Disney’s NEWSIES

GREG KAMP* (Jack Kelly) is thrilled to return home to the Aurora Theatre, having last appeared as Mark in A Chorus Line. Favorite theatre credits include: Catch Me If You Can (National Tour), Barry Manilow’s Harmony (Alliance/Ahmanson Theatre), Saturday Night (York Theatre), Footloose, The Wedding Singer (Pittsburgh CLO), I Am Harvey Milk (Avery Fisher Hall), Titanic (Hangar Theatre). TV: "Wronged Man" (Lifetime), "Past Life" (Fox), and "Solving Charlie" (ABC). Greg holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from CCM and is the co-creator of MT SHORTS, a platform that produces original musical short films. Endless thanks to this creative team/cast and my family!

www.gregorykamp.com 

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

ADRIANNA TRACHELL* is pleased to make her second appearance on the Aurora stage as part of an original work. She was last seen as Katherine Plumber in the Aurora's co-production of Newsies with the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Other Atlanta credits include: The Jungle Book (Alliance Theatre), World Goes 'Round (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Once On this Island (Georgia Ensemble Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Atlanta Lyric Theatre). Adrianna was born a Hoosier, but continues to live her life on the road. So much to see and do, so little time! Thank you AC and Tony for creating a place that feels like home.

STEPHAN JONES* (Joseph Pulitzer/ Fight Captain) is a 30-year veteran of the stage, having performed everything from Simon to Sondheim and from Shakespeare to Shaw. Since migrating to Georgia in 2015, with a beautiful circus acrobat and a houseful of rescue-dogs, he’s mostly been seen on the small-screen. Recent work includes episodic appearances on "The Walking Dead", "Underground", "The Gifted", "Dynasty", "Macgyver", and two seasons recurring as Ben Folsom, on BET’s "The Quad." This marks Stephan’s first (of hopefully many) appearances at the Aurora." 

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

MAHALIA JACKSON (Medda Larkin) most recently portrayed Mrs. Murphy, in Actor’s Express’ The Harvey Milk Show. Atlanta audiences may remember her from her recent portrayal of Asaka, in Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s Once On This Island. She was last seen on Aurora Theatre’s stage as Motormouth Maybelle, in Hairspray. Her proudest role was that of her namesake, when she played Mahalia Jackson, in New Stage Theatre’s Mahalia: A Gospel Musical. Favorite stage credits include Smokey Joe’s Café (BJ), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), Godspell (Peggy), Tambourines to Glory (Laura). She has toured internationally in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and nationally in Walk On: The Rosa Parks Story and with Almost Elton John. Her tv/film credits include “Let’s Stay Together”, “House of Payne” and “For Colored Girls”. Mahalia is a graduate of Florida A & M University, and is an accomplished singer, pianist, songwriter, and dedicated homeschooler. But her most cherished role is as mother to Arrion, Chelsea, Carlan, and Camille, and owner to her Chi-Poo, Bruiser. She credits her theatrical success to the undying support of her family and close friends, especially her mother, Margaret Flowers. 

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

MARCELLO AUDINO* (he/him) is thrilled to be returning to Aurora this season! You may remember him as Jean Michel in Cinderella, Davey in Newsies, or Max in Men with Money. Other credits include; Darlin' Corey (World Premiere) at Alliance Theatre, In the Heights at City Springs Theatre, Guys and Dolls at Atlanta Lyric Theatre, In the Heights at Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Many thanks to AC, the whole Aurora fam, Chelsea, and my family for their constant support. IG: @marcello_audino

ZACH KUEBLER (Les) is excited to be making his Aurora Theatre debut in his dream show, Newsies. Many thanks to Cathe, Angie, Carolyn, and Misty for believing in him and pushing him to always “give it a 10.” Thanks to Justin for this opportunity, and to Mom, Dad, Alex, Harrison, and Katy for loving him and supporting him as he chases his dreams. Past credits include A Christmas Story (Ralphie, OnStage Atlanta – Metro Atlanta Theatre Award nominee), Tom Sawyer (Tom Sawyer, Lionheart Theatre Company), Scrooge the Musical (Ebby, OSA), and Beauty and the Beast Jr (LeFou, OSA). In addition to Broadway aspirations, Zach is also considering a future career in welding or neurosurgery. 

VINNY MONTAGUE is excited to be back under the direction of Justin Anderson. Credits include: Atlanta Lyric’s Tarzan (Young Tarzan), The Atlanta Opera Children's Chorus, Carmen; Horizon Theatre’s Freaky Friday (Fletcher) and The City of Conversation (Young Ethan), OnStage Atlanta’s A Christmas Story (Flick), Atlanta Lyric’s Beauty and the Beast (Chip), Atlanta Opera’s Turandot; and The Front Porch Players’ Papa’s Angels (John Neal), Oliver! (Ensemble), and Beauty and the Beast (Chip). Vinny is a member of Atlanta Young Singers, studies tap dance, loves to bake, and plays the piano and accordion. He is so thankful to have been a part of this amazing cast and crew!

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.

ATARIUS ARMSTRONG (Elmer) is a new performer and choreographer to the Metro-Atlanta area from Madison, MS. He recently graduated from the University of Mississippi with a BFA in Musical Theatre performance where he had to the opportunity to study dance under many great companies -- David Dorfman Dance, Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Thodos Dance Chicago, and more. Some of Atarius' most recent credits include: Mamma Mia! (Aurora Theatre), Urinetown (Act 3), Christmas in the City (Stone Mountain Park), Hello, Dolly! (Summer Lyric Theatre), and In Process (Gotta Dance Contemporary). He is currently a company dancer for Fuerta Dance Company and is thrilled to be in his second production with Aurora Theatre. atariusarmstrong.com 

LUKE BADURA is thrilled to return home to Aurora Theatre having last appeared as male ensemble/swing in Aurora’s production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Favorite theater and film credits have included Tyler Hubbard's Dancin' in the Country music video with Terry Crews, Megalopolis with Adam Driver and Francis Ford Coppola coming later in 2023, Shoe Show commercial, Newsies, and Mamma Mia! (Aurora Theatre), Billy Elliot, and Mary Poppins (City Springs). Luke Badura is a professional dancer, artist, choreographer, actor in Atlanta, GA. Luke has danced with many dance companies, ballets, industry shows, cruise ships, and currently works in the film and theater industry and is signed with Xcel Talent Agency! Follow IG: @lukebadura

AARON CARTER (Romeo, Spot Conlon) is excited to be involved in Aurora Theater's production of Newsies! A native of Acworth, GA, Aaron graduated from the University of Alabama in 2016 with a degree in dance.“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has: - Margaret Mead 

CHRISTOPHER DE’ANGELO is a native of Columbus, GA, who comes from very humble beginnings. He is a graduate of Albany State University (ASU) where he obtained his BA in Speech and Theatre.?His latest theatre credits include the recent production of Disney's Newsies, Tarzan, Sister Act, and Dreamgirls. He's so excited to be back at the Aurora Theatre for another exciting show! “To watch me perform is to hear my heart speak!” To God be the Glory!

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! 

ZACH GAMET (Race) graduated from TCU (Texas Christian University) with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He has been performing professionally as an actor, singer, dancer, and aerialist for 10 years. Some professional credits include: Tarzan (Tarzan Swing), The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke), Saturday Night Fever (Double J), Oklahoma (Will Parker), No No Nanette (Billy Early), Seussical; the Musical (Cat in the Hat). He's worked on a multitude of projects in a variety of venues, such as: Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Fort Worth Opera, Lyric Stage, North Central Ballet, Moonlight Broadway, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, Dallas Metropolitan Ballet.

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

STERLING MCCLARY, a graduate of Center of Excellence in Performing Arts Magnet program at Pebblebrook High School, is a bonafide Arts enthusiast, a trained dancer in over 7 various dance styles as well as training vocally and dramatically in commercial and musical theater techniques, granting him the opportunity to perform in various venues in Georgia. After living in Pittsburgh where he studied musical theater and dance at Point Park University he gained the opportunity to share his love and passion of creating and performing in various major theatrical venues and dance studios around the country as well as spending the past three years as a performer for Celebrity and Disney Cruise Lines. From choreography to teaching, to casting and coaching, Sterling has experienced theater at every level and has more often than not been on the right side of quality.

ROBERT MITCHEL OWENBY (he/him) is thrilled to revisit Mary Poppins for a second time at his artistic home, Aurora Theatre. As an active member of the Atlanta Arts community for nearly a decade, Robert has had the honor of working with nearly every major theatre in town. Past Aurora credits include Newsies, Bridges of Madison County, Memphis, and Les Miserables. He is proudly represented by Classic Talent Agency and has appeared in popular titles such as "Spider-Man: No Way Home", Hulu's "Dopesick", and "Richard Jewell". In addition to his work as an actor, Robert is also one of Atlanta's top headshot and portrait photographers and has had his work published in magazines and press releases across the country. www.RobertMitchelOwenby.com 

JOSEPH PENDERGRAST (Albert) is pleased as punch to be back at the Aurora. Previous credits include Mamma Mia!, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Alice Between, In the Heights, and Eurydice. Joseph hold a BA in theatre and performance studies from Kennesaw State University. Thanks to Mom and Dad for making it possible and worth it. 

DANIEL PINO (Seitz, Stage Manager, Policeman, Ensemble) is absolutely thrilled to be making his Aurora Mainstage debut! Previous favorite shows include Evil Dead: The Musical (Ed) at Out of Box, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Freddy Benson) and Five Course Love (Matt/Gino/Clutch/others) at OnStage Atlanta, and Godspell (Daniel) at Stage Door Players. Daniel would like to thank everyone involved at Aurora for this amazing opportunity, his mom for always being there to support him, and his girlfriend, Hannah, for being a beautiful unicorn of a woman, an excellent partner and roommate, and the cutest ugly crier he knows. 

BENJAMIN STRICKLAND (Oscar, Darcy, Ensemble) was born and raised in Auburn Alabama, is a graduate of Auburn University, and an alumni of the Aurora Theatre's Apprentice Company of 2018. Most recent credits are Christmas Canteen (Aurora), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Aurora & Theatrical Outfit), and Mamma Mia! (Aurora). He loves building and playing with computers about as much as he loves performing for all of you (which is a whole bunch). He would like to thank his mother and father for always supporting his endeavors, and hopes everyone enjoys the show!? 

RANDALL TAYLOR (Wiesel, Mayor, Ensemble) is an actor, producer, writer and director living in Los Angeles and Atlanta. He is known for his work in the television series "Homeland", "House of Cards", "The Vampire Diaries", "The Red Road", "Drop Dead Diva", "Future Man" and "Bosch". His work in films includes The Founder, The Accountant, Rings, Kill The Messenger, Anchorman II and Robocop III. Through his company Sweet Spot Films, he is producing several feature films. The supernatural thriller Still goes into production Winter 2018-2019. He has two other features in development that will be shot in the next year—The White Room and Spirit Hunters. He's happy to be back at Aurora, last appearing in A Catered Affair here in 2010. 

KERWIN THOMPSON (Bunsen, Policeman, Ensemble) is thrilled to make his Aurora debut with such a fabulous cast and crew! An Atlanta native, he was trained at the Alliance Theatre and by the incomparable Freddie Hendricks. Recent theatre highlights include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in The Meeting (Marietta's Theatre in the Square), Reverend Ambrose in A Lesson Before Dying (Dominion Entertainment/Porter Sanford Theatre), Henry Brown in Race (Out of Box Theatre), Cardinal Wolsey in Anne Boleyn (Synchronicity Theatre), and Rusty Johnson in Split Second (Impact Theatre). Kerwin seeks to use his talents not just to entertain, but to touch & enrich the lives of audience members. He thanks his family and friends for their unyielding support. kerwinthompson.com 

Cody Evan Jones (Acting Apprentice) is excited to join the Aurora’s Apprentice Company as well as make his Atlanta theatre debut. He is a recent graduate of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance at Brenau University, receiving his Bachelors in Theatre. During his time at GTA he has been a part of several productions including: The Odyssey (Poseidon), Crazy for You (Moose), Adam & Evie (Adam), Much Ado About Nothing (Balthasar), The Philadelphia Story (Mac) and Monstrous Regiment (Lord Rust/Death). He hopes to hone his craft even further at the Aurora and is grateful for the opportunity to continue learning. He’d like to thank his friends, family, and mentors for the continuous support which encourages him to continue pursuing his passion.

PEYTON MCDANIEL (he/him) is a proud graduate of both The University of Alabama and Aurora’s AppCo.  Since then, he’s been seen kick-ball-changing all around the greater Atlanta area. Some favorite productions include Head Over Heels (Actors Express), La Cage aux Folles (Out Front Theatre Company), Men with Money, and Newsies (Aurora). Peyton is incredibly excited and immensely grateful to be back onstage and back home at Aurora!

EVAN PHILLIPS (Video Designer)  is a proud alumnus of Aurora’s AppCo19.  He graduated from Michigan State University with a BFA in Theatre. He has previously worked on marketing animations used for Aurora’s production of Men with Money. Evan was last seen in Newsies (Mush) and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Ichabod Crane) during his apprenticeship at Aurora Theatre. Evan is an Associate Artist of the Sense-Ability Ensemble and is currently developing an original musical geared towards neurodiverse audiences. 

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.

Anthony J. Nash (Acting Apprentice) is a newly minted graduate from the University of Georgia in Athens, with a Bachelor of the Arts in Theatre. He grew up in Villa Rica, Georgia where he found his passion for theatre as a medium of change. Some of the credits he has earned include: A Behanding in Spokane, A Lesson Before Dying, Titus Andronicus, and Virtue. He is more than blessed at this opportunity to grow as an artist with the 2018-19 Aurora Apprentice Company!

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

Sarah Grace Valleroy is so excited to be making her Aurora Theatre debut as a member of the AppCo program! She is a recent graduate of The University of Alabama, where she received degrees in both Musical Theatre and Psychology. Some of Sarah Grace’s recent credits include: Les Miserables (Eponine), A Bright Room Called Day (Annabella Gotchling), Ghosts (Regina), The Marvelous Wonderettes (Betty Jean), Doubt (Sister James), and Spring Awakening (Wendla). She could not be more excited to move to the city of Atlanta and begin this journey!

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.

MARALYN QUIñONES is excited to be a part of AppCo19! She recently completed her B.A. in Theatre from Georgia College and State University and has been proud to gain experience in numerous positions while studying, from design, directing and of course stage management. Some of her proudest achievements include being a KCACTF stage management finalist for the show The Ballad of Emmett Till, as well as her senior directing thesis focusing on Cuban Theatre in relation to politics. She would like to thank her family and fiancé for their never ending love and support!

ERIC CHAMNESS (Lighting Designer) is a third year MFA scenic design and technology student at the University of Georgia, and is grateful to be designing The Two Kids That Blow Shit Up at Aurora Theatre. Eric has designed and constructed scenery for many theatres across the country and has served as an assistant designer to designers: Julie Ray on The Color Purple and more recently Shannon Robert on Newsies at Aurora Theatre. Recent design credits include Detroit, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and Uncanny Valley at UGA, and Hairspray at Thingamajig Theatre in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Eric was a 2017 scenic design award recipient at USITT-SE for his design of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. www.ericchamness.com 

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! 

CODY EVINS (Lighting Design) is an Atlanta based designer and technician.  He studied theatre at Furman University in Greenville, SC and has a background in acting, design, and technical theatre.  Since graduating he has gone on to work at the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC and has recently finished his technical theatre apprenticeship at the Aurora Theatre.  Some of his most recent designs include A Streetcar Named Desire (Theatre Buford, Sound), A Christmas Carol (Theatre Buford, Sound & Projections), The Addams Family (Georgia Gwinnett College, Lighting), and The Electric Baby (Weird Sisters, Sound). 

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

SUZANNE HOLTKAMP (Assistant Costume Designer), Alan’s “twin,” is happy to once again be back at the Aurora to share the laughs, the smiles and yes, even the hard work. Suzanne’s past shows have included The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Christmas Canteen 2016 and 2017. A Suzi Bass nominated designer for Gypsy Theatre’s Moonlight and Magnolias, Suzanne has also designed for Georgia Gwinnett College’s productions of 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Much Ado about Nothing and Working, The Musical. She is thrilled to continue working with her twin on Aurora’s season opener Newsies. When not designing for theatre or eating Thai food with Alan, Suzanne can be found in her costume bunker, creating professional tutus and ballroom dance dresses. Suzanne is married to her crazy husband, Matthew, and enjoys embarrassing her two daughters, Margaret and Annabelle.

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.

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.

ROBERT MILLER-NAVARRE (Wig Designer) Broadway: Assistant Hair/Wig Designer - Sunday in the Park with George 2016 Revival, In Transit. Wig Supervisor - The First Noel, Apollo Theatre. Atlanta: Wig Master - Alliance Theatre 2011-2013. Wig Technician - House of Dancing Water, Macau China. Television: Wig Maker - "Stranger Things", "Rupaul’s Drag Race", "Devious Maids", "Constantine". www.NavarreCreations.com 

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. 

CHRISTOPHER DILLS (Properties Designer) holds a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology from Columbus State University and a MFA in Scenic Design from Boston University. He is the Resident Scenic Design Associate and Properties Coordinator for The Atlanta Opera.? Select recent Atlanta design work includes Out of Darkness: Two Remain at The Atlanta Opera and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at The Atlanta Lyric Theatre. www.christopherdills.com 

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.

TYLER BARRETT (Assistant Technical Director) is new to Georgia, coming from the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey where he worked as Lighting and Sound Supervisor. He is excited to start a new branch of his career as Assistant Technical Director. Tyler graduated with a BA in Technical Theatre and a minor in Museum Studies from Lynchburg College in 2016.

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.

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.

GALEN CRAWLEY* (she/her)is thrilled to be home for the holidays! This Snellville native is jingling her bells to be appearing in her fourth Christmas Canteen. You may remember her as the eponymous nanny from Mary Poppins (a role she has played twice at Aurora), or as a wicked stepsister in Cinderella. Regional: Ragtime, The Last 5 Years, and Urinetown (Nashville Rep), It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Studio Tenn), Beehive (Flat Rock Playhouse). Atlanta: Shrek and Broke (Alliance Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (City Springs Theatre), The Wild Party (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre), My Fair Lady, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Joseph…Dreamcoat (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Miss Bennet and 110 in the Shade (Theatrical Outfit), Our Town (Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern), Bad Jews and Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (Actors Express). 2014 Suzi Bass Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Mary Poppins. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from The Sargent Conservatory at Webster University; follow her online at GalenCrawley.com or @galencrawley wherever it counts. Thanks always to Jacob, Mom, Dad, Devyn, and her forever angel, Abigail, who trots along in her shadow and nibbles at her heels on the high notes. 

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!”

ASHLEY PRINCE (she/her/hers) is a musician, actor, and teacher from Mississippi. She's programmed and played every Aurora musical since The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 2017, and you may have seen her at an Aurora Theatre cabaret or in the Reindeer Games during the holidays. Ashley is a proud SCAD grab with a BFA in Performing Arts. When she's not at Aurora, she's chasing her toddler or teaching at Mister John's Music (www.misterjohnsmusic.com). Follow her little family on instagram: @ashleyrprince. 

Maurice Figgins has been playing bass for 9 years and has traveled the country with various artists. He has performed with renowned artists Eddie James, Judith Sephuma, and Regina Belle. He has been a part of live recordings, studio sessions, musicals, festivals, and so much more.