Matthew Smith

Matthew is a sophomore majoring in theatre education. Recent productions include James in “James & The Giant Peach,” Josh/Tinsworthy in “9 to 5,” and Roger in “A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” In his free time, he likes to hang out at home. He would like to thank his friends for all of their support.

Brooke Burke

Brooke is a junior double majoring in theatre and communications. Previous roles include Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Centipede in “James & The Giant Peach,” and Siobhan in"A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” In her free time, she likes to travel (to New York), spend time with friends, and watch theatre. She would like to thank her professors, her parents, Alli, Kayeley, Denver, and Will for all of their support.

Isaiah Reed

Isaiah is a junior majoring in theatre. Recent productions include Ladahlord in “James & The Giant Peach” and Christopher in “A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” In his free time, he likes to write poetry, plays, and novels. He would like to thank the indomitable human spirit and Justin Hall.

Anna Timm

Anna is a junior majoring in technical theatre. Her most recent production was Spider in “James & The Giant Peach.” In her free time, she likes to paint. She would like to thank her brother, Abe, for their support.

William Ortega

William is a community member who joined us during our 2024-2025 season and has been with us since. He is now entering his 7th show with us! Recent productions include Demetrius in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Dwayne/Bob in “9 to 5,” and Ed in “A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.” In his free time, he likes to play DND, read, and perform improv. He would like to thank the entire department for pushing him to improve his acting skills, along with his mom, three brothers, and Brooke.

Ava Miller

Ava is a freshman at Danville Community College, majoring in liberal arts, and has been with us since the start of our 2025-2026 season. Recent productions include Earthworm in “James & The Giant Peach” and she participated in our 3rd Annual Christmas Spectacular. In her free time, she likes to paint, listen to music, and play video games. She would like to thank her mom and dad for their support.

Danielle Hicks

Danielle is a freshman majoring in elementary education. Recent productions include daughter in “Too Young to be Saved” and Mother in "Dance Production,” but this is her first show at Averett! In her free time, she likes to play The Sims 4 and run her business. She would like to thank her parents, along with her sister.

Kylie Morton

Kylie is a junior majoring in musical theatre. Recent productions include Ladybug in “James & The Giant Peach” and Violet in “9 to 5.” In her free time, she likes to play DND and write. She would like to thank the department professors, Mr. Breen (who is her director for this show), and Dr. Rose for all of their support.

Britton Lackey

Britton is a freshman majoring in theatre. Recent productions include Kristoff in “Frozen,” Ben in “Descendants” and Prince Charming in “Cinderella,” but this is his 1st production at Averett. In his free time, he likes to practice piano, sing, write music, and listen to worship music. He would like to thank the department for making him feel so welcome as he begins his first semester, along with God for opening up new doors for him.

Dee-Dee Anderson

DeeDee is a sophomore majoring in musical theatre and biomedical sciences. Recent productions include Aunt Sponge in “James & The Giant Peach,” Junie B. in “Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook,” and Doralee in “9 to 5.” In her free time, she likes to go to the gym, play games with her friends, go thrifting, and bake. She would like to thank the cast, crew, her family, and friends for all of their support.

Austin Noblin

Austin is a senior majoring in computer science with a minor in theatre. Recent productions include Hart in “9 to 5” and Lysander in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In his free time, he likes to play DND, learn to code, and read. He would like to thank his wife, Allison, who he gets to play opposite.

Rainer Stoyer

Rainer is a sophomore at Carlisle and has been with us since our 2024-2025 season. Recent productions include Judy Boone in “A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” and Aunt Spiker in “James & The Giant Peach.” In her free time, she likes to draw, play DND, costume design/cosplay, read, and watch movies. She would like to thank her parents, friends in the theatre, and her pet frog.

Allison Noblin

Allison is a graduate who is currently getting her master's in business administration. Recent productions include Margaret in “9 to 5,” Allison in “First Date,” and Pinkalicious in “Pinkalicious.” In her free time, she likes to read, scuba dive, ski, and watch the Savannah Bananas. She would like to thank Austin, her mom, dad, and Granny for all of their support.

Rigby Markham

Rigby is a community member who is joining us for their 1st production here at Averett. Recent productions include “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” while still in high school. In their free time, they watch a lot of movies or television. They would like to thank their supportive family, lovely girlfriend, and Catherine O’Hara (R.I.P Queen).

Thomas Hicks

Thomas is a junior majoring in theatre. Recent productions include "Romeo and Juliet" and "Our Town," but this is his first production with us! In his free time, he does whatever he wants because he's retired. He would like to thank Jesus Christ, his wife Aubrey, Hope Church, and AmVets Chapter 35.

Richard Scott Breen

A funny thing happened to Professor Richard Breen in the fourth grade — he took third place in a talent show, and it changed his life. He was only in the fourth grade and it was just a third place finish, but he was hooked. He knew then that his life was, with caps, On The Stage. And so it is. He says that his parents were always supportive of that life for him, even back in grade school, and now — as an adult — he has “the best of both worlds: I get to teach Theatre to young people, and in the summers I get to go play.” When he says, “go play,” he means that he performs on various stages around the country, honing his craft. There are times when he performs at Averett, as well, and the students all benefit from that experience. “It’s a great way to teach,” he says, “when students can learn by direct observation.” They also observe and learn when the Theatre Department takes them each year to Broadway shows. The trips to New York City are treated as a formal class project — the students study the shows in advance, write papers about the productions, etc. Performing on Broadway is not the only measure of success, adds Breen. Theatre graduates succeed in many other ways: “Some have graduate studies as a goal, some want to teach, many plan to work in the technical end of Theatre. And we have a lot of double majors — students who have another field of expertise, just for career safety.” He adds that his biggest challenge often is not simply to develop his students’ skills, but also to get them to believe in themselves. “As they gain self-confidence, they begin to explore, to take chances, to discover. It’s a wonderful, creative process.” The Averett Theatre students share one important thing with Professor Breen: They feel that Theatre is their home.

Justin Swann-Hall

Justin Swann-Hall received his BFA in Performing Arts Studies from Lees McRae College and his MFA in Directing and Costume Design from Randolph College. Although he primarily spends his time in Danville, as the resident costume designer and costume shop manager for Averett University, Patriot Player audiences may recognize Justin’s design work for such recent productions as “Dreamgirls,” “Memphis: The Musical,” and “Annie: The Musical.” Justin also directed and costumed the 2019 production of “Disney’s: Beauty and the Beast. His costume work has been featured not on only on stage, but in print, film, and television as well. His designs have accrued numerous nominations and awards and have been recognized both locally and nationally. He wishes to thank Devin and the entire Patriot Player Family for providing him the opportunity to direct and design one his favorite musicals

Giuseppe Ritorto

Having parents that immigrated to the United States from Italy and then becoming chefs, “Nothing is more dramatic than watching your parents argue over the ingredients of their marinara sauce while an opera record of Pavarotti is blaring in the background!” it was only natural that Giuseppe discovered the theatre! Giuseppe’s first experience with theatre and music came when he was in middle school, where he heard the honors choir sing a medley of The Phantom of the Opera, this ignited a fire for musical theatre that still burns to this day! While his taste has changed and grown, he has a love for Political Theatre, Theatre of the Oppressed, New Works, and the contributions of the LGBTQ+ to the theatre and the arts. He considers himself a true generalist of the theatre, having worked professionally as a: performer, lighting designer, sound designer, musical director, and technical director for 10+ years; he continues to let his passion burn for the theatre. He earned his B.A., Theatre Arts from Catawba College and his M.F.A., Musical Theatre Writing from New York University. Some of his favorite productions include- Pippin, The Rocky Horror Show, and The Women of Lockerbie.

Abigail Edwards

Abigail is a freshman majoring in elementary education. Abigail has previously worked on our 3rd Annual Christmas Spectacular as the light board operator. She is very excited to experience and learn how to be a good stage manager for the first time! In her free time, she likes to play DND, do arts & crafts, play video games, and hang out with her friends. She would like to thank everyone in the department for their welcoming and comforting energy, along with Anderson, her boyfriend, for being her outside and inside support throughout this new experience.

Anderson Folsom

Anderson is a freshman majoring in aviation with a minor in technical theatre. Recent productions include “James & the Giant Peach” and our 3rd Annual Christmas Spectacular, where he worked on tech for each of those productions. In his free time, he likes to play DND and a lot of video games. He would like to thank his beautiful, amazing, and perfect girlfriend, Abigail.