Sam Freeman
Web A&E Editor

Caley Beretta ’10 has taken the Staples stage by storm as 09-10 Players President and Student Director. With her incredible leadership abilities and knack for directing, Beretta has proved that she has what it takes to be extremely successful in the future.

“Right from the start Caley showed enormous potential, which was very rare to see in someone her age,” said David Roth, the Director of Staples Players.

 Beretta has been assisting directing for Players since sophomore year, but started her theatre career many years before that. From the ages 8-13 the Music Theatre of Westport helped her develop her acting and directing skills. In the seventh grade, Beretta was asked to student direct the Junior Musicals (kids ages 7-12).

 “Back then, it was just a way for me to be involved in even more theatre and work on more shows. But it was that experience, despite my young age, where I realized that I wanted to be on the other side of the creative process,” Beretta said.

Through her love and passion for directing, Beretta has become an extraordinary leader in the Players community.

“She dedicates herself to causes she cares about and isn’t afraid to collaborate on new ideas which is perfect for organizing a community of artists and students like Players,” said Player member Peter Molesworth ’11.

Being President is so much more than the title for Beretta. She deeply cares about the organization and students who are involved in it. Being a team player is what Beretta believes to be one of the most important aspects of Players. 

“Players is a group of artist working together to produce something that is really wonderful and that were all proud of,” Beretta said.

While being President may be nice, what matters the most to Beretta is that everyone has a voice in such a huge organization. It is her job to communicate between Roth and the students so that he knows what is either bothering or working well with the actors. In addition, she assists in casting the shows, rehearsals, taking notes for Roth about rehearsal and raising money for the organization.

On top of these responsibilities, Beretta also has to juggle schoolwork and a social life. She finds peace through secret buddies during the most stressful time of the main show.

Dan Shure ’10, Vice President of acting said he “could not imagine anyone better for the job.”

Besides being a superb leader, Beretta also brings humor and entertainment to Players.

“As a friend, Caley is very bubbly and funny. She definitely has a distinct personality,” said Vice President Secretary Maya Hubbard ’10.  Being humorous is a great attribute for a person in power to have, but Beretta knows when that is appropriate and not.

“She is hysterical and her humor adapts to situations really seamlessly. She can lighten a mood or be serious. It’s a nice balance,” said Molesworth.

“I honestly don’t know one person who would be afraid to approach her about anything,” said Player Eva Hendricks ’11.

These characteristics make her a wonderful choice for 09-10 Players President. She is able to balance producing a show, a social life, and schoolwork, on top of being exceptionally approachable, funny, and caring.

To ensure that the Players’ program is better than ever this year, Beretta has decided to make some critical changes in the program.

PAll actors and actresses will have to complete 25 tech hours in order to audition for the next main show. Her goal is to unify the Players community by showing everyone every part of being apart of the show business she loves so deeply.

In the years to come Beretta will continue to persue her love for theatre. Whether she decides to get her Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts (BFA) or just take theatre classes, her love for the arts will most defiantly stay apart of her life.

“We are really going to miss her a lot. But I know she will be incredibly valuable wherever she ends up,” Roth said. 

Although her graduating will be a great loss for the Players organization, with Beretta as President this year, Players should be stronger than ever.

“Being the president this year is incredibly rewarding. I am so excited to be an officer, and give back to the organization that has given so much to me,” Beretta said.