Upcoming Productions
Directors Note:
Spelling competitions began in the United States in the early 1800s. From the beginning they were an educational as well as social event. In the 1850s the term Spelling Bee came into being and this popular American tradition continued to grow. In 1925 a group of nine newspapers created the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition to promote literacy. This year the Scripps National Spelling Bee celebrated its 100th aniversary. Between 10 to 11 million children participate in local and regional spelling bees. Out of that, 243 students who are 15 years or younger and not past the 8th grade, are chosen to participate in the national competition. They compete for a variety of prizes and the winner will be awarded a cash prize of 50,000.
Our play takes place at one of the local spelling bees. The play is set in Putnam County, New York. Here in a school gym, six very quirky adolescent spellers, aided by an equally quirky group of Bee Team volunteers, and led by three even more quirky adults, take part in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The play requires much audience participation, as audience members are incorporated into the show as family members, friends of the spellers, and actual participants in the Bee.
Time: The Present
Place: Putnam Valley Middle School gymnasium. Putnam County, New York.
There will be one 10 minute intermission.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Cast and Crew
Sal Faccadio
Chip TolentinoSal Faccadio (he/him) is stoked to be joining the bee! He is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre with a minor in Dance. Sal also majors in International Affairs. Recent credits include: "The Tempest" (Ferdinand), "Shakespeare in Love" (Henslowe), and James and the Giant Peach" (Earthworm). Last semester he had the opportunity to write and direct his first play, "Homebound", with Patchwork Players. He would like to thank his dad for never ceasing to believe in him. He is so excited and grateful for this opportunity to share this show with you!
Killeen Boito
Logainne SchwartzandGrubenniereKilleen Boito is a Senior Physical Theatre Major at ETSU. She previously attended Northeast State Community College where she graduated with an Associate of Arts in Theater in 2024. Killeen has done many musicals with the Kingsport Theater Guild where you may have seen her in "The Rocky Horror Show" (Columbia) or "We Will Rock You" (OZ). This is Killeen's first time on the ETSU stage, and she is so excited to spell in her first ever spelling bee.
Kas Reeves
Leaf ConeybearKasper Reeves (they/he) is a Junior Musical Theatre Major at ETSU. Kasper has performed on stage at ETSU in shows such as "James and the Giant Peach" (Bitsy Botana), "Cabaret" (Max/Herman), and "Sondheim Revue" (Narrator/Sweeney Todd). Kasper also spent last semester as Assistant to the Director for "The Tempest". They are ecstatic for audiences to see this show and its talented cast.
Jacob Jackson
William BarféeJacob Jackson is a Freshman Musical Theatre major at ETSU. Before Jacob came over to ETSU, he did many school shows at Stewarts Creek High School. His favorites were "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (Levi), "Into the Woods" (Wolf), and "Sweeney Todd" (Sweeney Todd). This is Jacob's first show at ETSU and he is grateful for being a part of such a fun and creative community that is uplifting and truly brings out the best in himself and others, along with much love and support from his family and friends.
Rhyann James
Marcy ParkRhyann James (she/her) is a Sophomore Musical Theatre and Early Childhood Education major at ETSU. Rhyann is so excited to work with this amazing cast and is so thankful for all the support she has received from all of her family and friends, but specifically her sister for being her biggest inspiration! Some of her favorite past roles include "Suessical Jr." (Gertrude Mcfuzz), " The Addams Family" (Wednesday), "Grease" (Rizzo), and "Anastasia Jr." (Anastasia).
Molly Blackburn
Olive OstrovskyMolly Blackburn (she/her) is a senior Theatre Major with a Musical Theatre concentration and minors in Dance and Fine and Performing Arts Honors Studies. She is so thrilled to be a part of this production and to be stepping into a long time dream role! Some of her previous credits include The Barter Players': "The Reluctant Dragon" (Braxton) and "The Jungle Book" (Kaa); ETSU's: ""The Tempest" (Ariel) and "James and the Giant Peach" (James). Molly would like to thank her family and friends, as well as her fellow cast and crew members for all of their love and support throughout this process and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Elsa Kummer
Rona Lisa PerettiElsa Kummer (she/her) is a Junior Musical Theatre Major at ETSU. Elsa has had the incredible opportunity to be in several shows with ETSU including "Heathers the Musical" (Martha Dunnstock), "The Moors" (Hudley), and "The Tempest" (Rhiannon). Elsa is so honored to be in this production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and is thankful for her family, friends, and pet cat, Socks. Make sure to follow her on Instagram! @elsa.kummer
Carter Boogaard
Vice Principal Douglas PanchCarter Boogaard (he/him) is a Sophomore Theatre Major at ETSU. Carter has worked on a multitude of producations such as "Elf! The Musical" (Woodgrove High School, Store Manager), "Alice by Heart" (Woodgrove High School, Caterpillar), as well as some student films here at ETSU as part of Buc Films. This is Carter's first time acting on stage at ETSU and would like to thank his friends and family (and cat, Ash!) for helping him get this far!
Jack Stapleton
Mitch MahoneyJack Stapleton (he/him) is a sophomore Theatre major at ETSU. This is Jack's second show at ETSU, the first being "Caberet" (Herr Shultz). Jack started acting in high school, where he got the chance to perform at TTA (Tennessee Theatre Association). Jack is grateful for the opportunity to continue following his passions.
Joshua Hall
Bee Team Kid 1, Carl Dad, Leaf's DadJoshua Hall (he/him) is a Sophomore Theatre major at ETSU. Joshua Hall has been in many productions including "The Tempest" (ETSU, Caliban), "Cabaret" (ETSU, Hans/Rudy), "Grease" (Woodgrove High School, Sonny L.), and "Puffs" (Woodgrove High School, Hopkins). Joshua is excited to continue to work with such an amazing department and put on such a wonderful show. Joshua would like to thank his Father Lee Hall and his Mother Linda Hall for all their support.
Taten Osborne
Bee Team Kid 2, Dan Dad, Olive's DadTaten Osborne (he/him) is a Sophomore Musical Theatre Major. In college, Taten has had one other role in the production "Eurydice" (ETSU, Father). This is Taten's first time in a college musical. He is blessed to have this amazing opportunity and is ecstatic to work alongside this talented cast and crew to bring this show to life.
Mylee Doty
Bee Team Kid 3, Brooke ConeybearMylee Doty is a Junior Musical Theatre Major at ETSU. Mylee has been performing in shows for over a decade! She also had the opportunity to work professionally at Dollywood for 7 seasons. Some of Mylee's favorite roles include "Into the Woods" (Little Red Riding Hood) and "Coat of Many Colors" (Dolly Parton). She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity and is excited for her ETSU debut!
Grace Geoffrey
Bee Team Kid 4, Olive's MomGrace Geoffrey (she/her) is a sophomore Musical Theatre major at ETSU. She has been in many productions including "Batboy the Musical", "Crazy for You", "Mary Poppins", "Metamorphosis", "Little Shop of Horrors", and her favorite "Beauty and the Beast". This is Grace's first production at ETSU, and she is so grateful for the opportunity and so excited to keep working with this amazing team in the future!
Talon Shae Mincieli
Bee Team Kid 5, JesusTalon Shae Mincieli (she/her) is a Junior Theatre major at ETSU. She has been featured as an actress in "These Shining Lives", understudy in "The Tempest", and behind the scenes in more. She is grateful for her family and friends' support as she branches out and explores all the possibilities of the theatre world.
Lillian Calhoun
Bee Team Kid 6, Leaf's MomLillian Calhoun (she/her) is thrilled for her scond main-stage production, and very first musical at ETSU! She is a sophomore Musical Theatre major with a minor in Dance. Some of her precious credits include "The Moors" (Emilie), "James and the Giant Peach" (Aunt Spiker), and "Anastasia" (Countess Lily). She is so grateful for the opportunity to work with this incredibly talented cast and crew. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Bobby Funk
DirectorBobby Funk is a full professor at East Tennessee State University. He teaches a variety of performance classes, including, Play Direction, Acting I, Dramatic Structure, Acting for TV and Film, Stage Combat and The Audition Process. Bobby did his undergraduate work at Western Carolina University. He then went on to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and then to receive his MFA Degree in Acting and Directing from UNC-Greensboro. A proud member of The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Bobby has worked professionally as an actor and director Off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country, including Barter Theatre. He is the author of the book, "The Audition Process: A Guide for Actors" published by Heinemann Publishing, and the co-author, with Patrick Cronin, of the online textbook, "Introduction to Theatre," published by Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. Bobby has also written several plays including, "Co. Aytch," "The Dream Continues: The History of the Civil Rights Movement," "The Brave and the Free," "River Rising: TVA and the Town of Butler" and "Hear That Whistle Blow . . . Erwin Train A Coming." Bobby is a single dad. His two children are Kennedy and Duvall.
Alice Beattie
Stage ManagerAlice Beattie (she/her) is a junior Theatre Design/Production major with a minor in American Sign Language. Her shows at ETSU include "These Shining Lives" (ASM), "Eurydice" (SM), and "The Wolves" (ASM). Alice spent her summer as a stage manager at Stagedoor Manor with shows including "Lend me a Soprano", "Emma", and "Dark of the Moon". She would like to thank the production team and the cast for all thier hard work. Alice is very excited for everyone to see "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee". Break legs!
Carly Gelb
Asst. Stage ManagerCarly Gelb (she/her) is a Sophomore Media and Communications Major at ETSU. Carly has worked behind the scenes in many productions; some of her favorites include "Clue" (ORHS, SM), "Into the Woods" (ORHS,ASM), and "Radium Girls" (ORHS, SM). This is Carly's first time assistant stage managing a production at ETSU. She is so excited to be a part of this show and has loved working with everyone involved.
Jocy Howard
Asst. Stage ManagerJocy Howard is a Sophomore Theatre Major at ETSU. This is Jocy's third show at ETSU, the first two being "The Moors" (Wardrobe Crew) and "The Tempest" (Spotlight Operator). This is Jocy's first time working on the production team and assistant stage managing at ETSU. Jocy is so excited and proud of everyone for bringing this show to life and hopes you enjoy it!
Molly Burnett
Co-Music DirectorMolly Burnett (she/her) is a sophomore Musical Theatre major and dance minor. Molly has been involved in a number of productions at the ETSU Theatre and Dance department. Some of her favorites include Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider) and The Tempest (Prospera). She has also been an assistant music director for many productions both in high school and here at ETSU. Molly is so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the production team’s trust in her. She would also like to thank her parents for their endless love and support throughout the years.
Dr. Brad Fugate
Co-Music DirectorDr. Brad Fugate teaches musical theatre (singing, acting, music direction) at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. He received a Masters in Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (1997), a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) in Vocal Performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (2006), and a PhD with a double concentration in Historical Musicology and Ethnomusicology from Boston University (2016). Dr. Fugate’s research focuses on the ways in which the singing voice acts as a cultural marker for gender/sexuality in society. In addition to ETSU, throughout the years, he has taught at Catawba College, Davidson College, UNC-G, Boston University, and Brown University. He has also music directed over 30 musicals. In March 2019, Brad’s arrangement of the musical "My Princess Diana" premiered off-Broadway at the Alvin Alley Theatre in NYC. Also, in October 2021, Brad completed his 3-year training course to become a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique.
Natalie Duncan
ChoreographerNatalie Duncan (she/her) is a senior theatre major at ETSU. Natalie performed in many ETSU Theatre and Dance productions throughout college, but this is the first time she is working behind-the-scenes! She had the amazing opportunity to choreograph this show and is so thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow with this phenomenal cast! What a blessing to close out her college experience this way!
Skylar Zaugg
Dance Captain, Female Understudy
Keila Jordan
Scenic DesignerKeila Jordan (she/her) is an East Tennessee local, pursuing dual Bachelor's degrees in Studio Arts and Theatrical Design & Production here at ETSU. After earning an Associate of Theatre at Northeast State Community College, Keila developed a passion for technical theatre. This past summer, she was an electrics intern at New London Barn Playhouse in New Hampshire. Excited to apply what she's learned over the summer, she is happy to be designing the set for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!"
Jonathon Taylor
Stage Management & Scenic Design MentorJonathon W. Taylor (he/him) is the interim Associate Chair and Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University. He teaches a variety of theatrical design and technology courses including Scenic Design, Costume Design, Stage Management, Rendering and Drafting, and Theatre Design Basics, and regularly offers a section of Introduction to Theatre. Jonathon’s undergraduate work was completed at ETSU, earning degrees in focusing in theatre and literature. He earned his MFA in Theatrical Design and Production from the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR. Jonathon’s teaching and professional career in theater and dance spans nearly two decades. He has served as a designer and/or technical director for productions at various venues in Tennessee, Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, Hawaii, Oregon, and Nevada. Prior to coming to ETSU, Jonathon was the production designer at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (Wise, VA), technical director for the Earl Ernst Lab Theatre (Honolulu, HI), and the scenic and costume designer and technical director before serving as interim department chair at the University of Nevada, Reno. Jonathon is the author of several articles published in Southern Theatre Magazine and Theatre Symposium. He is originally from Jonesborough, TN.
Jennifer Helms
Costume Designer, Costume Shop ManagerJennifer Helms (she/her) is the Clinical Instructor/Costume Shop Supervisor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University. She teaches Introduction to Theatre Production, Supervises the Costume Shop where she trains students in costume technology skills, is the department’s faculty Draper, and serves as Costume Designer for two of the department’s productions. Jennifer earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Theater, Costume Design from Southern Illinois State University (Carbondale, Illinois), a Bachelor of Arts in Theater - Design/Technology Degree from Appalachian State University (Boone, NC) and an Associates of Arts Degree in Theater from Snow College (Ephraim, Utah). Outside of ETSU, Jennifer also serves as a Draper for the Tony award winning Utah Shakespeare Festival under nationally recognized Costume Technologist/Designer Jeff Leader. She has been Costume Foreman for Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, Costume Designer for Southern Illinois State University, Costume Supervisor/ Designer for Lees-McRae College, and Interim Costume Supervisor for Appalachian State University.
Jessica Richardson
Asst. Costume Shop ManagerJessica Richardson is a recent graduate of ETSU. She earned her bachelor's degree in Theatre with minors in Merchandising and Art. Her focus is in Costuming but she loves all aspects of theatrical design. Jessica has worked on multiple productions at ETSU such as: Ken Ludwig's "Baskerville: a Sherlock Holmes Mystery"," Middletown", "You Can't Take it with You", "Bright Star", and "Androcles and the Lion."
Ellen Sautters
Lighting DesignerEllen Sauters (she/her) is a junior Communication Studies and Theatre Design & Production double major at ETSU. Ellen has worked for several productions at ETSU including "The Wolves" (Asst. Lighting Designer), "The Tempest" (Asst. Lighting Designer), "Sondheim Musical Revue" (Lighting Designer), "Heathers the Musical" (Asst. Stage Manager), and "The Moors" (Asst. Lighting Designer). This past summer, she worked at Camp Chipinaw in Swan Lake, NY, as a lighting technician and designer for "Mamma Mia!" and "Beetlejuice." She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the endless support from her family and friends.
Melissa Shafer
Lighting Design MentorMelissa Shafer is a professor of theatre in the Department of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University. She teaches courses in the Design/Production Concentration, serves as the department’s faculty lighting designer, and occasionally directs. Recent lighting design credits include "Antigone," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Jack and the Beanstalk." Recent directing credits include "Waiting for Godot," "Middletown", and "Deadman’s Cell Phone." A native of the St. Louis metropolitan area, Melissa received her MFA in Theatre Design from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and her BA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Prior to joining the faculty at East Tennessee State, Melissa taught theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and Loyola University New Orleans. Melissa is the co-author (with colleague Karen Brewster) of the books "The Fundamentals of Theatrical Design: A Guide to the Basics of Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design" and "Theatrical Genre & Style: A Guide for Designers, Directors, and Performers" both published by Allworth Press.
Dallas Lindsey
Props DesignerDallas Lindsey is a Senior Media and Theatre Major at ETSU. Dallas has worked on many other ETSU productions including Tempest (Wardrobe Crew), Cabaret (ASM), Heathers (Wardrobe Crew), and James and the Giant Peach (Spotlight Op). Dallas also works in the Scene Shop where students build the entire set for all of the shows. He is grateful to ETSU and the department for all of the amazing opportunities.
Zach Olsen
Sound Designer, Technical DirectorZach Olsen has served the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance since 2016 as the Technical Director. He teaches Introduction to Theatre Production, Advanced Theatre Production, and Theatre Lab. Originally from Traverse City, Michigan, he received his MFA from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL in 2015 in Theatre Arts – Design and Technology with emphasis as a Technical Director. Prior to that, he received his Bachelor of Science from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI in 2012 in Theatre and Entertainment Technology with an emphasis in Design and Electrical Technology. Outside of ETSU, he is a member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) and he has production credits with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the Interlochen Arts Camp, the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival, the Fox Valley Repertory Theatre, the DuSable Museum of African American History, and the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. He also has significant experience as a Rigger doing Arena, Theatrical, and Performer Rigging.
Kit Dyer
Asst. Sound DesignerKit Dyer (she/they) has worked behind the scenes of many productions, her favorites include "Heather's the Musical" (ETSU, Mics), "Clue" (Catholic HS, Sound Designer), and "Cabaret" (ETSU, Mics). This is Kit's first time doing sound design with another person, they are very excited to work with Amelia and Zach, and can't wait for thier next opportunity.
Amelia Langford
Asst. Sound DesignerAmelia Langford (she/her) is a Sophomore Theatre Major at ETSU. Amelia has worked at ETSU on "The Wolves" (Wardrobe Supervisor), "Cabaret" (Wardrobe Crew), "The Moors" (Deck Crew), and most recently, "Little Women" (Asst. Stage Manager). This is Amelia's first time working on sound at ETSU and she is beyond excited to have everyone see this show and is extremely grateful to have worked on this show.
Matt Stevens
Asst. Technical DirectorMatt Stevens is a returning ETSU graduate who is thrilled by the chance to work alongside the professors and faculty that he had once been educated by. His focus is the technical side of theatre such as Lighting, Carpentry, and Sound Design. He has even been known to sew a costume when it is needed. He has helped work on many shows here at ETSU such as "Sense and Sensibility", "Waiting for Godot", "You Can't Take It with You", and most recently "Bright Star."
Cara Harker
ProducerCara Harker is interim department chair and professor for the Department of Theatre and Dance and program coordinator for the dance minor program at ETSU. Cara graduated from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University with an MFA in Theatre Performance. Credits include (writer, choreographer, director, performer): "From the Sublime to the Ridiculous," New Orleans’ InFringe Fest; bebe, Know Theatre, Cincinnati Fringe Festival; "Memoir of a Mythomaniac: the True Story of a Compulsive Liar (or Tallulah Dies)," Cincinnati Fringe Festival (WINNER: Dr. Robert J. Thierauf Producer’s Pick of the Fringe Award). Presentations include: The Art of the Solo Dance, which featured the solo performance, Memoir, at the International University Global Theatre Experience Conference in Leitring bei Leibnitz, Austria; Choreographing through Constraints: Embracing Practical and Created Obstacles when Making Dances at University of Lincoln, UK; and This Could be Habit-Forming: Finding Inspiration from Everyday Movement at University of Derby, UK.
Bird Honeycutt
Hair DesignerBird Honeycutt is a returning graduate of ETSU's Theatre and Dance Department, where they acquired a BA in Theatre Design & Production. They are a licensed cosmetologist & barber stylist, and support our designers as they create magic onstage. Bird has completed their training as an Intimacy Professional through IDC International. They focus on working alongside our faculty, staff, and students to provide advocacy, equity, and empathy. They are thrilled to take part in providing an emotionally healthy work, educational, and creative environment.
Ava Barnes
Asst. Hair DesignerAva Barnes is a Sophomore Fashion Marketing and Merchandising major and is so excited to be working on her 3rd show for ETSU. Ava has been a part of "Cabaret" and "The Wolves" at ETSU last year and was happy to be a part of the crew for "Little Women". She is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this production and is so proud of everyone that worked so hard to bring this show to life.
Alyssa Corbin
Deck CrewAlyssa Corbin is so excited to be a part of The Bee! She is a freshman Musical Theatre Major with a Minor in Dance. Being a freshman, this is her first time being a part of an ETSU production, and she is so grateful to share it with such an amazing group on and offstage! She’d like to thank all of the new friends she has made along the way and hopes that you enjoy the show!
Sarah Pelren
FollowspotThis is Sarah’s first-time working backstage at ETSU! In the past, they helped put together the set for The Tempest last spring, and they hope to help with many more! They are so glad you’re here, and hope that you enjoy the show!
Cora Marinich
FollowspotCora Marinich has appeared in several ETSU productions. You may have seen her in Androcles and the Lion, Eurydice, The Wolves and recently Little Women. Cora’s commitment to the department has been recognized by the Daryl and Harold Frank Theater Scholarship. She plans to graduate spring of ‘26 with a B.A. in theater with an acting concentration and a minor in RTVF. Cora hopes to pursue film/tv acting post college. She wants to thank her incredible family, friends, cast, and crew who have supported her on this journey. Cora can be reached by her email: marinichcora@gmail.com.
Madeline Hale
Light Board OperatorMadeline Hale is a Junior Vocal Music Education major with a minor in Theatre at ETSU. Her most recent and first production with ETSU was “The Music of Stephen Sondheim” (ETSU, Ensemble). She was also involved with a student-written/directed show, “Homebound” (Lizzie). She is thrilled to have added her theatre minor this semester and become more involved in the Musical Theatre Program. She is beyond grateful to be involved in such a wonderful production with an insanely talented cast and crew!
Rosalina Harris
Mic TechRosalina Harris is a Junior Theatre Major at ETSU. She has worked behind the scenes for some of ETSU's recent productions including The Wolves (Light Board Operator), Eurydice (Sound Board Operator), and James and the Giant Peach (Mic Tech). She is very proud of the work she has done at ETSU and is excited to continue her work backstage. Rosalina is grateful to have worked with the very talented cast and crew of this production.
Sabrina Scott
Wardrobe
Zevon Whitehead
Wardrobe
Emma Viteri
WardrobeEmma Viteri is a freshman at ETSU and this is her first production not only at ETSU as a whole, but as tech crew! In her high school productions Emma has played multiple roles such as Johnathan in The Play That Goes Wrong, Mother Bailey, Ed, and Carter in It's A Wonderful Life, and Alice Beineke in The Addams Family Musical. She is grateful to have the opportunity to be involved in this production and wants to thank everyone that is also involved for their hard work and guidance throughout this process.
Sarah Stefan
WardrobeSarah Stefan is extremely excited to be helping behind the scenes in East Tennessee State University’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Originally from Smithfield, Pennsylvania, Stefan came to the Tri-Cities in an effort to grow in the dramatic arts. She was most recently seen as Hannah/Mrs. Mingott in the fall production of Little Women. Although she is a little late to the game, she is beyond ready to embark on this journey of her first college production as a running crew member!
Misty Rondeau
Reed Player Misty Rondeau is a multifaceted musician based in western North Carolina where she is a professor of woodwinds/music education at Mars Hill University. In addition to flute and piccolo, Rondeau is a proficient performer on all clarinets, saxophones, and oboe. She utilizes these skills in her steady work as an orchestral musician for several regional theatre companies (ACT, Parkway Playhouse, HART, Flat Rock Playhouse, SART, and more). Recent productions for which Rondeau has played reed books include "West Side Story", "Jersey Boys", and "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical". Misty Rondeau received degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi in Music Education (BMEd) and Flute Performance (MM) where she studied with Sharon Lebsack.
Keon Helms
Drums
Maddison Potterton
Cello
Steve Sensenig
Synthesizer
Jamie Buxton
Synthesizer
Victoria Keller
Accompanist
Music Theatre International
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).
Rebecca Feldman
Conceiver Rebecca Feldman is the conceiver of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for which she won a Lucille Lortel Award, Drama Desk and Tony Nomination for Best Musical. She directed its world premiere at Barrington Stage Company in the summer of 2004. Rebecca is Associate Producer on TRANSPARENT, the MUSICAL FINALE and served as Staff Writer on the finale as well. She is currently developing an episodic drama with Big Kid Pictures, called LA COYOTE, which has been selected to the WeForShe’s 2019 Writeher List. She is an alumna of the Lincoln Center Director's Lab as well as the AFI Directing Workshop for Women where she won the Jean Firstenburg Award for Best Short. Her short films include, MY FIRST TIME DRIVING (AFI Jean Firstenburg Award, Best Short at Lake Arrowhead Film Fest, Best of Shorts at Outfest), A/V CLUB (TV Pilot, NYTVF), UBER ALICE (Woodstock Film Fest), DEAD CAT (Producer, Tribeca Film Fest) and IRVING (Official Selection Rhode Island Film Fest, Official Selection USA Film Fest, Ft. Lauderdale Film Fest, Atlanta Jewish Film Fest).
William Finn
Music & Lyrics Mr. Finn was the writer and composer of Falsettos, for which he received two Tony Awards, Best Book of a Musical (with James Lapine) and Best Original Score. He also wrote and composed In Trousers, March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland (Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, two Los Angeles Drama Critic's Awards, two Drama Desk Awards, the Lucille Lortel Award, and Guggenheim Fellowship in Musical Composition). Mr. Finn wrote the lyrics to Graciela Daniele's Tango Apasionado (music by the great Astor Piazzolla) and, with Michael Starobin, the music to Lapine's version of The Winter's Tale. His musical, Romance in Hard Times, was presented at the Public Theater. He wrote Painting You for Love's Fire, a piece commissioned and performed by the Acting Company, based on Shakespeare's sonnets. For television, Mr. Finn provided the music and lyrics for the Ace Award-winning HBO cartoon "Ira Sleeps Over," "Tom Thumb and Thumbelina," "Pokey Little Puppy's First Christmas," and, with Ellen Fitzhugh, two "Brave little Toaster" cartoons. Mr. Finn wrote for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and The New Yorker. A graduate of Williams College where he was awarded the Hutchinson Fellowship for Musical Composition, Finn taught a weekly master class at the NYU Tisch Graduate Program in Musical Theatre Writing. Other projects include Elegies, A Song Cycle (Lincoln Center) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee which ran on Broadway and has been produced nationally and internationally, as well. Mr. Finn passed away on April 7th, 2025.
Rachel Sheinkin
Book Broadway: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Tony, Drama Desk awards); Off Broadway: Striking 12 (Lucille Lortel nomination), Off-Off: Serenade. Regional: Guthrie, Little House on the Prairie; Center Theater Group, Sleeping Beauty Wakes(Los Angeles Ovation Award); London: Blood Drive. Residencies, fellowships, commissions include: Eugene O'Neill National Theater Center, Baryshnikov Dance Foundation, MacDowell Colony, Manhattan Theatre Club, Deaf West, McCarter Theatre, Playwrights Horizons. Rachel is a volunteer mentor for TDF's Open Doors program, a visiting instructor at Yale School of Drama, and adjunct faculty member of NYU's Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program.
The ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance acknowledges that we join in the practice
of theatre on the ancestral lands of the Creek, Cherokee (East), Shawnee, and Yuchi
peoples. As a step toward revering the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation
with those indigenous groups, we honor with gratitude the land itself and the Creek,
Cherokee (East), Shawnee, and Yuchi nations. This acknowledgement does not take the
place of authentic relationships with indigenous communities but serves as a first
step in honoring the legacy of the land. The ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance
is committed to helping raise awareness of indigenous peoples on our campus, in our
classrooms, and within our theatrical productions.
For disability accommodations such as ASL sign language interpreters, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346 at least 5 days in advance of event.