The Phoenix Theatre Company is proud to showcase the 28th Annual Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre participants! Get to know our festival staff and the creatives behind the highly anticipated work in the upcoming events.
Last updated January 15, 2026. Webpage is updated as information is received.
*Denotes a member of Actor’s Equity.
◊Denotes a member of United Scenic Artists Union
Michelle Chin is a director, choreographer, music director, dramaturge, musician, actor, and teaching artist that has created locally and around the world. Select creative credits: Little Shop of Horrors (Director), What the Constitution Means to Me (Director), Annie (Director), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Director), Every Brilliant Thing (Director), Murder for Two (Director and Musical Staging), Justice (World Premiere, Movement Director), Waitress (Choreographer), Maestro’s Treehouse (World Premiere, Choreographer), Selena Maria Sings (World Premiere, Music Director), Tiananmen (World Premiere, Dramaturge) and Let the Good Times Roll (World Premiere, Dramaturge). Up next Michelle will direct Spring Awakening with Arizona State University, music direct the world premiere of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane The Musical with Childsplay, and direct and choreograph the Arizona premiere of Dear Evan Hansen with TPTC. Michelle also serves as the Director of Summer Camp and Resident Dramaturge at TPTC and as a Faculty Associate at ASU. Thank you for your support of new work!
Wesley Bradstreet is grateful to have an artistic home at The Phoenix Theatre Company! An Arizona native, Wesley grew up doing theatre and making music in Prescott. He holds dual degrees in Music Theatre Performance and Music Learning & Teaching from Arizona State University. As a performer, he has worked with The Phoenix Theatre Company, Childsplay, Arizona Theatre Company, Arizona Broadway Theatre, and Hale Centre Theatre. Outside of performing, Wesley is a director, choreographer, and teaching artist at many theatres across the Valley. Currently in his 6th season at TPTC, Wesley also serves as the Assistant Summer Camp Director and Youth Musical Theatre Coordinator. wesleybradstreet.com | @wesleybradstreet
Kim Richard is excited to return to TPTC’s Festival of New American Theatre in a support position as Festival Associate. Kim has worked in the Valley theatre community in all areas of theatre and recently completed the Director Observership at Stray Cat Theatre for their season opener Reykjavík.
Alisabeth Westfall is a stage manager from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Currently she is a Stage Management Apprentice at The Phoenix Theatre Company. During her time at Phoenix Theatre, she has worked as an ASM on Frozen and A Christmas Carol. She has previously worked with Oklahoma City Ballet, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Children’s Theatre. She is excited to work on The New Works Festival.
Megan Holcomb is excited to be returning to The Phoenix Theatre Company for The Festival of New American Theatre. Select credits: Winnie Ruth Judd in The Truth About Winnie Ruth Judd (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Gloria/Nan in Gloria and Jen in The Cake (Stray Cat Theatre), Olivia in Twelfth Night (Southwest Shakespeare Company), and Barbara in Barbecue (Black Theatre Troupe). Other new theatre work: AIR in Tar & Feather (Idris Goodwin/ASU), playwright for Musefest, MC in Selena and Judy Go Dancing, and Mr. Burns in Bookburners (Space 55 Theatre). “Thank you to my family, friends, and mentors for their support on this journey!”
Chelsey Louise is a graphic designer and musician whose work spans visual design, music, and artist development. She is the frontwoman of indie rock band, Fairy Bones, and founder of Poor Life Choice, a music marketing and management company for independent artists.
Maren Maclean is thrilled to return to New Works for the thirteenth time! She’s acted, taught, danced, directed, designed, and dramaturg-ed all over this lovely country. Maren just completed directing A Christmas Carol for Two Actors at Southwest Shakespeare Company and is currently teaching movement with Think Motion at Perryville State Prison. Favorite acting roles: Belinda in Noises Off at The Phoenix Theatre Company, Kate in Taming of the Shrew at Southwest Shakespeare Company, Pamela in Fox on the Fairway at Actor’s Theatre, and Hilda in Venus Observed at Verse Theatre Manhattan. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. Originally from New York, she’s made Phoenix home with her equally dramatic husband and kiddos. AOE. www.marenmaclean.net
Ron May is the founding Artistic Director for Stray Cat Theatre where he most recently directed Steve Yockey’s Reykjavík and will direct Angels in America Parts 1 and 2 this spring. For Phoenix Theatre Company, he has appeared in The Truth About Winnie Ruth Judd and One Man, Two Guvnors and directed Buyer & Cellar and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. He was named a finalist for the 2018 Zelda Fichandler Award recognizing an individual who has made, and who continues to make, a significant contribution to their community through extraordinary work in theatre in the Western region of the United States (defined as Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming). He was also nominated as an Artist for the 2019 Governor’s Arts Award and in 2021 received the Trailblazer Award by City of Tempe Neighborhoods. https://straycattheatre.org
COLM SUMMERS (he/him) is an award-winning Irish director, based in Brooklyn, NY, and the Artistic Director of the Working Theater. Recent credits include “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan (Geffen Playhouse, “Theaterly’s Best of Theater 2023”) and “The Comedians” by Philip Dawkins (Raven Theatre). Colm has developed work with Manhattan Theater Club, Berkeley Rep, Page 73, Clubbed Thumb, Rattlestick Theater, Breaking The Binary, BRIC, the Abbey Theatre and many more. He was a 2024 Drama League Next Stage Fellow, and the inaugural Resident Director at both the Geffen Playhouse and the Abbey Theatre, the National Theatre of Ireland. In 2023, he won Ireland’s most prestigious bursary for emerging artists, the Next Generation Artist Award. His play, “Falls,” was recognized by the Relentless Awards, and he has been commissioned by Irish Arts Center, the Irish Arts Council, and the Puffin Foundation. He is a BMI Lehman Engel Bookwriting alum and a member of Origin Theater’s inaugural writers group. He is the Interim Director of Opera at Rutgers University.
Sebastian Beacon is excited to be appearing at The Phoenix Theater Company for the first time. Select credits: Mooney, Hennessy in HANGMEN (Broadway), Man in Strategic Love Play (Audible Theater, Off Broadway), Prince Louis in God Save The Queer (Williamstown Theater). Film: Disclosure Day (Steven Spielberg), Taking Woodstock (Ang Lee) Every Secret Thing (Amy Berg). TV: Law & Order, Elsbeth, Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Royal Pains, Bull, FBI:Most Wanted, The Get Down. “Thanks to Colm Summers for your words, CGF Talent and all involved in this production of Falls.” sebastianbeacon.net I @sebastianbeacon
Shad Willingham, an actor and director is pleased and grateful to be returning to The Phoenix Theatre Company where he appeared in The Truth About Winnie Ruth Judd. Select credits: Seven Seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Bottom in a A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Freddie in Noises Off! (Idaho Shakespeare Festival) Shad is a produced playwright; his play Ham for the Holidays is a personal favorite. Education: B.F.A. North Carolina School of the Arts, M.F.A. University of Washington. Many thanks to The Phoenix Theatre Company, Chelsea Anderson and his “lovely ladies” – Heidi, Tess & Twyla.
Tati Trujillo is thrilled to return as the Technical Director of the 24-Hour Theater Project at the Festival of New American Theatre. They have recently worked as the Technical Director and Accommodation Specialist Manager at The Phoenix Theater Junior Company’s Spring, Summer, and Fall Classes. They have Stage Managed BLK BOX PHX’s Something Wicked This Way Comes and previously Stage Managed for the Festival of New American Theater’s Hollywood Nurses. They would like to thank their friends and family for their unwavering support, it has motivated them to always strive for their goals and dreams.
Shelina Elyse is excited to make her Arizona theatre debut! Her previous work in Texas includes stage managing new and devised works such as Sing Muse and Qualities of Starlight at The Vortex Repertory Theatre (VRT), What’s Goin’ On? for Generic Ensemble Company, assistant stage managing River of Gruel, Pile of Pigs: The Requisite Gesture(s) of Narrow Approach at Salvage Vanguard Theatre (Fusebox Festival), and Water at VRT. Shelina directs, produces, and hosts a cooking show called Cultural Dishcovery, exploring cultures through food and building confidence in the kitchen. Originally published on YouTube, the edited-for-TV series is also streaming on a service near you! @culturaldishcovery
Catherine Ricafort McCreary is an Arizona-born, eight-time Broadway actor. Broadway credits: Mamma Mia!, SpongeBob SquarePants (“Karen the Computer”), Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Honeymoon in Vegas, Miss Saigon, Allegiance, Disaster!, Cinderella. Off-Broadway: Alice By Heart. Pre-Broadway Readings: Hamilton, Beetlejuice, Moulin Rouge. National Tour: A Chorus Line. Television: NBC’s The Sing-Off, PBS Great Performances, Tony Awards. Multiple original cast recordings. Since returning to Arizona: “Reno Sweeney” in Anything Goes (Zoni-nomination, MCC), PTC’s 2024 Festival of New Theatre, “Lady of the Lake” in Spamalot and “Adelaide” in Guys & Dolls (MTAA). Directing credits: Monday Night Musicals (Bridge Initiative at ASU Kerr), Gynochat (world premiere play), Big Fish (MTAA), consulted on Tiananmen (Phoenix Theatre Company), music video director for pop/rap artist Super Smack. Masterclass teacher: Viterbo University, ASU, Broadway Classroom. Software engineer and co-founder of Artists Who Code, featured in the LA Times and Forbes. Back in AZ as director, theater coach, engineer, & Mama of two! @cattricafort
Mark Stoddard is an award-winning director, actor, playwright, educator, and acting coach. This April, he is directing Ragtime (AZ Musicfest) at the Herberger, featuring a 30 piece orchestra and a cast of Broadway stars and local professional talent. Other directing credits include: Carousel (AZ Musicfest); Cabaret (SCC); Hunchback, Addams Family, StarCatcher (VYT); Into the Woods, Urinetown, The Crucible (PVCC), Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins and Celebration of Christmas (Dream City Arts). Selected acting credits: principal role of Jean Shepherd on the 2025 national tour of A Christmas Story – the musical (Big League Prods); Claude/Nick swing in Come From Away, Adam in Children of Eden, Pharaoh in Joseph…Dreamcoat, Route 66 (Phoenix Theatre); Fredrik in A Little Night Music (AZ Opera), Jethro in Prince of Egypt (TheaterWorks). Love and thanks to his wife Rachel, and their three amazing adult children – and to the brave and talented artists in the 24hr Festival! www.stoddard5creative.com.
A native Arizonan, Amanda Noel Trombley earned a Bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University and an MFA degree in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin College in association with the American Shakespeare Center. Since graduating, she has been involved with theatre around the valley as an actor (most recently Chorus and Exeter in Henry V, Diane in Bards and Beasts, various Shakespeare roles in her Alphabet Shakespeare series), director (Little Women, How I Learned to Drive, The Tempest, The Taming, and more), writer, text coach, and teacher. She especially loves exploring the extremes of classical theatre and brand new works. She is thrilled to work with Phoenix Theatre, and is grateful for this opportunity to create art with wonderful people. When not involved in theatre, Amanda is probably with her partner in chaos and her three amazing children, or out running on the beautiful Phoenix trails. Serve, Love, Mend.
Elias Matthews is excited to return to The Phoenix Theater Company’s 24-Hour Theater Project for a third year; this time as a playwright. His work has been presented as part of the New Colorado Musical Festival and been performed at Valley Players, a local contemporary theater company that he co-founded. He is also the current Technical Director of Fountain Hills Theater and a board member of the AriZoni Awards. You can find more of his plays online on the NewPlayExchange. Elias would like to thank the talented cast and crew at The Phoenix Theater Company. He would also like to thank his mother, Theresa, and his girlfriend, Aurora, for their unwavering support. IG: @thisisactuallyelias
Kyle Olson is a Zoni award-winning, published playwright. His play about a heist in a high school ANSWER KEY is available from Gitelman & Good. Kyle is the creator of “The Swashbuckling Ladies Debate Society” audio drama along with “Craft and Chaos” a podcast about staying creative while the world feels on fire. Subscribe today, they’re free! He still has a lot to learn.
Shayna Padjen is incredibly grateful to Phoenix Theatre Company for the opportunity to be a part of the Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre. She recently produced staged readings for five of her original works and was most recently seen onstage in Anthropocene with Arizona State University. They graduated from ASU with Bachelors in English Literature and Theatre. When she is not sitting at a desk, drafting novels or plays, she loves reading anything by V.E Schwab or watching AMC’s Interview with the Vampire. She would like to thank her family, KJ, Rachel Bowditch, Jamie Bauer-Spano, Bill Partlan, and her SVPadjen Productions family for their support.
John Perovich is a playwright, dramaturg, and educator. His plays have been produced at TheatreWorks, Brelby Productions, Space 55, Ronin Theatre Collaborative, Theatre Artists Studio, B3 Theater, ASU, and more, with work featured at Valdez Theatre Conference, Phoenix Theatre Company’s Festival of New American Theatre, Mid-America Theatre Conference, and Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Perovich has taught playwriting at Stockton University, ASU, and Maricopa Community Colleges. He is a member of Theatre Artists Studio and facilitates their monthly writers’ circle. He is the playwright in residence at Ronin Theatre Collaborative. He holds degrees from Rowan University, NYU, and ASU.
Spencer Beckwith is thrilled to return for the 24-Hour Theatre Project for a second year! You may have seen him perform at various theatres around the valley, including Southwest Shakespeare Company, Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival, Space 55, B3 Theatre, Valley Players, and Desert Rose Theatre. “Thanks for making this project a reality and see you out there!” @spencerjbeckwith
Jacob Cano is thrilled to make his debut at The Phoenix Theatre Company. Previous favorite roles of his include Jonathan Harker in Bride’s of Dracula (B3 Productions) and Bok Choi in Digestion Quest (Grand Boat Theater). “I am thankful for all of my teachers and coaches at Arizona Actor’s Academy and for the support of my wife Laurel Cano and my darling children.” @TheJacobCano
Michaela Davison is stoked to be making her debut with The Phoenix Theatre Company in the 24-Hour Theatre Project! Select credits: Mrs. Erlynne in Lady Windermere’s Fan (PVCC), Grace Farrell in Annie (Herberger Stage West), Miss Flemming in Heathers (Mesa Performing Arts Center), Anne Marie in A Doll’s House (Ronin Theatre Company), Costume Designer for Six Rounds of Vengeance (Ronin Theatre Company, Pantheon Movement Arts & All Queer Shakespeare), Specialty Prop Artist for The Brides of Dracula (B3 Productions). “Endless gratitude for The Phoenix Theatre Company and this amazing opportunity, my family, and mi amor!”
Eli Franklin is grateful to be returning to The 24-Hour Theatre Project at The Phoenix Theatre Company after performing in the 2023 festival. Select credits: Hades in Hadestown (Spotlight Youth Theater, Zoni Award), Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors (Valley Youth Theater), Chorus in Anastasia (Manhattan Concert Productions), and Lurch in The Addams Family (Valley Youth Theatre). Eli has worked as a Counselor at TPTC’s Summer camp for 3 years. “I would like to thank The Phoenix Theatre Company and my friends and family.” @UncannyEli
Ricardo Leon is excited and grateful to be part of The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 24-Hour Theatre Project. A comedian and performance artist, he returned to the stage in 2025, appearing as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Starlight Memorial Theatre) and Don Diego in Six Rounds of Vengeance (All Queer Shakespeare, Ronin Theatre Company, and Pantheon Movement Arts). He also co-directed The Brides of Dracula for B3 Productions and recently performed at Bar Flies: Eating Christmas. “Thank you for proofreading this Michaela.<3”
Kelsea Ray is thrilled to be performing with The Phoenix Theatre Company! Select Credits: Daciana in Brides of Dracula, Death/The World in The Canterbury Tarot, and Ensemble in 2A (B3 Theater); Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (KD Conservatory); Lady Margaret in The Faceless (Ronin Theatre Company); Evil Gabbi in She Kills Monsters (Mountain View). Education: Associates in Acting for Film and Television from KD Conservatory Dallas, TX. “Thank you to Phoenix Theater Company, this performance is an offering of gratitude for my beloved friends Sawyer, Austin, and Isaiah!” @kelsearay07
Sierra Shay is thrilled to return to The Phoenix Theatre Company and participate in her second 24-Hour Theatre Project. Recent work: Viral Chica and Girl Dinner (short films), and Or Death(feature). Education: B.A. from Emerson College (Boston); Anthony Gilardi Acting Studio (Los Angeles). “Shoutout to the festival team, fellow artists, and everyone who made this whirlwind possible! Endless love to my ever-supportive spouse, Amanda.” @_sierrashay_
Thomas Smith is so stoked to be making his TPTC Debut with the 24-Hour Theatre Project. Select credits: Smudge in Forever Plaid (Hale Center Theatre), Brad in The Rocky Horror Show (Waterfront Playhouse) and an understudy for Groucho Marx: A Life in Revue (Walnut Street Theatre) and his current contract as an actor in Drunk Shakespeare Phoenix! Education: B.M. Music Theatre Arizona State University. “Endless thanks to family and friends for support and love.”
Natalie Trelstad is thrilled to be returning to The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 24-Hour Theatre Project. Select credits include Actor in 24-Hour Theatre Project (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Lucentio in The Taming of the Shrew (Grassroots Shakespeare), Khazana in Three Princes of Serendip (staged reading), Penelope in 9 for 9 Short Play Festival (Syndicated Productions), and Ice Queen in The Penguin and the Fish (staged reading). Education: B.A. in Theatre from Arizona State University. “Many thanks to The Phoenix Theatre Company, the cast and crew, and my family and friends.”
Anthony Veneziano is grateful to be returning to The Phoenix Theatre Company for his third 24-hour project. Select credits: Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival), Legionnaire in What the Constitution Means to Me (Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival), Jimbo in FAIRVIEW (Stray Cat Theatre), Keith in El Circo o la Bestia Salvaje and Anthony in Take a Little Trip (Festival of New American Theatre, TPTC). Anthony has spent time studying with the Stella Adler Studio and most recently completed a workshop at the Arizona Theatre Company. “Massive thank you to The Phoenix Theatre Company for continuing to do this project, my coaches, and family!” @anthonyjveneziano
Zoee Woods is thrilled to be making her debut with The Phoenix Theatre Company in the 24-Hour Theatre Project! Select Credits: Fan/Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Female Swing in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Charlotte/Milk Seller in Oliver! (TheatreWorks); Ensemble in Bright Star (Mesa Encore Theater); Madame Aubert/Ensemble in Titanic: The Musical (UNCo). Education: B.F.A in Musical Theatre from University of Northern Colorado. “Many thanks to The Phoenix Theatre company, my family and my friends!” @zoee.ann25
Danny Feldman is a composer, lyricist and playwright based in NYC. His songs have been performed at venues such as Lincoln Center and 54 Below, and have been featured on Seth Rudetsky’s Stars in the House, NY Theatre Barn’s New Works Series, Open Jar’s Broadway Shark Tank and with Breaking Sound. His tune, “Classy Time”, was recorded by Tony Award® winner Beth Leavel for a Broadway.com music video in 2021. Feldman’s musicals, Hot Dam! (with co-playwright Lizzy Cenicola) and Hide and Seek, have received productions at numerous colleges and youth programs on the East Coast. Most recently, he was commissioned by Arizona Broadway Theatre to write an adaptation of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, which debuted in 2025. Danny was a Semi-Finalist for Signature Theatre’s LaunchPad Residency in 2024, is a current finalist for Out of the Box Theatrics’ Born at the Box, and is developing a two-hander musical, Amongst the Pile. www.dannyjfeldman.com, @dannyfeldd
Jasmine Bassham is incredibly honored to be making her debut at The Phoenix Theatre Company! Select credits: Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Arizona Broadway Theatre); Ensemble in Frozen (Paper Mill Playhouse); Bebe in A Chorus Line (The Mac-Haydn Theatre); Ensemble u/s Emma in The Prom (The Palace Theatre); Ensemble in Jagged Little Pill (White Plains Performing Arts Center); and Ensemble in Waitress (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina). Education: B.F.A. from Rider University. “Thank you to The Phoenix Theatre Company, Danny Feldman, friends, and family!” | @JasmineBassham
Evan Kaushesh is elated to be involved in the Festival of New American Theatre in Danny Feldman’s Cabaret. Select credits: Ensemble/Cosmo US in Singin’ in the Rain, Mercier in The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Dippy in Anything Goes (Hale Centre Theatre); The Boy Who Cried Wolf TYA and The Mouse King in The Nutcracker: A Musical TYA (Arizona Broadway Theatre). “I would like to thank my family, friends, and directors for their love and guidance, and many thanks TPTC for this opportunity!” @evankaushesh
Amanda D’Archangelis and Sami Horneff met in the world-renowned BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Recent work includes: THE RADIUM GIRLS, co-written with Lisa Mongillo and directed by Tony-Winner Marissa Jaret Winokur, which is eyeing a world premiere production in the 26-27 season (also a 2022 NAMT Finalist, a 2019 Eugene O’Neill NMTC Semi-Finalist, and five-time winner at The 2021 National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival); SINGLE RIDER (Off-Broadway 2018); COMING ATTRACTION (Wilbury Theatre Group 2019); and THE BREAK (Omaha Creative Institute 2018). Upcoming: BANDIT QUEEN, a new pop-Americana musical about Pearl Hart, the Wild West’s most notorious female bandit, which has been developed through artist residencies at The Legacy Theatre in Branford, CT and Drama Club Camp in Mount Vernon, ME; PANDORA IN BLUE JEANS with book by Adam Morrison, which explores the life of controversial “Peyton Place” author Grace Metalious; and PSYCH, a 90’s spin on the myth of Cupid & Psyche commissioned by Wichita State University. Amanda and Sami’s songs have also been performed at concert venues and educational institutions across the country. They are proud to be 2019 York Theatre Company New/Emerging/Outstanding Writers, 2024 Playbill Songwriter Series Featured Artists, and 2025 Write Out Loud Contest grand prize winners! For more, visit: @darchangelisandhorneff on instagram | www.amandadarchangelis.com and www.samihorneff.com
Helen Kohler is a second year doctoral student at Arizona State University studying Conducting Opera/Orchestra and is the Music Theater/Opera Teaching Assistant. She holds a B.M. from Baldwin Wallace University, and a M.M. from Kent State University in Piano Performance. Recent credits include: Songs for a New World, (MD, ASU), Curtains (AMD/Keys 1, ASU), As You Like It (MD, ASU), Christmas Carol (Keys 2 Sub, TPTC), Annie Get Your Gun and Ragtime (Keys 1, MTAA), Frozen (Keys 3 Sub, TPTC), and Jersey Boys (Keys 2 Sub, TPTC). A native of Pennsylvania, she currently resides in Tempe, and is excited to be a part of the Festival of New American Theater.
Hahnna Christianson is a native of Phoenix, AZ and has been performing in the valley for 15 years. Recent credits include Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (TW), Carole King in Beautiful the Musical (TPTC), Emma Nolan in The Prom (TPTC), and Bird Girl/Cat in the Hat U.S. in Seussical (TPTC). Education: ASU MS in Organizational Leadership, BMUS in Musical Theatre. “Tremendous love to my Mom, Dad, Steinar, Jess, and Nathan for their never-ending support.”
Brianna McClure is thrilled to be a part of this project! Phoenix Theatre Credits: Belle/ Martha in A Christmas Carol, Ensemble/Janet understudy in The Rocky Horror Show, Jerusha understudy in Daddy Long Legs. Select credits: Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes, Daphne in Holiday Inn, and Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly at Hale Centre Theatre, as well as multiple roles aboard Disney Cruise Line. Education: BM in Musical Theatre Performance from ASU. “I am endlessly grateful for Brady, and my family and friends for their unwavering support.” @brianna.mcclure_
Nathan Sheppard is delighted to be back at The Phoenix Theatre Company participating in the New Works Festival again. Select Credits: Leaf Coneybear in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Jack Kelly in Newsies (Theaterworks); Gabe Goodman in Next to Normal and Man #1 in Songs for a New World (Arizona Regional Theater); Pinocchio in Shrek the Musical (The Pickleville Playhouse). “Special thanks to my friends, family and amazing fiancé Hahnna for their endless support.”
Kendal Turpin is thrilled to be working with The Phoenix Theatre Company. Select credits: Carmen in Curtains, Hélène in Natasha Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Player in Pippin, Kelly in The Mad Ones, and Boe Extraordinary in MUTT! a new musical! (Arizona State University); Rizzo in Grease (TheaterWorks). Education: pursuing a B.M. in Musical Theatre from Arizona State University. “So much love and thanks to my family & friends, my boyfriend, TPTC, and ASU MTO!” @kendalturpin
Katie Brady is an award-winning librettist, lyricist, and composer. Her musical comedy The Test was named Most Outstanding Musical at the International San Diego Fringe Festival, and her 10-minute play Amazing Grace earned Judge’s Choice honors. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, NYC (M.A. in Writing and Design for Musical Theater) and Arizona State University (B.A. in Journalism), she strives to illuminate, inspire, and uplift. This piece is dedicated to the memory of her courageous parents and to the eloquent poet Patrick Overton whose words continue to resonate.
Phoenix Jacob began stage managing in the valley in 2019. He received his degree in technical theatre from Bowling Green State University, where he was nominated for 3 Certificates of Merit from KCACTF in stage management. His graduate study focused on trans theatre and adaptations of Shakespeare for contemporary contexts. In addition to the Phoenix Theatre Company, his stage management resume includes work for Childsplay, Herberger Theater Center, Black Theatre Troupe, the Phoenix Symphony, and All Queer Shakespeare. Recent favorite productions include Looking Over the President’s Shoulder (TPTC), The Christmas Carol: A Queer Fantasia (AQS), and Islander (HTC). New works are his passion, and he is delighted to join the Festival of New American Theatre this year. Thanks to Glenn Zephier and Kari Stallcop for their support.
Tristan Peterson-Steinert is the Resident Music Supervisor at the Valley Youth Theatre. Originally from the coast of Maine, Tristan is excited to be returning to the Valley after living in Colorado for the past few years. An accomplished pianist, he is frequently sought as a music director in the Valley, and his credits span regional, professional, and community theater. He has been fortunate to work on numerous productions over the years, including some Arizona Premieres. Some favorite credits include: Little Women (NYA Award, Outstanding Music Direction), Polkadots (AZ Premiere), The Secret Garden (NYA Award, Outstanding Music Direction), Tuck Everlasting (AZ Premiere), and Dogfight (AriZoni Award). A proud Sun Devil, Tristan holds two Bachelor’s degrees from ASU in Social Work and Nonprofit Leadership and Management. He also holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from NAU. In addition to music, Tristan is the Program Director at Everybody Matters, a nonprofit providing preventative mental health services in schools. He maintains a regular performance schedule as a pianist.
Maxwell Plata (he/him) is a playwright, dramaturg, and stage manager based in Phoenix, Arizona. Favorite dramaturgy credits include Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles (Southwest Shakespeare Company) and the living’life of the daughter mira (ASU School of Theatre). He holds a B.A. in Theatre and an M.A. in Arts Administration. Max is grateful to support the Festival of New American Theatre for a fourth year. Thank you to The Phoenix Theatre Company for its commitment to new work, and thank YOU for supporting live theatre in Arizona!
Eric Powers is a composer, musician, and music director based out of New York City. His musical “Missed Connections” co-written with Rachel Arianna premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and his music has been performed at numerous cabaret venues in New York including The Green Room 42 and 54 Below. He recently made his Broadway debut as a pianist at the 2025 Red Bucket Follies, and he has worked regionally and in New York as a music director, copyist, and pianist for the Atlantic Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and the Marriott Theatre among others.
Brian Sweis is delighted to be a part of this year’s festival once again! Select credits: Genius and A Beautiful Place (FNAT), Les Miserables, When You Wish, Cabaret, Concert Series (The Phoenix Theatre Company); Phantom, Angry Housewives (Arizona Broadway Theatre). He is the Program Director and a current/founding member of TPTC’s Partners That Heal program, and a member of Playback Theatre Arizona- a playback theatre ensemble working with marginalized youth and others in the community. He is also an event host, announcer, vocalist, and voice over artist and is represented by Leighton Agency.
Luis Terrazas is the Associate Director of Community Engagement at The Phoenix Theatre Company and a self-taught computer graphic artist. While his professional work focuses on building relationships and fostering inclusive access to the arts, graphic design has long been a personal creative practice and passion. Working primarily in digital media, Luis is fascinated by graphic work acting as an extension of storytelling, using mood, texture, and composition to support the emotional landscape of a play. His work is influenced by lived experience, theatrical narratives, and a curiosity for how imagery can deepen audience connection. Luis is thrilled to have his artwork selected for two productions in this year’s Richard T. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre and is honored to contribute visually to the celebration of new work.
Jackson Beeson is so excited to become a part of The Phoenix Theatre Company family! Select credits: Ralphie in A Christmas Story (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Flounder in The Little Mermaid (Tuacahn & Arizona Broadway Theatre), Lollipop Guild in Wizard of Oz (Tuacahn), The Artful Dodger in Oliver! (Theater Works), Gavroche (Zoni Award Winner) in Les Miserables: School Edition (Spotlight Youth Theatre). “A special thank you to Michelle, Tristan, Katie, Eric, and everyone at The Phoenix Theatre Company for this incredible opportunity! To my family, vocal coaches, teachers and everyone who supports me and helps make my dreams come true…Thank you! Now let’s FLY!” @jbeeson12
Savannah Inez is elated to return to The Phoenix Theatre Company. Select Credits: Swing in Let the Good Times Roll, Stepmother in Into the Woods, Deb in Elf, Ensemble in Dreamgirls, Ensemble/Sofia Understudy in The Color Purple, Jade in The Devil Inside (New Works Festival), Bus Sounds in Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus (Childsplay), Mz. Evelyn in The Hula Hoopin’ Queen (Childsplay), and Caterpillar in Curiouser and Curiouser 2 (Theaterworks). “I am deeply honored to be a part of this production and send love to my beautiful children and incredible support team for always cheering on ‘Mommy’ as she lives out her dreams on stage.” @sassysavy91
Morgan Karam is thrilled to be back at The Phoenix Theatre Company, after most recently performing as a Swing in A Christmas Carol. Select Credits: Ensemble/Dorothy US in The Wizard of Oz (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), and Dove in Cinderella (Syracuse Stage). Education: BFA from Syracuse University. “Many thanks to the crew and cast of this beautiful show and to my family and friends for their love and support!” morgankaram.com | @morganlkaram
Veronica Lopez is thrilled to be doing her first show with The Phoenix Theatre Company! Select credits: C in Lost Girl (Rebel Phoenix Theatre Collective), Persephone in Hadestown (Center Stage Academy), Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice (Chandler Youth Theatre), and Matilda in Matilda (Center Stage Academy). “Forever thankful to The Phoenix Theatre Company for this incredible opportunity, to my acting and vocal coaches for helping me grow, and to my family and friends for their eternal love and support!” @veronicaplopezg
Andy Meyers* splits his time as a director and actor, and is proud to be making his debut with The Phoenix Theatre Company. National Tours: Bert in Annie, Scrooge in Christmas Carol, Carl in Bus Stop. Off-Broadway: Dames at Sea, Circle of Friends; Tannhauser (Met Opera, NYC); D’Ysquith Family in Gentlemen’s Guide (Public Theatre San Antonio); Christmas Carol (McCarter); Jean in Christmas Story, Amos in Chicago, Les Misérables (Arizona Broadway Theater); Former Artistic Director of Fort Peck Summer Theatre and Post Playhouse. Co-Producer of Alice in Wonderland (Marylebone Theatre, London).
Debby Rosenthal* is elated to be a part of Fly Fly Fly! Select TPTC Credits: Dee Dee in The Prom, Donna in Mamma Mia, Emily in Elf, Betty in White Christmas, Judy in Ruthless!, and Reno in Anything Goes. Other credits: Menopause the Musical 1 & 2 (Touring), Opening Act (Bob Newhart), Soloist (Phoenix Symphony). Film/TV: Ingenious (Netflix), Intersect (Amazon Prime), and El Diablo (HBO). Director of Education at Fountain Hills Theater “My husband Tom and I have been married for 38 years and are incredibly proud of our two children.” www.debbyrosenthal.com | @debbyrosenthal
Jena Allen is so grateful to be performing at The Phoenix Theatre Company! Select credits: Ella in Cinderella (Ramsey Theatre Company); Swing in Jersey Boys and Swing in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (The Phoenix Theatre Company); Philoclea in Head Over Heels, Little Red in Into the Woods, and “Mutual Attraction” in Tales from the Amusement Park (Arizona State University). “I would like to thank my family, my fiancé Matt, my mentors for their love and support and The Phoenix Theatre Company for this amazing opportunity!” @jena.allen
Ryan Ardelt is thrilled to be a part of the Improvised Musical event! Ryan first started composing at the age of eight and currently composes professionally around the valley. In college, Ryan composed for several classical theatre productions at Grand Canyon University including The Tempest, Comedy of Errors, Henry V, and The Misanthrope. Since graduating in 2021, he has teamed up with Ethington Dance Ensemble’s faculty to compose for several of their annual faculty showcases. He has also composed original music for Tap 24/7’s annual productions since 2019, with the most recent show being the tap company’s 2025 production The Tap Pack. Further, he has crafted original dance recital/musical theatre hybrid shows with The Dance Project dance studio and showcased original songs. “I would like to thank Matt Villar and Michelle Chin for making this event possible and the cast for the wonderful experience.”
Maggie Barry-Torres is so excited to return to TPTC for this delightful winter production. Select Credits: Cabaret, Seussical The Musical, The Prom, Cinderella (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Falsettos (Dezart Performs), Happy Days (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Into the Woods, The Last Five Years (Arizona State University). Other credits: arts educator (Arizona School of Music), director/choreographer: Greasepaint Youtheatre, Horizon High School, Arizona Broadway Theatre Academy, and The Phoenix Theatre Summer Camp. “Joyful love and immense gratitude to my family, Emilio, and Rocky.” @maggiebarrytorres
Teddy Ladley is so excited to find out what’s in store WITH you! TPTC credits: Ensemble/Cratchit understudy in A Christmas Carol, Swing in Forbidden Broadway, Ensemble/Bob Gaudio Understudy in Jersey Boys, Horton/Ensemble swing in Seussical, Ogie in Waitress, Buddy Alternate/Ensemble in Elf: The Musical, Captain Riser in The Hello Girls, Fiddler On The Roof, The Prom, Cinderella. Select credits: Fred Graham/Petruchio in Kiss Me, Kate!, Percy Blakeney in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Sid Sorokin in The Pajama Game, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, and William Barfée in The 25th…Spelling Bee. Education: BM in Musical Theatre Performance from Barrett, The Honors College at ASU. Summa Cum Laude. “Love and special thanks to my family, friends, TPTC, and to YOU! Glory to God! URHB&B!” @tedwardlads11
Matt Villar is thrilled to return to The Phoenix Theatre Company for the Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre. Select credits: Joe Pesci in Jersey Boys and Middle Scrooge/Club Gent in A Christmas Carol (The Phoenix Theatre Company); Joe Pesci/Frankie Valli Understudy in Jersey Boys and Mendel/Motel Understudy in Fiddler on the Roof (The Lexington Theatre Company); Chorus in The Magic Flute (Nashville Opera); and The Steward in Into the Woods and Lance in the world premiere of 600 Square Feet (Arizona State University). Education: BMus in Vocal Performance, Arizona State University. “I’m so grateful to share the stage with such a talented group of creatives. Special thanks to my family, my friends, and my wonderful fiancée Jena, as I would be lost without their constant support.” MattVillar.com | @mvillar_music
Katerina Anderson is currently a senior at Chaparral High School and thrilled to see her play come to life on Spotlight’s stage! Her written work has appeared once before, in the form of the legendary one-act play titled The Making of Boys Town the Musical in Spotlight’s 2023-24 Playfest (IYKYK). She has been performing in shows across the Valley for many years. Recent favorite roles include Eurydice in Hadestown (SYT – Zoni Award), Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (CHS – ASU Gammage Award), Cheshire Cat/Tabatha in Alice by Heart (SYT), Katherine Howard in Six (SYT), Karen Smith in Mean Girls (CHS), Angie Dickenson in The Prom (SYT – Zoni Nom), Alice Russell in Lizzie (SYT – NYA Nom), and Morticia Addams in The Addams Family (SYT – Zoni Nom). She would like to thank Kenny Grossman and Spotlight for their support and commitment to young playwrights and artists!
Joey Garcia is ecstatic to be making his directorial debut in Spotlight’s Playfest 2026! His recent roles include Conrade in Much Ado About Nothing (SYT), Two-Bit in The Outsiders (SL), and Ernie Mac in Puffs (VYT). In his free time, he enjoys playing piano, singing, and reading. He would like to express his gratitude to Kenny Grossman for offering him this exciting new opportunity! It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with the writer, one of his closest friends, Kat Anderson! He would also like to thank his family and friends for supporting him through thick and thin! See you on the stage!
Lucy Currier is so honored to have had her play selected for Playfest 2026. She is in 12th grade and taking courses at PVCC. She loves to read, write, play guitar, spend time with her family and participate in theater. Most recently, you may have seen her in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing here at Spotlight! She is very grateful for this opportunity, and would like to thank Kenny, SYT, and her family.
Aleska Roberts is a high school senior at Arizona School for the Arts in the Musical Theatre track. Throughout her time as an actress, she has always dreamed of being a director, and she is very excited that she gets to experience it first with Spotlight Youth Theatre. Aleska has been a part of other shows, including Freckleface Strawberry (SYT), Gypsy (ASA), and last year’s Playfest (SYT)! She can’t wait to bring her ideas and love for the arts onto the stage.
Angeline Doa is so honored to have been selected to have their play be one of this year’s Playfest winners at Spotlight Youth Theatre. Angeline has always loved both theatre and writing, so she couldn’t be more ecstatic to have gotten this opportunity. This opportunity has made her grow more as a writer and as a person who simply loves theatre more than anything. She wants to thank her parents and her friends for always supporting her and she also wants to thank everyone at Spotlight for this amazing opportunity! She hopes you enjoy her play!
Jay Schwab is 19 years old and is incredibly thrilled to make her directorial debut in Spotlight’s Annual Playfest! She has previously performed in Playfest 23’ & 24’, and is very excited to have been given this opportunity to show her passion for creating. Some other favorite performances at SYT include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (Zoni Nom), Alice in Alice By Heart, Delia Beetlejuice Jr., and Shelby in The Prom. Jay would like to thank Kenny for all the support and guidance over the years, and her family for always supporting her passions.
Douglas Clarke ◊ is a regional designer native to the Phoenix area and thrilled to have been designing for The Phoenix Theatre Company since 2015! He’s received awards for his scenic designs of Welcome Home Jenny Sutter at Mesa Community College and for End of the Rainbow at The Phoenix Theatre Company. As well as nominations for his scenic designs of Be More Chill at Mesa Community College, Bright Colors and Bold Patterns at Stray Cat Theatre, Calendar Girls at The Phoenix Theatre Company. He’s also received a nomination for his puppets in She Kills Monsters at Arizona State University. Douglas designed New York City premieres of Coffee and Biscuit at Fallen Swallow/Laughing Pigeon and Unity 1918 at Project: Theater. He also presented Dead Man’s Cell Phone as part of the World Stage Design exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan. MFA from University of Maryland, College Park. Member of USA 829. douglasclarkedesign.com
◊Denotes a member of United Scenic Artists Union.
Tim Monson- I’ve been working in the Phoenix area for 25 years where I’ve designed for such companies as Childsplay, Actors Theatre, Stray Cat Theatre and of course The Phoenix Theatre Company. I studied lighting design at Northern Arizona University and San Diego State University. For the first several years of my professional career I worked as a touring lighting director and stage manager for various companies. Additionally, I’ve designed numerous works for several Chicago dance companies. I’m thrilled to be working again with Phoenix Theatre after having designed several productions over the years for them. All my love to my wife Sam and two children, Rosalyn and Oliver.
Cari Smith is an Arizona-based costume designer with over two decades of experience in professional theatre. She began her career with The Phoenix Theatre Company in 2000, working her way from costume shop assistant to a trusted designer for numerous mainstage productions. Her design credits include Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, Once, Elf: The Musical, West Side Story, Newsies, Chicago, Cabaret, Gypsy, Rent, Mamma Mia!, and many more. Cari has also designed for a variety of Arizona theatre companies, including TheatreWorks, Arizona Jewish Theatre, and Phoenix Theatre’s Cookie Company. In addition to design, she brings strong technical and craft skills to her work, including specialty projects such as puppet construction. Cari currently serves as Costume Shop Supervisor at Arizona State University’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre, where she mentors emerging artists. Her work emphasizes collaboration, storytelling, and functional, character-driven design.
Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond are an Emmy-nominated writing team for the stage and screen. Their musical ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS (written with Emma Rice) debuted to rave reviews at Shakespeare’s Globe. They wrote more than 150 songs for VAMPIRINA, an animated musical TV series that airs on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior, reaching over 100 million viewers in 115 countries.
Other television work includes RIDLEY JONES, DEAD END: PARANORMAL PARK, and SPIRIT RANGERS, an action-adventure series for Netflix.
Michael and Chris have written songs for Patti Lupone, Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Patina Miller, Sara Ramirez, Christian Borle, Andrew Rannells, Santino Fontana, Christopher Jackson, Skyler Astin, James Monroe Iglehart, Anna Camp, Jane Lynch, Henry Winkler, Rachel Bloom, Donald Faison, Alfred Molina, Taran Killam, and Wanda Sykes.
Their stage projects include THE BREAK (Constellation Stage & Screen), FINN (The Kennedy Center – written with Chris Nee), THE NOTEWORTHY LIFE OF HOWARD BARNES (Village Theater), ORPHIE & THE BOOK OF HEROES (The Kennedy Center), JUDGE JACKIE: DISORDER IN THE COURT (Pittsburgh CLO), DANI GIRL (Exit, Pursued by a Bear), GOLDEN GATE (Williamstown Theatre Festival), HOMEMADE FUSION (Edinburgh Fringe Festival) and JUNIOR CLAUS (Orlando Repertory Theatre).
Awards and honors include the Fred Ebb Award, a Jonathan Larson Grant, the Mary Rodgers/Lorenz Hart Award, the Samuel French Next Step Award, the Burton Lane Award, and the Harold Adamson Award. They are members of the Dramatists Guild and ASCAP, and are proud alumni of Carnegie Mellon University.
Their debut album, OUT OF OUR HEADS, and the world premiere recordings of ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS and THE NOTEWORTHY LIFE OF HOWARD BARNES are now available on iTunes and Spotify.
Learn more at www.koomandimond.com @koomandimond
Anthony Procopio is a musical theater composer and music educator in the Phoenix area. Procopio currently serves as Director of the Arts at ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest. Additionally, Procopio has music directed at Chandler-Gilbert Community College since 2023 where they recently worked on Urinetown, Little Women, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Children of Eden. Procopio is currently working on two original shows with their co-writer Sara Rachelle Matin, Subplots and Leading Ladies: a new musical.
Procopio completed an MM in Music Learning and Teaching from Arizona State University in 2024. In 2023, they completed BMs in Music Composition and Music Learning and Teaching, and a BS in Psychology from ASU. They are currently pursuing an EdD in Leadership and Innovation from ASU. Procopio is grateful to work on An Optimist’s Guide to the Dark Ages and excited to continue working within the Phoenix Theatre community!
Scott Weinstein is a multi award-winning Director and Writer based in New York City. He is thrilled to return to The Phoenix Theatre Company where he previously directed We Ain’t Ever Gonna Break Up, Ring of Fire, Million Dollar Quartet and Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. Favorite credits include Into The Woods featuring Carollee Carmello and Patti Murin (Pittsburgh CLO), Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Always… Patsy Cline (Drury Lane – Jeff Award); Come From Away (Engeman Theatre); Something Rotten (Marriott Theatre), Titanic and Ragtime (Griffin Theatre – Jeff Award); Rent (Theo Ubique – Jeff Award), South Pacific and Beautiful (The Rev Theatre), The North American Premiere of David Greig’s Solaris (Griffin Theatre), World Premieres of Kooman and Dimond’s The Break (Constellation Stage) and The Enlightenment of Percival Von Schmootz (Adirondack Theatre Festival). Scott was the Associate and Resident Director for the Broadway National Tour, Las Vegas and Chicago productions of the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet. He developed and directed the world premiere national tour of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, which toured for three years, produced by Gigi Pritzker’s Madison Wells Media. He is the recipient of an SDC Observership and Berkshire Theatre Group Directing Residency. Graduate of Northwestern University and proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He is represented by William Morris Endeavor. www.Scottgweinstein.com
Shani Barrett is overjoyed to once again be a part of the New Works Festival! Previous festival credits: Belle of Tombstone as Kate, ¡Americano! as Jessica and the Choreography Lab. Recent credits: Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt 2B as U/S Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson & Others (ATC). TPTC select Credits: A Christmas Carol as Mrs. Fezziwig, Cabaret as Fraulein Kost, A Chorus Line as Sheila, and Chicago as Hunyak. “Many thanks to Chelsea Anderson, Michelle Chin, Scott Weinstein and the creative team of An Optimist’s Guide to the Dark Ages for this opportunity. I consider myself very lucky and grateful to be a part of this creating process.”
Geoffrey F. Belliston is ecstatic to be a part of this reading with The Phoenix Theatre Company. Select credits: Ghost of Christmas Present in Scrooge (Arizona Theatre Company); Ghost of Christmas Present/Ensemble in A Christmas Carol Ensemble & Adam understudy in An American in Paris, Roscoe Dexter in Singin’ in the Rain, and Eddie/Dr. Scott in Rocky Horror Show (TPTC); Yu Gi Oh-Arc-v, Adventures in Duckport (Little Suzy’s Zoo); Hair (European Tour); Man of La Mancha (Westchester Broadway); Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Dave in The Full Monty, and Joe Quigley in Denali National Park in Denali, Alaska. “Thank you to TPTC for making my dreams come true one show at a time. One love to my family and friends and my incredibly supportive partner Katharine.”
Hannah Bentley is delighted to be returning to The Phoenix Theatre Company! Select credits: Ensemble and u/s Carla and Claudia in Nine and Brenda in Hairspray (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Fantine in Les Miserables, Heather in Hands on a Hardbody, and Mrs. Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Squirelle in Elephant and Piggie (Childsplay), Aldonza in Man of la Mancha (Fort Peck Theatre Company). Many thanks to The Phoenix Theatre Company, her family, and friends!
Joseph Paul Cavazos* is so grateful to be back at The Phoenix Theatre Company! Select Credits: Off-Broadway: Manny in ¡Americano! (New World Stages). Regional: Olaf in Frozen, Cal in Waitress, Manny in ¡Americano!, and Don in Kinky Boots (TPTC); Al Powell in Die Hard: A Christmas Story (All Puppet Players). ”So much appreciation for my incredible family and friends for their continued support, and my wonderful partner Amber for all of their love!” @jorts_joey
Katie Frederick is grateful to be returning to The Phoenix Theatre Company where she was most recently seen as the Female Swing for Forbidden Broadway. Select credits: Les Misérables & Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (The Phoenix Theatre Company), American Idiot & American Psycho (Stray Cat Theatre). A Sun Devil School of Music alum, non-profit director, cake maker, and chihuahua enthusiast.
Kate E. Cook is an Arizona native who has performed on local stages along with regional and National Tour productions. She was recently seen on the Funny Girl tour as a dancer and covering multiple characters. Her choreography has been seen in local productions including Beauty and the Beast, Hello Dolly and Suessical. On the Phoenix Theatre stage, you may have seen her performing as Roxie Hart(Chicago), Audrey(Little Shop of Horrors) and Guenevere(Camelot). She is thrilled to be back at PT to create and choreograph with this fabulous local talent! www.kateellacook.com
Brant Michaels grew up in New Jersey and moved to NYC where he lived for ten years. He toured the states at 19 years old with the Broadway first national tour of “The Music Man” and then toured Europe as Baby John in “West Side Story”. He choreographed “Mama Mia” at Phoenix Theatre Company as well as playing the role of Pepper. Other PTC credits include “Newsies”, “West Side Story”, “When You Wish”, “Billy Elliot”, and “Kinky Boots”. Off Broadway credits include “365 days…”, “My Big Gay Italian Wedding”, and “Mixed Emotions” (American Dance Company). Regional highlights include the pre Broadway run of “Aladdin” (Tuacahn), “Cats”,”A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”, “Hairspray”, “La Cage aux Folles” and “The Music Man” starring Tom Wopat. When not performing Brant continues to teach master classes, direct and set choreography across the country. He and his husband also own Petbar Boutique Arcadia and will have their second location opening in Chandler in the spring, @brantanddustinlovedogs. Love and appreciation to Irma Ziegler, Caroline Worth-Tyrrell, Stephen Harding, Mom, Dad, Dara and Dustin.
Ellie Barrett Harvey is excited to be back with TPTC! Select credits: Francine in Jersey Boys, Florinda in Into the Woods, Anytime Annie in 42nd Street, Sexy Omelette/Ensemble in Something Rotten!, Potiphar’s Wife/Ensemble in Joseph…Coat, Virtue in Anything Goes, The Producers, A Chorus Line, Bandstand, and Singin’ in the Rain. Performed with Moonlight Stage Productions, Showtune Productions, San Diego Musical Theatre, La Mirada/McCoy Rigby Entertainment, Feinstein’s 54/Below, Welk Resort, San Diego Opera, Hale Centre Theatre, and studied with The Radio City Rockettes. Education: ASU BM Musical Theatre ’22. “Special thanks to Bloc Talent Agency, friends and family, and my incredible husband. Praise God!” www.elliebarrett.org | @elliebarrettharvey
Norine Lindeman is grateful to be returning to The Phoenix Theatre Company. Select credits: Etcetera in Cats (TheaterWorks), Choreo Lab 2025 (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Brooklyn Newsie/Nun in Newsies (TheaterWorks), Ancestor in The Addams Family (Valley Youth Theatre) “Thank you to The Phoenix Theatre Co. for having me back at the Choreo Lab this year! And to all my family and friends for their love and support.” @norinelindeman
Tre Moore is honored to be involved in this year’s Festival of New American Theatre! TPTC Credits: L.D./Dance Captain in Let the Good Times Roll: A New Orleans Gumbo, Jack in Into the Woods, Wickershams Swing in Seussical, Ensemble Swing in Waitress. Other credits: Pippin in Pippin, Jack in Into the Woods, Laurie in Little Women (Arizona State University). Education: pursuing a BM in Music Theatre and a BS in Business Entrepreneurship from ASU Barrett. “Thank you for supporting the arts in Phoenix!” @tremooree
Delaney Spanko is elated to be back with The Phoenix Theatre Company. Select credits: Stepsisters/Rapunzel swing in Into the Woods (TPTC), Maggie Jones understudy in 42nd Street, Ensemble/Miss Shields understudy in A Christmas Story, Ensemble in Joseph…Dreamcoat , Ensemble/Jovie understudy in Elf, Ensemble in Spamalot, Little Becky in Urinetown. “Thank you to everyone at The Phoenix Theatre Company for always bringing communities together through all forms of art. Enjoy!” @delaneyspanko
Griffin Wilbur is excited to be a part of the Festival of New American Theatre. He has performed around the valley in productions at Spotlight Youth Theater, TheaterWorks, and Arizona Broadway Theater. He is also in the HyRev elite performance troupe out of Arizona Broadway Theater. He would like to thank Kenny Grossman, AZMTA, Mr. Darren, Mr. Stephen and his family for their support.
Finley Wilbur is excited to be a part of the Festival of New American Theatre. She has previously been in Spotlight productions of Rudolph, Mary Poppins, Elf, 13, Beetlejuice, and Chicago. She is also a proud dance captain of HyRev out of Arizona Broadway Theater. She would like to thank Kenny Grossman for this opportunity and her family and coaches for always supporting her.
Shane Sedivy This is Shane’s first time doing Playfest; his previous credits with Spotlight Youth theater include Runaways, Anastasia, Alice By Heart, Mary Poppins, and Les Misérables. His other Arizona credits include Little Shop of Horrors and the Hunchback of Notre Dame (VYT), The Producers (Almost Famous), and Fiddler on the Roof and the Sound of Music (MTAA). He wants to thank Kenny Grossman for this incredible opportunity and his family for cheering him on in his career. @sedivy_music_and_theater
Josiah Elliott is a senior whose favorite role to date has been playing Beetlejuice with Spotlight Youth Theatre. He has also loved bringing characters such as Shrek, Oliver Warbucks, King Triton, and the Grinch to life. In the summer of 2025, Josiah wrote, directed, and filmed his first feature-length movie and is currently in the editing process, with plans to debut it later this year. After graduation, he hopes to pursue acting full-time. Josiah would like to thank Kenny Grossman and Spotlight Youth Theater for the honor of being a part of the Festival of New American Theater at the Phoenix Theatre Company.
Amie Bjorklund is always grateful to work with The Phoenix Theater Company. Select TPTC credits: Into the Woods, Curious Incident, Mamma Mia, Always….Patsy Cline, The Book of Will, Festival of New American Theatre and Elf. Select Regional Credits: Heidi in What the Constitution Means to Me, Gertrude in Hamlet, Tamora in Titus Andronicus, Millamant in The Way of the World, The Witch in Into the Woods, Mayzie in Seussical, Reno in Anything Goes. Amie is artistic director of The Bridge Initiative theater and of The Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival. Education: MAS from ASU, MA from Birmingham UK, BFA from CSU Fullerton. “Thank you to my family and Tim for their endless love, our audiences for supporting live theatre, and to my Molly girl for all the puppy kisses from the other side of the rainbow bridge.” @Official_AmieB
Sally Jo Bannow is happy to be back on the stage at TPTC! TPTC Credits: Seussical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Cinderella, The Boob Show, Bullets Over Broadway, and more. ATC Credits: Swingin’ on a Star, My Fair Lady, Blythe Spirit, and Fiddler on the Roof. Other credits: writer, composer, AZ Playback, and Partners That Heal.