Dingbat Theatre Project is a 501(c)3 dedicated to building an inclusive, safe, and accessible arts space that values creativity, compassion, and collaboration. Dingbat will achieve its goals and share its values through the thoughtful creation of community-based arts programming that uplifts and challenges audiences. This programming exists to enrich Dingbat’s audiences and artists through quality theatrical productions, communitybuilding performances, and engagement events.
SEUSSICAL - JAN 30-MAR 22
WILDFLOWERS - FEB 21-MAR 21
OKLAHOMA! - MAR 13-29
DR. JEFFREY HAMBLIN & MARK-ALAN
JEFF CIMA
TERRY & DEBBIE AUSTIN & SPONSORS:
FROM THE STORIES AND POETRY OF A.A. MILNE
JASON MOORE
AJ TRINCI
BRITTANY BIANCO RESNICK
LIZ PASCOE
KEVA SCHELLS
JOAH MARTIN
JOY BROOME
ABBY BERENT
ALYSSA CAROLINE
PHILIP TROYER
LAURA GRIEME
MADISON McCAGUE
ELISHA KITTINGER
AUTUMN BROOME
GRETCHEN BEAUMIER … Scenic, Lighting, & Puppet Designer
SARAH DeSMITH … Scenic Painter
LAURA GRIEME … Puppet Designer
LUKE MANUAL … Director / Scenic & Puppet Designer
LIZ PASCOE … Associate Artist
ASH SCHELLS … Production Stage Manager
ADRIAN VAN STEE … Key Art Photographer
AJ TRINCI … Associate Artist & Puppet Designer
Laura Grieme, AJ Trinci, Boris Gonzalez, Michael Beaumier, Christina Orta, DramaKids of Manasota, Historic Asolo Theatre, David & Sonya McFatrich, Sami McFatrich, Liz Pascoe, Jason Moore, Philip Troyer, Joel Broome, Brittany Bianco Resnick, IVMS TheatreStars, Ash Schells
Abby Berent
… Christopher Robin
Brittany Bianco Resnick … Eeyore
Autumn Broome
Joy Broome
Alyssa Caroline
Laura Grieme
Elisha Kittinger
Storyteller
Storyteller
Piglet
Heffalumps & Woozles
… Storytellers
Joah Martin … Storyteller
Madison McCague … Storyteller
Jason Moore … Winnie-the-Pooh
Liz Pascoe
AJ Trinci
Keva Schells
Philip Troyer
HUNDRED ACRE BAND:
Luke Manual
Joel Broome
Line Frambes
Serenna Jones
Caitlyn Mercede Turner
ACT ONE: 50 MINUTES
SCENE ONE: PROLOGUE
Kanga
Owl / Tigger
Roo
Rabbit
Keys / Vocalist
Percussion
Guitar (Select Dates)
Vocalist (Select Dates)
Vocalist (Select Dates)
SCENE TWO: IN WHICH WE ARE INTRODUCED TO WINNIE-THE-POOH AND SOME BEES, AND THE STORIES BEGIN
SCENE THREE: IN WHICH POOH GOES VISITING AND GETS INTO A TIGHT PLACE
SCENE FOUR: IN WHICH EEYORE LOSES A TAIL AND POOH FINDS ONE
SCENE FIVE: IN WHICH KANGA AND BABY ROO COME TO THE FOREST
15-minute intermission
ACT TWO: 40 MINUTES
SCENE ONE: IN WHICH A HOUSE IS BUILT AT POOH CORNER FOR EEYORE
SCENE TWO: IN WHICH RABBIT HAS A BUSY DAY, AND WE LEARN WHAT CHRISTOPHER ROBIN DOES IN THE MORNINGS
SCENE THREE: IN WHICH TIGGER COMES TO THE FOREST AND HAS BREAKFAST
SCENE FOUR: IN WHICH IT IS SHOWN THAT TIGGER DOESN’T CLIMB TREES
SCENE FIVE: IN WHICH PIGLET DOES A VERY GRAND THING
SCENE SIX: IN WHICH EEYORE FINDS THE WOLERY AND OWL MOVES INTO IT
BY LUKE MANUAL
Producing Artistic Director/Founder of Dingbat Theatre Project & Director/Adaptor of Dingbat’s A Winnie- the-Pooh Christmas
Before we begin our journey through the Hundred Acre Wood, take a breath, shake off the grown-up world for a moment, and imagine a place where stuffed animals talk, hunny pots never stay full for long, and adventures appear the moment you look for them, even in the the most seemingly simplistic of places. That’s the spirit of A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas, a reminder that wonder is never far away if we choose to see it.
We all have a relationship with the Winnie-the-Pooh characters. Whether through the television cartoons, Disney films, the original books, or the countless pieces of merchandise (capitalism!), A.A. Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood friends have lived in our cultural lexicon for 101 years.
Winnie-the-Pooh, known to some as Edward Bear, first appeared in the 1924 poetry anthology When We Were Very Young, written by Alan Alexander Milne: playwright, poet, World War I lieutenant, and World War II captain. He based Christopher Robin on his own son, Christopher Robin Milne, and drew inspiration for the animals of the Hundred Acre Wood from his son’s stuffed toys, as well as the real animals of nearby Ashdown Forest, the landscape that inspired the Wood itself. Milne would go on to publish only two collections of stories about Christopher
“A Pooh Party” Illustrated by E.H. Shepard (1926)
Robin’s adventures: Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926 and The House at Pooh Corner in 1928. Each book contains ten stories filled with Hundred Acre Wood hijinks. This production features four stories from the first book and six from the second, with much of the dialogue and narration drawn directly from Milne’s prose and poetry.
In adapting these tales for the Dingbat stage, we returned to the origins of these characters: a father telling stories to his son, and a boy’s cherished stuffed friends coming to life. We’ve woven Dingbat’s community-centered storytelling into the piece with a multi-generational cast who helped devise this production. The play’s first act follows a family reconnecting through storytelling and imaginative play. The second act explores generational storytelling and the bittersweet realities of growing up.
At its core, Dingbat’s A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas is a celebration of community, imagination, and the journey from childhood to adulthood. Thank you for choosing to spend the holidays with us and the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood. We hope our reimagining of these timeless characters brings a smile to your face, a tear to your eye, and rekindles your desire to play.
GRETCHEN BEAUMIER (Lighting & Scenic Design) [she/they] is the Co- Artistic Director and Technical Director for Dingbat Theatre Project. Gretchen grew up in Sarasota attending Pine View School before studying at University of North Carolina School for the Arts. Since graduating, she has been on the leadership team at Dingbat Theatre Project and worked at many area theatre in multiple capacities. She recently co-directed productions of I’m Gonna Marry You, Tobey Maguire and Dingbat’s Hercules, and has appeared onstage as Peter Pan in Dingbat’s Peter Pan. Lighting Design: I’m Gonna Marry You, Tobey Maguire, Dingbat’s Hercules, Pippin, Speakeasy Alice, Lysistrata, Joseph… Dreamcoat, The Wizard of Oz, Rose, Tuesdays With Morrie, and Forbidden Broadway. Scenic Design: Pippin, Speakeasy Alice, Lysistrata, The Wizard of Oz, It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman, Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville, Proof, and Little Shop of Horrors.
ABBY BERENT (Christopher Robin)
Abby is a 7th grader at Mona Jain Middle School in Lakewood Ranch. She is thrilled to be back on the Dingbat Stage! You may have seen her as Theo in Dingbat's Pippin or onstage acting up with Drama Kids of Manasota. She wants to say thank you to Dingbat for trusting her with the role of Christopher Robin and for letting her be a part of this amazing cast!
BRITTANY BIANCO RESNICK (Eeyore) [she/her] is delighted to return to the Dingbat stage! She was most recently seen in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and as Sydney in It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman! When she’s not performing, Brittany teaches music and theatre, sharing her love of storytelling, harmony, and a touch of whimsy with her students, no honey required. Endless thanks to her husband, David, and to her
students for filling her world with music and laughter.
AUTUMN BROOME (Storyteller) is a spunky, creative, funny 6 year old and has spent her entire life attending various rehearsals, summer camps and classes. Her performance debut was when she was still cooking inside her Mamma's belly. She last appeared on stage as Tiny Tim, a role she shared with her sister, Joy at Venice Theatre last winter. When she's not on stage she loves to play pranks, swim, and create wonderful games with her sisters.
JOY BROOME (Storyteller) is a happy, creative, curious 7 year old. She's been attending theatre summer camps, rehearsals and performances since she was a baby strapped to her mom. She last appeared on stage as Tiny Tim, a role she shared with her sister Autumn, at Venice Theatre last winter. When she's not on stage she loves to dance, draw in her journal snd create wonderful games with her sisters.
ALYSSA CAROLINE (Piglet) [she/ her] is back for her fifth Dingbat production. You might remember her from Dingbat productions of Urinetown, Lysistrata, Speakeasy Alice, or Heathers the Musical.
LAURA GRIEME (Heffalumps & Woozles) [she/her] is appearing in her fi fth Dingbat production, previously performing in Peter Pan, Superman, and Lysistrata. She has also performed at The Sarasota Players and Manatee Performing Arts Center in productions of Godspell, Rabbit Hole, Steel Magnolias, and Cabaret.
ELISHA KITTINGER (Storyteller) This is Elisha’s second production at Dingbat. Elisha was in the children’s chorus for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Elisha goes to Garden Elementary and loves art and music.
LUKE MANUAL (Director/Scenic Design/Adaptor) [they/them] is the Producing Artistic Director and Founder of Dingbat Theatre Project. They are a transplant from Little Rock, AR, where they were born and raised before studying Marketing and Theatre at Mississippi State University. They are a multidisciplinary theatre artist with experience directing, performing, music directing, teaching, and writing. They have a passion for building community through theatre, which led to the founding of Dingbat in 2020. Favorite Dingbat Directing Credits: Joseph… Dreamcoat, The Wizard of Oz, Superman, Peter Pan , Shrek (BwayWorld Best Director), Chicago, and the regional premieres of The SpongeBob Musical and I’m Gonna Marry You, Tobey Maguire. They have also directed for Venice Theatre, The Sarasota Players, The Loveland Players, & The Basket Cases Theatre Company. As a performer, they have frequently appeared on local stages for the last eight years, notably portraying Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods, Mama Morton in Chicago, among others. They most recently appeared in Dingbat’s Hercules, which they co-wrote and starred alongside their friend, Austin Howeth. Other writing credits include adaptations of Peter Pan, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Call of the Wild , and Frost . “Love to Gretchen, Mom, Dad, Elle, Sami, the amazing artists that make Dingbat so special, and you! Thank you for spending your time with us.”
JOAH MARTIN (Storyteller) is honored to be back at Dingbat! Joah is a homeschooled 8th grader who started acting in 2nd grade. Favorite credits include SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical (DramaKids), Christian in Fun Home, Character Actor in Miracle on 34th St. , Eddie in 13 Jr. (Players), Munchkin Coroner in The Wizard of Oz (Rise Above), and Children’s Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dingbat.) Joah wants to thank Luke and the creative team for allowing him to be apart of this production. He’d also like to thank his family and friends for always supporting him in achieving his dreams. “Thank you for spending the holidays with us! Enjoy the show!”
MADISON McCAGUE (Storyteller) is 17 years old and is in her senior year of high school, and she is so excited to be a part of Winnie the Pooh. This will be Madison’s first production with Dingbat Theatre Project! Madison has appeared in Something Rotten Jr. As Peter Quince, Frozen Jr. as Olaf, and many other musicals with her childhood theatre group Theatre Stars. During her free time, Madison likes to paint, hang out with friends and thrift. Madison has been a part of theatre programs since she was 10 years old. Theatre and the arts in general are her passion, and she would like to thank her friends and family for endlessly supporting her in every possible way!
JASON MOORE (Winnie-the-Pooh) [he/him] A 30+ year veteran of local stages, Jason is excited to be making his Dingbat debut! Favorite past shows include West Side Story (Baby John), Brigadoon (Harry Beaton & Jeff), Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), Chicago , Ragtime , Les Miserables (Combefere), 1776 (Rutledge), Into the Woods (Jack), Assassins (Proprietor), Elf (Buddy), and Spelling Bee (Mitch). In his free time, Jason is also involved in dressing up as various characters for children’s charities. All my love to Allison for her constant support, especially the last couple of years.
LIZ PASCOE (Kanga) [she/her] is a local performer, director, and expressive arts facilitator. She has appeared in Dingbat productions of Lysistrata and Peter Pan (Wendy), as well as her one-woman show for very young audiences, Lady Bugg’s Garden: Tiptoe Through the Tulips. She’s the Drama Teacher at Mangrove School of Sarasota and works belovedly with Pinky's Players
at Venice Theatre and the participants at The Loveland Creates Program. Learn more about Liz at: Theheartworkstudiowithliz.com Liz is most honored and thrilled to be on stage with her daughters: The Broome Sisters.
AJ TRINCI (Owl/Tigger) [they/them] has enjoyed returning to Sarasota theater after getting their BFA in Musical Theater at FSU. Over the past year they have appeared in The Fantasticks (Mute) at The Manatee Players and Fun Home (Alison) and Cabaret (Fritzie) at The Sarasota Players. They want to thank the whole production team, cast, and crew, their family, and particularly their younger sister for once being easily entertained by stuffed animals with funny voices.
KEVA SCHELLS (Roo) is a student at Island Village Montessori School where she has been active in Theatre Stars since 2019. Her favorite roles include Les in Newsies Jr. and Small Alice in Alice and Wonderland Jr. She is excited to perform in her first Dingbat show!
PHILIP TROYER (Rabbit) [he/him] is excited to be working with Dingbat again. A Sarasota native, you may have seen him previously as Prof. Sedgewick in It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman. His additional roles include the Wizard / Professor Marvel in The Wizard of Oz, Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, Bernard in Death of a Salesman, Juror #2 in Twelve Angry Jurors, and Howard in Moon Over Buffalo (to name a few). He thanks his family and his girlfriend for their marvelous encouragement!
Dingbat Theatre Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are so grateful to our donors and sponsors for the generosity. Our goal is to raise $60,000 in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. If you’d like to donate, visit dingbattheatre.org/donate!
Acknowledging the amazing donors who have supported Dingbat Theatre Project and donated between August 2024 and October 2025
$7.5K+ Dr. Jeffrey Hamblin & Mark-Alan, Osprey Consulting, Gretchen Beaumier & Luke Manual
$5K+ Anonymous, Jeff Cima, OfficeMax, Debbie & Terry Austin
$2.5K+ Terry & Debbi Austin, Florence & Chris Bunten, Gulfcoast Community Foundation, William Johnson, Red Wing Shoes of Bradenton, Alisha Tyler-Lohr & Ethan Vail, Bill & Rose Johnson, Homewell Care Services
$1K+ Buchmeier Family Trust, Samantha Fuller
$500+ Cathi Bell, Brent & Stacy Pinkerton
$250+ Jason Ellis, Anna Lee Ernst, Steve & Nancy Johnson, Mary Howell, Serenna Jones, Shawn Sellitti, Emily Uritz, Susan Talbot, Bill Troetel & Margo Schneeloch, Patrick Mounce, Sarah Conte, Joseph Tricarico, Zachary Tudor, Julie Wells
$100+ Allynid M. Bunten, Daniel Cole, Live Coleman, Ellen Kramer, Donald & Barbara McFatrich, Boyd Parris, Julie Pinkerton, Sue Rupp, Wallace Schroeder, Catherine Seress, Sherrie L. Shirky, Lisa Taylor, Ann Thompson, Suzanne Williams
$50+ Donald Anderson, Laura Grieme, Erica M. Fults, Cindy Maloney, Linda Mangold, India Miller, Mark Montagna, Dianne Polletta, Emily Rizzo
$5+ Ashley Averi, Mary Abbruzzese, Theresa Arena, Rebeca Arrigall-Watkins, Max Augsburger, Ariel Blue, Roger J Boulanger, Giovanni Bruschetta, Eric Charping, Jacquelyn Cetola, Chesselica Davidson, Laura Dessauer, Joan Ennis, Beth Girgis, Kathleen Horne, Elizabeth Kamm, Francis M. Kelly, Kim Kollar, Jalex Leissler, Kennedy Lollar, Amanda Martin Nunes, Theodore Medrek, Sherrie McKinley, Susan Murphy, Laura Murray, Gregory Sitnek, David Stein & Hannah Murphy, Gina Sussi, Sudi Van Dien, Julie Wells, Maurie West, Jen Zak