Frankenstein - NMU Theatre and Dance

Amilee Alvarado (Agatha)-Amilee Alvarado is a sophomore in the Acting BFA program at NMU. A native Austinite, she is thrilled to be back at NMU creating art with this wonderful cast. Last year she performed in the black box, as Sally perks, in Puffs. and is thrilled to be there performing again in Frankenstein.

Corban Belle (DeLacey & Understudy Creature)-Corban is a sophomore here at NMU in the BFA Acting Program. He is excited for this show to be his third in the program, and Blackbox. Other shows he has been in here include Clybourne Park and Puffs.

Ava Britt (Young Elizabeth & Understudy Justine)- Ava Britt is in her second year as a Musical Theatre BFA at NMU. She was previously in Anything Goes as Spit, Betsy/Lindsey in Clybourne Park, The Holiday Soiree, and Wildcat Theatre Follies 2023 and 2024. Ava is very excited to jump into the role of Young Elizabeth in this brand new and exciting adaptation of Frankenstein. Ava couldn't be more thrilled for an audience to come see the brilliance of her peers and director. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Carley Bishop (Stage Manager)- Carley is a senior in the BFA Theatre Tech and Design program with a focus in stage management. She has previously stage managed Spamalot and Anything Goes. She is so excited for people to see this unique adaptation of a classic novel.

Nate Bunker (Ensemble & Alphonse Understudy)- Nate is a freshman at NMU, He hopes to earn a BFA in musical theater and a license in teaching so after his career as an actor he can be a teacher and fuel and refine the creative sparks of young students like his teachers did for him. He loves geese and karaoke as well as hanging out with friends at the beaches of superior, during the summer of course although he has swam in snowy water a superior, it's not for the faint of heart tho!!

Elijah Buterbaugh (Young Victor/William)-Elijah Buterbaugh is a current freshman studying to get his bachelor's degree in fine arts for acting! This is Elijah's first production here within NMU's theatre program and he couldn't have asked for a better show to kick off his career here! He hopes that everyone will enjoy this amazing rendition of Frankenstein!

Brigit Bichler (Ensemble & Caroline/Bride Understudy)- Brigit is a freshman in the Theatre and Entertainment Arts program. Frankenstein will be her first time taking the stage at NMU. Bridget enjoys all aspects of the theatre from being on stage, running sound, or working on props. Bridget has performed in "The Wizard of Oz", "Sister Act", and her favorite role as Jenny Hill in "BigFish". She can't wait to see what the future holds for her at NMU!

Chloe Collins (Justine)-Collins is a Freshman from Belleville, Michigan. She is pursuing a BFA in musical theatre and a minor in Deaf Studies, and she is thrilled to be playing the role of Justine! Outside of theatre, she is part of the Honors Program and the Freshman Fellowship Program. Collins would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work putting this incredible show together.

Hayden Hartman (Alphonse)- Hayden Hartman is a BFA actor at Northern Michigan University. Hayden has three years of experience in acting, and two years of experience in various dancing. He plans to take his further experience to the main stage on Broadway!

Georgia Hummell (Caroline/Bride)- Georgia Hummell is 17 years old and is an incoming BFA, but is currently a part time student in NMUs theater department. She is very honored to call Frankenstein her first show at NMU, and wants to give a big thanks to the Direct Ralph Jordan (De Lacey Understudy)-Ralph is a new student at Northern Michigan University, but has years of experience in the world of theatre. He comes from the Monroe, Michigan, where he took on roles such as Richard Pierson in War of the Worlds and Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby and/or Production team for their hard work.

Ralph Jordan (De Lacey Understudy)- Ralph is a new student at Northern Michigan University, but has years of experience in the world of theatre. He comes from the Monroe, Michigan, where he took on roles such as Richard Pierson in War of the Worlds and Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby.

Samuel McKnight (Henry Clerval)- Samuel is a junior in the BFA Acting program, with a double major in Multimedia Production. He has been in four other productions at NMU including Salome in the winter semester of 2023 and Othello in the winter semester of 2024. He graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 2022 and technical directed the student broadcast program for two years and was involved in three theatre productions. A full time student Samuel also works as an MMJ for WZMQ19 News in Marquette and has a beautiful wife and three-month-old daughter.

Lola Morrison (Young Elizabeth/Agatha Understudy)-Lola is an incoming freshman continuing their education at NMU after studying abroad for their first semester, where they took a theatre course in London's West End! This, and their general love of the arts inspired them to transfer into the Theatre and Entertainment Arts BA program here at NMU. Their hair color changes often, but their spirit does not! Their excited to share their talents with you this season, and thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Maya Moreau (Elizabeth)-Maya Moreau is a Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Finalist, attending her Senior year here at NMU. A multifaceted performer, she has appeared in many roles including, but not limited to: Salome (Salome), Olive Ostrovsky (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Marty (Grease), and Dick Wilkins (A Christmas Carol). Her artistic style is that of versatility, mutability, and freedom in performance settings.

Rose Porter (Elizabeth Understudy)- Rose has always been an avid actor. She's been participating in shows since she was in the 4th grade and hasn't stopped since. She has been in shows such as, My Fair Lady, Twelve Angry Jurors, The Little Mermaid, Our Town, and many many others. Her dream role is Anya in Anastasia. She wants to thank her family, everyone who helped make Frankenstein possible, and everyone who that has taken the time to come and enjoy the show.

Jacob Rowinski (Offstage Swing)-Jacob is excited to participate in his first show here at NMU as the Assistant Stage Manager of Frankenstein. After four years of theatre experience in high school, Jacob decided he was ready to take the leap into collegiate theatre. Having a background in stage management, run crew, and a smidge of acting, Jacob looks to make many memories backstage at NMU. He thanks his high school director Mrs. Lewalski for pushing him and giving him the confidence to participate at the next level.

Mark Simons (Victor Frankenstein)-Mark Simons is a 19-year-old, first-year Sophomore at Northern Michigan University. He is super excited to perform in this, his first show as a part of the theater program. He gives a huge thanks to Kaitlyn and the whole production team for making this all possible.

Chase Squeo (Henry Understudy)- Chase is a Freshman theater and entertainment arts major. He has been acting all throughout middle school and high school and is overjoyed to be apart of Frankenstein as his first college show

Finn Tolonen (William/Young Victor)-Finn is a sophomore at NMU, majoring in criminal justice with minors in religious studies and theatre. He was previously seen as school boy and urchin in A Christmas Carol. He is so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this project, and he would like to thank his parents, family, and friends for getting here.

Hunter Trepanier (Victor Understudy)- Hunter Trepanier is a freshman student at Northern Michigan University. He was a member of his high school drama club and actively participated in LST and SAYT productions as a kid. Previous roles include Gomez Addams in “Addams Family The Musical”, Demitry in “Anastasia”, Hysterium in “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum”, and many more. In his spare time, Hunter enjoys reading, delving into obscure topics, and Laughing at odd-looking birds.

(*)Denotes Faculty

Lachlan Beesley (Prorduction Stage Manager)-Lachlan Beesley is excited to be the Production Stage Manager of Frankenstein. He is a sophomore Majoring in Theatre Tech and Design with a Minor in Business Administration. In the past he has worked as the stage manager for A Christmas Carol, White Christmas, and The Triangle Factory Fire Project

Ayla Berman (Assistant Properties Designer)- Ayla Berman is excited to be the assistant properties designer for Frankenstein. This is her second year majoring in Theatre Technology & Design. She has previously been on deck crew for Anything Goes, been a properties assistant on Puffs, and on the puppet construction crew for CO/LAB’s Carnival of the Animals here at NMU. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Lex van Blommestein (Lighting 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.

Kaitlyn Frotton (Director)-is an international teaching artist and actor with experience performing and directing in NYC, London, Las Vegas, Philippines, Edinburgh, Seychelles, and regional markets throughout the USA.  BM in Musical Theatre, Rider University (Mark Twain Comedy Award, KCACTF Nationals), M.A. Classical Acting London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.  She holds a UK Global Talent Visa for her work as an actor and director abroad.  Directing/Teaching credits include Tunnel Theatre Co., NYC (featuring Tony Award Winning Alice Ripley, and Hamilton’s Michael Luwoye), Boden’s Performing Arts College, London (Classical Acting Teacher), William T. Sherman School, NYC (Director/Choreographer), McCarter Theatre, Princeton, NJ (Shakespeare and Devising Teacher), and KIPP Lab High School, Newark NJ (Resident Theatre Teacher and Curriculum Creator). Kaitlyn is thrilled to be back in the beautiful UP and looks forward to learning from the talented community at NMU.  

Zoë Hajec (Assistant Director/Movement Coach)-Zoë Hajec is a senior at NMU pursuing a degree for a BFA in acting and a minor in dance. During her time in the program, she has been a part of many productions including Anything Goes (Ensemble/ Second Cover Mrs. Harcourt), A Christmas Carol (Claire Fezziwig/ Swing), Spamalot (Swing/ Second Cover Patsy and Robin), Grease (Ensemble), Finding Home (Deviser/ Ensemble), The Wolves (#00), Elf the Musical (Charolette Dennon/ Ensemble), and Above the Timberline. This summer she was performing in Ketchikan, Alaska as Little Nell in The Fish Pirates Daughter, as well as an original dance piece titled “Timelessly Entageled” in the Gigglefeet Dance Festival. Zoë is thrilled to be back for her senior year at NMU and is super excited to have the opportunity to work on this show with Kaitlyn! Zoë would like to thank her friends and family for their unwavering support!

Peytyn Kier (Assistant Lighting Designer)- Peytyn has worked on previous shows during her time at NMU, this is her first time being an Assistant lighting designer for Frankenstein she is excited for eveyone to see this production and enjoy it!

Meara Kronsperger (Scenic Designer)- Meara is a junior from Ann Arbor, Michigan studying Theatre Technology and Design and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She is very excited for her first college scenic design and another year at NMU! Some of her recent projects include Clybourne Park (Sound Design), Anything Goes (A1), and Rock of Ages (A2). Additionally, over the summer she worked as an AV Apprentice at the Santa Fe Opera where she won a James Irven Stanley Memorial Award. She is very grateful for the constant support from her friends and family and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

James "Jimmy" Ludwig (Fight Choreographer)-James has been a professional actor for three decades. Broadway credits include Little Shop of Horrors and the original cast of Spamalot; Off Broadway include Blue Man Group ‘Tubes’, De La Guarda, Two Point Oh and the original ‘john’ in john & Jen, among many others. Regionally James has playing leading roles around the country from Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady to the titular character in Hamlet. Film and Television credits include The Chappelle's Show, Daylight Raiders, Lipstick Jungle, and Ghost Town.  In 2003 James started Back40 Films, which has produced hundreds of projects on time and on budget; from the wildly popular series “The Happy Hour Guys”, to A Face In The Rock, a feature trailer based on the historical novel of the same name by Loren Graham, set here in the Upper Peninsula.  James has taught at colleges and universities all over the US and abroad, including MTL Portugal, Franklin & Marshall College, AMDA, Boise State, the University of Michigan, the University of Washington, and more. It is his intention to grow the new BFA Acting program here at NMU into one of the best in the country.

Jacob Rowinski (Assistant Stage Manager)-Jacob is excited to participate in his first show here at NMU as the Assistant Stage Manager of Frankenstein. After four years of theatre experience in high school, Jacob decided he was ready to take the leap into collegiate theatre. Having a background in stage management, run crew, and a smidge of acting, Jacob looks to make many memories backstage at NMU. He thanks his high school director Mrs. Lewalski for pushing him and giving him the confidence to participate at the next level.

Molly Sobiechowski (Assistant Lighting Designer)- Molly Sobiechowski is thrilled to combine her love for literature, theatre, and design as an assistant lighting designer for “Frankenstein.” She is a sophomore at NMU currently working towards her BFA in Theatre Technology and Design. Recently she served as a stage manager for NMU’s production of “Puffs." In the past she also served as the assistant lighting designer of "Men on Boats" and "The Play That Goes Wrong" at the Croswell Opera House in Adrian, Michigan. She would like to thank all of her family, friends, and mentors for all of their support.

Brayden Smith (Sound Designer)- Brayden Smith is a sophomore theater Technology and Design major, he has worked on a number of shows at Northern in various roles such as, Spamalot (head electrician), A Christmas Carol (Sound Design), Clyborne Park (A1). he also has professional credits including Audio technician at the National Cherry Festival, Lighting Designer for Ghost Soldiers at the North Coast Theater Festival, and Head Electrician at the North Coast Theater Festival. Brayden is so excited to be back with everyone and Sound Designing this amazing Production.

Rachel Wells (Technical Director)-is thrilled to join the NMU team as the Technical Director and Shop Supervisor. Originally from Ann Arbor, MI, she is excited to return to her home state. Rachel recently received her MFA in Theatre Technology from Indiana University where she served as the Technical Director for Indiana University Summer Theatre, IU’s professional summer stock, for the past three seasons. There she managed repertory productions with a small but skilled team of early career professionals. Rachel is an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and loves helping young artists to grow their skills and confidence in the world of theatre.

Charlotte Somerville (Properties Designer)- Charlotte Somerville is a Props and Costume Designer who strives to bring stories to life through detailed, immersive design. As a sophomore in the BFA Theatre Technology & Design program, she spent the past summer working on wearable electronics, which now informs their approach to the multiple productions she is working on this year. Whether creating historically accurate pieces or experimenting with new techniques, Charlotte is passionate about enhancing the visual storytelling that drives each performance. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Elise Wilcox (Costume Designer)- Elise Wilcox is a Theatre Tech and Design BFA in her fourth year at NMU. She has previously served as assistant costume designer on Spamalot, a co-costume designer on Co/Lab Dance Co.'s production of Carnival of the Animals, and a cutter/draper/dyer in the NMU costume shop. In addition to her work at NMU, Elise has also been a contestant in the Reedpop Championships of Cosplay, a C2E2 panelist, and a cosplay judge. She wants to thank her family and friends for always supporting her, and can't wait for you to see her costume design debut!

† Indicates membership in Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society.