Jesseca Kusher

Producing this thesis has really pushed my comfort zone in a good way. Whether that was reading as our transfobic “Uncle” Character during auditions a while back, responding to constant questions from our first year crew, or restraining Cooper the new shop dog while Chris Ellsworth welds a piece for the Main Stage theatre production— I’ve grown over my time on this project.

For the first time on this film thesis I feel as though our team is genuinely prepared going into our first day of shooting (9/29/18). I have played a role on multiple senior thesis projects each year of my time at Kenyon — and this one has the best vibe by far. We have incredible props, a fantastic crew, a talented and very giving cast — all wrapped up in a message that means a lot to the whole creative team.

I really think a lot of this positive energy comes from a desire of the creative team to lean in and get our hands dirty. One of the most beautiful efforts in this production has been the work on our most important prop: the coffin. While I was mainly out of commission (nasty stomach bug) for last week, I have played a minimal role in painting a gold rim around the coffin.

Ultimately, I think this film will achieve its goal. On some level Masen has shared he wants this short to offer a “recognition and reversal” for his own family. I think the audience is going to walk away moved from this film. I am so honored to have played a role in its creation.