181 WHITE STREET, DANBURY, CONN. WCSU.

EDU/ SVPA
 WCSU DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS
PRESENTS

In the Open
Written by
Mona Mansour

Directed by
Kimille Howard

Visual Director/Editor Audio/Video Designer Asst. Audio/Video

Kimille Howard Arielle Edwards Ashleigh Shaw
Erick Mockovak
Theresia Young

Head Costumer Asst. Costumer/Wardrobe Graphics

Courtney Skeens Melani Piacentini Sydney Kuhn

Producer Associate Producer Production Stage Manager

Pam McDaniel Dr. Justin P. Cowan Isabel Salazar

Production Manager Assistant Production Manager

Frank Herbert Jenna Atherton

This event is originating on the ancestral lands of the Weantinock and

Schaghticoke people, who stewarded this land for generations. The WCSU
Theatre Arts department recognizes and respects the enduring relationship that
exists between indigenous peoples and their traditional homelands.

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, WCSU WESTSIDE

CAMPUS, 43 LAKE AVE. EXTENSION, DANBURY, CONN. 06811
WCSU.EDU/SVPA
 Note from the Dramaturg

In the Open was originally commissioned in the spring of 2017 by the Professional
Performing Arts School in Manhattan. Set in the utopia of a private high school, the play
deals with an “Incident” that rocks the foundations the school was built on, while exploring
the smaller relationships and factors that lead up to the Incident.

Whether it is expressed obviously in the work itself or not, all forms of media are influenced
by the times and places of their creation. Often, the impact of an event that affects entire
generations leaves aftershocks in the creative world. One example of this is the “return to
order” movement that occurred in Europe after the end of World War I – after the horrors
each nation experienced in the war, their artists shied away from the new and experimental
in favor of comforting traditional influences, as a form of collective recovery.

Other times, the art is used as a tool to comment on circumstances of the time. Take Arthur
Miller’s The Crucible, for example. Miller criticized Joseph McCarthy’s unfounded crusade
against communism by allegorically comparing it to the Salem witch hunts. Miller uses
allegory in his “simple tale” by having his Puritans act in a manner suspiciously reminiscent of
the publicly-broadcast politicians of his day. Art can also serve to galvanize the public, as we
are reminded by Bertold Brecht’s litany of agitprop theatre, aimed to get audiences thinking
critically about the political issues of their time.

As you watch tonight’s performance of In the Open, please consider how this story serves as
a response to recent events in our country. How does the play reflect the time in which it
was written? How can we learn from these characters’ actions? Though these kinds of
questions are not simple to answer, their discussion might lead you to some valuable insight
moving forward.

Enjoy the show!

Elias Levy
 CAST

Bella Bosco Raul Calderon Colleen Callahan Sydney Campbell

Elijah Carbone Victoria D’Orazio Rebecca Donaghy Jenna Drahota

Colin Tyler

Manny Farmer Dania Fedrick Raissatou Karim Cara Leahy

Dean Grace

Tori Lopez Sydney Maher Leo Moraes Darius Mullens

Jamar Nichols Liv Rando Destiny Samuel Aurora Schloat

Will Stewich Chelsea Weaver Camry Young

 Cast
The Students
Christina/Three Girls………………..……………………………..…………………..……….…….………RAISSATOU KARIM
Mara/Three Girls.………………………………………………………………….………………….….…….AURORA SCHLOAT
Mia/Three Girls..…………………………………………………………………………….…….…..……….SYDNEY CAMPBELL
Claire.…………………………….…………………………………………………...……………….…………VICTORIA D’ORAZIO
Towne..…………………………………………………………………………..…….………..…….…….………ELIJAH CARBONE
Cam…….………………….…………….…………………………………………….………………….………………CAMRY YOUNG
E.A..…..……………………………………………………………….……….……….……………………………....SYDNEY MAHER
Riley.……….………….………………………………………………………………….……………...……………….…CARA LEAHY
Sofia.……..……………………………………………………….………….….……………………….……….…………TORI LOPEZ
Thea.…..………….…………..………………………………………………………….……………………………………LIV RANDO
Felix..………………………….………….…………………...……………………….………………………………MANNY FARMER
Nina.…………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………JENNA DRAHOTA
Anna…………………………………………………………………….………………………………….………REBECCA DONAGHY
Naomi.…………….………………………………..………..……………………...………………………..……CHELSEA WEAVER
Kev.………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….………RAUL CALDERON

The Adults
Madolyn………….…..…………………………………………………………………………………………….………BELLA BOSCO
Lou…………………………………………………………………….…………….…………………………….………WILL STEWICH
Devon……………………..………………………………………….………………………………..…………COLLEEN CALLAHAN
Lena…………..………………………………………………………………………...………….…..……………DESTINY SAMUEL
Taylor……………………………………………………………………………………….……………..………….DARIUS MULLENS
Casey…………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..…………LEO MORAES
Betsy………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….....……CHELSEA WEAVER

Nadia (Cam’s Younger Sister)………………..………………………………………………………………...DANIA FEDRICK

Stage Directions………………………………………………………………………….…………………….……JAMAR NICHOLS
 PRODUCTION TEAM WCSU THEATRE
Director, Visual Director/Editor……………………..
………………………………………KIMILLE HOWARD
FACULTY
Dramaturg……………….………...….…ELIAS LEVY Dean, School of Visual and Performing Arts…..
Producer……………………..………PAM MCDANIEL ………………………………………BRIAN T. VERNON
Associate Producer…..…DR. JUSTIN P. COWAN Chair/Professor……………..……. PAM MCDANIEL
Production Manager………….FRANK HERBERT Assoc. Chair/Assistant Professor…………………..
Asst. Production Manager….JENNA ATHERTON ……………………………….DR. JUSTIN P. COWAN
Production Stage Manager……ISABEL SALAZAR Professor…………………………DONALD GAGNON
Assistant Stage Manager……….ATHENA MAZZA Professor……………………..……FRANK HERBERT
Assistant Stage Manager…………IZIAH BARNES Professor……………………....ELIZABETH POPIEL
Audio/Video Designer….….ARIELLE EDWARDS Professor……………………..………...SAL TRAPANI
Asst. Sound & Video.…..……...ASHLEIGH SHAW Associate Professor/Coordinator of Musical
Asst. Sound & Video….….…….ERIC MOCKOVAK Theatre………………………..………. TIM HOWARD
Asst. Sound & Video………….THERESIA YOUNG Assistant Professor………..JONI JOHNS LERNER
Video Assistant…………………………JC BARONE Adjunct Professors………………………...MICHAEL
Video Assistant…………….SEKU-BAYE KARIAMU BARTOLI, HELEN BECHARD, CHRISTOPHER
Props Master.…….…………..SAMANTHA ROSEN BOLAN, LOUISA BURNS-BISOGNO, SCOTT
Costume Supervisor…….JONI JOHNS LERNER CALLY, ROB DECINA, ANTHONY DEPOTO,
Costume Shop Supervisor…..CHRISTINA BEAM CHRISTOPHER DONOVAN, ARIELLE
Head Costumer.……………..COURTNEY SKEENS EDWARDS, MAUREEN FREEDMAN, PHILLIP
Asst. Costumer/Wardrobe…………………..………. GEORGE, JOHN HICKOK, KIMILLE HOWARD,
………………………….……..MELANI PIANCENTINI HOPE KATCHER STRIANO, MARY ANN LAMB,
Graphics………………………….......SYDNEY KUHN NEAL LERNER, VICTORIA MACK, JAN MASON,
Dialect Coach……..…….RITA KABALI WAGENER KAIA MONROE RARICK, MEGAN OSTERHAUS,
HEATHER PATTERSON KING, ELIZABETH
PARKINSON, BRENDA PHELPS, JEREMY
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT POWELL, JANELLE ROBINSON, RJ ROMERO,
JOSHUA ROSE, MARIAH SAGE, SCOTT WISE
PERSONNEL
University Assistant………...…CHRISTINA BEAM UNIVERSITY
JOHN BONANNI
…………………………………….….JOSEPH BREWER PUBLICATIONS AND
…………………………………………MARK FOCARILE
VPAC Events Coordinator……..…..ERIC GOMEZ
DESIGN
Director…………………………….JEFFREY TALBOT
VPAC Technical Coordinator…….KORI HANSEN
Assistant Director…………..………ELLEN MYHILL
VPAC Audio and Information Tech Coordinator
Photographer……….……………PEGGY STEWART
…………………………………….SHELDON STEIGER
Theatre Dept. Secretary….…....ABIGAIL BUETI

UNIVERSITY
RELATIONS
Director……………………………PAUL STEINMETZ
Associate Director…………………….SHERRI HILL
 WHO’S WHO IN THE
CAST
BELLA BOSCO (Madolyn) is a sophomore Larchmont, NY. WCSU credits include Tape
BFA Musical Theatre major from Delaware, (Swing) and Bed and Breakfast (Swing).
Oh. WCSU Credits include Hand to Outside credits include American Idiot
God (Margery u/s, performed), The (Whatsername), Heathers (Martha), and Les
Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (Clark). Other Misérables (Eponine).
credits include Shrek (Fiona), Damn JENNA DRAHOTA (Nina) is a sophomore
Yankees (Lola), Mary Poppins (Mrs. BA Theatre Performance major from New
Banks) and Noises Off (Dotty). Instagram: Milford, CT. WCSU credits include Tape
@thebellabosco (Stage manager). Other credits
RAUL CALDERON (Kev) is a sophomore include Footloose (Ariel Moore), Curtains
BFA Musical Theatre major from Waterbury, (Georgia Hendricks), and Heathers
CT. WCSU credits include The Who’s Tommy (Martha).
(Pit Singer/Ensemble Swing) and Family by MANNY FARMER (Felix) is a transfer
Numbers (Oldest Son). Other credits include Musical Theatre major from Queens, NY.
Spring Awakening (Moritz), Heathers (JD), Other credits include The Wiz (Tin Man)
and Rabbit Hole (Jason). Charlie (Slow Jam) Liam (Phoebe in Winter)
COLLEEN CALLAHAN (Devon) is a junior and Olaudah Equiano (I, Migration).
BA Theatre Performance from Easton, CT. DANIA FEDRICK (Nadia) is a Sophomore
WCSU credits include The Resistible Rise of BA Theater Performance major from
Arturo Ui (Betty Dullfeet), Words, Words, Naugatuck, CT. WCSU Credits include Family
Words (Kafka), Today’s Specials (Velma), by Numbers (Stage Manager), and Just One
Hand To God (Assistant Costume Designer), Night (Kate). Other credits include Hairspray
1940s Radio Hour (Wardrobe Head), and (Inez), Fences (Assistant Stage
The Wild Party (Wardrobe Crew). Other Manager/Raynell) and A Chorus Line
Credits include Noises Off (Dotty Otley/Mrs. (Cassie)
Clacket), Godspell (Judas), and You’re a
Good Man, Charlie Brown (Lucy). RAISSATOU KARIM (Christina/Three Girls)
is Sophomore BA Theatre Performance
SYDNEY CAMPBELL (Mia/Three Girls) is a
major from Stratford, CT. WCSU credits
junior BA Theatre Performance from Dudley, include Death Valley DQ (Jo), and Pancakes
MA. WCSU credits include The Resistible Rise
(Buddy). Other credits include the student
of Arturo Ui (The Prosecutor), Animal Farm directed film “Headaches Make the Heart
(Ensemble), Bee [10 Minute Play] (Ming
Grow Fonder” (The Mind). Instagram:
02), Judith [10 Minute Play] (Understudy),
@raissakarim
Crazy for You (Props Assistant), 1940’s
Radio Hour (Wardrobe Crew), and The CARA LEAHY (Riley) is a sophomore BA
Who’s Tommy (Props Master) Theatre Performance major from Pawling,
NY. WCSU credits include Five Characters in
ELIJAH CARBONE (Towne) is a sophomore Search of an Exit (Clown) and Hand to God
BA Theater Performance major from
(running crew). Other credits
Wallingford, CT. WCSU credits include Last
include Mamma Mia (Sophie), All Shook Up
Day of Camp (Craig). Other credits include (Lorraine) and Harvey (Veta Simmons).
Shrek (Pinocchio), Aida (Pharaoh,
Ensemble), and Ragtime (Willie Conklin). TORI M. LOPEZ (Sophia) is a sophomore
BA Theatre Performance major from
VICTORIA D’ORAZIO (Claire) is a
Yorktown Heights, NY. WCSU credits include
sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major from Death Valley DQ (Luna). Other credits
Hopewell Junction, NY. WCSU credits include
include Mamma Mia! (ensemble), The Little
The Who’s Tommy (Sally Simpson), and Mermaid (Arista), and Gianni Schicchi
Happy Meal (Nancy). Other credits include (Lauretta)
Hello, Dolly! (Minnie Fay), Newsies
(Katherine), Heathers (Heather Mcnamara), SYDNEY MAHER (E.A.) is a sophomore
and Bring it On (Eva). Upcoming: Mamma Musical Theatre major from Milford, CT.
Mia (Sophie) at Sharon Playhouse. WCSU credits include A Little Night Music
(Swing) and Last Day of Camp (Lillian).
REBECCA DONAGHY (Anna) is a
Other credits include Heathers (Pauline
sophomore BA Theater performance and
Fleming), Cry-Baby (Lenora), Young
Theater Arts Management major from
Frankenstein (Elizabeth) and Urinetown
(Hope Cladwell).
LEO MORAES (Casey) is a senior Theatre AURORA SCHLOAT (Mara/Three Girls) is a
Performance major From Valença, Rio de junior BFA Musical Theatre major from Avon,
Janero. WCSU credits include The Resistible CT. WCSU credits include Crazy for You
Rise of Arturo Ui (Hook), Ubu (Ensemble), (Patsy), The Who’s Tommy (swing),
The Second Beam (Casting Director), and 1940’s Radio Hour (assistant director).
and Murder by Midnight (Bellhop). Other credits include A Chorus Line (Val),
DARIUS MULLENS (Taylor) is a junior BFA Mamma Mia! (ensemble), and Radium Girls
Musical Theatre major from South Plainfield, (Irene/Miss Wiley).
NJ. WCSU credits include The Unwanted WILL STEWICH (Lou) is a junior Theatre
(Dan), The 1940’s Radio Hour (Biff Baker)*, Performance major from Shrewsbury,
and The Who’s Tommy (Ensemble). Other MA. WCSU credts include Hand to God
credits include Carrie: The Musical (Tommy) (Jason/Tyrone), The Resistible Rise of Arturo
and Heathers: The Musical (JD). *KCACTF Ui (Ernesto Roma), and Much Ado About
Irene Ryan Alternate Nothing (Watchman/Boy). Other Credits
JAMAR NICHOLS (Narrator) is a junior BA include Much Ado About Nothing (Conrade)
Theater Performance major from New and How to Succeed In Business Without
Haven, CT. WCSU credits include Really Trying (Bud Frump).
Heritage Heritage HAIRITAGE (Nap Patrol CHELSEA WEAVER (Naomi/Betsy) is a
Officer 2). Other credits include stand-up senior BA Theater Performance major from
comedy for the Black Student Union Tolland, CT. WCSU credits include Hand to
(Chocolate Lounge, Soul Food Events, etc.) God (Margery)*, For Whom the Southern
LIV RANDO (Thea) is a sophomore BFA Belle Tolls (Amanda Wingvalley), and
Musical Theater major from Saratoga Charlotte’s Web: A Radio Play (Charlotte).
Springs, NY. WCSU credits include The *KCACTF Alternate Candidate
Who’s Tommy (ensemble), and Her- CAMRY YOUNG (Cam) is a senior BA
icane (Chloe). Teatre Performance major from West Haven,
DESTINY SAMUEL (Lena) is a Sophomore CT. WCSU credits include Animal Farm
BA Theater major from Brooklyn, NY. (Muriel), The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
Outside credits include The 25th Annual (Public Defender), and UBU
Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona (Ubuist/Ensemble). Other credits include
Peretti), Snow Grey [New Play Juliet’s Twist (Juliet) and Slaved Chained and
Project] (Snow Grey), As You Like It (Amiens Shattered (Vonda).
/Le Beau), Passover (Reverend Missus-
voiceover) and [Title of Show] (Susan).
*KCACTF Irene Ryan and Richard Maltby
nominee.
FACULTY PRODUCTION
TEAM AND DESIGNERS
KIMILLE HOWARD (Director, Visual selected as a Teaching Fellow at the
Director/Editor) is a New York-based director, Television Academy, L.A. He serves as a
deviser, writer and filmmaker. She is an competition judge for the National Academy
Assistant Stage Director at the Metropolitan of Television Arts & Sciences and is a fulltime
Opera and recently worked on the new James Professor of Communication & Media Arts at
Robinson production of Porgy and Bess. She is WCSU.
the newly appointed Artistic Director of the
Lucille Lortel Theatre’s NYC Public High School CHRISTINA BEAM (Costume Shop
Playwriting Fellowship. Select directing credits Supervisor) is a freelance costume designer
include Soil Beneath by Chesney Snow and technician working in New York and New
(Primary Stages/59E59), $#!thole Country England. Beam graduated from UMass
Clapback by Pascale Armand (Loading Dock Amherst in May 2019 with an M.F.A. in
Theatre), The Fellowship Plays (Lucille Lortel costume design, after completing an
Theatre Foundation), A Light Staggering by assistantship that also included rigorous work
Jeesun Choi (Ensemble Studio Theatre), in costume construction. Her recent design
Tidwell: or the Plantation Play by Rodney credits include The Revolutionists by Lauren
Witherspoon II (Samuel French OOB Short Gunderson (Silverthorne Theater), Queer and
Play Festival - winner), Low Power by Jon Now: Sync or Swim (NYPOP), She Loves
Kern (EST), BLACK GIRLS ARE FROM OUTER Me (UConn Opera) and Taylor Mac’s The Lily’s
SPACE by Emana Rachelle (National Black Revenge: A Flowergory Manifold (UMass). Her
Theatre), Skeleton Crew by Dominique designs for The Lily’s Revenge were included
Morisseau (TheatreSquared) and TRIGGERED as part of the 2019 Emerging
by Gabriel Jason Dean (Cherry Lane Theatre). Artist/Imagination Exhibit at the 2019 USITT
Her work has also been seen at The Circle in Prague Quadrennial. Since graduation, she
the Square Theatre Circle Series, The Flea, has devoted much of her time to working as a
The Lark, JAGFest, NYU, Sea Dog Theater, draper for Connecticut Repertory Theatre and
and Atlantic Acting School among others. as a stitcher for Hartford Stage. She is
Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and thrilled to be joining the WCSU family in her
Times of the Temptations (Assistant Director). new role as Costume Shop Supervisor.
She has worked with Des McAnuff, Rebecca
Frecknall, Ruben Santiago Hudson, Emily DR. JUSTIN P. COWAN (Associate
Mann, Stephen Wadsworth, Lorca Peress and Chair/Associate Producer) Cowan’s New York
more. Recent Fellowships: New York Theatre regional credits include West Side Story, The
Workshop 2050 Fellowship and the Manhattan Producers, Hairspray, Cabaret and Annie Get
Theatre Club Jonathan Alper Directing Your Gun. Other regional credits include
Fellowship. Currently a Resident Director at Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with
The Flea Theater. She has produced shows at George (North Carolina Summer Rep), Damn
the HERE Arts Center, FIAF, and more. Yankees, Avenue Q, Gypsy, Guys and Dolls,
Legally Blonde, How To Succeed... (Ocean
MONA MANSOUR (Playwright) is an State Theatre Company), South Pacific, Man
American playwright of Middle Eastern of La Mancha, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Dirty
descent. She has been a member of the Public Blonde, A Christmas Carol (Triad Stage), The
Theater's Emerging Writers Group, a Core Fantasticks (Florida Repertory Theatre), The
Writer for the Playwrights' Center, and she is Drowsy Chaperone (Maples Repertory
currently a resident playwright at New Theatre), Always…Patsy Cline, Ethel Waters’
Dramatists. Mansour often writes about the His Eye is on the Sparrow (Florida Studio
Middle East, and she has frequently Theatre), Little Shop Of Horrors, Something’s
collaborated with English director Mark Wing- Afoot, A Grand Night For Singing (the
Davey. In addition to her theater work, Schoolhouse Theatre), The Secret Garden,
Mansour has written for the television shows Into the Woods (The Gallery Players), Zombie
Queens Supreme and Dead Like Me. Prom, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
(North Carolina Theatre Alliance), Caroline, or
JC BARONE (Video Assistant) has been an Change, Heathers, Hairspray, Into the Woods,
active producer/director and educator for over Monty Python’s Spamalot, Mr. Burns: A Post-
20 years. He is the recipient of numerous Electric Play, A Year With Frog and Toad, Dani
awards for his television work and digital Girl, Cabaret (UNCG School of Theatre).
films, including the Communicator Award of Church Basement Ladies, Are We There Yet?.
Distinction, the Videographer Award of The Winter Wonderettes (Prather
Distinction, and six Telly Awards. JC was Entertainment Group), Little Women, Single
Rider (University of Alabama), Dirty Rotten work on the original production of Miguel
Scoundrels, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Das Barbecü, Pinero’s Short Eyes, the Broadway premiere of
Songs For A New World andThe 25th Medea and Jason, David Mamet’s A Life in the
Annual...Spelling Bee (BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theatre (the Marquis Display sits in his office
Theatre). He holds D.M.A. and M.M. degrees to this day) and David French’s Leaving
in Conducting and a B.A. in Voice from the Home. Herbert served on the staff of the
University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Performing Arts Center at SUNY, where he
www.ConductorCowan.com, joined the design/tech faculty and was the
www.DirectorCowan.com associate producer of the internationally
acclaimed Pepsico Summerfare bringing
ARIELLE EDWARDS (Sound Designer) is a music, theatre and dance from Japan,
former assistant audio supervisor for the Indonesia, Australia, Europe and throughout
Public Theater and Shakespeare In the Park, the United States and Canada to the newly
working on shows there from 2008 through created arts center. He has been on the
2013. As a freelance sound engineer off- WCSU faculty since 1990 and served as the
Broadway, she worked on productions of Altar Theatre Arts Department’s first chairman. He
Boyz at New World Stages, Walmartopia at originated the department’s productions for
Minetta Lane, and Jack Goes Boating starring Ives Concert Park’s Summer Concert Series in
Philip Seymour Hoffman with LAByrinth 2008 with Shalamazoo, which was later taken
Theater Company. Winner of the Connecticut to Edinburgh. He has enjoyed guest
Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Sound assignments with the Aspen Music Festival, as
Design for dance of the holy ghosts at Yale a scenic and lighting designer at the
Repertory Theatre. She holds a B.A. from University of Pennsylvania, and as lighting
Vassar College and an M.F.A. from Yale designer for modern dance at TRC.
School of Drama.
JONI JOHNS LERNER (Assistant Professor,
KORI HANSEN (Technical Coordinator/ Costume Shop Manager) has been working in
Adjunct Professor) is responsible for the the New York professional costume industry
training and maintenance of the equipment for more than 35 years. As a textile artist, her
for the Art, Music and Theatre Arts work can be seen on the stages of the
departments in the building. She is also an Broadway, National Tours, European and
adjunct professor in the Theatre Arts Asian companies of The Lion King for the last
Department, teaching techniques in lighting 23 years. Other examples of her work have
and rigging. Hansen received her B.F.A. in been seen on the Broadway and National Tour
Theatre Design Technology from SUNY of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Wicked.
Purchase and has spent more than 30 years Multiple projects have included New York City
working in live entertainment production and Ballet, American Ballet Theater, San Francisco
management. Her early work includes Ballet and Kansas City Ballet, and Bette
touring as an electrician for the Big Apple Midler’s Kiss My Brass and Las Vegas shows
Circus and working on the lighting crew at as well as the Spider-Man costumes at
Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City. From there, Universal Studios Theme Park in Florida.
she went on to work for Kliegl Brothers Lerner was co-owner of Fabric Effects in New
Lighting and was exposed to theatrical York, a fabric dyeing, painting and silk
lighting from the manufacturing of fixtures screening company serving the theatre, film
to the design for some of the first computer and fashion industries. She has collaborated
and digital lighting systems. Before arriving with numerous designers of stage, screen and
at WCSU, she worked for a production ballet, including Maurice Sendak on several
company as a technical director for opera projects and an exclusive hand painted
corporate events and most recently spent 12 scarf series.
years as the production manager for the
Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill, RITA KABALI WAGENER (Dialect Coach) is
New York, where she managed more than a native of Uganda in East Africa and left her
500 shows including children’s shows, dance mother land 38 year ago. From Uganda, Rita
and countless rock-and-roll performances. moved to Fairbanks, Alaska and attended The
UAF (University of Alaska Fairbanks). Moving
FRANK HERBERT (Professor) has spent 45- to Alaska from Africa was like moving from an
plus years in theatre production and oven to a freezer. Rita met her future
management, with some design, direction and husband Mitch Wagener in Fairbanks and got
performing throughout his career. As owner of married in a snow storm in a place where
the Corner Shop Scenic Studios, he served snow is measured only in feet not inches. Rita
most of New York’s off-Broadway theatres, and her husband had their first child in
dance and opera companies, trade, industrials Fairbanks, and in 1996 they moved to CT.
and television. Some of those credits include Rita is now a mother of two daughters, and
grandmother. The family calls Bethel their
home. Rita also decided to keep her culture
STUDENT PRODUCTION
through arts and crafts of Africa and African
dancing with Rita’s African show has been
TEAM
part of her life for about 10 years now.
JENNA ATHERTON (Student Production
PAM MCDANIEL (Producer/Chair) is a Manager) is a Senior Theatre Management
professor of acting, directing and play and Design/Tech major from Bethel, CT.
production, and chair of the WCSU WCSU credits include Animal Farm (PSM),
Department of Theatre Arts. At WCSU, she Evita (ASM) and Company (Properties
has directed productions of Major Barbara, Master). Outside credits include What of The
Sweeney Todd, The Best Little Whorehouse in Night (PSM, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film
Texas, City of Angels, Cabaret, The Cherry Institute), Asphodel’s (PSM/Sound Designer,
Orchard, Nine, The Full Monty, The Mystery of New York Theatre Festival) and Upright
Edwin Drood and Kiss Me Kate. She also Citizens Brigade (ASM, Long Wharf
directed Two Nights Near Doolin, a play Theatre).
written by WCSU faculty member Louisa IZIAH BARNES (Assistant Stage Manager)
Burns-Bisogno. Her production of The Cherry is a Freshman BA Theatre Management from
Orchard received a Merit award as Bridgeport, CT.
Outstanding Associate Production for Region
ABBY CUNNINGHAM (Hair/Makeup) is a
1, and her production of Sweeney Todd was
sophomore Theatre Performance and Social
chosen for the Kennedy Center American
Sciences double major. WCSU credits include
College Theater Festival (KCACTF). Prior to
Five Characters in Search of an Exit (The
coming to WCSU, McDaniel produced and
Ballerina) and The Accounting Department
directed extensively in San Francisco and
(Joline).
Dallas/Fort Worth. She was a co-founder and
artistic director of San Francisco’s Annual SEKU-BAYE KARIAMU (Video Assistant) is
Working Women Festival, spotlighting a senior at Western Connecticut State
outstanding female theatre artists, and she University, majoring in Digital and
has worked with new plays for the New York Interactive Media Arts with a concentration
Chapter of the National Academy of Television in Media Production. Since high school,
Arts and Sciences. Her M.F.A in Directing is Seku’s passion for media production
from the University of Texas-Austin with continues to grow as he learns new skills,
additional study at the American Conservatory aspiring to become a Professional Video
Theatre in San Francisco, the Royal Academy Editor after graduating in December 2020.
of Dramatic Arts in London, Actors Theatre of Seku currently works as a Student Content
Louisville, and New York City casting with Creator for Western Connecticut State
Daniel Swee at Theatre Communication University’s Media Services, where he
Group. records and edits educational promo videos
and sports highlight videos for WestConn
social media and faculty. Seku is also a Peer-
to-Peer Mentor for students in WestConn’s
Media Department, where he assists
students with using editing programs.
Recent achievements include First Place in
DIMA for the Media Arts Film Festival 2019,
and 3 Official Selections for Drama/Comedy,
Screenplay, and DIMA in the Media Arts Film
Festival 2020. As Seku continues to harness
A full list of WCSU Department of Theatre his craft, he takes up as many opportunities
Faculty is available on as possible to apply what he has learned for
www.wcsu.edu/theatrearts/faculty a variety of professional environments.
ELIAS LEVY (Dramaturg) is a junior Vocal
Performance major from Monroe,
CT. Instagram: @eliaslevymusic
ATHENA MAZZA (Assistant Stage Manager)
is a Sophomore BA Theatre Management
major from New Milford, CT. WCSU credits
include A Little Night Music (Props Assistant),
and Animal Farm (Assistant Stage
Manager).
MELANI PIACENTINI (Assistant COURTNEY SKEENS (Costumer) is a
Costumer) is a junior Theatre Studies major sophomore Theatre Design/Tech major from
from Stratford, CT. WCSU credits West Haven, CT. WCSU credits include A
include Hand to God (costume crew). Other Little Night Music (Running crew) and
credits include Last Day of Camp (Lillian) Charlotte’s Web: A Radio Play (Fern).
and In the Red and Brown Water (costume Outside credits include Footloose: The
crew). Musical (Costumer, Two Planks Theater
ISABEL SALAZAR (Production Stage Company).
Manager) is a junior BA Theatre THERESIA YOUNG (Sound/Video) is a
Management and Design/Tech major from sophomore Theatre Design/Tech major from
Woodbridge, CT. WCSU credits include SVPA New Rochelle, NY. WCSU credits include
Night of the Arts Gala (Stage Manager), A Hand to God (Asst. Master Electrician),
Little Night Music (Props Assistant), and The and A Little Night Music (Follow Spot
Who’s Tommy (Assistant Stage Manager). Operator).
Other credits include Sondheim Awards at
Shubert Theatre (Assistant Stage Manager),
The Little Mermaid at Westport Country
Playhouse (Assistant Stage Manager), and
Newsies at Westport Country Playhouse
(Assistant Stage Manager).
ASHLEIGH SHAW (Sound/Video) is a
Senior Design/Tech major from Sandy Hook,
CT. WCSU credits includeThe 1940’s Radio
Hour (Asst. Lighting Designer), Ubu (Master
Electrician), and Peter and the Starcatcher
(A2). Other credits include Legally Blonde
(Projections Specialist), Bare: A Pop
Opera (A1), A Rockin’ Midsummer Nights
Dream (A2).

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 WCSU.EDU/SVPA
About the School of Visual and Performing Arts

Western Connecticut State University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA) establishes
Western as the premier regional center for cultural, intellectual and artistic excellence. SVPA
brings together the departments of Art, Theatre Arts and Music, allowing the university to better
promote and grow all three creative disciplines.

Mission Statement
• To offer the highest-quality educational, pre-professional and professional programming within a
liberal arts environment.
• To utilize fully our regional advantage in the arts and arts-related professions, including access to
outstanding faculty, guest artists and resources of New York City.
• To recruit the most talented students in the arts disciplines.
• To fulfill the role of designated center for the arts of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities
system.
• To attract major funding for scholarships and endowed faculty chairs.
• To enhance the cultural life and image of the university.
• To provide significant experiences in the arts for all students in academic programs across the university.

Contact Us
For more information about the school and its programs, please contact the Office of the Dean at
(203) 837-8851 or visit wcsu.edu/svpa.

Giving to the School

For information on giving opportunities to the SVPA, please contact the Office of Institutional
Advancement at (203) 837-8279.
 The Marian Anderson Naming Campaign
Please help us achieve our goal to name the
School of Visual and Performing Arts at
Western Connecticut State University in honor
of the legendary Marian Anderson. Your gift
will bring us one step closer to naming both
the School and Visual and Performing Arts
Center in recognition of this cultural icon and
longtime Danbury resident. The Anderson
School will be committed to excellence,
opportunity and inclusion.
All contributions to the Marian Anderson Fund
will go to the naming, development and
enhancement of the School of Visual and
Performing Arts and community
programming. A donation envelope may be
found at the box office.

FOLLOW US…

FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/WCSUDepartmentofTheatreArts

INSTAGRAM:
@wcsu_theatre