BY JOHN BAVOSO
NOV. 5-8 AT 7:30 P.M. | NOV. 9 AT 2 P.M.
(OR, YOUR SIDE HU$TLE IS KILLING US)
BY JOHN BAVOSO
NOV. 5-8 AT 7:30 P.M. | NOV. 9 AT 2 P.M. | CAMPUS BLACK BOX THEATRE
Director’s Note
Social media has cultivated a digital landscape where anyone can share their passions, opinions, and identities with the world. Yet in this seemingly limitless ether, our collective culture is constantly being shaped, for better and for worse. MLM is for Murder (or, Your Side Hustle is Killing Us) offers a sharp, satirical lens on how this culture collides with the pressures of American life.
“In this economy” — a phrase we often toss around with a laugh — reveals something far more sobering: a system where countless Americans live paycheck to paycheck, lured by the promise of financial freedom. For decades, companies like Amway, LuLaRoe, and Herbalife have preyed upon that dream, offering the seductive possibility to “make bank,” while in reality leaving participants deeper in debt and despair.
When the grind of daily survival grows unbearable, escapism becomes our refuge. Social media is always ready to provide that outlet—through viral memes, pet videos, or even obsessive dives into the lives of infamous serial killers. In those moments, we glance outward and reassure ourselves: at least I’m not as bad off as them.
Thank you for joining us tonight as we explore John Bavoso’s biting critique of ambition, exploitation, and distraction in modern America. We hope this production sparks both laughter and reflection, and invites you to consider the culture we create — and consume— every day.
Thanks for supporting live theatre!
— Ryan P. Jones
MLM is for Murder Cast
FELICITY ............................................................................................. Madi Connor
JASON .............................................................................................. Jaiden Connel
MINERVA ....................................................................................... Mercury Nelson
SIENNA.............................................................................................. Sophia Wilson
FOUNDER .......................................................................................... Annie Mercer
CHERYL ................................................................................................. Bee Rowan
BIANCA ........................................................................................ Vy Jarret-Lazzari
AMBER .............................................................................................. Lily-Ann Floyd
WOMAN ........................................................................................ Jesse Stallworth
PODCASTER #1 .................................................................................... Lynn Baker
PODCASTER #2 ....................................................................................... Ava Bass
PODCASTER #3 ................................................................................. Jace Barlow
PODCASTER #4 .............................................................................. Dhara Weaver
SETTING
Present Day.
Locations
Washington, D.C., St. George, Utah ...and the World Wide Web
Please note —There will be one 10-minute intermission.
Production Team
Director .............................................. Ryan P. Jones
Stage Manager .................................. Lauren Avery Jones
Scenic Designer .................................... Patrick Hamilton
Costume Designer .................................. Gabrielle Sowell
Sound Designer Nicolas Hoeppel
Production Manager Beate Czogalla
Lighting Designer Gabriel Purdum
Hair/Make-up Designer Josey Maddox
Costume Props Coordinator Laurence "Lucky" Grau
Props Coordinator .................................... Jody Hensley
Asst. Stage Managers ........................ Bella Cowart, Vee Todd
House Management. ................. Sarah Barnhart, Paige Blakemore
Wardrobe Supervisor ............................ Madison Hildebrand
Dressers .............................. Elysia Johnson, Tess Davidson
Hair and Make Up Assistant .......................... Makena Massie
Paint Charge .......................................... Kenzie Miller
Painters ................... Jace Barlow, Livaudais Dugas, Neko Kaplan
Dance Captain ........................................ Lily-Ann Floyd
Fight Captain ............................................. Vee Todd
Props Runners ......................... Brooks Gannon, Charles Alfaro
Sound Board Operator ................................. Jace Barlow
Lead Electrician ....................................... Ethan Rogers
Light Board Operator .................................. Matilda Erney
Photographer ...................................... Brian Wallenberg
Fight Choreographer ..................................... Scot Mann
Intimacy Coordinator .................................. Tara Chiusano
Box Office Management Jennifer Gheesling, Amelia Daws
Cast and Crew Bios (A-Z)
Charles Alfaro (Theater/ Poli Sci 2028, Props Runner) Past shows include Onegin and At The Wedding. Charles would like to thank his friends and family for all the love.
Lynn Baker (Theatre 2028, Podcaster #1). Past shows include Viola in Twelfth Night, Ensemble in Onegin. Lynn would like to thank their families and friends for their support!
Jace Barlow (Theatre 2026, Podcaster #3 and Sound Board Operator) Past shows include: At the Wedding (Light board operator), Onegin (Spotlight Operator)
Sarah Barnhart (Mass Communications 2027. House Manager) Past Shows Include: The Feast (ASM), At The Wedding (Maria), Dragons Love Tacos (Yellow Dragon), Assistant/House Manager (multiple shows) Enjoy the show!
Ava Bass (Mass Communications 2028, Podcaster #2). Past shows include Little Red in Into The Woods, Katalin Hunyak in Chicago, and Dresser for Onegin. Ava would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
Paige Blakemore (Mass Communication 2025, House Manager) Past shows include Assistant House Manager for Head Over Heels, and House Manager for Onegin.
Tara Chiusano (Intimacy Coach) is thrilled to work on another fabulous GCSU show. Past projects: The Importance of Being Earnest at GCSU (Dialect and Movement Coach), Dead Man's Cell Phone and Macbeth at University of Tennessee-Martin (Dialect and Vocal Coach). She trained in intimacy coaching at SAFD's New York Summer Sling, and she received her MFA in Classical Acting from The Academy for Classical Acting with The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Jaiden Connel (Theatre 2027, Jason). Past shows include Leigh in At the Wedding, Lensky in Onegin. Jaiden would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew for a great production!
Madison Connor (Political Science, 2029, Felicity) Past shows include a few Shakespeare plays and various smaller productions. Madi would like to thank her family, friends, and OnStage Walton.
Bella Cowart (Nursing 2028, Assistant Stage Manager). Past shows include Assistant Stage Manager in Twelfth Night and Assistant Stage Manager in Dragons Love Tacos. Bella would like to thank their friends for finding time to hang out despite our hectic schedules.
Beate Czogalla (Production Manager) is delighted to have been a part of the theatre program at GCSU as Professor of Theatre Design since the Fall of 2000. She has a BA and MA degree in Theatre from Giessen University (Germany) and an MFA degree in Scenography and Lighting Design from Virginia Tech. Ms. Czogalla has designed internationally with credits at theatres across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Tess Davidson (Theatre 2028, Dresser). Past shows include Assistant Stage Manager for Twelfth Night and Props Runner for Onegin and Dragons Love Tacos. Tess would like to thank friends, family, and their blind dog.
Liv Dugas (Theatre 2029, Painter) Past shows include ASM in Aida, SM in Sister Act, and Lead SM for Savannah Arts' Student Directed One Act Festival. Liv would like to thank Savannah Stage Company for all of her professional training.
Matilda Erney (English (Literature)/ Studio Art 2029, Props Runner). Past shows include Anne of Green Gables, (Head of Costumes) and the role of Ms. Stacey. Matilda would like to thank, her high school theatre teacher, Mrs. Jones.
Lily-Ann Floyd (Theater and Literature Major, 2028, Dance Captain, Amber). Past shows include Lily Saint Regis in Annie , Finch in Newsies and Karen in Spongebob . Lily-Ann would like to thank her family, friends, and Donna Stembridge.
Brooks Gannon (English, 2029, Props Runner) Past shows include tech crew for Sweeney Todd and Descendants and Props Lead for Mama Mia!. Brooks would like to thank Dayna Strickland.
Laurence “Lucky” Grau (Theatre Major 2026, Costume Props Coordinator) Past shows include Dresser for Twelfth Night, Props Lead for Onegin, and Dresser for Dragons Love Tacos. Laurence would like to thank his parents and his friends for supporting him throughout his college career.
Patrick Hamilton (Scenic Designer) received his BA in Theatre from GCSU and now serves as the department’s Technical Director and Scene Shop Supervisor. Over the past decade, Hamilton has worked as a freelance scenic designer and technical director building a resume that boasts over 100 productions across the Middle Georgia area.
Joseph Hensley (Theatre 2026, Props Coordinator). Past shows include Buddy Holly in We Will Rock You, Sir Toby in Twelfth Night, Ranger Jody in Dragons Love Tacos and Props Lead in The Importance of Being Earnest. Jody would like to thank everybody who makes productions here possible.
Madison Hildebrand (Theatre/Music 2028, Wardrobe Supervisor) Past shows include Madame Larin in Onegin, prop runner in Twelfth Night, and dresser in Dragons Love Tacos. Madison would like to thank their family and friends for their support.
Nicolas Hoeppel (Environmental Science 2025, Sound Designer) Previous roles include: Dragons Love Tacos (Sound Designer), Onegin (Mix Engineer); The Feast (Sound Designer); Head Over Heels (A2/Audio Assistant); Leveling Up (Sound Designer). Nicolas would like to thank his family and friends for their support!
Vy Jarret-Lazzari (Theatre/English 2028, Bianca). Past shows include Dresser for The Importance of Being Earnest, and Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night.
Elysia Johnson (Theatre 2025, Dresser) Past shows include These Shining Lives, ASM for Twelfth Night, and Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. She’d like to thank her family for their endless support.
Lauren-Avery Jones (Theatre 2026, Stage Manager) is thrilled for this opportunity. Past shows include Twelfth Night (Lighting Designer) and Dragons Love Tacos (Stage Manager) and she has had an awesome time working with the incredible cast and crew for this production. She would like to thank Mom, Dad, and brother Ryan for being her biggest supporters.
Ryan P. Jones (Director) is a third-year faculty member at GCSU. He received his MFA in Stage Management from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Ryan has worked in various theatres across the country as a Stage Manager, Designer and Technician. Some of his favorite shows he worked on include Grease (Southeast Missouri State University), Brigadoon (Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts), and Beauty and the Beast (Theatre West).
Neko Kaplan (Graphic Design, 2029, Painter) Past shows include Lady Agatha/Actor/Promoter/Set Design in Lady Windermere's Fan #1, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth #2 and Chloe in Dramatic Monologue #3. Neko would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support.
Josey Maddox (Theatre 2026. Hair and Makeup Designer) Past shows include Hair and Make Up assistant in Onegin. She is thrilled to work on more shows here soon. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support.
Makena Massie (Theatre 2027, Dresser). Past shows include Director/ Choreographer for Pippin, Lighting Designer for A Raisin in the Sun, and Bebe in A Chorus Line. Makena would like to thank her friends and family for their support.
Annie Mercer (Theatre 2029, Founder). Past shows include Clairee in Steel Magnolias, and Director for Almost, Maine. Annie would like to thank her parents, brothers, and friends for all their support.
Kenzie Miller (Theater/Photography 2029, Paint Charge) Past shows include Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and The Beast, and Nancy in Oliver. She would like to thank her parents for their endless support.
Mercury Nelson (Theater 2029, Minerva). Past shows include Prince of Egypt, Alice by Heart, and The Wizard of Oz. Mercury wants to thank their family and friends for their support!
Gabriel Purdum (Mass Communication 2028, Lighting Designer). Past shows include Lighting designer for Chicago, Lighting designer for Luminous 2025, Orsino in Twelfth Night, and Gomez in The Addams Family. I'd like to thank God for this opportunity, along with my parents and siblings who support me so much.
Ethan Rogers (Theatre 2027, Lead Electrician) Previous shows include We Will Rock You (ASM), Twelfth Night (Lead Carpenter), Bountiful (Lighting Designer). He would like to thank the department and his family.
Bee Rowan (Mass Communications/Theatre, 2028, Cheryl). Past shows include Alice in Alice in Wonderland and Mom in Creepy Girl On The Playground. Bee would like to thank her cat.
Gabrielle Sowell (Theatre 2025, Costume Designer). Past shows include Dawn in Waitress, Hair and Makeup Designer for Onegin and Sheila in Hair. She is so excited to make her costume designing debut for such a fun show and would like to thank her loving parents and boyfriend for their endless love and support.
Jesse Stallworth (Theatre Major 2027, Woman). She was Asst. House Manager for At The Wedding (2024) and Spotlight Op for the musical Onegin (2025). She wants to thank her family and friends for all their support.
Vee Todd (Theatre 2028, Fight Captain, Assistant Stage Manager) Past shows include Props Runner for Twelfth Night and Dresser for Onegin. Vee would like to thank their awesome friends for all the support.
Brian Wallenberg is an Atlanta-based filmmaker and creative producer specializing in capturing the vibrancy of live performance. As the founder of Saturnblu Productions, he collaborates with theaters, dance companies, and arts organizations across the Southeast to create cinematic, storydriven video and social media content. With a background in film, editing, and design, Brian blends artistic vision with technical precision to highlight the power, movement, and emotion of the stage.
Dhara Weaver (English, Podcaster #4), Past shows include Legally Blonde and Grease. Dhara would like to thank all the wonderful people in the theatre program for giving her the opportunity to be here!
Sophia Wilson (Theatre, 2027, Sienna). Past shows include A2 for We Will Rock You, Lighting designer for Dragons Love Tacos, and Curio/ Musician in Twelfth Night. Sophia would love to thank their family, friends, castmates and her cat Emerald for their support!
Meet the Faculty and Staff
Dr. Winston Tripp ........................... Interim Department Chair
Natalie King ................................ Interim Director of Dance
Beate Czogalla Lighting and Stage Management Faculty, Production Manager
Dr. Amy Pinney ..................... Dramaturgy and Directing Faculty
Jeremy Lee Cudd ..................................... Acting Faculty
Cathleen O’Neal ........................... Costume Shop Supervisor
Phillip Male Scenic Design Faculty
Patrick Hamilton .................................. Technical Director
Ryan P. Jones .................................... Lecturer in Theatre
Juliana Freude ....................................... Dance Lecturer
Amanda Whitfield ................................. Costume Lecturer
Jennifer Gheesling Office Coordinator and Box Office Manager
SPOTLIGHTS SUPPORTERS
The Department of Theatre would like to extend a special thank you to our friends and supporters who generously gave to our GCSU Theatre Scholarship Fund or GCSU Theatre Foundation fund from Jan. 1, 2024 to the present.
Platinum Level: $5,000 or more
Dr. Karen Berman
Paul G. Accettura
Beth Thompson
Dr. Ken Proctor
Silver Level: $1,000-$2,499
Mr. and Mrs. John A. Pursley III
Green Level: $500-$999
Karen Carney
Beate Czogalla
Larry Edwards
Dr. Amy Pinney
Anne A. Kane
(This list represents gifts received during the current calendar year. We apologize to those whose donations came in after the printing deadline.)
Blue Level: $100-$499
Mike and Carol McDonald
Darlene Tighe
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Burrell
William Ash
Doug and Kyle Rick
Patrick Gamble
Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson
Ellen Goodrich
Becky Thompson in honor of Laura Wright
Anonymous—In Loving Memory of Clay Garland
Tina Toney
Cliff and Gina Towner—In Honor of Laura Towner
Elizabeth Fabian—In Honor of Jim Willoughby and the Roges and Vacaboundes
Mary Lockee—In Honor of the Class of 2017
Desaree J. Murden
John and Louise Sallstrom
Carol and Roger Austin
Michael Weinroth
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO DONATE!
To donate online, scan the QR code to make a donation to GCSU Theatre and Dance Department. Premier Seating
To donate by mail, please make a donation to: “GCSU Foundation—Theatre and Dance” c/o Georgia College & State University Theatre and Dance Department, CBX 119, Milledgeville, GA 31061
Spotlight your business in our season playbills by contacting Jennifer Gheesling at jennifer.gheesling@gcsu.edu.
Recognition in Playbill
Discounted Tickets* For 3 shows For 7 shows
Reception with Behind the Scenes Tour
Recognition on Posters and Advertisements
Special thanks to the following individuals and institutions who provided generous support to this production:
Cathy Cox, President Dr. Holley Roberts, Provost Associate Dean Winston Tripp, College of Arts and Sciences
THE GCSU DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE PRESENTS
THE 15TH ANNUAL PERFORMANCE OF
B OUNTIFUL
FALL DANCE CONCERT
ARTI S TIC DIRECTOR NATALIE KING
ASSISTANT DI RECTOR JULIANA FREUDE
PRODUCED BY CHI TAU EPSILON DANCE HONORARY
FEAT. WORK FROM UNDERGRADUATE DANCE STUDENTS & GUEST ARTIST AARON MCGLOIN
LIGHTING DESIGN BY GCSU THEATRE STUDENTS
NOV. 21-22, 2025 | 7:30 P.M. RUSSELL AUDITORIUM
SUITABLE WITH PARENTAL GUIDANCE