Students, alumna star in The Theater Bug’s “Selfie”
Surina Birdee ’29, Sadie Sims ’29, Zazou Gray ’28, Marin Rorex ’27, Kari Belle King ’24, and Gillian Flatt ’21 will perform in the arts nonprofit’s summer musical.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
The USN community, theater aficionados, and anyone looking for heartwarming, thoughtful entertainment can catch several Tigers on stage in The Theater Bug’s “Selfie,” which opens Thursday, July 22 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 1.
Billed as a musical that “addresses cyber bullying, body positivity, and navigating relationships when your whole life is online,” the production features students Surina Birdee ’29, Sadie Sims ’29, Zazou Gray ’28, Marin Rorex ’27, and Kari Belle King ’24, as well as alumna Gillian Flatt ’21 cast in one of the three leading roles as Marla. What’s more, “Selfie” features choreography from another familiar face around the halls of 2000 Edgehill — Middle School Theater Director Bakari King.
“USN has had such a strong connection to The Theater Bug for years, and it’s just incredible to feel like our family, and our family business, are so supported by this school community,” shared Cori Anne Laemmel, The Theater Bug’s artistic director and parent of Lucky Laemmel ’33. “I can always see the emphasis on inclusivity and a strong work ethic that exists at USN translated into life outside of school when USN students work on The Theater Bug productions.”
View the behind the scenes video for “Selfie” here, and purchase tickets to see these Tiger thespians and their castmates take the stage on The Theater Bug's website. Seating is limited and several shows are at or near capacity.
What began as an eighth-grade initiative has evolved into a powerhouse sport. The Ultimate Frisbee team, now a launchpad for talent with many alumni playing in college, draws national attention at the annual River Campus Classic hosted at University School of Nashville. Guided by dedicated alumni coaches, the boys and girls teams consistently win state championships, embodying a legacy of excellence and innovation.
Congratulations to Libin Abdulle ’26, Henry Knowles ’26, Agnes McLemore ’26, Katherine Fast ’27, Abigail Manoukian ’27, Eleanor Mixon ’27, Louisa Nordberg ’27, Falcon Reed ’27, and Julia Young ’27 for their induction into the French Honor Society.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.