From the auditions to performance day, read below to learn more about the talented actors who bring banned book characters to life during the Bell Library's Open House.
Anthony Aspell || Freshman from Denison || Major: Theatre-Ac
ting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Holden Caulfield from Catcher and the Rye
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
Rereading the book, it found a much better appreciation for Holden’s contradictory behavior.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
That his vulgarity alone was enough to ban the book.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Building a monologue for the character was rather difficult.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
Rereading the book
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I find that it should be a personal decision not by a school’s preference.
Kaitlyn Williams || Freshman from Bishop || Major: Theatre-Acting/Directing
/Teaching Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood. I will be playing Offred.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
That her name was changed because of the role in society she is forced to play. She is the belonging of a man named Fred. Therefore her name if Of Fred.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
One shocking thing that I found out about the book’s banning was that people found the book appalling and frightening because of the new age thinking involved in the developed society.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
The most challenging thing has been trying to relate to a character from a fictitious world.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
The best part of this assignment has been the ability to research and learn the process of the actual banning. I am also excited to dive deeper into the character.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I believe that people should be able to read the things they find interesting. Banning books does not seem practical. A section for mature audiences could be an alternative option.
Molly White || Freshman from Dallas || Major: Theatre-Acting/ Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
I'm playing Alice from Alice in Wonderland
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
Alice is very head strong and stubborn and it's powerful that she defies the common standards for women at the time.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
Alice in Wonderland was banned for many reasons over the years. The most shocking reason was because people were upset animals had human-like qualities and they were viewed as equal to humans.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
The British accent is a challenge.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I love getting the chance to educate people on the history of why books have been banned.
Braedyn Tate || Freshman from Ingram || Major: Acting/Directing/Teacher
Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
A fireman from Farhenheit 451
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
The bravery to go against society and read, despite the risks or understanding of what makes reading so beautiful.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I find the concept of banning something because it contains something offensive is ironic because the story's plot of burning books so that they will not offend anyone.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Absorbing a full character in such a short amount of time.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
Learning about good books that I've never read.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I don't think any books, art, or other literary medium should be banned so that creative artistic expression may never be hindered.
Luke Steele || Freshman from Hillsboro || Major: Theatre-Acting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
I will be playing a Wild Thing from Where the Wild Things Are
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
I think Maurice Sendak was a visionary. I think the emotional aspects and underlying metaphors in Where the Wild Things Are – notably, for me, the representation of the Wild Things – are quite interesting.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
After it was first released, the book was heavily banned because teachers and parents thought it was too disturbing or too dark for children. I found that to be silly, since it was read to me numerous times as a child – by both my parents and teachers.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
I think censorship is terribly asinine. Having to read about it annoys me to no end.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
Being able to bring knowledge about censorship to the public is a very noble deed. We need to realize that books are still being banned from libraries today, this didn’t just happen in the 1950’s!
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I think censorship is a violation of our first amendment rights – it’s wholly un-American! One of my favorite movies, Ken Russell’s The Devils, is notorious for being one of the most censored movies in existence. In fact, it is not even available in the U.S. anymore! I strongly urge anyone reading this to follow “Free Ken Russell’s The Devils” on Facebook, stay updated, and find a way to watch it. I highly recommend it!
Corbin Schnuriger || Freshman from San Antonio || Major: Theatre-
Acting/Directing/Teacher Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Jack from Lord of the Flies by William Golding
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
His villainous manipulation towards the other characters and how relatable that can be to the world we live in now. His manipulation and strife to become the “chief” of the island and the tactics he uses is what I think drives the story in such an entertaining way.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I think if there is anything that shocks me is that a book written a while ago still relates to issues we face today could be taken off shelfs. I ponder the question of “why try to hide some truth?” with a classic? It is fun to experience the truth of reality in a book or story.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
One of the challenges I find hard to achieve is to fully embrace the anger Jack has throughout the book. To feel passionately anger is a difficult task that is taking some time to reach.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
The best part of this assignment is the opportunity to play a villain. I believe the joy of having a really good villain in a book or story is the opportunities you have to see exactly what evil looks like, to stare at it in the face. Because, in the end evil does exist in our daily lives and a story like this one is pulled from somewhere; like our lives. The opportunity the character has to show how villainous someone can be and therefore have the reader’s reaction be avoid being like that character can turn out to be a good thing.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I think this project is a great opportunity for people to fully understand the reasons why these books have been banned. It sparks imagination and questions, possibly to have them walk away wanting to read one of these books.
Sean Saperstein || Freshman from Houston || Major: Theatre-Acting/ Directing/Teacher Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Max From Where the Wild Things Are
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
The character was based on the author as a child.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
The book was banned for being too dark for children and for its supernatural factors.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Making choices about how the character should be portrayed.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
Reading the book again. I have not read it since I was a child, so going back to it recently has brought back memories.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I think that sometimes the censorship and the reason for banning books is too strict, and books get banned for ridiculous reasons.
Catherine Sage || Freshman from Callisburg || Major: Theatre-
Acting/Directing/Teacher Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
I will be playing Widow Douglas from Huckleberry Finn.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
Though we do not see much of my character, I found it interesting how she believed she was helping Huck, despite him not wanting her help to "civilize" him.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I was most shocked because my book was banned for the "challenging concept" of the use of the N-word, rather than the blatant racism behind it.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
I had no prior knowledge of my book, so I had to learn everything for the first time.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I had not read my book prior to this assignment, so it was very interesting researching it and discovering this world for the first time.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I find that there is no reason to ban books, if you do not agree with something that does not mean there is nothing to be learned from it.
Wendy Ruisinger || Freshman from Houston || Major: Theatre-
Acting/directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
I found it fascinating what a strong hero Dorothy was for a book written in 1900. She was even tougher than the 1939 movie depicts her. She is cool and calm under pressure and faces danger head on. Dorothy is strong while remaining polite and full of joy. She is a fantastic role model for any young girl.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I assumed that the book had been banned for depicting witchcraft, which it was in 1986. What surprised me most however, was that it was originally banned for having a woman in a strong leadership role. Its depiction of a female character as the hero of the story was seen as unwholesome by some.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
The most challenging aspect has been the amount of research and thought I've had to put into this. Portraying such a well-known character is a blessing and a curse. I am grateful for the opportunity to take on this challenge.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
The best part of this had been being able to learn more about the censorship and banning of books. This is a subject I haven't thought much about since I've been lucky enough to have uninhibited access to books. It has made me step back and take a look at why this happened and is still happening today.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
Our right to the freedom of speech is the greatest asset we have in this country. By banning novels and censoring authors, we infringe on that right and silence a voice that needs to be heard. Everyone should have the freedom to read and learn.
Iceline Radicke || Freshman from San Antonio || Major: Theatre-
Acting/Directing/Teacher Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Fahrenheit 451, I will be playing Clarisse McClellen.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
I think the most the fascinating thing about my character was that she is most like me. I am known by everyone to be a lover of nature and the art of weather and sky. She reminds me of me in many ways.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
The book is banned because it is a book about other books getting burned, and one of them happens to be the Bible. So it was banned because of the example of burning of the Bible.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
The most challenging part of this assignment was that I had to find out who my character was through reading by myself , no one to tell me how to be her or how she would act , it is a more self-involved learning.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
The best part is the book. This book has brought so much interest to me as a lover of reading and I could relate to my character so much.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I love his project and this book has sparked my interest. I am so happy to be doing this.
Kenedy Moore || Freshman from Corpus Christi || Major: Theater-
Acting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Alice in Wonderland, White Rabbit
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
The White Rabbit’s main characteristic is anxiety, he's always worried about being late or about offending someone.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I was shocked that the book was banned because of the animal characters being able to use human language, some people felt this put animals on the same level as humans.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Becoming familiar with the white rabbit’s character, because until now I had never read the book.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
To be able to gain more knowledge about why this book was banned through playing a character.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
By banning books, it is banning a fact or some part of history or life which limits us from learning about something that was a real thing and that people need to know about.
Larry Martinez Jr. || Freshman from San Antonio || Major: Theatre- 
Acting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Gone With the Wind -- Rhett Butler
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
Rhett’s attitude is the thing I find most interesting. He does not care what people think and is actively able to speak out on what’s going through his mind, without regard for anyone’s reaction. His attitude is both admirable and dangerous, which is what makes it so fascinating.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
It shocked me that part of why it was banned was the language. The use of the “n-word” was written in context, and it was shocking to see people displace it into our 21st century way of viewing such a word. We all understand the impact the word has on people, but in a story depicting Southern plantation life in the Civil War period, it would seem almost criminal to not capture the truth of what it was like.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
The most challenging part has been trying to do the character justice. I do not want to simply imitate the great Clark Gable, I want to be able to play my own Rhett, and being able to project that to an audience in a 30-second scene, rather than a 3 hour movie, it’s definitely a challenge. However, it is one I’m more than happy to take on.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
The best part has been seeing Gone with the Wind in a different light, since this time I was analyzing, thinking, and planning throughout the whole movie and parts of the novel. I was not aware the book had been banned, and it was interesting to look at the reasoning for its banning. Especially in recent events unfolding in places like Charleston, South Carolina. Racism is at the forefront of everyone’s minds once again, and it was a wakeup call seeing that problems from the Reconstruction are still making waves in our society today.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
Personally, I see the banning of books as the epitome of a cowering society. Censorship of novels that cause controversy is nothing more than hiding from real issues. Truth lies in these novels that were banned, someone’s truth. It may not be yours or mine, but someone wrote these words for a reason, and put their voice out there to speak out on a subject that was important to them. Whether it be for subject matter, or language, or content, I do not believe a book should ever be banned. People have the free will to pick up or put down any book they want, and should not be told what they can and cannot indulge in.
Jazmine Lara || Freshman from Palacios || Major: Theatre –Acting/Directing
/Teacher Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
The title of my book is Animal Farm and I will be playing the Sheep.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
What I found most interesting was the people my character represented. People that just stood and watched everything and did not do anything about it. Which happens a lot through history and is continuing to happen even though we recognize the consequences.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
What shocked me was the fact that Animal farm was not only banned in the Soviet Union and some states in the U.S, but also other places. Places such as Kenya, Yugoslavia and the United Arab Emirates. This one book was enough to scare multiple countries. I find that both shocking and fascinating.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Portraying the character was defiantly challenging because this character represents a whole group of people and I really want the audience to realize that. And maybe also realize the harm it does to society when we close our eyes to problems and become “sheep.”
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I think just adding more history facts to my brain was the best part. I love learning about history, so I really enjoyed learning about Russia’s history through George Orwell’s allegory.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I disagree with book banning completely. I feel that we should agree that banning information can only hurt us as a society rather than help us.
Luke Kasner || Freshman from Lockney || Major: Acting/Directing/Teacher 
Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
I was assigned The Wizard of Oz and I will be playing the Scarecrow.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
I have learned that there is more to the scarecrow than what meets the eye. He is not the brainless bag of hay that some characters treat him as in the book. The Scarecrow is, in my opinion one of the most lovable characters in The Wizard of Oz because he is quite a comic relief!
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I was shocked to find out that the book was banned for having no value. I think if you take a look at the book analytically, there are many positive lessons to be learned; one being that you should be content with what you have in any given situation.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
I think the most challenging aspect of the assignment is solely connecting with the scarecrow and his characterization. He is a very tricky character to play, but I love the challenge!
What has been the best part of this assignment?
The best part of this assignment is learning why the books were banned. I firmly believe that any writer should be able to voice his or her opinion in any way they choose and not face negative feedback or repercussions.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I think this is an excellent way to educate the public about famous literature that was bashed for its creativity. This program should continue to do so and maintain a standard of literacy throughout the United States and the world.
Aaron Jaggers || Freshman from Fort Worth || Major: Theatre-
Acting/Directing/Teacher Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
I will be performing the role of Ralph from the Lord of the Flies.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
What I found to be the most fascinating thing about Ralph would be what he represents how different people handle their fears. While Jack overcomes fears with violence, Ralph would rather use reason and logic
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I found it strange how the Lord of the Flies can be banned due to its overwhelming violence when so many contemporary books like The Hunger Games focus their writings almost completely around violence.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
The most challenging part of this assignment will be to stay in character throughout the entire duration of our presentations.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I appreciate the opportunity to share the knowledge I have learned with others.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
Schools should consider reading more censored books in their English classes. I think it is important for students to analyze controversial material, discuss it with their peers, and gain insight about others and their beliefs on censorship.
Blake Grissom || Freshman from Fort Worth || Major: Theater-
Acting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
1984, Winston Smith
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
The character Winston was written to be extremely relatable to the normal everyday citizen. Orwell wrote Winston to be the "Average Joe" to help us see ourselves. The point was to make us empathize with him more- thus making his downfall more tragic.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I found it interesting that 1984 was banned on accusations of being pro-Communism. The book’s main character literally spoon feeds the readers with ideas that are pro-freedom.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Definitely climbing towards "becoming" Winston. Generally the misconception with acting is that people fail to realize the amount of homework an actor does. When I become a character, I become that character physically and mentally. Confidently presenting my character comes from knowing EVERYTHING about him, thinking like him, and essentially becoming him...etc.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I feel so rewarded in this project! I am learning about books that I am amazed have been banned. I love reading, so any chance I get is always greatly rewarding.
Connor Gray || Freshman from Austin || Major: Theatre-Acting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Harry Potter from the Harry Potter Series
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
That he was one of two children that could have been the chosen one, but Voldemort picked him.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
The biggest objections to the series is that it glorifies witchcraft and that they are too dark for children.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Trying to do justice to one of the most recognizable characters in literature.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I have always been a big fan of the series so getting the chance to play its main character is exciting.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I think the biggest pillar of society is knowledge and when you take that way from people, you not only hurt them but society as a whole.
Kayla Fontenot || Freshman from Woodville || Major: Theatre-
Acting/Directing/Teacher Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
I was assigned To Kill a Mockingbird and I will be playing Scout!
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
Scout is a tomboy and she is very curious about everything and asks many questions. She reminds me of myself from when I was little.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
Although this is considered one of the best novels in the 20th century, it has been banned for numerous reasons since its release in July of 1960, including vulgar language, sexual content, and the use of racial slurs. The N-word is used almost 50 times throughout the novel. This incredible piece of literature, that I learned so much from when I was assigned to read it, is being banned in other places because parents cannot get past the fact that it will show their kids how cruel this world can be.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
It is challenging to voice my opinion since this is a touchy subject for many people. Some believe this novel is amazing, while others think it is racist.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I relate to Scout and I love how fun and energetic she is. It is going to be fun to portray that! (I also might get to wear Scout's ham costume that she wears towards the end of the novel!)
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
Literature should not be banned. I believe that readings like this one have made me more mature, and taught me a lot about literature and history. Taking away the opportunity to learn away from others is cruel.
Kenedi Deal || Freshman from Bangs || Major: Theatre-Acting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Harry Potter, Hermione
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
I find it fascinating that Hermione was “muggle-born", or born into a family without magic, and didn't find out she was a witch until she was eleven.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
One of the reasons for Harry Potter being banned is that adults think the content of the book is too scary for children. I find this shocking because in my opinion, a child that is old enough to read a book that long and complex should also be able to handle the content.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Definitely the accent. Keeping a British accent for three hours will definitely be challenging.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I love Harry Potter. I am a huge fan of the movies and books, so getting to play Hermione was a dream come true.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I think that everyone has their own opinions. One group of people should not get to decide to ban a book that another group could possibly love. It is okay to not like the content, but keep it to yourself.
Katie Baker || Freshman from Ennis || Major: Theatre-Acting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Gone With the Wind, and Scarlett.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
Scarlett’s name was not originally Scarlett. Margaret Mitchell originally named the character Pansy, but the publisher requested a name change.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
Gone with the Wind was banned mainly due to racism. Although it is extremely common for books to be banned because of this, it still shocks me every time. I feel as if it is attempting to cover up the racism that was existent for so long, and still is.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
The most challenging aspect of this project has been actually connecting all the tiny details, like facts and lines, and turning it into one big picture.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
My favorite part of this assignment has been the learning. I’ve been able to learn about a completely different time, and all about a new interesting character. Both of which will help me with theatre and academics in the future.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
Book banning and censorship has been around forever. It has been the public’s way of shielding their children from the real world. Its greatest downfall is that this practice keeps people from being able to decipher for themselves what they think is right and wrong. Moreover, it prevents the absorption of knowledge, and as the saying goes, “knowledge is power."
Bailey Ayers || Freshman from Corpus Christi || Major: Theatre-Acting/Directing/Teacher Certification
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Huck.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
I was fascinated that Huck would sleep in doorways and empty barrels, because I use to fall asleep in my mom’s doorway when I was little, when it was thundering or I had a bad dream. I did not want to wake up my mom, so that is what I did. I was also surprised to learn that it took Mark Twain 7 years to write the novel.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
I was surprised to learn that the novel is one of the most complained-about novels in US schools, according to the American Library Association. In recently years, it has been taken off of required reading lists because of derogatory/racist language.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Really trying to prepare a monologue describing my character.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
I loved this book because it is about a young boy, and reading just the little things Huck would do as a kid reminded me of myself as a kid.
Russell Ingram || Junior from Athens, Texas || Major: Theatre-
Acting/Directing
What is the title of the book you were assigned, and what character will you be playing?
Animal Farm by George Orwell. The character is Napoleon the pig.
What have you learned about your character that you find most fascinating?
My character is based on Joseph Stalin. He is the manipulating ruler of the farm and does horrible things to the animals that don’t follow him.
What have you learned about why your character's book was banned that shocked you?
It was banned in the Soviet Union due to the fact it was a book about their leader and it was also banned in some countries because the animals are portrayed with equal intelligence to humans. It is still banned in Cuba and China.
What has been the most challenging aspect of this assignment?
Vocally trying to figure out how the role should sound has been a challenge.
What has been the best part of this assignment?
Reading about how they compared everything to a farm. The allegories in the book are great.
Would you like to make any comments about banned books or censorship?
I think it’s interesting to learn about why some things were banned and I think it’s important to focus on how this effected people so much that it caused them to ban it.