The Buzz Intro Interview

Amanda Jaquez and Brooke Stanton; Co-writers of Verity High: Canceled!

Because Verity High: Canceled! is a hilarious, heart-warming, and deeply relevant new musical that explores cancel culture, identity and fluidity, the importance of community, generational conflicts, and parental expectations through the chaos of a high school talent show. Audiences will laugh, cringe, and maybe even recognize a bit of themselves in the story’s quirky, flawed, and lovable characters.

This isn’t just another high school comedy—it's a sharp and witty social commentary wrapped in an electrifying theatrical experience. With original music, fast-paced humor, and unforgettable performances, this show taps into the modern zeitgeist, challenging audiences to think about self-identity, fear of failure, art, and forgiveness in a world where one mistake can change everything.

Festivals like the Atlanta Fringe are where theater comes alive in its rawest, most exciting form. It's where new works can be explored, tested, and fine-tuned in front of an audience that is hungry for bold, original storytelling. As creators, we thrive on the energy of a live audience, and there's nothing more exhilarating than seeing how people respond in real time—where they laugh, where they gasp, and where they lean in.

We chose Atlanta Fringe because it embraces innovation, risk-taking, and artistic experimentation. This festival attracts a vibrant mix of artists and audiences who appreciate fresh, thought-provoking theater—which is exactly what Verity High: Canceled! delivers.

This is a work-in-progress, a musical in motion, and the audience plays a crucial role in shaping its future. At Atlanta Fringe, we’re not just presenting a show—we’re workshopping a new work, sharing excerpts, and gathering reactions that will help sculpt the next stage of its evolution. Attendees aren’t just spectators; they’re part of the creative process, helping us refine and elevate this musical into something truly unforgettable.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to be in the room where it happens—where theater is born and shaped in real-time—this is your chance!

When we first started writing this musical, our goal was to create something we could perform in, recognizing the serious lack of roles for women our age. But as soon as we put pen to paper, we realized it had a greater purpose—one that extended far beyond just the two of us. It had to be about more than just giving ourselves a place—we had to make space for everyone.