I began searching for my final project when I was in my first year at Rosebud School of the Arts. I had my heart tentatively set on White Christmas with music by Irving Berlin because the music, the era, and the message of everyone coming together at the end was a big influence on the way I view life. Other Desert Cities written by Jon Robin Baitz, was visceral and illustrated the strength of a family coming together in the face of adversary which is important to me as well. Then I was able to see a production of The 39 Steps while on a study trip in London, England and was wowed by the sheer talent and joy that vaudeville theatre imparts on its audience. But my heart didn’t jump at any of these stories the way I had hoped. So I continued to search.An evening later on, I was looking for a movie to watch and stumbled upon Walk The Line. I thought, Gosh, wouldn’t that be lovely if this was a musical. That would be my final project! I started searching online for a play or a musical and didn’t have any luck. Then I thought, well, couldn’t I write my own show about June Carter Cash and her commitment to Johnny Cash? Yes!

A few months later I started writing a one women show based on the life events of June Carter Cash and my good friend, Kelsey Krogman jumped on board as a co-writer. While I was getting to know June Carter, I was struck with how many similarities there were between the two of us: we both love to love to perform, we both have sass, and we both have the gift of gab. I have also found common ground with her ability to love and hope for humanity.  She has become one of my role models, to say the least.

 

Wildwood Fire was put up in July of 2014 on the 17th-20th with 5 shows. I made it, can you believe it?!

 

Since then, Rosebud Theatre presented Wildwood Fire as one of their Spring Studio Stage shows from may 5th to June 20th, 2015. We sold the run out twice and I couldn't have been happier. And if that wasn't enough, Rosebud Theatre has decided to bring it back again as one night only performance on February 13th, 2016 in their series, Rosebud Presents. I believe this is a blessed show and as I endeavor to take it on the North American Fringe Circuit and to other theatres, I know that no performance will ever be the same and I look forward to each one.

 

Here are some documents and evaluations of my final project:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some photos of my Final Project:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some reviews of the production:

“It’s June fiery passion for love, for figuring stuff out, and her need for love that inspires me.”

 

 

“What’s so interesting is that through my research and getting to know June Carter Cash, I have discovered that through telling her story I will also be telling my own.”

 

 

de Graaf “is excited about the opportunity although she says it’s left her vulnerable emotionally.”

 

 

“De Graaf says she feels truly connected with the spirit of Carter and said she shares many similarities with Carter, which allowed her really to write her part well.”