ARTIST BIOS
ARRI TOSHIKO GLENN (Emma Nolan) (she/they) is thrilled to be participating in her first Berkeley Playhouse production! Arri recently graduated with her BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee this past May. She was most recently seen in roles including Lucy Grant in Bright Star (The Music Company Arts Castro Valley) and Olive's Mom/ Female Swing in Spelling Bee (Boston Conservatory at Berklee). Arri wants to thank her family and friends for their continued love and support! IG: @arrisafari19 Website: arritoshiko.com
ALESHANI ALTAN (Alyssa Greene) (she/he) is overjoyed to take part in her first Berkeley Playhouse production. Some of his favorite previous roles have included Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Ohlone Summerfest), and Wendla in Spring Awakening (BareStage Productions). She would like to thank her family, friends, and boyfriend for their love and support.
TAYLOR BARTOLUCCI (Dee Dee Allen) is thrilled to be back at Berkeley Playhouse after a seven-year hiatus. She was last seen on the Berkeley Playhouse stage in Billy Elliot (Mrs. Wilkinson), The Addams Family (Morticia) and Hairspray (Velma Von Tussle). She is the Co-Founder and Artistic/Casting Director of Lucky Penny Productions in Napa and has been fortunate to work with many wonderful companies across the SF Bay Area as an actress, director, choreographer, costume, property, and sound designer. Other favorite roles include Alice Murphy (Bright Star), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Mama Rose (Gypsy), Fanny Brice (Funny Girl), and more. Special thanks to her village who made this possible, and love to Rocco + G.
DC SCARPELLI (Barry Glickman) (he/him) was seen at Berkeley Playhouse in Big!, Becoming Robin Hood, and Head Over Heels. He is often to be found on stage with his husband, Peter Budinger, with whom he’s written and directed some plays, won some awards, and appeared in many, many productions over the past 30 years. This (and every) show is for Peter. Ditto for Robert (Memory eternal!). DC has been a recipient of the Theatre Bay Area, Shellie, and Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards for Lead Actor.
MARY KALITA (Angie Dickenson) is excited to return to Berkeley Playhouse after previously appearing in Pippin (Fastrada) and Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood)! Other favorite Bay Area credits: Ruthless (Judy Denmark) NCTC, Kinky Boots (Trish), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey – SFBATCC award/TBA nomination), Rocky Horror (Columbia), Reefer Madness (Placard Girl), The Who’s Tommy (Sally Simpson) Ray of Light Theatre, Cabaret (Frenchie) SF Playhouse, Grease (Rizzo) CCMT, Guys & Dolls (Miss Adelaide), Cats (Bombalurina), A Chorus Line (Val), Gypsy (June) Broadway by the Bay, Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham), Singin’ in the Rain (Lina Lamont) Diablo Theatre Company, and Chicago (Velma Kelly) CMTSJ Marquee Productions. Mary holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University.
JARON VESELY (Trent Oliver) (any/all) is grateful to be back at Berkeley Playhouse after making magic happen as Houdini in Berkeley Playhouse's 2018 production of Ragtime. Recent credits include: The Trees (Z Space), Fun Home (42nd Street
Moon), Chess in Concert (Moon), and Sweeney Todd (Hillbarn Theater). New York credits: Awesome ‘80s Prom, Fabulous Pink Flamingos (Bistro Award Winner), and Bare (Associate Director). Regional: Crazy for You (Ogunquit Playhouse), Meet John Doe (Goodspeed Opera House), The Buddy Holly Story (Foothills Theater). TV/Film: "Gossip Girl." Original Recording: Coming to My Senses. Jaron is an NYU Grad. Endless thanks to Josh - without his support I'd never have the courage to follow my dreams.
JON-DAVID RANDLE* (Mr. Hawkins) is thrilled to be back on the Berkeley Playhouse stage once again! He was last seen as Gator in Memphis. He also just finished a run of Sister Act the Musical at Woodminster Summer Musicals where he played Sweaty Eddie. He has been a part of the TBA community for a while and appreciates that productions like The Prom and its powerful message are being presented. Other credits: The Scottsboro Boys, Merrily We Roll Along (42nd Street Moon), Twelfth Night (SF Playhouse), and Violet (Bay Area Musicals).
ANDREA DENNISON-LAUFER (Mrs. Greene / U/S Dee Dee) (she/her) is overjoyed to be back at Berkeley Playhouse for The Prom! She was last seen here as Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime. She was a member of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s artistic intern ensemble. Past roles include: Star to Be in Annie, Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q (Berkeley Playhouse), Pat in Kinky Boots and Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Ray of Light Theater), Christmas Past in Scrooge in Love, Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade, and Ginger in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (42nd Street Moon), Hannah in Disney’s Freaky Friday (Center Repertory Company), and Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice (Milwaukee Repertory Theater). Thank you Fairy Godmother ;)
BILLY RAPHAEL (Sheldon Sapperstein / U/S Mr. Hawkins) most recently performed at Berkeley Playhouse as Mr. Price in Kinky Boots, Friar Tuck in Becoming Robin Hood, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Alexandros in Mamma Mia, Uncle Henry/Guard in Wizard of Oz, and Drake in Annie. Other Bay Area performances include: Tall Brother in Drowsy Chaperone, Louie in Lost in Yonkers, Marvin in Bleacher Bums, and Wilson in Harvey at CCCT, Sir Toby in Twelfth Night and Chebutykin in Kill the Debbie Downers at Shotgun Players, Zeller in Sound of Music and Charlie Cowell in The Music Man at CCMT, and Audrey II puppeteer in Ray of Light's Little Shop of Horrors. He would like to thank his Megan and Baby Rey Rey for all the love and support.
DEDRA TUFON (Kaylee), a multifaceted talent, holds the esteemed title of Ms. Black USA 2024 and is known as a Japanese TV personality, marathon runner, and fashion enthusiast. Her versatile performances on stage and screen captivate audiences, reflecting her depth and authenticity as an actor. With a magnetic presence and commitment to excellence, Dedra is excited to bring "Kaylee" to life!
KAELI SHAW (Shelby / U/S Alyssa) (she/her) is excited to participate in her first Berkeley Playhouse production! Born and raised in San Francisco, Kaeli attended Ruth Asawa School of The Arts for musical theater where she played Baker’s Wife in Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, Inga in Young Frankenstein, Lola in Damn Yankees and Margot in Legally Blonde, among others. She has also been
seen as Lucy in Woodside Community Theater’s production of Brightstar and sings professionally at events across Northern California with corporate bands. She is so incredibly grateful for all her family and friends who have supported her along her journey!
NICO JAOCHICO (Nick / U/S Trent) is returning to Berkeley Playhouse once more, this time hoping to help reach as many people as possible through the utterly endearing and extremely important message that The Prom brings. His goal is to share with audiences a strong sense of community, giving back to the beautiful Bay Area theater community that has so graciously accepted him throughout his career. Previous credits include: Joey Evans in Pal Joey (Altarena Playhouse), Smudgestick in Becoming Robin Hood (Berkeley Playhouse), Plankton in The SpongeBob Musical (Palo Alto Players), and Mark Cohen in RENT, among many others!
JONCARLO SALINAS-TOGNETTI (Kevin) (he/him) is thrilled to be in his first Berkeley Playhouse production. He recently played Dick Wilkins in A Christmas Carol at the Walnut Creek Lesher Center for the Arts and Dean Hyde in Diablo Valley Community College’s production of All Shook Up. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support and love.
BEN LAUING (Motel Clerk / Coach / Ensemble / U/S Barry) is elated and very grateful to be back at Berkeley Playhouse for The Prom. Local credits include: Rent (Gordon, The Man, u/s Roger) here at Berkeley Playhouse, The Boys in the Band (Harold) at Pacifica Spindrift Players, and Rent (Steve, Squeegieman) at Palo Alto Players. A Bay Area native, Ben grew up performing at the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre before continuing his training at American Conservatory Theater and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He is a graduate of Stanford University and UC Berkeley.
SHELLY MCDOWELL (Olivia Keating / Ensemble/ U/S Angie / Mrs. Greene) (she/ her) is ecstatic to be making her debut at Berkeley Playhouse! Favorite roles include: Val in Pal Joey (Altarena Playhouse), Brooke in Legally Blonde (TriValley Theatre Company), Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone (Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble), Morticia in The Addams Family (Pittsburg Theatre Company), Maria in The Sound of Music (Broadway Repertory Theater), and Cassie in A Chorus Line (Pinole Community Players). Shelly graduated from UC Irvine with a BA in Drama and was recently awarded two BroadwayWorld Awards for Best Performer in a Musical (Morticia, Addams Family) and Best Choreography of a Musical (The Drowsy Chaperone). She wishes to thank her family and friends for their love and support. Instagram: missshellbell12
HAZEL HORTON (Ensemble / U/S Adult Ensemble) (they/them/theyzel) is buzzing with joy to perform in their first MainStage production at Berkeley Playhouse! They have grown up in the Berkeley Playhouse education department and have been working in as many positions as possible since they were finally old enough to be a part of the team. Fun facts: Hazel has 11 fingers and is studying Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies at UC Berkeley with a focus in Stage Management and Production Management, with a little clownin' around thrown in. They are a huge nerd. Hazel would like to thank friends, family, and oat milk for supporting them, always.
JUSTIN SABINO (Ensemble / U/S Sheldon Sapperstein / Dance Captain) (he/ him), musical theater performer and choreographer, is happy to make his Berkeley Playhouse debut! Credits: South Bay Musical Theatre (Angel in RENT), Woodminster Summer Musicals (Kansas in Gypsy), Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre (Eddie in Damn Yankees, Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Graffiti Pete in In the Heights), and Center Repertory Company (Luke in Altar Boyz, Wells/ Louie Snaps in Freaky Friday). Choreography credits: Landmark Musical Theatre (RENT), and Contra Costa Musical Theatre (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). Justin is a teaching artist with Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre, and a recent graduate of the University of San Francisco, holding a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. Gratitude to chosen family from LA to the Bay, and Steven for loving this unruly heart of mine.
MATEO URQUIDEZ (Ensemble / U/S Adult Ensemble) (he/him) is making his Berkeley Playhouse debut. Mateo has been seen at Foothill Music Theatre in Into the Woods puppeteering Milky White the cow, as well as understudying Jack, and as Stephen Miller in Infinite Black Suitcase. Mateo was also seen in San Francisco State’s production of She Kills Monsters last spring, portraying the role of Orcus. Mateo would like to thank his family and friends for their unconditional support and love, and for being his biggest cheerleaders, both on and off the stage. Instagram: @mateourquidez
KRISTINA JEWETT (Ensemble / U/S Emma) (she/her) just graduated from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts in May, earning her BFA in Drama with a focus on Musical Theatre and Film/TV Acting. She is thrilled to be making her debut with Berkeley Playhouse in this show! Kristina recently made her 54 Below and Green Room 42 debuts in New York City, as well as filming a new pilot, alt., in Los Angeles, which is headed to the festival circuit this year. She sends all her love to Mom, Dad, Mich, Em, Jess, G, DM, and Mel, who she would be nowhere without. @kristinajewett / www.kristinajewett.com
JOHANNA LINS (Teen Ensemble) (she/her) is 17 years old and is in her senior year at Piedmont High School. She has performed with Berkeley Playhouse YouthStage for the past six years. Recent Berkeley Playhouse production credits include: YouthStage's Rent (Mark), YouthStage's Les Misérables (Fantine), and MainStage's Becoming Robin Hood (Youth Ensemble). Josie plans to continue studying theater as well as business in college. She is grateful to her theater home here at Berkeley Playhouse and hopes to stay connected as she transitions into the next stage of life.
OLIVIA REIF (Teen Ensemble / U/S Teen Ensemble) (she/her) is so excited to be a part of her first show at Berkeley Playhouse. She is a senior at Woodside High School and has been performing in their shows for the past three years, including being in the ensemble and dance captain for Footloose and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella: Enchanted Edition. She has been dancing with Academy of American Dance since she was five and has been in The Nutcracker twelve times, and most recently was a featured soloist (Arabian Coffee). She takes voice lessons with Rocío Guitard. She would like to thank her parents, brother, teachers, and friends for all of their support.
MATTHEW MAIER (Teen Ensemble / U/S Nick / Kevin) (he/him) is very excited to be making his Berkeley Playhouse debut in The Prom. Recently, Matthew has appeared as Friedrich in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Rolf in The Sound of Music, both at Youth Musical Theatre Company. He has also recently been in American Conservatory Theatre’s High School Cabaret Program. Other credits include: Bobby Strong in Urinetown and Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde: The Musical, both at I Can Do That Theatre Company. He’s glad you’re here and hopes you enjoy the show.
GABRIEL SHUM (Young Barry / Teen Ensemble) is a senior at El Cerrito High School, president and founder of the ECHS Musical Theatre Club, and captain of the Gaucho Dance Company. He is a California Arts Scholar who started his musical theater journey here at Berkeley Playhouse two years ago. He has been featured in RENT as Collins, Les Misérables as Marius, The Addams Family Musical as Uncle Fester, and Footloose as Willard. He also plans on pursuing a career in musical theater and screen acting in the future!
ELYSIA OLIQUIANO (Teen Ensemble) is making her debut on the Berkeley Playhouse MainStage. Last April, Elysia was in TeenStage’s RENT as Mimi. Since the age of eight, Elysia has performed with Bay Area Children’s Theatre, most recently in their Advanced Performers’ Xanadu Jr. as Kira. Elysia was also in California High School’s Macbeth as the Third Witch. You may have also recently seen Elysia in the first episode of the Apple TV+ series, The Last Thing He Told Me as The Girl. Elysia is grateful to her family for their love and support, and would like to thank those involved in The Prom for making this a memorable experience. IG: @elysia_o
CHLOE IIDA (Teen Ensemble / U/S Kaylee / Shelby) (she/her) is thrilled to be performing in her first Berkeley Playhouse MainStage show! Chloe has participated in Berkeley Playhouse YouthStage for the past five years, including: Spotlight Show's Mean Girls (Dance Captain) and Newsies (Finch), RENT (Maureen), Les Misérables (Fantine), and Footloose (Rusty). Before joining YouthStage, Chloe performed in several productions with Bay Area Children’s Theater. Chloe is a junior at Bishop O’Dowd High School where she is a member of the dance team. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the Berkeley Playhouse team for all their support.
LEVI KIM (Teen Ensemble / U/S Teen Ensemble) (he/him) has been in a number of shows over his time in high school. Some of his recent roles include Olivia in Athenian High School’s Twelfth Night and the Prince in California Academy of Performing Art’s production of The Nutcracker. Additionally, he has assisted in choreographing and directing Athenian High School’s productions of The Addams Family and Clue. He would like to thank his family as well as Berkeley Playhouse for the opportunity to be a part of The Prom
CHRISTINA LAZO (Co-Director / Co-Choreographer) is excited to be back at Berkeley Playhouse with such an incredible team, especially her Co-Director and Choreographer, Megan! Huge thanks also to Music Director, Daniel, and Stage Manager, Sarah. Past work at The Playhouse has included Memphis and You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Christina has also worked around the Bay Area with companies such as New Conservatory Theatre Company, Woodminster
Amphitheatre, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, 42nd Street Moon, and many more. She is passionate about Arts Education and is the Executive Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Works, now in its 27th year. Many thanks to this fabulous Cast and Staff, especially our amazing Dance Captain, Justin. What a joy!!
MEGAN MCGRATH (Co-Director / Co-Choreographer) is excited to make her MainStage directorial debut with The Prom and cannot thank Christina, Daniel, Sarah O. and Justin enough for collaborating with such open hearts. Berkeley Playhouse MainStage credits include: Head Over Heels, In the Heights, Mamma Mia, Pippin, The Wizard of Oz, and Annie. Megan is entering her eighth season as the Youth Productions Manager at Berkeley Playhouse and has produced and directed or choreographed over 40 Youthstage productions. She is particularly proud of her work on the YouthStage Spotlight Shows: Mean Girls (HS edition), Disney’s Newsies, School of Rock, and A Chorus Line. Megan would like to thank the best cast, crew, designers, and the Berkeley Playhouse staff. She also thanks you for supporting live theater and for contributing to the power of art that celebrates queer identities. The Prom is a story of radical self-acceptance, and she cannot imagine a better message to give to her daughter, Loreigna.
DANIEL ALLEY (Music Director) is a Bay Area conductor and music director. Currently serving as one of the resident music directors for Berkeley Playhouse’s YouthStage program, he has led more than ten productions, including Mean Girls, Les Misérables, Newsies, Head Over Heels, Urinetown, and A Chorus Line. He is deeply grateful to be part of Berkeley Playhouse’s dedicated community of artists, musicians, technicians, students, and staff, and to help deliver outstanding and inspiring musical theater to our community.
SARAH PHYKITT (Scenic Designer) (she/her), originally from the East Coast, came to the Bay Area in 2008 and is thrilled to be back at Berkeley Playhouse. Design credits include: West Side Story, Memphis, Into the Woods, Becoming Robin Hood, Kinky Boots, and Rent at Berkeley Playhouse; M. Butterfly, Little Brother, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia, The Lion in Winter, Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, References to Salvadore Dali Make Me Hot, and several others for Custom Made Theater Company; Agrippina and The Cunning Little Vixen for West Edge Opera; Le Switch, This Bitter Earth, Head Over Heels, and You’ll Catch Flies for the New Conservatory Theater Company; and Star Trek Live, Sex and the City Live, Golden Girls Live, Project Lohan, and many others for D’Arcy Drollinger and Oasis.
ANDREA GORHAM (Costume Designer) (she/her) is thrilled to be costuming The Prom at Berkeley Playouse. She is an award-winning designer and director who has been working in the Bay Area theater scene for 20 years. Credits include: Aida (CCPA), Into The Woods (CCPA), Cinderella (CCPA), Once On This Island (BMT), Guys & Dolls (BMT), A Christmas Carol (CCPA), Aladdin (BMT), Anything Goes (CCPA) and Mary Poppins (BMT). In addition to her musical theater repertoire, she worked on Circle Mirror Transformation and Becoming Eleanor* with the Bankhead Theatre in Livermore, California. This summer Andrea left a 22-year career in public education, with the last 10 as an administrator, to become an urban farmer. She now teaches people how to grow, harvest, and cook their own
food throughout Oakland, San Leandro, and Castro Valley. Check out her work at www.tandifamilyfarms.org *Actors' Equity Association
AMY ABAD (Lighting Designer) (she/they) has been so thrilled to be a part of their first MainStage production with Berkeley Playhouse! Previous credits include Kidstage's Cinderella at Berkeley Playhouse, The River Bride at University of California Berkeley Theater Dance and Performance Studies, and Cabaret at Barestage Productions. She would also love to thank her family and her partner for their support throughout her lighting design journey. Enjoy the show!
JOSHUA PRICE (Sound Designer) (they/he) is thrilled to join the Prom production team at Berkeley Playhouse. Serving as Berkeley Playhouse's resident sound designer, Joshua is thrilled to be working on their eighth MainStage design. Since 2016, Joshua has proudly collaborated with Berkeley Playhouse, cherishing the connections they share with Berkeley Playhouse's talented team. In addition to designing for Berkeley Playhouse and beyond, Joshua manages event operations for El Campanil Theatre in Antioch and is a proud graduate of UC Irvine. Joshua is grateful for collaborating with such a talented sound team, including A1s Mae, Cameron, Damian, and A2 Vincent.
MANDEE LONEY (Make-up and Wig Designer) (she/they) graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a Bachelors in Theatre Arts in 2023. Some of her recent work includes Assistant Costume Designing Nola Shakespeare Company's production of Twelfth Night, as well as Hair and Makeup Designing Loyola's production of The Comedy of Errors. She hopes you enjoy the heartwarming message of love and acceptance that The Prom is all about.
EVAN FAVELA (Props Designer) is a local artist and designer working in the Bay Area. You may have seen their work in past Berkeley Playhouse productions such as Mamma Mia and Memphis. You can all see their prop design work and art installations frequently at SF Oasis for the Cabaret Season and club night shows. They are happy to be back at Berkeley Playhouse and hope you enjoy the show.
BESSIE ZOLNO (Intimacy Choreographer) (she/her) works to support performers navigating heightened material in a safe and mindful way. She works with performers of all ages, is an NSIP member, and AMHC faculty. Upcoming shows include: In the Heights (MHC/ Sunnyvale), Dial M (Fight/ Coastal Repertory), Hamlet / Rosencrantz (Fight/Conta Costa Civic Theater), and Crossing Delancey (Intimacy/ RVP) bessiezolno.com
SARAH O'BRIEN (Stage Manager) (she/her) is an over-caffeinated and enthusiastic stage manager/teaching artist who is thrilled to be working on her first MainStage project! She would like to thank her parents and her roommates/ best friends for always encouraging her. She hopes you enjoy the show!
CAMILLE JONES (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her) is a recent graduate of UC Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and History. She is ecstatic to work on her first production with Berkeley Playhouse. Her recent credits include Stage Manager of Spring Awakening with Metro Theatre Company, Assistant Stage Manager for UC Irvine’s Spring Director Class Project, and a recurring collective member of 30 Plays in 60 Minutes with Schrodinger’s Cast. She would like to
thank her ever-supportive family and friends for cheering her on. She hopes you enjoy the production and the talented individuals who put it together!
HANNAH LINAWEAVER (Assistant Stage Manager) (they/them) is thrilled to be making their Berkeley Playhouse debut! Recent credits include: Production Assistant for Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Ground Floor Summer Residency Lab and Stage Manager for the Mammoth Shakespeare Festival (Measure for Measure and Twelfth Night). They are also a recent UC Berkeley graduate and proud alumni of the student theater group BareStage, where they stage managed three productions. They are so excited to join the Berkeley Playhouse family and be a part of this beautiful story about queer love.
MAE VIDANEZ (Audio Engineer) (they/them) is a multimedia artist from the San Fernando Valley who has a deep love for audio in live settings. A graduate of the Broadcasting and Electronic Communications Arts department at San Francisco State University and former intern with the Women's Audio Mission, their recent credits include Head Over Heels, Rent and Cinderella Enchanted at Berkeley Playhouse. They are eternally grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a talented and supportive sound team, and thank Josh, Cameron, and Vincent for their continued success! More work from Mae can be found at maevidanez.com
VINCENT KHIẾT CHÂU (Assistant Audio Engineer) (he/they) is very excited to be back at Berkeley Playhouse. Recently, Vincent was the A2 for Head Over Heels, RENT, Cinderella Enchanted, Kinky Boots and Matilda the Musical at Berkeley Playhouse; the props designer for Festive of Short Plays: ReOrient (Golden Thread Production), Yerma and Wolf Play (Shotgun Players), and Heritage《傳 承》(Cal); a crew member for the Pan American Multicultural Dance Gala at UC Irvine Barclay Theatre; and the scenic and props designer for PONY (Cutting Ball Theater), and The After Party (Cal). You can find out more about Vincent’s work on their Instagram at @vincent_house_171.
FRANKY FERNANDEZ (Wardrobe Coordinator) (she/they) is excited to join the Berkeley Playhouse wardrobe crew for a third MainStage show. Last season, Franky worked on Kinky Boots and Cinderella Enchanted. Franky has been a teaching artist at Berkeley Playhouse since 2019 and did some productions herself growing up. Franky grew up in the theater and has also been seen in shows at Oakland School for the Arts, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and Contra Costa Civic Theatre. They enjoy being part of such an amazing and accepting team here at Berkeley Playhouse and would like to thank all her students for inspiring her and filling their life with joy.
CALIFORNIA SHAKESPEARE THEATER
(Scenic Construction) is a nationally recognized leader in drawing on the power of authentic, inclusive storytelling to create more vibrant communities. Cal Shakes invites people from all walks of life to make deeply felt connections with our shared humanity through its work onstage, in schools, and in communities throughout the Bay Area. The Cal Shakes scene shop includes Steven Schmidt (Technical Director), Heidi Voelker (Associate Technical Director), Clint Sumalpong (Assistant Technical Director), Charlotte Wheeler (Shop Supervisor), Laura DeVeber and Tyler Miller (Lead Carpenters), Addie Bacon and Nicholas Mead (Staff Carpenters), Lassen
Hines (Scenic Charge Artist), and Adeline Smith (Lead Scenic Artist). For more information visit calshakes.org.
MICHAEL PATRICK WILES (Casting Director and Resident Music Director) is in his eleventh season as Casting Director & Resident Music Director for Berkeley Playhouse. Previous Berkeley Playhouse Music Directing credits include: Head Over Heels, Rent, Fun Home, Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia, Pippin (TBA Award nomination), Dreamgirls (TBA Award nomination), Grease, Sister Act, Urinetown (TBA Award winner, BATCC nomination), Peter & The Starcatcher, The Addams Family, Hairspray, and Avenue Q (TBA Award nomination.) Other Music Directing credits include work with Bay Area Children's Theater, Capital Stage Company, Center REP, Contra Costa Civic Theater, Pacific Repertory Theater, San Francis co Opera Guild, and San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. As an actor, Wiles has appeared in over 60 productions with American Conservatory Theater, American Musical Theater, Aurora Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theater, California Shakespeare Theater, Capital Stage Company, Center REP, Magic Theater, Marin Shakespeare Company, Pacific Repertory Theater, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, and Tacoma Actor's Guild. BFA, Cornish College of the Arts.
CAMERON PENCE (Production Manager) is in his ninth season as Production Manager at Berkeley Playhouse! Originally from North Carolina, Cameron is happy to call Berkeley Playhouse his artistic home. In addition to production management of all Professional Season shows, Cameron has also served as Lighting Designer for Rent, Becoming Robin Hood, Memphis, West Side Story, and Sister Act. Prior to Berkeley Playhouse, Cameron was Conservatory Technical Director at the American Conservatory Theater. Lighting Design credits at ACT include I’m Still Standing and Punk Rock for the Young Conservatory and The Big Meal and Rocky Horror for the MFA program. Before moving to the Bay Area, Cameron toured the world for six years with a variety of touring shows. In his spare time, Cameron enjoys sailing on the San Francisco Bay.
DANA SWINT (Director of Development and Community Outreach) is a born and raised Northern Californian and has lived in the East Bay for 10 years. She attended Mills College, studying Sociology and Education. Dana holds a Masters of Arts in Education, from UCLA, (Social Sciences and Comparative Education, emphasis Race and Ethnic Studies), where she studied with Daniel Solorzano, Director of the Center for Critical Race Studies in Education. Dana’s professional background is in nonprofit program management, and youth development focused on educational opportunity and empowerment. Her most recent leadership position was at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts as the Education Manager and director of a supervised distance learning program for academically at-risk students. Dana is passionate about the arts, education, outreach, and access for all.
MELISSA RIVERA SIMPSON (Producing Director) (she/her) is a Bay Area-born Latina theater professional, educator, and performer. She holds an MM in Opera & Music Theater Performance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a BM in voice and a BA in Spanish from San Diego State University. She participated in the LAByrinth Theater Company’s intensive ensemble in New York where she studied with Philip Seymour Hoffman (among others), and completed an in-
depth teacher training course with Sheri Sanders, creator of Rock the Audition, in pop/rock musical theater audition techniques. Before joining Berkeley Playhouse, Melissa performed all over the country in theaters such as Sight & Sound Theatres, Legends in Concert, and Opera Lancaster. She loves being a member of this theater community.
MARY K. LINS (Executive Director) (she/her) joined Berkeley Playhouse staff in 2018. She trained in theater and music at Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Arts School PA, Interlochen Center for the Arts musical theater program in Michigan, and holds a masters degree in religion and the arts. Prior to relocating to the Bay Area, she served on the board of directors for the Millbrook Playhouse Regional Theater. Mary is especially passionate about the ongoing development of Berkeley Playhouse’s educational outreach programs due to the invaluable tools and life skills children cultivate through introduction and engagement with the arts.
KIMBERLY DOOLEY (Artistic Director) has been directing, choreographing, teaching theater and working in arts producing and administration in the Bay Area for over 20 years. She is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in the Experimental Theatre Wing. At Berkeley Playhouse she has directed and choreographed Once On This Island, Seussical, Mary Poppins, The Wiz, Lucky Duck, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Addams Family, Beauty and the Beast, Billy Elliot, Grease, Pippin, Becoming Robin Hood, and Rent, as well as several KidStage and TeenStage productions. She's grateful to call this her creative and professional home.
The Prom Resource List
Helpful LGBTQ+ resources for the community:
Pacific Center for Human Growth, Berkeley A sliding scale mental health clinic for LGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC people of all ages. info@pacificcenter.org / 510-548-8283
Oakland LGBTQ Community Center Oakland's first-ever non-profit, all ages, all inclusive LGBTQ community service center. www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org
The Trevor Project
Crisis support, advocacy, research, and education for young LGBTQ+ lives. www.thetrevorproject.org
Ex Machina / Robert Lepage & Cirque FLIP Fabrique SLAM!
When theater & cirque meet the mat
Quebec’s revered circus-arts company partners with renowned opera and theater director Robert Lepage to bring the breathtaking spectacle and daring physicality of pro wrestling to the stage.
Oct 4–6
ZELLERBACH HALL, BERKELEY
