Hey everyone!

My name is Catya McMullen. I am an Educational Associate for Ground UP and the Assistant Director of our educational residency's production of Letter From Algeria here at UNC. I am also still currently a Carolina undergrad, serving as a Producing Director for UNC's Department of Dramatic Art. Affectionately nicknamed "the mole," I get to be a part of hosting a company I am a part of.
I joined Ground UP after I Assistant Stage Managed Barefoot in the Park last summer and fell in love with the company and have been able to assist in the coordination of the education program.

It has been an awesome few days so far! I have been so impressed with the undergrad student body! Everyone rallied together and have been working SO hard to create what I anticipate to be a great show and great week! The idea for this started so long ago as an off book reading and it's really been watching my classmates' enthusiasm rocket this into a full scale production. There are students milling around I haven't even met! The word has spread and the campus is ready. Last night at FallFest, there were more people interested in the production of Letter From Algeria than anything else. And we had people in blue wigs and scrubs making a ruckus (including Josh Wolonick, cast member of Letter From Algeria).

We are in the midst of a hectic tech week and everyone is in great spirits, in true Tar Heel form. Everyone is communicating so well. As always, I am impressed with Kate. Her leadership and humor are preventing this from being stressfest '10.

I am so excited for opening night and that I get to be a part of this project, the Ground UP family and that this may be one of the most exciting residencies Ground UP has had. My classmates are really grateful for the additional experience and assistance this week is providing.

Catya