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Meet the Creative & Production Team

MIA SELF

Director

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Darius Alston headshot.

MICHAEL SANTANGELO

Musical Director

Michael is so happy to be working with the wonderful cast, crew, and orchestra of Seussical! Past credits include Jekyll & Hyde (NC State University Theatre), Disney’s High School Musical On TourBreaking Up is Hard to Do (Branson Production) Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (Tuacahn – MD) High School Musical (TOTS – MD), Meshuggah Nuns (Gateway Playhouse – Keys), Jesus Christ Superstar (NCT – Associate MD), Sister Act (NCT – Keys), Altar Boys (NCT – Keys), A Chorus Line (NCT – Keys/Programming) and The Little Mermaid (NCT – Keys). Local/educational productions include In The Heights (NCT Conservatory – MD), Jesus Christ Superstar (NCT Conservatory – MD), Crazy for You (NCT Conservatory – MD), Divas! (RLT – MD), The Last Five Years (RLT – MD), Sister Act (RLT – MD), Little Shop of Horrors (RLT – MD), and Title of Show (NRACT – MD) Michael is a graduate of the Crane School of Music. Thanks to NC State for sharing this production with its audiences and thanks so much to my family and to my husband Bryan. Without them, nothing would be possible. 

Jayme Mellema, Assistant Director Scenic Design

JAYME MELLEMA

Scenic Design

Jayme is the resident scenic designer, instructor, and theatre artist for North Carolina State’s University Theatre. Select designs at University Theatre include RagtimeMen on BoatsOur TownBright StarCabaretThe Royal FamilyDr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeLove/SickThe Secret GardenThe 39 StepsAround the World in 80 DaysLittle Shop of HorrorsThe Burial at ThebesThe Heidi ChroniclesChicago, and Rent. Jayme has also worked as a freelance designer for such venues as The Peabody Institute – Johns Hopkins University, North Carolina Theatre Conservatory, The Princeton Festival, Wolftrap Opera, The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Guilford College, Duke University, and Calvin University. As a theatre artist and creator, Jayme has also been a projection designer, writer, director, devisor, puppet creator, and an alternative reality experience collaborator. He earned his MFA in Scenic Design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and prior to becoming a designer he was a professional scenic artist. jaymemellema.com

Laura Parker, assistant director - costumes, and costume shop manager

LAURA J. PARKER

Costume, Hair and Makeup Design

Laura has been with University Theatre since 2010. She has been designing and creating costumes for theatrical productions and historic re-enactors since 1999, with a focus on historically accurate clothing reproductions and historically inspired fantasy costuming. Previously, Ms. Parker was the resident costume designer and instructor of costume design at William Peace University. Her favorite costume design credits for University Theatre include Hay FeverThe Secret GardenAround the World in 80 Days, and Murder at the Howard Johnson’s. She has done freelance costume design for area theaters including Honest Pint Theatre Company, Sweet Tea Shakespeare, South Stream Productions, and Bare Theatre. She can often be found acting with local and regional theaters and performs improv comedy with Raleigh’s Village Idiots. Ms. Parker holds a Bachelor of arts in anthropology from Georgia State University and a Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University.

Robyn Warfield, lighting designer at University Theatre.

ROBYN WARFIELD

Lighting Design

Robyn holds an MFA with scenographic traditions from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in design concentrating in lighting and scenery. Prior to her becoming part of the University Theatre staff, she was the resident lighting designer and master electrician for the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. She was an integral part of the creative team for a new hip hop musical, Grimmz Fairytales, which was nominated for the 87th Drama League Awards in Outstanding Digital Theatre, Individual Production, for its filmed version during the winter of 2020. While at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, she had the pleasure to design and assist many shows that are new works that promote kindness and the ability to see growth and strength in each and every person including oneself. Not just working in Theatre for Young Audiences, she started out at theatre companies like Shakespeare & Company in Lenox MA, that concentrate on classical and contemporary works. Robyn has also designed for various dance companies in the Northeast. rkwdesign.com

ERIC ALEXANDER COLLINS

Sound Design

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JESS BARBOUR

Choreographer

Jess holds a BFA in theatre from Elon University and studied at The William Esper Studio in NYC. This is her 3rd year choreographing for NCSU and 60th show she’s choreographed in her career. When she is not at the theatre, she wears many hats as an SP trainer for the American Board of Anesthesiology and acting producing artistic director for North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre. Break a leg to this wonderful cast and crew! Strong and wrong and fail boldly!

YI CHEN

Associate Music Director

Yi is a second year PhD student in bioelectronics engineering, with undergraduate degrees in electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and music from Duke University. His previous University Theatre roles include Mr. McQueen in Urinetown the Musical and Larry in [title-of-show]. He is also a member of State Chorale and Chamber Singers. In his free time, Yi enjoys playing piano, conducting choirs, and flying airplanes for Civil Air Patrol. He is excited to explore the incredible music of Jekyll & Hyde with the cast and orchestra

David Jensen, Technical Director - productions

DAVID JENSEN

Technical Director

David has been working at University Theatre since 2002. David attended Appalachian State University and UNC-Greensboro, where he studied theatrical design and production. He worked in Atlanta for seven years as a freelance theatre carpenter and technical director at most of the theaters in the metro area as well as many exhibit/design shops. David would like to remind everyone that the Arts NC State programs are open to any NC State student — Get involved!

LU MARTIN

Stage Manager

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Brianne Crawford, stage manager for the one-act play, Muse.

BRIANNE CRAWFORD

Assistant Stage Manager

Brianne is a 4th-year in computer engineering. She has participated in multiple shows at University Theatre including as the SM for Ada and the Engine, ASM for Teletype, and PA for Mr. Burns. Brianne is a member of APO where they do service in the theatre community. She would like to thank her family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre. Brianne hopes you all enjoy the show!

Darius Alston headshot.

CELIA FENNELL

Assistant Stage Manager

Celia is a junior in fashion and textile management. She has worked backstage in multiple shows at University Theatre including being a dresser/wardrobe head for the CrucibleUrinetown and Mr. Burns, a Post Electric Play. She would like to thank her family, friends and pets who continue to encourage and support her. She hopes you all enjoy the show!

Theo Stewart, they/them, stands amongst yellow foliage in a green blouse.

THEO STEWART

Assistant Stage Manager

Theo is a second-year student in psychology and sociology. This will be his second full show crewing. Previous credits include stage management for Teletype and QuickSCRIPTS. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support!

Eloise Wescott sits for a portrait in a green and white patterned shirt.

ELOISE WESCOTT

Assistant Stage Manager

Eloise is a freshman in political science. She is making their debut at University Theatre. Previous show credits include Stage Manager in Clue, Stage Manager in Shrek, Puppet Master in Little Shop of Horrors at Riverside High School. She would like to thank their family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre. Eloise hopes you all enjoy the show!