DARSH KIRAN ASHER

Darsh is a Doctoral Student in Computer Engineering at NC State University. I will be making my debut for University Theatre as a company member in Mapping Instincts. This will also be the first time for me performing which I have never done before. I hope you guys enjoy the show.

SAGE CASTRO

Sage is a junior in art studies with a theatre concentration. She has been a part of multiple shows at University Theatre including production assistant in You on the Moors Now, and assistant stage manager for TheatreFEST’s Blithe Spirit this past year. She was previously seen in Romeo and Juliet as Sampson in the Fall, and has been a part of productions as a swing. She would like to thank her family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre, and she is so excited to be a part of this company! 

CONNOR O. CHRISTMAN

Connor is a freshman in aerospace engineering. He has worked on many shows including automation for Romeo and Juliet, ASM for the Stupid F##king Bird, spotlight for The Prom, and now my first time acting with University Theatre. He would like to give thanks to his wonderful girlfriend for supporting him along the way. Please enjoy the show.

RYAN FARRELLY

Ryan is a freshman in electrical engineering.  “This is my first time doing any type of theater.”

JORDYN ROOF

Jordyn is a junior in animal science. She is making her University Theatre debut in Mapping Instincts. Jordyn has previously been involved in theatre during high school. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show.

TYE ROSE TRACY

Tye is a freshman in MADTech. This is their first show they’re performing in for the University Theatre. Most of Tye’s previous experience comes from their high school’s theatre shows, such as Puffs, High School Musical, and 4 AM, as well as some original one-act plays. They would like to thank their former high school theatre teacher, boss, parents, and their friends for encouraging their passion for acting. Tye hopes you enjoy the show!

ANDREY UREÑA-SECEÑA

Andrey is a second-year student double-majoring in science education and biology. He’s super excited to be back for his 5th show at UT and is super proud to present this piece in particular. It’s probably the most personal piece he’s had the privilege to partake in. He didn’t even know what devised theater was before this show! As always, Visca Barca and Visca Siler City!

CALLIE WILLIS

Callie is a freshman in philosophy. This is her second University Theatre show, and she is very excited to be performing again. Mapping Instincts will be her first time doing devised theater. She’d like to thank God, her parents, her little brother Spencer, and her friends for being her support and encouragement while preparing for the show.

EMMA CLAIRE YANDO

Emma is a first-year student who found her home with university theatre this year. After playing Shelby in the musical The Prom earlier this semester, she is having a blast working on this devised piece, as she not only enjoys acting, singing and dancing, but the creative side of it all!

Production Bios

MIA L. SELF

Director

Mia is the assistant director of acting and directing at North Carolina State University. She has a BA in theatre from Catawba College and an MFA in directing from the University of Mississippi. Mia worked as a professional actor, voice and text coach, playwright, and director around the Southeast and Midwest before beginning her career in theatre education in 2004.

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 Ragtime, Men on Boats, Our Town, Bright Star, Cabaret, The Royal Family, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Love/Sick, The Secret Garden, The 39 Steps, Around the World in 80 Days, Little Shop of Horrors, The Burial at Thebes, The Heidi Chronicles, Chicago 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 J. PARKER

Costume 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 Peter and the Starcatcher, The Spongebob Musical, Ragtime, Urinetown, Cabaret, The 39 Steps, and Jekyll & Hyde. An actor as well, she has designed or performed with area theaters including Honest Pint Theatre Company, Raleigh Little Theatre, Sweet Tea Shakespeare, Henderson Rec Players, South Stream Productions, and Bare Theatre. Ms. Parker holds a Bachelor of arts in anthropology from Georgia State University and a Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University.

ROBYN WARFIELD

Sound 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

DAVID JENSEN

Technical Direction

Dave 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!

CELIA FENNELL

Stage Manager

Celia is a senior is fashion and textile management. She has worked backstage for multiple shows including ASM for Seussical and wardrobe head for Mr. Burns, A Post Electric Play. She would like to thank her family and friends for encouraging her support and passion for theatre.

ORPHEUS LARSEN

Assistant Stage Manager

BODEY GOOD

Light Board Operator

Bodey is a third year in computer science and mathematics. He has worked with University Theatre before as a sound assistant for The Prom. He would like to thank his family and friends who continue to encourage and support him in his endeavors. Bodey hopes you all enjoy the show!

GERRY WILLIAMS JR.

Sound Board Operator

Gerry is a first-year student in English with a concentration in literature. He’s worked on two previous shows in his time with UT, serving as a production assistant on Romeo and Juliet and a spotlight operator on The Prom. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support, and he would like to extend a special thank you to his mother for getting him interested in the technical side of theatre. He hopes you all enjoy this amazing show!

OVIYA NAGARAJPREMA

Supertitle Operator

Oviya is a senior in art + design and film studies. They have crewed on multiple shows at University Theatre including Jekyll & Hyde, Ada and the Engine, The Prom and as a performer in What We Grew Up With. As this is her final production with UT, she would like to thank her friends and staff at UT for supporting her passion for theatre. Enjoy the show!