OTTERBEIN THEATRE & DANCE
DANCE 2023
Conceived by Emily Bass-Glinski
Choreographed by Emily Bass-Glinski & Anna Elliott
Scenic Design by Edith D. Wadkins ‘02
Lighting Design by Truly Cates
Luca Fragiotta ‘24
Paige Vick ‘25
November 16-19, 2023
Stage Managed by Alex Munzke ‘24
Costume Design/ Hair & Makeup Design by Kate Larson ‘24
Sound Design by Kitty Mader ‘22
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St., Westerville
presents
CAST
Alice ............................................................................................................... Kinsey Calderone
Mad Hatter .................................................................................................. Roberto Silva-Neto
Queen of Hearts Halle Audette
Caterpillar ....................................................................................................... Caroline Bowers
White Rabbit ......................................................................................................... Claire Stancy
Cheshire Cat ........................................................................................................ Simone Gelety
Ensemble
Noah Boger, Dominic Catrone, Jane Cook, Anna Dinnen, Elizabeth Foster, Jackson Gifford, Olivia Lutz, Elise Karlstad, Zella Meyer, Keliah Schertz
Voiceover Artist .......................................................................................... Roberto Silva-Neto
Alice Understudy ................................................................................................ Elise Karlstad
Mad Hatter Understudy........................................................................................ Noah Boger
Dance Captains ...................................................................... Jackson Gifford, Keliah Schertz
CHOREOGRAPHER’S NOTE
The story of Alice in Wonderland has always been a favorite of mine. It is full of whimsy, colorful characters and many mischievous happenings. Though this story has an abundance of nuance, the aspect that resonated with me was the journey Alice took, who she took it with and most of all that it always led her back home, and to me, home is love. Home is friendship. Home is where we land, and who we land with. This is what makes us whole.
As Anna and I sat, weeks on end, discussing how we could emulate the translation of friendship, love and the path that leads us to ourselves on stage, we knew it had to not only be visually stimulating, thank you design team, but also rich in movement and music. We set off on a choreographic adventure together and the story began slowly coming together, morphing in time and settling itself on the uniqueness of this cast and all the intentions they brought into our sacred rehearsal space.
To us, this story takes you on an eccentric journey with Alice. One that is told through this beautiful cast. Although our inspiration stemmed from Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland, we made the conscious choice to focus on the path that one takes to understand themselves, the characters they meet along the way and the masks they must shed to bring them to the fullness of love and home.
Anna and I hope you enjoy the show as much as we did creating it.
“The secret, dear Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your art smile, It is then, only then, that you will find Wonderland.” Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland.
- Emily Bass-GlinskiAny video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Acting Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance ........................................ Stella Hiatt Kane
Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance ........................................................... T.J. Gerckens
Managing Director Elizabeth Saltzgiver
Production Manager ......................................................................................... Hannah Hahn
Faculty Technical Director ................................................................................. Patrick Stone
Costume Shop Supervisor ........................................................................... Anna Grywalski
Movement Coach/Voice Coach .................................................................. Melinda Murphy
Director of Recruitment/Administrator Dawn Horne
Assistant Stage Managers .................................................... Anna Hundt, Stephen O’Hara
Technical Director ...............................................................................................
Adrian Casto
Lead Metal Worker ...............................................................................................
Olivia Rossi
Charge Artist ........................................................................................................ Libby Carroll
Paints Assistant Natalie Neville
Properties Lead...................................................................................................... Fiona Shella
Scenic Run Crew ............ Marshall Duggan, Lili Ducy, Theodore Marshall, Aidan Heddle
Wardrobe Lead Ian Kerber
Wardrobe Run Crew .....Anna Byers, Maren Rhoads, Brianna Gutierrez-Diaz, Maya Cidale
Stitcher Nora Root
Lead Electrician ....................................................................................................... Josie Rocca
Assistant Lead Electrician ..................................................................................... Ryan Lewis
Light Board Operator Allie Bricker
Spot Light Operators ................................................................ Will Iannitelli, Megan Gault
Electrics Shop Hang Crew Allie Bricker, Will Iannitelli, Maren Rhoads, .........................................................................................................Cole Stellato, Claire Dillon
Sound Engineer (A1) ...........................................................................................Jenna Davies
House Manager Aaron Mendoza
Graphic Designer .................................................................................................... Trevor List
Social Media ........................ Libby Carroll, Katelyn Miller, Julia Murphy, Kailey Souder
SCENIC STUDIO ASSISTANTS
Adrian Casto
Luca Fragiotta
Anna Hundt
Alex Munzke
Natalie Neville
Olivia Rossi
COSTUME SHOP ASSISTANTS
Lili Ducy
Kate Larson
Mick Lozada
Theodore Marshall
Nora Root
LIGHTING & SOUND ASSISTANTS
Nathan Frewen
David Graves
Ryan Lewis
Josie Rocca
Paige Vick
Gabe Whitnack
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS
Libby Carroll
Katie Debolt
Camden Gelfand
Maggie Glanc
PROGRAM
I’m Late!
Lighting Designer ...........................................................................................................
Truly Cates
Voice Over Artist .......................................................................................................... Claire Stancy
Dancer Claire Stancy
Lighting Designer ........................................................................................................... Truly Cates
Dancers Caroline Bowers, Simone Gelety, Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy
Music: Save Halloween by Jakub Pietras Gathering
Alice
Lighting Designer
Truly Cates
Dancer .................................................................................................................... Kinsey Calderone
Music: An Awakening by David Morton
The White Rabbit
Lighting Designer ............................................................................................................. Paige Vick
Dancers Kinsey Calderone, Claire Stancy
Music: Sleep Falling by Semo
Down the Rabbit Hole
Lighting Designer ...................................................................................................... Luca Fragiotta
Dancers ............................................................................................... Kinsey Calderone, Ensemble
Music: Betrayal by David Morton
Curiouser and Curiouser
Lighting Designer
Truly Cates
Dancers ............................................................................................... Kinsey Calderone, Ensemble
Music: Betrayal by David Morton
River of Tears
Lighting Designer .............................................................................................................
Paige Vick
Dancers Kinsey Calderone, Roberto Silva-Neto, Ensemble
Music: The Grand Chopin Nocturne by Sebastian Pangal
PROGRAM
Alice and Hatter
Lighting Designer ......................................................................................................
Luca Fragiotta
Dancers .............................................................................. Kinsey Calderone, Roberto Silva-Neto
Music: Ballerina by Yehezkel Raz
This Way? Or That Way?
Lighting Designer ...................................................................................................... Luca Fragiotta
Voice Over Artist ........................................................................................................ Simone Gelety
Dancers Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy
Music: Karma Obscura by Roie Shipigler
The Caterpillar’s Garden
Lighting Designer ......................................................................................................
Luca Fragiotta
Voice Over Artist Caroline Bowers
Dancers ......................................................
Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, ............................................................................................................Roberto Silva-Neto, Ensemble
Music: Fun in the Sun by BaloonPlanet
Time for Tea
Lighting Designer ......................................................................................................
Luca Fragiotta
Dancers Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, ..................................................................................................... Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy
Music: Ding Dong by Flint
Hatter’s Turmoil
Lighting Designer ......................................................................................................
Luca Fragiotta
Dancer Roberto Silva-Neto
Music: Zenith by Ardie Son
The Dark Forest
Lighting Designer ...................................................................................................... Luca Fragiotta
Dancers .................. Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy, Ensemble
Music: Last Word by Chausha
PROGRAM
Reunite
Lighting Designer Luca Fragiotta
Dancers ...................................................... Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, ..................................................................................................... Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy
Music: Chasing Horizons by Charlie Ryan
The Mad Queen
Lighting Designer Paige Vick
Voice Over Artist ......................................................................................................... Halle Audette
Dancers ........................... Halle Audette, Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy, Ensemble
Music: Better Run by Captain Joz
The Battle
Lighting Designer Paige Vick
Dancers Halle Audette, Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, .................................................................................. Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy, Ensemble
Music: Conquerors by Mathias Forster
For it is Love
Lighting Designer ............................................................................................................. Paige Vick
Voiceover Artist .................................................................................................... Kinsey Calderone
Dancers Halle Audette, Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, .................................................................................. Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy, Ensemble
Music: Fragility by Michael FK
Rebirth
Lighting Designer ........................................................................................................... Truly Cates
Dancers Halle Audette, Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, .................................................................................. Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy, Ensemble
Music: Spring by Romeo
Back Home
Lighting Designer Truly Cates
Voice Over Artist Roberto Silva-Neto
Dancers ........................... Halle Audette, Caroline Bowers, Kinsey Calderone, Simone Gelety, Roberto Silva-Neto, Claire Stancy
Music: An Awakening by David Morton
DESIGNER NOTES
SCENIC DESIGN by Edie Wadkins:
Almost the first sentence, after the initial greetings, from Emily and Anna in our first concept meeting, was this is an Alice from a different perspective. It’s not only Alice’s dream but Alice’s mind splintered into these wild characters. Everything we see is, essentially, all Alice.
When Alice falls asleep, the last thing she sees is the canopy of the tree she’s under. So, the audience’s perspective of the forest and the tree is from Alice’s sleeping perspective, from the ground looking up into the branches. What is down on the ground with us under the tree? Fungus and mushrooms, of course, which is another image pulled right from the book. But instead of our classic image of the psychedelic mushrooms, I instead wanted it to look like our Ohio forests. So hopefully the set puts you in mind of a summer day hiking in a park in a lush, green forest that maybe gets a little spookier than you expected!
COSTUME DESIGN by Kate Larson:
The story of Alice in Wonderland is already so recognizable with very iconic characters. It was a really fun challenge to find creative ways to both pay homage to them and give them a new spin to suit this particular iteration of retelling. And how does one make a caterpillar into a human?
A dance concert, more than most pieces of theatre, rely so heavily on how the costumes move with the dancers. And so, I would say this design is based primarily in movement and secondarily in color. The costumes flow with and don’t impede the movement, and if I have done my job correctly, they should amplify the beautiful choreography work that has been done.
LIGHTING DESIGN by Luca Fragiotta:
Otterbein’s Dance Concerts are among my favorite productions to work on. Since they are developed from scratch every year, they’re always bursting with new ideas and new opportunities for our teams to collaborate. The voiceless medium of dance itself really adds to this intrigue as the story sculpts itself, pulling it far from the realm of the play or musical, and diving much deeper. Additionally, an organic process like this one embraces the show as an-ever growing medium, re-shaping its craft as each detail is honed in to its best form.
As Emily Glinski and Anna Elliott pulled their thoughts into a reality of dance and song, I marveled in excitement at the stories we would be able to convey together, and the pieces we would be able to craft. Be it with the color and intrigue of the mysterious Cheshire Cat, or the protective yet playful subconscious in the Mad Hatter.
I hope you enjoy your experience with this show as much as I enjoyed working with these magnificent teams of people. Welcome to Wonderland!
DESIGNER NOTES
LIGHTING DESIGN by Truly Cates:
I’ve always felt incredibly drawn to the story of Alice in Wonderland, having not only read the original Lewis Carroll books, but watched the Disney cartoon movie, the Disney live action movie, and even the Hallmark live action movie over and over again as a kid. To have the chance to design lighting to this story, something driven so strongly by color and surreality, is a dream.
As the Lighting Design Advisor to Paige and Luca, my top priority was to give them as much opportunity as possible to create something they will be proud to add to their portfolio. This resulted in the less lighting-complicated pieces falling under my jurisdiction, to no objection of my own. To introduce the audience to Wonderland at the top of the show, define the real-life forest and interact with Alice both when she first appears and at the closing of the show, as well as enhancing the iconic Eat Me/ Drink Me scene with lighting was more than enough to make me very excited to get started.
The opening, with colors based on the palette that Paige and Luca chose to identify Wonderland by, will immediately engulf the audience in chaos. I wanted to make sure there would be a stark contrast between the pieces in Wonderland versus those in the real world while maintaining an overall dreamy tone, even in reality. I landed on using idealized, warm colors that would reflect time of day to take us through Alice’s first solo and the closing of the show, as time of day is something that doesn’t exist in Wonderland quite the same as it does in our world. Achieving Alice’s growing and shrinking through lighting went through a few iterations, but Emily and I finally decided on a downspot that would increase in size to make Alice look tiny within it, and decrease in size to make it feel like she’s suddenly barely fitting inside the same spot.
This show was a pleasure to work on, thanks to the wealth of opportunity the story provides, as well as the cast, crew, choreographers, and my wonderful co-designers. It has been so fun to build Wonderland from the ground up with them.
LIGHTING DESIGN by Paige Vick:
When I first heard Alice in Wonderland so many ideas flowed into my brain, and I was instantly drawn to Tim Burton’s rendition of the story. For my part I focused mainly on the White Rabbit and the Queen whose pieces in this show especially exemplify the moodiness of Tim Burton’s work. This was my first show at Otterbein as a lighting designer and I greatly enjoyed learning how to share my ideas through mood boards in order to show how I planned to assist the story telling. This show is sweet and soft in some places while being sharp and jagged in others and I was very interested in exploring that. I think the piece “Alice cries” for me was the best example of terrifying loneliness of being 20 feet in the air juxtaposed by the sweet moment shared by Alice and the Hatter at the end when the water quells, and she is safe again. I have never worked on a devised piece like this and the changes that came as ideas were explored were extraordinary. The Queen’s growth as a character was especially amazing to watch as she became more than just a villain. I’m glad I got to be a part of this timeless story reimagined for the Cowan stage.
BIOGRAPHIES
Emily Bass-Glinski (Artistic Director/Choreographer) is a dancer, performance artist, choreographer, director and collaborator who resides in Westerville, Ohio. She is a faculty member at The Ohio State University’s Department of Dance where she teaches Contemporary Movement and at Otterbein University within their prestigious Theatre and Dance Department teaching Modern, Ballet, Jazz, and Choreography. She is also on faculty at New Albany Ballet Company. While living in New York City she was the Marketing and Events Coordinator as well as a faculty member at the renowned Broadway Dance Center. At BDC she created the Contemporary Variations Series and Broadway Choreography Series where she invited renowned choreographers and instructors to host workshops at the studio. Emily also held master classes throughout the city and its boroughs including NYU’s Experimental Theater Wing and the Horace Mann School. She has toured professionally with Ani Niemann’s The Dance Cartel since its launch in 2012. Emily has performed with TDC at: Ace Hotel NY, MoMA / PS 1, BAM, The High Line, OBERON/ART, The Brooklyn Museum, Summer on the Hudson, Le Poisson Rouge, Edward Sharpe’s Big Top, La MaMa Moves!, Red Hook Festival, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, Space Gallery (Portland, ME), Bootleg Theater (Los Angeles, CA), and has been featured in a Reggie Watts music video. She also collaborated creatively with The Dance Cartel during their residency at The Orchard Project’s Summer Arts Festival. Emily has had the pleasure of performing and choreographing throughout California’s Bay Area and taught Modern and Jazz at Roco Dance. There, she collaborated with Annie Parr, performed her work at LEVYdance’s Art Salon and studied closely with Kathleen Hermesdorf and Benjamin Levy. Emily received her BFA with honors from The Ohio State University’s College of Arts and Sciences Department of Dance. During her studies she performed at the Ohio Dance Festival as well as The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. as part of the American College Dance Association. She continues to travel and host guest classes within a diverse range of facilities including the University of Cincinnati’s - College Conservatory of Music Dance Department. She was the Choreographer for Otterbein University’s production of Bright Star and conceived, directed and choreographed their fall 2023 dance concert, Escape to Wonderland. Her research and choreographic interests are rooted in bridging the gaps between all the unique aspects of performance art. She believes that dance can be accessible, political, theatrical and collaborative. She finds inspiration in partnerships with other artists outside her expertise and is invigorated by the young students she works with on a daily basis. Emily would like to thank her adoring and supportive husband and their identical twins, Harlow and Finn. They are her joy and her inspiration. To her siblings and parents, it was with their championing that she had the courage to pursue her love of the arts. We may be co-dependent, but we are strongest together. Thank you to the cast and incredible design team. It is because of you that this story came to life. Anna, we did the damn thing! I am so proud of us!
Anna Elliott (Choreographer) Born and raised in Ohio, Anna began studying dance at the age of 3. Growing up, she was a competitive dancer where she won many local and national awards. She has extensive training in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Musical Theater. During her professional career, Anna became a Radio City Rockette at the age of 18. She was fortunate enough to be a part of this legendary group of women for 8 years. While with the Rockettes she performed on the Today Show, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, The Rachel Ray Show, and the Nate Berkus Show. Anna performed in many other televised appearances locally and nationally as a Rockette. She was a part of many commercials for the Radio City Christmas Show and you can find her in the 75th Celebration Edition book titled, Radio City Spectacular. Anna was also a part of the ensemble in the First National Broadway Tour of 42nd Street choreographed by Randy Skinner, and performed in many theaters across the country. Currently, Anna
BIOGRAPHIES
is a member of the dance faculty here at Otterbein University where she teaches tap, jazz and ballet. She has had the honor of being a part of this very well-known department of theater and dance since 2013. As an adjunct faculty member, she has choreographed for the dance concerts Gloriously Grimm and Move Me and was the Associate Choreographer, next to Stella Kane, for Otterbein’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Singin’ in the Rain. Both of them were awarded “Broadway World’s Best Choreography of the Decade” on the educational platform for their work done in Millie. Other choreography credits include Westerville’s Summer Children’s Theater: Lion King Jr, Aladdin Jr, Alice and Wonderland, and Junie B Jones, as well as Westerville South’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. Anna is happily married to her husband Greg and has 3 beautiful children Lucy, Gabe, and Evey. Anna is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production of Escape to Wonderland. Thank you to Emily for being a perfect partner to tackle this production with. We have created some beautiful art and I can’t imagine doing it with anyone else! And thank you to the students who have been absolutely an inspiration to work with!
Edith D. Wadkins (Scenic Designer) is thankful for the opportunity to work with Otterbein. Edith has worked as a freelance scenic artist and set designer around Central Ohio at many professional and educational institutions. Her most recent designs include Something Rotten for Otterbein and The Sound of Music for the Butterfly Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She also paints in oil in her home studio. Her fine art paintings can be found at edithdingerwadkins.com.
Kate Larson (Costume Designer/Hair & Makeup Designer) wants to welcome you all to her last Otterbein production! Kate is a senior Design/Technology major from central Minnesota pursuing a career in costume production. She wants to thank Anna Grywalski for being an incredibly supportive and wonderful mentor in the costume shop and for keeping her level headed when things get crazy. Thank you to Rebecca White for finding her in Nebraska and bringing her all the way to Ohio and for continuing to challenge her in new and interesting ways. And a final thank you to Olivia Rossi for being the absolute best friend anyone could ask for. She hopes you all enjoy this final project she had a hand in.
Truly Cates (Lighting Designer) is so excited to be back at Otterbein after working as the Paint Charge for OST this past summer. Having graduated with a BFA in Lighting Design from Carnegie Mellon University in 2021 and freelancing in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia since, she loves that her field of work brings her into new places and roles. It has been a pleasure working with college students for the first time at Otterbein, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Luca Fragiotta (Lighting Designer) is a senior BFA Design/Technology major with a minor in Film Studies from Lewis Center, Ohio. You may recognize him from his role as a Lighting Designer on Dance 2022: Find Me in the Shadows. Luca also worked as the Technical Director for Weathervane Playhouse this summer and worked at the Gateway Playhouse in New York the summer prior. He’ll be back to Technical Direction for A Midsummer Night’s Dream this Spring. Luca is immensely grateful for his family, his roommates, Addy and Anna, as well as all of his supportive friends and faculty. Luca worked hard to illuminate the wonderland that fills the stage tonight, and immensely hopes that you will enjoy the experience as it unfolds.
Paige Vick (Lighting Designer) is a junior DT major from Ellicott City, Maryland. She is very excited for her first official lighting design credit at Otterbein and has enjoyed the process greatly. She’d like to thank everyone who has helped her along the way in this wild ride. She hopes you enjoy the show!
BIOGRAPHIES
Kitty Mader (Sound Designer) is a sound designer and engineer from Avon, Ohio. She received her BFA in Design and Technology for theatre from Otterbein in 2022, and is currently the department’s Lighting and Sound Supervisor. Kitty has worked in renowned theatres such as TexARTS in Lakeway, Texas (Sound Designer), Otterbein Summer Theatre (Sound Designer/Lighting and Sound Supervisor), Weston Theater in Weston, Vermont (Assistant Audio Supervisor), The Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, Ohio (A2), and the Bard Summerscape Music and Opera Festival in upstate New York (Audio Assistant). She has sound designed many Otterbein productions, including Everybody (2023), Cabaret (2023), Bright Star (2023), Dance 2022: Find Me in the Shadows, and Black Comedy (2022). Other productions Kitty has worked on include 9 to 5 (TexARTS, 2023), Marry Me a Little, Hair (Weston, 2022), The 39 Steps (Great Lakes, 2022), and Le Roi Arthus (Bard, 2021). Kitty is delighted to be sound designing this year’s Dance Concert, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Alex Munzke (Stage Manager) is currently a senior in the Theatre Design and Technology program. In recent years she has worked on Pajama Game, Something Rotten!, and Bright Star. This will be her second time stage managing a show for Otterbein. Munzke initially got into theatre during middle school as she decided to help out as set crew on Peter Pan Jr. Since then, she has remained in theatre and continues to lend a hand when possible to her hometown middle school. At this time, she is preparing to be on internship for the spring semester. Munzke would like to thank her friends and family for their everlasting support. She would also like to thank her SM team for stepping up while she was away.
Anna Grywalski (Costume Shop Supervisor) is a costume designer, creator, and teacher. She would like to commend Kate Larson for her continued dedication to and enthusiasm for all things costume. Anna would also like to thank Howie and Alfie for their constant snuggling and support.
Hannah Hahn (Production Manager) is thrilled to return to her alma mater! Originally from central Ohio, she earned her B.F.A. in Theatre Design/Technology in 2018. Following graduation, Hannah interned with the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL before returning home to continue her work in the Columbus art scene. Hannah has worked professionally as a stage manager and event coordinator for several regional theatres including Mason Street Warehouse, Columbus Children’s Theatre, CATCO, Opera Project Columbus, Opera Columbus, and Weathervane Playhouse. She also worked as Assistant Production Manager in 2019 for the inaugural CAPA Marquee Awards Program, which provides educational opportunities to the greater Columbus area high school theatre programs. In the years since, she has served as an adjudicator, teaching artist, and stage manager for Marquee Awards Showcase. Hannah currently lives in Columbus with her husband, Nick, and their two cats, Spooky & Pippin.
Patrick Stone (Faculty Technical Director) began his tenure as the Technical Director at Otterbein in the fall of 2014. He holds an MFA from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelors of Arts from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. He is an ETCP certified Theatrical Rigger. He teaches classes in stagecraft, properties, metal working, technical direction, wood working, and motion scenery. Patrick also enjoys consulting with theatres ranging from professional through junior high school. Patrick is launching an exciting new side project: he is currently Crowd Sourcing funds for an awesome video game, that is itself being crowdsourced. The Next 12 Diamond Level Funders will be allowed to handle all distribution and marketing on our great new game.
BIOGRAPHIES
Dawn Horne (Director or Recruitment/Administrator) begins her third year managing Theatre and Dance recruitment programs. Her efforts are supported by an outstanding team of student leaders and volunteers that include the Student Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator and Apprentice, and the Otterbein Theatre and Dance Ambassadors.
Melinda Murphy (Voice and Movement Coach) teaches Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method® in the Otterbein Theatre and Dance Department, with application to movement, voice, characterization, singing, and dance. Melinda is one of the few teachers trained in both methods; she combines them in her private practice in Columbus, and in classes and seminars for performing artists at other Ohio colleges. Since coming to Otterbein, she also trained to teach Fitzmaurice Voice work for its specialized tools for improving the voice and breath. Melinda has coached Otterbein productions since the turn of the century. She has also coached equestrians, figure skaters, musicians, and competitive barbershop quartets and choruses, including the two-time international gold medalist Southern Gateway Chorus.
Halle Audette (Queen of Hearts/Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major with Dance and Exercise Science minors from Minneapolis, MN. Halle is so grateful to be back dancing on the Cowan stage! Her past Otterbein credits include Dance 2022: Find Me in The Shadows (The Mistress), Bright Star (Spirit), and Cabaret (Lulu). She would love to thank our fearless leaders, Emily and Anna, this beautiful cast, and her parents for their unwavering support. Let’s do it the ol’ fashioned way!
Noah Boger (Ensemble/Mad Hatter U.S.) is a senior Art major with a Dance minor from San Francisco, CA. Noah is thrilled to return after taking a hiatus from college during the covid-19 pandemic. He will be completing his Bachelors degree and his Dance minor this year. Some of Noah’s favorite roles are Will Parker U.S. in Oklahoma!, and Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls for Otterbein Summer Theatre and Prince Soloist for the Otterbein production of Dance 2018: Gloriously Grimm. Noah would like to give thanks for his parents and siblings. Instagram @noah.boger
Caroline Bowers (Caterpillar) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from Washington, D.C. Some of her most recent credits at Otterbein include Lucy Grant (Bright Star) and Fräulein Kost (Cabaret). Most of her time is spent in coloring books, watching Dance Moms, or with her fish “PCD”. She would like to thank the production team, Emily, and Anna for the opportunity to tell this story, her dance teachers for pushing her every day, her roommates (Patti/Murney), Roberto for believing in her, and Mom and Dad.
Kinsey Calderone (Alice) is a BFA Musical Theatre major with Dance and Public Relations minors from Lexington, NC. She is delighted to be a part of Escape to Wonderland! Recent Otterbein roles include Texas (Cabaret), Rebecca Gibbs Our Town, and Business Partner’s Shadow (Dance 2022: Find Me in the Shadows); and also Ensemble (Baby). She wishes to thank this amazing cast & crew (especially Emily & Anna), her family for their love and support and Mere W.-the ultimate hype woman who makes dance accessible for so many tiny dancers!
Libby Carroll, she/her, (Charge Artist) is a junior BFA Design/Technology major from Pittsburgh, PA! Her most recent Otterbein credits include Cabaret (Stage Manager), Our Town (Charge Artist), and Black Comedy (Stage Manager). Her professional credits include OST’s Baby (Stage Manager), CCT’s The Happy Elf (Rehearsal Stage Manager), and Opera Project Columbus’s Don Pasquale (ASM). She would like to thank Edie and Natalie for their amazing work and support. Libby hopes that you enjoy this beautiful show!
BIOGRAPHIES
Adrian Casto (Technical Director) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major and Sociology minor from West Liberty, OH. His previous Otterbein credits include Cabaret ASM, The Great Influencer ASM, and Black Comedy ASM. His professional credits include Technical Apprentice at OST. Adrian would like to thank his friends, family, and team for being big supporters during the build of this show. He has had a blast putting it up and is very excited for the debut of this piece. Adrian also gives special thanks to his best friends for their continuous support in his dreams.
Dominic Catrone (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Musical Theatre major and Dance minor from New Albany, OH. He is very excited to be performing in his first Otterbein production! Dominic has grown up in the theater and dance world, performing since age six. Some of his favorite credits include Rolf (The Sound of Music), and Enjolras (Les Misérables). Dominic has also worked with the Butterfly Guild, Short North Stage, and New Vision Dance Company. He would like to shout-out his family for always believing in him.
Jane Cook (Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Creative Writing major and Dance minor from Canton, OH. She recently made her Otterbein debut in Cabaret (Kit Kat Girl Swing). Favorite credits from her beloved time at Canton Ballet include The Nutcracker (Dew Drop Fairy) and Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion). Jane would like to thank the cast for their joy throughout this process, Emily and Anna for the opportunity to dance in this special piece, and her parents and close friends for their endless support. Let’s play!
Jenna Davies (Sound Engineer A1) is a senior BFA Design/Technology major and Communications minor form Durham, NC. Jenna has always loved getting to work on dance concerts and to see all of the choreography that goes into it. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her!
Anna Dinnen (Ensemble) is a sophomore Allied Health and Pre-PA major and Dance minor from Mount Vernon, OH. Anna is excited to be part of her first production at Otterbein. She would like to thank all of her previous teachers at The Spotlight Dance Studio for developing her love of dance and the Otterbein dance faculty for giving her the opportunity to continue dancing in college. She would also like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support. Anna hopes you enjoy the performance!
Elizabeth Foster (Ensemble) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major and Dance minor from Grand Rapids, MI. Elizabeth is so excited to be back on the Cowan Stage! Previous Otterbein performance credits include Bright Star (Ensemble), Dance 2022: Find Me In the Shadows (Swing), A Tale of Two Spectators (Woman), and Something Rotten (Ensemble). Elizabeth would like to thank her family for their constant support, David Graves for being the best boyfriend/nurse, and Emily and Anna for giving her this opportunity!
Simone Gelety (Cheshire Cat) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major and Dance minor from Tuzcon, AZ. They would like to thank Emily and Anna, the designers, and the cast for sculpting such a beautiful story. They would also like to thank Kate Larson for making their Cats dream a reality. Previous Otterbein credits include Dance 2022: Find Me in the Shadows, Our Town, and Cabaret. And thank you to the family for all the years of support that allowed Simone to dance in a cat costume for their higher education.
Jackson Gifford (he/him) (Ensemble/Co-Dance Captain) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major and Dance minor from Edmond, OK. Regional Credits: Annie (MUNY); The Sound of Music & Charlie Brown (Parallel 45); Cinderella & Sister Act (Summer Rep). Otterbein Credits: Cabaret (Emcee), Black Comedy (Harold Gorringe), Our Town (Simon Stimson).
BIOGRAPHIES
Jackson is the founding artistic director of Southern Plains Productions, an award-winning site-specific theatre company in Oklahoma City. In the spring he will intern with Broadway Producer, Jim Kierstead. Love & gratitude to Anna & Emily!
Anna Hundt (Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major from Milwaukee, WI and is so excited to be a part of Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland. She has an educational focus on Technical Direction and currently works in the Otterbein scene shop as a carpenter. Anna would like to thank her friends and family for their support, and she considers this another amazing achievement for #teamgirl. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Elise Karlstad (Ensemble/Alice U.S.) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major and Dance minor from Stillwater, MN. Elise is so excited to be a part of this production! She has been lucky enough to be in both this year’s production of Cabaret and last year’s Dance 2022: Find Me In The Shadows. She’s been a gymnast and dancer all her life! Last summer she won the Triple Threat Award for excellence in performance. She hopes you enjoy the show!! Let’s play!
Ian Kerber (Wardrobe Lead) is a senior BA Theatre major and Psychology minor from Elyria, OH. He wants to thank everyone for coming out to see the show and hope you all have an amazing time! Previous credits include House Manager for Bright Star and Cabaret, Wardrobe Lead for Black Comedy, and ASM for Our Town.
Ryan Lewis (Assistant Lead Electrician) is a BA Theatre major and Art History & Visual Culture minor from Long Island, NY. Ryan’s previous work at Otterbein includes being Lead Electrician for Everybody, Programmer for Cabaret, and Assistant Lead Electrician for Dance 2022: Find Me in The Shadows. Ryan was recently hired as a staff electrician at The Argyle Theater for its production of Grease this summer. Ryan is happy to be back working another Dance Concert for his second year in a row since they are his favorite to be involved in lighting-wise.
Olivia Lutz (Ensemble) is a sophomore BS Business Analytics major with Dance and Finance minors from Galena, OH. She is delighted to be in her first Otterbein production! Olivia is grateful for the talented team and their work on this show. She trained as a competitive dancer at Performing Arts Dance Centre. Olivia would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for their support, and Emily and Anna for this opportunity. It has been inspiring to watch this show come to life! Much love. Enjoy the show!
Aaron Mendoza (House Manager) is a senior BA Theatre major and Arts Admin minor from Commerce City, CO. He is very grateful for all of the opportunities and knowledge that Otterbein has given him. Some of his favorite past credits include Our Town as the stage manager and The Heidi Chronicles as the assistant director. He would like to thank his family, friends, and partner for their love and support. He is excited to graduate and begin a new journey as a theatre professional.
Zella Meyer (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Acting major with a dance minor from Seattle, WA. She is trained in ballet, modern and commercial dance styles, and was a member of two pre-professional companies-most recently; Westlake Performing Group out of Westlake Dance Center. Zella is extremely grateful to now be studying at Otterbein and would like to thank her family for their constant support, Kirsten Cooper for making her into the dancer she is today, and Anna and Emily for the chance to be a part of this production. Lots of love!
BIOGRAPHIES
Natalie Neville (Paints Assistant) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major from Heath, OH. Natalie is very excited to working on such a big paints project. She would like to thank everyone who has helped her along the way and cannot wait for you to see the show! #Teamgirl
Stephen O’Hara (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman BFA Design & Technology major from Cincinnati OH. Otterbein Credits: Cabaret (LX Board Op). Other Recent Credits: Anastasia and Finding Nemo (CAPA). Stephen is a 2023 recipient of the NKU Student Design Award, a proud SMA member, and a junk food enthusiast. Thanks as always to his family, friends, professors, and the MHS theatre gang. www.stephenohara.com
Josie Rocca (Lead Electrician) is a senior BFA Design/Technology major from Columbus, OH. Selected previous Otterbein credits include Cabaret (Assistant Lead Electrician, A1) and Dance 2022 (Lead Electrician). Josie spent this past summer working as an electrics apprentice at The Santa Fe Opera. She has also worked in downtown Columbus at The Wexner Center for the Arts, The Davidson Theater, The Lincoln, and BalletMet. Josie would like to thank all of her teammates, family, and friends, for their support this entire semester.
Nora Root (Stitcher) is a sophomore BA Theatre major and Art minor from Hilliard, OH. Nora has always loved the fiber arts and costuming in particular. Ever since her first dance concert viewing last year, she’s wanted to be a part of the experience. This year she is so excited to see her stitch work come alive on stage.
Keliah Schertz (Ensemble) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major with a minor in Dance from Peoria, IL. You may have recently seen her in the ensemble of Otterbein’s Bright Star, or as the Child in Otterbein’s Dance 2022: Find Me in the Shadows. She would like to especially thank Emily and Anna for their hard work and support through this process. She hopes you enjoy the show!!
Fiona Shella (Props Lead) is a sophomore BA Theatre major with a minor in Sociology from Sandusky, OH. This is her first experience running props and it has been a fun and chaotic experience. She would like to thank her parents (given that they pay for her to be here) as well the incredible theatre department faculty for giving her this opportunity. And to Simon, I love you.
Roberto Silva-Neto (Mad Hatter) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from West Lebanon, NH. Roberto is immensely grateful to be part of this incredibly beautiful production. He has thoroughly enjoyed creating this character and story with this cast. His recent credits include Cabaret (KitKat Boy), Last Five Years (Jamie), and West Side Story (Male Shark Swing). Roberto would like to thank his Mom and Dad, Caroline Bowers, Emily Glinski, and Anna Elliott for making him feel loved and pushing him to work hard. @robertosilvaneto
Claire Stancy (White Rabbit) is a junior BFA Acting major and Dance minor from Chesapeake, VA. Her past Otterbein credits include Our Town (Emily), Cabaret (Rosie/ dance captain), and Baby (Pam). Claire would like to thank Emily and Anna for guiding the cast with love and creativity, Jack for reading Alice in Wonderland to her, and her friends and family for their love and support.
HONORARY CAST LIST
Otterbein University Department of Theatre & Dance honors those who have given so generously during the 2023-24 Academic Year. Members who give annually at the Director and Producer level are included in the Joanne Van Sant Society.
Thank you for contributing to the education of our students!
Producer ($5,000+)
Dr. Bernard Chang
Nevalyn Fritsche Nevil
Riverside Hearing Services
Director ($1,000-$4,999)
L. Thomas & Mary Alice Dillman
Douglas & Mary Pat Knight
Al & Louise Minor
Designer ($500-$999)
Gordon & Holly Brewer
David C. & Nancy E. Smith Evans
Diva ($250-$499)
Kay Atkinson Ball
Daniel Bear
Troy A. & Kathleen Bonte
Edmund & Diane Daily Cox
Brent & Nancy DeVore
The Fragiotta Family
Sandra Freer
Mark Havanec
Vince & Gayle Herried
Fred & Patricia Baum
Chip Bruchac
Len & Sharon Bussard
Candyce Canzoneri
Dr. Sharon & Terry Carlson
Alan & Christy Coupland
John L. & Sharon Davis
Margaret English Duffy
Keith Dufrane
James Farmer
Peggy Garrison
Mark A. Geary
William A. Carpenter & Eva W. Goode
Lynda Huey
Kent D. Stuckey
Alice Thomasson
Ron Lykins
Charles & Maruja Paule
Donna L. Kerr
Jack W. & Peggy Moreland
Brad Ostroff
Dr. Kent Shafer
Douglas R. Smeltz
David & Beckey Stamm
Kathryn Stephens
Laura Cean Wilson
Star ($100-$249)
Otto Laster
Pearson McWane
Richard Arndt & Karen Miller
Bonnie Moses
Thomas Muchmore
Dennis B. & Marjorie Munger
David & Manuella Mylander
Dennis O. & Sue Ann Norton
James & Martha Owens
James E. Paxton
Sally K. Rice
Patricia Ryan
Elizabeth A. Salt
Albert & Louise Siegel
Alan E. & Linda Smith
Marcia Staub
Jon & Joyce Stonebraker
Bruce Storts
Margaret Strosky
Kent Stryker
Madelon Timmons
Janice Townsley
John Volpi
Kenneth Wadkins
David B. & Joyce Shannon Warner
Sarah Whybrew
Norma F. Worley
Craig & Carol Young
Judith Zivic
HONORARY CAST LIST
Supporting Actor ($50-$99)
Kay F. Ball
Judy Biedenharn
Paula & Thomas Blue
Cark & Carol Boehm
Judyth Box
Joe H. Brown, Jr.
Mark & Elise Byers
Joseph Cantrell
Kenneth Carter
Ted Chaney
David Clark
David W. Coffman
Deborah L. Coleman
Esther Connors
Beth Daugherty
Mary DeVore
Lauretta Anderson
David & Susan Arnold
Edward & Sharon Bernert
Michelle Bice
Judy & Mike Christian
Anni Efthimiou
Janis Ford
Edwin A. Geer
John & Beth Gwynn
Kimberly & Bud Hoessly
Ramona & James Edman
Alyce Douce Elbert
Emily England
Lawrence Friedman
Jack George
Carmenza Gutierrez
Lucy Hadley
Mary Heubach
J. Thomas & Kathleen Jones
Ron & Suzi Jones
Margaret Kadunc
Jerrold Kannel
Kathleen Kerber
Walter & Connie Kobalka
Kent Koester
Deborah Madden
Ensemble ($10-$49)
Ron & Mary Armstrong Hooker
Laurie & Troy Johnson
Gregory Koltun
Barbara Limbert
Evon Lineburgh
Barbara L. Martin
Terry McFarland
Karen & William Mattes
Helen Wells & Carol D. Miller
Jeffrey Porterfield
Thomas Mertzlufft
Marvin & Lee Miller
Julia O’Hara
Ann Ottobre
Rebecca Coleman Princehorn & Clay Cormany
Paul Ries
Ronald G. & Linda Simpson
Anita Smith
Jane Sprague
Karen Stainbrook
Michele Wilson Toney
Elizabeth Tracy
James & Carol Waugh
LuAnne Shelby
Susan Silbermann
Cathy & Tod Stoessner
Arlene & Robert Stuart
Brenna Stultz
James Tarpoff
Mary Ellen Tyus
Michael J. & Mary Ann Vehonsky
Kay Wagner
Roger L. Wilson
Proceeds from the event will support the NY Senior Showcase.
December 3, 2023
2:00 p.m. Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall
Admission : $30.00, Reserved Seating
Tax-deductible contribution s to the Senior Showcase may be made online or through the box office.
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