| Cast & Crew
Victoria Bestor
Victoria Bestor is a junior. She plays Marcy Park in Avilas production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Abigail Dearing
Abigail Dearing is a Senior at Avila pursuing her B.F.A in Theatre Design, Technology, and Management. She is the Scenic Designer for this production, and she will be playing the role Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre. This is her first time returning to the stage in 4 years. Some of her previous design credits include scenic and digital media designer for The Laramie Project, sound designer for Unnecessary Farce, and costume designer for The Comedy of Errors. This is her sixteenth and final show at Avila. Spelling Bee is a show near and dear to her heart, and she can’t think of a better way to end her college career. She can’t wait to share the show with you all. See more from Abigail here: https://abigaildearing.weebly.com
Eliot Reese
Eliot Reese, a sophomore, is the Paint Charge for this show. He is also on stage as Leaf Coneybear!
Micah Cheek
Micah cheek is a sophomore Acting and tech/ design major. 25th annual Putnam county Spelling bee will be Micah’s 7th show at Avila . He is the sound designer, He loves the atmosphere of rehearsal and the creativity of his peers. He would like to thank his parents and friends and his lovely Jocelyn for supporting him through this process.
Gaby Dawn
Gaby Dawn is a senior, but she isn’t gone just yet! She isn’t on stage for this show, but she will be back next semester to finish out her final credits. She is a double major; Acting and Social Work, and she has worked incredibly hard this year bringing her project, AWAREness theatre, to life. But, you are here for the Spelling Bee, where she was a rehearsal speller. She also helped paint the set you get to see.
Sophie Dech
Sophie Dech is a current freshman at Avila University. Over the course of this year, Sophie has been a part of electrics crew with the four shows of the year: Unnecessary Farce, Comedy of Errors, Intimate Apparel and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Sophie enjoyed acting in high school and wanted to continue involvement in productions at Avila. Sophie is a current Nursing major and enjoys singing and dancing in her free time.
Gabriella Fast
Gabriella Fast is a senior and she is majoring in Theatre Technology & Management at Avila University, main focus being stage management and she is the Stage Manager. Last semester she Assisted Stage Manager for Paul Slade Smith’s Unnecessary Farce: A Comedy as well as the Stage manager for William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. She has stage managed Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice last year and assisted stage-managed Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure’, and Joe Masteroff’s ‘She Loves Me’ in 2023 at Avila.
Miriam Gleeson
Miriam Gleeson is a senior at Avila! Her major is Radiologic Science, but her love of theatre keeps her coming back to production involvement. This is her first on-stage performance since her freshman year, and she is incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to perform as Rona Lisa Peretti. She has worked extensively backstage for Intimate Apparel, The Comedy of Errors, Unnecessary Farce, First Date, Eurydice, The Laramie Project, Hay Fever, She Loves Me!, Measure for Measure, Clue, RENT, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and The Imaginary Cuckold in the past. She also played several ensemble parts in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and was an ensemble soloist in RENT. Miriam would like to thank all the faculty who allowed her to participate in performing arts, and her family for always supporting her in all she does!
Lauren Grimes
Lauren Grimes, a freshman at Avila, is on her fourth show! She is the Head Carpenter, and the understudy for Rona Lisa Peretti.
Kelsey Harms
Kelsey Harms is the Costume Designer for this production, and this is her final senior show at Avila! Over the past few years, Kelsey has achieved a KCACTF Technical Merit for her costume design, The Laramie Project (2023), directed by Darren Sextro, and she has recently been awarded with the KCACTF Regional Scenic Design – Honorable Mention for The Comedy of Errors (2024), directed by Matt Schwader. Kelsey wholeheartedly thanks her parents, Laura and Paul, and her older siblings, Kylie and Tyler, for supporting her through all the endless hours she spent towards becoming a future theatre-maker. Kelsey would especially like to send a heartfelt thank you to Shannon Regnier. The guidance Shannon has provided throughout Kelsey’s journey has grown her into a mature, professional designer and technician. Previous Avila Theatre productions Kelsey has worked on include: The Imaginary Cuckold (2021), The Curious Incident of The Dog of The Night-Time (2022), RENT (2022), CLUE (2022), Measure for Measure (2023), She Loves Me (2023), Hay Fever (2023),The Laramie Project (2023), Eurydice (2024), First Date (2024), Unnecessary Farce (2024), The Comedy of Errors (2024), and Intimate Apparel (2025).
Kendall Hobgood
Kendall Hobgood is a Freshman at Avila University studying performance arts. For the “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, she is the understudy for Marcy Park and is apart of the lighting electrics crew.
Angel Hernadez
Angel Hernandez is a sophomore in the theatre department. For The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, she is the props designer and assistant manager along with being on paint crew. She wants to thank Matt and John, and her friend’s, for believing in her and supporting her career. She is very happy and proud for the opportunity to create and show her technical talents.
Coltyn Ledbetter
Coltyn Ledbetter is a freshman Acting Major at Avila University, playing the role of Carl Dad. He is also the understudy to Coneybear and Panch, as well as a member of the Carpentry and Electrics Crews. He has previously played the parts of Mayor Meekly in Unnecessary Farce and Dromio of Syracuse in The Comedy of Errors. He wants to say thank you to Alec for being a horrible husband!
Olivia Loren
Olivia Loren is a senior at Avila University. She is the Properties Designer for this production and the understudy for Adriana. Her past Avila credits include Casey (First Date), Amanda Gronich (The Laramie Project), Ilona Ritter (She Loves Me), and Lady Escalus (Measure for Measure). When not on the theatrical stage, she fronts a band called “The Bratts” and gigs around the KC area! Olivia would like to thank Matt and John for the endless opportunities to create, her family for continuously supporting her, and her wonderful partner and fur babies for always being there at the end of the night to make her smile! She knows you will enjoy the show… so sit back, relax, and laugh! @livcolle
Tucker Rushing
Tucker Rushing plays the role of Vice Principal Douglas Panch and is also the Assistant Lightning Designer. He is a Senior here at Avila pursuing a BFA in Theatre with an Acting Concentration. He’s been on stage for numerous productions here at Avila including but not limited to The Comedy of Errors, Unnecessary Farce, First Date, The Laramie Project, and Hay Fever. He is grateful for his time here at Avila and the amazing friends he’s met as well as the wonderful Professors who have taught him along the way. Additionally, he’d like to thank the ever-present number 9 for always being there for him when he needs it, and his ever-supportive Family.
Mariah Masterson
Mariah Masterson is a Sophomore. In Spelling Bee, she is part of wardrobe crew. She’s honored to be a part of this hilarious show.
Matt Schwader Harbor
Matt Schwader Harbor is the Chair of the School of Performing Arts and Director of Performance Studies at Avila University. Along with “Comedy of Errors,” he has directed “Eurydice,” “Hay Fever,” “Measure for Measure,” “The Imaginary Cuckold,” “Twenty20s,” “War of the Worlds,” and “The Diary of Anne Frank,” all for Avila University. A professional actor since 1998, he has appeared on notable stages, including the Goodman and Chicago Shakespeare theatres, Indiana Repertory Theatre, ACT Theatre of Seattle, and many more. His repertoire spans internationally, from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to performances in Mozambique. Some favorite roles include Hamlet, Henry V, and Raskolnikov in “Crime and Punishment” during his time as a Core Acting Company member with American Players Theatre. Recent professional highlights include playing Jack in The Old Globe Theatre’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Lombard in Kansas City Actors Theatre’s “And Then There Were None,” Shakespeare in “Shakespeare in Love” and Antony in “Julius Caesar” at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, as well as directing “The Pests” and serving as an artistic board member for Kansas City Actors Theatre. Matt holds an MFA from the University of Delaware and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association.
Ta’ja Snipes
Ta’ja Snipes is a senior at Avila University, graduating with a BFA in Design Technology, and Management. For this production, Ta’ja was the assistant technical director, a member of the paint crew and front of house manager. This is Ta’ja’s last production at Avila. She’s previously been credited as scenic designer and charge Aartist for, “Intimate Apparel”, sound designer for “The Comedy of Errors” and more. Ta’ja would like to thank her mom for her endless support. As well as her close friends for keeping her smiling.
Alex Valdez
Alex Valdez is a Junior; he is a Film major and Theatre minor. For the production he is the Light Designer, as well as on a couple of other crews. He is so grateful for all the seniors for being so supportive, hardworking and for all the skills they’ve taught him before graduating. He is excited to showcase more of his skills in the next season!
Roy Williams
Roy Williams is a sophomore! He plays the counselor, Mitch Mahoney.
Kailey
Kailey Wilson (Olive Ostrovsky) is a freshman at Avila University and is absolutely thrilled to be making her stage debut here at Avila in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee—mostly because she now has an excuse to memorize random words like ‘Boanthropy’. When not pretending she knows how to spell, Kailey enjoys coffee runs with friends, binge watching Gilmore girls and sunsets. Kailey would like to thank her family, friends and fellow cast members! And a special shout-out to spellcheck for being her unsung hero. But most importantly she would like to thank Jesus because without him none of this would matter. Enjoy the bee – she promises she’s not as competitive as Olive… but no guarantees! insta: kaileywilson15
Stoddard Zac
Zac is a transfer student new to Avila this spring and is excited for his debut on the Goppert stage! In the past, he has played Shroeder in “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown!” as well as Robert in “Proof.” He has mainly stayed backstage however, performing as Stage Manager in Ride the Cyclone, as well as costume designing for “Sight Unseen” and “Waiting for Godot.” His calling , however, is directing, his debut being KCKCC’s production of “Private Lives.” He hopes you enjoy the show, and “Have a wonderful evening.”
Nick Youngblood
Nick Youngblood is an African American male currently studying as an acting major at Avila University in Kansas City, MO as an undergrad. As a sophomore, he’s done two shows with the most recent being Lynn Nottages Intimate Apparel where he was cast as George. His premier show was Sarah Ruhls Eurydice where he was cast as Orpheus by director Matt Schwader-Harbor. He’s also worked as a carpenter and painter several times during his time at Avila. Nick is from Las Vegas, Nevada, but moved to Seattle, Washington in high-school. Nick is also on a football scholarship at Avila University and plays wide receiver.
| Chip Tolentino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Micah Cheek Understudy………… Alec Sade |
| Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Abigail Dearing Understudy…………. Kailey Wilson |
| Leaf Coneybear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Eliot Reese Understudy………….Coltyn Ledbetter |
| William Barfee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Nathan Hummell |
| Marcy Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Victoria Bestor Understudy……… Kendall Hobgoo |
| Olive Ostrovsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Kailey Wilson |
| Rona Lisa Peretti/ Olives Mom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Miriam Gleeson Understudy……….Lauren Grimes |
| Mitch Mahoney/Olives Dad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Roy Williams Understudy……. Sophie Dech |
| Douglas Panch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Tucker Rushing Understudy………………Cotlyn Ledbetter |
| Carl Dad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Coltyn Ledbetter |
| Dan Dad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Alec Sade |
| Jesus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Zac Stoddard |
| Rehearsal Spellers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Charlize Anderson, Sophie Dech, Nick Youngblood, Gaby Dawn |
ORCHESTRA
TBA
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director………………………………………………………………………………..………..…. Amanda Clark
Music Director …………………………………………………………………………… Andrea Fredrickson
Accompanist …………………………………………………………………………………. Dr. Li-Hsin Chen
Scenic Designer…………………………………………………………………………….….. Abigail Dearing
Scenic Design Advisor……………………………………………………………………………….. John Rohr
Costume Designer …………………………………………………………………………….. Kelsey Harms
Costume Design Advisor ………………………………………………………………….Shannon Regnier
Properties Designer …………………………………………………………………..…….Angel Hernandez
Lighting Designer …………………………………………………………………………………… Alex Valdez
Lighting Coordinator ….……………………………………………………………………. Eleanor Frances
Assistant Lighting Designer ……………………………………………………………….. Tucker Rushing
Sound Designer………………………………………………………………….……………………. John Rohr
Stage Manager …………………………………………………………………………………….Gabriella Fast
Assistant Stage Manager……………………………..…………………Ta’ja Snipes, Kshamata Pandya
Assistant Technical Director …………………………………………….Ta’ja Snipes, Eleanor Frances
House Manager……………………………………………………………………………………… Ta’ja Snipes
Head Carpenter …………………………………………………………………………………Lauren Grimes
Carpentry Specialist ………………………………………………………………………… Christian Lucas
Scenic Charge Artist ………………………………………………………………….…………… Eliot Reese
Head Electrician ………………………………………………………………………………. Victoria Bestor
Light Board Operator …………………………………………………………………………. Lauren Grimes
Sound Board Operator………………………………………………………………………………. John Rohr
Carpentry Crew………………………………………………………….Micah Cheek, Coltyn Ledbetter,
Nick Youngblood, Gabriella Fast, Ta’ja Snipes, Olivia Loren
Paint Crew …………………………….………………………………Mariah Masterson, Lauren Grimes,
Gaby Dawn, Abigail Dearing, Kailey Wilson
Costume Crew ……………………………………………………… Lauren Grimes, Mariah Masterson,
Gaby Dawn, Kelsey Harms, Kailey Wilson
Props Crew ……………………………………..…Miriam Gleeson, Nathan Hummell, Gaby Dawn,
Angel Hernandez, Roy Williams, Olivia Loren
Electrics Crew ……………………………………………………. Stage Lighting Class, Gabriella Fast,
Miriam Gleeson, Nathan Hummell, Sophie Dech
Scenic/Props Run Crew …………………………………………..…. The Cast
Wardrobe Crew …………………………………….………………….. Mariah Masterson
Box Office Manager …………………………………………………………………….…… Raine Bertoldie
Front of House Staff …………………………………………………….Kailey Wilson, Nick Youngblood
Directors Note:
Welcome to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!
I’m delighted to have you join us. This show offers a perfect blend of humor, heart, and unforgettable characters. Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn masterfully use the framework of a spelling bee to explore family dynamics and the universal challenges of growing up.
In this particular moment, in Putnam County, these young contestants navigate complex relationships, and the bee serves as a catalyst for personal growth and change. One of the script’s greatest strengths is its use of humor, which disarms the audience and paves the way for moments of genuine vulnerability. My favorite moment, The I Love You Song, beautifully captures the profound need for love, support, and space to grow-needs that resonate with all of us, especially during childhood.
Thank you for supporting the arts. Your presence here makes this work possible. Enjoy the show!
– Amanda Clark,