Admissions

Admissions is a sharp, heartfelt, and timely play that explores ambition, identity, and the pressure of proving your worth in a world obsessed with achievement. Set against the backdrop of a competitive admissions process, the story follows a group of students and decision-makers as their lives, values, and futures collide.

With humor, tension, and emotional honesty, Admissions asks big questions about success, privilege, and what it truly means to belong.

Castanya Breen fell in love with theater in the third grade while performing on a church stage in Texas, and she has never looked back. From costuming and performing to teaching and directing, live theater has been a lifelong passion. Now, after moving to Davie County earlier this year, she is bringing that passion to the Brock Performing Arts Center as the director of Admissions, an original musical comedy by Davie County playwright Daryl Rosenbaum.

Castanya is excited to be back in the director’s chair and to collaborate with local artists. “I love meeting new people, helping them grow, and watching them entertain others,” she shared. “Live theater feeds off connection and community.”

Daryl grew up in suburban Detroit and has proudly called Mocksville home for the past 21 years. His favorite titles are Dad, rec basketball coach, and husband to Elizabeth, who is contractually obligated to be described as the light of his life. He has loved watching his three kids grow through sports and the incredible arts programs at Davie County Schools.

A lifelong musical theater fan, Daryl never quite found the courage to step into the spotlight. He joined an a cappella group while at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine but avoided solos at all costs. As an adult, he kept a promise to himself by taking piano lessons alongside his son, survived recital nerves, picked up guitar through YouTube, and eventually turned to songwriting.

Writing about what he knew best, parenting and the insecurities of growing up, what began as a hobby and a little cheap therapy slowly became a full musical. After a year of writing, he partnered with composer Ben Taylor of Bloomington, Indiana, and together they shaped Admission into a finished work.

By day, Daryl serves as Dean of Admissions at the medical school, a role that has only added inspiration to the story. While Broadway might be nice someday, his real dream has always been sharing this show with his family, friends, and community.

He is deeply grateful to the Davie County Arts Council for supporting local artists and original works, and for helping bring Admission to life right here at home