Meet the Artist: Director Kassie Misiewicz

Step into the world of Treasure Island, where adventure, imagination, and storytelling come to life on stage. In this Meet the Artist feature, Director Kassie Misiewicz shares how this classic tale is reimagined for young audiences, from inventive staging to guiding actors as they bring multiple characters to life.

Discover what makes this production unique and what audiences can expect from Jim’s unforgettable journey, as seen through Misiewicz’s creative direction.

This production uses just four actors to play many different characters—how did you approach bringing so many roles to life on stage? 

Treasure Island has so many vivid characters that it was a fun challenge for the actors to make each of them unique. The actors researched each character, understood who they were in the story, and then chose a voice and physical gesture that would distinguish that character from others. We want the audience to recognize the characters by their voices, their movements, and their costumes. 

What makes this version of Treasure Island unique compared to the original story? 

Treasure Island is the classic pirate story. It is full of adventure, mystery, treasure, deception, and heroism. Our version is told from Jim’s 13-year-old point of view. He has always lived with his parents at their family inn and has longed for adventures. After finding a treasure map, Jim embarks on a voyage where he discovers the courage to take action, solve problems, and believe in himself. 

How do you use movement and imagination to transform the stage into ships, islands, and different settings without large sets? 

In order to transform the stage from an inn to a ship and then to a jungle and a fort, we rely on the audience’s imagination. As the story moves from one place to another, actors move barrels, masts, and crates to create a new setting, and the audience uses their imagination to fill in the blanks.

What’s been the most fun or challenging part of creating a show for young audiences? 

Treasure Island is a grand adventure story, and the hardest part is trying to fit as much of the story into a 50-minute performance. We focused on Jim’s journey and decided to eliminate the story plot points that, although interesting, didn’t serve his journey.

Do you have a favorite character in the show, and what makes them special to you? 

I really enjoy the character of Jim. When we first meet him, he’s a 13-year-old boy who has been stuck helping his mother run their family business. He’s never traveled or had adventures. Then, one day, a crusty old sailor comes to the inn, and Jim’s world is blown wide open. He finds a treasure map, becomes a cabin boy, and meets real pirates. Jim discovers his courage and bravery as he fights off one of the meanest pirates, sails the ship by himself, and rescues the rest of the honest crew. When Jim returns home, he is no longer that little, innocent boy, but has become a confident, brave young man.

How do you balance humor, suspense, and heart in a fast-paced production like this? 

Riles Holiday, the playwright, has woven all three elements (humor, suspense, and heart) into this story. When we were rehearsing, the actors found ways to make the characters real for the audience and also make other characters big and bold for the comedic effect. Alongside the actors, the sound designer, Keefer Roach, has created an original score that elevates the suspense and heart of the play.

What do you hope kids and adults take away from Jim’s adventure? 

Treasure Island is a classic story that is woven deep into the fabric of human stories: pirates, buried treasure, etc. However, not many young people actually read the book. After the play, we hope to inspire people to pick up Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel or watch a movie adaptation (I highly recommend the 1996 Muppet Treasure Island film!).

Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment or creative solution that audiences might not realize during the performance? 

The apple barrel is a real barrel cut in half. The challenge we faced was that it needed to move easily around the stage and that the actress needed to be able to sit in it when Jim is “in” the apple barrel listening to the pirates. We put wheels on the barrels, which made it easy to move them, but then they kept falling forward. They were top heavy. So, we put a flat, heavy weight in each to counterbalance the heaviness at the top, and it worked. We liked the look of the barrel and wanted to keep it if we could.

What skills are most important for actors in a show where they’re constantly switching roles? 

Actors need to be in control of their body, voice, and imagination and be super skilled at concentration and cooperation. Actors use their body, voice, and imagination to create dynamic, bold characters who are reacting to the obstacles in front of them and connecting to the audience. Then, actors have to be able to concentrate on their lines and blocking and cooperate with the other company members so that the play can be a success and connect to the audience.

If you could give one piece of advice to young audiences who are interested in theater or storytelling, what would it be? 

When you read a story that you connect to, gather your friends and adapt it into a play and perform it for friends and family. When you do this, you better understand the characters in the story because you are playing them in those imaginary circumstances and get to experience the world from their point of view. 

From inventive staging to bold character transformations, Treasure Island invites audiences to use their imagination and step into a world of adventure. Through Misiewicz’s creative direction, the story highlights themes of courage, curiosity, and discovery, reminding us that even the smallest spark of adventure can lead to something extraordinary.