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SHREK Cast and Crew

Antonio P. Nappo (Shrek)

Antonio P. Nappo graduated with a B.A. in Theater from the College of Charleston in 2008 and got his Master’s in Acting from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2009. He is excited to be back on stage with Circle, having last been seen in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Favorite credits include: Royal Gambit (Christ Cathedral’s Sacred Space); Kiss Me Kate, Legally Blonde (The Keeton Theater); Macbeth(Nashville Shakespeare Festival); Chicago!, Annie, HAIR(McLeod Summer Playhouse). Much love to B.J. for her support and to his mom for introducing him to the art he loves. Check him out at: antoniopnappo.weebly.com

Tonya Pewitt (Fiona/Ogress)

Tonya is thrilled to be performing with such a talented cast! She has performed with many theatres’ here in Nashville, and is also currently working as a teaching artist for TPAC. Some of her favorite roles include Anna Leonowens in The King and I, Roxie Hart in Chicago, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5 the Musical, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown and Betty Haynes in White Christmas. She would like to thank her family, friends, and her YMCA family for all their love and support! Enjoy the show!

Annelise Kitching (Fiona/Ogress)

Annelise is a Senior completing her BFA in Musical Theatre with minors in both Music and Dance at Lipscomb University. Annelise is thrilled to have the privilege of playing such a delightfully free-spirited character in Shrek, contrasting her most recent role as Cosette in Les Misérables. Other favorite roles include Gollum in The Hobbit (Timberlake Playhouse), Antonia in Twelfth Night (Lipscomb), Kitty in Pride and Prejudice (Shorter U) and Helen U/S in Trojan Women (Shorter U). Many thanks to wonderful directors, cast, crew, family, and her extraordinary friends for a fantastic final main-stage production at Lipscomb University. Annelise would like to thank the Lord for His innumerable blessings throughout her journey and for all the untapped adventures ahead. "This is Our Story!"

Justin Boyd (Donkey)

Justin Boyd is thrilled to be a part of this amazing cast and crew working on a show he absolutely loves! He is a native Nashvillian, and a (very) recent graduate of Tennessee State University. This is, coincidentally, his fourth show with Circle Players and also his fourth show with Lipscomb University.  A few of his favorite past roles include: El Gallo in The Fantasticks, Harpo in The Color Purple, Lun Tha in The King and I, The Cowardly Lion in The Wiz, The Voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, and Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in Ragtime. Whenever Justin isn’t on stage performing, he can be found writing music with his band, Leo March, in which he is the bassist and 2nd vocalist. He would like to thank Robyn, Randy, Kari, and Katie for giving him an opportunity to play a dream role of his! Last but definitely not least, he would like to thank everyone that has helped put this show together! Now enjoy Donkey, the Musical!

Jonah Jackson (Farquaad)

Jonah Jackson is a sophomore Theatre-Acting major here at Lipscomb, and is so incredibly excited to have such a SMALL role in this show! A SHORT list of his recent credits includes Lipscomb's productions of The Servant of Two Masters (Florindo), Twelfth Night (Orsino), Les Misérables (Ensemble), and Lipscomb and Circle Players' Rabbit Hole (Jason). He would like to thank his friends and family for all of their love and support, and Robyn Berg for giving him this amazing opportunity.

Piper Jones (Dragon, Mob)

Piper Jones is a local thespian, musician, and recording artist. She is a native Nashvillian, which might as well mean she's a mythical creature (well ain’t that just PERFECT for Shrek?)! This is Piper's first show with Circle Players and she is delighted to work with the lovely folks at Lipscomb University! Piper’s credits include: Emmie, CAROLINE, OR CHANGE (Street Theatre Company); Martha, SPRING AWAKENING (Street Theatre Company); Ensemble, BIG RIVER (Studio Tenn); Minnie Mcknight, PARADE (Boiler Room Theatre); Motormouth Maybelle, HAIRSPRAY (Belmont University). Piper would like to thank her family for their love and support while she pursues her dream! Enjoy the show.

Chelsea Keaggy (Dragon, Mob)

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Taylor Browning (Gingy, Mob)

Taylor is proud to represent Lipscomb and Circle in this beautiful story about acceptance of self, love in unexpected places, and fighting for what you believe in. She is a junior at Lipscomb and is currently pursuing her BFA in Acting with a Directing minor. Her favorite roles include Fantine in Lipscomb's most recent production: Les Miserables, and the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella. She would like to give a huge heart felt "thank you" to the unbelievably talented cast and crew, and her supportive friends. She especially wants to thank her family for their never ending love and encouragement. "IT'S TIME TO STAND UP TALL. SAY 'HEY WORLD IM DIFFERENT AND HERE I AM'!"

Tyler Russell ( Pinocchio, Mob)

Tyler is a Junior Directing Major and Musical Theater Minor at Lipscomb University. This is his fourth production with Lipscomb and his first with Circle Players! He was last seen as Marius in Lipscomb’s production of “Les Miserables”. He thrilled to be playing the role of Pinocchio and to be part of this crazy group of performers in this incredibly fun production! “I would like to thank my family for their unwavering support and for never missing a show, I love you! Thanks LDoT and Circle for the opportunity to perform and strengthen my skills. Robyn, Kari, Randy, and Katie, thank you for your hard work and brilliant minds. And thanks to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has blessed me with all of these things. To the audience: I hope you enjoy your journey with us through our wonderful and unconventional fairytale. Thanks for coming and enjoy the show!" Micah 6:8

Maggie Moreale (Young Fiona, Choir)

Maggie is excited to be playing Young Fiona in her first Circle Players/Lipscomb University production. She loves to spend her time acting, singing, and dancing and has performed in several shows with Act Too Players, including some of her favorites, Little Mermaid Jr. (Alana), Annie Jr. (Duffy) and Grease Jr. (Frenchy). She was also a street urchin in last winter's Scrooge at the Boiler Room Theatre. Maggie has been performing since she was two years old, and loves to entertain an audience. Last summer, Maggie traveled to Michigan to perform in the HFCC Performing Arts Company's The Sound of Music as Marta von Trapp; she will be returning again this summer for a production of Oklahoma. Maggie plans to perform her entire life and has dreams to make it to Broadway one day.

Hannah Trauscht (Young Fiona, Choir)

Hannah Trauscht has been drawn to the stage since she was three. She is excited to be working with Lipscomb University and Circle Players as Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical.  She has performed in Showmance as Alice at The Theater Bug, The Wizard of Oz as a Lullaby League Munchkin at the Brentwood Theatre, and in the 2011 and 2012 productions of the Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker. Hannah wishes to thank the Director at The Theater Bug, Cori Laemmel, her voice and piano teacher, Jaime Jamgochian, her dance teachers, Bethany Berryessa and Kim Corwin, her awesome theater friends, and her mom, dad and brothers for their love and support!  Someday Hannah hopes to perform on Broadway as Adult Fiona!

Alania Surgener (Teen Fiona, Mob)

Alaina Surgener is so excited to be a part of her first production with the Circle Players. She has recently been a part of productions of Aida (Dancer), Jesus Christ Super (Apostle) and Gods Favorite (Sarah) and will be performing in Into The Woods (Cinderella) soon. She would like to thank her family, friends and the cast and crew of Shrek. She hopes everyone enjoys the show and comes out to see many more Circle Player productions.

Emily Whitlow (Teen Fiona, Mob)

Emily is thrilled to be making her debut with both Lipscomb and Circle Players! She is a junior at Ravenwood High School and a Long Island native, but is grateful to be here in Nashville after moving a year and a half ago. You may have recently seen her in Boiler Room Theatre's Promises Promises or perhaps as Dolly Levi in Ravenwood High Schools Hello, Dolly! last spring. Some other past credits include Patrice (13), Amber VonTussel (Hairspray), Woman 1 (Songs for a New World) and Lucille Frank (Parade). She'd like to thank her friends and family, but especially her mom and dad for supporting her in whatever she does. A very special thanks goes out to the Robyn, Kari, Randy and the rest of the cast and crew for the opportunity to be in this amazing show!  

Grafton Thurman (Wolf, Knight 2)

Grafton Thurman (Wolf/Knight) Grafton Thurman is a Senior here at Lipscomb University. Close to earning his Acting Bachelor of Fine Arts, he had a number of roles in his four years. Earlier this year he was Bamatabois in Les Miserables and the Anarchist in Blackbird's Man and Superman. He wants to thanks his family for supporting his dreams through all of this and hopes that his performance huffs, puffs, and blows you away!

Brooke Ferguson (Pig 1, Mob, Rat Tapper)

Brooke is thrilled to be a part of this fun show with such an incredible cast and crew. She is a sophomore here at Lipscomb University where she is currently studying theatre. This will be her third show at Lipscomb and her first with Circle Players as Pig #1 in Shrek! She was last seen on the stage at Lipscomb University as Whore#1/Ensemble in Les Miserables. She has been so blessed to be in other productions such as The Pajama Game (Ensemble), 12 Angry Men ( Juror #10), The Boy With The Cart (Mother), Once On This Island (Asaka) and Fiddler On The Roof (Chava). She wants to thank her friends, family and Delta Omega for all their love and support, but mainly to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has blessed her with her passion and love for Theatre. Psalm 46:5

Anne Marie Bagge (Pig 2, Puss in Boots, Puppeteer)

Ann Marie is a freshman musical theatre major here at Lipscomb University and is thrilled to journey to Duloc with this wonderful cast. Some of her past roles include Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan, Gertrude in The Fifteen Minute Hamlet and a Lovely Lady in Les Mis. She would like to thank Robyn and the directors for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy this story as much as we love sharing it. To God be the glory!

Taylor Wood (Pig 3, Duloc Performer)

Taylor is a Freshman pursuing her BFA in Theatre Design/Tech at Lipscomb University. She is so thrilled to be performing with such a talented and supportive cast and crew. This past fall Taylor was the Assistant Stage Manager for Rabbit Hole with Circle Players and Lipscomb University. She has most recently been an ASM for Man and Superman with Blackbird Theatre and Les Miserables with Lipscomb University, where she was also a member of the ensemble. Thanks to her supportive and loving friends and family.

Gabriel Pless (White Rabbit, Mob)

Gabriel is thrilled to be performing in his first production with Lipscomb and his second with Circle Players, having performed in Circle’s production of Hairspray two years ago. Gabriel graduated from high school last spring and is excited to be attending college this coming fall. Some favorite roles include the Cat in the Hat in Seussical, Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress, Sir Evelyn in Anything Goes, and Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie. When not performing, Gabriel may be found playing piano, reading, or purveying delicious chicken of all shapes and sizes to the public. He would like to thank Robyn, Kari, and Randy for their dedication to making this show spectacular, as well as his family and friends for their constant support.

Tessa Bryant (Fairy Godmother, Queen Lillian, Moon Puppeteer)

Tessa Bryant is a Senior Directing major at Lipscomb University. Her previous roles at Lipscomb include Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables and Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach. She would like to thank Robyn and the production team for giving her the opportunity to take part in such a lively, joyous show, and her Lipscomb family for showing support for one another. Let your freak flag fly!

Ashley Cobb (Ugly Duckling, Duloc Performer)

Ashley Cobb is thrilled to be playing the role of the Ugly Duckling and a Duloc Dancer in Shrek the Musical. She is a senior pursuing a B.F.A. in Acting at Lipscomb University and is delighted to be working with Circle Players. She loves dancing and working with children and plans to pursue her passions with dance, theater and children post graduation. This is her last show with Lipscomb and she is all the more grateful to be participating!

Sydni Hayes (Mama Bear, Rat Tapper, Blind Mouse 3, Duloc Performer)

Sydni Hayes is a Senior at Lipscomb pursuing a BFA in Acting. She is excited to be a part of this collaborative production of Shrek with such an amazing cast and crew. She has most recently appeared as Eponine in Les Miserables at Lipscomb. Some of her favorite roles include her past two productions with Nashville Shakespeare Festival as Hermia (U/S) in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing, as well as her other Lipscomb roles as Gladys in The Pajama Game, Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, and Minty/Emma in Prides Crossing. She is happy to be able to end her time at Lipscomb pursuing both of her passions, as a performer and assistant makeup designer.

Elijah Wallace (Papa Bear, Papa Ogre, Knight 1)

Elijah Wallace is a Sophomore at Lipscomb. This is his fifth Lipscomb production.Recent notable roles: Thenardier- Les Miserables, Malvolio- Twelfth Night. "I'd like to thank my family who got me started doing theater and my lovely girlfriend who is studying abroad and can't see this one but supports me always."

Kristin Currie (Baby Bear, Bird Puppeteer)

Kristin is so excited about her role as Baby Bear in Circle Players production of Shrek The Musical. Kristin is currently in 5th grade and found theatre just 2 1/2 years ago.  She is a member of Act Too Players and recently played Ariel in The Little Mermaid.  Her other roles include, Kathy Cratchit (Scrooge) with the Boiler Room Theatre, performing at the First Night Honors 2013 reprising her role of Gingy in Shrek The Musical, appearing with Act Too Players as Gingy (Shrek The Musical), Sandy (Grease), Sillibub (Cats), appearances in Annie Jr., and Sally Brown (You're a Good Man Charlie Brown). She loves all aspects of the theater including acting, singing, and dancing.  Kristin enjoys hanging out with her friends, listening to different types of Broadway musicals, playing piano, gymnastics, and crafting.

Kelly Whitlow (Baby Bear, Bird Puppeteer)

Kelly Whitlow is excited to be part of Shrek the Musical with such an amazing cast and thrilled to be a part of her first production with Circle Players. She has previously performed in The Little Mermaid Jr. and The Emperor’s New Clothes with the Act Too Players. She also appeared in The Sound of Music in Northport, NY (Long Island) where she lived prior to moving to Nashville just a little over a year ago. A big thanks to her family for supporting her and especially her sister Emily for helping her with her audition.

Josh Yarbrough (Peter Pan, Duloc Performer)

Josh Yarbrough (Peter Pan) is a freshman at Lipscomb University and is double majoring in Theatre and Ministry. Though he has done theatre for most of his life, this is his first on stage role in a main stage production here. He also wants you to know how spectacular he thinks you are.

Emily Eytchison (Wicked Witch, Police Puppeteer)

Emily Eytchison is a Junior BFA Directing Major at Lipscomb University. In the past year, she appeared as Olivia in Twelfth Night and Fantine in Les Misérables at Lipscomb, and Helena (u/s) for Nashville Shakespeare Festival's Midsummer Night's Dream. She has had a wonderful time getting to know members of the Circle community through this production, and hopes that audiences will fall in love, as she has, with this beautiful-hearted show and its message of jubilantly loving acceptance. All glory to the One who ultimately "takes us as we are, loves us as we look"--the God who knows better than anyone else that "what makes us special makes us strong." This is His story..

Emily Hughes (Sugar Plum Fairy, Rat Tapper, Blue Bird, Duloc Performer)

Emily is super excited to be in Shrek the Musical! She is a Sophomore at Lipscomb University where she is currently studying theatre! Emily was most recently in Les Miserables as Cosette at Lipscomb University. She has been in other productions such as Legally Blonde the Musical (Leilani), Our Town (Emily Webb), and Signin in the Rain (Lina Lamont). She gives thanks to her family and friends for supporting her. 

Nathan Smith (Mad Hatter, Mob)

Nathan is thrilled to make his Circle Players debut!  He is originally from Florida but now happily calls Nashville home. Nathan is a graduate of Belmont University’s Doctoral program in Physical Therapy and is both medically and artistically minded. He works as a Physical Therapist in Franklin, TN specializing in Pediatrics but also enjoys his passion for singing and theater. His favorite theater credits include Judah in Joseph, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, George Gibbs in Our Town, and Sam in Crazy for You.  He is grateful for the support of his friends and family and gives thanks to God for spirit and strength. He would like to say “Hat’s off to such a talented cast and crew who made theater alive again for me. What a great creative team. You all make the stage so much fun.”

Jenny Kline (Humpty Dumpty, Rat Tapper, Duloc Performer)

Jenny is a senior at Lipscomb University, working toward a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Theatre. She is thrilled to be in this joint production with Circle! Some of her Lipscomb credits include Hairspray, Pajama Game, James and the Giant Peach, and Les Miserables. She is also a member of the Orchesis Dance Company. Jenny is the Dance Captain for this production of Shrek and has loved every minute of working with these talented cast members! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Addison Blanks (Elf, Cloud Puppeteer)

Addison is extremely proud to be in her first musical production.  Addison lives in Nashville with her family.  She is home schooled and is in the 6th grade.  Addison’s first theatre performance was in Home School Cabaret.  Addison is a member of the Nashville Children’s Touring Choir.  She enjoys dancing and playing the flute and piano.  Addison would like to thank her mom and dad for their love, encouragement, and support.  Addison would like to thank her best friend, Ally, for laughter and sharing a love of theatre.  Addison also would like to thank Director, Robyn Berg, for believing in her!

Amanda Smith (Elf, Cloud Puppeteer)

Amanda is a homeschooled senior in high school. In her free time, she likes to read, knit, and crochet. She has previously performed as Mrs. Julia Gibbs in Our Town, Betty Rizzo in Grease, and Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker. She hopes to go to Maryville College where she would major in biology and minor in theatre. After college, she wishes to one day become the female version of James Herriot. She would like to thank her brother, who believes her to be the best actor in the world, and her sissy for making her feel good about herself in the most inappropriate ways possible

Hunter Martin (Tweedle, Duloc Performer)

Hunter Martin Hunter is a freshmen and a Theater Major at Lipscomb. He is so thrilled to be a part of this production. He was recently in Les Miserables at Lipscomb University and various other roles back in his home state. He would like to thank Lipscomb and Circle Players for putting on a fun and fantastic show and his friends and family for supporting him!

Elly Kate Smith (Young Shrek, Dwarf, Butterfly Puppeteer)

Elly Kate Smith is a second grader who loves to dance, sing, and use her imagination.  Her stage experience includes small roles inGypsy, Willy Wonka, and Dearly Departed at Towne Centre Theatre.  She has also attended Centre Stage Productions summer theatre camps for four years and was recently the principle actress in a short film by Andrew Yontz called Marla Sunshine’s Christmas Adventure.  Elly Kate has taken tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop for four years at Spotlite Dance Studio and The Dance Machine.  She wants to thank Mom, Dad, Hayden, and the rest of her family for their love and support, and Mrs. Robyn for this experience and for being a great director!

Bethany Bayer (Young Shrek, Dwarf, Butterfly Puppeteer)

Bethany Bayer is so excited to make her debut with Circle & Lipscomb University in this production of Shrek. She has been dancing since she was three with various companies around town, as well as working with The Theater Bug and Street Theatre Company since she was four. She was bitten by the bug when her parents were in a production of Pirates of Penzance, when she was three – Her words, “Mama, when can I be on the big stage?” She is so thankful for this delightful cast, who have taken her under their wonderful wings and she’d like to thank Ms. Robyn, Ms. Kari and Mr. Randy for such a delightful opportunity.

Lynda Cameron-Bayer (Mama Ogre, Choir, Cow Puppeteer)

Lynda Cameron-Bayer is very happy to find herself onstage after a bit of a hiatus. One of the biggest delights is that, this time she gets to share the stage with not only her wonderful husband, but her precious little girl, as well. Lynda has been doing theater for too many years to claim – some of her favorite roles include; Little Red in “Into the Woods”, Bonnie in “Anything Goes” and Mama Rose in “Gypsy”. She’s made her living as an actor, done improv, dinner theater, theme parks and just about every kind of gig you can think of, and she’s loved it all. Recently she’s delved into the art of costuming and finding herself discovering a love for directing – who knows what adventures may come, next. She would like to thank Robyn, Kari, Randy, Katie and the entire cast for an enchanting experience – Being able to share this as a family has been a true joy. And, as always her love goes to David & Bet – who make it all worthwhile.

Nelson Tilley (King Harold, Guard)

Nelson is a Freshman here at Lipscomb and a Theatre Major. He has been involved in a number of shows back home and was a part of Les Miserables this past fall. His favorites, in no order, have been Guys and Dolls (Sky Masterson), Cinderella (Joy), Seussical the Musical (Horton), and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Grandpa Joe) .He would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew for their talent and time, Robyn for the brilliant direction and her patience, his family and friends for their constant support, but most importantly he would like to say thank you to God for the overwhelming blessings He has given him! Because through Him all things are possible! Enjoy the show, he hopes you think it's shrektacular!

Gil Braun (Guard, Mob)

Gil is a freshman at Lipscomb, performing in his first show with both Lipscomb and Circle Players. He helped build the set and manned a spotlight for Les Miserables. He’s done theatre throughout middle and high school, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Alice in Wonderland, and Bye Bye Birdie. He also did a radio play of A Christmas Carol. Gil hopes you enjoy Shrek: The Musical! 

Andrew Johnson (Thelonius, Knight 3, Mob)

Andrew Johnson Andrew is excited to be in Shrek. He’s proud to play Thelonius AKA the right hand man to Lord Farquaad. His recent credits include, Javert-Les Misérables and Sir Toby-Twelfth Night. “It’s been crazy fun every night”. He wants to thank his family and friends for getting him through his first experience of doing two shows at one time. Romans 12:21

David Bayer (Captain of the Guard, Bishop, Mob)

After taking time off after his appearance as John Oldman in The Man from Earth, David is pleased to return to the stage with Circle Players. He is particularly happy to share the stage for the first time as a family with his wife Lynda and his daughter Bethany. Over the course of many years, David has performed across the U.S. and abroad. Some notable roles include Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and Geoffrey in The Lion in Winter. He would like to thank his wife and daughter for their patience, understanding, and encouragement. On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur.

Austin Hunt (Pied Piper, Mob)

Austin is a Junior from Chicago, pursuing a BFA in Acting with a minor in Dance at Lipscomb University. Austin has danced all around town, most recently with Nashville Shakespeare Festival in their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream this past summer where he also served as the Dance Captain. He performed in the first annual Nashville Choreographer's Canvas this past fall where some of his own original choreography was also featured. He is so excited to be Assistant Choreographer on this great show. All thanks to God for his continued provision. AustinRyanHunt.weebly.com

Joy Slawek (Rat Tapper, Mob)

Joy is so excited to be in her first musical with Circle and Lipscomb! She is a freshman nursing major at Lipscomb University. She did musicals during high school, but she is more passionate about the dance side of theatre. She has been dancing since she was about 4 years old and hopes to graduate with a dance minor. Her favorite role and show was being The Ostrich in Peter Pan her senior year of high school. Joy hopes to get to do more shows with Circle and Lipscomb!

Sarah Zanotti (Rat Tapper, Blind Mouse 1, Mob)

Sarah Zanotti is thrilled and blessed to be apart of this wonderful show. She is a Sophomore studying Musical Theatre at Lipscomb University. Some of her favorite credits include You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy), Annie (Miss Hannigan), A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Helena), Band Geeks (Nicole) with Circle Players, and Hairspray with Street Theatre Company. Thank you to my fantastic family and enjoy the show!

Bekah Purifoy (Blind Mouse 2, Mob)

This is Bekah’s first time being involved with Circle Players. She is a Freshman Musical Theatre major at Lipscomb University. Some of her favorite roles include Penny in Hairspray and Eponine in Les Miserables. She has loved being involved in Shrek and hopes to work with Circle again! 

Virginia Ludholz (Mob)

Virginia is so excited to be performing in her fifth show at Lipscomb University. She is currently a junior pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. She was last seen on stage in the ensemble of Lipscomb's LES MISERABLES. Favorite productions include INTO THE WOODS (Baker's Wife), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Cogsworth), and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Glowworm). She would like to thank her parents, Zach, and her BRT family for being a constant source of love and support.

Scout Pittman (Mob)

Scout Pittman hails from Ruston, Louisiana and is a Musical Theatre major in her junior year at Lipscomb University. Transferring here this past fall, she performed in the Nashville Choreographer's Canvas and assisted on the wardrobe team for Les Miserables. When she has free time, Scout loves exploring the great outdoors, reading, cooking and watching British television with friends and family. She would like to extend a big thanks to her mom and dad. Love you guys!

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Meet the Creative Team

Robyn Berg

Director

Robyn Berg is an actor, director, professor and teaching artist. Since her arrival in Nashville over 4 years ago, she has has graced the boards in Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Julius Caesar (along side NFL legend Eddie George), Sailor’s Song with Actor’s Bridge Ensemble, Amadeus and Magic with Blackbird Theatre and more. Robynmoved to Music City from NYC, where she peformed in Romeo & Juliet and Amadeus (opposite Tony nominated Broadway star Robert Cuccioli) at The Shakespeare Theatre ofNew Jersey, Treasure Island with Manhattan’s Children’s Theatre, Twelfth Night and Macbeth in Brooklyn and more. In the her hometown of Chicago, Robyn played a variety of roles, including Nerissa in The Merchant of Venice with Tinfish Theatre and a one-year stint as the title role in the musical Cinderella with Chicago Kids Company. Asa director, favorite projects include Death of a Saleman, The Servant of Two Masters and Leading Ladies at Lipscomb University, Proof at Belmont University, Lil’ Abner and Goodnight Desdemona at Ballibay Fine Arts Camp in Pennsylvania and an original production entitled Hamlite: Half the Length, Half the Verse, Double the Laughs for Windsor Mountain in New Hampshire. She and 13 international teens toured the show asThe New England Traveling Minstrels, playing venues such as Boston’s Faneuil Hall andat The Bread and Puppet Theatre in Vermont. Robyn is currently an Adjunct Professor atboth Lipscomb and Belmont Universities, teaching primarlily acting and stage movement. As a Teaching Artist, she has taught all over the country at theatres and studios such as IDEAS Drama and Marquis Studios in NYC, Greenlight Performing Company, Appletree Theatre, Aurorarts Arts Alliance and Pegasus Players Theatre in Chicago, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan and for local favorites Franklin School of Performing Arts, Nashville Shakespeare Festival and TPAC’s Artsmart Program and Disney Musicals in the Schools. She holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Florida and a BA in Theatre Performance from Bradley University. She sends love to her husband Robert and their 7 month old daughter Lillian.

Randy Craft

Music Director

Randy Craft is a music director and vocal coach in Nashville and is proud to be directing the music for such a talented cast of performers. Past theater credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Joseph, Fiddler on the Roof as Motel, Camelot as Lancelot, The Glass Menagerie as Tom Wingfield. Randy can be heard on MTI (Musical Theater International) recordings includingSeussical the Musical Jr. (Horton) Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.(Trevor Graydon), and many others. Randy has been musical directing theaters, churches and artists in Nashville for almost a decade. As a vocal coach Randy has worked with many talented artists, both locally and around the world. Students include singers who have appeared on Broadway, National and Broadway tours, cruise ships, theme parks, American Idol, and many others. Check out his website at www.RandyCraft.com

Kari Smith

Choreographer

Kari is an adjunct theatre and dance professor at Lipscomb University witha BA in English and Theatre Education from Lipscomb University and an MA in Fine Arts and Theatre from Cumberland University. A native of Nashville, TN, Kari is also the Artistic Director at Towne Centre Theatre in Brentwood, TN. Kari spent much of her career as a theatre teacher and forensics coach at Ravenwood High School and as a director, choreographer, and performer in many local and regional theatres. A former member of the Vanderbilt Danceline and a current tap instructor at Spotlite Dance Studio in Smyrna, TN, Kari is also the founder and co-director of Centre Stage Productions summer theatre camps for children

Thea Smith

Assistant to the Director

Thea Smith is a senior acting major and very honored to work as Assistant to the Director for this spectacular show. Some notable roles are from James and the Giant Peach as the Ladybug, and Lorraine from Hairspray. The journey at Lipscomb has been thoroughly enjoyed. I would like to thank my professors, friends, family, and wonderful fiance' for being a wonderful support system for my love of performing arts.

Katie Veglio

Stage Manager

Katie is thrilled to be back for her 8th production with Circle Players. She is excited to be teaming up with Lipscomb for this Shrektastic show! Next up Katie will be Stage Managing Street Theater’s Violet. Katie enjoys all tech and crew aspects of theater and some of her favorite shows she worked are Caroline or Change, Company, Next to Normal, Titanic and Spamalot. Thank you to Robyn, Randy, Circle Players and Lipscomb University for allowing her to play with you. “Thank you for seeing live theater in Nashville. I hope you enjoy the show!” Let your freak flag fly!

Andy Bleiler

Scenic Designer/Technical Director/Professor of Theatre

Andy Bleiler is a passionate Arts Educator, whose career has spanned thirty years as a teacher, designer, technician, director, and performer. In Tennessee, he has served as a Professor for Lipscomb University and Tennessee State University, a Teaching Artist for the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Scenic Designer for Blackbird Theatre, Vanderbilt Opera Theatre, Street Theatre, NAfME, and David Lipscomb Academy.He is also a licensed K-12 Art and Theatre teacher in Tennessee. Currently he is the Scenic Designer and Technical Director, as well as Adjunct Professor of Theatre at Lipscomb University. Andy earned his BFA from Drake University, and his MA from Concordia University.

David Hardy

Lighting Designer

David serves as Scenic and Lighting Designer for the Department of Theatre at Lipscomb University. Previous experience encompasses film, television, mainstage theatre, dance, and opera. Recent productions in Nashville include Blackbird Theatre Company’s productions of Man and Superman, Amadeus, Red, Arcadia and Pacific Overtures; Studio Tenn’s production of A Christmas Carol; as well as Lipscomb productions of Les Miserables, Nashville's Choreographers Canvas, Twelfth Night, James and the Giant Peach, Servant of Two Masters, Pride’s Crossing, Hairspray, Leading Ladies, The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe,The Glass Menagerie, Ragtime, and Doubt. He is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. David’s passions include helping other people and mission work. He is incredibly thankful for his amazing family - his beautiful wife Kenna and his sweet son Kyrien.escription here

Stephen Moss

Sound Design

While primarily a lighting designer, Stephen enjoyed running sound for Circle’s production of NEXT TO NORMAL and is now back to mix SHREK! He is a graduate of Lipscomb University with a BA in Theatrical Design and a member of USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology). Selected theatrical lighting design credits include FROST/NIXON, INTO THE WOODS, THE HANK LEGACY (World Premiere), MY FAIR LADY, BIG RIVER, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE (Studio Tenn); OLEANNA, MAGIC (Blackbird Theater); RABBIT HOLE, NEXT TO NORMAL (Circle Players); TARZAN (National Association for Music Education). He also served as Master Electrician for MACBETH (Nashville Shakespeare Festival) and Automated Lighting Programmer for LES MISERABLES (Lipscomb Theatre). In addition to theatre, Stephen works as Lighting Designer for concerts and other events at the Franklin Theatre. Here, he has had the privilege to work with artists such as Art Garfunkel, Kix Brooks, Jeffrey Steele, Vince Gill, Wynonna, JD Souther, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, and Blue Sky Riders, among others.

Leslie Marberry

Props Mistress/ASM

Leslie Marberry, Props Mistress/ASM, is a Senior Directing Major at Lipscomb University. Her roles include: "Viola" in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, "Velma Von Tussle" in Hairspray, and “Mae” in Pajama Game. This is her first time being an ASM ona production, and she’s enjoyed every minute of it. "It's been great to work with this cast and crew on such a big, smelly project; I love you all. Enjoy the show!"

Blair Thornton

Assistant Stage Manager

Blair Thornton is a Junior Directing Major at Lipscomb University and is very excited to be working with such a wonderful cast and crew in his first time as an ASM. He has previously been seen on the Lipscomb stages as ensemble roles in The Pajama Game and Les Miserables and as “Sebastian” in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. “This cast and crew has been nothing but a pleasure to work with. Thanks for all your hard work and for having a blast while doing it!”

Jacob Street

Assistant Stage Manager/Scenic Painter

Jacob Street (Assistant Stage Manager, Scenic Painter) Jacob is honored to have the opportunity to serve as Assistant Stage Manager for Shrek. Currently finishing his senior year at Lipscomb University majoring in Theatre with a Design/Tech emphasis, Jacob's design credits include: Assistant Set Designer for Disney Theatrical's Tarzan and Vanderbilt Opera's Into The Woods, Set Designer for Circle Player's production of Next to Normal, Co-Set and Lighting Designer for Exposure, an original work at Lipscomb, and Scenic Paint Charge for Lipscomb's productions of Les Miserables, Servant of Two Masters and James and the Giant Peach. Jacob would like to thank his parents for their support of his dreams. He would also like to thank his family, friends, and Evan for their constant encouragement. “You betta check yourself before you Shrek yourself!” Enjoy the show!

Mary Hankins

Queen Page

Mary Hankins is a junior Design and Technical Theatre major with a Dance minor. Although she enjoys performing, she is happy to serve out of the limelight as she does in this production. Her recent credits include member of the performing dance ensemble Orchesis, Legles in Les Miserables, costume manager for Shakespeare in the Park's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, and dancer in James and the Giant Peach. She loves God, her friends and family, and The Phantom of the Opera; in that order.

Brett Myers

Dialect Coach

Brett Myers is thrilled and honored to be working with such talented voices in the swamp. Brett is a speech-language pathologist in the area of voice care at the Vanderbilt Voice Center. He is a recent transplant to Nashville, and has formerly coached dialects in Baltimore, D.C., Orlando, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Scotland. Brett also enjoys acting and directing, and he is grateful to have been warmly welcomed into the Nashville theatre community. Thanks to Robyn and Katie for their strong vision and guidance in this refreshing and all-around fun show. Enjoy!

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