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Our Town  

Our Town  

About The Show

By Thornton Wilder
Directed by  Desdemona Chiang  

Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama 

Perhaps no other play rings truer today. Thornton Wilder’s magnificent Our Town is, at its heart, about us. All of us who are swept up by time and subject to inescapable change. As another ordinary day begins, the inhabitants of a small American town go about their business: newspapers are delivered; people go to work; gardens are tended. And a boy and girl fall in love. But as life’s events unfold, one question remains: "Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?"

Long after it won the 1938 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Our Town remains one of the most enduring American plays of all time, reminding us to celebrate love, family, community, and the beauty in the ordinary.

"Indeed the play’s success across cultural borders around the world attests to its being something much greater than an American play: it is a play that captures the universal experience of being alive." - Donald Margulies in the foreword to Our Town

"'Our Town' laments the fact that we humans, while introspective by nature, only rarely make an effort to ponder the eternal. All too frequently we take life for granted and overlook its wonder." - L.A. Times

"Our Town has lasted as one of the most produced US plays in the global modern repertoire. This is not for its statement on the American character or as a flag-waving paean to a simpler time, but because its true concerns transcend the specifics of turn-of-the-20th-century Grover’s Corners, where the play is set." - The Guardian

Recommended for general audiences.

 

In the News

Events | Offerings

Director's Take Luncheon
Tuesday, January 25

INSIDE ASOLO REP
Thursday, January 13 | 10:30am

OUT@ASOLO REP
Wednesday, January 26

Family Day
Saturday, February 19 | 2pm
12:30pm pre-show activites for all ages

Asolo Rep's Family Day is a celebration of our community–for all ages. Theatre-going families have an opportunity prior to the show to connect and create with some of the wonderful community organizations that represent Sarasota/Bradenton. Come experience Our Town and our town with activities and interactive workshops, and stay after the show for a community conversation. Fun and excitement for the whole family!

IllumiNation SERIES
Saturday, February 26 | 2pm

Tuesday Talkbacks 
February 1 | Enhance your experience with this post-show discussion following select Tuesday performances.

*All activities are subject to change or modification based on CDC recommendations.

Cast

NYDIRA ADAMS, she/her

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (Constable Warren/Joe Stoddard/Ensemble, Our Town) is a third-year Conservatory student from Bronx, New York. She is thrilled to be playing men as she adores gender bending. She most recently appeared in Much Ado About NothingTwilight: Los Angeles, 1992; and a variety of stage plays. Currently a teaching artist, she is a graduate of Florida A&M University and plans to teach undergraduate theater post-graduation. She is forever grateful to her professors, patrons, ensemble & her supportive better half, Dyral.

 

EMILY BOHN, she/her 

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Joe Crowell/Ensemble, Our Town) is excited to be making her Asolo Rep mainstage debut. Previous work with Asolo Rep includes BardWired: Much Ado About Nothing and understudying Murder on the Orient Express and Into the Breeches. Work with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory includes Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 and Julius Caesar. Pre-Florida favorites include Sense and Sensibility, The Merchant of Venice, and Antigone. Much love and gratitude to my family, friends, and the FSU/Asolo community, enjoy the show! 

 

DIANA COATES*, she/her

SECOND SEASON (Mrs. Webb, Our Town) is absolutely thrilled to be back on stage with Asolo Rep and more than ever grateful for the gift of storytelling. She was last seen in Asolo Rep’s Murder on The Orient Express and Into the Breeches. Favorite credits include the title character in First Folio of Chicago’s Henry V, The House that Will Not Stand at the acclaimed Victory Gardens, Blues for an Alabama Sky with the African Continuum Theatre Company of DC, and Isabella in Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s Measure for Measure. Television credits include Chicago Fire and Chicago Med. A proud member of Actors Equity. Love you, Mom.

 

CHARLOTTE FOSTER, she/her

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Professor Willard/Ensemble, Our Town) is excited to be making her Mertz Theatre debut in Our Town. This fall she toured with Asolo Rep in their BardWired production of Much Ado About Nothing. Some recent work includes Brutus in Caesar (FSU/Asolo Conservatory), and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (North Dakota Shakespeare Festival). She also understudied in The Lifespan of a Fact and Into the Breeches during the Asolo Rep’s 2019/2020 season. charlottefoster.com

 

PTAH GARVIN, he/him

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Howie Newsome/Ensemble, Our Town) is beyond excited to be returning to the Asolo Rep stage. He is in his third year at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Ptah has always loved the stage and is ready to make a name for himself. Previous credits include Murder on the Orient Express (u/s), Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992. Thank you to his family, friends, and the good Lord above. Enjoy your life to the fullest.

 

KENN E. HEAD*, he/him

FIRST SEASON (Stage Manager, Our Town) is thrilled to be part of this production of Our Town. He has worked on numerous plays at many theatres over his career. To name a few: Steppenwolf, Yale Repertory, The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Next Theater Company, American Theater Company, and Victory Gardens. His television credits include The Chi, Chicago Med, Empire, The Exorcist, Chicago Fire, Early Edition, and ER. He is also particularly proud of some Indie Films of which he has been part: Once Upon a River, as well as The Chosen.

 

PAIGE KLOPFENSTEIN, she/her

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Si Crowell/Ensemble, Our Town) is thankful for the entire creative team that brought this work to life. She is a third-year MFA student at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. Recent credits include Antony in Julius Caesar (FSU/Asolo Conservatory), Hermia and Snug in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (North Dakota Shakespeare Festival), and Rose in The Flick (Dobama Theatre). She also understudied Maggie Dalton in Asolo Rep’s Into The Breeches.

 

BRYAN LEWIS, he/him

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Sam Craig/Ensemble, Our Town) is a third year FSU/Asolo Conservatory student. His credits with the Conservatory include Julius Caesar and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, and he understudied for Asolo Rep in Murder on the Orient Express and Lifespan of a Fact. Some of his favorite roles include Ty in Sordid Lives, Daniel in Learning Russian, Vince in Tape, and Ira in Laughter on the 23rd Floor.

 

CAROLINE MIXON*, she/her

FIRST SEASON (Emily Webb, Our Town) TV/Film: Mare of Easttown, The Will. New York: Head and Heart (NYMF). Other favorite credits include Sally Bowles in Cabaret and June in Marisol. Caroline trained at Carnegie Mellon University. She dedicates this show to her George in real life, Drew. 

 

MERRI RASHOYAN, she/her

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Mrs. Soames/Ensemble, Our Town) just wrapped up the Asolo Rep BardWired tour of Much Ado About Nothing. Other recent credits include Murder on the Orient Express (u/s Countess) at Asolo Rep and Julius Caesar (Caesar) and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Dean Gilmore) at FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Thank you to my family and friends for their never-ending support. 

 

GIOVANNI RINCÓN, he/him

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Mr. Carter/Ensemble, Our Town) is thrilled to be making his Asolo Rep debut on the main stage. He recently finished touring an abridged rendition of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, starring as Benedick. Gio is a working actor in Los Angeles with TV commercial credits that include Wingstop, Pizza Hut, Target, Honda, and other national campaigns. He would like to thank his mom, sister, and God. giovannirincon.com

 

ALEX BENITO RODRIGUEZ*, he/him

THIRD SEASON (George Gibbs, Our Town) is delighted to be back in Sarasota! While a student at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Alex performed in The Crucible (2018/2019) and the online adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2020/2021). He also starred in Gruesome Playground Injuries during the 2019/2020 Conservatory season. He received his MFA in Acting in 2021 and is now living in Chicago. Post-grad credits include InterWEBS, an online gallery focused on land & environment, and a feature on NBC’s Chicago Fire

 

JAMIE SAUNDERS, they/she

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Rebecca Gibbs, Our Town) is delighted to be playing in the company this season. Past performances with Asolo Rep include BardWired: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Puck), The Crucible (Abigail Williams U/S), and The German Party in Asolo Rep's Ground Floor Reading Series. NY Theatre credits include Indivisible (DR2 Theatre), Lost/Not Found (UP Theater), and Dark Eyes (Cloud of Fools). Film & TV credits include Just My TypeRamekinRamekins: Ramekin II, and Speed Run. jamiesaunders.me

 

GARRICK SIGL, he/him

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Simon Stimson, Our Town) is excited to return to the stage in the Asolo Rep production of Our Town! Most recently he was a member of the Pack and Hubert in Hair (2021). He also had the pleasure to understudy Hercule Poirot in Murder On the Orient Express (2019). Garrick would like to thank Desdemona Chiang for giving him this wonderful opportunity. He is also grateful to his professors at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. And of course, his family! Instagram: @garrick_sigl_

 

DEREK SIKKEMA, they/them

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (Baseball Player/Ensemble, Our Town) previously worked for Asolo Rep as an understudy (Michel the Conductor) in Murder on the Orient Express and in Hair (Pack Member), and they are ecstatic to be working in the ensemble for Our Town. Derek is currently in their third year at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. You may have previously seen them in the Conservatory’s productions of Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Ensemble) and Julius Caesar (Mark Antony) last year. dereksikkema.com

 

SUMMER DAWN WALLACE*, she/her

THIRD SEASON (Mrs. Gibbs, Our Town) was last seen at Asolo Rep playing the upright bass and leading the band in Yentl. Regional credits include: Mad Cow Theatre, Dog Days Theatre, 1st Stage, Vashon Repertory Theatre, Cumberland County Playhouse, and Stage Door Theatre. Summer is Co-Artistic Director of Urbanite Theatre, where she has directed the regional premieres of ScorchNorthside HollowDry LandSam & Lizzie, and producing director of Urbanite’s Modern Works Festival. She is also co-founder of Two Chicks Productions, a touring production company that won the Best Storytelling award at the 2019 United Solo Festival in NYC. summerdawnwallace.com

 

GREG WATANABE*, he/him

FIRST SEASON (Dr. Gibbs, Our Town; Wen Chang, The Great Leap) is grateful to be making his Asolo Rep debut. He made his Broadway debut in Allegiance. Other credits include off-Broadway appearances in Ballad Of Yachiyo (Public Theater) and Golden Child (Signature Theater). Regionally, he performed in Romeo and Juliet (OSF), The Summer Moon (A Contemporary Theater, South Coast Rep), Extraordinary Chambers (The Geffen Playhouse), The Happy Ones (South Coast Rep), and most recently in Hold These Truths (Virginia Stage Company). Some television credits include Madam Secretary, Criminal Minds, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Reno 911.

 

GREGG WEINER*, he/him

SECOND SEASON (Mr. Webb, Our Town; Saul, The Great Leap) is beyond grateful to return to the vibrant and fulfilling world of live theatre at Asolo Rep. He was last seen in Murder on the Orient Express here in 2020 and was on the brink of opening The Great Leap here as well. Regional theatre credits: The Price7 Deadly SinsThe Whale, Red, Speed the Plow, Every Brilliant Thing. TV/Film: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Transporter 2, War Dogs, Magic City, and his filmmaking debut ReBoot, commissioned by Gablestage during quarantine. To watch the short film and for more information go to rebootshortfilm.com. Gregg is a proud member of AEA and a New World School of the Arts Alumni.

 

ASHER WOOMERT, he/him

SECOND SEASON (Wally Webb, Our Town) is beyond excited to be returning to Asolo Rep for his second season. He was last seen in The Music Man (Band Kid #1). Asher is 14 years old and has been performing locally since age six. He has aspirations to continue his career in acting and comedic arts. He would like to thank the creative team, cast, crew, family, and friends for their support. Especially mom, dad, and Judah.

 

 

 

UNDERSTUDIES

 

DANIEL AJAK, he/him

THIRD YEAR STUDENT, SECOND SEASON (u/s Stage Manager, Our Town) was recently seen as a Pack member in Hair at Asolo Rep. He also played Claudio in Asolo Rep’s touring production of Much Ado About Nothing. Other favorite credits include Romeo & Juliet, The Book of Will, and Merry Wives of Windsor at Texas Shakespeare Festival; A Christmas Carol at The Guthrie; and How It’s Gon’ Be at Underdog Theatre Company. Dan is forever grateful to his amazing friends, family, and wonderful fiancé, Lexi Zawatzke!

 

TREZURE COLES, she/her

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Constable Warren/Joe Stoddard/Ensemble, Our Town) is a first year student coming from Newport News, Virginia. She received her BFA in acting from Norfolk State University. Some of her work prior to coming to FSU includes: Nettie in The Color Purple, Erzulie in Once on This Island, Diana Ross for the Motown Tribute, and Aunt Ester in Gem of the Ocean, to name a few. She is very much looking forward to what other important works she will be doing and exposed to here at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. 

 

FALCIAN PAGE, he/him

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Simon Stimson, Our Town) is delighted to be making his Asolo Rep debut. BA Theatre Performance & BS Exercise Science, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Much Love and Thanks to friends and family!

 

SHARON PEARLMAN, she/her

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Mrs. Soames/Ensemble, Our Town) is a first-year FSU/Asolo Conservatory student, and is so excited to be understudying at Asolo Rep this year! Previous credits include Rudolph in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: the Musical (National Tour), Amber in Hairspray, and Crissy in Hair. Sharon also was part of the opening cast of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Osaka, Japan. sharonpearlman.com

 

ISÁYAH PHILLIPS, he/him

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Sam Craig/Ensemble, Our Town) (Milwaukee, WI/SAG-AFTRA) is thrilled to be making his Asolo Rep debut. He made his professional theatre debut at Milwaukee Repertory’s Theater/Bronzeville Arts Ensemble/Madison’s Theatre LILA co-collaboration/production of The Mojo And The Sayso. He trained at the incomparable Williamstown Theatre Festival. He is a proud first-generation graduate of Georgetown University. Isáyah is blessed to be part of this first-year class of the renowned FSU/Asolo Conservatory.

 

JACKSON PURDY, he/him

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Baseball Player/Ensemble, Our Town; u/s Brian, Grand Horizons) is excited to be making his Asolo Rep debut. He is originally from Vermont and obtained his BA in Theater with a concentration in acting from Temple University. He is a first year MFA candidate at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory and is grateful for the staff, teachers, and ensemble that he works with here in Sarasota. 

 

JORDAN RICH, he/him

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Howie Newsome/Ensemble, Our Town) hails from Atlanta, GA. Jordan graduated from The University of Michigan’s BFA Acting program. Professionally, Jordan appeared in Pete the Cat National Tour, No Villain by Arthur Miller at the Public Theatre starring Judith Light, regionally in three shows at Santa Rosa Repertory Theatre, and has worked in many capacities at The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center. For Mom, Dad, Z, Bub, Nan

 

BRIELLE RIVERA, she/her

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Rebecca Gibbs, Our Town) is grateful to be making her Asolo Rep debut. A native of Pennsylvania and a recent graduate of Temple University, some of her favorite credits include Maria in West Side Story, and Leading Player in Pippin. She thanks Denise Parker, Gayle Justice, and Cheryl Williams for guiding her to this point, and an extra thank you to her teachers here at the Conservatory. Special shout out to her family and fiancé, whom she loves dearly.

 

MIKHAIL ROBERTS, he/him 

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Mr. Carter/Ensemble, Our Town; u/s Ben, Grand Horizons) is a first year MFA student at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. On stage, his credits include the Equity tours of Laguna Playhouse's Stuart Little and By the Great Horn Spoon, and the opening cast of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Osaka Japan. Feature film credits include The Monster's Mind, Saki the Killer, and the upcoming feature film And I Feel Fine.

 

BROOKE TURNER, she/her

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Si Crowell/Wally Webb/Ensemble, Our Town) is grateful to be in her first year as an MFA Acting Candidate at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. She earned her BFA in Acting from Baldwin Wallace University. Brooke has toured with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and worked professionally in Cleveland, OH, with Great Lakes Theatre, Cain Park, and None Too Fragile.

 

DANIELLE VIVCHARENKO, she/her

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Joe Crowell/Ensemble, Our Town) is ecstatic to be making her Asolo Rep debut while training at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. She was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a recent graduate of Kent State University. Her favorite credits include Grace Fryer in Radium Girls and Sandra Bloom in Big Fish. She’d like to thank her professors and her family for supporting her through this new chapter in her life. daniellevivcharenko.com

 

RUEBEN WAKEFIELD, he/him

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s Professor Willard/Ensemble, Our Town) is thrilled to be making his Asolo Repertory Theatre debut. Hailing from Chicago, IL, Rueben received his Drama/Television/Film Degree from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. Since then, Rueben has appeared in numerous regional commercials, including Samsung, Dentures & Dental Services, Reasor’s, and Google. He would like to thank his family, friends, and Jesus for all their support. 

 

RICKEY WATSON JR., he/him

FIRST YEAR STUDENT, FIRST SEASON (u/s George Gibbs, Our Town; u/s Tommy, Grand Horizons) is excited to be making his Asolo Rep debut. Show credits include: Our Town, Triad Stage (NC); Intangible, MCC Theatre (NYC); Jungle Book, Peppercorn Theatre (NC); Princess and the Pea, Missoula Children’s Theatre (LA); Arabian Nights, NOCCA (LA). Originated the role Mason in Peppercorn Theatre’s Original Musical Billy and the Golden Pencil and Five Row.

 

*Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

 

 

Creative

DESDEMONA CHIANG, she/her

FIRST SEASON (Director, Our Town) is based in Seattle, WA, and Ashland, OR. Co-Founder of Azeotrope (Seattle). Directing credits include Guthrie Theater, Alley Theatre, South Coast Repertory, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, California Shakespeare Theater, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Playmakers Repertory Company, Studio Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre, ACT Theatre Seattle, American Shakespeare Center, Seattle Shakespeare Company, Village Theatre, Theatre Latte Da, Heritage Theatre Festival, Book-It Repertory, Aurora Theatre Company, Theatre Latte Da, Seattle Public Theatre, Shotgun Players, Crowded Fire Theatre Company, Azeotrope, Impact Theatre, Playwrights Foundation, Golden Thread Productions, Washington Ensemble Theatre, One Minute Play Festival, Ohio Northern University, University of Washington, and Cornish College of the Arts, among others. Assisting and dramaturgy credits include: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Playmakers Repertory Company, A Contemporary Theatre, California Shakespeare Theater, Arizona Theatre Company, Intiman Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Magic Theatre, Theatreworks, Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, among others. Intersection for the Arts Triangle Lab Artist-Investigator. Adjunct Faculty, Cornish College of the Arts.

 

SARA RYUNG CLEMENT, she/her 

FIRST SEASON (Scenic Designer, Our Town) Off-Broadway: Somebody's Daughter (Second Stage Uptown), Fruiting Bodies (Ma-Yi Theatre). Regional credits include the Guthrie Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Repertory, Denver Center Theatre Company, Geffen Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Folger Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Seattle Rep, Mixed Blood, TheatreWorks, Center Stage Baltimore, Boston Court, Perseverance Theatre, East West Players, Cornerstone Theater Company, A Noise Within, Yale Repertory Theatre, and others. Set design faculty at UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. MFA, Yale School of Drama; AB Princeton University. sararyungclement.com

 

ADAM ASHRAF ELSAYIGH, he/him

FIRST SEASON (Dramaturg and Literary Manager, Our Town, Grand Horizons, The Great Leap) is an Egyptian writer and dramaturg in his first season as the Literary Manager and Resident Dramaturg of Asolo Repertory Theatre. Adam’s ethos is to tell and amplify stories from communities that have been historically under and misrepresented on American screens and stages. Adam’s plays (including Memorial, The Marginalia, and Drowning in Cairo) have been developed and seen at The Lark, The Tisch School of the Arts, The LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, and Golden Thread Productions. Adam is a Co-founder of The Criminal Queerness Festival with National Queer Theater and a fellow at Georgetown University's Laboratory for Global Performance. He holds a BA in Theater with an emphasis in Playwriting and Dramaturgy from NYU Abu Dhabi and is an MFA Candidate in Playwriting at Brooklyn College. 

 

LIZZIE HAGSTEDT, she/her

FOURTH SEASON (Composer, Our Town) is an actor/singer/musician/composer from Sayville, NY. With Asolo Rep: composer for three Shakespeare tours and Lifespan of a Fact; performer in The Music Man; and music director and performer in three new musicals with the digital Ground Floor Making Musicals series including her own, Sophie Blanchard’s High-Flyin’ Rock’n’Roll Extravaganza, and Johnny and the Devil’s Box, which she just performed in concert at Goodspeed Opera House. Performance credits include: Sweeney Todd (national tour), Southern Comfort (the Public, Barrington Stage, CAP21), and August Rush (world premiere). She is an alum of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop and the 92Y Musical Theatre Lab and is currently working on, give or take, five musicals. lizziehagstedt.com

 

MICHELLE HART, she/her

NINETEENTH SEASON (Resident Hair/Wig & Make-up Designer, Our Town, Grand Horizons, The Great Leap) Hart designs for Asolo Repertory Theatre and FSU/Asolo Conservatory. Other credits: Sarasota Ballet, Palm Beach Drama Works, Free Fall Theatre, Urbanite Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, Banyan Theatre, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Venice Theatre, Dorset Theatre, Barrington Stage, and Open Stage Theatre. She has also done hair and/or make-up for Joan Rivers, Doris Roberts, Martin Short, Jane Russell, Arlene Dahl, Soledad Villamil, Jane Pauley, Richard Dreyfuss, Castille Langdon, Christopher Higgins, Mary Mara, Heather Robb, Lauren Sweetser, Justin Long, Paul Downs, Douglas Sills, and Nia Hills. Music videos: “Second Chance” by Shinedown, “Reverse Cowgirl” by T-Pain. Film and television: Paradise, FL and The Real Stephen Blatt.

 

VICTOR MEYRICH, he/him

FIFTY-THIRD SEASON (Production and Operations Director, Our Town, Grand Horizons, Great Leap) is a graduate of Carnegie Tech and has worked at New York Shakespeare Festival, Brandeis, University of California Institute of Repertory, APA, American Conservatory Theater, and again in New York. As the Director of Production & Operations, he is responsible for the overall technical operation of Asolo Rep and serves as consultant for the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. He has been a member of the Asolo Rep family since 1969. 

 

MELISSA A. NATHAN*, she/her

SECOND SEASON (Rehearsal Assistant Stage Manager, Our Town) is thrilled to be back at Asolo Rep, where she was previously an ASM on Bonnie & Clyde. Select credits include: Mamma Mia! (The Wick Theatre), Airline Highway and Gloria (Swine Palace/LSU), The Miracle Worker (Florida Rep), Buyer & Cellar (Triad Stage), The Winter’s Tale and What the Butler Saw (Theater at Monmouth), Because of Winn-Dixie and Beauty and the Beast (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Underneath the Lintel and Side By Side By Sondheim (Riverside Theatre). Proud member of AEA and the SMA. Dedicated to Anna Marie Doyle.

 

MATTHEW PARKER, he/him

TWENTY-NINTH SEASON (Sound Designer, Our Town) received his BFA in Theatre Production Design and Technology from Ohio University. He was the resident sound designer at Monomoy Theatre in 1990. He has worked sound and special effects at Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina on such shows as I Hate Hamlet, the world premiere of Gilligan’s Island: The Musical and others in the 1992 season. Since 1993, Matt has designed sound for most of Asolo Rep’s productions. In addition, he wrote and performed the musical scores for The Count of Monte Cristo and Nicholas Nickleby. Outside the theatre world he has designed and programed the show control system for Livingston's Amusements Bazooka Ball arena and produced Livestream expositions for the National Watercolor Society.

 

XAVIER PIERCE, he/him

FIRST SEASON (Lighting Designer, Our Town) Professional credits include: Public Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Guthrie Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, Long Wharf Theatre, Saint Louis Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, California Shakespeare Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, Indiana Rep, Arden Theatre, Playmakers Rep, Westport Country Playhouse, George Street Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, Two River Theatre Company, Olney Theatre Center, Intiman Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Florida Studio Theatre, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, Triad Stage, Charlotte Children’s Theatre, and Crossroads Theatre. Xavier is a graduate of New York University Tisch School of the Arts, MFA in Stage Design and Film. Xavier teaches design and theatrical entrepreneurship at Florida A&M University where he is on faculty. Special thanks to his alma mater, Florida A&M University.

 

CELINE ROSENTHAL, she/they

SIXTH SEASON (Associate Artistic Director; Resident Casting Director, Our Town; Director, Grand Horizons) is a Tony®-nominated producer and "Key" member of The Ring Of Keys. Celine has developed new work with Musical Theatre Factory, NYMF, Kidoons, Tamasha, and National Queer Theatre, as well as creating Asolo Rep’s premiere new work series, Asolo Rep: Ground Floor. At Asolo Rep Celine directed Camelot, We Need A Little Christmas, The Lifespan of a Fact, Midsummer Night's Dream, and The Tempest. Other Recent Projects: Trayf (New Rep), Drowning in Cairo (N.Q.T), A Doll’s House (Studio Theatre), Motherf***er with the Hat (FSU/Asolo Conservatory), the Award Winning Indie short film Wildflower. Celine is a New Georges affiliated artist, member of the 2018/19 MTC Directing Fellowship class, and was awarded an SDC Observership and Asolo Rep Directing Fellowship. Alumnus of CTI, BMI Lehman Engel Workshop, NYU Tisch (BFA), and The New School for Drama (MFA). celinerosenthal.nyc  

 

LOGAN GABRIELLE SCHULMAN, they/them

SECOND SEASON (Directing Fellow, Our Town) is a director, playwright, and designer. They’ve developed projects with the Chautauqua Institution (NY), the Annenberg Center at University of Pennsylvania (PA), Urbanite Theatre (FL), Walnut Street Theatre (PA), and Bread and Puppet Theatre (VT), among others. Recently, their play Make Thee an Ark (Selby Gardens) was featured on the 2020 Kilroys List. Their work has been supported by the Mellon Foundation, the Toronto Director’s Lab, and the Florida Humanities Council.

 

NIA SCIARRETTA*, she/her

TENTH SEASON (Production Stage Manager; Assistant Stage Manager, Our Town, Grand Horizons; Stage Manager, The Great Leap) Favorite Asolo Rep credits include stage manager for last year’s Terrace Stage season as well as for The Sound of Music, Into the Breeches, The Music Man, Sweeney Todd, Sweat, Shakespeare in Love, Roe, and assistant stage manager for Rhinoceros, Guys & Dolls, All the Way, South Pacific, and Hero: The Musical. Previous off-Broadway credits include work on Jesus Hopped the A Train, In the Blood, and The Wayside Motor Inn at the Signature Theatre. Nia has also worked with Creede Repertory Theatre, the Hangar Theatre, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, the Flea Theatre, and Penguin Rep.

 

JACQUELINE SINGLETON*, she/her

THIRD SEASON (Stage Manager, Our Town; Assistant Stage Manager, The Great Leap) At Asolo - ASM: Terrace Stage Season 2020, The Crucible; SM: Noises Off, A Doll's House, Part 2. She is a member of the Core Production staff at American Players Theatre (Spring Green, WI) for 20 seasons. Other stage management work includes Animal Farm at Milwaukee Repertory and Baltimore Center Stage; Outside Mullingar at the Clarence Brown Theater (Knoxville, TN); three seasons at Forward Theater (Madison, WI); seven seasons at Madison Repertory Theatre; and numerous theaters and shows in Chicago, including the Goodman Theatre, Writers' Theatre, and Next Theatre. 

 

CHRISTINE TSCHIRGI, she/her

FIRST SEASON (Costume Designer, Our Town) is a Seattle based Costume Designer for live performance. Credits include Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Bring Down the House, As You Like It; Pittsburg Public Theater: Pride and Prejudice; Baltimore Center Stage and A Contemporary Theatre: King of the Yees; Seattle Repertory Theatre: Constellations; A The Fifth Avenue Theatre: The Pirates of Penzance, Hello Dolly; upstart crow collective: Richard III, Bring Down the House; Seattle Children’s Theatre: Snow White, The Journal of Ben Uchida; Seattle Shakespeare Company: The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure; Azeotrope: Building the Wall, Sound, 25 Saints, Red Light Winter, Gruesome Playground Injuries; New Century Theatre Company: Bright Half Life; Degenerate Art Ensemble: The Red Shoes; Circus Contraption: The Show to End all Shows. ctschirgi.com

 

THORNTON WILDER

(Playwright, Our Town) was born in Madison, WI, and educated at Oberlin, Yale (BA 1920) and Princeton (MA 1925). He was an accomplished novelist and playwright whose works, exploring the connection between the commonplace and the cosmic dimensions of human experience, continue to be read and produced around the world. Wilder is the only writer to win Pulitzer Prizes for both fiction and drama - for his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1927) and two plays, Our Town (1938) and The Skin Of Our Teeth (1942). Wilder also enjoyed success as an essayist, translator, research scholar, teacher, lecturer, actor, librettist, and screenwriter. Wilder's many honors include the Gold Medal for Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Book Committee's Medal for Literature, The Order of Merit (Peru), Orden Pour le Mérite für Wissenschaften und Künste (Germany) and the Goethe-Plakette (Germany). Although often away from it as many as 200 days a year, restlessly seeking quiet places in which to write, Wilder always returned to "the house the Bridge built."

 

ALAN BRODIE REPRESENTATION

(Licensing, Our Town) is a literary agency whose clients are writers, writer/directors and composers working in theatre, film, television, and radio. The company was founded in 1996 and now consists of literary agents Alan Brodie and Victoria Williams, business affairs manager Ginny Sennett, and financial director Alison Lee. We are proud of our diverse list of unique talent who work across all aspects of the entertainment industry. While we have particular expertise in advising and representing significant literary estates, we are equally excited by working with newer writers who will become the voices of the next generation.

 

SIMON CASTING

(Chicago Casting, Our Town; The Great Leap) Regional credits include working with the Clarence Brown Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Guthrie Theatre, Indiana Rep, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Lyric Opera in Chicago, New Theatre, Kansas City Rep, Madison Rep, Milwaukee Rep, Paramount Theatre, Syracuse Stage, and Writers’ Theatre. Chicago theater credits: Broadway in Chicago’s Working; critically acclaimed The Doyle & Debbie Show; the Tony Award-winning Million Dollar Quartet; Show Boat, Carousel, and The King and I for the Lyric Opera; Old Jews Telling Jokes. TV: Empire, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Sense 8, Crisis, Betrayal, Detroit 1-8-7, Boss, Mob Doctor, Chicago Code. Recent film credits: Divergent, Contagion, Jupiter Ascending, Unexpected. Won the Artios Award for casting season one of Fox’s Prison Break.

 

 

*Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

 

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