THE LA AM IEPROJECT
BY MOISES KAUFMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE TECTONIC
THEATER PROJECT
OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE
presents
THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Written by Moisés Kaufman and the Members of Tectonic Theater Project
HEAD WRITER
Leigh Fondakowski
ASSOCIATE WRITERS
Stephen Belber, Greg Pierotti, Stephen Wangh
DRAMATURGS
Amanda Gronich, Sarah Lambert, John McAdams, Maude Mitchell, Andy Paris, Barbara Pitts, Kelli Simpkins
The US West World Premiere was produced by The Denver Center Theatre Company, Donovan Marley, Artistic Director in association with Tectonic Theater Project, Moisés Kaufman, Artistic Director.
Originally produced in New York City at the Union Square Theatre by Roy Gabay and Tectonic Theater Project in association with Gayle Francis and the Araca Group Associate Producers: Mara Isaacs and Hart Sharp Entertainment.
The Laramie Project was developed in part with the support of The Sundance Theatre Laboratory.
Scenic Design by Natalie Neville (‘26)
Lighting Design by Paige Vick (‘25)
Directed by Jessie Glover
Stage Managed by Adrian Casto (‘26)
Feb 20-23 & Feb 27-Mar 1, 2025
Costume Design by Anna Grywalski
Sound Design by Nik Engelhart
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St., Westerville
THE LARAMIE PROJECT is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)
CAST
The cast is listed in alphabetical order by actor’s last name -
Kate Maree Brewer
Leigh Fondakowski, Reporter, Aaron Kreifels,Trish Steger, Kristin Price, Jen,Tiffany Edwards, Narrator
Anna Byers
Stephen Belber, Doc O’Connor, Doug Laws, Anonymous Friend, Rob Dubree, Murdock Cooper, Andrew Gomez, Priest, Narrator
Naomi Eason
Jedadiah Schultz, Aaron McKinney, Stephen Mead Johnson, Phil Labrie, Gil Engen, Dr. Cantway, Rulon Stacey, Narrator
LaBron Foy
Moisés Kaufman, Matt Mickleson, Jonas Slonaker, Father Roger Schmidt, Philip DuBois, Bill McKinney, Dennis Shepard, Narrator
Nathan Frewen
Andy Paris, Matt Galloway, Baptist Minister, Conrad Miller, Newsperson 2, Bailiff, Narrator
Simone Gelety
Romaine Patterson, Alison Mears, April Silva, Sherry Johnson, Jeffrey Lockwood, Governor Jim Geringer, Cal Rerucha, Mormon Home Teacher, Narrator
Sammantha Robinson
Rebecca Hilliker, Marge Murray, Baptists Minister’s Wife, Judge, Newsperson 3, Shannon, Kerry Drake, Narrator
Quinn Seevers
Greg Pierotti, Sergeant Hing, Jon Peacock, Shadow, Harry Woods, Email Sender, Reverend Fred Phelps, Russell Henderson, Narrator
Nora Shearer
Barbara Pitts, Officer Reggie Fluty, Waitress, Zackie Salmon, Newsperson 1, Lucy Thompson, Narrator
Tenley Stitzer
Amanda Gronich, Catherine Connoly, Zubaida Ula, Sherry Aaneson, Eileen Engen, Newsperson 4, Foreperson, Narrator
CAST
The following cast members are swings (understudies) for this production.
Calvin Freshour
Greg Pierotti, Sergeant Hing, Jon Peacock, Shadow, Harry Woods, Email Sender, Reverend Fred Phelps, Russell Henderson, Narrator, Stephen Belber, Doc O’Conmor, Doug Laws, Anonymous Friend, Rob Dubree,Murdock Cooper, Andrew Gomez, Priest, Narrator, Moisés Kaufman, Matt Mickleson, Jonas Slonaker, Father Roger Schmidt, Philip DuBois, Bill McKinney, Dennis Shepard, Narrator
Aidan Heddle
Stephen Belber, Doc O’Connor, Doug Laws, Anonymous Friend, Rob Dubree, Murdock Cooper, Andrew Gomez, Priest, Narrator, Andy Paris, Matt Galloway, Baptist Minister, Conrad Miller, Newsperson 2, Bailiff, Narrator, Romaine Patterson, Alison Mears, April Silva, Sherry Johnson, Jeffrey Lockwood, Governor Jim Geringer, Cal Rerucha, Gene Pratt, Narrator
Katelyn Miller
Rebecca Hilliker, Marge Murray, Baptists Minister’s Wife, Judge, Newsperson 3, Shannon, Kerry Drake, Narrator, Amanda Gronich, Catherine Connoly, Zubaida Ula, Sherry Aaneson, Eileen Engen, Newsperson 4, Foreperson, Narrator
Kate Quinn
Leigh Fondakowski, Reporter, Aaron Kreifels,Trish Steger, Kristin Price, Jen,Tiffany Edwards, Narrator, Barbara Pitts, Officer Reggie Fluty, Waitress, Zackie Salmon, Newsperson 1, Lucy Thompson
SPECIAL THANKS
Suzanne Ashworth
Tammy Birk
Freezone!
Isaac Jones
Rev. Lucy Kelly
Yasmeen Khafagy
Otterbein Office of Social Justice & Activism
Otterbein WGSS
Sarah Perry
PRODUCTION STAFF
Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance ..................................................... Lenny Leibowitz
Managing Director Elizabeth Saltzgiver
Production Manager ......................................................................................... Hannah Hahn
Faculty Technical Director ................................................................................. Patrick Stone
Costume Shop Supervisor ........................................................................... Anna Grywalski
Dialects Coach .................................................................................................. Melissa Lusher
Movement Coach/Voice Coach Melinda Murphy
Intimacy Director ................................................................................ Dr. Aviva Helena Neff
Intimacy Captain ................................................................................................. Nora Shearer
Assistant Director Fiona Shella
Assistant Costume Designer ............................................................................... Max Lozada
Assistant Stage Manager Gail Sparks
Tech Assistant Stage Manager .................................................................... Nathan Laemmle
Dramaturgs .................................................. Emma Bailey, Allison Bricker, Seamus Clark, Sierra Pérez-Gelbman, Ben Sanford
Student Technical Director.................................................................................. Anna Hundt
Carpenter Connor Christopher
Charge Artist ................................................................................................. Ja Na’Ya Johnson
Properties Lead.............................................................................................Marshall Duggan
Properties Artisan Dani Kirkham
Scenic & Props Run Crew ..............................................
Dean Buford, Brenna Marie Stewart
Wardrobe Lead ......................................................................................................... Nora Root
Wardrobe Run Crew ..................................... Elizabeth Clancy, Lola Eden, Dani Kirkham
Lead Electrician .............................................................................................. Stephen O’Hara
Assistant Lead Electrician Lili Ducy
Light Board Operator ............................................................................................ Haley Potts
Electrics Hang Crew ......................
Dean Buford, Gavin Juni, Anderson Law, Mina Lim, Colin McCabe, Jared Morisue-Lesser, Maria Nigro, Haley Potts, Katherine Quinn, Brit Witherspoon
Sound Engineer (A1) Christopher Bacu
House Manager ......................................................................................... Theodore Marshall
Graphic Design ........................................................................................................ Trevor List
Digital Media
SCENIC
Maya Cidale, Jane Cook, Ana Kusenberger, Katelyn Miller
STUDIO ASSISTANTS
Dean Buford
Connor Christopher
Marshall Duggan
Anna Hundt
Dani Kirkham
Natalie Neville
Helen Sminkey
COSTUME SHOP ASSISTANTS
Lilian Ducy
Max Lozada
Theodore Marshall
Nora Root
Vivian Steele
LIGHTING & SOUND ASSISTANTS
Christopher Bacu
Adrian Casto
Nathan Frewen
Stephen O’Hara
Haley Potts
Paige Vick
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS
Cami Borders
Katie Debolt
Maggie Glanc
Dani Kirkham
Ja Na’Ya Johnson
Stephen O’Hara
SCENE SYNOPSIS
Time: 1998-1999
Place: Laramie, Wyoming, USA
The play is set in a series of moments in time
Act I Moments:
A Definition, Journal Entries, Rebecca Hilliker, Angels in America, Journal Entries, Alison & Marge, Matthew, Who’s Getting What?, Easier Said Than Done, Journal Entries, The Word, A Scarf, Lifestyle 1, The Fireside, McKinney and Henderson, The Fence, Finding Matthew Shepard
Act II Moments:
A Laramie Man, The Essential Facts, Live and Let Live, The Gem City of the Plains, Medical Update, Seeing Matthew, E-Mail, Vigils, MEdical Update, Live and Let Live, It Happened Here, Shannon and Jen, Homecoming, One of Ours, Two Queers and a Catholic Priest, Christmas, Lifestyle 2, That Night, Medical Update, Magnitude, H-O-P-E
15 - minute INTERMISSION
Act III Moments:
Snow, Jury Selection, Rusell Henderson, Angels in America, A Death Penalty Case, Aaron McKinney, Gay Panic, Aaron McKinney (Continued), The Verdict, Dennis Shepard’s Statement, Aftermath, Epilogue, Departure
AUTHOR’S NOTE
By Moisés Kaufman
The Laramie Project was written through a unique collaboration by Tectonic theater Project. During the year-and-a-half development of the play, members of the company and I traveled to Laramie six times to conduct interviews with the people of the town. We transcribed and edited the interviews, then conducted several workshops in which the members of the company presented material and acted as dramaturgs in the creation of the play.
As the volume of material grew with each additional trip to Laramie, a small writers’ group from within the company began to work closely with me to further organize and edit the material, conduct additional research in Laramie, and collaborate on the writing of the play. This group was led by Leigh Fondakowski as Head Writer, with Stephen Belber and Greg Pierotti as Associate Writers.
As we got closer to the play’s first production in Denver, the actors, including Stephen Belber and Greg Pierotti, turned their focus to performance, while Leigh Fondakowski continued to work with me on drafts of the play, as did Stephen Wangh, who by then had joined us as an Associate Writer and “bench coach.”
By Jessie Glover
Theatre is a space where we are invited to listen, and to pay attention to what happens to us and in us when we listen.
The Laramie Project resonates more than two decades after it was written, for many reasons. It portrays numerous powerful and dynamic voices, speaking with authenticity, complexity, and courage about their lives and the community reckoning at the center of the play. It holds a searing event, and the town where it took place, with a great deal of curiosity and empathy. It tracks a struggle for safety, acceptance, visibility, and respect; and the implications of that struggle for the real people in the play. It takes its creative force from the very acts of listening and engaging in dialogue with people with a vast array of perspectives and identities. And it offers its audience an opportunity to participate in this potent practice of listening.
I am curious - what will we notice when we listen, tonight?
DIRECTOR’S NOTE DESIGNER NOTE
SCENIC DESIGN by Natalie Neville:
The Laramie Project is an incredibly importance piece that aims to reflect the emotional impact of Mathew Sheppard’s murder. At the heart of the design, it is a flexible stage with enough to set us in Laramie, Wyoming, but also leaves room for interpretation. I worked with the production team to not only accommodate the needs of everyone, but also give symbolic representation of everything going on around us. While the design is minimalist, the show itself is so important to everyone in today’s political climate. Society can never forget stories like these, and we must do everything we can to prevent people from erasing history. I hope you enjoy the show!
BIOGRAPHIES
Jessie Glover (Director) is a theatre practitioner, historian, teaching artist, curator, and community arts advocate. She has taught at Otterbein University in Theatre/Dance, Integrative Studies, and Arts Administration since 2011, and has worked with students and student groups to develop research, community partnerships, and new theatrical work. Jessie has also taught theatre history and acting at Ohio State University’s Columbus and Marion campuses. She holds a PhD in Theatre Historiography from the University of Minnesota. She was a co-founder of Wild Goose Creative, a community arts organization in Columbus that has hosted or incubated thousands of arts events and initiatives since 2006. Notable projects included a theatrical event titled SHINSAI, the Pinchflat bike poster show, an entrepreneur mentorship initiative, and dozens of art exhibitions focusing on Columbus-based artists. She produced, provided dramaturgical support for, and codirected Rachel’s House, a play about women leaving prison. Between 2015 and March 2020, Jessie led Theatre of Conviction, a company of men making theatre at Marion Correctional Institution as a program of nonprofit organization Healing Broken Circles. Jessie has co-founded two networks to support arts access and arts platforms for justiceimpacted Ohioans. Notable projects have included exhibitions at Columbus’s Carnegie Gallery, Loann Crane Gallery, and Cincinnati’s Wave Pool Gallery; statewide gatherings and trainings for arts educators; a virtual conversation series with artists working at the intersection of the arts and the justice system; pandemic creative care packages delivered to incarcerated people in all 28 Ohio prisons, commissioned artworks from 13 justiceimpacted Ohio artists, the development of a curriculum based on a prison storytelling project, and dramaturgy and actor coaching for a play sharing the stories of wrongfully incarcerated Ohioans. She lives in Columbus with her husband and two sons.
Natalie Neville (Scenic Designer) is a junior BFA Design and Technology major and is happy to be designing for the first time at Otterbein! She is extremely honored to be given such a big opportunity on such a moving show. When she’s not designing she is typically propping or painting for other main stage productions. She enjoys watching SpongeBob, playing games with friends, baking, and making pointless playlists in her free time. She would like to thank everyone who made this show possible and worked hard to get it on stage. Special shout-outs to her two brothers who don’t understand her job title, her parents who will walk her through how to jump a car, her friends for all the shifts at the Lock-In factory, the scenic shop for always giving 100% and her significant other for proofreading every email she sends! As always: #techyeah #teamgirl #BOOM!
Anna Grywalski (Costume Designer) is a prolific costume designer, creator, and teacher, whose work has been seen all over the country. She is so honored to be a part of this beautiful ensemble and important piece of theatre. Next you can see her work on The Last Five Years at The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. Much love to my family and friends, and of course the cats.
Paige Vick (Lighting Designer) is a senior Design and Technology major originally from Ellicott City, MD. She is very excited about her first big design project on the Cowan stage, though she has also designed in various other spaces across Ohio. She hopes to attend a graduate-level program in the fall after graduation to further her knowledge of lighting design and professional theatre practices. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Nik Engelhart (Sound Designer) has been the sound designer and engineer for several musical productions at Capital University where she graduated with a B.A. in Music Technology. Other productions she designed for include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Addams Family at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, Evita and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at Brecksville Theatres, Aspects of Love at CATCO theatres, Man of La Mancha at A
BIOGRAPHIES
Noise Within Theatre in Pasadena, CA, and Something Rotten at Otterbein University. She is currently a touring stage audio technician with the hard rock band STARSET while also working towards an associate degree in Accounting from Columbus State Community College. Nik would like to graciously thank her parents for their never-ending support in her endeavors as well as her partner, Patrick, for enduring her insane schedule.
Adrian Casto (Stage Manager) is a junior at Otterbein University pursuing a BFA in Theatre: Design/Technology. His previous Otterbein credits include Cabaret (Assistant Stage Manager), Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland (Technical Director), Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Assistant Stage Manager), and 9 to 5 (Assistant Sound Designer/ A1). This show has always been a dream show for Adrian and to be able to stage manage it is a dream come true. In this day and age, he feels this story needs to be shared and he feels a strong connection to it. Adrian hopes that everyone may take something from hearing this story. Thank you.
Hannah Hahn (Production Manager) joined the Theatre & Dance faculty/staff in the fall of 2022 as the Production Manager and Stage Management Mentor. She teaches and mentors student stage managers along with production-related duties. Hannah’s most recent local stage management credits include: The Importance of Being Earnest (Otterbein), Skeleton Crew (The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio), Rigoletto (Opera Columbus), and I Do! I Do! (Otterbein Summer Theatre). Additionally, Hannah stage manages the CAPA Marquee Awards Showcase each year – a Columbus-based theatre education program that feeds into the national Jimmy Awards for high school students. She has worked with the program in many capacities since its inaugural year in 2019. She enjoys teaching and sharing her experiences as a stage manager through workshops and Thespy adjudication at various state Thespian Festivals and International Thespian Festival each year. You might even catch her as a CAPA House Manager at the Riffe Center Theatre Complex or the historic Southern Theatre. Hannah holds a BFA in Theatre Design & Technology from Otterbein University. www.HannahHahn.net
Melissa Lusher (Dialects Coach) is a tenured Professor of Acting, Speech, and Dialects in the Department of Theatre and Dance, where she also serves as the Director of the BFA Acting Program. She was deeply honored to receive Otterbein’s 2018 Teacher of the Year award. Melissa holds an M.F.A. in Acting from the combined program of Carnegie Mellon University and the Moscow Art Theatre, and a B.F.A. in Acting from Carnegie Mellon. She is also a certified teacher of the Michael Chekhov acting technique through the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium. She has served as a dialect coach at many area universities and theatre companies, including CATCO, Short North Stage, and Actors’ Theatre of Columbus. Otterbein directing credits include Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Everybody, A Little Night Music, A Lie of the Mind, Chicago, “Master Harold”... and the Boys, Rumors, The Crucible, RENT, The Greeks: The Murders, No Exit, and Spring Awakening. Favorite roles include Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Otterbein), Barbara in August: Osage County (Otterbein), Goneril in King Lear (Actors’ Theatre), Clytemnestra in The Greeks (Moscow Art Theatre), Marina in Volodya (LaMaMa E.T.C.), Margaret in Richard III (AST), and the title role in Miss Julie (CMU).
Kitty Mader (Lighting & Sound Supervisor) is a sound designer and engineer from Avon, Ohio. She received her BFA in Design and Technology for theatre from Otterbein in 2022, and is currently the department’s Lighting and Sound Supervisor. Kitty has worked in renowned theatres such as TexARTS in Lakeway, Texas (Sound Designer), Otterbein Summer Theatre (Sound Designer/Lighting and Sound Supervisor), Weston Theater in Weston, Vermont (Assistant Audio Supervisor), The Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland,
BIOGRAPHIES
Ohio (A2), and the Bard Summerscape Music and Opera Festival in upstate New York (Audio Assistant). She has sound designed many Otterbein productions, including Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812, Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland, Everybody (2023), Cabaret (2023), Bright Star (2023), Dance 2022: Find Me in the Shadows, and Black Comedy (2022). Other productions Kitty has worked on include 9 to 5 (TexARTS, 2023), Marry Me a Little, Hair (Weston, 2022), The 39 Steps (Great Lakes, 2022), and Le Roi Arthus (Bard, 2021). Kitty is delighted to be involved in a show as relevant as The Laramie Project, and hopes you find the show as impactful as she does.
Melinda Murphy (Voice and Movement Coach) teaches Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method® in the Otterbein Theatre and Dance Department, with application to movement, voice, characterization, singing, and dance. Melinda is one of the few teachers trained in both methods; she combines them in her private practice in Columbus, and in classes and seminars for performing artists at other Ohio colleges. Since coming to Otterbein, she also trained to teach Fitzmaurice Voice work for its specialized tools for improving the voice and breath. Melinda has coached Otterbein productions since the turn of the century. She has also coached equestrians, figure skaters, musicians, and competitive barbershop quartets and choruses, including the two-time international gold medalist Southern Gateway Chorus.
Patrick Stone (Faculty Technical Director) began his tenure as the Technical Director at Otterbein in the fall of 2014. He holds an MFA from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelors of Arts from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. He is an ETCP certified Theatrical Rigger. He teaches classes in stagecraft, properties, metal working, technical direction, wood working, and motion scenery. Patrick also enjoys consulting with theatres ranging from professional through junior high school. Patrick is currently working on overcoming his last great personal challenge (flaw?): his excessive humility.
Dr. Aviva Helena Neff (Intimacy Director) is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Denison University and a frequent collaborator with Otterbein University Department of Theatre and Dance. An honors graduate of Goldsmiths College (MA, Applied Theatre), Dr. Neff enjoys working in devised theatre and theatre for social change with participants aged 1-100. Dr. Neff is very fortunate to serve as a freelance intimacy coordinator and director within the incredible theatre community of Columbus!
Christopher Bacu (A1/Sound Engineer) is a freshman BFA Design/Technology major and Business minor from West Chester, OH. This is his third show with Otterbein University, previously working on both The Importance of Being Earnest and Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. He also hopes to see you at Otterbein’s next show, Footloose: The Musical. In his free time, Chris enjoys working at a camp with the Scouts BSA Program, having earned his Eagle Rank in February of 2023. Enjoy the show and importance of Matthew Shepard’s Story.
Emma Bailey (Dramaturg) is a senior Acting major from Jacksonville, FL. Emma is currently based in New York, interning with the agents at DGRW. They send many hugs and all congratulations possible to the cast and creative team. Supporting the work was incredibly joyful. If you feel hopeless or inspired, Emma urges you to donate your money or time to ACTUP or the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Endless gratitude to Jessie Glover.
Kate Maree Brewer (Acting Ensemble: Track Eight) is a sophomore BFA Acting and BA Mathematics dual major from Nashville, TN. Previous Otterbein credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (Constance/Female U/S), A Midsummer Night’s Dream
BIOGRAPHIES
(Mistletoe/Puck, Hermia U/S), 11th Hour Theatre’s Legally Blonde (Brooke), and she loves performing monthly as a member of MainStage Improv. Much gratitude to Mom, Dad, and Ford always, and to Jessie for this opportunity! I hope you see that “good is coming out of evil” with this show. Until next time!
Allison Bricker (Dramaturg) is a sophomore Educational Studies major and Theatre minor from Blacklick, OH. Allison is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work as part of the dramaturgy team for this production of The Laramie Project. She hopes to one day go into theatre education and is happy to get to still do work in the theatre department while pursuing an education degree!
Anna Byers (Acting Ensemble: Track 4) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major, Dance minor, and Creative Writing minor from Pittsburgh, PA. They are so grateful to be a part of this process. The Laramie Project is an incredibly important show, especially in today’s political landscape. Anna’s previous Otterbein credits include Hélène in Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, as well as student works. They would like to thank their family and friends, the amazing cast and crew, and Jessie, for leading with love. www. thetrevorproject.org/be-the-one/
Connor Christopher (Carpenter) is a junior BFA Design/Technology major from Tampa, FL. This season has truly showcased Connor’s versatility in his work. Coming off of the summer season of Otterbein Summer Theatre (OST) as Lead Electrician, he jumped into the world of scenery as Carpenter for Natasha, Pierre, And the Great Comet of 1812, back into the Lead Electrician role for The Launch, and back to Carpenter, again. For the constant love and support, he wants to thank his partner Teagan, his shop crew who took him in and keeps the work environment fun, and his wonderful family.
Seamus Clark (Dramaturg) is a freshman BFA Musical Theatre major from Wilmington, DE. This is his first time being part of an Otterbein show and working solely as a dramaturg. During the rehearsal process, he assisted actors by providing historical context and pronunciation, helped assist the director with thematic continuity, and researched information for the website in the program. Seamus will be in Otterbein’s production of Footloose as Travis/Ren (u/s). IG: @seamusclarkmt
Lili Ducy (Assistant Lead Electrician) is a sophomore Design/ Technology major from Westerville. While she is normally found in the costume shop, she has enjoyed working on the lighting for this show. She is grateful to the lighting team for helping her learn throughout this process.
Marshall Duggan (Properties Lead) is a junior BFA Design/Technology major from Thibodaux, LA. Marshall is proud to help work on The Laramie Project and learn how to provide props for a production. He would like to thank his friends and partner for their support. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, reading, and the outdoors.
Naomi Eason (Acting Ensemble: Track 1) is a junior BFA Acting major with a Dance minor from San Francisco, CA. They are thrilled to be a part of the wonderful cast and crew telling this soulful story. Previous Otterbein credits include Cobweb (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and Girl/Time (Everybody). Naomi would like to thank the cast and crew for handling this show with such elegance and grace, and their family and friends for the endless support. This story is more relevant than ever and if you feel the call to action after seeing it, please consider donating to The Trevor Project, a program that creates a community for struggling Queer youth.
BIOGRAPHIES
LaBron Foy (Acting Ensemble: Track 5) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major and Exercise Science/Health Promotion minor from Loganville, GA. Labron is incredibly grateful to be a part of telling the vital, poignant, striking piece that is The Laramie Project. This has been an experience like none other and he would like to thank Jessie Glover for this amazing opportunity and for being the utmost inspiring, encouraging presence and director. He gives thanks to God above all and reminds you to always be kind to others.
Calvin Freshour (Swing: Tracks 2, 4, & 5) is a sophomore BFA Acting major from Columbus, OH. Calvin is so excited to be a part of his second mainstage production with Otterbein Theatre and Dance. He is so thankful to the director and design team for choosing and making this show as amazing as it can be. He would also like to thank his family, friends, and fellow cast mates for making this an unforgettable experience. He also hopes you enjoy the show!
Nathan Frewen (Acting Ensemble: Track 3) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from Downers Grove, IL. Otterbein Credits: Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 (Pierre), Forever Plaid (Francis), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Nick Bottom), Bright Star (Mayor Dobbs). Other Credits: Elf the Musical (Buddy), Million Dollar Quartet (Johnny Cash), Jersey Boys (Norm Waxman/Others), Annie (Mr. Bundles). Working on this show is such an incredible honor. Thanks to my family, friends, and this company. This is for every little queer kid out there! Visit www.thetrevorproject.org to make a difference.
Simone Gelety (Acting Ensemble: Track 7) is a junior BFA Acting major with a Dance minor from Tucson, AZ. Past Otterbein credits: Henry (Another Revolution), Beth (John Proctor is the Villain), Ensemble (9 to 5), Cheshire Cat (Dance 2024: Escape to Wonderland), Fritzie/Kit Kat Dancer (Cabaret), Si Crowell (Our Town), and the Child Shadow (Dance 2023: Find Me In the Shadows). They would like to thank the Laramie team for their compassion and care for the story, their supportive friends and family, and Melody, for all of her love. Enjoy the show!
Aidan Heddle (Swing: Tracks 1, 3 & 7) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major from East Northport, NY. He recently made his main stage debut in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Opera Singer/Anatole u/s). You may have also seen him in Otterbein’s 11th Hour production of Songs for a New World (Man 2). Aidan would like to thank his family, friends and professors for their support and wisdom! Please donate to help save the lives of struggling members of the LGBTQ+ community here: https://lgbt.foundation/donate/
Anna Hundt (Technical Director) is a junior BFA Design and Technology major from Milwaukee, WI. She is really grateful for all of the experiences that this show has brought her and for the people that were willing to work with her through the organized chaos of this process. She would like to thank Luca, Addy, Danielle, Anna (not herself, her friend), her roommate Kiley, and her family for all of their support. #teamgirl
Ja Na’Ya Johnson (Charge Artist) is a sophomore BA Theatre, BS Marketing major and Film Studies minor from Columbus, OH. Working as Charge Artist has been a meaningful and unique experience. Stepping into this role has pushed me to grow in new ways, challenged me and further shaped my journey in theatre. It has been incredibly inspiring and moving to see everyone approach such an important piece with the dedication and care I’ve seen in all areas. I can’t wait to see this show in its entirety!
Dani Kirkham (Assistant Properties Lead) is a freshman BFA Design/Technology major from Pleasant Grove, UT. Dani is pursuing their degree alongside certifications in
BIOGRAPHIES
emergency medical response through the American Red-cross. This year, they’ve worked on Otterbein’s The Importance of Being Earnest and Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. Their favorite production is The Hunchback of Notre Dame. They believe in living with love and hope you enjoy the show!
Max Lozada (Assistant Costume Designer) is a junior BA Theatre major and Dance minor. They are so excited to have this opportunity! They want to thank their wonderful girlfriend Annabelle for supporting them, and all their wonderful friends here for being a part of their life! They hope you enjoy the show, and thank you for watching!
Theodore Marshall (House Manager) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major. He is privileged to help bring you such an important, timely show.
Katelyn Miller (Swing: Tracks 6 & 9) is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major from Cumming, GA. She has had an absolute joy being a part of this production! She has been doing theatre since high school. Other Otterbein productions she has appeared in are I as Marya, I as Margaret and u/s Roz, Our Town as Lady in a Box, and Everybody as Usher Carrying Sign. She wants to thank God, her family, friends and everyone who made this show possible. She hopes you enjoy the show! Remember to be kind to everyone and if you feel called to donate feel free to go to this page: https://give.thetrevorproject.org
Stephen O’Hara (Lead Electrician) is a sophomore BFA Design/Technology major hailing from Cincinnati OH. His Otterbein credits include Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, The Importance of Being Earnest, 9 to 5, and Cabaret. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys true crime podcasts, hiking, and curling up with a good book. A huge shout out to the amazing hang crew, and love as always to Mom, Dad and Chaz. For Nex.
Sierra Pérez-Gelbman (Dramaturg) is a senior BFA Acting major from Los Angeles, CA. They bring a unique perspective to their craft through their intersectional identity as a queer, Latin(x), neurodivergent artist. Sierra is honored Dr. Glover asked her to join the brilliant team of dramaturgs for this production. This story is now more important than ever, demonstrating the gravity of the destructive ramifications of prejudice and hate, and the exigency to combat bigotry and violence in our world today.
Katherine Quinn (Swing: Tracks 8 & 10) is a freshman BFA Acting major from Chagrin Falls, OH. She is extremely excited and honored to be making her mainstage debut in such a touching and beautiful show. At Otterbein, you may know Katherine from Otterbein’s MainStage Improv troupe! She’d like to thank her wonderful and extremely talented cast/ crewmates as well as her family, friends, teachers, and mentors. She hopes you enjoy the show and would like to encourage everyone to love one another, now more than ever.
Sammantha Robinson (Acting Ensemble: Track 6) is a junior BFA Acting major from Westerville, OH. The latest Otterbein credit is playing Moth in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is thrilled to share this work with the audience, and thanks the cast for their love and care in this process, as well as the audience for listening. Special thanks to her partner who traveled from far to see this production! If moved, please consider donating to Snap4freedom.org.
Nora Root (Wardrobe Lead) is a junior BA Theatre major with a costuming focus, BA English major, and Studio Art minor from Hilliard, OH. She has had the honor of working alongside the amazing Laramie costume designers to create such an impactful show. She is grateful for the opportunity to work on a show that will move so many people and continue the tradition of telling difficult stories
BIOGRAPHIES
Quinn Seevers (Acting Ensemble: Track 2) is a junior BFA Acting major from San Jose, CA. Other Otterbein credits include Dr. Chasuble (The Importance of Being Earnest), Harry Haywood (It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play), and Mustardseed (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). Quinn would like to thank their incredible friends, family, and professors for supporting them through this process. This play is so relevant to the present moment, and in light of that, Quinn would like to encourage donations to GLAAD at give.glaad.org.
Nora Shearer (Acting Ensemble: Track 10) is a junior BFA Acting major and Business Management minor from Greensboro, NC. Credits include Another Revolution (Kat), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania/Hippolyta), and John Proctor is the Villain (Ivy/Ms. Bailey). Nora is deeply grateful to be part of this incredible show and wants to thank Jessie Glover for her brilliant directing. They also thank this amazing cast, Brielle <3, their friends, and the Shearer family who have always supported and accepted her. Please consider donating to the Kaleidoscope Youth Center in Columbus! https://www.kycohio.org/
Fiona Shella (Assistant Director) is a junior BA Theatre major and Sociology minor from Sandusky, OH. Thanks to Jessie for giving me this opportunity to work with you on this production; to the cast for your patience, openness and for making an incredible first-directing-experience; and, finally, thanks to my parents for paying my bills and allowing me to do this.
Gail Sparks (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman BA Theatre major from Galion, OH. Gail attended Pioneer Career & Technology Center for Performing Arts in high school and interned at The Renaissance Theatre. Since coming to Otterbein, Gail stage managed 11th Hour’s production of Yo Ho. Gail is excited for the challenge of every new show.
Tenley Stitzer (Acting Ensemble: Track 9) is a junior BFA Acting major from Sunbury, OH. Tenley is thrilled to be a part of making theatre that truly matters. Tenley is a recurring guest star on the television show, Vindication, and recently made her equity debut in a world premiere play in Washington DC called Nancy. Shout-out to the best cast, crew, and amazing family support. And thank you to Jessie Glover for everything. For queer resources, consider checking out https://www.hrc.org @tenley_stitzer
THE PLAYWRIGHTS
Moisés Kaufman is a Tony and Emmy nominated director and playwright. His play 33 Variations, starring Jane Fonda, was nominated for five Tony awards (including one for Ms. Fonda). Previous to that, Mr. Kaufman directed the Pulitzer and Tony award-winning play I Am My Own Wife, earning him an Obie award for his direction as well as Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Lucille Lortel nominations. His plays Gross Indeceny: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde and The Laramie Project have been among the most performed plays in America over the last decade. Mr. Kaufman also directed the film adaptation of The Laramie Project for HBO, which was the opening night selection at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival and won the National Board of Review Award, the Humanitas Prize, and a Special Mention for Best First Film at the Berlin Film Festival. The film also earned Mr. Kaufman two Emmy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Writer. He is the Artistic Director of Tectonic Theater Project and a Guggenheim Fellow in Playwriting. Other credits include Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Mark Taper Forum); Macbeth with Liev Schreiber (Public Theater); This is How it Goes (Donmar Warehouse); One Arm by Tennessee Williams (Steppenwolf Theater Company); Master Class with Rita Moreno (Berkeley Repertory Theater); and Lady Windemere’s Fan (Williamstown Theater Festival).
THE PLAYWRIGHTS
Leigh Fondakowski was the head writer on The Laramie Project, a co-writer of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, and an Emmy-nominated co-screenwriter for the HBO adaptation of The Laramie Project. They have been a member of Tectonic since 1994. Their original works as playwright/director include SPILL (Swine Palace, TimeLine Theater, Ensemble Studio Theatre, 2015 Kilroy List); The People’s Temple (Berkeley Repertory Theatre, American Theater Company, the Guthrie Theater, Glickman Award for Best New Play in the Bay Area 2005); and I Think I Like Girls (Encore Theater, Bay Area Critics Circle nomination for Best Production, voted one of the top ten plays of 2002 by the Advocate). Leigh was a 2007 recipient of the NEA/ TCG Theatre Residency Program for Playwrights, a 2009 MacDowell Colony Fellow, and a 2010 Distinguished Visiting Chair at the University of Minnesota, where she lectured and developed Casa Cushman, a work-in-progress about nineteenth-century American actress Charlotte Cushman. As director, they headed the national tour of The Laramie Project and Laramie: Ten Years Later, and co-directed The Laramie Cycle with Moisés Kaufman at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. They have directed and developed plays with playwrights Anne Marie Cummings, Colman Domingo, Laura Eason, Julia Jordan, Deb Margolin, Lisa Ramirez, Ellen Gordon Reeves, and Bennett Singer. In 2013, they released their first nonfiction book, “Stories from Jonestown,” and they are currently adapting it for film. Leigh is a teaching artist at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and Naropa University.
Stephen Belber’s plays have been produced on Broadway and in over 25 countries. They include Match, Tape, Don’t Go Gentle, Dusk Rings A Bell, McReele, Finally, Geometry of Fie, Fault Lines, Carol Mulroney, A Small, Melodramatic Story, One Million Butterflies, The Power of Duff, and the Muscles in Our Toes. He was an associate writer on The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. Movies include Tape (directed by Richard Linklater); The Laramie Project (Associate Writer); Drifting Elegant; Management, starring Jennifer Aniston; and Match, starring Patrick Stewart, the last two of which he also directed. Television credits include Rescue Me, Law & Order SVU, and pilots for F/X, FTVS, and HBO.
Greg Pierotti is co-author of The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. He is associate writer of The Laramie Project (2001 New York Drama Desk and Lortel Award nominee), and co-writer of The Laramie Project teleplay for HBO (2002 Emmy nominee). He is head writer of The People’s Temple (2005 Glickman Award). His short story “‘lude” has been anthologized in “Men to Men: New Voices in Gay Fiction.” As an actor he has performed in new and classical work in New York and regionally. He originated roles in the world premieres of The Laramie Project, The People’s Temple, and Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. He teaches English, Writing, and Performance in colleges and MFA programs around the country. He is one of five master teachers of moment work, a technique for writing and developing performance developed by Moisés Kaufman and Tectonic Theater Project. He is currently developing two pieces: a screenplay, Mineshaft, about the infamous queer sex club of the same name, and a play, Mr. Apology, based on transcribed confessions of criminals and wrongdoers of all stripes collected by the artist Allan Bridge in New York during the 1980s. He has been a member of Tectonic Theater Project for over 14 years.
Stephen Wangh has been a playwright, director, and teacher of acting. He is the author of An Acrobat of the Heart, a physical approach to acting inspired by the work of Jerzy Grotowski (Vintage, Random House, 2000) and of The Heart of Teaching: Empowering Students in the Performing Arts (Routledge, 2012). He is the author of 15 plays, and was one of the writers of The People’s Temple (Glickman award: Best play in the Bay Area, 2005). He was Associate Writer for The Laramie Project (Emmy nomination 2002), and dramaturg of Moisés Kaufman’s Gross Indecency, the Three Trials of Oscar Wilde (1997).
HONORARY CAST LIST
Otterbein University Department of Theatre & Dance honors those who have given so generously during the 2024-25 Academic Year. Members who give annually at the Director and Producer level are included in the Joanne Van Sant Society. Thank you for contributing to the education of our students!
Director ($1,000-$4,999) Producer ($5,000+)
Dr. Bernard Chang Nevalyn Fritsche Nevil
Anonymous
Tim & Kris Doney
Margaret Morgan & Richard E. Doone
Hushak Family Fund
Anthony & Denise Iannitelli
Dr. Douglas R. & Mary Pat Knight
Larry Boord
Daniel Bear
Al & Louise Minor
Charles & Maruja Paule
Ruth Tallman Pifer Fund
Fabiana Azevedo & Roberto Silva
Kent D. Stuckey
Tyler A. TerMeer
Designer ($500-$999)
George & Debra Hoffman
Donna Kerr
Gordon & Holly Brewer
David C. & Nancy E. Smith Evans
Anne Filbert & Mark Hess
Diva ($250-$499)
Ron Lykins Nationwide Foundation
Richard Arndt & Karen Miller
Dr. Kay Atkinson Ball
Troy A. & Kathleen Bonte
Kirk Carlson
Dr. C. Brent DeVore & Nancy E. Nikiforow
Dr. Benedicta Enrile
Gloria Zide Absi
Fred & Patricia Baum
Carol Boehm
Chip Bruchac
Len & Sharon Bussard
Candyce G. Canzoneri
Michael Carlson
Dr. Sharon & Terry Carlson
Barbara J. Clapham
David Clark
Mary Lou Clemans
Alan & Christy Coupland
Tim & Pam Curry
John L. & Sharon Davis
Sharon Dawley
Julie Doel
Diane Driessen
Margaret English Duffy
Keith Dufrane
Carolyn Eisele
Alyce Douce Elbert
Brian & Sandra Freer
Craig & Rachel Freshour
Mark Havanec
Vince & Gayle Herried
Jack W. & Peggy Moreland
Brad Ostroff
Dr. Kent Shafer
Douglas R. Smeltz
James Farmer
Peggy Garrison & Kenneth Truman
Jack George
William H. Carpenter & Eva W. Goode
Carmenza Gutierrez
Douglas & Joan Hoover
Lynda Huey
David & Ruth Larcomb
Michael & Trudy K. Mason
Dr. Pearson McWane
Thomas Mertzlufft
Bonnie Moses
Dennis B. & Marjorie Munger
David Mylander
Dennis O. & Sue Ann Norton
William Ostrander & Jill Schultz
James R. & Martha Owens
James E. Paxton
Sally Kay Rice
David & Beverly Stamm
Steven & Karyn Stancy
Dr. John & Sally Stefano
Lois Frances Szudy
John Volpi
Sarah Lynne Whybrew
Rev. Laura Cean Wilson
Dr. Patricia M. Ryan
Elizabeth A. Salt
Judith Mack Salyer
Albert & Louise Siegel
Linda Simpson
Alan E. Smith & Linda Montgomery
Kristy & Denis Smith
Joseph & Kari Anne Souder
Jon & Joyce Stonebraker
Bruce Storts
Ellen Stukenberg
Madelon Timmons
Janice W. Townsley
Elizabeth E. Tracy
Craig & Carol Young
Diane Chitty & John Weed
Alan & Kathy Wood
Rev. David L. Woodyard
Norma Faye Worley
Judith Zivic
HONORARY CAST LIST
Supporting Actor ($50-$99)
David & Susan Arnold
Kay F. Ball
Judy Biedenharn
Pat & Linda Blayney
Paula & Thomas Blue
Eileen & Bob Brenner
Joe H. Brown, Jr.
Mark & Elise Byers
Kenneth Carter
Ted R. Chaney
David W. Coffman
Deborah L. Coleman
Julie Cronk
Ronald W. Currin
Lauretta Anderson
Kenneth E. & Jane Baughn
Benjamin H. Bennett
Alice Stevens Bradner
Rev. Michael W. & Judy Pohner Christian
Marilyn Clark
Kenneth Cohen
Dr. Marlene Lansman Deringer
Claire Edmunds
Sandra J. Fabel
Elizabeth Gibson
Julianne E. Graffeo
John & Beth Gwynn
Ramona & James R. Edman
Gerald Glenn
Mary C. Heubach
Kimberly Fippin Hoessly
Eugenia Johnson
J. Thomas & Kathleen Jones
Suzanne Shelley & Ronald W. Jones
Margaret Lares & Donald Kadunc
Jerrold Kannel
Richard Kohn
Dr. David & Barbara Lambert
Gary A. & Barbara McKenzie
Susan Kay Park
Ensemble ($10-$49)
Mary Armstrong & Ronald L. Hooker
Gypsy Stultz Johnson
Rev. Lucy Kelly
Tom Knutsen
Kent Koester
Gregory Koltun
Evon Lineburgh
Deborah C. Madden
Barbara Glor Martin
William M. & Karen Mattes
William & Judy McCartney
Ann Ottobre
Elizabeth MacLaughlin Posadas
Robert & Janice Patton
Doris C. Plaine
Carol Pochodylo
Rebecca Coleman Princehorn & Clay Cormany
Karen Russell
Frank Shyjka
Susan Silbermann
Jane Sprague
Michele Wilson Toney
Joyce Shannon & David B. Warner
Wendy Ernsberger & Jim Williams
Dr. Meir Russ
Victor Saylor & Anni Efthimiou
Ann & John A. Sicker
Cathy & Tod Stoessner
Margaret Strosky
Karen Susenna
James Tarpoff
Heather Thuermer
Elizabeth Urbano
Kurt VanMeter
Michael J. & Mary Ann Vehonsky
Kay Wagner
Joe Webber
Roger L. Wilson
OTTERBEIN U N I V E RS IT Y
THE LARAMIE PROJECT
All are welcome to extend the conversation beyond the stage . Please join us for one or all of the following, no reservation required.
Called to L ove invi t es you to a discuss ion event around
The Laramie Project
P lease join us at the C hu rch of the Master on March 2nd, 3-5 pm, fo r an afternoon of p rocessing and fu r ther exploration, as well as cou nselling if needed.
Facilitated by Rev. Lucy Kelly, Rev. K atya Brodbeck, O tterbei n Cou nseling Center, and Called to Love Or ganized by Otterbein P l uralism Collective The
We hope to see you there!
Church of the Master - 24 N Grove St. , Westerville OH 43081
The Laramie Project: A Campus Conversation
spons ored by The Department of Thea tre & D ance, WGSS, FreeZone, Tri Iota, Urge , 50 W. Main, and the Office of Social Justice & Activism
Come talk with us. Join members of the recent production of "The Laramie Project" and Otterbein students to consider what it means to "own" the truths it reveals. To recall that we all live "in the memory of one who no longer lives ." Together, we will discuss what th e play can teach us about individual and collective safety, understanding, and hope.
Tuesday, March 4 • 4:00 pm
Riley Auditorium, Battelle Fine Arts Center
Thank you for attending today's performance!
For more information about The Laramie Project, please visit our website via the QR code or type www.otterbein.edu /the-laramie-project/ into your Internet browser.
LATECOMER POLICY
The House Manager may seat latecomers only during times which minimize disruption of the performance.
EMERGENCY EXITS
The exits are indicated by red lights. In the event of fire or any other emergency, please walk – do not run – to the exit as directed by theatre management.
CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES
The use of recording equipment and the taking of photographs during the performance are strictly prohibited.
RESTROOMS
Cowan Hall: Restrooms are available on the first floor of Cowan Hall and in the basement. A handicapped accessible platform lift is located at the north stairwell in Cowan Hall. A Front of House Attendant will be happy to assist you with the lift. Additional restrooms are located across the street in Roush Hall on the north side of each floor.
Campus Center: Restrooms are located on the ground level of the Campus Center. An elevator is available for transportation between floors.
Assistive Listening Devices are available at the Box Office upon request.