Heathers: The Musical
A Note From the Director
Although our production of Heathers is different in many ways, most notably not having an audience, we wouldn’t have wanted to do it any other way. This process was magical and seeing the students be so dedicated to their work was truly inspiring. We were also truly honored to have our production choreographed by Wesley Barnes (Jesus Christ Superstar National Tour) who not only taught our cast the dances but taught them the value of being a kind and genuine person in the theatre. We couldn’t be more proud of the cast and crew of this show and can’t wait for you all to see this impeccably filmed production. We would also like to thank Kay Collins, a senior Theatre Production major, for planning the filming, and editing the final cuts to perfection.
This version of Heathers that we put on was with the script and songs from the West End production so there are some new, and different songs from the original Broadway cast recording that you may know. One of the more important new songs is the song “You’re Welcome” which replaced the original number “Blue”. We were very receptive to this change and wanted to include a statement from the writers of the show for you all to read.
“Unlike “Blue,” “You’re Welcome” doesn’t shy away from showing that Veronica is in real danger from these two drunk football assholes. In “Blue”, Veronica says about three words total. In "You're Welcome” she gets to articulate her fear and her dilemma, and then she gets to solve her problem and score a victory over her tormentors.”
Along with this replacement we made sure that our production got to show the real manipulative nature of JD with Veronica regaining her power super strongly with the song “I Say No”, which is also an addition from the West End production. As we continually try to show in Gundlach Theatre, art is a way to show and express real life situations and hopefully Shine a Light on some issues that we might not always know about. Hopefully none of us have, or will have to, deal with most of the intense situations in this show but we always try to find truth in our performances and we hope that you see the actors’ hard work and determination to give you an authentic performance.
-Stephen Svoboda, Director
-Bri Clark, Assistant Director
-Solana Petrone, Assistant Director
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Cast List
Principle Characters
Veronica ............................................................................................ Caira Goldstein
Heather Chandler .................................................................................. Paige Hood
Heather McNamara ...................................................................... Kamryn Mohney
Heather Duke ................................................................................... Ashley Dawson
JD ........................................................................................................ Zach Abraham
Martha Dunstock .................................................................................... Lo Jackson
Ram Sweeney ................................................................................... Caleb Goldstein
Mrs. Flemming/Veronica's Mom ..................................................... Jasmine Ridler
Ram's Dad/Principal Gowan/Veronica's Dad ................................. Gavin Buurma
Kurt's Dad/Big Bud Dean/Coach Ripper ...................................... Garrett Hummel
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Female Ensemble
Stoner Chick/US Heather McNamara ............................................... Riley Gibson
New Wave Girl/US Heather Duke .................................................. Lizzie Bowman
Young Republicanette/US Heather Chandler .............................. Gretta Griesbach
US Martha Dunstock ................................................................................ Lexi Lang
US Veronica .......................................................................................... Natalie Joritz
US Mrs. Flemming/Veronica's Mom ................................................. Elayna Brock
Bri Clark
Chantress Dewitt
Krista Hagans
Elise Hill
Jordan Kline
Hannah Schoen
Katherine Stalnaker
Angelique LeMaster
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Male Ensemble
Hipster Dork/US Ram & Kurt .......................................................... Jadon Muniz
Beleaguered Geek/US Ram's Dad ....................................................... Ben Pollizi
Preppy Stud .................................................................................... Ben Neiberlein
US Kurt's Dad ...................................................................................... Nick Talion
Gage Hill
Isaac Hulbert
Jack Mills
Production/Creative Team
Director ........................................................................................ Stephen Svoboda
Assistant Director ....................................................... Bri Clark & Solana Petrone
Stage Manager ............................................................................. Allison Gonzales
Assistant Stage Manager .......................................................... Taylor Richardson
Music Director ................................................................................... David Cotter
Assistant Music Director ................................................................ Elias Rousculp
Pianist .............................................................................................. Jason Belanger
Choreographer ................................................................................ Wesley Barnes
Dance Captain ............................................................................... Lizzie Bowman
Lighting Designer ................................................................................. Daisy Long
Master Electrician ................................................................................. Ben Pollizi
Spotlight Operator .............................................................................. Chris Sgalla
Sound Designer/Board Operator ...................................................... Anna Gerber
Film Designer ...................................................................................... Chris Sgalla
Costume Designer .............................................................................. David Cotter
Assistant Costume Designer ............................................................. Isaac Hulbert
Hair & Makeup ..................................................................................... James Ogle
Scenic Designer ........................................................................... Theron Wineinger
Scenic Charge ........................................................................................... Bri Clark
Deck Hand ........................................................................................... Jordan Kline
Props Master ...................................................................................... Tristan Goerk
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Meet the Cast
Zach Abraham is a freshman at Heidelberg University this spring. He is currently pursuing a degree in both Musical Theatre as well as Business Administration. Zach is also a member of the Concert Choir on Campus. He is excited for everyone in the audience to witness what is set to be the most “interesting” performances he has had the honor of being in. Zach would like to thank his many supporters in Marion, as well as his musical theatre family here in Tiffin. Zach wishes everyone to break a leg with Heathers: The Musical!
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Lizzie Bowman is a third year student at Heidelberg University, majoring in Musical Theatre and History with a minor in Literature. In the past she has been in, The Music Man (Mrs. Squires), Mamma Mia! (Chorus), Cabaret (Rosie), Oedipus Rex (Chorus), She Kills Monsters (Agnes) and Freaky Friday (Gretchen) and Dance Nation (Sofia). Lizzie has also been a production member in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and The Penguin Tango.
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Elayna Brock is a sophomore musical theatre major at Heidelberg University, she has appeared as the Sphinx in Oedipus, Joan in Fun Home, Torrey in Freaky Friday, Ashlee in Dance Nation, and an ensemble member in Heathers. Elayna is excited to be back on the stage once again this year, but she couldn’t do it without the love and support of her friends and family. She also wants to thank the amazing cast and crew for the hard work and dedication.
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Gavin Buurma is a Junior Musical Theatre major, with a minor in Business Administration and Theatre Education from Willard, Ohio. He has performed in various productions at Heidelberg including Mamma Mia!, The Music Man, The Penguin Tango, Shakespeare's Macbeth, Cabaret, Fun Home, Puffs, and Elf. Gavin is a member of the Hei-Notes and a Student Ambassador. He would like to thank his friends and family, especially his mom, for all of their support. The cast and crew have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic and he is very excited for everyone to see this show!
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Bri Clark is a sophomore Musical Theater major and is on track to get her MBA. She has participated in theatrical shows pretty much her whole life. Bri has been in multiple shows here at Heidelberg including Cabaret, Oedipus, She Kills Monsters, Freaky Friday, and Elf. Bri is excited for her future here at Heidelberg as well as what will follow once she graduates.
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Sean Cook is a freshman here at Heidelberg University. He is double majoring in Musical Theatre and Business. Sean is stoked to be a part of the shows and to meet new people. He can’t wait for you to see what the cast has been working on these past few weeks.
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Ashley C. Dawson is a senior double major in Music and Theatre. After transferring from Baltimore, MD, Ashley made her debut on Gundlach’s stage as Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man. More recently, she was seen as Vera in She Kills Monsters, Ms. Meyers/Officer Sitz in Disney's Freaky Friday, a featured ensemble member in Cabaret, Athenian Chorus Leader in Lysistrata, and as a soloist in The Jeff Blumenkrantz Songbook Festival. In her down time, Ashley runs musical theater summer camps and after school drama programs for Charm City Players and Geary Family YMCA. She would like to extend special thanks to all of the people who have made this journey possible: family, friends, faculty, and mentors. Thank you for an amazing three years.
Chantress DeWitt is a freshman Musical Theatre major, with a minor in business and theatre education. Chantress is from Cardington, OH and attended Cardington-Lincoln High School. This is her third production here at Heidelberg. She was in the ensemble for Elf and was part of the production team for Puffs. Chantress would like to thank her cast and crew members for making this production so special. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their support.
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Riley Gibson is a junior at Heidelberg University majoring in musical theatre. She has participated in 14 productions throughout her middle school, high school, and college career. At Heidelberg, she has been in The Music Man, Macbeth, Mamma Mia!, Cabaret, She Kills Monsters, Freaky Friday, Elf and Dance Nation. She has also been in Titanic at The Ritz Theatre. She has worked production on the shows Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Penguin Tango, and Dog Sees God. She also has assisted-directed the shows Lysistrata, Oedipus and Elf.
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Caira Goldstein is a Senior at Heidelberg University. She is a Musical Theatre major. She was previously in Elf, Fun Home, Lysistrata, Oedipus Rex, Macbeth, Music Man, Cabaret, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Mamma Mia!, Sister Act, A Grand Night for Singing, and acted/assistant directed/choreographed Dance Nation. She was also the assistant director for Freaky Friday. She performed in the masterclasses of Tom Cippulo and Jeff Blumenkrantz here at Heidelberg and directed a Drew Gasparini album review. Caira thanks you for supporting our program and hopes you enjoy the show!
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Caleb Goldstein is a Freshman musical theatre major at Heidelberg University. This is his Fifth performance at Heidelberg and is excited to be involved in the program. He was in past productions of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Footloose, and The Pajama Game at Oak Harbor High School and Genoa Community Theatre and he has been in Freaky Friday, Elf, Dog Sees God, and I Could Use A Drink at Heidelberg. He hopes you enjoy the show.
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Gretta Griesbach is a sophomore Theatre Major here at Heidelberg University. She has been performing in productions all throughout middle school and high school. She has performed on the Heidelberg stage in She Kills Monsters, Freaky Friday, Elf, and Dog Sees God. Gretta is super excited to be back acting on the stage and would like to thank everyone for their support for this production! She wants to especially thank the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication towards this amazing show!
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Krista Hagans is a freshman musical theatre major from Dayton, Ohio. She graduated from Northridge high school, and is very excited for everyone to see the show!
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Elise Hill is no stranger to the theatre as she has been involved in more than 30 productions both on and off stage. Elise is currently a freshman here at Heidelberg majoring in Musical Theatre. Her favorite role she has played is Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages, directed by Stephen Svoboda and David Cotter. Her most memorable role is Oaken in Frozen Jr, directed by Floyd Collins. Both of these shows take place at the Fremont Community Theatre. She is extremely excited to be working with such wonderful people this semester. You can follow her on any social media platform @eamh_drama “I just want to lie on the beach and eat hot dogs. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” – Kevin Malone, The Office
Gage Hill is a freshman musical theatre major from Clyde, Ohio. In the past he has performed in shows at Clyde High School, Bellevue Society for the Arts, and at Heidelberg University. He has been in Seussical the Musical, Guys and Dolls, End of the World (With Prom to Follow), Game of Tiaras, Beauty and the Beast, and Freaky Friday. He is so excited to be back to performing and hopes he can help people to forget about everything serious about the world.
Paige Hood is currently a Junior at Heidelberg University where she is A Pre-Med and musical theater double major. Heather’s will be Paige’s 8th performance for HU Theater. Paige studied voice and theater at the Beck Center of the Arts for 10 years. Paige’s past performances include Cinderella (Cinderella), Pippin ( Fastrada), Mary Poppins (Winifred Banks ), The Music Man, Macbeth, Mamma Mia!, The Penguin Tango (Gomez), Cabaret (Texas), Oedipus (Jocasta), and Freaky Friday (Savannah). Paige is also a National Anthem performer and has performed at Progressive Field, Lake Erie Crushers Stadium, 4th of July Avon Lake Celebration and the Ohio Fallen Police/Firefighters Memorial. Paige was lead vocalist for The Frats rock band, finalists in the 2017 Cleveland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Rock Off. Paige is thrilled to be performing in Heathers and would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support.
Isaac Hulbert has always been fascinated with productions of all kinds on and off stage. Now that he is here at Heidelberg University, he is able to live out his dreams on the stage. Isaac is honored for the opportunity to participate in this show.
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Garrett Hummel is a Freshman transfer student who majors in theatre and enjoys singing and acting and hopes to make a career out of it.
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Lo Erin Jackson is an MBA student at Heidelberg University. Some of her favorite credits include Jo March in Little Women, Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act, Marian Paroo in The Music Man, and Rosie Mulligan in Mamma Mia! Lo is an alumni of Zeta Theta Psi, Rho Eta Delta, and Alpha Psi Omega. She is incredibly grateful that she gets to perform in this spectacular role in one of her final shows at Heidelberg. Lo would like to thank the entire Heidelberg theatre community, especially Stephen and David, for their support and love over the past four years. She would also like to congratulate her best friend Caira, for being a superstar on and offstage!
Natalie Joritz is a freshman musical theatre major from Garfield Heights, Ohio. She is thrilled to be able to perform in one of her favorite shows yet again. This past year, Natalie was in Freaky Friday and Elf, and was the stage manager for Dance Nation. Outside of theatre, Natalie is a member of Hei-Notes, and is in the Alpha Lambda Delta program. Her love goes out to her family for always believing in her, her friends for all their support, and the creative team for giving her a chance to shine her light. Enjoy the show!
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Jordan Kline is a junior here at Heidelberg. She is a psychology major with a theater minor. She is part of the chorus for this production of Heathers. This is Jordan’s seventh show here at Heidelberg, but the fourteenth show overall. Previous shows at Heidelberg include The Music Man, Mamma Mia!, Oedipus, Lysistrata, Puffs, and Dance Nation. She would like to thank those who have helped her along the way and continue to support her going forward.
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Lexi Lang is a freshman who is double majoring in Musical Theater and adolescent/young adult education. In the past, she has participated in the Saginaw Choral Society, Thespians, Philharmonic Orchestra, and she co-founded the ASL Club at her high school. She has also been in 20 productions, including Heidelberg's fall shows: Freaky Friday and Elf. She is excited to participate in her third HU show!
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Angelique LeMaster is a freshman theatre major here at Heidelberg University. She has been in many productions including The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, The Drowsy Chaperone, Oliver!, The Great Gatsby, Legally Blonde, Frozen Jr, and was supposed to be Marian in her high school production of The Music Man before the shut down. This will be her second show as a Heidelberg student and she is so excited for the next four years!
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Jack Mills is a freshmen musical theatre major. He has performed in Heidelberg’s production’s of Freaky Friday, Elf, and he was Luke in Dance Nation. He will also be a part of the upcoming show, 9 to 5, as Josh. He is a part of Heinotes. Jack is thrilled to be a part of this production of Heathers: The Musical at Heidelberg. He wants to thank his friends and family for their continuous support. He would also like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication. Hope you enjoy the show!
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Kamryn Mohney is an accounting and musical theater double major at Heidelberg University. Kamryn is a second year student and debuted on the Gundlach Theatre stage as Fraulein Kost in Cabaret as a freshman. A few other roles Kamryn has enjoyed while being at Heidelberg, is Medium Allison in Fun Home and Ellie Blake in Freaky Friday. She is a part of Hei Notes here on campus. Kamryn would love to thank her friends and family for all of their support. Kamryn has been involved with theater since the seventh grade and is delighted to continue her journey at Heidelberg.
Jadon Muniz is a freshman this year at Heidelberg University. He is majoring in Musical Theatre as well as Business. Jadon is so excited to be a part of this amazing production with all these amazing people. He would like to thank Stephen and David for being so amazing during the production process. He would also like to thank his parents and brother for their constant love and support.
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Benjamin Neiberlein is a freshman from Hudson, Ohio, majoring in Theatre at Heidelberg University. He was the Assistant Stage Manager for Dance Nation. He has been in productions before at his local hometown theatre, Young Actors Studio including productions of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Mamma Mia!, and Aladdin. This is his second production at Heidelberg. His favorite roles were Count Dracula and Sweeney Todd. When not on stage, he enjoys painting and playing piano.
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Ben Pollizi is a sophomore musical theater major and he is thrilled to be back on the Gundlach stage! This semester he has been seen as Beethoven in Dog Sees God and Oliver in Puffs. He also served as the master electrician for all shows this semester. He hopes you enjoy the show!
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Jasmine Ridler is a junior, Theatre, and History double major with a Business and Theatre Education minor. She is honored and elated to be returning to the stage to play Ms. Fleming/ Veronica’s Mom. Previously, she had an exciting directorial debut with the Charlie Brown rework play Dog Sees God. Following her debut, Jasmine worked as the Assistant Director and Dramaturg for Puffs: Seven Increasingly Interesting Years at a Certain School of Magic. She has also recently been noted for her acting work as Deb in Elf the Musical and her production work as Assistant Music Director and understudy for Ellie in Freaky Friday. Her next role will be to play Roz in the long awaited Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5. Outside of theatre, Jasmine is the President of Berg Allies, the Founder and President of the Body Positivity Club, Game Master of Make-A-Scene Improv Comedy Troupe, a Euglossian Society Corollary member, Member of the theatre honorary Alpha Psi Omega, and a proud member of her sorority Kappa Psi Omega. She would like to thank Stephen Svoboda and David Cotter for their belief in her and passion for helping her grow. And she would like to thank her partner Em Swain for their love and support.
Hannah Schoen is a Junior musical theatre major at Heidelberg. Since coming to Heidelberg she has done The Music Man, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, The Penguin Tango, Lysistrata, Oedipus, She Kills Monsters, Elf, Puffs, and now Heathers. She has also been involved in Hei-notes, has worked wardrobe and designing in previous shows, and is a member Alpha Psi Omega. She hopes to continue to learn more about acting, singing, and costume design in the future here at Heidelberg. Thank you and enjoy the show!
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Kathryn Stalnaker is a Sophomore here at Heidelberg University. She is an Early Childhood Education and Intervention Special Major. She is a part of the ensemble for this production of Heathers. This is Kathryn’s first show here at Heidelberg, but 4th show overall. She would like to thank all of those that have always supported her and continue to support her.
Nick Talion is a sophomore at Heidelberg and is so excited to return to Gundach for yet another production! He has been in previous productions here at Gundlach such as Cabaret (Ernst), Lysistrata (Cinesias), She Kills Monsters (Miles), and Dog Sees God (CB). He would like to thank his friends and family for all the support and for helping him make it this far, as well as the entire cast and the directors for making this show a memorable one!
Meet the Production/Creative Team
Wesley J. Barnes is a Los Angeles Native who started his career at a young age as a member of the Kennedy Tap Company, performing at countless events such as the PBS Annual Holiday special, NAACP Image awards, Michael Jackson's 45th Birthday, The Jerry Lewis Telethon, dancing for Fergie, Tony Bennet, tours and more. After Graduating college at Concordia University Irvine with a degree in Theatre performance and communications studies, he moved to New York city and began working as a musical theater performer. Blessed to work with Broadway greats like Andre DeSheilds, Graciella Daniell, Carolee Carmello, Andrea Burns, Christopher Durang and more. Favorite credits include, the 50th Anniversary National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, Newsies, In the Heights, Godspell, The Scottsboro Boys, Hairspray, Grand Hotel, and Mamma Mia. When not performing, Wesley loves pouring into other performers and helping them be the best they can be by providing a safe space to discover their full potential. Teaching everything from college level to elementary level, teaching/coaching brings him just as much joy as being on stage. Wesley is currently accepting students for virtual sessions in all areas. Instagram: Wesjbarnes Facebook: Wesley J. Barnes www.wesleyjbarnes.com
Jason Belanger is a currently-nomadic music director and pianist from Fayetteville, NY. He graduated from Hofstra University in 2018 with BA’s in Drama and Psychology. Since then, he has been seen across the country touring with Spamalot the Musical (Keys 2/Asst. Cond.), interning with the Muny in St. Louis and Transcendence Theatre Company in Sonoma, and working on various projects in NYC. Huge thank you to Stephen and David for their tireless work and endless kindness, and much love to his family and Chris!
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Lizzie Bowman is a third year student at Heidelberg, majoring in Musical Theatre and History with a minor in Literature. While attending Heidelberg, Lizzie has functioned as dance captain for Freaky Friday, and 9 to 5. Lizzie is very excited to be working with Wesley!
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Bri Clark is a sophomore Musical Theater major and is on track to get her MBA. She has participated in theatrical shows pretty much her whole life. Bri has been scenic charge for Freaky Friday, Elf, Puffs, Dance Nation, and Heathers. She is now one of the assistant directors of Heathers and is grateful for the experience she has gained.
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David Cotter previously served as the Managing Artistic Director of Town Hall Theatre, the only theatre in Dayton, Ohio, exclusively presenting work for young audiences. While at Town Hall Theatre, David oversaw the redevelopment of the education programs, developed programming for adults with special needs, and created and implemented a facilities upgrade plan for the theatre which included new lighting, sound and audience seating upgrades. David was the Director of Education at The Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse, N.Y. where he oversaw a $3.2 million education collaboration program that focused arts integration and collaboration with students in the Syracuse City School District. In addition, he oversaw programming that included the Rock Camp experience, programming for adults with special needs and communications training for graduate and doctoral students in the medical fields. David is a certified music educator in Ohio and New York and spent time in the middle school classroom. David is a frequent presenter at conferences, which include the Southeastern Theatre Conference, American Alliance for Theatre Education, Florida Theatre Conference and Tedx. He is an avid musical theatre performer, director, and music director.
Allison Gonzales is a junior studying theatre with a concentration in production and theatre education. She is the stage manager for Heathers and she will also be stage manager for 9 to 5. She has stage managed Puffs and Dog Sees God already this semester. She also helps with the set building and painting during this show. Allison would like to thank her amazing director, cast and crew for working so hard on this production and also her family for always supporting her.
Isaac Hulbert has been fascinated with the production world since he was a child. While everyone was looking at stories for comic book heroes and other productions no and off-screen. Isaac was looking at the costumes and trying to figure out how to do that himself. So being able to be here as a costume assistant is a dream come true.
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Kay Kaleka is a senior technical production major. She is looking to further her career in tour management as well as videography. Previous shows she has been a part of include assistant directing Fun Home, directed by Caitlyn Oenbrink as well as Stage managing The Curious incident of the dog in the nighttime. In the past Kay has done stage management, assistant directing as well as served as a wardrobe intern at Barrington stage Co. where she worked on The Royal Family of Broadway. Kay is looking towards the future looking to continue video work, she was honored to have this opportunity to film Heathers.
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James Ogle is a senior Musical theatre major here at Heidelberg University. He has been styling wigs for 3+ years. His Heidelberg wigs/makeup credits are: The Music Man, Macbeth, The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Nighttime, Mamma Mia!, Cabaret, and Freaky Friday to name a few. He worked for Des Moines Metro Opera as an intern for their summer festival in the summer of 2019 and will be returning this summer as Wigs/Makeup Artisan staff position. He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued support.
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Solana Petrone is a sophomore Musical Theatre major here at Heidelberg and is thrilled to be back to making beautiful art through the pandemic. She has previously appeared in Cabaret (Kit Kat Dancer, Trumpet), Oedipus (chorus), Lysistrata (Old Woman), and Dance Nation (Zuzu) and is so excited to continue her theatre career at Heidelberg. She would like to thank Stephen for giving her this opportunity to try her hand at directing.
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Ben Pollizi is a sophomore musical theatre major and currently serves as the master electrician for the theater program! He began learning about lighting during his freshman year and is so thankful to have the chances to continue to learn more and develop his abilities. He hopes you enjoy the show!
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Taylor Richardson is a Junior Acting and English Writing Major and Theatre Education Minor. Heathers is her second time working as ASM; previously she has worked as Hair and Makeup Designer for Oedipus, Lysistrata, and Puffs. She has also been seen onstage as Megan Jones in Puffs, Grandma/Others in Freaky Friday, and Myrrhine in Lysistrata. Enjoy the show!
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Mandy Sharier is a Senior psychology and religion major with a writing minor. She has been involved in the production team doing props since she started at Heidelberg and has had the pleasure to work on shows including The Music Man, Cabaret and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Sky. Mandy would like to thank everyone for their support of the department and she hopes you enjoy the show!
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Stephen Svoboda is currently an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Heidelberg University, where he teaches coursework in acting, script analysis, musical theatre direction, play direction, theatre history and criticism. He is responsible for curriculum and course development in The School of Music & Theatre as well as being responsible for the artistic and programmatic development of Gundlach Theatre. He served as the Executive Artistic Director of the Redhouse Arts Center from 2011-2016. Previously, he served as the Executive Artistic Director of the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y. While at the Redhouse Arts Center, Stephen developed unique partnerships with a variety of organizations throughout the state, including a multi-million-dollar contract with the Syracuse City Schools that made The Redhouse the regional leader in arts education and integration. In addition, while at the Redhouse he created a repertory company of artists, designers and community members that enabled him to produce, in a typical year, over 16 productions, 300 classes and cultivate relationships with communities typically underserved by arts including urban youth and families and adults with disabilities. Prior to working in regional arts centers, Stephen taught at the University of Miami, where his students and colleagues ranked him as one of the best teachers in the College of Arts and Sciences. He created a BFA in Playwriting and Directing track that focused on developing young dramatists through devising, growing, and staging new works, while celebrating the great diversity of student voices.
His play, Odysseus Died from AIDS, was developed in Miami and received its world premiere at the New York International Fringe Festival, where the production was awarded “Best Ensemble.“ Odysseus Died from AIDS was published in the anthology Plays and Playwrights 2005, by the New York Theatre Experience, and received its international premiere in 2007 in Athens, Greece with a subsequent production in Seoul, South Korea in 2008. In March 2011, the Red House production of Odysseus DOA had a limited engagement run at Theatre Row Studios in NYC. Odysseus DOA had its regional premiere in 2012 at Connecticut Repertory Theatre, where the production was awarded “Best Play in Connecticut” by Broadway World. The Penguin Tango, premiered at the 2006 New York International Fringe Festival in The Actor’s Playhouse. The production was awarded “Best of the Festival” and extended as part of the Fringe Encore Series in the Lion Theater at Theatre Row. It was recently revived and revised on the Redhouse stage as part of the 2014-2015 season. Reconstructing Mama, a new musical written with N. David Williams, premiered Off Broadway at The Theatre Row Studios in August 2006. Stephen works internationally with The Harambe Project to help do HIV/AIDS education and prevention and orphan care throughout Africa.
Theron Wineinger is a New York-based scenic designer. He is delighted to make his debut with Heidelberg University. Recent Designs: Sylvia and The 39 Steps (Summer Repertory Theatre, CA), The Giant Hoax (Theatre Row, NYC), Aida and Billy Elliot (Weathervane Playhouse, OH), A Man’s World (Williamstown Theatre Festival, MA), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (The Carnegie, KY). BFA in Scenic Design from University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Winner, USITT’s Oren Parker Undergraduate Scene Design Award. Instagram: @theron._ and Website: www.TheronWineinger.com