FACULTY
BILL GABELHAUSEN | FULL PROFESSOR
Bill Gabelhausen, from Peoria, Illinois, is a full Professor at Piedmont University. He received a BFA in Drama from Illinois Wesleyan University, an MFA in Acting from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master’s in Education from UGA. He spent 11 years working as a professional actor performing in National Tours (A Chorus Line, 1776, The Elephant Man, & Taming of the Shrew) and Regional Theaters throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.
JOHN F. SPIEGEL | ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
John Spiegel is an Associate Professor of Theatre and comes to Piedmont University after a short stint at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. He is a Georgia native who grew up in Atlanta. After graduating high school from the Westminster School, he received his BA from Davidson College and his MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. John has directed over fifty shows, including a piece at the Kennedy Center. He also serves as a board member of the Southeastern Theatre Conference as well as the SETC Chair for the Endowment Fund. Most recently John was inducted into the SETC Hall of Fame.
KATHY BLANDIN | DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Kathy Blandin is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre at Piedmont University where she works closely with the Drama Ed majors. She holds a PhD in Theatre Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MFA in Children’s Theatre/Creative Drama from the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, Kathy was the Executive Director of the Sautee Nacoochee Center and the head of the Cliff Valley School in Atlanta. Kathy also consults with several professional Children’s Theatres and arts non-profits nationwide helping with everything from marketing to educational programming.
WHAT’S INSIDE
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
When I first read The Revolutionists in 2019, I was immediately drawn to the play for its irreverent voice and comic look at the role of women during times of resistance and revolution. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, I knew that I wanted to direct this play as a response. While the Supreme Court’s ruling did not limit women’s rights specifically, it opened the floodgates for state governments to do just that. Now, in early 2026 women are being forced to leave the workforce in record numbers because of the astronomical cost of childcare and state, while federal governments stand around doing nothing to solve the problem. The US President routinely bullies female reporters on an international stage, and his cabinet supports this unacceptable behavior. Also, the federal Department of Education has reclassified female dominated careers as non-professional, thereby limiting women’s access to higher education in those fields. Apparently, it has been declared “open season” on women’s rights, and I believe this play is more relevant than ever.
Our production of The Revolutionists carves out a space where men’s voices are silenced and women’s voices reign supreme. In this female dominated space the play explores violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how women actually go about changing the world. I agree with feminist poet and essayist Adrienne Rich when she says, “The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet.” If we as women individually acknowledge the power that comes from being feared and collectively join our power-filled voices together for the good of all, there is no stopping us.
Kathy Blandin, Director Ava Kerpics, Assistant Director
The Revolutionists
Director
Artistic Team
Kathy Blandin
Assistant Director Ava Kerpics
Set & Light Design
Costume Design
Props Design
Sound Design
John F. Spiegel
Mary Gaines
Aubrie Burell
Jazz Mote & Parker Skillen
Music Composer/ Ananda Muñoz Salas
Arranger
THIS SHOW RUNS APPROXIMATELY TWO AND A HALF HOURS INCLUDING A 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION
• No photography or videotaping of any kind is permitted during the show.
• Please refrain from the use of all electronic devices.
• Women’s restrooms are located in the Black Box Lobby.
• Men’s restrooms are located to the left of the glass doors into the Mainstage Theatre.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Olympe de Gouges
Marianne Angelle
Charlotte Corday
Marie Antoinette
Dakota Rose Chen
Delyna Fuller
Kattie Smith
Nealy Webster
ENSEMBLE
Betsavetl Hernandez
Willow Cannon
Jazz Mote
Steven Herring
Ethan Spinks
Christopher Belin
Robert Wright
Liam Peeples
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
While these four women never sat in a room together in real life, the four main characters in the play are based on real people who lived and died during the French Revolution. In Marianne’s case, the character is based on several different Haitian rebels, with Sanite Belair being the most notable.
The production team did extensive research into the French Revolution while preparing for our production. The set in particular draws directly from the architecture of the General Assembles held during the Reign of Terror, 1793-1794. The picture above is of one such gathering and was used as inspiration for our set.
Olympe de Gouges
Marianne Angelle
Charlotte Corday
Marie Antoinette
PRODUCTION TEAM
Technical Director
John F. Spiegel
Stage Manager
Jenna Meinberg
Assistant Stage Managers
Laurana Layton
Aiden Defoor
Patron Services Office Manager
Ava Kerpics
Patron Services Box Office Manager
Parker Skillen
Patron Services Office Team
Laurana Layton
Dakota Rose Chen
Willow Jade Cannon
Avel Noctivara
Gaby La Rosa
Light Board Operator
Kinsley Hodges
Master Electrician
Joshua Farmer
Sound Board Operator
Joshua Farmer
Master Carpenter/Lead Paint
Kattie Smith
Paint
Bill Gabelhausen
Set Crew
Avel Noctivara
El Bickham-Okoniewski
Sara Bjerke
Mackenzie Cain
Dakota Rose Chen
Emily Duke
Betsavetl Hernandez
Steven Herring
Leasia Finley
Willow Jade Cannon
Gaby La Rosa
Jana Nagel
Jayleen Frausto-Lona
Meredith Fell
Liam Peeples
Ori Walters
Robert Wright
Alexis Barfield
PLAYERS
Alpha Psi Omega is the National Greek Theater Honor Society. Membership into Alpha Beta Gamma, Piedmont's cast of Alpha Psi Omega, is based on the number of cumulative hours each individual has spent in various college theater productions.
Christopher Belin is a senior Film and Documentary Production and Mass Communications double major with a Theatre minor. He is also a member of the Piedmont University Men’s Soccer Team. This is his first-ever theatre production, and he is very excited for the opportunity to be on stage. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Willow Jade Cannon is a Junior Acting/Directing and Psychology major from Flowery Branch, GA. You may have seen them in previous productions here at Piedmont University, such as Catherine Connolly in The Laramie Project and in the ensemble of 9 to 5: The Musical or in productions at Johnson High School such as When She Had Wings and Godspell. Thank you for supporting the arts!
Dakota Rose Chen is a fourth-year Musical Theatre major from Athens, Ga. She is very excited about what Piedmont University has to offer this season, as it is her last year. You may have seen her in previous roles such as Truvy in Steel Magnolias, Judy in 9 to 5: The Musical, Mimi in RENT, Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher, and as a soloist in Godspell. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Delyna Fuller is a third-year Psychology Major from Lawrenceville, GA. She is very excited to continue having fun in the theatre and to get more involved. You may have seen her in A Piece of my Heart, as Steele or back at Discovery High School as the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Betsavetl Hernandez is a first-year Drama Education major from Winder, GA. She is extremely happy and excited to continue her love and passion for theatre here at Piedmont University!
PLAYERS
Steven Herring is a sophomore Acting/Directing major from Jefferson, GA. At Piedmont he has played Joe in 9 to 5: The Musical and Judas in Godspell. In high school he was involved in theatre all four years and he loves what he does. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Jazz Mote is a senior Design/Technical Theatre major from Dawsonville, GA. She is very excited for her final season at Piedmont University. She hopes you enjoy the show!
William (Liam) Dewey Peeples IV is a first-year Drama Education major from Helen, GA. He is eager to see what Piedmont University has to offer this season. In the past, he has won first place in the GISA-AA oral interpretation competition in both the Humorous and Dramatic categories. He would like to shout out to his family from the Washington Little Theatre for their support. He also hopes you enjoy the show!
Kattie Smith is a senior Design/Technical Theatre major from Cleveland, GA. You may have seen them previously here at Piedmont University as Roz in 9 to 5: The Musical. They hope you enjoy the show!
Ethan Spinks is a senior Acting/Directing major from Camden County, GA. You may have seen his work onstage Assistant Directing Godspell or previously as Ernie in Rumors, Roger in RENT, and Greg Pierotti in The Laramie Project.
PLAYERS
Nealy Webster is a second-year transfer Musical Theatre major. You may have seen her in previous roles at White County High School as Sophie in Mamma Mia, Luisa in the Fantasticks, and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde or as Shelby in Piedmont University Theatre’s Steel Magnolias. She would like to thank her family for their constant support, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Robert Wright is a first-year Musical Theatre major from Toccoa, GA. He is excited to experience his first year at Piedmont University. You may have seen him in previous high school roles such as Shrek from Shrek the Musical and Ryan from High School Musical. He recently preformed in Godspell as an ensemble member. He is excited to perform for you and hopes you enjoy the show!
FRIENDS OF THE ARTS
SUPPORTERS AS OF OCTOBER 3, 2025
Platinum ($5,000+)
Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms
Deloitte Foundation Matching Gifts Program
Bill and Carolyn Gaik
Gold ($1,000+)
Sandra G. Borrow
Gainesville Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Lewis and Dianne Cody
President Marshall and Kimberly Criser
Rev. Dr. Phil DeMore
Bob Glass
Habersham County Chamber of Commerce
Holden Oversoul
Chris and Kathryn Kelly
Larry and Kendra Rasche
Dr. Larry and Dinah Peevy & Tallulah Falls School
Weidner Law Firm
Mary Hart Wilheit and Philip Wilheit
Thomas J. Wigley
Robert M. and Coleen D. Williams
Silver ($500+)
Dr. Walter and Jeanie Daves
Drs. Shannon and Jennifer Gilstrap
John F. Spiegel
Ann Sutton
Alex Thomlinson
Peach State Federal Credit Union
Bronze ($250+)
Edward and Ann Banke
Alicia Barton
Dr. Kathy Blandin
Brenda M. Boonstra
Shirley H. Burton
Christal Craig
Bill Gabelhausen
Zack and Hailey Hoopaugh
Bobby and Tammy Ivey
Barbara Johns
Ms. Patricia Louko & Dr. Herb Johnson
Dr. Robert Lutz
Make Mom Proud, LLC
Richard and Billie Monroe
Thomas and Margaret Rasmussen
Mignon Brown Ridings
Dr. Katrina G. Short
Palmer and Elizabeth Weeks
Patron ($100+)
Delores Anderson
Temme Barkin-Leeds and Stephen Leeds
Jeff and April Bowers
Joseph Campion
Jonathan and Dr. Martha Cantrell
Gary and Stephanie Cortellino
Dr. Edwin and Nancy Hendricks
Deborah Hill
Thomas and Tara Hinshaw
Nolan Howren
Cheryl Lower
Mylle and Bill Mangum
Richard Meissner
Drema Montgomery
Jane Pellegrino
William and Kathy Pharr
Crystal J. Potthoff
Marissa Rodriguez
Pedro and Jessica Ruiz
Curtis T. Shirley
John Templeton and John Siegel
Dean Slusser
Charles Snider & North Georgia Culture
Dr. Stephen and Jo Whited