CofC Stages proudly presents
Across the Horizon

November 22-23, 2025
Sottile Theatre

Artistic Director: Kristin Alexander

Head Lighting Designer: Lauren Duffie
Stage Manager: Miles Boinest

Costume Shop Manager: Savannah Blake
Technical Director: JD Stallings

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Jump to: Dance Pieces and Program Notes | Production Team | Acknowledgments | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Dance Pieces and Program Notes

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Fast Flowing Rivers

Choreographer: Kristin Alexander
Music Composer: Edward Hart
Costume Designer: Janine McCabe
Lighting Designer: Lauren Duffie
Assistant Lighting Designer: Quinn Mills

Dancers: Quinn Abram, Amara Alexander, Sarah Ani, Sadie Cipriani, Monet Dean, Libby Drotar, Sydney Feinberg, Ashley Gargangi, Paola Gutierrez, Alice Haggerty, Jillian Hennig, Camilla Linkin, Annie Davis, Mia Moran, Dinah Reiss, Madison Roberts, Calli Shea, Lilly Stevenson, Emily Taylor, Chloe Whitley

Understudies: Sarah Crotty, Emerson Goldberg, Lilly Hunter

Fast Flowing Rivers is the opening section of a larger work set to Professor of Music Edward Hart’s Under an Indigo Sky. Composed for violin and orchestra, Hart’s score is a musical love letter to his South Carolina home, with Fast Flowing Rivers drawing inspiration from the Midlands region of our state. This dance work is the result of a rich interdisciplinary collaboration among School of the Arts faculty members, whose collective approach brings Hart’s music to life, offering a vibrant reflection of place and partnership.

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Romantic Reverie

Restaged by Gretchen McLaine and Pamela O’Briant

1. Lucille Grahn’s solo from Pas de Quatre. Choreographer: Jules Perrot
   Composer: C. Pugni
   Dancer: Jen Griffaton
   Understudy: Jillian Epstein
2. Pas de Deux from William Tell. Choreographer: August Bournonville
   Composer: G. Rossini;
   Dancers: Patrick Bradley and Ellie Sonne
   Understudies: Gregory Kidd and Delanie Whitlock
3. Swanhilda and Friends from Coppelia. Choreographer: Arthur Saint-Leon
   Composer: L. Delibes
   Dancers: Sarah Santucci with Corinna Castillo, Jillian Epstein, Dinah Reiss, Delanie Whitlock
   Understudies: Jen Griffaton and Gabby Scangamor

Costume Designer: Bailey Beasenburg
Lighting Designer: Lauren Duffie
Assistant Lighting Designer: Emily Hutto

A retrospective view of ballet’s Romantic Era through three of its significant choreographers. 

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Saudade

Choreographer: Lindsey Ferguson
Music Composer: Johnny Marr and Morrissey
Costume Designer: Eva Razzi, Olivia Stevens
Lighting Designer: Hannah Moore

Dancers: Sadie Cipriani, Sophie Ketchum, Adrienne Rumfelt

Understudies: Olivia Dekeyser, Alice Haggerty

“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” – Miriam Adeney

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Daughters of the Earth

Choreographer: Sandella Malloy
Music Composer: Frank Malloy
Musicians: Otis Franklin, Zaiid Stroman, Zion Johnson
Voice Actor: Joy Vandervort-Cobb
Costume Designer: Olivia Stevens
Lighting Designer: Lauren Duffie
Assistant Lighting Designer: Quinn Mills

Dancers: Sarah Ani, Aimee Alston, Mackenzie Cassidy, Victoria Cazorla, Emerson Goldberg, Morgan Hendricks, Tess Malia, Mitchelle Mulari, Elizabeth Vazquez, Avery Zolnoski

Understudies: Sadie Schroeder, Mia Dye

Thank you to the mothers, grandmothers, and women everywhere who have shaped our paths. Through the African-inspired movement, we celebrate their strength, grace and the sacred connection we share with nature (Mother Earth), whose energy and wisdom empowers us to rise, transform, and carry our legacy forward.

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10 MINUTE INTERMISSION

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Bloom

Choreographer: Lexi DeBo
Music Composer:  Loure and Julie London
Costume Designer: Jenna Williamson
Lighting Designer: Abby Israel

Dancers: Aimee Alston, Grace Bucci, Charlie Faler, Sophia Ford, Lacy Keyser, Camilla Linkin, Emily Taylor, Bella Winder, Avery Zolnoski   

Understudies: Morgan Manrique, Morgan Hendricks   

“Like flowers, we all bloom in our own time. Be patient, and trust your journey”. 

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Unless

Choreographer: Laurel Van Beusecum
Music Composer: Clouds, The Mind on the (Re)Wind by Ezio Bosso, Cow Song by Meredith Monk, and soundscape by Miles Boinest.
Costume Designer: Jenna Williamson
Lighting Designer:  Lauren Duffie
Assistant Lighting Designer: Quinn Mills
Projection Designer: Miles Boinest

Dancers: Emily Acome, Grace Bucci, Lexi DeBo, Ayushi Gaur, Dory Harrell, Morgan Manrique, Sarah Santucci, Elizabeth Vasquez, and Olivia Wilkinson

Understudies: Ana Barringer, Lillian Caico, and Paola Guiterrez

Against the backdrop of rising global temperatures, as surging fossil fuel emissions trigger the greenhouse effect… what awaits there, on the horizon? “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” —The Lorax, Dr. Seuss

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Something about Sole

Choreographer: Danielle Barrett
Music Composer: Bobby McFerrin, Cory Wong
Costume Designer: Bailey Beasenburg
Lighting Designer: Lauren Duffie
Assistant Lighting Designer: Emily Hutto

Saturday Cast Dancers: Ashley Gargani, Lindsey Ferguson, Abby Hursh, Hailey Kulawiak, Kennedy Miller, Helene Nemeth, Tabitha Rapp, Catherine Venters

Sunday Cast Dancers:  Olivia DeKeyser, Lindsey Ferguson, Abby Hursh, Hailey Kulawiak, Kennedy Miller, Lilliana Myers, Tabitha Rapp, Catherine Venters

There is no greater gift you can give to yourself than to cherish your individuality, and to surround yourself with a community that recognizes and celebrates it. Everyone’s got groove, and everyone’s got soul!

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Transcendence

Choreographer: Jayme Klinger Host
Music Composer: Haxan Cloake, Shigeru Umebayashi, Sarah Palu, Oliver Davis
Audio Designer: Madeline Douglas
Costume Designer: Jenna Williamson
Lighting Designer: Bootsie Baldwin (original lighting design concept by Michael Shoaf)
Assistant Lighting Designer: Emily Hutto
Projection: Rob Alexander  (original projection design concept by Jayme Klinger Host and Michael Shoaf)

Dancers: Jillian Hennig, Elishia Jennings, Sophie Ketchum, Lacey Keyser, Elena Lauzun, Emma Murphy, Angelina Natoli, Gabby Scangamor, Chloe Stankiewicz, Lilly Stevenson, Bella Winder

Understudies: Emma DeSalle, Mitchelle Mulari

Residency Rehearsal assistants: Madeline Douglas, DeAsura Sidberry, Emma Muncie, Amani Faulk

Transcendence examines the alchemy of individual force and collective power. Each dancer’s singular movement becomes part of a larger ecology—a meditation on how we shape and are shaped by the world we inhabit. The work asks: How do we honor our distinct energy while reckoning with the mark we leave? It is a choreography of tension and possibility, where personal agency meets environmental consequence, and where transcendence emerges not from escape, but from conscious integration.

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance: Gretchen McLaine

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Sewing & Alterations: Molly Belle, Emma Bennett, Joyce Burton, Drake Carney, Hayden Horton, Caleb Luhila, Mia Moran, Niamh Nixon, Olivia Stevens, Lena Towne, Costume Shop Staff, and Students of THTR 240: Costume I
Wardrobe Leads: Aimee Alston, Liz Vazquez
Wardrobe Crew: Mia Dye, Kennedy Felder, Amelia Lacy, Or Levy
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Stef Amezcua-Barrientos, Bailey Beasenburg, Laila Hall, Jamiyah Witherspoon

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Electrician: Chris Warzynski
Lighting Technology Consultant: Justin Poruban
Light Board Programmer/Board Operator: Bootsie Baldwin
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the department of theatre & dance with support from donor funding): Emily Hutto, Abby Israel, Olivia Maness, Hannah Moore

Assistant Stage Managers: Lainey Dubyak, Hayden Horton
Run Crew: Annie Meyer
Sound Board Operator: Gianna Van Rouendal
Camera Operator: Ella Downs

Sottile Theatre Director of Operations: Victoria Leatherman
Sottile Theatre Technical Director: Evie Palmisano
Sottile Theatre Assistant Technical Director: Sam Meier
Sottile Theatre Staff: Eddie Fyre, Eli Orlandi

Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Graphic Designer: Miles Boinest, Danielle Drummond
Photography: Chris Warzynski
Publicity: Madelyn LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Special Thanks

Garrett Bell, Molly Belle, Jimmy Buchanan, Charleston Stage Company, Price Long, Caleb Garner, Evelynn Putnam, Robert Ivey Ballet, and Olga Wise.

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Thank you to all of our donors!

Become a Title Sponsor

Interested in becoming a Title Sponsor for an upcoming production? Individuals, families, and businesses of any sizes are eligible. Advertise your business to thousands of patrons and show your support for CofC Stages! Contact Miles Boinest at boinestdm@cofc.edu for more information.

Become an Impact Sponsor
Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2025-2026 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Evelynn Putnam
Chester & Arlene Williams
Anonymous donors

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – Legacy Gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington* & Robert Lukey – Legacy Gift
Michael & Susan Master – Legacy Gift

Become a Season Sponsor
Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-centered experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity! To make a donation today, visit go.charleston.edu/support-cofcstages.

Season Sponsor Levels:

PRODUCER $1000+
Ron Alston
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Tap & Jean Johnson
Valerie Morris
Emma Simmons
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave
Susan Kattwinkel
Janine McCabe
Matt & Gretchen McLaine
Evelynn Putnam
Mindy Seltzer & Bob Lovinger

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master
Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander
Donnetta Grays
Erin Mack
Jay Messeroff
James McKenna
Hailee Selby
JohnPaul Schutz
Laura Turner
Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Kimberly A. D’Angelo
Sandra Garner
Elena & Ted Mitchell
Jeff Perry
Bob Rickards
Jillian & Michael Smallwood
Susan Spearman

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Joanna Allen, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Malcolm Baldwin, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Alissa Friedman, Irina Gigova, Kipleen Green, Maegan Gudridge, Rachel Isley, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Ben Michaels, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Jean Robinson, Joseph Willingham, Hsin-Ching Wu

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Land Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge that we are located on the traditional lands of the first people of Charleston: The Etiwan, Kiawah, Edisto Natchez Kusso, Santee, and Wassamassaw people (also known as Varner Town Indians).

We acknowledge and honor all the indigenous people who lived, labored and were faithful stewards of the land. We express our deep gratitude for the land and continued faithful stewardship to the next seven generations.

We also acknowledge the lives and labor of the Africans who were enslaved to build Charleston, South Carolina.

On this campus and in this space, African and African-descended people used skilled labor in ornamental ironwork, historic architecture, and low country agriculture and food production. On behalf of the College of Charleston, we acknowledge the Black lives and labor that built our city and our campus.

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Stage Management

Lainey Dubyak is a senior majoring in Communication and minoring in Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Hayden Horton is a junior double majoring in Dance and Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism. This is her fourth mainstage production with the College of Charleston, and she previously performed in Moved By Memories.

Choreographers

Kristin Alexander is an Associate Professor of Dance at the College of Charleston, grateful to be both Artistic Director and a choreographer for this concert. She is also the Artistic Director of Annex Dance Company. This spring, Annex Dance Company will join the Department of Theatre and Dance for a residency that will culminate in a performance featuring company members and students in the full work set to Edward Hart’s Under an Indigo Sky.

Lexi DeBo is a student at the College of Charleston majoring in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography and Communication. She is also the president of Dance Alliance at the College of Charleston. Her piece, “Bloom” was first seen in the spring 2025 student dance concert “Moved By Memories”.

Lindsey Ferguson is a student at the College of Charleston double majoring in Dance and Psychology. She dances with both Annex Dance Company and Collective SC and shares her love of dance through teaching at local studios. Her piece “Saudade: was first seen in the Spring 2025 student dance concert, “Moved by Memories,” and will be taken to the American College Dance Association in the upcoming year.

Jayme Klinger Host

Gretchen McLaine is the Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of Charleston. Her areas of expertise include history, dance kinesiology, pedagogy, and Labanotation. Dr. McLaine has published and presented her original research throughout the United States. She has also proudly served in leadership roles within the National Dance Education Organization, Journal of Dance Education and the American College Dance Association. 

Sandella Malloy, co-founder of the Harambee Dance Company in New York City and Charleston with her husband Frank Malloy,  weaves African and African American dance traditions with contemporary expressions to tell stories that transcend time and place. Her performances at Jacob’s Pillow, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, DanceAfrica at BAM and the Moja Arts Festival celebrate the depth, beauty, and resilience of these dance forms, creating spaces that honor cultural heritage and inspire connection, understanding and transformation through movement.

Pamela O’Briant

Laurel Van Beusecum

Designers

Hannah (Quinn) Mills is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Lighting Design and minoring in Computing in the Arts. She was previously the light board operator for Moved by Memories, LX programmer for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and the Apprentice Head Electrician for You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. 

Musicians

Otis Franklin III is a Sophomore majoring in African American Studies, with minors in Music and Computing in the Arts. This is his debut on the mainstage at the College of Charleston.

Zion Michael Johnson is a sophomore majoring in computer science. This is his debut on the main stage at the College of Charleston.

Dancers: 

Quinn Abram is a sophomore majoring in International Business and minoring in Spanish. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Emily Acome is a senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Dance. This is her fifth mainstage show at the College of Charleston, previously seen in Moved by Memories in the spring. 

Amara Alexander is a junior double majoring in Biology and Dance. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston, previously seen in What Comes Next, last fall.

Aimee Alston is a junior majoring in Dance and Biology with a Biomedical concentration. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Sarah Ani is a sophomore majoring in Psychology and minoring in Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Ana Barringer is a freshman majoring in Psychology, Theater and Dance with a concentration in performance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Patrick Bradley is a freshman majoring in Dance. This is his first mainstage performance with College of Charleston.

Grace Bucci is a freshman majoring in Biology and Dance, and a member of the Honors college. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Lillian Caico is a freshman majoring in Marketing with a minor in Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Mackenzie Cassidy is a junior majoring in Arts Management with minors in Dance and Theatre. This is her third main stage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Corrina Castillo is a senior majoring in Communications with a double minor in Spanish and Dance. This is her fifth main stage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Victoria Cazorla is a junior majoring in Dance and minoring in Psychology. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Sadie Cipriani is a freshman majoring in Early Childhood Education.This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Sarah Crotty is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Annie Davis is a senior majoring in Arts Management and minoring in Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Monet Dean is a senior majoring in Music with a concentration in History & Culture. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Lexi DeBo is a junior majoring in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography and Communication. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next.  

Olivia DeKeyser is a sophomore majoring in Biology and Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Emma DeSalle is a freshman majoring in Biology and a minor in Business. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Libby Drotar is a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Dance. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next?

Mia Dye is a junior majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Dance. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next?

Jillian Epstein is a senior majoring in Dance and History. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston after presenting her work in Moved by Memories last spring. She was last seen in What Comes Next?

Charlie Faler is a sophomore majoring in English and Dance, and a member of the Honors College. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston following her last appearance in Moved by Memories last semester.

Sydney Feinberg is a sophomore majoring in Dance and minoring in Education. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next?

Lindsey Ferguson is a senior double majoring in Dance and Psychology. This is her seventh mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories. 

Sophia Ford is a junior majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management. This is their fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Ashley Gargani is a junior majoring in Communications and Dance. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Ayushi Gaur is a senior majoring in Marine Biology and Dance. This is her seventh mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Emerson Goldberg is a freshman double majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance and a certificate in Musical Theatre and Arts Management. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Jen Griffaton is a junior double majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography) and Music Composition. This is her fifth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Paola Gutierrez is a freshman majoring in Psychology. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Alice Haggerty is a freshman majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography) and Exercise Science. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Dory Harrell is a freshman majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography) and Physics. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Jillian Hennig is a freshman majoring in Communications and Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Morgan Hendricks is a freshman at the college majoring in Exercise science. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Lilly Hunter is a freshman majoring in Early Childhood Education and Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Abby Hursh is a freshman majoring in Meteorology, and this is her first main stage performance at the College of Charleston.

Elishia Jennings is a senior majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Dance. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Sophie Ketchum is a senior majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography) with a minor in Studio Art. This is her seventh mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Lacey Keyser is a freshman majoring in Marine Biology.  This is her first main stage performance at the College of Charleston.

Gregory Kidd is a junior majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography). This is their second show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Orpheus.

Hailey Kulawiak is a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Dance. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Elena Lauzun is a sophomore majoring in International Studies and Dance. This is her third mainstage performance at the College after appearing in What Comes Next and Moved by Memories last year.

Camilla Linkin is a senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership for Sustainability. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Tess Malia is a sophomore majoring in Sociology with a double minor in Psychology and Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Morgan Manrique is a freshman majoring in Dance and double-minoring in Medical Humanities and Biology. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Kennedy Miller is a sophomore majoring in Marketing and Dance. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Mia Moran is a senior double majoring in Dance and Psychology. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Mitchelle Mulari is a Freshman majoring in Dance and International Business. This is her first mainstage performance at the College of Charleston. 

Emma Murphy is a junior majoring in Integrated Studies with Psychology and Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston as she is a transfer student. 

Lilliana Myers is a senior majoring in Economics with minors in Dance and Spanish. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston, seen previously in What Comes Next last fall.

Angelina Natoli is a sophomore majoring in Finance and minoring in Marketing. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston after first appearing in Moved by Memories last semester.

Helene Nemeth is a senior majoring in Marine Biology with a Dance minor. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Becoming We.

Tabitha Rapp is a junior double majoring in Dance and Exercise Science. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Dinah Reiss is a junior majoring in Biology. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Madison Roberts is a freshman majoring in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Adrienne Rumfelt is a sophomore studying Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Sarah Santucci is a sophomore double majoring in Special Education and Dance. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston, last seen in Moved by Memories.

Gabriella Scangamor is a freshman majoring in Dance and Communications. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Sadie Schroeder is a freshman majoring in Dance with Concentration in Performance/Choreography and minoring in Business Administration. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Calli Shea is a junior at the College majoring in Communications. This is her second performance in a mainstage show at College of Charleston as she was last seen in Moved By Memories.

Ellie Sonne is a sophomore majoring in Dance (Performance and Choreography). This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Chloe Stankiewicz is a junior majoring in Exercise Science. This is her fifth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Lilly Stevenson is a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Dance. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Emily Taylor is a sophomore majoring in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories

Elizabeth Vazquez is a senior majoring in Dance. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Catherine Venters is a freshman double majoring in Secondary Education and History. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Chloe Whitley is a Junior majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Dance. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories.

Delanie Whitlock is a freshman majoring in Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Olivia Wilkinson is a junior majoring in Dance (Performance Choreography) and minoring in Arts Management. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next?

Bella Winder is a freshman double majoring in Psychology and Theatre with concentration of performance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Avery Zolnoski is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Marketing. This her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Moved by Memories. 

 

CofC Stages proudly presents
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gesner
Additional dialogue by Michael Mayer; additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

November 6-13, 2025
Simons Center Black Box Theatre

Director: Laura Turner

Costume Designer: Joyce Burton
Scenic Designer: Sarah Poteat
Lighting Designer: Hannah Moore

Choreographers: Ellie Schrupp and Laura Turner
Music Director: Laura Turner

Technical Director: JD Stallings
Costume Shop Manager: Savannah Blake
Stage Manager: Katherine Vidonic

Jump to: Cast | Musical Numbers | Production Team | Acknowledgments | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Cast

Role	Actor
Charlie Brown	Benji Gray-Miller
Lucy	Ellie Schrupp
Schroeder	Peyton Grant
Sally	Emma Feeney
Snoopy	Dillon Rosario
Linus	Noah Whisonant
Ensemble	Carsyn Ridgeway
Ensemble (Lucy/Sally Understudy)	Laura Rae Robinson
Ensemble (Charlie Brown/Schroeder Understudy)	Ethan Taylor
Ensemble (Snoopy/Linus understudy)	Jack Hipp

Setting: An Average day in the life of Charlie Brown
This production is presented in two acts with one ten-minute intermission

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Musical Numbers

Act One

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Schroeder
Snoopy
My Blanket and Me
The Kite
The Doctor is In
Beethoven Day
Book Report 

Act Two

Jack Hipp (Ensemble, Snoopy/Linus Understudy) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Theatre for Youth. This is his fourth production at CofC, with those including The Guy who Didn’t Like Musicals (Ted), Monsters of the America Cinema (Pup) and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Fish). He is thrilled to be doing a musical like Charlie Brown that is important and relevant to today’s youth. He would like to thank Laura Turner and remind everyone that he is, in fact, not stinky, but just acting.

Abby Israel (Head Electrician) is a senior at the College of Charleston, majoring in theatre with a concentration in Lighting Design. She was previously the lighting designer for this semester’s production of The Mousetrap. This is her fourth production as Head Electrician with the College.

Jaeden Middleton (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Freshman at the College of Charleston. This is his first time working on a production at the college. He would like to thank Laura Turner for giving him this opportunity and the cast/crew for making this so enjoyable.

Hannah (Quinn) Mills (Apprentice Head Electrician) is a sophomore at the College of Charleston, majoring in Theatre (Lighting Design) and minoring in Computing in the Arts. She was previously the light board operator for Moved by Memories and the lighting programmer for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Hannah Moore (Lighting Designer) is a junior at the College, majoring in Theatre (Lighting Design/Technology). This is her second CofC Stages production. Her design work was most recently seen in CofC Stages’ Moved by Memories. She would like to thank her Mentor, Lauren Duffie, for supporting and encouraging her throughout this process!

Mo Mosley (Run Crew) is a junior at the College of Charleston studying Environmental Geosciences. This is Mo’s first production at The College, but she has previously participated in many shows throughout high school. In 2023, Mo was selected to direct the senior-lead production Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at Pope High School. Though Mo hasn’t been in a theatre for some time, she is beyond excited to be backstage again surrounded by this amazing cast and crew! Mo looks forward to participating in more productions in her last semesters at The College and would like to thank the Stage Management team and rest of crew for being so welcoming and patient.

Ashleigh Parker (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Senior Majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a minor in International Studies. Some of her previous credits include AD/Casting Director for To Drain A Reservoir, Assistant Stage Managing Arkansaw Bear, and Assistant Stage Managing Late, A Cowboy Song. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work on this show! She would like to thank everyone working on this production for making it such a wonderful experience!

Paeton Patterson (Assistant Director + Sound Board Operator) is a Sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance) and Arts Management. This is Paeton’s first time assistant directing. Some of his other credits include Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher (2024), Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2023), and Phil in Almost, Maine (2021). He would like to thank his friends and family for the continuous support in his theatrical endeavors. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Sarah Poteat (Scenic Designer) is a senior and studying theatre with a scenic design concentration. This is her design debut with the Department of Theatre and Dance, and she could not be more grateful to be working with such a talented group of people! Her work has previously been seen in People Eater and she was last seen on stage as Charlotte in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals.

Carsyn Ridgeway (Ensemble) is a senior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Theatre for Youth. This is Carsyn’s first CofC Stages production, having previously performed in multiple Center Stage Productions such as The Arkansaw Bear, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as directing the first show of the Center Stage 2025-2026 season, Late; A Cowboy Song. She would like to thank Director Laura Turner and the entire cast and crew for their dedication, support, and unwavering positivity throughout this process. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their kindness and encouragement along the way!

Laura Rae Robinson (Ensemble, Lucy/Sally Understudy) is a freshman majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Theatre for Youth. This is her first production at College of Charleston, and first CofC Stages show. Her previous highlights include Dolly Levi (Hello Dolly) and Paulette Bonafonte (Legally Blonde). She is so excited for this opportunity and blessed to be with this amazing cast. She would like to thank everyone for being so welcoming and kind and thank Laura Turner for allowing her to be a part of this experience.

Dillon Rosario (Snoopy) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is his first time in a CofC Production. Dillon would like to thank the amazing cast, crew, and Laura Turner for their incredible support and constant encouragement. He would also like to thank his friends, family, and dogs for their continued support, love, and character inspiration. He couldn’t have done this without them all!

Ellie Schrupp (Lucy Van Pelt & Choreographer) is a Junior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a Musical Theatre Certificate and minoring in Arts Management and Dance. This is her second CofC Stages show at CofC following The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee last spring, as Marcy Park. As well as being incredibly excited to play Lucy Van Pelt, she is also grateful for the opportunity to choreograph such fun songs.  She would like to thank her lovely castmates, Laura Turner, and the crew/creative team for such a fun experience. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their continuous support!

Layla Staton (Makeup and Hair Designer)  is a freshman at the College of Charleston and is a Theatre major (Costume Design). This is her first time being involved in a production at the college, and she is extremely grateful for this experience. She can’t wait to be a part of many more productions. 

Ethan Taylor (Ensemble, Charlie Brown/Schroeder Understudy) is a senior majoring in theater with a concentration in performance. This is Ethan‘s first CofC Stages show here at the College of Charleston. He also wants to thank Laura Turner and the entire cast for all of their hard work and determination. Ethan also participates in clubs at the College of Charleston. This includes the Chucktown Trippintones and CofC Men’s Ultimate Frisbee. He also would like to thank all of his friends for their support and love through this journey.

Katherine Vidonic (Stage Manager) is a Sophomore majoring in Theatre and Arts Management (Music Industry). This is her first time SMing a CofC Stages production. She previously stage-managed The Arkansaw Bear and The Wolves with Center Stage and assistant stage-managed Dracula with CofC Stages. She would like to thank Laura Turner, the cast, and the crew for all their hard work to make this production come to life. She hopes you all enjoy the show

Noah Whisonant (Linus Van Pelt) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance) here at the College of Charleston. This is his second CofC Stages show at CofC, the first being The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip Tolentino). Noah is incredibly grateful for the entire cast and crew and gives much love to each and every one of them, especially his lovely director, Laura Turner. He couldn’t have done this without any of them. He would also like to thank his family, friends, and his blanket for supporting him through this process!

The program for The Mousetrap will appear here.

 

CofC Stages proudly presents
Stelle di Domani 2025

May 24-June 8, 2025
Simons Center Black Box Theatre
Chapel Theatre

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Jump to: Home | Monsters of the American Cinema | Musical Madness | Staged Readings | Under the Lights | The Red Suitcase | Dark/Magic

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Home
by Samm-Art Williams

 

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Monsters of the American Cinema

by Christian St. Croix

Presented by Center Stage

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Musical Madness

Jenny Bettke graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Theatre Performance and a minor in Arts Management in 2018. She has been active in the Charleston theatre community since graduating, with recent performances including Fiddler on the Roof (Charleston Stage) and Into the Woods (Footlight Players). In addition to acting, she contributes behind the scenes as a stage manager for both Footlight Players and Charleston Stage. Coming up, you can see her as Fraulein Kost in Footlight Players’ production of Cabaret.

Jenna Bush is a rising senior at The College majoring in Biology with a minor in Theatre. She has been involved with several CofC productions, most recently playing Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Regional credits include work with Debut Theatre Company as well as several productions with The Muny in St. Louis.

Shannon Marie Carmody is an actor with a specialty in voice over. A graduate of the Theatre program at Columbia College Chicago, She also trained at Black Box Acting and earned a degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston. Her work is driven by her study of the inner workings of relationships and the fallibility of the human mind.

Gibson Carter graduated from the College in 2018 with a degree in Theatre Performance. She served as President of Center Stage her senior year. She has performed in the Charleston theatre community since high school. After graduating, she moved to NYC, where she performed in a new works festival off-off-Broadway. Since returning to SC in 2021, she became a pastry chef, a paralegal, a dog mom, and a fiancé. She most recently performed in Little Gem at PURE Theatre.

Jill Goodman is a 2022 graduate from the MAT Performing Arts program at CofC. Prior to her time in Charleston, she earned her BA in Secondary Theatre Education from the University of New Hampshire and held Theatre for Youth Internships with the Wilma Theatre and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. These days, you can find her teaching Theatre at Lucy Beckham High School which has been a dream career for her since she was inspired by her own high school theatre teacher, Mary Kay Everett. Jill is so excited to take the stage again in her first Charleston performance!

Peyton Grant is a rising Junior at the College of Charleston, where he is studying arts management and theater performance with a minor in communications. He was most recently involved in CofC Production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Benji Gray-Miller is a rising Junior at the College of Charleston. He is studying Theatre with a concentration in Performance and has worked with both Mainstage and Centerstage at CofC. His most recent productions include William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mainstage), The Dancing Bear in Arkansaw Bear (Centerstage) and playwright in CofC’s first sci-fi fantasy podcast, Istoria.

Imani Lloyd graduated from the College of Charleston in 2019 with a degree in Commercial Real Estate Finance. Since being in the CofC production of Rent as an ensemble member, she’s appeared in Charleston Stage’s production of Legally Blonde and as a Storyteller in Once On This Island. When she’s not performing, she’s busy behind the scenes as a Guest Stage Manager, with past credits including Clue, The Trip to Bountiful, and Purlie Victorious. Recently, she was seen as Dina in Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! and Jean in POTUS at Footlight Players, where she also enjoys showcasing her talents as a Stage Manager, Choreographer, and Assistant Director! 

Clyde Moser is an educator, director, and performer based in Charleston. He graduated from the College of Charleston with a Master’s degree in Teaching Performing Arts. He has performed in numerous shows throughout Charleston. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the South Carolina Chapter of the International Thespian Society. Currently, he holds the position of Theatre Director at Wando High School. Some of the shows you might have seen Clyde in around Charleston include The Minutes, A Christmas Carol, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, The Prom, The Wild Party, The Full Monty, Once on this Island, The Addams Family, RENT, and A Chorus Line.

Mary Ott holds degrees in Music from Arizona State University and The College of Charleston, Mary is an active crossover artist in the classical and theatrical scenes of the Lowcountry, performing regularly with the nationally recognized Taylor Festival Choir in between shows. 

Michelle Rangel is a rising sophomore at the College of Charleston, double majoring in Political Science and Theatre with a Musical Theatre Certificate. She is a member of the Chucktown Trippintones a cappella group as a soprano, and is actively involved in the college’s theatre and dance department. Recent credits include performances in the department’s cabarets and directors’ showcases. She hopes to continue performing professionally, with dreams of Broadway and recurring performances at her favorite theatre, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina.

Will Rutkowski graduated in 2017 with a BA in Theatre, concentrating in Performance and Theatre for Youth. After graduation, he toured the Midwest for 5 years as part of a traveling children’s theatre company. This year, Will was hired as the Education Program Coordinator with Charleston Stage! Will has performed with the Footlight Players, and Charleston stage but most recently, you may have seen him in Legally Blonde.

Jessica Shamble graduated from the college in 2021 with a BA in Theatre for Youth. She still lives in Charleston and performs around town. She was most recently in Into The Woods as Cinderella with Footlight Players.

Chris Warzynski was born in Charleston, South Carolina, Chris truly is a Charleston native. Chris’s childhood took them through all parts of the city, from the rural boonies to the metropolitan boonies, Chris experienced a lot in the Holy City. After graduating from the College of Charleston in 2025, Chris is looking to make a national impact through performance and design. Chris looks to take the lessons learned from Charleston and spread them to the world.

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Staged Readings

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Under the Lights

 

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The Red Suitcase

Presented by Annex Dance Company

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Dark/Magic

CofC Stages proudly presents
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

April 11-16, 2025
Simons Center Emmett Robinson Theatre

Director: Peter Spearman

Costume Designer: Ashlyn Denham
Scenic Designer: Jonathan Wentz
Lighting Designers: Alex Jones

Choreographer: Charlie Maybee
Music Director: Meredith Lane

Technical Director: JD Stallings
Costume Shop Manager: Savannah Blake
Stage Manager: Olivia Maness

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Jump to: Cast | Musical Numbers | Production Team | Director’s Note | Acknowledgments | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Cast

Role	Actor
Rona Lisa Peretti	Taylor Bussey
Douglas Panch	Sam Rhodes
Mitch Mahoney	Drake Carney
Olive Ostrovsky	Jenna Bush
William Barfee	Benji Gray-Miller
Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre	Emma Feeny
Marcy Park	Ellie Schrupp
Leaf Coneybear	Peyton Grant
Chip Tolentino	Noah Whisonant
Olive/Rona Understudy	Grace Ratledge
Schwartzy Understudy	AK Dennis
Panch/Mitch/Coneybear Understudy	Gable Hirlston
Chip/Barfée Understudy	Paeton Patterson
Hosts of Yesteryear	Lucas Yeh

Setting: The Emmett Robinson Theatre set up for a spelling bee
THIS PRODUCTION IS PRESENTED IN ONE ACT WITHOUT AN INTERMISSION

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Musical Numbers

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The Spelling Rules/My Favorite Moment of the Bee
My Friend, the Dictonary
The First Goodbye
Pandemonium
I’m Not That Smart
The Second Goodbye
Magic Foot
Pandemonium (Reprise)/My Favorite Moment of the Bee 2
Prayer of the Comfort Counselor
My Unfortunate Erection (Chip’s Lament)
Woe Is Me
Spelling Montage
I’m Not That Smart (Reprise)
I Speak Six Languages
Jesus
The I Love You Song
Woe is Me (Reprise)
My Favorite Moment of the Bee 3/Second
Olive & Barfee Pas De Deux
Finale
The Last Goodbye

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Assistant Director: Emma Bennett
Assistant Stage Managers: Lauren Evans, Dailyn Mincey
Assistant Choreographers: Lexi DeBo, Halle White
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Stage Management Advisors: Miles Boinest, Caleb S. Garner

Scenic Design Assistant (Decor & Paint Research): Tovah Levenson
Scenic Design Assistant (Props Research): Kelsey Beckett
Scenic Charge: Tovah Levenson
Scenic Artist: Jonathan Wentz
Properties Charge: Jonathan Wentz
Properties Room Manager: Riley Taylor
Assistant Technical Director: Isabella Gardner
Carpenters: Justin Martin, Georgia Rudd, Students of THTR 209 – Stagecraft.
Scene Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Cheyenne Comitz, Lauren Evans, Isabella Gardner, Maddy Hall, Stephen Hand, Olivia Maness, Lucas Peine, Jacob Rye, Aidan Wunderley 

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Hair & Make-Up Design: Ashlyn Denham
Wardrobe Supervisor: Alyssa Guardino
Sewing & Alterations: Students of THTR 240: Costume I,
Wardrobe Crew: Evy Massey-Burkett, Corrina Castillo, Nicolette Hochstetler
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Zoe Jocassee Barber, Bailey Beasenburg, Ashlyn Denham, Laila Hall, Evy Massey-Burkett, Eva Razzi, Jenna Wiliamson

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Head Electrician: Abby Israel
Electricians: Noah Whisonant, Paeton Patterson, Emma Feeney, Ellie Shrupp, Jacob Rye, Maddie Hall, Amber dunton, Olivia Maness, Mia D’Angelo, Quinn Mills, Lilly Mueller, Gable Hirlston, Benji Gray-Miller, Hannah Moore, Chris Warzynski
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Moore, Chris Warzynski
Light Board Programmer: Quinn Mills
Light Board Operator: Jake Cisson
Follow Spot Operators: Amber Dunton, Leila Crane
Sound Design Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Sound Engineer: Jacob Reiss
A2: Rebecca Jordan
Sound Board Operator: Meredith Lane
Run Crew: Jaelin LaVanway, Ashleigh Parker

Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity & Social Media: Maddie LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips, Jacob Reiss
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

Special Thanks: Edward Crouse, Babas, Addi Spearman, Rehearsal Volunteers (seriously!), Jayme Host, Ambernice Toliver, Susan Kattwinkel, Chris Warzynski, Aiden Wunderley, Gabe Pires, Ryan Wartenberg, Madelein Hanson, Caroline Capra, LK Karabulut, Susan Spearman, Emily Piggot, and our nightly “Marigolds”

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Director’s Note

“When I get powers, I will remember what it felt like to be human.” -Brad Neely, Baby Cakes- Diary #1

Probably should have prefaced this quotation with a disclaimer that I nurtured a love for YouTube cartoons and memes as a tween– a phase that I’m totally out of. My younger brothers and I still have entire conversations that are quotations from series or videos like Baby Cakes, Salad Fingers, and Annoying Orange, to name a few. There was a time when admitting this would have embarrassed me, but not now.

Rona laments that these kids are at a “hard age.” It’s true but, the people around them aren’t making it any easier for these kids. Critically, this show asks us to simultaneously reflect on childhood and adolescence while considering our own reactions and responsibility to those in that stage of life. I’m sure– if pressed– you could think of someone that could’ve been softer with you at times or more supportive at others.

As we get further from this time in our lives, let’s not forget what it felt like to be in it. While so much of life may be unfair, let’s find more moments to laugh with each other and fewer to laugh at.

-PS

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Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2024-2025 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Evelynn Putnam
Chester & Arlene Williams
Anonymous donors

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:

PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Valerie Morris
Emma Simmons
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave
Tap & Jean Johnson
Susan Kattwinkel
Janine McCabe
Matt & Gretchen McLaine
Evelynn Putnam
Seltzer & Bob Lovinger
Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master
Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander
Donnetta Grays
Erin Mack
Jay Messeroff
James McKenna
Hailee Selby
Laura Turner
Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Sandra Garner
Elena & Ted Mitchell
Jeff Perry
Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Malcolm Baldwin, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Jean Robinson, Joseph Willingham

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Land Acknowlegement

We would like to acknowledge that we are located on the traditional lands of the first people of Charleston: The Etiwan, Kiawah, Edisto Natchez Kusso, Santee, and Wassamassaw people (also known as Varner Town Indians). 

We acknowledge and honor all the indigenous people who lived, labored and were faithful stewards of the land. We express our deep gratitude for the land and continued faithful stewardship to the next seven generations. 

We also acknowledge the lives and labor of the Africans who were enslaved to build Charleston, South Carolina. 

On this campus and in this space, African and African-descended people used skilled labor in ornamental ironwork, historic architecture, and low country agriculture and food production. On behalf of the College of Charleston, we acknowledge the Black lives and labor that built our city and our campus.

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Emma Bennett (Assistant Director) is a sophomore Theatre Performance major with a minor in Arts Management. Emma’s CofC credits include The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Ragg), Dracula (Mina Harker), and Die Fledermaus (assistant stage manager). Emma would like to thank Dr. Spearman for being the coolest and most supportive mentor out there! 

Jenna Bush (Olive Ostrovsky) is a junior majoring in Biology with a minor in Theatre from St. Louis, MO. Other MainStage credits include Dracula, Die Fledermaus,  Pippin, In Love and Warcraft, and Becoming We. She was also seen in Too Much Light… and Firebringer with Center Stage. Regional credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde, Chicago, and Footloose with the St. Louis MUNY as well as Sweeney Todd with Debut Theatre Company. She would like to thank everyone involved in the production for this incredible experience filled with so much dedication, love, and play. She would like to specifically thank Dr. Spearman for entrusting her with this dream of a role and for his constant support throughout the process.

Taylor Bussey (Rona Lisa Peretti) (she/her) transferred to CofC this year as a Junior majoring in Theatre (Performance) and Arts Management. She previously received her Musical Theatre Certification from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Previous credits include In Love and Death, OVAA’s Concert Series in Germany, and more. She’d like to thank her mother, grandparents, co-workers, and new-found friends for their continuous support. She’d also like to thank Dr. Peter Spearman for his brilliance and trust in her as well as the outstanding crew and design teams for their artistic collaboration in creating the world of the musical.

Drake Carney (Mitch Mahoney) (he/him) is a junior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a certificate in Musical Theatre and minoring in French. He is so excited to be returning to the mainstage in another musical after Pippin last year. Other CofC credits include Dracula, Die Fledermaus, and as music director for The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Center Stage). He’d like to thank Peter Spearman, this loving cast and wonderful creative team for being the coolest group ever and bringing this show to life.

Ashlyn Denham (Costume Designer) is a Senior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design) from Charleston, West Virginia. Her credits include costume design for What Comes Next and Pathways as well as assistant costume design for Die Fledermaus. This is her last show at the college as a student and she would like to thank the cast, crew, Dr. Peter Spearman and Janine McCabe for making this last show such a meaningful experience.

AK Dennis (Marcy/Logan Understudy) is a freshman at the College of Charleston majoring in Theatre. She is incredibly thankful for Kris for all their support, and the incredible cast, crew, and Peter Spearman for their amazing work and kindness.

Lauren Evans is a Senior at CofC. She is majoring in Theater (Performance). She is currently acting in the Istoria podcast. She wants to thank Olivia Maness and Miles Boinest for her first opportunity to ASM, and her fellow cast and crew members for making this such a great experience! She also wants to thank you, without your support this wouldn’t be possible.

Emma Feeney (Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre) is a freshman majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a minor in Communications from Rockville, MD. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. Emma would like to thank the incredible Dr. Peter Spearman, along with the most wonderfully talented and kind cast, and the most amazing crew for making this such a memorable and fun experience for her! She would also like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support throughout her theatre journey! 

Benji Gray-Miller (William Barfee) (he/they) is a Sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is their second time working on a mainstage show, but their first time performing. You may have seen Benji in Arkansaw Bear, Rocky Horror Picture Show, or Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind (Center Stage). He was also crew and served as an understudy in Home. 

Peyton Grant (Leaf Coneybear) is a Sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance) and Arts Management. This is his first main stage production at CofC, but other credits include Arkansaw Bear and The Guy who Didn’t Like Musicals. Peyton would like to thank everyone who participated in this fantastic show. He appreciates all the hard work that everyone has put into it. 

Gable Hirlston (Ensemble, understudy Mitch, Doug, and Coneybear) (he/him) is a sophomore with a major in Environmental Sustainability and a minor in Theatre from Murfreeboro, TN. He transferred from The American Musical Dramatic Academy in New York City and is very excited for this to be his first mainstage show at CofC! Gable would like to thank his dad for the endless support to always pursue what makes him happy and making sure he has time for his hobbies and extracurricular activities. He would also like to thank Dr. Peter Spearman for encouraging him to take on a theatre minor and trusting him to take on his understudy roles! Lastly, but certainly not least Gable would like to thank his outstanding castmates, crew, and design team for making this show so fun and a dream to work on!

Meredith Lane (Music Director) is a musician and educator originally from Mullins, South Carolina. She holds a BA in Music Education from Charleston Southern University. During her time there, she was in several of their musicals including Guys and Dolls, Curtains, and The Spitfire Grill. Most recently, she has served as music director for Beauty and the Beast and Annie. She is so excited for her first time working with CofC and would like to send a special thank you to Peter Spearman and the crew for being such a great help throughout the rehearsal process.

Olivia Maness (Stage Manager) (she/her) is a junior majoring in Theatre (Scenic/Lighting Design and Theatre Studies) from Memphis, TN. This is the seventh mainstage show she has been involved in. She has also served as stage manager for the department’s production of Men on Boats, as well as PURE Theatre’s production of The Roommate. Other credits with CofC include assistant stage manager for Violet and Marcus, or The Secret of Sweet, lighting designer for multiple showcases and Center Stage’s Deathtrap, writer for The Pages Festival and the Istoria podcast, and director for Center Stage’s The Arkansaw Bear. She was recently a regional finalist in KCACTF Region 4’s 10 Minute Play Festival. Olivia would like to thank the cast, crew, designers, and her ASMs Lauren and Dailyn, Dr. Peter Spearman, for making this one of her favorite shows to date! 

Charlie Maybee (Choreographer) (he/him) is a dancer, choreographer, musician, educator, and writer currently based in Charleston, South Carolina, where he is on faculty with the dance program at College of Charleston (CofC). He holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois with a certificate in Criticism and Interpretive Theory and is an alumnus of the Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble (MYTE). He has worked consistently in higher education since 2015 specializing in tap and modern dance technique classes, overseeing dance research projects, and providing musical accompaniment for dance classes. His current artistic research explores hybridity, literary archetypes, punk aesthetics, and techno-cultures through a tap dancer’s perspective and works to make tap dance more pronounced in higher education.

Dailyn Mincey (they/she) (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Junior majoring in Theatre (Theatre Studies) from Hemingway, SC. This is their first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She would like to thank Olivia Maness for being a wonderful mentor and Stage Manager throughout this show, as well as everyone who has had a hand in this beautiful production. 

Paeton Patterson (Ensemble, understudy for Barfee and Chip) is a freshman majoring in Theatre (Performance) and Arts Management. This year, Paeton was seen in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (2025) as well as in Center Stage’s production of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (2024). Some of his other credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (2024), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2023), and Almost, Maine (2021). You can also hear his voice as Rudy in Istoria, an audio drama created here at the college. He would like to thank his friends and family for the continuous support in his theatrical endeavors.

Grace Ratledge (understudy for Rona/Olive, Dance Captain) is excited to be in her first mainstage production! Grace is a recent transfer student to CofC majoring in Theatre (Performance) and minoring in Dance. Most recently she performed in The Arkansaw Bear with Center Stage. Grace has frequently performed in the Charlotte area in The Thursday Night Bridge Circle (Theatre Charlotte), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Free Reign Theatre) and in Sister Act (Rock Hill Theatre). Grace will forever be grateful to this cast for their infectious energy and support. 

Geoffrey (Sam) Rhodes (Vice Principal Panch) is a Senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) and minoring in Communications from Columbia, SC. This is his fifth and final mainstage show at CofC as an underclassman. Most recently seen in SchoolHouse Rock Live! and Jekyll and Hyde at the Queen Street Playhouse with the Footlight Players. His last CofC production was The Importance of Being Earnest. He would like to sincerely thank Dr. Peter Spearman, this wonderful cast and crew, his family, and Allison.

Ellie Schrupp (Marcy Park) is a Sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance) with the Musical Theatre Certificate and minoring is Arts Management and Dance. This is her first mainstage show at CofC and she couldn’t be more excited.  She would like to thank Dr. Peter Spearman for such this wonderful opportunity, and the incredible cast and creative team for making this experience so welcoming and fun. She would also like to thank her family for their continuous support!

Noah Whisonant (Chip Tolentino) is a Freshman majoring in Theatre (Performance) This is first mainstage show at the CofC and he’s incredibly thankful to have the support of the creative and performing ensemble. He gives huge thanks to those supporting him from campus and back home in Rock Hill, SC. Working with Dr. Peter Spearman has been a blessing and he is incredibly thankful to have gotten to revisit a script he loves dearly.

 

 

CofC Stages proudly presents
Moved by Memories

March 21-26, 2025
Simons Center Black Box Theatre

Artistic Director: Kristin Alexander

Costume Designer: Eva Razzi
Lighting Designers: Abby Israel, Hannah Moore

Technical Director: JD Stallings
Costume Shop Manager: Savannah Blake
Stage Manager: Mollie Davis

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Jump to: Dance Pieces and Program Notes | Director’s Note | Production Team | Acknowledgments | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Dance Pieces and Program Notes

MOVED BY MEMORIES FEATURES TWO CASTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PEFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS.

Opening Night Cast (ONC) performs on 3/21, 3/22 (evening), 3/23 (evening), and 3/25
Closing Night Cast (CNC) performs on 3/22 (matinee), 3/23 (matinee), 3/24 and 3/26

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Plantasia

Choreographer: Halle White
Lighting Designer: Hannah Moore
Music by data sonification from PlantWave & Olive Ardizoni
Music edited by Halle White and Charie Maybee

Opening Night Cast: Aimee Alston, Monet Dean, Alyssa Messall, Emily Monahan, Angie Natoli, Chloe Whitley
Closing Night Cast:  Sydney Henderson, Hayden Horton, Katie Mullins, Cheyanne Stankiewicz, Lilly Stevenson, Avery Zolnoski

PlantWave is a device that translates plant conductivity into sound, reflecting their photosynthesis and cellular activity as musical notes. When plants are active, they produce a continuous melody. The movement in this piece is driven by the sonification of the plants and the personification of their life cycle. Explore the social, interconnected nature of plants and how their networks are more human like than what meets the eye, fostering communication, memory, and cooperation.  

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Her Voice, Her Power

Choreographer: Skylar Carroll
Lighting Designer: Abby Israel
Music by Son Lux and Olafur Arnalds; text by Breigh Carroll, Jordyn Carroll, Maile Carroll, and Skylar Carroll; music edited by Skylar Carroll

Opening Night Cast: Sophie Ketchum
Closing Night Cast: Madison Vaughn

Identity, Strength, and blending movement and personal narratives to honor self-expression and the strength of the female voice. 

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Stars and Moons

Choreographer: Jillian Epstein
Lighting Designer: Abby Israel
Music by Adolphe Adams and Stevie Nicks; music edited by Jillian Epstein and Rob Alexander

Opening Night Cast: Sidoney Freeman, Ayushi Gaur, Jen Griffaton, Kennedy Miller, Ava Woods
Closing Night Cast: Lucy Addicks, Mackenzie Cassidy, Corinna Castillo, Abigail Corbett, Elizabeth Vasquez

“Lindsey and I were as close to married as I’ll probably ever be. I took care of him, I cooked for him, I ironed his jeans, I embroidered stars and moons on them, I adored him, I took care of him.” – Stevie Nicks

 “Her mind becomes unhinged, and she dies of a broken heart—her love unrequited.” – Giselle, American Ballet Theater

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Borrowed Time: Exploring the Limits of Fate and the Fragility of Our Plans

Choreographers: Emily Falcone and Madison Vaughn
Lighting Designer: Hannah Moore
Music by Timothy John Bettison, Philip Glass & Paul Leonard-Morgan, Wesley Schultz & Jeremiah Fraites; music edited by Emily Falcone

Opening Night Cast: Nika Nosova, Adrienne Rumfelt, Abby Percy, Cali Shea, Eliza Schnabel
Closing Night Cast: Emily Acome, Emily Taylor, Lindsey Ferguson, Halle White, Sydney Henderson

“From when does fulfillment come? When I expel from this mortal shell, will I die from living numb” – Moses Sumney 

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10 Minute Intermission

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Sweet Dreams

Choreographer: Jen Griffaton
Lighting Designer: Abby Israel
Music by Johannes Brahms and John Barnes Chance

Opening Night Cast: Ava Woods, Sarah Santucci, Avé-Ella Blanchette, Ellie Sonne
Closing Night Cast: Ella Downs, Katie Mullins, Corinna Castillo, Olivia Norwood

“We are not what other people say we are. We are who we know ourselves to be, and we are what we love. That’s okay.” – Laverne Cox

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Saudade

Choreographer: Lindsey Ferguson
Lighting Designer: Hannah Moore
Music by Johnny Marr and Morrissey

Opening Night Cast: Sophie Ketchum, Nika Novosa, Chloe Whitely
Closing Night Cast:  Emily Falcone, Mackenzie Hayes, Emily Acome

“You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” – Miriam Adeney

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Emulating, What?

Choreographer: Katelyn Ventura
Lighting Designer: Hannah Moore
Music by Tyler the Creator

Opening Night Cast: Madison Fisher, Sidoney Freeman
Closing Night Cast: Hailey Kulawiak, Emily Taylor

Do you truly feel like you, or just a product of the world surrounding you?

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Bloom

Choreographer: Lexi DeBo
Lighting Designer: Abby Israel
Music by Loure and Julie London

Opening Night Cast: Sarah Santucci, Sophia Ford, Riley Jenkins, Charlie Faler, Abby Percy
Closing Night Cast: Mackenzie Hayes, Lucy Addicks, Avery Zolnoski, Elena Lauzun, Chloe Stankiewicz

Like flowers, we all bloom in our own time. Be patient and trust your journey. 

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Director’s Note

Welcome to Moved by Memories, a collection of new choreography created, designed, and performed by an incredible group of student artists. In celebration of ten years of our spring student concert and our department’s season theme of “Old is New Again,” the title Moved by Memories was the starting point for creativity and connection. In addition to the personal creative processes of the choreographers and their collaborative journeys with the designers, I connected each choreographer with an alumna who had their work presented in this concert series when they were a student. The relationship between the current and past choreographers developed differently for everyone, but most importantly, it is a reminder of the impact the Moved by Memories choreographers will make on the department. In future years, I will undoubtedly refer to the works presented in our inaugural student concert in the Simons Center Black Box theatre and the students I was lucky enough to mentor from first idea to what you will witness today. Immerse yourself in their worlds and allow yourself to be moved by memories.  Enjoy.

—Kristin Alexander
Artistic Director

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Stage Management Advisor: Caleb S. Garner

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Assistant Costume Designer: Jenna Williamson
Costume Assistant: Joyce Burton
Sewing & Alterations: Bailey Beasenburg, Costume Shop Staff, and the students of THTR 240 Intro to Costume
Bedazzlers: Mattison Gaillard and Jenna Williamson
Wardrobe crew: Pierson Dejames, Elishia Jennings, Madison Vaughan
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding):  Zoe Jocasse Barber, Ashlyn Denham, Laila Hall, Evy Massey, Eva Razzi, Jenna Williamson

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Head Electricians: Chris Warzynski
Electricians: Bootsie Baldwin, Mia D’Angelo, Amber Dunton, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Mills, Hannah Moore, Lily Mueller
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the department of theatre & dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Moore, Chris Warzynski
Light Board Programmer: Lily Mueller
Sound Design Advisor: Caleb Garner
Sound Board Operator:  Ethan Taylor
Camera Operator: Mia Brady

Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Maddie LaBarge and Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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SPECIAL THANKS: 

Amberice Tolliver, faculty choreography mentors: Charlie Maybee, Gretchen McLaine, Pam O’Briant, Laurel Van Beuscum, the alumnae who were paired with a student choreographer to foster relationship throughout the process: Anna Brown, Marianna Cooper, Mattie Fleischer, Arianna Moore, Madeline Goodman, Claire Natiez, Madison, Patterson, Angela Vecchione.

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Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2024-2025 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Evelynn Putnam
Anonymous donors

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Valerie Morris
Emma Simmons
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave
Tap & Jean Johnson
Susan Kattwinkel
Janine McCabe
Matt & Gretchen McLaine
Seltzer & Bob Lovinger
Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master
Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander
Donnetta Grays
Erin Mack
Janice & Jay Messeroff
James McKenna
Hailee Selby
Laura Turner
Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Malcolm Baldwin
Sandra Garner
Elena & Ted Mitchell
Jeff Perry
Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

 

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LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: 

We would like to acknowledge that we are located on the traditional lands of the first people of Charleston: The Etiwan, Kiawah, Edisto Natchez Kusso, Santee, and Wassamassaw people (also known as Varner Town Indians). 

We acknowledge and honor all the indigenous people who lived, labored and were faithful stewards of the land. We express our deep gratitude for the land and continued faithful stewardship to the next seven generations. 

We also acknowledge the lives and labor of the Africans who were enslaved to build Charleston, South Carolina. 

On this campus and in this space, African and African-descended people used skilled labor in ornamental ironwork, historic architecture, and low country agriculture and food production. On behalf of the College of Charleston, we acknowledge the Black lives and labor that built our city and our campus.

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Emily Acome is a sophomore from Richmond, Virginia. She is double majoring in Psychology and Dance. This is her fourth mainstage performance with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next. 

Lucy Addicks is a freshman from Knoxville, Tennessee. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Dance with a pre-health track. This is her second mainstage performance with the college, and was last seen in What Comes Next. 

Aimee Alston is a sophomore from Franklin, Massachusetts. She is majoring in Dance and Biology with a biomedical concentration. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next. 

Avé-Ella Blanchette is a senior from Nashua, New Hampshire. She is a double major in Multicategorical Special Education and Dance. This is her seventh mainstage performance at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Skylar Carroll is a junior from Lexington, South Carolina. She is majoring in Dance, and this is her first time choreographing for a mainstage concert. 

MacKenzie Cassidy is a sophomore at the College of Charleston from Ardmore, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in Arts Management with minors in Dance and Theatre. This is her second mainstage performance at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain. 

Corrina Castillo is a junior from East Hampton, New York. She is majoring in Communications with a double minor in Dance and Spanish. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways. 

Abigail Corbett is a sophomore from Jenkinsville, South Carolina. She is majoring in Computer Information Systems with a double minor in Dance and Russian Studies. This is her first mainstream show at the College of Charleston. 

Mollie Davis is a Senior at Cofc majoring in Psychology and Theatre. Her previous stage management work includes Violet, Pippin, and Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Monet Dean is a junior from Long Island, New York. She is majoring in Music. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston.

Lexi DeBo is a sophomore from Greenville, South Carolina. She is majoring in Dance (performance/choreography) and Communication. This is her first time choreographing for the College of Charleston and her fourth mainstage show. She was last seen in What Comes Next. 

Ella Downs is a sophomore from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in Dance and Marketing. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next. 

Jillian Epstein is a sophomore from Asheville, North Carolina. She is majoring in History and Dance. This is her first time choreographing with the College of Charleston and her fourth mainstage show. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Emily Falcone is a senior from Smithfield, Rhode Island. She is a double major in Psychology and Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography. This is her third time presenting her choreography and is her seventh mainstage show overall. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Charlie Faler is a freshman from Augusta, Georgia. She is double majoring in English and Dance. This is her first mainstage performance with the college.

Lindsey Ferguson is a junior from Greenville, South Carolina. She is a double major in Psychology and Dance. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston and her first time choreographing. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Madison Fisher is a senior from Ocean, New Jersey. She is double majoring in Finance and Dance. This is her seventh mainstage show at The College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Sidoney Freeman is a freshman from Lititz, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in Arts Management with a music industry concentration and is a Spanish minor. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston. 

Sophia Ford is a sophomore from Bedminster, New Jersey. She is majoring in Hospitality and Tourism Management with a minor in Marketing. This is her third mainstage show with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Ayushi Gaur is a junior from Memphis, Tennessee majoring in Marine Biology and Dance. This is her sixth mainstage show with the College of Charleston. 

Jen Griffaton is a sophomore from Pickerington, Ohio. She is majoring in Dance and Music Composition. This is her first time choreographing for the College of Charleston and her fourth mainstage show overall. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Mackenzie Hayes is a freshman double majoring in Dance and Political Science from Greenville, SC. This is her second mainstage show with the College of Charleston. She was last seen performing in What Comes Next. 

Sydney Henderson is a freshman Communications major. This is her first mainstage show with the college. 

Hayden Horton is a sophomore from Barnwell, South Carolina. She is double majoring in Business Administration and Dance. This is her third mainstage production and she was last seen in What Comes Next.

Abby Israel is a junior at the College majoring in Theatre (Lighting Design). This is her first time as a head designer for the mainstage and her second time designing for the student dance concert. 

Riley Jenkins is a freshman from Mooresville, North Carolina. She is majoring in Biology (Pre-Medical) with a Biomedical Concentration. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston.

Sophie Ketchum is a junior from Nashville, Tennessee. She is majoring in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography and a minor in Studio Art. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next. 

Hailey Kulawiak is a freshman from Cleveland, Ohio. She is double majoring in Psychology and Dance. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston.

Elena Lauzun is a freshman from Ithaca, New York double majoring in International Studies and Dance. She is excited to be a part of another dance concert with the college after performing in What Comes Next this past fall.

Alyssa Messall is a freshman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She is double majoring in Dance and Arts Management. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston.

Kennedy Miller is a freshman from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is double majoring in Dance and Marketing. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Hannah Moore is a Sophomore from Conway, South Carolina, majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Lighting Design. This is her first time designing for a mainstage production. 

Emily Monahan is a senior from Landrum, South Carolina. She is majoring in English and minoring in Dance. This is her sixth mainstage show for the College of Charleston, last appearing in What Comes Next.

Katie Mullins is a senior from Summerville, South Carolina. She is majoring in Public Health and minoring in Healthcare and Medical Services Management. This is her fourth mainstage show with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Angelina Natoli is a freshman from Sugar Loaf, New York. She is majoring in Finance and minoring in Marketing. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Olivia Norwood is a freshman from Camden, South Carolina. She is majoring in Dance and minoring in Psychology. This is her first mainstage performance at the College of Charleston.

Nika Nosova is a Freshman from Greenville, South Carolina, majoring in Dance. This is her first mainstage performance at the College of Charleston.

Abby Percy is a sophomore from Huntsville, Alabama. She is a double major in Political Science And Dance and minoring in Writing, Rhetoric, and Publications. This is her fourth mainstage performance with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next. 

Eva Razzi is a senior from Pawleys Island, South Carolina. She is majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design and a minor in French. This is her first mainstage production as the costume designer. 

Adrienne Rumfelt is a freshman from Charlotte, North Carolina. She is majoring in Dance with a concentration in performance and choreography. This is her first mainstage show with the College of Charleston. 

Sarah Santucci is a freshman at the College of Charleston from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She is double majoring in Special Education and Dance. This is her second mainstage performance at the College. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Eliza Schnabel is a freshman from Columbia, South Carolina. She is majoring in Psychology, and minoring in Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Calli Shea is a sophomore at CofC from Mahwah, New Jersey and is majoring in Meteorology. This is her first mainstage performance at the College of Charleston.

Ellie Sonne is a freshman from Cameron, South Carolina. She is a Dance major with the concentration of performance and choreography. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston. 

Lilly Stevenson is a freshman from Salisbury, Maryland. She is double majoring in Psychology and Dance. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Cheyanne Stankiewicz is a Senior from Greenville, South Carolina, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Arts Management. This is her sixth mainstage performance at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Chloe Stankiewicz is a sophomore from Greenville, South Carolina. She is majoring in Exercise Science. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next. 

Emily Taylor is a freshman from Nassau, Bahamas. She is a Dance major with a concentration in performance and choreography. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston. 

Elizabeth Vazquez is a junior from Columbia, South Carolina . She is majoring in Dance. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen performing in Becoming We.

Katelyn Ventura is a sophomore from Aiken, South Carolina. She is majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Dance. This is her third mainstage show and her first time choreographing with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in What Comes Next.

Halle White is a senior from Greenville, South Carolina, majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and minoring in Arts Management. This is her sixth mainstage performance and her third time presenting choreography in a Spring Dance Concert. Her most recent work Invictus was showcased in the 2024 Spring Dance Concert Pathways. Halle would like to thank her professors for their guidance in finding her choreographic voice these past four years. 

Chloe Whitley is a sophomore from Charleston, South Carolina. She is majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Dance. This is her second mainstage performance with the College of Charleston, she was last seen in Pathways. 

Ava Woods is a senior in the Honors College from Parkville, Maryland. She is majoring in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography. This is her eighth mainstage show at the College, and she was last seen in What Comes Next.

Avery Zolnoski is a freshman from Lincroft, New Jersey. She is majoring in Marketing with a Minor in Dance. This is her second mainstage performance with the College of Charleston. She was last seen performing in What Comes Next.

CofC Stages proudly presents

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui 

Written by Bertolt Brecht and translated by Jennifer Wise.

Directed by Todd McNerney

Scenic Designer Madison Berry (’24)	Costume Designer Janine McCabe	Lighting Designer Bootsie Baldwin	Sound Designer  Amelia Hawke Tebalt
Technical Director JD       Stallings	Costume Shop Manager Tyler Akeo		Stage Manager        Cheyenne Comitz

February 20-25, 2025
Simons Center, Emmett Robinson Theatre

Jump to:| Production Team | Acknowledgments| Director’s Note | Dramaturgical Note | Cast and Production Team Biographies |

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Cast

Arturo Ui: Kate Yarbray
Ernesto Roma: Calvin Biesecker
Emanuele Girl: LG Wylie
Giuseppe Givola: Patrick Treybal
Dogsborough: Chris Guerrero
Flake: Chris Warzynski
Caruther: Aidan Wunderley
Butcher: Blakesley Rhett
Mulberry: Isabella Gardner
Clark: Alex Leary
Sheet & et al: Jay Davis
Young Dogsborough & Inna: Ava Mueller
Dockdaisy: Sophia Shaker
Ragg & et al: Emma Bennett
Bowl & et al: Jonathan Hoofnagel
Goodwill & et al: Madelein Hanson
Gaffles & et al: Amber Walker
O’Casey & et al: Paeton Patterson
Actor & Greenwool: Jacob Rye
Hook & et al: Gray Crews
Caruther: Aidan Wunderley
Defense Attorney & et al: Jamiyah Witherspoon
Fish & et al: Jack Hipp
Judge & et al: Hayden Cohen
Prosecutor & et al: Lexi Prioleau
Betty Dullfeet & et al: Journey Townsend
Ignatius Dullfeet & et al: Adam Barham

The Band

Piano and Guitar: Abby Scruggs
Clarinet: Anna Cogbill
Sousaphone: Kalia Williams
Trumpet: Connor Perr

Presenting a 1930’s Gangster story.

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Dept. of Theatre & Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Dramaturg: Jacob Rye
Stage Management Advisor: Caleb Garner
Assistant Directors: Jake Cisson and Caroline Drinnon
Assistant Stage Managers: Emma Piazza and Kaede Chikuma

Scenic Charge: Madison Berry
Scenic Artists: Alexandria Foster, Tovah Levenson, Sarah Poteat, Jonathan Wentz
Properties Charge: Stephen Hand
Properties Artisans: Madison Berry, Jonathan Wentz
Properties Room Manager: Riley Taylor
Carpenters: Students of THTR 209: Stagecraft, Maddie Hall, Justin Martin, Georgia Rudd.
Scene Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Cheyenne Comitz, Lauren Evans, Isabella Gardner, Stephen Hand, Olivia Maness, Lucas Peine, Jacob Rye, Aidan Wunderley

Hair and Makeup Design: Jenna Williamson
Costume Design Assistant: Zoe Jocassee Barber
Costume Assistant: Joyce Burton
Sewing & Alterations: Students of THTR 240: Costumes 1, Bailey Beasenburg, Addison Pico.
Wardrobe Crew: Ashlyn Denham (Lead), Jenna Williamson (Hair & Makeup Artist), Mia D’Angelo
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding):  Zoe Jocassee Barber, Ashlyn Denham, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Head Electrician(s): Hannah Moore
Electricians: Bootsie Baldwin, Ki Carney, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Moore, Lucas Peine, Reed Reed, Sam Rhodes, Chris Warzynski, Aidan Wunderley
Light Board Programmer: Ky Daisey
Light Board Operator: Emory Ibrahim
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Moore, Chris Warzynski
Sound Design Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Sound Technicians: Amelia Hawke Tebalt & Jacob Reiss
Sound Board Operator: Georgia Rudd

CofC Stages Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Jake Cisson, Madelyn LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Special Thanks

 The Greenery Florist (on Calhoun St.) for their generosity to the props team.

Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers opportunities to become an Impact Sponsor. Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2022-2023 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Evelynn Putnam
Anonymous donors

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch, Valerie Morris, Emma Simmons, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave, Tap & Jean Johnson, Susan Kattwinkel, Janine McCabe, Matt & Gretchen McLaine, Evelynn Putnam, Mindy Setltzer & Bob Lovinger, Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master, Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander, Donnetta Grays, Erin Mack, Jay Messeroff, James McKenna, Hailee Selby, Laura Turner, Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Sandra Gardner, Elena and Ted Mitchell, Jeff Perry, Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: We would like to acknowledge that we are located on the traditional lands of the first people of Charleston: The Etiwan, Kiawah, Edisto Natchez Kusso, Santee, and Wassamassaw people (also known as Varner Town Indians).  We acknowledge and honor all the indigenous people who lived, labored and were faithful stewards of the land. We express our deep gratitude for the land and continued faithful stewardship to the next seven generations. 

We also acknowledge the lives and labor of the Africans who were enslaved to build Charleston, South Carolina. 

On this campus and in this space, African and African-descended people used skilled labor in ornamental ironwork, historic architecture, and low country agriculture and food production. On behalf of the College of Charleston, we acknowledge the Black lives and labor that built our city and our campus.

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Director’s Note

Bertolt Brecht’s contributions to the theatre were many, have been well researched, and are important even today. I have held a fondness for Brecht’s plays and his theatrical theories since my undergraduate years; when I not only studied him in my theatre courses and worked on one of his plays, but also by reading some of his works in his native language as part of my minor in German. Brecht’s themes and ideas are intricately bound to the early and mid-20th century; to the chaos, upheaval, and horrors of two World Wars, to a world-wide economic Depression, and to the varied and rapid political changes of the time period.

To escape the rise of Nazism, Brecht fled Germany and lived in exile in the United States where in addition to many other things, he fed and fueled his passion for Hollywood gangster films. Such films included those starring James Cagney, Edgar G. Robinson, and Humphrey Bogart. That genre is as popular today as it was in the 1930’s. Contemporary versions include TV series such as Ozark, Breaking Bad, and The Sopranos; films such The Irishman and American Gangster and of course The Godfather and its sequels.

  The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is a parable play utilizing the gangster genre Brecht loved so much. Specifically, he intended it to reflect the approximate 10 year rise to power of Adolf Hitler. His original signs reflected those actual historical events. However (like many of his works which are also similarly specific to a time and a place) it is not a work which should be seen simply as a history lesson or as an example of theatrical theory. Brecht (like all great writers) had the ability to recognize and to highlight many elements and flaws of the human condition more broadly. Such flaws include humanity’s attraction to “bad people” (supported by references in the play to three of Shakespeare’s greatest villains) and the very human frailty of making short-sighted, self-serving choices.

The history of the world is rife with totalitarian “gangsters”; it is not limited to the 20th century’s Hitlers, Mussolinis, Stalins, or Maos. Rather a common and well-trodden path has been used throughout time to ascend to and to achieve power. The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is not a history lesson, but rather as its prologue states it is a cautionary examination of the forever and always present “status quo” and a call to remind us that vigilance and resistance is better than acceptance and acquiescence.

– Todd McNerney, Director.

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Dramaturgical Note and Explanation

Step 1: FAT CATS FIND GOLDEN PARACHUTES
Brecht translation: “1929-1932. Worldwide slump hits Germany hard. Prussian landowners angle for government subsidy. Attempts so far unsuccessful.

The Great Depression notably affected Germany harshly. The German economy was still recovering from the Great War (WW1) as well. The Prussian Junkers were wealthy, conservative agricultural land owners residing in Prussia.

Step 2 EVERY QUID HAS A PRO QUO
Brecht translation: “Junkers present President Hindenburg with country estate, famous beauty spot at Neudeck, to arouse his sympathy for their plight.”

Paul von Hindenburg, a former Junker himself, was indeed gifted a large, grandiose country home from the Prussian Junkers. In return, the Junkers received government aid.

Step 3 NEED A CLEAN START, GET THE DIRT…
Brecht translation: Fall, 1932. Nazi Party faces financial ruin and disintegration. Hitler desperate to seize power. Hindenburg refuses to see him.

After the Nazi party’s failed Beer Hall Putsch in November, 1923, Hitler was arrested and convicted of treason. He wrote his infamous book Mein Kampf during his time in prison. In the book, Hitler emphasized populist politics and the need to gain power through “legal” means, among several other Nazi ideologies.

Step 4 IF YOU GIVE A RAT A COOKIE…
Brecht translation: “January 1933. Hindenburg nixes Hitler as head of government. Aging President threatened by probe. Misappropriation of funds?”

Hindenburg was implicated in the Eastern Aid scandal or the Osthilfeskandal, which consisted of Prussian Junkers inappropriately using government funds for luxury items. The country home was involved as a bargaining chip. Once the Nazi’s came to power, the scandal was scrubbed from the public record.

Step 5 MUDDY THE WATERS WITH MISDIRECTION
Brecht translation: “January 31, 1933. Hindenburg yields to Herr Hitler. F hrer to head new government. Graft inquiry called off.”

In an effort to gain conservative political power, Hindenburg and former Chancellor of Germany, Franz von Papen, created a plan to appoint the politically popular Hitler to the chancellorship. Hitler was to be Chancellor with Von Papen as vice Chancellor to “reign him in.”

Step 6 WALK LIKE A DUCK, TALK LIKE A DUCK… YOU’RE A DUCK?
Brecht translation: “Herr Hitler coached by provincial actor. Lessons from Herr Basil in elocution and deportment.”

Hitler throughout his life was given lessons in rhetoric, appearance, and public speaking. First through one of his early Nazi mentors, Dietrich Eckart, and then later Erik Jan Hanussen. The name “Basil” may be a reference to Shakespearean actor Basil Rathbone, who did not have any direct connections with Hitler.

Step 7 NEVER LET A GOOD CRISIS GO TO WASTE
Brecht translation: “February, 1933. Reichstag building in flames. Frame to crush opposition. Hitler starts reign of terror. The Night of the Long Knives.”

The Reichstag was the lower branch of the Parliamentary arm of the Weimar German government (think of it as the House of Representatives in a way). In February of 1933, the building was set on fire, which created mass political panic utilized by the Nazi party and establishment conservatives. Hindenburg passed the Reichstag Fire Decree, which allowed the immediate persecution and suppression of political enemies, or otherwise members of the German Communist Party. “The Night of the Long Knives” would come later in 1934.

Step 8 TRIVIALIZE, DELEGITIMIZE, AND CAPITALIZE
Brecht translation: “Reichstag fire trial ends in uproar. Göring loses temper in court. Doped laborer sentenced to death. Mockery of justice.”

Five Communists were tried for the crime of the Reichstag fire, however only the Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, was sentenced. The trial took place in the Reichsgericht, Germany’s highest court, and would last from September to December of 1933. Conspiracies regarding the result of the trial remain today, as scholars are unsure if van der Lubbe could have acted alone. Many Germans at the time suggested Nazi involvement. Van der Lubbe was sentenced to death.

Step 9 SLEEP WITH SNAKES AND YOU’LL GET BIT
Brecht translation: “Hindenburg’s death imminent. Bitter struggles within Nazi camp. Herr Hitler under pressure, influential circles demand removal of S.A. chief Ernst Röhm.”

In 1934, the year of his death, Hindenburg was aged 86 and concerns about his age were common among his opposers. Hermann Göring and Heinrich Himmler were among the Nazi advocates to execute Ernst Röhm for his insistence on violent revolution and expansion.

Step 10 ET TU, BRUTUS!
Brecht translation: “June 30, 1934: S.A. chief Ernst Röhm and friends ambushed while waiting for Hitler to stage coup against Hindenburg and Göring. Massacre at tavern.”

From June 30th to July 2nd, 1934, Hitler ordered the execution of several Nazi figures, establishment conservatives, and political opponents. The killings were done by the Gestapo and the Schutzstaffel (SS). Ernst Röhm, leader of the Sturmabteilung (SA), was among the executed. The event is referred to as Operation Hummingbird or the Night of the Long Knives.

Step 11 SEDUCE THE STORYTELLER SPIN THE STORY
Brecht translation: “Austria yields to Nazi cajoling, Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss calls off press attacks.”

Chancellor of Austria, Engelbert Dollfuss, was an Austro-fascist opponent of Nazi Germany. Dollfuss believed in a one-party Austrian state and vehemently opposed the Hitlerian idea of a “unified Germany,” which would require the annexation of Austria. Dollfuss utilized emergency powers to prevent elections, which may have allowed for members of the Austrian National Socialist Party to attain power.

Step 12 GET’M SWIMMIN’ WITH YA OR IT’S SLEEPIN’ WITH THE FISHES
Brecht translation: “Dollfuss murder opens door to rape of Austria. Nazis woo Austrian public opinion.”

July, 1934, in an event known as the “July Putsch” was a coup d’etat attempt on Dollfuss’ Fatherland Front government. Members of an “unofficial” Austrian SS coalition, the SS Standarte 89, raided the Federal Chancellery of Austria and assassinated Dollfuss. However, the coup d’etat was unsuccessful and Nazi Germany failed to seize Austria in 1934.

Step 13 THEY’LL LOVE YA FOR IT… OR ELSE
Brecht translation: “March 11, 1938: Nazis invade Austria. 98% of terrorized electorate votes yes for Hitler.”

In an event known as the Anschluss, the Nazi’s invaded and seized Austria. Although the vote was held in April, the Nazi’s had invaded a month prior in March. The plebiscite, which claimed 99% of voters in favor, is generally regarded as illegitimate and fraudulent. Historical analysis predicted approximately 70% of Austrians were opposed to the annexation of Austria.

Note

“The broad masses of the people are not made up of diplomats or professors of public jurisprudence nor simply of persons who are able to form reasoned judgment in given cases, but a vacillating crowd of human children who are constantly wavering between one idea and another.” This is a translated quote from Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf. When thinking of your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, your mechanics, your Uber drivers, or even those you do not know, is this how you describe them? Is this how you would want others to think of them? The Nazis had a gnack, an ability to dehumanize those opposed to them. It would be wrong however, to consider them the masters of this cruel practice.

Bertolt Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui acts as a reflection of the errors of the past. Errors that many of us would like to imagine have been eradicated. However, these errors are not errors. Instead they are consequences that only strengthen as they continue to go unrecognized. What Brecht intends to teach us lies within every society. Resistance is not something that goes away. It is not a job to be finished, but an action to be maintained. As long as humans exist, treachery will be alongside it.

In a world where consent is manufactured and many ideas are not broadcast without going through hoops and tunnels, it is important to maintain contact with our humanity. Evil exists in all shapes, forms, and spaces; however, humanity exists within everybody. Humanity can only be removed when we, the common folk, allow it to be attacked.”

– Jacob Rye, Dramaturg.

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Cast

Adam Barham (Ignatius Dullfeet) is a sophomore majoring in Communication. This is his first mainstage production at the College of Charleston. Adam has had a blast putting this show together with such a friendly and welcoming cast and crew. He sends his thanks to friends and family for coming to see the show!

Emma Bennett (Ragg/Gunman) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is Emma’s second mainstage production at the College. She was recently seen as Mina Harker in Dracula (2024). Emma has loved getting to work with such a massive cast of wildly talented artists on this production. Emma will be the assistant director for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in April, and hopes to see you all then! 

Calvin Biesecker (Ernesto Roma) is a senior majoring in Marine Biology at the College of Charleston. The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui marks both his mainstage debut and final production before graduation. He is incredibly grateful to his family and friends for their unwavering support, as well as to the Theatre Department and the entire Ui team for this unforgettable experience. He also thanks you for supporting live theatre—enjoy the show!

Anna Cogbill (Band: Clarinet) is a senior majoring in Communications and French & Francophone Studies. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston, and she has had a wonderful time working with such talented and driven people!

Hayden Cohen (Judge,Bodyguard,Gunman) is a junior majoring in Theatre (Youth Theatre). This production marks her mainstage debut at the College of Charleston. She was recently in CenterStage’s production of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Zoey, Greenpeace Girl,Cop). She would like to thank the team of incredibly talented artists who are a part of this important production. 

Gray Irene Crews (Hook & Woman) is a freshman double majoring in Theatre and Marine Biology. This is her second main stage production at the College of Charleston. This past fall she was an understudy and costume assistant for the mainstage production of Home and she was in the stage reading of The Drama of King Shotaway (Miss Labatt). 

Jay Davis. (Sheet, Swing) is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Theatre (Performance).  This is their second Mainstage production with the College. Previous performances include The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, The Drama of King Shotaway, Hurricane Diane, Rocky Horror Shadowcast 2023, and Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.

Isabella Gardner (Mulberry) is a senior Theatre and Arts Management double major. She was featured by the College of Charleston Mainstage in Men on Boats and Two Gentlemen of Verona, and by Center Stage in Firebringer, The Bacchae, and Dead Man’s Cellphone. She is also proud to be the Founding Co-Artistic director of the Center Stage Fringe Festival! It is an honor for her to take her final bow on the Mainstage alongside this dedicated group.

Chris Guerrero (Dogsborough) is a sophomore majoring in Psychology. This is his first performance at CofC, and was last seen in Shakespeare’s Macbeth as Macbeth at Rutgers University. He would like to thank the professors in the Theatre Dept. for their leadership and guidance through the process. 

Madelein Hanson (Goodwill, Gangster) is a senior double majoring in Theatre Studies and French & Francophone studies. This will be her last Mainstage production at CofC, having previously been seen as Evie in In Love and Warcraft. She has also worked extensively with Center Stage during her time at CofC, and was last seen on stage with them as Brad in the 2023 Rocky Horror Shadowcast. Hanson is the recipient of the David Lee Nelson Hope award for her original work Ataxia, Aphasia, and Other Signs of Impending Ruin during the College’s Pages Festival. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her through her time here and a special thank you to her professors in the theatre department for believing in her acting, writing, and research.

Jack Hipp  (Fish, Vegetable Dealer, Bodyguard) is a Freshman majoring in Theatre (theatere for youth). This is one of his first productions with CofC and along with a role in center stages “The guy who didnt like musicals”. Jack has enjoyed working with the joyful cast and crew and is very pleased to be able to put on an engaging performance for the audience. He is gateful for Todd (his wonderful director) as well as his parents Shannon and Bill Hipp. This performance his dedicated to his Grandpa, Bud Hipp, who he loves dearly. 

Jonathan Hoofnagle (Bowl, Vegetable Dealer, Bodyguard, Cicieronian) is a Freshman double-majoring in Political Science (Philosophy, Law, and Politics) and Theatre (Performance). This is one of his first productions with CofC and he is so excited. Jonathan has enjoyed working with the joyful cast and crew and is very pleased to be able to put on an engaging performance for the audience. Lastly, he is grateful to everybody and especially the director, Todd, for giving him such a wonderful opportunity!

Alexandar Leary (Clark) is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a minor in African American Studies. This is his fourth and final mainstage production at the College. Recently seen as Juicy in PURE Theatre’s production of Fat Ham (2024), Terrell in Marcus; Or the Secret of the Sweet (2023), and Xavier in Pipeline (2021). In addition, he was the Soundboard Operator for CofC’s production of HOME (2024), which went to KCACTF earlier this February. He’d like to thank his family and friends for their continuous support and the Department of Theatre & Dance for instilling in him the tools to further his passion, craft, and career.  

Ava Mueller (Young Dogsborough/Inna) is a junior majoring in Theatre. This is her first Mainstage production. Her last performance was the CenterStage production, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. Ava would like to thank her family for their unrelenting love and support, as well as a thanks to everyone who supports theater itself by being here tonight. 

Paeton Patterson (O’Casey) is a freshman majoring in Theatre (Performance) and Arts Management. This is Paeton’s first MainStage production, however he was also seen in CenterStage’s production of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (2024) in the fall semester! Some of his other credits include Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher (2024), Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2023), and Phil in Almost, Maine (2021). He would like to thank his friends and family for the continuous support in his theatrical endeavors. He hopes you enjoy the show!! 

Connor Perr (Band: Trumpet) is a freshman majoring in Hospitality and Communications. This is his College of Charleston stage debut, and his first time playing in the band in any show he’s been a part of! He thanks his family for their support, and the cast and crew of Arturo Ui, especially Todd, for giving him this opportunity, and wishes everyone to break a leg!

Alexandria Prioleau (Prosecutor, Bodyguard) is a senior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance. This is her fourth and last mainstage production at the college. She stage-managed Home (2024) which traveled to KCACTF earlier this February. She also stage-managed the mainstage dance concert After the Rain (2023) and performed in the staged reading The Pages Festival (2024). She is honored to have this opportunity to perform. She would like to thank her mother, the rest of her family, and friends for always supporting her.  

Blakesley Rhett (Butcher) is a senior majoring in Communication with a minor in Creative Writing. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She would like to thank her mother and her grandparents for always supporting her love of theatre, the entire cast and crew for being so welcoming and Todd for giving her the opportunity to return to performing! “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke

Jacob Rye (Actor/Greenwool/Dramaturg) is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a minor in Biology. He has previously been apart of a few CofC MainStage productions: Dracula (Dr. Seward) and The Pages Festival (Writer). He was also seen in CenterStage’s Dead Man’s Cellphone, The Bacchae, and Firebringer. It is a privilege for him to be able to be apart of this process and is excited to see the consequences of everyone’s hard work.

Abby Scruggs (Band: Piano and Guitar) is a Senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) and Political Science with a minor in Music. She was last seen in the Main Stage productions of Violet and Pippin, as well as Center Stage’s Firebringer. She would like to thank her family for their continued support, and Buren Martin for giving her a love of Theatre!

Sophia Shaker (Dockdaisy) is a Sophomore majoring in Communication and minoring in Theatre. This is her first show with the College of Charleston. Sophia is so excited to be performing with these talented people and is so grateful for this opportunity. She thanks everyone for their support and hopes everyone loves the show.

Journey Townsend

Patrick Treybal (Giuseppe Givola) is a freshman majoring in Theatre(Performance Concentration). This is his first ever MainStage show at the College Of Charleston.

Amber Walker 

Chris Warzynski (Flake) is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance and Scenic/Lighting). This production marks Chris’s final appearance on the CofC mainstage as an undergraduate, Ui will be their sixth mainstage show. During their time at CofC Chris toured Lowcountry schools with PURE Theatre’s Lovers and Fools, and worked with Japan’s Yokohama Theatre Group on the newly devised Jekyll & Hyde. Chris is also an accomplished Lighting Designer, having designed both Pippin and HOME for CofC’s mainstage, the latter of which earned Chris the SETC/David Weiss Regional 1st place in Lighting Design award at the 57th KCACTF Region 4 Festival. Chris is very excited to start their professional career. chriswarzynski.com

Kalia Williams (Band: Sousaphone) is a CofC Class of 2020 alumna with a Computer Science B.S. During her time as a student, she participated in the CofC Orchestra and Pep Band (Chucktown Sound) as principal tubist. This is her first performance with the Dept of Theatre and Dance. Currently, Kalia is a Staff Technologist at Booz Allen Hamilton Corporation. A transgender woman and a vociferous advocate for queer and labor rights, she encourages the audience to defend the rights of others in the face of modern injustices. Kalia would also like to thank the cast, crew, and College faculty that participated in this production for the opportunity to work with such incredible and talented people to make art together.

Jamiyah Witherspoon (Defense Council, Vegetable dealer, Servent, Bodyguard) is a junior majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is Jamiyah’s first mainstage role at the College of Charleston! She is very grateful for this opportunity, and would like to thank the cast, crew, and everyone involved for such a wonderful experience. She would also like to thank her family and friends for all the support! 

Aidan Wunderley (Caruther) is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance). The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is Aidan’s fifth acting role in a Mainstage show. Last seen on the Mainstage in Men On Boats (2023) as Hawkins, and Two Gentlemen of Verona (2023) as an outlaw, Aidan has also acted with PURE Theatre, in the children’s show, Lovers and Fools (2024) as Hamlet. Aidan’s Mainstage production credits include stage managing the Pathways Dance Concert (2024) and assistant directing Dracula (2024). Aidan encourages the audience to reflect on their apathy and to protest the injustices of contemporary America. 

LG Wylie (Emanuele Giri) is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) at The College. This is her fourth and final Mainstage show at The College. She has recently been seen in Dracula (2024) as Van Helsing, The Importance of Being Earnest (2024) as Algernon Moncrieff, and Men On Boats (2023) as John Colton Sumner. LG is also an active member of CofC’s student-lead theatre company, Center Stage. Her Center Stage credits include The Bacchae (2023) as a Maenad, Hurricane Diane (2024) as Carol, and Dead Man’s Cell Phone (2024) as Mrs. Gottlieb. She would like to thank this company of artists for creating such striking and necessary art together. “It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.” – James Baldwin

Kate Yarbray (Arturo Ui) is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with minors in both Creative Writing and Women and Gender Studies. She was most recently seen on CofC Stages as Catherine in Pippin (2023) and Lydia Wickham in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (2022). She has also performed with Center Stage as Chorn in Firebringer (2022). When offstage, she finds her passion in directing. Her directorial debut with Center Stage, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, was restaged as part of Piccolo Spoleto (2022). Following this production, she will be understudying with PURE Theatre for an upcoming new musical: Pleasure Never Lies. Kate would like to give all her love to Todd McNerney for this opportunity. 

Production Team:

Bootsie Baldwin is a senior double majoring in Computer Science and Computing in the Arts (Theatre concentration) and minoring in Mathematics. This is their second and final CofC Stages design in their undergrad. Some of their previous technical work with CofC Stages includes The Importance of Being Earnest (Lighting Designer), Die Fledermaus (Head Electrician), Men on Boats (Head Electrician), and Becoming We (Lighting Designer).  They were recently awarded the KCACTF Region IV Heart of the Art in Design Award for their work on The Importance of Being Earnest and Die Fledermaus. Additionally, they are involved with CofC’s Center Stage, and more of their lighting design work has been seen in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, The Bacchae, and Firebringer. Their work outside of the College includes for Annex Dance Company’s It’s Itself (Lighting Designer), and PURE Theatre’s The Lehman Trilogy (Associate Lighting Designer). Bootsie would like to thank their mentor Lauren Duffie for all that she does.

Zoe Barber

Madison Berry (Scenic Designer) is a local theatrical artist just at the beginning of her professional career within the Charleston community. She is a recent alum of the College of Charleston where she earned her B.A. in Performance and Scenic Design. She is proud to call herself a member of PURE theatre where she serves as technical director. Recent credits include THE SHARK IS BROKEN, THE LAST FIVE YEARS (PURE Theatre), THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, PIPPIN, MEN ON BOATS, THE BACCHAE, MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET, VIOLET, THE CAKE (The College of Charleston), DANIEL AND THE KINGS (Oh Pray Productions), and THERE’S ALWAYS TOMORROW (Piccolo Spoleto Stelle Di Domani). She has been awarded the 2023 Randy Lutz Allied Design & Tech National Finalist for her properties design (Violet) by The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. She is extremely thankful to Todd, Gretchen, Janine and the entire artistic team here at CofC for allowing her the opportunity to work with such a great community of artists once again.

Joyce Burton

Kaede Chikuma (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore majoring in Computing in the Arts with a Theatre concentration. This is her first Mainstage show and her first time as Assistant Stage Manager. She has previously worked as the light board operator for the Center Stage production of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and encouragement, and give thanks to the cast and crew for their hard-work and passion. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Jake Cisson

Cheyenne Comitz (Stage Manager) is a senior majoring in Theatre (theatre studies) and English (creative writing) at the College of Charleston. This is her fourth and final Mainstage show as a part of the stage management team. Her last stage management endeavor was with Center Stage’s production of Deathtrap last year. When she’s not in the theatre she is writing. Her writing can be found in CofC’s Department of Theatre and Dance Podcast, ISTORIA, and CofC’s Literary and Arts Journal, Miscellany XLVII. She wants to thank her roommate, Kelsey, for running her rehearsal bag to her many times during this process. 

Caroline Drinnon (Assistant Director) is a junior majoring in Theatre with minors in Film Studies and Studio Art: Photography. This is her second mainstage show, previously working as co-props charge for The Importance of Being Earnest. She is also a writer for the first season of the CofC’s Department of Theatre and Dance Podcast, ISTORIA. She would like to thank both Michael Smallwood and Todd McNerney for continuing to foster her desire to write and direct.

Stephen Hand (props charge) is a senior majoring in History, with a minor in theatre and Russian studies. This is his third mainstage show, and his second one as props charge, after The Importance of Being Earnest last spring. Stephen would like to thank everyone who helped him this semester with props, he would not have been able to do it without them.

Amelia Hawke Tebalt is a junior majoring in Arts Management (Music Industry) and minoring in Theatre. This is her third main stage show at the College of Charleston. Most recently, she designed Dracula, for which she is the KCACTF Region IV National Finalist in Sound Design. She also designed and composed for The Importance of Being Earnest and will be the sound designer for The Mousetrap this fall. 

Tovah Levenson is a sophomore majoring in Classics A.B. and Theatre (scenic design concentration). This is their third main stage show at the College of Charleston. Recently, they were a scenic artist on Home and an assistant scenic designer (painting), scenic charge, and properties artisan for Dracula. They are currently working on Spelling Bee as a paint charge and will be the scenic designer for The Mousetrap this fall. 

Hannah Moore

Emma Piazza is a sophomore majoring in Theatre Performance and Arts Management. Although this is her first time working as an Assistant Stage Manager, she has been involved in other productions at the College. She has performed in Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy (2024) as Miler, The Pages Festival (2024) as multiple characters, and Director’s Showcase (2023 & 2024) as multiple characters. She has also worked as an Assistant Director for the opera, Die Fledermaus (2024). 

Jenna Williamson is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (costume design) and Dance. She is the hair and makeup designer for Brecht, and she was last seen working as the makeup artist for Dracula. She would like to thank Lilly Lombardi and Janine McCsbr for the opportunities and guidance throughout the school year. 

CofC Stages proudly presents

Dracula
A New Adaptation by Kate Hamill

Directed by Evan Parry

Scenic Designer Jonathan Wentz	Costume Designer Lily Lombardi	Lighting Designer Alex Jones	Sound Designer Amelia Hawke Tebalt
Technical Director JD Stallings	Costume Shop Manager Tyler Akeo		Stage Manager        Rose Goblet

November 13-20
Simons Center Black Box Theatre

Jump to:| Production Team | Acknowledgments | Cast and Production Team Biographies

Cast

Dr. Van Helsing | LG Wylie

Mina Harker | Emma Bennett

Lucy Westenra | Jenna Bush

Marilla | Ky Daisey

Drusilla | Ngaa Magombedze

Renfield | Eva Veres

Miller/Merchant | Emma Piazza

Maid | Amber Dunton

Dracula | Chris Warzynski

Jonathan Hacker | Jake Cisson

Doctor George Seward | Jacob Rye

Swing/Ensemble (Understudy for Drusilla, Lucy, Van Helsing) | Madelyn LaBarge

Swing/Ensemble (Understudy for Mina, Marilla, Renfield) | Madeline Hall

Swing/Ensemble (Understudy for Dracula, Jonathan, Seward) | Drake Carney

This production is performed in two acts with one ten-minute intermission. 

Please be advised that this production uses theatrical haze, fog, and strobe lighting effects. It also features adult language, sexual content, and graphic depictions of violence including blood, homicide, infanticide, and suicidal ideation. 

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Dept. of Theatre & Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Intimacy Choreographer: Laura Rikard
Assistant Intimacy Choreographer: Nakeisha Daniel
Stage Management Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Assistant Director: Aidan Wunderley
Assistant Technical Director: Isabella Gardner

Assistant Scenic Designer (Research and Properties): Kelsey Beckett
Assistant Scenic Designer (Painting): Tovah Levenson
Scenic Charges: Tovah Levenson, Jonathan Wentz
Scenic Artists: Kelsey Beckett, Lauren Brackbill
Carpenters: Students of THTR 209: Stagecraft class
Properties Charges: Kelsey Beckett
Properties Artisans: Tovah Levenson, Jonathan Wentz
Properties Room Manager: Riley Taylor
Scene Shop Foreperson: Eli Salas
Scene Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Kelsey Beckett, Cheyenne Comitz, Isabella Gardner, Stephen Hand. Olivia Maness, Jacob Rye, Aidan Wunderley

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Hair and Makeup Design: Lily Lombardi
Hair and Makeup Artist: Jenna Williamson
Pattern Maker: Tyler Akeo
Sewing & Alterations: Cam Gulledge, Laila Hall, Isaac LeFave,and students of Costumes 1.
Wardrobe Crew: Zoe Jocassee Barber, Bailey Beasenburg, Natalie Holland, Jenna Williamson
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding):  Ashlyn Denham, Alyssa Guardino, Lily Lombardi, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Head Electrician(s): Abby Israel and Reed Reed
Electrics Peer Mentor: Bootsie Baldwin
Electricians: AK Dennis, Amber Dunton, Lily Hollis, Hannah Moore, Lucas Peine, Eli Salas, Chris Warzynski, Aidan Wunderley
Light Board Programmer: Hannah Moore
Light Board Operator: Brandi Smalls
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Moore, Chris Warzynski
Sound Design Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Sound Board Operator: Becca Jordan

CofC Stages Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Jake Cisson, Madelyn LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Acknowledgements 

Special Thanks: Tim Agee, Claire Arnold, Ambernice Tolliver, Ellen Swick

Thank you to all of our donors!

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Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

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ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave, Tap & Jean Johnson, Susan Kattwinkel, Janine McCabe, Matt & Gretchen McLaine, Evelynn Putnam, Mindy Setltzer & Bob Lovinger, Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master, Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander, Donnetta Grays, Erin Mack, Jay Messeroff, James McKenna, Hailee Selby, Laura Turner, Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Sandra Gardner, Elena and Ted Mitchell, Jeff Perry, Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

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Cast and Production Team Biographies 

Zoe Barber is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Costume Design) and Historic Preservation. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. Her design work was featured earlier this semester in CofC Stage’s dance concert What Comes Next.

Kris Barrick is a freshman majoring in Theatre (Theatre Studies) and doubling minoring in studio art and religious studies. This is their first time working on a main stage show at CofC and they look forward to working on more shows in the future! They will serve as sound designer for Center Stage’s Arkansaw Bear in January.

Bailey Beasenburg is a junior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design). This is their first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Kelsey Beckett is a senior majoring in Theatre (Scenic/Lighting). This is her third mainstage show as properties charge and second as an assistant scenic designer. In the past, Kelsey worked on Pippin and Die Fledermaus and is excited for her work to be seen in the upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Kelsey had so much fun working on this show and being able to work with this amazing team of designers, actors, and crew!

Emma Bennett is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is her first mainstage performance and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with this wonderful group of people! Emma will be seen in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui and will also serve as assistant director for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the spring.

Jenna Bush is a junior majoring in Biology with a minor in Theatre. Mainstage credits include Die Fledermaus, Pippin, In Love and Warcraft, and Becoming We. Center Stage credits include Too Much Light… and Firebringer. She can be seen next semester in CofC’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Thank you to the entire team for their hard work and positivity during this process. An additional thanks to her family and friends for their unwavering love and support.

Drake Carney is a junior at the college majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a certificate in Musical Theatre and minoring in French. This is his third main stage production, having formerly performed in the ensemble of Die Fledermaus and as Pippin in Pippin. He most recently served as the music director for The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals with Center Stage, and will be seen next in CofC Stages’ production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the spring.

Jake Cisson is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a minor in Business Administration. Their previous credits with the college include The Importance of Being Earnest and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Jake is the proud caretaker of Maggie, a golden retriever who also appeared in Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Ky Daisey is a Senior at The College and has spent their time with CofC Mainstage so far serving in technical roles and assistant directing Men on Boats (2023). Aside from that, they have directed for Center Stage and performed in The Importance of Being Earnest (2024) and The Void’s production of Succulents (2022). They would like to thank their dear friends and cast mates, especially assistant director Aidan Wunderley for building such a beautiful, sunny family!

AK Dennis is a freshman majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is her first time involved with a mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Amber Dunton is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (performance) with a certificate in Musical Theatre and a minor in Arts Management. Her credits with the College include In Love and Death and Die Fledermaus. She also wrote Overturned for The Pages Festival.

Isabella Gardner is a senior Theatre and Arts Management double major. Previous mainstage credits include Men on Boats and Two Gentlemen of Verona. Center Stage credits include The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dead Man’s Cell Phone. She is also proud to be the Founding Co-Artistic director of the Center Stage Fringe Festival.

Rose Goblet is a senior majoring in Theatre. This is their third main stage show, the previous being assistant stage manager in Pippin and light board operator in The importance of being Earnest. This is their first time stage managing for a mainstage show at College of Charleston. Rose is so proud of their cast and can’t wait for it to hit the stage!

Madeline Hall is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a certificate in Music Theatre. She is very excited to be acting in her first mainstage show! Maddy is also the Assistant Artistic Director of Center Stage. She is grateful to have worked with this interesting script and talented group of people. She would like to thank her parents for always believing in her.

Natalie Holland is a junior majoring in Theatre (Performance) with a double minor in French and Linguistics. This is her first time working on a crew for a mainstage show!

Alex Jones is a Senior majoring in Theatre (Design and Technology). They are also the Technical Director for Center Stage. Recent technical credits at the college include: Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (Assistant Lighting Designer), and Men On Boats (Lighting Designer), for which they won the KCACTF National Lighting Design Award and received a Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center Fellowship. You can see Alex’s work again in the Spring in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Alex wants to thank their mentor Lauren Duffie for everything she does and her support throughout this process.

Becca Jordan is a sophomore majoring in Theatre. This is her first mainstage show and first time running sound for a show at the College of Charleston. Becca is excited to run more shows in the future and is incredibly grateful for the cast and crew. Thank you for all the support!

Madelyn LaBarge is a Junior at the College of Charleston. She is majoring in Theatre Performance with a minor in Arts Management. Previous mainstage credits include Lucetta in Two Gentlemen of Verona and assistant stage manager in Pippin. She would like to thank her grandfather for her love of theatre and her parents for their endless support.

Tovah Levenson is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Scenic Design) and Classics. This is their first mainstage show as a paint charge and assistant designer for the College of Charleston. They are so excited for future shows as incredible as this one and cannot wait to see the final production.

Lily Lombardi is a senior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design). She served as Assistant Costume Designer on Die Fledermaus.

Ngaa Magombedze is a junior double majoring in Theatre and International Studies. She appeared in last year’s production of Pippin.

Emma Piazza is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Performance) and Arts Management. Previous credits include The Pages Festival and Director’s Showcase. She also served as assistant director for Die Fledermaus.

Jacob Rye is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance) and minoring in Biology. This is his CofC mainstage debut. He has appeared in several Center Stage productions including Firebringer, The Bacchae, and Dead Man’s Cell Phone. You may also see him and his dramaturgical work in this spring’s upcoming production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. Jacob is grateful to have been a part of a team of dedicated, collaborative, and brilliant individuals.

Brandi Smalls is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance). Previous credits include Home, The Importance of Being Earnest, Men on Boats, and Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet.

Amelia Hawke Tebalt is a junior majoring in Arts Management (Music Industry) and minoring in Theatre. This is her second main stage show at the College of Charleston. Last season, she designed and composed for The Importance of Being Earnest, and will be the Sound Designer and Composer for The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui this season.

Katherine Vidonic is a freshman double majoring in Theatre and Arts Management. This is her first time working on a mainstage production at CofC. She is so thankful for the opportunity to work with this talented cast and crew. Katherine will serve as stage manager for Center Stage’s play Arkansaw Bear in January.

Eva Véres is a senior majoring in Theater (Performance) and minoring in Italian and Religious Studies. She worked on the Fall 2023 mainstage production Pippin as the Makeup Designer/Artist. In Spring 2024 she performed in the mainstage production of The Pages Festival.

Chris Warzynski (Dracula) is a senior majoring in (Performance and Lighting/Scenic Design). This is the sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston that Chris has been a part of and they are thrilled to be working with this ensemble. Chris recently designed lighting for Home and will be seen in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui in February. Chris would like to thank their grandparents.

Jenna Williamson is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Theatre (Costume Design).

Aidan Wunderley is a senior Theatre major (Performance). This is Aidan’s first time serving as assistant director on the mainstage. Center Stage directing credits include As I Was, Not As I Am, and Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. Aidan is thrilled to work on this horrifying play and would like to thank Evan Parry for the opportunity to sink their fangs into this script.

LG Wylie is a senior majoring in Theatre (Performance). This is the fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston that LG has been a part of. Recent credits include Men on Boats and The Importance of Being Earnest. She will also be seen in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui in February. LG has loved acting with this amazingly talented group of people and can’t wait to work with them again! “Sturdy as crouched valleys, proud as hard-baked earth, there is nothing more natural than a woman who knows the worth of making the choice to raise her voice.” -Amanda Gorman

CofC Stages proudly presents

What Comes Next

Artistic Director:

Gretchen McLaine

	Stage Manager Mollie Davis	Lighting Designer Lauren Duffie
	Costume Shop Manager Tyler Akeo	Technical Directors JD Stallings and Evie Palmisano

October 19-20
Sottile Theatre

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Jump to: Production Team | Acknowledgments | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Dance Pieces and Program Notes

Bein El Qasrein – Palace Walk 

Choreographers: Beena Austin and Christine Bonaparte

Costume Designer: Evy Massey 

Music Composer: Yousry Sharif

Music edited by: Beena Austin

Dancers: Libby Drotar, Ashley Gargani, Jen Griffaton, Elishia Jennings, Ally Keschinger, Sophie Ketchum, Lili Mueller, Lilliana Myers, Ana Plucar, Lauren Summerville, Katelyn Ventura and Ava Woods.

Understudies: Quinn Abram and Avery Young.    

~Palace Walk takes you on a journey of What Comes Next: from dramatic Wings and Veils through rich Arabic rhythms into a soft waltz and finally to a percussion duet between the drummer and the dancers.

When You’re Gone

Choreographer: Madison Vaughan

Costume Designer: 

Original Lighting Designer: Heaven Egan

Music:  “When You’re Gone” composed by Message to Bears 

Dancers: Emily Falcone, Camilla Linkin, Madison Jackson, Kaelyn Kear  

Understudies: Amara Alexander, Mia Dye

~“I wish I could change, but I’ll probably just stay the same. But you should believe me, our dreams are all the same.” – Current Joys 

Animated Frescoes Pas de Quatre from The Little Humpbacked Horse

Choreographer: Arthur Saint-Leon

Restaged by Olga Wise

Costume Designer: Zoe Jocassee Barber

Music: Cezare Pugni

Dancers: Maria Stewart, Kailee Rafalko, Mackenzie Walker, Katie Mullins

Understudy: Mackenzie Hayes

~The Little Humpbacked Horse is based on a folk tale by Russian author, Peter Yershov. The story follows Ivanushka, a young man who is helped by a little humpbacked horse on his journey to win the hand of the Tsar Maiden. During the Soviet era, this ballet underwent many transformations and the majority of the original choreography was lost. Animated Frescoes is one of the few surviving excerpts from the original ballet. I chose this piece to share this little-known gem of 19th-century choreography with today’s audience before it might be lost forever.

 

Assembled in the USA 

Choreographer: Laurel Van Beusecum

Costume Designer: Evy Massey

Music: “Shoo Fly Pie And Apple Pan Dowdy,” performed by June Christy and Stan Keton and written by Guy Wood and Sammy Gallop. “Runyonland,” performed by Edward Strauss and the Guys and Dolls Orchestra (1992), written by Frank Loesser. “Sweet Charity: Rich Man’s Frug,” performed by Fred Wener and the Sweet Charity Original Broadway Orchestra, written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields. “Fame,” performed by Irene Cara and written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore. “Le Jazz Hot,” performed by Julie Andrews and the Victor/Victoria Company,  written by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse

Dancers: Emily Acome, Lucy Addicks, Aimee Alston, Emily Carson, Lexi Debo, Mia Dye, Eliza Farley, Lindsey Ferguson, Alyssa Guardino, Mackenzie Hayes, Elena Lauzun, Emily Monahan, Abby Percy, Tabbi Rapp, Halle White, Avery Zolnoski 

Understudies: Ashley Dietze and Chloe Stankiewicz

~“Jazz does not belong to one race or culture. It’s a gift that America gave the world.”- Ahmad Alaadeen

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10 MINUTE INTERMISSION

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Table Talk

Choreographer: Clarence Brooks (with assistance from the dancers)
Rehearsal Director: Pamela O’Briant

Costume Designer: Zoe Jocassee Barber

Music: Gandhi’s Love, Russell Gunn

Dancers: Ave Blanchette, Jillian Epstein, Ayushi Gaur, Jen Griffaton, Katie Mullins, Sarah Santucci, Mackenzie Walker, Olivia Wilkinson

Understudies: Ellie Sonne, Emmie Kiser, Ella Downs

~The movement for this contemporary ballet was drawn from multiple common phrases that use the word “table”. In my heart and mind, colloquialisms like “set the table”, “bring it to the table”,”round table”, etc. are metaphors for equality, equity, and commonality.

 

Unplugged

Choreographer: Charlie Maybee

Costume Designer: Zoe Jocassee Barber

Dancers: Bella Cipriano, Sydney Feinberg, Kennedy Miller, Abby Percy, Tabitha Rapp

Understudy: Lilliana Myers

~The inspiration for this piece was a back-to-basics approach to tap dance that treats the tap ensemble as an “a capella” band.

 

In Small Packages (2007)

Choreographer: Kristin Alexander

Costume Coordinator: Janine McCabe

Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G, BWV 1048: I-III by Johann Sebastian Bach

Dancers: Lucy Addicks, Aimee Alston, Leila Crane, Jillian Epstein, Emily Falcone, Elishia Jennings

Understudies: Alexis Colvin, Sarah Santucci, Olivia Wilkinson

~The best things come in small packages.

 

Vibrio

Choreographer: Gretchen McLaine
Original Costume Designer: Flynn Valentine 

Music: “The Legend of Mother Swan”; composed and performed by The Hu
Dancers: Hayden Horton, Madison Vaughan
Understudies: Eliza Farley, Ashley Gargani

~Inspired by Steven Johnson’s book The Ghost Map, which explains how London’s cholera epidemic of 1854 led to a greater scientific understanding of epidemiology, this dance uses water as a metaphor to explore the transmission of both diseases and ideas- and how these powerful yet unseen interactions affect the modern world. 

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Assistant Technical Director: Sam Meier
Stage Management Advisor: Susan Kattwinkel

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Pattern Maker: Tyler Akeo
Sewing & Alterations: Ashlyn Denham, Alyssa Guardino, Lily Lombardi, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson, the students of Intro to Costuming
Wardrobe Crew: Keira Chanthavongsor, Hayden Cohen, Or Levy
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Ashlyn Denham, Alyssa Guardino, Lily Lombardi, Evy Masey, Jenna Wiliamson

Lighting Design Assistants: Abby Israel, Hannah Moore
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre & Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Hannah Moore, Chris Warzynski
Assistant Stage Manager: Em Hutto
Run Crew: Cate Coelho, Emily Coleman, Hannah Mills

Sottile Theatre Director of Operations: Victoria Leatherman
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Jake Cisson, Maddie LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2024-2025 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
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Add your name here!

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Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Valerie Morris
Emma Simmons
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave
Tap & Jean Johnson
Susan Kattwinkel
Janine McCabe
Matt & Gretchen McLaine
Seltzer & Bob Lovinger
Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master
Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander
Donnetta Grays
Erin Mack
Janice & Jay Messeroff
James McKenna
Hailee Selby
Laura Turner
Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Malcolm Baldwin
Sandra Garner
Elena & Ted Mitchell
Jeff Perry
Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Clarence Brooks (he/they), a Baltimore native, has performed with 80-plus dance companies and is currently a freelance artist with five companies. A former associate professor, published author, and the recipient of several honors, fellowships, and awards, Clarence holds two dance degrees, four somatic certifications, and sits on the boards of several non-profit dance organizations.

Quinn Abram is a freshman majoring in International Business with a minor in Spanish from Longmont, Colorado. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Emily Acome is a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Dance from Richmond, Virginia. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Lucy Addicks is a freshman from Knoxville, TN. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Dance on a pre-health track. She is very excited to perform in her first mainstage production with the College. 

Amara Alexander is a sophomore double majoring in Biology and Dance from Potomac, Maryland. This is her third mainstage performance at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Kristin Alexander is an Associate Professor of Dance at the College of Charleston. She is the Artistic Director of Annex Dance Company. Last spring Kristin served as the Artistic Director of the student dance concert Pathways, and looks forward to taking on that role again next semester for Moved by Memories. 

Aimee Alston is a sophomore double majoring in Marine Biology and Dance from Franklin, Massachusetts. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Beena Austin is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance. She has studied, performed, and presented cultural dances of the Arab world, folkloric and modern dances from Egypt and the Gulf countries to the Levant region and the North African Maghreb region. She teaches Indian and Arabic dance at the College of Charleston, as well as private lessons and group classes in Mount Pleasant and West Ashley.

Zoe Barber is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Costume Design) and Historic Preservation and Community Planning from the College of Charleston. This is the first time her work will be seen in a mainstage show at the college.

Avé-Ella Blanchette is a senior double majoring in Dance and Special Education from Nashua, New Hampshire. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Emily Carson is a senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Communications from Pinehurst, North Carolina. This is her second mainstage performance with the department and was last seen in Pathways.

Bella Cipriano is a senior majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and a minor in Psychology from Fort Mill, South Carolina.  This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways. 

Alexis Colvin is a junior from Long Island, NY, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Dance. She is excited to perform in her first show with the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Leila Crane is a senior from Habersham, Georgia majoring in English (Writing, Rhetoric, and Publications) and minoring in dance. This is her fifth performance with the College. She choreographed for last spring’s Pathways dance concert. 

Mollie Davis is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Theatre. Her previous stage management work was last seen in Pippin last season. She is excited to work on her first dance concert with CofC. 

Lexi DeBo is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Communication from Greenville, SC. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Ashlyn Denham is a senior majoring in Theatre (Costume Design) from Charleston, WV. Her costume design work was last seen in last spring’s Pathways dance concert. 

Ella Downs is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Marketing from Kennett Square, PA. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Libby Drotar is a freshman double majoring in Sociology and Dance from Norfolk, VA. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Mia Dye is a sophomore majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Dance from Hampton, NH. This is her first mainstage performance. 

Jillian Epstein is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and History from Asheville, North Carolina. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Emily Falcone is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Dance from Smithfield, Rhode Island. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways. 

Eliza Farley is a freshman majoring in Communications from Hingham, MA. This is her second mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Sydney Feinberg is a freshman majoring in Dance from Summerville, SC. This is her first mainstage performance with the College of Charleston.

Lindsey Ferguson is a junior double majoring in Psychology and Dance from Greenville, SC. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Ashley Gargani is a sophomore majoring in Communications and Dance with a concentration in choreography/performance. She is originally from Long Island, NY, and this is her second mainstage performance. She was last seen in Pathways.

Ayushi Gaur is a junior double majoring in Marine Biology and Dance from Memphis, Tennessee. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain. 

Jen Griffaton is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Music from Columbus, Ohio. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Alyssa Guardino is a senior double majoring in Dance and Elementary Education from Newburgh New York. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain..

Mackenzie Hayes is a freshman majoring in Dance and Political Science from Greenville, SC. This is her first mainstage show with the College of Charleston. 

Hayden Horton is a sophomore from Barnwell, South Carolina. She is a double major in Business Administration and Dance. This is her second mainstage performance with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain.

Abby Israel is a junior majoring in Theatre (Lighting Design) from Memphis, TN. Her latest design work was featured in the Pathways dance concert in Spring of 2024. 

Madison Jackson is a senior majoring in Psychology from Greenville, South Carolina. This is her third mainstage production with the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Becoming We. 

Elishia Jennings is a junior double majoring in Dance and Computer Science. She is from Charleston, South Carolina. This is her second mainstage show with the Department of Theatre and Dance

Kaelyn Kear is a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Dance. She is from Hilton Head Island, SC. This is her fourth mainstage performance with the College and was last seen in Shifting Perspectives. 

Ally Keschinger is a senior majoring in Dance and Psychology and minoring in Crime, Law, and Society from Irmo, South Carolina. This is her 5th mainstage production with the College. She was last seen in Pathways.

Sophie Ketchum is a junior majoring in Dance and minoring in Studio Art from Nashville, Tennessee. This is her fourth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Emmie Kiser is a sophomore double majoring in Dance and Education from Rock Hill, South Carolina. This is her second mainstage show with the department. 

Elena Lauzun is a freshman majoring in International Studies with a minor in Dance, from Ithaca, NY. This is her first performance at the College of Charleston. 

Camilla Linkin is a junior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership for Sustainability, alongside a Dance minor from Greenville, South Carolina. This is her third mainstage production, last seen in Pathways.

Charlie Maybee is a choreographer, musician, educator, and writer currently based in Charleston, South Carolina where he is an Adjunct Lecturer at the College of Charleston (CofC). He holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Illinois with a certificate in Criticism and Interpretive Theory. He has worked consistently in higher education since 2015 specializing in tap and modern dance technique classes, overseeing dance research projects, and providing musical accompaniment for dance classes on drums, guitar, and piano. In 2014, he founded the Polymath Performance Project, through which he created interdisciplinary performances with tap dance as its artistic center. 

Gretchen McLaine is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of Charleston. She holds degrees from Winthrop University (BA), American University (MA), Marywood University (PhD), and advanced Labanotation certifications from the Dance Notation Bureau. Her areas of research include dance history, Labanotation, and kinesiology. Dr. McLaine has served on the Board of Directors for the National Dance Education Organization and the American College Dance Association and is currently an Assistant Editor for the Journal of Dance Education. 

Kennedy Miller is a freshman majoring in Dance and minoring in Marketing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Emily Monahan is a senior majoring in English with a minor in Dance from Landrum, South Carolina. This is her fifth mainstage show with the College, and was last seen in Pathways.

Hannah Moore is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Lighting Design) from Conway, SC. This is her first time as an assistant designer of a mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Lily Mueller is a sophomore majoring in Theatre (Scenic/Lighting Design). This is her second production with the college. She was last seen in Pathways.

Katie Mullins is a senior majoring in Public Health and minoring in Healthcare and Medical Services Management from Summerville, SC. This is her third mainstage production at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Lilliana Myers is a junior majoring in Economics and Political Science and minoring in Dance and Spanish from Wilmington, NC. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Pamela O’Briant is in her 13th year as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance. In addition to teaching Ballet technique, beginning Modern and Dance Appreciation, Pamela is a certified Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor. 

Abby Percy is a sophomore majoring in Dance and Political Science and minoring in Writing, Rhetoric, and Publications from Madison, AL. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Ana S. Plucar is a sophomore majoring in Dance with a minor in Arts Management from Plymouth, Minnesota. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

Kailee Rafalko is a senior double majoring in Dance and Communications from Hackettstown, NJ. This is her sixth mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in After the Rain. 

Tabitha Rapp is a Sophomore double majoring in Dance and Exercise Science from Wilmington, NC. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways. 

Sarah Santucci is a freshman from Doylestown, Pa. She plans to double major in Dance and Special Education and is honored to be performing in her first mainstage production at the College of Charleston. 

Ellie Sonne is a freshman majoring in Dance from Cameron, South Carolina. This is her first mainstage show with the College of Charleston. 

Chloe Stankiewicz is a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science from Greenville, SC. This is her third mainstage show at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in Pathways.

Maria Stewart is a junior majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and a minor in Geology from Clemson, SC. This is her fourth mainstage show and was last seen in After the Rain.

Lauren Summerville is a junior double majoring in Classics and English and minoring in Dance from Cary, North Carolina. This is her third performance with the department.  

Madison Vaughan is a senior from Harford County, Maryland. She is majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and minoring in Business Administration. Her choreography premiered in Pathways last spring and was selected for inclusion in What Comes Next. 

Laurel Van Beusecum is an Adjunct Lecturer with the Department of Theatre and Dance, is a native of Western North Carolina and holds an M.F.A. in Dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and a B.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography from The University of Alabama. She has enjoyed numerous performance and choreographic opportunities including dancing with the Second Avenue Dance Company in NYC and taking stage at Radio City Music Hall. Teaching in higher education since 2013, she challenges her students to explore the valuable, universal language dance offers through both technique and lecture base courses. Laurel has enjoyed choreographing for both dance and musical theatre productions during her time at the college. 

Katelyn Ventura is a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Dance from Aiken, South Carolina. This is her second performance with the College.

Mackenzie Walker is a sophomore majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) from Columbia, South Carolina. This is her third performance with the College. She was last seen in Pathways.

Olivia Wilkinson is a sophomore majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) and minoring in Arts Management from Austin, Texas. This is her third performance with the College.

Olga Wise is a graduate of the Bolshoi Choreographic Institute in Moscow, Russia. This is her sixth year as an adjunct lecturer at the College of Charleston, where she teaches ballet and pointe technique courses. In addition to teaching at the College, Olga and her husband are Co-Artistic Directors of the Robert Ivey Ballet.

Halle White is a senior double majoring in Arts Management and Dance with a concentration in Performance/Choreography. This is her sixth dance concert at the College.  

Ava Woods is a senior majoring in Dance (Performance/Choreography) from Parkville, Maryland. This is her seventh mainstage performance with the College and was last seen in Pathways.

Avery Young is a sophomore majoring in Dance from Oklahoma City, OK. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston. 

Avery Zolnoski is a freshman majoring in Marketing and minoring in Dance from Middletown, New Jersey. This is her first mainstage show at the College of Charleston.

CofC Stages proudly presents

Home
by Samm-Art Williams

Directed by Gary DeWitt Marshall

Scenic Designer Jonathan Wentz	Costume Design Concept Stef Amezcua Barrientos	Lighting Designer Chris Warzynski	Sound Designer Caleb S. Garner
Technical Director JD Stallings	Costume Shop Manager Tyler Akeo		Stage Manager Alexandria Prioleau

September 27-October 5, 2024
Simons Center Black Box Theatre 

presented at KCACTF Region IV Festival
Greensboro, NC
February 6, 2025

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Jump to: Production Team | Acknowledgments | Director’s and Dramaturgical Note | Cast and Production Team Biographies

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Cast
(Actor | Character Name)

Gary DeWitt Marshall | Cephus Miles

Journey Townsend | Woman 1

Brandi Smalls | Woman 2

Benji Gray-Miller | Cephus understudy

Gray Crews | Women understudy

Setting

Time: Late 1950’s-present

Place: Cross Roads, North Carolina, a prison in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a very large American city.

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Production Team

CofC Stages Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Chair, Dept. of Theatre & Dance: Gretchen McLaine
Assistant Directors: Genese Gee-Schmidtke
Production Manager: Miles Boinest
Stage Management Advisor: Miles Boinest

Scenic Design Advisor: Jonathan Wentz
Scenic Charge: Jonathan Wentz
Scenic Artists: Kelsey Beckett, Tovah Levenson
Carpenters: Mark Furlow, Stephen Hand and students of THTR 209: Stagecraft class
Properties Charges: Janine McCabe, Jonathan Wentz
Properties Room Manager: Riley Taylor
Scene Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Kelsey Beckett, Cheyenne Comitz, Isabella Gardner, Olivia Maness, Jacob Rye, Aidan Wunderley

Costume Design Advisor: Janine McCabe
Pattern Maker: Tyler Akeo
Sewing & Alterations: Alyssa Guardino, Ashlyn Denham, Cam Gulledge, Laila Hall, Lily Lombardi, Isaac LeFave, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson
Wardrobe Crew: Gray Crews and Benji Gray Miller
Costume Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding):  Ashlyn Denham, Alyssa Guardino, Lily Lombardi, Evy Massey, Jenna Williamson

Lighting Design Advisor: Lauren Duffie
Head Electrician(s): Abby Israel and Hannah Moore
Electrics Peer Mentor: Alex Jones
Electricians: Lucas Peine, Lily Hollis, Em Hutto, Ella Charette, Amber Dunton, Kris Barrick, AK Dennis, Aidan Wunderley, Olivia Maness, Madison Stacy, Bootsie Baldwin
Light Board Programmers: Lily Mueller
Light Board Operator: Lucas Peine
Electric Shop Staff (select students hired by the Department of Theatre and Dance with support from donor funding): Bootsie Baldwin, Abby Israel, Alex Jones, Chris Warzynski, Hannah Moore
Sound Design Advisor: Caleb S. Garner
Run Crew: Benji Gray-Miller
Sound Board Operator: Alex Leary

CofC Stages Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Marketing & Communications: Nandini B. McCauley
Graphic Designer: Rob Alexander
Photography: David Mandel
Publicity: Jake Cisson, Madelyn LaBarge, Kaylee Phillips
Office Assistant: Emma Bennett
Box Office: George Street Box Office

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Special Thanks

 

Thank you to all of our donors!

Become an Impact Sponsor
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers opportunities to become an Impact Sponsor. Impact Sponsors have a direct financial and personal impact on individual students with whom you’ll be connected. You will be honored at special events, receive recognition in the 2022-2023 season programs and other department reports and receive updates from your student. For more information, visit theatre.cofc.edu/support and contact our office at 843.953.6306 to declare your impact.

Impact Sponsor Levels:
BENEFACTOR $2,500+ (for incoming student scholarship)
Add your name here!

GUARDIAN $750 (Clarence Student Award)
Karl & Charlene Bunch
Evelynn Putnam
Anonymous donors

Special Gifts: (Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more: 843.953.5348 or cofclegacy.org)
Anonymous – legacy gift
Charleston Academy of Music
John Covington & Robert Lukey – legacy gift
Michael & Susan Master – legacy gift

Become a Season Sponsor
As we transitions back to live in-person audiences and mask-free performances last season, we worked hard to keep our students and audiences engaged. We preserved the student experience during these last two years, but we lost essential revenue that plays a huge role in funding our season’s productions. Your donations contribute to funding the essentials needed for scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes, but more importantly, they help support student employees, student research and travel, and other student-focused experiences. We can’t do this without your generosity!

Season Sponsor Levels:
PRODUCER $1000+
Karl & Charlene Bunch, Valerie Morris, Emma Simmons, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

ADVOCATE $750-999
Ceili Hesselgrave, Tap & Jean Johnson, Susan Kattwinkel, Janine McCabe, Matt & Gretchen McLaine, Evelynn Putnam, Mindy Setltzer & Bob Lovinger, Janine & Jonathan Wentz

STAR $500-749
Michael & Susan Master, Susan Morrison

DIRECTOR $250-499
Kristin Alexander, Donnetta Grays, Erin Mack, Jay Messeroff, James McKenna, Hailee Selby, Laura Turner, Renaissance Charitable Foundation

FAN $100-249
Sandra Gardner, Elena and Ted Mitchell, Jeff Perry, Jillian & Michael Smallwood

PATRON up to $99
Dean Adams, Jennifer Asouzu, Arsalan Baig, Chris Burgess, Henderson Cole, Carmella Della-Peruta, Irina Gigova, Maegan Gudridge, Cianne Maloney, Katie Martin, Thomas McCabe, Todd McNerney, Elizabeth Meyer-Bernstein, Kerri Needle, Shelby North, Erin Percy, Eli Salas, Anna Stephenson, Joseph Willingham

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Director’s Note

 

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Cast and Production Team Biographies

Guest Artist, Anthony McCutchen (Cephus Miles) is a Masters in Education alumnus of the College of Charleston. He’s an elementary school teacher at Charleston Development Academy but has been performing as a local actor and singer in the community for many years. He’s thrilled to join the College of Charleston Department of Theatre and Dance family to help tell such an amazing story.

Caleb Garner (Sound Designer) is a lighting and sound designer based in Charleston, SC. A North Carolina native, he received his BA and BFA from Catawba College in Salisbury, NC, and his MFA from The University of Southern Mississippi. Caleb’s designs – ranging from concerts and ballets to musicals and straight plays – have earned him eight design awards, including second place at the National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, DC. Caleb has been a featured designer from New York to Mississippi, designing in the Northeast, Midwest, East Coast and the South. Caleb is the resident lighting designer of the Charleston Stage Company.

Gray Crews (Women Understudy) is a freshman here at The College, double majoring in Theatre and Marine Biology. Gray Irene was born and proudly raised in North Augusta, South Carolina. This is her first time working with the College of Charleston’s theatre department and she is excited to continue exploring theater at The College and is looking forward to future productions!

Benji Gray-Miller (Cephus Understudy) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance from Hampton, SC. This is his 1st mainstage show at the College of Charleston. They were last seen in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind with Center Stage. 

Alexandria Prioleau (Stage Manager) is a senior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Performance. This is her second time stage-managing at the College of Charleston. She was last seen in The Pages Festival.

Brandi Smalls (Woman 2) is a senior majoring in Theatre (performance) from Charleston,SC. This is her 6th and final MainStage show at the College of Charleston before she graduates.

Journey Townsend (Woman 1) is in her second year at College of Charleston. This is her first MainStage production, and she is so grateful for the opportunity to work with such amazing people.

Chris Warzynski (Lighting Designer) is a Senior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Scenic/Lighting and Performance. Chris last designed Pippin at the College, their previous works with CofC Stages were assisting on the designs of Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet, Everybody, The Magic Flute, and Die Fledermaus. Over the Summer, Chris worked with Unbound Ballet to bring the show The Anthology to life at The Citadel. Chris will soon be seen as Dracula in CofC Stages upcoming production of Dracula: a Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really. Chris would like to thank their grandparents for not evicting them.