OTTERBEIN THEATRE & DANCE
By
William Shakespeare
Scenic Design by Isaac Ramsey
Lighting Design by Kyle Krygielski ‘20
Directed by Mark Mineart
Edited & Adapted by Mark Mineart
Costume Design by Rebecca White
Sound Design by Nicole Hunter ‘23
Music & Music Direction by David Zimmerman ‘24
Choreography by The Faerie Ensemble
Evan Blust ‘26, Kate Maree Brewer ‘27, Sherlyn Diaz ‘26, Naomi Eason’26, Kateje Palmer ‘27, Sammi Robinson ‘26, Quinn Seevers ‘26
Stage Managed by Libby Carroll ‘25
February 8-11 & 15-17, 2024
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St., Westerville
presents
CAST
THE FAERIES
TITANIA, Queen of the Faeries ................................................................. Nora Shearer
OBERON, King of the Faeries Ben Sanford
PUCK (AKA ROBIN GOODFELLOW), loyal servant to Oberon ...... Kateri Condon
PINECONE, Faerie servant to Titania Evan Blust
COBWEB, Faerie servant to Titania...........................................................Naomi Eason
MOTH, Faerie servant to Titania Sammi Robinson
MUSTARDSEED, Faerie servant to Titania ............................................ Quinn Seevers
PEASEBLOSSOM, Faerie servant to Titania Kateje Palmer
CLOVER, Faerie servant to Titania ............................................................Sherlyn Diaz
MISTLETOE, Faerie servant to Titania Kate Maree Brewer
THE NOBILITY
THESEUS, Duke & leader of the people of Athens ................................... Ben Sanford
HIPPOLYTA, betrothed to Theseus Nora Shearer
EGEIA, mother of Hermia ...................................................................... Sierra Gelbman
HERMIA, daughter of Egeia
HELENA .......................................................................................................
DEMETRIUS
Claire Stancy
Emma Bailey
David Graves
LYSANDER ......................................................................................... Roberto Silva-Neto
PHILOSTRATE, Majordomo & Master of Revels Kateri Condon
TAP-DANCING EUNUCH ............................................................................ Evan Blust
THE MECHANICALS
PETER QUINCE, leader of the troupe Jack Giglia
NICK BOTTOM, a weaver ...................................................................... Nathan Frewen
FRANCIS FLUTE, a bellows mender Ian Peloza
TOM SNOUT, a tinker ............................................................................
SNUG, a joiner
Calvin Freshour
Sam Bryant
ROBIN STARVELING, a tailor .......................................................... Aidan McCracken
Understudies
TITANIA/HIPPOLYTA/EGEIA .....................................................................
Naomi Eason
OBERON/THESEUS/DEMETRIUS/LYSANDER .............................................Evan Blust
THE FAERIES ...................................................................................................
Sherlyn Diaz
HERMIA/PUCK/PHILOSTRATE .......................................................Kate Maree Brewer
HELENA ......................................................................................................... Kateje Palmer
QUINCE ....................................................................................................
Sammi Robinson
THE MECHANICALS .................................................................................. Quinn Seevers
PRODUCTION STAFF
Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance/Artistic Director ............................. 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
Intimacy Director Jeanine Thompson
Fight Director ...................................................................................................... Mark Mineart
Director of Recruitment/Administrator ........................................................... Dawn Horne
Technical Director Luca Fragiotta
Assistant Director ................................................................................................... Ryan Lewis
Assistant Scenic Designer Matt Knerr
Assistant Stage Managers .............................................................. Anna Hundt, Ian Kerber
Assistant Technical Director ............................................................................... Anna Hundt
Charge Artist Olivia Rossi
Properties Lead................................................................................................. Natalie Neville
Properties Assistant Fiona Shella
Scenic & Props Run Crew ...................... Maya Cidale, Ja Na’Ya Johnson, Stephen O’Hara
Wardrobe Lead ......................................................................................................... Nora Root
Draper Max Lozada
Wardrobe Run Crew ................................ Megan Gault, Zella Meyer, Theodore Marshall
Lead Electrician ........................................................................................................ Paige Vick
Electrician ................................................................................................. Connor Christopher
Light Board Operator ....................................................................................... Aidan Heddle
Electrics Shop Hang Crew Maya Cidale, Marshall Duggan, Ja Na’Ya Johnson, Zella Meyer
Sound Engineer (A1) ............................................................................................... Paige Vick
House Manager .................................................................................................... Katie Debolt
Graphic Design ........................................................................................................ Trevor List
Digital Media ........................ Libby Carroll, Maya Cidale, Jane Cook, Ana Kusenberger, Katelyn Miller, Stephen O’Hara, Kailey Souder
SCENIC STUDIO ASSISTANTS
Adrian Casto
Marshall Duggan
Luca Fragiotta
Anna Hundt
Matt Knerr
Natalie Neville
Olivia Rossi
COSTUME SHOP ASSISTANTS
Lilian Ducy
Max Lozada
Theodore Marshall
Nora Root
LIGHTING & SOUND ASSISTANTS
Nathan Frewen
David Graves
Ryan Lewis
Josie Rocca
Paige Vick
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS
Allie Bricker
Katie Debolt
Camden Gelfand
Maggie Glanc
Ja Na’Ya Johnson
SCENE SYNOPSIS
This production will include the use of haze and strobe-like lighting effects.
ACT I
Scene 1...................................................................................................... The Case of Marriage
Scene 2 A Dramatic Rehearsal
Scene 3 Unearthly Quarrels
Scene 4 Spell-Cast Dreams
Scene 5 Wicked Trickery 15-Minute Intermission
ACT II
Scene 1..................................................................................................Romantic Entanglement
Scene 2....................................................................................................................... Forgiveness
Scene 3................................................................................................ The Show Cannot Go On
Scene 4............................................................................................................. Wedding Revelry
MUSIC CREDITS
“Sexy Time” ................................................................................................... by Anthony Vega
“Queen’s Lullaby” ................................................................................ by David Zimmerman
“Chase” ................................................................................................... by David Zimmerman
“Lullaby” reprise ................................................................................... by David Zimmerman
“Break of Day”....................................................................................... by David Zimmerman
SPECIAL THANKS
Macrae & Clara Harvey Kyle Krygielski
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
PLAYWRIGHT’S NOTE
This is a new experience for me, I’ve never been asked to write anything for a program before. We never did programs at the Globe. Printing was expensive, and only about three in every twenty folks knew how to read. Anyway, the director was too lazy to write the director’s notes, so they rang me up and offered me the space. Buckle up.
I recently got on the World-Wild Spiderwebs (did I get that right?) and was gobsmacked to find my name out there. My plays, still being done, in over 100 languages, with spinoff graphic novels and movies? I got to admit, after reading that, I had to take a knee for a minute. Once I caught my breath, I totally went down the rabbit-hole of searching myself. What I found was pretty accurate, but a few things got missed and mixed-up over the years, and I’d to like to set them right-side up, me having been there and all.
After the spiderwebs, I got myself on The Tweeter (did I get that right?) and got hit by a brick: lots of folks were chirping at me that they can’t understand my plays, or worse, some of them actually think they’re not smart enough to enjoy them. Then the penny dropped, turns out the folks who aren’t understanding them aren’t hearing them in performance, they’re reading them. I just don’t get it, why would anyone who didn’t have to, read a play? You like music, right? Ok, how often do you sit around reading it?
My plays were meant to be entertainment, not ‘High-Art.’ In my day, ‘Art’ didn’t put food on the table, and, the fact is, a guy’s gotta eat, you know? My yardstick: if people are engaged, then the Theatre is doing its work. My philosophy: happy audiences make empathetic humans.
I get asked a lot about the favourite things I’ve written (it’s not Hamlet, fyi). For me it’s not so much the plays as it is the words I invented that are still around: bedroom, eyeball, excitement, generous, hurry, invitation, lonely, road. ‘Road’ was really big for me. I’ve got a soft spot for alligator, but, frankly, I was kinda surprised that one took off.
OK, pet peeve, here, and personal favour: if you happen to know any Shakespeare elites, I’m begging you, please (heck, pretty please with sugar on it, and I promise to sign all the merch, and take the selfie) ask them to knock it off already with all this, ‘The Bard’ stuff? It makes me feel like a poser. In my day-to-day life most folks called me by my last name, mostly, or simply, Will.
And, speaking of my name, what’s the deal with folks saying I wasn’t the author of my own plays? That I wasn’t intelligent enough, or educated enough because I only went through grammar school. Yeah, I only went through grammar school, but it wasn’t reading, ‘Verily, Hastings doth run. Espy how he doth run. Run Hastings, run.’ I was learning how to read, write, and speak Latin. It was 184 years before anyone started carping, then one day, poof, people start calling me a fraud. Not going to lie, that stings a bit. It doesn’t really matter though; the plays are out there, folks are still diggin’ on them, and it ain’t like anybody’s collecting residuals. In the end, it’s still my name on ‘em, and that’s enough for me.
Apropos of nothing, dress codes are for suckers. You don’t have to dust of the Sunday doublet and hose to go to the theatre. Wear whatever ya want, just make sure you got shoes on, and the fardels are covered up.
Finally (and you know who you are), I’d like my skull back, please.
-William (Will) Shakespeare
DESIGNER NOTES
SCENIC DESIGN by Isaac Ramsey:
I love designing Shakespeare. The source material is so rich, but it is completely open to interpretation and imagination. So often the characters inform the audience of where the setting is which allows the design to move in more evocative and symbolic ways. The process can be simple and sparse, or incredibly complex and full of spectacle.
This design process focused heavily on conversations between our director (professor Mineart), the costume designer (professor White) and myself. We went through many iterations with the goal of achieving a holistic design concept that strengthened each area of the production. This type of process is synergistic and really allows the best ideas in the room to come to the forefront as our director shared what about the play excited them and how they wanted us to explore translating that into visual ideas.
The form of the outdoor Elizabethan stages heavily influenced the physical play space in the scenic design. We knew we wanted an upstage center entrance as well as possible entrances around the stage and even the house. This gives the feeling that actors could pop from anywhere at any moment. The forest outside Athens is a world of magic, ritual, and freedom. I wanted the design to have a sculptural element to it, and Mark Mineart provided some exciting images of naturalist portals that were almost in the realm of the art of Andy Goldsworthy. We decided to focus the forest scenes around this with a stone disk almost representative of dais. For the Athens scene I wanted a stark contrast and a much more recognizable architectural language that is also in a different tonal range. Ultimately, the scenery is a playground for the action of this moving play.
DESIGNER NOTES
COSTUME DESIGN by Rebecca White:
The things I was most fascinated with when it came to designing the costumes for this show, was how do we visually separate the Athenians from the Faeries and what do the four young lovers gain from their journey through the forest that their own society is lacking? I was excited to explore these two cultures and how each chose to adorn themselves. All cultural societies have “rules” about what is appropriate to wear. Just think about how differently you might dress if going to a formal business conference in Alaska, versus what you might wear if you’re going to spend a summer’s day at the beach in Miami, or whether or not you would wear blue and gold to take a stroll across the OSU campus on game day!
For our Athenians, we wanted to reflect the order and formal structure of their society. Egeia’s insistence that her daughter marries the suitor chosen for her suggests a society in which some members have choices and others do not. The solid colors, similar cuts and almost uniform-like quality suggests a narrow view of what citizens are allowed to do, or those with power and those without. The colors and emblems on their jackets show their familial relationships, including the blending of Theseus and Hippolyta’s symbols as they unite in marriage combining their households.
To contrast the order and clarity of the Athenians, the Faeries are clad in a wider variety of colors, shapes, silhouettes, and textures. The forest allows more freedom of choice, more availability of materials, and more expression of individuality – in a word, the forest is way more fun! As the four young lovers venture deeper into the forest and become entangled in the Faerie shenanigans, they shed layers of clothing and of their societal structure, become lighter, freer, and truer to themselves.
DESIGNER NOTES
LIGHTING DESIGN by
Kyle Krygielski:
Like many, my first exposure to Shakespeare was in high school English class, and at first, admittedly, I was not a fan. I found the language tricky and the action difficult to understand. However, early in the pre-production process, Mark said something profound that helped reshape how I view Shakespeare: “Shakespeare is meant to be watched, not read.” Since then, I have been able to truly appreciate the artistry and wit woven into each line.
In this version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mark’s curation of the text has made it more accessible and shortened the length by removing certain descriptive passages of the environment since we can use the lighting to show the audience those moments rather than telling them. This opportunity for creative moments was something I was looking forward to most during the process.
One theme I wanted to highlight with my design was the difference between the Athenian world and the magical fairy world. The former is more realistic with sepia tones and the latter incorporates rich color and movement. Isaac’s beautiful scenery was a perfect canvas that I could use to add those magical elements. One of the more subtle changes that we worked on during tech was the visual difference between how the fairies and Athenians viewed the forest. Are you able to spot the differences between the forest with the Athenians versus the fairies?
Please enjoy this fast-paced show that offers a fresh take on one of the Bard’s most rollicking comedies!
BIOGRAPHIES
TJ Gerckens (Theatre & Dance Dept. Chair/Artistic Director) is the lighting design faculty member at Otterbein University, a USA829 Union Lighting Designer, and proud Otterbein alumnus. At Otterbein, he has designed the lighting for Bright Star, Dance 2022: Find me in the Shadows (with Lucas Fragiotta and Sage Wuertzer), Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Into a Lamplit Room, Dance 2020: The Wild Within (with John Diver), Chicago, Oklahoma!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Diary of Anne Frank, Adding Machine: A Musical, Damn Yankees, Dance 2016: The Goddess, The Crucible, Fiddler on the Roof, Dance 2015: Famously Yours...Forever, Dance 2014: Tell-Tale Poe, and Into the Woods. As a freelance lighting designer, T.J. has been part of the design team for the Tony Award winner and MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Mary Zimmerman for the last 30+ years. Most recently, he designed lighting for Swan Lake for the Australian Ballet performing in 4 cities and at the Sydney Opera House, Florencia en el Amazonas, and the new opera Eurydice, by Sarah Ruhl and Matthew Aucoin at the Metropolitan Opera, The Notebooks of Leonardo DaVinci in Chicago, Washington DC, and San Diego, The Music Man at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, the world premiere of The Steadfast Tin Soldier at Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, the recent revival of Metamorphoses at the Guthrie Theatre and Berkeley Rep, and Rusalka at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. Other notable designs include The Odyssey at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Guys & Dolls in L.A., and Treasure Island at the Lookingglass Theatre and Berkeley Rep. His lighting designs have been seen at regional theatres across the United States, on and off Broadway, and at the Metropolitan Opera. Internationally, he has designed in England, Australia, and at the LaScala Opera House in Milan, Italy. He has received numerous awards for his designs including New York’s Drama Desk Award and Lortel Awards for his lighting of Metamorphoses on and off Broadway, Jefferson Awards for The Odyssey and Metamorphoses in Chicago, and an award for “Exemplifying the Art of Collaboration” given to the Zimmerman design team by Entertainment Design Magazine. You can see his designs for Lucia di Lammermoor and La Sonnambula on DVDs released by the Metropolitan Opera. T.J. holds a BFA from Otterbein University and an MFA from Boston University. He is married to set designer, and scenic artist Stephanie R. Gerckens.
Mark ‘Coach’ Mineart (Director/Associate Professor of Performance) has been a successful member of the professional theatre community for over 30 years, working as an actor, director, fight director, and coach. He has appeared on and off Broadway with such stars as Denzel Washington and Kelsey Grammar as well as worked at many of the nation’s most well respected and award-winning regional theatres. Classically trained, he has portrayed many of the great characters of world theatre, among them Cyrano de Bergerac, Macbeth, Long John Silver in Treasure Island, Lennie in Of Mice & Men, as well as George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. He has created roles in almost a dozen world premiere productions by such playwrights as Jane Martin and Eric Cobble, and has had roles written for him by multiple Tony and Drama Desk Award-winner Arthur Kopit. In 2009 he relocated to Frankfurt, Germany and appeared in such films as What A Man and Iron Sky in addition to working as a performance capture artist for blockbuster video games such as Crysis II, Bullet Storm, and NCIS: The Game. In 2011 he shifted the primary focus of his career to teaching, serving as Associate Professor and Head of the Acting Curriculum at The American University in Cairo. Mark joined the Otterbein Department of Theatre and Dance in the fall 2015. Most recently Mark directed Otterbein’s 2023 world-premiere staged- reading of Otterbein Professor Jeremy Llorence’s The Great Influencer. On a recent sabbatical, Mark directed the European premiere of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb’s political satire The Totalitarians for the English Theatre of Frankfurt, the largest English-speaking theatre on the European continent.
BIOGRAPHIES
Isaac Ramsey (Scenic Designer) is the associate professor of scenic design and joined the theatre and dance faculty in 2022. He teaches courses in Scenic Design, Scenic Painting, Computer Graphics, and Period Styles in addition to mentoring student designers and painters. For Otterbein, Isaac has designed scenery for Cabaret, Everybody, Bright Star, Find Me in the Shadows, and the upcoming 9 to 5. Prior to coming to Otterbein, Isaac served as the associate professor of scenic design at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA where he designed many productions including Green Day’s American Idiot, Puffs, Ride the Cyclone, and A Doll’s House Part 2. He is active in several professional organizations and is a regular presenter at the Southeastern Theatre Conference where he has taught workshops on 3D printing, Model Making, and Rending in Procreate. He has designed regionally at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Actor’s Express (ATL), and The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio here in Columbus. Isaac is a Central Ohio native and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Miami University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut. In addition to his theatrical work, Isaac is a theatrical and headshot photographer, muralists, husband, and father of two. Much love to Jordan, Rowan, and Freya. Portfolio: www.isaacramsey.net
Rebecca White (Costume Designer) is the Director of Design & Technology and has served as Otterbein’s Faculty Costume Designer since 2007. Rebecca teaches courses in Costume Design, Costume/Fashion History, Costume Crafts and Stage Makeup. In addition to designing costumes for many Otterbein productions, Rebecca mentors student costume designers. A few of Rebecca’s favorite designs at Otterbein are Julius Caesar, The Importance of Being Earnest, The School for Scandal, and Dance 2020: The Wild Within. Rebecca is originally from Minnesota and earned a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse and a Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design & Technology from the University of Minnesota. Outside of Otterbein, Rebecca has designed costumes for Short North Stage, Denison University’s Singers Theatre, and Park Square Theatre, with additional costume work for The Milwaukee Rep, Penumbra Theatre Company, Trinity Rep, & The Santa Fe Opera. When not designing for the traditional theatre stages, she combines her two passions: theatre and horses, by designing and styling for equine artists and performers at Equine Affaire, All American Quarter Horse Congress, Midwest Horse Fair, and other national and regional venues. Rebecca wishes to thank you for being patrons of the arts and supporters of Otterbein’s Theatre & Dance students.
Kyle Krygielski (Lighting Designer) is a freelance lighting designer and technician based in Columbus, OH, and has worked with companies such as Ballet Met, Short Noth Stage, and Mills James Productions. His previous credits at Otterbein include Everybody, Baby (OST), Our Town, The School for Scandal, and Dance 2019: Together Again. Regional Credits include Assistant Lighting Designer for Mary Zimmerman’s The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (Washington D.C.). Kyle is a 2020 graduate of Otterbein University. A full portfolio of his work is available at www.kylekrygielski.com.
Nicole Hunter (Sound Designer) is very excited to be returning to Otterbein as the sound designer for this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! She graduated from Otterbein in 2023 with a BA in Theatre, with a concentration in audio engineering and design. Recently, she was the Sound Engineer for Weathervane Playhouse’s 2023 summer theatre season, and has done other audio and stage management work around the central Ohio area. She has previously worked on various Otterbein productions, some of her favorites including Bright Star, Our Town, A Little Night Music and Something Rotten. She would like to thank you all for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!
BIOGRAPHIES
David Zimmerman (Composer/Music Director) is a music composition student studying at Otterbein University, originally from Columbus, Ohio. As a rising musician, performer, and composer, David has flourished across many different styles, such as classical, jazz, commercial, and choral. Studying with Dr. Anthony Weikel, Mrs. Peggy Kohler, Dr. Karen Eckenroth, Mr. Austin Piper, and others, these stellar figureheads have helped David succeed at Otterbein, such as being 1st trombone in Jazz Band, 2 time bass section leader in Concert Choir, attaining multiple supporting roles in the school’s opera productions, and so much more. David has made these college years count! Beyond his university, he has achieved success with his own rising jazz combo, the Blue Jays Jazz and Funk Band, for which he is an executive member. From involvement in the central Ohio gig scene, performing with esteemed artists such as Alpha Frierson and Zach Compston, to hosting their own concert series, to multiple album releases on all professional streaming platforms, David is making his mark with the Blue Jays. Additionally, he has ventured on his own as a freelance artist, scoring church chorister positions/praise band positions in Columbus/Worthington, as well as performing at professional venues, such as the Columbus Museum of Art. Aside from performing, David is also beginning to teach private lessons and start his own teaching studio here in central Ohio. As a composer, David is working hard to develop his unique voice. His works stretch across multiple music disciplines, such as jazz, contemporary, and choral. He has performed his compositions in many of Otterbein’s concerts, as well as professionally within the local gig scene through the Blue Jays. He receives influence from his performance experience, as well as many of the great artists of the modern world and music history, such as Elaine Hagenberg, Bach, Dan Forrest, Miles Davis, Gordon Goodwin, and more. David is a firm believer in composing stories and messages through a vehicle of music, and strives for all his works to be expressive, emotional, and spin a narrative to communicate with the soul. As David grows in his composing prowess, spreading his pieces to more venues, competitions, and medias, he remains ever eager to learn from those around him. David aims to share his love and gift for music with the world in a passionate, selfless way. Whether through teaching, performing, or composing, he does all he does by the people, for the people, as this is the musician’s privilege that never fails to give back. He is honored to compose the music for this production, and for the opportunity of working with the esteemed Theatre Department of Otterbein University! He’d like to thank his family & friends for their endless support, his instructors & school faculty for their endless wisdom, and to the entire team of Otterbein’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream It has been a pure joy! Break a leg!
Libby Carroll (she/her) (Stage Manager) is a junior BFA Design/Technology major from Pittsburgh, PA! Her most recent Otterbein credits include Cabaret (Stage Manager), Black Comedy (Stage Manager), and Bright Star (ASM). Her outside credits include OST’s Baby (Stage Manager), CCT’s The Happy Elf (Rehearsal Stage Manager), and Opera Project Columbus’s Don Pasquale (ASM). Libby would like to thank Hannah for her support and guidance throughout her educational journey so far. She would also like to thank all of her siblings in Theta Nu sorority for their endless love this year. She hopes you sit back and relax as you welcome Shakespeare back into the Fritsche theatre. Enjoy this beautiful show!
Anna Grywalski (Costume Shop Supervisor) is a costume designer, creator, and teacher. Anna is super excited to design costumes for Otterbein’s upcoming production of 9 to 5! Thank you to Perry for his love and support.
BIOGRAPHIES
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.
Kitty Mader (Lighting and Sound Supervisor) 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 Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland, 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 have worked with students on this production, and hopes you enjoy the show!
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.
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 has abandoned this season’s joke and instead wishes to thank everyone who bothered to read this far into his bio. Fear not, more silliness will return shortly.
BIOGRAPHIES
Jeanine Thompson (Theatrical Intimacy Director) is thrilled to be returning to Otterbein as the Theatrical Intimacy Director for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her previous work was for the productions of Cabaret, I Do, I Do, Baby, Our Town and A Little Night Music. Jeanine is also an actor, director, creator of new work, and is Professor Emeritus of the Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts at the Ohio State University. Other shows Jeanine has recently directed the intimacy for include: In The Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) by Sarah Ruhl, also directed by Jeanine; The Country Wife by William Wycherley; Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti; Indecent by Paula Vogel; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Her Naked Skin by Rebecca Lenkiewicz; Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton; and Bonnets: How Ladies of Good Breeding are Induced to Murder by Jen Silverman, also directed by Jeanine. She has also been the Intimacy Coordinator for film including Harvest and Wormtown.
Emma Bailey (Helena) is a junior BFA Acting major from Jacksonville, FL and is thrilled to be challenged with a vastly different role from her last Otterbein credit, Everybody (Cousin). She receives additional training from ICOC in Intimacy Coordination and is a member of the Ring of Keys organization. Emma celebrates this with the best support system she could ask for—her parents, friends, God, and her love Reilly. Along with the director and cast, she would like to thank every designer, technician, and coach who contributed to this beautiful show.
Evan Blust (Pinecone/Eunuch & Athenian Swing) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major and Dance minor from Trenton, OH. His previous Otterbein credits include Cabaret (Ernst Ludwig), Bright Star (Daddy Murphy), and Dance 2022: Find Me in the Shadows (Detective). This April, he will be appearing in Otterbein’s production of 9 to 5 as Dick Bernly/Ens. and working behind the scenes as one of the dance captains. Evan would like to thank Coach and the wonderful production team for bestowing upon him the honor of tapping in one of Shakespeare’s works!
Kate Maree Brewer (Mistletoe & Hermia/Puck/Philostrate u.s.) is a freshman BFA Acting major and Math minor from Nashville, TN. She’s thrilled to be in her first Otterbein mainstage production. You may have seen her late at night performing with Otterbein’s Mainstage Improv Troupe, jumping rope in 11th Hour’s Legally Blonde (Brooke), or jogging around campus. Favorite roles include The Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Little Sally (Urinetown), and Cinderella (Rodgers+Hammerstein’s Cinderella). Many thanks to Mark Mineart for the opportunity, the creative team for their ingenuity, and Mom, Dad, and Ford for their continuity. Huzzah!
Sam Bryant (Snug) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major from Cary, NC. Sam is so excited to be a part of his third show here at Otterbein. His other credits include Joe Crowell Jr. (Our Town) and Victor/Kit Kat Boy Swing (Cabaret). Sam is also an active member of Otterbein’s MainStage Improv Troupe. He is so grateful for his family, friends, and faculty here at school. ROARRRR!
Connor Christopher (Electrician) is a sophomore Design/Technology major from Tampa, FL. This year has been electrics heavy for Connor, with Assistant Lead Electrician for Everybody, Lead Electrician for The Launch, and Electrician for Midsummer. He cannot wait to explore the world of props next in 9 to 5! He hopes to see you there.
BIOGRAPHIES
Kateri Condon (Puck/Philostrate), is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from Horseheads, NY. She is thrilled to be the Master of the Revels and merry wanderer of the night in her first Shakespeare play! Previous credits include Otterbein’s Bright Star (Margo) and OST’s I Do! I Do! (She/Agnes), The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel/Ruth) and Side by Side by Sondheim (Ensemble). Kateri thanks the production team, her loving friends, family, God, and Ben, the best Faerie King an honest Puck could ask for. Enjoy the show and keep an eye out for foolish mortals and frolicking faeries!
Katie Debolt (House Manager) is a junior Mathematics major from Croton, OH. While no longer a Theatre major, she is happy to work in the Box Office, and House Manage for the department! She is grateful to Elizabeth for entrusting her with this task and feels fortunate to support a wonderfully talented cast & crew. Katie is glad to have the opportunity to devote time to art and creativity, (even amidst all of the equations and proofs in her life), and encourages everyone to do the same!
Sherlyn Diaz (Clover & Faeries u.s.) is a sophomore Acting major and Dance minor from Austin, TX. Some of her favorite credits include In the Heights and Bring it On: The Musical with Summer Stock Austin as well as Back to Broadway and Mixtape Vol. 2 at ZACH Theatre. Sherlyn would like to thank her parents and brother for always supporting her.
Naomi Eason (Cobweb & Titania/Hippolyta/Egia u.s.) is a sophomore Acting major with a Dance minor from East Palo Alto CA. Naomi is thrilled to be in the company of A Midsummer Night’s Dream especially since its been 16 years since Shakespeare has been done on the Cowan stage. Previously, you may have seen them as Girl/Time in Everybody (Otterbein) or as Karlie in Luna Gale (11th Hour). Naomi would like to thank their cast and crew for this wonderful opportunity, and their family, friends, and faculty for the endless support.
Luca Fragiotta (Technical Director) is a senior BFA Design/Technology major with a minor in Film Studies from Lewis Center, OH. Luca 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 in town this summer as OST’s Technical Director. Luca is immensely grateful for his family, his roommates, Addy and Anna, as well as all of his supportive friends and faculty. Luca immensely hopes that you will enjoy the experience as it unfolds.
Calvin Freshour (Tom Snout) is a BFA Acting major from Clintonville, OH. He’s so excited to be making his debut on the stage in this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! He’d like to thank his friends and especially his family for supporting him, no matter what, through the years. He hopes you enjoy the show and watch for any faerie sightings!
Nathan Frewen (Nick Bottom) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major from Downers Grove, IL. He is so excited to be working on his first ever Shakespeare play in such a high energy and fun role. You may have seen him last spring as Mayor Dobbs in Otterbein’s production of Bright Star. He has also worked at Weathervane Playhouse as Johnny Cash in Million Dollar Quartet and Buddy the Elf in Elf the Musical. Thanks to Coach and everyone involved in this spectacular production!
Sierra Gelbman (Egeia) is a junior BFA Acting major from Los Angeles, CA. Some of her favorite credits include Black Comedy, Buried Child (classroom project), and Our Town with Otterbein. She also has worked on an exciting new work, The Great Influencer (by Jeremy
BIOGRAPHIES
Llorence), for which she originated the role of Tessa-Reese. She would like to thank the faculty and classmates here at Otterbein.
Jack Giglia (Peter Quince) is a junior BA Theatre major from Cincinnati, OH. Last semester, he was Death in Everybody. Offstage, he is Vice President of Mainstage Improv and President of Otterbein Catholic Student Ministry. He would like to thank RobertoDavid-Ian for forgetting society with him, Claire for chef-ing with him, and his parents for encouraging his interest in Shakespeare. He is graduating this spring. “So, to your pleasures: I am for other than for dancing measures” (AYL 5.4.201-203).
David Graves (Demetrius) is a junior Acting major from Milford, OH. Previous credits include OST’s Baby (Nick), and Otterbein’s Our Town (George Gibbs), and Everybody (Stuff). He thanks his family and friends for their help in teaching him to NEVER give up; his absolutely wonderful girlfriend Elizabeth Foster for always being there for him and never failing to make him smile; and his roommates, Ian, Jack, and Roberto, for doing their chores (most of the time) and never forgetting to lock the door. I love y’all!!!
Anna Hundt (Assistant Technical Director/Assistant Stage Manager) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major from Milwaukee, WI and is so happy to have been involved in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in multiple ways. Anna would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support and considers this an absolute win for #teamgirl. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Ian Kerber (Assistant Stage Manager) is a senior BA Theatre major and Psychology minor from Elyria, OH. Other credits include Our Town (ASM) and you may recognize him as the person who gave the amazing (and hilarious) pre-show speech for Bright Star! It’s his last semester, so you won’t be seeing his name much longer. Ian thanks his amazing mother who, no matter what, always shows up to support our shows. I hope you enjoy this one too, Mom <3
Ryan Lewis (Assistant Director) is a junior BA Theatre major and Art History & Visual Culture major from Long Island, NY. Ryan is so excited for you all to see this show. This is his first Assistant Director credit here at Otterbein and he is so grateful to be working with such a talented cast. Ryan would like to thank Coach (Mark Mineart) for his breadth of knowledge throughout this process. Ryan will be directing his own workshop, Headspace, which will be performed on April 12th in the Campus Center Theater.
Max Lozada (Draper) is a sophomore BA Theatre major and Dance minor from Chillicothe, OH. They are so excited to be draping for this show. Max wants to thank Anna Grywalski for helping them through this process, and also the other costume shop workers. They’re so happy to be doing this work with such great friends and they hope you enjoy this show! #teamgirl
Aidan McCracken (Robin Starveling) is a sophomore BFA Acting major from Loveland, OH. He is excited to be performing in the first Shakespeare in Cowan in 16 years! His credits include Later That Same Evening at the CMA (Gus) and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at the Cincinnati Actor’s Studio and Academy (Alfred). Otterbein credits include This is Our Youth (Dennis Ziegler), Our Town (Constable Warren), and Bright Star (Dr. Norquist). He thanks Coach, the Mechanicals, and his mom for supporting him and making this experience incredible!
BIOGRAPHIES
Natalie Neville (Props Lead) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major from Heath, OH. She focuses mainly on props and scenery, but is working to become a scenic designer. Special shout out to Olivia Rossi for being here for the entire process and helping Natalie when needed. She hopes you like the show! #4+4
Kateje Palmer (Peaseblossom & Helena u.s.) is a freshman BFA Musical Theater major with a Dance minor from San Antonio, TX. She is so excited to be a part of her first production here at Otterbein University and would like to thank her fellow cast mates, production team and director, Coach, for giving her this opportunity and support.
Ian Peloza (Flute the Bellowsmender) is a BFA Acting major from Warsaw, IN. Credits include Otterbein’s Productions of Pirates of Penzance (Ensemble), Black Comedy (Brindsley), and Our Town (Sam Craig/ Ensemble); and Weathervane productions of Kinky Boots (Angel), Once Upon a Mattress (the Wizard), and Elf The Musical (Ensemble). It’s been an amazing experience working with such talented peers and alongside a gifted team. He thanks his family and friends who have supported him, and God for all the opportunities that he’s been given. Enjoy the show! IG: @_ianpeloza_
Sammi Robinson (Moth) is a sophomore BFA Acting major from Westerville, OH. She has loved performing since a young age. Her recent roles include Jessica (This is our Youth), Lady Larkin (Once upon a Mattress), Pat (Kinky Boots) and she can be found in the Otterbein Drag show. She has loved working on this production with her cast, and hopes you all enjoy the show!
Nora Root (Wardrobe Lead) is a Theater and English student who has been focusing on costumes. She loves all fiber arts and is so honored to have a part in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The beautiful costumes have been a true joy to handle and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Olivia Rossi (Charge Artist) is a senior BFA Design/Technology major and Studio Art minor from Hilliard, OH. From lowly props girl to highly regarded charge artist and carpenter woman, Rossi has experienced the many areas of theatrical scenery. She thanks her paint crew for their work, and for just being awesome individuals; and her family and friends for all of the support. The season ticket holders who have been following her journey this season will be delighted to know that Rossi does in fact consider this show to be another slay for #teamgirl
Ben Sanford (Oberon/Theseus) is a junior BFA Acting major from Minneapolis, MN. Ben is thrilled to be in his fourth mainstage production at Otterbein and his first Shakespeare play! Other Otterbein credits include Bright Star (Daddy Cane), Cabaret (Emcee/Kit Kat Boy Swing), and OST’s production of Baby (Danny Hooper). Ben would like to thank his friends and family for all of their love and support throughout his time at Otterbein!
Quinn Seevers (Mustardseed & Bottom/Mechanicals u.s.) is a sophomore BFA Acting Major from San Jose, CA. Quinn is super excited to make his mainstage debut at Otterbein in the first Shakespeare show in Cowan in 16 years. Previous credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour Krelborn), The Spongebob Musical (Patrick Star), and Later the Same Evening (Joe Harland). Quinn would like to say a huge thank you to all his friends and family who have supported him and he hopes you enjoy the show!
BIOGRAPHIES
Nora Shearer (Titania/Hippolyta) is a sophomore BFA Acting major and Business Management minor from Greensboro, NC. Nora is so grateful to be a part of this show, her first in Cowan Hall, and she could not be more excited. Recent credits include Everybody (Universal Swing) and Legally Blonde (Vivienne). Special thanks to Ben, Coach, her housemates (especially roommate Lindy), the Class of 26’, and her family, who have always been her biggest supporters. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Fiona Shella (Properties Assistant) is a sophomore BA Theatre major and Sociology minor from Sandusky, OH. She loved working with her props lead, Natalie, and creating the pieces for this show. Fiona would like to thank her parents (given that they pay for her to be here), as well as our incredible Otterbein faculty!
Roberto Silva-Neto (Lysander) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from West Lebanon, NH. Roberto is very grateful to be performing his first Shakespearean comedy on Cowan Stage. His recent credits include Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland (Mad Hatter), Last Five Years (Jamie), A Little Night Music (Henrick) and Cabaret (KitKat Boy). He would like to thank his roommates for the laughs, Coach for believing in him, Mom and Dad for the constant love and support, and Caroline for always being there for him. @robertosilvaneto
Claire Stancy (Hermia) is a junior BFA Acting major and Dance minor from Chesapeake, VA. Some of her past Otterbein credits include Our Town (Emily), Baby (Pam), Cabaret (Rosie/Dance Captain), and Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland (the White Rabbit). Claire would like to thank her friends who bring her joy, her family who supports her, and Jack who makes life feel like a rom com (but without fairies or magic potions). She hopes you enjoy the show!
Paige Vick (Lead Electrician/A1) is a junior BFA Design/Technology major originally from Ellicott City, MD. She is excited for her first time mixing this large of a cast, and had a blast leading the electrics crew. She hopes you enjoy the show!
THE PLAYWRIGHT
William Shakespeare (Playwright) is the author of at least 38 plays, and 154 sonnets. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s most popular comedy as well as the most produced of all his works. Midsummer is Shakespeare’s twelfth play and was first produced between 1594-1595 when Shakespeare was 30 years old. At the time, he was already a celebrated writer amongst his peers and the populace. Playwright Ben Johnson wrote of Shakespeare that he was the “Soul of the age! The applause, delight, and wonder of our stage.” Shakespeare was also an actor in the company for which he wrote, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and sometimes played small roles in his own plays (it is believed he may have played Duke Theseus in Midsummer). Shakespeare’s works were most often performed at the Globe Theatre, of which Shakespeare was part owner. The Globe could accommodate over 3000 audience members, most of whom stood in front of, and around, the stage in the cockpit. Today, Shakespeare remains the most quoted, most published, and most produced writer in the English language. Shakespeare is credited with coining over 1700 words, many of which we hear and use everyday. Shakespeare was not, however, a stuffie.
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
Daniel Bear
Kent D. Stuckey
Dr. Tyler A. TerMeer
Alice Thomasson
Designer ($500-$999)
Gordon & Holly Brewer
David C. & Nancy E. Smith Evans
Kay Atkinson Ball
Troy A. & Kathleen Bonte
Edmund & Diane Daily
Cox
Brent & Nancy DeVore
The Fragiotta Family
Sandra Freer
Fred & Patricia Baum
Chip Bruchac
Len & Sharon Bussard
Candyce Canzoneri
Dr. Sharon & Terry Carlson
Alan & Christy Coupland
John L. & Sharon Davis
Julie Doel
Margaret English Duffy
Keith Dufrane
James Farmer
Peggy Garrison & Kenneth Truman
Mark A. Geary
William A. Carpenter & Eva W. Goode
Lynda Huey
Otto Laster
Pearson McWane
Mark Hess & Anne Filbert
Ron Lykins
Charles & Maruja Paule
Diva ($250-$499)
Mark Havanec
Vince & Gayle Herried
Donna L. Kerr
Jack W. & Peggy Moreland
Brad Ostroff
Dr. Kent Shafer
Douglas R. Smeltz
Star ($100-$249)
Thomas Mertzlufft
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
Robert Pettigrew III
Sally K. Rice
Patricia Ryan
Elizabeth A. Salt
Joseph & Hollace Schmidt
Kendal Cronkhite-Shaindlin
Albert & Louise Siegel
Alan E. & Linda Smith
Dennis & Christina Smith
David & Beckey Stamm
Dr. John & Sally Stefano
Kathryn Stephens
Lois Szudy
Laura Cean Wilson
Marcia Staub
Jon & Joyce Stonebraker
Bruce Storts
Margaret Strosky
Kent Stryker
Madelon Timmons
Janice Townsley
John Volpi
Kenneth Wadkins
David B. & Joyce Shannon
Warner
Matthew & Laurie Whitnack
Sarah Whybrew
Norma F. Worley
Craig & Carol Young
Dr. Michael G. Ziegler
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
The Columbus Foundation
Esther Connors
Beth Daugherty
Mary DeVore
Ramona & James Edman
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
Ron & Mary Armstrong Hooker
Laurie & Troy Johnson
Alyce Douce Elbert
Emily England
Lawrence Friedman
Lisa Gemarro
Joanne Swank Gillum
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
Gary & Barb McKenzie
Ensemble ($10-$49)
Gregory Koltun
Barbara Limbert
Evon Lineburgh
Barbara L. Martin
Terry McFarland
Karen & William Mattes
Helen Wells & Carol D. Miller
Jeffrey Porterfield
LuAnne Shelby
Susan Silbermann
Cathy & Tod Stoessner
Arlene & Robert Stuart
Thomas Mertzlufft
Marvin & Lee Miller
Julia O’Hara
Ann Ottobre
Rebecca Coleman Princehorn & Clay Cormany
David C. & Linda Ray
Paul Ries
Ronald G. & Linda Simpson
Anita Smith
Jane Sprague
Karen Stainbrook
Brenna Stultz & Family
Michele Wilson Toney
Elizabeth Tracy
James & Carol Waugh
Brenna Stultz
James Tarpoff
Mihcelle Toney
Mary Ellen Tyus
Michael J. & Mary Ann Vehonsky
Kay Wagner
Roger L. Wilson
