Footprints
Conceived and directed by Adrienne Wilson and Jeri Dickey Featuring the AUTD Dance Ensemble
ARTISTIC TEAM
Artistic Director: Tessa Carr
Directors: Jeri Dickey, Adrienne Wilson
Costume Designer: Sam Heilhecker
Assistant Costume Designer: Catherine Govignon
Lighting Designers: Danielle Curtis, Amy Roberts, Fereshteh Rostampour, Katie Underwood, Kylia Wheeler, Cody Woodfin
PRODUCTION CREWS
Scenic Studio:
Lindsey Beam, Jeb Bethel, Cahlin Cheek, Harrison Dunn, Rosemary Gross, Lily Hamilton, Olivia K. Hancock, William Johnson, Sam Oliver, Jason Owens, Emma Grace Ramb, Amy Roberts, Rebekah Taylor, Andrew Vance, Madilynn Wall, Kylia Wheeler, Reid Williams, Cody Woodfin, Alaya Young
Costume Studio:
Patrick Barnett, Lily Boyd, Caroline Brooks, Mai Cooper, Kirsten Estes, Catherine Govignon, Mary Graham, Abigail Johnson, Abby Krehling, Em McAlexander, Anna Beth McSpadden, Kayla Newell, Kate Nymark, Sawyer Skinner, Tino Soto, Rebekah Taylor
Photography, videotaping, or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director of Production: Laura Sims
Technical Director: Matt Gist
PM-Stage Operations and Staff Electrician: J. Brent Morrison
Costume Technology Director: Sam Heilhecker
Calling Stage Manager: Lily Sosebee
Wardrobe Supervisor: Abigail Bowling
Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor: Jeb Bethel
Wardrobe Crew: Lily Boyd, Harrison Dunn, Sh’kayla James
Light Board Programmer: Cody Woodfin
Light Board Operator: Fritz Michel
Sound Board Operator: Lily Sosebee
Fly Rail Operators: Connor McNeill, Jack Steere
Gel Changers: Rebekah Taylor, Madilynn Wall
SPECIAL THANKS
Auburn University Theatre & Dance gratefully acknowledges the following: Andrew Lynch’s sound design class for coordination of sound elements in the show
Support for our season from Dean Jason Hicks and the College of Liberal Arts
Marley
DIRECTORS’ NOTES
Every dancer leaves behind a trace — a movement, a memory, a moment that lingers after the final step. This concert, Footprints, celebrates the many ways we make our mark — through the paths we take, the people we inspire, and the artistry we share. Each piece in tonight’s program reflects a unique journey, yet together they form a collective story of exploration, growth, and connection.
As we move forward, we also take time to honor those who have helped shape the road behind us. I am deeply appreciative of my colleague and co-director, Adrienne, for her many years of dedication to building and nurturing the dance program at Auburn University. Her vision, creativity, and care have left an indelible mark — one that continues to guide and inspire both students and faculty.
A special thank-you goes to my dear friend and guest artist, Shane Carpenter, who traveled all the way from Ohio to set his beautiful work and teach master classes — all in an action-packed two days! His energy, artistry, and generosity of spirit have enriched this concert and left a lasting impression on our students.
May Footprints remind us that no path is ever truly walked alone. Every step we take adds to the shared dance of those who came before and those yet to come.
With
gratitude,
Jeri Dickey Director, Choreographer
For the last 20 years, it has been a joy to choreograph and direct the dance concerts here in the Department of Theatre and Dance. Footprints is no exception. The student dance ensemble is as hard-working and talented as ever. Rehearsals and preparation leading up to opening night cannot happen without the expertise and support of the technical direction, costume design, lighting design, and stage management provided by faculty and students. Artistic direction by current and past department chairs has been greatly appreciated. Collaboration with my colleague Jeri Dickey has been invaluable, and she has been a huge contributor to the success of the dance program.
Footprints has meaning beyond the connection to how choreography creates pathways in space, inherent in the overall design of any dance work. It is also my last “footprint” in this environment as I prepare to create a new path in my artistic and personal life. Hopefully, this path will include choreographing my way back as a guest artist as I continue to invest in the work that I love so much.
Deepest gratitude to all the students, guest choreographers, faculty and staff, collaborators, and audiences for being willing to explore, discover, and be curious about what we can create together.
Happy dancing,
Adrienne Wilson Director, Choreographer
Boom (shin, mid, head)
Boom (shin, mid, head)
ORDER OF SHOW
The show runs approximately 60 minutes without an intermission.
What Will Become of Us?
Choreographed by: Adrienne Wilson in collaboration with dancers
Dancers: Marielle Burque, Gracie Click, Anna Daniels, Caroline Erickson, Andrew Hayworth, Sarah Schomburg, Hannah Thigpen, Emma Vislay
Understudy: Caydence Patton
Music: November by Max Richter
Lighting Design: Katie Underwood
A Lamp to My Feet
Choreographed by: Jeri Dickey
Dancers: Lindsey Beam, Marielle Burque, Anna Daniels, Wil Eplett, Caroline Erickson, Kirsten Estes, Liz Koifman, Kathryn Mims, Sarah Schomburg, Emma Vislay
Music: Dark Road by Annie Lennox
Lighting Design: Katie Underwood
A Light to My Path
Choreographed by: Jeri Dickey and Andrew Hayworth
Dancers: Andrew Hayworth, Liz Koifman
Music: Experience by Ludovico Einaudi
Lighting Design: Katie Underwood
The Rules
Choreographed by: Caroline Erickson
Dancer: Caroline Erickson
Music: The Rules by Jeremy Zuckerman
Lighting Design: Cody Woodfin
Music furnished under Auburn University’s blanket licenses with ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
Yes, Indeed!
Choreographed by: Bill Evans
Rehearsal Directing and Staging: Adrienne Wilson
Dancers: Patrick Barnett, Olivia Beland, Marielle Burque, Cahlin Cheek, Wil Eplett, Andrew Hayworth, Abigail Johnson, Sarah Schomburg
Lighting Design: Amy Roberts
Three-Part Solo
Dancer: Andrew Hayworth
Choreographed by: Andrew Hayworth
BS Chorus
Choreographed by: Eddie Brown
Music: Bye Bye Blackbird by Sammy Davis Jr. Laura
Choreographed by: Buster Brown
Music: Buster Brown's Laura by Andy Wasserman
Lighting Design: Katie Underwood
On the Edge
Choreographed by: Adrienne Wilson
Dancers: Marielle Burque, Gracie Click, Anna Daniels, Emma Vislay
Understudy: Sarah Schomburg
Music: Selections by Zoë Keating and Apocalyptica
Lighting Design: Original design by Fereshteh Rostampour, adapted by Danielle Curtis
Cha Cha
Choreographed by: Shane Carpenter
Dancers: Patrick Barnett, Olivia Beland, Marielle Burque, Cahlin Cheek, Wil Eplett, Caroline Erickson, Kirsten Estes, Andrew Hayworth, Liz Koifman, Kathryn Mims, Caydence Patton, Sarah Schomburg, Addie Tripp, Emma Vislay
Music: Blah blah cha cha cha by Petty Booka, edited by David Rice
Lighting Design: Kylia Wheeler auburnuniversitytheatre.org
DANCE ENSEMBLE
Patrick Barnett
Lindsey Beam
Olivia Beland
Marielle Burque
Cahlin Cheek
Gracie Click
Anna Daniels
Wil Eplett
Caroline Erickson
Kirsten Estes
Andrew Hayworth
Liz Koifman
Kathryn Mims
Caydence Patton
Sarah Schomburg
Hannah Thigpen
Addie Tripp
Emma Vislay
GUEST ARTIST
Shane Carpenter (Guest Choreographer) is a singer/dancer/actor/choreographer who has been working and teaching in the performing arts for the last 35 years.
Shane landed his first “big role” as Huck Finn in a regional production of Big River. He has been a performer (dancing, singing, and acting) at Paramount Kings Island, Disney World, Nickelodeon, and on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16.
He coached the Columbus Destroyers Bombshells at Nationwide Arena & also choreographed the Cleveland Cavs Girls. He has been a guest instructor for Auburn University and the MAP program at Wright State University in Dayton.
Shane has been the choreographer for Delaware Hayes Theater for the past 11 years. Some of his favorite works include Chicago, Shrek the Musical, Legally Blonde: The Musical, The SpongeBob Musical, and Damn Yankees.
He has won many regional and national choreography awards and has former students dancing professionally on Broadway and in colleges all over the country.
Shane is proud to be the Artistic Director & owner of Infusion Dance and equally proud to share his knowledge, experience, and passion with his students and fellow teachers. www.infusion-dance.com
STUDENT COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES
Add'l dancer enter from anteroom
Patrick Barnett (Dancer) is a senior BFA music theatre major from Lagrange, GA. This is his first dance concert at Auburn University. Previous AUTD credits include Pippin (Ensemble), Twelfth Night (Feste), Barbecue (James T.), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Pierre), Wellesley Girl (Scott), Violet (Flick), and As You Like It (Orlando). Patrick would like to thank his family for their continuous prayers and support!
Lindsey Beam (Dancer) is a sophomore BA theatre major on the design/technology track for scenic design from Myrtle Beach, SC. She is also a dance and arts administration minor. Previous AUTD credits include Small Mouth Sounds (Scenic Designer), As You Like It (Wardrobe Crew), Violet (Assistant Scenic Designer), Flying/Falling (Light Board Operator), Ordinary Days (Dramaturg), and Wellesley Girl (Deck Crew). Lindsey is so excited for this experience and thanks her friends and family for their support.
Olivia Beland (Dancer) is a senior BFA music theatre and speech, language, and hearing sciences double-major from Helena, AL. Some of her AUTD credits include Spring Awakening (Female Swing), Pippin (Ensemble/Leading Player & Fastrada Understudy), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Hélène), Flying/Falling (Ensemble), and As You Like It (Duke Senior). She is so excited to return to the Telfair Peet mainstage and would like to thank Adrienne and Jeri for the wonderful opportunity!
Marielle Burque (Dancer) is a sophomore exercise science major and dance minor from Dothan, AL. She is very excited to be performing in her second production at AUTD. Marielle would like to thank the dedicated cast, crew, and management for the opportunity and experience, as well as her ever supportive family, and gives all glory to God.
Cahlin Cheek (Dancer) is a sophomore BFA music theatre and business management double major from Chelsea, AL. He is very excited to be working on his 4th show with AUTD. Previous AUTD credits include As You Like It (Adam, Frankie Flow, DeBoys Dancer/William/Royal Minion/Duke Frederick Standby), Violet (Leroy Evans/Waiter/Billy Dean) and Flying/Falling (Ensemble). Cahlin would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him throughout his creative endeavors. War Eagle!
Gracie Click (Dancer) is a senior rehabilitation and disabilities major and dance minor from Loudon, TN. She is excited to be performing in her first show with AUTD and is very thankful to all who are making the show happen both on stage and behind the scenes.
Anna Daniels (Dancer) is a junior exercise science major and dance minor from Mobile, AL, and is excited to perform in her second dance concert with AUTD. She has over 18 years of dance experience and a repertoire of performance experience. Anna is also a group fitness instructor at Auburn’s Rec, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, and a sweetheart of Sigma Tau Gamma.
Wil Eplett (Dancer) is a junior BFA music theatre major from Lilburn, GA. You may have seen him previously as Touchstone in As You Like It or Warren in Ordinary Days. Other AUTD credits include Orlando (Archduchess/Archduke and Devising Ensemble), Dare WE Defend (Devising Ensemble), Fractals: Infinite Movement (Dancer) and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble). Wil wants to thank his parents for their continued support and AUTD for pushing him to always be a better artist.
Caroline Erickson (Dancer) is a senior biomedical sciences major and dance minor from Auburn, AL. She was a featured performer in Flying/Falling and Fractals: Infinite Movement with AUTD and
STUDENT COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES
is very excited to dance in her last concert. She thanks Jeri Dickey and Adrienne Wilson for these incredible opportunities, her family for supporting her dancing for 19 years, and, most importantly, her Savior, Jesus Christ, for the ability to dance and express love and light through performance.
Kirsten Estes (Dancer) is a senior BFA music theatre and special education double major from Birmingham, AL. Past AUTD credits include: As You Like it (Jaques), Violet (Ensemble/Young Vi understudy/Dance Captain), Dare WE Defend (Devising Ensemble), and Fractals: Infinite Movement (Ensemble). Kirsten would like to thank Jeri for this opportunity and to the cast and her family for all their support. War Eagle!!
Catherine Govignon (Assistant Costume Designer) is a junior BFA music theatre major with a costume concentration from Calhoun, GA. She is very excited to be making her design debut with Footprints! Her previous costume credits include Flying/Falling (Wardrobe Crew), Orlando (Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor), and Violet (Wardrobe Supervisor). She would like to thank Jenni Salter and Sam Heilhecker for helping her learn and grow in her costuming passions.
Andrew Hayworth (Dancer) is a senior computer science major and dance minor from Alpharetta, GA. He is excited to be performing in his fourth AUTD dance concert, having previously appeared in Flying/Falling, Fractals: Infinite Movement, and ...And Dance! Andrew has been dancing for 14 years and likes the style of rhythm tap dancing the most.
Abigail Johnson (Understudy) is a junior BFA music theatre and public relations double major from Muscle Shoals, AL. She is thrilled to be working on her second production at AUTD, having recently appeared as Celia in As You Like It. She would like to thank the fantastic cast and crew, as well as her family and friends, for their continued support and encouragement. Isaiah 60:22
Liz Koifman (Dancer) is a senior environmental science major from Madison, AL. You may have seen her previously as an ensemble dancer in Fractals: Infinite Movement and Flying/Falling. She is ecstatic to be performing in her third and final AUTD dance concert and is so grateful to have the opportunity to work with the amazing cast and crew. She would like to thank her family and partner for their endless support in pursuing her passions.
Kathryn Mims (Dancer) is a senior BFA music theatre and broadcast journalism double major from Dothan, AL. Some AUTD credits include Violet (Hotel Hooker), Flying/Falling (Aerialist/Singer/ Dancer), and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble/Helene Understudy). Kathryn would like to thank Jeri Dickey for her fourth and final dance concert!
Caydence Patton (Dancer and Understudy) is a sophomore nursing major and dance minor from Orlando, FL. She is so excited to be a part of her first production with AUTD. She would like to give thanks to her family, dance instructors, and friends, and gives all glory to God.
Join us after the Thursday, November 20th performance for a talkback session with the dancers, choreographers, directors, and members of the creative team.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@auburnuniversitytheatre) for interviews, student takeovers, and other features!
STUDENT COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES
Amy Roberts (Lighting Designer) is a senior BFA theatre management major from Scottsboro, AL. She is very excited for the opportunity to design lighting for “Yes, Indeed,” her AUTD lighting design debut. Previous AUTD credits include As You Like It (Calling Stage Manager), Orlando (Calling Stage Manager), and Ordinary Days (Deck Stage Manager). She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their unwavering support, and Danielle Curtis for this amazing opportunity.
Sarah Schomburg (Dancer) is a junior BFA music theatre major and public relations minor from Huntsville, AL. Previous AUTD credits include As You Like It (Rosalind) and Violet (Featured Ensemble/Violet understudy). As a member of the student-led group HMP, Sarah collaborated in the creation of HairCuts and Sondheim Tonight. She teaches dance at Taylor’s Dance Company in Opelika when she is not at Telfair Peet. Sarah is pumped to be performing in her first AUTD Dance Concert and hopes her footprints aren’t too smelly!!!!!!!
Lily Sosebee (Calling Stage Manager) is a junior BFA theatre management major from Kennesaw, GA. She is thrilled to be working on her first dance concert! Previous AUTD credits include Violet (Calling Stage Manager), Ordinary Days (Calling Stage Manager), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (ASM), and Barbecue (ASM). Lily would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Hannah Thigpen (Dancer) is a first-year elementary education major and dance minor from Auburn, AL. She’s very excited and grateful for the opportunity to be part of her first production with AUTD. Hannah would like to thank God for his constant goodness, her family for always supporting her, and everyone involved in the production for working incredibly hard and providing this amazing experience.
Addie Tripp (Dancer) is a sophomore BFA music theatre and apparel design double major from Fairhope, AL. Previous credits include AUTD’s As You Like It (Offstage Singer/Standby for Jaques and Celia) and, with her hometown theatre, Cats (Rumpleteazer), Shrek the Musical (Fiona), and many more. This is Addie’s first dance concert, and she is so excited! She would like to thank her educators, peers, and family for supporting her through each of these, and the Lord for giving her this opportunity and everything in between.
Emma Vislay (Dancer) is a first-year interdisciplinary studies major and dance minor from Pensacola, FL. She is thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to perform and deepen her dance knowledge with Auburn University Theatre and Dance. She would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication, and her family for all their constant love and support.
Kylia Wheeler (Lighting Designer) is a junior BA theatre major on the design/tech track from Ider, AL. This is her third show at Auburn; she also has credits at Northeast Alabama Community College. Some of her favorite past production work includes The Mountain Song (Abigail), Beetlejuice JR (Technical Director), James and the Giant Peach (Assistant Director), and AUTD’s Small Mouth Sounds (Charge Artist). Kylia thanks her Mom, Gran, and friends for their love and support.
Cody Woodfin (Lighting Designer) is a sophomore BA theatre major on the design/tech track from Florence, AL. He grew up acting in community theatre and was fascinated with the tech side of the process as well. With this project and others, Cody hopes to gain more experience with dance and other mediums where he can use and expand his skills in lighting.
Across 5 major degree tracks and 3 different minors, our students engage daily in the rigorous hands-on work of the theatre. They construct sets, call shows, sew costumes, create designs, analyze texts, choreograph dances, devise new works, build props, focus lights, block scenes, conduct research, score scripts, and everything in between.
HELP US REACH OUR SCHOLARSHIP GOAL
AU Theatre and Dance students are some of the hardest working on campus. And every year we must start anew in finding ways to help support their remarkable efforts.
Our students depend on scholarship support to keep up rigorous academic and creative schedules, and to balance the various aspects of student life.
To remain a competitive program, we must grow our awardable scholarship dollars. Currently, we award roughly sixty thousand dollars in scholarships each year.
Our goal is to raise our available funds to one hundred thousand dollars within the next three years.
Meeting this goal will give us the capacity to continue our recruitment of the finest academic, performance, and production students.
Please consider becoming an AU Theatre and Dance donor today, or renew your previous generous gift if you gave in the past.
Every gift, no matter the size, truly makes a difference and will mean the world to our student citizen artists!
Every opening night ticket goes toward student scholarships!
THANK YOU, DONORS!
We are profoundly grateful to our generous donors. Every gift helps to support the work of our department and our incredible theatre and dance students.
Ann H. Beale
Lee Bryan
Sergio Ruiz Cordova and Evelyn Hawk-Ruiz
Craig and Gabriele Darch
Kristy and Ken Dunn ’86 & ’87
Debbie and Scott Enebak
Fudd Graham and Patty Tyler
Stanley Jones
Timothy Johnson and Margaret Woods
Dr. Catherine Perricone
Hurst Peacock and Erin Reynolds-Peacock
Drs. William and Lane Sauser
Rick and Betsy Schomburg
Lyn Woodham
We would love to thank you publicly, but we need your permission to list your name. This listing includes all donors who have given us permission to list as of the time of printing. If your name is missing and you’d like to be included, please contact us to be added to the next program.
Students at Work
A Kirsten Estes studying in the green room.*
B Mai Cooper and Amy Roberts applying Reid Williams’ wig before a show.†
Photos by *Henry Eiland and †Magalí Zaslabsky.
Department Of Theatre & Dance
OUR MISSION
Theatre has the potential to foster dialogue, alter perceptions, and inspire social change. The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to the education and professional training of theatre artists, scholars, and audiences within a liberal arts environment.
The Department champions the interaction between theory and practice and produces citizen artists who advocate for the arts through their own work in local, national, and international communities.
Auburn University theatre and dance students think critically, creatively, and collaboratively and carry their knowledge from rehearsal spaces and classrooms to stages, campuses, and communities worldwide.
Learn more about our department and degree tracks at: auburnuniversitytheatre.org
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Department Chair: Tessa Carr
Coordinator, Student and Patron Services: Becky Henderson
Office Administrator: Vickie Murtadha
Marketing Coordinator: Magalí Zaslabsky
STUDENT STAFF
Event Staff: Rosemary Gross, Sh’kayla James, Presley McQuiddyGasparlin, Kate Nymark, Sarah Schomburg, Lily Sosebee, Rebekah Taylor, Ash Vickery, Reid Williams, Alaya Young
Costume Studio Assistants: Jeb Bethel, Abigail Bowling, Caroline Brooks, Catherine Govignon
Costume Stock Assistants: Linne Johnston, Berkley Peacock
Props Assistant: Isabella Doyle
Production Assistant: Lily Sosebee
Marketing/Recruitment Assistants: Olivia Beland, Kayla Newell, Kara Anne Smith
Outreach Special Projects Staff: Wil Eplett, Sawyer Skinner
Scenic Studio Assistants: Lindsey Beam, Will Johnson, Jason Owens, Olivia K. Hancock, Ash Vickery
Sound & Lighting Assistants: Will Johnson, Lily Hamilton
Wig Assistant: Amy Roberts
Graphic Designer: Ashley Butler Follow @auburnuniversitytheatre on Facebook and Instagram
A Liz Koifman performing on the aerial silks in Flying/Falling (2024).* B Telfair Peet Theatre.*
C Presley McQuiddy-Gasparlin serving as house manager at Telfair Peet.†
Photos by *Henry Eiland and †Magalí Zaslabsky.