Lightning Thief Playbill

Content Warning:

This show contains flashing lights, loud sounds, themes of parental neglect, and stage violence.

Special Thanks:

Lauren Brassfield and Armstrong Student Center for hosting us.

Scott Hoy for lending us power tools.

Kei Brown for lending us her truck.

Deanna Hay for letting us borrow her shoe laces.

Sophie Van Wie for designing our posters.

Director's Note

Hello Friends, Family, and Heroes of Olympus!

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to see our lovely production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. It means so much to me and the rest of the cast and crew that you are here with us

A lot has gone into the making of this show. Mainly a lot of paint and insulation foam. It has been a long journey, one I’d say is pretty equivalent to Percy, Annabeth, and Grover’s journey to retrieve Zeus’s lightning bolt. No we did not face a chimera or almost get trapped in the Lotus Hotel, but we had our share of harrowing experiences. But despite it all, here we are, totally killing this quest!

Percy Jackson holds a special place in the hearts of people everywhere. As someone who grew up in the generation of children who escaped and found themselves in fictional worlds like Camp Half-Blood, it was extremely important to me and my team to do this show correctly. So, we returned to the source material and found ourselves flooded with nostalgia. We wanted to bring elements of that nostalgia into our show. Hopefully we succeeded in transporting you back in time, even if it was just a little bit.

Percy and his friends teach us the importance of difference. Differences among people should not be shamed or ignored, but instead, something valued and treasured. I’m sure many of us have felt like an outcast at least once in our lives. As Sally tells Percy in “Strong,” “The things that make you different, are the very things that make you strong.” I wanted to carry on this message with our show.

Truthfully, I can’t express in words how much this experience has meant to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to my wonderful production team, cast, and crew for making my first solo directing experience happen.

Chelsea Hoy, Director

Cast Bios

Kit Gladieux (Percy Jackson) is a senior Individualized Studies major, Arts Management co major, and Musical Theatre minor (and a child of Apollo). This is their sixth Stage Left show! You may have recently seen them onstage as Mopsa in Miami Theatre‘s Head Over Heels, or seen their directing work in Stage Left’s Little Women. Kit would like to thank their parents, Baba, Maddie, Caroline, Harrison, and Maura for all of their love and support. They would also like to thank Chelsea, the production team, and the cast for all of their hard work. Bring on the monsters!

Molly Stewart (Annabeth Chase) is a freshman psychology major and criminology minor. She’s been involved in theatre since she was 6 years old. Favorite past roles include Veronica in Heathers, Liesl in The Sound of Music, Little Red in Into the Woods, the Dragon in Shrek, and the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella. Big thanks to her vocal coach, Lincoln Chapman, back at home for getting her to where she is today and to the amazing support system of her friends and family all around her. She’s so excited to make her Stage Left debut alongside such a marvelous cast and crew. Enjoy the show!

Jobe Vogelsong (Grover) is a freshman nutrition major and music theater minor. This is his first Stage Left production, but he was involved in theater all throughout high school. Some of his favorite roles include Cinderella's Prince in "Into the Woods," Squidward in "Spongebob Squarepants," and Charlie Brown in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." According to an online quiz he took, his godly parent is Apollo (after he took it three times).

Sam Vendramin (Luke, Greyhound Passenger 1) is a freshman theater major from Columbus Ohio. During high school he participated in Theater, Marching Band, and Choir. This is Sam's first role in Stage Left and is very excited to be apart of the future shows. He is also in Mens Glee Club and The Cheezies here at Miami.

Tori Medina (Sally Jackson, Statue, Boys Choir) is a sophomore Games & Simulation major with a concentration in Game Development. Throughout high school, she was involved in many of her school’s productions as an actor and as a technician. Tori performed in Stage Left’s production of Theory of Relativity and can’t wait to continue to participate in future Stage Left productions!

David J. Amsden-Michel (Chiron, Statue, Kurt Cobain) is a sophomore MJF (Media, Journalism, & Film) and Film Studies double major. As a Miami student he has previously appeared in Stage Left's 2021 production of Little Women in the role of Mr. Laurence, and prior to university he appeared in several high school productions. Were he a demigod, his godly parent would be Athena, Goddess of wisdom and handicraft.

Will Rozak (Mr. D, Hades, Echidna, Kronos) is a sophomore Mechanical Engineering major and Musical Theatre minor. He has been performing in musicals and plays since he was a little kid, and has loved every minute of it. At Miami, he most recently performed in Stage Left's production of Theory of Relativity last semester. He greatly appreciates his friends and family for their support. But most importantly, Will enjoys the thirst quenching power of piña coladas and the romance of getting caught in the rain. He hopes you find yourself in this production of The Lightning Thief.

Annabel Wildermuth (Clarisse, Statue, Janis Joplin) is a sophomore primary education major with a musical theatre minor. Previously, she was heavily involved with her high school theatre department, where some of her favorite roles included the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Savannah in Freaky Friday. At Miami she has been involved in the Choraliers and is thrilled to be making her Stage Left debut! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Maddee Brown (Charon, Bus Driver) is a freshman Theatre and Arts Management double major with a minor in Music Theatre. She has performed since second grade along with training in a performance troupe. She loves all aspects of theatre and hopes to make it her career in the future. Her godly parent is Athena. She dedicates her performances to Barb Cullen.

Nicki Grauel (Silena Beauregard, Statue, Boys Choir) is a freshman with a major in Marketing. She was very involved in theatre throughout her time at Taylor High School, where her favorite show she’s been in was Grease. This is her first show at Miami University! Also, her godly parent is Aphrodite.

Stephen Lee (The Oracle, Newscaster) is a junior Media and Communication major with a double minor in Human Capital, Leadership, and Management and Musical Theatre. He is the current PR Director for Stage Left and was the previous Vice President. This is his second show with Stage Left and he is so excited!

Maura Kesterson (Auntie Em, Bianca, Mozart) is a senior theatre major with an arts management co major and musical theatre minor. Their previous Stage Left credits include Amy in Theory of Relativity and Beth March in Little Women. They also have credits at Miami as a costume designer and stage manager. As a nearly lifelong Percy Jackson fan, being a part of this show is a dream come true. Sending love to her family and roommates for their continued support, and of course to their very own Seaweed Brain.

Nathaniel Ivy (Poseidon, Squirrel, Statue, Boys Choir) is a sophomore studio art major with two minors in fashion and musical theatre. He has a decade of theatre under his belt, including Stage Left, high school and community theatre. Nathaniel believes his godly parent would be Apollo!

Caleb Krainman (Ares, Minotaur, Greyhound Passenger 2) is a freshman video game design major! He’s loved to perform and sign for audiences! Throughout high school, he was involved in musical theater and a cappella! This his first college theater performance and he is super thrilled to be here!

Lindsey Rohrig ( Train Conductor, Statue, Boys Choir) is a freshman music education major with a minor in musical theater. She was very involved in her high school’s theater program, and this is her first production here at Miami.

Megan Kercsmar (Mrs. Dodds) is a freshman theatre major. She has been involved in high school and local theater productions. Shows like 9 to 5, Urinetown, Little Shop of Horrors, Tarzan and more. She has also been on local news channel and will be participating in the Disney College Program next semester! She is very excited to be a part of Stage Left for her first ever college show!

Ben Collinson (Gabe Ugliano, Statue, Farmer, DJ Cerberus) is a Junior Games and Simulation major with a minor in Art History. He was involved in theatre throughout high school in both musicals and plays. At miami he has done run crew for Little Women and stage managed for Theory of Relativity and this is his first time in the cast of a Miami production and he is so excited to be involved. His camper ’ s godly parent is Ares but Ben’s is probably Apollo.

Maelynn Rose (Fury, Statue, Boys Choir) is a freshman primary education and theatre double major. She has been doing theatre since she was 6 years and old. This show is her first show both at Miami and with Stage Left. Maelynn’s godly parent is Apollo.

Megan Fiorella (Fury, Statue, Boys Choir) is a sophomore Nursing major. She has been involved in theatre since she was young and has always loved the thrill of being in a cast! At Miami, she was in the ensemble for Head over Heels (Spring 2022), and has participated in Stage Left's cabarets. She is so excited for everyone to see this amazing cast and all the talent they have to offer!

Megan's Godly parent: Apollo (GO CABIN #7 !!)

Production Team Bios

Chelsea Hoy (Director) is a junior studying creative writing and literature. She did a lot of theater throughout high school, including writing two plays which were produced through MadLab's Young Writers Festival. At Miami she has been very involved in Stage Left, first co directing Edges in spring 2021, assistant directing Little Women in fall 2021, and now directing The Lightning Thief!! She would like to thank her incredibly talented and brilliant production team, cast, and crew for making this an experience she will never forget. As for her place in the Percy Jackson universe, she'd most likely be a hunter of Artemis.

Sydney Scepkowski (Assistant Director) is a senior studying professional writing and strategic communication. With only a few weeks left before graduation, Sydney is overcome with gratitude for the gift of theatre, which has brought her cherished friendships and so much joy during her time at Miami. Her previous Stage Left credits include vocal director for Little Women in fall 2021 and run crew for Pippin in fall 2019. Sydney would like to thank Chelsea, the production team, cast, and crew for their brilliant insight and dedication to this electrifying show. She wishes the cast joy filled energy and peace during each performance.

Emma Enderle (Stage Manager) is a sophomore primary education major. She has been involved in theater her whole life. At Miami Emma was an assistant stage manager for Little Women and a co director for Theory of Relativity. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Allison Kubas (Assistant Stage Manager) is a first year architecture major. She was heavily involved in theatre at her high school, and this is her first show at Miami. She would like to thank everyone involved in the show, but especially Chelsea and Emma for being so kind and giving her a wonderful first experience!

Ryan Holdman (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Junior Chemistry major. He is the vice president of Stage Left. He stage managed Stage Left's production of Theory of Relativity.

Kat Ullery (Vocal Director) is a senior Choral/General Music Education major with a music theater minor. This is her first show with Stage Left but she has previously music directed for Head Over Heels, Rumormates, and A Beginners Guide to High School Dances. She is excited for everyone to see the hard work and determination of this epic cast.

Rose Kurutz (Choreographer) is a sophomore majoring in strategic communications with a co major in arts management and a minor in theater arts. In high school, she was very involved in orchesis, theater, marching band and choir. She began dancing when she was 3, started attending competitions with her company when she was 7, and began choreographing for the stage at 14. At Miami, she is heavily involved in Dance Theatre both as a dancer and choreographer, and she is very excited to be choreographing a musical for the first time!

Leah McDermott (Pit Orchestra Director) is a junior biochemistry and data analytics double major. Leah has been playing the violin for 12 years. She was involved in pit orchestra in high school and the Miami Symphony Orchestra for two years. Her godly parent would be Athena.

Katherine Mitchell (Costume Head) is a senior International Studies and Spanish double major. She was involved in theater in high school on the acting side but since coming to Miami she has been involved on the crew, including in Stage Left’s production of Pippin. Her godly parent is Athena.

Shane Criss (Tech Director) has worked in the tech crew for theater since his freshman year of high school and is happy to continue playing his part behind the scenes. Last year, he was the tech director for Stage Left’s Little Women and Theory of Relativity, and this year, he is happy to fill that role for The Lightning Thief.

Alessandra Kelley (House Manager) is a sophomore Psychology and Spanish double major, with a minor in Music Theatre. She has been involved in theatre productions since middle school and participated in musicals in high school. As a transfer student, this is her first semester at Miami, and she is looking forward to many great experiences with Stage Left! She also designed this Playbill!

Pit Orchestra Bios

Tadeo Palafox (Guitar 1) has been in three productions at Miami including The Comedy of Errors (2019), The Butterfly’s Promise (2021), and Head Over Heels (2022). This is his first time playing in a pit band for a musical and is very excited to bring the music of The Lightning Thief to life and hopes you enjoy the show!

Dhruv Iyengar (Guitar 2/Melodica) is a junior Zoology - Neuroscience major. He has played guitar for 11 years and has played in ensembles at the school, state and national levels. At Miami University, he is a member of the Guitar Club and is thrilled to be performing for Stage Left.

Lillian Davis (Keyboard) is a Junior majoring in Biology and Pre-medical Studies. She was very involved in theatre throughout high school, playing the piano for the musicals. At Miami, she has previously played keyboard for Stage Left's 'Theory of Relativity' and is thrilled to be back as the pianist for The Lightning Thief.

Karly Ison (Bass) is a junior music education major from Dayton, Ohio. In addition to The Lightning Thief, Karly has played for Little Women, The Theory of Relativity, and Rumormates. Outside of theatre, she has performed in the Miami University Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. Karly is very excited for this production of The Lightning Thief and is happy to be performing with Stage Left once more!

Meredith Vontroba (Drums) is a first year Marketing & Entrepreneurship co-major. She was heavily involved in both marching & concert band in high school. Outside of Stage Left! Meredith is an active member of Miami University Community for Creativity & Innovation (MUCCI) and Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE). She is very excited to be involved in a theatre program at Miami, since she never got the chance in high school. While she doesn’t claim a godly parent, Meredith is a sworn Hunter of Artemis.

Crew Bios

Amelia Hermes (Run Crew) is a freshman Integrated social studies education major. She was involved in tech crew all throughout high school, becoming the tech director in her senior year. She's dabbled in many areas of theatre from acting to pit orchestra, writing, and even directing. She's excited to be on running crew for the first time ever and to be working with Stage Left!

Cassell Presnell (Run Crew) is a freshmen creative writing major with a minor in film studies. She enjoys working backstage and did so as deck crew, costumes crew, and assistant stage manager in high school. She hopes to continue helping out behind the curtain and maybe write a play to be preformed during her time at Miami. According to an extensive Percy Jackson Quiz, Cassell’s Godly parent is Artemis!

Erin Mahoney (Run Crew) is a senior English Literature and Family Science major. She’s always wanted to be involved with Stage Left and is extremely excited for this opportunity! She had extensive theater experience in high school and is looking forward to bringing it to her last semester of college. Her godly parent would absolutely be Athena due to her love of learning and academia.

Alex Cermak (Run Crew) is a senior Data Science and Statistics major and Theatre Arts minor. At Miami, she was the Assistant Scene Designer for Angel’s Trumpet this semester, Property Manager/Run Crew for Head Over Heels last spring, and Scene Designer for The End of the World during the Fringe Festival in the Fall 2021 semester. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support, and the cast and crew for all of their hard work to bring this show to life!

Bradley Beck (Run Crew) is a Freshman Psychology major. He is currently in rehearsals for the Stage Left One Acts. He was very active in high school theatre and can't wait to get more involved with Miami theatre. Bradley is a son of Athena.

Olivia Triance (Makeup/Costume Crew) child of Hades, is a third year majoring in Individualized Studies, and Biology. She is delighted to be working on the costume and makeup crew for Stage left, as this is her first show since high school.

Samantha Lapp (Makeup/Costume Crew) is a junior psychology major with a theatre minor. She was deeply involved in theatre in high school and designed costumes her senior year. These costume designs went on to win Best Costumes in the county! In her freshman year, she was in Edges: A Song Cycle. Her godly parent is Apollo! She is so excited for you to see the show.

Day Burns (Makeup/Costume Crew) is a sophomore middle childhood education major with a focus in english and science. They have been involved in theatre throughout grade school, in both cast and costume crews, and continued in college by acting in and writing/directing Stage Left's one act plays and serving as tech assistant in last year's production of Theory of Relativity. They hope you enjoy this show, and to see you all at next week's one acts performance!

Vivian Dao (Construction Crew) is a freshman mechanical engineering major. During high school, she participated in many theater productions and decided to continue in college. At Miami, she works in the Theater Department scene shop. According to the online Read Riordan quiz, her godly parent is Poseidon.

Mars Eddy (Construction Crew) is a freshman Chemistry/Pre Med student. They are also directing a self-written one-act this semester, and they were extremely involved with theater all four years of highschool, both on and offstage.

Darcy Priddy (Construction Crew) is a freshman biomedical engineering major. After being stage manager in high school, Darcy is continuing her work in technical theatre and set construction as a member of the construction crew.

Jordan Kipp (Construction Crew) is a freshman zoology major and theatre arts minor. They did tech for every single show at their high school and are passionate about all things props! This is their first show with Stage Left.

Lorna Wodzak (Construction Crew) is a freshman Business Economics major. She took part in both cast and crew throughout high school and is thrilled to be involved with her first Stage Left production!

Ben Trader (Lightboard Operator) is a sophomore Emerging Technologies in Business and Design major with a focus in Theater Tech and a minor in Urban Design. Although he does not have much experience in theater from high school, he loves combining music and technology. At Miami, he played the role of Anthony in Stage Left’s production of The Theory of Relativity. In the future, he hopes to be involved with future productions with the Theater Department and Stage Left!

Lily Green (Soundboard Operator) is a freshman theatre major. She has been working in the theater since second grade whether it be onstage, backstage, or front of house. At Miami, she is a part of Sketched Out Improv and this is her first time being a part of a production with Stage Left. She is excited to be working with them and hopes to continue throughout the years. She would like to thank the entire cast & crew for making this production possible.