9 to 5 - NMU Theatre and Dance

Sophia Zavala (Violet Newstead) is clocking out of her third year here at Northern Michigan University, working towards her bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre! Born and raised in San Marcos, TX, she has spent the past 11 years acting, singing, and dancing at any given opportune moment, aiming to inspire and share her passion for the arts with others. Her most recent performances with NMU Theatre & Dance include Into the Woods, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Cupid's Cabaret! Sophia is so grateful for this amazing team of people and the unforgettable laughs they shared along the way. She hopes you all enjoy the show as much as she does every night! <3

Natalie Ramirez (Doralee Rhodes) is a sophomore and is so excited to be a part of her seventh NMU production. Her favorite  past roles that’s she done with NMU include Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show, Chorus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Lucinda in Into The Woods, Clarice in Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer, and is incredibly honored and excited to now be playing Doralee Rhodes in Nine to Five! She'd like to thank the NMUTD cast and crew for making this experience so fun and a dream come true. Enjoy the show! 

Madalyn Hasyn (Judy Bernly) is a senior musical theater BFA  and is planning to graduate in May! Some of Madalyn’s most notable past roles were Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods, Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret, and Megan in Puffs. Madalyn is so grateful to have gotten such an incredible cast and crew for her last show here at NMU. Maddy would like to thank her mom, dad, and her brother for their endless support throughout these last four years. Enjoy the show, hopefully it’s a good break from YOUR 9-5!

Cayden Smaka (Franklin Hart, Jr.) There's no way to say this all discreetly, but Cayden Smaka is here for you! Cayden is a junior BFA Acting major at NMU, and he is so excited to share this show with you! This is his 20th production at the university! His previous NMU credits include Cabaret, Much Ado About Nothing, Love Is A Burning Thing, Clybourne Park, and more! Cayden loves his family and friends and is grateful for their constant support. He has had an amazing time working with all these wonderful people on this show, and he hopes you all enjoy it! Instagram: @Boomsmakalaka

Sallie Taubitz (Roz Keith) is a senior here at Northern Michigan University, about to graduate in May with a BFA in Musical Theatre! You may have seen her in The Rocky Horror Show 2024, Anything Goes, Grease, A Charlie Brown Christmas etc. She is so excited to be a part of this production! As Dolly would say, pour yourself a cup of ambition and enjoy the show!

Mark Simons (Joe/Ensemble) is a second-year Junior here at Northern Michigan University pursuing his degree in Musical Theater performance. Some of his regional and educational credits include Frank 'n' Furter in NMU's The Rocky Horror Show, Kenickie in The Woodstock Playhouse's Grease, and Pilate in NMU's Jesus Christ Superstar. Mark wants to thank the Theater and Dance community for being so supportive of each other in such a stressful time, and looks forward to the next year of his education.

Henry Moore (Dwayne/Ensemble) is a Junior Acting major with a Business and Dance minor at NMU, and he is super excited for you to see this production. This is his 13th full stage production at NMU. You might have seen him in shows such as Into The Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Alice In Wonderland, and Spamalot. While he is not performing, he's working on film projects, working out, cooking up a storm, or working at Texas Roadhouse. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Xander Martin (Josh/Ensemble) is a third year dance major at Northern Michigan University, and is very excited to perform on the FRT stage again! After appearing in Co/Lab Dance Company's Love is a Burning Thing and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, he's ready to end this season with an amazing show!

Maggie Bayley (Missy/Ensemble) is a freshman BFA acting major with a dance minor. 9 to 5 is Maggie’s second mainstage show at NMU and she is thrilled to be a part of this fabulous cast as Missy and a member of the heels ensemble. Previously, Maggie has been in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer as a Misfit Toy, Little Women as Jo March, Chicago as Mary Sunshine, and more. She sincerely hopes that you enjoy the show!

Aly Vega-Sanchez (Maria/Ensemble) is a proud Latina actress from the RGV region of Texas. Currently in her 2nd Year attending Northern Michigan University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. She is part of The Diverse Arts Society Family  and has been seen performing in Night of Color 2025 and, most recently, Much Ado About Nothing as "Conrade" 2025. Aly has been acting for the past 9 years, participating in various productions, such as In The Heights, Eurydice, The Lightning Thief, and A Monster Calls. She is excited to perform once again in the main stage in 9 to 5 as Maria and is proud to share the beauty of this story and the magic of theatre!

Audryn Just (Kathy/Ensemble/Judy Understudy) is a 3rd year Musical Theatre major and dance minor who is thrilled to be back to the FRT stage! You may have previously seen her this season in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Elf/Dolly) and Into The Woods (Florinda). She hopes you enjoy this fun show! IG: @audrynjust

Ashley Sonderegger (Margaret) is thrilled to return to the stage as Margaret in 9 to 5. A nontraditional student at Northern Michigan University, she first returned to school to pursue her passion for theatrical design, but has recently been given the opportunity to step back into performing. As a mother, being part of a production like this takes time and dedication away from home, but she’s learning that her dreams don’t have to be set aside and that they can be chased with her children right beside her, showing them to always follow their own.
This performance is especially close to her heart. Ashley is honored to be part of a show inspired by Dolly Parton, whose music was deeply loved by her late little brother. His strength, humor, and unwavering kindness continue to guide her, and she knows he would be her biggest cheerleader. She dedicates this performance to him, with endless love and gratitude.
Special thanks to her incredibly supportive husband for making this journey possible.

Joshua Bianca (Bob Enright/Ensemble) is a third year student at NMU who is majoring in musical theater and minoring in dance. He is thrilled to be a part of 9 to 5 and get the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people. Joshua has previously been seen in Cabaret, Into the Woods, and Love is a Burning Thing. Joshua can’t wait to continue his theater journey at NMU and he is thankful for all of his family, friends, and faculty! @joshuabianca_

Ryan Zepp (Tinsworthy/Ensemble/Joe Understudy) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major here at NMU. He has previously been seen in Grease (Roger); Spamalot (Sir Bedevere); Anything Goes (Ensemble); Jesus Christ Superstar (King Herod); and Into The Woods (Mysterious Man). He is excited to be seen on the FRT stage one last time before he graduates. After graduation he plans to move to New York City to pursue his professional career in Musical Theatre.

Jay Pickett (Detective/Ensemble) is an actor from Detroit, Michigan. He is currently in his 1st Year attending Northern Michigan University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Jay has been acting for the past 5 years, participating in various productions, such as Ragtime, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Murder on the Orient Express and more. He is excited to share his love for acting through his first production on the Forest Roberts Theatre. He hopes you enjoy the show as much as he’s enjoyed working on it!

Annabelle Fox (Doctor/Ensemble) is a fresh face here at Northern Michigan University, a freshman in the BFA Musical Theatre Program, and is more excited than ever to perform in 9 to 5! Coming all the way from Oklahoma, she's a dancer of 16 years, and singer and actor of the past 7, jumping at every opportunity to learn and perform! Having been in community shows such as Anastasia, Cinderella, and The Mousetrap, she's so ecstatic and grateful to be a part of this amazingly talented cast and crew!

Aria Gassman (Candy Striper/Heel Ensemble) This is Aria's second show at NMU and she is so excited to be part of it! She is a current freshman at NMU majoring in Theatre and Entertainment Arts, most recently seen in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Before coming to NMU, she performed as Lady Bracknell in Important of Being Earnest and Dee Dee Allen in the Prom. Aria is thrilled to be a part of another amazing show with an equally brilliant cast and crew!

Rhea Bar-Ziv (Ensemble, Hart Understudy) is finishing out his second year at Northern Michigan University and is a pursuing a BFA in Acting. He was prevously seen in Northern's Production of Much Ado About Nothing as Borachio and was casted as Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show. This is Rhea's First time doing an understudy Track and is excited to be in the ensemble of this show.

Corban Belle (Ensemble) is a junior here at NMU and is excited for this to be his first show on the FRT stage. Previous shows he has been in here at Northern are Clybourne Park, Puffs, Frankenstein, and Ctrl+Alt+Delete. He is so excited for this show and hopes you enjoy it.

Kayleigh Clark (Ensemble/Violet Understudy) is a Junior Musical Theatre BFA at NMU. Some of her past roles include the Baker's Wife in 'Into the Woods' and Cathy Hiatt in 'The Last Five Years'. She is ecstatic to perform in NMU's '9 to 5' and hopes you enjoy the show! Kayleigh would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support. IG: @kayleigh_a_clark

Alina Damič (Ensemble/Roz Understudy), a second year musical theatre student at Northern, is thrilled to present 9 to 5: The Musical! This will be Alina's fourth time on the Forest Roberts Theatre stage following the 2025 fall production of The Rocky Horror Show where she played Janet Weiss. You might have also seen her in Jesus Christ Superstar (ensemble), Heathers (Veronica Sawyer), and Beauty and the Beast (Belle). She hopes you enjoy the show! 

Jordyn Hopfensperger (Ensemble/Doralee Understudy) is so excited to be in NMU’s spring musical, 9 to 5! As a junior double major in Musical Theatre and Dance, Jordyn has previously been seen in numerous NMU productions, including Into the Woods, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cabaret, Anything Goes, Spamalot, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Home for the Holidays. Jordyn is also a third-year member of CO/LAB Dance Company and has been featured in their previous pieces, including Love Is a Burning Thing, Alice In Wonderland, and Carnival of the Animals. Outside of class, Jordyn is a proud dance teacher at First Class Dance Company. Jordyn is incredibly proud of this amazing cast and crew and cannot wait for you all to see it! @jordynhopfensperger

Daniel Koncurat (Cop/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his returning to the stage here at Northern. Recent credits include Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Yukon Cornelius) and CTRL + ALT + DELETE (Tom Xerox & Carbury Grendall u/s) at NMU, Hadestown (Hades) and Les Misérables (Jean Valjean) at Theatreworks Live, and Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka) at Phoenix Festival Theatre. Daniel is finishing off his Freshman year as a  BFA Musical Theatre student with a double major in Data Science, and is pursuing a technical internship in theatre this summer. 

Kaia Mavradas (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Musical Theatre major and dance minor and she is thrilled to be in her second production at Northern Michigan University! At NMU she was apart of their production of Into The Woods (Sleepy Beauty). Some of her other favorite productions include, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne), Legally Blonde (Margot), Disaster (Shirley), and Parade (Mary Phagan). Kaia is so grateful to be able to work with such an incredible cast and crew! She would like to thank her family for always supporting her and encouraging her to follow her dreams!

Gianna Marrero (Ensemble) is a freshman, Musical Theatre major, and is overjoyed to be in her second production here at Northern Michigan University in 9 to 5. In previous years, Gianna has been in Beauty and the Beast (Babette), All Shook Up (Natalie), Mean Girls (Cady), Radium Girls (Grace), and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (Aviator Elf). Gianna is so grateful to get to work on this amazing show alongside such a talented cast and crew, and wishes to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support. Thank you for supporting the arts, and enjoy the show!

Rahne Olson (Ensemble) is a third year BFA Acting major at NMU. She is so thrilled to be a part of the heels ensemble. 9 to 5 is Rahne's first production being in the cast on the FRT stage, so she gives a huge thanks to the director and choreographer Kristen Beth-Williams and all other faculty who's worked with all the student to bring the show to life. She hopes you all enjoy the show!

Cole Sherman (Ensemble/Josh Understudy) is part of the Flats Ensemble/Understudy for Josh. He is extremely excited and honored to be part of such an amazing cast and community. He is from Cincinnati, Ohio and has been doing at least something artistic for most of his life. He has been in many productions throughout his life, some examples include many shows at SCPA (Cincinnati, Oh), and Professional ballet productions with Cincinnati Ballet. In NMU’s productions he has been the Steward in Into the Woods and Charlie in the box in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. Thank you for coming to see 9 to 5 and please continue supporting the students and staff of NMU in their future productions!

Sonia Marie Tomasiewicz (Ensemble) is a freshman BFA Musical Theatre major and dance minor. This is her first production here at NMU and is very excited to make her collegiate debut. Prior to NMU, she attended the Parker Arts Academy in Wisconsin where she studied musical theatre and performed over 20 shows on their stage including HELLO, DOLLY (Irene Molloy), SHREK (Fiona), LEGALLY BLONDE (Elle Woods), and her favorite, HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION (Eurydice), which she got to perform at the International Thespian Festival. She is beyond thrilled to be making her collegiate debut in 9 TO 5! She wants to thank all of the cast and crew for making this production possible, and wants to give a special thanks to her family and friends who always supports her dreams. Instagram: @soniamarie_ 

Sevi Voigt (Ensemble/Dick Understudy) is a freshman pursuing NMU’s Acting BFA program. These past years, Sevi played Javert from Les Misérables, Proteus from Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. He has been acting since he was ten years old, with musical experience both vocal and instrumental. He is excited to continue his acting journey and he hopes you enjoy this production of 9-5!

Caydence Sturtevant (Ensemble Swing/Assistant Choreographer) is in her third year of studying business management and dance at Northern Michigan University. In her collegiate dance career, she is a third-year full company member of Co/Lab Dance Company and played Chaos Alice in Alice In Wonderland last winter. She was also featured in The Rocky Horror Show, Home for the Holidays, Cheers to Love, and Anything Goes.
Before her college dance experience, she participated in competitive dance for ten years, receiving Title Champion awards among several other high-point awards. Caydence also had the opportunity to perform in The Great Russian Nutcracker with the Moscow Ballet twice before pursuing a degree in dance. IG: @caydencesturtevant

Professional Designers

Student Designers

Kristen Beth Williams (Director & Choreographer) 9 to 5 marks Kristen Beth's third full musical as Director/Choreographer at NMU. Previously, she has directed and choreographed Anything Goes and Cabaret. She also served as a choreographer on Home for the Holidays, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Co/Lab Dance Company, directed and choreographed Rock of Ages for the North Coast Theatre Festival, and devised, directed and choreographed the Holiday Soiree in 2023 and 2024. 

Kristen Beth is a professional actor/singer/dancer with an extensive career spanning Broadway, national tours, and regional theatres across the country. Her Broadway credits include Paradise Square, Hello, Dolly with Bette Midler, Pippin, and the original Broadway casts of Nice Work if You Can Get It with Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara, Anything Goes starring Sutton Foster, and Promises, Promises with Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.  She originated the role of Sibella Hallward on the first national tour of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and starred as Dale Tremont in Top Hat in London’s West End.  Her regional theatre credits include 42nd Street (Dorothy Brock) at The Gateway Playhouse and The Lex, Kiss Me Kate (Kate) at Sacramento Music Circus, Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne) at Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, and Irving Berlin's White Christmas (Betty Haynes) at the Ordway St. Paul, as well as many others. She has been a featured soloist at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and New York’s Town Hall.

Lex van Blommestein (Co-Scenic Designer) is a theatre designer based out of Marquette, MI. While he currently teaches at Northern, he also maintains a prolific national and international design career. Lex earned his MFA from Wayne State University's Hilberry Repertory Program in Detroit, and has lived, designed, and taught in Edwardsville, IL; St. Louis, MO; Cincinatti, OH; Raleigh, NC; Memphis, TN; Milwaukee, WI; Detroit, MI; Lansing, MI; Windsor, ON; and Amsterdam, NL, to name a few. In addition to his love for scenic design, he enjoys using design to explore audience reaction, interaction, and emotion, and to create experiences involving virtual reality and augmented reality as well as immersive design.

Laura Hinz (Co-Scenic Designer) is in her final semester of the NMU Theatre Tech and Design BFA. This will be her 5th scenic design. Her other credits include Into the Woods (Puppet Design), Alice in Wonderland (Puppet Design), Much Ado About Nothing (Scenic Design), PUFFs (Scenic Design), Spamalot (Co-Scenic Design), Grease (Co-Scenic Design). She spent all 4 years deeply engaged in the efforts of the Scene Shop as a paint charge. All of this would not have been possible without the endless love and support of her parents, brother, friends, and partner.

Charlotte Somerville (Costume Designer) is a junior in the BFA Theatre Technology & Design program at Northern Michigan University, focusing on costume design and construction. Since first working in costumes on Much Ado About Nothing, she has fallen in love with the way clothing can tell a story, build a world, and reveal character. She has worked on over 10 productions in roles ranging from stitcher to first hand to designer. Recent credits include Puppet Designer & Engineer for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and H&M Designer for Ctrl Alt Delete. She brings a strong background in garment construction, alterations, and collaborative storytelling into every process. Charlotte is especially drawn to the macabre, historically inspired work, and designs that incorporate unexpected elements, like wearable electronics, into live performance. When she’s not in the costume shop, she’s probably deep in research, problem-solving a tricky build, or finding new ways to blend technical skill with imaginative storytelling.

Em Rossi (Hair & Makeup Designer) is an NMU alumnus (2004 BS, 2006 MA). After designing many productions at FRT and other theaters in the Marquette area, she relocated to Detroit where she obtained an MFA in Costume Design from Wayne State University. Em is adjunct faculty in costumes and makeup and also serves as a mentor for costume, hair and makeup design students. Recent and upcoming designs include costumes and puppets for Above the Timberline, puppets for Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, and costumes for Next to Normal, Grease, Anything Goes, Cabaret, The Rocky Horror Show, Frankenstein, Home for the Holidays, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Into The Woods.

Christopher Davis (Lighting Designer) is a Tech and Design BFA student here at Northern. On the tech side at NMU, Christopher has lighting designed shows such as The Little Mermaid, The Last Five Years, and Krapp’s Last Tape, assistant scenic designed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, co-sound designed The Rocky Horror Show, and was the head electrician for Frankenstein and Into the Woods. At his previous university, Christopher lighting designed several shows including Woman in Black and Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. He also directed the world premier of The Letter G as well as a recent production of Red. As for on stage, Christopher has held roles such as The Wolf/Cinderlla’s Prince (Into the Woods), John Wilkes Booth (Assassins), and Sir Lancelot (Spamalot). Upcoming work includes 9 to 5 (Lighting Design), Come From Away (Scenic Design), and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime (Lighting Design/Laser Projections). Professionally, Christopher has also lighting designed High School The Musical at Marian High School as well as the International Beauty Show Live Hair and Fashion Awards in Las Vegas. His work can be seen at www.cd15designs.net

Donna Poirier (Pit Conductor) is currently serving as Assistant Professor and Head of Voice in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Northern Michigan University. Prior to this appointment she served as Choir Director at Ishpeming Public Schools, Director of Choral Activities at Allen University in Columbia, SC, Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Instructor at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS, a lecturer in voice at the University of Connecticut, and Music Director for the Shreveport Opera among other positions. Ms. Schaffer holds fast to the simple teaching philosophy of Nelson Mandela. This proverb states, “each one teach one”. Donna holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan, a Master of Music from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at USC under the tutelage of Dr. Larry Wyatt.

Noah Lovato (Co-Properties Designer) is a freshman who specializes in Props and Tech Directing. He was the Properties Designer for this show and had a great time making the props you see on stage. He has been doing Theatre for 5 years and You will see him next year working on the upcoming productions!

Dom Parrish (Co-Properties Designer) is working as the Assistant Properties Designer for 9 to 5! They have loved working on the show and creating the props that you’ll see on stage. Dom has also been working in the Scenic Studio to help create the set for this wonderful production. Hailing all the way from Houston, Texas, they have been in the theatre for five years. They hope you enjoy the show!

Rachel Wells (Technical Director) is entering her second year as Technical Director and Scene Shop Supervisor at Northern Michigan University. Originally from Ann Arbor, MI, she’s proud to continue supporting theatre education in her home state. Rachel holds an MFA in Technical Direction from Indiana University, where she served as the Technical Director for Indiana University Summer Theatre for three seasons, managing repertory productions with a dedicated team of emerging professionals. At NMU, she oversees scenic construction, mentors student technicians, and fosters a collaborative and creative shop environment focused on craftsmanship and safety. Rachel is an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and is passionate about helping young theatre artists build their technical skills, confidence, and professional readiness.

Reina Jacobson (Assistant Music Director) is excited to be helping out as Assistant Musical Director on NMU's production of 9 to 5! She will be heading into her sophomore year at Northern Michigan University where she is pursuing a major in Music with a minor in Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Some of her recent educational credits include: NMU's Wildcat Theatre Follies, Scenes from Street Scene, as well as involvement in Dr. Erin Cowlitz's upcoming performance of Mozart’s ‘Coronation Mass’ at Carnegie Hall. She's thrilled to be able to help out in one of her all-time favorite productions alongside the extremely talented cast and crew, and hopes that everyone enjoys this show as much as she does! IG: @reereen17

Jamie Downing (Assistant Technical Director) As a current sophomore Tech and Design student at Northern, Jamie is excited to be participating in their first technical direction role and 7th show with NMU. They are concentrating in scenic design, stage management, and technical direction, and enjoy working in the NMU theatre and Dance scene shop, making each show come to life. They will be spending the summer of 2026 as a properties artisan at Ohio Light Opera, working on shows like My Fair Lady, Damn Yankees, Boys from Syracuse and more. Their favorite show they’ve worked on though, is Groves Performing Arts Company’s production of The Book Women, in which they were the scenic designer, stage manager, and student technical director.

Lily Ameloot (A1) This is Lily’s 5th show at NMU. She is in her 2nd year working towards a bachelor’s in theatre technology and design. The shows she previously worked on  were “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed-Reindeer” as a stage manager. She also was a production stage manager for “Cupid’s Cabaret” and “Senior Showcase 2025”. Lastly, the show she worked on as a lavalier technician was “Into the Woods”. She is excited for the shows to come.

Sophia Selenske (A2/Run Crew) is very excited to be a Lavalier Technician for 9 to 5. She is a first year at NMU mostly focusing in lighting, but is also dabbling in sound and stage management. While at NMU she has been Lighting Designer for Cupids Cabaret, Assistant Lighting Designer for Rudolph, Light Board Operator for Into The Woods, and Stage Manager for Love Is A Burning Thing. Before NMU she worked as both Stage Manager and Lighting Designer for her high school. She also worked as Lighting Designer at a community theatre near her hometown. She hopes you enjoy the show! 
I am a 2021 graduate from Menominee Highschool with six musicals under my belt that consists of: Shrek the Musical, Legally Blonde, Pajama Game, Lil' Abner and more. This is my last year here at NMU and only have one show as a performer and the rest have been tech, but, even if I have only gotten one show as a performer, I still love what I do and I love this department. My plans are to be a director and to work on that back at my hometown.

Emily Kendall (Assistant Flight Director) is a Stage Manager currently based out of Marquette, Michigan. She graduated from NMU in May 2021 with a B.S. in Theatre and Entertainment Arts concentrating in Design and Technology. Since then, her credits have included: Stage Management Intern (Peninsula Players Theatre - Door County Wisconsin), Master Carpenter (NMU theatre department's scene shop), and Stage Manager (Superior Arts Youth Theater).

Hudson Leach (Flight Operator) is excited to be the flight operator for 9 to 5! They returned to NMU as a post-bacc student after graduating in May - they have been unable to escape the department’s clutches; send help. In the past they have worked in stage management, flight operations, stage crew, and properties design in shows including Alice in Wonderland, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Cabaret. They hope everyone enjoys the show!

Ayla Berman (Stage Manager/Assistant Flight Operator) is excited to be a Stage Manager for 9 to 5! This is her 3rd year, majoring in Theatre Technology & Design. She has previously worked on a number of shows here at Northern, including Into the Woods, CO/LAB's Alice in Wonderland, Love is a Burning Things and Carnival of the animals. She thanks her family and friends and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Parker Chindlund (Follow Spot Operator) is a Freshman at NMU working on her Technical Theatre and Design BFA. Her main focus is in Lighting design and she wants so congratulate everyone for their hard work on this production!

Olivia Mayer (Follow Spot Operator) is a second year biology major, minoring in theatre and entertainment arts. This is her ninth show at Northern, past credits include Home for the Holidays, Alice In Wonderland, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Rudolph. Olivia is excited for the chance to be part of another amazing production.

Jay Balzarini (Hair & Makeup Crew) is in their freshman year at Northern Michigan University majoring in Secondary Education in Mathematics and a minor In Theatre and Entertainment Arts. They have been been on Hair and Makeup Crew for other NMU productions including A Streetcar Named Desire and Into the Woods! They are very excited to be working with the cast and dedicated crew to bring you the wonders of a Dolly Parton show!

Abby Brennan (Hair & Makeup Crew) is so excited to be a part of the 9-5 production, and even more excited to be on hair and makeup crew. Abby is a BFA Tech & Design student with a focus of hair and makeup, and this is her second show here at NMU. She is beyond excited for the rest of her time in this department, and can't wait to show whats next!

Kaylee Cooper (Hair & Makeup Crew) is so excited to be a part of the hair and makeup team for 9 to 5! She is a freshman at Northern Michigan University. Some productions she has been a part of include A Streetcar Named Desire, Rock of Ages, Tuck Everlasting, and many more. She can’t wait for everyone to see how amazing the cast and crew are in this production of 9 to 5!

Arei Hill (Hair & Makeup Crew) is excited to be assisting with Hair, Makeup, and costume changes! She will soon be going into her Junior year here at NMU and is pursuing a degree in BFA Acting. She’s also assisted with hair in makeup in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and the SAYT’s production of The Little Mermaid. She is so hyped to get to help with this and make some amazing memories with friends, and hopes you enjoy the show! 

Ali/Kit Candiliotis (Lightboard Operator) is a freshman student here at Northern Michigan pursuing a BFA in Theater Technology and a minor in Art and Design in hopes of doing theater and film full time. Before attending NMU, Ali spent all of high school in their high school theater program WCSPA and did over 10 shows there and competed in Michigan Thespian Festival and received three excellent awards on Props Design, Acting, and Short Film. Kit also attending Interlochen Arts Camp for two years doing Reparatory Theater and the Comic and Graphic Novels intensive. One of their main goals is to design a comic they’ve been making since 2020 called Scars about a homeless guy Elliot Koji becoming roommates with a band of criminals.

Val Mycyk (Media Programmer) is a second-year student in the BFA Tech and Design program with a focus on sound design and engineering, while also working towards a History minor. She is beyond excited to be a part of Northern Michigan's production of 9 to 5 as the Media Programmer. This will be her first time working with integrating media on a show. Recent show credits include: Find A TV (Sound Design), A Streetcar Named Desire (Sound Design), Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Sound Design), Into The Woods (A1), and Jesus Christ Superstar (A2 and A1 cover). Keep an eye out for another upcoming production as she is the Sound Designer for Senior Showcase 2026. But for now, she hopes you’re able to get out of your 9-to-5 job and enjoy this amazing show!! :) IG: @vmycyk_

Noah Baxter (QLab Operator) is a 2021 graduate from Menominee Highschool with six musicals under my belt that consists of: Shrek the Musical, Legally Blonde, Pajama Game, Lil' Abner and more. This is his last year here at NMU and only has one show as a performer and the rest have been tech, but, even if he has only gotten one show as a performer, he still loves what he does and loves this department. His plans are to be a director and to work on that back in his hometown.

Sophia Thomas (Run Crew) is grateful to have the opportunity to work backstage on her third show NMU. She has enjoyed watching all of the pieces come together and hoped you enjoy the final product! When she is not in the theatre you can find her lost in thought listening to a podcast over a cup of chai tea.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Tireman (Run Crew) is a freshman pursuing Theatre Technology and has already done four shows with NMU. The shows being Into the Woods (2025), SpongeBob Youth Edition with WPAA/SAYT (2025), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (2025), and Cupid's Cabaret (2026). She hopes you enjoy 9 to 5!!

Shaylene Strickler-Nichols (Stage Manager) is a second semester freshman. Backstage again she’s currently a stage manager for the show you’re going to watch. She’s so proud of everyone involved and hopes you share that sentiment when you clock out tonight.

Emma Spade (Wardrobe Supervisor) is a second year student at NMU. They have helped with Wardrobe crew for 2 other NMU productions (CAD, and Rudolph) as well as 1 youth production (The Little Mermaid). They are very excited to work on 9 to 5 and to see the show all come together!

Marissa Kazee (Wardrobe Crew) is excited to be part of the wardrobe crew. She is in her first year at Northern as a sophomore transfer, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Since arriving on campus, Marissa has enjoyed becoming involved in many areas of the theatre department. Audiences may have seen her perform in Wildcat Theatre Follies last semester, and she also contributed behind the scenes by assisting with hair and makeup for Into the Woods. She was also a stage manager for Cupid's Cabaret this semester. In addition to her work onstage and backstage, Marissa is an active member of the costume shop, where she continues to build hands-on experience in theatrical production and House Manages for the shows that she is not working on.
Marissa is grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow as a theatre artist at Northern. She is thrilled to share this production with audiences and hopes they enjoy every moment of the show. We know Marissa will be! Bringing enthusiasm and dedication to everything she does, Marissa is proud to be part of this incredible experience and hopes you enjoy the show.

Kyo Warren (Wardrobe Crew) is a 2nd year Secondary Education Student, who has been participating in NMU’s theatre performance since their first year. They are excited to be apart of Wardrobe Crew for 9 to 5.

Dawson Del Preto (Keyboard/Rehearsal Pianist) is feeling bittersweet about concluding his time at NMU. This is his last NMU production serving as a rehearsal pianist and pit member. His previous NMU productions in these roles include Cabaret (2024), The Last Five Years (2024), Jesus Christ Superstar (2025), and Into the Woods (2025). In addition to these shows, Dawson served as music director for NMU’s production of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (2025).
Dawson has many people to thank, starting with the cast of 9 to 5. Their dedication to this show makes him proud to be their accompanist. Next, he extends his gratitude towards Tony Beacco and Megan Orticelli Witt for their excellent music direction; without them we would not have a show.
Dawson would like to warmly thank Dr. Donna Poirier for being a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend to him throughout his time at NMU. Dawson gives his special thanks to Kristen Beth Ludwig for her love of the theatre, her kindness; and for giving him the opportunity to work with her professionally starting with Cabaret.
Lastly, Dawson is grateful to Mom, Dad, Dustin, Noelle, and Charity for being such a loving and supportive family who pushes him to keep going!*

Patrick Booth (Reed 2) is a saxophonist, composer, and educator based in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A dynamic performer in both creative and classical settings, he holds degrees in saxophone and education from Central Michigan University, as well as a graduate degree in Improvisation from the University of Michigan. He has most recently been a featured performer and teacher with Wadada Leo Smith and David Liebman, as well as leading his own ensembles based all over the Midwest and East Coast of the USA. He has performed/recorded with Geri Allen, Wadada Leo Smith, David Liebman, Ingrid Laubrock, Tom “Bones” Malone, Wayne Kramer of the MC5, Douglas Ewart, Karl Berger, Adam Nussbaum, Terri Lynn Carrington, Jeff ""Tayne"" Watts and many more. 
Patrick is committed to new music as well as environmentally/ethically cultivated music to help inspire change, equity, and inclusion. He has been featured on countless recordings, ranging from contemporary classical to electronic. His most recent release is Golden Roads, in collaboration with activist and musical spirit Seth Bernard. A firm and ardent supporter of the work being done by Title Track Michigan, a group created to help cultivate environmental equity, racial equity, and youth empowerment. Patrick can be seen performing in many different ensembles around the country including Wadada Leo Smith’s Thunder Ensemble (NYC), Sonic Perfume (Toronto), HEAVY COLOR (Toledo), Gumshoe (Washington DC), straightHORN (Washington DC) Jon Crompton’s saxophone works (NYC), Seth Bernard (Michigan), Public Access (Grand Rapids), Brad Fritcher’s MOODS (Grand Rapids), the Estar Cohen Project (Ann Arbor), Chris Bathgate (Ann Arbor) and many more. Patrick Is a member, creator, and cultivator for Earthwork Music. Patrick is a proud endorser of Conn-Selmer saxophones, and Cusack Music Electronics, and REMIC microphone systems.

Miles Nowlin (Trumpet 2) This is Miles' second time in the orchestra for an NMU production. He's a junior musical theatre major who just so happens to fit in with the musician scene sometimes. His favorite track is "Backwoods Barbie", not only because it's a tacet, but because he gets to listen to that sweet, sweet pedal steel guitar next to him. His last orchestra appearance was Cabaret, where he, to everybody's surprise, played the same instrument. If he could be granted one wish, it would be that everybody grew out their sideburns again. Women included. World peace is his second choice.

Paul Heinonen (Guitar 1) As a self-taught guitarist, Paul's journey with the instrument began in 1977. He was the guitarist for the 1992 FRT production of Jesus Christ Superstar, only to reprise the guitar duties for the 2025 production of JCS. Aside from the guitar, Paul plays the pedal steel guitar, lap steel, mandolin, bass as well as other stringed instruments.He graduated from NMU with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 1992. Paul majored in low brass, specifically tuba."

Sophia Benigni (Trombone) is from Warren, MI, and is an alum from Northern. She graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Music and a minor in Management. Since graduation, she has been working as a legal secretary at a law firm in town and she is enjoying life post-grad. She will be moving back home in May with her partner and she will greatly miss her roommates and friends. Shout-out to her family for driving up to see the play!

Brad Gischia (Reed 1) has been making music since middle school and has played with the pit orchestra for Rocky Horror at NMU the last two years. He writes for the Marquette Monthly and the Munising Beacon, and has released original comic books "the Black Museum" and this year's "No Man's Land" with Ringo Award winner Jason Douglas. He has also self-published two children's books, "Prof. Cryptid" and "King Muscle and Spider Monkey". IG @comicwasteland