Children of Eden

BRAD RAYMOND* is thrilled to be making his Aurora Theatre debut in this amazing production! Brad has performed as an actor, singer or conductor at some of the art world’s most esteemed institutions including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Light Opera Works of Chicago, the Ravinia Festival, Arena Stage, The Broad Stage, The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Opera, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, Theater Emory, Horizon Theatre and Spivey Hall. Some of Brad’s favorite roles include: Homer in Lilies of the Field, Fetch in Fetch, Clay Make Man, Ronald in Born For This and his Suzi Bass Award winning performance as Blue in Chasin Dem Blues.

MAXIM GUKHMAN* is excited to make his debut at the Aurora Theatre. His Atlanta credits include Atlanta Lyric Theatre: Rent (Mark), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy), The Wedding Singer (Glen). Actor's Express: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Andrew Jackson). Serenbe Playhouse: Hair (Berger). City Springs Theatre Company: South Pacific (Lt. Cable). Alliance: Zorro (Ensemble). Regional: Grease (Danny and Kenickie, Royal Caribbean), West Side Story (Tony, New London Barn), Fiddler on the Roof (Perchik, Fireside). Maxim thanks his wife and the Aurora Theatre creative team for the opportunity to be a part of one of his favorite musicals.  www.maximgukhman.com @mgukhman

NAIMA CARTER RUSSELL (she/her) is an Atlanta resident, FSU Alumnus and a Suzi Bass Award winner for her role as Felicia Farrell in Memphis (Aurora Theatre/Theatrical Outfit). Other regional credits include: The Nacirema Society… and Christmas Carol (Alliance Theatre);  Big Fish and Godspell (Theatrical Outfit); Tranced, Children of Eden, and Lark Eden (Aurora Theatre); Antigone (Georgia Shakespeare), Caroline, or Change (St. Louis Black Rep), Rejoice (True Colors Theatre Company). Film/TV credits include: House of Payne, Let’s Stay Together, and Banshee.  She is a passionate children’s book reviewer and shares the drama of mothering two girls @DramaMamaReads.

RUSSELL ALEXANDER (he/him) Atlanta: The Wild Party (Jennie T Anderson Theater); The Addams Family: The Musical (The Lyric Theatre); Children of Eden, NEWSIES, Mama Mia!: The Musical, Ripcord (Aurora Theater).
Regional: Memphis, The Wiz (Red Mountain Theatre Company);
Film/TV: Ironheart (Marvel/Disney+); Jefferson County P.O (Comedy Central); A Sparrow Cries at Night (Eboshi Platinum Productions); Heaux Phase (FUBU Networks)
Other: Celebrity Cruise Lines Headliner (NYC3) (A Tribute to Bruno Mars). IG: @_alexanderii

HADEN RIDER (he/ him) is thrilled to be back with some of his favorite people at the Aurora Theatre, and to be celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with such an incredible cast and creative team!
Past regional credits include: Monty Navarro in A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder, Quasimodo in The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Perchik in Fiddler On The Roof, Jack in Into The Woods, Radames in Aida, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Tony Elliot in Billy Elliot, Abel in Children Of Eden, Gabe in Next To Normal. Boundless thanks to the Aurora Theatre as well as family and friends for their love and support. 
Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a blessed New Year!  www.hadenrider.com
‪IG: @haden_riderdie

ALEX HARDING is incredibly excited to be making his Aurora Theatre debut! He is currently a junior at Kennesaw State University studying Musical Theatre. His college credits include Bottom in Spookyshakes and Younger Brother in Ragtime. Recently, he portrayed Noah Claypole/Ensemble in The Lyric’s production of Oliver! He would like to thank his family and friends for their never-ending love and support!

LAUREN HILL, an Atlanta native, is thrilled to make her Aurora Theatre debut! Lauren is a senior BFA Acting Major at Brenau University. Recent credits: Aida (Amneris) and Beauty and the Beast (Belle) at the Atlanta Lyric, Cabaret (Texas/Dance Captain) and Godspell (Morgan) at the Gainesville Theatre Alliance. Thanks to the entire Children of Eden production team for the opportunity to tell this story! Love to her family, friends, and Thomas! To God be the glory! @lauren_ehill.

BRIANA YOUNG is ecstatic to return to Aurora’s stage as an alumna of the 2019 Apprentice Company. You may have recently seen her Aurora’s productions of Newsies, Christmas Canteen and Festival de MicroTeatro. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia where she earned her B.A. in Theatre and A.B. in Journalism. Favorite theatre credits include: You Can’t Take It with You (Alice), A Lesson Before Dying (Vivian), Aida (Aida), and The Little Mermaid (Ariel). Much love to her parents and the Aurora for their unwavering belief and support. brianaeyoung.com

NOAH POPP Aurora Theatre Debut! Atlanta: Oilver! (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), The Secret Garden (Reinhardt University), Aladdin Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., Seussical Jr., Honk! Jr., James and The Giant Peach Jr. (Off Broadway Children’s Theatre). New York: Junie B Jones Jr., Newsies Jr. (Workshop production, ITheatrics). Special thanks to: Mr. Brian Osborne, Sorsha Masters, Jason Cohen, Chris Mayer and Orbit Arts Academy.

JACKSON WILLIAMS is excited to return to Aurora Theatre in the production of Children of Eden.  His previous role as Les in Disney's Newsies was an incredible experience with Aurora and the Atlanta Lyric. Jackson is a rising 6th grader at Hebron Christian Academy.  He also studies acting at The Actor's Scene in Buford, GA. Jackson has appeared in several commercials, small films and print work throughout his acting career. Other than acting, Jackson enjoys boy scouts, swimming and rocking out in band class at North Georgia Dance and Music Factory.

JJ JONES is thrilled to be making his Aurora Theatre debut. Previous credits at small local theatres include: Poor Baby in Whistle Down the Wind, Bubba Buzzard in Sleeping Beauty Musical, and Leroy Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Film credits include: Young Boyd Mitchler in A MERRY FIRGGIN' CHRISTMAS. Thank you to his family for supporting this passion, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

LESLIE BELLAIR* is over the moon to be back on the Aurora stage. Her last role here was Eponine in Les Misérables, for which she earned a Suzi Bass Award. Before that was Connie in A Chorus Line and Kathy Selden in Singin' in the Rain (Suzi Bass Award nomination). Other notable Atlanta credits - Horizon Theatre: Mayor/Ma in The Toxic Avenger (Suzi Bass Award), Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (Suzi Bass Award); Atlanta Lyric Theatre: title role in Peter Pan, Kala in Tarzan; Alliance Theatre: title role in Mulan. TV/VO: voice of Snowflake in CBS special “An Elf’s Story”, based on The Elf on the Shelf; narrator of GPB documentary “Chinese Tea”; over 60 audiobook narrations on Audible.com. Proud member of Actors' Equity.

Michael Crute is thrilled to be back at the Aurora Theatre. He recently had his Aurora Theatre debut in Aurora’s summer production of Children of Eden. Currently enrolled at the University of Georgia, Michael will graduate in May with his B.A in Advertising & a certificate in Music Business. He’s honored to be a part of such a talented cast and would like to thank his family, friends and God for all of their love, support and continued encouragement.

Olivia Zimmerman  is ecstatic to join AppCo19 and make her Aurora Theatre debut in Newsies! Olivia is a recent graduate of The University of Alabama where she received a BA in dance with a minor in nutrition. Past credits include Lois/Kristine u/s in A Chorus Line, featured dancer roles in The Stephen Foster Story and Beauty and the Beast, and demi-solo roles in Swan Lake and Paquita with Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre. She is incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to study and perform with such a talented company and thanks her family and friends for their unwavering love and support.

WILLIS HAO is a rising senior at Emory University pursuing a BA in Theater and a minor in Dance while being a Pre-Med student. He is ecstatic to be returning to the Aurora Theater in Children of Eden. He has recently been seen around Atlanta in Men With Money (Ensemble), Spring Awakening (Moritz), Water By The Spoonful (Orangutan), and Heathers the Musical (Ensemble). Beyond theater, he is regularly seen teaching classical Chinese dance at the Eve Hao Dance Studio. He is beyond thankful for the Aurora team and his constant support from his loved ones!

TERELYN JONES (she/her) received her BFA-Dance from Howard University. She toured with Broadway Lion King’s choreographer Garth Fagan and was later cast as an aerialist and ensemble dancer for Disney's Tarzan in Stuttgart, Germany. TereLyn performed the lead role as Mary in The Black Nativity for three years and made appearances on popular television series such as TV One's “One Christmas” with Anthony Hamilton and popular programs on VH1 and Lifetime. She has been commissioned to choreograph for universities and musicals for various production companies and was awarded Alumni of the Year at Howard University for her choreography. At Aurora Theatre, she performed in Men with Money and Children of Eden, and is excited to join the cast of Cinderella. To God be the Glory! @Iam_TereLyn 

JOHN FISCIAN is thrilled to make his Aurora Theatre debut! Atlanta: Oliver! (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Singin’ in the Rain (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), South Pacific (City Springs Theatre), West Side Story (The Atlanta Opera), Aida (Atlanta Lyric Theatre). Regional: Wasted Love (New York Live Arts), Aida (Little Theatre of the Rockies), Dreamgirls (Interlakes Summer Theatre). John received his BA in Musical Theatre from the University of Northern Colorado. He thanks God, his friends, family, and this phenomenally written musical for showing him that you can always be “close to home” with a creative life at age 13. Love always. @jfiscian

Micheʼ Smith is from Gautier, Mississippi and is thrilled to be in AppCo20! She recently graduated from Troy University receiving bachelor’s in both theatre and dance. She made her Atlanta debut in Aurora’s Children of Eden (Storyteller) and was recently seen in Aurora’s The Cat in the Hat (Thing 1), Rock the Presidents, and Reindeer Games. Some of her favorite roles so far include Dollhouse (Nora), Flyin' West (Minnie Dove Charles) and The Little Mermaid (Flotsam). She has also been seen in numerous dance productions where she performed and choreographed. Miche' looks forward to continue honing her crafts at Aurora and wants to thank God, her family and friends for all their support!

Andrew Lampley is from the small town of Benton, Illinois. It was there that he found a home in theater. He recently graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with his BFA in Musical Theatre. His favorite and most cherished performance credits were Sunday in the Park with George (George Seurat), Pippin (Charlemagne), Punk Rock (Nicholas), Children of Eden (Noah), and  Oklahoma! (Will Parker). Andrew is beyond grateful to his family, friends, and mentors for building him up with their support and making it possible to pursue his dreams. He is so excited to join the Aurora Apprentice Company and to continue to grow and perform with them! 

SARAH NATHANSON is a graduate of Oberlin College & Conservatory where she earned a B.A. in Theatre and a minor in Dance. She spent a semester at the LaMama Experimental Theatre Club in Manhattan, where she studied devised performance art and developed her own original work. She also trained at the British American Drama Academy in London and was a Core Company member at The Orchard Project in Saratoga Springs. Sarah is thrilled to be joining AppCo20 this season.

Torreke Evans is an Atlanta native is thrilled to be part of Aurora for the season. A graduate of McDaniel College, Torreke has performed in a number of shows including The Bakkahi (Dionysos), The Actor's Nightmare (George Spelvin) and A Midsummer Nights Dream (Theseus). Torreke also was part of the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company in  Massachusetts where he played the title character in King Henry VI pt 3. Torreke has a background in dance, theatre, directing, stage combat and just being pretty awesome! He cannot thank his family and friends enough for the love and support they continue to give. He is looking forward to growing as an actor and person with Aurora AppCo.

DAI'SEAN GARRETT, is a native of Childersburg, Alabama. He’s a two time American Idol auditionee and a one time auditionee of The Voice. His first passion was singing, and then he ventured into acting and fell in love. He’s a graduate of Shelton State Community College, with an AA and The University of Alabama at Birmingham, with a BA in Theatre. Dai’Sean moved to Georgia to further pursue his acting career and joined the Aurora Theatre’s professional Acting Apprentice. He loves theatre, but Film/TV is where his passion lives and he’s excited about what the future holds for him. He sends love to his mother and family. IG:@DaiseanGarrett

KEVIN DAKAKE  was born in a cave, outside Luoyang, Henan, China. He was adopted at 13 by an American family who lives in Dallas, GA. Kevin has 9 brothers and sisters and is a senior at North Cobb Christian School. Kevin trained and competed with CK DanceWorks in Dallas and is a member of Impact Dance of Atlanta’s Conservatory Ballet. Bilingual in Mandarin and English, he studies voice, drama, acrobatics and enjoys traveling. Without his family’s support and his extraordinary teachers, he would not be standing on the Aurora stage. Kevin’s goal is to remain humble, show respect, encourage others and use his God given gift to glorify Him above all! 

ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ (he/him) a career non-profit leader, is proud to be the first Executive Director of the Hub404 Conservancy. HUB404 is an innovative 9-acre “cap park” that will soar above GA 400 and provide a direct connection to MARTA’s Buckhead rail station. HUB404 will create a dynamic, active, gathering place for the Metro-Atlanta region and transform the core of Buckhead. Prior to joining HUB404, Anthony was President and CEO of Aurora Theatre, a professional theatre he co-founded 26 years ago. He currently serves on various boards, both nationally and locally, including Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Alliance for Musical Theatre (Vice President), Theatre Communications Group, the Citizens Advisory Board for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, and the Advisory Board for Public Broadcasting Atlanta which includes the NPR station WABE and PBS station PBA30. Anthony is a past Chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the first Latino and first Arts Leader to hold that position. He served as Vice Chair of Arts for the Chamber and Chair of Partnership Gwinnett and serves on the National Steering Committee for the Latinx Theatre Commons. Anthony is a graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, Leadership Atlanta (#2classes) and the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures’ Leadership Institute and Advocacy Institute. Anthony, born in New York, and raised in Atlanta, graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. He resides in Duluth with his partner in life, Ann-Carol Pence, and their dog Bella.

ANN-CAROL PENCE (Co-Founder/Producing Artistic Director) arranged the music for Aurora’s first Christmas Canteen in 1996 and was hired full-time in September of 1998 as Resident Musical Director. An education major at James Madison University, she used her background to develop Learning Library (or L2). As a musician, she created Aurora’s Musicals by Moonlight, and Aurora’s New Musical Initiative. She has performed as pianist and music director both nationally (Goodspeed Opera House, Pasadena Playhouse, The Cleveland Playhouse, The Kennedy Center) and locally (The Alliance, Theatrical Outfit, The Horizon, Georgia Ensemble Theatre,). As a proud citizen of Gwinnett, Ann-Carol is most proud of Aurora Theatre winning the first ever Pinnacle Award for Large Non-Profit, and the first ever Moxie Award (for woman-led businesses) for Aurora Theatre. These distinctions go well with her 5 Suzi Awards for Outstanding Music Direction. She was a participant in the 2016 Atlanta Regional Leadership Institute and member of the “Best Class Ever!”

JUSTIN ANDERSON (Associate Artistic Director) has served as Aurora Theatre's Associate Artistic Director since 2014. His directorial work has earned 13 Suzi Bass Award Nominations for Outstanding Direction (Winner for The Bridges of Madison County and Les Misérables at Aurora Theatre, in 2017 and 2013 respectively). He is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia where he directs and teaches courses in acting and musical theatre. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Campbell University and an M.A. in Theatre Studies from Regent University, with additional course study at Rutgers. Song and Dance marks his last project as a full time staff member at Aurora Theatre, having expanded his storytelling skillset and ability into real estate earlier this year. You can find out more about how he and his partner, Michael Crute, are using real estate to help write the next best chapter of people’s lives at www.welcomehomeatlanta.com. 

RICARDO APONTE (he/him) is delighted to return to the Aurora after choreographing Newsies and In The Heights, where he received Suzi Bass awards for Outstanding Choreography. Recent credits: Carmen (Atlanta Opera), White Christmas (Jennie T. Anderson), and Luisa Fernanda (Florentine Opera). He's had the pleasure of working locally at The Atlanta Opera, The Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Aurora Theatre, Georgia Ensemble, Actor’s Express, Atlanta Lyric, and Georgia Aquarium. He’s also the founder and artistic director of Theatre Platform Project, an educational nonprofit which provides arts programs to diverse communities (Theatreplatformproject.org) Upcoming projects: Cabaret at The Atlanta Opera! Thank you to this superb cast, crew and creative team and to you, the audience, for supporting live theatre. Love to Matty and Milo!

KATIE ERIN CHAMBERS* (Director of Production and Resident Stage Manager) is excited to be starting her 8th season with Aurora Theatre and stepping into a new role as Director of Production. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia, a member of Actor’s Equity, and a proud alumna of Aurora's 2013-14 Apprentice Company. She has previously stage managed in Atlanta for Horizon Theatre Company, Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity Theatre and Habima Theatre. She has also served as coordinator for the New South Young Playwrights’ Festival, production manager for the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, and coordinator for the Atlanta Unified Auditions.

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the US.

DANIEL TERRY (he/him) is happy to return to the Aurora Theatre and to be working at the beautiful LAC for the first time. Daniel called Aurora home as both Technical Director and Resident Sound Designer for 5 years, working on countless shows like Memphis, In The Heights and the first production of Mary Poppins. Daniel is now proud to be the Technical Director at KSU’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies with brilliant students whose work you will see on this stage and many others in Atlanta. Enjoy the show! 

Anna Lee is thrilled as always to be back designing at Aurora. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies. Her credits include Zombie Prom (GGC), Spring Awakening (Oglethorpe), This Wonderful Life (Suzi Nominated), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Suzi Nominated), Christmas Canteen 2019, and Children of Eden (Aurora Theatre). Upcoming: Steel Magnolias (Serenbe Playhouse). Big thanks to Justin, her family, Jeffrey, CB, and all the Katies and Daniels she knows.

MIKE MORIN is a lighting designer based out of Atlanta. He is excited to be returning to the Aurora after designing The Roommate in 2019 as well as the past three productions of  This Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. Off-Broadway design credits include Here I Sit Broken Hearted: A Bathroom Odyssey as well as Alcestis Ascending, which also performed in Havana, Cuba. Favorite design credits include The Phantom of The Opera, Parade, Urinetown, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. He is a graduate of The University of Alabama holding his MFA in Lighting Design and Technical Production. In 2014 he was selected to participate in USITT’s Young Designer Forum. Currently he serves as the Technical Director and Resident Designer at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. Website: www.MikeTMorin.com

ALAN YEONG** (he/him) has designed over 20 productions for Aurora. Recent Regional credits include Seattle Children's Theatre/Alliance Theatre -- The Boy Who Kissed The Sky. He's worked with theatres all over Atlanta and is a Professor of Costume Design/Head of Design at the University of West Georgia Theatre program with over 20 years of design credits. Education: MFA in Design (University of Kansas), MFA in Costume Design (Wayne State University), and BA in Theatre (Bemidji State University). Website: www.alanyeong.com

RACHAEL OTTINGER is a recent Theatre Arts graduate of The University of West Georgia, and is excited to join Aurora's AppCo19. During her time with the university, she designed a wide variety of costumes including period clothing to postmodern and fantasy. Some credits include costume, makeup, and hair design for Whispers and Lies, as well as The Scarlet Letter. Rachael was nominated for The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her work with The University of West Georgia multiple times. Her most recent work includes assistant design for Alan Yeong on Serenbe Playhouse’s Peter Pan.

JENNIFER ACKLAND (Costume Shop Manager) is happy to be back at the Aurora Theatre. She was previously Costume Shop Manager and Draper for the 2014 production of Newsies and Mary Poppins at Aurora. Most recently she served as Costume Shop Supervisor at Appalachian State University in Boone NC. Other notable Costume Shop Supervisor positions include Wake Forest University, Festival Stage of Winston-Salem, and The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival where she spent almost ten years as Assistant Shop Manager and then promoted to Costume Director in 2009 until its closing in 2014. She would like to thank her family for all that they do and a big thanks to Dave McKay and Christina Cotner for helping with a smooth transition to Georgia.

Ansleigh Harrison is a Lawrenceville native and a recent graduate of Piedmont College with a BA in Theatre Arts. She began working with costumes during her time at Piedmont and designed several shows there, including The Shadow Box and Crimes of the Heart, as well as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at North Georgia Theatre. When she’s not sewing or designing, Ansleigh enjoys performing, reading and watching movies. Ansleigh is very excited to join AppCo20!

EMILY GRACE BLACKSTONE (she/her) is excited to be back with Aurora for another season. Her previous shows at Aurora include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Men with Money, and & Newsies. She has also worked with the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta as well as Arena Stage and the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, DC. She thanks her family and Patty for all their support. 

CODY RUSSELL (Properties Designer) is a proud alumnus of Aurora’s AppCo 17 and current company member of The Weird Sisters Theatre Project. He has worked props, set dressings, scenic design, and scenic artistry for 22 productions between 7 companies in the metro Atlanta area. When he is not working on props you may find him music directing or teaching young talent, predominantly with Aurora Theatre Academy. Or you may see him on stage singing his heart out; most recently in the Atlanta Opera’s Chorus of Carmen.

Lena Armas is thrilled to be making her Atlanta debut in  Aurora Theatre's AppCo 2020! She is a recent graduate of Western Carolina University in North Carolina with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre. During her time at WCU, she participated both on the stage and backstage. Most recently, she was "Chip" in Beauty and the Beast, directed by Hunter Foster, as well as the Stage Manager for God Save Gertrude, directed by Ashlee Wasmund. Lena is excited to delve into another passion of hers while being surrounded by a great team of artists. She would love to thank her family, friends, Phi Mu sisters, and mentors at WCU for constantly believing in her and pushing her to be the best version of herself.  

KATIE PELKEY (Managing Director) is celebrating twelve seasons with Aurora! In 2013, Katie transitioned to the role of Company Manager, having previously served as Resident Stage Manager. She also created the highly-successful Stage Management and Costume Apprentice programs that operates simultaneously with Aurora’s Acting Apprentice Company program. For five seasons, she worked as Aurora’s Educational Resources Associate developing educational curriculum for teachers to use in conjunction with Aurora’s TYA Learning Library offerings. And for over a decade, Katie served as Production Stage Manager for New Plays for Young Audiences, a prestigious TYA summer staged reading series based at New York University. She received her BA in Educational Theatre from New York University with a minor in Dramatic Literature. Many thanks to Michael, Maxwell, and Alexander for their love and support!

DANIEL POPE (Production Manager) is proud to be joining the great team at Aurora Theatre as Production Manager. Daniel has been a sound designer and engineer in the Atlanta area for the past seven years. He’s had the pleasure of designing sound for the Aurora Theatre on many occasions on shows such as: Into the Woods, Christmas Canteen, Sweep, and most recently The Bridges of Madison County. Additionally, he’s worked on countless other productions in the Atlanta theatre community including: Evita and A Streetcar Named Desire as Sound Designer and Production Manager at Serenbe Playhouse. Daniel received a Bachelors in Marketing with a specialization in sales and a minor in Music from The University of West Georgia in 2010.

ANDREW O’NEAL (Technical Director) is excited to start his first season with Aurora Theatre. Previously, Andrew came to Georgia from Virginia where he worked at Radford University as the Assistant Technical Director. He graduated from The University of Alabama in 2014 with his MFA in technical production.

Nicole Kiss is excited to be joining this year’s Apprentice Company. She is a recent graduate from the University of West Georgia where she earned her BA in Theatre. During her time there she took on several projects including Lighting Design, and Stage Management. Some of her most recent credits include Lighting Design if She Kills Monsters and Speech and Debate.  

JON SANDMAIER (he/him) is excited to return to the Aurora, the place he called home for his first four years in the state of Georgia.  He originally hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he designed and built sets for a variety of venues and organizations around the area.  Over the past year he has been working in the television and film industry.  One of Jon's favorite projects was building the boat for Men With Money.

SARAH THOMSON (Scenic Painter) loves to paint and has been gracing the sets of Aurora Theatre for the last 11 seasons. A resident of Johns Creek, she brings her talents and her crew of Jack and Dylan to support her in her endeavors. Sarah designed and painted sets for many years while her daughter danced with Susan Chambers Theatre Dance. In a previous life, she was the scenic artist for Casa Mañana Theatre, Casa on the Square, Fort Worth Ballet, Dallas Shakespeare in the Park, Dallas Summer Musicals and Six Flags. She has worked with Southwest Studios and Stageworks where she served as scenic artist. Children of a Lesser God also featured Sarah’s original artwork. She is accompanied by her man of the North, Ian.

Anna Lee is thrilled as always to be back designing at Aurora. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies. Her credits include Zombie Prom (GGC), Spring Awakening (Oglethorpe), This Wonderful Life (Suzi Nominated), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Suzi Nominated), Christmas Canteen 2019, and Children of Eden (Aurora Theatre). Upcoming: Steel Magnolias (Serenbe Playhouse). Big thanks to Justin, her family, Jeffrey, CB, and all the Katies and Daniels she knows.

JASMINE RENEE' ELLIS (she/her) Originally from Jackson, Mississippi Jasmine Renee’ Ellis serves as the Director of Education. Outside of education, She is an actor, singer, director, and writer throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. Some of her acting credits include: Shakespeare Tavern (MacBeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest). Actor’s Express (Lizzie), Horizon Theatre Company (Roe), Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company (Marie and Rosetta- where she earned a Suzi Bass Award Nomination), and Southwest Art Center (Mother of God), You can see her in Aurora Theatre’s 28th Season Closing Show Sister Act starring as Deloris Van Cartier. Jasmine also will be directing the Summer Camp Musical Finding Nemo Jr. this June.

ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ (he/him) a career non-profit leader, is proud to be the first Executive Director of the Hub404 Conservancy. HUB404 is an innovative 9-acre “cap park” that will soar above GA 400 and provide a direct connection to MARTA’s Buckhead rail station. HUB404 will create a dynamic, active, gathering place for the Metro-Atlanta region and transform the core of Buckhead. Prior to joining HUB404, Anthony was President and CEO of Aurora Theatre, a professional theatre he co-founded 26 years ago. He currently serves on various boards, both nationally and locally, including Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Alliance for Musical Theatre (Vice President), Theatre Communications Group, the Citizens Advisory Board for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, and the Advisory Board for Public Broadcasting Atlanta which includes the NPR station WABE and PBS station PBA30. Anthony is a past Chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the first Latino and first Arts Leader to hold that position. He served as Vice Chair of Arts for the Chamber and Chair of Partnership Gwinnett and serves on the National Steering Committee for the Latinx Theatre Commons. Anthony is a graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, Leadership Atlanta (#2classes) and the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures’ Leadership Institute and Advocacy Institute. Anthony, born in New York, and raised in Atlanta, graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. He resides in Duluth with his partner in life, Ann-Carol Pence, and their dog Bella.