Much Ado About Nothing

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Program:

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

About the Play

William Shakespeare's comedic romp revels in mistaken identity, witty banter, and romance.

Josh Aaron McCabe serves as head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts acting program at Wright State.

Playwright: William Shakespeare
Adaptor/Translator: Josh Aaron McCabe

Time and Place: Messina, Sicily

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.

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Cast (listed in order of appearance)

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Production Staff

Production Manager/Technical Director: Kevin Nedberg

Assistant Director: Dylan Serrano

Stage Manager: Phoenix Perry

Assistant Stage Managers: Gillian Jenkins, Mary Carlson

Production Assistant: Kayla Theiss

Assistant Lighting Designer: Levi Fravel

Production Electrician: Jennifer Dillard

Electricians: Zach Wuest, Jackson Boone, Robbie Crissman, Dylan Serrano, Levi Fravel

Sound Engineer/Audio Coordinator: James Dunlap

Student Foreman: Logan Gregory

Head Carpenter: Maggie Slauenwhite

Carpenters: Eli Baader, Kaydence Mullins, Hanna Baker, James Hendricks, Megan Todd, Addie Billups, Adesola Moshood, Grace Wiseman, Kenna Sang, Vex Sargent, Keaton Messmer, Dylan Serrano

Scenic Artist Supervisor: Brian Seckfort

Scenic Charge Artist: Callie Lippincott, Isa Castillon

Scenic Artists: Juliette Trumbull, Lilly Buck, Riley Wells, Drew Feller, Kayla Theiss, Cassidy Dranschak, Mary Carlson

Properties Master: John Lavarnway

Costume Shop Manager: Carly Kimmins

Costume Shop Assistant: Victoria “Ori” Rancor

Wig Artist: Amy Whitaker

Costume Craft Artisan: Lauren Crane

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Run Crew

Light Board Operator: Jennifer Dillard

Sound Board Operator: Robbie Crissman

Properties Lead: Kayla Theiss

Props Assistant: Landon Gleeson

Deck: Vex Sargent

Deck Head: Hanna Baker

Wardrobe Head: Callista Mitchell

Wardrobe Crew: Jillian Price-Hall, Colin Dech, Riley Wells

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Cast Bios

Meg Adams (she/her) is a sophomore musical theatre major from Nashville. Recent roles include Josie U/S in By the Bog of Cats (Wright State Festival Stage) and Debater in What the Constitution Means to Me (Magnolia Theatre Company). Meg would like to thank her family and her roommates for all their love!

Madysen Ashley (Seacoal and Friar U/S) (she/her) is a sophomore acting major from Toledo. Madysen is so excited and honored to be a part of her first main stage production here at Wright State. She would like to thank her friends, family, and faculty for helping her out along the way. Enjoy the show!

Jordan Allen (Borachio u/s) (he/him) is a sophomore acting major. This will be his first ever Wright State play and his first production on the Festival stage. He previously played the role of King Arik in The Apple Tree. Jordan hopes you enjoy (and laugh at) Much Ado!

Kathleen Barth (she/her) is so excited to be a part of her first Shakespeare show! She is a senior acting major whose most recent performance was in Our Town (Emily) at Wright State. She sends her love to her family and friends, as well as our director, Josh, and fellow castmates for this amazing experience.

Paulina Bradley is very excited to be a part of her first Wright State production! She is a freshman acting major from Pittsburgh. She is thankful for the faculty, the cast and crew, and everyone for their love, support, and for making this the best first show someone could ask for. Please enjoy Much Ado About Nothing!

Ethan Cain (Claudio u/s) (he/him) is a sophomore acting major from Cincinnati. He played Constable Warren/ George Gibbs u/s in the Wright State production of Our Town last semester. He would like to thank Josh McCabe and Deb Thomas for gifting him the tools to tackle Shakespeare. Please enjoy the show!

Carson Campbell (Borachio) (he/him) is a sophomore musical theatre major from League City, Texas. He is very excited to be performing in his first Shakespeare production! Carson's other works at Wright State include Carrie: The Musical (Stokes) and Twelve Angry Men (Guard).

Orion Carter is thrilled to be a part of Wright State’s production of Much Ado About Nothing. Orion is a senior majoring in musical theatre. Other shows Orion has done are Carrie (Mr. Stephens) and By the Bog of Cats (Xavier Cassady.) Orion would like to thank his mom!

Olive Cooper (Dogberry u/s) (she/her) is a freshman acting major from Yellow Springs. This is her first production at Wright State as a cast member, and she couldn’t be more excited! Thank you to her friends and the faculty for being so welcoming in her first semester of college, and her mom for always being in her corner.

Brianna Dumaine (Antonia understudy) (she/her) is overjoyed to be involved in this production. She is a sophomore musical theatre major and is grateful to everyone for making it such an amazing experience!

Blaise Duncan-Bevans (he/him) is a senior acting major excited to be performing in his final Wright State season show. He has been seen previously in The Liar (Alcippe), Sweat (Brucie), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney). This performance is dedicated to his mom and aunt. Special thanks to Lee Merrill-Hapner!

Aidan Edwards (Verges) (he/him) is a junior musical theatre and dance minor from Chicago. Regional: Legally Blonde, Jersey Boys, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Wright State: Carrie (Tommy Ross, DC), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip, DC), Cabaret (Emcee u/s), 35MM, On the Town. Thank you to the faculty and his family for their support. For Erica.

Emma Edwards is a senior acting major from Atlanta. Previous credits at Wright State include Carrie the Musical, Cabaret, Arcadia, and By the Bog of Cats. She sends all her love to Aidan and her best friend, in and out of the show, Alexis.

Payon Fraser (Messenger/Sexton u/s and Innogen u/s) is thrilled to be in her first play at Wright State. She is a freshman musical theatre major from Joliet, Illinois. This is her first appearance in a Wright State production and she is grateful for the opportunity! She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support.

Noah Funderburk (Claudio) (he/him) is a sophomore acting major who is honored to bring this work to life. You may have seen Noah most recently as Billy Nolan in Carrie: The Musical. He’d like to thank his hero, Lori, and his love, Katie, for all they do. Omnis Gloria Christo!

Kayleigh Gleeson (Antonia) (she/her) is a junior acting major. She is so appreciative to be in this semester's production of Much Ado About Nothing. Some of her favorite roles include Our Town (Mrs.Gibbs u/s), Horse Girls (Trish), and A Doll’s House (Anne-Marie). She would like to thank her cast mates and everyone working on this production for making it such an incredible experience!

Sierra Jobman (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of Much Ado About Nothing. She is a sophomore musical theatre major and dance minor from Orlando. Recent roles include Debater in What the Constitution Means to Me at Magnolia Theatre Company, and Dance Ensemble in Wild West Spectacular at the Cody Theatre in Cody, Wyoming. She would like to thank her parents for their endless love and support! Check out her Instagram @sierrajobman

Anthony Luisi is so excited to be performing in his first play at Wright State in the Festival Playhouse. He is a freshman acting major from Pittsburgh. Anthony would like to thank his family, friends, and the faculty for all of their support and hard work. He wishes the cast a fantastic run and thanks them for all of the amazing lessons and memories. Follow him on Instagram @anthonyluisi_127

Emma Massey (Leonata) (she/her) is a senior acting major, originally from Midland, Michgian. Previous Wright State credits include Our Town (Rebecca Gibbs), By the Bog of Cats (Hester), Kelly the Destroyer vs. The Springfield Cobras (Bee), Arcadia (u/s Thomasina), and Sister Act (Ensemble). She is grateful to her family, always, and to Josh for a final opportunity on the Festival Playhouse stage!

Ella McCormick (she/her) is a freshman musical theatre and choral music education major. Some favorite shows include Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Phoebe), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena). Thank you to Josh, the cast, the Wright State faculty, and her family for their support.

Joclyn Menedez-Blake is a junior musical theatre major from Columbus. Previous roles here include Our Town (Stage Manager), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), Kelly the Destroyer (Savannah), and Sweat (Cynthia u/s). She hopes you enjoy Much Ado About Nothing.

Olivia Milligan (Verges u/s) (she/her) is a sophomore acting major and she is so excited to be a part of her first main stage production at Wright State! She would like to thank her parents and friends for their support and a special thanks to her boyfriend for always running lines with her.

Noel Nieczyporowicz (she/her) is a junior acting major and a native of Plano, Texas. She has previously been a part of A Doll's House (Helene) and The Apple Tree (Ensemble/ Dance Captain) at Wright State. Huge thank you to Josh, Mom, and Dad. Enjoy the show!

Elise Parks (she/her) is a sophomore musical theatre major from Kent Island, Maryland. Previous works: The Catwoman (By the Bog of Cats) and Ensemble and Margaret u/s (Carrie). She recently directed Nemo Kids for the KI Theatre Camp. She’d like to thank her family, friends, boyfriend, and teachers for their support. Theatre is magic!

Anna Parsons (Conrade) is elated to be a part of her fourth main stage production at Wright State! Anna is a junior acting major. Some of her recent credits at Wright State include Our Town (Mrs. Webb), Little Women (Marmee), By the Bog of Cats (Mrs. Kilbride u/s), and The Liar (Dorante u/s). She would like to thank Josh, Phoenix, the cast, and crew for an amazing experience as well as her family for their constant love and support. She hopes you enjoy Much Ado About Nothing!

Isabel Rawlins (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of her first play at Wright State. She is a sophomore musical theatre major from Versailles, Ohio. A big thank you to Isabel’s family and friends for their support and love.

Arianna Schrage (she/they) is a senior acting major and could not be more excited to be performing in her final production on the Festival Stage. Previous Wright State credits include Carrie, Cabaret, A Doll's House, Sweet Charity, Lend Me a Tenor and Antigone! She sends all her love and appreciation to the Wright State faculty, her family and friends, and this incredible cast. Enjoy the show!

Lior Shaham (Don Pedro u/s) is thrilled to join the cast as a junior musical theatre major. He was cast recently in Wright State’s Carrie (George), Fiddler on the Roof at Shenendoah Summer Music Theatre (Avram, Lazar Wolf u/s) and The Addams Family (Gomez). He is deeply grateful to faculty, friends, and family and for their love and support.

Alex Thate is ecstatic to be acting in their first show at Wright State. Special thanks to their family, friends, and especially to their cat, Mouse. They hope you enjoy the show!

Juliette Trumbull is a junior acting major from Morristown, New Jersey. They were previously on the Festival Stage as Margaret White in Carrie: The Musical. She is excited to continue the tradition of only playing Margarets. Juliette is a known Shakespeare enthusiast and really likes croissants. Thank you to Josh and the entire team of the show!

Emma Vernon (u/s Oatcake) (she/her) is a sophomore acting major and is excited to be understudying in her first Wright State show. Special thanks to all those involved in making this production possible!

Evelyn Vordtriede is a sophomore musical theatre major. She is honored to be a part of her first play at Wright State. Evelyn was the female swing for Carrie: The Musical. Originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, Evelyn has been in productions around the Saint Louis area including MUNY, Variety Children's Theatre, and COCA. She would like to thank her family and the creative team, cast, and crew who have made this production possible!

Alexis Lauren Wentworth (Beatrice) (she/her) is a senior acting major from Atlanta. Her most recent credits at Wright State include Sam Craig in Our Town and Nora in A Doll’s House Part Two. Alexis sends her deepest thanks to her family, cast and crew of the show, and the senior acting cohort for continuously being the best support system she has. Through them, this is possible. Lastly, to Emma, where words will always fail to express the gratitude for her friendship. Please enjoy the beautiful work of Much Ado About Nothing. <3 #JAMFOREVER #CLASSOF2025

Peyton Wheeler is a sophomore musical theater major from Michigan. She is excited to be performing in her first mainstage production at Wright State! Her previous involvements in Wright State's productions include South Pacific (Nurse) with the DPAA and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as assistant director. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support as well as the whole production team for making this show happen. Enjoy!    

Madeline Zabela (Hero u/s) (she/her) is a sophomore musical theatre major. She delighted to be working on her first play at Wright State. Previous involvement in Wright State theatre include ensemble and Sue Snell u/s in Carrie: The Musical and production assistant for the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She sends her gratitude to her loving friends and family. Heigh-ho!

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Creative Team Bios

Josh Aaron McCabe (director, script adapter) is an associate professor at Wright State and serves as head of the B.F.A. acting program. Previous directing credits at Wright State include The Liar, The Laramie Project, Circle Mirror Transformation, Hamlet: Unloaded and Memory of Water. Recently he performed in The Dayton Opera's production of South Pacific playing Commander Harbison. He has also performed with The Human Race Theatre in Barbecue, Deadline and Everything That’s Beautiful. A member of Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Massachusetts, since 2006, Josh has performed in more than 25 of their productions and served as director of their nationally recognized Shakespeare in the Courts Program. Off-Broadway: Peep Show (Actor’s Playhouse). Regional: Berkshire Theatre Group, Oldcastle Theatre, Connecticut Rep, Madison Rep, Forward Theater, Milwaukee’s Chamber Theatre, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati and Milwaukee’s Renaissance Theaterworks. Josh has appeared in national commercials, daytime serials, and Saturday Night Live. AEA & SAG-AFTRA. joshaaronmccabe.com

Dylan Serrano is a junior stage management and lighting design student from Dayton. They most recently stage-managed Carrie the Musical at Wright State and assistant-stage-managed The Nutcracker with The Dayton Ballet. Their most recent direction project was for their senior showcase in high school, and they wanted to jump back into the creative seat! A huge thank you to Josh for welcoming them onto the production.

Deborah Thomas is professor of acting/musical theatre and teaches the voice and speech curriculum at Wright State and has served as text and dialect coach for all the theatre program’s productions since Fall 2008. She serves as vocal coach for Dayton’s The Human Race Theatre Company and has acted off-Broadway at Westside Rep, The Mint Theatre, The Pearl Theatre Company, and regionally at The Huntington Theatre Company, Lyric Stage, The New Boston Theatre and The Open-Door Theatre. She was featured in numerous radio dramas, broadcast live at the Museum of Radio and Television’s Mark Goodson Theatre in New York City, as well as commercials and voiceovers. Most recent dialect coaching credits include the world premiere of NYC’s Twilight Theatre Company’s production of The Golfer, which won accolades at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Deborah holds a B.F.A. summa cum laude in acting from Boston University and an M.F.A. in theatre pedagogy, voice, and speech from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Matthew P. Benjamin-In his 28th year at Wright State as a professor of lighting design and head of the theatre design and technology program, Matthew’s professional credits include seven seasons as resident lighting designer for the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca, Italy. Other work includes productions with the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Aspen Music Festival, Alley Theatre, Cincinnati Opera, CATCO, TriCities Opera, Luna Negra Dance Company, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Opera, Opera at Florham, BalletTech Ohio, Human Race Theatre Company, South Jersey Regional Theatre, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, among others. Matthew is also an active theatrical consultant on numerous new theatres and renovations in the region. Member: United Scenic Artists, Local 829: Lighting Design, and International Alliance of Lighting Designers.

Zoë Still is a costume designer and Wright State design and technology alum, now teaching costume design at Wright State. Her recent credits include Who’s Holiday (The Human Race Theatre), Carrie, and The Liar (Wright State). Prior to returning, she served as assistant costume designer and charge artist with Papermoon Opera Productions, with recent work on The Barber of Seville (Amarillo Opera) and co-designing Don Giovanni (Pensacola Opera). Zoë is thrilled to design costumes for Much Ado About Nothing, bringing her creative vision to life on stage.

Brian C. Seckfort is a Wright State instructor of scenic design and technology and theatre studies coordinator and is pleased to have Much Ado About Nothing be his first design with Wright State. Seckfort holds a dual B.F.A. from Florida Southern College and an M.F.A. from Kent State University. Professional design credits include The Glass Menagerie and A Bright New Boise (Iowa Stage Theatre Company), Life Sucks (Dobama Theatre), The Wedding Singer, Murder for Two, and Million-Dollar Quartet (Clinton Area Showboat Theatre). Seckfort has designed for academic institutions such as Miami University, University of Akron, Ohio Northern University, and Iowa State University. To view more of Brian’s designs, please visit www.brianseckfort.com.

Phoenix Perry (stage manager) is a junior stage management student from Jamestown, Ohio. Her previous credits are Our Town, A Doll’s House Part Two, and Kelly The Destroyer Vs. The Springfield Cobras. She wants to thank her friends and family for all the love and support.

Mary Carlson (she/her) has stage-managed Free Shakespeare in the Park productions of Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Love's Labour's Lost, and is honored to be invited to join the stage management team for Wright State's production of Much Ado About Nothing,  She is grateful to the Wright State theater department faculty and staff, to a great cast, and a generous stage manager. Enjoy the show!

Gillian Jenkins (she/they) is a first-year stage management student from Hilliard. Gillian has worked on the run crew of various shows before Wright State. Her resume includes Our Town, The Prom, Mary Poppins, Chicago. and many more. Gillian would like to thank her friends from Hilliard Arts Council and family for supporting her in theatre throughout the years.

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