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Company Bios
Jim Archuleta
Archulta
Bryan Austermann
Bryan Austermann is excited to be back at OAT! OAT: Little Shop of Horrors (Orin) Tour: The Sound of Music (Elberfeld, Captain U/S). Off-Broadway: The Christians (Choir) at Playwrights Horizons. Off-Off-Broadway: Votes. Regional: Matilda (Miss Trunchbull), Forever Plaid (Jinx), Legally Blonde (Warner), The Bridges of Madison County (Michael). Cruise Ships: Disney Cruise Line - Beauty and the Beast (Baker, Gaston U/S), Disney's Believe (Prince Charming, Merlin), Holland America Line - Principal Vocalist. BFA from NYU Tisch. Many thanks to Blane and everyone at OAT for having me and to my family and friends for their continued support. Proud member of AEA. Pass It On. bryanaustermann.com @bryanaustermann
Austemann
Chelsea Bannan
Chelsea Bannan is a Western Michigan University graduate of 2018 with a BFA in Theatre Design and Technical Production with a focus in Lighting and Costumes. She found her passion for costumes after graduation while working wardrobe at a local roadhouse. She has worked as a Costume Apprentice at the Arizona Opera, a Costume Intern at Florida Studio Theatre as well as an Assistant Costumer at Casaday Costume Company. She plans to attend a grad program in the near future to further advance her craft and stitching skills.
Bannan
Cindy Beger
Beger
Brenna Bishop
Bishop
Lyndsi Blakely
Blakely
Emily Canter
Emily Canter is from Rushville Illinois and is a rising senior at Illinois Wesleyan University she is pursuing a BFA in Theatre Design & Technology with a focus in Stage Management. Emily’s previous credits include Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Stage Manager), Stage Door (Stage Manager), Head Over Heels (Assistant Stage Manager), Wilderness (Assistant Stage Manager), and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Assistant Stage Manager). She is very excited to be a part of this company, and she would like to thank all of her family and friends who have supported her along the way.
Canter
Carter Chance
Carter is extremely proud to be joining the cast of Mamma Mia! Carter lives in Vichy with his family and will be a Junior at Rolla High School. Carter first appeared on stage at the age of eight as Uncle Henry in his school’s, The Wizard of Oz. Carter has also been involved in Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid Jr., and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Carter is actively involved in the Rolla High School’s Theater Department and is a current member of the Thespian Club. He wants to thank his family for all their love and support. He also thanks his high school drama teacher, Mrs. McNeven, for all the encouragement.
Chance
Jaydin Cooper
Jaydin Cooper is very excited to be joining OAT’s production of Mamma Mia! as a member of the ensemble! She is an incoming senior at Rolla High School and is planning to attend Missouri State University in Springfield with a major in Speech and Theatre Education! She has been previously seen in Cedar Street Player’s production of A Christmas Story as Miss Shields, as well as Rolla High School’s productions of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown(Lucy), The Little Mermaid Jr(Flounder), The Addams Family Musical(Wednesday), and The Importance of Being Earnest(Cecily). Jaydin is also an active member of Rolla’s Thespian Society, and was Vice President this past school year! She would like to thank her Nana Connie for introducing her to theatre and supporting her along her journey.
Cooper
Grayson Crosby
Grayson Crosby(He/Him) is currently studying Theater design and production at Salisbury University. An actor and cabaret performer most of his life Grayson began to include technical production work when beginning his college career. Grayson most recently acted in the workshop production of The Next Big Thing and acted and did tech for the university production of Mama Mia !. Past work has included set and technical work on shows such as : The Sermon, Medea, Vera Stark, and assistant video designing of a production of Love and Information . Grayson is excited for the opportunity to work with OAT this summer
Crosby
Abram Cutshall
Abram Cutshall is a recent graduate of the Dobbins Conservatory of Theater and Dance with his BFA in Acting. He is performing in the ensemble of MAMMA MIA! and is also serving as an acting intern for the summer. This is Abram's first time performing with Ozark Actors Theatre and he is so grateful for this opportunity and the people he's met as a result of OAT. He would like to thank all his friends and family for their constant and unwavering support. Following his time here, Abram will be relocating to Chicago to pursue improv comedy with The Second City. You can follow his journey on his Instagram: Abram.Cutshall
Cutshall
Trevor Dorner
Trevor Dorner is thrilled to be making his Ozark Actors Theatre debut! Originally from Toledo OH, he moved to New York City after graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ohio Northern University. Favorite credits include: Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet (National Tour), The Suspects in Murder for Two (Gretna Theatre), Malcolm in The Full Monty (Engeman Theatre), and at Ohio Northern University: Guido Contini in Nine, Bobby in Company, and Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone. So excited to be spending some of the summer in Rolla! www.trevordorner.com Instagram: @trevordorner
Dorner
Kevin Edwards
Kevin Edwards is thrilled to work with the amazing crew and casts assembled for OAT's 35th summer season. This will be Kevin's 11th, 12th, and 13th summer season productions, as Padre in Mamma Mia!, Ernie in Rumors, and George in The Great Gatsby. Kevin thank yous for supporting the theater with your presence!
K Edwards
Olivia Edwards
Olivia is excited to be back in the costume shop at OAT! She was previously a part of the backstage magic for Always, Patsy Cline, Little Shop of Horrors, and A Christmas Story. When she isn’t stitching for the stage, Olivia likes to draw, play video games, write short stories, and snuggle with her cat. She is currently working towards earning her bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing through Missouri State University. She thanks her family and friends for their continual support this summer.
O Edwards
Jessica Frank
Frank
Jenna Gove
Jenna is honored to be a part of OAT’s 35th summer season. Since she first ran around the stage as a rotten little orphan in Annie (2001), OAT has been an integral part of Jenna’s life and career. OAT costume design credits include Always, Patsy Cline and Little Shop of Horrors, Mary Poppins, Our Town, My Fair Lady, and On Golden Pond. She is now based in the Philadelphia area, serving as the costume shop manager for Swarthmore College’s departments of theatre and dance, as well as freelancing as a designer and technician for companies in Philly, such as the Bearded Ladies and PRISM. She holds an MFA in Costume Design from Michigan State University. Love and thanks to her parents, grandparents, and Chris.
Gove
Korey Harlow
Korey Harlow (He/Him) originally hailing from southern Virginia, he studied voice and dance at Wright State and Bowling Green State Universities; and is now based in New York City. Past notable credits include Mamma Mia (Sky), The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric), 42nd Street (Andy Lee), La Cage Aux Folles (Phaedra), and Kinky Boots (Angel). Big thanks to his family and friends, his agent Brian with HKA, his voice teacher Barnaby, and the entire staff and team with Ozark Actor’s Theatre! You can find Korey on Instagram @korey.harlow
Harlow
Jennifer Hopkins
Hopkins
Jeff Horger
Jeff Horger is delighted to be spending his July in Rolla. He previously collaborated with OAT as the music director for their 2019 production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Jeff has acted professionally in New York, Colorado, and Havana. He has acted unprofessionally in several more places. Jeff would like to give a warm shout out to his Horger, Harris, and Woosley groupies, who continue to provide him with an unending supply of love and support. Thank you to everyone who did their part to combat the COVID 19 pandemic, which allowed his niece Janey to play outside with her friends more often and learn to ride her bike. Heartfelt thanks to Suzanne for coffee, online gaming, and all the other stuff – your unrelenting ambition to one day introduce me to TikTok and Reddit is an inspiration to us all!
Horger
Kennedy Jones
Kennedy Jones(Male Teen Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of Mamma Mia! Kennedy has done a number of community theatre shows with Fine Linen Theatre and OAT, but this is his first professional show! His favorite roles include: Crutchie (Newsies), Lord Pinkelton (Cinderella), and Fred (Cheaper by the Dozen), and has done two shows with OAT in the past. Starring as Michael(Elf) and Skut Firkus (A Christmas Story). He is also a part of OAT’s touring revue OAT Jr, and was a part of the Power of Theatre Concert with Tony-award nominee Taylor Louderman! He also competes in dance competitions with Stonecrest Dance Center. Kennedy would like to thank his friends and family.
K Jones
Alorah Jones
A Jones
Jenna Kantor
Jenna Kantor is happy to perform with Ozark Actors Theatre for the first time. Past shows include Rizzo in Grease, Betty in Great American Trailer Park Musical, Velma in Chicago, Paulette in Legally Blonde, Maria in Lend me a Tenor, and Vicki in The Full Monty, Pennywise in Urinetown, Betty Blast in Footloose, Logainne in Spelling Bee, Martha Cox in High School Musical, Alaura Kingsley in City of Angels, and Cruella DeVille for Disney. Outside of theatre, Jenna is a performing arts physical therapist with her practice, Jenna Kantor Physical Therapy and loves working with her singers, actors, and dancers. Jenna would like to thank her husband, Ryan, family, friends, and cats, Uhny and Diwichi. www.jennakantor.com
Kantor
Madison Kastner
Madison has been doing both the acting and technical sides of theatre for years. She has worked on costumes for The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, The Diary of Anne Frank, It's a Wonderful Life, Hello Dolly, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Legally Blonde the Musical. She has performed in The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma!, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Frankenstein A Radio Play, Heathers the Musical, The Last Five Years, and Legally Blonde the Musical. Madison is a student at Missouri University of Science and Technology and is an active member of the Miner Theatre Guild. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Kastner
Madison Kauffman
Madison Kauffman-Rosie (Mamma Mia) / Claire (Rumors) is over the moon to be spending the summer at Ozark Actors Theatre! Chicago Credits include: The Secret of my Success & Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Paramount Theatre), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) Heathers the Musical (Kokandy Productions), A Christmas Carol & James and the Giant Peach (Drury Lane Oakbrook); NYC & Regional Credits: A Taste of Things to Come (Broadway in Chicago), Numbers Nerds (NYMF), Grease (Casa Manana). BFA Musical Theatre (Millikin University) and is proudly represented by Gray Talent Group. Madison would like to thank Tim, Jen, and the OAT team for this wonderful opportunity, as well as Ben and her family for their endless love and support as she conquers her dreams! Enjoy the show and thank you for supporting live theatre!
Kauffman
Peter Kendall
Peter Kendall (Sam Carmichael) - Theatre: VANYA, SONIA, MASHA AND SPIKE (Spike) Half Moon Theatre, DRACULA (Arthur Holmwood) & THE GHOST TRAIN (Richard Winthrop) Centenary Stage Company, Norwegian Cruise Lines. Film/TV: JULIUS CAESAR (Julius Caesar), HOTBED OF HATE, TRUE CRIME W/ APHRODITE JONES, MYSTERIES AT THE MUSEUM. Much love and thanks to OAT, his fiancé Katie, and Brian with The Hell's Kitchen Agency.
Kendall
JoshuaDerrick Kenebrew
JoshuaDerrick Kenebrew is currently studying Musical Theatre at Western Illinois University. He has been doing theatre for most of his life and plans on continuing to do so. The most recent roles he has played are: Grimsby in The Little Mermaid, Scarecrow in The Wiz, and Gerald in Welcome to Matteson. Joshua would like to thank his friends and family who have supported his passion from day one. He is excited to have the opportunity to work with the Ozark Actors Theatre this summer and can’t wait to share his love for performing with everyone.
Kenebrew
Aaron Michael Krueger
Aaron is an NYC-based writer/composer and music director originally from the St. Louis area. Writing and MD credits include: New Dawn (MITF Best Book, Music, and Lyrics and Best Musical), Super! (New York Fringe Festival Best Music/Lyrics), Hotel (MCC FreshPlay) and numerous cabarets around the NYC and New Jersey area. Thank you to the cast, crew, and everyone at OAT for the fantastic experience.
Krueger
Neely Leathers
Neely Leathers. Neely is 16 and attends Salem High School. Neely has been invested in theater and singing since she would sit outside her sisters piano lessons pretending to be a Disney princess. This is her first real show and she’s so honored to be a part of it. Neely would like to give a special thanks to her mom who has made her doing this show possible.
Leathers
Taylor Lewis
Taylor Lynn Lewis is thrilled to be spending her summer at OAT! Favorite roles include: Ariel (Footloose; Norwegian Cruise Lines), Ariel (The Little Mermaid; Post Playhouse), and Ariel (Shakespeare’s The Tempest; New Art Theatre). Thanks go to the OAT team, The Roster, and her family for their endless support in the pursuit of her dreams. BFA: Texas Christian University. Go Frogs! IG: @taylorlynnlewis
Lewis
Caleb Long
Long
Brendan Massar
Brendan is thrilled to be making his Ozark Actor’s Theater debut as Gatsby after recently graduating from Emerson College’s BFA Musical Theatre program! Past regional credits include: Newsies, Les Miserables, Big (Derek), and the Emperor’s New Clothes (Marcus III). Favorite credits include: Heathers (JD), Children of Eden (Adam/Noah), Spring Awakening (Adult Men), and Good Breeding (Zeus). Brendan would like to thank everyone involved in this fantastic production, as well as his friends and family for all of their love and support. Brendanmassar.com
Massar
Katheryn McCulla
Katheryn McCaulla, or Katty, plays Jordan Baker. Katty has been teaching ESL internationally and narrating audiobooks the last few years. But, most recently, she assistant directed and directed for Wolf Performing Arts Center, outside of Philadelphia. Previously, she performed and interned in New York City. She was also onstage at the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati in “When We Were Young and Unafraid” and worked as a professional acting apprentice. She has acting credits at theaters and universities—Southeast Missouri State, Springfield Little Theatre, and Tommy O’s Playhouse. Katty graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Acting and a Screenwriting minor. At the University, she was onstage in “Cucumbers”, “Dog Sees God”, “In the Boom Boom Room”, and was involved with film and stage directing. She has also been seen on the OAT stage in previous years in “The Crucible”, “The Diviner’s” and assistant directed. She is thankful to be back with OAT for part of the summer.
Mcculla
Ethan Pennington
Suzanne is a director, educator, actor, and stage manager from Omaha, NE where she worked a wide variety of companies and performing arts organizations including The Rose Theatre, The BlueBarn, Nebraska Shakespeare, American Midwest Ballet, Opera Omaha, The BlueBarn’s Witching Hour, the Bellevue Little Theatre, Chanticleer Theater, and Papillion LaVista Community Theatre. She is also the former Artistic Director for RESPECT, an organization that works to build healthy relationships through theatre. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Suzanne earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and her Master’s Degree in English with a focus in Rhetoric and Composition. Having grown up the child of educators, activists, and politicians, Suzanne has always been committed to social justice and education.
Pennington
Zach Phelps
Zach Phelps is seventeen and attends Rolla High School. He has designed and constructed costumes for several shows including THE WIZARD OF OZ (RHS), CHARLOTTE’S WEB (RHS), THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (RHS), ELF THE MUSICAL (OAT), THE ADDAMS FAMILY (RHS), THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. (RHS), DOROTHY IN WONDERLAND (OAT ED), A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL (Cedar Street Players), YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (RHS), and SHREK JR. (OAT ED). He is excited to be joining OAT once again, and this time for his first professional shows as Head Costume Designer!
Phelps
Paul Pilcz
Paul Pilcz was born in Brooklyn, NY on October 30th, 1990. He has been acting on stage and screen since 1998. He made his Broadway debut in RoundABout theater companies first ever revival of Bye Bye Birdie starring John Stamos, Gina Gershon and Bill Irwin. He then went on to make his television debut in HBO's 5-part mini series Mildred Pierce starting Emmy award winners Kate Winslet and Guy Pierce. You could also have seen Paul on Boardwalk Empire as Hemmings and he is now playing the role of Sonny Gilzean on Gotham on FOX.
Pilcz
Blane Pressler
BLANE PRESSLER (Artistic Director and Director, The Great Gatsby) is truly happy to be back “home” at OAT. This is Pressler's 9th season working with OAT in the last 11 years. Formally the general manager of Open Bar Theatricals NYC his directing credits include:OAT's 2021 production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (BroadwayWorld Award Winner Best Direction of a Musical), 24/7 PLAY FESTIVAL (Orphan Girl Theatre, MT), IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY (OAT), NO FILTER: A LOVE STORY (People’s Improv Theatre, NYC - Awarded: PIT theatre festival), TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE (Artistic New Directions, NYC), ALICE IS BURNING (Acorn Theatre and Theatre Lab, NYC), LIFT AND BANG and TRIFLES (Studio Theatre, IN) and MARTIN AND MEELO (Pleasant Valley Productions, NJ). Co-Producer: A CHORUS LINE (Broadening Theatrics, NYC) and WINDOWS (Tampa International Fringe Festival – Awarded: “Best of Venue”). Costume Design: A MY NAME IS ALICE (The Tank, NYC), THE CARETAKER (Studio Theatre, IN), WIZARD OF OZ (OAT), THE APPLE TREE (Arena Dinner Theatre - Nominated: best costume design), RENT (FW Summer Music Theatre), THE MUSIC MAN (The Honeywell Center). Wardrobe Supervisor: THE NATIONAL PLAYERS (Washington DC). Assistant Costume Design: 42nd STREET, HAIRSPRAY, GUYS AND DOLLS (The Palace Theatre, NH). @bepressler
Pressler
William Reardon
William Reardon, is a graduate student in Missouri S&T’s technical communication master's program. He hopes to go on to get his PhD in educational technology and research ways to improve education systems throughout the country as well as teaching himself. William is passionate about writing and also hopes to someday publish a collection of short stories. Theatre has always been in the Reardon family has both of Williams parents have been involved in theater since the dawn of time (that’s how old parents are).
Reardon
Tamra Rodgers
Tamra Rodgers is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre Major from the Conservatory of Theatre and Dance at Southeast Missouri State. She graduated from Lebanon high school where she was an active member of the drama program. She played roles of Sally from You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Lady Larkin from Once Upon a Mattress, and Ellie Blake in Freaky Friday, as well as other roles in Tuck Everlasting and Cheaper by the Dozen. Recently, Tamra was in the Southeast production of You Can’t Take It With You and Gambling Hansel, a student written and directed one act. Tamra also dabbles in film acting and has been in two student directed short films while at college. This is Tamra’s first time working with Ozark Actor’s Theatre and would like to thank all the people who have supported her through the years.
Rodgers
Benjamin Roney
Benjamin is excited to make his return to the world of Summer-Stock theatre here in Rolla this season, his first since the Summer spent in Maine at the Ogunquit Playhouse, where he served as Master Carpenter, and featured in his first Actor’s Equity show as a performer…in 1999! A Michigan native, Roney majored in Scenic Design/Sound Engineering at Lawrence University of Appleton, WI and has worked on productions from Wisconsin to Maine in the subsequent decades. Following a 3 year stint at the Historic Croswell Opera House in Adrian, MI (the oldest operating theatre in Michigan!) as Scenic Designer/Technical Director, he moved to Fort Wayne, IN in 2004. There he served as SD/TD for 6 years at the FW Civic Theatre. Since 2010, Roney has free-lanced with local film, theatre, and dance troupes; creating pieces for television commercials, HS productions, various non-profits, and the world-renowned Fort Wayne Ballet.
Roney
Ryan Savato
Ryan was born in Mountain View, CA but grew up in New Hampshire where he attended the University of New Hampshire. He also attended Ruskin School of theatre in L.A. before coming to NY to pursue his craft. Recent credits include The Mad Hatter on Madhattersbus, Sam Smiley in the Off-Broadway production of The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini, and Teddy Bandini In Pips Island. Thank you Blane, Alex, Katie, Sarah, Cate, memere, nana, nonnu and dad.
Savato
Eli Schulman
Eli Schulman: REGIONAL: The Muny: Footloose; Signature Theatre: Gypsy; Ford’s Theatre: A Christmas Carol; Adventure Theatre: James and the Giant Peach (Helen Hayes Award for Best Ensemble); Boston Conservatory: Lord of the Flies. DANCE: Metropolitan School of the Arts: The Nutcracker; Snow White; Frosty Follies. EDUCATION: B.F.A. in Musical Theatre Boston Conservatory at Berklee Class of 2025.
Schulman
Fiona Scott
Fiona Scott (Ensemble) is elated to make her debut with OAT. Fiona majors in Musical Theatre/Vocal Performance at Oklahoma City University (BM 2024) studying voice with Dr. William Christensen. University credits include Songs For A New World (Woman 1), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene u/s, Disciple), and Helvetica (Present Helvetica). Live Performances include her solo cabaret at the Blue Strawberry/St. Louis and as a featured Rising Star at Broadway Sessions in NYC. Fiona was honored to perform for Stephen Sondheim at the Sheldon Theatre in St. Louis for his Literary Award ceremony. She grew up in St. Louis performing at the Muny as a Muny Kid and Teen. Past roles: Mary Poppins (Jane Banks) at Kansas City Starlight Theatre and Variety Theatre, and The Sound of Music (Brigitta) at KC Starlight. She’d like to thank the OAT creative team, her professors, and her family for their support.
Scott
Tim Seib
Tim Seib- Previously directed and choreographed The Lucky Stiff at OAT. He will next be traveling to Theatre Raleigh to direct The Play That Goes Wrong later this summer. Other regional work includes La Mirada Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Gateway Playhouse, Heritage Theatre Festival, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, 54 Below, and the current national tour of Million Dollar Quartet. Based in NYC, Tim also enjoys teaching young artists and students with autism as well as new musical and play development; having worked with notable companies such as The Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center and The NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. He is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and a graduate of the Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts. www.TimSeib.com
Seib
Kevin Shaw
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Shaw
Audrey Smith
Audrey is delighted to be joining OAT’s productions of Mamma Mia! and The Great Gatsby. Audrey is 15 and will be a sophomore at Rolla High School. She has previously been seen in OAT’s productions of Elf, Footloose, Damn Yankees, Annie Get Your Gun, Meet Me In St. Louis (Tootie), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as well as the Cedar Street Players’ productions of A Christmas Story (Ralphie), Twain By the Tale, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Anne of Green Gables, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Story of Velveteen Rabbit, and A Fairytale Christmas Carol. Audrey enjoys dance at Stephanie’s School of Dance and is a member of the RHS Varsity Golf Team that placed 4th at the Class 3 State tournament this year. She wants to thank her parents, team members, coaches, and whole support team for their love and encouragement.
A Smith
Heather Smith
Heather has been so pleased to have the chance to act with OAT and Cedar Street Players. Some of her favorite roles include Mother in A Christmas Story: The Musical and Helen from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She loves the arts, painting, teaching art, and is earning her Master's in Art Education now. Getting to do this wouldn't be possible without the support of her wonderful family, especially her extremely supportive husband.
H Smith
Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith (Donna/Chis) is thrilled to be making her OAT debut! Sarah spent five years touring North America with the National Tours of Mamma Mia! (Rosie) and Cinderella (Madame). Regional Credits Include: Into the Woods (Witch), Spelling Bee (Rona), Trailer Park the Musical (Betty), The Tempest (Prospera), Lend Me a Tenor (Maria), Urinetown (Pennywise), Joseph (Narrator), Boeing Boeing (Bertha) and Annie (Miss Hannigan). A heartfelt thank you to Tim and Jennifer for your friendship and creative guidance, to Blane and Suzanne for giving me this opportunity and to our audience for coming back into this space to share in our storytelling, we would not be here without you.
S Smith
Kaylee Stanley
Kaylee is so excited to be returning for the production of Mama Mia this summer! As a child, she performed with Ozark Actor’s Theatre almost every year in shows such as The Wizard of Oz(2012), Annie(2010), and Peter Pan(2013). As well as a few Fine Linen productions -Oliver! The musical(2013), and Beauty and the Beast(2015). She has also been in competitive dance since she was 12 years old. Kaylee is currently a biology major at Missouri University of Science and Technology and is happy to have a break from all the science. She sends a huge thank you to her friends and family for their love and support!
Stanely
Michael Sullivan
Michael Sullivan is pleased to return to OAT after a 10-year absence. Michael designed the lighting for OAT’s Lend Me A Tenor and Putnam Co. Spelling Bee in 2011, and then The Wizard of Oz and Noises Off in 2012. Michael recently retired as professor emeritus from Fontbonne University where he taught in the theatre program for 35 years. Michael’s professional design work in St. Louis includes All is Calm (Theatre Circle Award for Lighting Design) for Mustard Seed Theatre, Way to Heaven (Theatre Circle Award) for New Jewish Theatre, Grey Gardens (Circle nomination) and most recently Proof for Moonstone Theatre Company. A native of Cape Girardeau, MO, Michael studied theatre at Southeast Missouri State University and St. Louis University.
Sullivan
Shaina Vencel
Shaina Vencel is honored to return to OAT after playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors last summer where she won the BroadwayWorld Regional award for Best Performer in a Musical! Favorite credits include: Rosina - A Bronx Tale (Engeman Theater), Fantine- Les Misérables (WV Public Theatre), Sara- Murder Ballad (Cardinal Stage Company), Mother - Hair (White Plains PAC), Connie Boylan - Annie (Huron Playhouse.) Shaina has also performed with Hong Kong Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and is a proud member of the vintage girl group “America’s Sweethearts.” Shaina is originally from rust belt Ohio, but now lives just across the Hudson from the bright lights of 42nd Street in NYC with her loving husband Marc, cat Puck, and dog Loki. Special thanks to her parents, and to Blane for his continuing trust. @shaina_vencel
Vencel
Ella Veo
Ella is thrilled to be back at OAT joining the cast of Mamma Mia! Ella just finished her freshman year at Rolla High School. She enjoys singing in Chamber Choir and is an active participant in the RHS Drama Department. She loves dance and has been taking classes with Miss Stephanie’s School of Dance since the age of 4, and also enjoys voice lessons with Sheila Dugan. Ella has enjoyed performing in many shows with Ozark Actors Theatre over the years including Annie Get Your Gun, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Elf, A Christmas Story: The Musical, and many more. She has also performed in Seussical the Musical and more recently Little House on the Prairie with Fine Linen Theatre. Ella would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support!
Veo
Jim Welch
JIM WELCH (Production Stage Manager) Having been a proud member of Actors Equity Association for 40+/- years, Jim is thrilled to be celebrating Ozark Actors Theater’s 35th Anniversary. Over the past 35 years at OAT, he has been a Production Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Company Manager, Technical Director, Production Associate, Prop Master, Dresser, Personal Assistant, and Advisor. Jim holds a BS from Southeast Missouri State University in Elementary Education with a Speech/Theatre Emphasis and Graduate Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in Technical Theatre. While in Kansas City, Jim was a Technician, Stage Manager, and Marionettist with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Starlight Theatre, and Broadway Marionettes, respectively. Jim's retired from the Crawford County R-2 School District in Cuba, Missouri. This past year, he has been helping with OAT's various events, spending time with family and friends, and camping with his sister. A special shout out to my Aunt Mary Anne, my Aunt Peggy, my sister Suzan, my friends Bill, Benna, and Amy, and my niece Kristie for supporting OAT and me, and coming to see what I do. Happy 35th OAT!
Welch
suzanne Withem
Suzanne is a director, educator, actor, and stage manager from Omaha, NE where she worked a wide variety of companies and performing arts organizations including The Rose Theatre, The BlueBarn, Nebraska Shakespeare, American Midwest Ballet, Opera Omaha, The BlueBarn’s Witching Hour, the Bellevue Little Theatre, Chanticleer Theater, and Papillion LaVista Community Theatre. She is also the former Artistic Director for RESPECT, an organization that works to build healthy relationships through theatre. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Suzanne earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and her Master’s Degree in English with a focus in Rhetoric and Composition. Having grown up the child of educators, activists, and politicians, Suzanne has always been committed to social justice and education.
Withem
John Williams
Suzanne is a director, educator, actor, and stage manager from Omaha, NE where she worked a wide variety of companies and performing arts organizations including The Rose Theatre, The BlueBarn, Nebraska Shakespeare, American Midwest Ballet, Opera Omaha, The BlueBarn’s Witching Hour, the Bellevue Little Theatre, Chanticleer Theater, and Papillion LaVista Community Theatre. She is also the former Artistic Director for RESPECT, an organization that works to build healthy relationships through theatre. At the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Suzanne earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and her Master’s Degree in English with a focus in Rhetoric and Composition. Having grown up the child of educators, activists, and politicians, Suzanne has always been committed to social justice and education.
Williams
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