THEATRE
The Salem State University Theatre and Speech Communication department presents
AS YOU LIKE IT
by William Shakespeare
Director Esme Allen
Voice and Text Director
Ginger Eckert
Costume Designer
Ali Filipovich
Lighting and Scenic Designer
Michael M. Harvey
Sound Designer
Topher Morris
Props Master
Stacey Horne-Harper
Stage Manager
Jennifer O’Connell
Presented in conjunction with the Center for Creative and Performing Arts
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Theatre Lovers,
As we gather this season to celebrate the transformative power of theatre, we are reminded of the unique role art plays in our lives, especially in difficult times. Theatre allows us to share stories that challenge us, comfort us, and unite us as a community. In a world that often feels uncertain, we turn to the stage to reflect, to dream, and to heal.
We have an exciting and enriching series of productions this 2024-2025 academic year, and we are thrilled to place students at the center of it. They are indeed the lifeblood and verve behind who we are and what we do.
Opening our season this year in the Callan Studio Theatre is Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, directed by guest artist Ashley Skeffington. The play tells the story of Henrietta Leavitt (an historic astronomer in the early 20th century at Harvard) caught between what she owes to her scientific research and what she owes to love.
In our second production slot on the Sophia Gordon Center Mainstage, we share the first half of Tony Kushner’s award-winning play, Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches . Kushner’s searing national epic weaves the story of a diverse group of Americans seeking hope amidst desolation against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic in 1985.
In midwinter we present the satirical feminist romp Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties , by Jen Silverman, directed by Prof. Julie Kiernan in the Callan Studio Theatre. The play promises to be a wild and irreverent look at both solitude and connection through the lens of womanhood.
And finally, we wrap up our season on the Sophia Gordon Center Mainstage with Shakespeare’s pastoral romantic comedy, As You Like It , directed by guest artist Esme Allen. When Rosalind dons a man’s costume and flees into the forest of Arden, she gets more than she bargained for. With witty word play and warmth, the play explores the freedom of the forest and the way it empowers personal growth.
We are grateful for your continued support during these uncertain times. Your presence in our audience, your engagement with our work, and your belief in the transformative power of theatre are what make this possible. Together, we will continue to create, to question, and to grow.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to sharing this season with you.
See you in the lobby,
—Topher
Professor Topher Morris, Chairperson
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
For this production of As You Like It , I envision a contemporary setting that resonates with the political climate of today. The Court of Duke Frederick and his associates will be depicted as a highly-charged, oppressive space—one that embodies the political and cultural atmosphere of a populist, authoritarian and toxic masculine regime; a society of exclusion, hyper-patriotism, and a rejection of progressive values.
The Forest of Arden, in contrast, will be an open, fluid space, representing a sanctuary from the rigid confines of the court—where individual freedoms, love and the power of self-express can flourish, and we can breathe a little better...
—Esme Allen
DRAMATURGES NOTE
As You Like It , while full of iconic characters, hilarious slapstick, and Shakespeare’s signature witticisms, can be a challenge for artists and audience members alike to interpret. While the play’s commentary on gender, self-improvement, and the dichotomy of nature and life in the city is timeless -and perhaps as prescient as ever- much of the text’s more specific thought in this highly referential play can be easily overlooked by contemporary interpreters.
Shakespeare lifted most of the plot and characters for As You Like It from Thomas Lodge’s 1590 novella, Rosalynde; a novel that wraps up perhaps even more neatly than the show you are here to see today. With As You Like It , Shakespeare parodies the novel’s fanciful romance and underdeveloped and abrupt narrative, both broadly and incredibly specifically, over the play’s duration. This commentary came from a greater conversation about Pastoralism, a common literary trope in the late 1590s that idealized the rural life of shepherds and contrasted it with the harsh complexities of life in the city. Pastoralism was often criticized by Elizabethan writers for its almost comical characterization of young love. Shakespeare plays upon some of Pastoralism’s more easily mocked motifs while acknowledging the truth of nature’s redemptive power. The Forest of Arden is a magical place: a refuge from the rigid hierarchy of courtly life where all are free to explore, discover what is best in themselves, and maybe even find love.
While Shakespeare’s satire is biting and wildly funny to someone who’s read Lodge’s novella, we’re going to venture a guess that most audience members here today are much more familiar with Shakespeare’s play than the text it’s parodying. (Ay, there’s the rub.) How can we honor the satirical spirit of the original text in a way that resonates with today’s theatregoers?
For this production, we’ve tried to find as many contemporary analogs for Shakespeare’s lampooning as possible: from smaller connections, like Touchstone’s “Seven Causes” for lying and debate becoming a roadmap for Twitter beef and YouTube drama, to a larger focus comparing the authoritarian court of Duke Frederick to both hyper-masculine fraternity culture’s casual chauvinism and disregard for others, as well as the country’s rapid descent into a fascist state under a toxic and pervasive administration.
With our portrayal of the court, we hope to demonstrate how the “grindset” and casual cruelty of increasingly popular male influencers is intrinsically connected to and in service of the far right’s war against diversity and self-expression. Racist jokes and pranks become policy; hazing violence breeds a disregard for the sanctity of human life; the constant demeaning of women’s struggles and agency points to a cold and dehumanizing attitude of a now post-Roe nation of men. Even the banishment of Duke Senior and Rosalind could be considered parallel to the mass firings orchestrated by DOGE today.
The political shift en masse to the right and the increase in toxic masculinity online is in no way a coincidence; it is a marked coordinated effort from political leaders to create far-right thought leaders online and ensnare children in their ideology. Youth today are bombarded with seemingly innocent prank channels and podcasts, with flashy thumbnails and clickable titles that drip-feed them microdoses of fascist thought. Jake and Logan Paul, the Nelk Boys, and even Barstool Sports pump young men full of hot air, promote a toxic “brotherhood,” and convince them that they need to behave and think like their purported definition of a “man”. As this “bro” culture breeds increasingly insecure and angry men, they continue to fall deeper down the rabbit hole of hatred and toxic masculinity in search of the deep connections their idols talk against.
So, what can we do to loosen both the authoritarian grip of our government and the hyper-masculine grip of our online culture? Laugh at them. Seriously- laugh at them! Their policies are as fragile as their egos. That’s what Shakespeare intended all the way back in 1599 and it works just as well today. We hope you laugh at the temper tantrums of Oliver and Duke Frederick, at the insane showboating and violence of the wrestling match, and at the ways in which our loving heroes escape and beat the courtly world, finding their footing and themselves, in the beautiful Forest of Arden. We invite you to marvel not only at Shakespeare’s poetry, parody, and comedy but also to indulge us as we condemn and mock the Elons and Joe Rogans of the world, and dream of a more inviting tomorrow.
Just as Shakespeare hoped, this is our play- just as we like it.
—James Bridges ’27 and Ian Tomarakos ’25
SCENES
ACT I
Scene I: Orchard of Oliver’s house
Scene II: Lawn before the Duke’s palace
Scene III: A room in the palace
ACT II
Scene I: The Forest of Arden
Scene II: A room in the palace
Scene III: Before Oliver’s House
Scene IV: The Forest of Arden
Scene V: The Forest
Scene VI: The Forest
Scene VII: The Forest
ACT III
Scene I: A room in the palace
(Intermission Break)
Scene II: The Forest
Scene III: The Forest
Scene IV: The Forest
Scene V: Another part of the forest
ACT IV
Scene I: The Forest
Scene II: The Forest
Scene III: The Forest
ACT V
Scene I: The Forest
Scene II: The Forest
Scene IV: The Forest
The play runs approximately two hours, plus one 15-minute intermission.
CONTENT WARNING: This production utilizes fog, flashing lights, music that contains profane lyrics, a prop gun, and an unscented vape pen. There is also a representation of an animal carcass onstage.
Out of courtesy to your fellow audience members and the actors onstage, please turn off all electronic devices and do not text or take photos during the performance. Please note that archival photos of this production will be available through the theatre and speech communication office.
No food or beverages are allowed in the theatre. Salem State is a tobacco free campus. Thank you.
CAST
Oliver .......................................................................................... Dylan Ezra Fort
Orlando......................................................................................... Ian Tomarakos
Rosalind (performing April 25-28) ................................................... Sara Gluck
Rosalind u/s (performing April 18-19) ...................................... Megan Falkner
Celia (performing April 25-28) Raya Young
Celia u/s (performing April 18-19) ........................................... Casey Williams
Adam ................................................................................... Gordon Gumuchian
Duke Frederick .............................................................................. Cameron Nye
Duke Senior .............................................................................. Wesley Crowley
Touchstone Brock Hoey
Jaques ....................................................................................... Caroline Forbes
Phebe .......................................................................................... Beth Bonenfant
Audrey ......................................................................................... Megan Falkner
Audrey u/s (performing April 18-19) ................................................ Gia Meola
Charles the Wrestler / Amiens .............................................. Cameron Holmes
Dennis / First Lord in Forest ........................................................ Cole Hastings
Le Beau / Second Lord in Forest / Forrester Marck-Hens Jules
First Lord in Court / Silvius ................................................. Johnathan Pappas
Second Lord in Court / Corin .................................................. Dylon Medeiros
Third Lord in Court / Sir Oliver Martext / Orlando u/s ..................................................................... Christopher Allen Poe
William / Hyman, God of Marriage............................................... Rayniel Lara
PRODUCTION PERSONNEL
Assistant Director .......................................Alex McGuigan and AJ Metherall
Assistant Stage Managers .................... Stefani Galeano, Lillie-Marie LeClair, and Charlie Marrero
Fight Choreographer....................................................................... Alex Jacobs
Dramaturges ............................................. James Bridges and Ian Tomarakos
Cast Mentors Caroline Forbes and Marck-Hens Jules
Costume Shop Supervisor ........................................................ Ryan Goodwin
Costume Firsthand........................................................................ Anne Brower
Costume Stitcher ........................................ Max Dupuis and Samson Willcox
Costume Build Crew ........................................... The THE201 Workshop class
Wardrobe Head Starr Cousins
Wardrobe Run Crew...................................... Remus Borden, Cayley Drigotas, Ethan Dwyer, and Meghan Nealon
Technical Director .............................................................................. Stu Grieve
Assistant Technical Director Tim O’Toole
Assistant to the Scenic Designer ............................................... Starr Cousins
Scenic Build Crew .................... Maddy Alter, Remus Borden, Queue Borden, Lauren Donahue, Millicent Koromah, Stefani Galeano, Sydney Hamre, Maddie Leblanc, Shea Lowney, Joshua Marcena, Savannah Mitchell, Sabrina Nedder, Max Ocampo, Hannah Rose, and Christa Washburn
Scenic Paint Charge .................................................................... Alecia DiCicco
Scenic Run Crew ................... Abigail Martin, Natalie Meza, and Isaac Saenz
Assistant Props Master ............................................................... Emrys Jordan
Props Build Crew Seth Rivera, Neveah Robinson, Amanda Seidler, and Elsa Vig
SPECIAL THANKS: Bonny Breads in Beverly, MA for their delicious baguette donation.
Salem State is grateful for the support provided by the Dembowski Family Theatre Endowment in making this production possible.
Props Run Crew………………………….…. Bridget Breda, Carl Durham, and Christa Washburn
Master Electrician ........................................................................... Tim O’Toole
Electrics Crew ...................... Pandora Benedito, James Bridges, Astrid Clark, Brianna Gambill, Gordon Gumuchian, Emrys Jordan, Shea Lowney, and Hannah Rose
Light Board Operator .............................................................. Logan Broadway
Sound Computer Operator ......................................................... Shea Lowney
Director of the Center for Creative and Performing Arts...... Karen Gahagan
Theatre Coordinator Ashley Preston O’Toole
Theatre Office Assistants ......................... James Bridges and Elias Woodard
Theatre House Manager ........................................................ Adelaide Majeski
Assistant House Manager .......................................................... Rachel Phillips
Box Office Manager Elias Woodard
Assistant Box Office Manager ...................................................... Bridget Caya
Ushers ........................................................ Abigail Belliveau, Amy DeMartinis, Max Gray, Ren Greeley, Sabrina Nedder, Jack Newton, Max Ocampo, Vaughn Pillsbury, and Robin Provost
CAST
Beth Bonenfant (Phebe) is a sophomore pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in English literature. This is her third role at Salem State University. Previous credits include Angel Ensemble ( Angels in America , Part One: Millennium Approaches ), Sad Egg/Waitress (Something Rotten! ), Roxie (Chicago), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors ), Brooke Wyndham (Legally Blonde ), and Heather McNamara (Heathers: Teen Edition). She also received an award from The Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild in Acting for her role as Kai in About Her.
Wesley Crowley (Duke Senior) is a senior pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance. This is his eighth role at Salem State University. Previous credits include INS Officer (The Anatomy of Shame ), Actor 2 (Roe ), The Old Man (The Ghost Sonata), Frank (The School for Lies ), The Father of the Bride (Blood Wedding), and Blue (Basic Wait ). Awards: Region 1 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship nomination for Roe (2024) and The School for Lies (2023); Region 1 KCACTF Irene Ryan Alternate nomination for The Ghost Sonata (2023); Region 1 KCACTF dramaturgy merit award for Roe (2024).
Megan Falkner (Audrey & Rosalind u/s) is a senior pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. This is her eighth role at Salem State University. Previous credits include Williamina Fleming (Silent Sky ), Ruth Condomine (Blithe Spirit ), Ismene/Eurydike ( Antigone ), Mary Warren (The Crucible ), Tink (Peter/Wendy ), Florinda & Lucinda u/s (Into the Woods ), Celimene /Arsinoe swing (School for Lies ), and Lieutenant Daly (Waiver Wire ).
Caroline Forbes (Jaques) is a senior pursuing their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. This is their last mainstage acting role at Salem State. Previous credits include: Assistant Director ( Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches ), Nostradamus (Something Rotten! ), Reggie Fluty/Rebecca Hilliker (The Laramie Project ), Sexton (Much Ado About Nothing), Head Nun (The House of Blue Leaves ), and Kate (The Taming of The Shrew ). Awards: Region 1 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship SemiFinalist (2021); Region 1 KCACTF Irene Ryan 1st Alternate (2024); Region 1 KCACTF Irene Ryan Finalist (2025).
Dylan Ezra Fort (Oliver) is a freshman pursuing his chemistry degree. This is his second role at Salem State University. Previous credits include Jason (Veterans 10-Minute Play Festival ), The Mechanic (Middletown), and Strato (Julius Caesar ).
Sara Gluck (Rosalind) is a sophomore pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. Previous credits include Harper Pitt ( Angels in America, Part One: Millenium Approaches ), Ensemble (Something Rotten! ), Nina (Hearts Like Fists ), Tess Moffat (Blue Stockings ), The Baker's Wife (Into the Woods ), and Jesus (Jesus Christ Superstar ). Awards: Region 1 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Finalist (2025).
Gordon Gumuchian (Adam) is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in technical theatre and in history. Previous credits include Flip Benham/ Jay Floyd (Roe ), Johansson (The Ghost Sonata), and Chasuble (The Importance of Being Earnest ).
Cole Hastings (Dennis/Lord in Forest 1) is a senior pursuing their Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre performance at Salem State University. Previous credits include Harry (Kinky Boots: The Musical ), Kurt/Ram U/S (Heathers: The Musical ), Oronte (The School for Lies ), and The Colonel (The Ghost Sonata).
Cameron Holmes (Charles/Amiens) is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Playwriting. Previous credits include Nigel Bottom (Something Rotten! ), Guard (Antigone), Daniel (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) ), and Mark (Love/Sick ). Awards: Region 1 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Maltby Musical Theatre Award Finalist (2025).
Brock Hoey (Touchstone) is a senior pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. This is his fifth mainstage role at Salem State University. Previous credits include Louis Ironson ( Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches ), Francis Flute/Bard Boy (Something Rotten! ), Haimon ( Antigone ), Ensemble/Roderigo u/s (Othello).
Marck-Hens Jules (Le Beau/2nd Lord in Court/Forrester) is a senior pursuing his Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre performance. This is his seventh role at Salem State University. Previous credits include Belize ( Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches ), Chorus ( Antigone ), Robin/Ensemble (Something Rotten! ), 2nd Woodcutter (Blood Wedding), and Swing (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) ).
Rayniel Lara (William/ Hymen God of Marriage) is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in performance. Recent performance credits include First Year Lab.
Dylon Medeiros (2nd Lord in Court/Corin) is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English as well as theatre performance. Recent performance credits include Giuseppe Antoinette (The Anatomy of Shame ), Brad/Tim/Neil (Speed Date ), and swing (Roe ).
Gia Meola (Audrey u/s) is a freshman pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. This is her first role at Salem State University. Her favorite previous credits include Sophie Sheridan (Mamma Mia), Mary Warren (The Crucible ), and Grandmother Tzeitel (Fiddler on the Roof ).
Cameron Nye (Duke Frederick) is a sophomore at Salem State University currently pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance. Previous credits include Prior/Louis/Joe/Roy Swing ( Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches ), Nick Bottom (Something Rotten! ), Mr. Maraczek/ Headwaiter (She Loves Me ), Dmitry ( Anastasia the Musical ), and Heubner (Heubner the Reluctant ). Awards: Region 1 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Richard Maltby Musical Theatre Award Finalist and MTSA Past Chair Award (2025).
Johnathon Pappas (Silvus) is a senior pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in performance. Previous credits at SSU include Joe Pitt ( Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches ), Charles (Blithe Spirit ), Chorus ( Antigone ), Clitander (The School for Lies ), and Howie (Rabbit Hole ).
Christopher Allan Poe (Sir Oliver Martext/ third lord in the court) is a freshman pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in performance. This is his first mainstage role at Salem State University; former credits include: Gilbert Wheaton (The Family Man).
Ian Tomarakos (Orlando and Dramaturg) is a senior pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance at Salem State University. His acting credits include Matt Galloway (The Laramie Project ), Evelyn Oakleigh ( Anything Goes ), Patchy the Pirate (SpongeBob Squarepants ), Adam (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) ), Kreon ( Antigone ), and Shylock (Something Rotten! ), Ladisalv Sipos (She Loves Me ), Peter Shaw (Silent Sky ). Awards: Region 1 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Finalist (2024).
Casey Williams (Celia u/s) is a sophomore pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater performance. Previous credits include Angel Ensemble/ Music Ensemble ( Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches ), Sheri ( American Hero), and Maria (The Sound of Music ).
Raya Young (Celia) is a sophomore pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater performance. This will be her third production here at Salem State. Some of her previous credits include Henrietta Leavitt (Silent Sky ), Emily/Melissa (Roe ), Bridget Bishop (Cry Innocent ), and Viola (Twelfth Night ). Awards include Region 1 Kennedy Cetner American College Theatre Festival Best Scene Partner (Spring 2025).
Esme Allen (Director) is a Boston-based actor, educator, and designer. Boston-area acting credits include Hurricane Diane (Huntington Theatre). GLORIA, Gloucester Blue, North Shore Fish (Gloucester Stage Company); Romeo and Juliet , Much Ado About Nothing , The Cherry Orchard , Middletown and The Merry Wives of Windsor (Actors’ Shakespeare Project); Muckrakers , Elephant Man and Amadeus (New Repertory Theatre), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Greater Boston Stage Co.); Dog Paddle (Bridge Repertory Theater) and Coriolanus (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). Television credits include The Good Wife (CBS). She earned her MFA in Acting from The California Institute of the Arts. She is a Resident Acting Company Member with the Actors' Shakespeare Project and teaches at Salem State University and North Shore Community College.
James Bridges (Dramaturg) is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. This is his second time serving as a production dramaturg for a Salem State Mainstage production. For his previous dramaturgical work on Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches , he was awarded the LMDA Dramaturgy Award and named the Dramaturgy finalist at the 2025 Region 1 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. After moving through the second round of review, James will be attending KCATCF’s national festival in April.
Ginger Eckert (Voice and Text Director) is the Voice and Speech specialist in the performance faculty, bringing her experience as a professional actor and vocal coach for stage and film to Salem State University. 15+ years as core faculty in professional actor-training programs: Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University, SUNY/Purchase BFA program, Brown University/Trinity Rep MFA, NYU/Tisch at Atlantic Acting School and Playwrights Horizons Theatre School, and Uta Hagen’s HB Studio. She has performed with The Public Theater, Kennedy Center, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Marin Theater Company, LaMama, Clubbed Thumb, in indie films, audiobooks, and more. Professional voice and dialect coaching includes two seasons at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Showtime’s Brotherhood series, New York Theater Workshop, Ripe Time, Making Books Sing, River Rep New York. Certified Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework® and proud member of VASTA/The Voice and Speech Trainers Association. MFA in Acting, Brown University/Trinity Rep. BA in Literature, American University. Ginger enters teaching as an actor and interrogator, who is also learning and creating. Her teaching features all the sounds and vocal dynamics of global languages, with the goal to arrive at communication that is honest, expansive, inclusive, and culturally sustaining for each person. Gratitude always to her supportive family and to her mentors, Thom Jones, Francine Zerfas, and Ronni Stewart.
Ali Filipovich (Costume Designer), more often referred to as Ali Flip, is originally from Minnesota. She received her Bachelor of Arts in theater technical design, with an emphasis in costumes from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Master of Fine Arts in theatre costume design from the University of Memphis. She has worked in various costuming positions from dyer and costume technician at Vstar Entertainment, costume shop supervisor at Luther College, Costume Shop Manager at Ballet Memphis, and has worked freelance as a costume designer or draper for various theaters in Memphis and the Twin Cities. In addition, she worked as an adjunct for three years at the University of Memphis teaching in both the fashion and theatre department and then moved into the Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Design for a year. She is very excited to be at Salem State University as the Assistant Professor of Costume Design and to be collaborating with her new colleagues and students.
Stefani Galeano (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in technical theater. Recent credits include Silent Sky (Salem State University), The Unraveling, Passengers , The Pajama Game , and Clue (Leominster High School Theater Company). Awards: Set Construction Excellence (METG, 2022).
Michael M. Harvey (Lighting and Scenic Designer) is an Assistant Professor of design at Salem State University where he teaches and designs scenery and lighting. Previously he spent four years at Southern Utah University where he served as Assistant Professor and Director of design and production. He taught scenic and lighting and sound design, as well as designed scenery, lights, and sound for the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance. He spent eight years teaching and designing at Central Lakes College in Minnesota. He also spent two years teaching at the University of Southern Indiana, where he served as scenic designer and technical director. Among his professional credits are scenic coordinator for the Opera Company of Philadelphia; scenic and lighting designer for several Primedia Inc. television productions; and production manager for both the New Harmony Theatre in New Harmony, IN, and Capital Repertory Company in Albany, NY. Michael holds a Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design and Theatre Technology from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.
Stacey Horne-Harper (Props Master) is a graduate of the University of Delaware Professional Theatre Training Program. She spent seven years as the properties carpenter at the American Repertory Theater. She would like to thank her family for all their incredible support.
Alex Jacobs (Fight Choreographer) is honored to have been teaching at Salem State for nine years. He is known for teaching Auditioning, Movement for the Stage, Applied Stage Movement, Introduction to Performance, and Oral Communication. With a passion for stage combat, Alex holds certifications with the Society of American Fight Directors in Hand-to-Hand, Knife, and Single Sword and is currently pursuing his Quarterstaff certification this spring. Beyond teaching, Alex’s Salem State directing credits include the annual Veterans Play Festival, Small Mouth Sounds , First Year Lab, and last year’s staged reading of American Hero. A dedicated Boston-area teaching artist, he has also taught at Brandeis, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Bridgewater, and Northeastern. Alex holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Leeds (UK) and an MFA from Brandeis. As an actor, he has performed with many Boston area companies including Greater Boston Stage, Gloucester Stage, Moonbox, and Company One.
Lillie-Marie LeClair (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance. Recent Salem State technical credits include Sound Board Operator for Silent Sky and Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches . Performance credits include Anne of Cleves (SIX: Teen Edition), Lana (Unsound Effects ), Patrick (SpongeBob The Musical ), and Mr. Fitzpatrick (The Skin of Our Teeth).
Charlie Marrero (Assistant Stage Manager) is pursuing their Bachelor of Fine Arts in stage management. This is their first mainstage production at Salem State University. Previous credits include Cabrera and Midsummer's Night Dream at The Hanover Theater for the Performing Arts.
Alex McGuigan (Assistant Director) is a junior pursuing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing. His favorite credits include ASM for Silent Sky and Assistant Director for The Ghost Sonata at Salem State University; Ensemble (Bat Boy the Musical ); and Ziggy (Young Frankenstein the Musical ) at Weston Drama Workshop.
AJ Metherall (Assistant Director) is a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing. Previous credits include Director (Speed Date ) for the Student Theatre Ensemble), Assistant Director (The Pillowman), Assistant Director ( Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches ), Beggar 2 (The Ghost Sonata), and Axl (Hollow Bones: A Parrot Play ).
Topher Morris (Scenic and Sound Designer) is the Chairperson of the Salem State University Theatre and Speech Communication Department. During his time at Salem State, he has served as a Technical Director, Sound Designer, and Scenic Designer and is a Professor of Design and Technology. He has worked for American Players Theatre, Santa Fe Opera and Tibbits Opera House. He earned his MFA in Technical Production for Theatre from the Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) at The University of Delaware. He is an ETCP certified Theatrical Rigger and a proud Veteran of the Armed Services.
Jennifer O’Connell (Stage Manager) is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater with a concentration in stage management. Current Salem State Theater credits include: Angels in America: Millennium Approaches , Roe , and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), Heathers: The Musical (Stage Manager); Something Rotten!, The Ghost Sonata , Blood Wedding , and First Year Lab (Assistant Stage Manager); and Antigone (Hair & Makeup/Wardrobe Run Crew). Awards: Region 1 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival “Mental Health and Wellness Advocacy” Award in Stage Management (2025).
Full-Time Faculty
Ginger Eckert
Ali Filipovich
Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin
Michael M. Harvey
Julie Kiernan
Christopher Morris, Chairperson
Peter Sampieri
Staff
Ryan Goodwin
Stuart Grieve
Adelaide Majeski
Ashley Preston O’Toole
Tim O’Toole
Visiting Lecturers
Esme Allen
Brianne Beatrice
Sara Conlon
Seán Dixon-Gumm
Brad Goren-Wilson
Stacey Horne-Harper
Alex Jacobs
Brendan O’Neill
Peyton Pugmire
Rachel Rose Roberts
Allen Vietzke
Samantha Weisberg
Faculty Emeriti
Celena Sky April
Willia Cunningham
James J. Fallon
Myrna Finn
David Allen George
Thomas J. Hallahan
Elizabeth Hart
Jane Hillier-Walkowiak
Vera Sheppard
Whitney L. White
Patricia Zaido
