Spring Dance Concert Program

Spring Dance Concert Program

NIU SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE PRESENTS

Spring Dance Concert

Black Box Theatre
April 24-27

Spring Dance Concert

Faculty Choreographers: Marc Macaranas, Michel Rodriguez Cintra, Sarita Smith Childs
Guest Choreographer: Vershawn Sanders-Ward
Scenic Designers: Dave Doherty, Alicia Margerum, David Mortenson
Costume Designers: Jeremy W. Floyd, Kylee Galarneau, Lori Hartenhoff, Ski Sciaraffa
Lighting Designers: Bridget Kearbey, Kev Kollman, Brandon Wardell, Ross Wheeler
Technical Director: Tracy Nunnally
Stage Manager: Hardy Louihis
Assistant Stage Manager: Gabby Koite

The show runs about 1-hour 15 minutes. There will be 1-3 minute pauses between pieces.

SHOW ORDER

SHOW ORDER

Love Letters to CHI-IL

Choreography: Vershawn Sanders Ward
Rehearsal Director: Chaniece Holmes
Music: Love Letter written by Dedrick Gray,  read by Avery R. Young
Yours by SG Lewis
My House (Acapella) by Fingers Inc.
N’fa Kafo (Boddhi Satva Ancestrumental Mix) by Hanna Haïs and Aminata Kouyaté
Lighting Design: Brandon Wardell, after original design by Jacob Snodgrass
Costume Design: Lori Hartenhoff, after original design by Fernando Hernandez
Performers: Taneya Ball, Millicent Collins, Teresa Dingman, Alice Duncan-Abushalback, Antonio Houston, Ava Martin, Thomas Readling, Kai White, Understudy: Athei Chagai

Love Letters to CHI-IL was created for Red Clay Dance Company and premiered on August 26, 2017 at Jay Pritzker Pavilion — Millennium Park, Chicago



Gut Feeling

Choreography: Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Rehearsal Director: Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Music: Dengue Dengue Dengue, Julius Eastman, Miki Gonzalez
Lighting Design: Ross Wheeler
Costume Design: Jeremy W. Floyd
Performers: Clara Coran, Catherine Cummings, Teresa Dingman, Monet’ Johnson, Talia Sigismondi, Lorelei Wesselowski, Kendall Woodberry

Choreographer Note:  Gut Feeling puts the performers in a world where something is “off”, they feel “watched”. They navigate feelings of pain, fear, and confusion, only to realize they have power in coming together.
— Michel Rodriguez Cintra



Humanity Interrupted (Part I)

Choreography: Sarita Smith Childs
Rehearsal Director: Shariah Wright
Music: Jordan Rakei; Subheim; The Cinematic Orchestra
Lighting Design: Kev Kollman
Costume Design: Kylee Galarneau
Performers: Clara Coran, Catherine Cummings, Ivan Flores Velasquez, Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia, Darius Murray, Aja Sanders, Kalin Schaefer, Naija Sherwood, Talia Sigismondi, Thomas Readling, Francesca Ryan, Kai White, Kendall Woodberry

Choreographer Note:  The 2025 creation of Humanity Interrupted was itself interrupted by the unexpected illness of choreographer Sarita Smith Childs. As such, Part 1 will be presented as an excerpt of the yet to be completed work.

Based upon the continued exploration of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, (December 10, 1948), Humanity Interrupted examines the current deconstruction of Article 1 seen in today’s world.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act toward one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Sarita would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication during this difficult time and SoTD Faculty and Administration for their extraordinary support to enable continuity for our students.
— Sarita Smith Childs



GLiTCH III: Cozy Ghost II: Receiver I

Choreography: Marc Macaranas
Rehearsal Director: Marc Macaranas
Music: Sondre Lerche and The Faces Down Quartet; Modeselektor; Chilly Gonzales; Mark Foster & Sven Faulconer
Lighting Design: Bridget Kearbey
Costume Design: Ski Sciaraffa
Set Design: Dave Doherty, Alicia Margerum, David Mortenson
Performers: Alyssa Altadonna, Taneya Ball, Millicent Collins, Alice Duncan-Abushalback, Antonio Houston, Ava Martin

Choreographer Note:

Receiver is the third work of the GLiTCH triptych and imagines a world in which consciousness is a community resource. Each iteration of this triptych is a meditation on community, uniformity, and the generosity of mutual support.
— Marc Macaranas

CAST BIOS

CAST BIOS

Alyssa Altadonna

Alyssa Altadonna

Alyssa Altadonna is a senior B.F.A dance performance major. Her performance credits include NIU SOTD’s Fall Dance Concert 2021, Spring Dance Concert 2022, Carmina Burana (2022), Spring Dance Concert 2023, Fall Dance Concert 2023, Spring Dance Concert 2024, Paquita (2024), and Spring Dance Concert 2025. Other performances (but not limited to) include La Bayadere, Nutcracker, Cinderella, and others. Alyssa is excited to graduate this may and see where the world will take her. She is currently looking to accept a position with Avant Chamber Ballet in Dallas, Texas to further her career.

Taneya Ball

Taneya Ball

Taneya Ball is a senior dance performance major at Northern Illinois University. She is performing in works choreographed by Vershawn Sanders-Ward of Red Clay Dance Company and Marc Macaranas this semester. Taneya began dancing at the age of three and trained at Panda Dance Studio in Oak Park. She continued her journey through praise dance with Progressive Life-Giving Word Cathedral and Yielded Vessels Dance Ministry. Her formal training includes Ailey Camp Chicago, the Chicago High School for the Arts, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Debbie Allen Dance Academy. She also participated in After School Matters programs like Forward Momentum, The Movement Within, and Rhythm Works. At NIU, Taneya continues to grow as a dancer, choreographer, and future entrepreneur. She is grateful to her professors, family, friends, and God for their unwavering support.

Milllicent Collins

Millicent Collins

Millicent Collins (she/her) is a senior BFA dance performance major and nonprofit and non-governmental studies minor at Northern Illinois University. She previously trained in the St. Louis metro area with Turning Pointe Academy of Dance, as a member of TourDance pre-professional company. Also during that time, she was a member of The Big Muddy Dance Company Student Elevate Project. Millicent has participated in summer intensives with COCA Saint Louis, The Big Muddy Dance Company, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Nashville Ballet, and DanceWorks Chicago. In 2024, she was co-director of Northern Dance Theater’s student-produced dance showcases.

Clara Coran

Clara Coran

Clara Coran (she/her) is excited to be a part of this year’s Spring Dance Concert. Clara is a B.F.A. dance performance major and before attending NIU she trained with Elise Flagg Academy of Dance, Ballet 5:8 Conservatory, and Beth Fowler School of Dance. She has also performed as a member of the Embody Dance Company in Geneva. She thanks you for coming and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Catherine Cummings

Catherine Cummings

Catherine Cummings is a freshman dance and political science major from Mankato, Minnesota. She began dance at the age of three and has trained with Ballet Blake and Mankato Ballet Company. Catherine is very excited for her second show at NIU and would like to thank her parents and family for their unwavering support! 

Teresa Dingman

Teresa Dingman

Teresa Dingman (she/her) is a first-year student at Northern Illinois University pursuing a B.F.A. dance performance major with a minor in mathematics. Before coming to NIU, Teresa danced at Chicago Ballet Arts’ pre-professional ballet program under the instruction of Maliwan Diemer, Patti Eylar, Leslie Saunders, Sarah Schafer, and Maan Almodovar. She has performed lead roles in Chicago Ballet Arts’ annual concerts as well as in collaboration with the Joffrey Ballet, Northwest Ballet Academy, See Chicago Dance, Evanston Symphony Orchestra, and the City of Evanston. This is Teresa’s second dance concert at NIU, and she is extremely grateful to be dancing alongside such talented peers and learning from the program’s esteemed instructors. Additionally, she would like to thank her parents and family for their enduring love and support throughout her entire dance journey.

Alice Duncan-Abushalback

Alice Duncan-Abushalback

Alice Duncan-Abushalback (she/her) is a junior B.F.A. dance major at NIU, having trained at Plainfield Dance Academy, Ballet 5:8, and Marymount Manhattan College. She’s attended ballet intensives including A&A Ballet, Master Ballet Academy, The Bolshoi Ballet, and The Rock Center for Dance. Notable roles include Cinderella (2022) and Emma/Clara in Beyond the Nutcracker (2020). She was named Top 24 at YAGP 2021 for her Giselle variation. Alice thanks her lifelong mentors, Altin Naska and Olena Nalyvaiko, her family for their support, and her fellow dancers for continued inspiration.  Follow her on Instagram at @aliceful_dance.

Ivan Flores

Ivan Flores

Ivan Flores is a junior B.F.A. dance major at NIU, freelance dancer/choreographer of Hispanic descent. In childhood, he started exploring art by participating in several school festivals and performances in Mexico City. At the age of 13, he moved to Illinois where he discovered his passion in self-taught choreography by creating dances for high school and quinceañera events. After attending his first dance-technique classes at College of Lake County, he decided to pursue dance as a full-time career. In 2013, he established LatinoXpressions (LTX), the first Latin dance studio in the Round Lake area. LTX’s focus is on Latin-inspired dance choreography for quinceañeras, weddings and community events. Ivan continues his dance passion by teaching Latin dance classes and workshops as well as choreographing for various events and dance concerts. He plans use his studies at NIU to expand on his artistic and pedagogic portfolio.

 

Antonio Houston

Antonio Houston

Antonio Houston (he/him) is a senior B.F.A. dance major at Northern Illinois University. Originally from Aurora, Illinois, he has received dance training from Von Heidecke, Ballet Chicago, Next Generation Ballet, Madd Rhythms, Chicago Tap Theatre and many local dance studios. His passion is for tap, but he also enjoys doing many different styles of conventional and nonconventional dance. Antonio is also a photographer and videographer, and uses his own understanding of movement to produce captivating images and videos, mainly in the dance environment. Since 2021, Antonio has shot spring and fall dance concerts. He has also done work for the Fox Valley Nutcracker and Precision Arts Dance Competition.

Monet' Johnson

Monet’ Johnson

Monet’ Johnson is a passionate dancer, and is a first-year B.F.A. dance major at Northern Illinois University. Her performance credits include Spring Dance Concert 2024 at NIU, and she is grateful to have been chosen as cast. Monet’ will also perform in two outstanding pieces for the NIU Student Choreography Showcase. Their creative focus blends exceptional technique with emotional and human connection. Monet’ is passionate about performing arts and hopes to join a program or more in the future. She is more than thankful for the chance to dance among such fabulous dancers performers, as well as a dedicated creative team to guide her. She thanks the faculty, her family, her friends, and moat importantly, her cohort for their unwavering support.

 

Ava Martin

Ava Martin

Ava Martin is an incoming fourth year illustration major and dance minor attending Northern Illinois University. She began her dance journey in Springfield, Illinois, training for the competition stage while also becoming certified to teach ballet, tap, jazz, and acro through the Southern Association of Dance Masters. At university, she has continued to refine her ballet, modern, and acro technique, as well as her choreography skills. After school she plans to continue her training with CLI Conservatory in South Hampton, Massachusetts and dreams of dancing for companies like Hubbard Street and the Nederlands Dans Theater along with her additional artistic endeavors.

 

Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia

Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia

Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia (she/her) is a first year B.F.A. dance performance major at NIU with plans to expand her journey as an artist with dance. Her performance credits include Vamos: A Latino Heritage Month Concert, Concert Culture Sharing, Art for Life (fall 2024), and the Fall Dance Concert 2024 at NIU. Not only is she a dancer but a proud actor and performer. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Darius Murray

Darius Murray

Darius Murray is from Chicago and is a 22-year-old dance major that currently attends Northern Illinois University. Darius began his journey on to dance at the age of three, performing at various functions as well as church with praise and worship dance. Darius began his professional dance career at ETA Creative Arts, located in Chicago, where he studied hip hop, modern, West African, and majorette dance. He graduated from the Chicago High School For the Arts where he studied various dance styles such as ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, African, Spanish, and hip hop dance. He received many awards, such as honor roll student in 2018 as well as the scholar artist of the year from 2019 to 2020. Darius’ dream in life is to open up his own dance studio and be a choreographer as well. He is also part of Delta Phi Delta Dance Fraternity, Inc.

 

Thomas Readling

Thomas Readling

Thomas Readling is a sophomore dance major and business innovation and entrepreneurship minor here at Northern Illinois University. He is dancing in Sarita Smith Child’s work and is also excited to be a part of this semester’s guest piece done by Vershawn from Red Clay. Before dancing at NIU, Thomas was involved at the Academy of Movement and Music where he got his ballet, Graham, and modern training. Thomas also danced for his high school company Orchesis and has had the opportunity to dance for Salt Creek Ballet and Dimensions Dance Academy. This past summer he did a weeklong summer dance intensive with Chicago Dance Works that showed him life as a professional dancer and he will continue to train for summers to come. He is excited to put his experience to use at the NIU School of Dance and see where it takes him next! This will his fourth faculty concert and he hopes everyone enjoys the show!

 

Francesca Ryan

Francesca Ryan

Francesca Ryan is a sophomore B.F.A. dance major here at NIU. She began dancing when she was three years old. She has a background training in various styles of dance, her favorite style being commercial jazz. Prior to dancing at NIU she trained at Studio 83 Dance Academy. She spent many years in the competition circle, earning awards for her dancing and performing abilities. In addition to competitions, she has performed in a variety of different shows. A few of her favorites include The Nutcracker, Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. Along with having a huge passion for dance, Francesca is also a screen actor. She is very thankful for the continual support of her family and friends throughout her journey.

 

Aja Sanders

Aja Sanders

Aja Sanders (she/her) is a second-year biological sciences major and a first-year dance performance minor at Northern Illinois University. This is her first dance concert with the program She will be performing in Sarita Smith Childs’ piece, Humanity Interrupted (Part I). Aja began dancing at Generation Dance Company in Joliet, Illinois where she explored the freedom of movement. Aja is very appreciative of the opportunity to work with such a talented cast, and crew, and thanks all of her mentors, past and present, family, and friends for their support.

Naija Sherwood

Naija Sherwood

Naija Sherwood is a first-year B.F.A. dance performance major and psychology minor from Chicago. She started dancing at the age of three and has now been dancing for 15 years. She started as a competition dancer for Lorraine Greys and other studios. She also trained at Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Hyde Park School of Dance, CMDC, and is a ChiArts alum. She thanks you for coming and hopes that you enjoy the show!

Kalin Schaefer

Kalin Schaefer

Kalin Schaefer (she/her) is a second-year elementary education major with a minor in dance performance at Northern Illinois University. This is Kalin’s first performance with the School of Theater and Dance, and she’s excited to share the stage with these other incredible dancers. She is passionate about dance education, having taught dance classes throughout high school and at her home studio over the summer. Kalin is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and director, and wants to thank her mentors, family, and friends for their unwavering support.

Talia Sigismondi

Talia Sigismondi

Talia Sigismondi is a junior B.F.A. dance major at NIU. Talia started dancing at the age of three at the Academy of Movement and Music in Oak Park, Illinois. Not long after, she joined the Momenta Dance Company, where she had the opportunity to perform ballet, contemporary, and the modern techniques of Doris Humphrey and Martha Graham. In 2019, Talia traveled to Cuba, where she trained at the Pro Danza Dance School and performed at Teatro Nacional De Cuba. This past summer, she participated in a six-week summer intensive with the Milwaukee Ballet. She also enjoys teaching ballet and sharing her love of dance with young students. Talia is thankful for all the support from friends, family, and the NIU dance faculty. She is very excited to dance in the upcoming dance concerts.

Lorelei Wesselowski

Lorelei Wesselowski

Lorelei Wesselowski (she/they) is a first-year B.F.A. actor and a dance minor and is thrilled to make her performance debut at NIU in this concert. Previously, she has trained with Danceworks MKE (in Milwaukee) and was a part of their youth performance company for five years. During her training in Milwaukee, Lorelei has also performed with Skylight Music Theater, First Stage, and Renaissance Theaterworks. She is so grateful for this opportunity to dance and thanks her instructors, family, and friends for their endless support.

Kyia White

Kai White

Kai White is a third-year B.F.A dance major at Northern Illinois University. He has been dancing since he was three years old. Kai has been in dance competitions and in hip-hop groups growing up. When he graduates college, he will continue dancing for himself, and for other celebrities in the future, but he will also be working on his music and acting in the future as well. He is incredibly grateful to be dancing along with very talented people, who he knows will do amazing things in the future as well.

 

Kendall Woodberry

Kendall Woodberry

Kendall Woodberry is a senior dance performance major, a Chicago native, and a graduate of Walter Payton College Prep who has been studying dance since the age of five. Matriculating at the Ruth Page Center of Performing Arts, her training included classical ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and Afro-Cuban. Kendall has performed in many productions throughout her years in dance and is looking forward to being involved in more in her time at NIU. She hopes you enjoy watching!

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

Vershawn Sanders-Ward, Choreographer is not just a director, choreographer and educator; she is an ARTIVIST, a visionary force reshaping the landscape of contemporary dance while driving social change. As the Founding Artistic Director and CEO of Red Clay Dance Company, Vershawn blends elements of African diasporic dance forms with modern techniques, crafting performances that are both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.
 
From a young age, Vershawn’s passion for movement and community empowerment propelled her into the world of dance. Under the guidance of renowned mentors and educators, she honed her skills, developing a unique artistic voice that fuses tradition with innovation. Through Red Clay Dance Company, she provides a platform for artists of diverse backgrounds to explore issues of identity, race, and social justice through dance.
 
Vershawn’s accolades speak volumes about her impact and influence. She holds an MFA in Dance from New York University and is the first recipient of a BFA in Dance from Columbia College Chicago. Her numerous awards include the inaugural Walder Foundation Platform Award, 2025 Chicagoan of the Year in Dancem 2025 Chicago Defender Woman of Excellence, Dance/USA Artist Fellowship, Dance /USA Leadership Fellowship, Chicago Dancemakers Forum Award, and being named a 3Arts awardee. She has received commissions from prestigious institutions like the ,  Northwestern University, Columbia College Chicago, and Loyola University showcasing her innovative choreography on both national and international stages.
 
A life-long learner, Vershawn is a candidate for Dunham Certification and currently serves on faculty at Loyola University of Chicago. Over the span of her educator journey she has facilitated masterclasses and residencies at Uganda National Cultural Center, L’Ecole Des Sables, New York University, Columbia College Chicago, Northern Illinois University, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, University of Texas-Austin, The Ohio State University, University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin, University of Chicago, and Knox College, to name a few.
 
But Vershawn’s contributions extend beyond her artistic endeavors as she serves on the Board of Trustees for Dance/USA. Her commitment to equity and inclusion in the arts has led her to spearhead numerous community engagement initiatives, providing dance education and mentorship to marginalized populations. Vershawn was selected as a Community Impact Fellow for the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago and a member of the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit for Emerging Global Leaders. She has had the pleasure of gracing the cover of the Chicago Reader and DEMO Magazine and has been selected four times for the Players 50: People Who Really Perform for Chicago, being inducted into the Players 50 Hall of Fame in 2023. 
 
Vershawn’s impact resonates globally, inspiring others to use their art for positive change. Through her unwavering commitment to excellence and social responsibility, she is not only reshaping contemporary dance but also leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. Keep an eye out for her recent feature in the PBS series The Expressway with Dule Hill,” where she discusses all things ARTIVISM.
Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Michel Rodriguez Cintra (he/him) Choreographer is an award-winning Cuban born dancer, actor, circus performer and educator. Rodriguez Cintra is currently a visiting assistant professor of dance at NIU with the School of Theater and Dance, and faculty at the Actors Gymnasium. He graduated from Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana. Upon graduation he was chosen to dance with Danza Contemporánea de Cuba where he became principal dancer and toured internationally. Since moving to Chicago, Rodriguez Cintra has danced with various companies including Hedwig Dances, Concert Dance Inc, Khecari, The Cambrians, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Michel later joins Lucky Plush Productions, a nationally recognized Chicago-based dance-theater company. His dance creations have been seen at Visceral Dance Chicago, Dancing in the Parks, Lit & Luz Live Festival, LatinX Chicago Arts Festival and The Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival. His work in theater includes the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival,  Physical Theater Festival Chicago, The Actors Gymnasium and Lookingglass Theater Company. On TV Michel was seen in Lookingglass Theater Company’s Lookingglass Alice, which was recorded, and aired nationally as a PBS Special. Other accolades are his inclusion in The Men of 2010 in Dance by Timeout Chicago, 3Arts Award in Dance, Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch 2014, and a Jeff Awards Nomination.
Sarita Smith Childs

Sarita Smith Childs (she/her) Choreographer is assistant professor in the School of Theatre and Dance. Sarita is a 2023 recipient of the 3Arts Chicago Award for Choreography and Teaching Artistry, a Ruth Page Awardee for Dance Performance and a Black Theatre Alliance Ira Aldridge Awardee for Best Performance in a Music or Dance Performance. A proud SAG member, she has appeared as a stunt artist and principal ballet dancer in Save the Last Dance, was a former soloist and rehearsal director for international choreographer Randy Duncan, and performed with Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre, Thodos Dance Chicago, Winifred Haun and Dancers, Cerqua Rivera Art Experiences and others.

Sarita is a former company class instructor for Giordano Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Inaside Dance Chicago, Joel Hall Dancers and Chicago Repertory ballet, and a guest teaching artist and choreographer for Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement. In addition to instructing at various studios in and school districts in Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee and Virginia. She served as an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University Barat College Conservatory of Dance and Loyola University Chicago.

Recent works have premiered on Visceral Dance Chicago, Grayscale Dance (Los Angeles), Chicago Blues Fest – Billy Branch, Winifred Haun and Dancers Third Coast Contemporary, and Inaside Dance Chicago.

Sarita is a USMC military spouse (ret.) and mother of two, she spends her free time volunteering for the arts and military and veteran causes. Sarita is Immediate past president of the board of directors of the Oak Park Area Arts Council, chair of the advisory board for Blue Star Families Chicagoland Chapter, board member of the Veteran Chamber of Commerce and advisory member of the Driehaus Museum Learning Committee and the Volunteer Executive Director and Founding Board Member of the Veterans Chamber of Commerce, NFP.

Alicia Margerum
Alicia Margerum (she/her) Scenic Designer is a third year M.F.A. student at Northern Illinois University. Some of her scenic design credits include Big Love, Witch, and Anonymous at Northern Illinois University as well as Red, Once on this Island, and All American Boys at Mississippi State University where she completed her undergraduate degree. She is thankful to have worked on this show with such an amazing team. 
Kylee Galarneau

Kylee Galarneau, Costume Designer is a first-year graduate student at NIU studying costume design and technology. She previously received her bachelor of theatre arts at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. When Kylee is not sewing, she can be found curled up at home with her cat, Purrogi. She is thrilled to work with this talented group of dancers! Previous design and technical credits include: Mean Girls (Costume Designer/CNS High School), Betrayal (Costume Designer/CNY Playhouse), Edgar in the Red Room (Costume Designer, Le Moyne College), Macbeth (Stitcher/Wardrobe Supervisor/Northern Illinois University), Holler River (Costume Designer/Northern Illinois University), and Anon(ymous) (Assistant Costume Designer/Northern Illinois University). This summer, Kylee will be stitching costumes at the Glimmerglass Festival back home in Cooperstown, NY. Find more of Kylee’s work on Instagram: @kyleereneedesign.

Ski Sciaraffa

Ski Sciaraffa (they/them) Costume Designer is a third-year M.F.A. costume and props design candidate. Credits include: costume designer for Anon(ymous); co-costume designer for Macbeth (NIU); props designer for Witch (NIU), A Midsummer Nights Dream (NIU), The Drowsy Chaperone (SPD); costume craftsperson for The Three Musketeers (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks) and She Kills Monsters (NIU); stitcher for Booked and Blessed…OR BUST! (NIU) and The Children’s Hour (NIU); costume designer for The Actor’s Garden’s productions of Becky Thatcher, Off to Olympus, Just So, and Pots & Pan. They are so excited for people to see the third iteration of Marc’s Glitch series and all the hard work put into it and the whole dance concert by all of their fellow costume designers as well as all the other designers, dancers, and choreographers.

Bridget Kearby

Bridget Kearby (she/her) Lighting Designer is from Aurora, Illinois. Bridget is typically found backstage, but she is so excited to be working behind the design table for this production. Bridget is a first year M.F.A at NIU. She has a B.A in musical theatre from Aurora University. Bridget scenic designed Prowess earlier this year. Other credits include- 

Stage Management: Million Dollar Quartet (Paramount Theatre), Mean Girls Jr. (Paramount PSA), The Music Man in Concert, A Christmas Carol, Xanadu (Metropolis PAC), 

Backstage Crew Credits: School of Rock (Paramount Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Paramount Theatre) 9 to 5 (Metropolis PAC) Crew Swing – Frozen, Peter and the Starcatcher (Paramount Theatre), 1776 (Mariott Theatre) Ain’t Misbehavin’, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof (Drury Lane). 

IG: @bridgetnkearbey

Kev Kollman

Kev Kollmann (he/him) Lighting Designer is an M.F.A. student in lighting design at Northern Illinois University. He received his B.A. in theater from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh focusing on directing and stage management. Since his graduation he has turned his attention to the design aspects of the entertainment industry. Kev is an active advocate for folks of marginalized communities especially within the disabled community.  He uses the artistic capabilities of design and his real life experiences as a disabled person to help create a more equitable theatrical experience. Kev’s most previous works have been: Anon(ymous) as the lighting designer at NIU and also the lighting designer for the NATEAC (North American Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference) Conference in New York City. For more information and to contact Kev please visit his website at kevkollmanndesigns.com 

Hardy Louihis (300)
Hardy Louihis, Stage Manager, is a third-year M.F.A. Acting student at Northern Illinois University. This is his first production as a stage manager at NIU. He would like to thank all the choreographers and dancers for being so accommodating and flexible, the crew for being amazing and thoughtful. His friends and family for their constant love and support.
Gabby Koite
Gabby Koite (she/her) Assistant Stage Manager is currently in her freshman year as a first-generation college student at NIU. This is her first time stage managing and her first experience working in theater at the college level.  She is honored and excited to be working with such a talented team and would like to express gratitude to everyone who has supported her along the way. Gabby also extends her heartfelt thanks to her mom, brother, Mr. Hardy, and friends for their love and encouragement!

PRODUCTION STAFF

PRODUCTION STAFF

Scenery

Scenic Coordinator – Sahin Sahingolu
Scene Shop Supervisor – Adam Rager
Scene Shop Graduate Employees – Emery Foster and Bridget Kearbey
Scene Shop Undergraduate Employees – Jade Doherty, Mike Kozel, David Mortenson, Sasha Norman, 
Student Technicians – THEA 295 students
Run Crew – David Alvarado, Nick Ivanoff, King Johnson, Alyssa Ramirez

Costumes

Costume Design Advisor – Jeremy W. Floyd
Costume Director – Lori Hartenhoff
Costume Shop Supervisor – Elizabeth Forbes
Costume Shop Graduate Employees – Ski Sciaraffa and Kylee Galarneau
Costume Shop Employees – Alyssa Altadonna, Emily Christianson, Lexi Foelker, B. Leni,  Natalie Shank
Costume Shop 395 Students
Student Technicians
– THEA 210, 235, and 295 Students
Wardrobe Crew – Rose Jimenez, Summer McDonald, Dion Morris, Tikia Yehudah

Lighting

Lighting Design Advisor – Brandon Wardell
Resident Head Electrician – Chris Kurszewski
Lighting Shop Graduate Assistant – Ross Wheeler
Lighting Shop Employees – Logan Bryant, Conall Doherty, Kateri Pfeiffer
Student Electricians – Reece Deidrick, Max Garcia, Megumi Goto, Kateri Pfeiffer, Gunner Wright, and THEA 210 students
Light Board Operator – Brianne Jankowski
Sound Board Operator – Sebastian Vega

Properties

Properties Director – Dave Doherty
Properties Graduate Assistants – Alicia Margerum, Ski Sciaraffa
Properties Shop Employees – David Mortenson, Sasha Norman, Elizabeth Nowak
Properties Shop 295/395 Students – Gemma Baines, Maggie Kanapilly, Derrick Longstreet, David Mortenson
Properties Crew – Antonio Horn

Production Management

Technical Direction Advisor – Tracy Nunnally
House Management Supervisor – Cornelia Reed

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

Richard Arnold (Emeritus)
S. Alan Chelser (Emeritus)
Judith Chitwood (Emerita)
Gibson Cima
Roxanna Conner
Stanton Davis
Frankie DiCiaccio
David Doherty
Lila H. Dole (Emerita)
Jasmine Eleazar
Jeremy W. Floyd
Paula Frasz (Emerita)
Elizabeth Galba
Kent Gallagher (Emeritus)
Kathryn Gately (Emerita)
Alexander Gelman
Richard Grund
Hannah Hammel
Lori Hartenhoff
Jennifer Ingle-Grund
Paul Kassel
Chris Kurszewski
Paige Larkowski
Marc Macaranas
Bethany Mangum-Oles
Kay Martinovich
Terrence McClellan (Emeritus)
Angela A. Miller
Randall Newsom (Emeritus)
Tracy Nunnally
Richard Poole (Emeritus)
Adam Rager
Patricia Ridge (Emerita)
Deborah Robertson (Emerita)
Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Sahin Sahinoglu
Stephanie Sailer
Robert Schneider (Emeritus)
Sarita Smith Childs
Brandon Wardell

Tickets

Tickets for Theatre and Dance productions are available online only. There are prices for adults, seniors, faculty and staff, and non-NIU students. NIU students are admitted free of charge to all performances with pre-reserved tickets. Most recitals are not ticketed.

Upcoming Events

The NIU College of Visual and Performing arts puts on more than 200 live performances and exhibitions every year. See what’s coming up next in the School of Music, School of Art and Design, School of Theatre and Dance and the NIU Art Museum.

Anon(ymous) Program

Anon(ymous) Program

NIU SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE PRESENTS

Anon(ymous)

by Naomi Iizuka
Black Box Theatre
March 28-30, April 3-5

Anon(ymous)

Director – Miranda Gonzalez
Assistant Directors – Chance Lira and Jalen Presley
Scenic Designer – Alicia Margerum
Assistant Scenic Designer – Mike Kozel
Costume Designer – Ski Sciaraffa
Assistant Costume Designer – Kylee Galarneau
Lighting Designer – Kev Kollmann
Sound Designer – Chance M. Lira
Technical Director – Emery Foster
Properties Designers – Elizabeth Nowak and Kayleena Lopez
Intimacy Choreographer –  Bethany Mangum-Oles
Automation Designer – Tracy Nunnally
Fight Choreographers – J Cody Hunt and Stanton Davis
Stage Manager – Jessie Ferreira
Assistant Stage Manager – Gabriel Ford

This show is approximately 90 minutes and has no intermission.

Warning: This show utilizes haze and fog effects.

CAST

CAST

Anon – Antonio Horn
Nemasani/Chorus – Sania Henry
Mr. Mackus/Pascal/Chorus – Sebastian Vega Barrios
Senator Laius/Mr. Zyclo/Nice American Father/Ensemble – David Mortenson
Helen Laius/Bird/Serza/Refugee/Chorus – Natalie Shank
Calista/Ritu/Chorus – Serenity Deida
Naja – Haley Johnson
Ali/Ignacio/Chorus – Ryn Aston
Nasreen/Belen/Chorus – Nya Warner

CAST BIOS

CAST BIOS

Antonio Horn

Antonio Horn (Anon)

Antonio Horn (he/him)  is a third-year B.F.A. acting candidate. This is his fourth stage play production. His previous highlights come from playing Francis Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and playing various roles in Anxious People! by Carol Lee, and Machinal by Sophie Treadwell, all at Northern Illinois University. He is loving every step on this path that God is setting for him.

“Lord, I thank you.”

Sania Henry

Sania Henry (Nemasani/Chorus)

Sania Henry is a third-year B.F.A. acting candidate at Nothern Illinois University. She is serving as co-fight captain for this production, and recently had the opportunity to assistant stage manage for Macbeth. She would like to thank her hometown, friends, and family near and far for instilling the faith and trust needed to tell this story. She thanks God for the blessing that is this education and the support of her cohort to see it through.

 

Sebastian Vega Barrios

Sebastian Vega Barrios (Mr. Mackus/Pascal/Chorus)

Sebastian Vega Barrios (he/him/his) is originally from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. He is a sophomore, and this is his second performance at NIU. He is incredibly grateful for the opportunity that he has gotten to be part of such a wonderful production. This is an experience that I’ll cherish forever. I thank my parents for being my biggest supporters and I thank all family and friends who have supported me along the way in this process.

 

 

David Mortenson

David Mortenson (Senator Laius/Mr. Zyclo/Nice American Father/Ensemble)

David Mortenson is a senior dual major B.A. in history and theatre studies, and this is his third show at NIU. Previously he was Plotnik in Booked and Blessed…or BUST! and Duncan/Porter/Seyton in Macbeth. His time in the theatre department at NIU SOTD has had him doing everything from working backstage, building sets/props, and performing. The wide variety of experiences has been an incredible chance to explore the many different aspects of theatrical production. This production in particular has challenged him into new perspectives on performance and pushed him out of his comfort zone. 

Natalie Shank

Natalie Shank (Helen/Bird/Serza/Refugee/Chorus)

Natalie Shank is a second year B.F.A. major and English minor. Natalie played a news reporter, singer, and jailer in Machinal, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Glenda in The Wizard of Oz, and has performed in New York City at Carnegie Hall. With her associate of arts degree already completed, she can focus completely on her craft and grow further. Natalie thanks everyone for seeing the show and cannot wait to perform in the shows to come.

 

Serenity Deida

Serenity Deida (Calista/Ritu/Chorus)

Serenity Deida (she/her) is a second-year B.F.A. acting major at NIU. This is her second play at NIU. Previously, she was a part of Macbeth as Donalbain/MacDuff Son. She would like to thank her family and friends for constantly supporting her. She would also like to thank the cast, crew, and director of Anon(ymous) for this experience and working so hard to make this play great. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!

 

Haley Johnson

Haley Johnson (Naja)

Haley Johnson is a second-year B.F.A. acting candidate at the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Her other credits include NIU’s production of Machinal, Love/Sick, A Christmas Story, and the musical TV series Act Of Faith. She would like to thank her friends and family for the love and support!

Ryn Aston

Ryn Aston (Ali/Ignacio/Chorus)

Ryn Aston (they/them) is a third-year B.F.A. acting candidate. They were previously in NIU’s productions of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, as Mother Georgia, Booked and Blessed…or BUST!, as Goolsby, and Mary Stuart as Paulet and Melvil. They would like to thank their cohort for their support. Hope you enjoy the show!

Nya Warner

Nya Warner (Nasreen/Belen/Chorus)

Nya Warner is a B.F.A. acting major year two. I’ve enjoyed the experience of taking theatre classes throughout high school, student film projects, and my first understudy role in Chicago! I had the pleasure of being a part of Macbeth last semester and I look forward to the future productions to come!

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

Miranda Gonzalez, Director was born and raised in the city of Chicago, is a writer, director, producer and the artistic director for UrbanTheater Company (UTC) in Humboldt Park. In 2020, she was invited to record a TEDx talk  “The Fear of Decolonization.” With a deep history in ensemble practice, she was a founding member of Teatro Luna and has devised and developed plays since 2000. Recently selected to participate in Disney’s Live Entertainment (DLE) 2024 Creative Intensive, Miranda was able to collaboratively present new storytelling concepts world-wide. Her last play Back In The Day: an 80’s House Music Dancesical had its World Premier at UrbanTheater Company in 2019. Her current play Mascogos, an Imaginistas cohort, will have its world premiere in October 2025 at The Latino Theater Company in the Los Angeles Theatre Center. Directing, writing, and script development credits include; Evolution of a Sonero by Flaco Navaja, Remote Learning Curve by Albany Park Theater Ensemble, Thank You for Coming. Take Care by Stacey Rose at Court Theatre, Ashes of Light by Marco Antonio Rodriguez, La Gringa by Carmen Rivera; Teatro Luna Productions S-E-X-Oh!, Lunaticas, Crossed, GL 2010, The North/South Plays a workshop at DCASE; F.O.P and Crime Scene Chicago with Collaboraction; and Melissa DuPrey’s Sushi-Frito at Free Street Theater. She is also an executive producer for the web series 50 Blind Dates with Melissa DuPrey and has written for web series Ruby’s World Yo created by Marilyn Camacho. She is the recipient of the Leaders for a New Chicago Award3Arts Award and the International Centre for Women Playwrights 50/50 Award. Visit https://linktr.ee/chiblaxican if you’d like to learn more!

Chance M. Lira, Assistant Director/Sound Designer is a senior B.A. in theatre studies at the NIU School of Theatre and Dance and is honored to be given the opportunity to curate an immersive soundscape for such a talented group of artists and you the audience.  Past productions here at NIU include Twelfth Night, Rage Play, and Holler River.  Also at NIU he has founded the 72-Hour Film Festival, written and directed two short films, and has worked on several B.F.A. reels under the guidance of Alexander Gelman. Thank you NIU SOTD and Miranda Gonzalez for allowing me the opportunity for my first professional job as a sound designer and giving me the chance (no pun intended) to be mentored by a true visionary. 

Mike Kozel, Assistant Scenic Designer is a third-year design and technology student with an emphasis in lighting and scenic. NIU shows include Carmina Burana, Life is a Dream, Anxious People!, Booked Blessed or…BUST!, Macbeth, and Prowess. This show is my first time scenic designing here at NIU.

Ski Sciaraffa (they/them) Costume Designer is a third-year M.F.A. costume and props design candidate. They are excited to debut their first solo costume designs at NIU. Credits include co-costume designer for Macbeth (NIU); props designer for Witch (NIU), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (NIU), The Drowsy Chaperone (SPD); costume craftsperson for The Three Musketeers (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks) and She Kills Monsters (NIU); stitcher for Booked and Blessed…OR BUST! (NIU) and The Children’s Hour (NIU); costume designer for The Actor’s Garden’s productions of Becky Thatcher, Off to Olympus, Just So, and Pots & Pan. They would like to thank their family, friends, professors, and colleagues for their immense love and support. 

Kylee Galarneau, Assistant Costume Designer is a first-year graduate student at NIU studying costume design and technology. She previously studied theatre arts at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. When Kylee is not sewing, she can be found curled up at home with her cat, Purrogi. She is thrilled to be a part of telling this story alongside such a talented crew. Previous design credits include: Godspell (assistant costume designer/Le Moyne College), Antigone (costume designer/Le Moyne College), Mean Girls (costume designer/CNS High School), Betrayal (costume designer/CNY Playhouse), Edgar in the Red Room (costume designer, Le Moyne College/Montréal Fringe Festival) and Holler River (costume designer/Northern Illinois University). Find more of Kylee’s work on Instagram: @kylee.r.costumes

Kev Kollmann (he/him) Lighting Designer is an M.F.A. student in lighting design at Northern Illinois University. He received his B.A. in theater from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh focusing on directing and stage management. Since his graduation he has turned his attention to the design aspects of the entertainment industry. Kev is an active advocate for folks of marginalized communities especially within the disabled community.  He uses the artistic capabilities of design and his real life experiences as a disabled person to help create a more equitable theatrical experience. Kev’s most previous works have been: Machinal as the lighting designer at NIU and also the lighting designer for the NATEAC (North American Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference) Conference in New York City. For more information and to contact Kev please visit his website at kevkollmanndesigns.com 

Emery Foster, (they/them) Technical Director is a first-year M.F.A. technical direction student at Northern Illinois University. They received their B.A. at Southeastern Louisiana University in visual art with a concentration in scenic design. New to NIU and Illinois, their previous professional credits include being a freelance scenic designer and fabricating activations at festivals in the New Orleans area as well as being the technical director for the music department at their alma mater.

Since moving to DeKalb, Emery has enjoyed working at the Egyptian Theatre, as a contract technical director with Elgin Community College, and is excited to join Upstaging Inc. this summer.

Thanks to the production team of Anon(ymous) for their kindness and patience as Emery technical directs their first NIU SOTD main stage theatrical show!

Elizabeth Nowak (they/them/theirs) Curator and Co-props Lead Is a second-year theatre studies and anthropology double major. Their passions include dramaturgy, museum curation, creating props and conducting research. Credits include dramaturgy for NIU’s fall 2024 production of Macbeth, dramaturgy and exhibit curation for NIU’s spring 2024 production of Witch and flight crew for NIU’s fall 2023 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Their research project, “Stronger Storytelling with Museums and Theatre” examines the impact temporary exhibits have on the audience’s experience of a theatrical production. Elizabeth invites you to view the temporary exhibit in the lobby and take the survey. 

Kayleena Lopez (she/her) Co-Props Lead is currently in her first year as a B.F.A. theatre arts design and technology student here at NIU. This is her first time designing props at the college level. Kayleena is a recent graduate of Harlem High School where she has been the props master among other things on or behind stage duties since her sophomore year of high school.  Her previous credits include being props master for the musicals and plays, All Shook Up, Xanadu, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Christmas Carol, and Trap. Last semester was her first performance, when she was sound operator for Macbeth.

She is fulfilled to be the first out of her family to attend college and is trying to make her family proud! She would also like to express her gratitude for working on this show with such an amazing team and friends who encouraged her to do more. Kayleena would also like to give her deepest thanks to her mother Linda Ort, younger brother Crisantos Lopez II, and grandparents Bob and Brenda Baxter for believing in her. Along with them, her father Crisantos Lopez, and great grandmother Willie Johnson, even though they aren’t here anymore they will always brighten her nights with the other stars in the night sky. Kayleena hopes you enjoy the show because she loved working on it! 

J Cody Hunt, Fight Choreographer is pursuing an M.F.A. in acting at NIU School of Theatre and Dance and is honored to advise such a talented group of artists in creating compelling physical stories onstage. 

Cody was trained in the skills of unarmed stage combat, knife, rapier and dagger, and broadsword by SAFD Fight Director Ted Sharron, SAFD Fight Master J. Allen Suddeth, and Jake Guinn. Cody was trained in stunt falls by Hollywood stuntman Mark Dirkse. 

You might have seen Cody’s fight choreography on the NIU stage in these productions: Prowess, Macbeth, Witch, Booked and Blessed…OR BUST!, Anxious People, Rage Play, and Big Love

His professional fight direction credits include On An Average Day (Kane Repertory Theatre), Jesus, Miracle of Christmas, Samson (Sight and Sound Theatres), Grease (Cedartown Performing Arts Center), Th’ Burning (Alys Stevens Theatre), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Piedmont High School), and Anastasia (Oneonta High School). 

Thank you to NIU SOTD and Miranda Gonzalez for allowing me to be a part of this amazing production and to Elena, Emerson, and Ezra for your undying love and support! 

Jessica Ferreira, Stage Manager is happy to be returning to the School of Theatre and Dance at Northern Illinois University for this show. She graduated from NIU with a bachelor of fine arts degree with an emphasis in stage management. Several of her previous stage managing credits include: The Language Archive, She Kills Monsters, Anxious People, and Mary Stuart. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Miranda, and we hope you enjoy the show! She’d also like to thank her family for their never ending support, her dad for all the late night phone calls on her drive home, and her partner for keeping her sane. 

Gabriel Ford (he/she/they) Assistant Stage Manager is studying for a B.F.A. in design technology. Within that degree, they are studying a wide variety of classes to build up as versatile a skillset as they can. Prior to Anon(ymous), they worked as an assistant stage manager on Mary Stuart at NIU. Non-ASM roles they have held in the past include Macbeth (costume shop worker, NIU), Spring Dance 2024 (costume crew, NIU) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (run crew, NIU). Gabriel is thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with everyone on this production! 

PRODUCTION STAFF

PRODUCTION STAFF

Scenery

Scenic Coordinator – Sahin Sahinoglu
Scene Shop Supervisor – Adam Rager
Scene Shop Graduate Employees – Emery Foster and Bridget Kearbey
Scene Shop Undergraduate Employees – David Mortenson, Mike Kozel, Sasha Norman, Jade Doherty
Student Technicians – THEA 295 Students
Run Crew – Lillithe Buttron, Kadi Knapp, Aaliyah LaSure, Kyan Muhammad, Kaja Pursara, Reese Rodriguez, Lorelei Wesselowski

Costumes

Costume Design Advisor – Jeremy W. Floyd
Costume Director – Lori Hartenhoff
Costume Shop Supervisor – Elizabeth Galba
Costume Shop Graduate Employees – Ski Sciaraffa, Kylee Galarneau
Costume Shop Employees – B. Leni, Alyssa Altadonna, Natalie Shank, Lexi Foelker, Emily Christianson
Costume Shop 395 Students
Student Technicians – THEA 210, 235, and 295 Students
Costume Crew – Lexi Foelkner (supervisor), Jay Gonzalez, Jamel Hill, Dion Morris, Tavaris Powell, Marco Scott, Angi Sifuentes, Zach Zimmerman

Lighting

Lighting Design Advisor – Brandon Wardell
Resident Head Electrician – Chris Kurszewski
Lighting Shop Graduate Assistants – Ross Wheeler, Bridget Kearbey
Lighting Shop Employees – Logan Bryant, Conall Doherty, Kateri Pfeiffer
Student Electricians – Reece Deidrick, Max Garcia, Megumi Goto, Kateri Pfeiffer, Gunner Wright and THEA 210 students
Light Board Operator – Jamie Mendez
Sound Board Operator – Abby Lamoreaux

Properties

Properties Director – Dave Doherty
Properties Graduate Assistants – Alicia Margerum, Ski Sciaraffa
Properties Shop Employees – Elizabeth Nowak, Sasha Norman, David Mortenson
Properties Shop 295/395 Students – Danisha Gilmore, Blake Jablonski, Sonya Dunn, Nina Kasman

Production Management

Technical Direction Advisor – Tracy Nunnally
Stage Management Advisor – Angela A. Miller
House Management Supervisor – Cornelia Reed

SPECIAL THANKS

SPECIAL THANKS

Special thanks to Vertigo and Alberto Cornejo. 

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

Richard Arnold (Emeritus)
S. Alan Chelser (Emeritus)
Judith Chitwood (Emerita)
Gibson Cima
Roxanna Conner
Stanton Davis
Frankie DiCiaccio
David Doherty
Lila H. Dole (Emerita)
Jasmine Eleazar
Jeremy W. Floyd
Paula Frasz (Emerita)
Elizabeth Galba
Kent Gallagher (Emeritus)
Kathryn Gately (Emerita)
Alexander Gelman
Richard Grund
Hannah Hammel
Lori Hartenhoff
Jennifer Ingle-Grund
Paul Kassel
Chris Kurszewski
Paige Larkowski
Marc Macaranas
Bethany Mangum-Oles
Kay Martinovich
Terrence McClellan (Emeritus)
Angela A. Miller
Randall Newsom (Emeritus)
Tracy Nunnally
Richard Poole (Emeritus)
Adam Rager
Patricia Ridge (Emerita)
Deborah Robertson (Emerita)
Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Sahin Sahinoglu
Stephanie Sailer
Robert Schneider (Emeritus)
Sarita Smith Childs
Brandon Wardell

Tickets

Tickets for Theatre and Dance productions are available online only. There are prices for adults, seniors, faculty and staff, and non-NIU students. NIU students are admitted free of charge to all performances with pre-reserved tickets. Most recitals are not ticketed.

Upcoming Events

The NIU College of Visual and Performing arts puts on more than 200 live performances and exhibitions every year. See what’s coming up next in the School of Music, School of Art and Design, School of Theatre and Dance and the NIU Art Museum.

Prowess Program

Prowess Program

NIU SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE PRESENTS

Prowess

by Ike Holter
Sally Stevens Players Theatre
February 28-March 2, March 5-7

Prowess

Director: Roxanna Conner
Assistant Director: Jahan Pierre
Scenic Designers: Bridget Kearbey and Nina Kasman
Costume Designer: Jeremy W. Floyd
Assistant Costume Designer: Danisha Gilmore
Lighting Designer: Brandon Wardell
Associate Lighting Designer: Mike Kozel
Technical Director: Tracy Nunnally
Assistant Technical Director: Kateri Pfeiffer
Properties Designer: Sasha Norman
Intimacy Choreographer: Jyerika Guest
Fight Choreographer: J. Cody Hunt
Stage Manager: Madie Barnas
Assistant Stage Manager: Sasha Norman

This show is approximately two hours and has a ten minute intermission.

Content warning: This performance includes homophobic and racial slurs, and the sound of gunshots.

CAST

CAST

Jax – David Alvarado
Zora – Jaylin Turner
Marc – Hardy Louihis
Andy – Skylar Thompson

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Communities like the fictional 51st ward (aka Rightlynd) of Prowess are complex ecosystems. While breaking news reports focus on the violence in marginalized communities such as Austin, Englewood/Inglewood, Compton, the Bronx, what often goes unexamined are the systemic failures that play a pivotal role in the climate. And it’s easy to ignore those issues when you aren’t personally affected, when it’s “Not your neighborhood.” Headlines rarely highlight the joy, love and perseverance of community gardens, churches and mosques, pick-up basketball games, double-dutch, bucket boys, elotes, tamales, mild sauce, and more. These are the neighborhoods that created the blues, jazz, and hip-hop and they continue to create the artistic work that becomes pop culture. And, the residents are just as layered as their surroundings.

Prowess is the story of four people with their own personal stories, coming together to form a collective with one goal–fight back. Along the way, these roustabouts find themselves as they strip away their own layers, build friendships, and band together to preserve a community that has been abandoned by the rest of the city. Yet, there is a fine line between hero and vigilante. And as they fight back, the violence engulfs them.

It has been a pleasure to work on this play, by Ike Holter, a playwright I know and respect, with these artists and practitioners. I encourage you to read his other plays including Rightlynd, Exit Strategy, and Lottery Day all set in this same fictional Chicago community.

Welcome to the 51st ward.

CAST BIOS

CAST BIOS

David JC Alvarado

David JC Alvarado (Jax)

David JC Alvarado is a third-year B.F.A. acting candidate from Elgin, Illinois. He was last seen as Sir William Davison in NIU’s production of Mary Stuart directed by Bethany Mangum-Oles. He wants to thank both his family and friends for their unwavering support. Enjoy the show!

Instagram:@Damniitdavid 

Jaylin Turner

Jaylin Turner (Zora)

Jaylin Turner is a third-year B.F.A. student, is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share her art with others and eagerly anticipates the future ahead. She extends heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and cast mates for their unwavering support and camaraderie throughout this journey.

Hardy Louihis

Hardy Louihis (Mark)

Hardy Louihis is a third-year M.F.A. acting candidate at Northern Illinois University. Hardy received his bachelor of arts in theatre from the Metropolitan State University of Denver. He was in the NIU productions of In A Word (Guy), directed by Kay Martinovich, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberon), directed by Melanie Keller, Witch (Scratch), directed by Kendra Holton and Mary Stuart (Lord Burleigh), directed by Bethany Mangum-Oles. He is so happy and grateful to have the opportunity to work with the ensemble and crew of Prowess. He is also thankful to have the support and love of his family and friends.

Skylar Thompson

Skylar Thompson (Andy)

Skylar Thompson (he/him) is a sophomore acting major. Prowess marks his second NIU show after being in Machinal in the fall. He wishes to thank all the people in his life who have supported him and helped him grow into the performer he is today. To his family, friends, and girlfriend- he could not have made it here without you.

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

Roxanna Conner (she/her) Director is making her directorial debut at NIU. Her directing credits include Voices of Tomorrow, Victory Gardens Theater; Empathy, CLIMB Theatre; assistant director for How I Learned What I Learned and The Nativity Tribute (Congo Square Theatre), CPS Shakespeare: Macbeth and CPS Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre). She was co-producer on the development workshops for Pulitzer Prize winning Primary Trust. Other notable producing work includes Mexodus, Ignite Chicago, cullud wattah, and the Regional Emmy nominated Where Did We Sit on the Bus? at Victory Gardens Theater.

She has also worked as an arts educator and theater administrator at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (UIUC), Mixed Blood Theatre, Crossroads Theatre, and New Freedom Theatre. She has led masterclasses and workshops on Shakespeare, August Wilson, and Devised Theatre for Chicago Public Schools, Chicago State University, DePaul University, and most recently at the Antalya International Theatre Festival (Antalya, Türkiye).

Roxanna is the director of the School of Theatre and Dance.

Jahan Pierre (she/her/hers) Assistant Director is honored to serve on Prowess marking a meaningful chapter in her artistic journey. As a senior earning her bachelor of arts in theater studies. She has dedicated her years at NIU to exploring the many facets of storytelling, from acting and directing to lighting and costume design. Jahan has been an integral part of the NIU ensemble, using theater as a vessel to challenge perspectives and leave audiences with thought-provoking experiences. She believes in the power of performance to ignite change, evoke emotion, and offer new interpretations of life.

Guided by the words of James Baldwin, “Artists are here to disturb the peace.”—Jahan embraces theater as a means of disruption, reflection, and truth. As she prepares for the next chapter of her career, she hopes her contributions leave a lasting impact on NIU’s artistic legacy.

Bridget Kearbey (she/her) Scenic Designer from Aurora, Illinois, Bridget is typically found backstage, but she is so excited to be working behind the design table for this production. Bridget is a first year M.F.A. at NIU. She has a B.A in musical theatre from Aurora University.

Stage Management: Million Dollar Quartet (Paramount Theatre), Mean Girls Jr. (Paramount PSA), The Music Man in Concert, A Christmas Carol, Xanadu (Metropolis PAC),

Backstage Crew Credits: School of Rock (Paramount Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Paramount Theatre) 9 to 5 (Metropolis PAC) Crew Swing – Frozen, Peter and the Starcatcher (Paramount Theatre), 1776 (Mariott Theatre) Ain’t Misbehavin’, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof (Drury Lane).

IG:@bridgetnkearbey 

Nina Kasman (she/they) Scenic Designer, Charge Scenic Artist is excited for her first actualized production as a designer. She’s in her last semester at NIU as a B.F.A. design and technology and B.S. mechanical engineering student.

Brandon Wardell, Lighting Designer is a lighting and scenic designer based in Chicago.  He is a member of the Steep Theatre Ensemble and professor of lighting design at NIU.  Recent designs include Two Trains Running (Court); A Case for The Existence of God (Steep); The Lifespan of a Fact and Trouble In Mind (TimeLine); A Number (Writers); Blues in the Night (Porchlight); Solaris and Men Should Weep (Griffin); and An Act of God (Paramount).

Mike Kozel, Associate Lighting Designer is a third-year design technology major here at NIU. Other School of Theatre and Dance shows include Carmina Burana, Anxious People, and Macbeth.

Tracy Nunnally, Technical Director  is head of the Design and Technology Area at the Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance; the owner, president, and system designer at Vertigo™.  He is an ETCP Certified Rigger, Recognized Trainer, and Recognized Employer; an OSHA certified trainer for Lift Trucks and MEWPs; and a long-term member of IATSE, USITT, ESTA, ITA, URTA, and EdTA.

Sasha Norman (she/her)  Props Designer, Assistant Stage Manager, is currently in her second year as a theatre arts design and technology student at NIU. This is her first time stage managing and her first experience designing props at the college level.

Her previous credits include serving as flight crew for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and deck chief for Macbeth at NIU. Sasha also completed an AmeriCorps apprenticeship in scenic, props, and stage run crew at Summer Stock Festival 56, and worked as an Upstaging summer employee.

She is honored and excited to be working with such a talented team and would like to express gratitude to everyone who has supported her along the way. Sasha also extends her heartfelt thanks to her mom, dad, sister, and friends for their love and encouragement!

J Cody Hunt, Fight Choreographer is pursuing an M.F.A. in acting at NIU School of Theatre and Dance and is honored to advise such a talented group of artists in creating compelling physical stories onstage.

Cody was trained in the skills of unarmed stage combat, knife, rapier and dagger, and broadsword by SAFD Fight Director Ted Sharron, SAFD Fight Master J. Allen Suddeth, and Jake Guinn. Cody was also trained in stunt falls by Hollywood stuntman Mark Dirkse.

You might have seen Cody’s fight choreography on the NIU stage in productions like Macbeth, Witch, Booked and Blessed…OR BUST!, Anxious People, Rage Play, and Big Love.

His professional fight direction credits include On An Average Day (Kane Repertory Theatre), Jesus, Miracle of Christmas, Samson (Sight and Sound Theatres), Grease (Cedartown Performing Arts Center), Th’ Burning (Alys Stevens Theatre), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Piedmont High School), and Anastasia (Oneonta High School).

Thank you to NIU and Roxanna Conner for allowing me to be a part of this amazing production and to Elena, Emerson, and Ezra for their undying love and support!

Madie Barnas (she/her) Stage Manager is a second year B.F.A. student in the design and technology program at Northern Illinois University. Last semester she was the stage manager for NIU’s production of Macbeth. You may have also seen her as the assistant stage manager for last year’s production of Booked and Blessed… or BUST! This past summer she was the assistant stage manager for Starlight Theatre’s production of The Color Purple. She would like to thank her amazing friends and family for their constant support and hopes that you enjoy the show!!

PRODUCTION STAFF

PRODUCTION STAFF

Scenery

Scenic Coordinator – Sahin Sahingolu
Scene Shop Supervisor – Adam Rager
Scene Shop Graduate Employees – Emery Foster and Bridget Kearbey
Scene Shop Undergraduate Employees – David Mortenson, Mike Kozel, Sasha Norman, Jade Doherty, Reese Rodriguez
Scenic Painters – Nina Kasman, Max Garcia, B. Leni, Kadi Knapp, Jade Doherty, Gemma Baines, Sasha Norman, Lexi Foelkner, Mike Kozel
Run Crew – Crowler Bonomo, Kylee Fruin, Monet’ Jackson, Reese Rodriguez, Mosi Werinburg

Costumes

Costume Design Advisor – Jeremy W. Floyd
Costume Director – Lori Hartenhoff
Costume Shop Supervisor – Elizabeth Galba
Costume Shop Graduate Employees – Ski Sciaraffa, Kylee Galarneau
Costume Shop Employees – B. Leni, Alyssa Altadonna, Natalie Shank, Lexi Foelker, Emily Christianson
Student Technicians – THEA 210, 235, and 295 Students
Costume Crew – Teresa Dingman, Toby Thomas, Garin Wilks

Lighting

Lighting Design Advisor – Brandon Wardell
Resident Head Electrician – Chris Kurszewski
Production Head Electrician – Emily Christianson
Lighting Shop Graduate Assistants – Ross Wheeler, Bridget Kearbey
Lighting Shop Employees – Logan Bryant, Conall Doherty, Kateri Pfeiffer
Student Electricians –Reece Deidrick, Max Garcia, Megumi Goto, Kateri Pfeiffer, Gunner Wright, and THEA 210 students
Light Board Operator – Payton Shields
Sound Board Operator – Maia Perez

Properties

Properties Director – Dave Doherty
Properties Designer – Sasha Norman
Properties Graduate Assistants – Alicia Margerum, Ski Sciaraffa
Properties Shop Employees – Elizabeth Nowak, Sasha Norman, David Mortenson
Properties Shop 295/395 Students – Derrick Longstreet, Gemma Baines, Maggie Kanapilly, David Mortenson

Production Management

Technical Direction Advisor – Tracy Nunnally
Stage Management Advisor – Angela A. Miller
House Management Supervisor – Cornelia Hayes

SPECIAL THANKS

SPECIAL THANKS

Upstaging Lighting and Transport, Holmes Student Center Events

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

Richard Arnold (Emeritus)
S. Alan Chelser (Emeritus)
Judith Chitwood (Emerita)
Gibson Cima
Roxanna Conner
Stanton Davis
Frankie DiCiaccio
David Doherty
Lila H. Dole (Emerita)
Jasmine Eleazar
Jeremy W. Floyd
Paula Frasz (Emerita)
Elizabeth Galba
Kent Gallagher (Emeritus)
Kathryn Gately (Emerita)
Alexander Gelman
Richard Grund
Hannah Hammel
Lori Hartenhoff
Jennifer Ingle-Grund
Paul Kassel
Chris Kurszewski
Paige Larkowski
Marc Macaranas
Bethany Mangum-Oles
Kay Martinovich
Terrence McClellan (Emeritus)
Angela A. Miller
Randall Newsom (Emeritus)
Tracy Nunnally
Richard Poole (Emeritus)
Adam Rager
Patricia Ridge (Emerita)
Deborah Robertson (Emerita)
Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Sahin Sahinoglu
Stephanie Sailer
Robert Schneider (Emeritus)
Sarita Smith Childs
Brandon Wardell

Tickets

Tickets for Theatre and Dance productions are available online only. There are prices for adults, seniors, faculty and staff, and non-NIU students. NIU students are admitted free of charge to all performances with pre-reserved tickets. Most recitals are not ticketed.

Upcoming Events

The NIU College of Visual and Performing arts puts on more than 200 live performances and exhibitions every year. See what’s coming up next in the School of Music, School of Art and Design, School of Theatre and Dance and the NIU Art Museum.

Holler River Program

Holler River Program

NIU SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE PRESENTS

Holler River

by Caridad Svich
Black Box Theatre
Feb. 14-16, 20-22

Holler River

Director: Kendra Holton
Assistant Director: Blake Jablonski
Assistant to the Director: Jack Matyas
Costume Designer: Kylee Galarneau
Lighting Designer: Ross Wheeler
Sound Designer: Kendra Holton
Properties Designer: Matthew Chagoya
Technical Director: Emery Foster
Musical Director: Kendra Holton
Dialect Consultant: Stanton Davis
Dialect Coach: Bethany Mangum-Oles
Fight Choreographer:  Stanton Davis
Stage Manager: Gabby Gozdecki
Assistant Stage Manager: Jamie Mendez

This show is approximately one hour and has no intermission

ABOUT THE PLAY

ABOUT THE PLAY

In this mythic reflection of a scorched nation, a soldier waits for another to come home. They were teacher and student once. A town waits, too, deep in the heart of coal country, while the one who roams wrestles with what home even means. In this powerful ritual and psalm we journey through the stories we tell ourselves to ensure we exist, the songs we sing to get by, and the maps we make of the memory of our warring lives.

Holler River was the 2018 Finalist for Shakespeare’s New Contemporaries, American Shakespeare Center. This play is part of the AMERICAN PSALM seven-play cycle interrogating local and national identities, and it is also a potent reflection on Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part One.

 

 

SETTING

SETTING

Deep in the heart of coal country, Appalachian America. Now.

 

 

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Gather ‘round for a winter ghost story of the land and the living. Svich’s sparse verse reads like a mythic poem drunk and sick on memory, perfectly reflective of this moment in our country. This is American capitalism: people and places mined, stripped of value, and abandoned for dead. 

This is a story about how we move on.

Notes on the music:

Late River; Deep River; Down River; and Wasting Their Days
Lyrics by Caridad Svich
Music written or arranged by Kendra Holton

Dink’s Song (Fare Thee Well)
Sung by a woman called Dink in a tent camp of migrant workers in Texas, recorded by John Lomax in 1909
Arranged by Kendra Holton

CAST

CAST

Fall – Kayla Crispino 
En –  Sophia Dimond 
Skylar/Riley – Kylee Moore 
Kyle/Axe – Skylee Pierce 
Morgan/Clem – Richmond Fredrickson 
Casey/Jo – Hans Herrera 

CAST BIOS

CAST BIOS

Kayla Crispino

Kayla Crispino (Fall, Fight Captain)

Kayla Crispino (she/her) is a third-year B.F.A. acting candidate from Elgin, Illinois and she is extremely excited to be a part of this production. You may have recently seen her in Macbeth as Lady MacDuff/Witch #1/Gentlewoman, Life is A Dream as Estrella and in God Of Carnage as Annette here at NIU. Kayla would like to thank her directors, team and cast for helping create this beautiful story and allowing her the space to build Fall. She wants to thank her family and friends for constantly supporting her and loving her. Lastly, she would like to thank her husband, Cole. You are her greatest gift and love. Kayla hopes you enjoy the show! 

Sophia Dimond

Sophia Dimond (En, Music Captain)

Sophia Dimond (she/her) is a third-year B.F.A. acting major at Northern Illinois University. This is her fourth production here at NIU, with her previous roles including the Earl of Shrewsbury in Fredrich Schiller’s Mary Stuart, various roles in Carol Lee’s Anxious People, and Snug the Joiner in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sophia would like to thank her fellow cast, crew, and director of Holler River for cultivating such a warm and fruitful learning environment, as well as her family, friends, and loved ones for their continuous love and support. 

Kylee Moore

Kylee Moore (Skylar/Riley)

Kylee Moore Skylar (she/her/hers) is a B.F.A. acting sophomore at NIU. This is her second play at NIU. Previously a part of Macbeth. I want to thank my friends and family for their support. I am so grateful to work with such a great cast and amazing director Kendra I have learned so much from working with you. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!

Skylee Pierce

Skylee Pierce (Kyle/Axe)

Skylee Pierce is a third-year B.F.A. acting candidate here at NIU. Her previous credits here include last semester’s Mary Stuart as Count L’Aubespine, Booked, Blessed…or BUST! as Trudy and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in which she played Hippolyta and First Fairy. Other previous roles include Mayzie La’Bird (Suessical), Marcy Park (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and many more. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support, her boyfriend for his never-ending love, her cohort and professors for helping her grow; and the cast and crew of Holler River for their hard work. A special thank you to Kendra Holton for being an amazing director and mentor to her throughout this process. Enjoy this special labor of love and exceptional work! 

Richmond Fredrickson

Richmond Fredrickson (Clem/Morgan)

Richmond Fredrickson (she/her) is a second-year B.F.A. acting major at NIU. Previous credits include Peter Pan (Peter/Wendy), Olive Ostrovsky (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Miss Scarlett (Clue), and Charity Barnum (Barnum) at MCHS, Princess Jasmine (Aladdin) with SWATA, and most recently stenographer/nurse (Machinal) at NIU. She is incredibly thankful to be in this show and would like to give a big thanks to her cast mates and team. She is looking forward to many more performances and is excited to continue her growth as an artist and actor. She would also like to thank her friends and family for having her back and showing her love and support <3 Love you!!

Hans Herrera

Hans Herrera (Jo/Casey)

Hans Herrera (he/him) is a second-year B.A. theatre studies candidate at Northern Illinois University (NIU). This is his acting debut with the School of Theatre and Dance! Some of his favorite past credits include Kevin in Love/Sick, Ryan in High School Musical: On Stage!, Don John in Much Ado About Nothing, and Professor Plum in Clue at Glenbard South High School. Offstage he wrote and co-directed A New Life at the NIU 24 Hour Play Festival in 2024. He would like to thank the Holler River cast and crew for an incredible first production as well as his family and friends for their invaluable patience and support. 

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

Kendra Holton, Director is a climate-focused experiential educator. The former head of movement training for the NIU School of Theatre and Dance, Kendra has logged thousands of classroom hours including most classes in the B.F.A. and B.A. performance sequences. Previous NIU productions include Witch, She Kills Monsters, The Wolves, The Revolutionists, Blue Stockings, Intentions, and Good Person of Setzuan. Kendra spent nearly a decade curating curriculum and building programming as associate director of the international Gately/Poole Conservatory. Raised on Florida swampland by way of NYC, she trained at Moscow Art Theatre and Shakespeare and Company, and mentored under multiple master teachers in several performance disciplines. She’s among the last of the certified Williamson Technique teachers, and an intimacy designer for stage and film. Kendra is the co-founder of Actors Movement Camp, a nature-based retreat series for performance artists, and DeCarbon DeKalb, an environmental advocacy nonprofit providing local decarbonization resources and solutions. Kendra is currently on leave from arts academia to explore the ways in which performance training can be of service in the fight for climate adaptation. She lives in DeKalb with her son Jack, two cats, and a growing urban farm.
Caridad Svich, Playwright received a 2012 OBIE Award for Lifetime Achievement in the theatre, a 2012 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award and NNPN rolling world premiere for Guapa, and the 2011 American Theatre Critics Association Primus Prize for her play The House of the Spirits, based Isabel Allende’s novel. She has won the National Latino Playwriting Award (sponsored by Arizona Theatre Company) twice, including in the year 2013 for her play Spark. She has been short-listed for the PEN Award in Drama four times, including in the year 2012 for her play Magnificent Waste. Her works in English and Spanish have been seen at venues across the US and abroad, among them Arena Stage’s Kogod Cradle Series, Denver Center Theatre, 59E59, The Women’s Project, Woodshed Collective @ McCarren Park Pool, Repertorio Espanol, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Lighthouse Poole UK, Teatro Mori (Chile), Artheater-Cologne (Germany), Ilkhom Theater (Uzbekistan), Teatro Espressivo (Costa Rica), Welsh Fargo Stage (Wales), Homotopia Festival UK, SummerWorks festival in Toronto, and Edinburgh Fringe Festival/UK.
Kylee Galarneau

Kylee Galarneau, Costume Designer is a first-year graduate student at NIU studying costume design and technology. She previously studied theatre arts at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. When Kylee is not sewing, she can be found curled up at home with her cat, Purrogi. She is thrilled to be a part of telling this story. Previous design credits include: Godspell (assistant costume designer/Le Moyne College), Antigone (costume designer/Le Moyne College), Mean Girls (costume designer/CNS High School), Betrayal (costume designer/CNY Playhouse), and Edgar in the Red Room (costume designer, Le Moyne College). Find more of Kylee’s work on Instagram: instagram.com/kylee.r.costumes

Gabby Gozdecki

Gabby Gozdecki (she/her) Stage Manager is a fourth-year B.F.A. acting student. Her roles at NIU include Hannah Kennedy in Mary Stuart, Bella and Eleanor in Big Love by Charles Mee, and Joan in Melancholy Play by Sarah Ruhl, all directed by Bethany Mangum-Oles. She also played The Singer in Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle translated and directed by Alexander Gelman. Now, she is playing her final role at NIU as stage manager of Holler River. She would like to thank Jordan, Angi, Kendra, and Sarah for all their inspiration and support on her stage management journey.

 

Jamie Mendez

Jamie Mendez (he/him) Assistant Stage Manager is a first-year B.F.A. design and technology student at NIU. Jamie is a recent graduate of The Chicago High School of the arts, where he got his start in tech stage managing Sister Act and assistant stage managing In the Red and Brown Water. Jamie has also got his start in working in downtown Chicago stage managing two shows over the past two summers such as Chicago the Musical And The Wedding Singer. Jamie would like to thank the cast, Kendra, Angi and most all of his mother, and family and friends for the support along the start of his college journey!

 

Blake Jablonski (he/him) Assistant Director is a fourth-year B.A. theatre studies major at Northern Illinois University (NIU). This is his first show, and he is excited to be a part of the production team. He’s grateful for the opportunity to work with the team, as well as to his parents for their unwavering love and support.

 

Matthew Chagoya, Properties Designer is a senior B.A. theatre student. Created and participated in many productions throughout the years such as Guys and Dolls, Machinal and Twelfth Night. Creative design is one of his strong suits, plus a comic connoisseur.  

Jack Matyas, Assistant to the Director is a local fourth grader. Raised by theatre makers, Jack feels equally at home on stage and off, particularly in the Stevens Building where he appeared in the 2018 ballet Our Town. Jack assisted with sound design and rehearsal management, and kept a close eye on locked and unlocked doors in the theater. Jack is a YouTube content creator posting under the name CatFrostGaming.

 

Gabby Gozdecki

Bethany Mangum-Oles Dialect Coach holds an M.F.A. in acting from Northern Illinois University and a B.F.A. in acting from California State University, Fullerton. Bethany is a Certified Intimacy Captain and is also trauma-informed yoga and yoga nidra certified. She has made her artistic home at NIU as performance area faculty where she teaches all levels in the Meisner-based acting sequence and all levels of both voice and movement tracks, as well as directs in the official production season. Directing credits for the school include Mary Stuart, Melancholy Play, Twelfth Night, Big Love, Bird in the Hand, Our Town, and A Song for Coretta. She also serves as head of B.F.A. acting recruitment. Recently Bethany was named artistic director at Kane Repertory Theatre where she oversees the daily workings of the company, season selection, and casting. She also works as rotating voice and movement faculty at the renowned Gately-Poole Acting Conservatory. Chicago acting credits include projects with The Organic Theater Company, MUSE Theatre Collective, Along the Way Productions, The Outer Loop Theatre Experience, Unnecessary Nowledge, and Kane Repertory Theatre. Favorite acting roles include Masha in Three Sisters, Lady Capulet in BCC: Romeo and Juliet, and Viola in the US premiere of Out of the Blue. Internationally, Bethany has studied at the Moscow Art Theater School in Moscow, Russia, and performed and facilitated workshops at the Adana International Theatre Festival in Adana, Turkey.

 

PRODUCTION STAFF

PRODUCTION STAFF

Scenery

Scenic Coordinator – Sahin Sahingolu
Scene Shop Supervisor – Adam Rager
Scene Shop Graduate Employees – Emery Foster and Bridget Kearbey
Scene Shop Undergraduate Employees – David Mortenson, Mike Kozel, Sasha Norman, Jade Doherty
Student Technicians – THEA 295 Students
Run Crew – Catherine Cummings

Costumes

Costume Design Advisor – Jeremy W. Floyd
Costume Director – Lori Hartenhoff
Costume Shop Supervisor – Elizabeth Galba
Costume Shop Graduate Employees – Ski Sciaraffa, Kylee Galarneau
Costume Shop Employees – B. Leni, Alyssa Altadonna, Natalie Shank, Lexi Foelker, Emily Christianson
Student Technicians
– THEA 210, 235, and 295 Students
Costume Crew – THEA 210 Students
Wardrobe Crew – Michael Kocher, Chance Lira, Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia

Lighting

Lighting Design Advisor – Brandon Wardell
Resident Head Electrician – Chris Kurszewski
Lighting Shop Graduate Assistants – Ross Wheeler, Bridget Kearbey
Lighting Shop Employees – Logan Bryant, Conall Doherty, Kateri Pfeiffer
Student Electricians – THEA 210, 241, 295, and 395 Students
Light Board Operator – Lauren Roth
Sound Board Operator – Sonya Dunn

Properties

Properties Director – Dave Doherty
Properties Graduate Assistants – Alicia Margerum, Ski Sciaraffa
Properties Shop Employees – Elizabeth Nowak, Sasha Norman, David Mortenson
Properties Shop 295/395 Students – Danisha Gilmore, Blake Jablonski, Sonya Dunn, Nina Kasman

Production Management

Technical Direction Advisor – Tracy Nunnally
House Management Supervisor – Cornelia Hayes

SPECIAL THANKS

SPECIAL THANKS

Roxanna Conner, Angela Miller, Dave Doherty, Jeremy W. Floyd, Chris Kurszewski, Brandon Wardell, Tracy Nunally, Gibson Cima, and Jack Matyas.

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

Richard Arnold (Emeritus)
S. Alan Chelser (Emeritus)
Judith Chitwood (Emerita)
Gibson Cima
Roxanna Conner
Stanton Davis
Frankie DiCiaccio
David Doherty
Lila H. Dole (Emerita)
Jasmine Eleazar
Jeremy W. Floyd
Paula Frasz (Emerita)
Elizabeth Galba
Kent Gallagher (Emeritus)
Kathryn Gately (Emerita)
Alexander Gelman
Richard Grund
Hannah Hammel
Lori Hartenhoff
Jennifer Ingle-Grund
Paul Kassel
Chris Kurszewski
Paige Larkowski
Marc Macaranas
Bethany Mangum-Oles
Kay Martinovich
Terrence McClellan (Emeritus)
Angela A. Miller
Randall Newsom (Emeritus)
Tracy Nunnally
Richard Poole (Emeritus)
Adam Rager
Patricia Ridge (Emerita)
Deborah Robertson (Emerita)
Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Sahin Sahinoglu
Stephanie Sailer
Robert Schneider (Emeritus)
Sarita Smith Childs
Brandon Wardell

Tickets

Tickets for Theatre and Dance productions are available online only. There are prices for adults, seniors, faculty and staff, and non-NIU students. NIU students are admitted free of charge to all performances with pre-reserved tickets. Most recitals are not ticketed.

Upcoming Events

The NIU College of Visual and Performing arts puts on more than 200 live performances and exhibitions every year. See what’s coming up next in the School of Music, School of Art and Design, School of Theatre and Dance and the NIU Art Museum.

Program for Paquita and two world premieres

Program for Paquita and two world premieres

NIU SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE PRESENTS

Paquita and two world premieres

O’Connell Theatre
Nov. 21-24

Paquita

Choreographers: Joseph Mazilier (Salle Le Peletier, Paris 1846), Michel Rodríguez Cintra, Sarita Smith Childs
Scenic Designer: Alicia Margerum
Costume Designers: Randall Newsom, Deborah Fairchild, Elizabeth Forbes, and Lori Hartenhoff
Lighting Designers: Brandon Wardell and Ross Wheeler
Technical Director: Emery Foster
Stage Manager: Finn Stumpf

The show runs about 1 hour 20 minutes. There will be 1-3 minute pauses between pieces.

SHOW ORDER

SHOW ORDER

Paquita 

Choreography: Joseph Mazilier (Salle Le Peletier, Paris 1846)
Staged by: Richard Grund
Music: Ludwig Minkus
Lighting Design: Ross Wheeler
Costume Design: Randall Newsom and Deborah Fairchild
Performers:
Paquita – Alyssa Altadonna
Lucien – Antonio Houston
Pas de Trois – Catherine Cummings, Millicent Collins, Thomas Readling
Corps de Ballet – Athei Chagai, Clara Coran, Teresa Dingman, Alice Duncan-Abushalback, Francesca Ryan, Talia Sigismondi, Naija Sherwood

Mazurka
Alyssa Altadonna, Corps de Ballet

Adagio
Alyssa Altadonna, Antonio Houston, Corps de Ballet

Bolero
Corps de Ballet

Waltz Variation
Athei Chagai

La Ventana Variation
Teresa Dingman

Cinco
Clara Coran, Alice Duncan-Abushalback, Antonio Houston, Francesca Ryan, Naija Sherwood

Polonaise Variation
Talia Sigismondi

Pas de Trois and Solos
Millicent Collins, Catherine Cummings, Thomas Readling

Lucien Variation
Antonio Houston

Paquita Variation
Alyssa Altadonna

Coda
Company

 


 

Te Sigo Queriendo (2024)

Choreography: Michel Rodríguez Cintra
Rehearsal Director: Michel Rodríguez Cintra
Music: Nocturnes 1.1 by William Basinksi; He Venido by Los Zafiros; Kaamaa by Anton Feist; Algún Día Vida Mia by Los Zafiros
Lighting Design: Brandon Wardell
Costume Design: Elizabeth Forbes
Performers: Ivan Flores, Irismichelle Martinez-García, Kendall Woodberry, Jai’Quan Simmons, Kyia White



It’s All So Different Now
Journeys through Life (2024)

Choreography: Sarita Smith Childs
Costume Design: Lori Hartenhoff
Lighting Design: Brandon Wardell
Music:  Jordan Rakei / Fink; Arstioir; Max Richter / Kiki Layne/ Grace Davidson, Mari Samuelson and Robert Ziegler; Snowpoet; The Cinematic Orchestra
Performers:  Alyssa Altadonna, Taneya Ball, Athei Chagai, Millicent Collins, Clara Coran, Theresa Dingman, Alice Duncan-Abushalback, Chamayze Hall, Antonio Houston, Ava Martin, Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia, Darius Murray, Thomas Readling, Francesca Ryan, Naija Sherwood, Talia Sigismondi, Jai’Quan Simmons, Kyia White, Kendall Woodberry, Ra’Shiah Wright, Shariah Wright

No One Hears if No One Listens
Full Company

Who am I Now? (2023)
Alyssa Altadonna  / Alice Duncan-Abushalback
* Excerpt restaged for NIU Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 2024

Dissolving Spirit
Full Company

Finding Equilibrium
Taneya Ball, Athei Chagai, Millicent Collins, Clara Coran, Theresa Dingman, Alice Duncan-Abushalback, Chamayze Hall, Antonio Houston, Ava Martin, Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia, Darius Murray, Thomas Readling, Francesca Ryan, Naija Sherwood, Ra’Shiah Wright, Shariah Wright
* Opening partner vignettes created in partnership with the dancers.

Resolute
Full Company

Choreographer’s Note

It’s All So Different Now draws on society’s stories of loss, trauma and mental illness both lived and witnessed, which have been amplified by the chaos and division of today’s society. Text of the United Nation Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Dec. 10, 1948), served as a foundational basis for student discussion and the creation of this work.

https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

NIU Prevention and Outreach Resources 

https://www.niu.edu/prevention-education-outreach/resources/index.shtml

 

CAST BIOS

CAST BIOS

Alyssa Altadonna

Alyssa Altadonna

Alyssa Altadonna is a senior B.F.A dance performance major. Before attending NIU, she lived in England and trained at both Cygnets and Hazelwood dance studios where she completed both Vaganova and RAD syllabi. She also would periodically take classes with Stephanie Saland throughout her training. Before moving to England she lived in Germany where she trained in the Netherlands with Danziara. Alyssa has also attended Joffrey Academy’s summer intensive. After moving to the United States Alyssa has had the opportunity to perform throughout her time at NIU and hopes you will enjoy tonight’s show!

Taneya Ball

Taneya Ball

Taneya Ball is a senior dance performance major at Northern Illinois University. She started dancing at the age of three, and she continued to dance her way through life by taking a few dance classes at Panda Dance studio located in Oak Park Illinois, shortly after she started praise dancing at Progressive Life-Giving word cathedral. Around 2012, she continued ministering dancing at new life covenant southeast with Yielded Vessels Dance ministry. As Taneya started preparing for high school, she started back taking dance classes at Ailey Camp Chicago which helped prepare her for training at the Chicago High School for the Arts, which helped her excel in dance even more. She took summer dance intensives to prepare for other training dance programs such as Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Taneya also participated in many After School Matters programs, like Forward Momentum Dance Pierre Lockett, The Movement Within Alitra, Rhythm Works Dance, and Yahkirah Beard. She believes that being at Northern Illinois University is helping her learn how to be more comfortable as a dancer, and to excel more in becoming a choreographer, and entrepreneur. Taneya has a loving passion for kids. She loves how she gets to teach them about different aspects of life as they grow and become young adults/leaders and learners in the world. Kids are very intelligent, and if we as adults and learners visually see that, we should add to their progress intelligence.  Taneya loves how she is comfortable being a part of the dance conservatory here at NIU. Her professors push her daily to be the best she can be as she develops her leadership and creative skills as an artist. Lastly, Taneya would like to give a special thank-you to God, her family, friends, and her professors for pushing her to come this far in life.  

Athei Chagai

Athei Chagai

Athei Chagai is a senior at NIU from Clinton, Iowa. Athei is a B.F.A. dance major and has been dancing for the past 17 years. Before NIU, Athei received most of her dance training at the Carousel School of Dance in Clinton, Iowa where she was also a member of the Gateway Contemporary Ballet Company. Since being at NIU, Athei has co-directed the Student Choreographic Showcase and will be co-directing Art for Life this semester. Athei has also attended summer dance programs such as Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance, and Milwaukee Ballet School. Athei is very excited to be back performing in this 2024-2025 school year.

Millicent Collins

Millicent Collins

Millicent Collins (she/her) is a junior at Northern Illinois University, pursuing a B.F.A. in dance performance with a minor in non-profit/non-governmental studies. Before attending NIU, Millicent trained with Turning Pointe Academy of Dance in Maryville, Illinois, and was a member of TourDance pre-professional dance company. She performed in the Student Elevate Project with The Big Muddy Dance Company in St. Louis, Missouri in 2018-2021. In 2018 and 2019 she performed in Dance For Food, an outreach performance to benefit the St. Louis Area Food Bank. Millicent has also participated in summer intensives with The Big Muddy Dance Company, COCA St. Louis, Nashville Ballet and DanceWorks Chicago.

Clara Coran

Clara Coran

Clara Coran (she/her) is excited to be a part of this year’s Fall Dance Concert. Her past dance training includes Elise Flagg Academy of Dance, Ballet 5:8 Conservatory, and Beth Fowler School of Dance. She has also performed as a member of the Embody Dance Company in Geneva. She thanks you for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!  

Catherine Cummings

Catherine Cummings

Catherine Cummings is a freshman dance and political science major from Mankato, Minnesota. She began dance at the age of three and has trained with Ballet Blake and Mankato Ballet Company. Catherine is very excited for her first show at NIU and would like to thank her parents and family for their unwavering support!  

Teresa Dingman

Teresa Dingman

Teresa Dingman (she/her) is a first year B.F.A. dance performance student at Northern Illinois University (NIU). Before coming to NIU she danced at Chicago Ballet Arts’ pre-professional ballet program under the instruction of Maliwan Diemer, Patti Eylar, Sarah Schafer, and Maan Almodovar. She has performed lead roles in Chicago Ballet Arts’ annual concerts as well as in collaboration with the Joffrey Ballet, Northwest Ballet Academy, See Chicago Dance, Evanston Symphony Orchestra, and the City of Evanston. This is her first performance at NIU, and she is extremely grateful to be dancing with so many talented dancers and learning from such esteemed instructors. Additionally, she would like to thank her parents and family for their enduring support throughout her entire dance journey.  

Alice Duncan-Abushalback

Alice Duncan-Abushalback

Alice Duncan-Abushalback (she/her) is a recently transferred junior at NIU, majoring in dance. She has studied under many different schools, including Plainfield Dance Academy, Ballet 5:8, and Marymount Manhattan College. She’s participated in ballet-focused intensives such as A&A Ballet, Master Ballet Academy, The Bolshoi Ballet, and The Rock Center for Dance. Alice has performed in many different classical ballet roles, her most notable being Cinderella in Plainfield Dance Academy’s 2022 production of Cinderella, and Emma (Clara) in Ballet 5:8’s 2020 production of Beyond the Nutcracker. She has also been awarded the title of Top 24 in YAGP 2021 (Youth American Grand Prix) for her performance of a variation from Giselle. “I’d like to thank my mentors: Altin Naska and Olena Nalyvaiko. They’ve been there for me my whole life and have significantly helped me advance with my technique and passion for dance. I want to thank my family for being as supportive as they have been toward my passion, and my fellow dancers for inspiring me as much as they have. Thank you all. I love you guys so much.”  Follow Alice on Instagram at @aliceful_dance

Antonio Houston

Antonio Houston

Antonio Houston (he/him) is a senior B.F.A. dance major at Northern Illinois University. Originally from Aurora, Illinois, he has received dance training from Von Heidecke, Ballet Chicago, Next Generation Ballet, Madd Rhythms, Chicago Tap Theatre and many local dance studios. His passion is for tap, but he also enjoys doing many different styles of conventional and nonconventional dance. Antonio is also a photographer and videographer, and uses his own understanding of movement to produce captivating images and videos, mainly in the dance environment. Since 2021, Antonio has shot spring and fall dance concerts. He has also done work for the Fox Valley Nutcracker and Precision Arts Dance Competition.

Irishmichelle Martinez-Garcia

Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia

Irismichelle Martinez-Garcia (she/her) is a first year B.F.A. dance performance major at NIU with plans to expand her journey as an artist with dance. She has previously danced with instructors from Elevate Dance Arts LLC, Ensemble Espanol, Ballet Folklorico, Mather High School Impakt, Joffrey, Joel Hall, as well as for the Chicago Park District. She proudly danced at the Goodman Theater in Chicago for the Reverberate Arts Festival. Irismichelle was cast for many solos and duets throughout her entire high school career. She is now the former Impakt choreographer for the dance club that she taught for three years during high school. Not only is she a dancer but she is a proud performer, actor, and singer. Irismichelle was inspired by Brittney Barnwell and Roberto Perez to be the strong and proud dancer she is now. Find her on IG @iris.mtz.g  

Darius Murray

Darius Murray

Darius Murray is from Chicago and is a 20-year-old dance major that currently attends Northern Illinois University. Darius began his journey on to dance at the age of three, performing at various functions as well as church with praise and worship dance. Darius began his professional dance career at ETA Creative Arts, located in Chicago, where he studied hip hop, modern, West African, and majorette dance. He recently graduated from the Chicago High School For the Arts where he studied various dance styles such as ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, African, Spanish, and hip hop dance. He received many awards, such as honor roll student in 2018 as well as the scholar artist of the year from 2019 to 2020. Darius’ dream in life is to open up his own dance studio and be a choreographer as well. He is also part of Delta Phi Delta Dance Fraternity, Inc. 

 

Thomas Readling

Thomas Readling

Thomas Readling is a 20-year-old dance major and a sophomore here at Northern Illinois University. He has been dancing since third grade and has loved it ever since. Everything from regular class, tech week, performances, costumes, and all the in-between! Before dancing at NIU, Thomas was involved at the Academy of Movement and Music where he got his ballet, Graham, and modern training. Thomas has also danced for his high school company Orchesis and Salt Creek Ballet. Recently, he did a weeklong summer dance intensive with Chicago Dance Works that showed him life as a professional dancer. He is excited to put his experience to use at the NIU School of Dance and see where it takes him next! This will his third dance concert and he hopes everyone enjoys the show! 

 

Francesca Ryan

Francesca Ryan

Francesca Ryan (she/her) is a sophomore B.F.A. dance major here at NIU. She began dancing when she was three-years-old. She has a background training in various styles of dance, her favorite style being commercial jazz. Prior to dancing at NIU she trained at Studio 83 Dance Academy. She spent many years in the competition circle, earning awards for her dancing and performing abilities. In addition to competitions, she has performed in a variety of different shows. A few of her favorites include The Nutcracker, Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland. Along with having a huge passion for dance, Francesca is also a screen actor. She is very thankful for the continual support of her family and friends throughout her journey.  

 

Naija Sherwood

Naija Sherwood

Naija Sherwood is a first-year B.F.A. dance performance major and psychology minor from Chicago. She started dancing at the age of three and has now been dancing for 15 years. She started as a competition dancer for Lorraine Greys and other studios. She also trained at Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Hyde Park School of Dance, CMDC, and is a ChiArts alum. She thanks you for coming and hopes that you enjoy the show! 

Talia Sigismondi

Talia Sigismondi

Talia Sigismondi is a junior B.F.A. dance major at NIU. Talia started dancing at the age of three at the Academy of Movement and Music in Oak Park, Illinois. Not long after, she joined the Momenta Dance Company, where she had the opportunity to perform ballet, contemporary, and the modern techniques of Doris Humphrey and Martha Graham. In 2019, Talia traveled to Cuba, where she trained at the Pro Danza Dance School and performed at Teatro Nacional De Cuba. This past summer, she participated in a six-week summer intensive with the Milwaukee Ballet. She also enjoys teaching ballet and sharing her love of dance with young students. Talia is thankful for all the support from friends, family, and the NIU dance faculty. She is very excited to dance in the upcoming dance concerts. 

Jai’Quan Simmons

 Jai’Quan Simmons (he/his) is a second-year B.F.A. dance performance major student. This is his first show at NIU. Credits include, costume assistant for Spring Dance Concert. He is really grateful for being a part of this dance and being able to show off all the hard work he has been doing this semester. He also wants to thank his family for being supportive of him becoming a dance major. 

Kyia White

Kyia White

Kyia White is a junior dance major. She’s been dancing hip-hop since she was five-years-old and has been performing all her life. When she came to college, she learned a lot about different other types of dances, has been working hard and did not give up. In the future she wants to have a career in dancing, singing, and acting. She also makes her own music. When she graduates from college, she wants to be a professional performer and build her own studio with her family and have a family music business. 

Ariana Williams

Ariana Williams

Ariana Williams (she/her) began dancing when she was four-years-old. Since then, she has participated in many genres of dance such as ballet, hip-hop, jazz and liturgical dancing. Ariana is currently a junior studying dance performance. After college, she plans on becoming a commercial dancer and a professional dance choreographer. In addition, she wants to own a dance studio. Ariana would like to give thanks to her mother, grandmother, family and friends and, most importantly, God for supporting her through her journey.

Kendall Woodberry

Kendall Woodberry

Kendall Woodberry is a senior dance performance major, a Chicago native, and a graduate of Walter Payton College Prep who has been studying dance since the age of five. Matriculating at the Ruth Page Center of Performing Arts, her training included classical ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and Afro-Cuban. Kendall has performed in many productions throughout her years in dance and is looking forward to being involved in more in her time at NIU.  

Ra'Shaiah Wright

Ra’Shiah Wright

Ra’Shiah Wright has studied dance at Dream Academy of Dance Arts for over nine years. During the time as a company member, she excelled as a soloist and principal dancer. Ra’Shiah was accepted into the Alvin Ailey Training Program in New York City and the Alonzo King LINES Summer Program in San Francisco, California, for three consecutive years, as well as the Deeply Rooted Summer Intensive Program for two consecutive years. Ra’Shiah is a dynamic performer, demonstrating technique, emotional quality, unmatched work ethic and integrity.

Currently, Ra’Shiah is a senior at Northern Illinois University, pursuing a B.A. in elementary education with a minor in dance performance. She has made a significant impact on campus through her diverse student involvement as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Good Girl Movement, Inc., Final Warning Dance Team, and Liberated Minds Organization. Within these organizations, she has contributed to award-winning initiatives.  In addition to her studies, Ra’Shiah serves as an instructor and choreographer for DCDC and The Dream Academy of Dance Arts, while also tutoring for the Early Childhood Learning Academy.

Shariah Wright

Shariah Wright

Shariah Wright is a passionate dance artist from Chicago with an unwavering love for movement and expression through dance. Dance has been an integral part of her life and identity! Shariah’s journey in the world of dance began at the young age of eight-years-old. From that moment, she has been captivated by the beauty of dance and its ability to convey emotions and stories. Over the years, Shariah explored various dance styles, from contemporary to ballet, hip-hop, modern, tap, jazz, etc., embracing the diversity of the dance world. Shariah also has the privilege of sharing her love for dance with family and friends, often choreographing routines for special occasions and performances. Shariah is continuously seeking opportunities to explore, learn, and celebrate the beauty of dance in all its forms.

Note: This is the first and only time that Shariah and her sister, Ra’Shiah, will perform together as students in an NIU Dance Concert, as Ra’Shiah will be graduating in December! 

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS

Richard Grund (he/him) Choreographer began his dance training in the Northern Illinois University B.F.A. dance performance program. He started his professional career with the Dayton Ballet, performing principal and soloist roles in over 40 ballets in the company’s repertoire. There he received the Josie Award in 2008 for Outstanding Artistry in Dance. Professor Grund toured three years with David Taylor Dance Theater, now Zikr Dance Ensemble, performing throughout the United States and Canada. Other international credits include an invitation with the Finnish National Ballet, and performing a residency in Cuba commissioned through the Harkness Foundation. His credits include director and répétiteur for Hong Kong Ballet’s artistic director Septime Webre’s productions of Romeo and JulietThe Wizard of OzSwan LakePeter Pan and Carmen ballets, for the Colorado Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet and Royal Winnipeg Ballet companies. He earned his M.A. degree in dance education degree from the Royal Academy of Dance and the University of Bath. He is an American Ballet Theatre® certified teacher in pre-primary through Level 7 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum, and a registered teacher with RAD®. Richard is a associate professor of dance at Northern Illinois University, and teaching artist faculty at the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Chicago.

Alicia Margerum (she/her) Scenic Designer is a third-year M.F.A. student at Northern Illinois University studying scenic design. Credits include Big Love, Witch and Booked and Blessed… Or BUST! at Northern Illinois University, as well as Red, Once on this Island and All-American Boys at Mississippi State University where she completed her undergraduate degree.

Michel Rodriguez Cintra (he/him) Choreographer is an award-winning Cuban born dancer, actor, circus performer and educator. Rodriguez Cintra is currently a visiting assistant professor of dance at NIU with the School of Theater and Dance, and faculty at the Actors Gymnasium. He graduated from Escuela Nacional de Arte (National School of Arts) in Havana. Upon graduation he was chosen to dance with Danza Contemporánea de Cuba where he became principal dancer and toured internationally. Since moving to Chicago, Rodriguez Cintra has danced with various companies including Hedwig Dances, Concert Dance Inc, Khecari, The Cambrians, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Michel later joins Lucky Plush Productions, a nationally recognized Chicago-based dance-theater company. His dance creations have been seen at Visceral Dance Chicago, Dancing in the Parks, Lit & Luz Live Festival, LatinX Chicago Arts Festival and The Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival. His work in theater includes the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, The Actors Gymnasium and Lookingglass Theater Company’s Lookingglass Alice, which was recorded, and aired nationally as a PBS Special. Other accolades are his inclusion in The Men of 2010 in Dance by Timeout Chicago, 3Arts Award in Dance, Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch 2014, and a Jeff Awards Nomination.

Sarita Smith Childs (she/her) Choreographer is assistant professor in the School of Theatre and Dance. Sarita is a 2023 recipient of the 3Arts Chicago Award for Choreography and Teaching Artistry, a Ruth Page Awardee for Dance Performance and a Black Theatre Alliance Ira Aldridge Awardee for Best Performance in a Music or Dance Performance. A proud SAG member, she has appeared as a stunt artist and principal ballet dancer in Save the Last Dance, was a former soloist and rehearsal director for international choreographer Randy Duncan, and performed with Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre, Thodos Dance Chicago, Winifred Haun and Dancers, Cerqua Rivera Art Experiences and others.

Sarita is a former company class instructor for Giordano Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Inaside Dance Chicago, Joel Hall Dancers and Chicago Repertory ballet, and a guest teaching artist and choreographer for Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement. In addition to instructing at various studios in and school districts in Illinois, Michigan, Tennessee and Virginia. She served as an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University Barat College Conservatory of Dance and Loyola University Chicago.

Recent works have premiered on Visceral Dance Chicago, Grayscale Dance (Los Angeles), Chicago Blues Fest – Billy Branch, Winifred Haun and Dancers Third Coast Contemporary, and Inaside Dance Chicago.

Sarita is a USMC military spouse (Ret.) and mother of two, she spends her free time volunteering for the arts and military and veteran causes. Sarita is currently president of the board of directors of the Oak Park Area Arts Council, chair of the advisory board for Blue Star Families Chicagoland Chapter, board member of the Veteran Chamber of Commerce and advisory member of the Driehaus Museum Learning Committee.

Finn Stumpf (They/Them) Stage Manager is a fourth-year B.A. in theater studies major and this is their first ever show stage managing. Their previous acting credits include Booked and Blessed or…BUST! (Stu), The Children’s Hour (Agatha), She Kills Monsters (Orcus), and The Conference of the Birds (Owl). For Finn, this has been an incredible experience, learning both what it takes to be a stage manager and working with dance for the first time. Please enjoy the show and mind the fog!

Brandon Wardell (he/him) Lighting Designer is a lighting and scenic designer based in Chicago. He is an ensemble member at Steep Theatre Company, an artistic associate with Griffin Theatre Company and associate professor of lighting design at Northern Illinois University. Recent designs include Light Falls, Birdland, Lela & Co. and Earthquakes in London (Steep Theatre Co.); Two Trains Running (Court Theatre); Blues in the Night (Porchlight Music Theatre); The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Steppenwolf Theatre Co.); A Number (Writers Theatre); Cardboard Piano and The Vibrator Play (TimeLine Theatre Co.); Men On Boats (American Theatre Co.); Solaris, Titanic, London Wall and Men Should Weep (Griffin); The Game of Love and Chance (American Players Theatre); and Million Dollar Quartet (Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival). Brandon earned his M.F.A. from Northwestern University. Brandonwardelldesign.com

PRODUCTION STAFF

PRODUCTION STAFF

Scenery

Scenic Coordinator – Sahin Sahingolu
Scene Shop Supervisor – Adam Rager
Scene Shop Graduate Employees – Emery Foster and Bridget Kearbey
Scene Shop Undergraduate Employees – David Mortenson, Mike Kozel, Sasha Norman, Jade Doherty
Student Technicians – Avery Flores, Jamie Mendez
Run Crew – Gemma Baines, Nya Warner

Costumes

Costume Design Advisor – Jeremy W. Floyd
Costume Director – Lori Hartenhoff
Costume Shop Supervisor – Elizabeth Forbes
Costume Shop Graduate Employees – Ski Sciaraffa and Kylee Galarneau
Costume Shop Employees – B. Leni, Alyssa Altadonna, Natalie Shank, Lexi Foelker, Emily Christianson
Costume Shop 395 Students
Student Technicians
– THEA 210, 235, and 295 Students
Costume Crew – Nick Ivanoff, Matthew Chagoya, Kadi Knapp, Tyra Hazziez, Emi Fee, Sonya Dunn, Maggie Kanapilly

Lighting

Lighting Design Advisor – Brandon Wardell
Resident Head Electrician – Chris Kurszewski
Lighting Shop Graduate Assistants – Ross Wheeler, Bridget Kearbey
Lighting Shop Employees – Logan Bryant, Conall Doherty, Kateri Pfeiffer
Student Electricians – THEA 210, 241, 295, and 395 Students
Light Board Operator – Reanna Temethick
Sound Board Operator – Chloe Konieczki

Properties

Properties Director – Dave Doherty
Properties Graduate Assistants – Alicia Margerum, Ski Sciaraffa
Properties Shop Employees – Elizabeth Nowak, Sasha Norman, David Mortenson
Properties Shop 295/395 Students – Danisha Gilmore, Blake Jablonski, Sonya Dunn, Nina Kasman

Production Management

Technical Direction Advisor – Tracy Nunnally
House Management Supervisor – Cornelia Reed

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

SOTD FACULTY AND STAFF

Richard Arnold (Emeritus)
S. Alan Chelser (Emeritus)
Judith Chitwood (Emerita)
Gibson Cima
Roxanna Conner
Stanton Davis
David Doherty
Lila H. Dole (Emerita)
Jasmine Eleazar
Jeremy W. Floyd
Paula Frasz (Emerita)
Elizabeth Galba
Kent Gallagher (Emeritus)
Kathryn Gately (Emerita)
Alexander Gelman
Richard Grund
Hannah Hammel
Lori Hartenhoff
Jennifer Ingle-Grund
Paul Kassel
Chris Kurszewski
Paige Larkowski
Marc Macaranas
Bethany Mangum-Oles
Lorri Marshall
Kay Martinovich
Terrence McClellan (Emeritus)
Angela A. Miller
Randall Newsom (Emeritus)
Tracy Nunnally
Richard Poole (Emeritus)
Adam Rager
Patricia Ridge (Emerita)
Deborah Robertson (Emerita)
Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Sahin Sahinoglu
Stephanie Sailer
Taryn Sarto
Robert Schneider (Emeritus)
Sarita Smith Childs
Brandon Wardell

Tickets

Tickets for Theatre and Dance productions are available online only. There are prices for adults, seniors, faculty and staff, and non-NIU students. NIU students are admitted free of charge to all performances with pre-reserved tickets. Most recitals are not ticketed.

Upcoming Events

The NIU College of Visual and Performing arts puts on more than 200 live performances and exhibitions every year. See what’s coming up next in the School of Music, School of Art and Design, School of Theatre and Dance and the NIU Art Museum.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!