The History Boys

Program:

• About the Play
• Cast (listed in order of appearance)
• Production Staff
• Creative Team
• Run Crew
• Cast Bios
• Creative Team Bios

About the Play

by Alan Bennett 

You will meet an unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form (senior) boys in a British boarding and their vastly different educators. In The History Boys, Alan Bennett raises—with gentle wit and pitch-perfect command of character—not only universal questions about the nature of history and how it is taught but also questions about the purpose of education today. Following a sold out run in London, The History Boys premiered on Broadway in April 2006 taking the Tony Award as Best Play of the Season. Directed by Guest Director, Jason Podplesky.

Time and Place: 1980’s Sheffield, Northern England 

Intermission Duration: 15 minutes

Please silence all cell phones, pagers, and any other electronic devices. Texting during productions will result in removal from the theater.

The use of any recording device (photo, sound, or video) by audience members is not permitted.  

Cast (listed in order of appearance)

Character Name	Principal Actor	Understudy
Posner	Jake Jonesco	Hunter Gee
Dakin	Gavin O’Meara	William Schneider
Scripps	Luke Niehaus
Rudge	Carson Campbell	Issiah Current
Lockwood	Ethan Cain	Rogerick Fields Jr.
Akthar	Ivy Speight	Jaeden Ramsey
Timms	Ryder Donaldson	Ethan Worthington
Crowther	David Cremean	Carson Keith
Irwin	Aidan Edwards	Landon Gleeson
Hector	Jacob Sawtelle	Zev Spence
Headmaster	Jordan Allen	Joshua Ziegler
Mrs. Lintott	Kayleigh Gleeson	Isabella Stringham

---

Production Staff

Production Manager/Technical Director: Kevin Nedberg

Assistant Production Manager: Dylan Serrano

Assistant Technical Director: Maggie Slauenwhite

Assistant Director: Katie Baldwin

Stage Manager: Phoenix Perry

Assistant Stage Manager: Arthur Billups 

Production Assistant: Jo James

Assistant Lighting Designer: Bao Uyen Pham

Production Electrician: Jennifer E. Dillard

Assistance Production Electrician: Mary Beverly

Electricians: Connor Veal, Levi T. Fravel, Kayla Theiss, Mary Beverley, Keb Stevens, Hunter Davis, Bao Uyen Pham

Sound Engineer/Audio Coordinator: James Dunlap

Audio Technicians: Hunter Davis

Carpenters: James Hendricks, Elias Baader, Maggie Slauenwhite, Vexere Sargent, Megan Todd, Kaydence Mullins, Kenna Seng, Keaton Messmer, Devin Perlow, Elena Kallenberg, Kat Walkup, Ana Sofia Gomez

Scenic Artist Supervisor: Brian Seckfort

Assistant Scenic Designer: Kaydence Mullins 

Scenic Charge Artist: Isa Castillon

Scenic Painters: Cassie Dranschak, Esther Moshood, Kenna Seng, Kayla Theiss, Kaydence Mullins, Callie Lippincott

Properties Supervision: John Lavarnway

Properties Artisans: Keaton Messmer, Hayden Stewart

Costume Shop Manager: Carly Kimmins

Costume Shop Assistant: Victoria “Ori” Rancor

Stitchers: Charlie Cute, Ona Ford, Kate Hahn, Claire Spychalski, Arthur Billups, Gillian Jenkins, Katie Schwabe, Scout Smith, Jillian Price-Hall

Creative Team

Playwright: Alan Bennett 

Director: Jason Podplesky  

Assistant Director: Katie Baldwin

Stage Manager: Phoenix Perry

Set Design: Brian C. Seckfort

Costume Design: Wrynn Boucher 

Lighting Design: Levi T. Fravel

Sound Design: James Dunlap

Movement: Aidan Edwards, ’96

Run Crew

Light Board Operator: Mary Beverley

Sound Board Mixer: Billie Sunshine

Properties Head: Callie Lippincott

Props Assistant: Cassie Dranschak, Kenna Seng

Deck: Hayden Stewart, Isa Castillon, Abigale Hartley

Deck Head: Cassie Dranschak, Kenna Seng

Wardrobe Head: Katie Schwabe

Cast Bios

Jordan Brian Allen (Headmaster) (he/him) is a junior acting major born in Detroit, MI. Recent Wright State productions include The Apple Tree (King Arick), Much Ado About Nothing (Borachio u/s), and The Wedding Singer (Sweet Jim/Mr. T). Jordan wants to shout out his mom, who is his biggest supporter. He hopes you enjoy The History Boys. Cheers~

Ethan Cain (Lockwood) (he/him) is a junior acting major from Cincinnati. He has played Constable Warren/ George Gibbs u/s in Wright State’s production of Our Town, as well as Claudio u/s in last year’s production of Much Ado About Nothing, and Simon in The Game’s Afoot this past fall. He would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support. Please enjoy! 

Carson Campbell (Rudge) (he/him) is a junior musical theatre major from Houston, Texas. Previous roles include Boroachio (Much Ado About Nothing), Stokes (Carrie the Musical), and Doug (Gruesome Playground Injuries). He is excited to work with the cast and crew of The History Boys to bring the play to life!  

David Cremean (Crowther) (he/him) is grateful to be telling this story in his second production at Wright State. He is a sophomore musical theatre major who recently played Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer. He would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers who support him every day. 

Issiah Current (Rudge u/s) (he/him) is a freshman musical theatre major who is delighted to make his Wright State debut. Previous favorite roles include Kings Island’s “Tinker’s Jingle Bell Ball” (Pointdexter) and Cincinnati Landmark’s “Burgertown” (Guido, Danny u/s). Profiter du spectacle, les amis!

Ryder Donaldson (Timms) (he/him) is making his debut as Timms in The History Boys. Ryder is a freshman acting major and is beyond grateful and excited to have this amazing opportunity as a first-year student. Some of Ryder’s other credits include Urinetown (Caldwell B. Cladwell), Newsies (Pulitzer), and Footloose (Coach Dunbar). Ryder would like to thank all of his friends, family, and staff for their support. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Aidan Edwards (Irwin) (he/him) is honored to be in his final Wright State University show. Choreography: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Wedding Singer, Alice by Heart. Performance: Singin’ in the Rain (u/s Don Lockwood), A Chorus Line (Al). Thank you to Jason, his family, and his chosen family. For Erica. Insta: @acedwards04; website:aidan-edwards.com 

Rogerick Fields Jr (Lockwood u/s) (He/him) is a freshman musical theatre major from Miamisburg, Ohio. He is excited to be a part of his first play at Wright State University. Previous performances include Cats (Rum Tum), The Little Mermaid (Sebastian), and Mamma Mia (Sam Carmichael). He wants to thank everyone who has supported his journey, and he hopes you enjoy the show.

Hunter Gee (Posner u/s) (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of his first production at Wright State. He is a freshman musical theatre major from Cincinnati. Recent credits include Janitor's Closet (Ethan), She Loves Me (Kodaly), and You Can't Take It With You (Olga Katrina). Many thanks to Jason, friends, family, and the cast and crew for making this an incredible first experience at Wright State. Enjoy the show! 

Kayleigh Gleeson (Mrs. Lintott) (she/her) is a senior acting major. She is beyond grateful to get to do The History Boys with Jason Podplesky as her last production at Wright State. You may have seen her in Much Ado About Nothing. Thank you to everyone who has allowed her to get this far in her career! Instagram: Kayleighgleeson

Landon Gleeson (Irwin u/s) is a sophomore musical theatre major from the Cincinnati area. You might have seen him in The Wedding Singer as Ronald Raegan at Wright State! He would like to thank his friends, family, and the other history boys around him for an amazing time on a great show. He hopes you love The History Boys!

Jake Jonesco (Posner) (they/he) is a junior musical theatre major and a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy. They have recently performed as Mark in Short North Stage’s production of A Chorus Line as well as ensemble for The Wedding Singer, the male swing in Carrie: The Musical, and Howie in Speech and Debate at Wright State University. They also worked on costumes for Interlochen Arts 2024 summer season on A Comedy of Errors, Sense and Sensibility, and Wonderful Town. He would like to thank his friends, roommate, family, and teachers for all of their help and support throughout the years. And a special thanks to the entire cast and crew. Enjoy the show!

Carson Keith (Crowther u/s) (he/him) is a sophomore from Cincinnati. Previous roles at Wright State include Just Joey U.S. and Couch U.S in the fall production of Concord Floral. A special thanks to Jason and the cast for making this a wonderful process. Enjoy the show! 

Luke Niehaus is a sophomore musical theatre major from Cincinnati. He was most recently seen in The Wedding Singer (Swing). Thank you to Jason, the entire cast and crew, and his family for their endless support. Enjoy!

Gavin O’Meara (Dakin) (they/he) is thrilled to take to the Festival Playhouse stage for one last time. A senior musical theatre major, Gavin has previously appeared in The Wedding Singer, Alice by Heart, and Our Town, among other shows at Wright State. They want to thank their family, teachers, and class here at Wright State for all of their support.

Jaeden Ramsey (Akthar u/s) (he/him) is a freshman acting major at Wright State. He’s very grateful and blessed to be a part of this incredible show and cast. He’s especially thankful for all of the help and guidance the staff have given him over the last couple of months. He hopes one day he can be a successful artist and performer. He would like to thank everyone who has supported him along his journey. He hopes you enjoy the show!  

Jacob Sawtelle (Hector) is a sophomore acting major who is excited to be returning to the Festival Playhouse stage. Jacon previously appeared in The Game’s Afoot last fall (Felix Geisel). Jacob is so proud to have worked with this team on this show. I love my family :) #ProtectTransYouth

William Schneider (Dakin u/s) is a freshman acting major and is grateful to be acting in his first play at Wright State. He was previously a part of The Game's Afoot as the assistant stage manager. He would like to thank everyone for making this a great experience! 

Ivy Speight (Akthar) (they/them) is a freshman musical theatre major, and this is their first main stage performance at Wright State. Ivy was previously an assistant stage manager on The Wedding Singer. They would like to thank the cast and crew for an incredible rehearsal experience. They would also like to thank their family for supporting them in their journey.

Zev Spence (Hector u/s) is a freshman acting major and is so excited to be involved in his first show at Wright State. He would like to thank his family and everyone who has supported him in chasing his dreams.

Isabella Stringham (Mrs. Lintott u/s) (she/her) is a freshman acting major, and she is beyond excited to be in her first show at Wright State! She would like to thank her family and the very welcoming cast of The History Boys for making it a perfect first show here. She hopes you enjoy! 

Ethan Worthington (Timms u/s) is a sophomore acting major from Liberty Township, Ohio. He was Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and General Waverly in White Christmas. He would like to thank his professors for encouraging him to continue his work.

Joshua Ziegler (Headmaster u/s) is thrilled to be a part of this incredible production! Joshua is a junior musical theater major and is returning to the Festival Playhouse stage. Joshua was recently seen as William Gillette in The Game’s Afoot as well as in Wright State’s production of Carrie: The Musical. Thank you to mentors, friends, and family for their love and support.  

Creative Team Bios

Katie Baldwin (Assistant Director) (she/her) is super excited to be on the directing team of this show. She is a junior acting major who recently worked on The Game's Afoot (Aggie), Matilda (Miss Honey), and Proof (Director). She hopes you enjoy The History Boys!  

Arthur Billups (he/they) is a sophomore stage management major from Tipp City, Ohio. His recent credits include stage manager for Wright State’s Concord Floral and assistant stage manager for Alice By Heart and Carrie: The Musical. He is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production.

Wrynn Boucher (Costume Designer) has been a volunteer costume designer at Mason Community Players has been designing for Wright State since 2024. Wrynn has designed and co-designed The Visit, The Apple Tree, and Everybody, and now The History Boys. Wrynn is ecstatic to debut his first Festival Playhouse stage designs and finish his career at Wright State this coming fall semester. He is also eager to work, go to grad school, and one day teach as his inspirations, Carly Kimmins and Zoe Still, do.   

Levi T. Fravel (Lighting Designer) is a junior with a concentration in lighting design. They are thrilled to be designing their first mainstage production in The History Boys! They previously designed Everybody.

Jo James (Production Assistant) is so happy to be on the team for her first show at Wright State. She is a freshman acting major and hopes you have the best time watching The History Boys.

Phoenix Perry (Stage Manager) (she/her) is a senior stage manager and is excited for her last show at Wright State. Her previous shows at Wright State include: The Wedding Singer, Much Ado About Nothing, Our Town, Kelly The Destroyer vs. The Springfield Cobras, and A Doll’s House. Part Two. She has also worked as the stage manager of ArtsGala for the past two years. Special thanks to her family and friends. She hopes you enjoy the show! 

Jason Podplesky (Director) (he/him) is an actor, director, and playwright. In New York, he has worked with The Flea Theatre, The Classical Theatre of Harlem, The NY Public Theater, MCC, The Gallery Players, and was a member of the Lincoln Center Director’s Lab. Regionally, his credits include The Human Race Theatre, The Guthrie Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, CATCO, North Shore Music Theater, The Know Theatre of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati LAB Theatre. His play, Led Thespian, was produced internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2018. Academically, he has directed productions at Wright State University, CCM, Wittenberg University, Denison University, and at the College of Staten Island.

Brian C. Seckfort is  instructor of scenic design and technology and theatre studies coordinator at Wright State University. Seckfort holds a dual B.F.A. from Florida Southern College and an M.F.A. from Kent State University in scenic design and technology. Professional design credits include The Glass Menagerie and A Bright New Boise (Iowa Stage Theatre Company), Life Sucks (Dobama Theatre), Beautiful: The Carol King Musical and Jesus Christ Superstar (Des Moines Playhouse), The Wedding Singer, Murder for Two, and Million-Dollar Quartet (Clinton Area Showboat Theatre), and Next to Normal and Young Frankenstein (Forestburgh Playhouse), among others. Additionally, Brian has professional credits as a technical director, carpenter, scenic painter, and artistic administrator for companies such as STAGES St. Louis, Rubber City Theatre, and Lexington Theatre Company. Seckfort has also worked with Miami University, University of Akron, Ohio Northern University, and Iowa State University. To view more of Brian’s designs, please visit www.brianseckfort.com.