FINDING NEMO TYA

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Song List

"Prologue" ..... Sea Chorus
"Big Blue World" (Part 1) ..... Marlin, Nemo
"Big Blue World" (Part 2) ..... Nemo, Marlin, Pearl, Sheldon, Professor Ray, Reef Kids, Sea Chorus
"Abduction/Big Blue World" [Reprise] ..... Marlin, Nemo
"Dory's Ditty" ..... Dory
"Fish Are Friends Not Food" ..... Bruce, Chum, Anchor, Sharks
"Where's My Dad?" ..... Nemo
"We Swim Together" ..... Gill, Gurgle, Peach, Bubbles, Bloat, Nemo
"Just Keep Swimming" (Part 1) ..... Dory, Marlin, Sea Chorus
"Just Keep Swimming" (Part 2) ..... Moonfish Group, Marlin, Dory, Jellyfish Group
"Not My Dad" ..... Nemo
"Go With The Flow" ..... Sea Turtles, Dory, Crush, Breeze, Kai, Squirt
"One Dedicated Father" ..... Sea Turtles, Lobsters, Octopi, Electric Eels, Seahorses
"That's My Dad" ..... Nemo
"We Swim Together" [Reprise] ..... Tank Gang, Gill, Nemo
"Just Keep Swimming Together" ..... Marlin, Nemo, Dory, Moonfish

Cast

Creative Team

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

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

Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: Finding Nemo TYA design by Yeongu Kang.

Financial assistance for this project has been generously provided by Missouri Arts Council, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Hallmark Corporate Foundation, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, Spencer Fane, Theater League, and American Royal.

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. Finding Nemo TYA is a professional production employing members of Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, representing more than 45,000 professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.

ABOUT THE COTERIE

The Coterie Theatre provides unique theatre experiences for families and young audiences. The company 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 44 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 an average over 75,000 young people and their families per year through over 350 performances. As a not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Coterie seeks to educate, entertain, and challenge audiences by opening lines of communication between races, genders, and generations. Donate at www.thecoterie.org.
 

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Theresa Stoker • President
Amy Graham • Secretary
Sara Anthony • Board Engagement Chair
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey • Community Engagement Chair
Kristina Thompson • Community Engagement Chair

Laura Antolak
Joe Bellinger
Ava Delsemme
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Gabriela Lucas
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Ali Saucier
Ashley Strohm
Andrew Van Der Laan

COTERIE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR • Jonathan Thomas
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR • Khalia Davis
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
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER • Carol Kobza
BOOKING COORDINATOR • Stephanie Laaker
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT/MARKETING SPECIALIST • Tressa Lee
MARKETING ASSISTANT • Anna Jordan
HOUSE MANAGERS & BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS • Ezra Martinez-Haskins, Kali Coates, Pam West

OUR CO-PRODUCER

What iF Puppets

What iF Puppets was founded by internationally recognized puppeteer Paul Mesner as Mesner Puppet Theatre in 1987 to provide innovative storytelling that captures children’s imaginations and inspires communities. In 2022, the organization rebranded to become What iF Puppets with the mission of inspiring play and cultivating connections through puppetry. Since its inception, the organization has captivated over two million people through our productions and educational programming. Audiences delight in the craftsmanship of the puppets, which range from glove puppets to marionettes, to innovative shadow and object-based puppetry. The company holds the distinction of receiving three Union Internationale de la Marionette (UNIMA-USA) Citations of Excellence. The UNIMA-USA award was created by Jim Henson to promote high-quality puppetry in the United States and is considered the "Academy Award” of puppetry. WiP uses humor and heart to present stories that connect to the complex social-emotional experiences of our young audience. Each year, WiP engages more than 30,000 young people and adults in the programs below:

• Puppets on Tour (local and national tour)
• Puppets in Education (PreK-2nd grade arts-integrated learning)
• Puppets in Progress  (Artist cultivation)
• Premiere Production (Annual original production)
• Professional Services (commission work)

WiP is led by a talented staff of artists, educators, and administrators:
Amanda Kibler• Executive Artistic Director; Mike Horner • Director of Puppetry Arts; Erin Walley • Director of Production; Jamie Urban • Puppets in Progress Manager; Matt Hawkins • Puppet Fabricator; Cooper Rasmussen • Puppet Apprentice; Jennifer Fenton • Operations Manager; Alex Espy • Director of Education; Karese Kaw-uh • Education Manager; Mary Poggie and Kimberlee Stone • Arts Integration Specialists.

Visit them on Instagram >>

Or their website:

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Meet the Company

Ethan Suen

Nemo

Ethan Suen always loved to sing and dance at home while growing up. Being raised in a Disney-loving family, he was constantly surrounded by the magic of storytelling through song, and when his parents signed him up for an introductory musical theatre class, it felt like a natural fit and he never looked back! Ethan returns to The Coterie after previously appearing as Charlie in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Other recent credits include as Nigel in MATILDA with The Culture House at the Kauffman Center, James in JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR. , Tiny Tim in A CHRISTMAS CAROL with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Mason in SCHOOL OF ROCK with The Theatre in the Park, in the ensemble and as the Colin undertstudy in THE SECRET GARDEN with The Barn Players, and as Les in NEWSIES with Pleasant Ridge Middle School. Ethan attends Pleasant Ridge Middle School and, when not performing, he enjoys reading and excels as a competitive figure skater and swimmer. He takes vocal lessons at Richardson Vocal Studio, studies acting with Lana Gage, and dance at The Culture House Conservatory and Miller Marley School of Dance and Voice. Ethan is grateful to his family for being his biggest supporters, and to The Culture House Conservatory, his friends, and his fellow cast mates and crew. Find out more about Ethan on Instagram @ethsuen.

Journey Dozier

Nemo

Journey Dozier has always loved to sing and dance. When she was in the 6th grade last year, she decided to try out for her middle school's production of FINDING NEMO and got the role of Nemo! It was a great experience because it helped her realize that not only did she love to act and sing, but that she was also good at it. Journey makes her Coterie debut in FINDING NEMO TYA. She attends Pioneer Trail Middle School, where she studies theatre and previously appeared in the play, TRAP. She is also a competitive dancer with Gaby Lucas House of Dance.

Vi Tran*

Marlin

Vi Tran began performing as a toddler in the refugee camps of southeast Asia. Other refugees took pity on him and gave him any food they could spare since he was a real-life starving artist. Vi is a Kansas City-based actor, director, singer-songwriter, and playwright. Born in Vietnam and raised in Kansas, he is equal parts sea salt and wheat fields. His autobiographical refugee folk musical, THE BUTCHER'S SON, chronicles his family’s journey to America and was nominated for eight Chicago Musical Theatre Festival awards, winning Most Promising Musical and winning Vi the award for Best Leading Performer. Other recent credits include the national tour of CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND with Alley Theatre, Berkeley Rep, Arena Stage, and ACT/5th Avenue; JOURNEY TO THE POLES OF INACCESSIBILITY, VIETGONE, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, THE OLDEST BOY, and TAKE ME OUT with Unicorn Theatre; FOUR CHILDREN, THE PESTS, DOT with Kansas City Actors Theatre; MISS SAIGON with Paramount Theatre and Western Playhouse; GHOST LIGHT with Kansas City Repertory Theatre; and ANYTHING GOES with Starlight Theatre. Watch and listen to Vi's music at www.youtube.com/vitranmusic or connect with Vi on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @vitranmusic.

Franci Talamantez-Witte

Dory, Pearl's Mom, Dance Captain

Franci Talamantez-Witte got started performing at age five after watching several shows specifically for young audiences. Every time a production came to her school, she would say, “I want to do that when I grow up!” Now she does!! Franci is currently a teaching artist for The Coterie and returns to stage after previously appearing as Mrs. Donner and Mrs. Claus in last season's RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSCIAL. Franci's recent performing credits include appearing Off-Broadway as Willamina Cole in PREJUDICE AND PRIDE, in THE MAGICAL PINATA with TIP Blue Curtain Project, as Dustin in STRANGER SINGS with Padgett Productions, as Rosie in BYE BYE BIRDIE with Music Theatre Kansas City-Pro, and as Mama Bear in GOLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS-TYA. As a director, her recent credits include SUGAR PLUM and BEAUTIFUL for Music Theatre Kansas City-Pro, CHILDREN OF EDEN WITH Music Theatre Kansas City, HADESTOWN Teen for TIP Academy, and the musical intensive, TREVOR!, for The Blackbox. Franci currently teaches with Kansas City Young Audiences and HeARTbeat Studios and is a strong advocate for and coaches many of the talented young actors in Kansas City. She enjoys creating workshops and camps and sharing her love of all things performing arts. For inquiries please email Franci at francijane81@gmail.com.

Daphany Edwards*

Pearl, Chum, Peach

Daphany Edwards got into theatre because the first time she watched a show – an opera sung in Italian – she couldn’t take her eyes off of it! From then on, all she wanted to do was learn how to make people feel an overwhelming amount of emotion by inviting them into her world on stage. Daphany returns to The Coterie after making her debut as Ella in the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, then returning as Duckling and the Bus Engine in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, Sally Jackson in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, and, most recently, as Grande Mole Rat in NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE. Other recent credits include ANNIE at White Theatre at The J, HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL at Faust Theatre, and DREAMGIRLS in Concert at The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City. Originally a native of Lawrence, KS, Daphany now lives in Kansas City. She attended Shawnee Mission East High School and received her Associates degree from Johnson County Community College. When not on stage, Daphany loves sewing, making costumes, cosplaying, organizing photography shoots, and event planning with her new business, DEM Creations.

Terrace Wyatt, Jr.

Sheldon, Anchor, Bloat

Terrace Wyatt, Jr. discovered his love of the arts from watching TV in the comfort of his living room as a child; acting out his favorite movies, cartoons, and Michael Jackson. He began applying his ADHD to the world of theatre at Starlight Theatre, and the marathon started there. Terrace returns to The Coterie's stage for his eighth appearance after recently portraying Inman Bass in the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, Luke in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, Snoopy in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2022), and as the male cover in ALICE'S WONDERLAND, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, and this past summer in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Terrace received his B.A. in Theatre from William Jewell College in 2020, and has been working non-stop since. KC credits include THE GRAPES OF WRATH with The Arts Asylum, BOXED with Whim Productions, IS GOD IS with KC MeltingPot Theatre, DREAMGIRLS with New Theatre & Restaurant, PETER PAN AND WENDY with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, A RAISIN IN THE SUN with The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, SMART PEOPLE with Kansas City Actors Theatre, TONI STONE with Unicorn Theatre, and many more. Terrace was named “Artist to Watch” by KC Studio Magazine leading up to the KC Fringe debut of his play, TERRACE WYATT, JR’S: BLACK MAN, MISSOURI, and introducing his production company Terrace Studios. Currently, he is developing a new play written by Phillip Dixon - a local Kansas City filmmaker for BrothaAbe Films. Terrace sends love to his mother, his family, friends, and God for putting him on the path to be the best every day. To find out more about Terrace Studios visit @terr.studios on Instagram or Terr. Studios on Facebook.

Lucas Lowry

Tad, Crush, Nigel

Lucas Lowry got started performing by watching shows on Disney Channel as a kid and wanting to be just like one of the students out of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. He grew up singing all the songs, putting on performances for his family, and playing basketball too - just like Troy Bolton! Eventually, Lucas' parents saw his passion for performing and his aspiration to pursue it, so they enrolled him in acting/dance classes. Lucas sang in choir all throughout elementary, middle, and high school, but it was when he finally got his own voice teacher that his life felt like his own version of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and he's been involved in theatre ever since! Lucas is excited to return to The Coterie stage where he was previously seen as Rudolph in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSCIAL, Charlie Brown in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Jimmy Biddle in PETE THE CAT, and the Teenager in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! Other recent credits include DREAMGIRLS and FREAKY FRIDAY at New Theatre & Restaurant, NEWSIES and MEMPHIS at White Theatre at The J, THE WIZ at Roxy's Downtown, and GREASE at Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park. Lucas would like to thank his family, friends, mentors, students, coaches, and most of all God for the endless amounts of love, support, and guidance throughout his performing career; Treat people with kindness!

Tehreem Chaudhry

Coral, Tad's Mom, Gurgle

Tehreem Chaudhry started doing theatre when she was young in order to make friends. She discovered that she loved collaborating with others to tell meaningful stories - so here she is in FINDING NEMO TYA! Tehreem returns to The Coterie after appearing as Frieda in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2022). Other professional credits include playing Tybalt in ROMEO AND JULIET and Miss Bates/Isabella in EMMA with Door Shakespeare; Lucienne in A FLEA IN HER EAR, Lady Macduff in MACBETH, Bawd et al. in PERICLES with Michigan Shakespeare Festival; Beatrice in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and Juliet in ROMEO AND JULIET with Idaho Shakespeare Festival Education Tour; Storyteller in GHOST LIGHT with Kansas City Repertory Theatre; Marcellus et al. in HAMLET, Starveling/Cobweb in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM with Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival; and Madeleine in HER OWN DEVICE and Zara/Doctor in MIRRORS with Kansas City Public Theatre. Tehreem is a Kansas native. She received a BA in theatre-performance and a BS in accounting from the University of Kansas.

Shawn Patrick Murphy

Professor Ray, Bruce, Gill

Shawn Patrick Murphy owes his love for theatre to his mom and cousin, TJ, who both sparked his passion for storytelling and entertainment from a young age. Shawn and his mom bonded over countless movies, quoting lines back and forth and creating a shared love of great stories. He and his cousin, TJ, took that a step further, filming thier own home movies on VHS, putting on puppet shows, and even muting the TV to give their own voiceovers just to make each other laugh. They both showed him how fun and creative storytelling could be, and that foundation eventually led him to the stage. Shawn is honored to be performing on stage for the first time at The Coterie in FINDING NEMO TYA, after working in the education department as a teaching assistant and an actor in Project Daylight. Shawn's other local credits include playing Ellard in THE FOREIGNER at Firefly Dinner Theater, four years with KC Fringe Festival, ALPHABET SOUP: THEATRE FOR QUEER VOICES with Whim Productions, Mr. Mayor in SEUSSICAL with The Culture House, and over 6 years of puppet shows large and small with Stonelion Puppet Theatre! Shawn received his BS in Theatre Performance from Northwest Missouri State University.

Hew McKoy

Male Cover

Hew McKoy got started in theatre in middle school as a way to spend more time with his best friend - little did he know it would become his passion! Hew returns to The Coterie after previously appearing as Pigeon in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! Elsewhere, Hew appeared in [TITLE OF SHOW] with Summit Theatre Group, SEUSSICAL with The Theatre in the Park, and The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City’s production of MEMPHIS at White Theatre at The J. Hew is a graduate of Olathe South High School and Emporia State University, and is a member of the alumni associations of Alpha Kappa Lambda and Alpha Psi Omega.

Mandy Mook

Female Cover

Mandy Mook's love for theatre began when she first went to New York City in seventh grade and got to see her first Broadway shows! Mandy is thrilled to make her Coterie debut in FINDING NEMO TYA. She has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Missouri State Univeristy. Some of her favorite productions include THANK YOU NOTES with Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York, ALL SHOOK UP with New Theatre & Restaurant, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR with Starlight Theatre, JEKYLL & HYDE with Thin Air Theatrics, TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A GO-GO GIRL and DOG SEES GOD with Egads! Theatre, FOOTLOOSE with Tent Theatre, and PARADE with Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, to name a few.

Khalia Davis

Director, Choreographer, Coterie Producing Artistic Director

Khalia Davis was 11 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. 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 Theatre; 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.

Ty Tuttle

Music Director

Ty Tuttle was inspired to get into theatre by his passionate and encouraging music teachers. Ty is a Kansas City-based pianist and musical theatre coach. Throughout his growing career, he has established himself as a passionate and diligent collaborator. An Illinois native, Ty received his master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021. Ty remains active as a pianist and music supervisor. He has music directed and performed at theaters all over Illinois and the Kansas City area. Recent credits include CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at The Coterie, THE LITTLE MERMAID at Starlight Theater, and currently in SWEENEY TODD at Music Theater Heritage, where he serves as a Resident Music Director.

Kelli Harrod

Scenic Designer

Kelli Harrod knew she always wanted to be an artist and painter, after seeing her first theatre production - she immediately wanted to know who had painted the set and how she could do it as well. Kelli has worked on multiple Coterie productions, including as scenic designer on the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, PUFFS, and SECRET SOLDIERS: HEROINES IN DIGUISE, as well as props designer on ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” Recently, she worked as scenic designer on CHERUBIN for UMKC Opera Conservatory, SWEENEY TODD for Padgett Productions, and FREAKY FRIDAY for New Theatre & Resturant. Previously, she also worked on PIPELINE at Unicorn Theatre, ROCKY HORROR SHOW with Padgett Productions, and SOMETHING ROTTEN at White Theatre at The J.

Christy Hernandez

Sound Designer

Zan de Spelder

Lighting Designer

Zan de Spelder was first introduced to the world of theatre at the age of five helping her mother with quick changes backstage during a production of CINDERELLA. She knew from that moment that she loved the magic of storytelling. Zan returns to The Coterie after having worked as lighting designer on ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR and THE WHITE ROSE: WE DEFIED HITLER, associate lighting designer for ELECRTIC POE 2023 and TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, and assistant lighting designer for ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!" and SECRET SOLDIERS: HEROINES IN DISGUISE. Recently she has worked as resident lighting designer for Padgett Productions including ROCKY HORROR LIVE at The Black Box, SWEENEY TODD at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, CLUE at The Black Box, and WHO’S HOLIDAY at The Ruby Room, lighting designer for Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble’s 2022 season, MOSAIC with Tristian Griffin Dance Company, and HAIR: THEN AND NOW at Music Theater Heritage. Zan has a MFA in Design with the University of Missouri-Kansas City. For more designs visit www.zandespelder.com.

Arwen J. White

Costume Designer

Arwen J. White has been in theatre since she was little and found her specialty in costume design early on, designing her first show at 14 years old. At The Coterie, Arwen previously served as costume designer on NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, DR. DOLITTLE and DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, as well as co-costume designer on PETE THE CAT. She is a Kansas City based costume designer and founder of Juste Jaquet Designs, a creative studio for costume design and fine art. She has designed theatrically throughout the city including on productions of WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME and FLOOD at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; H.O.T., JOURNEY TO THE POLES OF INACCESSIBILITY, MARY'S SEACOLE, THE SOUND INSIDE, CLYDE'S, TONI STONE, TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS, LIFESPAN OF A FACT, WHO'S YOUR BAGHDADDY?, THE REVOLUTIONISTS, and SWEAT at Unicorn Theatre; SKETCHBOOK FOR OLLIE at Lyric Opera of Kansas City; GREAT COMET OF 1812, MOTHERFREAKINGHOOD, GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES at Fishtank Theatre; R&H UNPLUGGED at Music Theater Heritage; LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS for Padgett Productions; SOMETHING ROTTEN, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, PETER PAN at White Theatre at The J; TOMMY at Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre; CHAINSAW at The Living Room; TARTUFFE at Landlocked Opera; WICKED CREATURES at Confluence Theatre; and on the stage play, THE LIGHT BURNS BLUE. Other credits include the film, "Plot to Kill Jesse James," for the History Channel. Arwen is also an Entertainment Contractor for Norwegian Cruise Line, stitching for BURN THE FLOOR, PARADIE, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, and BAND ON THE RUN. She received her degree in Theater Design and Construction from University of Missouri-Kansas City. A Teaching Artist throughout Kansas City, she loves the opportunity to help young artists grow and explore through theatre and design. For more of Arwen's designs, visit www.arwenjwhite.com.

Erika Baker

Properties Artisan

What iF Puppets

Co-Producer, Puppet Design & Fabrication

What iF Puppets (WiP) inspires play and cultivates connections through puppetry. FINDING NEMO TYA marks the second of three co-productions with The Coterie this season, starting with the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY this Fall and continuing in January 2025 with the world premiere of JUST ASK!, a new musical based on the best-selling book by Sonia Sotomayor. The talented WiP team of artists that brought FINDING NEMO TYA to life includes Mike Horner • Director of Puppetry Arts; Erin Walley • Director of Production; Jamie Urban • Puppets in Progress Manager; Matt Hawkins • Puppet Fabricator; Cooper Rasmussen • Puppet Apprentice; Kit Faust • Puppet Fabrication Intern Ly Larson • Puppet Fabrication Intern; and Sara Baum • Puppet Fabrication Intern.

Mackenzie Goodwin*

Production Stage Manager

Mackenzie Goodwin met the theatre through her parents, and she doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t constantly participating in or going to theatrical productions– including at the Coterie! Her mom is a theatre actor, director, and educator. Her dad was an acrobat and a lighting and sound technician. Mackenzie returns to The Coterie after having worked on numerous recent productions, including serving as production stage manager for the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, ELECTRIC POE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and as a production assistant and an actor in DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT. Other recent credits include associate director on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (2022, 2023, 2024); director of THE BUTCHER’S SON (Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, Winner: Most Promising New Musical), swing stage manager on NEWSIES, ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS, DREAMGIRLS, and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for New Theatre & Restaurant; stage manager for workshops of NINA SIMONE: 4 WOMEN and 4 DIRECTIONS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; production stage manager on THE PRICE and DOT for Kansas City Actors Theatre; SHOWS FOR DAYS for Fishtank Theatre; production assistant for MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, BLACKTOP SKY and DISTRACTED at The Unicorn; and TITUS ANDRONICUS and MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE for The Living Room Theatre; lead ASM and youth coordinator at Kansas City Ballet; and safety coordinator at KC Rep. Mackenzie is the co-producing artistic director for Brother Octopus Productions at The Black Box (formerly Stuffed Buffalo Productions), former producing artistic director of Westport Center for the Arts, an intimacy director, a voice over actor, and a member of Actors' Equity Association and Stage Managers’ Association. She won a fellowship at the O’Neill Center through the Eugene O’Neill Critics’ Competition (KCACTF) and was a founding member of Omaha’s Ætherplough company as well as a member of Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab (2015/16) & Chicago Directors Lab (2018/19). She studied theatre, dance, & Latin American literature at Kansas State University. “Theatre for young audiences is the last true bastion of the avant garde.” For more about Mackenzie visit goodwincalling.com.

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 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.

Holden Haby

Sound Engineer

Dorian Allen

Assistant Stage Manager, Deck Manager

Dorian Allen got started in live music before eventually migrating to working in the theatre. Over the last several months, Dorian feels The Coterie has become his home away from home since he has worked as assistant stage manager for ELECTRIC POE 2024, house manager for JUSTICE AT WAR and DR. DOLITTLE, stage manager for DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, and production assistant for PETE THE CAT. Other recent credits include NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 for Fishtank Productions, and serving as resident production assistant for The Black Box.

Emma Price

Wardrobe Supervisor, Production Assistant

Lindsey Edwards

Production Assistant Swing

Lindsey Edwards was in high school when her grandmother took her to see a production of HELLO DOLLY! As she was watching the show, Lindsay thought, "I can do that!" After that, she began auditioning and the rest is history. Lindsey is so excited to join the cast of FINDING NEMO TYA, returning to The Coterie after previously serving as swing/wardrobe production assistant on CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Other professional credits include DRACULA: COMEDY OF TERRORS with Cyclopedic Ensemble and the upcoming, MAXINE'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, with Padgett Productions. Lindsay holds a BS in Theater and BS in Psychology from Kansas State University.

Aly Bates

Scenic Painter

Cecilia Miller

Stage Manager young professional intern

Cecilia Miller found her way into theatre by putting on a show with her friends for the other kids in her elementary school class during recess! Cecilia is ecstatic to make her Coterie debut in FINDING NEMO TYA. She wants to thank her parents for being her biggest supporters. In her theatre career, she has worked on SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE FIRST BAKER STREET IRREGULAR, THE ADHD SHOW, HAUNTS ON THE HILL, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, CLASSROOM CHAOS, LES MISÉRABLES, YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS LIVE 23 and 24, PAPER OR PLASTIC, IVES OF THE SAINTS, RUBIK, WORKING THE MUSICAL, and THE MOUSETRAP. Cecilia hopes everyone has a Fin-Tastic time watching FINDING NEMO TYA!

Kristen Anderson-Lopez

Composer, Lyricist

Kristen Anderson-Lopez's Broadway credits include: co-creator/writer of IN TRANSIT (Broadway's first a cappella musical) and FROZEN. Other theatrical works include UP HERE (La Jolla Playhouse), FINDING NEMO: THE MUSICAL (Disney World, running since 2006). Film: Pixar's "Coco" (Oscar® Best Original Song win for "Remember Me"), "Frozen" (Oscar and Grammy Award® wins for "Let It Go"), "Winnie The Pooh". TV: songs for 87th Academy Awards (Emmy® nomination), "The Comedians," "The Wonder Pets." 2014 recipient, and now proud board member, of the Lilly Awards. Upcoming projects include Disney's "Frozen 2". Williams College grad, BMI Workshop, Dramatists Guild council. She lives in Brooklyn with Robert and their two daughters.

Robert Lopez

Composer, Lyricist

Robert Lopez's Broadway credits include co-creator/writer of THE BOOK OF MORMON (nine Tony® Awards including Best Book, Best Original Score and Best Musical), co-creator/songwriter of AVENUE Q (three Tony Awards including Best Original Score and Best Musical). Other theatrical works include: FROZEN (Denver Center), UP HERE (La Jolla Playhouse), 1001 NIGHTS (Atlantic Theater). Film: Pixar's "Coco" (Oscar® Best Original Song win for "Remember Me"), "Frozen" (Oscar Best Original Song win for "Let It Go"). TV: songs for The 87th Academy Awards, "The Simpsons," "South Park," "Scrubs," "The Wonder Pets." Upcoming projects include Disney's "Frozen 2". One of 12 artists to win Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar and Tony Awards (EGOT). Yale University grad, BMI Workshop, Dramatists Guild council. A NYC native, he lives in Brooklyn with Kristen and their two daughters.

Lindsay Anderson

Book Writer

Lindsay Anderson is a New York City-based lyricist and book writer. Off-Broadway: co-writer/creator of A Never-Ending Line (Players Theatre). Other writing credits include Down Under Rescue Sanctuary and The Game Room (Brooklyn Children’s Theatre); The Jane Goodall: Experience, and Branded (Philadelphia Fringe Festival). Graduate of Dickinson College and Headlong Performance Institute. Lindsay is a proud member of Maestra Music Inc. and the Tony-honored BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Recipient of the 2018 BMI Foundation Jean Banks Award for her musical, One Swipe Away.

Myrna Conn

Music Adapter and Arranger

Myrna Conn is a composer, music director, and teaching artist based in New York City. Broadway: PRETTY WOMAN (Key 1/ Conductor & Key 2 sub). National Tour: COME FROM AWAY (Associate Conductor). New York music directing credits include BAGELS FROM BENNY (92nd Street Y), FOUNTAIN (New Victory LabWorks), and National Lampoon Presents: SHIZ (Feinstein’s/54 Below & UCB Theatre). Myrna is a songwriter and pianist for Story Pirates, a group of actors, comedians, improvisers, and musicians who adapt stories written by kids into sketch comedy and musical theatre. Graduate of Northwestern University, where she was awarded the Craig Carnelia Songwriting Award and the Sarah Siddons Society Scholarship. Myrna is also a member of the advanced class of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, Local 802 AFM, and Maestra Music, Inc.

Jonathan Thomas

Coterie Managing Director

Jonathan Thomas stepped into his role managing operations at The Coterie in November 2022 after the tragic loss of executive director Joette Pelster. He co-leads the organization with the producing artistic director, 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 Orpheus KC 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 junior at Cornell University, Tristan, a junior in high school, and Cassia, a three-year-old who is undecided about her college plans.

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, 2023, and November 4, 2024.

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