Upcoming Productions

Molly Blackburn

Crystal

• Molly Blackburn — She/Her (Crystal) Molly Blackburn is a freshman majoring in Musical Theatre with minors in Dance and Fine and Performing Arts. She is thrilled to be a part of this production! Previous credits include "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" (Punk Girl); "Little Women" (Jo March); "You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown" (Sally Brown); "The Music Man" (Amaryllis); and others. Molly would like to thank her family, friends, and fellow cast and crew members for all of their love and support throughout this process. She hopes you enjoy the show! 

Grayson Buchanan

Customer

• Grayson Buchanan - She/Her (Customer) is a Sophomore Theatre Major with a Musical Theatre Concentration and a Dance Minor. She is originally from Knoxville, where she participated in community theatre and competition dance. Some of her past shows include "The Outsiders" (Cherry Valance) and "Godspell" (Day by Day). She was previously seen in "Bright Star" (Spirit,Dance Captain, Assistant Choreographer) with the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance. She would like to thank her family for always allowing her to shoot for the stars!

Asha Cole

Ronnette

• Asha Cole- She/Her (Ronette) is a freshman here at ETSU. She is a Contemporary Music Performance major. This is Asha’s first ever production that she has been a part of. She is excited for everyone to see the upcoming production and grateful that she was given the opportunity to be part of it. She is extremely proud of everyone who worked day in and day out to bring this production to life. 

Stephen Cradic

Seymour

• Stephen Cradic- He/Him (Seymour Krelborn) is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. You may have previously seen Stephen in the cast of ETSU’s "Bright Star" (Jimmy Ray), "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" (Mr. Thompson), and "Straight White Men" (Jake’s understudy). Stephen was born and raised right here in ETSU’s home town, Johnson City and did many productions at Jonesborough Repertory Theatre. He would like to thank everyone involved in this production, and he hopes that you enjoy the show!

Natalie Duncan

Mrs. Luce

• Natalie Duncan- She/Her (Mrs. Luce) is a sophomore theatre and communications study major at ETSU. This is Natalie’s second production at ETSU, as she was last seen at the Bach Theatre as a Spirit in "Bright Star." Some of her other favorite shows include "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" (Hermia), "Sister Act" (Sister Mary Robert) and "Shrek The Musical"(Fiona). She is so excited for you all to see this fun show! But whatever you do- don’t feed the plants! 

Lindsay Flewell

Audrey

• Lindsay Flewell- She/Her - is a Junior at ETSU studying Musical Theatre with a minor in Digital Marketing. She has been seen in past ETSU productions including Online Musical Theatre Showcases, Rachel in "Appropriate", and Regan in "King Lear." Lindsay is beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to be Audrey in this production of "Little Shop of Horrors." She would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers who have helped her get to where she is today. 

Wesley Harmon

Mushnik

• Wesley Harmon- He/Him (Mr. Mushnik) is a senior Theatre major with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. Audiences at ETSU may remember him from his roles in "Bright Star," "King Lear," and most notably as Matt in last winter’s "Straight White Men." Professionally, Wesley has performed with Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, NC and Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, NC. This summer, Wesley will be moving to Abingdon, VA to join The Barter Players, Barter Theatre’s resident non-Equity acting company. Welcome to Mushnik and Son Florists! 

William McKinley III

Bernstein

• William Mckinley III  - He/Him (Bernstein) is a theatre major with a musical theatre concentration at ETSU. William has done theatre for over a decade. Some of his favorites include "The Importance Of Being Earnest" (Milligan University, Jack), "Clue" (Milligan University, Mr. Green), "The Mousetrap" (Company Of Moment Makers, Giles Rlatson). "Singin' In The Rain" (BYA Troupe!, Cosmo) This is William's first-time performing at ETSU, and he is grateful for the opportunity. He would also like to thank his family for always coming out and supporting him during every performance.  

Taylor Phillips

Voice of Audrey II

• Taylor – She/Her - is a Senior at ETSU graduating with a degree in Musical Theatre and minor in Dance, May of 2023.  She was last seen in ETSU’s production of "Bright Star" as Alice Murphy. Some of her other theatre credits include Rizzo in "Grease" with Sprinkles and Pfeiffer Productions and ETSU’s Online Showcases. Taylor is so excited to bring a new perspective to Audrey II and spend her last semester with such a talented cast and crew.

Quintin Rhodes

Skip Snip

• Quintin Rhodes is a sophomore majoring in Musical Theatre and minoring in Political Science. Appearing last year in "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," he is also heavily involved around campus. After many years offstage serving as a directing intern at the Knoxville Children's Theater, he is excited to be on stage once more. He would like to thank his family and his friends for their support but also his mentor Dennis Perkins for pushing him to pursue theatre in college and never giving up on him. 

Katie Thorpe

Chiffon

• Katie Thorpe- She/Her (Chiffon) is thrilled to be making her onstage debut at ETSU. She transferred to ETSU as a junior this spring to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance. Her most recent performance was in a Jonesborough Repertory Theatre production entitled "Christmas Cabaret." Katie is grateful to her friends and family for their everlasting support, and to all involved in "Little Shop of Horrors" for making her first show at ETSU unforgettable!

Luke Tompson

Wino #1/Patrick Martin

• Luke Tompson (he/they) appears as Wino and Patrick Martin in this production of "Little Shop"- his final show at ETSU! Previously you may have seen him as Mayor Dobbs in "Bright Star" or Mr. DePinna in "You Can’t Take it With You." Luke is excited to be graduating this semester and extends love and thanks to his family and outstanding support system.

Caleb Vaughn

Orin

• Caleb Vaughn- (Orin Scrivello) is a junior starring in his fourth production here at ETSU. He is majoring in Political Science and Theatre. He has previously been in the productions "Straight White Men" (Jake), "Bright Star" (Daddy Murphy), and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time" (Ed). He would like to thank the cast and crew, his family and friends for their support, and God for the blessing of being able to perform. Enjoy the show!  

Olivia Zimanek

WIno #2

• Olivia Zimanek - She/Her (Wino #2) is a freshman musical theatre major and dance minor at ETSU. She is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, but spent the last eight years in Phoenix, Arizona before moving to Tennessee for college. This is her second ETSU production, having the incredible opportunity to perform as a member of the ensemble in ETSU’s “Androcles and the Lion.” She would like to thank her fellow cast and crew members for their unending kindness, support and hard work, and is so thankful to be able to perform again! Enjoy the show!

Karen Brewster

Producer

• Karen Brewster (She/Her) serves the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance as Chair and teaches courses in theatre history and theatrical design. An alumna of ETSU, Karen went on to earn her MFA in Costume Design from Michigan State University, followed by years of working in professional theatre companies from Nebraska to Maine. In fact, she developed her career significantly at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA as costume shop supervisor, costume craftsperson, and costume designer. After this important time as a professional artist in regional professional theatres, Karen joined the faculty at ETSU in 2000. 

Natasha Carpenter

Stage Manager

• Natasha Carpenter–She/Her (Stage Manager) is a Senior Theatre Major at ETSU. Natasha has worked behind the scenes for many productions. Some of her favorites include "The 39 Steps" (JRT, SM), "The Odyssey" (Milligan University, SM), "And Then There Were None" (Milligan University, ASM) and "Androcles and the Lion" (ETSU, ASM). This is Natasha’s first-time stage managing at ETSU; she is grateful for this amazing opportunity and is proud of everyone that has worked so hard to bring this production to life. 

Brad Fugate

Music Director

• Dr. Brad Fugate (He/Him) has been singing, writing, researching, teaching, playing various instruments, and music directing musical theater for over 30 years. After receiving  a Masters in Music (Choral Conducting) at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, he worked toward a DMA in Vocal Performance at Univeristy of North Carolina at Greensboro. In order to further his research, Dr. Fugate matriculated at Boston University in order to pursue a PhD with a double concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology (2016). Very pleased to be a part of the East Tennessee State University Theatre Department as Assistant Professor in Fall 2019, Brad music directs for the department and teaches musical theater singing.

Bobby Funk

Fight Choreographer 

• Bobby Funk (He/Him) is a full professor at East Tennessee State University; he teaches a variety of performance classes, including, Play Direction, Acting I, Dramatic Structure, Acting for TV and Film, Stage Combat and The Audition Process. Bobby did his undergraduate work at Western Carolina University. He then went on to receive his MFA Degree in Acting and Directing from UNC-Greensboro. Bobby has worked professionally as an actor and director Off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country, including Barter Theatre. He will be directing "Medea" in Spring 2023.

Katie Greene

Assistant Choreographer

• Katie Greene (Assistant Choreographer) is so excited to have the experience of working with this wonderful cast! Katie is a dance minor here at ETSU and since being here has been featured in Bucs Rock and other campus showcases, various performances at Night Owl Circus Arts, and served as the dance captain in Johnson City Community Theaters production of "Grease." Katie is the president of Amalgam Dance Group and is a proud member of Mountain Movers Dance Company.  

Cara Harker

Choreographer

• Cara Harker (She/Her) is a professor and associate chair for the Department of Theatre and Dance and program coordinator for the dance minor program at ETSU. Cara graduated from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University with an MFA in Theatre Performance. Credits include (writer, choreographer, director, performer): From the Sublime to the Ridiculous, New Orleans’ InFringe Fest; bebe, Know Theatre, Cincinnati Fringe Festival; Memoir of a Mythomaniac: the True Story of a Compulsive Liar (or Tallulah Dies), Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

Bird Honeycutt

Wig Master

• Bird Honeycutt (They/them)-Originally from Coastal Carolina, Bird Honeycutt is pursuing a bachelors degree in Theatre Design/Production. They are a licensed cosmetologist and practical barber stylist, as well as a local visual artist with a focus on printmaking and illustration. In their spare time they enjoy tabletop gaming, cooking, stand-up comedy, and spending time with their daughter, Noli. In the future, Bird hopes to pursue a Studio Art M.F.A. and plans to train in intimacy coordination."

Kyla Jernigan

Assistant Costume Designer

• Kyla Jernigan - She/Her (Assistant Costume Designer) is a sophomore theatre production major and a Radio/TV/Film minor. She is also a Bert C. Bach Fine and Performing Arts Honors Scholar and a At-Large member of the Honors College Student Council. Before costume designing, Kyla participated in many shows as an actor/understudy, including "Men on Boats" (ETSU 2021), "Frozen Jr." (BCA 2021) and "Mary Poppins Jr." (Primary Players 2021). Kyla is so thankful to have worked with such an amazing team and looks forward to doing much more with these wonderful people.  

Zach Olsen

Technical Director

• Zach Olsen (He/Him) has served the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance since 2016 as the Technical Director and as an Adjunct Professor. Together with Beth Skinner, he team teaches Introduction to Theatre Production, Advanced Theatre Production, and Theatre Lab. He received his MFA from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL in 2015 in Theatre Arts – Design and Technology with emphasis as a Technical Director.

Jessica Richardson

Costume Designer

• Jessica Richardson (She/Her) is a recent graduate of ETSU. She earned her bachelor's degree in Theatre with minors in Merchandising and Art. Her focus is in Costuming but she loves all aspects of theatrical design. Jessica has worked on multiple productions at ETSU such as: Ken Ludwig's "Baskerville: a Sherlock Holmes Mystery"," Middletown", "You Can't Take it with You", "Bright Star", and most recently "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." 

JT Roberts

Assistant Stage Manager

• J.T. Roberts (He/Him) is a junior at East Tennessee State University currently majoring in Theatre with a General concentration, along with a minor of Secondary Education. His previous credits at ETSU include Captain in "Androcles and the Lion," Matt in "Straight White Men," along with being an assistant in the scene shop to help build the sets of "Men on Boats," "Androcles and the Lion," and "Bright Star." Outside of school, J.T. also performs in community shows such as Roger in "Grease" and enjoys fostering kittens, reading, as well as participating as an Orientation and Preview leader for the Preview and Orientation Leader Organization at ETSU. Roll Bucs!

Sarabeth Roberts

Assistant Stage Manager

• Sarabeth (She/Her) is a junior transfer student and is absolutely thrilled to be serving as assistant stage manager. She served as stage manager for her first production at ETSU last semester with "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." It has been a wonderful learning experience and would not have been possible without the support and guidance of faculty, family, and friends.  When not fulfilling the role of stage manager, she can be found in the shop working with the construction crew as she did during the previous academic season’s productions of "Straight White Men" and "Bright Star. "

Kylie Royce

Assistant Director

• Kylie Royce-Adams is the assistant director of East Tennessee State University’s production of "Little Shop of Horrors." She currently majors in Theatre with both a concentration in acting and general theatre. Kylie also receives the Andrea Richey and the Daryl & Harold Frank scholarships here at ETSU and will graduate this May. Some past performances include Sumner in "Men On Boats", Ladybug in "James in the Giant Peach", The Baker’s Wife in "Into the Woods", and Lefou in "Beauty and the Beast." When Kylie graduates, she dreams of becoming a teacher and plans to explore the world of theatre as a director.  

Melissa Shafer

Director

• Melissa Shafer (She/Her) is a professor of theatre in the Department of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University. She teaches courses in the Design/Production Concentration, serves as the department’s faculty lighting designer, and occasionally directs. Recent lighting design credits include "Antigone" and "Androcles and the Lion." Recent directing credits include "Waiting for Godot" and "Straight White Men."

Beth Skinner

Costume Director

• Beth Skinner (She/They) serves as the Costume Director for the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance. Beth received her MFA in Costume Design and Technology from the University of Nebraska. Together with Zach Olsen, she team teaches Introduction to Theatre Production, Advanced Theatre Production, and Theatre Lab.  She has most recently costume designed for "Bright Star" in Spring 2022.

Savannah Spangler

Assistant Scenic Designer/Puppeteer

• Savannah Spangler- She/Her (Assistant Scenic Designer/Puppeteer) is a Sophomore Theatre and Media Communication Major at ETSU. Savannah has been onstage and offstage for several productions here including "Men on Boats" (Understudy for Old Shady and Bradley), "Bright Star" (Florence), and "Androcles and the Lion" (Stage Manager). Savannah is extremely grateful for this opportunity to help bring the set to life with her mentor Jonathon Taylor! Savannah is also thrilled to be helping bring the plant of Audrey II to life! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Matt Stevens

Lighting Designer

• Matt Stevens (He/Him) is a returning ETSU graduate who is thrilled by the chance to work alongside the professors and faculty that he had once been educated by. His focus is the technical side of theatre such as Lighting, Carpentry, and Sound Design. He has even been known to sew a costume when it is needed. He has helped work on many shows here at ETSU such as "Sense and Sensibility", "Waiting for Godot", "You Can't Take It with You", "Bright Star", most recently "Androcles and the Lion."

Jonathon Taylor

Scenic Designer

• Jonathon Taylor (He/Him) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. He teaches a variety of theatrical design and technology courses including Scenic Design, Costume Design, Stage Management, Rendering and Drafting, and Theatre Design Basics, and regularly offers a section of Introduction to Theatre. onathon’s undergraduate work was completed at ETSU, earning degrees in focusing in theatre and literature. He earned his MFA in Theatrical Design and Production from the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR.

Ante Ursić

Puppeteer Consultant

• Dr. Ante Ursić (He/Him) is a circus practitioner and Assistant Professor of Physical Theatre at the Department of Theatre and Dance, East Tennessee State University. He received his Ph.D in Performance Studies from the University of California-Davis. He performed with established companies such as Cirque du Soleil (Totem), Tiger Lillies Circus, Balagan, and Circus Roncalli.At ETSU, Professor Ursić is heading the Physical Theatre concertation and teaches courses in the field such as Commedia dell’Arte, Modern Clowning, Theatre Movement, Tight Wire Walking and Thinking, and Contact Improvisation.

Howard Ashman

Author

• Best known as a pivotal creative mind behind the renaissance of Disney animation and his work on "The Little Mermaid," "Aladdin" and "Beauty and The Beast" (which is dedicated to, "Our friend, Howard Ashman, who gave a Mermaid her voice and a Beast his soul...") Ashman's first love was theater. Ashman was a founder of off off Broadway's renowned WPA Theater, where he conceived, wrote and directed "God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater," as well as the classic musical, "Little Shop of Horrors" (both music by Alan Menken). In 1986, he wrote and directed the Broadway musical "Smile" (music by Marvin Hamlisch). Lamented as a lost treasure of the 1980's theater scene, "Smile" remains popular on High School and College campuses throughout the country. Howard Ashman died in 1991 from complications of AIDS. For more information, please visit howardashman.com.

Alan Menken

Composer

• ALAN MENKEN (Composer). Theater: "God Bless You Mr Rosewater," "Little Shop Of Horrors," "Real Life Funnies," "Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy," "Kicks," "The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz," "Beauty And The Beast," "A Christmas Carol," "Weird Romance," "King David," "Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame," "The Little Mermaid," "Sister Act," "Leap Of Faith," "Aladdin" and "Newsies." Film: Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life With Mikey, Lincoln, Home On The Range, Noel, Enchanted, Shaggy Dog, Tangled and Mirror Mirror. Songs: Rocky V, Home Alone 2 and Captain America. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London's Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Music Theatre International

Licenser

• Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).

Wesley Bratton

Drums

Noah Carr

Bass

Dr. Brad Fugate

Keyboard

Matthew Haagen

Guitar

Ashton Hash

Drums

Yahya Mhirssi

Keyboard

Emily Austin

Deck Crew/Sound Tech

• Emily Austin-She/Her (Deck Crew) is a senior Theatre and English Major at ETSU. Emily has had the opportunity to work on stage as well as backstage throughout her time at ETSU. You might have seen her in "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" as Mrs. Shears or as Bradley in "Men on Boats." Emily is beyond grateful to have been part of ETSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance, and she hopes that you will enjoy the show! 

Tatijhana Campbell

Wardrobe Crew

• Tatijhana Campbell- She/Her (Wardrobe Crew) is a Junior Theatre Major concentration in Acting and a Dance minor at ETSU. Tatijhana has been in a few productions at ETSU, such as "Men on Boats", "Straight White Men", and "Androcles and the Lion." This is Tatijhana's first time working backstage as wardrobe crew. She is excited about this production and glad to be working with everyone in it.

Max Fleming

Deck Crew

• Max Fleming – He/ Him (Deck Crew) is a senior Psychology major and Theatre minor at ETSU. Max has performed at Pirates Voyage in Pigeon Forge, TN as a marine mammal and avian trainer. While he currently works as a veterinary assistant, he loves helping in the costume and scene shops whenever he can. This will be Max’s first involvement with a production at ETSU, and he is excited to see everyone’s hard work come to life.

Kailey Kyle

Followspot Operator

• Kailey Kyle - She/Her (Follow Spot) Kailey is a senior at East Tennessee State University majoring in both Theatre (Acting) and Psychology. She most recently played Siobhan in "The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time" at ETSU. She plans on continuing her performing career at Barter Theatre after graduation, and teaching with OpenSpot Theatre, an inclusive theatre company. Kailey is immensely thankful for her experience at ETSU, and her friend’s and family’s support along the way! 

Jayden Locke

Wardrobe Crew

• Jayden Locke (Wardrobe Crew) is a 22 year old  Criminal Justice major here at ETSU. Jayden is a sophomore, and this is the first ever theatre production that Jayden has worked on. Jayden is legally blind and will be assisting backstage as part of wardrobe crew.

Cora Marinich

Followspot Operator

• Cora- She/Her (follow spot operator) is a freshman Theater Major with an acting concentrationand minors in dance and RTVF. This is her second production at ETSU. You may haveseen her in “Androcles and the Lion” as Isabella. She has enjoyed her time so far and wants tothank all of her family, friends, and everyone who has made ETSU feel like a home. She isexcited to be a part of the crew and hopes you enjoy the show!

Padmini Panchal

Wardrobe Crew

Chaney Phillips

Deck Crew

• Chaney Phillips- She/Her (Crew) Chaney Phillips is a sophomore at ETSU with a major in Anthropology and minors in Archaeology and Global Citizenship. She has acted in "Men on Boats" and been an ASM for "Bright Star" and "Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." While her education is not geared towards the arts, she is very lucky to have met such amazing people and lifelong friends through the ETSU Theatre Program. She is overwhelmingly proud of her friends performing tonight and those backstage who make the whole show come together. She hopes that you enjoy the show!

Billie Williams

Wardrobe Crew

Andy Wolff

Light Board Operator

• Andy Wolff --He/Him (Lighting Operator)-- was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and with the ink still wet on his high school diploma, Andy drove across the country to pursue an acting career in Hollywood. After two decades spent cultivating a collection of obscure acting credits on IMDB, Andy decided to move his wife and kids to Tennessee and go back to school. Andy is now studying at ETSU to become a high school drama teacher. With this new career, Andy’s excited to prepare the next generation of actors for their own adventures in Hollywood.