personnel Cast Actor 1:................................................................................................................. Ava Bucur Actor 2: .......................................................................................................Emma Faucault Actor 3:.............................................................................................................. Alle Gourlie Actor 4:......................................................................................................... Liev Schiffman Actor 5:........................................................................................................ Jon Wainwright Understudy:...........................................................................................Alexander Clarksen
Production and Design Team Director:..................................................................................................Dr. Neil Scharnick Stage Manager:............................................................................................Annie Sheahan Assistant Stage Manager:.............................................................................Marisol Brown Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Manager:...................................................... Lydia Sabath Set Design:................................................................................... Maureen Chavez-Kruger Costume Design:............................................................................................Kim Instenes Lighting Design:..............................................................................................Jessica Baker Assistant Lighting Design:..............................................................................Philip Steger Sound Design:................................................................................................... Ro Longden Properties Master:........................................................................................... Alyssa Sargis Properties Assistant:...................................................................................Roxanne Stasch Master Electrician:...................................................................................... Marshall Taylor Technical Director:............................................................................................Chad Gross Costume Crew Head:.................................................................................Emma Mehnart Costume Crew:................................................................................................ Julie Delgado Light Board Operator:.............................................................................Ambrose Pennock Sound Board Operator:.................................................................................. Julia DeFauw Sound Intern:............................................................................................. Ethan Anderson Spotlight Operator:............................................................................................ Sarah Hege Run Crew:...................................................................... Olivia Vargas, Onyx Vander Horn
special thanks Special Thanks to the UW-Parkside Theatre Department, Racine Theatre Guild, Mark Bracken and Lookingglass Theatre Company, Corrie Riedl and String Theory Embroidery.
director's notes The late Nineteenth Century, America’s “Gilded Age,” seems familiar in so many ways. It was an age of rapid technological innovation, championed by some but causing anxiety in others about the value and future role of human labor. It was an age of vast and growing economic disparity, where industrialists and “fat cat” robber barons relied on the government to keep them rich and in power, while the majority struggled to secure a living wage, safe working conditions, health care, and the right to vote. It was an age of urbanization and immigration, when millions of immigrants–nearly half of Chicago’s population–were expected to accept with gratitude their status as second-class citizens. And in light of this rapid urbanization, it was an age when anxieties were growing over the perceived loss of “nature” and “the wilderness”– and of humanity’s connectedness to it. Sound familiar? You may notice that, for this production, many of the typical trappings of the theatre have been omitted: the legs concealing backstage areas and the borders hiding lighting instruments, for example. Actors are at times acknowledged as actors, not just their characters, and the work of the cast, the crew, and even the playwright are acknowledged, not hidden. These are innovations developed by playwright and theorist Bertolt Brecht, who wanted the stage to move audiences towards political action. He didn’t want you to get swept up in the illusion and forget you’re in a theatre; he wanted you to remain alert, engaged, and critical. I’m so grateful to the brilliant Kristin Idaszak for creating this strange and delightful provocation for us. This is the eighteenth installment in Carthage’s New Play Initiative, which continues to be among my very favorite things here at Carthage. Commissioning new plays by awardwinning playwrights allows our students unparalleled access and insight into the process of theatre-making. Dr. Neil Kristian Scharnick
cast biographies Ava Bucur (Actor 1) is a junior Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Secondary Education major, and is excited to be working on her fifth show at Carthage! Her past Carthage credits include: "Jesus Christ Superstar" (King Herod), "Bright Star" (Spotlight Operator), and light board operator on "Xanadu", "Life is a Dream", and "Head Over Heels". She is immensely grateful for the opportunity to premiere "The Theory of the Leisure Class" with this incredible cast, crew, and creative team. She’d like to thank Kristin Idaszak for writing an equally compelling and hilarious show, Dr. Scharnick for his commitment to the creative process, and her friends and family for their endless support and love. Enjoy the show and always remember that you have the power to create change! Emma Faucault (Actor 2) is a senior Musical Theatre major with a minor in Communications. She is so grateful to be working on her sixth show here at Carthage and with such wonderful people. Past Carthage credits include: "Bright Star" (Mama Murphy), "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Director Assistant), "Life is a Dream" (Queen Basilia), "Eleemosynary" (Assistant Stage Manager), and "Nine" (Guido’s Mother). On campus, she proudly serves as the President of Lambda Kappa, the Treasurer for The Carthage Choir, and is a member of The Lincoln Chamber Singers. She would like to thank Kristin for putting so much thought and effort into writing this amazing show, Dr. Scharnick for allowing her to be her most true and confident self during rehearsals, the Stage Management team for their dedication, her family and friends for their endless support of her journey, and her boyfriend for playing every part in this show while he helps her with her lines. Enjoy the show! IG: @emmafaucaultmiller_ Alle Gourlie (Actor 3) is a Junior Music Education major with a minor in Musical Theater. She is excited to perform in her 4th mainstage production at Carthage! Previous Carthage credits include "The Moors" (Agatha), "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Ensemble, Soul Girl, U/S Jesus), and "Head Over Heels" (Philoclea). Other Credits include "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Ensemble, U/S Mary Magdalene) and "Sister Act" (Hooker/Nun) at Northern Lakes Arts Association. She would like to thank her parents and little brother, her man cave, her girlfriend, and her professors for always believing in her! IG: @gourlieallessandra
cast biographies Liev Schiffman (Actor 4) is a sophomore Musical Theatre and Psychology double major. He is so excited and grateful to be working in his third show and first play at Carthage with such an incredible group of people. His past Carthage Credits include: "Away from the Mirror" '26 (Light Board Operator) and "Bright Star" (Ensemble/Dr. Norquist). On campus, he is a part of Carthage's flagship vocal ensembles, the Carthage College Choir and the Lincoln Chamber Singers. Outside of campus, he sings professionally at Kenosha's First United Methodist Church. He would like to thank the cast of "Theory of the Leisure Class" for their amazing support on and off stage, Dr. Scharnick for his incredible teaching, Kristin for her thought-provoking and fun writing, and his family and friends for always being there for him. Enjoy the show! IG: @liev_schiffman Jon Wainwright (Actor 5) is a sophomore Theatre Performance major with a minor in Creative Writing. This is his first mainstage production at Carthage. He's performed in other ensembles, such as scenes for the directing class. Jon has previously performed in "Guys and Dolls" (Lieutenant Brannigan), "Beauty and the Beast" (Lumiere), "Kodachrome" (Charlie; Hardware Store Owner), "The Laramie Project" (Jedadiah Schultz + Dennis Shepard), "Romeo and Juliet" (Benvolio). Jon would like to thank his family, friends, his girlfriend, who supports him unconditionally, and his old mentor, Mr. Michael Schuh. He's very excited to step forward onto the stage and make this big progressive step towards his dream of being a movie actor. Please enjoy the show! IG: @jonwainwrightofficial Alexander Clarksen (Understudy) is a Musical Theatre Major. He is overjoyed to work with this wonderful cast and crew. Alexander performed in "Bright Star" (Daddy Cane) last year, as well as "Away from the Mirror" (Crew). He is in multiple choral ensembles, including both Carthage Choir and Lincoln Chamber Singers. Before arriving at Carthage, Alexander performed in "White Christmas" (Bob Wallace), "Mean Girls" (Damian), and "Our Town" (George Gibbs). Alexander would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting his pursuits in Theatre. Please enjoy the show!
production team biographies Jessica Baker (Lighting Design) is a freelance lighting designer in Southeastern Wisconsin. She has designed at the Rita Talent Picken Center, College of Lake County, Wartburg Auditorium, Goodman Mainstage Hall, Fireside Dinner Theatre, Harborside Academy and Kith & Kin Theatre. She is excited to be back at Carthage College. Her most recent designs were "Into the Woods" and Doctor Faustus for Summer Academy at First Stage Milwaukee. She is currently also designing "The Spitfire Grill" at Indian Trail High School and "Winnie the Pooh" at the Todd Wehr. Marisol Brown (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman Theatrical Directing major. She is super excited for her first show at Carthage to be "Theory of the Leisure Class". On campus she is employed under the Box Office and Library, and cannot wait to get involved in more groups. She’d like to thank the cast, crew and Dr. Scharnick for welcoming her mid-way through the rehearsal process as a last minute addition to the team. She has learned so much from all of them, not only within the theatrical world, but the world of college that is all so new to her. She’d also like to thank the playwright, Kristin Idaszak, who has so kindly taken the time to work one on one with the cast through this incredible show. Lastly, she’d like to thank her friends and family for always being there for her through the late nights and new schedule. She hopes you enjoy this show as much as she does! IG: @marisol_bee37 Chad W.A. Gross (Technical Director) is in his first year at Carthage. Chad has spent more than 20 years helping productions come to life through collaboration, creativity, and steady leadership, with a career that spans over one hundred productions. Before joining Carthage, Mr. Gross served as technical director at Imagination Stage, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Idaho State University. During his time at Imagination Stage, three productions he supported — “Naked Mole Rats Get Dressed: The Rock Experience,” “Nate the Great,” and “A Year with Frog and Toad” — earned the Helen Hayes Award for Best Overall Children’s Production. At the Utah Shakespeare Festival, his notable technical director credits include “Clue,” “The Sound of Music,” and “Trouble in Mind.” Gross holds an MFA in Theatre from Southern Illinois University, where he focused on technical direction, lighting design, and stage management, and a BA in Theatre Arts from Central Washington University, specializing in design and technology with an emphasis in electrical engineering technology.
production team biographies Maureen Chavez-Kruger (Set Design) holds an MFA in Scene Design from Boston University and a BA in Interior Design/Studio Arts from Mount Mary University. She continues to work as a freelance Scenic Designer in the Milwaukee area. Maureen’s design work includes productions at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, First Stage Children’s Theatre, Next Act Theatre and the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Lawrence University, and UW-Milwaukee: Peck School of the Arts. Her most recent scenic design work:" Nuncrackers", "Beehive: The ‘60s Musical", and "My Way" at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre; "Twelfth Night", and "Major Barbara" at UW-Milwaukee: Peck School of the Arts; and "Life Cycle of a Star", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "The Moors" at Carthage College. Maureen was awarded “Distinguished Achievement” from the American College Theatre Festival for her scenic design, A Seat at the Table by Regina Taylor. She also served on the board for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (2014-2020). Maureen is delighted to be a part of the 2026-27 Carthage Theatre Season. Ro Longden (Sound Design) is a Junior pursuing degrees in Computer Science and Technical Theatre Direction. In the past Ro has Light Designed for "Dear Elizabeth" (2026), Sound Designed for "Life is a Dream" (2025) and "Peter Pan" (2025) and Sound Mixed for "Life Cycle of a Star" (2024) here at Carthage College. Ro is excited to be working on another Carthage Mainstage Production, especially a new play initiative! This show is very important to Ro because of their connections with AI through their computer science work, and serves as a reminder to them that progress does always come at a cost. Ro would like to thank their family, friends, and teammates for their support. They are so proud of everyone surrounding this show for the hard work they have put in, and are excited to share this new play with everyone. Lydia Sabath (Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Manager) is a Junior here at Carthage College and this is her fourth production here! Her previous work includes Assistant Stage Managing for "Away from the Mirror" (2025), Run Crew/EMT in "Terminal Exhale", and War/Birch/Man Who Knows Nothing etc in "Blue Bird". On campus, Lydia is a member of Alpha Chi Omega, PRSSA and The Wisco Project. She is so proud to be a part of this project and all that it means! She would like to thank Kristin for writing something so impactful yet hilarious. She would also like to thank Neil for giving her this opportunity, and a unique one at that. Being able to combine her love for tech and acting in this position has been the most fun she thinks she has ever had in a technical role! Lydia would also like to thank her family for always supporting her and staying up to hear her recaps of rehearsal. Lastly, Lydia would also like to thank Holly Potthoff and Emily Baker for growing her love of her theatre day by day and making her the actor she is today.
production team biographies Dr. Neil Scharnick (Director, ‘99), ‘99) Associate Professor of Theatre, teaches theatre history and play analysis in addition to directing at Carthage. Neil holds a Ph.D. in Theatre and Drama from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an M.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University, and degrees in Religion and Communications & Performing Arts from Carthage. Some past directing credits at Carthage include "Proof", "Puffs", "Marriage à la Mode", "The Serpent", "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead", "Life is a Dream", "Translations", and "Dead Man’s Cell Phone", as well as the musicals "Into the Woods", "Flora the Red Menace", "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", "Thoroughly Modern Millie", and "Nine". Scharnick helps coordinate Carthage’s New Play Initiative and has brought four new plays under his direction to the American College Theatre Festival and three overseas. Scharnick spent spring 2026 in residence at West End House School of Arts in Killarney, Ireland, where he directed and taught. He thanks Erin and Ollie for their boundless love and patience. Annie Sheahan (Stage Manager) is a junior Music Theatre major with a Public Relations minor, and is so grateful to be a part of this incredible production. Her past Carthage credits include: "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Caiaphas), The "Blue Bird" (Spotlight Operator), and she is delighted to make her official stage managing debut in "The Theory of the Leisure Class"! On campus, Annie is employed with the box office, a member of both Carthage Choir and Lambda Kappa, and a resident assistant in Tarble Hall. She wants to thank Kristin for writing such an amazing and impactful show, Dr. Scharnick, the cast, and crew for believing in and supporting her, her family and friends for teaching her to always persevere, and her girlfriend for everything. Enjoy the show! IG: niieshea Roxanne Stasch (Properties Assistant) is a freshman technical direction and mathematics double major. Her previous credits include properties manager for "The Addams Family", properties crew lead for "Shrek", lighting designer for "Tuck Everlasting", and properties crew member for the Illinois All-State production of "Newsies". She sends her thanks to the production team for their support through her first college production as well as her family and friends at home for their unending kindness. IG: @roxielouwho
production team biographies Philip Steger (Assistant Lighting Design) is a sophomore technical direction major. He is excited and grateful to be working on his sixth show. Past Carthage works include: "Elegies" (Light Board Operator), "Bright Star" (Light Board Operator), "The Moors" (Assistant Lighting Designer), "Last Train to Nibroc" (Light Board Operator), "Everything You Touch" (Light Board Operator). On campus he is employed at the scene shop and involved in the on-campus National Theatre Honors Society, Alpha Psi Omega. He is excited to be working on this new play and he would like to thank Dr. Scharnick and the cast and crew for welcoming him in with open arms and to Kristin Idaszak for creating an amazing show. He would also like to thank his family, friends and his girlfriend for all the support. Enjoy the show! IG: @philipsteger Marshall Taylor (Master Electrician) is a junior Directing and Technical Direction double major. His past works at Carthage include: "Away from the Mirror" ‘26 (Stage Manager), "Bright Star" (Ensemble), "Last Train to Nibroc" (Sound Designer), The "Blue Bird" (Projections Operator). On campus he is employed at Carthage’s scene shop and involved in Alpha Psi Omega. He is excited to collaborate with all of the immensely talented members of the cast, crew and production team. And he would like to thank Dr. Scharnick and the Carthage Theatre Department for this opportunity.
carthage theatre faculty Heidi Armbruster.................................Instructor of Theatre, Playwriting Breannin Beelow........................................................ Instructor of Theatre Melissa Benson...............Costume Shop Assistant, Instructor of Theatre Maureen Chavez-Kruger............. Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theatre Chad Gross..................................................................... Technical Director Kim Instenes.............................. Costume Designer, Professor of Theatre Herschel Kruger..........................Department Chair, Professor of Theatre Colt Luedke..............................Instructor of Theatre, Stage Management Martin McClendon..................................................... Professor of Theatre Ken Miller................................................................... Instructor of Theatre Dr. Neil Kristian Scharnick....................... Associate Professor of Theatre Jesse Todd................................................................... Instructor of Theatre
carthage dance faculty Rich Ashworth .............................................. Adjunct Instructor of Dance Rebecca Crystal ............................................. Adjunct Instructor of Dance Ania Hidalgo.................................................. Adjunct Instructor of Dance Stacy Pottinger.....................................................Head of Dance Program, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dance Hilliary Vaccarello.......................................... Adjunct Instructor of Dance
musical theatre faculty Dr. Corinne Ness.Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Education, Director of Graduate Music Theatre Studies, Professor of Music Melissa Kelly Cardamone...............................................Staff Accompanist Yu-Mei Chang.................................................................Staff Accompanist Molly Fuller.....................................................Instructor of Music Theatre Matthew Hougland.............................................Music Department Chair, Director of Undergraduate Music Theatre Studies, Assistant Professor of Music Emily Winkler..................... Adjunct Instructor of Movement for Singers Ben Woods..................... Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
This production is entered in the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF), a national educational network that recognizes and promotes excellence in collegiate theatre production and training. Through ACTF participation, productions are eligible for response, feedback, and consideration for regional and national recognition. Students and faculty may also be invited to participate in ACTF educational programs, scholarships, and professional development opportunities across a range of theatrical disciplines. By entering this production, our theatre department participates in a nationwide effort to celebrate and advance exemplary work in college and university theatre.
upcoming events Student Recital: Elizabeth Whittier Saturday, October 24 • 4:00 p.m. H. F. Johnson Recital Hall Fall Choral Concert Saturday, October 24 • 7:30 p.m. A. F. Siebert Chapel Student Recital: Hope Johnson Friday, October 30 • 7:30 p.m. H. F. Johnson Recital Hall Student Recital: Hayden Izumi Saturday, October 31 • 4:00 p.m. H. F. Johnson Recital Hall Student Recital: Lorelai Amborn Sunday, November 1 • 1:00 p.m. H. F. Johnson Recital Hall Student Recital: Layla Nemri Sunday, November 1 • 4:00 p.m. H. F. Johnson Recital Hall Performing Arts Series: Nicole Benoit Thursday, November 5 • 7:30 p.m. H. F. Johnson Recital Hall
Arts at Carthage acknowledges that the land on which our building stands is part of the traditional Potawatomi, Sioux, Peoria, Kickapoo, and Miami peoples past, present, and future. These homelands reside along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes. We honor with gratitude the land itself, and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. Many Indigenous peoples thrive in this place—alive and strong, and this calls us to commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit as well.
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