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Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
by Alan Ball
Presented by Center Stage
Content warning: sexual assault of a minor, fatphobia, and homophobia
Cast List
Frances: Nora Gore
Meredith: Maria Walch
Trisha: Glenna Durbin
Georgeanne: Annie Morraye
Mindy: Gianna Trimboli
Tripp: Ben Hudd
Production Team
Director: Kate Yarbray
Stage Manager: Stevie Hall
Project Manager: Bea Lemaster
Scenic Designer: Ethan Robey
Costume Designer: Katie Burns
Properties Designer: Sarah Poteat
Lighting Designers: Alex Jones
Sound Designer: Bea Lemaster
Cast and Production Team Bios
Maria Walch (Meredith) is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston who majored in History and Anthropology. This is their third performance with Center Stage, the first two being Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2021 and 2022. They would like to thank the amazing and talented cast and crew for making their last performance at CofC the best experience ever!
Gianna Trimboli (Mindy) is a senior at the College of Charleston double-majoring in Theatre and Dance. This is her first show with Center Stage although you may have seen her in the mainstage production of Cabaret as Fritze, as Titania in Living Dead in Denmark, and a few directors showcase productions! She is very excited to step into the role of Mindy which has been a wonderful challenge for Gianna as an actor. She is very excited for everyone to see this awesome show which includes such talented actors that she has been very impressed by as well as a new close circle of friends this show has brought her.
Nora Gore (Frances) is a senior Theatre major and is a performer and dramaturg in the department. She has previously performed in The Swing of the Sea and How the Vote Was Won. She was also the dramaturg for Cabaret and Violet.
Annie Moraye (Georgeanne) is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston who majored in Computing in the Arts (Digital Media) with a minor in Communications. This is her first performance with Center Stage! She has been seen in Mainstage’s Cabaret as Fräulein Schneider.
Glenna Durbin (Trisha) is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston who double majored in Theatre (Performance) and History with a minor in Dance. This is is first performance with Center Stage! She has been seen in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley as Mary Bennet and How the Vote Was Won as Miss Lily Wilkins.
Ben Hudd (Tripp) is a junior Theatre major with a concentration in Performance. He has recently performed in The Tales of Hoffmann and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.
Kate Yarbray is a junior at the College double majoring in Theatre and English with concentrations in performance and creative writing. She was most recently seen as Lydia Wickham in the mainstage production of ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’. Recent directing credits include Charlotte’s Web and Just Like Us. She is overjoyed to be making her directorial debut with Center Stage. Special thanks to the Center Stage board, her brilliant designers, and above all, the exceptional cast that made this show what it is.
Stevie Hall is a junior at CofC where they major in Arts Management with a minor is Studio Arts, focusing on sculpture work. This is the first time they’ve gotten to be backstage for a show since high school. This has been a wonderful experience, and challenge, for them, and they hope you grow to love the show as much as they have!
Sarah Poteat is a sophomore at CofC and is the props designer for Five Women. This is their second time working with Center Stage, and they previously worked as scenic designer for Rocky Horror. She has absolutely adored working with the incredible cast and crew and is so excited for you to enjoy this fantastic show!
Ethan Robey is a recent graduate from the College of Charleston who majored in Theatre (Scenic/Lighting Design and Technology). This is their first experience designing for Center Stage. This past fall they worked with the MainStage as head scenic designer for ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberely’ and they have worked as an assistant on multiple shows at the College of Charleston.
Katie Burns is a sophomore at College of Charleston with double majors in Theatre and Marine Biology. This is their fourth time working on the costumes for a Center Stage show, but her first time as head costume designer. They have loved getting the opportunity to work on this show and have fallen in love with the piece, actors, other designers, and crew. They hope you love the show!
Alex Jones is a junior at the College majoring in Theatre with a concentration in scenic and lighting design and technology. This is Alex’s second time designing for Center Stage. Alex wants to thank the Center Stage board and every person on cast and crew working on the show!
Bea Lemaster is a senior at the College majoring in Theatre. They are extremely excited to share their first sound design since freshman year, and hope you enjoy the show.
Arden McNeill is a recent graduate from the College of Charleston who majored in Theatre (performance) and minored in Arts Management. Arden has also worked behind the scenes on hair and makeup for Center Stage’s ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show: Shadow Cast’ (October 2021), and was seen performing in the recent Mainstage production of ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ (February 2023).
Presented by CofC Stages and Charleston Playhouse
Featuring Clyde Moser and accompanied by Laura Manning Turner
Clyde Moser is a Charleston, South Carolina-based actor, dancer, vocalist, and educator. Clyde is a graduate of the College of Charleston and has performed in multiple shows including RENT, Addams Family, Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, and the New York Summer Play Festival. Clyde moved back to Charleston to pursue his Master of Arts in Teaching at his alma mater.
Laura Manning Turner received her B.F.A. in Dramatic Writing and an M.F.A. in composition for Music Theater concurrently from New York University. Since 1994 she has been Associate Professor of Theatre at the College of Charleston where she began the Theatre for Youth program and the M.A.T. in the Performing Arts Program which prepares theatre and music teachers for the K12 school setting. She also teaches musical theatre coursework in the department.
Professor Turner also helped create the Musical Theatre Center, an after school training program for K12 students in acting, singing, and dancing. As director or music director she has mounted over 30 productions with her college students assisting in all aspects of the center’s productions. Under her direction the senior performance troupe has won the top Outstanding Performance Award along with the Excellence in Acting and Excellence in Dance awards at the National Junior Theatre Festival. Before coming to the College of Charleston, Professor Turner taught at the University of Northern Iowa as well as the Russian Pedagogical University in St. Petersburg, Russia where she lectured on American Theatre.
Staged Readings from the Todd McNerney Playwriting Contest
Readings are daily at 4pm. Admission is free!
May 30th and 31st – 2021 Runner-up — Oil and Watercolor by Seanan Palmero Waugh
Amelia – Brandi Smalls
Bill – Brent Laing
Jake – Mason Monti
Deek – Madison Berry
Beta – Joey Kirkman
Lady – Caroline Magee
June 1st and 2nd – 2022 Runner-up — Fat Muslim Girls by Ken Kaissar
Edgar – Gabe Wright
Claire – Olivia Isgett-Rubin
Diane – Emily Wilhoit
Tom – Peter Spearman
Pat – Todd McNerney
Murray – Brent Laing
Zayna – Natalia Ramirez
Voice of anchorwoman – Olivia Isgett-Rubin
June 3rd and 4th – 2023 Runner-up — The Consequences of Madison Mumbry by Darren V. Michael
Madison Mumbry – Gillian Huntley
Albert Moffit/Future Albert – Spencer Wright
Waiter #1/Mr. Berger/Voices – Steven Witt
Waiter #2/Police Officer/Voices – Joey Kirkman
June 5th and 6th – 2021 Winner — (verb) a play on words by Seth Freeman
Nathaniel – William Caretto
Cliff Denke – Peter Spearman
Molly Rivers – Hunter Harrell
Brandon Bischoff – Miles Boinest
Judge Johnson – Jonathan Wentz
Willie – Spencer Wright
Geoffry Martin – Brent Laing
June 7th and 8th – 2022 Winner — The Blue Whale by Laura Zlatos
Sydney Elkhorn – Caroline Magee
Emily Elkhorn – Ella Moore
Lori Elkhorn – Cat Champlin
Keith Elkhorn – Mason Monti
Kate – Jaelin Lavanway
Chloe – Skylar Huntley
Sophie/Blue Whale – LG Wylie
June 9th and 10th – 2023 Winner — Closet Space by Jane M. Lee
Margaret – AP Hart
Shelly – Teresa Elj
Rhonda – Glenda Byars
Kendra – Hunter Harrell
Annex Dance Company presents a dance installation within the Carla Gannis / C.A.R.L.A. G.A.N.: wwwunderkammer exhibit at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art. The culmination of the annual residency with the Department of Theatre and Dance, this site-specific piece is created and performed by students and company members. Admission is free!
Thursday, June 1st at 5:30pm
Friday, June 2nd at 11:30am
Thursday, June 8th at 6:30pm
Note from the Annex Dance Company Artistic Directors:
This Spring, we immersed ourselves in the virtual world of the wwwunderkammer created by Carla Gannis. V3, the Carla Gannis / C.A.R.L.A. G.A.N.: wwwunderkammer dance installation, pushes the boundaries of audience and performer, reflecting the display of human and AI, reality and VR, baroque and contemporary. Performed by the company and students selected for the company’s annual residency with the College of Charleston Department of Theatre and Dance, the dancers bring a fourth dimension to the 3D rooms, or ‘chambers’, of the wunderkammer. For us the wunderkammer feels vast and grand, yet specific and nuanced. Hearing Carla describe the different personalities and the symbolism behind the avatars in her world has been the driving force behind our creative process. This is the first-time dance has been part of Carla Gannis / C.A.R.L.A. G.A.N.: wwwunderkammer, and we hope this project is just the beginning of our work with Carla and further exploration of the virtual space.
A special thank you to the Department of Theatre and Dance for the continued opportunity to share the creative space and stage with the students in an annual residency, The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of the Arts for the invitation to create a site-specific dance installation, and Carla Gannis for her enthusiastic YES to this idea and collaborative spirit throughout the creative process.
Production Team
Lighting Designer: Sara Whitehead
Program
Repeat Until Passed: Choreographed by Izzy Byers
Dancer(s): Izzy Byers
Music: Repeat Until Death by Novo Amor
Place: Choreographed by Brice Flowers
Dancer(s): Lia Aubuchon, Maddie Boucher, Ashleigh Boyd, Loulie Dasher, Julia Hartman, Grace Kerr, Alice Morgan
Music: Mad Rush by Philip Glass
Lifetime: Choreographed by Taylor Bennett
Dancer(s): Sam Campbell, Kitner Schetlick
Music: Only a Lifetime by FINNEAS
Music Editing: Taylor Bennett
The Pines without Peer: Choreographed by Claire Natiez
Dancer: Claire Natiez
Music: Spoken word recording by Lewie Nasby, November by Colleen
Music Editing: Rob Alexander
Stages: Choreographed by Julie Clark
Dancer(s): Maddie Boucher, Julia Hartman, Caroline Sessoms (understudy Victoria Pinner)
Music: “Family” by Dustin O’Halloran & Hauschka, “All Things Must Fall Apart” by Dustin O’Halloran, “An Ending, A Beginning” by Dustin O’Halloran
Northern Attitude: Choreographed by Victoria Kabernagel
Dancer(s): Cammy Baker, Allie Boyd, Malik Green, Julia Kabernagel, Jessie Natusch, Ashlin Ondrusek, Taylor Rice, Adam Whitten
Music: “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan
College of Charleston Dancer Bios
Taylor Bennett is an Alum of the College of Charleston graduating Spring 2023, double majoring in Dance (BA) and Early Childhood Education (BS). Taylor was the President of Dance Alliance, a student-led dance organization at the College of Charleston, for the past two years. She received the Robert Ivey Dance Scholarship in 2021, Clarence Award Recipient in 2021 and 2022, and the Eliza Ingle Dance Honor in 2022. She is currently the recipient of the Dance Impact Award. She has been performing in the main stage show at the College since she arrived in 2019. She has choreographed twice in the spring concerts at the College. She recently served as the Assistant Choreographer for the College production of Cabaret. In Spring 2021 and 2022, Taylor had the opportunity to choreograph for the student dance concerts Finding Place and Wanderlust. Her choreography will be presented and adjudicated at American Collegiate Dance Association at Brenau University. For the past two summers, Taylor taught at Camp Ballibay, where she choreographed a dance-intensive production piece, other dance concerts, and two musicals. This summer, she will be taking on the role of Head of Dance. Taylor stays involved with the dance students of the low country through her instruction with Dance Moves of Charleston. In 2020, Taylor became an apprentice with Annex Dance Company. She has been performing with the Company for the past three seasons. In the fall of 2023, Taylor will be a company member for the Company.
Kitner Schetlick is a recent graduate of the college of Charleston, graduating in the spring of 2023 with a degree in Early Childhood education. Kitner has grown her love of dancing since she was young, competing all styles at a local studio in New Jersey. She then continued her dancing career at the collegiate level on the college of Charleston dance team where together they won a national championship in 2020 for D1 hip hop. Locally she teaches Acro and technique at creative edge where she combines her love for dance and her love for teaching. At the studio she choreographed multiple award winning competition pieces, as well as recreational Acro choreography. This year Kitner will be the Head Coach of Wando High school varsity dance team, where they will compete at NDA nationals and other regional competitions. Kitner is excited to continue dancing and exploring
Samantha Campbell has recently graduated from The College in Fall ‘22 and received her B.S. in Marketing, as well as a minor in Studio Art with a photography concentration. Before college, Sam spent her time competing with her hometown dance studio, participated in her school’s theater program as a dance captain, and organized their high school’s first nationally recognized UDA Dance Team. While in school, she was briefly a member of the CofC Cougarettes Dance Team, a teacher for CofC Dance Alliance, and completed various photography collections featuring dancers of the CofC Theater & Dance program. Sam has been trained in many styles, but finds herself drawn to Hip-Hop and Contemporary choreography and how the two can be complemented by each other. During her additional philosophy studies, Sam researched and compiled a detailed analysis of competitive contemporary dance and the aesthetic line between athletics and artistry, as well as the influence that hip-hop culture has taken upon this new-age style of jazz/lyrical/contemporary dance in the competitive field.
Tori Kabernagel is a College of Charleston alumni having graduated in 2018 with a B.A degree in Dance and Arts Management and a B.S. degree in Business Administration and Hospitality and Tourism Management. Since graduating, Tori has taught, choreographed and trained with Dance Dimensions, Home of Hartin Dance Company in Palm Desert, California and The Dance Space in Charleston, South Carolina. Tori has presented her work at competitions throughout southern California, and her choreography was nominated as a studio favorite from the prestigious faculty of Nuvo Dance. She is a current company member of Dynamics and Charleston Dance Project with The Dance Space, in which she performs and choreographs at various community events in collaboration with Blue Steele Promotions and other local artists.
Claire Natiez is a College of Charleston alumni having graduated in 2023 with a B.A. in Dance with a Performance and Choreography track, and Arts Management. While attending the College of Charleston, she presented choreography in the Spring 2020 and Spring 2021 dance concerts, and her piece, The Art of Losing, was selected to be restaged in the Fall 2021 faculty concert. She received a Research Presentation Grant for the piece to represent the Department of Theatre and Dance at the American College Dance Association- Southeast Conference in the Spring of 2022. For her senior capstone, she directed her first dance film, Blame in the Hands, which explored the effects of chronic media use. Claire is currently in her third season with Annex Dance Company as an apprentice and administrative intern.
Julie DeLizza Clark graduated summa cum laude from CofC’s Honors College in 2010 with degrees in History (BA) and Secondary Education (BS) with a minor in Dance. She is the Director of Dance Moves of Charleston and the Artistic Director of the Dance Moves Youth Company. She also performs regularly with Annex Dance Company, where she serves as the associate artistic director. Accolades include TEDx Charleston presenter & performer (2014), Charlotte Emerging Dance Artist Choreography Award Winner (2017), and guest artist/choreographer for Charleston County School of the Arts and Greeneville’s ARMES program. She loves spending time with her husband, little boy, and two chocolate labs.
Brice Flowers graduated from the College in 2020 with a BA in Dance, concentrating in performance and choreography. Since graduating, Brice has worked with Annex Dance Company and actively participates in the company’s yearly residency with CofC. She is also in her fifth year as an instructor at Dance Moves and in her fourth year as a choreographer with the Dance Moves Youth Company. Her choreography was recently presented at SCAPHERD in November of 2022. This fall, Brice will begin her graduate studies at The Citadel in the area of school counseling in hopes to combine her love of movement and art with her passion for the advocacy of mental health literacy in schools.
Dance Moves Youth Company Dancer Bios
Lia Aubuchon is an eighth grade student at Charleston County School of the Arts majoring in dance. This is her fifth season with Dance Moves. She is currently taking hip-hop and jazz. She is looking forward to this year‘s recital, showcasing everything she’s worked for throughout the year.
Maddie Boucher is a 7th grade dance major at Charleston School of the Arts. She has been dancing for over 11 years now and this is her 3rd year participating in DMYC. Maddie’s regular classes at Dance Moves includes Ballet lV, Lyrical lV, and Modern lV/V, all of which she loves equally.
Ashleigh Boyd is 13 years old and is a dance major at Charleston School of the Arts. She started dancing at age 3 with the Dance Moves Traveling Program. She takes Lyrical and one of her favorite dance styles to watch is Tap. Dance has taught Ashleigh to never give up on something just because she’s not good at it, and that she shouldn’t give up on it.
Loulie Dasher is a native James Islander. She is in seventh grade and attends Veritas Classical School. She began dancing at Dance Moves of Charleston at two years old. She is currently taking level IV ballet and participates in Dance Moves Youth Company. She has performed in Palmetto City Ballet’s Cinderella and Snow Queen performances. In March of 2023, Loulie performed in the Youth Gala for the Charlotte Dance Festival with DMYC. Her favorite genre of dance is classical ballet.
Julia Hartman is an enthusiastic and passionate rising 9th-grade dancer at Charleston County School of the Arts. She has been taking classes at Dance Moves for 11 years and loves ballet, lyrical, and modern out of all the styles of dance she has tried. Julia is looking forward to attending a summer intensive with the Charlotte Ballet in June. Dance has given Julia her favorite friendships, a passion for Broadway, and the motivation to push herself further than she ever dreamed possible.
Grace Kerr is a 14 year old student in the Dance Moves Youth Company. She has danced with Dance Moves for 9 years and has been a part of the Youth Company for 3 years. She has attended the School of the Arts majoring in dance for two years and is currently an 8th-grade student there. Dance Moves has created many incredible memories for her, and her friends have become more like family. She has created many amazing relationships throughout her dance experience meeting many people from different backgrounds and places. Her favorite style of dance is currently lyrical because she loves the feeling of telling a story or portraying an emotion.
Alice Morgan is a 7th grader at Charleston School of the Arts. She’s been dancing for 9 years, 5 years in North Carolina and is dancing for her fourth year at Dance Moves. She’s currently taking lyrical and modern dance classes as well as taking dance class at school. Her favorite style to perform is lyrical, and she enjoys watching lyrical and jazz the most. She would like to thank her dance teachers for helping her grow as a dancer as well as making dance classes fun.
Victoria Pinner is a sophomore at James Island Charter High. She has been dancing for 12 years, she has danced with Dance Moves for 7. Dance has taught her that life is all about improvement and doing your best to push yourself to your limits. Victoria’s favorite dance style is either modern or lyrical. She attended the Charlotte Dance Festival earlier this year, as well as the SCAHPERD convention last fall. Some of her favorite things about dancing are learning new ways to move, pushing herself to new limits, and being able to move with other dancers and finding connections with them.
Caroline Sessoms is 15 years old, and is an upcoming sophomore at Academic Magnet High School. She has been dancing for 11 years, all of which she has spent with Dance Moves. She attended Charleston County School of the Arts as a Dance major for middle school. Caroline has attended SCAHPERD and the Charlotte Dance Festival, and has performed at many events including Piccolo Spoleto and Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. She has been a member of the Dance Moves Youth Company for 8 years. Caroline is currently taking lyrical, ballet, modern, and pointe classes, modern being her favorite both to do and watch. Dance has been a very big part of her life, and she loves performing with the DMYC. Dance has taught Caroline how to appreciate beauty, and gifted her with the art of movement. Dance can tell a story, and she loves expressing herself through this abstract ability. Caroline thanks her incredible parents for always supporting her, and loving her unconditionally.
Under the Lights
Directed by Michael Smallwood
Conversation with a Stranger by Jaelin LaVanway
Winner of the 2023 Todd McNerney Playwriting Award
Mekhi Gaither-Burris – Jim
Michael Smallwood – Earl
A Puzzle Box by Carolina Magee
Runner-up of the 2023 Todd McNerney Playwriting Award
Briana Fabian – Cleo
Bea Lemaster – Amber
Better Him Than Us by Mason Monti
Bea Lemaster – Bandit
Mekhi Gaither-Burris – Reaver
Michael Smallwood – Survivor
A Conversation by Chris Warzynski
Briana Fabian – Bella
Mekhi Gaither-Burris – Chris
Bea Lemaster – Waitress/Woman
A play by Sonya Hayden
Cast List:
Harper: Bea Lemaster
Jaime: Noah Anderson
Crew: Max Meyers and Aidan Wunderley
Production Team:
Director: Madison Berry
Stage Manager: Isabella Gardner
Scenic Designer: Bristol Barnes
Intimacy Coordinator: Nakeisha Daniel
Costume Designers: Katie Burns & Brandon Alston
Properties Designer: Bristol Barnes
Lighting Designer: Joey Kirkman
Sound Designer: Eli Salas
Cast and Production Team Bios
Bea Lemaster (Harper) is a senior at the College of Charleston, and is so thankful for the opportunity to perform with Stelle di Domani. Last seen in Violet at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, she is so happy to be performing again, and hopes you all enjoy the show! Bea wants to thank her Mom, Kristen, and her Grammy, Linda, for supporting her love of theatre. She also wants to thank Madison Berry for the opportunity!
Noah Anderson (Jaime) is a senior double major in history and theater. This is his second Stelle di Domani production. He was also seen in Center Stage’s Stelle di Domani production Swing of the Sea as Eggs and Mainstage’s Cabaret as Cliff, Violet as Earl/Bus driver and Two Gentlemen of Verona as Eglamour.
Max Meyers (he/him) is a senior majoring in Communication with minors in Film Studies and Marketing. This is his first theater performance… ever (unless you count starring in your kindergarten musical). While he is very involved in the film community on campus, having been the President of the Film Club for the last 2 years, this is his first official venture into the college’s theater department, which he’s very excited about! He hopes to continue being involved, whether in productions or as an avid supporter in the audience!
Aidan Wunderley is a junior at the College of Charleston, majoring in Theatre with a concentration in performance. Aidan’s other roles at the college include Ensemble in Everybody, Jess in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised], and Outlaw in Two Gentlemen of Verona. Aidan also works in other aspects of theatre, most recently, stage managing Center Stages production of Firebringer. Aidan is very grateful for this opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew!
Madison Berry is a senior double major in theatre performance and scenic design. This is her first time directing for the College, but she has previously worked as assistant director on CofC’s Two Gentlemen of Verona and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. Her work can also be seen in many design aspects of the theatre such as CofC’s Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet as assistant scenic designer and Violet as properties designer, winning the Kennedy Center’s Randy Lutz Allied Design & Tech National Finalist. She would like to thank her incredible cast and crew for supporting her throughout this journey and hopes this show will give you a chance to find a pause from your everyday rhythm.
Sonya Hayden (she/her) is a playwright, composer, and lyricist originally from Virginia, now based in New York. Her work has appeared internationally, including at Lincoln Center, the Edinburgh International Festival, New Perspectives Theatre, Little Fish Theatre, the NY Public Library for the Performing Arts, the Pittsburgh New Works Festival, Urban Stages, and the Duplex. Master’s in Playwriting, University of Edinburgh; Bachelor’s in Music, Princeton University. sonyahayden.com @sonyahayden11
Bristol Barnes (she/they) is a senior majoring in Theatre (Scenic Design and Performance) and minoring in Film Studies. Her previous scenic design has been seen with Center Stage’s production of Firebringer this past April and the Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of Two Gentlemen of Verona in February. Keep an eye out for her scenic design of Pippin, opening this November!
Katie Burns is a sophomore at College of Charleston with double majors in Theatre and Marine Biology. Their past costume design has been seen with Center Stage’s productions of Proof and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. They have loved getting the opportunity to work on this show and have fallen in love with the piece, actors, other designers, and crew. They hope you love the show!
Brandon Alston (he/him) is a senior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Costume Design and Technology. This is his second production as costume designer, his first being the CofC Mainstage production of Shakespear’s Two Gentlemen of Verona. His work as an assistant costume designer includes A Christmas Carol (Charleston Stage) and Mlima’s Tale (PURE Theatre). Previous acting credits include Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Mlima’s tale (PURE theatre), Pipeline, and Living Dead in Denmark.
Eli Salas is a senior at the College of Charleston majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Scenic and Lighting Design and Technology. His most recent sound designs were Marcus; or The Secret of Sweet and Two Gentlemen of Verona at CofC. This is their second sound design that has been brought to Piccolo Spoleto. He is so excited to work with his friends on this project, and he hopes you enjoy the show!
Joey Kirkman is a recent graduate of Theatre and English from the College of Charleston. They have performed in and directed many shows, most recently appearing in PURE Theatre’s production of Martin Mcdonagh’s Hangmen as Shirley. They also have design experience, creating the sound design for Center Stage’s 2023 production of Proof. This is their first light design project, and they are grateful for this opportunity!
Isabella Gardner is a Junior double majoring in Theatre (General) and Arts Management. This is her second opportunity stage managing at the College of Charleston, and she is so excited to get another opportunity to perform! When she’s not performing, she’s the house manager for the theatre department, props room manager, and shop assistant. Isabella would like to thank her entire cast for being so flexible and understanding throughout this entire process. Otherwise, she’d be CRYIN!
Stelle di Domani 2023 Staff
Producing Artistic Director: Janine McCabe
Series Co-Director: Kristin Alexander
Series Coordinator: Bristol Barnes
Marketing and Social Media Manager: Madison Berry
Operations Coordinator: Miles Boinest
Student Staff: Katie Burns, Molly Crary, Isabella Gardner, Caroline Magee, Mason Monti, Claire Natiez and Eli Salas
Special Thanks
Julie Clark, Carla Gannis, Katie Hirsch, Kaylee Lass, JD Stallings, Ellen Swick, Nakeisha Daniel and Nandini McCauley
The Stelle di Domani series showcases the students, faculty, and alumni of College of Charleston’s award-winning Department of Theatre and Dance during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival.
The Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of Charleston is supported by donations from patrons like you. These gifts support scenic, lighting, and costume needs, but they’re also instrumental in helping to fund student employment, research, travel, and other curricular experiences. Consider making a contribution to our department and learn more at give.cofc.edu/cofcstages.
Piccolo Spoleto is produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and is funded in part by grants from the City of Charleston; the South Carolina Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; and the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department.
Introducing our 2023-2024 Season!
Tickets go on sale August 1st, 2023.
October 2023: Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus
Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. Jaclyn Backhouse’s Men on Boats is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. From the unexpected casting to the innovative staging, the play prompts us to question everything we think we understand about how the stories of exploration are told. Recommended for all ages.
October 2023: After the Rain
The aftermath of a storm can bring growth, rebuilding from devastation, or new beginnings. Featuring choreography by faculty and guest artists, After the Rain is a concert of contemporary and classical dance works inspired by the strength we have to move forward when the clouds lift. Recommended for all ages.
November 2023: In Love and Warcraft
Madhuri Shekar’s gamer girl Evie Malone has it all figured out. Not only does she command a top-ranked guild in Warcraft with her online boyfriend; she also makes a little cash on the side writing love letters for people who’ve screwed up their relationships. Love is like Warcraft, after all. It’s all about strategies, game plans, and not taking stupid risks. Recommended for ages 12+.
November 2023: Pippin
There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz’s iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece. In search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the un-extraordinary moments that happen every day. Recommended for ages 12+.
February 2024: The Pages Festival
The College of Charleston has a long-standing tradition of encouraging, training, and highlighting student playwrights. The Pages Festival will present new monologues and ten-minute scenes written by student playwrights, performed by a cast of student actors.
February 2024: Die Fledermaus
Known as one of the world’s most beloved operettas, Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus tells the story of a practical joke with unexpected consequences. Rife with mistaken identities, flirtation, seduction, and champagne, Die Fledermaus offers a farcical comedy with a captivating score sure to delight and enchant audiences of all ages.
March 2024: Pathways
Join us for an exciting evening of student-choreographed work by select dance majors and minors. Pathways explores the various choices we make as we navigate through life, and the possibilities that emerge when we allow ourselves to embrace new opportunities and challenges. Recommended for all ages.
April 2024: The Importance of Being Earnest
One of the most popular comedies ever written, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People skewers the social niceties of the upper class while exploring the ethical pitfalls of the ways we all perform our own identities. Recommended for all ages.