Something Rotten Program

Brian Arechiga (NICK) is a senior at Cal State LA, majoring in Theatre with an option in Performance. This will be the tenth musical Brian has worked on throughout his acting career. His favorite roles include Uncle Fester in Addams Family, Toby in Sweeney Todd, Eugene in Grease, and Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Outside of Cal State LA, Brian has also worked as a Scare Actor for Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights for four seasons and as a performer for both Universal Studios Hollywood and the Disneyland Resort. Brian would like to thank his mom, dad, sister, Tias, Uncle, grandparents, cousin, friends, and boyfriend for always supporting his goals and dreams and being the reason why he performs.

Matthew Dominguez (NIGEL) is a first-year Cal State LA student majoring in Theatre. Something Rotten is the first production he has worked on with the department. He is excited to continue his education in performance here in LA. Matthew has always had a passion for performing, whether it is in front of the camera or on stage. He is extremely grateful for the cast and crew he has been able to work with and the friends he’s made along the way. Matthew would like to give thanks to his parents Matt and Jenn, and his family, and friends for their continued support in his future endeavors. 

Luca Stapleton (SHAKESPEARE) is a nineteen-year-old actor, poet, singer, and playwright from Carlsbad, California. This is Luca’s second year at Cal State LA, and their first production with the department. Luca’s passion for the performing arts was inspired by their mother, Judi Stapleton, and their skills were developed immeasurably by Katherine Gardner, their vocal coach, and Jillian Porter-Eshelman, their high school theater teacher. Luca’s favorite roles on stage have been Billy Flynn in Chicago, Lilith in She Kills Monsters, and Solange in a student-directed performance of The Maids. Luca is influenced by the theatrical and literary works of Antonin Artaud and Jean Genet, the films of John Waters, and the acting of Mia Goth. Their hobbies include attending The Rocky Horror Picture Show, watching horror movies, reading far too many books, and listening to punk and goth music. Luca would like to thank Meredith Greenberg, Cathy Bleecker, and Daniel Czypinski for their support and guidance.

Jessica Kilgore (BEA) is in her second year in the MFA program at Cal State LA, majoring in Television, Film, and Theatre with an emphasis in Acting. Her previous work includes the films Mentone (Michelle) and Neon America (Funeral Attendant), and Cal State LA’s John Lion New Plays Festival (The Night Shift & Fast Food: The Musical). She also was the co-writer for the award-winning film AR-115 and assisted and starred in the upcoming film Lilac Ave. Jessica would like to thank her amazing cast for their dedication and hard-work, her wonderful boyfriend for his love and patience, and her friends for being so supportive and encouraging. Jessica would also like to thank her family for reminding her what love and strength look like in the face of adversity, she loves them very much. Please enjoy the show! <3

Coko Kirton (PORTIA) is a senior at Cal State LA, majoring in Theatre Arts. Coko is a transfer student from Santa Monica College and is so excited to be able to take part in a musical again after 5 years. She was most recently seen as "Newbie" in Fast Food the Musical at the John Lions New Play Festival (2023). Coko plans to pursue acting after she graduates in any capacity she can, but her goal is to be in as many musicals as she can. Coko would like to thank Meredith for believing in her and giving her the opportunity to play a character she so dearly relates to and for creating a rehearsal space that she felt extremely comfortable and creative in.

Damaris Vizvett (NOSTRADAMUS) is currently completing her final year here at Cal State LA as an Undergraduate student in the BA in Theatre, Performance option. Damaris has been in many shows during her time here at Cal State LA, some of her favorite roles include La Cubana in Latina (2016), The Old Woman in Candide (2017), and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (2020 – AKA the show that never was). You may have seen Damaris competing in the August Wilson Monologue Competition for Center Theatre Group (2016), where she placed 1st in the Regional Competition at the Mark Taper Forum and advanced to the National competition in New York City, where she went on to perform at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway, placing 2nd in the nation. Damaris also went on to become a Grand Prize Finalist in the Music Center’s annual Spotlight Awards (2016), where she went on to represent the Acting Category and perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Damaris started attending Cal State LA in Fall 2016. She went on educational leave during the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic and was away from acting and singing for roughly 2 years. For Damaris, it has been a long journey with many detours along the way, but she is so glad to be back creating magic on the stage once again. She sends all of her love to her friends and family from every corner of her life. Damaris also sends a thank you to Meredith Greenburg for seeing the good in her and trusting her with this role. Lastly, she would like to thank Wendi and Matthew Johnson, and Melissa Hoover for not only being her support system but for helping her and encouraging her to get back into school. “Thank you for believing in me, I hope I can make you proud.”

Nicholas Diaz (BROTHER JEREMIAH) is a Second-year Graduate Student at Cal State LA, getting his Master's Degree in Television, Film, and Theatre as a part of the Acting Cohort. He is excited and proud to be a part of one of his favorite shows, Something Rotten. His favorite roles onstage include Sebastian in Twelfth Night and Luigi Gaudi in Lucky Stiff. Nicholas would like to thank his Father for all his support in getting him where he is today, his Brother for inspiring him, and his Grandmother for her love. He hopes his Friends, Family, and all others reading this enjoy the singing and dancing!

Grey Arias (She/They) (LADY CLAPHAM), is a transfer student from Mt. San Antonio College pursuing a B.A. in Theatre, Design and Production Option. The passion for the stage ignited in their sophomore year of high school back in 2015, performing in productions such as Hello Dolly!, The Addams Family, and Once On This Island. In 2019, a new love blossomed for stage management. They went on to manage such shows as Authenticity The Musical and the award-winning play Pipeline. Upon their arrival at Cal State LA, the call of the stage beckoned once more. She seized the opportunity and auditioned for Something Rotten, showcasing their versatility for the craft. Grey aspires to become the kind of theater teacher she wishes she had and makes it her goal to inspire the next generation of Theater students. Grey Arias stands ready to make a lasting mark in the realm of theater education.

Jose Luis Andrade-Hernandez (SHYLOCK) is a 21-year-old Junior at Cal State LA, majoring in Theatre. This is Jose Luis's first production with Cal State LA, having recently transferred from College of the Sequoias. Favorite roles on stage include Haberdasher in Taming of the Shrew and Dymas in Argonautika. Jose Luis is just so excited to make people laugh through his work and so happy to work with such an amazing group of actors in the show. Jose Luis would love to thank Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior and his family for always supporting him.  

Joe Baca (FLUTE/BARD BOY/DANCING CHEF) is a Junior in college, but this is his first year as a student of Cal State LA. He is majoring in Theatre. This is Joe's first production with Cal State LA, having recently transferred from Riverside Community College. He was most recently seen as Ethan in The Altruist at RCC. However, his main goal is to be a film actor and professional dancer, and he has already begun working in the industry, landing roles in commercials, music videos, and TV shows. You may have seen him most recently on the Netflix Show On My Block and a Honda commercial. Joe would like to give all glory and thanks to God. Joe also gives thanks to his family and mother for always supporting him.

Will Baker III (TROUPE/BARD GUARD/MASTER OF THE JUSTICE) first joined the Cal State LA community to study production within the TV, Film, & Media Studies Department. During his time at Cal State LA, Will has been involved in numerous opportunities on campus, including working at the University Times as the Social Media Editor and Multimedia Editor, director of the 2023 Golden Eagle Film Festival, and even producing a LGBTQIA short film that premiered at OutFest 23 called Artificial. In Will’s free time, you can him performing with his improv team Soup Du Jour or spending quality time with his husband and dog. Will also has been a recurring character on Holding, an online web series, and soon in the film project Sapphire Kingshit produced by Bass Demon Productions. Something Rotten marks the end of a 14-year hiatus from the musical stage. Will’s favorite roles have been Bobby in Company, Billy in Carousel, and Freddie in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Will would like to thank everyone in the entire company and Theatre and Dance Department for welcoming him back to the stage, and as well as his husband and family for being such an amazing support throughout this process. Finally, Will dedicates his performance to his number one fan who would have been sitting through all performances if he could have, his late father Will Baker Jr. who would’ve found this entire show anything but rotten! @willbakeriii

Ginger Carruthers (DANCING CHEF/ENSEMBLE) is a freshman at Cal State LA, majoring in Music with a minor in Theatre. She dreams to perform in musicals professionally and is so excited to be a part of ensemble. Ginger began her performing arts journey with dancing at Dancin' In Acton at the age of 10. She learned hip-hop, lyrical, jazz, and tap while dancing with this studio. In her sophomore year in high school, Ginger became a member of Chamber Singers, the advanced choir of William J Pete Knight High School. By her senior year, she was the Captain of her high school dance team. Ginger is an alumni of the nationally-awarded Justice Sunday Program, where she acts as Head of Choreography on the Alumni Leadership Board. Not only is this Ginger's first Cal State LA production, but her first musical! She would like to thank Sharon Roberts, her first vocal coach, Daniel Martensen, her high school choir teacher, and Sadie Pacino, her high school dance coach. She would also like to thank her family, for convincing her to audition for the musical in the first place, and always supporting her dreams and passions.

Adriana (Ana) Davila (SINGING CHEF/ENSEMBLE) Ana Davila is a third year Journalism Major and Theatre Minor at Cal State LA. Ana is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and now resides in Dallas, Texas when she’s away from school. She was last seen on stage in the spring 2023 semester as a part of the John Lion New Play’s Festival, as well as the 10 Minute Play Festival. Also with Cal State LA, Ana was a part of the creation of the devised piece Fighting Back!, as well as the 2022 Production of Los Faustinos as Esperanza Faustino. Ana has been doing musicals since she was seven and has played a variety of roles from King Louie in The Jungle Book to Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast. She has been dancing since she was three and began guitar and voice lessons at seven. Outside of rehearsals, Ana enjoys songwriting and writing stories as a reporter for the University Times. Ana would like to thank the cast and crew of Something Rotten! for making the show such a blast to be a part of, as well as her parents and friends for their constant support.

Anthony Gamboa (SNOUT/ENSEMBLE) is a 22-year-old senior at Cal State LA, majoring in Theatre with an option in Performance and minoring in Entertainment Marketing, This is his 3rd production at Cal State LA after transferring from Fresno City College in 2019. His favorite credits include a 2019 Irene Ryan Nomination for writing and starring in a documentary created Project 19. At Cal State LA, he has starred in the short film Swipe Left and acted as a lead in the Spring 2023 “10 Minute Play Festival.”  Something Rotten! will be his second time appearing in a musical. He began acting at an early age in productions through his local performances and churches. Proceeding to tackle his commitments with his first musical production and cast in lead roles in his senior year of high school. At a young age, his curiosity and love for the craft catapulted him into becoming an artist in LA solely with the help and support of his family back home, which he can't thank or fit enough onto this paper.

Damaris Garcia (SINGING CHEF/ENSEMBLE) is a second year MFA student at Cal State LA, as part of the acting cohort. This is Damaris’s second production at Cal State LA and is so excited to be a part of the ensemble of Something Rotten. She received her AA degree in Theater Arts at Cypress College and her bachelor's in general Theatre at Cal Poly Pomona. Some of her other favorite roles on stage include Metzli in Loop Group which she performed in her first year at Cal State LA, Hair the Musical as part of the tribe and Jeanie’s understudy, Enid in Legally Blonde and Camila in In the Heights. Damaris is excited to continue her journey at Cal State LA.

Aaron Gonzalez (SNUG/BARD BOY/TROUPE) is a senior at Cal State LA, majoring in Theatre in the option of performance. Aaron would first like to thank Meredith Greenburg for seeing the potential that he has on stage and allowing him to express his talent on such a massive show. Secondly, he would like to thank his family and friends for showing support for the entirety of the cast, and to watch all the hard work put into this performance. Thirdly, Aaron would like to congratulate the cast, and thank everyone for being such wonderful and kind souls, making so many memories, having great rehearsals with everybody and hopefully, holding these people as friends forever. This is Aaron’s third performance, having previously appeared in Fighting Back, and the Spring 2023 10-Minute Play Festival.  This may possibly be his final production here at CSULA, but it won’t be the final time he will perform. Thank You All. Much Love.

Preston Harris (MINSTREL/ENSEMBLE) is a junior Theatre Arts major. This is his first production at Cal State LA. He recently transferred from Cypress College where he played Mr. Burns and Gibson in Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play. His other recent roles include Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Greg Pierotti in The Laramie Project. Ever the collaborator and improviser, Preston’s experiences with roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons solidified his love of acting.

Montgomery King (PETER QUINCE/ENSEMBLE) is a second year MFA in TVFT student (Writing Option). This is the first production they will be acting in at Cal State LA. Favorite roles onstage include Eddie Flagrante in Zombie Prom and Julia in Omnium Gatherum. Montgomery plans to make a career in acting and writing and is grateful to their friends and family for their support.

Julian Mendez-Chagolla (TROUPE/EYE PATCH MAN/ENSEMBLE) is a sophomore at Cal State LA majoring in Theatre with an option in Performance. This is currently Julian’s first performance at Cal State LA but he assisted in last year’s productions of Keely & Du and Fighting Back. These past two years have been Julian’s first experiences in the world of theatre and he is ready to perform and entertain audiences from now and years to come! Julian would love to thank his family and friends for their continued support and encouragement, and his previous Acting Professors for their teachings!

Miracle Moore (SAD LITTLE EGG/ENSEMBLE) is an undergrad student at Cal State LA studying psychology. She has a strong interest and curiosity for the human mind and the ways in which it functions and controls human emotion and behavior. While she is working towards her B.A. in psychology, her first love is for the arts. Miracle has been passionate about singing, acting, dancing, and performing overall since she was a child, but she hasn’t had the chance to pursue it as an adult. This is Miracle’s first production at Cal State LA, and she plans to continue to audition for more productions in the future. Miracle would like to thank all of her family and friends for the constant love and support they give her, and she would like to give a special shoutout to her beautiful Mommy and her best friend Marisa.

Sofia Portillo (SINGING CHEF/ENSEMBLE) is a senior at Cal State LA majoring in Television Film and Media with a focus in production. She is a writer, actor, and director who has worked on multiple short films. Most recently she was the creator and showrunner for her first limited series Speed Queen and hopes to create her own feature films in the future. This is Sofia's first theatre production at Cal State LA.

Bethany Tasi (BARD BOY/DANCNG CHEF/ENSEMBLE) is a first year in Cal State LA, pre-majoring in Theatre with a performance option. This is her first time working in a musical production in Cal State LA. She loves to learn new things, especially when it comes to dance. Bethany is thankful for her supportive family for pushing her to go beyond! Also, she is blessed by her lovely mother who remind her to always put God first in everything she does.

Jorge Rivas (CHIMNEY SWEEP/ENSEMBLE) For the past two decades, Jorge has been active in the world of performance and dance, as well as cultivating numerous cultural and artistic events in many communities. In 2014 Jorge established Ballet Bravo, which allowed him to express his own artistry and appreciation of cultural heritage, as well as encourage his students to express their artistry and creativity through the medium of dance. Now, as a Cal State LA student, he is working hard to obtain a BA in Theatre to further his passion for community involvement and performing arts, with aims of pursuing a Master’s one day. He has had the honor of participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade five consecutive years. In addition to his own work, Mr. Rivas has had the honor of working with the LAOPERA in the Barber of Seville (2015), Carmen (2017), and El Gato Montes (2019). He has also performed with various singers, music videos, TV celebrities, and TV shows. His most recent participation was in Vida. Other professional participation includes Angeles Ochoa, Los Rieleros del Norte, Los Tigres Del Norte tours, La Santa Cecilia, and his most recent appearance at the Academy Awards presentation for Best Animated Film COCO. He continues to dedicate his time and energy to helping various communities to discover physical and psychological wellbeing through dance. Now, Jorge has taken his passion for helping his community by establishing Youth Culture Moves the World a nonprofit organization, which serves as a vehicle in furthering his student’s goals and careers.      

Ben Vega (ROBIN/BARD GUARD/ENSEMBLE) is a professional singer in classical, theater, and jazz music. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance at Cal State LA. Growing up in a jazz family, Ben has performed extensively as a jazz singer. He won best jazz vocalist, “Fabulous Find,” from California radio station 580am Radio in 2005. During the pandemic, he hosted an online jazz show called, “The Ben Vega Show”. Classically he has performed with such groups as the LA Symphony and Choir, the University of La Verne Chamber Singers, and the Cal State LA Chamber Singers. Ben has been on stage for decades. He has performed in concerts and musical theater productions. He appeared in such productions as Footloose the Musical, the Music Man, and Babes in Toyland, to name a few. He is privileged to have the love and support of family and friends.

Kira Shinden (PURITAN/ENSEMBLE) is a 19-year-old sophomore at Cal State LA majoring in Commercial Music. This is her first production with Cal State LA. She is the vocal captain of one of the Opening Act bands in the Commercial Music Ensemble and has a special love for songwriting. Kira has a special space in her heart for this show and is so excited to be a part of this production. Kira would like to thank her wonderful family for supporting her and would like to thank everyone in the show for being the best first cast and best first show to be a part of. And to thank you for coming to the show! She hopes you love it as much as she does.

Meredith J. Greenburg (DIRECTOR) is the Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State LA. Meredith has been the Production Manager for the Department since she arrived at Cal State LA in 2001, and the Chair of the Department since 2017.  Meredith’s stage management students can be found all over the country working professionally in Theatre, Dance and Opera.  In 2016, she was the recipient of Cal State LA's Outstanding Professor Award. A professional Stage Manager for 30 years, Meredith works extensively in both Theatre and Opera.  She is a member of both Actors’ Equity Association (since 1993) and the American Guild of Musical Artists (since 1999) and has sat on committees and negotiating teams for both unions over the years. Meredith has been the Production Stage Manager for the Hollywood Bowl’s fully staged Broadway Musicals held every summer since 2006, including Into the Woods (with Patina Miller, Sutton Foster, Skyler Astin and Cheyenne Jackson), Kinky Boots (directed by Jerry Mitchell, with Wayne Brady as Lola), and Everybody Rise! (a Sondheim celebration featuring Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sutton Foster, and more).  Other favorite theatre credits include: LA Phil/Deaf West Theatre's production of Fidelio at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Baz Lurmahnn’s La Boheme on Broadway at the Ahmanson, Deaf West/Mark Taper Forum’s Big River, the 1st National tour of Caroline or Change at the Ahmanson (sub), When Pigs Fly, The Last Night of Ballyhoo (with Rhea Perlman and Harriet Harris), Always, Patsy Cline, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Masada, The Musical, and for two years – from the Tiffany Theatre in Hollywood, to the Canon in Beverly Hills to the Promenade in New York - Bermuda Avenue Triangle (with Bea Arthur, Nanette Fabray, Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna).  As the Stage Manager for Deaf West Theatre, Meredith worked on over 10 productions including the critically acclaimed One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Of Mice and Men, Medea, and Mark Medoff's Road to a Revolution.  Meredith served as a producer on the CSULA/DWT production of American Buffalo in winter of 2015. Meredith has also managed productions for the LA Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Center Theatre Group at all their venues, BalletNow and (for the past 10 years) The Spotlight Awards for the Music Center of Los Angeles County at the Ahmanson, Chandler and Disney Hall. She is a Professional Mentor through the Stage Management Mentoring Project for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology on and off since 1993 and maintains membership in USITT and the Production Managers’ Forum.  Meredith lives in Northridge with her family – including twin boys Hunter and Ryan.

Cathy Bleecker (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is beyond thrilled to be sharing this magical creative experience with the amazing cast and production team of Something Rotten. She is also deeply grateful to have the chance to work with this stellar pit orchestra of local music professionals. Cathy has been working in music and theatre for over 50 years as choral teacher/conductor and musical theatre director/music director. She retired from teaching full time in 2020 (most recently teaching elementary school music in the Bay Area) but has been keeping incredibly busy since then directing choirs and volunteering in the arts community in the Portland, Oregon area. Cathy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in music and theatre arts from the University of Redlands, a Masters Degree in Conducting from Western Michigan University, and completed all but a dissertation in a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree program in Choral Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In addition to directing and/or music directing close to 100 musicals, Cathy specializes in Vocal Jazz, having worked with award-winning ensembles at UMKC, Western Michigan University, and Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA). In addition, her high school choral (both traditional and vocal jazz) and musical theatre programs have been well-known for artistic and creative excellence. After fifty plus years, it’s hard to “name a few” favorite experiences — but here goes! Music Directing newly released productions of Jesus Christ Superstar (as a student teacher at Riverside Poly HS in 1978) and Pippin (at Fallbrook HS in 1980); Directing/Music Directing You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown with the Okinawa (Japan) Theatre Guild; Music Directing Crazy for You with Woodinville HS (WA) performing both at the local Performing Arts Center and as a part of the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland; introducing hundreds of elementary and middle school kids to musical theatre by mounting productions of MTI’s “Junior” shows including Annie, Honk, High School Musical, and Once Upon a Mattress. A few other favorite shows: Anything Goes, 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, Wonderful Town, and Footloose. Favorite roles played: numerous characters in multiple productions of Godspell, Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, and Lucy in YAGMCB! Cathy wishes to thank Meredith (and Barbara!) for this fantastic opportunity! To the cast: you are all stars! Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your journey! A special thanks, also, to the Westside Singers —who have been preparing for the Holiday Season under the talented direction of Cathy’s assistant, Jen McMillen. And, last but not least, a huge thank-you goes to the community of friends (especially Betsi Eki) and family who rallied around Cathy (and her dog, Valentina) to make this amazing dream experience a reality!

Amanda Carr (CHOREOGRAPHER) is so excited to have choreographed Something Rotten! here at Cal State LA! Amanda is a professional dancer, assistant choreographer and choreographer. She has been the assistant choreographer for shows such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Wizard of Oz, and previous productions of Something Rotten, and she has choreographed a summer concert and holiday outreach show for 5 Star Theatricals as well as two previous productions of Something Rotten. Amanda’s most recent performance credits include Carousel with Opera SLO, Something Rotten at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, the Beach Belles at Santa Monica Place, the immersive Stranger Things Drive Into Experience, and an episode of Young Sheldon with David Hasselhoff. More at www.amandacarrdance.com    

Karyn D. Lawrence (LIGHTING DESIGN) Karyn is an award-winning lighting designer based in Los Angeles. She earned her Master of Fine Arts Degree in Lighting Design from the University of California, Irvine. Karyn has earned four Los Angeles Ovation Nominations for her work, one for Antaeus Theatre Company’s 2019 production of Eight Nights, Rogue Artists Ensemble’s 2017 production of Kaidan: Walls Grow Thin, one for Boston Court Pasadena’s 2016 production of Colony Collapse and one for Ebony Repertory Theater's 2015 production of The Gospel at Colonus. Her work on International City Theatre's production of Fences earned her a 2016 NAACP Theater Award for Best Lighting. She has also designed for other regional/local theater companies including Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, La Mirada Theater, East West Players, The Pasadena Playhouse, Lone Tree Arts Center, A Noise Within, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Arizona Broadway Theatre, and Great River Shakespeare Festival. She is the resident lighting designer for Fugitive Kind Theater Ensemble as well as for The New Swan Shakespeare Festival. In addition to theater, she is Radiance Lightworks' lead lighting designer for Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights. She teaches lighting design at California State University Los Angeles and has taught numerous lighting classes and/or mentored lighting students at Loyola Marymount University, Occidental College, University of California, Irvine, University of Southern California, and California State University Long Beach. Her work has been seen in Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Romania. When she is not designing, she is most likely riding her horses in the mountains near her home.

X. Hill (COSTUME DESIGN) X. Hill is an award-winning costume designer and storyteller. X. uses her talents to create surreal worlds for the stage and screen.  Some of her past projects include Romeo and Juliet (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The Cymbeline Project (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The Carolyn Bryant Project (Center for New Performance; New York Times Critic’s Pick), King Lear (The Wallis), and Concerto for Having Fun with Elvis on Stage (REDCAT).  X. has worked alongside talented costume designers on shows such as Abbott Elementary, Dear White People, Loki, Grown-ish, The Tomorrow War, and Born a Champion.  X. holds a Master’s of Fine Arts in Costume Design from CalArts, a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Eugene Lang Liberal Arts College.  She is also a recipient of the NAACP President’s Award and the Young-Howse Theatre Journal Award for Costume Designer of the Year.

Donna Levy (HAIR AND MAKEUP) is an experienced educator, esthetician, makeup artist, wig maker and hair stylist that has been working in the beauty and entertainment industry for over 30yrs. Donna is thrilled to be designing for the first time at Cal State LA. She has worked in all the major theatres in the LA area, some of the theatrical productions include ABT’s USA Premiere Ballet Like Water for Chocolate, ABT’s perennial ballet The Nutcracker, Cirque du Soleil’s Iris, Wicked, Chorus Line, Into the Woods, Lion King, Moulin Rouge and most recently , Ain’t Too Proud and Book of Mormon at the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts.

Carly DW Bones (INTIMACY DIRECTOR) is a theatre director, intimacy director/coordinator, sex educator, facilitator and thespomancer.  She creates at the intersections of performance, ritual, sexuality, gender, community, trauma-sensitivity and social justice. They work as a freelance intimacy director and educator in the Los Angeles area for theatre companies (A Noise Within, Antaeus, Boston Court, Coeurage, Coin & Ghost, East West Players, EST LA, Ghost Road, IAMA, The Road, Skylight, StarKid, Son of Semele) and university theatre programs (Cal Lutheran University, Cal State LA, Emerson LA, Occidental College, UCLA, UCR, USC, Pomona College). Carly created and directed at the feminist theatre ensemble, The Illyrian Players, from 2011-2019. She has also directed at: Coin & Ghost, The Echo, EST LA, Inkwell Theater, Rogue Artists Ensemble, The Vagrancy. Connect with Carly: [email protected] and www.thespomancer.com

Jolana Villarreal (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) is a 4th year Theatre Design & Production Major at Cal State LA.  She has been involved in many projects since middle school. Credits for stage management include: The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever (Valley Oaks Charter School) The Grinch who Stole Christmas (Valley Oaks Charter School), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Valley Oaks Charter School), The Wizard of Oz (Valley Oaks Charter School), Student Directed One Acts (Valley Oaks High School), Soledad (Cal State LA), Stupid F**cking Bird (Cal State LA), and Eurydice (Cal State LA). Jolana plans to make a career in stage management and hopes to one day stage-manage the show that inspired her to pursue this career. 

Iyanla Alexis (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) is a Theatre Major at Cal State LA. She is a transfer student from Los Angeles Valley College where she graduated with honors, she received three Associates in Theatre Arts, Directing, and Technical. She dabbles in all aspects of theatre. Directing credits include Electric Roses (Los Angeles Valley College), Making Friends Remotely (Zoom), Day Four (Zoom), Helpline (Zoom), A Sign (Zoom), and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Robert E. Fitch High School). Acting credits include Little Sally in Urinetown the Musical, Vivian in Legally Blonde the Musical, The Happiness in Blue Bird, Ensemble in The Laramie Project, Hamm in Endgame, and Player 1 in An Act Without Words. Iyanla hopes to continue her education here at Cal State LA for her BA and then go on to pursue a Master’s degree. Iyanla wants to give thanks to Meredith Greenburg for giving her the opportunity to assistant direct this musical. She also wants to thank her husband, friends y familia para apoyarme siempre, and believing in everything that she does. Her grandparents and Big E are the reason she will make something out of herself one day! Welcome to the Renaissance! IG: @iyanlaalexis

Guillermina Moncisbais (LIGHTING OPERATOR) is a junior earning her B.A in Design and Production, and Something Rotten is the first production she has worked on. Guillermina began as a Performance option, but after taking a lighting and a carpentry course she fell in love with the Design/Production side of Theatre and couldn't help but switch. Nowadays, she is very pleased to provide assistance whenever she can around the department. “I would love to give my gratitude to Dan, Tim, Mark, Meredith, Karyn and to my fellow classmates who supported and gave me guidance in my journey. Thank you all! ^-^”

Francesca Labayna (DECK AUDIO) is a senior majoring in Theatre with an option in Performance. She is a transfer student from Los Angeles City College pursuing a career in voice acting after switching her major from Business Administration. Francesca would like thank her parents for supporting her change in majors.

Koleene Martinez (DECK CREW) is a junior at Cal State LA, majoring in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in performance. She transferred last semester from community college in the Bay Area this year. Koleene can be seen as a background actor in the series, 13 Reasons Why. This would be her first time working on a play production.

Angela Lara Resendiz (HAIR/MAKEUP) is a senior at Cal State LA, she will be graduating in Spring 2024, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/ Management, Minor in Theatre. Angela has taken advantage of the opportunity the University offers in Sewing Classes, Special Effects Makeup, and Costume Design. She has been part of the Crafts Crew Team in Eurydice (Cal State LA). She has appeared in various Major Motion Picture and TV production Companies. Angela specifically enjoys putting costumes together and completing transformations on actors. It is a great pleasure for Angela to be part of this theater production team. She believes that it is a great pleasure working with young artists with an ambition of theater and she is looking forward to the next performance. Angela would like to thank her family, friends, the amazing team and theater department for supporting her.

Daemaurio Hann (WARDROBE) is a third-year theater Major (Performance option) at Cal State LA, trying to achieve his bachelor's degree. during the 2021-2022 term he has played role's in two productions in the department; a John Lion new play Does He Like Black Girls? written by Veronica Driscoll, directed by Melissa Coleman Reed, and Soledad a play by Carolyn Dunn, directed by Sarah D'Angelo. Daemaurion hopes to become an Actor/Singer in the entertainment industry. For now, he is continuing to gain experience doing background work to gain useful Knowledge and skills to assist his career. He would like to thank Meredith Greenburg for having flexibility with him and reminding him of how much he belongs in the theater and welcoming him into the Wardrobe crew.

Monzerrat Delgadillo (FOLLOW SPOT OPERATOR) is a twenty-four-year-old senior who was born and raised in Gilroy, CA. Monzerrat transferred to Cal State LA a year ago and will be earning her BA in Theatre Production next spring. She has spent most of her life performing as a violinist and vocalist in Mariachi since she was five years old. Her love for performing is what broadened her interest in theatre in grade school. Although this is Monzerrat’s first time being behind the scenes and lighting a show, she found it has made her a well-rounded theatre person. She looks forward to more opportunities to participate in more productions and performances.