Who's Who

Lillian Calhoun (she/her)

Lillian Calhoun is a Theater major with a concentration in Acting and a minor in Digital Marketing at ETSU! Her previous credits include: "Passage" (H), "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Bee Team Kid #6, Leaf's Mom), and "The Moors" (Emilie). She would like to thank all her loved ones for their constant support & the entire cast and crew for their hard work. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Talon Mincieli (she/her)

Talon Shae Mincieli is a Senior at ETSU who will soon earn her B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Acting
along with a minor in Fine & Performing Arts Honors Studies. Past credits include Charlotte
Purcell in These Shining Lives, Jesus/Ensemble in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Assistant Director/Female Understudy for The Tempest, and J/D in Passage. She recently completed the Self-Generated Theatre program at Stella Adler Studio of Acting, during
which she wrote and performed solo and devised pieces. She prefers to explore a wide variety of experiences including being a traveling clown.

Lyssabeth Tatum (she/her)

Lyssabeth Tatum (Norma Jean Harris/ Assistant Music Director) is thrilled to be apart of “Decision Height.” This is her third show at ETSU. You may have seen her in ETSU’s production of “Little Women” playing Meg March, or most recently in this past Spring’s production of “Passage” as F. On top of her stage performances, Lyssabeth is a part of the ETSU Chorale and a worker in the ETSU Martin Center costume shop. Lyssabeth plans to pursue a stage/film career once she graduates. She is very thankful to her director, cast and crew, and the department of theatre and dance for the endless opportunities and community they’ve given her. Lyssabeth hopes you enjoy Decision Height!

Ella Aberman

Ella Aberman is a freshman at ETSU. Some of her favorite shows she has been in include: Into the Woods, Matilda, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She is very grateful for the opportunity to be in this show playing Rosalie, and would like to thank her friends and family for getting her here. She is dedicating this show to her brothers, as they love learning about World War II, and the war would not be complete without the women this play is about.

Shelby Holsberry

Shelby Holsberry is a Junior Musical Theatre Major at ETSU. You may have seen her in other productions at ETSU as #13 in The Wolves, Amy March in Little Women, and Norma in Carrie The Musical. To her family and friends she would like to say thank you for your continued support. She would also like to give a special shoutout to her father, Raymond Holsberry, for his service in the air force, being a mentor to her, and for teaching her how to salute. Thank you all cast and crew for all your hard work and I hope you enjoy the show!

Aviia Hawkins (they/them)

Aviia Hawkins (they/them) is a sophomore Theatre major with a concentration in Design & Production and a Dance minor at ETSU. This is their second time on the ETSU stage, with their past experience being in “Passage” (G/Mosquito/Gecko). They are absolutely thrilled to be in this show, and hope you enjoy it just as much as they and this cast have!

Taylor Boyle

Lydia Bridgforth

Lydia is honored to tell the story of Mildred Simmons in Decision Heights and to work with a first-class cast and crew. She is a junior transfer from Chattanooga State, where she graduated with her AFA in Theatre. Some of Lydia’s recent roles include: Rosalind (As You Like It), First Member (Charlotte’s Web), Pas De Quatre Dancer/Maria Romanov (Anastasia), and Officer Ant (Coffee for Miles). When not on stage, Lydia can be found working in both the scene and costume shop, helping create theatrical magic. Lydia is dedicating her performance to her amazing family, teachers, and friends who have supported her in her theatre journey.

Sophia Hyder

Sophia Hyder- She/Her (Alice Hawkins) is a Sophomore Theatre major at ETSU with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. One of her favorite roles was the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods (Elizabethton High School). This is her first show on the ETSU stage as an actor, but she has enjoyed working behind the scenes on shows such as Little Women and Carrie: The Musical. She is super excited for this story to come to life and hopes you enjoy the show!

Bobby Funk

Bobby 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.

Kit White (they/them)

Kit White is a Senior Theatre Major at East Tennessee State University, with concentrations in Acting and Design and Production. Some of their best projects include Passage (Dramaturg/Sound Designer, ETSU), and The Moors (Assistant Stage Manager, ETSU). Kit is also known for their onstage performances in Little Women (Marmee/Aunt March, ETSU), The Tempest (Trinculo, ETSU), and Eurydice (Little Stone, ETSU). They are extremely grateful for this opportunity to work with the cast and crew of Decision Height and they could not be prouder of the work they’ve all accomplished

Kyla Phillips (she/her)

Kyla Phillips is a Junior Theatre Major at ETSU. She has worked as Wardrobe Supervisor and Hair/Makeup in previous shows. Some of her favorites have been Passage and Little Women! She is excited for this opportunity and to be stepping into this new exciting position! Kyla is so ecstatic for everyone to see the fantastic work of this cast and crew!

Audrey Rypel

Audrey is a freshman Acting major from Morristown TN, and this is her first show at ETSU. This is also her first role as an Assistant Stage Manager. She has previously been seen in many roles at Walter's State Community College, but most notably, the productions of "Radium Girls" (Mrs. Roeder), "Macbeth" (Banquo) and the Morristown Theatre Guild Production of "Steel Magnolias" (Shelby). She would like to thank the incredible cast and crew of this show as well as the ETSU theatre faculty for giving her a great welcome to the theatre program!

Amelia Langford

Karen Brewster

Karen Brewster 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 and serves as the department’s faculty costume designer. Karen is an alumna of ETSU, and she considers East Tennessee home for many reasons—most importantly because she studied under the esteemed Daryl and Bud Frank while earning her undergraduate degree. 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.  Karen is active in professional organizations, serving, for example, as a site visitor for National Association for Schools of Theatre (NAST). She is also a co-author, with colleague Melissa Shafer, of the texts "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.

Jazmyn Washington

Jonathon Taylor

 Jonathon W. Taylor (he/him) is an 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.

Matt Stevens

Matt 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."

Zevon Whitehead (they/them)

Zevon Whitehead is a Sophomore at ETSU. They are majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Design & Production. Zevon has worked behind the scenes on productions such as 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (ETSU, Wardrobe) and Carrie (ETSU, Spotlight Operator). Zevon is appreciative for this opportunity, and sends well wishes to all cast and crew!

Zach Olsen

Zach 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.

Jennifer Helms

Jennifer 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

Jessica 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 most recently "Androcles and the Lion." 

Taylor Boyle

Lyssabeth Tatum

Marcie Emery-Campbell

Marcie Emery-Campbell earned her Bachelors in Theatre, with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance, from East Tennessee State University in May 2024. Prior to studying at ETSU, Marcie was employed by McDowell Children's Theatre in Marion, North Carolina from 2013-2019 as their resident Choreographer and Music Director. 

Cara Harker

Cara Harker is  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.

Abigail Snider (she/her)

Abigail Snider is a Sophomore Theatre Major and Dance Minor at ETSU. Abigail has worked behind the scenes in the ETSU production of Little Women as a member of wardrobe running crew. She is excited to be a part of this production and shine light on such a powerful representation of feminism.

Lacey Taylor (she/her)

Lacey Taylor is a junior general theatre major with a minor in storytelling. She has worked backstage on many productions here at ETSU including being sound board operator for The Tempest and Little Women, also being an ASM for Passage. Lacey also works in the scene shop and is very excited to see the set she helped build come to life. She is also excited to be apart of this amazing story!

Ethan Shaffer

Ash Rosberg (they/them)

Ash Rosberg is a Junior Business Management Major with a Theatre Minor at ETSU. Ash has worked as a set designer and props handler for other shows, as well as playing roles. Some of their favorites include Peter Pan Jr., as Wendy (Sullivan East High), as well as a play Ash helped write and produce as part of a weekend theater camp. This is Ash's first time on wardrobe crew at ETSU, and they are extremely grateful to be given this opportunity.

Daniella Muñoz (she/her)

Daniella Muñoz is a Sophomore Theater and Psychology Major at ETSU. Daniella has worked on many of the recent productions, including "Passage" (Cast), "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Costume Shop), and "Little Women" (Costume Shop). Dani is excited to work behind the scenes as wardrobe crew for the first time and spend time with all the talented people who have worked so hard to put on this amazing production.

Jaileny Aidee Vasquez Lopez (he/she/they)

Jaileny Vasquez Lopez is a Freshman Theatre Major at ETSU. Jaileny has worked in the cast of many productions, some of her favorites include The Sound of Music Musical Jr. (Friedrich Von Trapp), Beetlejuice Jr. (Death by Toaster and Mover 2), and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory Jr. (Narrator). This is Jaileny's first-time working behind the scenes at ETSU, he is extremely grateful for this opportunity and is extremely excited to learn. He has high hopes, and is proud for everyone that has worked super hard on this production, bringing it to life.