Launching the 2025 theatre season at New World School of the Arts, high school faculty Silas Hoover presents the expressionist drama, Machinal, a 1928 play by American playwright and journalist Sophie Treadwell. Inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderer Ruth Snyder, the play delves into the protagonist’s life and her longing for freedom while trying to find a way out of the machine society created, to no avail.
“My goal is for the audience to see themselves in all the characters not just the main character,” explained Silas Hoover. “I hope the audience can be conscious of the choices they make in their life and not follow the pattern just because that is the pattern. I want to have all the characters in each scene show a side of humanity and honesty.”
Matthew Martinez, a senior in the NWSA high school musical theatre program and one of fifteen cast members of Machinal reflects on the impact of the character he plays. “This role has forced me to explore further into my character to find the missing pieces that the playwright did not write. I had to discover what makes him a real person. There are so many layers that the playwright presents to the actor, and one must peel them away to really understand the character. I use the knowledge I gained from this experience and apply it to my work. It shows me how I can make other characters that I play come to life while making them more truthful.”
The prosecution lawyer is played by 11th grader Olivia Vives. Of her role she notes, “This experience helped me explore different ways in which to address the character’s depth. Rather than adhering to a linear character development approach, I incorporated more physicality into the performance, which deeply influenced the character’s actions.”
Ensemble member Tatum Horstmeyer, high school senior, echoed Olivia’s approach by explaining that as a “cog in a machine we must breathe life into the characters” in order to make them come alive.
In the role of the businessman, George H. Jones, 12th grader Victor Schein highlights, “This character has very few priorities in his life. He does not care about what others think of him. One of the most important things to him is getting a watch in Switzerland – for him it’s not about family nor money – it’s about reaching his goal despite the repercussions.”
Director Hoover’s notes set the stage at once by asking the audience to witness a life in fragments. “We have chosen to frame her journey so that it ends where it began, alone and searching, allowing us to experience her life as it flashes before her eyes in the moments before her execution. In nine episodes we see not only her story but also a mirror for our own: the ways routine numbs us; the ways systems press us into roles we did not choose and the ways we forget what it means to be fully human.”
Acting and musical theatre students at NWSA hone their craft through acting technique, movement, and speech classes, focusing on fundamentals of physical and emotional preparation. With performance at its core, training is based on the classical texts and the principles of drama as well as practical incursions into the contemporary and experimental edges of theatre. Consequently, alumni are found performing onstage nationally and internationally and their talent and vision are recognized and highly regarded in the industry. Information about the NWSA theater division at 305-237-3260. 2025-2026 Theatre Season Scheduled Events.
A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades. Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.
MACHINAL
October 3, 10; 7:30 PM
October 4, 11; 2:00 PM
& 7:30 PM
Louise O. Gerrits Theater
25 NE 2 Street, 8th Floor, Miami
General admission $12. Students and seniors $5