BWW Stage Mag A Wrinkle in Time - The Coterie Theatre Stage Mag

 

The Coterie Theatre
presents

A Wrinkle in Time
 
Adapted by Morgan Gould
from the novel by Madeleine L’Engle    
 
Directed by Khalia Davis Philp
 

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Cast

Phoenix Storm*
Meg
Kaiden Nicholas Johnson
Charles Wallace
Ceci Sellers
Charles Wallace
Ricky Vazquez
Calvin O'Keefe
Erdin Schultz-Bever
Mrs. Whatsit, Teacher
Andrea Hobley
Mrs. Who, Sandy, Newspaper Boy
Kisha Henry
Mrs. Which, Mother, Camazotz Mom
Francisco 'Pancho' Javier Villegas *
Father, Bully, Red-Eyed man
Erik J Pratt
Dennys, Postal Worker, Little Boy, Lobby Guard

Creative Team

Khalia Davis Philp

Director, Coterie Producing Artistic Director

Bethany 'Bee' Gradwohl*

Production Stage Manager

John Dylon Rohr

Scenic Designer

Justin Gannaway

Costume Designer

Megan Reilly

Lighting/Projections Designer

Daisy Melton

Sound Designer

Erika Baker

Properties Designer

Derek Trautwein

Technical Director

Dorian Allen

Associate Technical Director

Caitlin Hahn

Assistant Stage Manager

Rachael Honnold

Electrician

Log Peralez

Electrician

Jonathan Thomas

Coterie Managing Director

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

A Wrinkle in Time is produced by special arrangement with Stage Partners and Crosswicks, Ltd. (www.yourstagepartners.com)

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Cell phones are to be put away during the performance.


* Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors
  and stage managers in the United States.

 

 

SPECIAL THANKS

Rusty Sneary; Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: A Wrinkle in Time design by Cory Williamson.

The Coterie is proud to recognize funding from partners BOK Financial, Spencer Fane, and Variety KC for this production.

Additional financial assistance for The Coterie's season has been generously provided by Missouri Arts Council, Hallmark Corporate Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Mark Edelman Theater Fund, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, Richard J. Stern Foundation, and Theater League.


The Coterie is a 501(c)3 nonprofit professional theatre, and a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and Theatre for Young Audiences/USA: The US chapter of ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People. A Wrinkle in Time is a professional production employing members of Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.

ABOUT THE COTERIE

The Coterie Theatre provides unique theatre experiences for families and young audiences. A not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Coterie is nationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind programming that features a year-round season of live plays and musicals on the company's mainstage. Since its founding in 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri, The Coterie has been at the forefront of commissioning new works or adaptations that contribute to the field of theatre for young audiences. More than 50 world or American premieres for all ages have been produced by The Coterie over the last 45 years, including hosting multiple major Broadway composers and lyricists to shape quality musicals for youth and families. The Coterie is interested in intergenerational conversation, and consistently includes teen programming in its season and outreach efforts.

The Coterie offers acting and theatre classes year-round for PreK-12th grades at multiple locations around Kansas City, including an extensive summer program of classes and performance camps. The Coterie’s community programming redefines traditional notions of work for young audiences with its unique dramatic youth writing programs (In-School Literacy Residencies and Young Playwrights Workshop), as well as two programs offered to students and schools free of charge, focusing on teen LGBTQ work (Project Pride) and preteen and teen mental health workshops (Project Daylight).

All these components serve on average over 75,000 young people and their families per year through over 350 performances. The Coterie's mission is to celebrate young people and engage diverse communities through professional theatre and education programs that foster creativity, confidence, and compassion. Donate at www.thecoterie.org.

 

 

2025 COTERIE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bellinger • President
Amy Graham • Secretary
Kristina Thompson • Secretary
Theresa Stoker • Treasurer
Laura Antolak • Board Engagement Chair
Ali Saucier • Development Chair
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey • Community Engagement Chair

Sara Anthony
Angela Bedell
Richard Browne
Ava Delsemme
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Michael Judy
Gabriela Lucas
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Natalie Simms-Patton
Ashley Strohm
Andrew Van Der Laan

 

 

COTERIE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR • Jonathan Thomas
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR • Khalia Davis Philp
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR • David Golston
DIRECTOR OF THEATRE SCHOOL • Allison Nissley
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER • Xinyue Zhang
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR • Derek Trautwein
BOX OFFICE MANAGER • Jason Coats
BOOKING COORDINATOR • Stephanie Laaker
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT/MARKETING SPECIALIST • Tressa Lee
HOUSE MANAGERS & BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS • Dorian Allen, Kali Coates, Ciera Loran, Ezra Martinez-Haskins, Kelsey McGee, Pam West

 

 

 

 

 

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

 

Meet the Company

Phoenix Storm*

Meg
Phoenix Storm* - Meg Phoenix Storm was practically born into the arts world, spending most of her time bouncing between acting, singing, writing, and creating. She grew up surrounded by theatre and performance, so worlds were constantly coming to life all around her, and she loved getting to see the secrets behind the magic, and getting the chance to be a part of the magic made it feel even more special. Phoenix returns to The Coterie’s stage, happy to connect with audiences in real time once again, after previously appearing in MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS. Outside of performance, Phoenix is a published author and photographer who loves to create worlds of her own and bring them to life. She would like to thank God, her family, and friends for their constant love and support.

Kaiden Nicholas Johnson

Charles Wallace
Kaiden Nicholas Johnson - Charles Wallace Kaiden Nicholas Johnson got started in theatre through his acting coach and by attending Off-Broadway musicals. He recently saw THE WIZ over the summer and enjoyed comparing the live performances to the stories in the movie. Kaiden is an 11-year old actor from Kansas City, MO, making his theatrical debut at The Coterie in A WRINKLE IN TIME. He recently appeared as Ahmed in the 2025 Lifetime original movie, GIRL IN THE GARAGE, and as himself in TNP Creative Campers original music videos, where he also co-wrote several original songs. Kaiden trains in voiceover, improvisation, dance, and on-camera technique. In his free time, he enjoys playing football, writing stories, creating characters, and video games. He is thrilled to be part of A WRINKLE IN TIME and thanks his family and mentors for their support. Find out more about Kaiden on Instagram @WhoIsKaidenJ.

Ceci Sellers

Charles Wallace
Ceci Sellers - Charles Wallace Ceci Sellers saw BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Olathe East High School with her parents, and she knew immediately that she wanted to be on stage after that show! Ceci is excited to makes her Coterie stage debut in A WRINKLE IN TIME after participating in The Coterie's 2024/2025 Master classes. Other recent credits include as Debbie Wilkinson in BILLY ELLIOT with MTKC Pro, as Marionette in MY SON PINOCCHIO with The Theatre in the Park, as Anna Maria in GODSPELL and as Matilda as MATILDA THE MUSICAL with with First Act Theatre Arts (FATA), as Gracie Shinn in THE MUSIC MAN with White Theatre at The J, and as Marta in THE SOUND OF MUSIC with Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Ceci sends a big thank you to the artistic team at The Coterie and to her FATA teachers, family and friends for supporting her as she follows her dreams! Follow Ceci on Instagram @cecisellers.

Ricky Vazquez

Calvin O'Keefe
Ricky Vazquez - Calvin O'Keefe Ricky Vazquez got into theatre because of all of the different lives one can live through it. Most people pick a job and let that define them for the rest of their life, but through theatre, Ricky found he could be an astronaut one day and a super hero the next! A WRINKLE IN TIME is Ricky's first production with The Coterie and he is absolutely thrilled! He's previously been seen in multiple productions at Johnson County Community College. Some of his most recent roles include Viktor in CABARET, Bruno Benellie in THE METAL CHILDREN, Harry Van in IDIOT'S DELIGHT, and Dudard in RHINOCEROS. Despite his focus in performance, Ricky has not always been an actor. He first started his journey at Johnson County Community College through tech. He has done dramaturgy and special effects for WONDER OF THE WORLD, costume construction/props crew for NOISES OFF, and was the scenic painter for AFTER EVER HAPPILY. He is currently enrolled in his final semester at Johnson County Community College. Follow Ricky on Instagram @_rickyvazquez and on TikTok @_rickyvazquez.

Erdin Schultz-Bever

Mrs. Whatsit, Teacher
Erdin Schultz-Bever - Mrs. Whatsit, Teacher Erdin Schultz-Bever always loved playing pretend as a kid, but when she was in third grade, she saw one of her friends perform in a playwriting festival for elementary students and knew immediately she wanted to do THAT! Erdin is excited to help bring the story of A WRINKLE IN TIME to life on stage. She has been a teaching artist with The Coterie for many years and has performed in The Coterie's Project Daylight, The Dramatic STD/HIV Project, and in BRAINSTORM. Around Kansas City, she has worked with many companies including Music Theater Heritage, Kansas City Public Theatre, Kansas City Actors Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, Fishtank Theatre, and The Confluence Theatre Company. She has an undergraduate degree in Theatre Performance from University of Evansville and a MFA in Acting from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Erdin teaches Movement for the Stage at Johnson County Community College.

Andrea Hobley

Mrs. Who, Sandy, Newspaper Boy
Andrea Hobley - Mrs. Who, Sandy, Newspaper Boy Andrea Hobley got into theatre as an outlet for her high energy and a joy to entertain. Over time, she discovered a love for children’s theatre and everything it entails: storytelling, engaging young audiences, fostering creativity in children through performance, and witnessing the joy and growth that theatre can inspire in young minds. She finds there is something magical about bringing characters to life and representing shows to those who may be experiencing live theatre for the first time. Seeing the positive impact it has on their imaginations and creativity is incredibly fulfilling and motivates her to continue sharing this art form with others. Andrea is thrilled to return to The Coterie, after appearing last season as Sonia in the world premiere of JUST ASK! A passionate performer with a deep love for children’s theatre, Andrea brings characters to life in ways that captivate young audiences and introduce many to the magic of live performance for the first time. She believes the energy of the stage is infectious and hopes her work inspires creativity and joy in others. Andrea's recent credits include as Lucille/Shirelle in BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROL KING MUSICAL with MTKC Pro, as Piggie in ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!" and Bree in FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL with Lawrence Arts Center, as That Grace in JUNIE B. JONES with Theatre for Young America, and in the world premiere of SUGARPLUM with MTKC Pro. Andrea sends heartfelt thanks to her friends and family for their endless support. She is proudly represented by Moxie Talent Agency. Find Andrea on Instagram @AndreaOnCenterStage, on TikTok @AndreaOnCenterStage, and on Facebook. Numbers 6:24-26.

Kisha Henry

Mrs. Which, Mother, Camazotz Mom
Kisha Henry - Mrs. Which, Mother, Camazotz Mom Kisha Henry fell in love with movies and drama as a little girl. She dreamed of becoming one of the actresses on screen and on stage. She’d create plays and cast her siblings and request that her mom get the video camera. As she grew older, she chose a different career path because, sadly, she thought acting was just a dream. But what’s meant to be finds its way back to you, and she is now living her dream! Kisha has made a career out of commercial acting, with roles for Hallmark, Microsoft, Huggies, Ritz Carlton, and Holiday Inn Vacation Club, among others. She's been cast in short films, such as TURNS and PRISCILLA'S BOOKSTORE, as well as a recurring role in the web series WICKED DEEDS. Her theatre credits include playing the role of Nurse Ruth Kelly in HARVEY with The Barn Players, as well as Ellen Rometsch in THAT WOMAN: THE MONOLOGUE SHOW by the Tennessee Playwrights Studio. Kisha received her BA in Communications and Journalism and worked as a news anchor and reporter for years before rediscovering her love of acting. Kisha makes her Coterie debut in A WRINKLE IN TIME but has been bringing her own children to The Coterie since they were tiny, and this show is based on one of her son’s favorite books, so her kids currently think she's the coolest ever! Find out more about Kisha on Instagram @KishaMarieHenry.

Francisco 'Pancho' Javier Villegas *

Father, Bully, Red-Eyed man
Francisco 'Pancho' Javier Villegas * - Father, Bully, Red-Eyed man Pancho Villegas realized as a child that no matter what he would do in life, theatre and the arts would be involved. He has appeared in numerous Coterie productions including CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE; DOCTOR DOLITTLE; MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE; TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY; A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD; SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!; THE WIZ; RED BADGE VARIATIONS; GEEK MYTHOLOGY: I WAS A TEENAGE IMMORTAL; ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY – THE MUSICAL; LUCKY DUCK; U:BUG:ME; ONCE ON THIS ISLAND; A SEPARATE PEACE; TWICE UPON A TIME: THE LORAX & THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES; and The Coterie's Dramatic Health Education Project: HIV/STDs tour. Other local credits include GUYS AND DOLLS at Music Theater Heritage, BARE: A POP OPERA at Unicorn Theatre, KISS ME KATE at Music Theater Heritage, and EATING RAOUL at Egads! Theatre. Pancho would like to encourage everyone to, “Go fast, take chances.” Find out more about Pancho on Instagram @Rocknmex or Facebook @Pancho Javier.

Erik J Pratt

Dennys, Postal Worker, Little Boy, Lobby Guard
Erik J Pratt - Dennys, Postal Worker, Little Boy, Lobby Guard Erik J Pratt was very young - only five or six - when he started doing puppet shows and plays at summer camps. As a teenager, he was very into sketch comedy and local improv shows, and while fun, none of these things was pushing him toward a career in theatre. It was while he was attending engineering school to be an aerospace engineer that he joined the school theatre club and found that he loved telling stories a bit more than he liked designing airplanes. Now, he thinks that it's an important point to try a lot of things and only by comparing and contrasting experiences, you can have a better idea of what you really want to do. Erik returns to The Coterie after appearing last season in HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY. Other recent credits include serving as production manager for Hypothesis: a Theatre Lab, a non-profit theatre actively involving audiences in show creation, where he has also appeared on stage in EXIT 16 and MURDER SHE COOKED. Additional credits include on stage in A HOUSE WITH NO WALLS at Emmerson Theater Collaborative and THE FOREIGNER at Firefly Dinner Theater; in the films THE EMPER FILES, SHADES OF WAR, ADIRA, THE HARDEST THING TO EARN, and LETTERS FROM A FATHER; and as a voice actor in the audio dramas, GADSDEN and THE 13TH CALLER. Erik is also the owner of Drops Unlimited Entertainment, which performs juggling, clowning, and fire shows across the Midwest along with providing balloon twisters, face painters, and caricature artists for events. Erik has a BA in Theatre from University of Missouri-Kansas City and studied clowning and physical theatre with Kapoot Clown Theatre Intensive. Find out more about Erik at www.erikjpratt.com and www.dropsunlimited.com.

Khalia Davis Philp

Director, Coterie Producing Artistic Director
Khalia Davis was eleven years old when she was cast in her first role in an original play at a theatre summer camp. At the top of the show, when she said her first line, the audience actually laughed and she knew she was hooked! For Khalia, that is the magic and beauty of live theatre: that special exchange you share with the audience, knowing that your art is the reason they are transported for a short time to new worlds, learning, and experiencing new stories. Khalia co-leads The Coterie with the managing director to bring the organization’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. She previously directed The Coterie's production of FINDING NEMO TYA. Khalia is a multidisciplinary artist and arts leader who most recently served as the Assistant Director for the Broadway-bound world premiere, THE HIPPEST TRIP: THE SOUL TRAIN MUSICAL. As the former Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT), she led the world premieres of A KIDS PLAY ABOUT RACISM, which brought together over 40 theater producing partners, including The Coterie, and was viewed on Broadway on Demand nearly 80,000 times during its limited run then became a free resource for educators and their students; and THE IMAGINARIES: AN IMMERSIVE MUSICAL, an original new work that transformed their theater into an accessible playground created by the newly-formed BACT Writer’s Room, which was created as a direct response to the lack of opportunities for BIPOC playwrights and composers specializing in TYA projects. During the COVID pandemic when theaters were closed in the Bay Area, Khalia worked in partnership with former Executive Director of BACT, Nina Meehan, to conceive and produce various forms of theatrical digital and audio content for young audiences that activated their creativity and imaginative play, showcasing the potential for future digital and theatrical collaborations in TYA programming. Khalia directed and devised other new works like the award-nominated world premiere, SHE PERSISTED, THE MUSICAL, based on the popular children’s book by Chelsea Clinton; the Off-Broadway world premiere of an original adaptation of Maya Angelou’s I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS with New York City Children’s Theater; and the world premiere ARTHUR AND FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! based on “Arthur,” the longest-running animated series on PBS with First Stage. Other prominent theaters include: A.C.T., Atlantic Theater Company’s Atlantic for Kids, New York City Children’s Theater, Disney Theatrical Group, Spellbound Theatre, and more. As a producer, Khalia has helped organizations reach hundreds of thousands of young people through interactive “edu-tainment” with the nationally known STORY PIRATES, generated new digital pre-school content with Spellbound at Home, and produced children’s media with her personal company, Kids at Heart Productions. Before assuming her role as Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theater in 2020, Khalia served as the Director of Inclusion and Education with Brooklyn Children’s Theatre restructuring their children’s musical theatre programming through an anti-racism lens. Khalia is a proud board member for TYA/USA, Spellbound Theatre, and The Story Pirates. Awards include: 2019 Emerging Leader Fellowship-TYA/USA, 2019 NYCCT Leader Fellowship, and 2021 Corey Medallion Award-Children’s Theatre Foundation of America. Khalia has a BA in Theater Arts from the University of Southern California. To find out more, visit www.khaliadavis.com.

Bethany 'Bee' Gradwohl*

Production Stage Manager
Bee Gradwohl is a technical theatre artist who grew up in the industry as a dancer. A native of eastern Pennsylvania, Bee and their siblings performed in many shows while their mom volunteered backstage to support them. In 2020, Bee graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a degree in Dance Performance and Choreography but decided to change careers and work in technical theatre. They have been working professionally in the Kansas City area as a stage manager, electrician, PA, spotlight operator, and other titles for many years. They also have experience working in theme parks and for live production events companies. Bee returns to The Coterie after previously serving as assistant stage manager/deck manager on A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, as stage manager and lighting designer on The Coterie's performance at the National WWI Museum and Memorial for Winnie the Pooh Day 2025, and as stage manager on ELECTRIC POE (2024). Other recent credits include JERSEY BOYS, NEWSIES and ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS at New Theatre & Restaurant, A CHRISTMAS CAROL and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, LITTLE WOMEN at Music Theater Heritage, and PETER PAN and THE NUTCRACKER at Kansas City Ballet. Bee is excited to return for their first mainstage production as the stage manager to bring the magic of live theatre to young audiences! They would also like to thank their family for the endless support in helping them get to where they are today.

John Dylon Rohr

Scenic Designer
John Rohr fell in love with creating digital artwork at a very young age by playing Rollercoaster Tycoon on his family's computer growing up. He used to play this game and then watch the musical CATS on VHS, and the fusion of the two really inspired him to become an artist and designer. John serves as Professor of Theatre Design, Technology, and Management at Avila University in Kansas City. He has his MFA in Scenography from University of Kansas. When not teaching, he professionally designs scenery all over the United States. Some of John's other scenic designs include UNCLE VANYA with Kansas City Actors Theatre; and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, and THE LITTLE MERMAID with White Theatre at The J. Up next, John is scenic designer for RENT with Music Theatre Heritage. This is John's first design at The Coterie, and he is so grateful for the team who brought this shattered glass fantasy to life! Thank you for coming to the show!

Justin Gannaway

Costume Designer

Megan Reilly

Lighting/Projections Designer
Megan Reilly discovered lighting design was her passion when she volunteered as a light board operator for her college roommates' production of THE TEMPEST. It was then she realized she could make art from light! Megan is a lighting and projection designer based in Madison, WI, and a professor of lighting design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She returns to The Coterie after designing the lighting for the world premiere of JUST ASK! last season. Other recent credits include WALDEN at Mary Moody Northen Theatre; YELLOW FACE at Lyric Stage Company of Boston; INTO THE WOODS at Firehouse Center for the Arts; FINDER AND THE NORTH STAR, and Disney's FREAKY FRIDAY THE MUSICAL at Children's Theater of Madison. Megan has an MFA from University of Texas at Austin. Her designs have been seen in New Hampshire, Boston, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Madison, Chicago, Arkansas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and San Francisco, and internationally in Dublin, Edinburgh, and Portugal. Megan recently exhibited her virtual reality performance, BEYOND THE GARDEN OF ADRIAN, in the Spectacle Vivant, Scènes Numériques showcase at the Festival d’Avignon.

Daisy Melton

Sound Designer
Daisy Melton started out doing children's theatre as an actor, but eventually fell in love with music and sound, and after her first chance to do sound design for a show, she was hooked! Daisy is now a sound designer and audio engineer working in Kansas City, MO. She graduated this spring with an MFA in Sound Design from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Last season, Daisy designed sound for The Coterie's CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, as well as THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR and TOPDOG/UNDERDOG as a part of University of Missouri-Kansas City's MFA program; A1 and system design for ANNIE with Variety KC at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre; and working as A1 and A2 on ONCE and A CHRISTMAS CAROL with Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Upcoming work includes sound designing the world premiere of ELF - THE MUSICAL TYA at The Coterie; MILKING CHRISTMAS with The Living Room Theatre; and EVERYBODY at Kansas City Actors Theatre.

Erika Baker

Properties Designer

Derek Trautwein

Technical Director
Derek Trautwein is a Kansas City theatre artist with a wide berth of professional and educational experience. After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, Derek received his Master of Arts Degree in Theatre History in 2012 from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). During his time at UCM, Derek began his journey as a carpenter and Technical Director to accompany his endeavors in acting, directing, and playwriting. From 2013 to 2023, Derek served as faculty amongst the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Initially hired as the Technical Director, as he oversaw all sound, light, and scenic elements, Derek was promoted to Assistant Professor and Department Chair in 2021. Derek’s final directing spotlight at Benedictine, THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie, received a Meritorious Achievement Award for Play Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023. Around Kansas City, Derek has worked with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, KC MeltingPot Theatre, Relevance Productions, Card Table Theatre, and Stuffed Buffalo Productions. Since 2012, Derek has been an active participant in the Kansas City Fringe Festival, producing over a dozen pieces of original works written by other artists as well as his own, including DECEIT, which earned Derek the inaugural Mark Edelman Best New Play Award in 2019. Derek’s original plays have also been featured multiple times each for Kansas City Public Theatre, Olathe Civic Theatre, and the Kansas City Horror Play Festival. Lately, Derek has been bouncing around multiple spaces in the Kansas City theatre community including performing on stage in THIS RANDOM WORLD: THE MYTH OF SERENDIPITY at the Just Off Broadway Theatre and ELF THE MUSICAL with Padgett Productions as well as serving as technical director of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at The Black Box, THE SHOOTER produced by Trish Mitchell at the Just Off Broadway Theatre, and FINDING NEMO TYA, ELECTRIC POE (2024), the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023) at The Coterie. Moving forward, Derek seeks to create on his own terms while aiding artists of all kind to find their voices and venues.

Dorian Allen

Associate Technical Director
Dorian Allen got started in live music before eventually migrating to working in the theatre. Dorian has served on The Coterie's technical team for a year now after time spent in stage management and performance work across town. Recent credits include playing guitar in FUN HOME, with Olathe Civic Theatre Association, and in BEAUTIFUL with The Barn Players; assistant stage manager for NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET with Fishtank Theatre, and stage manager for The Living Room Theatre's No Sleep November festival. When not on a ladder or covered in paint you can find Dorian serving drinks at The Black Box or seeing shows at local dives. He would like to thank his family, his dog, and Heidi Van for their continued support. Welcome to our garden!

Caitlin Hahn

Assistant Stage Manager
Caitlin Hahn grew up attending local shows around Kansas City and St. Louis, and they always captivated her, inspiring her to be silly and sing songs to her heart's content. A few of her favorite theaters were Starlight Theatre, The Muny, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, and yes, even The Coterie! Now, Caitlin celebrates her Coterie debut as assistant stage manager with A WRINKLE IN TIME. Other recent credits include stage technician on JERSEY BOYS, swing audio engineer on NUNSENSE and SQUABBLES, and spotlight operator on ALOHA FROM VEGAS and NEWSIES with New Theatre & Restaurant. She also attended University of Central Missouri from 2015-2018. Caitlin plays saxophone, ukulele, and sings. She can also teach basketball handling skills, including spinning a basketball, “the spider,” and group formations. She would also like to let The Coterie's young audiences know that the attitude you bring to a project will always reflect your outcome! Find out more about Caitlin on Facebook @Caitlin Hahn and Instagram at @caitlinhahn.tech and @caitlin_hahn11.

Rachael Honnold

Electrician

Log Peralez

Electrician

Jonathan Thomas

Coterie Managing Director
Jonathan Thomas serves as Managing Director of The Coterie Theatre, having stepped into his role managing operations after the tragic loss of Executive Director Joette Pelster. He co-leads the organization with the Producing Artistic Director Khalia Davis, working to bring The Coterie’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. Jonathan began his path as a professional opera and musical theatre performer out of college, working locally with many area performing arts organizations including the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Chorale, Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and New Theatre & Restaurant. After seven years building a successful insurance and financial advising agency, he moved to San Francisco to follow his passion in arts administration. Before returning to Kansas City in 2018, he served as the development manager for The Walden School for three years, where he oversaw organizational fundraising strategies and expanded alumni relations. At ArtsKC, he served as Senior Development Manager, which greatly expanded his knowledge of the Kansas City arts sector. Prior to joining The Coterie, Jonathan served as the Senior Manager for Individual Giving and Partnerships at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, combining his love for the performing arts with his passion for leadership and fund development. Jonathan received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas. He continues his commitment to educating and advocating for the arts by serving on the Kansas City Chorale Board, the Johnson County Park and Recreation Artist Selection Committee, and by chairing the Theatre in the Park Advisory Council. He is a frequent guest speaker about the economic impact of the arts in Kansas City, appearing at the NAAAP Leadership Conference, Arts Day for Centurions, and at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan is married to Gail Nakano and is a father to Sofia, a senior at Cornell University, Tristan, a senior in high school, and Cassia and Koda, two littles who haven’t decided on college plans to date.

Donors

The Coterie wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the many corporations, foundations, agencies, and individuals that so generously support The Coterie.

The following list celebrates gifts received September 1, 2024, and September 15, 2025.

 

AGENCIES & ORGANIZATIONS  

$10,000+
American Royal Association
Breakthrough T1D
Missouri Arts Council
National Endowment for the Arts
Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
Variety KC

 

$500 - $999
Kansas City Athenaeum
Kansas City Mom Collective

  

 

FOUNDATIONS OF THE COTERIE

$10,000+
Francis Family Foundation
Louis and Elizabeth Nave Flarsheim
     Charitable Foundation, Bank
     of America, N.A., Trustee
Mark Edelman Theater Fund
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family
     Foundation
Oppenstein Brothers Foundation
Victor E. & Caroline E. Schutte
     Foundation
The Shubert Foundation
Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts
     — Commerce Bank, Trustee

 

$5,000 - $9,999
H&R Block Foundation
Theater League

 

$1,000 - $2,499
Children’s Theatre Foundation of America
Copaken Family Foundation
John & Bernice Hamra Foundation
The Ingram Family Foundation
Polsky Family Charitable Foundation
Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation

 

$500 - $999
John & Bernice Hamra Foundation

 

 

CORPORATE IMPACT

$10,000+
Crown Center Redevelopment Corp.
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Spencer Fane LLP
 

$5,000 - $9,999
Kissick Construction
New Theatre & Restaurant KC

 

$2,500 - $4,999
Bluescope Foundation
BOK Financial
Henderson Engineers
KPMG LLP

 

$500 - $2,499
Acord Cox & Company
Arno Meats
Dysart Taylor
Enterprise Bank

 

INDIVIDUAL GIVING  

VISIONARIES ($5,000+)
Henry & Laura
     Antolak
Pete Browne &
     Julie Walker
     Browne
David E. &
     Laura H. Hall
Joan J. Horan Fund
John & Marny
     Sherman
Susanne Shutz
Theresa & Shaun
     Stoker
Andrew Van Der
     Laan & Rebecca
     Schwietz
Gregory L.
     Vranicar,
     In Loving
     Memory

 PRODUCERS ($2,500 - $4,999)
Charles & Virginia
     Clark
Jennifer & Jason
     Ingraham
Lynette Bates &
     Chuck Koester
The Estate of
     David K. Lohrentz
Jeanne & Charlie
     Sosland
Jonathan Thomas
     & Gail Nakano

DIRECTORS ($1,000 - $2,499)
Anonymous
Ellen & John
     Aisenbrey
Ian & Elizabeth
     Arnold
Andy & Peggy
     Beal Family Fund
Angela & Larry
     Bedell
Joe & Skylar
     Bellinger
Richard I. &
     Nicole Browne
Lydia Butler &
     Art Kent
Dr. Robert Claassen
Charles L. Curtiss
     Memorial Fund
Don & Pat Dagenais
Carlos González
     & Heather Layton
Irv & Ellen
     Hockaday
Don Hall, Sr.
Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd
     & Veronica
     Jackson
Michael &
     Mary Jane Judy
Gabriela & Shawn
     Lucas

Greg Oborny &
     J. Michael Sigler
Ashlee Parker
     Osborne
Mr. & Mrs. Steve
     Passer
Jill Rademacher
Alison & Nathan
     Saucier
Lisa & Charles
     Schellhorn
David & Gretchen
     Silver
Claude & Tina
     Thau
Mark Titus
Jonathan Thomas &
     Gail Nakano
Ina & W. Frank
     Van Der Laan
Dr. Michael J Wurm
     & Cindy Wurm
Karenbeth
     Zacharias

SUSTAINERS ($500 - $999)
Anonymous (3)
Sara Anthony
Ivan & Karla Batlle
Christopher Battles
Michael & Karen
     Begelfer
Bob & Daniel
     Burgarino-Stevens
Jim & Bess Covert
Martha & Steve
     Crider
Margaret Cummings
Ava Delsemme
Dr. LaTanya Franklin
Carolyn & Chip
     Glidden
Amy & Eric Graham
Onie Grosshans
Katie & Matthew Hall
Suzanne & James
     Horner
Felicia & Venne
     Londré
The Milligan Family
Shea & Sarah
     McGinnity

 

Cheri Milligan
Christine A.
     Moranetz
Dr. Sean &
     Heather Nix
Kim & Ben
     Randell
Jeanne M.
     Rooney
Christine Sill-Rogers
     & Charlie Rogers
Nicole Jacobs
     Silvey &
     Patrick
     Silvey
Mindy & Deric
     Stewart
Kurt Stockbauer
     & Mary Boesen
Ashley
   Strohm
Kristina &
     Kelly
     Thompson
Keith & Anne
     Wiedenkeller
INNOVATORS ($250 - $499)
Anonymous
Jeme & Erica
     Benadon
Maureen & William
     Berkley
Tim Bowen
Cathi & David Brain
Julie & John Cain
Mary & John Calkins
James & Jennifer
     DeGood
Tom & Anne Dillon
Anthony Edwards &
     Scott Henze
Beverly Godwin &
     Mike Roberts
Erick & Alina Guerra
Doty Hoffman
Don Loncasty
Martha & Byron Long
Melissa & Brandon
     McManamy
Daniel Nelson

 


Mark & Paula
     Nichols
Jennifer & Tom
     Palmer
Todd Peters
Lori & David
     Riddle
Carolyn Rutherford
     Mayo
Stuart & Julie
     Shaw
Natalie
     Simms-Patton
Chuck & Kay
     Sipple
Kurtis Thiel
Donna
     Thomason
John & Elizabeth
     Wendorff
Penny & Randy
     Williams

ADVOCATES ($100 - $249)
Anonymous (5)
Christina Anderson
Yuliya & Andrei
     Antonets
Pam Asjes
Rachel & Henry Avila
Joe & Stacie
     Ballentine
Sheryl Becker
Matthew & Elizabeth
     Bessine
Jessica Best &
     Brian Stewart
Halleck Bilyeu
David Buck
Lauren Burke
Megan Case
Helen Chaffin
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff
     Clayton
Cara Joy David,
     in honor of Sarit
 Chaisanguanthum
Beth & Stan
     Chandler
Jeff Clayton
Olivia Dorsey
Cathy & Steve
     Doyal
Barbara Fay
Melanie Fenske
Randall Fowler
Sean & Adina
     Goodman
Don Hall, Jr.
Donna Henry
David Huston
Robert Icsezen
Andrew Jackson
Brad Johnson
Denairian
     Johnson
Barbara Landes,
     in memory of
     Chet Landes
Mark Kurtz
Marian & Fred
     Light
 

Lynn & Lewis Lowry
Kathy Lyon
Peg & Bill Lyons
Alan
     McDermott
Justin Mohn
Mandy
     Mook-Payton
Matthew Noonan
Pamela Paul
Slawik & Erin
     Pech
David & Paula
     Potter
Cindy Rhodes
Karen Roberts
Dustin & Angela
     Schafer
Monica Schroer
Avis Smith
Rebecca Smith
LeAnne Stewart
     & Chris Hailey
Kim & Randy
     Stout
Mary Stringer
Susan Teson
Debra & Paul
     Turpin
James Van
     Halderen
Susan Waldron
Teresa Woody
Rik Siro &
     Teresa
     Woodyard
Ann & Joe
     Woodyard
Declan & Emmett
     Voss
Marty Yadrick
     & Eric
     Chapman
Patrice
     Yarrow
Marcus
     Zehnder
ENSEMBLE ($50 - $99)
Anonymous (10)
Susan & Dale
     Abrahamson
Rana & Kevin
     Bentley
Barbara Bernstein
     & Saul Erlich
Cathy Blake
Autumn Book
The Brasel Family
Ingrid Burnett
Bart Cords
Amy Devine
Elizabeth Domann
Kathy & Jim Dunn
Barbara Bernstein &
     Saul Erlich
Katie Harris
Mary Harrison
Diane Stone Hayes
 

Andrea Kalish
Jean & Dennis
     Kasselman
Molly Lack
Jessica Michael
Susan Palmer
Vy Pham
Trevor Stone
Lauren Vieux
Marilyn Vranicar
Ronald
     Williams
Patricia Woods

In Memory of Nancy Marcy,
     a Beloved Member of
     The Coterie Family
Anonymous (2)
Susie Adamson
     & Kathi Krouch
Tyrone Aiken
J. Kent Barnhart
Sharron Brittan
Foster Collins
Joe & Susan Curtiss
Don & Pat Dagenais
Jeff Davolt
Martin English
Nathaniel Gough
Shirley Griffith
Onie Grosshans
David E. &
     Laura H. Hall
Chris Evans Hands
Mary Hawks
Linda Herbel
Margaret Howard
Robert & Judy Kile

Chet Kincaid
Clarann Krueger
Judy Lanes
Analee Lanio
Lesly Lewandowski
Howard Martin
Carolyn Rutherford
     Mayo
Carol McClellan
Christine Moranetz
John Rensenhouse
Jan Rogge
Sheila Schmidt
Jeanne & Charlie
     Sosland
Kerry Sutorius
Sherlyn Talkington
Kurtis Thiel
Donna Thomason
Sallie Trecek
Nancy Wagner
Holden
     Wertheimer-Meier

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