robertson

Properties Designer
Brady Flock

AEA Stage Manager
Brennah Crowley-Galvin* 

Assistant Stage Managers
Ella Jackson, Gloria Labatut Davies 

Assistant Director
Mikala Gibson

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
**Member of United Scenic Artists 82

Drinks and snacks are welcome in the theater.

Presenting Sponsor

Production Underwriter Harriett O'Neill and Kerry Cammack

*Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, represents more than 49,000 Actors and Stage Managers in the Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. actorsequity.org

Photos and videos of the production are prohibited. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production and the taking of photographs, with or without flash, or by camera phone, is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices—cell phones, pagers, etc.—and refrain from texting and/or tweeting during the performance.

Photos in the theatre lobby: Audience members may take photos in the theatre lobby before and after the show. If you post photos on social media or elsewhere, please credit the production's designers.

The United States Constitution is often treated as a sacred document, revered as a cornerstone of American identity. But how many of us have actually read it in its entirety—including all twenty-seven amendments? Most of us first encountered the Constitution in school, memorizing key phrases for a test or reciting lines from a textbook. But since then? How often do we reflect on how this document shapes our daily lives? That act of connecting personal history to national legacy is at the heart of Heidi Schreck's What the Constitution Means to Me.

As a child of the '80s, my first introduction to the Constitution came through the catchy Schoolhouse Rock! tune "The Preamble." I’d pop that cassette into my Care Bears boombox, sling it onto my shoulder, and march around the house belting out, "We the People, in order to form a more perfect union...." (Don’t worry, Gloria Estefan and Boyz II Men were also on heavy rotation!) The bouncy melody and simple lyrics made America’s promises feel vibrant, accessible, and real. I believed in them. Now, years later, I revisit that boombox-blasted understanding of the Constitution with the benefit—and the burden—of life experience. The Preamble begins with "We the People," a phrase that gives power to the collective and invokes ideals of freedom, tranquility, liberty, and justice for all. But does the Constitution truly deliver on those ideals? Who has historically been included in "We the People"—and who has been left out?

Directing What the Constitution Means to Me has been a deeply personal journey, especially at this moment in history. My artistic work has always centered on conversations that are often avoided—at dinner tables or in polite company. This play embodies that mission. It’s an unflinching look at how the Constitution has shaped, and often constrained, the lives of generations of women in America.

Having previously directed ROE at ZACH, I’m thrilled to be reunited with the remarkable Nisi Sturgis and Jeff Mills. Working with these two seasoned actors alongside the smart and articulate teenage debaters has been an inspiring experience. Their intergenerational perspectives create a dynamic energy that deepens the conversation at the heart of this play.

Today, the Constitution is being tested in unprecedented ways. Its words—interpreted, reinterpreted, and sometimes ignored—are shaping our society. This production is not just a look back; it’s a call to examine how we define justice, liberty, and equality, and to consider who is still waiting to be included in "We the People."

I invite you to join us in rediscovering the living document that shapes our nation. Let's engage in the conversations that matter.

Jenny Lavery, Director

Understudies: Liz beckham as Heidi Understudy ; daniel winkler as Legionnaire Understudy.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
**Member of United Scenic Artists 829

NISI STURGIS* (Heidi) - ZACH: ROE (Sarah Weddington) NYC: 39 STEPS, WHITE ON WHITE, INTIMATE APPAREL, REGIONAL: DISGRACED tour (Emily Kapoor); INTO THE BREECHES (Maggie Dalton) with Chautauqua Theatre /Cleveland Playhouse; NIGHT OF THE IGUANA (Hannah Jelkes) with Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis; multiple seasons with Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Arkansas Shakespeare, Old Globe, and Denver Center. TELEVISION: HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE (June Thompson) MFA: Old Globe. Now a professor of acting with UIUC. This is for Sophia. LOVE & ART!

Jeff Mills* (Legionnaire) - ZACH: DRACULA (Dr Seward), ROE (Man One/Flip Benham), REGIONAL: FIXING TROILUS & CRESSIDA (Ulysses) with the Rude Mechs, EVERYTHING IS ESTABLISHED (Montgomery) with Physical Plant, HOTEL VANYA (The Good Doctor) with NGP, THREE (Andre) with Breaking String, THE ASSUMPTION (Chester) with Refraction Arts, MUD (Lloyd) with SVT, TOURING: INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS (Ben/Mysterion) with SVT. Jeff would like to thank all the incredible women in his life, especially his wife Kelli, daughter Sofie, and his workmates at Yoga with Adriene.

SAMARI DAVIS (Debater) - ZACH: THE PROM (Shelby); Zach Performing Arts Academy’s INTO THE WOODS (Jack’s Mom); PPC’s Back to Broadway, PPC’s Invincible, PPC’s Stronger (Dance Captain); ADDITIONAL CREDITS: MacTheatre’s PIPPIN (featured dancer/ensemble) SWEET CHARITY (Alice), SEUSSICAL (Assistant Choreographer); Junior at ZACH Performing Arts Academy-Musical Theatre Track, Zach Pre-Professional Elite Company member, Josh Wechsler Voice Studio. Thanks to my family, friends, and this wonderful cast and crew!! @samari.davis

Vanessa Hoang Hughes (Debater) - ZACH: ONCE (Iriana). REGIONAL: INTO THE WOODS JR (Narrator), WILLY WONKA JR (Willy Wonka), MARY POPPINS (Jane Banks), SHREK: THE MUSICAL (Pinnochio). FILM CREDITS: PIZZA MY HEART (Sam), EQUALITY TEXAS PSA (Voiceover), APPLE (Principal Child). ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Zach Pre-Professional Company. Vanessa is an actor and theater reviewer for CTX Live Theatre. She is in eighth grade at Kealing Magnet Middle School. Special thanks to Dad, Mom, and all her friends!

Liz Beckham (Heidi Understudy) - ZACH: Noises Off (Belinda); Heisenberg (Georgie); Harvey (Nurse Kelly); Dividing the Estate (Pauline). AUSTIN: The Duchess of Malfi, The Rover, Tate's King Lear with Hidden Room; The Secretary (world premiere) by Kyle John Schmidt, Theatre en Bloc; Neva with Theatre en Bloc; Lungs with Hyde Park Theatre; As You Like It, Pride & Prejudice, Arcadia with Austin Shakespeare; The Play That Goes Wrong with Austin Playhouse; Alabaster with Shrewd Productions; Tartuffe with Mary Moody Northen Theatre; Clybourne Park (Austin Critics Table Award) with Penfold Theatre; Picasso at the Lapin Agile (B. Iden Payne Award) with Present Company. NYC/REGIONAL: To Kill a Mockingbird with Burning Coal Theatre; Twelfth Night with New England Shakespeare Festival; The Tempest, As You Like It with The National Shakespeare Company; The Feigned Courtesans with New York Classical Theatre. TELEVISION/VOICEOVER: Chappelle’s Show, Hidden Storybook, The Susie House Podcast, American Crime, Star Citizen, DC Universe Online, Olivia the Pig, The Mr. Men Show, KingsIsle Games, Vonage. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Voted Best Actress in the Austin Chronicle Readers Poll (2021), The Price Is Right Showcase Showdown Winner (yes: Bob Barker).

DANIEL WINKLER (Legionnaire Understudy) - ZACH Debut. REGIONAL: SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (Tobias Ragg) at TexARTS, NEWSIES (Oscar Delancey) at Zilker Theatre Productions, DAMN YANKEES (Rocky) with Entr’acte, BONNIE AND CLYDE (Clyde Barrow) with Texas Comedies. Love and thanks to Jess, and all family and friends. @danielwinkler21

Heidi Schreck (Playwright) Heidi Schreck is a playwright, screenwriter and performer living in Brooklyn. Her most recent play What the Constitution Means to Me was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist and won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best American Play. Schreck also received two Tony Award nominations for What the Constitution Means to Me for Best Play and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, the 2019 Smithsonian Magazine American Ingenuity Award, the Horton Foote Playwriting Award, the Hull-Warriner Award, and an OBIE. A filmed version of What the Constitution Means to Me, starring Schreck, premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, and was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, a PGA Award, and a DGA Award.Heidi’s other plays include Grand Concourse, Creature, Mr. Universe, and There Are No More Big Secrets. Her screenwriting credits include I Love Dick, Billions, and Nurse Jackie. Schreck has taught playwriting and screenwriting at NYU, Columbia, Kenyon College, and Primary Stages.

JENNY LAVERY (Director) - ZACH: ROE. SELECT REGIONAL: WIZARD OF OZ, San Pedro Playhouse; MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, The Public Theatre of San Antonio; DANCE NATION, THE DROWNING GIRLS, THE SECRETARY, THE TOTALITARIANS, BRIGHT HALF LIFE, Theatre en Bloc; INTO THE WOODS, Mary Moody Northen Theatre; RIDE THE CYCLONE, UT Austin; ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE: WE’RE IN A PLAY!, JUNIE B. JONES: TOOTHLESS WONDER (World Premiere), Magik Theatre; THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE (Associate Director), Merrimack Repertory. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Jenny is ZACH’s Casting Associate and a Professor at UT Austin. She was previously the Founding Producing Artistic Director of Theatre en Bloc from 2011-2023. For her work in Austin, she is a four time Austin Critics Table and B. Iden Payne winner for Best Direction. MFA, Directing: UT Austin; M.Ed: UMASS; BFA: NYU. Certificate in Executive Arts and Cultural Strategy: UPenn. Jenny champions stories that foster connection. Love to André and Otis! jennylavery.com

Michael Hoover** (Scenic Design) - Zach: IMMORTAL LONGINGS. Guthrie (Minneapolis): UNCLE VANYA, AN ILIAD, EMBERS, SKIING ON BROKEN GLASS, JUNO AND THE PAYCOCK, CHOIR BOY. Theater Latte Da (Minneapolis): ONCE, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, GYPSY, FLOYD COLLINS. Six Points (St Paul): TORCH SONG, THE MESSENGER. Asolo Rep (Sarasota): INTIMATE APPAREL, MAN OF LA MANCHA. Naples Players (Naples): A CHRISTMAS STORY, SOMETHING ROTTEN. 5th Avenue Theater (Seattle): RAGTIME. Michael is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. michelouvier.com

JENNY HANNA-CHAMBERS (Costume Designer) - ZACH: ROE. REGIONAL: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG at San Pedro Playhouse, I’M PROUD OF YOU, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Penfold Theatre Company, RUNNING BEAR at Hyde Park Theatre, DANCE NATION, THE SECRETARY, THE DROWNING GIRLS, and JACOB’S LADDER at Theatre en Bloc. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: B.F.A. in Costume Design from Texas State University. Thank you to my village, love you all.

S. ELLIOTT (Lighting Designer) - ZACH: DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS (Lighting Design) THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY (Assistant Lighting Design) REGIONAL: CHRISTMAS CAROL (Lighting Design) at Barter Theatre LYRIC AND THE KEYS (Lighting Design) at Magik Theatre, BAKERSFIELD MIST (Lighting Design), THE 39 STEPS (Lighting Design), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Riverside Theatre. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: MFA from The University of Texas at Austin. Thank you, to the amazing ZACH team and my supportive family. @selliottlights

Allen Robertson (Music Director) Allen has worked on 30 years of shows at ZACH.

Brennah CROWLEY-GALVIN* (AEA Stage Manager) - ZACH: JERSEY BOYS (ASM), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (SM Swing), POP! (SM), SOUND OF MUSIC (ASM). REGIONAL: ALL SHOOK UP (Spot Op/Deck Crew) at Zilker Hillside. INTERNATIONAL: COLLECTIVE RAGE (ASM) at The Caird Studio Cardiff, OPPENHEIMER (Deputy Stage Manager) at the Bute Theatre Cardiff, THIS IS NOT A COUP (SM) at The Yard London, STARTER FOR TEN (Production Crew) at the Bristol Old Vic. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: M.F.A in Stage and Event Management from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Thank you to my wonderful support system!

Ella Jackson (Assistant Stage Manager) - ZACH: INTO THE WOODS (ASM), JERSEY BOYS (Dresser), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Dresser), BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Dresser), THE PROM (PA) ADDITIONAL CREDITS: B.F.A. in Theatre from Texas State University. Thank you to my partner Sarah and our 2 wonderful cats.

GLORIA LABATUT DAVIES (Assistant Stage Manager) - ZACH: A CHRISTMAS CAROL ‘24 (ASM), THE LEHMAN TRILOGY (ASM), A CHRISTMAS CAROL ‘23 (PA). REGIONAL: MACBETH (PSM), INTO THE WOODS (SM), GODSPELL (SM) at Mary Moody Northen Theatre; SHE WAS HERE (PSM) at Austin Playhouse; RUNNING BEAR (PSM), JUDITH (PSM) at Hyde Park Theatre; THE NUTCRACKER (ASM), LIGHT: THE HOLOCAUST AND HUMANITY PROJECT (ASM) at Ballet Austin. B.A. in Theatre Management from St. Edward’s University. Thanks to my mom, Lydia, Louie, mentors, and friends!

MIKALA GIBSON (Assistant Director) - Zach Debut. UT AUSTIN: These. Are. The. Keystrokes. (Director), Blood at the Root (Director). CATASTROPHIC THEATRE: A Maroon’s Guide to Time and Space (Director). AFRICAN AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATRE: Flyin’ West Fannie Mae Dove). JUBILEE THEATRE: Gem of the Ocean (Black Mary) THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE: The Piano Lesson (Grace). TV: Netflix’s First Kill (JoJo), Fear the Walking Dead (Doris). EDUCATION: 2nd Year UT Austin M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in directing. mikalagibson.com/IG: mikalagibson

Season Underwriters

Season Sponsors

Healthcare Sponsor

Presenting Production Sponsors

Leading Production Sponsors

Supporting Production Sponsors

Government Funding

Education Sponsor

Summer Camp Sponsor

Program Sponsor

ZACH Theatre thanks the following donors who have supported ZACH’s 
artistic ambition above and beyond their annual fund support. 

Bettye Nowlin  |  Carolyn and Marc Seriff

Lighting
Lighting Board Sub/Deck Crew Sub  | Morgan Davis

Lighting Overhire  | Sean Avalos, Morgan Davis, Elijah Phoenix, Khaki Mofett, Darla Davis, Emily Heath, Elba Emicente

Audio
Audio  Sub  | Sean Avalos

Stage Operations AND Administrative
Director Observer  | Ava Deviney
Dramaturgical Production Assistant  | Chloe E.W. Levine
Debate Consultants  | Ishika Bhasin, Abigail Eqbujor, Ruta Rajpathak