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everyone, and welcome.
This show has been on my directing bucket list for a long time. I was first introduced to it during an acting class in grad school, and I’ve carried a deep love for this play and its characters ever since. It’s an emotional journey one that’s raw, intimate, and at times difficult but bringing it to life has been one of the most fulfilling creative experiences I’ve had.
When approaching this story, I kept returning to the things we all share as human beings: death, grief, faith, love, and family. These are the forces that shape our lives that break us, bind us, and ultimately help us understand ourselves and each other. No matter our differences where we come from, what we believe, who we are we all navigate these moments of heartbreak and beauty. And in those moments, we see the threads of our shared humanity
For the visual style of the production, I drew inspiration from something I’ve always loved: old photographs. There’s something haunting and powerful about them they carry history, but the lack of color allows us to feel a little detached, almost like they belong to another world. Sepia, in particular, was used to preserve images over time In this production, I’ve used sepia as a visual bridge connecting past and present, the personal and the universal. It’s a way of honoring the enduring nature of these stories and emotions, and of reminding us that we’re all part of something bigger, something timeless.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Northwest Administration for their unwavering support of our program To my parents, Kay and Larry Manzolillo thank you for always coming through with the period props and for your constant encouragement of my theatre passions. And most importantly, to our incredible students: thank you for showing up, giving your all, and truly making this production what it is. I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you. Go team!
Thank you for being here. I hope this piece resonates with you, stays with you, and reminds you as it reminded us of the beauty and complexity of being human.
Barnette (Buddy Layman)is beyond excited to bring Buddy Layman to life e Diviners here at Northwest! As a Musical Theatre here, he has been fortunate enough to be part of nsemble in Little Shop of Horrors and to play Nils tad in A Doll’s House (Allie Award-Best Supporting ). He is grateful to Ms. Manzolillo for trusting him his role, as it means the world to him. He wants to her and Mrs. Algee for their guidance and ort throughout rehearsals. Noah would especially o dedicate this performance to his Mom Her love and encouragement mean the world to him, and he knows he wouldn’t be here without her. He is so so proud of this cast, crew, and creative team for their hard work in bringing this beautiful story to life, and he hopes you enjoy the show!
OliviaCallahan(JennieMaeLayman)–is majoring in theater and is very excited to act in h drama as Jennie Mae Layman in ‘The Diviners’. She h a part of many shows, including NWCC’s ‘Little S Horrors’ and ‘Boeing Boeing’, Panola Playhouses ‘Th Mermaid’, and LCHS’s ‘The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee.’ She can’t wait for her future sho activitiesintheater.
MacieFischer(NormaHenshaw)is thrilled to be making her debut with No Community College in The Diviners. Previous performed as Cherry Valance and Mrs. Gibbs—bot Award-nominated roles at DeSoto Central High Scho addition to acting, Macie’s talents extend to costuming work on Around the World in Eighty Daysearned an Award, and her designs for Tarzan received an Orph Award nomination. She has loved collaborating with incredible cast and crew of this production and ext heartfelt thanks to Kayla and Alyssa for making her NWCC show such a positive and memorable experie thanksyouforcomingandhopesyouenjoytheshow
TrenderriusHollis(MelvinWilder)–is looking forward to making his on-stage debut as M “The Diviners.” Trenderrius is from Charleston, M majoringinMusicalTheatre!Enjoytheshow!
CarterJuzeszyn(BasilBennet/ScenicDesign)-
Returning to the Northwest stage, Carter Juze delighted to be taking on role of Basil Bennett, as scenic designer. He's been seen recently as Mushnik Shop of Horrors (NWCC) and Max in The Play Tha Wrong(PanolaPlayhouse).Hehopesyouenjoythesho
son Kemp (Ferris Layman) –
static to be a part of The Diviners. This isn’t Jackson’s show with Northwest Theatre. You may have also seen n last semester’s production of Little Shop of Horrors e of the Wino Jackson is a proud musical theatre major at Northwest and plans to use his degree to teach re. He’s been in many more roles such as Wadsworth in On Stage, Dallas in The Outsiders, Callahan in Legally the Musical, and Reverend Shaw Moore in Footloose ical. He hopes you enjoy the show!
nton Landrum (Darlene Henshaw/ Costume Design)
a Musical Theatre major here at Northwest. Her NWCC Theatre credits include: Audrey (Little Shop ors), Nora Helmer (A Doll’s House) *(Best Leading lie Award nominated), and Gabriella (Boeing Boeing). rateful to be a part of this beautiful tragedy and y bring you laughter along the way She wants to say u to her cast and crew that is filled with her closest
And a thank you to Ms. Manzolillo for directing her ce once again. She hopes you enjoy the show!
rner (Goldie Short)-
d excited to make her debut on the NWCC stage! roles include The Lawyer in Tracks, Nerdy in The hite Variety Show, The Wizard of Oz in The Wiz, and 101 Dalmatians. Outside of theatre, Alaya studies on the Pre-Med track in hopes of becoming a n’s assistant. She would like to thank her friends and r their support.
ert Wooley (C.C. Showers)
rt is so excited for his first college show! He is a n majoring in general theatre here at NWCC with a us on business. He has been in a range of shows at Central High School in roles such as Ponyboy Curtis utsiders, Kerchak in Tarzan the Musical, and George Our Town. While at DC, he had a chance to be head er of Our Town and Stage Manager of Around the Eighty Days. Jon-Albert has also made a community nce as a featured dancer in Oklahoma the Musical at Playhouse. He is super thrilled for this show and hopes you enjoy this beautiful story! Psalm 27:1
NathanWashington(DeweyMaples)–
is ecstatic to be in The Diviners! He has appear shows such as, The Color Purple as Mister, Judah and The Amazing Technicolor Dream-Coat, The Outsiders Doctor, Footloose as Cowboy Bob, Oklahoma! featured dancer in Young Frankenstein, and the Audrey II in Little Shop Of Horrors! He Hopes you amazingexperienceattheshow!
EmmaYoungblood(LuellaBennet)–
Emma has been acting for 4 years; she gradua Northpoint high School in 2025. Her most recen include; Queen Victoria in Mary Poppins, Featured ensemble in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Ensemble in Anastasia When not on-stage, Emma’s hobbiesincludedrawing,writing,andreading!
CREW BIOS
Alyssa Algee (Production Manager)-
Alyssa holds an A.A. in Speech & Theatre from NWCC, a B.A. in Theatre from MS University for Women, an M.A. in Theatre from Regent University, and an M F A in Theatre Education from MS University for Women. She is currently in her eleventh year of teaching at NWCC, her alma mater. Some of her favorite credits include Lighting Design for NWCC’s Aida, Aunt March in Panola Playhouse’s Little Women, and the White Witch in Desoto Family Theatre’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She has directed many shows at NWCC and among her favorites are: An Inspector Calls, The Adventures of Nate the Great, and Waiting for Godot. Most recently she directed A Doll’s House and vocal directed Little Shop of Horrors. She wants to send out a big thank you to John Hagan and the NWCC administration. Thank you also to her husband, Nathan, and her best friend, Kayla – her partners in crime. Last but not least, she wants to thank both of her parents and all of her family, without whom she would never have had the determination to keep going and stay faithful. Congratulations to this amazing cast and crew – I couldn’t be prouder of all of you! 1 John 4:19
teven Michael Black (Lighting Designer)-
s thrilled to contribute his first show at NWCC. A Memphis ative, He has designed lights and developed shows for heatres, cruise ships, theme parks and more. He is grateful r this opportunity from Kayla and Alyssa. He would like to hank Jess, Alex, and Roscoe.
eka Fleming (Properties Crew)-
orn and raised in Indianola, Mississippi. She Graduated Gentry High school, and participated in some school in the 7th grade, and a small amount in the 8th grade. eka is currently a sophomore here at NWCC and plans duate and transfer to either University of Memphis or Baptist University, also she is majoring in Nursing and the goal is to become a pediatrician
Kenneth Grant (Crew) –
grew up in Horn Lake and graduated from Lake Cormorant High School (LCHS) in 2024. Shows that he's been in include Emma: A Pop Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Game of Tiaras at LCHS as ensemble. Kenneth is currently a sophomore at Northwest Community College majoring in Foreign Language and plans to transfer to a 4-year university to continue his studies Though his major isn't Theatre, he has always enjoyed the art and finds great satisfaction being involved within it.
Clayton Gregg (Stage Manager) -
Welcome everyone!! My name is Clayton Gregg; I am the Stage Manager for “The Diviners” and this is my fifth production at the NWCC! I am a super sophomore and a musical theater major here at Northwest. The shows I loved the most that I have performed in are “Little Shop of Horrors” (Seymour - Northwest Community College), and “Sweeney Todd” (Tobey - Panola Playhouse).
Alisha Hodges (Crew) –
grew up in Mississippi and graduated from Rosa Fort High School in 2024. The Diviners will be the first production she has worked on. This is Alisha’s sophomore year at Northwest Community College, but her first as a General Theatre major. She plans to continue her studies in theatre after graduating from Northwest She is very excited to gain experience working in this production!
Tyrese Howell (Lighting Crew) –
he is from Olive Branch MS graduated from Oliv High School in 2025 and is a freshman at NWCC in general theater.
Kassidy Hungate (Crew) –
Grew up in Mississippi, graduated from Lewisb School in 2025. Two of her most recent shows h You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and B assistant lights and head lights Kassidy is curre freshman at Northwest Community College getti associates of arts degree. She is very excited working on this show with so many talented peopl
Kayla Manzolillo (Director) -
Kayla Manzolillo is originally from Ethelsville, AL she first got involved in theatre at the age of 15 local YMCA and has never looked back. She has over 1 years of experience working in educational an professional theatre as a technician, director, an designer. Kayla holds a B.A. from Mississippi Universit for Women and an M.A. in theatre from Regent University., prior to Northwest, she served as Technical Director and Theatre Instructor at The University of North Alabama (UNA). Some of her favorite credits include, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (New Stage, Production Asst.), The Glass Menagerie (Tennessee Williams Festival, Director), The Mountaintop (UNA, Set Design), Eurydice (UNA, Director), Macbeth (UNA, Director), Little Shop of Horrors (UNA, Set Design), Hairspray (UNA, Set Design), Swing (NWCC, Costume Design), Boeing Boeing (NWCC, Director), A Doll’s House (NWCC, Set Design), Little Shop of Horrors (NWCC, Director).
e Morgan (Scenic Artist) –
Alabama and raised in Hernando Mississippi. d from Hernando high school in 2024. The Diviners st show she has worked on as a scenic artist. e is currently a sophomore at Northwest pi Community College as an art major, plans to graphic design degree after graduating community he has always had a love for art and is very excited king on this show!
e Rash (Properties Crew) –
raised in Indianola Mississippi. Graduated from igh School. She participated in many community h her after school program from 7th to 10th grade. currently a sophomore at Northwest Mississippi nity College and plans to graduate and transfer to versity Of Memphis. Her major is Chemistry and she o become a cosmetic chemist and make body care s for black women.
Ratliff (Crew) –
n in Nashville, Tennessee and grew up in Northern ssippi. He graduated high school in 2022 and started nding NWCC. He's currently a sophomore and this is his year as a general theatre major. The Diviners is the first ical production he has worked on as a part of the uction crew He's glad he's able to work with very ed people on this production.
Rivera (House Manager) –
up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from aven High School in 2024. The two most recent shows has done were Little Shop of Horrors with Northwest Mean Girls with Southaven High School Cody is tly a sophomore at Northwest Community College, ng in biomedical science, and plans to attend sippi College after Northwest. Cody plans to become ma surgeon in the future and is so excited about The rs.
Allison Scurlock (Hair, Makeup, and Costume Crew) -
is a sophomore at Northwest Mississippi Comm College. She majors in musical theatre and she is p Hair and Makeup as well as Costumes. She is excited t you guys reactions to the show. She hopes to work wi theatre department more in the future. Please enjo show!
Gabriel Smith (Deck Chief) -
Gabriel is a skilled dancer and trained vocalist, he has seen in over 20 shows around the midsouth and hope never stop performing. While currently taking classes f Northwest Community College he plans to further education elsewhere, continuing to follow the path God laid out for him whilst doing what he loves most with friends and idols. He is so thankful to be a part of this amazing crew and cannot wait to see where this cast takes the show.
Steven Song (Crew) –
Born in Memphis Tennessee and grew up in Walls Mississippi Graduated from Lake Cormorant High School He has been involved in his high-school student council and been in an engineering program for CTC. He is a sophomore of NWCC and his major is Graphic Design but he also likes to be involved in Theatre and The Diviners is the first theatre play he’s been directly involved in He is also very much interested in working out, cooking, writing, and more. Finally, he plans to either attend another year in NW, attend another 4-year college, or go look for a career after graduation. He is happy to be here and wants to continue his artistic abilities and social circle!
