DEPARTMENT OF THEATER
THE FIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS By AliciA JAy
Stage Management
Koryn Gooch
The Department of Theater Scene Shop Staff
Julie Dixon | Michael Jackson | Kyle Jay | Jim Koehnle | Aengus McCullough
CAST
Jason Blackburn* | Quinn Brickley | Ty Eller* | Annie Elyce*
Spencer Hinton | Gavin Kunst | Ellie Martz | Olivia Medina | Maura O’Toole
Addison Roop | Arianna Sewell | Chloey Trinkle* | Mack Wallen
* = Member of
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
This show runs approximately 60 minutes. There will NOT be an intermission.
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Any photography, video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
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CONTENT WARNING: This production contains comic violence.
SETTING
Various locations.
Alpha Psi Omega, the national collegiate theater honor society
PROGRAM NOTE
THE FIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS was born out of a unique need: to showcase the stage combat skills developed in our Stage Combat course, offered this Fall. All semester, students have been learning how to safely create the illusion of violence (slaps, punches, falls, rolls, kicks, and more). When the idea of a holiday show surfaced, the department rallied to align curriculum, bringing together the Isadora Design (projection software) and Auditions courses for a true cross-course collaboration.
This script is a love letter to the chaos of the holiday season. The fights span everything from consumerism and family feuds, to imagined battles pulled from holiday lore. The idea for this play came from a story my father told about the two women in a Toys ‘R’ Us circa the mid-1990s vying for the last Furby on a shelf. While the tale has been embellished (surely, they didn’t actually come to blows), the essence remains: how people behave when love, family, and consumerism collide is endlessly fascinating.
I invite you to think about “fights” broadly—from the physical to the metaphysical— and to step out of realism and into surrealism. This holiday season, you may fight the weather, the crowds, or even your own leftovers, but in the end, the fight that matters is the fight to keep joy, kindness, and connection alive. Enjoy the chaos and the magic of the season.
- ALICIA JAY, Playwright & Director
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager & Lighting Supervisor ......................................................... Michael Jackson
Technical Director, Scene Shop & Properties Supervisor Jim Koehnle
Costume Shop Supervisor .................................................................................. Alexis Pritchard
Assistant Costume Designer ......................................................................... Brenton Kessigner*
Lobby Dramaturgy/Projection Display..................................................... Lue Francis, Josie Smith
Lead Scenic Coordinator .............................................................................. Sophia Greenwood^
Scenic Coordinator .............................................................................................. Addison Roop^
Lead Scenic Carpenters ................................................................ Paul Bontrager^, Gavin Kunst^
Scenic Carpenters ..................................................................... Cannon Roop^, Dakota Uselton^
Scenic Artists ...........................................................................Natalie Brower^, Layla Kanazeh^
Scenic Run Crew ................................................................................................ Dakota Uselton
Costume Shop Staff .............................................. Quinn Brickley^, Carter Buehl^, James Jordan^ Brenton Kessinger*^, Baylee Millis^, Maura O’Toole^
Wardrobe Head ............................................................................................ Brenton Kessinger*
Wardrobe Crew ................................................................................... Olivia Medina, Bailey Mills
Electricians ............................................................................... Paul Bontrager^, Luke Francis*^
Electrics Crew ................... THTR 102: Intro to Theater Production, THTR 274: Theater Technology
Light Board Operator .............................................................................................. Mack Dortch
Sound & Projection Assistant............................................................................ Spencer Hinton^
Sound Board Operator .......................................................................................... Basil Dhaenes
Properties Artisans ........................................ Georgia Calhoun^, Layla Kanazeh^, Addison Roop^
Administration & Box Office Manager ..................................................................Crystal Johnson
Assistant Company Managers ......................... Georgia Calhoun^, Koryn Gooch^, Spencer Hinton^
Marketing Director & Front of House Supervisor ............................................................ Alicia Jay
Marketing Assistants ........................ Rebecca Baxter^, Tharon Hibbard^, Cannon Roop*^, Armung Taramu^
Poster Design................................................................ Sage Lundquist - www.sagelundquist.art
Box Office & Concessions Staff ....................................................... Rebecca Baxter^, Sky Wood^
House Managers ............................................................................. Noah Gable, Caleb Cheatham
Ushers .................................................................................................... ISU Student Volunteers
SCENE LIST
1. ‘twas the Night Before Fightmas ENSEMBLE
2. Labubu Fight ..............................................
SHOPPERS: Jason Blackburn, Ty Eller, Arianna Sewell
3. Christmas Karen ..........................................
SAM: Olivia Medina
4. Rudolph Versus Frosty .................................
RUDOLPH: Maura O’Toole
FROSTY: Chloey Trinkle
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5. The Fridge Monologues: Lyle ........................
LYLE: Annie Gilliand
6. The Spoils of War ........................................
RUDOLPH: Maura O’Toole
BUTLER: Mack Wallen
7. Mortal Street Combat Fighter .......................
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MAX: Addison Roop
LUNA: Quinn Brickly
STEVE DASH: Gavin Kunst
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THE HAMMERHEAD: Jason Blackburn ......................................................................
VOICEOVER: Aengus McCullough
8. The Fridge Monologues: Margo .....................
MARGO: Arianna Sewell
9. Dance Fight.................................................
DANCERS 1: Ty Eller, Ellie Martz
10. The List ....................................................
FIZZLEPOP: Gavin Kunst
11. Holiday Healing .........................................
THERAPIST: Maura O’Toole
HAMLET: Spencer Hinton
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LADY MACBETH: Chloey Trinkle
JULIET: Ellie Martz
KING LEAR: Gavin Kunst
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12. Whamageddon ..........................................
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13. Blizzard Shopping ......................................
NICK BOTTOM: Mack Wallen
JORDAN: Olivia Medina
RILEY: Annie Gilliland
SHOPPERS: Quinn Brickley, Ty Eller, Spencer Hinton, Maura O’Toole, Arianna Sewell, Mack Wallen
EMPLOYEE: Addison Roop
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WEATHER PA: Aengus McCullough ......................................................................
STORE PA: Ellie Martz
13. 12 Days of Fightmas .................................. ENSEMBLE
14. The Fridge Monologues: Alex ......................
16. Elf Esteem ................................................
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ALEX: Chloey
TINSEL: Quinn Brickley
JINGLE: Spencer Hinton
SANTA: Jason Blackburn
17. Family Feud ..............................................
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MOM (LINDA): Arianna Sewell
DAD (BOB): Gavin Kunst
UNCLE RICK: Jason Blackburn
AUNT CAROL: Maura O’Toole
JESS:Ty Eller
GRANDMA (BERTHE): Chloey Trinkle
AVERY: Ellie Martz
18. Finale ....................................................... ENSEMBLE
WHO’S WHO
CHRIS BERCHILD Sound Designer
Chris is the chairperson of the Indiana State University Department of Theater and is proud parent (along with Tresa Makosky) of Tycho John and Bianca Róisín. Chris has directed and designed numerous productions at ISU and Crossroads Repertory Theatre. His projection design work can be seen regionally at Indiana Repertory Theatre and the Phoenix Theatre. Chris thanks you all for supporting collegiate theater at ISU!
JASON BLACKBURN Ensemble
Jason (he/him) is a junior majoring in theater. His prior roles include playing Dr. Viktor Frankenstein in FRIGHTFEST ‘24, and Facebender in Indiana State University’s production of AIRNESS.Jason was also assistant stage manager for REEFER MADNESS and stage manager for both FRIGHTFEST ‘25 and the 24-HOUR PLAY FESTIVAL. He is excited for the chance to beat up his classmates to entertain the masses.
QUINN BRICKLEY Ensemble
Quinn (he/they) is a junior theater and psychology major here at Indiana State University. They were previously a part of THE PODCAST CHRONICLES. When enjoying the show, be sure to keep a lookout for the costumes, as he is a worker in the costume shop. Previously, he has helped create sets for RIDE THE CYCLONE and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. He wishes you happy holidays!
TY ELLER Ensemble
Ty (He/Him) is a junior theater, dance, and arts administration student from Pineville, WV. Ty has performed at Indiana State University (THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, REEFER MADNESS, RIDE THE CYCLONE, HAMLET, etc.) and professionally at Theatre West Virginia (INTO THE WOODS, FOOTLOOSE, HATFIELDS & MCCOYS, HONEY IN THE ROCK). He sends love and gratitude to his family, mentors, and those West Virginia hills!
ANNIE ELYCE Ensemble
Annie (she/her) is a senior at Indiana State University from Illinois. Annie is majoring in theater and has a minor in dance. Annie’s favorite production with the department was REEFER MADNESS where she played Sally! Annie is also a member of Alpha Psi Omega.
WHO’S WHO
LUKE FRANCIS
Lighting Design
Luke is from Port Jefferson, New York. He is a senior theater major with a focus in technical direction. His recent credits as a Technical Director are BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, the World Premiere of GLÜ, and DISNEY’S FROZEN (all at Timber Lake Playhouse). Luke has previously worked as the Lighting Designer for MISERY and Assistant Lighting Designer for REEFER MADNESS (both at Indiana State University).
KORYN GOOCH
Stage Manager
This will be Koryn’s (she/her) forth production at Indiana State University and her first time stage managing. Previous performance credits include Annie Wilkes in MISERY, Danny/Diana in SENSITIVE GUYS, The Nina in AIRNESS, Dora Lumley in PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, and Evil Tina in SHE KILLS MONSTERS. Koryn is a junior English literature major and a theater minor.
SPENCER HINTON Ensemble
Spencer is a sophomore theater major at Indiana State University. This is their first time performing on the stage. When offstage, they can be found sound designing and engineering. They hope you enjoy the show!
ALICIA JAY
Playwright/Direction
Alicia (she/her) is a performing arts administrator with over 15 years of event management and marketing experience who teaches arts business courses. Alicia also serves as the Department of Theater’s resident fight choreographer, with over 15 years of experience in stage combat; she is an Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors, and an Actor Combatant with the BASSC. Alicia has a PhD in Fine Arts: Theatre - Arts Administration.
BRENTON KESSINGER Wardrobe Head
Brenton (he/him) is a junior theater and English literature major from Owensboro, Kentucky. His previous costuming experience at Indiana State University includes THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Wardrobe Head), SENSITIVE GUYS (Wardrobe Head), REEFER MADNESS (Wardrobe Crew) and 24-HOUR PLAY FEST (Costume Coordinator). He has also costume designed for the last two Student Theatre Association productions.
WHO’S WHO
GAVIN KUNST Ensemble
Gavin is a theater major from Indianapolis, Indiana. Gavin is excited to be involved in his first show as an actor for Indiana State University. He is especially excited that it involves beating up his classmates. Gavin has previously been involved in shows as a carpenter and head of props at ISU. He hopes you enjoy the show and have a happy holiday season!
ELLIE MARTZ Ensemble
Ellie, from Chesterton, Indiana, is a senior cybercriminology and security studies major with minors in dance, forensic investigations, and law enforcement evidence. This is her fifth production at Indiana State University, but she has danced in two other shows. Recent credits include assistant stage managing MISERY and REEFER MADNESS, both at Indiana State University.
OLIVIA MEDINA Ensemble
Olivia (She/Her) is a junior theatre major with a concentration in acting. Olivia’s credits with the Indiana State University Department of Theater include Logainne in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, Caliban in THE TEMPEST, Elizabeth Bennet in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and Melinda/Pamela/Harley in ACCOMPLICE. Olivia is also the Publicist for the ISU Student Theatre Association.
GRACE MUÑOZ
Costume Design
Grace (she/her) is the Assistant Professor of Costume Design and Construction at Indiana State University. She earned her undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University and her MFA in Costume Design from the University of Idaho. Grace is a costume designer and technician from Chicago, IL and has previously worked at Opera Saratoga in Saratoga Springs, New York where she worked with Tony Award-winning designer Mimi Lien. Grace has also worked regionally at The Drury Lane Theatre, Crossroads Repertory Theatre, Maples Repertory Theatre, Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Constellations Stage and Screen, and the Lilly Theater at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. She is also a member of USITT, the Women and Theatre Program, and the Costume Society of America.
WHO’S WHO
MAURA O’TOOLE Ensemble
Maura is a second-year theater major here at Indiana State University, with minors in art history and anthropology. She has previously appeared on the ISU main stage as a member of the ensemble in REEFER MADNESS, and most recently as Mitch Mahoney in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. When not on stage, she can be found working in the costume shop, or in the art studio. Maura hopes you enjoy watching her fight her friends!
ADDISON ROOP
Ensemble
THE FIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS is Addison’s first show as actor at Indiana State University. Addison is a sophomore theater major. Previously, Addison has stage managed MISERY and assistant stage-managed REEFER MADNESS and HAMLET for the Department of Theater. Addison also assistant stage managed THE WIZARD OF OZ with Crossroads Repertory Theatre.
ARIANNA SEWELL Ensemble
Arianna is a junior at Indiana State University majoring in digital communication and multimedia with a minor in theatre acting from Terre Haute, Indiana. Her most recent credits include THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Olive Ostrovsky) with the ISU Department of Theater and THE WIZARD OF OZ (Ensemble) with Crossroads Repertory Theatre. She is beyond grateful for her family and fiancé’s unwavering love and support as she pursues her passion!
CHLOEY TRINKLE Ensemble
This is Chloey’s (she/they) seventh time performing with the Indiana State University Department of Theater. Some favorite credits include Gertrude in HAMLET and Diana in the 24-HOUR PLAY FESTIVAL at ISU. Chloey is a senior theater major with a studio art minor from Jeffersonville, Indiana. She is also the President of the Student Theatre Association, the Publicist of Alpha Psi Omega, and the Publicist of Student Improv Troupe.
MICHAELA “MACK” WALLEN Ensemble
This is Michaela’s (they/them) acting debut at Indiana State University. Recent theater credits include MISERY (assistant stage manager) and the 24-HOUR PLAY FESTIVAL (playwright). They’re a member of the Student Theatre Association. Michaela has acted in shows at Maple Avenue Community Theatre (PETER PAN, MUSIC MAN, NEWSIES) and Terre Haute North Vigo High School (PUFFS, LIZZIE BORDEN OF FALL RIVER).
THEATER FACULTY & STAFF
Chris Berchild........................................ Department Chair | Projection & Sound Design
Julie Dixon ..................................................................................... Acting | Movement
Michael Jackson ................................................. Lighting Design | Production Manager
Alicia Jay................................. Administration & Management | Introduction to Theater
Crystal Johnson ...................................... Administrative Assistant | Box Office Manager
Jim Koehnle ............................................... Technical Director | Scene Shop Supervisor
Tresa Makosky .......................................... Stage Management | Introduction to Theater
Teresa McCullough ............................................................................................Dance
Grace Muñoz ......................... Costume Design & Construction | Introduction to Theater
Alexis Pritchard .................................................................... Costume Shop Supervisor
Nate Schmidt New Media
