Why did you choose the Addams Family for this year’s play?
Fugate: So I chose the Addams Family because after doing Mamma Mia I wanted to continue with the enthusiasm created last year. I wanted to get a lot of people interested in coming to this year’s show. There’s a lot of hype right now with the Addams Family from the Netflix show Wednesday. A lot of students like the Addams Family right now so I think it’s perfect timing to do this show.

What should the audience expect from the play?
Fugate: We are excited because it’s a little different from Mamma Mia or past shows; it’s going to be very immersive. We are also planning to make it darker. I am also excited to add a costume contest during intermission; we really want the audience to come in and feel like they’re going into the world of the Addams Family.

When you cast the leads, what were you looking for?
Fugate: So something I was looking for, which was a little bit different, was acting chops. The leads need to be really sharp.There’s a lot of songs so they had to be able to sing as well. I really wanted the students who are playing the principal roles to be able to take risks in their acting.

Can you describe what the audition process is like?
Fugate: The audition process is always pretty much the same. I provide the song the students have to learn and they come one by one and sing for me. The next part is a dance audition. I teach them dance combinations and they perform for me, then I have call backs for specific roles.

Is there anything else you want to add?
Fugate: Nothing else to add except that I’m really excited to do such a different show than Mamma Mia. I feel like it’s going to be refreshing but in a different way; a much darker vibe.