Skip to main content

Playbill | Who’s who in What We Grew Up With

LINDSAY BOYLE

Teacher

Lindsay is a senior in design studies. She made her University Theatre debut in the spring of 2023 as Farrah the Faerie in She Kills Monsters and is excited to be part of another production. Lindsay is appreciative of all the encouragement and support she is surrounded by, as well as everyone who contributes to making productions like this possible! 

UNNATI BUKHARIYA

Amina

Unnati is a first-year master’s student, embraces computer science by day at NCSU and dazzles on University Theatre’s stage at night, debuting as Amina in What We Grew Up With. She’s grateful for the opportunity given to her by the theatre staff, her supportive family, and friends. Join her on this enchanting journey. Enjoy the show! 

ANDREW JACKSON

Rajiv

Andrew is a junior transfer student in political science. He is making his official debut at University Theatre. He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors who continue to encourage and support his passion for theatre. Andrew hopes you all enjoy the show. 

TYLER NEGLEY

Lucas | Student 1

Tyler is a freshman in exploratory studies. He is making their debut at University Theatre. Previous show credits include Mysterious Man in Into the Woods, Donald in Boiling People in My Coffee, etc. He would like to thank their mom, dad, sister, friends, and family who continue to encourage and support them every day. Tyler wishes you all an amazing day and hopes you enjoy the show. 

GRETA ESTEFANIA PEREZ COBO

Paz

Greta is a 3rd year student in industrial systems engineering, and sociology. “I’m from Maracaibo, Venezuela and I’ve been in the US for four years. I’m beyond excited to embody the character Paz in What We Grew Up With as a fellow Latinx person! I’ve been with University Theatre since my first year at State and I was cast in The SpongeBob Musical and The Institute. I’m really grateful to be back with this amazing show!” 

ALYSSA PHILLIPS

Student 3

Alyssa is a junior in media arts, design and technology. She’s worked backstage in University Theatre’s production of Urinetown as a spot-op, but this is her first time performing as a cast member. She’s excited to get back into acting as a college student after participating in theatre during high school. Alyssa hopes everyone enjoys the show!

OVIYA NAGARAJPREMA

Divya

Oviya is a sophomore in media arts, design and technology. They are making their debut at University Theatre. She would like to thank their family and friends who continue to encourage and support their passion for theatre. Oviya hopes you all enjoy the show! 

KATE SCHEER

Student 2

Kate is a junior in engineering.

Fayaz Shaikh headshot

FAYAZ SHAIKH

Advit

Fayaz is a junior in computer engineering with a minor in theatre. 

Headshot of Usha Bajpai, director of What We Grew Up With

USHA BAJPAI

Director

Usha leads the Global Security Governance and Control for a Fortune 100 company. In her spare time, she pursues her passion for visual and performing art and dress designing. Usha leads two entrepreneurial initiatives — 4 Dimensions Entertainment and Reynaa Haute Couture collection. She is an accomplished artist, writer, director, producer, and dress designer. She has been invited to judge various competitions. Usha has played a wide variety of roles in numerous plays and is dedicated to participating and organizing various cultural events, festival celebrations and fundraising initiatives for non-profit organizations.

Usha has produced and directed numerous plays and concerts under the 4 Dimensions Entertainment umbrella. She has also written and directed an all-women led production, Naari, which was widely acclaimed as “a brilliant theatrical production touching the lives of so many women.”

Usha’s passion is “to spread awareness about our rich Indian cultural heritage and to promote cultural diversity, respect, and mutual understanding between different cultures.” In her spare time, she loves to pursue an interest in painting and traveling and exploring places and cultures with her family. She lives in Cary, with her husband, daughter and her two dogs.

LAGAN McGINNIS

Lighting Designer

Lagan is a senior in communications media, minoring in dance and Chinese. They are thrilled to have this opportunity as a student designer and immensely grateful for all the mentoring and opportunities they have received from the staff at University Theatre. Special thanks to their parents and Ten for the unwavering support and interest over the past five years.

David Jensen, Technical Director - productions

DAVID JENSEN

Technical Direction

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!

KAT KIMBRELL

Stage Manager

Kat is a senior in criminology, psychology, and forensic science. This will be her sixth show with University Theatre. Kat is also a member of the event operations crew at Stewart Theatre where she assists with different kinds of arts performances throughout the school year. She would like to thank her family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre. Enjoy the show! 

MAKAYLA HARMAN

Assistant Stage Manager

Makayla is a freshman in computer science. She is making their debut at University Theatre, and has previously stage managed thirteen shows including FootlooseMatilda, and Aladdin. Makayla is a part of Cru campus ministry and loves to play tennis and card games with friends in her free time. Makayla would like to thank her family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre, and she hopes you all enjoy the show!

DANIEL DE LEON

Light Board Operator

Daniel is a sophomore in mechanical engineering. This is his first time being involved with University Theatre. Previous show credits include mic tech for The Addams Family, and lighting technician/console operator for Gloria. Daniel thanks his friends and family for supporting and encouraging his passion for theater, and thanks you for coming to see the show!

KATHRYN “KAT” CUPP

Supertitles Operator

Kat is a junior in communication media and theatre studies. They have been performing on stage for four years and have been excited to explore tech roles in theater this year! Tech credits include Arcadia at Burning Coal Theatre Company (ASM & soundboard operator). NCSU University Theatre performance credits include The Spongebob Musical (Sandy Cheeks), The Crucible (Abigail Williams), Urinetown, The Musical (Robby the Stockfish/Ensemble).