Abigail Dearing
Costume Crew & Wardrobe

Abigail Dearing is a freshman at Avila. She is getting her B.F.A in Theatre Design, Tech, and Management. Abigail has been doing theatre since her sophomore year of high school. Sylvia is her first show at Avila and she is very excited to participate in future shows.

Adrianna Wendel
Scenic Change Artist

Adrianna Wendel is a senior at Avila University studying Theatre/Speech Secondary Education. Adrianna is excited to be the scenic charge artist one last time for Avila. Her past credits include Bernie in ​TALK RADIO,​ ensemble in T​HE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN​, Toni Dawn in ​WAR OF THE WORLDS​, Le Beau/Forest Lord in ​AS YOU LIKE IT, Betty/Mrs. Chauvenet in HARVEY, Mental Health Barbie in TWENTY20s, and a Player in PIPPIN​. She has also been Assistant Stage Manager for ​THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN and THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, Assistant Lighting Designer for PIPPIN, Props Master for HARVEY,​ and Scenic Charge Artist for ​AS YOU LIKE IT​. Adrianna would like to thank her parents for continuously supporting her in all of her dreams. 

Ariana Givens
Kate

Ariana is a second-year BFA Theatre student at Avila University with a concentration in Acting. She has been fortunate enough to take the stage here at Avila as Veta Lousie Simmons in HARVEY, Selma Dina in SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, and Berthe in PIPPIN. She has been incredibly grateful to work on this production with such a tight-knit cast, an outstanding director, and an incredible crew. She would like to give a special shout-out to her friends here at Avila who have supported and encouraged her through the good times and bad. She would also like to thank her family who has always been and will always be her guiding light. 

Ariana Hernandez
Production Crew & Box Office

Ariana is a sophomore at Avila, pursuing a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Directing/Producing and a Minor in Dance.

Buster Rogge
Canine Consultant

Buster is thrilled to be a part of this production of SYLVIA as both an inspiration and muse.  He was last seen on stage as “Dog” in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE at The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, where you also might have seen him in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. He was awarded “Most Wonderful Small Dog” where he strutted his stuff at the prestigious Crestwood Dog Competition.  He enjoys long walks, hunting for rabbits and barking at UPS trucks.  Buster would like to give a special “bark” to his friends at Wayside Waifs where he was adopted.

Charlie Parsons
Electrics, Spotlight Operator

Charlie Parsons is a freshman at Avila University studying English and Theatre with a Secondary Education Minor. He has had a blast working as an assistant electrician and is excited to be operating one of several spotlights during SYLVIA. Previously, he worked as a writer and actor in 4 seasons of Project: Pride, ensemble in CLUE, and as the writer and director of OUR LAST SUMMER. Charlie would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him throughout his theatrical endeavors, and to the Avila University Theatre department for accepting him with open arms.

Christian Lucas
Greg

Christian Lucas is a senior Theatre BFA Acting Major. He transferred from Independence Community College in Independence KS last year. In Independence, he played Tom in THE GLASS MENAGERIE Peter in SILENT SKY and Dwight in DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE. At Avila he has played Wilson in HARVEY, Lewis in PIPPIN and is now playing the role of Greg in SYLVIA. He is excited to be able to pursue his dreams and further his education here at Avila University!

Danielle Adcock
Props Crew

Danielle Adcock is a sophomore at Avila University going to school for theatre with a concentration in acting and a minor in dance. She graduated from Holton High School and soon after started her journey here! Past Avila productions include PIPPIN, THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, and TWENTY20s.

Darwyn Thompson
Carpenter & Run Crew

Darwyn Thompson is a freshman majoring in Theater with a concentration in Directing and Producing and minoring in Digital Media.

Davin Zamora
Sound Designer

Davin is a sophomore here at Avila. His major is a BFA in Theater with a double concentration in Acting and Directing/Producing with a minor in Marketing. Davin is so excited to be sound designing his first show ever! Usually, he is on the stage performing. Previously, he played EJ Lofgren in HARVEY, Milo and Hazel in THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, and a Player in PIPPIN. Davin would like to thank all of his friends for pushing him when things got hard, his family for being so supportive of his dreams, and finally, Hannah Zimmerman, and Jan Rogge for the opportunity!

Ellie Peoples
Assistant Stage Manager

This is Ellie Peoples’ first production with Avila University.  She is an assistant stage manager for SYLVIA.  Ellie was in theatre all 4 years of her high school career. She stage-managed 5 shows during her high school career and was shocked by how different the college/ professional world was.  Life has been crazy for Ellie recently but was still enthusiastic to help and learn.  Ellie learned a lot while working under the stage manager.  She would like to thank her stage manager and crew for being patient with her and helping her grow.  

Gabriella Fast
Assistant Stage Manager

Gabriella Fast is a transfer junior at Avila University studying Theatre Education. She studied at Allen Community College the first two years. Gabriella is happy to be one of the assistant stage managers for SYLVIA. Her other experiences include, stage managing for THE INSPECTOR GENERAL and LUCKY STIFF, while being a player for LOVE AND INFORMATION and LOVE/SICK. Gabriella Fast would like to thank her parents and friends she gained through her years in theatre for supporting her and wanting her to grow.

Gaby Koch
Kate (understudy), Props Crew

A freshman at Avila University. She is understudy for Kate in SYLVIA along with being a part of props and run crew.  She is also Gorgibus in THE IMAGINARY CUCKOLD, where she plays a man along with being on the paint crew. She is excited for her next four years at Avila as an Acting and a Social Work major. Gaby is from Omaha Nebraska where she went to Omaha Benson High School. She would like to thank her Mom and family for always supporting her along with Erienne Wredt for helping her obtain her acting background she has today.

Hannah Zimmerman
Sound Supervisor

Hannah Zimmerman is honored to be the sound supervisor for her final semester at Avila University, where she is pursuing a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Design, Technology, & Management. You may recognize some of her previous works, which include the digital media design for THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS (2021) and TWENTY20s (2020) — which earned her a certificate of merit for outstanding work from KCACTF — as well her sound design for HARVEY (2020) and PIPPIN (2021). Recently, she had the pleasure of assistant sound designing at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre for SISTER ACT (2021). Her next works include her sound design at Musical Theatre Heritage for the show CAMELOT and will be returning to Arrow Rock for Murder on THE ORIENT EXPRESS later this year. Hannah wants to send lots of love and thanks to her family. Without their never-ending support, she would have never made it to this point. She also wants to send out her appreciation for her sound team, who have made her last semester a joy.

Isabella Brauner
Properties Designer/Assistant Scenic Designer

Isabella is a junior at Avila, pursuing a BS in Special Education and a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Acting. Past Avila performances include THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, TWENTY20’s, HARVEY, MISS NELSON IS MISSING, AS YOU LIKE IT, and WAR OF THE WORLDS.

Izaak Kimsey
Props Crew

Izaak Kimsey is a senior working on his Bachelor’s in Kinesiology with a minor in Theatre. In his first play, he played Sir Oliver Martex in Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT. His second show was designed by the students called TWENTY20’s based on true events happening in that year. He was assistant stage manager for A SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS and PIPPIN.

Jan Rogge
Director

Jan is happy to be making her directing debut at Avila University. What an exciting time to be working here in Goppert Theatre’s new additions. It was very special to be the first show to rehearse in the new rehearsal hall. And what a joy it has been to work with these smart and talented students in SYLVIA.

Jan directed SEA MARKS at Kansas City Actors Theatre (KCAT) where she is also a proud artistic member. Her other directing KCAT credits include the radio play CABIN B-13, readings of MASTERS OF THE SEAand A TOUCH OF THE POET, and assisted directed LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT.  Her KCAT acting credits include NIGHT MOTHER, A LIE IN THE MIND, MY OLD LADY, CRIMES OF THE HEART, GOOD PEOPLE, MARION BRIDGE, and WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? 

She recently directed a one-woman show, RACHEL’S WORDS at the UMKC Conservatory for their 3rd year MFA acting class. Jan worked for three years at Cornell University Theatre Department as Resident Professional Theatre Artist. She has performed with many other theatres in town: Heart Of America Shakespeare Festival, Unicorn Theatre, KC Repertory Theatre, New Theatre Restaurant, Spinning Tree, and Fish Tank.  Regionally, Jan has appeared at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Cornell University, North Shore Music Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Old Globe Theatre.

Kaitlyn White
Assistant Lighting Designer/Co-Master Electrician

Kaitlyn is a sophomore at Avila studying for a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Design, Technology, and Management. Kaitlyn is excited to be working as a technician this semester. She has also been assistant costume designer for PIPPIN and THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, and Assistant Stage Manager for HARVEY. Kaitlyn would like to thank her friends and family for understanding why she’s so busy and for appreciating the time they have. 

Kelsey Harms
Assistant Costume Designer

Kelsey Harms is a Freshman at Avila University, studying for a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Design, Technology, & Management. Kelsey has been performing with dance ever since the age of three, and is very excited to see what is to come within the theatre family here at Avila!

Lynn Winkler
Paint Crew

Lynn is a senior at Avila, pursuing a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Acting. She is a Senior this year. Previously she was a player in PIPPIN, wrote and performed an original piece in TWENTY20s, was an understudy in HARVEY, and played the title role in MISS NELSON IS MISSING.

McKenna Sanford
Sylvia

McKenna is a Freshman BFA Musical Theatre major who is thrilled to be making her mainstage debut at Avila. Hailing from Seattle, WA, McKenna is no stranger to the stage, having performed in over 50 productions, spanning 11 years. Notable credits include THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Maria), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Ariel), LES MISERABLES (Fantine), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Belle), NEWSIES (Katherine), INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella), PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (Molly Aster) and AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (Jean). For her performances in NEWSIES, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, and AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, she was nominated by BroadwayWorld for Best Leading and Featured Actress, respectively. McKenna would like to thank the cast and creative team for making her first show at Avila an amazing experience!

Molly Zagorski
House Manager

Molly Zagorski is continuing her education at Avila University to obtain a Theatre BA with a focus in Secondary Education-Speech/Theatre.  Her collegiate education began in 2002 at The Illinois Institute of Art, where she studied Apparel Design. In 2004 she continued her education at Kansas State University, where she studied Mass Communication. She holds a current license of cosmetology in the states of Kansas and Missouri.  Molly has spent the majority of her work career as an Event Coordinator for the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. She is honored to have the assigned role of House Manager for Sylvia. Molly would like to thank her professors and fellow students for challenging her on a daily basis. She would also like to thank her family, especially her husband and three children, for inspiring her to follow her dreams.

Richard Bertoldie
Tom/Phyllis/Leslie & Assistant Sound Designer

Richard is a Junior BFA Acting and Directing/Producing major at Avila University and is thrilled to be returning to the stage for this show and to live theater for Avila, the nation, and the world. He has been previously seen at Avila in WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE PANIC BROADCAST, AS YOU LIKE IT, MISS NELSON IS MISSING!, HARVEY, TWENTY20S, THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, and PIPPIN. He would like to thank the Avila Theater faculty, specifically Dr. Charlene Gould, and Prof. Matt Schwader Harbor, as well as Sylvia guest director Jan Rogge for the opportunity to bring this show to life and light, giving it the color and retrospect it needs. He also would like to thank his ever-patient and loving family for their continued support and dedication. 

Samantha Reiner
Assistant Costume Designer

Samantha Reiner is a Freshman at Avila University studying for a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Design, Technology, & Management. Samantha is so happy to be working with the costumes for SYLVIA. Her past credits from her old theatre program at her high school include Costume Shop Manager for PARFUMERIA and ATYPICAL BOY, Costume Designer/Shop Manager for ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) (REVISED), and SPAMALOT, Assistant Costume Shop Manager for MO State Show STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Samantha would like to thank Kimberly Wibbenmeyer for encouraging and pushing her to follow her dreams in Costume Design and got her where she is today. 

Shannon Smith-Regnier
Costume Designer; Adjunct Professor of Theatre

Shannon Smith-Regnier is a Kansas City-based costume Designer. She received her MFA in Costume Design from Ohio University as well as her BFA from Wichita State University.  She Interned with Martin Pakledinaz on the Broadway revival of Anything Goes (2011,NYC). Some KC design credits include Spinning Tree Theater,  Theatre in the Park, Kansas City Regional Theatre, KCAT, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, Quality Hill, and the American Heartland Theater. She has also guest designed at Kansas University and Wichita State University. She worked as a stitcher in the costume shop at Glimmerglass Opera for two summers and has also designed and worked in the shop and on wardrobe many summers with Music Theater of Wichita.  In 2011, she received the Zelma Weisfeld award from USITT for her costume designs. (www.shannonlynnsmith.com) 

Ta’ja Snipes
Painter

Ta’ja Snipes is a freshman studying theater/design technology at Avila University. Ta’ja is thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of her first theater production with the Avila Theater Department, where she helped paint the set, and hopes to work on more productions in the future.

Talia Hinckley
Assistant Lighting Director & Co-Master Electrician

Talia Hinckley is a sophomore at Avila University studying for a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Design, Technology, & Management. She has always had an appreciation for theatre that grew into a passion as she grew older. Once she switched over to the technical side of theatre in high school, she knew she had found her home. Talia is the Assistant Lighting Designer and Co-Master Electrician for this production. She is enthusiastic about being able to do what she loves again and would like to thank everyone involved who made this show possible.

Talisha Williams
Electrician, Run Crew

Talisha is pursuing a BA in Theatre at Avila University.

Tinna Rivera
Stage Manager/Lighting Designer

Tinna Rivera is a fourth-year student studying for a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Design, Technology, & Management. Her passion for theatre began unexpectedly in high school and has grown astronomically as she learns and develops new skills. Tinna is the Stage Manager and Lighting Designer for this production. She is incredibly thankful to be back on the Goppert stage and be immersed in her passion again.

Tinna wants to thank both her crews for their communication, time and laughs shared during the calls and rehearsals. Training all 5+ students on this production was hard but very rewarding to be able to learn and grow with them. She also wants to thank her family for understanding why she never comes home and loving her still. Their constant support and affection makes life as a busy college student much more bearable. 

Tucker Rushing
Tom/Phyllis/Leslie (understudy); Carpenter, Spotlight Operator

Tucker is a Freshman from Belton, Missouri and is studying for a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Acting. Previous productions he’s been in include THE LARAMIE PROJECT, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, NEWSIES, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, JUVIE, and many more. Tucker is excited to be working on a show at this level because of the dedication of the whole cast and crew to the show. Tucker would like to thank his family for their continued support of his goals in life, and he’d like to thank all of his teachers and professors past and present for giving him the tools to succeed in this field.

Tyler Lindquist
Greg (understudy); Assistant Scenic Designer

Tyler is a third-year at Avila studying Theatre Education and Acting. He is the assistant Scenic Designer and the understudy for Greg for this production. He is thrilled to be creating on the Goppert stage again surrounded by his classmates and mentors.