Otterbein University Department of Theatre & Dance
OTTERBEIN
THEATRE & DANCE and DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
present
Music Direction by LORI KAY HARVEY
Lighting Design by PAIGE VICK
Stage Managed by ADRIAN CASTO 2024
Directed by LENNY LEIBOWITZ
Choreography by STELLA HIATT KANE
Sound Design by KITTY MADER
December 8, 2024 - 2:00pm
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall, 30 S. Grove St., Westerville
THE LAUNCH: A SENIOR CABARET
Emma Bailey
Caroline Bowers
Kateri Condon
Elizabeth Foster
Sierra Pérez Gelbman
David Graves
Featuring the BFA Acting & Musical Theatre Class of 2025 accompanied by Lori Kay Harvey, piano
Ava Meyer
Ian Peloza
Ben Sanford
Roberto Silva-Neto
Kailey Souder
Claire Stancy
“On My Way” from Violet .............................................................................. The Class of 2025 Music & Lyrics by Brian Crawley
“Moving Too Fast” from The Last Five Years Roberto Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
“The Wizard and I” from Wicked ................................................................................. Caroline Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
“I’d Rather Be Me” from Mean Girls ................................................................................ Emma Music by Jeff Richmond, Lyrics by Neil Benjamin
“You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” Ian Music by Albert Hague, Lyrics by Theodor Geisel
A Midsummer Night’s Dream .................................. Claire, David, Emma, Kateri, & Roberto By William Shakespeare
“Sisters” from White Christmas Elizabeth & Kateri Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin
“Get Out and Stay Out” from 9 to 5 the Musical ............................................................ Kailey Music & Lyrics by Dolly Parton
“Fine” from Ordinary Days................................................................................. Ava & Roberto Music & Lyrics Adam Gwon
“I Don’t Care Much” from Cabaret .......................................................................................Ben Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb
“A Musical” from Something Rotten .....Caroline, Claire, Elizabeth, Ian, Kailey, Kateri, Sierra, & Roberto Music & Lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick
“The Secret Service Makes Me Nervous” from Mr. President....................................... Sierra Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Our Town ............................................................................................................. Claire & David By Thornton Wilder
THE LAUNCH: A SENIOR CABARET
Hamlet........................................................................................................................
Ben & Sierra
By William Shakespeare
“Let Me Be Your Star” from Smash ..............................................................Caroline & Kailey Music & Lyrics by Scott Whittman and Marc Shaiman
Black Comedy .............................................................................................................. Ian & Sierra By
Peter Shaffer
“What is A Woman?” from I Do! I Do! Kateri Music by Harvey Schmidt, Lyrics by Tom Jones
“Old Friends” from Merrily We Roll Along Ava, Emma & Ben Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
“Unworthy of Your Love” from Assassins David & Elizabeth Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
“The Music and the Mirror” from A Chorus Line Claire Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Edward Kelban, Choreography by Michael Bennett
“Another Round” from Bright Star The Class of 2025 Music by Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Lyrics by Edie Brickell, Choreography by Emily Bass-Glinski
“At Last” from Bright Star Ava Music by Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Lyrics by Edie Brickell
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Kateri By William
Shakespeare
A Sondheim Medley The Class of 2025 Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
THE CLASS OF 2025
Emma Bailey is a senior BFA Acting major. Some of her favorite Otterbein credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), Everybody (Cousin), Dry Land (Amy), Bright Star (Spirit), and her most notorious credit, Otterdrag (Axle Rod). In the spring, Emma’s dreams will come true as she moves to New York City. She will be interning at DGRW Talent Agency, and finally in the same city as her girlfriend, Reilly! Emma wants to thank her professors for the incredible training, and her classmates for being walking master classes. Her assuredness and confidence certainly have grown from the opportunities she was given in her time here. She extends special gratitude to her parents—for support that never felt far away (and that we’re Baileys and we win), God, Ben and Ava—for unconditional love, and to the juniors she wishes were coming to New York too (Nora—a gorgeous actor and even more gorgeous friend. Melody—who’s accessibility to joy is one of her favorite things. Simone—who’s outlook on life has enriched Emma’s greatly), and her “little” Anna Byers, who she is so proud of. And last, but certainly not least, a thank you to Sara Fishburn for giving her a safe space to own her power and voice; for seeing her in rooms she wasn’t able to see herself in initially. Emma hopes you enjoy Launch, a labor of true love, and thanks YOU for all the wonderful support through four unforgettable years. emmamadisonbailey.com
Caroline Bowers is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major from MD and TX and she is so glad that you are here today! In her 4 years at Otterbein, you might have seen her as Doralee Rhodes (9 to 5 the Musical), Fraülein Kost (Cabaret), Lucy Grant (Bright Star), or most recently as The Diva Horse (Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812). There aren’t enough words to describe how this program has impacted her, so she would like to say thank you to all of the faculty for giving her this opportunity to learn and grow. She would also like to thank her mom and dad for supporting her dreams from the beginning, her class for sticking together, Anna Elliott for not giving up on her, Roberto for believing in her every day, and Keliah for giving PCD (her fish) a new home! She will be moving to New York City in January, interning with Henderson Hogan Agency, and starting the journey to pursue her dreams in the big city. Here is to the class of 2025! @carolinebowers
Emma David Sierra
Elizabeth
Kateri
Caroline
Ava Claire Kailey Roberto Ben Ian
THE CLASS OF 2025
Kateri Condon (she/her) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major from Horseheads, New York. Some of her favorite Otterbein credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (Gwendolen Fairfax), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck/Philostrate), Bright Star (Margo), as well as Beehive: The 60’s Musical (Wanda), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Lana Sherwood), I Do! I Do! (She/Agnes), and The Pirates of Penzance (Mabel/Ruth). She is incredibly thankful to share the Cowan stage with her immensely talented classmates one last time. While saddened that her time as a student is coming to an end, Kateri is excited for what lies ahead! This upcoming spring, she will be moving to New York City where she will be interning with Michael Cassara Casting. Kateri owes everything to her parents and her brother Ricky. She cannot thank them enough for driving her to all those rehearsals and voice lessons, for their unwavering love and support since day one, and for always being her rock. She would also like to express her gratitude to the entire faculty, especially Lenny (the brightest STAR of all), Lori Kay, Stella, Coach, Melinda, Melissa, Brad, Dr. D, Rob Bux, Kate Merryman, Anna Elliott, and Emily Glinski for their invaluable knowledge, guidance, and encouragement over these past few years and for shaping the artist she is today. A very special thank you to her piano teacher, Dr. Newcomb, and her two flute teachers, Prof. Goodman and Dr. Goodman, for giving her the opportunity to continue to pursue her passion for instrumental music. Kateri is so grateful for all the opportunities Otterbein has provided her and she feels so lucky to have spent these past few years doing what she loves while making lifelong friends and memories (thank you Lizzybeth for filling Kateri’s life with endless laughter). She hopes you enjoy this celebration of the last four years and extends a final thank you to all of the patrons who have supported her and the class of 2025!
Elizabeth Foster is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major with a Dance minor from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is so excited to be back on the Cowan stage for the last time! Previous Otterbein performance credits include Otterbein Summer Theatre’s Baby (Ensemble), The Importance of Being Earnest (Miss Prism), 9-5 (Mrs. Hart/Ensemble), Bright Star (Ensemble), Find Me In the Shadows (Swing), A Tale of Two Spectators (Woman), Something Rotten (Ensemble), and last but certainly not least: Cardy the Cardinal for the summer 2023 Otterbein Convocation. Elizabeth is also the president of Otterbein’s MainStage Improv troupe! She would like to thank her parents for their constant support ever since her munchkin days, David Graves and Kateri Condon for keeping her laughing, her sister for the weekly free meals and therapy gabs, and Walter the cat for being the highlight of said therapy sessions. She would also like to thank her professors and the community members who supported every single artistic endeavor—special shout out to Mary Pat for always making her feel seen and supported even far away from home! Next semester Elizabeth will be interning with Lily’s Talent Agency in Chicago.
David Graves is a senior BFA Acting major born and raised just outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. His previous Otterbein credits include OST’s Baby (Nick), Our Town (George Gibbs), Everybody (Stuff, B, Senses), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius), and The Importance Of Being Earnest (Lane). David is also a lighting/sound assistant for the university, and would love to thank Kitty Mader for the opportunity, as well as every single LSA for allowing him to learn, appreciate, and contribute to their craft. He would like to thank the Otterbein Theatre and Dance faculty, our patrons, his classmates, friends, and family for their love, support, and kindness on any given day. David also would love to thank his roommates for their cleanliness (most of the time) and the safe space that they’ve learned to call home. Lastly, but certainly not least-ly, he would love to thank his wonderfully talented girlfriend,
THE CLASS OF 2025
Elizabeth, for never failing to make him smile by being the funniest human on earth, and simply being the most amazing person he’s ever met. David is incredibly honored to be performing with the class of 2025 for one last time before each of them venture on into the next chapter of their lives. It’s a really good day! Enjoy the show y’all!
Ava Meyer is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major from Bloomfield Hills, MI, and she can’t believe it! Her favorite Otterbein shows include Bright Star (Alice), Baby (Arlene), and Time Stands Still (Sarah). After graduation, Ava will be moving to New York City. She is unbelievably grateful for the opportunities she has received during her time at Otterbein. She sends love to her littles, Dom, Maren, and Aidan, and is so excited to see what the classes below her do next! She would like to thank her roommate, Paige Vick, and all of the other incredible technicians who make every show possible. Ava is also forever indebted to Melissa, Lenny, Lori Kay, Emily, and all of her professors who showed her the way. She is also eternally grateful for her Old Friends, Emma and Ben. She owes everything to her family, who has never missed a performance, and Gus, whose legacy of joy and kindness lives forever. All the love in the world to the class of 2025!
Ian Peloza is a senior BFA Acting major from Warsaw, Indiana, and is thrilled to be performing in The Launch: A Senior Cabaret. Some of Ian’s most memorable credits include Otterbein’s Production of Pirates of Penzance (ensemble), Black Comedy (Brindsley), and Next to Normal (Dr. Madden/ Dr. Fine). Outside of Otterbein, Ian has been in Kinky Boots (Angel), Once Upon a Mattress (the Wizard), and Elf The Musical (Ensemble) at Weathervane Playhouse; and in The Music Man (Tommy Djilas) at Roundbarn Theatre. “It’s been such an amazing experience being able to work with such talented peers and alongside a gifted team. As much as I will miss Otterbein, I am ecstatic to be taking the next steps in my theatre journey. I can’t wait to see what opportunities will arise! Thank you to the talented and helpful faculty over the years for helping me pursue my dreams. I also want to thank my family and friends who have come to support me during this journey. Finally, I want to thank God for all the opportunities that He has provided. Hope you enjoy the show!” IG: @_ianpeloza_
Sierra Pérez-Gelbman is a senior BFA Acting major from Los Angeles, CA. Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Sierra is a senior BFA Acting major at Otterbein University. They bring a unique perspective to their craft through their intersectional identity as a queer, Latin(x), neurodivergent artist. Sierra has most recently performed in Otterbein University’s Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 in the ensemble! She previously played the titular role in Aaron Mendoza’s production of Alma. Sierra originated the role of TessaReese in playwright Jeremy Llorence’s new work The Great Influencer, directed by Mark Mineart. Other Otterbein credits include Egia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mrs. Soames in Our Town, Shelly in Buried Child, and the female understudy for the roles of Carol, Ms. Furnival (performed), and Clea in Black Comedy. She would like to thank the students of the Otterbein Theatre & Dance Department as well as her professors Lenny, Melinda, Melissa, Coach, Stella, Jessie, Lori Kay, Brad, Rebecca, and TJ, for teaching her everything she knows.
Ben Sanford is a senior BFA Acting major from Minneapolis, MN. He is so excited to welcome you all to the BFA Class of 25’s senior Launch! In the spring, Ben will be moving to New York City to intern with Scott Wojcik at Wojcik Casting Team. He is incredibly grateful for all of the training, mentorship, and friendships these four years at Otterbein have brought
THE CLASS OF 2025
him. Some Otterbein credits include Cabaret (Emcee), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon/ Theseus), Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Ensemble/Roving Accordion/US Pierre), and Bright Star (Daddy Cane), as well as OST’s It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (George Bailey) and Baby (Danny). He would like to start by thanking his BFA class for all of the adventures they have brought into his life. He would also like to thank the entire faculty, specifically Melinda Murphy, Emily Glinski, Lori Kay Harvey, and Stella Kane, as well as his voice teachers throughout the years Peggy Kohler, Eric Sand, and Sara Fishburn for their faith and commitment to his artistic education. Ben would like to give a special thanks to his acting teachers Lenny Leibowitz, Mark Mineart, and Melissa Lusher for the pivotal impact they have had on his experience and understanding of theatre as an art form, a craft, and a service. Ben would also like to thank his wonderful friends Nora Shearer, Simone Gelety, Zella Meyer, Melody Cohen—and of course—Emma Bailey and Ava Meyer. Lastly, Ben would like to thank his supportive and loving parents, his brother-in-law Josh, and his two sisters Natalie and Nicole, without whom he would simply not be where he is today. It’s been a gift to create theatre at Otterbein since 2021. Here’s to what’s next! Enjoy the show!
Roberto Silva-Neto is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major from West Lebanon, New Hampshire. He is extremely grateful and could not be more thankful to be sharing this final performance in Cowan Hall with his amazing BFA class. His favorite Otterbein credits include Something Rotten (Ensemble), Last Five Years (Jamie Wellerstein), Cabaret (Herman/ Gorilla), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He is also exceptionally proud of directing Legally Blond, Jr. in 12 hours. He is incredibly thankful for all of his amazing classmates and scene partners that he has had the honor of working with here during his time at Otterbein. He could not be more proud of his performance class and cannot wait to see them on Broadway. He wants to thank the faculty: Stella, Emily, Lori Kay, Melissa, Coach, Lenny, Melinda, and gives s a very huge special shout out to his Ohio mom and inspiration Anna Elliott. He would like to thank his two amazing children Jaxon and Maya for being the best littles ever. He is so proud of you two and cannot wait to see the things you do! Thank you so much to his voice teachers Robert Bux and Kristen Rusen who have changed his life. Thank you to his friends from home who remind him not to take anything too seriously, and thank you to his wonderful mom and dad for being his biggest supporters. He loves you guys so much. Finally, the biggest thank you of all to his amazingly wonderful and incredibly talented girlfriend Caroline Bowers for staying by his side. He could not have asked for a more incredible partner. He hopes you all enjoy the show and donate to the class of 2025!
Kailey Souder (she/her) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major with a Dance minor from Atlanta, GA. Past Otterbein Credits include: 9 to 5 (Judy Bernly), Everybody (Friendship/C/ Beauty), Bright Star (Ensemble/Margo U/S), Time Stands Still (Mandy), Something Rotten (Ensemble), and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Female Swing). Regional Credits include CATS (Cassandra), Guys & Dolls (Hot Box Girl), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey Cover), Anything Goes (Erma Cover) at Utah Festival of Opera & Musical Theatre as well as The Wild West Spectacular (Annie Oakley) at The Cody Theatre in Cody, WY and CATS (Sillabub) at The Atlanta Lyric Theatre. She is beyond grateful for her time here at Otterbein. She would like to thank the entire class of 2025, Stella, Lori Kay, Lenny and her incredible friends and family for supporting and loving her. She hopes you enjoy The Launch! @kaileymsouder
THE CLASS OF 2025
Claire Stancy is a senior BFA Acting major with a Dance minor from Chesapeake, Virginia. Her past Otterbein credits include Our Town (Emily), The Importance of Being Earnest (Lady Bracknell), Baby (Pam), Cabaret (Rosie/Dance Captain), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia), A Little Night Music (Fredrika), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Sally Applewhite), Dance 2022: Find Me in the Shadows (Lost Love Shadow), and Dance 2023: Escape to Wonderland (White Rabbit). In January, Claire begins a new chapter in NYC while interning with Stephanie Klapper Casting. She cannot believe the time has come for her final performance on the Cowan stage alongside her beloved classmates and friends who have made Otterbein so special. Claire would like to thank her mom for the hours spent driving her to dance classes, her dad for sewing a tutu with her before a recital, Jack for giving her confidence in herself and always being there for her, her sweet friends who have supported her through peaks and valleys, her voice teachers Sara and Eric for helping her find her voice, and the faculty for seeing her audition four years ago and taking a chance on her and guiding her into the artist she is today. Claire will miss exploring Uptown, her special bench in Inniswood Metro Gardens, and above all, the people she has met in her time at Otterbein. She wants to thank you for coming to Launch and supporting Otterbein Theatre and Dance students! Enjoy the show!
Thank you for your support!
Proceeds from today’s performance will benefit the 2025 Senior Showcase in NYC, an annual $15,000 endeavor. We would not be able to provide this capstone experience for our Acting and Musical Theatre majors without donors like you.
Donations will be collected following today’s performance and can also be made directly to the university through the office of Institutional Advancement. We extend gratitude to those who have already contributed above and beyond the price of admission, and to those who may do so today.
Checks may be made payable to Otterbein University Theatre. Please put “Senior Showcase” in the memo field.
Donations may be mailed to: Institutional Advancement 1 South Grove St. Westerville, OH 43081.
Donations received with postmarks December 31st or earlier will receive credit for the 2024 tax year.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance/Producing Artistic Director TJ Gerckens
Acting Co-Chairs, Department of Music Dennis Davenport, Jennifer Merkowitz
Managing Director .......................................................................................... Elizabeth Saltzgiver
Production Manager ................................................................................................ Hannah Hahn
Technical Director .................................................................................................. Patrick Stone
Lighting & Sound Supervisor Kitty Mader
Assistant Stage Manager ............................................................................... Marshall Duggan
Lead Electrician/Light Board Operator .................................................. Connor Christopher
Spot Light Operators Lola Eden, Lauren Johnson
Electrics Crew ....................................................................................... Lola Eden, Cosette Keil
House Manager ....................................................................................................... Katie Debolt
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
TJ Gerckens (Theatre & Dance Dept. Chair) is the lighting design faculty member at Otterbein University, a USA829 Union Lighting Designer, and proud Otterbein alumnus. At Otterbein, he has designed the lighting for Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812, 9 to 5 the Musical, Bright Star, Dance 2022: Find me in the Shadows (with Lucas Fragiotta and Sage Wuertzer), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Into a Lamplit Room, Dance 2020: The Wild Within (with John Diver), Chicago, Oklahoma!, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Diary of Anne Frank, Adding Machine: A Musical, Damn Yankees, Dance 2016: The Goddess, The Crucible, Fiddler on the Roof, Dance 2015: Famously Yours...Forever, Dance 2014: Tell-Tale Poe, and Into the Woods. As a freelance lighting designer, T.J. has been part of the design team for the Tony Award winner and MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Mary Zimmerman for the last 30+ years. Most recently, he designed lighting for the world premiere of the Matchbox Magic Flute at the Goodman and subsequent productions in Washington DC and California, Swan Lake for the Australian Ballet performing in 4 cities and at the Sydney Opera House, Florencia en el Amazonas and the new opera Eurydice, by Sarah Ruhl and Matthew Aucoin at the Metropolitan Opera, The Notebooks of Leonardo DaVinci in Chicago, Washington DC, and San Diego, the world premiere of The Steadfast Tin Soldier at Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, the recent revival of Metamorphoses at the Guthrie Theatre and Berkeley Rep, and Rusalka at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. Other notable designs include The Odyssey at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Treasure Island at the Lookingglass Theatre and Berkeley Rep. His lighting designs have been seen at regional theatres across the United States, on and off Broadway, and at the Metropolitan Opera. Internationally, he has designed in England, Australia, and at the LaScala Opera House in Milan, Italy. He has received numerous awards for his designs including New York’s Drama Desk Award and Lortel Awards for his lighting of Metamorphoses on and off Broadway, Jefferson Awards for The Odyssey and Metamorphoses in Chicago, and an award for “Exemplifying the Art of Collaboration” given to the Zimmerman design team by Entertainment Design Magazine. T.J. holds a BFA from Otterbein University and an MFA from Boston University. He is married to set designer and scenic artist Stephanie R. Gerckens.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
Lenny Leibowitz (Director) is in his eleventh year as a member of the Otterbein Theatre faculty. Since his arrival in Westerville, Lenny has directed Cabaret, Baby, Forever Plaid, Beehive the 60’’s Musical, Our Town, The Pirates of Penzance, Side by Side by Sondheim, The Pajama Game, An Enemy of the People, Guys & Dolls, Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady, Into the Woods, Baby, Clybourne Park, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Top Girls, Fiddler on the Roof, Radium Girls, Hay Fever, and Adding Machine: A Musical. As founding artistic director of Marvell Rep, OffBroadway, Lenny directed 11 productions, including The Threepenny Opera, which received a Drama Desk nomination for Best Revival of a Musical. Other New York directing credits include the world premiere of Brian Yorkey’s Making Tracks, which ran Off-Broadway at Rockefeller Center’s Taipei Theater. Lenny has directed at some of the nation’s leading regional theatres including the Olney Theatre, the National Players, the Huntington Theatre’s Breaking Ground Festival, and the New Harmony Theatre, where he was artistic director for four years. A Philadelphia native, he made his professional debut as a piano soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He received his B.A. from Columbia University and his M.F.A. from Boston University. Member, SDC and AEA.
Stella Hiatt Kane (Choreographer) is a professor in the Otterbein Department of Theatre and Dance and is the Associate Artistic Director and Director of Dance. She is also the founding Artistic Director of JazzMet. Ms. Kane has been a member of the national companies of Sugar and Bob Fosses’ Dancin’ and a member of the national and international companies of The American Dance Machine. She has made television appearances in productions such as PBS’ Dance in America and The Ann Reinking Special with Ann Reinking, Chita Rivera and Ben Vereen. Ms. Kane has taught for New York’s American Dance Machine/Harkness House and the Actors’ and Directors’ Lab. She has been a visiting guest artist/teacher at several universities including The Ohio State University and New York University and has been a master teacher in residence at the Northern Ballet Theatre in Leeds, England. She has also been a guest choreographer for BalletMet and Columbus Dance Theatre, including the world premiere of Women Leading. Her most current Otterbein collaborations have included Natasha Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Cabaret, Something Rotten and the direction of I Do, I Do.
Lori Kay Harvey (Music Director) is an Associate Professor of music at Otterbein University. She has music directed over 40 shows in central Ohio and throughout the US and has performed extensively as an actor/singer/dancer on both national and international tours and in numerous regional theatres. Recent Otterbein credits include 9 to 5, Bright Star, A Little Night Music, and Something Rotten. Tour credits: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Grease. Regional: Next to Normal, Beauty and the Beast, Jekyll and Hyde, The Taffetas, Camelot, The Who’s Tommy, Damn Yankees, Brigadoon, Carousel, The Desert Song and The Good War. Concert credits: Soprano soloist with Westerville Symphony, Springfield Symphony and Newark-Granville Symphony, Columbus Dance Theatre, Mozart “Requiem” with The National Chorale (Avery Fisher Hall), Puttin’ On the Ritz with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (Carnegie Hall and recorded on TELARC label), and The Magical Music of Disney (Cincinnati Music Hall and Circle Theatre, IN, recorded on TELARC label and GRAMMY- nominated). Television credits: Sex in the City, Guiding Light, Mel Torme’s Christmas Special, and various commercials and industrials. Education: BS in Voice Performance and Theatre from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Member of Actor’s Equity Association.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
Paige Vick (Lighting Designer) is a senior BFA Design/Technical Theatre major with a Philosophy minor from Ellicott City, Maryland. She is excited to celebrate and highlight the talents of her fellow artists in the 2025 class! She is proud of all of them and hopes they all find happiness wherever they end up. :)
Kitty Mader (Sound Designer) 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, 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 (2024), 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 the Musical (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 sound designing The Launch, and she wishes all of Theatre and Dance’s seniors success and joy in their careers!
Adrian Casto (Stage Manager) is so happy for all these seniors! He wants to wish them all well in their professional careers and is so happy he could stage manage this for them. Enjoy the performance!
Hannah Hahn ‘18 (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 a myriad of 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
Patrick Stone (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 not currently writing a book, but if he were, it would be a great one.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
Connor Christopher (Lead Electrician) is a junior Design/Technology major from Tampa, Florida. Having been the Lead Electrician for The Launch last year, Connor is excited for you to see this year’s stars. You may recognize Connor’s name from all his work this summer as Lead Electrician at Otterbein Summer Theatre. Most recently, his name appeared in the program of Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 as Carpenter Keep an eye out for his name again, as Carpenter, in The Laramie Project. He’s so appreciative of his friend, family, ferrets and partner.
Katie Debolt (House Manager) is a senior Mathematics major and Photography minor from Croton, OH. Katie originally started as a BA Theatre major, and while she is no longer in the department, she is glad to still be involved through working in the box office and house managing occasionally. She is also very excited to be able to be a part of The Launch and end the semester supporting the same people she started her time at Otterbein with. They were all talented to begin with and it has been an honor to see them shine and grow over the years. She wishes them all the best of luck and has no doubt they will find success in whatever they do!
Marshall Duggan (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior BFA Design/Technology major. He is excited to serve as the Assistant Stage Manager for this year’s Launch. He’s excited to help his fellow classmates on their journey. In his free time, Marshall likes to cook, read, and explore the outdoors.
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.