Much Ado About Nothing - NMU Theatre and Dance

Michael Ahlstrom (Dogberry/Messenger/Watch 1)- Michael Ahlstrom is a senior at Northern Michigan University getting his BFA in Acting. You may recognize him for previous roles such as Gabe Goodman (Next to Normal), Chip Tolentino (25th Annual Spelling Bee), Moonface Martin (Anything Goes), Emcee (Cabaret), The Nubian (Salome). Michael hopes everyone is as stoked as he is about this absolute BANGER of a show. 

Rhea Bar-Ziv (Borachio)- This is Rhea's first production at NMU. He is a first year Acting BFA student and is excited to perform in his first Shakespeare play. 

Corban Belle (Watch #2, Friar, Leonato Understudy)- Corban Belle is a sophomore here at NMU and is excited for this to be his fourth show here at Northern. Previous plays he has been in here are Cybourne Park as the Albert/Kevin understudy, Oliver Rivers in Puffs, and most recently he was DeLacey and the Creature understudy in Frankenstein. He is so excited for this show and hopes you enjoy it.

Elijah Buterbaugh (Verges/Boy)- Elijah is a freshman in his second performance here at Northern Michigan University. He is currently studying for his Bachelors in Fine Arts for his Acting degree! His best mentions from his previous performances within his career is Mr. Green in Clue, Dr. Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors, and his first appearance at NMU as William Frankenstein in Frankenstein, amongst many other performances. He is very eager to tackle a Shakespearean show for the first time and hopes that you will all enjoy it as much as he has!

Georgia Hummell (Watch 3)- Georgia Hummell is an incoming acting major at NMU Theater and Dance. Her first and most recent role at NMU was the “Bride of Frankenstein” in Frankenstein, and is excited to be apart of the Watch in Much Ado About Nothing. 

Maisie James (Ursula)- Maisie James is a senior member of the first Acting BFA cohort at NMU. She has been in numerous productions over the years, including Ghost Soldiers (Alice), Puffs (Hannah & Others), and Grease (Frenchy). She also most recently worked as the assistant director/pre show creator for Cabaret. She is ecstatic to be working on her first ever Shakespeare, and hopes you enjoy the show, eh? 

Brianna Lowrey-Whitney Headshot (Swing: Hero/Margaret)- Brianna Lowery is a first-year student at Northern Michigan University, pursuing a BFA in Acting. She has loved performing for as long as she can remember and can't wait to enhance her performance skills and flourish at Northern. Some of her favorite past productions include: Footloose(Teen Chorus), Seussical Jr( Hunter 1, Who Chorus, Circus Animal Chorus), and Rocky Horror (The Narrator). 

Samuel McKnight (Benedick)- Samuel, is a junior in the BFA Acting program with a minor in Film. This is his 6th show here at NMU and his first as a lead role. Samuel was active in theatre through high school and did several productions as a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. His favorite show at NMU so far was Salome but Much Ado About Nothing may take the cake. He loves Shakespeare and classic plays and is excited to see them being performed more often at NMU. Samuel has also been active in the Digital Cinema department as an actor and hopes to act in film after graduating. He has had a great time working with the cast, crew, and stage management of Much Ado About Nothing and can't wait to see what comes next. Thank you to my wife Alexis, I love you and couldn’t have done it without you.

Maya Moreau (Beatrice)- Maya Moreau is a Senior Musical Theater BFA student at NMU. You may recognize her from previous performances including, but not limited to Elf, Wolves (2021-2022), Salome, Grease (2022-2023), A Christmas Carol, Anything Goes (2023-2024), and Frankenstein (2023-2024). Last year,  Maya attended the National Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival as an Irene Ryan Finalist. In Washington, she received an award from the Vocal and Speech Trainers association. This January, she received a Classical acting award from KCACTF- representing the talent and ambition of our students at Northern Michigan University. Maya is enthusiastic to graduate and make her next moves in the industry.  

Miles Nowlin (Don John)- Miles Nowlin is pleased to bring a little emo to the black box for this crazy little production of Much Ado About Nothing. He's a 2nd year musical theatre BFA student. Most recently, he was Ernst Robel in IronArts' production of "Spring Awakening," and he was also a trumpet player in the "Cabaret" band on the FRT stage! Ask him about his Don John playlist.

Kat Raehpour (Swing)- Kat is a Freshman BFA Acting Major with a Dance Minor. Much Ado About Nothing is her very first Shakespeare show!! Last semester, Kat performed in the Wildcat Theatre Follies (Song: Me and the Sky from Come From Away) and the NMU Winter fundraiser show, Holiday Soirée. This semester, Kat is also Co-Directing the NMU Do It produced Dance Drama: Cheers to Love and loving her acting training here at NMU. She would like to thank Jimmy Ludwig for this opportunity and her family and friends for their support. 

Amarae’ Robinson (Margaret, Beatrice(1st Cover))- Amarae’ Robinson is a senior BFA Musical Theater Major who also works in technical theater and has a background in music. She enjoys building her craft in all areas of theater. In her time at NMU, she has worked both onstage and backstage in many productions. Some of her favorite credits include Finding Home(NMU), A Charlie Brown Christmas(NMU) and her time spent in the Co/Lab Dance Company. Amarae’ would like to thank the cast, crew, and production team for all of their hard work and hopes that you enjoy the show. 
 

Emily Rusmisel (Staff Props and Paint Manager)- Before venturing to the U.P., Emily spent a decade as a professional artist in Portland, OR. She served as Oregon Children’s Theatre’s Charge Artist (2017-2024) while also freelance designing throughout the metro area. Recognition's include a Portland Area Musical Theatre Award(PAMTA)for Outstanding Scenic Design of Footloose with Broadway Rose Theatre Company(2020), a Sparkle Award for Outstanding Scenic Design of Wolf at the Door with Milagro Theatre(2019), a PAMTA for Outstanding Scenic Design of Trails with Broadway Rose Theatre Company(2018), and a Drammy for Outstanding Achievement in Properties Design of Men on Boats with Third Rail Repertory Theatre(2018). www.emilyrusmisel.com

Lexi Reese (Innogen)- Lexi Reese is a 4th year Theatre Performance Major and is very excited and honored to be apart of this performance. Lexi has been doing theatre since she was in Elementary school and has been in 20 productions total, those including Matilda: The Musical (Miss Honey), A Charlie Brown Christmas (Charlie Brown), Shrek The Musical (Pinocchio) and Rodgers And Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Stepsister Portia). Lexi would like to give a huge thank you to her mom, dad and grandma for their continuous support throughout her musical theater journey.

Zoey Miller (Sexton)- Zoey is a freshman musical theatre major and is excited to be apart of this production. Some favorite past credits include Enid in Legally Blonde, Tanya in Mamma Mia, and Grover in The Lightning Thief. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Phillip Smith (Claudio)- Phillip Smith was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska and is a sophomore in the Acting BFA program. He grew up in the theatre, having been involved in both community theatre productions and school programs practically from the time he was born. Since arriving at NMU, he has been featured in Anything Goes! (Billy Crocker), Spamalot! (Sir Lancelot/Dance Captain), Cabaret (Bobby), Finding Home (Ensemble),The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Swing), 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 Much Ado About Nothing!

Cayden Smaka (Balthasar; Swing: Dogberry/Leonato/Don John/Messenger/Watch/Friar)- Sigh No More! Cayden Smaka is a sophomore BFA Acting major at Northern Michigan University with a Music and Business Administration minor! He is absolutely thrilled to be performing and signing in Much Ado About Nothing! This will be his tenth production at NMU! When not on stage, you can often find Cayden hiking, skateboarding, or enjoying Dots pretzels! Cayden would love to thank his amazing family and friends, as well as his directors and mentors, for their constant support! 

Aly Vega-Sanchez (Conrade)- Aly Vega-Sanchez is a Latina actress from McAllen, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. She is currently pursuing an Acting for BFA degree at NMU with eight years of experience in the performing arts. A recipient of the 2023 Palm Awards as Best Supporting Actress in a Straight Play. Some of her roles include “Camila Rosario” in “In the Heights”, “Loud Stone” in “Eurydice”, “Aunty Em/Ensemble” in “The Lightning Thief”, and “La Llorona in San Jacinto”. Alongside acting, she has also gained valuable experience in directing, stage managing, photography, and music, among other areas. “Enjoy the show <3” 

Mena Wylykanowitz (Swing)- Mena is a freshman acting BFA and is so excited to be working with “the bard” this semester! You might have seen her this school year as Janet in the Rocky Horror Show and a company member of Holiday Soirée. She’s loved this experience in Much Ado and is so proud of the work of her fellow cast mates. 

Sophia Zavala (Hero)- Sophia is very excited to be a part of her first Shakespeare show! Her adventure with language throughout this rehearsal process has been such a blast, and she can’t wait to share it with you all. Some of her other performances this season include Cabaret, Home for the Holidays, and Holiday Soirée. Sophia couldn’t have asked for a better cast to go on this journey with, especially Bob the deer <3

Lily Ameloot (Stage Manager)- Lily is in her first year at northern. This is her first time stage managing a production. She has three years of experience in being in theatre.

Lachlan Beesley (Stage Manager)- Lachlan Beesley is excited to be a Stage Manager for Much Ado About Nothing. He is a sophomore Majoring in Theatre Tech and Design with a Minor in Business Administration. In the past he has worked as the Production Stage Manager for Frankenstein and a Stage Manager for A Christmas Carol, White Christmas, and The Triangle Factory Fire Project 

Emma Carr (Assistant Technical Director)- Emma Carr is thrilled to be the assistant technical director for Much Ado About Nothing! She is currently a junior in the theatre tech and design program. In the past she has worked on Rocky Horror Picture Show and Holiday Soirée as a stage manager and in the scene shop building all the scenic elements for the endless productions. She is grateful for the support from Rachel. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Morgan DeJager (Wardrobe Crew)- Morgan is very excited to be helping with this show as she has always been a big fan of Shakespeare. Morgan loves to perform as she has been in many shows herself and also has been on the design side of things as well doing makeup for many shows in the past. When Morgan is not performing or making the actors look good you can find her writing articles for the schools newspaper the North Wind, hanging out with friends and watching her favorite shows. 

Laura Hinz (Scenic Designer)- Laura Hinz is a BFA Theatre Technology and Design Major in her third year at NMU. She is the Scenic Designer for Much Ado About Nothing. Being from both the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Northshore of Chicago she had a particular interest in seeing the directors vision come to life. Her other shows at NMU include "Grease" (Co-Scenic Design), "Rock of Ages" (Paint Charge), "Spamalot" (Co-Scenic Design), "A Christmas Carol" (Properties Design), "PUFFs" (Scenic Design), "Anything Goes" (Paint Charge)

Riley Joy (Video Engineer/ Camera OP)- Riley Joy is attending NMU as a Freshman and is pursuing her BFA in Acting and a Minor in English. She has worked as the Video Engineer/ Camera OP for past shows including Cabaret, Frankenstein, The Last Five Years, and Alice in Wonderland. As well as was the A1 for Home for the Holidays. She is excited to be Filming this production and hopes you enjoy the show! IG: @therileyjoyofficial

Peytyn Kier (Lighting Designer)- Peytyn Kier is excited to be the Lighting Designer for Much Ado About Nothing! She is a sophomore majoring in a BFA in Theatre Technology and Design. In the past, she was the Assistant Lighting Designer for Frankenstein, Lighting Designer for Holiday Soiree, Head Electrician for Home for the Holidays, and worked on many other shows at NMU. She is excited for everyone to see the show and hopes everyone enjoys it!

Bryson Krieger (Animatronics Engineer and Coordinator)- Bryson is excited to be working on his thirteenth and final show at NMU, but his first as an Animatronics Engineer and Coordinator! Majoring in Physics and minoring in Mathematics, Engineering Design, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts, Bryson is a senior at NMU. He is the president of NMU’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega. Bryson would like to thank his family and friends for encouraging him to pursue his many interests in and out of the theatre. He would also like to thank Jimmy Ludwig, Lex van Blommesten, and Brian Wolslegel for encouraging and helping him accomplish the work needed for this fun new role!

James "Jimmy" Ludwig (Director)- Jimmy is thrilled to be bringing Much Ado to deer camp! The UP was made for Shakespeare (or Shakespeare was made for the UP?) so this all makes complete and total sense. Most recently JImmy has directed Puffs and Spamalot for NMU, and was a featured soloist in Marquette Symphony Orchestra's 'Symphonic Broadway' concert this January.  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.

Bee Mercer (Head Electrician)- Bee Mercer is thrilled to be the head electrician for Much Ado About Nothing. Currently a sophomore pursuing a degree in Theater Technology and Design, Bee has previously served as the assistant lighting designer for The Rocky Horror Show and A Christmas Carol. She has also contributed to productions like Cabaret and Anything Goes. Bee is excited to take on this new role and hopes you enjoy the show!

Rhiannyn Paige McCauley (Assistant Director)- Rhiannyn McCauley is a senior here at NMU, set to graduate this May. She is very grateful for this experience as preparation for her post-graduate directing job next fall. She has absolutely loved assistant directing this show, and would like to thank: Jimmy Ludwig- for giving her this opportunity, Swing Nation- for trusting her and her weird directing tactics, and her family and roommates- for supporting her in this project through The Horrors. 

Dominic Mrakovcich (Sound & Media Supervisor)- Dominic Mrakovcich's musical journey has spanned nearly two decades, from his early composition studies to earning a Master's in Music Composition from East Carolina University. His passion for pushing musical boundaries is palpable in his exploration of blending electronic synthesizers with nature field recordings, often crafting captivating and immersive ambient soundscapes. Beyond his creative pursuits, Dominic has shared his expertise as a music theory and percussion instructor, inspiring students with his dynamic teaching style. As the Radio Disc Jockey of "Soundtrack Sundays," he has connected with the community through curated playlists on WCNI New London, 90.9 FM. Drawing on his technical theater background, Dominic has honed his skills working as a technician for Connecticut College and The Garde Arts Center, while immersing himself in New London's vibrant punk-ambient night scene. Now, as the Sound & Media Supervisor at Northern Michigan University, Dominic is dedicated to spotlighting NMU's talented students nationally, with sponsorships, video productions, and sound design classes in the works.

Val Mycyk (Audio 1)- Val Mycyk is beyond excited to be a part of this production for Much Ado About Nothing. This is her first year at Northern Michigan University as she is working towards a BFA in Theatre Technology & Design while minoring in History. Much Ado About Nothing will be her third show here, but her first as an A1. Recent credits include: Cabaret (Deck Crew) and Home for the Holidays (Spotlight Op). Enjoy the show :)

Dobbs Nichols (Assistant Dramaturg)- Dobbs Nichols is a third year BFA Acting Major and English minor. You may have seen them as Herr Schultz in Cabaret. Much Ado About Nothing is their first show behind the curtain at NMU as the Assistant Dramaturg. They are excited to be working with the actors and creative crew to help bring Shakespeare to the Black Box. ‘Thanks for coming! Enjoy the show!”

Moss Schrock (Light Board Operator)- Moss Schrock is a Freshman at NMU, studying Theatre Tech and Design. This is her first show at NMU and she is excited to continue her theatre journey. Previously serving as co-director and stage manager for The Lightning Thief,  co-director and crew chief for Puffs, and the assistant director and crew chief for Radium Girls, all for Howell High School.  Moss will persist in their commitment this year. Grateful acknowledgments are extended to the director of this show, and the amazing cast and crew. Anticipation brims as Moss eagerly awaits the unfolding of this spectacular show.

Molly Sobiechowski (Production Stage Manager)- Molly Sobiechowski is thrilled to combine her love for literature, theatre, the outdoors, and paperwork in this production! She is a sophomore at NMU currently working towards her BFA in Theatre Technology and Design. Recently she served as an assistant lighting designer for "Frankenstein" a stage manager for NMU’s production of “Puffs." Molly's professional credits include being 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.

Charlotte Somerville (Costume Designer)- Charlotte Somerville is a sophomore pursuing a BFA in Theatre Technology & Design with a minor in dance. Growing up in a musical theatre family, Charlotte loves combining bold creative visions with technical expertise to bring stories to life on and off stage. With over three years of experience in costume production, they’ve worked on more than 11 shows as a stitcher, first-hand, and props and costume designer. For Much Ado About Nothing, Charlotte explored early 2000s magazines like Stuff, CosmoGirl, and Vogue, along with personal accounts and DNR archives, to capture the vibrant nostalgia of the era.

Truman Thor (Audio Designer)- Truman Thor is a senior Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Major and is ecstatic to be back participating in educational theater. Truman works as a contracted Technical Director at the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin and spends his summers working as an Audio Engineer for Lighthouse Productions providing touring production services for hundreds of venues across the Midwest. Outside of theater, you can find Truman tinkering with computers, travelling, or reading a Stephen King novel. 

Hunter Trepanier (Deck Crew)- Hunter Trepanier is a second semester freshman that is majoring in BA Theatre and entertainment arts. Hunter has done many other shows but at NMU he was recently Victor Frankensteins understudy for NMUTDs production of Alistair Dimitri’s Frankenstein 

Lex van Blommestein (Properties 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.

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 (Intimacy Coordinator)- Kristen Beth Williams (Choreographer/Intimacy Coordinator) is excited to bring consent-based practices to the productions at NMU based on her studies with Heartland Intimacy. As a choreographer at NMU, Kristen Beth has worked on Home for the Holidays, Cabaret, Anything Goes, Co/Lab Dance Company and Charlie Brown Christmas. She is thrilled to bring her combination of 90s hip hop and Regency Era country dance to this production of Much Ado About Nothing.

Dr. David Wood (Dramaturg/ Language Coach)- Dr. David Wood serves in NMU’s English Department as Professor and Department Head, with a focus on the literature and culture of the English Renaissance, especially Shakespeare. Winner of the 2017 Michigan Association of State Universities Distinguished Professor of the Year, he has published widely, including three books and dozens of essays in specialist journals; however, his first love is live theatre. Over the past 18 years, he’s led countless NMU student trips, in groups of 2-50 students, to theatres spanning the Upper Midwest, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He thanks his wife, Vicki, and their kids-- Maddie, Henry, and Nate-- for their patience as he’s helped, in some small way, to develop this production with Director Jimmy Ludwig and his amazing cast.