pride & prejudice
AN ORIGINAL DEVISED PRODUCTION
DIRECTED BY JENNA TAMIMI
Stage Manager....................................................................Fin Bagshaw
Asst. Stage Manager.....................................................Parielle Shapard
Intimacy Director.........................................................Andy Christensen
Movement Director / Choreographer................................Chase Keelin*
Scenic, Projection Designer...................................................Tyler Smith
Costume Designer............................................Amanda Cardwell-Aiken
Asst. Costume Designer..................................................Taylor Andreas
Hair and Make-up Designer................................Ashwini Chandrakanth
Lighting Designer................................................................Larry Larsen
Sound Designer, Composer......................................Judah Frijole Juarez
Marketing Director................................................................Emily Hogan
Marketing Assistant......................................................Ricardo Guevara
Theater Photographer.....................................................Rowan Lowery
*In Partial Fulfillment of the Senior Capstone for the BA in Theater
cast
Amber Rose Beeks*
Am Blank
Paolo Cassara
Jewel Devyldere
Mollie Goldberg
Kayla Matsuoka
Megan Ou
Leah Reed
Zora Richardson
Shane Ruyle
Jacqulynne Sample
Eleanor Sells
Branna Sundy
Lily Wride
*In Partial Fulfillment of the Senior Capstone for the BA in Theater
From the Director,
Initially, the world of Jane Austen’s fiction, with its strict gender roles and heterosexual marriage plots, may seem like a strange place for queer subjects to desire, however, the limited physical manifestations of the straight romances in the novels, gives the reader flexibility, room for queer reworkings, and the potential to imagine different gender scenarios. After all, Austen’s Mr. Darcy does not seem all that different from the stoic, aloof butches many a bookish queer girl pined over. As people who are experienced in the practice of oppositional reading, we are accustomed to feasting on crumbs. What if we claim the very act of longing in Austen’s novels as queer in and of itself? Queer desire lingers in glances from across a ballroom and the seconds before gloved hands touch in a dance. Austen’s liminal space of courtship with its sustained state of wanting and the kink of the brushed by touch of barely revealed skin revels in the possibility of a distinctly queer pleasure. The in-between, be it the time between the beginning and end of a novel, the blurring between then and now, and the dance between the text and the reader’s imagination is ripe with queer potential.
While these stories may not have been explicitly written about us, we can read ourselves into them… Claim them as our own. We do not need to change ourselves to fit into the story or change the story to perfectly reflect ourselves. Through this production we read not just Austen, but also the reader of Austen. This layered reading dwells in duality and dissonance. We invite you to read between the lines with us!
-Jenna Tamimi
Biographies in Alphabetical Order
Fin Bagshaw, they/them (Stage Manager). Theatre has been a crucial part of Fin’s life for over fourteen years and they love sharing this passion with others! Recently, Fin has been seen in UP’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher (Ted), worked as ASM for UP’s Too Much Light…, and was Technical Director, Scenic Designer, and Stage Manager for Do Re Mi School of the Art’s production of Bye Bye Birdie. Additionally, Fin is honored to serve as this year’s VP for University Playhouse Theatre Club. Fin is very thankful for the many opportunities UP Theater provides for them to deepen their knowledge and love for technical theatre!
Amber Rose Beeks, she/her (Ensemble), is a senior Sociology and Performance theater double major from Issaquah, WA. She has been on the stage and behind the scenes at UP for the last three years. With this being her final show and performance capstone at UP she is beyond excited for you to see this production of Pride and Prejudice.
Amanda Cardwell-Aiken, she/they (Costume Designer), the Costume Studio Manager at the University of Portland. Amanda earned her MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Utah State University, building on her BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Oregon. Past Designs: Chekhov! 3 Farces (21Ten), Waiting for Godot (Corrib), Dorothy’s Dictionary (21Ten), Little Shop of Horrors (UFOMT), Pinocchio Teatrale: a New Musical (USU), Spring Awakening (USU), and Into the Breeches! (Lyric Rep). She has also worked with Arizona Opera, Oregon Contemporary
Theatre, Actors Cabaret of Eugene, and Kitchen Theatre Company, among others. This summer she will be at Des Moines Metro Opera. You can follow her creative journey on Instagram @amandaaikendesign or www.amandaaiken.com
Paolo Cassara, he/him (Ensemble), is a senior English major with a minor in writing. Not only is this his first production with University of Portland theater, it is also his first time ever being a part of a show! He is super excited to be involved in this devising process and finds that it is more important than ever to tell these kinds of stories. Outside of classes and theater, he can be found in the library or at his desk writing fantasy—by far, his favorite genre of literature! And he would like to give a special thank you to his family and friends for supporting him all along the way.
Mollie Goldberg, she/they (Ensemble),is a senior theater major with a concentration in performance. Her previous roles include Tiny Tim and Christmas Future in A VHS Christmas Carol, Ana in You Can See All The Stars, and a queer student in The Prom. She is also involved in the UP Playhouse, and has actually worked on a couple devised projects with them in the past. Mollie would like to thank her family and friends for their support, as well as Jenna for allowing her the opportunity to explore the world of Jane Austen and devised storytelling. Mollie hopes you will enjoy her final performance at the UP
Theater before she moves to LA for grad school next fall.
Jae R. Josias, she/her (Wardrobe Manager), is a third year Communications & Media, and Theater double major. This is her seventh theater production and it’s exciting as it’s her first time working in Wardrobe. Previous roles she’s taken up were in stage management for Peter and the Starcatcher and Sanctuary City, and production roles like sound or light board operator on Everybody and The Effect. Jae prides herself in attempting to dip her toes into each department of theater and this role only pushes her further along. In her free time, Jae does arts and crafts, writes, and mostly stresses herself out.
Judah Frijole Juárez, she/her (Sound Designer), is proud to be sound designing again this season. She is studying Arts Administration and Spanish with a minor in Music. Previously at UP she created the sound design for These Shining Lives and Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. When she is not working in the theatre, she is working as a live sound engineer on campus and around Portland.
Larry Larsen, he/him (Lighting Designer), has been involved with theater since 5th grade when he played Schroder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Larry has been the scenic and lighting design faculty for the University’s Theater Program for 31 years. Larry has also served as the Chair of the Department of Performing and Fine Arts and as an Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and is currently the Director of the Theater Program. Larry’s design work for this year includes the lighting for The Effect. Last year’s productions included the lighting for Peter and the Starcatcher, and scenery for These Shining Lives and The Prom. Larry has been working professionally as a scenic
and lighting designer in Portland since 1988 when he moved to town to be the Design Associate for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Portland. His current design work included Five Golden Rings at Broadway Rose Theatre Co., Nordic Fire for Portland Revels for whom he has been the resident scenic designer since 2001, and lights for The Maltese Falcon at Lakewood Theatre Co. Over the years he has designed shows at Artists Repertory Theatre, Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Northwest Children’s Theatre, Mocks Crest Light Opera for which he was the Producing Artistic Director, Portland Actors Conservatory, Portland Civic Theatre, Portland Repertory Theatre, Tygres Heart Shakespeare Company, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival/ Portland. He has an MFA in Theatre Design from the University of Washington.
Thomas Manibusan, he/him (Dresser), is a junior Biology major with Chemistry and Theatre minors, all the way from the beautiful island of Guam! This is my first time exploring the production side of theatre, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see where this journey takes me. Science by day, stage by night!
Riya Mathew, she/they (Sound Board Operator), is a second-year Cell, Molecular, and Biomedical Science Major with a Neuroscience Studies Minor who is passionate about all things performing arts. This is her first time on a technical crew for a production and they're glad their first experience with it gets to be Pride & Prejudice! Most recently at UP, they were the Dramaturg for The Effect and Ensemble in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. You can either find her joyfully singing in Mago Hunt or crying profusely in Swindells Hall over organic chemistry (they love STEM, truly). Either way, she's super excited for you to experience this amazing feat in devising!
Kayla Matsuoka, she/her (Ensemble), is a first-year double major in psychology and arts administration (with a theater emphasis) from San Jose, CA. She loves crocheting 3D amigurumi animals, singing along to musicals, and hanging out with friends. She is a huge extrovert and loves grabbing boba or going on a walk with those around her. She has always loved acting and is continuing her passion here at UP, with her most recent onstage performance being You Can See All The Stars as Kim Barrington. Throughout her onstage career, she has also loved the roles of Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, Clytemnestra from The Oresteia, and Little Becky Two Shoes in Urinetown. However, her love of theater goes beyond the stage, as she has also been a part of tech in a variety of roles, including Assistant Director of Mamma Mia, Stage Manager for Trap, and Assistant Mic Master in Jesus Christ Superstar. She is so glad her love of theater has brought her this amazing UP community, and she hopes the next 3.5 years will be full of fun, joy, and art. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Megan Ou, she/her (Ensemble), is a sophomore OTM major with a Computer Science minor from San Jose, CA. She has spent most of her life performing onstage in theater productions and wind symphonies. When she is not in the theater, Megan enjoys crochet, baking, listening to albums with friends, and spending time outside. Megan
hopes to keep creativity in her life alongside a career in tech after graduation. Pride and Prejudice will be her first performance on the UP Mainstage, and she is grateful for your support. She would like to thank all of her friends and family, both in-state and out of state, for all of their support-they are the reason why she has such a passion for performing arts!
Leah Reed, she/her (Ensemble), is excited to be performing in her last production with a department she’s come to love in her time at UP. She is a senior elementary education major and theatre minor graduating in May. You may recognize her from previous University of Portland Theatre productions including The Prom (Ensemble), Peter and the Starcatcher (ensemble), The Wolves (#2), and How Can I Keep From Singing? (Mary Margaret). She would like to thank her fellow cast and crew for all their hard work putting together this show and for everyone in the audience for coming out and supporting live theatre and seeing the show!
Zora Richardson, she/they (Ensemble), is a third year Theater and Arts Administration major returning to UP after a semester abroad in London. You may have seen her onstage in UP's Everybody, Peter and the Starcatcher, or The Prom, or galavanting around the Portland parks with Original Practice Shakespeare Festival. They also enjoy performing with University Singers,
dabbling in playwriting, and touring Portland coffee shops. She hopes you enjoy the show -- most ardently!
Shane Ruyle, he/him (Ensemble), is a junior political science and social work major. At UP, he has previously been seen in You Can See All the Stars, Twelfth Night, and How Can I Keep From Singing. Later this spring, Shane can also be found in a new play, Life Agent, as part of the Fertile Ground New Works Festival, and Bright Star with Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre. Shane works as a youth care counselor and an organizer in housing mutual aid groups around Portland. He's grateful for this company providing a creative, queer solace in the midst of this world being horrible.
Jacqulynne Sample, she/her (Ensemble), is absolutely delighted to be returning to the UP theater stage. She was last seen in Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind and is so grateful for the opportunity to perform again. When not on stage, she can be seen in University Singers, Chamber Choir or struggling with her math homework in the library. Her passions include being outside in any capacity, wool (the textile) and Chocolate Brownie Thunder ice cream. Jacqulynne would like to thank her parents, her friends and her professors for supporting her. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Ana Seisdedos, she/her (Projection
Operator),
is excited for the audience to see UP’s 2025 production of Pride and Prejudice. Ana is currently pursuing a BA in Theater here at UP with a performance emphasis, although she spends her time working tech on sound, lights, directing, and now projection when she’s not on stage. Continue to look out for her in future performances at UP. She thanks her family and friends for their unconditional support. Eu amo todos vocês. Enjoy Pride and Prejudice!
Eleanor Sells, she/her (Ensemble), is a third year elementary education major on the 3+1 pathway set to graduate this year with her bachelor’s degree. She has enjoyed her time in UP theater these past three years and is grateful for all of the friends and memories she has made along the way. Pride and Prejudice will be her fifth and final performance here at UP. While she is sad to say goodbye, she will always be thankful for the experience she has had on and off stage. She hopes that you enjoy the performance!
Parielle Shapard, she/her (Asst. Stage Manager), is a Vancouver School of Arts and Academics graduate. She is passionate about stage management, photography and directing. She is majoring in Theater, and this will be her second time ASMing at UP and overall fourth show at UP! Enjoy the show :)
Tyler Smith, he/him (Scenic and Projection Design), Tyler Smith is an award winning designer, technical designer, and project manager with a variety of experience in the education, experiential marketing, regional theater, and custom fabrication industries. Tyler earned his MFA in theater technology
from the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign in 2001 and has taught at many large university theater programs including University of Arizona, University of Central Florida and his alma mater, UIUC. He has also served as a LORT Technical Director for Studio Arena Theater and the Milwaukee Rep. His background includes Project Management in the construction industry building performing arts centers, theaters, cafetoriums, concert halls and upgrading safety systems for roller coasters.
Branna Sundy, she/they (Ensemble), hopes you find meaning in this production of Austen’s masterpiece and think about how literature shapes your life. If you recognize her from VHS Christmas Carol, Starcatcher, Twelfth Night, or hiding in the trees listening to Jeff Buckley — no, you didn’t. Free Palestine. Huzzah!
Lily Wride, she/her (Ensemble), is a first year Social Work major with a minor in Music. Pride and Prejudice will be her onstage debut at University of Portland, having previously been a technician for VHS Christmas Carol and The Effect. When not spending her time with the theater program, she is involved in UP's Bel Canto, as well as Social Media Managing for 21ten Theatre. This is her first time on a devising project and she is grateful for the experience. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Theater Faculty
in Alphabetical Order
Andy Christensen Directing
Larry Larsen Theater Design
Mindi Logan Acting and Voice
Gregory Pulver Costume and Makeup Design
Technical Director
Tyler Smith
Costume Studio Manager
Amanda Cardwell-Aiken
Scene Shop
Student Assistants
Costume Shop
Student Assistants
Light Board Operator
Aria Sophia Hroma
Projection Operator
Ana Seisdedos
Sound Board Operator
Riya Mathew
Sound Engineer
Judah Juarez
Wardrobe Manager
Jae R. Josias
Dresser
Thomas Manibusan
Make-up/Hair
Ashwini Chandrakanth
Box Office Manager
Tre Shearer
House Manager
Mindi Logan
Ushers
Itzayana Chavez-Paniagua,
Monae Cuellar,
Fiona Haselton
