The Rocky Horror Show 2025 - NMU Theatre and Dance

Mark Simons (Dr. Frank N. Furter) is a Junior here at NMU. After transferring from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Mark has been in several of the theatre department's shows, including Frankenstein as Victor and Jesus Christ Superstar as Pilate. He is also looking forward to playing Joe in the spring season's 9 to 5. Over the summer, Mark performed in his first musical theatre contract at the Woodstock Playhouse in New York in several shows, including Kenickie in Grease. He would like to thank the NMU TD faculty staff for being so genuine and supportive in the early stages of his career.

Ambrose Meteyer (Brad Majors) "Once in a While," enjoys taking to the stage, and he could hot be happier to have done it with this fantastic group of friends. The Rocky Horror Show is Ambrose's 10th show at NMU! In the past you may have seen him in the plays Puffs and Ghost Soldiers, or behind the scenes in lighting and stage management for shows like Spamalot, Home for the Holidays, and Jesus Christ Superstar. The past two months preparing this show have been so much fun, and hopefully you have just as much of a good time watching it! Thanks to everyone who made this such a phenomenal experience, especially Maisie who has been a great director and an even greater friend. Stay freaky!! IG: @ambrosem_

Alina Damič (Janet Weiss), a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre student, is absolutely thrilled to present The Rocky Horror Show! This will be Alina’s third show at NMU, following Home for the Holidays and Jesus Christ Superstar. You might have also seen her in the Wildcat Theatre Follies of 2024 and 2025, as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers, or Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She has absolutely loved working with this team and wouldn’t trade it for the world, and she hopes you have as much fun watching it. Our university will do the Time Warp again!! IG: alinadamic

Elijah Buterbaugh (Riff Raff) is now within his second year here as a BFA Acting student at NMU. His previous roles have included (but definitely not limited to) William Frankenstein in Frankenstein, Verges in Much Ado About Nothing, and now with his musical debut in one of his dream roles as the faithful handyman Riff Raff! He wishes that everyone will enjoy this amazing cult classic that will surely have you on your feet doing the Time Warp again!

Rhea Bar-Ziv (Magenta) is a second year BFA Acting Major at Northern. This is his first ever musical production that he is a part of and is thrilled to be a part of the Rocky Horror Family! He was prevously seen in Northern's Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare production as Borachio.

Phillip Smith (Columbia) was born and raised in Ketchikan Alaska, and is a senior in the BFA Acting 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 Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio), Anything Goes (Billy Crocker), Spamalot! (Sir Lancelot/Dance Captain), Cabaret (Bobby), Finding Home (Ensemble), Grease (Doody), and Co/Lab Dance Company (Full Member). Phillip is excited to share The Rocky Horror Show with everyone!

Hannah Johnson (Rocky) is a junior in the Musical Theatre program here at NMU, but she is also minoring in Sociology. Most recently, Hannah was seen as Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar and earlier as Helga in Cabaret. When she's not on stage, you can probably find Hannah in the gym or the great outdoors. She also enjoys reading, good food, tea, and spending time with her puppy, Yuki. She hopes you enjoy the show and brought something to dry your seat with ;)

Bo Marcum (Eddie/Dr. Everett Scott) is ecstatic to be able to work on The Rocky Horror Show again for the second year in a row! They where Assistant Music Director last year and will be portraying Eddie and Dr. Scott in this years production. They hope you dance your heart out to the Time Warp and let the callouts fly! Lets ROCK N ROLL!!!

Dobbs Nichols (Narrator) is a fourth year BFA Acting Major and English minor. You may have seen them in Cabaret (Herr Schultz), Remembering: Haywire! (Orin), Ghost Soldiers (Musky), Anything Goes (Captain), and Salome (Naamen). They are shivering with anticipation to play Narrator in year two of Rocky in the FRT! Dobbs would like to thank the cast and crew for all of the support! ‘Hi Adrian! Enjoy the show!

Charles Orr/Sensitivity (Usherette/Swing - Frank/Narrator) is a Sophomore B.A. Theatre and Entertainment Arts major with a focus in both Hair and Makeup Design and Performance. This is his 6th show at NMU, after doing Hair and Makeup Design for Into The Woods, and playing Priest 2 in Jesus Christ Superstar. Sensitivity is Detroit and Marquette’s premiere tear-jerking theatre queen, and has been seen in both 2024 and 2025’s Wildcat Theatre Follies. She was a finalist for Pronto’s Rag Dolls season 2, and a finalist for Gigi’s War On Werq Wednesdays. Sensitivity was deeply inspired to do drag after seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 12 years old, and the rest has been history. Both Charlie and Sensi are honored to be your Usherette.

Isabella Fontaine (Phantom/Swing - Janet/Rocky/Usherette) welcomes you into this freaky and fantastic spin on the cult-classic favorite, The Rocky Horror Show. This will be Isabella’s second time performing on the Forest Roberts Stage. Some of her recent roles include Fritzie Kost in Cabaret, Bev and Kathy in Clybourne Park, and Olivia in Twelfth Night at the BoatHouse. Isabella had the utmost privilege of learning how to become her Drag King persona, Clymaxxx, alongside a talented cast of queer performers. Although you may laugh and find this musical both chilling and hilarious, Isabella urges you to find the hidden messages within all the fun and enjoy the moment, now more than ever.

Jaden Giles (Phantom) is a sophomore at NMU and is currently enrolled in the BA theater program. You may have seen him in NMU's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, or as part of the Student Advisory Board and the Diverse Arts Society. Jaden is excited to be a phantom in Rocky Horror as it's his favorite show he's ever done, and is thankful for being a part of such an amazing cast! Jaden would also like to thank his family, friends, and peers for their encouragement and for always supporting him.

Brianna Lowery (Phantom) is a second-year student here 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. She was the Narrator in Rocky Horror last year, and this year she is a Phantom. As much as she loved being the Narrator, a big part of her wanted so badly to be in the ensemble dancing, so she is so excited and grateful to be given that opportunity this year.

Don’Tae Da’Marcus Mitchell (Phantom/Columbia Understudy & Choreographer) is a third year Musical Theatre major at NMU and a second year choreographer for The Rocky Horror Show! Originally from the south Don’Tae has found a home at Northern, and now nowhere more than Rocky. This show has been such a pleasure for him to work on thanks to the bold, diverse, and wildly talented cast and crew who fills him with pride and reminds him of home. Some of his work on this show includes performing as the divine Devilloppe, understudying Columbia, choreography, and some student work in the Pro-shop. Previous credits include performing and understudying original works in the North Coast Theatre and Dance Festival, Chiapas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Caterpillar in Alice In Wonderland, Hans in Cabaret, and more! If you would like to see what he’s up to next you can follow him on Instagram @Dontaedamarcuss

Caydence Sturtevant (Phantom) is heading into 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 was seen playing Chaos Alice in Alice In Wonderland this winter. She was also featured in Home for the Holidays, Cheers to Love, and Anything Goes. Before her college dance experience, she participated in competitive dance for ten years, receiving many 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.

Sebastian Tavares (Phantom), a freshman Acting BFA major, came all the way from Texas to be here at NMU. He is extremely excited and grateful to be apart of The Rocky Horror Show! This show being his first production at NMU is an absolute privilege and a great way for him to make an impression. He can’t wait to jump to the left, step to the right, and perform his heart out for y’all! Enjoy this show…if you dare!

Cecilia Pruiett (Swing - Magenta/Riff/Eddie/Scott) is super stoked to be in Rocky Horror for her second year in a row, getting experience with new characters! This year Rocky is putting an emphasis on expressing who you are through drag, and being comfortable in your own skin no matter who are or identify as. Cecilia is super excited to put this on stage and spread the message of love in a world full of judgment and hate. She would like to thank all her family and friends for always supporting her and being there throughout her journey in theatre!

Jailyn Johnson (Swing - Phantoms) is a first year B.F.A. Acting major at NMU. She is so excited to be apart of this production! It has been so much fun and she can’t wait for everyone to have fun watching it!!!

Guest Designers

Theatre and Dance Faculty Designers

Maisie James (Director) is a recent graduate of the first Acting BFA cohort here at NMU, and is ecstatic to be making her directorial debut with The Rocky Horror Show. After assistant directing Cabaret last fall under Kristen’s wing, she caught the directorial bug. She is incredibly thankful to not only being able to stage one of her favorite freaky shows, but getting to collaborate with her genius peers she has gotten to know here over the years. Maisie aims to move to Chicago and continue her life as a director, actress, and artist.

Lucas Wickstrom (Music Director & Pit Conductor) is no stranger to the stage. He has music directed shows such as Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Kiss Me Kate, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Children of Eden, Bonnie and Clyde, and The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. He has worked with and shared the stage with such musical legends as Harvey Fierstein, Joshua Bell, Nell Carter, Judy Collins, Kristin Chenoweth, and Megan Mullaly to name a few. Lucas has performed in many of the great theatres and performing arts centers around the country; from Seattle to New York. This is his 15th time music directing Rocky Horror. Lucas is an organist and church musician, directs the Negaunee City Band, sings with the Negaunee Male Chorus, designs and builds all sorts of stuff including rebuilding a harpsichord.

Ashley Sonderegger (Hair and Makeup Designer) has over a decade of experience as a cosmetologist as well as hair and makeup design for stage productions. Ashley brings bold creativity and a love for expressive character transformation to every project. For this production, her work celebrates the fluid, fearless spirit of self-expression that defines the show, blending theatrical flair with individuality and transformation. She extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible hair and makeup crew for their artistry and dedication in bringing these dynamic characters to life.

Matthew Weber (Lighting Designer) attended Wayne State University in their BFA Technical Theater Program. He currently serves as the Auditorium Manager for the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in Walled Lake MI where he manages the operations of three high school auditoriums and teaches the students about all aspects of technical production. Matthew also runs MCW Designs (http://www.mcwdesigns.com), providing lighting, scenic, and production consulting for high school, community theater, and professional theater. Matthew is also a design consultant for several amusement parks around the country including Dorney Park in Allentown PA.

Lex van Blommestein (Properties 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.

Asher Smith (Sound Designer) is a multimedia production major specializing in sound and audio production. This is their third production at NMU. You may have heard their work in Six Men Dressed as Joseph Stalin and Love Letters. Asher would like to thank St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Carlos Terrell for the recordings of the church bells and car sounds respectively. Asher would also like to than Dominic Mrakovcich for his guidance and support while working on this show.

Molly Sobiechowski (Production Stage Manager) is a junior at NMU currently working towards her BFA in Theatre Technology and Design. Recently, she served as the PSM of the North Coast Theatre Festival's Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin and Drag Cabaret, as well as NMU's Much Ado About Nothing. Molly's professional lighting 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!

Kaitlyn Frotton (Directing Mentor) 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). 

Meara Kronsperger (Audio 1) is a senior from Ann Arbor, Michigan studying Theatre Technology and Design and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She is very excited for her second show of the season and another year at NMU! Some of her recent projects include Into the Woods (Scenic Design), Jesus Christ Superstar (Sound Design), and Frankenstein (Scenic Design). Additionally, over the summer she returned to The Santa Fe Opera where she worked as the Electronic Libretto System Administrator. She is very grateful for the constant support from her friends and family and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Abby Brennan (Hair & Makeup Crew) is super excited to be a part of Rocky, especially makeup crew, and can't wait for the audience to see the amazing show everyone was worked so hard to put on. This has been her dream show to do makeup for, and is more than happy to be a part of this production!

Morgan DeJager (Hair & Makeup Crew) is currently a sophomore in the BFA acting program at NMU. She also has a minor in English and is a working Journalist. Morgan has been in many plays and musicals in her acting career. However also thrives in makeup creativity.

Nate Bunker (Hair & Makeup Crew) is a sophomore at NMU, he's an actor first but loves helping in every aspect of theatre, Nate is a proud born and raised upper from ishpeming, He's been in theatre for 5 years, his favorite production he's been in is either Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey 2 or Mamma Mia as Eddie.

Willow Kunkes (Follow Spot Operator) is a first year student who will be running follow spot for this production of The Rocky Horror Show! She has been involved in theatre productions for over a decade, appearing both on and offstage. Previously, Willow could be seen onstage as Janis in Mean Girls, The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, and Professor Plum in Clue: On Stage. As for working with the crew, Willow has been apart of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Peter Pan Jr., Noises Off, and many more. She is excited to be apart of another production and join the NMU Theatre Program!

Ivy Williams (Lavalier Technician) is a Freshman Musical Theater major. She is joining the crew as the Lavalier Technician.

Noah Lovato (Light Board Operator) is a freshman who specializes in Lighting and Props. He has been doing Theatre for 5 years and enjoys Badminton and writing poems in his free time! You can see him later working as a Props Assistant for Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer as well as Co-Designing Props for 9 to 5!

Allyson Macias (Stage Manager) is so excited to be a part of The Rocky Horror Show! In the past she has worked as a stage manager for Puffs, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more! She is so grateful to work with such an amazing cast and crew. She hopes you enjoy the show! Don't dream it- Be it!

Amanda Brown (Run Crew) is excited to be starting her productions off with The Rocky Horror Show. She's spent her high school years doing stage management for productions and some school events, and is excited to start that here as well. She is looking forward to doing more productions in the future and hope you enjoy the show!

Ali/Kit Candiliotis (Run Crew) is a freshman student here at Northern Michigan pursuing a BFA in Theater Technology and a minor in Film Studies 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.

Shaylene Strickler (Run Crew) is a freshman here and this is her first show! In the past she’s been onstage, but lately her enthusiasm lies in the behind the scenes where she helps make the magic. She’s backstage for this show and is hoping you have a great time. 

Dominic Mrakovcich (Sound & Pit Engineer) is a composer whose work bridges classical tradition and modern ambient sound. He has been commissioned for a range of projects, including the original score for Miguel Ramirez’s short film No Care in the World and a full-length ballet adaptation of Alice in Wonderland for Northern Michigan University. His music blends acoustic and electronic elements, often incorporating synthesizers and field recordings into carefully structured forms. Dominic earned his Master’s in Music Composition from East Carolina University, where he studied with Ed Jacobs, and holds a Bachelor's from UMass Amherst, where he studied under Salvatore Macchia, Ayano Kataoka, and Thom Hannum. Beyond composition, he has taught music theory and percussion, hosted Soundtrack Sundays on WCNI 90.9 FM, and worked extensively in technical theater with Connecticut College and The Garde Arts Center. Currently, he serves as Sound & Media Supervisor at Northern Michigan University, where he supports student work through video production, equipment sponsorships, and sound design education.

Riley Joy (Video Engineer & Camera Operator) is attending NMU as a Sophomore 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 Jesus Christ Superstar, Into The Woods, The Last Five Years, and Alice In Wonderland. As well as the A1 for Home for the Holidays. She is excited to be filming this production and hopes you enjoy the show! IG: @therileyjoyofficial

Percy Eckstein (Wardrobe Crew) is a first-year acting BFA student who enjoys all aspects of theatre. They've previously stage managed and played in the pit orchestra as well as being onstage. When not in rehearsal, they are usually writing, drawing, reading, playing an instrument, or pursuing some other creative art. If they're not doing any of those things, they're probably watching One Piece.

Madelyn Lothschultz (Wardrobe Crew) This is Madelyn's second time working as wardrobe crew for NMU Theatre and Dance, and her second time working wardrobe crew for The Rocky Horror Show. She is so excited to be back with this wonderful production yet again. As well as to continue growing her love for theatre that's been there since childhood. Forever grateful to be a part of any production, she hopes you enjoy the show. Now, let's do the time warp again!