Elf 2021

Home for the Holidays

An original theatrical performance unfolds...

Where NMU students, infused with song and dance, get ready to journey home for the holidays. Prior to their departure for the break, they convene to share tales of their diverse family customs - from spirited sleigh rides with cousins, to uproarious family feasts, to enchanting trips to NYC to witness the dazzling lights.

This season, we're bringing extra magic to Home for the Holidays—Santa Claus will be visiting the FRT lobby one hour before each performance! ✨

Bring the whole family to enjoy a festive photo op with jolly ol' Saint Nick, share your holiday wishes, and get into the spirit before the show starts. Santa will be there to greet you, spread some cheer, and create lasting memories!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY | APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2HRS | 15min Intermission

Upcoming Performances

 

  • Thursday, December 5th, 2024 | 7:30 PM | Opening Night Party 
  • Friday, December 6th, 2024 | 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 1:00 PM | Theatre For All
  • Saturday, December 7th, 2024 | 7:30 PM
  • Thursday, December 12th, 2024 | 7:30 PM
  • Friday, December 13th, 2024 | 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, December 14th 2024 | 1:00PM
  • Saturday, December 14th, 2024 | 7:30 PM

  • Ticket Prices

  • General public:  $25
  • NMU Employees, Seniors and Military: $22
  • Youth: $15
  • NMU Students: $5
  • Pay as You May (Theatre for All Shows Only): $0 (Donations Accepted)
Purchase Tickets
Karina Johnson Headshot

Karina Johnson: Director

A Note from the Director

"Hi everyone and welcome to Home for the Holidays!  My name is Karina Johnson, and I am the director of the show and artistic director of the CO/LAB Dance Company. I am so incredibly excited you have decided to join us tonight. This show is extra special to me, as it has been a dream of mine for many years. As a young aspiring ballerina turned professional dancer, I grew up with the holiday season being a significantly memorable time, thanks to the Nutcracker. To this day, The Nutcracker is still one of my favorite ballets and will always be close to my heart. But I always wondered if there was a way to celebrate more diverse experiences during this season through performance art and dance. The show you are about to see tonight is my attempt at accomplishing this. Celebrating our traditions, our memories, and our love during this remarkable and magical time, through the eyes of our very own NMU students. 

 

This production would not have been possible without the help and support of Kristen Beth Ludwig and Donna Poirier. I have never directed a production at this scale before, and I am beyond grateful for their encouragement, guidance, and long hours in the studio with me. Thank you to the choreographers, who put in an incredible amount of time and effort setting their pieces and making magic happen. Thank you to the tech and design team, production team, and everyone behind the scenes pulling the strings. Thank you to the cast, who trusted me 110% of the time even when I didn’t trust myself. And lastly, thank you to my husband Iver, who put up with my late nights in rehearsal and carrying our family through my absence from home. Thank you from my whole heart.

 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy the show and… HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!"

-Karina Johnson

Cast Information

Full Company:

Sydney Baudin
Joshua Bianca
Delaney Brennan
Kayleigh Clark
Alina Damič
Gianna Daprai
Devon Dickerson
Abigail Foskuhl
Mandy Granz
Jordyn Hopfensperger
Emma Houston
Hannah Johnson
Anna Johnston
Audryn Just
Xander Martin
Don'Tae Mitchell
Henry Moore
Logan Newcomb
Lauren Newell
Sara Neva
MJ Opulencia
River Price
Erin Seiler
Cayden Smaka
Phillip Smith
Caydence Sturtevant
John Thomson
Josie Truckey
Clara Usealman
Sophia Zavala
Ryan Zepp
 

Sydney Baudin (Cast)- Sydney is a freshman at Northern Michigan University double majoring in dance and biology. She has been dancing for 16 years and has trained in many styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, and modern and is super excited to be continuing her training here at Northern.

Joshua Bianca (Cast)- Joshua Bianca is a second year student at NMU who is majoring in musical theater and minoring in dance. He is thrilled to be a part of Home For The Holidays and get the opportunity to work with such a talented group of people. Joshua has previously been seen in Anything Goes, Cabret, and is a returning member of CO/LAB Dance Company. This will be his fifth collegiate performance and he can’t wait to continue his theater journey at NMU. Joshua is thankful for all of his family, friends, and faculty! @joshuabianca_

Delaney Brennan (Cast)- Delaney Brennan is a freshman at NMU. She is majoring in biology with a minor in dance! She has trained in various styles of dance, including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and modern, for 15 years at a local studio in the Lapeer County area. She is forever thankful for the support of her family, friends, and dance mentor, Hannah Machado. Delaney can’t wait to bring this story to life and hopes you enjoy the show! 

Kayleigh Clark (Cast)- Kayleigh Clark is a sophomore at NMU studying a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has performed in several NMU T&D productions such as Spamalot, A Christmas Carol, and Anything Goes. She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless support and love! Enjoy the show! IG: @kayleigh_a_clark

Alina Damič (Cast)-Alina Damič is so excited to be in NMU's production of Home for the Holidays! She's a freshman in Northern's Musical Theatre BFA program. You might’ve seen her as Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Ariel Moore (Footloose), Veronica Sawyer (Heathers), and Betty Rizzo (Grease). She hopes you have a wonderful time watching the show!

Gianna Daprai (Choreographer/Cast)- Gianna Daprai is a third year student at NMU, majoring in both dance and environmental science. She has choreographed multiple contemporary pieces for the CO/LAB Dance Company, of which she is the president of the student committee. Her choreography has been featured at the North Coast Dance Festival (2023) and the Detroit Dance City Festival (2024). Her previous performances at NMU include The North Coast Dance Festival (2023), CO/LAB Dance Concert (2023, 2024), The Producers (ensemble), Excerpts From The Nutcracker (Snowflake), and Cabaret (Lulu). Gianna is both a performer and choreographer in Home For The Holidays and is excited to spread the holiday spirit. She is very excited to showcase her choreography about spending the holidays with family, and hopes everyone can relate to her loving, chaotic Italian family.

Devon Dickerson (Cast)- He is a fourth year NMU student majoring in dance and this is his 5th performance at northern. He is looking forward to performing with all the cast and crew.

Abigail Foskuhl (Choreographer and Understudy)- Abigail is currently a junior pursuing a BA in Dance. She is a Co/Lab Dance Company member, as well as the Vice-President of the Co/Lab Dance Company Committee. She is also a member of the NMU Dance Team, and the BA Dance representative on the Student Advisory Board.

Mandy Granz (Cast)- Mandy is a sophomore Musical Theatre BFA at NMU. She is very excited to be a part of her third show in the department, with previous credits including “A Christmas Carol” and “Puffs”. She would like to extend her appreciation to all the directors, choreographers, and the entire creative team of the show for their unwavering patience and dedication to bringing this beautiful original show to life.

Jordyn Hopfensperger (Cast)- Jordyn Hopfensperger is thrilled to be a part of NMU Theatre and Dance’s production of Home For The Holidays! Currently, Jordyn is a second year Musical Theatre major and is a proud member of Co/Lab Dance Company. She has previously been seen on the FRT stage in Cabaret, Anything Goes, and Spamalot! Jordyn would like to thank her friends, family, and the NMU Theatre and Dance faculty for all of their love and support! Happy holidays everyone! @jordynhopfensperger

Emma Houston (Cast)- Emma Houston is a Senior graduating with a degree in Multimedia Journalism. Emma in her 18 years of dance has trained with companies like Joffrey School of Dance and Artistry in Motion and hopes to continue her dancing career after graduation. She is honored to be apart of this performance and showcase her piece, “Santa Clause is back in town”. Emma would like to thank her father, brothers, and Karina Johnson for the endless support.

Hannah Johnson (Cast)- Hannah Johnson is a sophomore in the BFA Musical Theatre program here at Northern. She is ecstatic to be a part of another production, having recently appeared as Helga in Cabaret, Belinda in Christmas Carol, and as ensemble and/or Sir Robin in Spamalot. She was also a member of CO/LAB last season and performed an original duet with Henry Moore. In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, working out, drinking tea, and sleeping. She hopes this show puts you in the holiday spirit and reminds you of the many joys of the season!

Anna Johnston (Cast)- Anna is a Sophomore at NMU working towards a BA for dance. She has danced for 11 years in various styles, including ballet and contemporary at Grand Rapids Ballet school. Anna is currently a full company member of Co/Lab Dance Company. She is very grateful for this experience and chance to grow as a dancer and person. Anna is excited to spread the holiday spirit and hopes you enjoy the show!

Audryn Just (Cast)- Audryn is thrilled to be back on the FRT stage in Home for the Holidays! She is a second year musical theatre major with a minor in dance. You may have previously seen her in the ensemble of Anything Goes or as the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol here at NMU. Happy Holidays! IG: @audrynjust

Xander Martin (Cast)- For his second year at NMU, Xander is so excited to be apart of Home for the Holidays! After his last appearance in Anything Goes and Co/Lab, he is very happy to step on the stage again and perform for his friends, family, and all who see the show!

Don'Tae Mitchell (Cast/Choreographer)- Don’Tae Mitchell is so excited to be a part of "Home for the Holiday." It's been a such blast dancing and choreographing numbers like "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Grown Up Christmas List," along with many more festive performances. Most of all spending time with his friends with his close friends and cast mates. This experience has been incredibly fun and rewarding, and Don’Tae can't wait to share the holiday spirit with everyone! @dontaedamarcuss

Henry Moore (Cast)- Henry is a Sophomore at NMU pursuing a BFA in Acting as well as a minor in Business Administration and Dance. Henry is in the Ensemble as well as a Beatboxer for Home for the Holidays. This is Henrys 7th show at NMU, including his involvement as a company member in NMUs dance company, CO-LAB. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Sara Neva (Cast)- Sara Neva is a first-year student at NMU, majoring in elementary education. She spent the past six years training at Superior School of Dance in Hancock, Michigan, where she was a member of the Copper Studio Company and performed in numerous productions. She has also attended intensives with Eisenhower Dance Detroit and The Guthrie Theatre. In addition to dance, Sara participated in band and choir, as well as theater productions, including playing Savannah in Freaky Friday and Alice in Alice in Wonderland. Sara is excited to be a member of the Co/Lab Dance Company this year!

Logan Newcomb (Cast)- Logan Newcomb is a sophomore who is pursuing a BFA in Acting. You may have most recently seen him in Cabaret as Clifford Bradshaw and in Puffs as Wayne Hopkins. He is super excited to cover a band he has grown up listening to with his good friends, and he can't wait for everyone to hear it! He would like to thank Megan Hibbard for pushing him in Jazz 1 so he can dance better! IG: Logan.newcomb

Lauren Newell (Cast)- Lauren Newell is a Sophomore Dance Major at NMU. She is a recent transfer from San Jose, CA, where she has been singing, dancing, and acting since she was 2 years old. She was a competitive dancer for over 10 years and has trained in all styles of dance. She led her High School’s musical theater department and was their choreographer for such shows as Mean Girls(Regina) and 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee (Logainne SchwartzandGrubenierre). She is a member of the Bay Area Panthers Indoor Football League Dance Team for the 2024 season. She is excited to be back on the stage doing what she loves with her new friends.

River Price (Cast)- River is a Sophomore Art and Design Photography major at NMU. River has been dancing competitively since they were five years old and is excited to make their debut in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Erin Seiler (Cast)- Erin is thrilled to share her love for the holidays through dance in this year's Home for the Holidays performances! Erin is a junior majoring in Economics with minors in both Mathematics and Dance. She is a member of the Co/Lab Dance Company as well as a captain of the NMU Dance Team. Erin cannot wait to perform with the company and hopes you enjoy the show!

Cayden Smaka (Cast)- Cayden Smaka is a sophomore BFA Acting major at Northern Michigan University! He is ecstatic to be a part of this holiday show with such a talented cast and crew! This will be his eighth show at NMU, and when not on stage, you can find Cayden skateboarding, hiking, or napping on the rehearsal studio hallway floor! Cayden would love to thank his amazing family and friends, as well as his directors and mentors, for their constant support! and he is thrilled to share this spectacular show with you!

Phillip Smith (Cast)- Phillip Smith, born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, is a third year in the Acting BFA program. He grew up in the theatre, having been involved in both community theatre productions and school programs from a very young age. Since arriving at NMU, he has been featured in Anything Goes (Billy Crocker), Spamalot! (Sir Lancelot/Dance Captain), Cabaret (Bobby), Finding Home (Ensemble), Salome (Soldier #2), Grease (Doody), and Co/Lab Dance Company (Full Member). He is thrilled to be a part of this cast and excited for you all to see Home for the Holidays!

Caydence Sturtevant (Cast)- Caydence is in her second year of studying business management and dance at Northern Michigan University. In her collegiate dance career, she has been a full-company member of Co/Lab Dance Company for two years and was seen playing Reno’s Angel in Anything Goes last spring. Before her college dance experience, she participated in competitive dance for ten years, receiving the Title Champion award among several other high-point awards. Caydence also got the chance to perform in The Great Russian Nutcracker with the Moscow Ballet twice before pursuing a degree in dance. She is extremely excited to share her love of dance in this show and simply can’t wait to be Home for the Holidays. 

Josie Truckey (Cast)- Josie Truckey is a second year dance major at NMU. She danced at Marquette Center for Dance for 13 years where she primarily studied ballet. Josie is proud to be part of the Marquette dance community. She has performed in and choreographed for many local productions including the annual Marquette community Nutcracker. This year, Josie joined Co/Lab Dance Company as a full company member for their 2024-25 season. Home for the Holidays will be her second NMU Theatre and Dance production after performing in East of the Sun, West of the Moon in 2019. Josie is so excited to help spread holiday cheer this winter!

John Thomson (Cast)- John Thomson is in his fifth and final year here at NMU Theatre and Dance and is very excited to participate in his first dance show. The holidays are his favorite time of year and he hopes this show brings you holiday cheer.

Clara Usealman (Cast)- Clara Usealman is a sophomore at Northern Michigan University. She previously starred in productions such as A Christmas Carol and Puffs. She hopes you enjoy the show! Venmo: cusealman

Sophia Zavala (Cast)- Sophia is wrapping up her third semester here as a sophomore in NMU Theatre and Dance! She's very passionate about performance and couldn't be more thrilled to create art with such wonderful people here in Marquette, most recently having been in this season’s production of Cabaret. Texas born and raised, she’s looking forward to another year of fun in the snow here at northern!

Ryan Zepp (Cast)- Ryan Zepp is a junior BFA Musical Theatre Major and is excited to be back performing on the FRT stage. His previous credits include Rodger (Grease), Sir Bedevere (Spamalot), Ensemble (Anything Goes). Merry Christmas!

Production Team Information

DirectorKarina Johnson
Music DirectorDonna Poirier
ChoreographerKarina Johnson, Kristen Beth Williams, Megan Hibbard
Additional ChoreographersLizzie Kucharek, Jamie Downing, Gianna Daprai, Abigail Foskuhl, Sylvia Gravel, Don'Tae Mitchell, Emma Houston, MJ Opulencia
Scenic DesignerLex van Blommestein
Lighting DesignerDavid Pierce
Costume DesignerEm Rossi
Sound DesignerDominic Mrakovcich
Properties DesignerEmily Rusmisel
ViolinistMark Simons
Production Stage ManagerAmbrose Meteyer
Technical DirectorRachel Wells
Assistant Lighting DesignersJulia Neuman, Nate Borel
Assistant Scenic DesignerVee Reynbout
Stage ManagersCaroline Deiters & Jamie Downing
Audio 1Riley Joy
Audio 2Olivia Mayer
Head ElectricianPeytyn Kier
Audio ProgrammerBrayden Smith
Light Board OperatorNate Borel
Spotlight OperatorsVal Mycyk
StagehandLayne Sundholm
WardrobeMorgan Dejager
Video EngineerLiam Fisher

Lex van Blommestein (Scenic Designer)- Lex van Blommestein 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.

Nate Borel (Assistant Lighting Designer and Light Board Operator)- Nate Borel is a freshman in NMU's theatre program pursuing a B.F.A. in Theatre Technology and Design. Home for the Holidays is his second show with the program, with Cabaret being his first. He's enjoying every moment, and he's grateful to be able to work alongside so many talented and kind individuals.

Caroline Deiters (Stage Manager)- Caroline Deiters is a first year in the Theater Tech and Design program. She has an large background in tech from her high school career but is very excited to be a beginner again and working on her first collegiate production. Caroline is very grateful to have this opportunity working with the wonderful cast and crew of Home for the Holidays.

Morgan DeJager (Wardrobe)- Morgan is very excited to be helping put on this show, as she loves christmas very much. Morgan has been doing theater for 5 years now whether she is on stage or helping put one on. Morgan has recently just done wardrobe and makeup for NMU's production of Rocky Horror and has also been in a few mainstage productions such as Big Fish the new musical, Alice in Wonderland, Mean Girls, Clue on stage, and Peter and the Starcatcher.


Jamie Downing (Stage Manager)- As a graduate of Wylie E. Groves High School and current freshman at Northern, Jamie Downing is excited to be stage managing their second show with NMU, their first being Wildcat Theatre Follies 2024. In high school, they held the roles of Stage Manager, Student Technical Director, and Scenic Designer. They spent the summer of 2024 working with Michigan Stage as an Assistant Stage Manager for Lost in Yonkers and Guys & Dolls, as well as the Scenic Designer for Peerless. Jamie looks forward to designing the rabbit hole for NMU’s February 2025 performance of Alice in Wonderland.

Abigail Foskuhl (Choreographer and Understudy)- Abigail is currently a junior pursuing a BA in Dance. She is a Co/Lab Dance Company member, as well as the Vice-President of the Co/Lab Dance Company Committee. She is also a member of the NMU Dance Team, and the BA Dance representative on the Student Advisory Board.

Sylvia Gravel (Choreographer and Rehearsal Assistant)- Sylvia Gravel received a BS in Dance from Northern Michigan University in 2023. She has spent the last three semesters as the CO/LAB Dance Company intern/assistant, where she has choreographed (STATIC, White Christmas), and acted as Production Stage Manager for the 2024 CO/LAB Showcase and North Coast Dance Festival. During her time as a student, she performed and choreographed for CO/LAB and dance team, primarily focusing on jazz and contemporary styles. Earlier this year, Sylvia was a showing artist at the first annual Dancing In Summer, The Festival (Ypsilanti, MI). Sylvia has also participated in “Dancing with Our Stars, Marquette County Style” as a dance pro.

Riley Joy (Audio 1)- Riley Joy is attending NMU as a Freshman and although she is pursuing her BFA in Acting and a Minor in English. She is excited to be working sound for this production and can't wait to learn everything else on the tech side of things! Enjoy the show! 

Karina Johnson (Director/Choreographer)- Karina Johnson is an accomplished dancer, teacher, and artist. She started training in ballet at the age of 4 in Irvine, California, and went on to study with many renowned teachers from American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, New York City Ballet, Ballet West, and others. While ballet was always her main focus, she trained in all styles and forms of dance including jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, and lyrical. In 2010 she graduated from The University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet Performance. However, her professional dance career began while in college, guesting with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Ballet West. After graduating, Karina moved to San Francisco to dance with Smuin Contemporary Ballet for a year and then onward to Sacramento Ballet, where she danced some of her most notable and rewarding roles. After retiring in 2015 from her ballet career, Karina helped found the dancer-run company Capital Dance Project, choreographing, performing, and organizing their summer performance series. After 8 years of dancing professionally and 5 more helping run a project-based company, she decided it was time to pass on her love and knowledge of dance to future generations... bringing her to NMU! Karina currently teaches dance for the Theatre & Dance Department.

Megan Hibbard(Choreographer (Radio City and Hot Chocolate))- Megan Hibbard is Adjunct Faculty and an alumna of Northern Michigan University. She loves her time both onstage and off, and loves to have a hand in multiple aspects of the theater! In the past you may have seen her onstage as Natalie Goodman in “Next to Normal”, Judy Turner in “A Chorus Line”, or Sherrie Christian in “Rock of Ages”. She was also the Co-Choreographer of NMU’s “Grease”, and the Choreographer of NMU’s Spamalot! Megan’s lighting designs include “Elf”, NMU’s 2023 and 2024 CO/LAB performances and the 2024 North Coast Dance Festival. She is so unbelievably proud of her dancers and would like to thank her loved ones for their support!

Peytyn Kier (Head Electrician)- Peytyn is excited to be head electrician on Home for the Holidays! She is working towards a BFA in Theatre Technologies and Design with a focus of lighting design. In the past she has worked as Assistant lighting Designer for Frankenstein, head electrician for Anything Goes. She hopes that everyone enjoys the show!

Lizzie Kucharek (Choreographer)- Lizzie Kucharek is a junior at NMU, pursuing a degree in graphic design with a double minor in business management and dance. With a deep appreciation for the art of movement, Lizzie has started her own dance group on campus called Double Step Cloggers. In addition, she has performed in NMU’s double-feature of A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Nutcracker. She is thrilled to contribute to this holiday performance, celebrating the season through the rhythmic tradition of clogging. Combining her creative passions in dance and design, Lizzie is dedicated to bringing joy and energy to the stage with every step.

Olivia Mayer (Run Crew/A2)- Olivia is a first year biology major. Throughout high school she was very involved in the music program and in her senior year she had the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra and help out backstage in their production of Alice by Heart. When she came to NMU she hoped to continue her journey in theater and is excited to be part of the crew for Home for the Holidays as her first college show.

Ambrose Meteyer (Production Stage Manager)- Ambrose is a sophomore in the BFA Theatre Technology & Design program and has had a fantastic time working with this extremely talented group of people and getting into the holiday spirit since the end of the summer! Favorite credits include Assistant Stage Manager for Predictor (Williamston Theatre), The Professor/Sheriff in Ghost Soldiers (North Coast Theatre Festival), u/s Oliver, Cedric, and Narrator in Puffs (NMU), and Stage Manager for Spamalot (NMU). In addition to theatre, Ambrose enjoys playing the cello, biking, and writing. Enjoy this energetic fun-filled holiday show and have a happy new year! IG: ambrosem_

Dominic Mrakovcich (Sound & Media Supervisor)- Dominic Mrakovcich is a composer with nearly two decades of experience in music. He’s an experienced collaborator and concert production assistant, having worked with both emerging student artists and professional ensembles. Specializing in crafting ambient soundscapes, Dominic draws on a wide array of electronic and acoustic instruments to create immersive music. He currently serves as the Sound & Media Supervisor at Northern Michigan University.

Julia Neuman (Assistant Lighting Designer)- Julia is a freshman in Theatre Technology & Design here at NMU. She is part of the lighting team for Home for the Holidays. She has has been involved in Cabaret as the assistant electrician and multiple shows throughout high school. Most notably, Julia was the lighting designer for the one act plays One Stoplight Town and The Experiment. Outside of theatre, she enjoys playing oboe and English horn, as well as biking.

David Pierce (Lighting Designer)- David Pierce earned his MFA in Theatre Technology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves as Director of Production and Lighting Supervisor for the Department of Theatre and Dance. He teaches courses in stage electrics, lighting design, and management.  He is an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) as well the Production Managers Forum, a network for production managers of non-profit theatre, dance, opera companies, and educational theatres in North America, where he currently serves as a member of the Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee.  Professionally, David has served as the Technical Director and Production Manager for the Adirondack Theatre Festival in Glens Falls, NY, a company devoted to new and contemporary work, where he has been apart of such productions as Murder for TwoFilming O’KeefeThe WhaleSpunNikola Tesla Drops the Beat, and many others.  He is also a freelance lighting designer with design credits (selected) of Rock of AgesGreaseThe ProducersAbove the TimberlineMamma Mia!Sweeney Todd, and What We Leave Behind.

 

Donna Poirier (Music Director)- Donna Poirier is currently serving as the Choir Director at Ishpeming Public Schools and Vocal Instructor at Northern Michigan University.   She an active singer and accomplished pianist. She has served as music director for the Shreveport Opera and the Natchez Music Festival and stage director for Manhattan Lyric Opera. She was thrilled to join Opera Fresca in Mendocino, CA, as music director for their production of "Pagliacci." In 2012-2013, Donna served as a regional conductor for the 105 Voices of History National Choir based in Washington D.C. Her stage roles include: Susan in "Big, the Musical" with Artful Living Productions, Musetta in Puccini's "La Bohéme" with the Opera Theatre of Connecticut, Pamina in Mozart's "Die Zauberfløte," Madame Silverpeal in Mozart's "Impressario" with Crystal Opera, Rosina in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" with Opera New England, Adina in Donizetti's "Elixir of Love," Susannah in Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro," Gretel in Humperdinck's "Hånsel and Gretel" with New York Opera Forum, La Ciesca in Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi," the Shepherd Boy in Puccini's "Tosca," Ida in "Die Fledermaus"  with the Natchez Music Festival in Mississippi, and Gianetta in "Elixir of Love" with Manhattan Lyric Opera of New York for their tour in Boca Raton, FL. Donna has appeared as soprano soloist with the New York City Choral Society in Händel's "Messiah," the Manchester Symphony and Chorale and the Northeast Concert Choir in Beethoven's Mass in C, and the Middletown, CT, Chorale in Mozart's Mass in C minor. She has made numerous recital appearances throughout the country including an appearance for the International Dickens Society, RI, and the American Women Composer's Society in NY. She enjoys playing throughout the southeast with her band, The Court Jesters. 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 from the University of South Carolina under the tutelage of Dr. Larry Wyatt.  She has served on the faculty at Allen University, Alcorn State University, the University of Connecticut, the Ethel Walker School and the Young People's Institute. Donna is the founder of Summit Studios, a performing arts studio serving over 700 clients per week in Manchester, Connecticut.

Emily Rusmisel (Props/Paint Manager)- An Illinois native and explorer at heart, shortly after returning from an exchange year abroad(Bulgaria), she hopped on a Greyhound headed to Portland, Oregon. She fit right in with the weird and stayed most of her adult years, returning for a stint to earn her BS from Illinois State University. Before venturing to the U.P., she served as Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Charge Artist(2017-2024) and freelance designed throughout the area. Recognition's include Portland Area Musical Theatre Award for Outstanding Scenic Design(2020, 2018), a Sparkle Award for Outstanding Scenic Design(2019), and a Drammy for Outstanding Achievement in Properties Design(2018). www.emilyrusmisel.com

Em Rossi (Costume Designer)- Em Rossi 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, costumes for Next to Normal, and costumes for Grease.

Mark Simons (Violinist)- Mark is a first-year sophomore here at NMU Theater and Dance. You may have seen him perform as Victor Frankenstein in our recent production of "Frankenstein." He'd like to thank the whole department for welcoming him into the program with such kindness and grace.

Rachel Wells (Technical Director)- Rachel Wells (She/Her) 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.

Kristen Beth Williams (Choreographer)- Kristen Beth Ludwig (Williams) has directed and choreographed Cabaret, Anything Goes, Rock of Ages (North Coast Theatre Festival), and the Holiday Soirée here at NMU. She is proud to be part of this world premiere holiday spectacular and thanks Karina Johnson for her patience and for going along with all her crazy ideas! She is a professional actor/singer/dancer with an extensive career spanning Broadway, national tours, and regional theatres across the country. She was most recently seen in the new Broadway musical Paradise Square. Other Broadway credits include 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 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.

 

 

 

 

NMU Theatre & Dance Staff

ProducerBill Digneit
Artistic DirectorJill Grundstrom
Director of ProductionDavid Pierce
Costume Shop SupervisorEm Rossi
Assistant Costume Shop SupervisorSuzanne Shahbazi
Lighting SupervisorDavid Pierce
Properties SupervisorLex van Blommestein
Scene Shop SupervisorRachell Wells
Associate Scene Shop SupervisorEmily Kendall
Scenic/Paint SupervisorLex van Blommestein
Props/Paint ManagerEmily Rusmisel
Sound and Media SupervisorDominic Mrakovcich
Sound and Media Crew LeadDane Krusick
eShop Crew LeadRachel Martin
Stage Management SupervisorJalina McClain
Box Office ManagerKaitlyn Frotton
Marketing and Social Media ManagerEden Langlois


 

Scene Shop Technicians*+Bryson Krieger, Emily Iszler, Emma Carr, Laura Hinz, Isabella Fontaine, Maggie Brew, Henry Moore
Electrics/Sound Technicians*Rachel Martin, Peytyn Kier, Abigail Mercer, Magdalena Berger, Brayden Smith, Bee Mercer, Dane Krusick,  Meara Kronsperger
Costume Shop StaffElise Wilcox, Zephyrus Choberka, +Charlotte Somerville, +Fen Torenvliet, Rhiannyn McCauley
Production ManagementCarley Bishop, Molly Sobiechowski, Grace Terwilliger
Marketing/Box Office Staff*+Bryson Krieger, Zoë Hajec, Gianna Daprai, Moss Schrock, Aly Vega, Chloe Collins
Wildcat Performing Arts Academy OfficeDon'Tae Mitchell, Grace Terwilliger

*denotes supervisor position

+denotes member of Alpha Psi Omega