Nov. 20–Dec. 29
MUSIC BY ALAN MENKEN
LYRICS BY HOWARD ASHMAN & GLENN SLATER
BOOK BY DOUG WRIGHT
SUMMER CAMPS
UNLEASH CREATIVITY THIS SUMMER!
Help your child make unforgettable memories and unleash their artistic potential this summer! Join our exciting theatre and visual art camps perfect for all ages, from 5 to 18! Kids can dive into musical theatre, acting, dancing, drawing, painting, mixed-media, and more in our vibrant theatre and art camps. Our professional instructors, hands-on projects, and supportive environment ensure your child will develop new skills, make lasting friendships, and create memories for a lifetime.
NEW MIX & MATCH OPTION
Combine a half-day of theatre with a half-day of art for a full day of creativity and fun!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW: fac.coloradocollege.edu/camps
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Colorado College occupies the traditional territories of the Nuchu, known today as the Southern Ute Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Northern Ute People. Other tribes have also lived here including the Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Comanche — and notably, continue to do so, along with many other Indigenous Peoples. To actively seek social justice, we acknowledge that the land continues to hold the values and traditions of the original inhabitants and caretakers of this land. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors, elders, and youth – past, present, and future.
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written and directed by John Musker & Ron Clements
Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
Orchestrations by Danny Troob
Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin
Dance Arrangements by David Chase
Puppets by WYNOT Productions
Directed by Cory Moosman
Costume Design
Music Direction by J. Chang-Tablada & Simon Jacobs
Lex Liang† & Sydney Dufka Forchielli
Wig Design Jason Hayes
Sound Design
Lawrence Schober†
Production Stage Manager Rafi Levavy*
Scenic Design Lex Liang† & Jackie Fox
Lighting Design Jackie Fox
Choreographed by Mary Ripper Baker
Assistant Stage Manager Kristen Wickersheim*
Producing Artistic Director Christopher L. Sheley
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All Authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Flying Effects provided by ZFX.
*The Actor and Stage Manager appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
†The Designer for this production is represented by United Scenic Artists, the international alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
CAST
IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Ariel Akasha Grace
Pilot ............................................................................................................................ Joe Barnard
Prince Eric .................................................................................................. Clinton Greenspan*
Grimsby ............................................................................................................... David Hastings
Flounder.................................................................................................................. Haley Ballard
Scuttle Sammy Gleason
Windward Sean Johnson
Leeward ..................................................................................................................... Ryan Wong
King Triton ........................................................................................... Guillermo Jemmott, Jr.*
Sebastian ........................................................................................................... Elio Nova-Wolfe
Aquata ................................................................................................ Brittany Mendoza-Peña*
Andrina Rachael Dec
Arista Antigone Biddle
Atina .....................................................................................................................Cassidy Forrest
Adella ....................................................................................................................... Maia Rychlik
Allana ........................................................................................................... Tracy Nicole Taylor*
Flotsam.................................................................................................................... Katy Williams
Jetsam Corbin Payne*
Ursula Anne Terze-Schwarz*
Chef Louis .................................................................................................... Alexander Watson
Ensemble ................................................................................ Joe Barnard, Antigone Biddle, Rachael Dec, Cassidy Forrest, Sean Johnson, Brittany Mendoza-Peña*, Maia Rychlik, Tracy Nicole Taylor*, Alexander Watson, Ryan Wong
Swings Stephen Charles Turner, Shannon Foley
UNDERSTUDIES
Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.
Ariel, Sebastian ................................................................................ Brittany Mendoza-Peña*
Prince Eric Corbin Payne*
Grimsby, Scuttle ....................................................................................................... Ryan Wong
Flounder............................................................................................................ Antigone Biddle
Flotsam Maia Rychlik
Jetsam ................................................................................................................... Sean Johnson
Ursula .......................................................................................................... Tracy Nicole Taylor*
Chef Louis Stephen Charles Turner
*The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT ONE
The World Above Ariel
Fathoms Below ................................................................ Pilot Sailors, Prince Eric, Grimsby
Daughters of Triton ................................................................................................... Mersisters
If Only (Triton’s Lament) King Triton
Daddy’s Little Angel......................................................................... Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam
Part of Your World ................................................................................................................ Ariel
The Storm Sailors
Part of Your World (Reprise) ............................................................................................... Ariel
She’s In Love ........................................................................................... Mersisters, Flounder
Her Voice Prince Eric
Under the Sea ................................................................................ Sebastian, Sea Creatures
After “Under the Sea” .................................................................. Sebastian, Sea Creatures
If Only (Ariel’s Lament) Ariel
Sweet Child ...................................................................................................... Flotsam, Jetsam
Poor Unfortunate Souls ................................................................................................... Ursula
Act One Finale Ursula, Ariel
There will be one fifteen-minute intermission
ACT TWO
Positoovity
Positaggity
Scuttle, Gulls
Scuttle, Gulls
Beyond My Wildest Dreams ............................................................... Ariel, Maids, Grimsby
Les Poissons Chef Louis
Les Poissons (Reprise) Chef Louis, Chefs
One Step Closer ........................................................................................................ Prince Eric
Daddy’s Little Angel (Reprise) Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam
Kiss the Girl Sebastian, Animals
If Only (Quartet)...........................................................................Ariel, Eric, Sebastian, Triton
The Contest Grimsby, Princesses
Ariel Steps Forward Ursula
Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise) .................................................................................. Ursula
Ariel’s Transformation Mersisters
Finale Ultimo Triton, Ariel, Ensemble, Eric
THE BAND
Conductor/Keyboards ................................................................................. J. Chang-Tablada
Alternate Conductor/Keyboards Simon Jacobs
Percussion ............................................................................................................. Brian Hobson
Bass ......................................................................................................................... Jay McGuffin
Cello Jomar Cruz
Violin ................................................................................................................... Casey Hodgson
Flute ................................................................................................................... Jane Sandstrom
Reeds Ed Hureau
Oboe ................................................................................................................ Cathleen Hobson
Trumpet ..................................................................................................................... Bud Gordon
NOTICE
Assisted listening devices are available at no charge from the ushers by request.
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, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States copyright law.
If you leave the theatre for any reason during the performance, it will be left to the discretion of house management as to when you can return to your seat.
We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave if their behavior is disruptive to the performance environment.
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
You’re about to experience something unique. Something you’ve never seen. Something magical. How’s that for an opener?
The Fine Arts Center stage holds a special place in my heart. Since 2006, I’ve worn many hats here—teacher, actor, props artisan, director—and it’s been home to countless memories: shared laughs with cast and crew mates; stressful moments in tech rehearsals where a solution is found just in time; and the joy of hearing the audience collectively hold their breath in anticipation at a word, or a note, or a movement.
But the true magic of theatre lies in the people. It’s a living, breathing experience brought to life by an extraordinary group of humans working together—on stage and behind the scenes. Each night, something completely unique is created, never to be seen exactly the same way again. And that it manages to happen at all is always miraculous.
Tonight, you’ll see this incredible cast light up the stage, but behind them, unseen, is an equally remarkable team—designers, crew, stage management, theatre staff—all working their magic to make this show happen. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with these talented individuals.
Our design team has inspired me at every turn, our crew and stage management have kept this huge machine running smoothly with humor and grace, our cast has jumped in the deep end—literally—with fearlessness and excitement, and my fellow creators have shared their immense talent, experience, and wisdom—and all of this has created a true show family. I couldn’t be prouder of the exceptional human beings I’ve been lucky enough to work with and learn from every day. This show is the result of that collaboration.
And to you—thank you for being here, for being part of this shared moment. Together we all—theatre goers and theatre makers—create something fleeting and beautiful, and that’s where the real magic of live theatre lives.
So sit back and enjoy the show—it’s a magical way to spend an evening, wouldn’t you say?
Cory Moosman
JOIN THE CREW AS A SEASON SUBSCRIBER
We hope you enjoy our production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid! If you have a good time, consider getting a subscription for the rest of the theatre season. Upcoming shows include our world premiere production of In Her Bones and the feel-good comedy musical Sister Act. Prorated subscriptions for the rest of the season start at just $91.50, plus you can apply the cost of your ticket to The Little Mermaid toward a subscription! Email fac@coloradocollege.edu or call (719) 634-5583 to purchase a prorated subscription.
WHO’S WHO
THE ACTING COMPANY
IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Haley Ballard (Flounder) is so excited to be back on the FAC stage. Favorite FAC credits include Michael in Elf: The Musical, Marta in SOM, Ben/Lisa in Disaster, Matilda in Matilda, and Molly in Annie. Recently she had the opportunity to play Niki Harris in Curtains at CSC and Charlie in Willy Wonka at Discovery Canyon HS. Haley is a sophomore and enjoys reading, playing the piano, and singing. She has Type 1 Diabetes and wants youth everywhere who face this disease or any challenge to understand that you can achieve anything you want in life, it’s all how you look at it. Thank you to Paula Baack for your awesome vocal coaching and a big thank you to everyone at the FAC for this incredible opportunity!
Joe Barnard (Pilot/Ensemble) (he/they) is thrilled to be making his Fine Arts Center debut in the cast of The Little Mermaid! Joe graduated with BA in Music (Voice Emphasis) from CCU in Lakewood, Colorado. Some of his favorite credits include: Johnny in Eigg: The Musical (Scotland Fringe Festival), Ensemble in A Year With Frog and Toad (Arvada Center), and Rudolpho in Matilda (Town Hall Arts Center)! Joe is very grateful for everyone who had a hand in putting together this wonderful show, and he hopes you enjoy it! Instagram: @joseph_barnard
Antigone Biddle (Arista/Ensemble, u/s Flounder) is elated to be returning to FAC! Credits: Annabeth in The Lighting Thief (Aurora Fox); A Year with Frog and Toad, Charlotte’s Web (Arvada Center); Eigg the Musical, Original Cast, (Edinburgh Fringe Festival); Elf: The Musical (Fine Arts Center); Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Parker Arts); Newsies (Town Hall Arts Center); Gypsy (Vintage Theatre). Training: The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Antigone also works as a teaching artist for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Instagram: @antigonebiddle
Rachael Dec (Andrina/Ensemble) is thrilled to make her debut on the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center stage! As a young professional, she is feeling extremely blessed and thankful to have been welcomed into this community. Rachael is a musical theatre performer based in Chicago, where her professional credits include Anything Goes (Charity/Ensemble) at Porchlight Music Theatre, and most recently Cinderella (Ensemble, Dance Captain, u/s Charlotte) at Metropolis Performing Arts Center. Rachael is a proud graduate of Northwestern University (2023, musical theatre and dance). Her NU credits include As You Like It (by Shaina Taub), Lyle the Crocodile, and The 91st Annual Waa-Mu Show, among numerous student-driven performance and choreography opportunities. Rachael is currently seeking representation. “To my family and friends - All my love, always!” Web: RachaelDec.com IG: @RachaelDec
Shannon Foley (Swing) is excited to be back at the Fine Arts Center for her third production. She’s appeared on this stage previously in Rent and Elf: The Musical. Some of her other Colorado credits include Cirque Dreams Holidaze at The Gaylord Resort, as well as The Beauty Queen of Leenane and Inventing Van Gogh at Breckenridge Backstage Theatre. She’d like to thank her family for their support as she delves into this production.
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Cassidy Forrest (Atina/Ensemble) is a local actor in Colorado Springs excited to make her debut with the Fine Arts Center. She attended the Arts Academy in Pueblo, CO and started acting professionally in Colorado Springs in 2022. She often works with local theatre companies Theatre Across Borders and Iron Springs Chateau. She has experience directing, writing, and producing youth productions as well as acting, singing, choreography, and dancing. Instagram: @Cassidyaforrest.
Sammy Gleason (Scuttle) (he/they) is a Colorado Springs-based actor, costume designer, props artisan, puppet builder, and performer, and artist. They were most recently seen onstage in It’s A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center for which they won a Colorado Theatre Guild Henry Award for best Supporting Actor in a Play. Previous acting credits: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Sangre De Cristo), Shrek the Musical, The Producers, The Drowsy Chaperone, Guys and Dolls (CSFAC), and Complete Works…Abridged (UCCS Theatreworks). Recent costume design: The Legend of Georgia McBride (CSFAC). Prop Design: In The Heights, Elf: The Musical (CSFAC). Puppet Design: Avenue Q (Sangre de Cristo), Elf: The Musical (CSFAC). They are also one-third of WYNOT Productions - a Pueblo based production company specializing in custom props, costumes, and puppets for film, television, and cosplay. Enjoy the show!
Akasha Grace (Ariel) is very excited to step into the world of The Little Mermaid on behalf of her childhood self. Akasha was most recently seen in Lloyd Suh’s The Chinese Lady at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA. Regional credits include: Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Horizon Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Alliance Theatre), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Younts Center), Aida (Glow Lyric Theatre), The Wolves (Warehouse Theatre) and Ella Enchanted (SC Children’s Theatre). She originally hails from South Carolina and holds an MS in Applied Psychology from Clemson University. During her time at Clemson, she was awarded the Special Achievement in Individual Performance from the Kennedy Center for her performance as Caroline in I & You. This past summer, she completed the Summer Drama Intensive at the Juilliard School in New York City. 사랑하는 사람들
. Instagram: @xoakasha
Clinton Greenspan* (Prince Eric) is thrilled to be returning to The Springs and closer to family! After some time away from the stage, he’s incredibly grateful to be back at it and surrounded by all of these brilliant artists and this special production. He was last seen playing the title role in Broadway’s Aladdin, as well as being a member of the original National Tour cast. Some of his favorite credits include Romeo & Juliet and Dreamgirls with Dallas Theater Center, Fiddler on the Roof and Seussical with Casa Mañana, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with Wishing Star Productions and RENT with KD Conservatory, where he studied and received his Associate Degree. Love and dedication to the leading ladies, Mom and Grandma! @clinton_patrick
David Hastings (Grimsby) was nominated for a Henry Award for his performance in last year’s Springs Ensemble Theatre production of The Seafarer. He is excited to return to the FAC stage after too long an absence. Credits here include Man of La Mancha, Of Mice and Men, Sunday in the Park With George, Peter and the Starcatcher, Prelude to a Kiss, The Drowsy Chaperone, Other Desert Cities, The Pirates of Penzance, A Christmas Carol, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He studied at North Carolina School of the Arts and New York’s Circle in the Square. He is the
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host of Broadway Rhythm on Classical KCME-FM Radio. Other local appearances include Antony and Cleopatra, Little Shop of Horrors, Amadeus, Night and Her Stars, The Crucible, Macbeth, I Hate Hamlet, The Game of Love and Chance, Happy Days, 1776, and The Merchant of Venice. He is happily married to very talented local actress and director Lynne Hastings.
Guillermo Jemmott, Jr.* (King Triton) is thrilled to be performing on this stage for the first time! Guillermo is a singer, songwriter (Run Around out on all streaming platforms), actor, and director currently residing in Greenville, SC. He was last seen as Bernard Robinson in the rolling world premiere of The Latino/a/e/x Vote at Significant Productions in FL, Richard in the World Premiere of Siluetas with Power Street Theatre in Philadelphia, and prior to that directed Sordid Lives at Hendersonville Theatre in North Carolina - he will be heading back to Florida to be Big Moe in 5 Guys Named Moe at the top of the new year. Thank you for being here and thank you for following along on this crazy journey, much love. @guillermocanta
Sean Johnson (Windward/Ensemble, u/s Jetsam) (he/him/his) is thrilled to be making his Fine Arts Center debut in Disney’s The Little Mermaid this holiday season! Some regional credits include: Toad in A Year With Frog & Toad (Arvada Center), Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap (Lone Tree Arts Center), Grover/ Mr. D in The Lightning Thief (Aurora Fox), Jim Haller in All Shook Up!, Jeffry & Others in The Quest for Don Quixote (Little Theatre of the Rockies), and Jervis Pendleton in Daddy Long Legs (Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies). He sends his love to his family and friends, and thanks them for their endless support! Training: BFA Musical Theatre, University of Northern Colorado. Instagram: @sean.m.john
Brittany Mendoza-Peña* (Aquata/Ensemble, u/s Ariel, u/s Sebastian) is thrilled to be making her debut at the Fine Arts Center! Regional credits include: Waitress (Arvada Center), Little Red (DCPA - Theatre for Young Audiences); Amelia’s Big Idea (Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company); 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Sweeney Todd (Barn Theatre School). Training: B.F.A. Drake University. Representation: Big Fish Talent | Wehmann. To J, for standing by me as a husband & friend. Colossians 3:12-17.
Elio Nova-Wolfe (Sebastian) is beyond excited to be making his debut at the Fine Arts Center in one of his dream roles. Most recently, you may have seen him singing with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra, as Repunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods (Theatreworks), or wearing out his LaDucas in Dreamgirls (Lone Tree Arts Center) His other favorite moments include charming audiences in Motones and Jerseys (Nat. Tour), singing with Denver’s SoulX Band (Starkey Entertainment), and his time singing for Norwegian Cruise Line. He has his B.A. from Pace University/West Liberty University. Much love to his Icons fam, the Wolfe pack, Sammy, and to Cory for trusting him with this role. Congratulations to the cast and crew. Enjoy your time under the sea!
Corbin Payne* (Jetsam, u/s Prince Eric) is thrilled to be returning to the FAC, where he made his professional acting debut with the company 14 years ago as a Courier in 1776 while attending Coronado High School. Since then, he received his degree in musical theater from The University of Northern Colorado and has appeared in productions across the front range: The Who’s Tommy (Denver Center), Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Arvada Center), Baby, Aida, The Addams Family, Dogfight (Little Theatre of the Rockies) and finally Grease and Fun
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Home (Midtown Arts Center). After college Corbin moved to NYC. There, he appeared as Octavian in the Off-Broadway immersive musical Cleopatra, and as Tim in the John W. Engeman’s classic 80’s movie turned musical Mystic Pizza. His regional credits include Tony in West Side Story, Gerry Goffin in Beautiful! The Carole King Musical, Charlie Price in Kinky Boots, and Pippin in Pippin. Corbin would like to extend his gratitude to the FAC team for bringing him home for the holidays. Much love to Mom, Dad, Antonia, the Varano’s, the Subia’s, the Chelli’s, Sesame, and the other critters. Cheers to forever, Sarah. Find Corbin on Insta and other socials @corbypg or corbinpayne.com
Maia Rychlik (Adella/Ensemble, u/s Flotsam) is so excited to be performing on the Fine Arts Center Stage. As a former Youth Rep kid (Cats and Midsummer 2009) it has been a dream to return to this theatre both onstage, and backstage since March 2023. Although she holds her BFA in musical theatre from Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and her MFA in acting from UCLA, she also enjoys working in other aspects of the theatre including the props department, scene shop, and as part of deck crew. She is immensely grateful for the continuous support from the amazing people around her, and she’d like to thank her mama i tata, Katy, Savage, Brian, Julie, the FAC fam, my fabulous mermaid Chelsea Cook, and the DLFH.
Tracy Nicole Taylor* (Allana/Ensemble, u/s Ursula, Dance Captain) (she/her) is excited to bring this show to life alongside these incredible performers. Tracy has been a consistent face at the FAC for over a decade. Recent FAC credits include: Rent, Elf: The Musical, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, It’s a Wonderful Life (Lana Sherwood), and Cinderella. Other favorite credits: La Cage Aux Folles (Jaqueline) at Town Hall Arts Center, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, SWING! at Country Dinner Playhouse, Lovette’s at the Milibo, Crazy for You, The Producers and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Tracy also works as a teaching artist and youth choreographer for the FAC, with Theatre Across Borders and at the Colorado Springs Conservatory. Eternal gratitude to her mentors, friends, family, and partner.
Anne Terze-Schwarz* (Ursula) was raised in Colorado and has been performing since she was nine years old. After living in New York and completing two contracts with Norwegian Cruise Lines, she has returned home. A proud alum of the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale where she sang professionally for 9 1/2 years, she then went on to study musical theatre at the University of Northern Colorado and has since performed all across the region. Recently, you may have seen her as Jenna in Waitress at The Arvada Center, or as Janet in The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Denver Improv. She has also been a featured vocalist for the Colorado Springs Philharmonic (4th of July and New Years Eve). Recent past credits include; Beautiful (The Arvada Center), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Give 5 Productions), Urinetown (Town Hall Arts Center), Into The Woods (Theatreworks), Miss Manhattan (CenterStage Colorado), and Motones & Jerseys (Northglenn Arts). So much love and thanks to my family for their constant support. Enjoy!
Stephen Charles Turner (Swing) is ecstatic to be performing in the city he lives in for once. A Colorado Springs native, Stephen has spent the last 25 years performing in cities all across the country, but mostly somewhere in Colorado far north from here. The only exception was his other FAC production, which was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime in 2019. Favorite roles that you never saw include Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Cosmo in Singin’ in the Rain, Smudge in Forever Plaid, Mr. Sipos in She Loves Me, and the title role in the North American tour of A Fiddler on the Roof, although
WHO’S WHO
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sometimes he stood on a bench instead of a roof. When not acting Stephen enjoys board gaming, both virtual and live. Stephen is an avid social dancer, which lately has been more west coast and fusion style. Stephen is also one of those actors who also makes a hobby of seeing Broadway and local shows. Stephen would like to dedicate this performance to the theaters he worked at that are sadly no longer with us: The Broadway Palm in Mesa, the Country Dinner Playhouse in Denver, and BDT Stage in Boulder. Rest in peace!
Alexander Watson (Chef Louis/Ensemble) is an actor, singer, and director based in Denver. Alexander proudly holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Illinois University and is an Equity Membership Candidate with Actor’s Equity. He was last seen on stage as Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life starring Chris Noth with Visionbox Studio where he is also the Associate Artistic Director. As the AAD, Alexander was recently awarded a grant through the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation to direct and produce three new/rarely seen LGBTQ-centered plays and musicals in Denver, which will be moving forward in 2025. Alexander would like to thank the artistic staff at the FAC for the opportunity, as well as his friends, his partner Jake and their dog, Archie, for the support.
Katy Williams (Flotsam, Puppet Captain) is a Colorado-based puppeteer, fabricator, producer, and director. Katy loves all puppetry, specializing in creatures, suitcase crankies, and front facing shadow puppetry. Her mission is to accessibly spread the joy of puppetry in the Rocky Mountains, and she has been influential in implementing the art form in recent Colorado theatre. Katy is responsible for starting the Rocky Mountain Puppet Slam in 2018, producing three slams a year. She also created the children’s festival, Puppet Palooza. In 2019 she received the prestigious True West award for her work. She was a featured instructor and performer at the National Puppetry Festival 2019 and 2023, served on the board of Puppeteers of America as the Treasurer, and is the President of the Rocky Mountain Puppetry Guild. Most recently she designed puppets for The Little Prince, Blue Silk, James and the Giant Peach, She Kills Monsters, Colorado Sky: A Puppet Opera and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus where she also played the title role of The Pigeon. She has puppeteered regional and national commercials for Munk Pack and Comfort Dental. Katy is thrilled to be making her mainstage debut at the FAC as an alumna of the Youth Rep program (2005-2010). She is ecstatic to serve as Mermaid’s puppet captain and is always happy chat puppetry. Fun fact, Katy is also a certified mermaid swim instructor! She hopes you enjoy the spectacular show and thanks you for supporting live theatre! See more of Katy’s work at www. katywilliamsdesign.com and follow on Instagram at @katy.williams.design.
Ryan Wong (Leeward/Ensemble, u/s Grimsby, u/s Scuttle), born and raised in Malaysia, Ryan made his professional debut at age 17 appearing on Asia’s biggest reality TV street dance competition, Astro Battleground. Ryan now resides in the United States and is excited to be back at The FAC! Theatre Credit: The King and I (La Mirada Theatre), In The Heights (Colorado Springs FAC), Alice In Wonderland ‘White Rabbit’ (Roanoke Ballet Theatre), Mary Poppins (Riverside Theatre), Rudolph The Musical National Tour 2023, Damn Yankees (RTOP Theatre). Ryan would like to thank Hannah, his family, DDO Agency and everyone who has believed in him. FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: Ryan_ Wongkh
WHO’S WHO THE BAND
J Chang-Tablada (Music Director/Conductor/Keyboards) is thrilled to be in his 10th season of music directing and performing at the Fine Arts Center! And this title is especially meaningful—thirty years ago (when J. was in high school), The Little Mermaid was the first show he ever music directed/played/ conducted. And now, here we are again! Thank you to the brilliant team of creative collaborators at the Fine Arts Center for the opportunity to bring this undersea adventure to life through music, and congrats to our incredible cast, crew, and orchestra! All the love for my McCauley5—I love you the MOST. Keep an eye out for J’s solo cabaret concerts throughout the 24-25 season “Songs in the Key of J.” And Happiest of Holidays to you all!
@jchangtablada
Simon Jacobs (Alternate Music Director/Conductor/Keyboards) enjoys a multi-faceted musical career as an organist, conductor, pianist and singer throughout the United States and Europe. He was born in Truro, Cornwall, UK to a musical family, and received his early musical training as a fulltime boy chorister. He went on to receive degrees in music and choral conducting from Cambridge University and Yale University. Simon has given organ concerts, conducted choirs and collaborated with many well-known musicians at prestigious venues around the world, and is equally at home working in the classical, jazz, and musical theatre fields. Simon is an on-air radio host at Colorado Springs’ local classical and jazz music stations, KCME 88.7 and Jazz 93.5, where he is delighted to share his musical passions and expertise with the wider community. At KCME, he presents a number of special programs, such as The King of Instruments, Choral Splendour, and The Bach Legacy. Simon enjoys working regularly as a keyboardist with the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company. In recent years, he has been involved with productions of Footloose, Elf: The Musical, Into The Woods, and Mean Girls. This year, Simon is delighted to be sharing the role of Music Director for The Little Mermaid with his friend and colleague, J. Chang Tablada.
Jane Sandstrom (Flute) enjoys a dual career that embraces her passions for education and music. She entered the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a flute performance major and graduated with a degree in biology. With a master’s degree in teaching, she has been a classroom teacher since 1988 and is a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher in Science. Jane is a member of the Rocky Mountain Wind Symphony, Little London Winds, the Pueblo Symphony, and is a founding member of the Skylark Flute Quartet. She serves on the boards of the Colorado Flute Association and Little London Winds. Jane shares her home with three rescued canines, including one who is a certified Therapy Dog. She is delighted to be returning to her happy place, the FAC pit, for her third show. Thank you for supporting live musical theatre!
Bud Gordon (Trumpet) has been a musician for over 50 years. He has added his musical expertise to many Broadway shows at the Fine Arts Center and the Pikes Peak Center. He has performed small group and big band Jazz, Blues, Funk and Salsa groups in Los Angeles, Colorado Springs, and Denver. Bud toured as first trumpet with legendary singer and pianist Ray Charles as part of The Ray Charles Orchestra in 1978 and 1979. He was the musical director of Orquesta Sabroso, the Salsa band he co-founded with Dennis Bueno and Julio Garcia in Colorado Springs. With his jazz/funk group Unconventional Wisdom, Bud has performed at the Pikes Peak Jazz summer concerts at Cordera, at the Monument Summer Concert series at Limbach Park, at the 5 Points Jazz Festival in Denver, and at the Salida Steam Plant’s Jazz on the Plaza concert series.
Casey Hodgson (Violin) has enjoyed playing with the FAC pit band in Elf: The Musical, Cinderella, Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, and Shrek. She is Assistant Concertmaster in the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs and plays with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Before moving to Colorado, she was a member of the San Luis Obispo Symphony and many other ensembles on the Central Coast of California. She was Assistant Concertmaster in the Great Falls Symphony and played with the Cascade Quartet in Montana.
THE BAND WHO’S WHO
Casey has a Masters of Music from UC Santa Barbara studying with Yuval Yaron and a Bachelors from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she studied with Mimi Zweig. She is a military spouse and mother to two young children.
Cathleen Hobson (Oboe) was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, and, tired of being lost in a sea of flute players, took up the oboe in the seventh grade. Thus began the journey of double-reed nerd-dom that found her skipping class in high school to attend lectures at the Northwest Bach Festival. She attended the University of Idaho, first as an oboe major but ending up with a degree in vocal performance. At the U of I, she met her husband, Brian. They began playing in the pit together then and have been doing so off and on now for almost 40 years. They have been blessed with three musicallyminded children who are now grown. Cathleen sings with the Colorado Springs Chorale, plays with several ensembles in Woodland Park, and is excited to once again be in the pit with Brian!
Brian Hobson (Percussion) was raised by music loving, Volkswagen driving, peace-loving hippies. During high school, he played drums in various cover bands as a summer job and went on to study Percussion Performance at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho. He is a veteran of the 504th Air Force Band at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. While in the Air Force, Brian toured the Northwest in the Commanders Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. Brian is a big fan of musical theater and has been playing shows at the FAC since 2017. He is currently living in Woodland Park with his wife Cathleen and Angus the golden doodle. Thank you for supporting live theater!
Jay McGuffin (String Bass) is currently teaching music DCC in Academy School District 20. Jay is excited to be back for his 38th show at the FAC! As a multi-string specialist, Jay has also performed on violin, cello and guitar. In addition, he composed original music for the radio play For Spacious Skies. As an educator in Musical Theatre, his productions have received 22 Bobby G nominations, winning 11 awards total including Outstanding Musical Direction (2018, Les Miserables and 2024, Frozen), Overall Best Production of a Musical (2019, Mamma Mia!), Outstanding Performance by an Orchestra (2024, Frozen). In total, he has performed in and/or directed over 70 shows in his career. Jay’s Orchestras have been nominated to the State Orchestra Finals held by the Colorado Chapter of American String Teachers Association in 2020 and 2022 and won Overall Outstanding Performance at the Colorado West Music Festival in 2023. He has been a member of the Double McGuffin Band on Bass and Vocals since 2002, performing regularly with his father since 2005 and has been the leader of the group since 2008. He also performs as the principal bassist in The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs.
Jomar Cruz (Cello) is so excited to return to the Fine Arts Center for The Little Mermaid, having performed with the pit orchestra for Elf: The Musical in 2023. Jomar is a Puerto Rican cellist based in Colorado Springs. He holds a Master of Arts from the University of Central Florida, where he studied under David Bjella. He moved to Colorado from Florida in 2023 and has been blown away by the rich musical community here. Jomar performs regularly with the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra and is the newest classical music radio host at 88.7 Classical KCME. He enjoys discovering new music, going on hikes, and taking care of his backyard chicken named Liza Minnelli.
Ed Hureau (Woodwinds) is the former Musical Director, Arranger, and Leader of the US Air Force Academy Falconaires Jazz Ensemble. Ed received the bulk of his musical training from his father, Wilfred, violist with Disney’s Max Steiner Orchestra. He also studied voice at the Chicago Conservatory, clarinet with David Hite, theory and harmony with Dale Brunig, arranging with Sammy Nestico, and managed to pick up saxophone and flute along the way. Ed is once again thrilled to be performing at the FAC with this wonderful troupe and would like to gratefully acknowledge the efforts of the Fine Arts Centers and its staff for keeping live musical theater alive and well in the Springs. Let them know how much you appreciate it too.
WHO’S WHO
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Cory Moosman (Director) is an actor, writer, director, and puppeteer. He was last seen onstage as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls for the FAC. Other roles for the FAC include The Producers (Max Bialystock), The Full Monty (Dave), 1776 (John Adams), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged. As a director for the FAC his shows include award-winning productions of The Drowsy Chaperone, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Buyer and Cellar, Noises Off!, The Music Man, Lend Me a Tenor, and Beauty and the Beast. Most recently he directed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Avenue Q at the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. He has taught at the Colorado Music Fest-Pueblo, the Colorado Springs Conservatory, the Bemis School of Art, and the FAC Youth Rep program. He is the creator of the award-winning WYNOT RADIO THEATRE SHOW, a comedy group that spoofs old time radio. As a SAG-AFTRA puppeteer his work has been seen in commercials for the Colorado Lottery and Munkpack, and in movies with upcoming feature films Test Screening and Goblin. He is one third of WYNOT Productions, an FX/Puppet company based in Pueblo.
Lex Liang† (Scenic & Costume Design) – Recent: the world premieres of Emma, Tiananmen, Yes, I Can Say That!, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty, Shane, Mr. Holland’s Opus, The Tattooed Lady, and May We All. Off-Broadway/NYC: 50+ productions. Regional: Actor’s Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Asolo Rep, Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Dallas Theatre, Denver Center, Geva Theatre, Goodspeed, Guthrie, La Jolla Playhouse, Long Wharf, Old Globe, Papermill Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Pioneer Theatre, Portland Stage, Portland Center Stage... Lex is the founder/principal of LDC Design Associates, an experiential event design and production company in NYC. Clients include Absolut, Gucci, Invesco, Johnson & Johnson, The Kardashians, The Tony Awards Gala, NYFW, NYWFF, William Hill Wine, and others. www.LexLiang.com www.LDCdesign.com @Lex924
Sydney Dufka Forchielli (Co-Costume Designer) is a visual storyteller and costume designer. She is interested in exploring the motivation of characters through the details in the clothing. Her work is rooted in research and finding the silhouettes and shapes through sketching. Sydney believes art is a universal form of communication that is vital to humanity. Sydney is also an accomplished craftsman and seamstress, spending much of her spare time behind the sewing machine building her fashion designs.As well as occasional costume builds for fellow designers. Recent projects include Cyrano De Bergerac with Quintessence Theatre in Philadelphia and Acis, Galatea & Polifemo with Orpheus PDX. Educated in Chicago and based in Portland Oregon and New York City. Sydney holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costume Design from The Theatre School at DePaul University.
Jackie Fox (Scenic & Lighting Design) is a New York-based scenic and lighting designer. She believes that the best art is disruptive, subversive, and pushes us to examine the most difficult elements of our psyche. Selected lighting credits include: POTUS (City Theater), Peter and The Starcatcher (Paramount Theater), EMMA (DCPA), Helen (La Mama), Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt 2B (Dorset Theater Festival), The Oresteia (The Juilliard School), The WOLVES (McCarter Theatre Center), Dear Jack, Dear Louise (Northlight Theatre), UNTOLD (PARA/MAR Dance Theatre), Hundred Days (Kokandy Productions). Scenic credits include: The Importance of Being Earnest (The New School), Pretty Fire (Omaha Community Playhouse), Do you Feel Anger (Grinnell College), Pride and Prejudice and Comedy of Errors (Wagon Wheel Theatre). For more information go to jackiefoxdesigns.com
Lawrence Schober† (Sound Design) is a New York-based sound designer for plays and musicals. Misery (CSFAC), NYC: Titanique (Daryl Roth Theater), My Onliness (New Ohio Theatre), A Burning Church (The New Ohio Theatre), The Conversationalists (The Bushwick Starr), The Golden Spike (BRIC Arts), On This Side of the World (Access Theatre), American Morning (Prospect Theatre Company). Eh Da? (NYTW Next Door), PharmaBro (Players Theatre). Regional: A Night with Janis Joplin (Le Petit Theatre, New Orleans); Pillowtalk (Victory Gardens Theatre, Chicago); SeaWife (White Heron Theatre, Nantucket). www.lawrenceschober.com
WHO’S WHO
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Mary Ripper Baker (Choreographer) is overjoyed to play with her theatre friends! Mary graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Modern Dance from TCU. She has performed, choreographed, and taught throughout Texas and her hometown of Houston where she was a founding member of Suchu Dance Company. Since 1999 she has danced with Ormao Dance Company. Mary has choreographed for the CSFAC Theatre Company since 2005 and her proud credits include Elf: The Musical, The Legend of Georgia McBride, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Shakespeare in Love, Man of La Mancha, White Christmas, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, The Drowsy Chaperone, Gypsy, A Year With Frog and Toad, 1776, The Producers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Crazy For You, Sweeny Todd, Broadway Bound, The Music Man, The Full Monty, Beauty and the Beast, Sunday in the Park with George, A Christmas Carol, Into the Woods, 1940’s Radio Hour, Anything Goes, and the tap in Singin’ in the Rain. She was honored to choreograph for the Jane Fonda and Robert Redford film, Our Souls at Night. She has also choreographed for THEATREWORKS, The Millibo Art Theatre, and The Colorado Springs Conservatory. Mary owns and operates her Pilates studio, Motion Studies. She is also on dance faculty at UCCS and Ormao and loves teaching for the Dance for Parkinson’s program. In the summer, she teaches for Green Box Arts. Mary enjoys her mountain home with her incredibly supportive husband and two amazing college kids.
Rebecca Savage (Co-Props Supervisor) specializes in making fake things look like real things and real things look like fake things. When she’s not making props or working on scenic, she’s backstage on crew. If it’s on stage and not alive, she probably had something to do with it. If something goes wrong, however, that means she probably still had something to do with it.
Jessica Mathews (Co-Props Supervisor) is a theatrical professional originally from Birmingham, Alabama and has recently relocated to Colorado Springs. A graduate of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Jessica has worked in many areas of backstage theatre, recently focusing on props. Previously she was the full time Props Supervisor at Red Mountain Theatre Company working on titles including Mary Poppins, Shrek, Once On This Island, and Kinky Boots. She has also worked with the Alabama Ballet as their Production Director and many other Birmingham based companies as well as doing a tour in the Tampa/Orlando area as scenic artist for large theme parks. Jessica is excited for the opportunity to bring her skill set to Colorado Springs and work with the amazing team at the Fine Arts Center.
200 members across the US and aborad
• Supporting collaboration between musical theatre writers and producers, and among theatres nationally Nurturing the creation, development and production of new and classic musicals www.namt.org
The Fine Arts Center is a Constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American Theatre
WHO’S WHO
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Rafi Levavy* (Production Stage Manager) is excited to make his FAC debut with The Little Mermaid He has toured the country with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and many productions with Theatreworks USA. His Off-Broadway credits include The Velveteen Rabbit, The JAP Show: The Jewish American Princesses of Comedy, Confessions of an Irish Rebel, Young Playwrights Festival, Lifegame, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, Stop Kiss (Public), Mizlansky/Zilinsky or ‘Shmucks’, Psychopathia Sexualis (both Manhattan Theatre Club), Life Is A Dream (Pearl), Lonely Planet, The Professional, The Truth Teller (all Circle Repertory Company) and Das Barbecü. Regionally, Rafi has worked at Speakeasy Stage, Hanover Theatre Repertory, Arizona Theatre Company, Interlochen Shakespeare Festival, New Bedford Festival Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Central Square Theater, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Virginia Stage Company, Theatre Exile, Bagaduce Theater, Casa Mañana, Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Stoneham Theatre, Depot Theater, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, New Repertory Theatre, Kentucky Repertory Theatre, Lincoln Center Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Foothills Theatre Company, The Miniature Theatre of Chester, Centenary Stage Company, Barter Theater, George Street Playhouse, Northern Stage, PCPA Theaterfest, Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center, Maine State Music Theatre and Paper Mill Playhouse. Additionally, Rafi has worked for Jim Henson Productions and Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, and has stage managed clown school and shows for the NY Musical Theater Festival. A proud member of Equity, Rafi holds a degree in computer science from Brandeis University.
Kristen Wickersheim* (AEA Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be working with the Fine Arts Center. She loves working with such creative people. Kristen has worked locally with Theatreworks and the Millibo. Some of her favorite work was on The Game of Love and Chance, Arcadia, American Prom, Wild Honey, WTF: Women’s Theatre Festival. Kristen would love to thank her daughter, Jules for being so patient with the long, crazy hours. “The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.” — Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Each day, the Fine Arts Center helps members of our community make new memories that last a lifetime. Now, we have the opportunity to ensure that current and future generations can continue to create their own memories within these walls.
Would you consider making a gift to help us continue to inspire, educate, and enrich our community through the arts? Let’s work together to keep the magic and memories alive for years to come.
Donate at fac.coloradocollege.edu/donate
WHO’S WHO
PERFORMING ARTS STAFF
Christopher L. Sheley (Producing Artistic Director) recently received his second regional Henry Award for his work on last season’s production of Misery. Originally from St. Louis, he moved to Chicago to study at The Theatre School at DePaul University. After a decade in Chicago, he moved again to Colorado Springs and shortly thereafter began his tenure with the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company. As a scenic designer, other recent credits include Damn Yankees at the Arvada Center and some of his favorite designs at the FAC include The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Barnum, Annie, Man of La Mancha, 4000 Miles, Floyd & Clea Under The Western Sky, Agnes of God, Other Desert Cities, Gypsy, Colorado College’s 23:59 and All in the Timing, The University of Denver’s Urinetown, and THEATREWORKS’ The Servant of Two Masters. He has been nominated for six regional Henry awards and won Best Set Design for his work on Man of La Mancha. Additionally, he received the Gazette’s “Best of” award for Sunday in the Park and he also received the Denver Post’s Ovation Award of Best Set Design for his work on The Pirates of Penzance and Sweeney Todd. Other awards include the PPAC award for his set designs of 4000 Miles, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park, as well as two True West awards for his designs of 4000 Miles and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He wishes to thank his family for their love and support. www.christopherlsheley.com
Holly Anne Rawls (Resident Lighting Designer/Lighting Director) graduated from CU Boulder a long time ago with a lucrative pair of degrees – Technical Theatre and Anthropology. For last nineteen years at the FAC she has held the positions of master electrician, Lighting Director/Resident Lighting Designer, Interim Director of Production, and has helped build the technical side of the Youth Rep program. In addition, she has designed many, many FAC productions including Misery, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (for which she won the 2020 Henry Award for Lighting Design), Intimate Apparel, Fun Home (for which she won the 2017 Henry Award for Lighting Design), Barnum, Man of La Mancha (for which she won the 2016 Henry Award for Lighting Design), 4000 Miles, The Wizard of Oz (for which she won a joint PPAC award), Gypsy, Other Desert Cities, and Sweeney Todd (for which she won a Denver Post Ovation award). Holly enjoys spending her off hours in the woods with her wonderful husband, amazing stepdaughter, and equally impressive dogs. She would like to thank Chris for everything. https://hrawls. wixsite.com/website
Tim Muldrew (Company Manager) has worked in Arts Administration for both the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and Theatreworks at UCCS. He has been an Equity Stage Manager for over 25 years ‘calling’ such shows as the Henry Award-winning plays Guadalupe in the Guest Room and The Mountaintop. Tim is a member of Springs Ensemble Theatre (SET) and his SET directing credits include The Seafarer and The Boys in the Band. His FAC directing credits include Crazy for You, 1776, and Knuffle Bunny. As a stage manager, Tim has toured the world with the world-famous Cirque organization. A love of theme parks has allowed him to work at Walt Disney World, Sea World, Circus World, Cypress Gardens and Cedar Point! Much love to his husband Craig and their crazy feline Atticus, who keep him from going into a Nut House.
David A. Cook (Director of Production) has a deep love for the theatrical arts and scenic construction having held the roles of Technical Director, Asst. Technical Director, Stage Manager, and Lead Electrician. He received all of his education through theatrical apprenticeships before attending Pasco-Hernando State College in Florida where he pursued his associate’s degree. He has worked for several theme parks, zoos, and museums including, Burch Gardens Tampa, Universal Studios Orlando, Disney World, Sea World, Legoland, The Lowry Park Zoo, and The Museum of Science and Industry in
WHO’S WHO
PERFORMING ARTS STAFF
Tampa, FL. David has also worked for several regional theatre companies, The Florida Studio Theatre, Ruth Eckard Hall in Clearwater Florida, and most recently joining us at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center after serving as Technical Director at the Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, AL. Dave is grateful for the opportunity to live closer to the mountains together with his wife Jessica, where they get to create theatre magic and enjoy their love of the outdoors as avid campers, hikers, and rockhounds.
Amaya Egusquiza (Interim Costume Shop Supervisor) is a seamstress, vintage ‘treasure hunter’ and creative crafter originally from Nampa, Idaho. Amaya received her Bachelor’s in Theater from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. In Corvallis, Oregon she honed her skills as a theater professional as an active member of the performance and education community and continued to design and direct theater for youth. She is currently the Interim Costume Shop Supervisor and a summer theater instructor at the Fine Arts Center and is honored to be a part of the FAC creative experience.
Colyer Dermody (Technical Director), a general theatre practitioner and former rancher/hunting outfitter originally from Sonora, TX, has gone back to his roots in theatre by joining the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company’s staff as their Technical Director. Colyer graduated with his BFA in Theatre Performance with concentrations in Directing, Scenic Design and Scenic Construction from Baylor University in Waco, TX. Post grad, Colyer worked as the Assistant Technical Director for the Savannah Summer Theatre Institute in Savannah, GA and as a Production Manager at Theatre 3 in Dallas, TX, as well as freelance designing Twelfth Night and The Amish Project for Baylor University and Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus here at the FAC. Colyer is thankful for the opportunity to call Colorado Springs home and to have found his way back into the arts, building the worlds that transport actors and audiences alike. Break a Leg!
Sarah Talaba (Scenic Charge Artist/Props Inventory Manager) is a passionate artist, designer and self-described “mad scientist,” specializing in painting, creature effects, and sculpture for stage and screen. She recently joined the FAC shop staff after years of freelance artist work throughout the Front Range. Sarah holds two degrees from CU Boulder, a BFA in Scenic Design and a BA in Studio Arts. A few accolades include a KCACTF Meritorious Achievement Award in Scenic Design for RENT; and Grand Prize Winner of the Jim Henson Foundation’s Dark Crystal fan film competition. Whether she’s in the scene shop or at home in her own shop, Sarah delights in creating weird stuff and making magic. She is forever grateful for the love and support of family and friends who feel like family.
Bekah Irwin (Theatre Administrative Assistant) is a big nerd with a deep love of the performing arts. This is her first season in this role at the FAC and she’s already loving it. Before she acquired this role, she was Wardrobe Supervisor for the FAC’s 2023-2024 season mainstage shows. She has thrived in supporting roles her whole life and has an extensive list of theatre credits including performing in Snowy Tales at the Ent Center, constructing and performing “Milky-White” for Village Arts’ run of Into the Woods, and stage managing Felt Up: An Evening with Sock-sy Puppets at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. She performed various crew roles for The Legend of Georgia McBride (FAC), In the Heights (FAC), Sister Act (First Company), and Behind the Façade (Village Arts). Bekah feels so grateful to be able to support so many talented people who have put their heart and soul into this show so that you may be entertained, inspired, and find delight in the arts. She wants to thank her husband Kiffin for his constant love & support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Autumn Day Break by Barbara Forrest
FAC THEATRE COMPANY EQUITY STATEMENT
The power of theatre lies in its ability to bring us together, forge community, and widen our empathic imaginations through stories both within and outside of our own lived experiences. For theatre to truly maximize this potential, it is paramount that everyone feels seen, heard, and represented.
Colorado College (CC) is committed to becoming an antiracist institution and inspire action to create a more just world. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Theater Company, therefore, embraces this commitment wholeheartedly taking intentional action to dismantle visible and invisible structures of oppression so all people feel are seen, heard, and welcome at the FAC. We publicly affirm our commitment to anti-oppressive programming and commit to the iterative and lifelong work of creating a brave space for all of our stories: one where we can empathize, grow, learn, and together co-create a more just and compassionate society.
• We are aligning our creative and production teams with the shows that we produce. We honor the stories that we tell onstage by centering creative artists whose lived experiences and identities align with the content.
• Moreover, we are disrupting the ways in which BIPOC artists can be “cast” only within their race by democratizing artistic opportunities across the board.
• By taking our work outside of the building, producing ancillary events, and investing in long-term relationship-building, we will authentically connect to marginalized communities who may not have felt welcomed here in the past.
• BIPOC2 voices will be the priority of new play commissions for the foreseeable future.
• We have instituted the practice of land acknowledgements to honor the Indigenous Peoples who historically inhabited the lands we currently occupy. Moreover, we are programming Indigenous artists, and supporting new works to build beyond an acknowledgment with tangible action and artistic support.
• To reach new communities, we are continually interrogating and expanding our programming with events like Dia de Muertos and Dragstravaganza.
• We are overhauling our student outreach practices for the FAC Theatre School, so that we can engage students from systemically excluded communities. We are also investigating new tuition structures to ensure that our programs are financially accessible for everyone.
THE WORK CONTINUES
We acknowledge that many of our practices in the past perpetuated systemic inequities, including but certainly not limited to the homogeneity of our programming and the distinct lack of BIPOC artists and stories. We recognize these failures and commit to working towards repairing the harm we’ve caused in the past and creating a more equitable and just future.
To hold ourselves accountable, and so you may do the same, we are sharing our action plan, which will continually evolve and grow.
To truly welcome artists and audiences in our spaces, we are committed to the following:
• The staff of the FAC Theatre Company will continue our work in anti-racism education through ongoing seminars, focus groups, and open dialogue.
• We are committed to colorconscious casting. We are dedicated to creating equitable and inclusive theatre that amplifies voices from every culture. We welcome all and encourage people of every race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status or any other identity or lived experience to audition for our productions.
• By prioritizing the voices of BIPOC2, feminine- identifying, and LGBTQ+ communities, we commit to curating seasons that more accurately represent and reflect our world.
This is just the beginning of our dedication to being an equitable, accessible, and inclusive theatre company. Please know that this is an ever-evolving commitment that will grow and change as we do. Whether you’re a loyal subscriber, a new audience member, or a guest artist, we hope to continue engaging in this dialogue together with open hearts and open minds. We are energized by the work we have done, and continually looking for opportunities to translate it into action. Most importantly, we ask that you hold us accountable. You are an essential component of the work that we do.
We look forward to our continued conversations this season. See you at the theatre.
1Global Majority is a collective term that encourages those of African, Asian, Latin American, and Arab descent to recognize that together they comprise the vast majority (around 80 per cent) of people in the world.
2BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of color
*We See You, White American Theater
FINE ARTS CENTER WHO’S WHO
FAC LEADERSHIP
Executive Director: Nicole Herden
Deputy Director: Maria Capp
Marketing & Communications Strategist: Jessi Burns
Director of Visual Arts and Museum: Michael Christiano
Director of Development: Cristina Gonzales
Director of Events: Rebecca Rounds
Producing Artistic Director: Christopher L. Sheley
Director Bemis School of Art: Tara Sevanne Thomas
PRODUCTION STAFF
Director: Cory Moosman
Scenic Design: Lex Liang† & Jackie Fox
Costume Design: Lex Liang† & Sydney Dufka Forchielli
Lighting Design: Jackie Fox
Sound Design: Lawrence Schober†
Production Stage Manager: Rafi Levavy*
Assistant Stage Manager: Kristen Wickersheim*
Sound A2: Ches Viegas
Prop Supervisors: Rebecca Savage, Jessica Mathews
Carpenters: Hossein Forouzandeh, Cliff Hamilton, Ben Porter, Rebecca Savage, Maia Rychlik
Charge Scenic Artist: Sarah Talaba
Scenic Artist Assistants: Maia Rychlik, Rebecca Savage, Alyssa Talaba
Costume Shop Assistant: Ginny Treu
Stitchers: Mary Jo Farr, Ginny Treu, Lauren Asselin, Marissa Forrest, Karen Holloway, Mindy Coulson, Eryn Miller
Decorators: Katy Williams, Gleason Bauer, Sammy Gleason
Wig Designer/Builder: Jason Hayes
Mermaid Tail Construction: Kenny Rainey
Puppets designed and fabricated by WYNOT Productions
Puppet Captain: Katy Williams
RUN CREW
Deck Chief: Rebecca Savage
Deck Crew: Micah Speirs, Hossein Forouzandeh, Liz Lee, Ben Porter, Matt Phillips, Louis White
Wardrobe Supervisor: Lauren Asselin
Wardrobe Crew: Gleason Bauer, Mary Jo Farr, Marissa Forrest, Annika Lopez, Eryn Miller, Maggie Stephens, Ginny Treu
Wig Assistant: Cate Hake
Light Board Operator: Juyoung Koh, Madison Dillon
Spot Light Operators: Tony Caruana, Katie Hamilton, Chandler Disch
Audio Engineer & Sound Board Operator: Grant Evenson
FAC THEATRE COMPANY
Producing Artistic Director: Christopher L. Sheley
Company Manager: Tim Muldrew
Theatre Administrative Assistant: Bekah Irwin
Director of Production: David Cook
Technical Director/Scene Shop Supervisor: Colyer Dermody
Charge Scenic Artist: Sarah Talaba
Costume Shop Supervisor: Amaya Egusquiza
Resident Lighting Designer/ Lighting Director:
Holly Anne Rawls
Head of Sound: Alex Palmer
House Manager: Jude Talaba
Assistant House Manager: Nina Koch
FAC STAFF
Patron Services Assistant Manager: Matthew Driftmier
Patron Services Staff: Jon Adams, Kari Bell
Administrative Staff: Ashley LaCuesta, Amanda Nusbaum
Development Staff: Laura Hines, Kim Sweeney, Jean Truty
Engagement Staff: Blair Huff, Sammie Joe Kinnett
Communications Staff: Sarah Waddell
Assistant Operations Manager: Mark Cannon
Operations Associates: Melanie Audet, Ross Bowdon, Megan Brockriede, Cordelia Colt, Rob Estes, Alexandria Martinez, Kendrid Monefino, Harriette Saide, Danielle Sanchez, Angie Schwickerath, Tiffany Scott, Darla Slee, Ian Stewart
Museum Staff: Alana Adams, Stormy Burns, Jonathan Dankenbring, Sara Hodge, Katja Rivera, JD Sell, Christian Valvano
Bemis School of Art Assistant Director: Jeremiah Houck
Bemis School of Art Staff: James Howard, Kazzandra Medellin
Curtain Call members are the super fans of the FAC Theatre Company. Their contributions allow us to keep up with the artistic risks and technological needs of modern theatre. With the invitation to gather for dinner before every opening night, members can get behind-the-scenes information about the performance, meet the artists who made it, and are the first to hear about new projects and upcoming seasons. Join online at fac.coloradocollege.edu/curtain-call
2024–2025 MEMBERS
(As of Oct. 22, 2024)
Tim & Tracy Alderson
Anonymous
Ron Brasch and Una Ng-Brasch
Susan Burghart and Rich Tosches
Harley and Joan Ferguson
Erin Hannan
Lyne Hannan
Bart and Cathy Holaday
Daniel League and Joan Donner
Mike and Robin McGrath
Leann Nitschke
Eric and Jane Ridings
Robert Swanson
Alice Thomas
Herman and Tang-Lin Teo-Tiemens
Ms. Eve Tilley-Chavez and Mr. Sol Chavez
SEND A STUDENT
Theatre not only entertains, but it challenges and enlightens us regardless of age. We at the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company want to ensure that the next generations have this same life changing experience. That’s why we’ve launched Send a Student to help ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity regardless of the ability to pay. Would you please consider sending a student? $25 is all it takes to transport and ticket one child to a student matinee. Please help us build the path to the next generation of theatre artists and patrons.
fac.coloradocollege.edu