Unless you are an only child, you may know that sibling bonds run deep. In the play “Mutually Assured Destruction,” performed Nov. 21– 23 at the SC PAC director, Michael Kuehlhopes explores familial relationships with his 23 years of directing LT productions. 

“[The play explores how] though siblings may bicker and fight or go after each other like dog and cat, in the end, their relationships are strong,” Kuehl said. “The bond of siblings is lasting and forever.”

Rehearsals began in the middle of October with actors being called in to rehearse their scenes in 30-minute increments. What makes this year’s sophomore and freshman productions different is that instead of having two acts, the play comprises ten short scenes from different time periods. The 18 cast members participating in the production are cast in one of the ten vignettes from different decades from 1922-2015. 

“[The play was]  great, it has great energy, and it is a very positive show with a lot of positive kids and has a very uplifting vibe,” Keuhl said. 

In the weeks leading up to showtime, the cast and crew bonded and became a form of family to each other, helping and aiding each other in any way they could. Even attempting to try out new and unfamiliar things in the process.

“My favorite part [of student directing] is getting to have a say in the blocking, props, and costumes and helping guide how the show’s gonna turn out in the future,” assistant director Gavin Bender ‘26 said. “This is the first time I have done anything directing related; it’s been awesome.” 

The LT Theater Board is a tight-knit group of students that embrace every aspect of theater, from backstage work to all of the behind-the-scenes tech work to pull the whole show together.

“LT Theater Board is really nice,” Bender said. “Once you get into it and actually start getting to know people it is so much fun.” 

The inclusive environment allows students who are new to the theater board able to still play leads in productions. Even if it is the first show they are participating in at LT, the Theater Board wants to make sure it is a safe and equal place for everyone. 

“Everyone is really nice and tries to include everyone in conversations, so it is very easy to make friends,” Payton Meller ‘28 who played April said.