Conner Horak-Flood Brings Depth and Humanity to John Proctor in Canyon Concert Ballet’s The Crucible

In Canyon Concert Ballet’s highly anticipated production of The Crucible, Conner Horak-Flood takes on the role of John Proctor, a man burdened by the weight of his own expectations and the moral complexities of his world. As an actor and dancer, Horak-Flood is deeply attuned to the internal and external struggles of Proctor, a man who sees himself as good and upstanding but is haunted by his past transgressions.

Proctor is a man who holds himself to high standards—standards that are reinforced by the tight-knit, judgmental community around him. Yet, despite his efforts, he has not lived up to them. His affair has damaged his marriage, and while his wife, Elizabeth, may have forgiven him, the real challenge lies in whether Proctor can forgive himself. His inability to do so fuels the hysteria gripping Salem, as his personal torment becomes entangled with the collective fear and paranoia of the town.

For Horak-Flood, Proctor’s journey is one that resonates far beyond the Salem witch trials. “I feel like this struggle Proctor feels between himself and his obligation to the others around him is a struggle we all feel at some point, especially in the year 2025,” he reflects. “What obligation do we have to ourselves versus those in our community? Is it moral to sacrifice one for the other?” These are questions that feel strikingly relevant in our current world, where personal integrity often clashes with societal demands.

Proctor’s imperfections make him a compelling and deeply human character. He is not a villain, nor a saint, but a man trying his best in a flawed world—something Horak-Flood seeks to embody in every movement and gesture. “Who among us isn’t trying our best? And who among us hasn’t hurt ourselves or those around us no matter how hard we try to do good?” he asks. This profound understanding of Proctor’s humanity allows Horak-Flood to bring an authenticity to the role that will undoubtedly resonate with audiences.

As The Crucible unfolds on stage, the audience will witness a man wrestling with his conscience, his past, and the expectations of those around him. Whether or not he finds redemption, Proctor’s struggle is one that speaks to us all, reminding us of the cost of integrity and the power of self-forgiveness. With Horak-Flood at the helm, this production promises to be both poignant and thought-provoking, a ballet that not only tells a story but challenges us to examine our own moral compass.