from TOM & JEFF
Thank you for joining us for the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fat Ham! We are thrilled to welcome you to the Wells Theatre. It is a delight to welcome back director Jerrell L. Henderson who previously helmed the VSC production of Blues for an Alabama Sky to direct Fat Ham. You are in for a treat with this wonderful company of artists, several returning from previous VSC productions and several making their VSC debut!
Productions at Virginia Stage Company are only made possible thanks to the generous support of our community, and we have a great group of folks to thank. Capital Group is the Fat Ham presenting sponsor, and Robert Roman and Claus Ihlemann are the community outreach sponsors. Throughout the run we will also host events in partnership with the Divine Nine Fraternities and Sororities, the World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads, Hampton Roads Pride, the Mary Baldwin University Alumni Association, Stonewall Sports Norfolk, and more. We are grateful to have such broad community champions for this production.
The fun of season 46 is not over yet! In March, prepare to be charmed by Little Shop of Horrors, a beloved classic that masterfully blends comedy and horror for an unforgettable experience. Then in April, we have just announced two additional productions, each for one weekend only. The incomparable Ann Talman will present her acclaimed show Elizabeth Taylor: The Shadow of Her Smile on the Wells Stage April 18-20, and then our fabulous tour of Every Brilliant Thing will come home to the Wells Theatre April 24-27. Both productions will be presented with intimate seating on the Wells Stage. This will be a special experience that you do not want to miss! Visit vastage.org or stop by the box office to learn more and secure your seats.
It is an honor to produce a wide variety of theatre that brings people together and builds a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for joining us and for supporting live theatre. Now, lean in and enjoy the show!
Tom and Jeff
Producing Artistic Director
Tom Quaintance Managing Director
Jeff Ryder
presented by
a co-production with
FAT HAM
by
JAMES IJAMES
production stage manager KIM FULLER* director
assistant stage manager TIA COLLIER*
JERRELL L. HENDERSON†
Season Sponsors
Arts Alliance
City of Norfolk
National Endowment for the Arts
The Shubert Foundation
Virginia Commission for the Arts
Media Partners
Audacy
WHRO
WTKR
Community Outreach Sponsors
Claus Ihlemann & Robert Roman
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
† The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent labor union
§ Member of United Scenic Artists, local USA-829 of the IATSE.
“Fat Ham” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
New York Premiere Co•Production by The Public Theater
Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director Patrick Willingham, Executive Director” and
National Black Theatre
Sade Lythcott, Chief Executive Officer Jonathan McCrory, Executive Artistic Director
FAT HAM was commissioned by and received its World Premiere as a filmed production at The Wilma Theater, Philadelphia:
Blanka Zizka, Yury Urnov, James Ijames, and Morgan Green, Co-Artistic Directors
Leigh Goldenberg, Managing Director
I didn’t grow up African American. Now of course in polite (read: Whyte) society, you know, school or office spaces, we said we were African American. But at home? In church? Whether you were a stoop kid or rolled with the corner boys, we were Black with a capital B. The stories we told each other were rooted in Black history and folklore. The music we listened to, particularly on Saturdays when our Mom’s wrangled us together to clean house, was Black music. The sounds of Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, The Jacksons, Billy Preston, The O’Jays. The Temptations, Teena Marie, Stephanie Mills, Anita Baker, Regina Belle, Tremaine Hawkins, Earth, Wind, and Fire etc. (Prince and Rick James were not allowed) are as precious to me in memory as the Pac-Man wallpaper which hung in my/our childhood bedroom. We were taken to see Boyz in the Hood by John Singleton. We watched almost every Spike Lee film released. On Sunday morning’s, we were in church. I first sang, performed public speaking, and learned how to serve my community in the Black church.
Perhaps this is why Fat Ham is all the things I love in a script. Written by James Ijames, one of the most intuitive, almost prescient, playwrights of the modern era; Fat Ham as a riff on Hamlet if it took place during a Black barbeque is a sly yet specific take on history, trauma, and Revenge vs Redemption in the Black community. The themes, characters, and dialogue ring true not simply because the work is clever, funny, and insightful, but because it offers up true-to-life scars of Black generational trauma often left unattended. More than that, like many of James’ plays, Fat Ham provides pathways to expanded thought, meditation, and healing. Juicy’s quandary is absurd but the absurdity does not make it any less true for him or those in his community. Fact: Black Americans deal with absurd scenarios in real life all the time. And, what do you do when traditional responses, like church or family bonding or traditional communal connections don’t provide a clear answer as to how to move forward without killing someone? I believe Fat Ham is about how to move through our blindspots in ways healthier than our elders and ancestors. In this way, the hilarious path from revenge to redemption generates options of healing once never imagined. This is the gift of the show. So, lean forward and watch Juicy’s journey play out. And, before you judge, ask yourself, no really, ask yourself, “What would I do if I were in this position?” “How would I move forward healthier?” ‘Cause that’s the point. I am so honored to bring this story to you and I hope and pray it serves a purpose for every audience member. Thanks and enjoy!
Jerrell
Tio (a kind of Horatio) ..........................…………………….. ADAM E. MOSKOWITZ*
Juicy (a kind of Hamlet)………..........………………............……. MARCUS ANTONIO*
Pap (a kind of Hamlet’s Father) …………….......………………….. KEVIN CRAIG WEST*
Tedra (a kind of Gertrude) …………......…………………..…………. CLOTEAL L. HORNE*
Rev (a kind of Claudius)……….………........…………………….. KEVIN CRAIG WEST*
Larry (a kind of Laertes)…...............……………………………….. JORDAN PEARSON*
Rabby (a kind of Polonius)………................................ CANDICE HEIDELBERG
Opal (a kind of Ophelia)………………………....…….………...………….. JANAE THOMPSON
THE PRODUCTION RUNS APPROXIMATELY 95 MINUTES WITH NO INTERMISSION.
Where
A house in Virginia. Could also be Maryland or Tennessee. It is NOT Mississippi, or Alabama or Florida. That’s a different thing all together.
Be courteous to your neighbor:
Please silence your cell phone and all other electronic devices so that you, and those around you, can enjoy the show without distraction. Video recording and photography are strictly prohibited.
An AED defibrillator is available in the lobby near the restrooms in case of emergencies. For use, please contact the House Manager and a trained member of our team will use the device.
Let us know what you think! Tag us @vastage or share your thoughts directly with us at vastage.org/feedback.
MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE SEATING
ADA Accessible Seating is available for all of our productions at the rear of the orchestra with easy access for patrons with wheelchairs and walkers. Row M has been renovated with larger dimensions for comfort.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES
Our state-of-the-art-infrared assisted listening system provides top of the line listening assistance either through headsets available at the box office or directly into personal hearing aids equipped with a t-coil.
ASL INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES
The second Saturday evening of every performance features ASL Interpreters who translate the entire show in American Sign Language. ASL Interpreting was made possible by The Language Group.
OPEN CAPTION PERFORMANCES
At our Open Caption Performances, a screen placed near the stage displays the spoken dialogue on our second Saturday matinee. This allows patrons with hearing disabilities the opportunity to see the stage action and not miss a single word. Available through a partnership with Access Virginia
AUDIO DESCRIPTION
Patrons with vision disabilities can listen to a description of the visual aspects of the performance described live. Available through a partnership with Access Virginia.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY KITS
VSC provides a number of sensory-friendly kits or weighted lap pads at each performance to support audience members with sensory needs. Pick one up free of charge at the Box Office prior to the show. After the performance, all items are to be returned to the Box Office.
Fight Choreographer GREGG LLOYD
Voice & Intimacy Coach
BETHANY MAYO
Emergency Covers LUCAS GUZZO, KYLIE SORBER
Electricians
SOPHIA KAMINARIS, HANNAH GENBERG
Overhire Carpenter DELONA BEAN
Scenic Charge GEORGE RIGHTER
Wardrobe Supervisor KRYS GONZALEZ
Light Board Operator ABBIGAIL LAROQUE, KILEY
SORBOR
A1 DANIELLE SANDERS A2 SIDNEY JAMES
Follow Spot Operator CHELSEA ROSE
ASL Interpreters DEBRA VANCE, MOIRA TRAVIS & NYCOLE TALIAFERRO
James Ijames is a Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, director, and educator known for his compelling works that explore identity, race, and society with sharp humor and surreal twists. His plays have been produced at notable theaters, including The Public Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre, and the National Black Theatre, and have received development support from organizations like PlayPenn and The Lark. Ijames, a founding member of Philadelphia’s Orbiter 3, has garnered numerous accolades. He holds a B.A. in Drama from Morehouse College and an M.F.A. in Acting from Temple University, and he currently serves as an Associate Professor of Theatre at Villanova
University. His works, such as Good Bones and The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington, examine pressing social issues while setting narratives in culturally significant locations, enriching the theatrical experience. Critics praise his ability to blend humor with profound themes, making his contributions to con-
Read more about Fat Ham and dive more deeply into the world of the show by scanning the QR code or visiting vastage .org/aboutfat ham.
Virginia Stage Company would like to thank members of this play's Community Advocacy Troupe for helping us build connections in our community.
Brandon Brinkley, Dr. Charlette Fairchild, Dr. Charles Ford, Claus Ihlemann, Teri Minami, Daymen Robinson, Nathan Ruckman, Lateacia Sessoms, Hunter Thomas, Jamar Walker
CAST & CREATIVES
MARCUS ANTONIO*
(Juicy) is excited to join Virginia Stage Company ’s production of Fat Ham! Off-Broadway: Titanique (Iceberg); Regional: Aida (Weathervane Playhouse) Born and raised in Atlanta, he gives many thanks to his family in Georgia for their endless support Shoutout to Dave Secor and the Daniel Hoff Team. :) Insta: @marcus antonio
CANDICE HEIDELBERG
(Rabby) is thrilled to be making her debut at Virginia Stage Company in Fat Ham Candice has been a performing artist and educator, in theatre, music , and media arts for over three decades. She has an MFA in Acting from Regent University, and has studied theatrical movement with Eric Harrell, and stage combat with Dr. Michael Kirkland. Theatre Credits include: The Blood Cycle (Zeiders Proteus New Plays Festival), Silent Sky (Regent University), The Servant of Two Masters (Edinburgh Fringe Festival). Film Credits: A Place Called Home (Independent Film), Tender Wounds (Regent Graduate Film), Time of Ashes (Independent Film). TV Credits: GizmoGo- Superbook (CBN Studios) She would like to thank the creative team and Jerrell for this opportunity to feed her artistic soul.
CLOTEAL L . HORNE*
dra) (Her/She) Is thrilled to be making r Virginia Stage Debut! Her body of rk includes. Upcoming: Blues for an abama Sky - Angel (Trinity Rep.) TV: ey ’s Anatomy, Recurring Guest Star, ason 19 and 20. Selected credits lude, Off-Broadway/New York: The nvent of Pleasure (Red Bull Theatre); oss that River (Marcus Garvey mphitheater); The Steadfast (Slant Theatre Project); Dirty Blood (Billie Holiday Theatre) To name a few, her Regional Credits include: Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare Theatre Company). Fires in the Mirror, Solo Performer (Long Wharf/ Baltimore Center Stage); The Bluest Eye, BlueShift, (Huntington); She A Gem, (NYTW) Black Odyssey (Trinity Rep.) Hang (Shakespeare & Co.); Saturday Night/Sunday Morning (LyricStage, Elliot Norton Nominee) Film: Stay Here with Me (Tuli Media), The Promotion (C1 Media), What we Owe Each Other (RISDI), Driving While Black Magic . . I am a product of my grandmother ’s prayers + my ancestors’ wildest dreams. Glory be. Holds a B.F. A in Acting from BU and a M.F. A in Acting from Brown University/ Trinity Rep. www cloteallhorne com
ADAM E. MOSKOWITZ*
) is pleasured to join the cast of Fat m. Adam is a proud native of Prince orge’s County, Maryland, and a duating Drama & Theatre major at rfolk State University He is also a mber of the Norfolk State University eatre Company. He has previously peared in NSU Theatre mpany/ Virginia Stage Company co productions which include Dreamgirls, Henry V, and The Three Musketeers; NSU credits include, The Color Purple, Skeleton Crew,
Thoughts of a Colored Man and A Soldier ’s Play (co-pro with Virginia Arts Festival). He has also appeared in The Tempest with Shakespeare in the Grove Adam would like to thank God, his mother, and family for their support. Adam plans to continue developing his craft in graduate school. To follow his journey, visit his website at www aemoskowitz com and Instagram @adam.moskowitzofficial. “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief ”
~ August Wilson
JORDAN PEARSON*
(Larry) is honored to join Virginia Stage Company ’s production of Fat Ham Acting Credits include: Gloria (Gloucester Stage Company), Seared (Gloucester Stage Company), TJ Loves Sally 4 Ever (Speakeasy Stage Company), Insulted Belarus (Arlekin Players Theatre), and Akeelah and the Bee (Virginia Repertory Theatre). Film Credits: Golden (Universal) Contemporary Theater graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. He would like to thank his entire village for their unwavering love and support Jordan dedicates this performance to those who have never truly felt seen or heard, and to those whose stories are still waiting to be told
ANAE THOMPSON
Opal) is ecstatic to make her Virginia age Company main stage debut. nae is a former company member of SC's GreenBeats, Live. Recent erformance credits include Imagine EACH at Kennedy Center), Rathskeller he Z), Evita (VMT), The Little Mermaid MT), Refraction of Light (The Z) and e Inheritance Theatre Project’s Emmy Award-winning Exodus: Homecoming.
In the theatrical community, she serves as Communications Coordinator for ROŪGE: Theater Reinvented, collaborator of UPAC, and Repertory Member for the Canady Foundation for the Arts. She also serves on the Advisory Council for Gen MOCA and WHRO’s Emerging Leaders Board. Janae is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and Full Sail for Film and Video. Janae thanks her family and friends for their continued love and support! JanaeThompson com
KEVIN CRAIG WEST *
(Pap/Rev) is excited to join Virginia Stage Company's production of Fat Ham. Theatrical Credits include: Hymn (Shakespeare & Company), Dracula (Actor's Theatre), Metamorphoses (Capital Rep), Judevine (Oldcastle Theatre). Film Credits include: Don't Look Up (Netflix), Spirited (Apple Studios), Summer of 69 (Hulu), Finestkind (Paramount+). TV Credits include: Law & Order Organized Crime (NBC), The Blacklist (NBC), New Amsterdam (NBC), and look for him in the new season's of Power Book III Raising Kanan (STARZ), Daredevil Born Again (Marvel Studios) and Black Rabbit (Netflix) Kevin thanks his family and friends for their incredible love and support.
CREATIVE TEAM
JERRELL L . HENDERSON†
(Director) is a director, puppeteer and African American Theatre archivist He recently staged his original shadow play, AmericanMYTH: Crossroads at Free Street Theatre (League of Chicago Theatre's 2022 Samuel G. Roberson, Jr. Fellowship, Jim Henson Foundation Workshop Grant, Chicago DCASE grant)
Other directing credits include Constellations at Penobscot Theatre, Blues for an Alabama Sky at Virginia Stage Company, and The Prodigal Daughter at Raven Theatre Other directing credits include Ragtime at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Reverie by James I james with Azuka Theatre, and Mlima’s Tale with Griffin Theatre (Jeff Award nomination for Direction and Best Play). He co-developed and co-staged both Little Amal Drifts Off To Sleep with ChiPuppets in Maggie Daley Park, Chicago, and When the World Sounds like a Prayer (with Little Amal) with the Classical Theatre of Harlem and St. Ann's Warehouse in Bryant Park, NYC Puppet short films include I Am The Bear with The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Hamlin: La Revue Sombre with Heather Henson’s Handmade Puppet Dreams, and Diamond’s Dream with Chicago Children’s Theatre He received his MFA in Theatre Directing from Northwestern University (2015). Jerrell is the creator/curator of black theatre vinyl archive on IG He is represented by the Gurman Agency (susan@gurmanagency.com).
JAMES IJAMES
(Playwright) is an American playwright, actor, and professor originally from Bessemer City, North Carolina. He received his B. A . in Drama from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and earned his MFA in Acting from Temple University in Philadelphia, where he is now based. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Villanova University and former co-artistic director of the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia. I james is a founding member of Orbiter 3, Philadelphia's first playwright producing collective. His adaptation of Hamlet, titled Fat Ham, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2022 after premiering as a "digital production" at the Wilma in 2021. A second production ran at The Public Theater during the summer of 2022, before opening on Broadway in April 2023. He is the recipient of the 2018 Whiting Award for drama and the F Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Philadelphia Theatre Artist.
CAITLIN MCLEOD
(Scenic Designer) is a Chicago based costume, scenic , and puppet designer Recent design credits include: Into the Breeches (Little Theatre VA Beach); The Little Mermaid (Drury Lane); Lavender Men (About Face); Blues for an Alabama Sky (Virginia Stage Co); What the Constitution Means to Me (Copley Theatre, Aurora); The Dream King (Teatro Vista); The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Chicago Children's); Trouble in Mind (Timeline); The Seagull (Steppenwolf ); Exquisite Corpse (Rough House); Stick Fly (Writers Theatre). Craftwork credits include The Goodman, The Kennedy Center, Lookingglass, and Northlight Caitlin is a co-curator of NBS: Chicago’s Puppet Slam, company member of Rough House, and project manager of the Chicago Puppet Studio. Instagram @CaitlinMcLeodDesign
NIA SAFARR BANKS §
(Costume Designer) is a Costume Designer and Educator. Her design work has been seen in various productions, including William Shakespeare’s Hamlet at American Shakespeare Center, August Wilson’s Fences at Shakespeare and Company, and Self Portrait (Deluxe) at The Bushwick Starr She received her Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design from Boston University in 2023, and her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019. She has been nominated for two Richmond Critic Awards for her outstanding work in Costume Design, for both An Octoroon (2019) and A Christmas Kaddish (2022) She’s excited to be back at Virginia Stage Company.
JASON LYNCH §
(Lighting Designer) is a Chicago-based lighting designer for theatre, dance, opera, and other live performance art, and makes his Virginia Stage Company debut with this production.Regional: Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, City Theatre Company, Court Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, Denver Center Theatre Company, George Street Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center, Goodman Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, The Guthrie Theater,
Huntington Theatre Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, McCarter Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Northlight Theatre, The Old Globe, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Seattle Repertory Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Trinity Repertory Company He was the recipient of the 2022 Equity Jeff Award for his work on Choir Boy at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the 2019 Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award, which recognizes emerging theatrical designers within the Chicago area. Jason is also honored to have his work on the Goodman Theatre’s real-time, online ‘Live’ series (The Sound Inside, Ohio State Murders, and I Hate It Here) and an immersive 360° production of The Wild Party at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts featured in American Theatre Magazine. Lynch is represented by The Gersh Agency. jasondlynch com | @jasonlynch design
SARTJE PICKETT §
(Sound Designer) is a composer & sound designer for theater, film and interactive storytelling. Pickett is the co-founder of the sound design collective District 5 Sound, which specializes in sound design for immersive and interactive storytelling environments. Her work in this area has provided opportunities to develop skills in coding, embedded electronics, and spatialized audio through ambisonic capture, processing, and delivery. Performance has been a lifelong passion, and she continues to develop projects that incorporate live elements culminating in performance-driven responsive design. Some national theater credits include - Virginia Stage Company: Three Musketeers; American Players Theater: Much Ado About Nothing, Dancing at Lughnasa, Proof, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Love’s Labours Lost, Cyrano, Mary ’s Wedding & Les Liaisons Dangereuses; Milwaukee Rep & Kansas City Rep: Nina Simone: Four Women; The Guthrie: Twelfth Night, The Great Leap; Indiana Repertory: Shakespeare’s Will; Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Richard III; Trinity Rep: Ms Homes & Ms Watson - Apt 2b; Yale Repertory Theater: Hamlet, Death of a Salesman & A Delicate Balance. Bricolage Production Company: DODO, Welcome to Here, Immersive
Encounters: The Ascendants; City Theater: Cry it Out; Pittsburgh Public: A Christmas Story.
KIM FULLER*
(Production Stage Manager) is grateful and proud to be reprising their role as Production Stage Manager for another Jerrell L Henderson show, and honored to be following the production to VArep after its stay at the Wells Kim received their B A in Theater from Boston College, in Chestnut Hill, MA , with a concentration in stage management. They have been a part of many past productions in theater, concerts, and opera in the area as props manager, and carpenter/electrician/spot op for the latter two, respectively Last year, at the Wells alone, they stage managed Henderson's Blues Over an Alabama Sky, along with Dial M for Murder, and Lay It Down. Kim has been working as a stage manager in the 757 area in the theater scene for over a decade, with previous shows such as The Sound of Music at the Harrison Opera House for VA Arts Fest, and multiple past productions at Zeiders' American Theater in VA Beach, including Ophelia Chooses and Fountain of You. They would like to thank their family, and loved ones for all of their support over the years They also extend their deepest gratitude to VSC, VArep, and Jerrell for the opportunity to work on an amazing show with such a fabulous production team
TIA COLLIER*
(Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be working on this production of Fat Ham. Originally from Smithfield, Virginia, Tia discovered her passion for the arts at a young age A graduate of Norfolk State University with a BFA in Theatrical Performance, she specializes in acting while also excelling in writing, directing, and ensemble devising. Tia’s diverse skill set includes stage management, scenic design, stage makeup, and hair, all of which highlight her sharp eye for detail and dedication to storytelling A committed advocate for social change, Tia uses her artistry to amplify the voices and stories of the BIPOC community, shining a light on overlooked achievements and histories. She is deeply drawn to projects that spark meaningful conversations and
inspire thought Tia would like to thank God for His continuous blessings and VSC for becoming her new creative home. This spring, she looks forward to collaborating with UVA Darden School of Business as a storyteller and working with local playwrights on new works.
TOM QUAINTANCE
(Producing Artistic Director) is in his seventh season with Virginia Stage Company. At the Wells, Tom has directed Every Brilliant Thing, A Merry Little Christmas Carol, Pride and Prejudice, The Santaland Diaries, and Matilda The Musical. Regionally Tom directed Twelfth Night at the Guthrie Theater, and as an Associate Artist at PlayMakers Repertory Company he directed An Enemy of the People, Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and The Little Prince As Artistic Director of Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT), Tom produced over 35 plays and directed many others, including the World Premiere of Downrange: Voices from the Homefront, a play based on interviews with military spouses from Fort Bragg As the founder of FreightTrain Shakespeare in Los Angeles, he earned a Drama-Logue Award for his direction of Pericles. Other Los Angeles credits range from King Lear to The Devil With Boobs A member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Tom is a graduate of Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) with a B A in Theatre and Economics, and the University of California, San Diego MFA directing program, where he was the assistant director on the original production of The Who’s Tommy. Tom and his wife Wallis are the proud parents of Mireille Julia and Annika Christine
JEFF RYDER
(Managing Director) has been Managing Director of Virginia Stage Company since March 2022. Prior to coming to VSC, Jeff
growing together
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The Dragas Companies
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Visit us at artsallianceva.org to find out how. View
Even Keel Wealth Advisors of Raymond James
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served in several roles at Cleveland Play House from 2013 to 2022 Jeff holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Levin College at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor ’s Degree from Tufts University. At Levin, Jeff was inducted into Nu Lambda Mu, the international honor society for the study of nonprofit management and philanthropy Jeff also holds a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals from Cornell University He has served on the boards of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, Theatre Forward, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Cleveland, and the Cleveland Professional 20/30 Club In Cleveland, Jeff was honored to be a part of the Cleveland Leadership Center ’s Advanced Leadership Institute and the Cleveland Foundation’s Foundations for Philanthropy Program Jeff has also been a stage manager at several theatres including Talespinner Children’s Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Berkshire Theatre Festival
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
† The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent labor union
§ Member of United Scenic Artists, local USA-829 of the IATSE
ADDITIONAL SHOW STAFF
Scenic Overhire
MAKENZIE LADNER
CASSANDRA KING
TIARA DIMOND
DEANNA HAMMOND
NANITA KOVALIK
Isaak Berliner, Mo De Poortere, Hans Herst, New Leaf of Ghent, Vino Culture, Neptune’s Fury, Elite Custom Cakes, Ghent Barbers, Changes City Spa
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
HAMPTON ROADS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BATTEN EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT FUND
HAMPTON ROADS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PARTNERS
THEATRE CIRCLE THEATRE CIRCLE
THE PERRY FAMILY FOUNDATION
EDWIN S. WEBSTER FOUNDATION
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE LEADERSHIP CIRCLE CENTER STAGE CIRCLE CENTER STAGE CIRCLE FRANKLIN SOUTHAMPTON CHARITIES
CONTRIBUTORS
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
($50,000+)
INDIVIDUALS
Ms. Joan Brock
David & Susan Goode
INSTITUTIONS
Arts Alliance
Dollar Tree Stores
Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Atlantic Dominion Distributors/ Hoffman Beverages
Clearstead Advisory Solutions
The Perry Family Foundation
Virginia Natural Gas, INC.
Bank of America
Birdsong Peanuts
Kaufman & Canoles
Wilcox & Savage, P.C.
Cerity Partners
The Dragas Companies
Dixon Hughes Goodman
Even Keel Wealth Advisors of Raymond James
Forvis Mazars
Southern Bank
Wall Einhorn Chernitzer, P.C.
Williams Mullen
The Breeden Companies
Davenport & Company, LLC
The Pruden Foundation
RBA Architects
Within Interior Design, Inc.
The Batten Educational Achievement Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation
City of Norfolk
Sentara Health
The Shubert Foundation
Virginia Commission for the Arts
THEATRE CIRCLE ($25,000+)
INDIVIDUALS
Anonymous
Ann P. Stokes
INSTITUTIONS
The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation
Hampton Roads Community Foundation
The Language Group
The Perry Family Foundation
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
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INDIVIDUALS
Anonymous
Patrick & Ann Brogan
Mrs. Susan Einhorn
Mr. Leslie Friedman
Sandy & Eleanor Harris
Barry & Peggy Pollara
Charles & Lucy Quaintance
Louis & Prudence Ryan
William & Christine Westendorf
INSTITUTIONS
Community Leadership Partners of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Edwin S. Webster Foundation
John and Harriet Malbon Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Nancy Spainhour Living Trust
National Endowment for the Arts
Norfolk Southern Foundation
TowneBank
CENTER STAGE
($5,000+)
INDIVIDUALS
Anonymous
Ms. Donna Bausch
Drs. Sarah B. Clarkson & John Herre
Brian H. & Maria T. Fallin
Alan Gollihue & Lane Killiam
Ms. Christina Goode
Ms. Martha Goode
Ms. Verne’t Hatcher
Mr. Jim Hixon
Norman & Sue Hoffmann
Stephen Leaman
Brian & Patti Maddox
Mrs. Oriana McKinnon
Tom & Christie Nicholson
Mr. & Mrs. John S. Shannon
Sterzing Charitable Trust
Mrs. Barbara Stokey
Jason Wallace
INSTITUTIONS
ADS
Chartway Promise Foundation
Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission
David R. Goode CLAT
E.T. Gresham
LifeNet Health
Onyx Engineering,Inc.
Portsmouth Museum & Fine Arts Commission
Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission
Virginia Stage Foundation
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Anonymous
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Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Conner
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Curtis
Antoinette Davidson
Betty Harmon Edwards
Brian & Inger Friedman
Franklin L. Greene, Jr.
Brian & Jackie King
Heather Langston
Dr. & Mrs. Donald Lipskis
Mr. & Mrs. George Metzger
Ray & Lynn McCue
Tom & Carol Mueller
Drs. Scott & Sharon Reed
C. Arthur & Shirley Ro ndation
Southeastern Virginia Community Foundation
Southern Bank
Virginia Stage Associates
Willcox & Savage P.C.
PATRON
($1,000+)
INDIVIDUALS
Avraham Ashkenazi
Clay Barr
Dr. Jeanne Burger
Tony & Jackie Corletto
Greg Cutter
Lamar Dixon
Dianne Epplein & John Patton
Dr. Charlette Fairchild
Mrs. Juanita Felton
Steve & Nancy Fuschetti
Mr. Stephan Gordon
Barbara Gornto
Paul & Carolyn Gottlieb
John & Gayle Greene
Mrs. Jan Goldrich
Jacqueline Herst
Michael & Gene Hubbard
T. Hubbard & Christy Hamlin
Bob & Nancy King
Mrs. June-Marie Lam
A.J. & Laura Langa
Dan & Gayle Lemieux
Cathy Coleman Maston
Mrs. Ann Mauer
Mr. & Mrs. Colin M. McKinnon
Penny & Peter Meredith
Gayle V. Nichols
Mrs. Norman Olitsky
Mrs. Juanita Raisor
Meredith & Cindy Rose
Conrad Shumadine
Mr. Lawrence L. Steingold
Suzanne Stetkevych
Dr. William H. Ward
William & Sandra Warden
Emily Washington
Jane & Larry Waters
Larry & Martye White
Randy Wisswell
Bryon & Chris Work
Mr. Thomas Young
INSTITUTIONS
Ameriprise Financial
Benevity Impact Fund
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gift
Keith & Carol Naumann
Charitable Gift Trust – Donor
Advised Fund of The US
Charitable Gift Trust
Southeastern Theatre Conference
Suffolk Fine Arts Commission
Warden Family Foundation
Williamsburg Area Arts Commission
ENSEMBLE ($500+)
INDIVIDUALS
Anonymous
Chris Abbate
William & Carole Aitken
Helen & Warren Aleck
Ann Baldwin
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Baum
Dr. & Mrs. S.W. Berg
Bruce T. & Sarah Bishop
Wendy & Ron Brodsky
Andrea S. Clontz
Don & Sue Comer
Mrs. Bess P. Decker
Carie Curry Cutter
Mr. Lamar Dixon
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Epplein
Mrs. Carey J. Flannery
Mr. & Mrs. David C. Fuller
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Goode
Drs. Ranjit & Lakshmi Goudar
Dr. C.W. Gowen, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. William Gresham, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Hartshorn
Gay Goldsmith & John Brush
Mrs. Pat Hodge
Connie Jacobson
Heather Jordan Khan
Mr. Kurt Krause
Tyler & Sunshine Leinbach
Dr. & Mrs. Edward L. Lilly
Ms. Toni A. Lohman
Jonathan Miller & Barbara Chapman
Ms. Siobhan Miller
W. Reynolds & J.A. Monach
James & Phyllis Noonan
Vince & Patty Olivieri
Ms. Ann Odell
William Redd
John & Mary Reinhart
Allan & Harriet Reynolds
Dana & Jeff Rosen
Jeff Ryder
Dr. & Mrs. Ivan R. Schiff
Win & Jane Short
Sandra & Bradley Simpson
Ms. Patricia K. Smith
Dr. & Mrs. Charles Stuppard
Mr. & Mrs. William Swartz
Ms. Gail Thompson
Pat Walsh
Elemuel Watts
Mr. William L Weber, III
Mr. & Mrs. Samuel J. Webster
INSTITUTIONS
Battelle Employee Matching Gifts
Alan & Esther Fleder Foundation
APPLAUSE ($250+)
INDIVIDUALS
Mr. Derek Anders-Turner, Jr.
Anonymous
Robert & Judy Barker
John & Jeanne Bowers
Jared & Whitney Brooks
Ms. Willia Campbell
Charlotte & Joe Carriker
Minette & Charles Cooper
Janis & Wayne Davis
Raymond DeFrank
Steven L. Doane
Carroll G. Frohman
Clayton A. Gearheart
Ms. Jane K. Goldman
Vicki Goldrich
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Grube
Stephen & Kim Hall
Lisa Harman-Wakefield
Laurie Hasten
Mrs. Belinda Hester
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Houglum
Dr. Sylvia Hudgins
Veronica Irwin
Mrs. Constance Jones
Joan Saunders Kennedy
Mr. Garrett Krause
Jo Manley
James & Shelley Marrion
Mrs. Carolyn Abron-McCadden
Ms. Margaret Merritt
Thomas & Gabriella Miller
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Moses
Ms. Concetts Pagley
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Pampalone
Dr. Thomas C. Phelps
Kim Pici
Mr. & Mrs. William A. Prince
Mr. & Mrs. George Raiss
Mr. Robert Reardon & Ms. Nancy Bazin
Mr. Tom Reel
Ms. Robin Reeves
Dennis & Susie Rowley
Stanley & Linda Samuels
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Seeherman
Mark Seelenbinder
Randy & Phyllis Shannon
Dr. Robert Singleterry, Jr.
Mr. John Tucker, Jr.
Pat Walsh
Ashlin & Wayne Wilbanks
Deborah & John Wyld
Joe & Peggy Young
Michelle Ellis Young
Norman Zwahlen
INSTITUTIONS
Benevity Community Impact Fund
The Lawson Family Fund of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Network for Good Norfolk Southern Good Governance Fund
IN HONOR OF
Susan Einhorn
Ron & Wendy Brodsky
Jackie King
Andrew Melissinos
Carol Mueller
Lynn Cobb
Barry & Peggy Pollara
Ann Roesch
Chris & Clarence Warnstaff
Lisa Harman-Wakefield
IN MEMORY OF
Sue Adair
Virginia Stage Associates
Terence Dudash
Nicole DeJesus
Stan Fedyszyn
Judith Fedyszyn
Tom & Lorrie Fedyszyn
Alex & Amy Jakubowski
Lora Jakubowski & Sandeep
Wadhwa
Jerry & Audrey Lazarus
Glenn & Mary Schafer
Martha Hortenstine
Frances G. Allen
Judy Brown
Mary Ann Fussell
Clayton A. Gearhart
Charles & Joan Giovannetti
COVID Book Club
East Beach Book Club
Henry R Hortenstine III
Dan McCowan
Dick & Judy McCullough
Charles & Blanche Nusbaum
Gill Leaman
Stephen Leaman
John Turbyfill
Joan & Stewart Buckle
Barry & Peggy Pollara
Neil Walsh
Pat Walsh
This listing reflects gifts of $250 or more as of January 1, 2025. If there are any errors in your listing or should you wish to become part of the Virginia Stage Company donor family, please contact Kandis Hyde at 757.627.6988 ext 315 or go to vastage.org/donate.
Virginia Repertory Theatre is a regional professional theater headquartered in downtown Richmond, and is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia.
Virginia Rep stages three primary seasons across three unique venues in Richmond and Hanover, VA. Their mission is to entertain, challenge and uplift our communities through the power of live theatre.
VIRGINIA STAGE COMPANY STAFF Leadership Producing Artistic Director Tom Quaintance | Managing Director Jeff Ryder | Senior Management Director of Development Kandis Hyde | Finance Manager Tara Moscopulos | Director of Design Jeni Schaefer | Director of Enrichment Jordan Setzer | Production Manager Jim Worthey | Administration Operations Manager & Resident Casting Director Emel Ertugrul | Finance Associate Elisa Pozsonyi | Communications Consulting/Interim Marketing Director Jo Manley | Marketing & Graphic Designer Crystal Tuxhorn | Marketing Associate Connor Norton | Front of House Box Office Supervisor Sara Schaefer | Box Office Associates Mariah Johnson, Kenzie Moyers, Reicse Owen, Cristina Shafarman, Russell Teagle | Hospitality Manager Melissa Mowry | Guest Services Coordinator Alexis Moyer | House Manager William Rodman | Bartenders Ashleigh Beaird, Gale Blackard, Mackenzie Cowcer, Malia Diaz, Tiara Dimond, Rachel Greene, Sean Luffy, Erin Pretlow, Ava Stevenson, Timothy Suddeth, Kate Thurston, Brooke Warner | Development Development Manager Sarah Frauenzimmer | Development Associate Russell Teagle | Education Education Associate Candunn Jennette | Production Technical Director Maya Bowers | Assistant Technical Director Bryce Emde | Scenic Charge George Righter | Scenic and Props Carpenters Hannah Genberg, Sophia Kaminaris | Costume Shop Manager Meg Murray | Assistant Costume Shop Manager Virginia Bird | Wardrobe Supervisor Krystal Tuzon Gonzalez | Props Manager Danielle Ettema | Lighting & Sound Supervisor Joey Mueller | Audio Engineer Danielle Saunders | Assistant Stage Managers Abbigail LaRocque, Tia Collier
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