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TITLE PAGE
THE 2024-25 SEASON
SHOW SPONSORS
CREATIVE TEAM & CAST LISTING
FOR THIS PRODUCTION
BEHIND THE SCENES
MEET THE CAST (BIOS)
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM (BIOS)
STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DONORS & SUPPORTERS
VOLUNTEER WITH US
Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Adapted from the book GRACE FOR PRESIDENT by Kelly DiPucchio, Illustrations by LeUyen Pham
© 2012 Kelly DiPucchio, LeUyen Pham
Available from Disney-Hyperion
By special arrangement with Gurman Agency LLC.
World Premiere Commissioned by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, October 2016
Adam Burke, Artistic Director
Original Orchestrations by Deborah Wicks LaPuma
Director Alicia Tafoya
Choreographer Ashlyn Keller-Silver
Music Director Bill Congdon
Scenic Designer Anita J Tripathi*
Lighting Designer Yelena Babinskaya
Costume Designer Beth Levine Chaitman
Sound Designer Lindsay Putnam
*United Scenic Artists
Run time 60 minutes
Videotaping, photography and other recording of this production is prohibited.
Today’s celebration is brought to life, in part, by:
Deloitte
Tammy Stringer & Richard Viola
Ben & Christy Hume
Davant Family Charitable Trust
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is supported, in part, by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, as well as the Shubert Foundation.
Director.......................................................................................................Alicia Tafoya
Choreographer................................................................................Ashlyn Keller-Silver
Music Director............................................................................................Bill Congdon
Scenic Designer....................................................................................Anita J Tripathi*
Lighting Designer............................................................................Yelena Babinskaya
Costume Designer....................................................................Beth Levine Chaitman
Sound Designer....................................................................................Lindsay Putnam
Dr. Taylor Dee Spencer..............................................................Mrs. Barrington, Clara
Chanel Thomas..................................................................................Grace Campbell
Zakary Clausell-Santos........................................................................................Robbie
Miles Thompson........................................................................................................Sam
Hannah Bridger..................................................................................Rose, Mrs. Phillips
Finnegan McCarthy.......................................................................Anthony, Mr.Waller
Aaron Marsh............................................................................................Thomas Cobb
Griffin Digsby................................................................................................Male Swing
Stage Manager.............................................................................................Ryan Miles
Deck Chief...................................................................................................Sterling Lett
Wardrobe Supervisor..................................................................................Gbale Allen
Stitcher............................................................................................................Sara Petty
Crafts................................................................................................Elizabeth Swanson
Scenic Carpenter..............................................................................Maddie Anthony
Electricians...........................................................................Sterling Lett, Joe Cockrell
Scenic Artist.........................................................................................Brittany Zacarias
Did you know that Children’s Theatre of Charlotte creates the magic you see on stage right here in our very own Scene, Costume, and Prop Shops? Our creative team handles everything in house to bring each story to life.
Costume Designer Beth Levine Chaitman puts a thematic spin on the school look with these fresh designs.
Roll call! The actors run lines for the show during rehearsal.
Set Designer Anita J Tripathi utilizes every inch of the stage from the floor to the walls to express a “presidential” feel that’s fun and inspiring. The 3D model to the left comes to life in the photo below on the final night of dress rehearsal.
Mrs. Barrington / Clara
Dr. Taylor Dee Spencer is so excited to join the cast of Children’s Theatre Charlotte for this season’s GRACE FOR PRESIDENT. With over a decade of experience in both performing and education, Taylor Dee has dedicated her career to promoting creativity through the arts for young audiences. Taylor Dee’s stage credits include a variety of characters including Mama Lucy (THE FRIENDSHIP NINE). Taylor Dee’s passion for children’s theater is matched only by her commitment to creating meaningful, interactive experiences that captivate and inspire. In addition to performing, Taylor Dee is a former elementary teacher turned innovative educator, song-singing children’s author, and dynamic entrepreneur. She continues to make waves in the world of education and youth development with her creative way of thinking and passion to empower the next generation. With a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, a master’s degree in Youth Development Leadership, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early/Elementary Education, Dr. Taylor Dee brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her multifaceted career and the understanding of how representation matters in the educational space on and off the stage. Dr. Taylor Dee owns Right Now Works Education and Taylor Dee Kids TV Media where her YouTube channel, children’s books, videos, and music albums have garnered millions of views and streams. Taylor Dee has visited over 500 schools, impacting more than 100,000 students worldwide. Dr. Taylor Dee’s dedication to creative arts and education is further exemplified through the founding of her own school, Wonder Academy, a Preschool and School Age Program serving over 100 students daily. Her work extends beyond direct interaction with children, as she assists organizations and educators in launching and growing creative youth-serving businesses. When she’s not performing or teaching Taylor Dee enjoys boxing, exploring nature, traveling around the country, reading nonfiction books, and laughing with family and friends. Taylor Dee is so excited to share the magic of theater with you!
Chanel Thomas has been performing since age 5, with experience in musicals, choral work, and children’s party entertainment. She currently teaches music to preschoolers and is excited to make her Children’s Theatre of Charlotte debut in GRACE FOR PRESIDENT, combining her passion for the arts with her joy in inspiring youth.
ZAKARY CLAUSELL-SANTOS
Robbie
Zakary is so excited to be a part of GRACE FOR PRESIDENT and be a part of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s 2024 Mainstage season. Zakary started at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s youth education programs in 2022. Zakary has been doing Musical Theatre since he was 8 years old and intends to pursue it as a professional career. He was last seen at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s production of NARNIA and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL. Zakary is very grateful for all the training and performance opportunities that Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has given him, and he hopes you enjoy GRACE FOR PRESIDENT!!
Miles is so excited to return to the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte stage after a year with the resident touring company! He is a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a current M.P.A. Candidate as well. Previous credits include Tom (SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!), Danny (DANNY KING OF THE BASEMENT), Private Smalls, (A SOLDIER’S PLAY), Spec/Gabby Street (TONI STONE). He would like to thank his amazing partner and family, his cat Sammy, and YOU for coming to see live theatre!
Rose / Mrs. Phillips
As a long-time student of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Hannah is thrilled to return to her theater home for her main stage debut in GRACE FOR PRESIDENT! She graduated from Samford University with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and she is very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this show. She would like to thank all her theatre teachers, her family, and her Camp JuMP community for always supporting her. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Anthony / Mr. Waller
Finnegan McCarthy is delighted to make an appearance in Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s production of GRACE FOR PRESIDENT! Currently taking a gap year, Finnegan plans to participate in as many shows as he can before going off to college. Finnegan has been in many shows, from summer camps to high school, to now professional theater!
AARON MARSH
Thomas Cobb
Aaron Marsh is thrilled to make his professional theater debut with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte! He has recently appeared as Dick in 9 TO 5 with DCP, Prince Topher in CINDERELLA with the Dilworth Players, Bert in MARY POPPINS with DCP, and as Macqueen in DCP’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. He attended Queens University of Charlotte, graduating in 2019 with a minor in Theater. He’s so grateful to his family and to the network of friends, thespian and otherwise, who have been advising him and offering their support as he begins to pursue his art as a career. (1 Cor 10:31)
This is Griffin’s fifth season with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. He’s played many fun roles that you may recognize, such as Mr. Pugh in ANNIE, Jay-K in ALLIE KAZAN AND THE MAGIC MANSION, Father Christmas in NARNIA THE MUSICAL, and Clarence in CATCHING THE MOON: THE STORY OF A YOUNG GIRL’S BASEBALL DREAM.
Alicia Tafoya (Director) is the Artistic and Community Relations Fellow for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. She is passionate about connecting the work on our stages to our community. Prior to working at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte she was the Head of Performance at The University of Central Oklahoma. She is a director, performer, new work dramaturg, and certified Michael Chekhov instructor. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University in acting and directing and a Master of Fine Arts at Texas Tech University in performance and pedagogy of acting and directing. Previous directing projects span multiple genres including Latinx Theatre, Opera, Theatre of Social Change, and Children’s Theatre. While at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Alicia has directed TOMAS AND THE LIBRARY LADY, DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!, and THE LION AND THE LITTLE RED BIRD. Alicia is thankful for the collaborators who help her breathe life into these scripts. She sends love to her wonderful husband, friends, and family.
Ashlyn Keller-Silver (Choreographer) a Charlotte native, is thrilled to be choreographing for the CTC Main-
stage again. At CTC, Ms. Keller-Silver has previously choreographed GRACE FOR PRESIDENT and numerous Onstage productions as well as summer production camps. As a Teaching Artist, Ms. Keller-Silver has taught for SOTT at CTC, Charlotte Ballet, Piedmont School of Music and Dance and public schools throughout NC. In addition, Ms. Keller-Silver has been a lead teaching artist for NC Arts In Action, an affiliate of the National Dance Institute, in Durham, NC. Ms. Keller- Silver has choreographed MEMPHIS, AIDA and AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ At Theatre Charlotte and numerous musicals in the greater Charlotte/Metro area. Ms. Keller-Silver has performed with the Louisville Ballet, NC Dance Theatre (now Charlotte Ballet) and the NC Savoyards. She holds a BFA in dance from UNCG and an MA in Pedagogy and Curriculum Design from Wayne State.
Tours (Conductor): MATILDA THE MUSICAL, MAMMA MIA! (National Tour/Las Vegas); BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. Associate Music Director for BROADWAY DREAMS since 2017. Musical director for NARNIA, and orchestrated the new musicals ALLIE KAZAN AND THE MAGIC MANSION and CATCHING THE MOON: THE STORY OF A YOUNG GIRL’S BASE-
BALL DREAM at Childrens Theatre of Charlotte.Many regional, stock and symphony orchestra credits, including CPCC Summer Theatre, Charlotte Rep, Greensboro Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, Opera Carolina and the NC Ballet Theatre. BME from East Carolina University (NC), MM and Performer’s Certificate in Percussion from The Eastman School of Music (NY).
Anita J Tripathi (Scenic Designer) is a Charlotte based Scene Designer. Professional design credits include: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (LORT B), Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Virginia Stage Company (LORT D, Resident Scene Designer), and PlayMakers Repertory Company (LORT D). Anita has also worked regionally as both a Properties Designer and Scenic Charge and has assisted Tony Award winning designer David Gallo on several productions. Anita is currently the Associate Professor for Design and Technology at Davidson College. She has taught students scene design, lighting design, scene painting, stage properties, model making, and portfolio/resume development. Her work has been featured as a finalist at the World Stage Design Exhi-
bition in Cardiff and she received a Fellowship from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology to support her research in India. She holds an M.F.A. in Scene Design from the University of South Carolina and is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.
Yelena Babinskaya (Lighting Designer) (she/her) is a scenographer who hails from UNCSA via Los Angeles, where she has been an active member of the entertainment community for the last 15 years. Originally from Odesa, Ukraine, she spent all her time around the country as a lighting, scenic, and costume designer and educator. Yelena holds a Master of Fine Arts from UCLA and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. She was the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion editor on the 9th Edition of Michael Gillete’s Theatrical Design and Production. In 2021 Yelena was part of a team awarded the winning grant from Opera America for their proposal to develop a new opera for Opera Hack 3.0. That project is still ongoing, to find out more about it and her upcoming projects check out her social media and website at https://yelenababinskaya.com
Beth Levine Chaitman (Costume Designer) relocated to Charlotte from Chicago the summer of 2019 and was in lockdown 6 months later. She has enjoyed finally getting to know Charlotte but does miss playing in the snow. Beth has designed for many theatres around the country and is excited to be back at Children’s Theatre for a second time having designed ANNIE in 2022. She received her MFA from Carnegie Mellon University and graduated from the University of South Carolina (BA). Some of her favorite designs are LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE STINKY CHEESEMAN, THE DUCHESS OF MALFI and KING STAG.
Lindsay Putnam (Sound Designer) is a sound designer and educator who has designed an assortment of works including award-winning escape rooms, musicals, plays, and podcasts. She has worked at a variety of venues including Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Cortland Repertory Theatre, Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Disneyland, The Den Theatre, Stockton Theatre Project, Ground & Field Festival, Pegasus PlayLab, Dr. Phillips Center, South Coast Repertory, PCPA, Solvang Festival Theatre, The Escape Ventures, and many online streaming platforms. She is the Publica-
tion Coordinator for the USITT Sound Commission and has been a member for IATSE Local 504 since 2014. Her prior teaching experience includes the University of Central Florida and the Pacific Conservatory Theatre and she is currently an Assistant Professor of Sound Design at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
LEADERSHIP
Artistic Director - Adam Burke
Managing Director - Nao Tsurumaki
Administration
Human Resources Manager - Carolyn Lugo-Allred
Business Manager - Alex Doxey
Senior Accountant - Crystal Johnson
ImaginOn Partnership Coordinator - Maryann O’Keeffe
ImaginOn Administrative Support - Casey Kaufmann
Artistic & Production
Director of Production - Steven Levine
Artistic & Community Relations Fellow - Alicia Tafoya
Costume Shop Manager - Anna Klinger
Cutter/Draper - Emily Heilig
Crafts Specialist - Elizabeth Swanson
Technical Director - Andrew Gibbon
Assistant Technical Director - Shane Burgett
Resident Stage Manager - Steven James
Resident Stage Manager/Production Assistant - Brandi Gaeta
Charge Scenic Artist - Tim Parati
Master Carpenter - John Slechta
Head Electrician - Larry Csernik
Assistant Electrican - Amber Bidwell
AV Supervisor - MIchael Russo
Properties Manager - Cassie Ward
Properties Assistant - Rebecca Xhajanka
Scenic Carpenter - Maddie Anthony
Sound Assistant - Maddi Penn
Production Assistant - Katie Kinser
Education
Director of Education - EG Engle
Camps & Community Programs Manager - Mary Katherine Smith
Education Program Manager - Morgan Southard
Resident Teaching Artists - Karen Steele & Breana Venablé
Education Assistant - Katie Kinser
Development
Director of Development – Emily J. Chuma
Special Events & Volunteer Manager - Cassandra Wiselka
Development Coordinator - Jean Edwards
Marketing and Communications
Director of Marketing & Communications - Cindy Taylor
Associate Director of Marketing - Rob Odum
Customer Experience Manager - Ashley Hughes
PR & Social Media Mananger – Alex Aguilar
Touring Performance Coordinator - Margot Parrott
School Group Sales & Performance Coordinator - Chris Stonnell
Data & IT Manager - Claire Whitworth-Helm
Audience Service Coordinator - Louise Lawson
Marketing Assistant - Aaron Bunzey
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sallie Beason - Chair
Lisa Miller - Chair-Elect
Stephanie Isham - Treasurer
Nichelle Weintraub - Secretary
Mitchell Kelling - Past Chair
Cynthia Banks
Dr. Veronica Bell
Mary Alice Boyd
Mike Burgess
Stephanie Couch
Caryn Craige
Charlitta Hatch
Leigh Hickman
Ben Hume
Tim James
Brian Litwak
Mitzi Lynch
Jennifer Madara
Scott Manning
Rosemary Morgan
Maddie Myers
Katie Ramseur
Eric Ritz
Michael Tarwater, Jr.
Tanya Taylor
Kristin Tokić
April Whitlock
Honorary Lifetime Members
Robin Branstrom
Carla DuPuy
Peter Flur
Cynthia Lank
Linda Lockman-Brooks
Advisory Board
Robin Branstrom
Tom Eiselt
Jami Farris
Peter Flur
Gina Lawrence
EXECUTIVE PRODUCING PARTNERS
($50,000 and more)
Bank of America
North Carolina Arts Council
PNC Foundation
C.D. Spangler Foundation, Inc.
The Shubert Foundation
PRODUCING PARTNERS
($25,000 to $49,999)
First Horizon
DIRECTING PARTNERS
($10,000 to $24,999)
Autism Strong Foundation
Clear Blue Insurance Group
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Cornwell Foundation
Paige Johnston Thomas Giving Tree
SPX Corporation
Triad Foundation
STANDING OVATION PARTNERS
($5,000 to $9,999)
Carolina Panthers
The Daniel, Edward, Cora & Strickland Foundation
The Dickson Foundation, Inc.
LendingTree
Parker Poe
Publix Super Markets Charities
South Arts
CENTER STAGE PARTNERS
($3,000 to $4,999)
Deloitte & Touche LLP
LEADING ROLE PARTNER
($1,000 to $2,999)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
We recognize and thank our generous donors who gave as of October 15, 2024. Our annual donors are recognized at the most current giving level.
($10,000 - $24,999)
Dorlisa & Peter Flur
Mitchell Kelling
Linda Reynolds
Tammy Stringer & Richard Viola
($5,000 - $9,999)
Omid & Julie Ahdieh
Dr. Daniel Donner
Andrew and Stephanie Fulford
Lise Hain
David Holland
Ben & Christy Hume
Bruce & Anita LaRowe
Brian Litwak
Jennifer & Eric Madara
Ann & Scott Manning
Arrington Mixon
Rosemary Morgan & Fielding Huseth
Brian & Laura Murdock
Sandy & Greg Vlahos
April & Thomas Whitlock
($3,000 - $4,999)
Mike & Katie Burgess
Herb & Gina Clegg
Rob & Caryn Craige
Davant Family Charitable Trust
David & Marti Head
Pat Burgess & Joan Martin
Ken & Lisa Miller
Maddie & Brian Myers
Stephen & Stephanie Sorenson
Lauren & William Voorhees
Nichelle & Sasha Weintraub
Judith & Matthew Whelan
($1,000 - $2,999)
Stephen Allred & Carolyn Lugo-Allred
Cynthia Banks
Sallie & Gary Beason
Veronica Bell
Robin & Bill Branstrom
Susan & Richard Buckley
Craig & Mary Bunzey
Julie & Stoke Caldwell
Stephanie Couch
Mary Coyle
Amy & Alfred Dawson
Elizabeth Devenney
Tom & Julie Eiselt
Dr. Gloria Ann Evans.
Christi Farr
Beth & Gaston Gage
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Gonzalez
Watts & Carol Hamrick
Charlitta Hatch
Lisa and Mark Hedrick
Scott & Claire Helm
Leigh Hickman
Ryan & Danielle Hutcheson
Timothy James
Ashley & Matthew Joseph
Cole Kissam in memory of Talia Petoia
Andrew Kott
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. Lamberth
Craig & Mitzi Lynch
Michael and Leslie Marsicano
Seah & Robert McCammon
Gary Monie
Mallory Navin & Joe Shreve
Anna & Tom Nelson
John & Suzy Nurkin
Allison Rauch
Eric Ritz
Kristin Tokic
Patrick & Elizabeth Vaughn
Rosa Maria Vega
Jodi Warner
John and Carrie Woolley
We recognize and thank our generous donors who gave as of October 15, 2024. Our annual donors are recognized at the most current giving level.
($500 - $999)
Sylvia Bartee
Dallas & Kathy Craven
Ina DeRochi
John & Mara Gose
Brad & Karen Harris
Steve & Mary Hunting
Stepanie Isham
Laurie Johnston
Louis Leone
Lynn Manock
Elizabeth Murphy
Eileen Manlove O’Brien
Nedra Tawwab
Tanya Taylor
Be a part of the wonder. Volunteers help in many areas across the Theatre from Production to Education to Development to Outreach.
• Ushering public performances and school shows
• Delivering thousands of holiday gifts to Charlotte children through The Winter Wonderland Shop
• Inventorying costumes with our Production team
• Checking in guests at Celebrate!, our annual gala.
• Selling concessions during OnStage weekend with our Education team
