A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Jukebox MusicalProduction Information & Biographies

A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Jukebox Musical
Production Information & Biographies

CAST

BILL - Jackson Howard

BROOM FAIRY - Nick Veizer

OBERON - Ross Michalski

TITANIA - Dea Kukeli

PINE NUT (FAIRY) - Natalina Krygielski

MUSTARD SEED (FAIRY) - Grey Bowlick

PEASEBLOSSOM (FAIRY) - Brooke Coan

DILL WEED (FAIRY) - Cadence Enck

COBWEB (FAIRY) - Phillis Schmidbauer

HIPPOLYTA/ MRS. DASH-SALT ALTERNATIVE (FAIRY) - Abigail Sowinski

THESEUS/DARRYL MOSCOWITZ PHD (FAIRY) - Nick Fulton

DEMETRIUS - Lilian Schmid

LYSANDER - Brooklyn Mitchell

HELENA - Isa Herrera

HERMIA - Tevy Dembski

EGEUS/STARVELING - Aaron Smith

PHILO - Corey Pappas

STRATE - Olivia Pentoney

NICK BOTTOM - Faith Murphy

FRANCIS FLUTE - Gerardo Rosario

PETER QUINCE - Ellison Weber

ROBIN - Dave Harrington

SNUG - Ana Pacheco

TOM SNOUT - Jordan Burriola

PUCK - Clay Houser

DARIUS CUNNINGHAM - as HIMSELF

PRODUCTION TEAM

Play Adaptation - Matt Foss

Director - Matt Foss

Co-Directors - Kelly McBane & Rebecca Monteleone

Musical Director - Bradley Baker

Choreographer - Abby Glanville

Producer - Stephen Sakowski*

Theatre Manager - Christopher Montpetit

Production Manager - Stephen Sakowski*

Scenic Designer - Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer - Kelly McBane

Lighting Designer - Stephen Sakowski*

Sound Designer - Jeffrey Enck

Stage Manager - Abby Papenfus

Assistant Lighting Designer - Breeanne Stouffer

Assistant Stage Manager - Nicole Dail & Marissa McCoy

Technical Director - Nathaniel White

Scene Shop Manager - Nathaniel White

Properties Head - Daniel Thobias

Costume Shop Manager - Kelly McBane

Head of Wardrobe - Marissa McCoy

Costume Shop Staff - Tevy Dembski, Marissa McCoy, Brooklyn Mitchell and Students of THR1050 & THR2050

Lighting & Sound Shop Supervisor - Nathaniel White

Sound Engineer - Zach Montri

Lighting & Sound Shop Staff - Tevy Dembski, Zach Montri, Aaron Smith,

and Students of THR1040 & THR2050

Light Board Operator - Breeanne Stouffer

Captioning Operator - Luna Ravenclaw

Follow Spot Operator - Leonardo Hernandez

House Management Staff - Adam Burnfin, Tatyana Cardona, Jenise Curl, Lawrence Mays, Jacob Moore, Manny Portillo, London Toney

Poster Design - Daniel Thobias

* Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

SPECIAL THANKS

Raymond Bieber

Rick Clever, Owens Community College

Joseph Gozdowski, The Valentine Theatre

Harriet Janney

Production Biographies

Cast

Grey Bowlick (He/Him) - Mustard Seed - is a first year Theatre Arts Major, from Toledo Ohio. This is his second show performing at UT. Previous credits include working with open spot for their Halloween Performance, Captions Operator in Silent Sky (2024), Billy (Cherry Red), Peter (Forgive Me Peter), and the rehearsal stage manager for (She Wolf) for the 4^th Annual Festival of New Student Work (2025).

Jordan Burriola (He/Him) - Snout - has been working in Park Operations at the Toledo Zoo since 2017. He has performed since high school, with credits including Danny Zurko (Grease) and Sound of Music. He is a dancer with iDance, having performed with the Detroit Pistons, the Toledo Mudhens, the Toledo Walleyes, and more. Enjoy the show! Just be yourself!

Brooke Coan (She/Her) - Pease Blossom - is an artist, actor and dancer from Bellevue OH. She has been performing her whole life. Some of her favorites include Singing in the Rain, Guys and Dolls, and Aladdin Jr. This is her first Shakespeare production - she hopes she doesn't trip on stage!

Darius Cunningham (He/Him) - As Himself - is a kind person. He works at Bubba's 33 and helps everyone out. He has done three shows with OpenSpot at UToledo and public storytelling events with the Self-Advocates of Lucas County-Toledo (SALUTE). People with disabilities should get to do what they like, like acting. We want professionals to see what we can do!

Tevy Dembski (They/Them/Theirs) - Hermia - is a 4th year theatre major with a concentration in theatre arts. They have worked behind the scenes in Elkshire (2022), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee(2022), and Hamlet(2022), acted and assistant stage managed the Festival of New Student Works (2023), Asha in Blood at the Root(2023). They acted, directed, and wrote for the 3^rd Annual Festival of New Student Works (2024). They were the assistant stage manager for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom(2024) and Silent Sky(2024). They were the Production Stage Manager and a lighting designer for this year’s 4^th Annual Festival of New Student Works(2025). This show is their first time performing in a musical and Shakespeare.

Cadence Enck (She/Her/Hers) - Dill Weed - is in her third year of school with a focus on Early Child Education major with a theatre minor. This is her third performance here at the University of Toledo. In the previous semesters, she was on the costume crew for the 2023 Festival of New Student Works, then assistant stage manager for Blood at the Root (2023) and performed as Edith Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank (2023). Then, in the 3^rd Annual Festival of New Student Works were the roles of Clara and Zop. Then, she co-wrote Forgive Me Peter for the 4^th Annual Festival of New Student Work. Out of school, she worked at Cedar Point in the summers of 2022 and 2023 with the Live Entertainment Team.

Nick Fulton (He/Him/His) - Thesus/Darryl Moscowitz - is a first-year social work student at Owens Community College but hoping to transfer to University of Toledo for theatre next year. Previous credits include PT Barnum in "The Audition" (OpenSpot at UToledo) and Troy Bolton in "The Halloween Spooktacular" (OpenSpot at UToledo). He is excited for Midsummer Night's Dream and hopes you enjoy it!

Dave Harrington (He/Him) - Robin - graduated from Maumee High School in 2019. He previously appeared as a zombie in "Zoinks!," and in two shows with OpenSpot at UToledo (as Rambo and Indiana Jones). He was recently awarded a 5-year plaque at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on Secor Road, where he works four mornings a week. He enjoys bike riding, gaming, frequent movies at Franklin Park Mall and eating at restaurants.

Isabella Herrera (She/Her/Hers) – Helena - is a third year Theatre Major with a stage and screen concentration. Previous credits include Ophelia in Hamlet (2022), Anne in the Diary of Anne Frank (2023), Joy in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (2024), and Henrietta in Silent Sky (2024). She has also participated in the last three festivals of new student work as both a writer and performer.

Clayton Houser (He/Him/His) - Puck - is a current Freshman Theatre Major from Holland, OH. This is his first musical and second production on the UToledo stage. Previous credits include: 4^th Annual Festival of New Student Work (2025) as David Greenglass (Trial of Julie and Ethel), Doug (Cherry Red), and Jamie (Yellow Brick Road). Coming up this summer, Clayton will fill a role of male ensemble member in Bring it On: The Musical with the Croswell Opera house, performing in July.

Jackson Howard (He/Him) - Bill - is a University of Toledo Alum, who studied Anthropology and theatre during his undergrad. Some of his past roles at the university include; Sam (The Flick), Steward (Into the Woods), Kemmerich (All Quite in the Western Front), and Barfee (The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). Jackson is currently employed by the university and is exploring grad school options.”

Dea Kukeli (She/Her/Hers) - Titania - is an editor at Midstory, a local storytelling nonprofit. She is an aspiring actress returning to the stage after a long hiatus from her high school days. Previous credits include Heather (Midnight Glitch), Buttons (Newsies), Wicked Witch (Shrek), and Molly (Peter and the Starcatcher).

Natalina Krygielski (She/Her/Hers) – Pine Nut - is a first year Theatre major here at the University of Toledo. Previous credits at UToledo include performing in Cubs Go All The Way Again for 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works (2025)

Ross Michalski (He/Him) - Oberon - works in the education department at the Toledo Zoo. His previous credits include the Halloween Spooktacular (OpenSpot at UToledo) and the Audition (OpenSpot at UToledo). He hopes you enjoy the show!

Faith Murphy (She/Her/Hers) – Nick Bottom - A native Toledoan, she studied theatre at the University of Toledo from 2016 - 2020. Some of her previous credits include; Jurgis Rudkus (The Jungle), Leer (All Quiet on the Western Front), and Caliban (The Tempest)

Brooklyn Mitchell-Nelson (They/Them) - Lysander - Brooklyn is a 3rd year Theatre major from Texas. Previous roles and credits include several roles in Festival of New Student Works ( 2023) and Max Maxwell in The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works (2024), Costume crew for The Diary of Anne Frank (2023) and The 3^rd Annual Festival of New Student Works (2024). Leslie and Barbara in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (2024). Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky (2024). They also directed Forgive me Peter in the 4^th Annual Festival of New Student Work (2025).

Ana Paola Pacheco De Loera (She/Her) - Snug - is a third-year student in the Toledo Transition (T2) Program at University of Toledo. She began her acting career in Mexico and continues it here. Previous credits include Jessica (Jessica), My Fair Lady (ensemble), Mamma Mia (ensemble), Cinderella (ensemble), the Audition (OpenSpot at UToledo), Halloween Spooktacular (OpenSpot at UToledo). Her grandmother and dad are actors, and she is following in their footsteps.

Corey Pappas (He/Him) - Philo - Corey enjoys attending musical theatre. Corey has been in the Halloween play through OpenSpot and has been inspired by OpenSpot director, Katy (Kujala), as well as musical director (Bradley Baker), Matt Foss, professor of theatre and film at University of Toledo, Olivia (Pentoney), and Madison (Friar). Corey would like to thank his friends and colleagues from the theatre department at UToledo for involving him in this production. Sit back and enjoy the magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream!”

Olivia Pentoney (She/Her) - Strate - is a nursing major from Lambertville Michigan. This is her third production with UToledo. Previous productions include Silent Sky(Annie Cannon) and Forgive Me Peter(Wendy)and She Wolf(Officer 1) in the 4^th Annual Festival of New Student Works (2025) with The University of Toledo Department of Theatre and FIlm, Murder On The Orient Express(Helen Hubbard), Bye Bye Birdie(Alice), Shakespeare In Love(Ralph), and Big Fish(Ensemble) with Concordia University and Music Man(Salesman, Townsperson) and Gypsy(Angie, Showgirl, Hollywood Blonde) with Horizon Performing Arts.

Gerardo Rosario (He/Him/His) - Francis Flute - is a Senior Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. He is from Puerto Rico. Previous credits include: Polonius (Hamlet), Dan Dad (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Mr. Dussel (The Diary of Anne Frank), Ryan/Blake (Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom), Peter Shaw (Silent Sky) and several roles in the various Festivals of New Student Work.

Lilian Schmid (She/Her) – Demetrius - is a second year Theatre major here at the University of Toledo. This is her first musical performance at the University. Previous credits include Cherry Red and She Wolf in the 4^th Annual Festival of New Student Works (2025) and Margaret in Silent Sky (2024).

Phillis Schmidbauer (She/Her) -Cobweb- Phillis Schmidbauer (she/her) is a storyteller, a self-advocate, and a hard worker at Kroger. Previous performing experience includes three shows with OpenSpot at UToledo and competitive cheerleading. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!

Aaron Smith (She/They/He) - Egeus/Starveling - is a third year Theatre Major here at the University. Previous credits include the Voice of Game (Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom), Danny (The Sandlot) in the 3^rd Anuual Festival of New Student Works (2024), Roy Cohn (Trials of Julius and Ethel) and William McKinley (Midnight Glitch) in The 4^th Annual Festival of New Works (2025) . Aaron’s tech credits include Director (Cherry Red) and Lighting Designer (Yellow Brick Road) and Head of Wardrobe (Silent Sky).

Abigail Sowinski (She/Her/Hers) - Hippolyta/Mrs. Dash Salt Alternative - is a fourth year Environmental Studies major from Toledo OH set to graduate this May! Previous credits include Ethel (The Trial of Julie and Ethel) and Postulant (Sound of Music). Abigail is looking forward to graduation and hope to continue doing shows in the community!

Nick Veizer (He/Him) - Broom Fairy - is very excited to be making his professional acting debut with The University Of Toledo/William Shakespeare's "A Midnight Summer Dream: A Jukebox Musical" Nick has a love of storytelling, character and rock and roll. Nick can't wait to make you laugh!

Ellison Weber (She/Her) - Peter Quince - is thrilled to be part of this amazing ensemble and grateful for the support she has received throughout the production. While it's her first experience with the UToledo Department of Theatre and Film she is no stranger to performing. She has been on stage with The Ohio Theater, Cassandra Ballet and both the Southview and UToledo Marching Bands. She has also worked behind stage at The Village Players. Hopefully, this is the first of many productions with the UToledo Theatre and Disability Studies programs. Finally, a shout out to her parents Don & Kathie, for having her back since day one. Enjoy the show!

Production Staff

Bradley Baker (He/Him/His) -Music Director- is a vocal instructor and native of Toledo, Ohio. He attended the University of Southern California and has spent the majority of his professional life performing in opera and concert houses, in 35 countries. Mr. Baker specializes in styles ranging from Negro Spirituals to Opera to jazz. Mr. Baker has performed with the Los Angeles Opera and has opened two world premier operas, ISRAEL by Mark Peterson, and William Grant Still's opera, COSTASO, King Melchoir in AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, and Bonzai in MADAM BUTTERFLY. He has sung the role of Porgy in staged productions of PORGY and BESS and Husky Miller in CARMEN JONES on National and International tours with the famed Albert Mc Neil Jubilee Singers. Mr. Baker has shared his vocal talents, as a baritone-bass soloist, with symphonies on national and international stages, including Carnegie Hall, Cicadas das Artes in Rio de Janeiro, Osaka Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl.

Nicole Dail (She/They) - Assistant Stage Manager - a second-year theatre arts major from Canal Winchester OH. This is her second time being an assistant stage manager in the department! Previous roles include Pat in FNSW 2024. Previous crew positions include assistant stage manager and costume designer for The 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works (2025), costume and hair crew for Silent Sky (2024), and House manager and light hang crew for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (2024).

Jeffery “JJ” Enck (He/Him/His) - Sound Designer - is a UToledo Alumni with a Theatre Design & Technology BA. After graduation, JJ started working as a year-round Operations Supervisor for Cedar Point’s Live Entertainment Department. Select UToledo credits include Blood at the Root (Sound Designer), Hamlet (Sound Designer), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Assistant Director & Sound Engineer).

Matt Foss (He/Him) - Director and Adaptor - is a professor in the Department of Theatre and Film. Recent Credits include directing and writing for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks and LONE WOLVES - a new feature film currently on the festival circuit. He is currently writing and will direct a new opera version of A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT that will have its world premiere for the 50th Anniversary of the publication of the novella in Fall of 2026.

Abby Glanville (She/Her/Hers) -Choreographer- is an adjunct dance instructor at the University of Toledo and Executive Director of the Valentine Theatre. Recent theatrical choreography credits include Into the Woods, Year of the Living Dead, The Jungle, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Hamlet.

Kelly McBane (She/Her/Hers) – Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager/Co-Director - Kelly is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Toledo and has been involved in one (or multiple) way or another for each production since she began working here. She has her BA from Slippery Rock University and her MFA from Ohio University. She is grateful for the wide variety of interesting and meaningful work that she has been a part of at the University of Toledo and is proud of all of her students and the work they have done!

Marissa McCoy (She/Her) - Assistant Stage Manager - is a senior at the University of Toledo studying Theatre, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. Previous credits include: Costume Designer for “The Trials of Julie and Ethel” and “Yellow Brick Road” for the 4^th Annual Festival of New Student Work (2025). Acting credits include Elkshire, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, and the Festival of New Student Work (2022 and 2023). Other credits include costume work for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, Lighting Designer and Director for the 3^rd Annual Festival of New Student Work (2024), and assistant lighting designer for Blood at The Root and The Diary of Anne Frank.

Becca Monteleone (She/Her) - Co-Director - is an assistant professor of Disability Studies at the University of Toledo. She has worked as a director, instructor, and on-stage facilitator with a number of inclusive and accessible theatre companies across the country, including Detour Company Theatre (Phoenix, AZ; where she currently serves as Board President), ArtStream (DC metro area) and Camp Jukebox (Canton, OH). She currently facilitates UToledo's partnership with OpenSpot Theatre (Detroit, MI) through her experiential learning course, Disability and Theatre. She also runs public storytelling events for performers with developmental disabilities, and her podcast, Telling It Our Way (WGTE, co-hosted by Dr. Ally Day) was awarded the 2025 Media Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disability.

Christopher M. Montpetit (He/Him/His) - Theatre Manager - Mr. Montpetit is originally from Niagara Falls, NY, where he received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English/Theater from Niagara University. He continued his studies at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Theater Management. Professionally, Mr. Montpetit has worked at such companies and institutions as Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing, The Kathryn Bache Miller Theatre, The Alma Schapiro Theatre, Artpark Theatre, ABC Television, Showtime Networks Inc., Genesee Community College Center for the Arts, SummerTide Theatre, and The University of Alabama. Academically, Mr. Montpetit is currently Senior Lecturer and Theatre Manager for the University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film. Mr. Montpetit is the author of "What is Theatre? An Introduction to Theatre", published by Kendall Hunt Publishing in January 2016, with a revised edition published in August 2020.

Zachry Montri (He/Him) - Sound Engineer - is a sophomore theatre major with a concentration in design and technology. He was a light board operator for Silent Sky (2024), light designer for The Prom (2024), sound designer for A Christmas Carol (2024), sound designer for Spongebob The Musical (2024), light designer for Anastasia (2024), light designer for Rocky Horror (2024), light designer for Bright Star (2024). He has also worked as the assistant sound designer for the festival and rehearsal stage manager for Cherry Red and Forgive Me Peter in this year's 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works (2025).

Abby Papenfus (She/Her) - Stage Manager - Abby is a third-year Theatre Arts major with a minor in Communication! Previous credits include Assistant Stage Manager for Festival of New Student Work (2023), Light Hang Crew & Costume Crew for Blood at the Root, Light Hang Crew and Assistant Stage Manager for The Diary of Anne Frank, Stage Manager for The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Work (2024), Stage Manager for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (2024), Stage Manager for Silent Sky (2024), Director of Cubs Go All The Way Again for 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works as well as a Playwright for Midnight Glitch and Jenny in Cherry Red. (2025)

Stephen Sakowski (He/Him/His) - Producer/Production Manager/Lighting Designer - Stephen is a Professor of Theatre: Lighting & Sound Design here at the University of Toledo and has been happy to collaborate on many productions since starting in the Department of Theatre & Film in 2015. He has his BFA from Otterbein University and his MFA from the University of California San Diego. His lighting design of All Quiet on the Western Front received the 2020 Jeff Award (Chicago's Top Theatre Prize) His work can be seen as a part of various live television events, and regionally at The Purple Rose Theatre Company where he is a Resident Artist. Congratulations to everyone involved with the production on a project well done!

Bree Stouffer (She/Her) Assistant Lighting Designer - is a third year Theatre Major, with a concentration in Design and Technology. Previous credits include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Wait Until Dark as a stitcher, The Diary of Anne Frank as an assistant costume designer, Silent Sky as costume designer, and The Haunting of Spoonriver as co-director and costume designer. Bree will be working at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts this summer after her graduation.

Daniel Thobias (He/Him/His) - Scenic Designer - Daniel joined The University of Toledo Department of Theatre & Film faculty in 2012. He received his MFA in Scene Design from North Carolina School of the Arts, 2005. He has a wealth of experience with summer stock and festival theaters including Mount Washington Valley Theatre, Festival Stage of Winston Salem, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Cuttingball Theater. He has an impressive portfolio of work which can be viewed on his website: www.scenedesign.org.

Nate White (He/Him/His) - Technical Director – Nate joined the University of Toledo as the Technical Director in 2016. He received his MFA in Technical Production from the University of Alabama and his BA in Design and Technical Theater from the University of Nebraska at Kearny.

Past Production Information & Biographies

Festival Flyer

FILMS – FEBRUARY 14-15, 2025

Lead-In. Nathan Snook
A Quest for Color, Anna Rogers, Digital Cinema Production, 2024, 2:43

This short film follows a sheep seeing a rainbow for the first time and going into the woods in search of it, all while getting the colors stuck to its wool.

The Day of the Skeleton, Sky Blue, Digital Cinema Production, 2024, 2:31

The main plot of my animation is a living skeleton who visits his grave site annually, but this year was different because a grand ripper pays him a visit; he embarks on a brief adventure including an unexpected guest while the grand ripper tries to help him realize he needs to move on.

Memorial Day, Casey McKeiver, Methods for the Professional Editor, 2024, 2:47

This is a found footage film that explores the commercialization of Memorial Day as a "holiday" rather than a moment of remembrance through juxtaposition of video and audio.

Digital Cinema Production, Anna Rogers, 2024
Shooting for the Stars, Patrick Wilmott, Digital Cinema Production, 2024, 02:10
This monkey's dream is to go to space, but, after a series of unsuccessful attempts, he finds this dream to be a little more difficult than anticipated.

Misunderstood, Caleb Thompson, Digital Cinema Production, 2024, 3:30

This is a story as old as time, a tale of a roadrunner and coyotes. This fun story was a blast to work on and helped me grow as a storyteller and filmmaker. This project also helped me learn to not be so quick to judge others as they may just be Misunderstood.

Digital Cinema Production exercise, Will Heard, 2024

Hope, London Toney, Film I, 2024, 3:35 *

Description: During a walk unspoken feelings and jealousy surface between three friends. As romance blossoms, a push leads to a tragic accident, and a desperate attempt to hide the truth turns into an unsettling confrontation.

Out of Bounds, Nathan Snook, Digital Cinema Production, 2024, 3:26

A character narrative

Digital Cinema Production exercise, Nathan Snook, 2024
A Home Movie, Mike Budich, personal project, 2025, 02:35

"Exploring a typical American home”

The Superhero, Dezari Friday, Digital Cinema Production, 2024, 3:13

This film about a guy who disguises himself as a regular guy, but when someone’s in trouble, he becomes a superhero to save the day.

Digital Cinema Production exercise, Nathan Snook, 2024
Reflections (A Teaser), Ozzie Hall, Special Projects, 2024, 1:40

“A short Teaser for a film that I am producing this semester. Colored, Shot, Directed, and Edited by me."

War Hero, Steven McCarroll, Methods for the Professional Editor, 2024, 01:25

This is a found footage edit that combines the visceral shots of the Vietnam war and the horrifying enjoyment from the audience watching it with the goal of critiquing the normalization of war in our films and media.

There's Nothing Permanent on Earth, Anna Rogers, Methods for the Professional Editor, 2024, 1:56

This found footage project focuses on the idea that every human on earth is one and the same with the different things we do and love as well as one with the nature around us.

Digital Cinema Production Character Animation exercise, Anna Rogers, 2024
Chef Boyardee Kidnapper, AJ Reineck, Creative Approaches, 2024, 3:52

Inspired when I had to make a story out of stills in Creative Approaches to Cinema. The short film is about Dakota getting out of class, returning to her room, and noticing that her favorite food Chef Boyardee was missing.

Digital Cinema Production exercise, London Toney, 2024
End Felony Disenfranchisement, Directing for the Camera, 2024, 1:17

A Public Service Announcement warning about voter suppression within marginalized communities.

Connection, William Gibbs Heard, Digital Cinema Production, 2024, 2:20
Outperformed, Morgan Liggins, Directing for the Camera, 2024, 6:43

A short narrative depicting a feud between two Musicians competing for a solo.

Room for Rent, Colin Miller, personal project, 2024, 3:00
An absurdist found-footage film, in the style of the internet phenomenon of YouTube Poop, that plays with audio and form of actress Dawn Bender saying "room for rent." Footage from Teenagers from Outer Space (1959), courtesy of public domain.
Frogs and Farewells, London Toney, Digital Cinema Production, 2024, 2:20
Thirsty Mug, William Gibbs Heard, Creative Approaches, 2023, 0:36
Digital Cinema Production exercise, London Toney, 2024

It Won't Be Much Longer, Mike Budich, Directing for Camera, 10:59

"A young woman wanders into an industrial hellscape with no apparent exit. She is confronted by a strange man and reality dissolves into something new.”

Digital Cinema Production exercise, Caleb Thompson, 2024

007: MOTOR CARNAGE, Colin Miller, Methods for the Professional Editor, 2024, 1:52

Found footage project featuring James Bond

Hope, AJ Reineck, Film I, 2024, 3:11 *

Shot on a 16mm Bolex. The short film is about 3 friends hanging out and one named Hope had to leave. Kristoff and Sam are best friends. Sam Realizes that Kristoff has been distant lately and that he has a crush on Hope. Sam wants Kristoff to make a choice either going with Hope or stay friends.

Digital Cinema Production exercise, Anna Rogers, 2024

PLAYS – FEBRUARY 6-9, 2025

CHERRY RED

Playwright Leonardo Hernandez

Director Aaron Smith

Rehearsal Stage Manager Zach Montri

Scenic/Prop Designer Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer Kelly McBane

Lighting Designer Tristen Turkopp

Sound Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Cast

Grey Bowlick

Clay Houser

Abby Papenfus

Lily Schmid

CUBS GO ALL THE WAY AGAIN

Playwright Isabella Herrera

Director Abby Papenfus

Rehearsal Stage Manager Tevy Dembski

Scenic/Prop Designer Matt Foss

Costume Designer Bree Stouffer

Lighting Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Sound Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Cast

Natalina Krygielski

Gerardo Rosario

TRIALS OF JULIUS AND ETHEL

Playwright Lucas Fiscus

Director Bree Stouffer

Rehearsal Stage Manager Lily Schmid

Scenic/Prop Designer Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer Marissa McCoy

Lighting Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Sound Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Cast

Clay Houser

Oliver Marconi

Aaron Smith

Abigail Sowinski

FORGIVE ME PETER

Playwrights Seth Camiscione

& Cadence Enck

Director Brooklyn Mitchell

Rehearsal Stage Manager Natalina Krygielski

Scenic/Prop Designer Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer Kelly McBane

Lighting Designer Tevy Dembski

Sound Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Cast

Grey Bowlick

Leonardo Hernandez

Olivia Pentoney

MIDNIGHT GLITCH

Playwright Abby Papenfus

Director I’Yana Awls

Rehearsal Stage Manager Nicole Dail

Scenic/Prop Designer Matt Foss

Costume Designer Bree Stouffer

Lighting Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Sound Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Cast

Dea Kukeli

Oliver Marconi

Gerardo Rosario

Aaron Smith

YELLOW BRICK ROAD

Playwright Gerardo Rosario

Director Emile Wheeler

Rehearsal Stage Manager Tevy Dembski

Scenic/Prop Designer Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer Marissa McCoy

Lighting Designer Aaron Smith

Sound Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Cast

Leonardo Hernandez

Clay Houser

SHE WOLF

Playwright Leonardo Hernandez

Director Oliver Marconi

Rehearsal Stage Manager Grey Bowlick

Scenic/Prop Designer Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer Nicole Dail

Lighting Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Sound Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Cast

Olivia Pentoney

Gerardo Rosario

Lily Schmid

PRODUCTION STAFF & CREW

Producer Stephen Sakowski*

Theatre Manager Christopher Montpetit

Production Manager Stephen Sakowski*

Production Stage Manager Tevy Dembski

Technical Director Nathaniel White

Scene Shop Manager Nathaniel White

Stage Construction Crew Students of THR1030 & THR2050

Stage/Properties Crew Grey Bowlick

Scene Shop Staff Students of THR1030 & THR2050

Costume Shop Manager Kelly McBane

Costume Shop Staff Tevy Dembski, Marissa McCoy, Brooklyn

Mitchell and Students of THR1050 &THR2050

Lighting & Sound Shop Supervisor Nathaniel White

Lighting & Sound Shop Staff Tevy Dembski, Zach Montri, Aaron Smith

and Students of THR1040 & THR2050

Light Board Operator Lucas Fiscus

Sound Board Operator Zach Montri

Captioning Operator Cincere Temple

House Management Staff Tatyana Cardona, Jenise Curl,

Cincere Temple, London Toney

* Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829

Festival Ensemble Production Biographies

I'YANA AWLS (She/Her/Hers) - Director - is a Junior Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. She is from Toledo, Ohio. Previous credits include: House Management (Hamlet), Costumes (Blood of the Root), and Scenic Painter (Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom). This year, she is a director in the Festivals of New Student Works (Midnight Glitch, 2025).

GREY BOWLICK (He/Him/His) - Billy/Peter/Rehearsal Stage Manager - is a Freshman Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. Before this show, he helped out with captions for Silent Sky (2024). This is the first time he's performing in the Festival of New Student Works. Grey's favorite emoticon is :3

SETH CAMISCIONE (He/Him/His) - Playwright - is a 2024 graduate of the University of Toledo. Previous stage credits include Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (Steve), 2024 Festival of New Student Work (Avery), Hello, Dolly! (Barnaby Tucker), 2023 Festival of New Student Work (Dave), and Making God Laugh (Thomas). Previous technical credits include Silent Sky (House Manager), Titanic: The Musical (Theatre Management), 2024 Festival of New Student Work (Rehearsal Stage Manager), The Diary of Anne Frank (Costume Crew), Hello, Dolly! (Costume Crew, Set Construction Crew), Mary Poppins (Theatre Management), Blood at the Root (House Manager), White Christmas (Curtain), Hamlet (House Manager), and Making God Laugh (Props). Additionally, Seth has written for the 2025, 2024, and 2023 Festival of New Student Work. Seth graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in communication studies and a minor in theatre arts.

NICOLE DAIL (She/They/He) - Costume Designer/Rehearsal Stage Manager - is a sophomore theater and English major at the University of Toledo. previous experience: Acting in the 3rd annual festival of new student work and worked behind the scenes from neighborhood 3 requisition of Doom and Silent Sky.

TEVY DEMBSKI (They/Them/Theirs) - Production Stage Manager/Lighting Designer - is a senior theatre major with a concentration in theatre arts. They have worked behind the scenes in Elkshire (2022), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee(2022), and Hamlet(2022), acted and assistant stage managed the Festival of New Student Works 2023(2023), and acted in Blood at the Root(2023). They acted, directed, and wrote for the Festival of New Student Works 2024(2024). They were the assistant stage manager for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom(2024) and Silent Sky(2024). They are the Production Stage Manager and a lighting designer for this year’s Festival of New Student Works(2025).

CADENCE ENCK (She/Her/Hers) - Playwright - is a third-year Theatre major. This is the first show she has written for the Festival of New Student Works. In the previous semesters, she was on the costume crew for the 2023 Festival of New Student Works, the assistant stage manager for Blood at the Root production, and performed as Edith Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank in the fall of 2023. Then, in the 2024 Festival of New Student Works were the roles of Clara and Zop. Out of school, she worked at Cedar Point in the summers of 2022 and 2023 with the Live Entertainment Team.

LUCAS FISCUS (He/Him/His) - Playwright - is a senior Law and Social Thought Major with a Theatre Minor at the University of Toledo. He’s been involved with multiple local community theatre productions and often works as a director and instructor at Children’s Theatre Workshop in Toledo.

MATT FOSS (He/Him/His) - Scenic Designer, Playwrighting Mentor - teaches acting, directing and writing in the Department of Theatre and Film. He was named one of the Austin Film Festival's Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch and his first feature film LONE WOLVES premired in 2024. He is repped as a screenwriter by Artillery Creative and a member of the WGA-East.

LEONARDO HERNANDEZ (He/Him/His) - Henry/Mike/Playwright - is a junior theater major with a concentration in stage and screen acting. Credits at the University of Toledo include Hamlet (Hamlet 2022), Peter (The Diary of Anne Frank), and two roles in the 2024 Festival of New Student Work. He has also worked as a stagehand on productions of Blood at the Root (UT 2023) and Be More Chill (Stone Productions 2023), and also worked as an assistant makeup designer on the University of Toledo's production of Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom. He is also the playwright of She Wolf and Cherry Red in this year's Festival.

ISABELLA HERRERA (She/Her/Hers) - Playwright -Isabella is a third year Theatre major with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Previous credits include Ophelia in Hamlet, Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Viki/Joy in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, and various roles in the Festival of New Student Works.

CLAYTON HOUSER (He/Him/His) - Doug/Jamie/David - is a Freshman Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. In his first-ever production on the UToledo stage, he is excited to be a part of the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Work (2025) as David Greenglass (Trial of Julie and Ethel), Doug (Cherry Red), and Jamie (Yellow Brick Road). He will also appear in the upcoming production: A Midsummer Night's Dream: a Jukebox Musical playing Puck the fairy.

NATALINA KRYGIELSKI (She/Her/Hers) - Daughter - is a Freshman Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. She is excited for her first production on the UToledo stage! Playing the role of Daughter (Cubs Go All The Way Again) in the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Work.

DEA KUKELI (She/Her/Hers) - Heather - is an editor at Midstory, a local storytelling nonprofit. She is an aspiring actress returning to the stage after a long hiatus from her high school days. Previous credits include Buttons (Newsies), Wicked Witch (Shrek), and Molly (Peter and the Starcatcher).

OLIVER MARCONI (He/Him/His) - John/Julius/Director - is a recent UT Theatre alumni from Olmsted Falls Ohio. Previous credits include Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (Doug/Tobias, The Diary of Anne Frank(Mr. Van Daan), and Hamlet (Ghost/Player King) He has also written shows for the 2021 and 2024 Festival of New Student Work. Currently, he is pursuing an acting/teaching artist career in the Cleveland area and hopes to move to Chicago one day.

KELLY MCBANE (She/Her/Hers) – Costume Design Mentor/Costume Shop Manager/Artistic Director - Kelly is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Toledo and has been involved in one (or multiple) way or another for each production since she began working here. She has her BA from Slippery Rock University and her MFA from Ohio University. She is grateful for the wide variety of interesting and meaningful work that she has been a part of at the University of Toledo and is proud of all of her students and the work they have done

MARISSA MCCOY (She/Her/Hers) - Costume Designer - is a senior at the University of Toledo studying Theatre, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. Costume Designer for “The Trials of Julie and Ethel” and “Yellow Brick Road” for the Festival of New Student Work 2025. Acting credits include Elkshire, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, and the Festival of New Student Work (2022 and 2023). Other credits include costume work for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, Lighting Designer and Director for the Festival of New Student Work (2024), and assistant lighting designer for Blood at The Root and The Diary of Anne Frank.

BROOKLYN MITCHELL (They/Them/Theirs) - Director - is a 3rd year Theatre major from Texas. Previous roles and credits include several roles in The 2nd Annual Festival of New Student Works in 2023 and Max Maxwell in The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works in 2024, Costume crew for The Diary of Anne Frank and The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works. Leslie and Barbara in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom. Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky. They will also be in A Midsummer Night’s Dream this upcoming April.

CHRISTOPHER MONTPETIT (He/Him/His) - Theatre Manager - Mr. Montpetit is originally from Niagara Falls, NY, where he received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English/Theater from Niagara University. He continued his studies at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Theater Management. Professionally, Mr. Montpetit has worked at such companies and institutions as Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing, The Kathryn Bache Miller Theatre, The Alma Schapiro Theatre, Artpark Theatre, ABC Television, Showtime Networks Inc., Genesee Community College Center for the Arts, SummerTide Theatre, and The University of Alabama. Academically, Mr. Montpetit is currently Senior Lecturer and Theatre Manager for the University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film. Mr. Montpetit is the author of "What is Theatre? An Introduction to Theatre", published by Kendall Hunt Publishing in January 2016, with a revised edition published in August 2020.

ZACHARY MONTRI (he/him) - Rehearsal Stage Manager/ Assistant Sound Designer - is a sophomore theatre major with a concentration in design and technology. He was a light board operator for Silent Sky (2024), light designer for The Prom (2024), sound designer for A Christmas Carol (2024), sound designer for Spongebob The Musical (2024), light designer for Anastasia (2024), light designer for Rocky Horror (2024), light designer for Bright Star (2024). He is the assistant sound designer for the festival and rehearsal stage manager for Cherry Red and Forgive Me Peter in this year's Festival of New Student Works (2025).

ABBY PAPENFUS (She/Her/Hers) - Jenny/Playwright/Director - Actor, Director, and Writer- Abby is a third-year Theatre Arts major with a minor in Communication from Toledo, Ohio! Previous credits include Assistant Stage Manager for The 2nd Annual Festival of New Student Work (2023), Light Hang Crew & Costume Crew for Blood at the Root, Light Hang Crew and Assistant Stage Manager for The Diary of Anne Frank, Stage Manager for The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Work (2024), Stage Manager for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom and Stage Manager for Silent Sky. Abby is also Stage Managing UToledo Upcoming Production of A Midsummer Night Dream: Jukebox Musical which will open in April.

OLIVIA PENTONEY (She/Her/Hers) - Officer/Wendy - is a nursing major from Lambertville Michigan. This is her second production with UToledo. Previous productions include Silent Sky(Annie Cannon) with The University of Toledo theater department, Murder On The Orient Express(Helen Hubbard), Bye Bye Birdie(Alice), Shakespeare In Love(Ralph), and Big Fish(Ensemble) with Concordia University and Music Man(Salesman, Townsperson) and Gypsy(Angie, Showgirl, Hollywood Blonde) with Horizon Performing Arts. Olivia is honored to or a part of this festival and hopes you enjoy the show!

GERARDO ROSARIO (He/Him/His) - Officer/Dad/Mike/Playwright - is a Senior Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. He is from Puerto Rico. Previous credits include: Polonius (Hamlet), Dan Dad (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Mr. Dussel (The Diary of Anne Frank), Ryan/Blake (Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom), Peter Shaw (Silent Sky) and several roles in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Festivals of New Student Works.

STEPHEN SAKOWSKI (He/Him/His) - Producer/Production Manager/Lighting Designer/Sound Designer - Stephen is a Professor of Theatre: Lighting & Sound Design here at the University of Toledo and has been happy to collaborate on many productions since starting in the Department of Theatre & Film in 2015. He has his BFA from Otterbein University and his MFA from the University of California San Diego. His lighting design of All Quiet on the Western Front received the 2020 Jeff Award (Chicago's Top Theatre Prize) His work can be seen as a part of various live television events, and regionally at The Purple Rose Theatre Company where he is a Resident Artist. Congratulations to everyone involved with the production on a project well done!

LILIAN SCHMID (She/Her/Hers) - Nancy/Tracy/Rehearsal Stage Manager - is a Sophomore Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. She has most recently been seen as Margaret in Silent Sky (2024) at the University and ran sound for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (2024).

AARON SMITH (She/They/He) - William/Roy/Director/Lighting Designer - is a third-year Theatre major at the University of Toledo. Previous credits include Voice of Game (Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom), Manny/Danny (3rd Festival of New Student Work), and the Head of Wardrobe (Silent Sky)

ABIGAIL SOWINSKI (She/Her/Hers) - Ethel - is a Senior Environmental Studies Major at the University of Toledo. Her previous acting experience includes The Sound Of Music (2024) with Waterville Playshop, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (2019,) and Hairspray (2018) with Springfield High School.

BREE STOUFFER (She/Her/Hers) - Costumer Designer/Director - is a third-year Theatre Major, with a concentration in Design and Technology. Previous credits include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Wait Until Dark as a stitcher, The Diary of Anne Frank as an assistant costume designer, Silent Sky as a costume designer, and The Haunting of Spoonriver as co-director and costume designer. Bree will be graduating this spring after an Assistant Lighting Design position on the department’s production of Midsummer Night’s Dream.

DANIEL THOBIAS (He/Him/His) - Scenic Designer - Daniel joined The University of Toledo Department of Theatre & Film faculty in 2012. He received his MFA in Scene Design from North Carolina School of the Arts, 2005. He has a wealth of experience with summer stock and festival theaters including Mount Washington Valley Theatre, Festival Stage of Winston Salem, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Cuttingball Theater. He has an impressive portfolio of work which can be viewed on his website: www.scenedesign.org.

TRISTEN TURKOPP (He/Him/His) - Lighting Designer - is from the great city of Toledo, Ohio, and is a Theatre Major with a concentration in Theatre Arts. Tristen has been involved in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Ensemble), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street(Ensemble), Night of the Living Dead(Board Operator), Diary of Anne Frank (Board Operator), and Silent Sky (Assistant Lighting Designer).

EMILE WHEELER (He/Him/His) - Director - is a Senior Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. He is from Detroit, MI. Previous Acting credits include: Deandre (Blood At The Root), River (Newish Beginnings), and Gabe (The Time We Stole The Sandlot ). He also wrote a play called “Cheater Feeder” for the Third Annual Festival of Student Work, and will be directing “The Yellow Brick Road” for this year’s festival

Nate White (He/Him/His) Technical Director – Nate joined the University of Toledo as the Technical Director in 2016. He received his MFA in Technical Production from the University of Alabama and his BA in Design and Technical Theater from the University of Nebraska at Kearny.

• THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Silent Sky - Fall 2024

Image of Henrietta Leavitt overlayed with a star map

By Lauren Gunderson

Directed by Brian Sage

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.

• Commissioned and first produced by South Coast Repertory with support from the Elizabeth George Foundation.

• Original Music by Jenny Giering.

“Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson is presented by arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection.

Welcome!

This production runs approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with one 10 minute intermission.

We hope that you enjoy the show!

SPECIAL THANKS

The Purple Rose Theatre Company

Dr. Jason Stumbo

The University of Toledo Department of Disability Studies

The University of Toledo Student Green Fund

The University of Toledo Department of Physics and Astronomy*

*Show your ticket to Silent Sky to get 1/2 off a program at the Ritter Planetarium

Cast

Henrietta Leavitt Isabella Herrera

Margaret Leavitt Lilian Schmid

Peter Shaw Gerardo Rosario

Annie Cannon Olivia Pentoney

Williamina Fleming Brooklyn Mitchell

Production Staff

Director Brian Sage

Producer Stephen Sakowski*

Theatre Manager Christopher Montpetit

Production Manager Stephen Sakowski*

Scenic Designer Daniel Thobias

Costume Designer Breeanne Stouffer

Lighting Designer Stephen Sakowski*

Sound Designer Micah Lawson

Stage Manager Abby Papenfus

Assistant Lighting Designer Tristen Turkopp

Assistant Stage Manager Tevy Dembski

Technical Director Nate White

Scene Shop Manager Nate White

Properties Head Daniel Thobias

Stage Construction The Students of THR1030 & THR2050

Stage/Properties Crew Oliver Marconi

Scene Shop Staff The Students of THR1030 & THR2050

Costume Shop Manager Kelly McBane

Costume Shop Staff Tevy Dembski, Marissa McCoy, Brooklyn Mitchell-Nelson, & the Students of THR1050 & THR2050

Head of Wardrobe Aaron Smith

Costumes/Hair Crew Nicole Dail

Lighting/ Sound Shop Supervisor Nate White

Master Electrician David Steffin

Lighting & Sound Shop Staff Tevy Dembski, Zach Montri, Aaron Smith, David Steffin, & the Students of THR1040 & THR2050

Light Board Operator Zach Montri

Sound Board Operator Jason Klotz

Captioning Operator Grey Bowlick

House Manager Seth Camiscione

Theatre Management Staff Tatyana Cardona, Jenise Curl, & London Toney

Poster Design Daniel Thobias

Marketing Staff Aabha Agarwal, & Cincere Temple

* Member of United Scenic Artists Local 829

Production Biographies

Cast

Isabella Herrera (She/Her/Hers) - Henrietta Leavitt - Isabella is a third year Theatre major with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Previous credits include Ophelia in Hamlet, Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Viki/Joy in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, and various roles in the Festival of New Student Works. She has written a show for the upcoming 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works, and is incredibly excited to be apart of a show about such wonderful women!

Brooklyn Mitchell (They/Them/Theirs) -Williamina Fleming - Brooklyn is a 3rd year Theatre major from Texas. Previous roles and credits include several roles in The 2nd Annual Festival of New Student Works in 2023 and Max Maxwell in The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works in 2024, costume crew for The Diary of Anne Frank and The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works. Leslie and Barbara in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom. They will also be directing a play in the 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works this February

Olivia Pentoney (She/Her/Hers) - Annie Cannon -Olivia is a nursing major from Lambertville Michigan. This is her first production with UToledo. Previous productions include Murder On The Orient Express(Helen Hubbard), Bye Bye Birdie(Alice), Shakespeare In Love(Ralph), and Big Fish(Ensamble) with Concordia University and Music Man(Salesman, Townsperson) and Gypsy(Angie, Showgirl, Hollywood Blonde) with Horizon Performing Arts. Olivia would very much like to thank Brian for taking a chance on her, her family for supporting her on her journey, this amazing cast for making this an incredible experience, and the audience for hopefully enjoying the show

Gerardo Rosario (He/Him/His) - Peter Shaw -Gerardo is a Senior Theatre Major at the University of Toledo. He is from Puerto Rico. Previous credits include: Polonius in Hamlet, Dan Dad in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne Frank, Ryan/Blake in Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom and several roles in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Festivals of New Student Works. He also has written a piece in the upcoming 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works.

Lilian Schmid (She/Her/Hers) - Margaret Leavitt - Lilian is a second year Theatre Major from Blissfield, MI. This is her first production here at the University of Toledo. Previous roles include: Joyce Heath in Barnum and Aunt March in Little Women.

production staff

Tevy Dembski (They/Them/Theirs) - Assistant Stage Manager - Tevy is a senior theatre major with a concentration in theatre arts. They have worked behind the scenes in Elkshire (2022), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2022), and Hamlet(2022), acted and assistant stage managed the 2nd Annual Festival of New Student Works (2023), and acted in Blood at the Root (2023). They acted, directed, and wrote for the 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works (2024) and they were the assistant stage manager for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom (2024).

Micah Lawson (He/Him/His) – Sound Designer – Micah is a composer and a music instructor at the University of Toledo. He specializes in media composition and music technology, focusing on these fields throughout his academic career at UT where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees. Micah is currently the first-year theory instructor in the university's department of music.

Kelly McBane (She/Her/Hers) – Costume Design Mentor, Costume Shop Manager - Kelly is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Toledo and has been involved in one (or multiple) way or another for each production since she began working here. She has her BA from Slippery Rock University and her MFA from Ohio University. She is grateful for the wide variety of interesting and meaningful work that she has been a part of at the University of Toledo and is proud of all of her students and the work they have done

Christopher Montpetit (He/Him/His) Theatre Manager - Mr. Montpetit is originally from Niagara Falls, NY, where he received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English/Theater from Niagara University. He continued his studies at Columbia University in New York City, where he earned a Masters of Fine Arts Degree in Theater Management. Professionally, Mr. Montpetit has worked at such companies and institutions as Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Publishing, The Kathryn Bache Miller Theatre, The Alma Schapiro Theatre, Artpark Theatre, ABC Television, Showtime Networks Inc., Genesee Community College Center for the Arts, SummerTide Theatre, and The University of Alabama. Academically, Mr. Montpetit is currently Senior Lecturer and Theatre Manager for the University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film. Mr. Montpetit is the author of "What is Theatre? An Introduction to Theatre", published by Kendall Hunt Publishing in January 2016, with a revised edition published in August 2020.

Abby Papenfus (She/Her/Hers) Stage Manager - Abby is a third-year Theatre Arts major with a minor in Communication from Toledo, Ohio! Previous credits include Assistant Stage Manager for The 2nd Annual Festival of New Student Work (2023), Light Hang Crew & Costume Crew for Blood at the Root, Light Hang Crew and Assistant Stage Manager for The Diary of Anne Frank, Stage Manager for The 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Work (2024) and Stage Manager for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom.

Brian Sage (He/Him/His) – Director – Brian is the Artistic Director of Tibbits Summer Theatre at the historic Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, MI and also serves as the company manager for Tipping Point Theatre in Northville, MI. He is also a freelance actor and director. Brian is a graduate of Wayne State University where he earned his MFA in Acting while performing as a member of the Hilberry Repertory Theatre Company. He earned his BA in Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University. Brian also had the honor of studying with the Moscow Art Theatre School. He is a certified and associate teacher of the Michael Chekhov acting technique with the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. Brian has taught at a number of universities including Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, Jackson College, and Ohio Northern University where he was an associate professor, producer, and director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. Brian has directed a wide range of projects that include classic plays, contemporary musical theatre, and new works. His Detroit Public Theatre production of From Broadway to Obscurity was recorded for PBS in summer of 2020 as an initiative to bring theatre to a home audience during the Covid-19 pandemic. That production has garnered multiple awards including a Wilde Award for “Best One-Person Show” and a Michigan Association of Broadcaster’s Broadcast Excellence Award for the PBS version. Some recent favorites include Rent for Tibbits Summer Theatre and Ugly Lies the Bone for Ohio Northern University. Projects this fall include Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky here at the University of Toledo and a 60-minute touring production of A Midsummer Nights Dream for Eastern Michigan University.

Stephen Sakowski (He/Him/His) Producer, Production Manager, Lighting Designer - Stephen is a Professor of Theatre: Lighting & Sound Design here at the University of Toledo and has been happy to collaborate on many productions since starting in the Department of Theatre & Film in 2015. He has his BFA from Otterbein University and his MFA from the University of California San Diego. His lighting design of All Quiet on the Western Front received the 2020 Jeff Award (Chicago's Top Theatre Prize) His work can be seen as a part of various live television events, and regionally at The Purple Rose Theatre Company where he is a Resident Artist. Congratulations to everyone involved with the production on a project well done!

Aaron Smith (She/They/He )- Head of Wardrobe - Aaron is a third year Theatre major. Previous credits include stagehand for Blood at the Root, Danny and Manny and Assistant Stage Manager for the 3rd Annual Festival of New Student Works, and Voice of Game for Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom. Aaron is excited to Direct and Light Design for the upcoming 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works.

David Steffin ( He/Him/His) – Master Electrician- David is a third year theater student at the University of Toledo. This will be his fifth show here at UToledo. He has worked on Hamlet as the sound board opperator, Blood at the Root as the light board opperator, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom as the assistant lighting designer, and The Haunting of Spoonriver as the lighting designer/ light board opperator.

Bree Stouffer (She/Her/Hers) Costume Designer - Bree is a third year Theatre Major, with a concentration in Design and Technology. Previous credits include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Wait Until Dark as a stitcher, The Diary of Anne Frank as an assistant costume designer, and The Haunting of Spoonriver as co-director and costume designer. Bree will be graduating in the spring after directing a show in the upcoming 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works.

Daniel Thobias (He/Him/His) Scenic Designer, – Daniel joined The University of Toledo Department of Theatre & Film faculty in 2012. He received his MFA in Scene Design from North Carolina School of the Arts, 2005. He has a wealth of experience with summer stock and festival theaters including Mount Washington Valley Theatre, Festival Stage of Winston Salem, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, and the Cuttingball Theater. He has an impressive portfolio of work which can be viewed on his web site: www.scenedesign.org.

Tristen Turkopp (He/Him/His) – Assistant Lighting Designer – Tristen is from Toledo, OH and is in his second year as a Theatre major, with a concentration in Theatre Arts. This is his first show as an assistant lighting designer. Other credits include Light Board Operator for The Diary of Anne Frank, Sound Board Operator for The Night of the Living Dead, and as an ensemble member for 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and will be the lighting designer on one of the pieces in this year's upcoming 4th Annual Festival of New Student Works..