Welcome Back
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Lock 3 Park in Downtown has been a central gathering place for the city for years now. We are delighted to be working with them to bring this concert version of On The Line to life there and as the location for our return to in-person theatre.
On the Line, has been a three year collaboration with Amy and Rachel as they worked to bring this beautiful story to life. They have learned about Akron and throughout the process became more connected to the city. Please enjoy this world premier and supporting theatre and the arts in Akron. 
Dane CT Leasure, Executive Artistic Director |
This world premier musical re-imagines Shakespeare through the lives of LGBTQ+ characters is made possible through support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, as part of its Knight Arts Challenge. The Knight Arts Challenge funds the best ideas for engaging and enriching Akron through the arts.
Community Resources
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CONTACT
www.canapi.org (330) 252-1559 OUR MISSION To serve and promote the well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community and persons at risk and/or affected by HIV through education, support services, quality housing, and advocacy. |
CAST
Creative Team
Stage ManagerPatrick Lee Johnson*
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Sound DesignerHazen Tobar
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Intimacy DirectorJulia Fisher
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OrchestrationsEmily Chiu &
Lucy O'Brien |
Composers and WritersAmy Burges &
Rachel Dean |
Music DirectorAnthony Trifiletti
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Director-Choreographer
Dane CT Leasure^
Rubber City Staff and Production Crew
Executive Artistic DirectorDane CT Leasure
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Director of Artistic EngagementKatie Wells
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Director of Artistic Operations
Brian C. Seckfort
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Director of Education/Youth Theatre ProducerSarah Bailey
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Ticket and Office ManagerCennidie Hall
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Costume Department HeadKendra Strickland
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Lighting/Sound Department HeadEugene Rogers
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Scenic Department HeadPerry Catalano
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Costume CrewIrene Mack-Shaffer
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Production UnderstudyLysander Mills
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Production Musicians
Conductor/Piano
Anthony Trifiletti
PercussionRichard Moore+
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CelloGregory Fiocca+
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ViolinEunho Kim+
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GuitarJeremy Poparad+
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*Appearing through an Agreement between Rubber City Theatre and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
**Actors' Equity Membership Candidate.
+Member of the American Federation of Musicians
^Director-Choreographer is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
**Actors' Equity Membership Candidate.
+Member of the American Federation of Musicians
^Director-Choreographer is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
Cast |
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Tess Primack* -- Helen Cross
Broadway: Fiddler on the Roof directed by Bartlett Sher. Off-Broadway: Einstein's Dreams at 59E59 (Prospect Theatre Company). Regionally, Tess originated the role of Mother in the world premier of Kooman & Dimond's new musical The Enlightenment of Percival Von Schmootz at the Adirondack Theatre Festival. She also starred as Emma Carew in Jekyll & Hyde at North Shore Music Theatre opposite Diana DeGarmo and Constantine Maroulis. Tess is the Co-Founder of Broadway From Home, a digital theatre workshop offering live classes and shows. BFA: Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama. www.tessprimack.com // @tessprimack
Broadway: Fiddler on the Roof directed by Bartlett Sher. Off-Broadway: Einstein's Dreams at 59E59 (Prospect Theatre Company). Regionally, Tess originated the role of Mother in the world premier of Kooman & Dimond's new musical The Enlightenment of Percival Von Schmootz at the Adirondack Theatre Festival. She also starred as Emma Carew in Jekyll & Hyde at North Shore Music Theatre opposite Diana DeGarmo and Constantine Maroulis. Tess is the Co-Founder of Broadway From Home, a digital theatre workshop offering live classes and shows. BFA: Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama. www.tessprimack.com // @tessprimack
Alexis Sims* -- Billie Harris
Alexis Sims is thrilled to join the cast of On The Line: In Concert as Billie Harris! Alexis has been blessed to work on new works like The Prince of Egypt (Tzipporah) with Stephen Schwartz, Atlantis (Maya) with Kristin Hangi, and Girl Shakes Loose (Girl) at Penumbra Theatre. Other favorite credits include: Dreamgirls (Deena Jones), A Chorus Line (Cassie), Matilda (Miss Honey), World Goes Round (Woman 2). NYC: Runaways (Deidre), Standard Time (Vocalist), Todrick Hall’s 4Beyonce. International: Cirque du Soleil’s Banana Shpeel (Vocalist). Regional: Once On This Island (Erzulie), World Goes Round (Woman 1), Jelly’s Last Jam (Hunnie). TV: Law and Order, SVU. Short Film: Dear Sterling, The Dentist, Chances of Murder, Kiss and Tell. Voiceover: Rogue Waves (Hannah/ Spotify), As Seen On, Ep. 4 Manifesto Pixie (Clio/ Spotify). Many thanks to my family for their ongoing support and unwavering belief. AEA. Take 3 Talent. www.alexisjeanene.com@alexisjeanene
Alexis Sims is thrilled to join the cast of On The Line: In Concert as Billie Harris! Alexis has been blessed to work on new works like The Prince of Egypt (Tzipporah) with Stephen Schwartz, Atlantis (Maya) with Kristin Hangi, and Girl Shakes Loose (Girl) at Penumbra Theatre. Other favorite credits include: Dreamgirls (Deena Jones), A Chorus Line (Cassie), Matilda (Miss Honey), World Goes Round (Woman 2). NYC: Runaways (Deidre), Standard Time (Vocalist), Todrick Hall’s 4Beyonce. International: Cirque du Soleil’s Banana Shpeel (Vocalist). Regional: Once On This Island (Erzulie), World Goes Round (Woman 1), Jelly’s Last Jam (Hunnie). TV: Law and Order, SVU. Short Film: Dear Sterling, The Dentist, Chances of Murder, Kiss and Tell. Voiceover: Rogue Waves (Hannah/ Spotify), As Seen On, Ep. 4 Manifesto Pixie (Clio/ Spotify). Many thanks to my family for their ongoing support and unwavering belief. AEA. Take 3 Talent. www.alexisjeanene.com@alexisjeanene
Lana Sugarman -- Lt. Sandra O'Hare
Lana is thrilled to be revisiting the role of Lt. Sandra O’Hare with this amazing team! Local credits include: An Enemy of the People and Hindsight 2020 (Access Theatre Project), The Mirror Effect (Playwright’s Local), The Bear (WRP), Next to Normal and Doubt (Players Guild).
Lana is a proud Canadian and holds an MFA in Acting from Kent State University. She is also a member of The Greenhouse, an ensemble of Ohio artists who work, play, and nurture creativity together. Offstage you can find her teaching yoga, paddling on the water, or making a mean charcuterie board. Upcoming: A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Shakespeare at the Castle this August. http://lanasugarman.com
Lana is thrilled to be revisiting the role of Lt. Sandra O’Hare with this amazing team! Local credits include: An Enemy of the People and Hindsight 2020 (Access Theatre Project), The Mirror Effect (Playwright’s Local), The Bear (WRP), Next to Normal and Doubt (Players Guild).
Lana is a proud Canadian and holds an MFA in Acting from Kent State University. She is also a member of The Greenhouse, an ensemble of Ohio artists who work, play, and nurture creativity together. Offstage you can find her teaching yoga, paddling on the water, or making a mean charcuterie board. Upcoming: A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Shakespeare at the Castle this August. http://lanasugarman.com
Anna Popa -- Eleanor "Ellie" Good
Anna is thrilled to be back onstage as Ellie with RCT’s cast of On the Line! Previous credits include A Christmas Carol (Belle), Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (Irene Adler), Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), Guys and Dolls and Hairspray (Tammy). Anna is so thankful for the opportunity to perform again with such a talented cast and crew, bringing live theatre back into the world.
Anna is thrilled to be back onstage as Ellie with RCT’s cast of On the Line! Previous credits include A Christmas Carol (Belle), Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (Irene Adler), Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), Guys and Dolls and Hairspray (Tammy). Anna is so thankful for the opportunity to perform again with such a talented cast and crew, bringing live theatre back into the world.
Jason Eno* -- Clarence "Clary" Ryan
Jason Eno* is humbled and ecstatic to return to the stage in ON THE LINE!
Credits include: The First National Tour of The Wedding Singer!
NYC: FATTY FATTY NO FRIENDS! A dark operetta, Tink! The Musical (NYMF)
Regional Theatre Highlights: JOSEPH.../Smokey Joe's Cafe (Stages St. Louis) ELF, The Full Monty (Arkansas Repertory Theatre); Spelling Bee (Porthouse Theatre) and Aida (VMT).
BWMT ALUM. Immense gratitude to this entire creative team and cast. I love you Mom! #LeadwithLove #BLM #216pride Enjoy the show!
Jason Eno* is humbled and ecstatic to return to the stage in ON THE LINE!
Credits include: The First National Tour of The Wedding Singer!
NYC: FATTY FATTY NO FRIENDS! A dark operetta, Tink! The Musical (NYMF)
Regional Theatre Highlights: JOSEPH.../Smokey Joe's Cafe (Stages St. Louis) ELF, The Full Monty (Arkansas Repertory Theatre); Spelling Bee (Porthouse Theatre) and Aida (VMT).
BWMT ALUM. Immense gratitude to this entire creative team and cast. I love you Mom! #LeadwithLove #BLM #216pride Enjoy the show!
Jay Sigler -- Robert Sheridan
Jay Sigler is pleased to be back at RCT and back to performing!. He has been seen at RCT in Pippin, A Christmas Carol, Guys and Dolls, Romeo and Juliet, and previously as Robert Sheridan in the January 2020 workshop production of On the Line. He has performed on stage at local theaters from Canton to Cleveland. He has also performed out of state in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. By day, he is a mathematics teacher at Mogadore High School. He would like to thank the cast, crew, and audiences!
Jay Sigler is pleased to be back at RCT and back to performing!. He has been seen at RCT in Pippin, A Christmas Carol, Guys and Dolls, Romeo and Juliet, and previously as Robert Sheridan in the January 2020 workshop production of On the Line. He has performed on stage at local theaters from Canton to Cleveland. He has also performed out of state in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. By day, he is a mathematics teacher at Mogadore High School. He would like to thank the cast, crew, and audiences!
Andrew Strano -- Buck Ryley
Andrew is an Australian lyricist, playwright, director and performer. Their debut cabaret, "Nailed It!" won the Greenroom Award for Best Original Songs, toured globally to 5-star reviews, and saw Andrew nominated for a theatrepeople best cabaret performer award.
Acting credits include Roland (Constellations, Mira theatricals), Hartley/Pitman (Titanic, city of Ballarat), Whizzer (Falsettos, Shoosh! Productions) and Dino (Saturday Night, magnormos). Writing credits: Jack of Two Trades (Jeanne Pratt Artist in Residence program), Voyagers (La Mama/Civic theatre), STARSONG (Rattlestick off-Broadway) and SKIN (GMTWP).
Andrew studied improvisation at the iO theater Chicago, and is a graduate of the VCA's musical theatre performance course, where they later completed their M.A. (Writing for Performance).
Andrew was awarded the 2019 Victorian Fulbright Scholarship, the 2020 Schubert scholarship, the 2021 Peerce Scholarship, a major Mike Walsh Fellowship, a PPCA performer’s trust foundation grant, the George Fairfax Memorial Award and an American Australian Association Arts Fund Grant to complete their MFA at the NYU Tisch graduate musical theatre writing program.
For more, see andrewstrano.com, or follow them: @andrewstrano
Andrew is an Australian lyricist, playwright, director and performer. Their debut cabaret, "Nailed It!" won the Greenroom Award for Best Original Songs, toured globally to 5-star reviews, and saw Andrew nominated for a theatrepeople best cabaret performer award.
Acting credits include Roland (Constellations, Mira theatricals), Hartley/Pitman (Titanic, city of Ballarat), Whizzer (Falsettos, Shoosh! Productions) and Dino (Saturday Night, magnormos). Writing credits: Jack of Two Trades (Jeanne Pratt Artist in Residence program), Voyagers (La Mama/Civic theatre), STARSONG (Rattlestick off-Broadway) and SKIN (GMTWP).
Andrew studied improvisation at the iO theater Chicago, and is a graduate of the VCA's musical theatre performance course, where they later completed their M.A. (Writing for Performance).
Andrew was awarded the 2019 Victorian Fulbright Scholarship, the 2020 Schubert scholarship, the 2021 Peerce Scholarship, a major Mike Walsh Fellowship, a PPCA performer’s trust foundation grant, the George Fairfax Memorial Award and an American Australian Association Arts Fund Grant to complete their MFA at the NYU Tisch graduate musical theatre writing program.
For more, see andrewstrano.com, or follow them: @andrewstrano
George Csanyi -- Mr. G.S. Good
George is thrilled to be rejoining Rubber City Theatre with On The Line! He has had the pleasure of playing the role of Mr. G.S. Good throughout the development process of On The Line the past few years and is excited to be back. Past credits include: Arvide Abernathy in Guys and Dolls at Rubber City Theatre, The Wolf in Into the Woods at Weathervane Playhouse, and Chet Clarkson/Frank Howards in Hello Herman at Avenue Arts in Canton.
George is thrilled to be rejoining Rubber City Theatre with On The Line! He has had the pleasure of playing the role of Mr. G.S. Good throughout the development process of On The Line the past few years and is excited to be back. Past credits include: Arvide Abernathy in Guys and Dolls at Rubber City Theatre, The Wolf in Into the Woods at Weathervane Playhouse, and Chet Clarkson/Frank Howards in Hello Herman at Avenue Arts in Canton.
Olivia Billings** -- Mary/Finn
Olivia Billings is so grateful to take part in this new work. They just graduated from Baldwin Wallace with her BFA in Acting and Vocal Minor. Make sure to watch her this Summer in Brooklyn the Musical at Porthouse Theatre. She would like to thank the cast and crew and her friends and family and partner Danyel for their constant support. Keep in the loop at OliviaBillings.org
Olivia Billings is so grateful to take part in this new work. They just graduated from Baldwin Wallace with her BFA in Acting and Vocal Minor. Make sure to watch her this Summer in Brooklyn the Musical at Porthouse Theatre. She would like to thank the cast and crew and her friends and family and partner Danyel for their constant support. Keep in the loop at OliviaBillings.org
Carolyn Demanelis -- Margie
Carolyn Demanelis is thrilled to be working with Rubber City Theatre for the first time! A Cleveland native who recently moved back to Northeast Ohio in January 2021, she holds her MFA in Acting from The University of Virginia and BA in Theatre from The University of Notre Dame. Ohio credits include Grounded, The Eight, In The Next Room (Red Herring Productions), Dance Nation (Dobama Theatre), Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train (Short North Stage), The Vultures, The View Upstairs (Evolution Theatre Company), Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail, Prima Donna (CATCO), Mamma Mia (Renaissance Theatre). Other regional credits of note: Alma in Summer & Smoke (Virginia Repertory Theatre), Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (The Wit Theatre Company), and Stage Manager in Our Town (University of Virginia). All her love to Zach, Tiernan, Ladybird, and future baby girl.
Carolyn Demanelis is thrilled to be working with Rubber City Theatre for the first time! A Cleveland native who recently moved back to Northeast Ohio in January 2021, she holds her MFA in Acting from The University of Virginia and BA in Theatre from The University of Notre Dame. Ohio credits include Grounded, The Eight, In The Next Room (Red Herring Productions), Dance Nation (Dobama Theatre), Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train (Short North Stage), The Vultures, The View Upstairs (Evolution Theatre Company), Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail, Prima Donna (CATCO), Mamma Mia (Renaissance Theatre). Other regional credits of note: Alma in Summer & Smoke (Virginia Repertory Theatre), Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (The Wit Theatre Company), and Stage Manager in Our Town (University of Virginia). All her love to Zach, Tiernan, Ladybird, and future baby girl.
Caroline Turner -- Elaine
Caroline Turner is thrilled to help bring this concert version of On The Line to life! She is a recent graduate of the Baldwin Wallace BFA Acting Program and plans to move to NYC before the end of the year. Some of her favorite past shows include Men On Boats (Goodman/Mr. Asa), Little Women (Meg/Bhaer), Painting Vincent, and As You Like It. She would like to thank the cast and creative team, as well as her parents, Astra, and Sam for their love and support.
Caroline Turner is thrilled to help bring this concert version of On The Line to life! She is a recent graduate of the Baldwin Wallace BFA Acting Program and plans to move to NYC before the end of the year. Some of her favorite past shows include Men On Boats (Goodman/Mr. Asa), Little Women (Meg/Bhaer), Painting Vincent, and As You Like It. She would like to thank the cast and creative team, as well as her parents, Astra, and Sam for their love and support.
Roxana Bell -- Betty
Roxana is thrilled to be revisiting this gorgeous musical after having taken part in the initial staged reading in 2019. Most recently, Roxana performed as an ensemble member of “Ragtime” (2019) and in the devised theater piece, Central Concern, at Cleveland Public Theatre (2019). Some other favorite credits include: Stellaluna and Other Tales (Stellaluna), Man of La Mancha (Antonia), Macbeth (Banquo), and Akarui (Ensemble). Theater training: Michael Howard Studios (NYC, Summer Conservatory) and Freehold Theater & Studio Lab (Foundation Courses, Seattle). By day, Roxana is a Licensed Social Worker and completed a Master's in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University (2018). She is thrilled to be returning to live theater!
Roxana is thrilled to be revisiting this gorgeous musical after having taken part in the initial staged reading in 2019. Most recently, Roxana performed as an ensemble member of “Ragtime” (2019) and in the devised theater piece, Central Concern, at Cleveland Public Theatre (2019). Some other favorite credits include: Stellaluna and Other Tales (Stellaluna), Man of La Mancha (Antonia), Macbeth (Banquo), and Akarui (Ensemble). Theater training: Michael Howard Studios (NYC, Summer Conservatory) and Freehold Theater & Studio Lab (Foundation Courses, Seattle). By day, Roxana is a Licensed Social Worker and completed a Master's in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University (2018). She is thrilled to be returning to live theater!
Kayla Lehman -- Ruth
Kayla Lehman is very excited to be back at Rubber City Theatre in On the Line: In Concert after last being seen in Love's Labour's Lost. Kayla graduated from the University of Mount Union with degrees in Public Relations and Theatre, and is currently working at Beck Center for the Arts. Past favorite credits include: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Honey), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Little Women (Meg), and Tartuffe (Mariane). More info at www.kaylalehman.com
Kayla Lehman is very excited to be back at Rubber City Theatre in On the Line: In Concert after last being seen in Love's Labour's Lost. Kayla graduated from the University of Mount Union with degrees in Public Relations and Theatre, and is currently working at Beck Center for the Arts. Past favorite credits include: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Honey), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Little Women (Meg), and Tartuffe (Mariane). More info at www.kaylalehman.com
Tara Corkery -- Jean
Tara Corkery (Jean) is thrilled to revisit this story and its incredible music after having the honor of portraying Helen in the 2020 workshop performance. Other recent credits: Ragtime (Mother), Dancing at Lughnasa (Agnes), Next to Normal (Diana), The Laramie Project, West Side Story in Concert and the Ohio premiere of Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (Hannah/others). This past year, Tara joined the world of virtual theatre with Rubber City Theatre's reading of Winter’s Tale (Paulina/Dorcas), and Broadview Heights Spotlights’ Clue: Stay at Home (Miss Scarlet). This summer, you can catch her as Detective Case in Spotlight’s streaming production of A Killer Party. Tara co-hosts two podcasts- Podcast in Death (on the JD Robb police procedural In Death series) and Basic Snitches (an in-depth Harry Potter re-read) and has just completed her 17th year of coaching high school Speech and Debate.
Tara Corkery (Jean) is thrilled to revisit this story and its incredible music after having the honor of portraying Helen in the 2020 workshop performance. Other recent credits: Ragtime (Mother), Dancing at Lughnasa (Agnes), Next to Normal (Diana), The Laramie Project, West Side Story in Concert and the Ohio premiere of Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (Hannah/others). This past year, Tara joined the world of virtual theatre with Rubber City Theatre's reading of Winter’s Tale (Paulina/Dorcas), and Broadview Heights Spotlights’ Clue: Stay at Home (Miss Scarlet). This summer, you can catch her as Detective Case in Spotlight’s streaming production of A Killer Party. Tara co-hosts two podcasts- Podcast in Death (on the JD Robb police procedural In Death series) and Basic Snitches (an in-depth Harry Potter re-read) and has just completed her 17th year of coaching high school Speech and Debate.
Nick Salazar -- Nick Butz
Nick Salazar is so excited and grateful to be in his first professional production with Rubber City Theatre. Nick is going to be a junior Musical Theatre major at Wright State University in the Fall. In his free time, Nick loves to hangout with his incredibly supportive friends and family. In addition to Musical Theatre, he spends a lot of his free time playing his guitar and songwriting. This is Nick’s first time performing unmasked since the pandemic began, and he couldn’t be more thrilled to kick things off with On The Line. Nick’s great grandmother was one of the women who worked in Akron’s factories to help end World War II, so this beautifully written show holds a special place in his heart. Thank you for supporting the talented writers of On The Line as well as the wonderful cast and crew who’ve helped bring this show to life.
Nick Salazar is so excited and grateful to be in his first professional production with Rubber City Theatre. Nick is going to be a junior Musical Theatre major at Wright State University in the Fall. In his free time, Nick loves to hangout with his incredibly supportive friends and family. In addition to Musical Theatre, he spends a lot of his free time playing his guitar and songwriting. This is Nick’s first time performing unmasked since the pandemic began, and he couldn’t be more thrilled to kick things off with On The Line. Nick’s great grandmother was one of the women who worked in Akron’s factories to help end World War II, so this beautifully written show holds a special place in his heart. Thank you for supporting the talented writers of On The Line as well as the wonderful cast and crew who’ve helped bring this show to life.
Zach Palumbo -- Francis/Film Crew
Zach Palumbo is excited to be taking this first step towards a post-quarantine world with Rubber City Theatre, where he performed for the final time pre-quarantine as Holofernes in Love's Labour's Lost. He has also appeared around Northeast Ohio with Karamu House, Cleveland Public Theatre, Blank Canvas Theatre, none too fragile, convergence-continuum, Near West Theatre, French Creek Theatre, Cassidy Theatre, Western Reserve Playhouse, and the BorderLight International Theatre Festival, among others. Upcoming projects include the 43rd annual Marilyn Bianchi Kids' Playwriting Festival with Dobama Theatre and the world premiere of Aponibolinayan in the Sky at Talespinner Children's Theatre. He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University '17, where he played piano for IMPROVment as well as performing with the Department of Theatre, the CWRU Footlighters, and Players' Theatre Group. https://zach.palumbo.io
Zach Palumbo is excited to be taking this first step towards a post-quarantine world with Rubber City Theatre, where he performed for the final time pre-quarantine as Holofernes in Love's Labour's Lost. He has also appeared around Northeast Ohio with Karamu House, Cleveland Public Theatre, Blank Canvas Theatre, none too fragile, convergence-continuum, Near West Theatre, French Creek Theatre, Cassidy Theatre, Western Reserve Playhouse, and the BorderLight International Theatre Festival, among others. Upcoming projects include the 43rd annual Marilyn Bianchi Kids' Playwriting Festival with Dobama Theatre and the world premiere of Aponibolinayan in the Sky at Talespinner Children's Theatre. He is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University '17, where he played piano for IMPROVment as well as performing with the Department of Theatre, the CWRU Footlighters, and Players' Theatre Group. https://zach.palumbo.io
Jack D. Riter -- Frank/Film Crew
Jack Douglas Riter (Frank/Film Crew) is glad to be returning to RCT after the longest March of his life. RCT credits: Dumaine (Love’s Labours Lost), Ghost of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol), Bohemia (Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure). After this production he will be relocating to pursue his MFA. He would like to thank Dane, Sander, Sam and all the other NE Ohio artists who have made Akron home to him for the last two years.
Jack Douglas Riter (Frank/Film Crew) is glad to be returning to RCT after the longest March of his life. RCT credits: Dumaine (Love’s Labours Lost), Ghost of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol), Bohemia (Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure). After this production he will be relocating to pursue his MFA. He would like to thank Dane, Sander, Sam and all the other NE Ohio artists who have made Akron home to him for the last two years.
Creative Team |
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Image by #SueroPhotography
Amy Burgess is a composer, writer, and performer from Brooklyn. In addition to ON THE LINE (with Rachel Dean), recent theatre includes: FINDING BEAUTIFUL @ NYMF *as actor* (Summer 2019), ELEVATOR HEART, NYC premiere production with THML Theatre Co. and Access Theater (Spring 2019), University of San Francisco production (Fall 2018), NYC concert reading @ the Tank (Fall 2017), NYU Tisch New Musicals Workshop (Fall 2016), Queens Council on the Arts Grant (2016); STIR (music) with Basin Arts (Summer 2017) filmed for PBS; Under My Skin (words and music) with collaborator Joel Waggoner, choreography by Clare Cook, Dance Now NYC @ Joe's Pub (2014); SHOW ME REAL (words and music) with Clare Cook Dance Theatre at the New York Musical Festival (2012) and Tada! Theater (2012); SWEET CASSANDRA (with Sean Mahoney) New Georges Theatre (2009). Amy’s musical theatre work has been seen at Lincoln Center, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, The Tank, Dixon Place, Berkshire Playwright’s Lab, Goodspeed Musicals, and many other NYC venues. Choral and symphonic commissions (selection): for the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir: Moon Dance: A Choral Fantasia (Spring 2019); We Will Speak (2017) international premiere @ St. Giles Church, Edinburgh, Scotland (Summer 2017); Look To This Day (2016); Dreamer of Dreams (2014) international premiere Beijing, China (Summer 2014). Other commissions: A Day In The Life for the Marian Singers, Portland, OR (2013); She Holds Fire in Her Hands and I Have Come To Cast Fire (for choir and orchestra) commissioned for Oregon's 150th Anniversary Celebration, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR (2009). Composer-in-Residence, Portland Symphonic Girlchoir (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019). Amy received her BM in Composition from Pacific Lutheran University and MFA from NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Amy plays and sings in the indie folk band Two Sheets to the Wind with Joel Waggoner and works at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. composeramy.com
RACHEL DEAN is a composer, pianist, and music director originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Now New York City-based, she serves as a rehearsal pianist for Hamilton and Moulin Rouge as well as a staff pianist for NYU Steinhardt. An ASCAP award recipient, Rachel’s work has been performed in New York, Tokyo, Miami, Ohio, Phoenix, and New Jersey. Musicals in development include Medusa (with Wes Braver), The Anxiety Project and Amelia (with David Brush), On the Line (with Amy Burgess) and The Ballad of Janis Matthews and the Dodo Scouts (with Giancarlo Rodaz). Rachel is a member of ASCAP and Local 802.
Lucy O'Brien -- Orchestrator
Lucy is a composer, music director, & arranger from Melbourne, Australia.
In 2020, she completed the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at New York University, with assistance from the Australia Council and American Australian Association.
Her music direction highlights include Watch This’ Company (fortyfivedownstairs & Victorian tour), Room8’s Godspell, (Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Arts Centre) and Tony Bartuccio’s Menopause the Musical (national tour).
Her composer credits include Madame President (Gabrielle Burch, Jessie Field, NYU), Adventurers!, (Alex Higgin-Houser, Underscore Theatre, Chicago), mini-musical The Fox, (Jamie Buxton, The Ceiling Project, London), and Jack of Two Trades (Andrew Strano, Pratt Foundation's Artist in Residence, Monash University).
In 2020, she completed the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at New York University, with assistance from the Australia Council and American Australian Association.
Her music direction highlights include Watch This’ Company (fortyfivedownstairs & Victorian tour), Room8’s Godspell, (Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Arts Centre) and Tony Bartuccio’s Menopause the Musical (national tour).
Her composer credits include Madame President (Gabrielle Burch, Jessie Field, NYU), Adventurers!, (Alex Higgin-Houser, Underscore Theatre, Chicago), mini-musical The Fox, (Jamie Buxton, The Ceiling Project, London), and Jack of Two Trades (Andrew Strano, Pratt Foundation's Artist in Residence, Monash University).
Emily Chiu -- Orchestrator
EMILY CHIU is a musical theater writer, translator, and orchestrator. Writing credits include: American Girl Live! (National Tour – Mills Entertainment, Mattel Inc.); Bak Chang (commissioned by the 5th Ave Theater); Keaton and the Whale (Tom Hendry 2021 Musical Award, Eric Weinberger Emerging Librettists Award); Apollo (Highland Arts Theatre), Unshelved (Shanghai Conservatory of Music). http://www.emilychiu.net
Hazen Tobar -- Sound Designer
Hazen is excited to return to RCT. He has been designing for the company since 2016. He has designed sound at theatres around Northeast Ohio. When not designing sound, Hazen is a photographer. You can follow him @officialhazen //hazentobar.com
Patrick Lee Johnson* -- Stage Manager
Patrick is thrilled to join Rubber City Theatre as the Stage Manager for ON THE LINE. Previously, he served as a Stage Management Apprentice at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia for their 2019-2020 mainstage season. Other stage management credits include Porthouse Theatre (SM/ASM) and Theatre Workshop of Nantucket (ASM). Patrick holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Stage Management from Kent State University. He would like to thank Dane and RCT for giving him this opportunity and his family and friends for their constant support. www.patrickleejohnson.com
Anthony Trifiletti -- Music Director
As a pianist and music director, Anthony has held positions at French Creek Theatre, Blank Canvas Theatre, The Lorain Palace Theatre, TrueNorth Cultural Arts, Sandstone Summer Theatre, Amherst Workshop Players, Lorain Community Music Theatre, The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic Youth Strings, and numerous other venues. Anthony is currently serving on the Board of Directors for TrueNorth Cultural Arts. He is a 2014 graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. While at UD, Anthony was the recipient of the Award for Outstanding Collaborative Pianist and performed at the American Choral Director's Association National Convention in 2013. Besides working in theatrical and other performance related settings, Anthony is an active church musician, having served at numerous parishes throughout the state. He is currently the Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Peter Parish in Lorain.
Dane CT Leasure -- Director-Choreographer
Dane CT Leasure is the founder and Executive Artistic Director of Rubber City Theatre. He has directed over 20 productions at RCT. His work as a director and actor has been seen in Ohio, Virginia, and NYC. He graduated from the University of Akron with his BA in Humanities and holds a M.Litt./MFA in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University.
Actors' Equity Association (“Equity"), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional Actors and Stage Managers. Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors' Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. #EquityWorks
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80,000 musicians comprise the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM). AFM members perform in orchestras, backup bands, festivals, clubs and theaters—both on Broadway and on tour. AFM members also make music for films, TV, commercials and sound recordings.
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2021 Donors
Anonymous
Bailey Family
Bill Riter
Bob Dieter
Brenda & Wayne Schneider
Casey Robinson
Cindy Simmons
DeeAnna Leasure
Drs Mark and Sandy Auburn
Erin Riffle
Frankie and Sarah Simmerman
Jared Sparks
Judi and Wally Snyder
Judith Snyder
Matt and Crystal
Meagan and David Crim
Michael Hayes
Michael Ost
Michael, Paula, and Samantha Ost
Pam Horning
Rachel Hurst
Sally Goodall
Sarah Heid
Sean and Elise Vollman
Sean Vollman
Suzanne Smith
The Klika Family
William Mickler
Bailey Family
Bill Riter
Bob Dieter
Brenda & Wayne Schneider
Casey Robinson
Cindy Simmons
DeeAnna Leasure
Drs Mark and Sandy Auburn
Erin Riffle
Frankie and Sarah Simmerman
Jared Sparks
Judi and Wally Snyder
Judith Snyder
Matt and Crystal
Meagan and David Crim
Michael Hayes
Michael Ost
Michael, Paula, and Samantha Ost
Pam Horning
Rachel Hurst
Sally Goodall
Sarah Heid
Sean and Elise Vollman
Sean Vollman
Suzanne Smith
The Klika Family
William Mickler
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