The Tempest
written by Bobby Funk
Song Research and Selection by Jane MacMorran
Musical Arrangements Written and Performed by Will MacMorran
Adapted from the Play by William Shakespeare
Translations of the Gaelic provided by Dr. Adam Thomas Dahmer
Martin Center for the Arts • Bert C. Bach Theatre
April 10-12 at 7:30 PM
April 13 at 2:00 PM
Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Please arrive early to get seated.
Please silence your cell phones.
There will be a 10 minute intermission during this performance.
Directed by Bobby Funk
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Cast
Sofia Anderson
GonzaloSofia Anderson is a junior Musical Theatre major and dance minor at ETSU. Sofia has performed in other shows here, such as "Heathers the Musical", "James & the Giant Peach", and "Androcles & the Lion." Sofia is grateful for the opportunity to be in this show and hopes you enjoy!!
Molly Blackburn
ArielMolly Blackburn — She/Her (Ariel) Molly is so thrilled to be a part of this production of "The Tempest." She is a junior majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre and minors in Dance and Fine and Performing Arts Studies. Previous credits include "The Moors" (Moor-Hen); "James and the Giant Peach" (James); "Little Shop of Horrors" (Crystal); and others. Molly would like to thank her family and friends, as well as fellow cast and crew members for all of their love and support throughout this process. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Molly Burnett
ProsperaMolly Burnett-she/her (Prospera) is a freshman Theatre major, with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. She is so excited to be a part of her second production here at ETSU! Some of her favorite roles include Fraulein Schneider ("Cabaret"), Ms Lovett ("Sweeney Todd"), and Bea Bottom ("Something Rotten"). Molly would like to thank her family and mentors for always supporting her, and the ETSU Theatre and Dance Department for giving her so many incredible opportunities.
Stephen Cradic
SebastianStephen Cradic (he/him/his) is an actor, singer, and dancer who is pursuing a Theatre degree with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance here at ETSU. Passionate about storytelling through performing, Stephen has appeared in various productions within the last four years at ETSU. Most recently, he appeared as Bobby in "Cabaret." You may have also seen him as Ram Sweeney in "Heathers," Ladahlord in "James and the Giant Peach," Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors," Jimmy Ray in "Bright Star," and more. Stephen would like to thank his family for always allowing him to pursue and support his dreams.
Evan Dombrowsky
AlonsoEvan has been in many productions before. Some of his favorites include "Alice By Heart," "Clue," "Grease," and "Elephant’s Graveyard." This is Evan's first collegiate-level production at ETSU, and he is honored for the opportunity. Evan would like to thank his friends who support him daily. He would also like to give an extra special thanks to his parents, Don and Beth Dombrowsky for encouraging him to audition and supporting him through all of life’s ups and downs.
Salvatore Faccadio
FerdinandSalvatore Faccadio- He/Him (Ferdinand) is a freshman Psychology and Musical Theatre major at ETSU. He’s stoked to be in his first production with ETSU theatre! Some of his past roles include Henslowe ("Shakespeare in Love"), Gleb Vaganov ("Anastasia"), and Earthworm ("James & the Giant Peach"). Sal would like to thank his friends and family for never failing to support him in whatever he takes on and the ETSU Theatre Department for giving him so many opportunities!
Joshua Hall
CalibanJoshua Hall is a sophomore Theatre major at ETSU. Josh has worked in a plethora of productions, but this is his second one with ETSU. He looks forward to working with everyone. Some of his favorite productions he's done include "Something Rotten," "Puffs," and "Alice by Heart." Josh would like to thank his friends and family for supporting his acting journey. Specifically, Josh would like to extend a special thank you to Phoebe Hall for being his biggest supporter.
Shelby Keller
AntoniaShelby Keller—She/Her (Antonia) is a junior Musical Theatre major and Dance minor at ETSU. Shelby has had the pleasure to work on many productions, both onstage and behind the scenes, with ETSU and with her hometown dance studio and theatre company. Some of favorite credits include Margo in "Bright Star" (Cleveland City Ballet/Bang-a-Rang Productions), Mrs. Trotter/Ensemble in "James and the Giant Peach" (ETSU) and the role that started it all, Ensemble in "Aladdin Kids" (Hopewell Elementary School) at the age of 9. Shelby also enjoys teaching dance at her home studio, making memories with her friends, and spending time with her kitten, Maisie. Shelby is so grateful to get to be a part of this phenomenal production and would like to thank the production team and her family for their support in her endeavors.
Elsa Kummer
RhiannonElsa Kummer — She/Her (Rhiannon) Elsa is so honored to be part of this production of "The Tempest." She is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. Previous credits include "The Moors" (Huldey) and "Heathers the Musical" (Martha Dunnstock). Elsa would like to thank her friends, family, and pet cat; Socks for their support. She hopes you enjoy the show, and make sure you follow her on Instagram @elsa.exclusive
Talon Mincieli
Female UnderstudyTalon Shae Mincieli- she/her (Assistant to the Director/ Female Understudy) is a sophomore Acting major and Fine Arts Scholar at ETSU. Talon has been involved ETSU’s productions of "These Shining Lives" (Charlotte Purcell), "Eurydice" (ASM), and "Cabaret" (Assistant Sound Design). She is excited for the opportunity to be a part of this production.
Ellise Parman
Queen JoanEllise Parman - She/Her (Queen Joan) is a junior Theatre major at ETSU with a concentration in Musical Theatre. Ellise has previously appeared on the ETSU stage as Matron Nurse in "James & the Giant Peach," and Soprano Soloist/Ensemble in "Humbug!"Before transferring to ETSU, Ellise studied at Carson-Newman, where she performed as Hero in "Much Ado About Nothing," Bellomy in "The Fantasticks", Monica in Menotti’s "The Medium," and Hope Harcourt in "Anything Goes!"Ellise is very grateful for the opportunity to bring Queen Joan to life and would like to thank her friends and family for their support.
Kas Reeves
Male Understudy
Natalie Underwood
MirandaNatalie Underwood- She/Her (Miranda) is a senior Theatre major with an Acting concentration at ETSU. Natalie has had the privilege of participating in many of ETSU's productions. Some of her favorites include "These Shining Lives" (ETSU, Pearl), "Medea" (ETSU, Corinthian Woman), "Cabaret" (ETSU, Wardrobe Manager), and "Little Shop of Horrors" (ETSU, Stage Carpenter). Natalie is deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with this incredible cast and crew, whose tireless dedication has brought this grand production to life.
Kit White
TrinculoKit White-(Trinculo) is a sophomore Theatre major at ETSU. Kit performed last spring as Little Stone in "Eurydice" at ETSU and is happy to return to performance for "The Tempest". Kit has also performed in "The Addams Family" (Stewarts Creek High School, Grandma), and "The Old Man and the Old Moon" (Stewarts Creek High School, Lucy). Kit is extremely grateful for the opportunity to clown around once again and couldn't imagine doing it without the lovely people who have helped to bring this timeless story to life.
Andy Wolff
StephanoBorn and raised in Miami, Florida, and with the ink still wet on his high school diploma, Andy drove across the country to pursue an acting career in Hollywood. After two decades spent cultivating a collection of obscure acting credits on IMDB, Andy decided to move his wife and kids to Tennessee and go back to school. Andy’s studying to become a high school drama teacher. With this new career, he’s excited to prepare the next generation of actors for their own adventures in Hollywood. Last semester, Andy played the Mastiff in ETSU’s production of “The Moors.”
Skylar Zaugg
AineSkylar Zaugg — She/Her (Aine) is so thankful to be apart of this story. She is a sophomore majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre and minor in Dance. She comes all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada, but while she’s been studying here she has been a part of “James and the Giant Peach” and was Heather Duke in “Heathers the Musical." She would like to thank the cast and crew for being so welcoming. She would also like to thank her family for supporting her dreams no matter how crazy they are. Enjoy the Piskie chaos!
Production Team
Tiffany Angaran
Front of House ManagerTiffany Angaran (she/her) graduated from ETSU with a Master's degree in Counseling and a concentration in Clinical Mental Health in December 2020. Looking for a creative outlet after graduation, Tiffany got connected with the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance where she now works as the Executive Aide. She has been managing the Front of House for Theatre and Dance productions since their first live show at the Martin Center in the Fall of 2021.
Molly Blackburn
Harmonist
Micah Blevins
Assistant Stage Manager
Karen Brewster
ProducerKaren Brewster (She/Her) serves the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance as Chair and teaches courses in theatre history and theatrical design. An alumna of ETSU, Karen went on to earn her MFA in Costume Design from Michigan State University, followed by years of working in professional theatre companies from Nebraska to Maine. In fact, she developed her career significantly at Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA as costume shop supervisor, costume craftsperson, and costume designer. After this important time as a professional artist in regional professional theatres, Karen joined the faculty at ETSU in 2000.
Grayson Buchanan
Assistant ChoreographerGrayson Buchanan - She/Her (Assistant Choreographer) is a senior majoring in Theatre with a Musical Theatre concentration and a Dance minor. She is originally from Knoxville, where she participated in community theatre and competition dance. She was previously seen in "The Wolves" (#2), "James and the Giant Peach" (Spider, Dance Captain), "Cabaret" (Rosie) with the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance. She is eternally grateful for this cast and crew and would like to thank her family for always allowing her to shoot for the stars!
Adam Dahmer
TranslatorDr. Adam Dahmer - ETSU's adjunct professor of Scottish Gaelic, in the Appalachian Studies Department - holds a PhD in Celtic and Scottish Studies from Scotland's University of Edinburgh. Although a specialist in Scottish Gaelic, he has studied all six of the Celtic languages - three of which (Breton, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish) are featured in the performance you're about to see! Dr. Dahmer was honored and delighted to act as the Celtic language consultant for this year's multilingual production of "The Tempest", and looks forward to similar collaborations in the future. Brisibh cas, a chàirdean! (Break a leg, y'all!)'
Brad Fugate
Music Director
Bobby Funk
DirectorBobby Funk (Author and Director) is a full professor at East Tennessee State University. 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. He is the author of the book, The Audition Process: A Guide for Actors and co-author, with Patrick Cronin, of the online textbook, Introduction to Theatre. Bobby is currently working with Dr. Brad Fugate on a new musical, "HUMBUG: A Modern Gothic Morality Musical," and he is writing an acting text entitled Truth and Belief: An Actor’s Textbook. He has written a number of other plays including, "Co. Aytch: Memoirs of a Confederate Soldier," "The Dream Continues: The History of the Civil Rights Movement," "Every Person," "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.
Olivia Greene
Assistant Lighting DesignerOlivia Greene-She/Her (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a senior Theater major with a Design/Production concentration here at ETSU. Olivia has worked behind the scenes for a few shows, the most recent being the Asst. Costume Designer for "The Moors." This is Olivia's first time working in the shoes of the Asst. Lighting Designer. Olivia is extremely grateful for all this opportunity and experience with all these amazing people here in this program.
Cara Harker
ChoreographerCara Harker is a professor and associate chair 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 Design Consultant/ Lead HairstylistBird Honeycutt is an alum of ETSU, with a BA in Theatre Design/Production. They have completed the Intimacy Professional Accelerator Program with the IDC. A licensed cosmetologist with close to a decade of experience, they now work double-shift as Stage Hair Consultant for ETSU's Department of Theatre & Dance, as well as Intimacy Captain for all student productions. Bird is consistently amazed and impressed by the talent and hard work displayed by the students here and hopes to continue working in collegiate settings for years to come.
Emily Jarrett
Assistant Stage ManagerEmily Jarrett- She/Her (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior Theatre major with minors in Dance and Secondary Education. She has previously worked backstage for “Cabaret” (assistant stage manager), "Androcles and the Lion" (light board operator) and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time". She also works for the Scene Shop where she helps build the sets for the shows. She is a part of the ETSU affiliated Amalgam Dance Company and Mountain Movers Dance Company. She is very grateful to have worked with such an amazing team!
Kyla Jernigan
Assistant Costume DesignerKyla Jernigan: She/Her (assistant costume designer) is a senior Theatre Production major with minors in Radio/TV/Film and Fine and Performing Arts. Previously she costume designed "The Wolves" (2025), and "James and the Giant Peach" (2023). When she's not in the costume shop, Kyla can be found acting and designing for short films. Her last project that she did sfx makeup for won Best Student Film at the Highlands Horror Fest. This summer she will be interning at the Barter Theatre. Kyla would like to thank all the faculty of the theatre department for supporting her and pushing her forward.
Keila Jordan
Assistant Scenic DesignerKeila Jordan- She/Her (Assistant Scenic Designer) is pursuing a double major in Theatre and Studio Arts, with a focus on Design and Production. After graduating from Northeast State, her first design assignment with ETSU was as the lighting designer for "Cabaret." Earlier this semester, she was the sound designer for "The Wolves." She is excited to currently be a member of "The Tempest" and can't wait to continue her studies at ETSU.
Elsa Kummer
Harmonist
Will MacMorran
Musical Arrangments and PerformerWill MacMorran is a multi-talented musician, audio engineer, and educator based in Johnson City, TN. Will has had the honor of touring with The Chieftains as their guitar player during their last 4 years of touring and has spent 15 years touring nationally and internationally with well-known artists in the Celtic, pop, and country genres. Will started piping at a young age and quickly added the guitar, whistles, accordion, and bouzouki, among other instruments, to his skillset. Will currently teaches as an adjunct in East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old Time, and Roots Music Studies Program and is the Department Head of Entertainment Technology at Northeast State Community College.
Talon Mincieli
Assistant to the Director
Zach Olsen
Technical DirectorZach Olsen has served the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance since 2016 as the Technical Director and as an Adjunct Professor. He teaches Introduction to Theatre Production, Advanced Theatre Production, and Theatre Lab. 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.
Herb Parker
Vocal Coach
Ellise Parman
Harmonist
Kas Reeves
Assistant to the Director
Jessica Richardson
Costume Designer/ 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: "Heathers: the Musical," "James and the Giant Peach," and most recently "Cabaret."
Emily Russell
Stage ManagerEmily Russell – she/her (Stage Manager) is a junior Theatre major and Art minor at ETSU. In her time at ETSU so far, Emily has worked as an assistant stage manager in "Androcles and The Lion" and "James and The Giant Peach." She was also the assistant scenic designer for "Heathers the Musical" and the props designer for "The Moors." Emily is excited to finally have the opportunity to stage manage a show at ETSU! She would like to thank her amazing assistant stage managers Micah and Emily for all their hard work and help in this show.
Ellen Sautters
Assistant Lighting DesignerEllen Sautters- She/Her (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a sophomore Communications and Theatre Design/Production double major at ETSU. Ellen has been involved in theatre since she was four and has been a part of many productions, both on and off stage. She has previously worked backstage for productions such as "Heathers the Musical" (ASM) and onstage in "These Shining Lives" (Numerous Roles). Most recently, she was Assistant Lighting Designer for "The Moors" and a Spot-Op for "Cabaret." She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for endless support from her family and friends.
Melissa Shafer
Lighting Designer Melissa 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 "Medea," "Eurydice," and "James and the Giant Peach." Recent directing credits include "Little Shop of Horrors," "Heathers the Musical," and "Cabaret." 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 book "The Fundamentals of Theatrical Design: A Guide to the Basics of Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Design."
Emi Smith-Rector
Props DesignerEmi Smith-Rector is an aspiring scenic designer with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture. She is currently a senior finishing her degree in Theatre with a concentration in Design and Production. She has worked as an usher for ETSU’s Theatre and Dance Department for 5 years and has more recently worked backstage in the scene shop building and painting sets. More notably, she was Master Electrician for ETSU’s production of "Cabaret" and is very excited to be debuting as a props designer for ETSU’s 'The Tempest." She wants to continue designing and building sets in addition to helping teach the next generation of theater students in her hometown one day.
Sarabeth Roberts
Sound Designer
Alyssa Stanley
Hair & Makeup Designer
Matt Stevens
Assistant 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 "Little Shop of Horrors," "James and the Giant Peach," and most recently "Cabaret."
Jonathon Taylor
Scenic DesignerJonathon Taylor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. 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.
Christina Ward
Assistant Hair & Makeup DesignerChristina Ward-She/Her (Assistant Hair Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor) is a senior Theatre major/Dance minor at ETSU. She has taken part in multiple ETSU productions including: "Cabaret" (Helga), "The Moors" (CD), "Eurydice" (ACD), "James and the Giant Peach" (Ensemble), and "Medea" (CD). Whether costuming or performing, Christina is grateful to work with so many wonderfully talented people. She's also a proud member of ETSU-affiliated Amalgam Dance Company and an instructor at Johnson City Arts Center. Christina is thankful for all of the opportunities she’s been granted while at ETSU and looks forward to new adventures post-graduation.
Jazmyn Washington
Assistant to Lead Hairstylist
Skylar Zaugg
Harmonist
Running Crew
Carter Boogaard
Deck Crew
Lillian Calhoun
Wardrobe Crew
Mylee Doty
Wardrobe Crew
Zaiah Gray
Front of House
Jonah Harris-Furches
Light Board Operator
Jax Howard
Deck Crew
Dallas Lindsey
Wardrobe Crew
Alexys Moody
Front of House
Lacey Taylor
Sound Board Operator
Katie Thorpe
Wardrobe Crew
Christina Ward
Wardrobe Supervisor
Olivia Zimanek
Front of House
Special Acknowledgements: ETSU'S SCOTTISH & IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC PROGRAM, ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Program, Siân Powell, Dr. Adam Thomas Dahmer, Dr. Jane MacMorran, Will MacMorran, Northeast State Community College Entertainment Technology Program, Kennedy and Duvall Funk, The Real McKenzies, Mulligan's Irish Pub, Alec Koff, Andy Slatter
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.
This production is made possible in part by grant funding from the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts as well as generous donations from Flora and Henry Joy and Joe Smith. Ongoing support from Barter Theatre for our program is appreciated.
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.
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Barter Theatre
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