LUKE ANDERSON

Sheldon Saperstein

Luke is a fifth-year mechanical engineering and communication student. He’s very excited to be cast in The Prom and would like to thank his friends and family for all their support.

MAKAYLAH AUTRY

Waiter | Student | Godspell cast| Understudy – Kaylee

Makaylah is a freshman in elementary education. She is super excited to be part of her first NC State Theatre production and to share her passion for musical theatre! She is very thankful to her family for their constant love and support.

ALEX BARR

Student | Video Commenter | Understudy – Emma

Alex is a senior in psychology. This is her 10th and final show with University Theatre. You may have seen her last year as Jojo in Seussical or Lisa Simpson in Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play. She also assistant directed Romeo and Juliet last semester. She loves the message of inclusion behind The Prom and hopes you enjoy the show!

BRIANNA BERNHARDT

Angie Dickinson

Brianna is a junior in communications. She has performed in multiple shows at University Theatre including Mrs. Mayor in Seussical, Ensemble in Ada and the Engine and Bissett in Jekyll & Hyde. Outside of University Theatre, Brianna also contributes to her love for the performing arts as a section leader in the Power Sound of the South Marching Band at NC State. She would like to thank her family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre. Brianna hopes you’ll enjoy the show, call their bluff, strut your stuff, and instead of giving up…give it some Zazz!

IAN BRUCE

Student | Monster Truck Fan

Ian is a freshman in history. Making his University Theatre debut, he has been a part of multiple productions in the past including Lucas in The Addams Family, Buddy in Elf, and Carlos in Legally Blonde. Ian is a member of Greensboro Performing Arts where he performs service in the theater community. He wants to thank everyone for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!

LILLY BRUFFEY

Student | Godspell cast | Video Commenter | Understudy – Alyssa

Lilly is a sophomore in biology, with a minor in psychology. She has been a part of three other shows with UT, including Teletype (Swing) and You on the Moors Now (Swing), and Romeo and Juliet (Apothecary/Watch). Lilly would like to thank her incredible family for always believing in everything she does, and her extraordinary friends for supporting her through everything. She hopes y’all enjoy the show!!

NICOLAS CHANCAFE

Student | Godspell cast | Video Commenter | Understudy – Nick

Nicolas is a junior in communication with a minor in music performance. He has worked on multiple productions in various crew positions, including stage managing for The Forest Night, assistant stage manager for Peter and The Starcatcher and You on the Moors Now, spotlight operator for Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play and Jekyll & Hyde, dresser for Romeo & Juliet, and props assistant for Ada and The Engine. Nic is making his UT debut on stage, and he wants to give a shout out to those who supported him, his tech friends, and to a special person in the audience who has supported him since the very beginning!!! He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he does!

LYDIA BLANTON COCHRANE

Kaylee

Lydia is a junior in communication with a minor in music performance. her favorite role with University Theatre was Nurse in Romeo and Juliet. In her time at NC State, she has also been involved in Seussical, You on the Moors Now, and QuickSCRIPTS. Lydia is a member of Alpha Psi Omega, APO, the Theatre Honors Society at NC State. In The Prom, Lydia plays Kaylee, a vicious cheerleader with much needed reevaluation of her morals. Lydia wants to thank her family and friends for their support as well as the cast and crew for their warmth, love and contagious laughter. Jesus loves you! Go pack! And enjoy the show!!!

MADELINE CORE

Dee Dee Allen

Madeline Core is a senior studying Legal History with a Minor in Theatre. Madeline has been in the last three musicals in Stewart: Urinetown (as ‘Little Sally’), Jekyll & Hyde (as ‘Lucy Harris’), and Seussical (as ‘Sour Kangaroo’), as well as Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play (as ‘Bart Simpson’) at University Theatre. Over the summer, she performed in NRACT’s production of Parade (as ‘Iola Stover’). Serving as president of the national theatre honors society, Alpha Psi Omega, she is very involved both on and off stage. After graduation this May, she plans on attending Tulane Law School in New Orleans. She would like to thank Mia, Mark, and Jess for their incredible leadership. She hopes you all enjoy the show!

OWEN DURSO

Party Guest | Parent | Monster Truck Announcer | Understudy – Hawkins

Owen is a sophomore in nuclear engineering. He participated in multiple capacities in previous University Theatre shows, including wardrobe head for Romeo and Juliet and You on the Moors Now, as well as playing Cat in the Hat in Seussical. He is excited for you to see this incredible show and would like to thank his family and friends for sustaining his passion for music and love of theater through this process.

COLEMAN HINES

Party Guest | Parent | Understudy – Barry

Coleman is a junior in mathematics. He has played Mr. Mayor in Seussical at University Theatre. He would like to thank his family and friends who continue to encourage and support his passion for theatre. Coleman hopes you all enjoy the show. 

GRACE HRICAY

Party Guest | Student | Friend | Video Commenter | Understudy – Emma

Grace is a freshman in fashion and textile management. She is in the Honors program and is excited to be a part of her first show with University Theatre. Her past roles include Hairspray (Penny Lou Pingleton), Big Fish School Edition (Josephine Bloom), Footloose (Ariel Moore), Alice in Wonderland (Alice), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Mrs. Tottendale). Grace is also a member of the National Retail Federation. Finally, she would like to thank the friends she has made here at NC State for making her first year memorable and her family for answering her phone calls every day!

LILY KINDSVATTER

Waiter | Student | Godspell cast | Understudy – Shelby

Lily is a junior in the Poole College of Management in business administration with a marketing concentration. Lily is an active member of Alpha Psi Omega and has been involved in past University Theatre shows such as Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly Aster), Jekyll and Hyde (Swing), Seussical (Ensemble), and most recently Romeo and Juliet (Juliet). She would like to thank her friends and family for always being her greatest supporters and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

BRANDON KYONG-TAE LEACH

Trent Oliver | Assistant Choreographer

Brandon is a senior in animal science with a science concentration and a minor in theatre. He has participated in multiple shows with University Theatre on and off the stage. He was a Wickersham Brother in Seussical, assistant choreographer for Jekyll & Hyde, and more. He’s so grateful for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy this fabulous show.

MAYA LENNON

Mrs. Green

Maya is a junior in textile engineering with a minor in vocal performance. She performed in Seussical at University Theatre as a Whoville citizen and has worked multiple crew positions for other shows. She would like to thank her family, her friends, and her rabbits for their support!

RYAN LIM

Mr. Hawkins

Ryan is a senior at NC State University. Ryan has appeared in eight previous University Theatre productions – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snout the Tinker), The SpongeBob Musical (Larry the Lobster/Gary), The Crucible (Giles Corey), Urinetown (Hot Blades Harry), Peter and the Starcatcher (Bill Slank/Mermaid), Jekyll & Hyde (Bishop of Basingstoke), Teletype (Dr. Thayles) and Romeo and Juliet (Friar Lawrence). He has also appeared in one TheatreFEST production—Holmes and Watson (Holmes 1). He has also appeared in multiple community theater productions such as Cary Player’s Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), The Justice Theater Project’s Cabaret (Victor). Ryan is very excited to participate in another theater production.

LUKE MORAN

Kevin

Luke is a sophomore in biology. He has been in three other shows at University Theatre, performing as Lindsey Neeley in Teletype, Rochester in You on the Moors Now, and most recently Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. Luke is excited to continue working with University Theatre and all the amazing people involved. He hopes you enjoy the show! 

ABBY PFIZENMAIER

Student | Monster Truck Fan

Abby is a senior in communication. She is making her musical debut at University Theatre. Abby is a member of the Comedic Improvisational Alliance, NC State’s one and only improv troupe, and has performed in QuickSCRIPTS. She would like to thank her family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for the arts. Abby is so excited for you to see the show!

DAN RAJARATNAM

Barry Glickman

Dan is a sophomore transfer theatre arts major and couldn’t be more excited to be making his NC State Theatre Debut in The Prom. Some of his favorite credits include Andrew Carnes in Oklahoma!, King Triton in The Little Mermaid, The Amazing Karnak in Ride the Cyclone, and Greg McConnell in Cruel Intentions. Off the stage he enjoys playing volleyball, watching reality television, and playing competitive trivia as a part of the NC State Quiz Bowl Team. He wants to thank the directing team for believing in him and the rest of the cast for making his first NC State show a success. @dan_rajaratnam

DASHA ROYAL

Reporter | Parent | Godspell cast | Video Commenter | Understudy – Dee Dee

Dasha is a senior in international studies. She has performed in multiple shows at University Theatre, and the Alpha Psi Omega Cabaret showcase. She would like to thank her family and friends who continue to encourage and support her passion for theatre and the arts. Dasha hopes you all enjoy the show!

EYMAN SAKR

Olivia Keating | Motel Clerk | Godspell cast | Parent | Understudy – Angie

Eyman, Ensemble, is a junior in communication with a minor in journalism. It’s time to dance! This is Eyman’s 3rd production with University Theatre and she has loved every second of it. She would like to thank her mother for always being supportive of her theatrical pursuits. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

ELI SANDUSKY

Emma Nolan

Eli is a sophomore in accounting with a minor in vocal performance.

PEYTON SHAHEEN

Alyssa Greene

Peyton is a senior in business administration. She is thrilled to make her University Theatre debut! Past roles include Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Mayzie (Seussical), and Housewife (Working). Founder of NC State’s Irish Dance Club and member of Kappa Delta, Peyton has also found time to work in TV and film. She thanks her loved ones for making every curtain rise feel like a dream come true.

ANDREW CAMPBELL SUNDERLAGE

Party Guest | High School Coach | Godspell cast | Student | Understudy – Trent

Andrew is a senior in computer engineering. They will be continuing at NC state for graduate school. The Prom is the fourth show Andrew has done at University Theatre, he has previously performed in Urinetown, She Kills Monsters, and Peter and the Starcatcher. Andrew wants to thank everyone for coming to see the show and support University Theatre!

ALLISON FIONA THOMPSON

Party Guest | Reporter | Parent | Monster Truck Fan | Video Commenter | Understudy – Mrs. Greene

Allison is a freshman in psychology with a minor in nutrition. She is so excited to be in her first production at University Theatre! In her most recent show, she played Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! at Cary High School, but she has been happily involved with theatre since she was young. Allison is a capital ambassador with Performance Edge Company and is a proud voice student of Mrs. Lisa Blair-Hawkins. She would like to thank her family and friends for their years of unending support and encouragement.

ELIJAH TWISS

Nick

Elijah is a freshman in the art studies. He is extremely excited to make his debut as Nick in The Prom. Past roles include The Phantom (Phantom of the Opera), Davey (Newsies), and the Marius (Les Miserable). A special thanks to his family and friends for their constant support.

ANDREY UREÑA-SECEÑA

Student | Monster Truck Fan | Understudy – Kevin

Andrey is a sophomore in science education. This is Andrey’s second year at State and second year with UT. He’s super excited to be in this show alongside his castmates. He’d like to thank everyone involved in the production as this is their show as well. Go Pack and Visca Barça!

EMMA YANDO

Shelby

Emma is a first-year student in world languages and cultures, and linguistics. Emma is making her University Theatre debut in The Prom, having student directed for QuickSCRIPTS. Her previous credits include Katherine Howard (SIX) and Fräulein Kost (Cabaret) in the Myrtle Beach area. She now works as a character performer in Raleigh. Shoutout to my fam and boyfriend!

MIA 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.

MARK HOPPER

Musical Director

Mark has directed and music directed over 50 shows and operas across the southeast. He is the executive and artistic director of the 1000-seat McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson. He frequently directs for area theatre companies and for the past five years has served as music director for Durham Performing Arts Center’s DPAC Rising Stars, part of the National Jimmy Awards. Mark is also an active organist and church musician and is the Director of Music and Worship Arts at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh. Many thanks to Josh, Mia and team for a great experience with some great young people!

YI CHEN

Associate Musical Director

Yi is a 4th year PhD student in electrical engineering. He has served as associate musical director in multiple University Theatre shows including Jekyll & Hyde, Seussical, and The Prom. He was also music director for Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play. Yi is a member of State Chorale and Chamber Choir, where he continues to challenge himself in ensemble performance and conducting. Outside of his musical and academic endeavors, Yi also volunteers as a mission pilot for Civil Air Patrol. 

JESS BARBOUR

Choreographer

Jess is an actor, choreographer, and director. She is incredibly honored that this is her fourth production with NCSU, previously choreographing Urinetown, Jekyll & Hyde and Seussical! Jess holds a BFA in theatre from Elon University and studied under Bill Esper at The Esper Studio in NYC. By day, she balances working as a standardized patient trainer at the American Board of Anesthesiology and serving as the producing artistic director of North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre. Break legs to this fantastic cast and crew!

BRANDON KYONG-TAE LEACH

Assistant Choreographer

See bio

DANICA JENELLE JACKSON

Fight and Intimacy Director

Danica is the assistant director of performance with UT, teaching all levels of acting classes and directing productions. Most recently, Danica directed Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, Jekyll & Hyde, and was seen as Emily in UT’s TheatreFEST production of The Great Beyond. She is also an actor-combatant, intimacy director, and accent coach for various community productions. This summer, Danica will lead the second iteration of the Study Abroad ‘Shakespeare in Performance’ course in Prague, CR. Congratulations to this phenomenal cast and crew! www.danicajenelle.com

JAYME MELLEMA

Scenic Designer

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.com

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 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

Lighting Design

Robin 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

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!

JOHN WILSON CHEEK

Stage Manager

John is a senior in computer science with a concentration in game development and a minor in creative writing. He is incredibly excited to stage manage this production of The Prom. John has been involved with several shows at University Theatre including stage managing Dial M for Murder, Mr. Burns, a Post Electric Play, and even acted in You on the Moors Now as Player 5. He has also been involved with shows within the Raleigh theater community, serving as an assistant stage manager for Burning Coal’s Once. He would like to thank his family, friends and the UT staff who have supported him over the past four years. And thank the amazing company of The Prom for making his senior show such an amazing experience.

LU MARTIN

Assistant Stage Manager

NEHA PARTHASARATHY

Assistant Stage Manager

Neha is a junior in chemical engineering. She has crewed for multiple shows at University Theatre including Peter and the Starcatcher, Jekyll & Hyde, and Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Show. She was a swing for You On The Moors Now, and developed Banned Books: Onstage in Fall 2025. Neha is a member of Alpha Psi Omega where she does service for the NC State theatre community. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support, and she hopes you all enjoy the show!

SCARLETT DORMAN

Assistant Stage Manager

is a freshman in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology. This is her second show as part of University Theatre. Her previous show experience includes being the assistant stage manager for The Forest Night. Scarlett would like to thank her teachers and mentors along the way that have encouraged her passion for theatre! 

CHARLIE ALIOTTA

Assistant Stage Manager

Charlie is a freshman in business administration – business analytics. He has previously worked with University Theatre as a production assistant for Romeo and Juliet. Charlie would like to thank his family and friends who helped him get here, and he hopes everyone enjoys the show and gets a laugh.