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Welcome!

We are thrilled to have you with us for the 54th season of PRT. This season has something for everyone. Thank you for letting us be part of your summer. With your patronage, you are helping PRT fulfill its two-part mission: 1) Provide intensive training for students in the company, and 2) Provide the Best possible entertainment for all. 

We are happy to bring back our popular PRT+ program that allows you to see our productions in a new way. These FREE events include opening night receptions, cast meet and greets, backstage tours and more. To see a full list of events, visit PrairieRep.org. 

New this year, we are partnering with South Dakota Shakespeare Festival to host their production of 'Romeo & Juliet'. Taking place on SDSU's Sylvan Green, this show will provide an outside entertainment experience for patrons, and will feature Brookings natives, SDSU students, and PRT alums. The partnership between PRT and South Dakota Shakespeare Festival was mainly brought upon by the working relationship with PRT alum and director of Romeo & Juliet, Mike Lee. Outdoor theatre creates an unique experience impossible to recreate on our mainstage. We look forward to this new and exciting partnership with South Dakota Shakespeare Festival.

We greatly appreciate your participation with our company. Many of our friends provide tax-deductible donations. Others provide in-kind contributions of food, properties, and costume items. Others serve on the PRT Advisory Board. Please contact us if you wish to play a greater "role" with PRT.

On behalf of the 2025 company, thank you very much and enjoy the show!

Warm Regards,

Billy Wilburn

PRT Artistic Director

Greetings!

Every summer, Jane and I look forward to enjoying the time and theatrical talents on display courtesy of Prairie Repertory Theatre (PRT). This will be the 54th season of PRT providing wonderful entertainment throughout the summer months. PRT has a rich history of gathering individuals of all ages from across the Brookings region to enjoy a series of fantastic performances. Jane and I, along with the Brookings community look forward with great expectation for the start of this new season!

In addition to providing outstanding entertainment for its patrons, PRT delivers the best possible opportunities for our students to gain real-life skills in the production world. Between the hands-on training in all facets of theatrical production including marketing, coordinating, ticketing, acting, set design and construction, and costumes, it provides an immeasurable experience that sticks with our students for a lifetime. It also provides a unique opportunity for students to work and perform alongside alumni of both South Dakota State University and Prairie Repertory Theatre.

With a wide variety of plays, including musicals, classic, and madcap farce, the summer of 2025 will be sure to offer something for everyone to enjoy. On behalf of SDSU, we are grateful for your support of Prairie Repertory Theatre.

Enjoy the shows!

Barry H. Dunn
President
South Dakota State University

Song List

Act I

"Alma Mater" - Company 

"'Alma Mater' Parody" - Pink Ladies, Burger Palace Boys

"Summer Nights" - Sandy & Danny, Pink Ladies, Burger Palace Boys

"Those Magic Changes" - Doody, Pink Ladies, Burger Palace Boys

"Freddy, My Love" - Marty, Pink Ladies

"Greased Lightnin'" - Kenickie, Burger Palace Boys 

"Rydell Fight Song" - Sandy & Patty 

"Mooning" - Roger & Jan 

"Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee" - Rizzo 

"We Go Together" - Pink Ladies, Burger Palace Boys 

There will be one fifteen minute intermission. 

Act II

"Shakin' at the High School Hop" - Company 

"It's Raining on Prom Night" - Sandy, Radio Voice

"Born to Hand-Jive" - Johnny, Company

"Hopelessly Devoted" - Sandy, Company 

"Beauty School Dropout" - Teen Angel, Choir

"Alone at the Drive-In Movie" - Danny, Burger Palace Boys

"Rock N' Roll Party Queen" - Doody & Roger

"There Are Worse Things I Could Do" - Rizzo 

"Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise)" - Sandy 

"You're the One That I Want" - Sandy & Danny, Company

"Finale" - Company 

Cast

Production Team

Musicians

Dr. Jacob Wallace: Conductor

Jacob Wallace is a professional conductor, educator, and writer who is passionately committed to the performance of contemporary instrumental music. Currently serving as Director of Concert Bands at South Dakota State University, he and his ensembles have received nationwide acclaim and recognition for their artistry in performance. His musical theatre conducting experience includes triumphant productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Les Misérables, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and The Threepenny Opera, among others. When not making music, he can sometimes be found training for half marathons, tending a barbecue grill, or posting cat pictures on Instagram under the handle @jwconductor.

Shawn Stemsrud: Keys

Miles Broveleit: Saxophone

Eric Lohr: Saxophone

Andie Star: Bass Guitar

Bret Werpy: Guitar

Louis Whitehead: Drums

The 2025 PRT Company

First Row (L to R): Billy Wilburn, Isabel Blom, Jennika Bunney, Lewhat Tesfaldet, Peyten Wiese, Morgan Foote, Maiah Brown, Alyza Pike, Sara Gushue, Hannah Hetland, Ally Armstrong, Angel Qualset, Mattisyn McDonnell, Riley Sazdoff, Melissa Hauschild-Mork. Middle Row (L to R): Anna DeGraff, Cody Lee Crist, Dontaevain Aldridge, Thomas Alpers, Chase Thedens, Camryn Caruso, Silla Muehr, Maddie Perry, Abigayle Davis, Barbara Gonzalez, Kirynn Engelbrecht, Noah Ong Bamola, Gerrit VonEye, Jack Diamant, Emi Imre-Fecske, Journey Johnson. Back Row (L to R): Jacee Casarella, Casey Paradies, Jim Wood, Emily Ganfield, Joshua Barclay, Christian Broekemeier, Eli Zagurski, Kally Brinkman, Kendall Morris, Evan Anderson, Eve Vogel, Anna Rubey, Clay Hull, Jacob Stevens, Hugh Paul, Carl Steinlicht, Alyssa VanLandingham, Amilia Baca, Alex Strawn, Rylinn Dale, Sam Clark, Nick Teal, Kim Johnson, Corey Shelsta. Not Pictured: Emma Arends-Montes, Christina Castillo, Noah Files, Luke Granholm, Brooklyn Mauch, Emma Niswander, Shawn Stemsrud, Jacob Wallace.

Shop Staff

Prairie Repertory Theatre is a collaborative experience. We offer a wide range of educational opportunities for both actors and technicians. Each company member works in a designated production shop for all 4 shows. This means that every actor on stage has also helped build costumes and scenic pieces, hang lights, and sell tickets! PRT prides itself in providing intensive training alongside quality entertainment. 

Scene Shop - Dontaevian Aldridge, Amilia Baca, Joshua Barclay, Christian Broekemeier, Rylinn Dale, Jack Diamant, Morgan Foote, Hannah Hetland, Priscilla Muehr, Emma Niswander, Maddie Perry, Carl Steinlicht, Alex Strawn, Chase Thedens, Eli Zagurski

Costume Shop - Isabel Blom, Kally Brinkman, Jennika Bunney, Kirynn Engelbrecht, Barbara Gonzalez, Emi Imre-Fecske, Journey Johnson, Matti McDonnell, Alyza Pike, Angel Qualset

Properties Shop - Clay Hull, Reilly Sazdoff, Alyssa VanLandingham, Eve Vogel

Lighting & Sound Shop - Thomas Alpers, Sam Clark, Cody Lee Crist, Abigayle Jo Davis, Kendall Morris

Box Office & Publicity - Evan Anderson, Ally Armstrong, Maiah Brown, Camryn Caruso, Sara Gushue, Brooklyn Mauch, Noah Ong Bamola, Hugh Paul, Anna Rubey, Jacob Stevens, Lewhat Tesfaldet, Gerrit VonEye, Peyten Wiese

Meet the Cast

Alyssa VanLandingham

Sandy Dumbrowski

Alyssa is beyond excited to embark on her first ever Prairie Repertory Theatre summer season! She is currently a rising senior at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee for musical theatre. She is looking forward to making some wonderful memories with her cast members, performing in a state she has never been to before, and overall taking skills she has learned in school and applying them to a big stage. When not working in a theater, Alyssa loves to hike, ski, and be outdoors!

Alex Strawn

Danny Zuko

Making his PRT debut, Alex has performed in multiple South Dakota State University productions including Newsies, James and the Giant Peach, Fuddy Meers, Macbeth, and Bright Star. When not working on theatre, Alex enjoys drawing, bowling, playing baseball, and trying to make people laugh with bad jokes. After his time at South Dakota State University, he would love to pursue a career in film acting. Alex is super excited to act alongside incredible people this summer and bring some joy to the audiences of Prairie Repertory Theatre!

Camryn Caruso

Betty Rizzo

Camryn is so excited to return to PRT for her second summer playing some of her DREAM roles! You may have previously seen her in PRT's Cinderella as Queen Constantina last summer. Camryn is an upcoming junior at Drake University where she most recently played Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde, Karen in Fugitive Songs, and Oscar/Ensemble in 42nd Street. When not on the stage, Camryn enjoys marketing/publicity, playing with her two basset hounds, and juggling! She is VP of a student organization known as Drake Theatre People and loves spreading the beauty of theatre wherever she goes. She is so grateful to her family, friends, teachers, and everyone who has helped her chase her dreams thus far. Enjoy the shows and thank you for being here! @camryncaruso

Morgan Foote

Frenchy

Morgan is a PRT veteran who you may remember from shows such as Nunsense, Cinderella, and 2 Across. She has also performed in numerous State University Theatre productions including Bright Star, Macbeth, and Fuddy Meers to name a few. Upon graduation, she is planning on going to grad school for an MFA in directing. Outside of theatre she enjoys baking, reading, and going camping with her family. She can’t wait for another summer with PRT and can’t wait to put on some amazing productions!

Isabel Blom

Marty

Isabel is making her debut at PRT this summer! She will be a Junior in college when the fall semester starts. Coming from a small private high school, she doesn’t have a lot of theatre experience under her belt, but she is looking to expand her knowledge of the craft this summer at PRT. During her sophomore year of college, she appeared in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the bluegrass musical Bright Star. Her dream job is working in the TV and film industry as an actress. Besides theatre, she enjoys singing, reading, watching movies, and listening to music. She is so excited to laugh, learn, and grow at PRT this summer!

Ally Armstrong

Jan

Ally Armstrong is thrilled to make her Prairie Rep debut this summer! She is majoring in theatre and minoring in music at Missouri Baptist University. Some of her previous roles include Newsies (Medda Larkin), Eleemosynary (Echo), Fiddler on the Roof (Grandmother Tzeitel), Hairspray (Tracy Turnblad), Junie B. Jones The Musical (Chenille), and 12 Angry Jurors (Juror #10). She has auditioned for The Voice twice and aspires to be a real estate agent, content creator, and performer in the future!

Noah Ong Bamola

Kenickie

Noah Ong Bamola is excited and grateful to make his PRT debut! He studies Musical Theatre at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Recently, he originated a role Off-Broadway in Ohio Play, appeared regionally in Woodstock Playhouse’s 2024 season, and starred in Playwright’s Horizons’ John and Jen. When not performing, Noah enjoys hiking, karaoke, and reading a good book.

Lewhat Tesfaldet

Doody

Lewhat has just completed his junior year as a Theatre major at SDSU and is thrilled to be spending his first summer with PRT. Some of his favorite past roles at SDSU include Chuck in She Kills Monsters, Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Davey in Newsies. Outside of theatre, Lewhat enjoys singing, working in the box office and publicity, watching movies, working out, and spending time with friends and family. This summer, he’s looking forward to new experiences, building connections, and putting on great shows as a part of PRT.

Jacob Stevens

Roger

Jacob is going into his senior year at SDSU as a seasoned member of the State University Theatre, having performed in Bright Star, Macbeth, Fuddy Meers, The Escape Thingy, Newsies, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He is passionate about both acting and music. Jacob is eager to continue growing in his craft while contributing to the success of future productions. When not on stage, Jacob enjoys quality time with friends, hiking, and time spent outside. His future goal is to pursue a career in musical theatre. This is Jacob's first summer doing Prairie Rep, and he couldn't be more excited!

Evan Anderson

Sonny LaTierri

Evan Anderson is thrilled to join the PRT company this summer! Evan will be a senior this upcoming fall at the University of Minnesota Morris! His university credits include The Pillowman (Katurian), A Doll’s House (Torvald Helmer), The Trail to Oregon! (Father), and Romeo and Juliet (Paris). He recently directed Joan the Girl of Arc with the Morris Meiningens Performing Arts Collective as well. Outside of theatre, Evan enjoys cooking, hiking, and bodybuilding. He is deeply grateful to his family, friends, and mentors for their constant support. Follow his journey on Instagram @evan.anderson3 and TikTok @evanandersonlifts.

Maiah Brown

Patty Simcox

Maiah is making her PRT debut this summer, but she is no stranger to the Oscar Larson stage. Going into her senior year as a Dance Minor at SDSU, she has performed in four State University dance productions as well as their staging of Newsies. She joined Prairie Rep to continue exploring her passion for theatrical dance, with hopes of pursuing a career in the dance field. On the rare occasion Maiah is not dancing, you can find her singing in the SDSU Concert Choir, teaching spin classes, watching movies, baking, or keeping up on reality television with her friends.

Kally Brinkman

Cha-Cha DiGregorio/Radio Voice

This is Kally’s PRT debut. Her theatre credits at South Dakota State University include acting in Brightstar, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Macbeth as well as working in the costume shop and growing a passion for designing wigs. After graduation, Kally hopes to continue her passion for theatre, dance, and music in the professional world, which has been her dream since she was little. When not at the theatre, she enjoys writing songs, reading, sewing, dancing, and playing cards. Kally dedicates her performances to her amazing family, who have supported her since her first performance 18 years ago.

Gerrit VonEye

Eugene Florczyk

This is Gerrit's first summer at Prairie Repertory Theatre! His State University Theatre credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Newsies, James and the Giant Peach, Fuddy Meers, Macbeth, and Bright Star. In his free time, Gerrit enjoys staying active outside, traveling, watching movies, working at Kool Beans Coffee, and buying lego sets that he doesn't need. He also loves making music with his siblings and leading worship at Oasis college ministry. Gerrit aspires to be a professional actor onstage or onscreen, and he is looking forward to a fun summer making art with friends!

Joshua Barclay

Vince Fontaine

Joshua is elated to debut in his first PRT season! Some of Joshua's favorite past roles include: Sebastian (The Little Mermaid), Jesse Tuck (Tuck Everlasting), Actor for Kohl's Wild Theatre at the Milwaukee County Zoo, and Kevin (Heroes of the Fourth Turning) in which he received an Irene Ryan nomination. Away from the theatre, Joshua enjoys baseball scouting, musical writing, figure skating, and photography. He's a true 'Disney adult' and always looks forward to his next trip to Disney World. Joshua gives a special thanks to his friends and family for their love and support.

Chase Thedens

Johnny Casino

This is Chase’s first year doing PRT. He has been in multiple shows at SDSU including Newsies, James and the Giant Peach, Macbeth, and Brightstar. In his free time he enjoys singing, hanging out with friends, going to the gym, playing golf, and playing video games. He is really excited for this summer of performing.

Jack Diamant

Teen Angel

Jack is making his Prairie Rep debut in Grease and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. His regional credits include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Once Upon a Mattress, Hello, Dolly!, and School of Rock. Outside of theatre, Jack enjoys swimming, hiking, playing the piano, and writing. Jack is excited to make many great memories this summer with Prairie Rep!

Kirynn Engelbrecht

Miss Lynch

Kirynn will be making her debut for PRT this summer. She is extremely thrilled to have been cast in three out of the four productions and is looking forward to making memories with all of the other cast and crew members. She still has two more years of studying Theater and Dance at SDSU, but afterwards hopes to start her journey of becoming a choreographer for theatre, dance, and show choir. In Kirynn’s spare time she enjoys shopping, traveling to see family, working at Kool Beans and making people laugh.

Abigayle Jo Davis

Ensemble

Abigayle Jo is a recent graduate from SDSU and a PRT alum. This will be her 4th season here, where she has been involved as both a technician and a performer. Some of her work includes lighting designs for Cemetery Club (2022) and See How They Run (2023), as well as appearing onstage in the Ensemble of Footloose (2022) and Oklahoma (2023). During her last year here she was in the production of Macbeth, did sound design for Turn of The Screw, and did lighting design for Fuddy Meers and Brightstar. Abigayle hopes that after PRT to be working with a touring group to see the world while doing what she loves.

Barbara Gonzalez

Ensemble

Barbara, a veteran PRT company member, appeared in the ensemble of last year's production of Cinderella. Her State University Theatre credits include Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach and her first ever leading role in a two person show with Turn of the Screw as the Governess. Upon her graduation, Barbara hopes to start working in the film industry as an actor, director, or makeup artist, but she is also interested in modeling. While not working in the theatre, she enjoys working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends. Barbara is also bilingual; she can speak English and Spanish fluently, and she is hoping to learn a third language and travel around the world in the future. This summer, she is looking forward to creating long-lasting friendships and memories at Prairie Rep.

Hugh Paul

Ensemble

Hugh Paul is a recent graduate from the Stephens College Conservatory for the Performing Arts and is excited to be making his Prairie Repertory Theatre debut! He was just recently in the world premiere of Snow White and Me, a new musical, and is ecstatic to be going into his first post-college professional job. When he is not singing or dancing, he can be found reading, going on walks, and snuggling his cat.

Carl Steinlicht

Ensemble

Carl is happy to be back after taking a short hiatus from PRT! You may remember him from the shows See How They Run, Oklahoma, Peter and the Starcatcher, or Footloose, though he has also been performing at SDSU during the school year in Fuddy Meers and Newsies to name a few. Carl can't wait to share more art with everybody and hopes you enjoy the season!

Peyten Wiese

Ensemble

Peyten, a veteran PRT company member, has appeared in See How They Run and Rumors at Prairie Repertory Theatre. Her favorite acting credits from State University Theatre are Farrah/Evil Tina in She Kills Monsters and Katya in The Escape Thingy. You might have most recently seen her in Macbeth as Witch 2 at SUT. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and playing guitar with her grandpa. She’s little but can fill a stage with her personality.

Eli Zagurski

Ensemble

Eli is excited to make his PRT debut this summer! Some of his past roles include Damian in Mean Girls at Midland University’s All State Musical and SpongeBob in SpongeBob the Musical in Omaha’s district wide summer musical. Some of his most recent show credits have been assistant to the light designer for Drake’s production of Legally Blonde and Head Electrician in a Doll’s House Part 2, also at Drake! While Eli isn’t practicing juggling he enjoys spending time with his friends, thrifting, and reading. He is very thankful for his friends and family for this wonderful opportunity.

Casey Paradies

Director/Choreographer

Casey Paradies currently teaches and directs at SDSU. He is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and earned a BA and MA in theatre at UND before gaining his MFA in theatre direction from USD. As a performer Casey was a featured dancer in Up with People's Roads and danced across the USA and six countries in Europe. Among his acting credits are Will Parker in Oklahoma! and the Emcee in Cabaret. He won accolades for his adaptation of the Medieval Mystery Plays. Past directing and/or choreography credits include Mary Poppins, The Drowsy Chaperone, Fiddler on the Roof, Triumph of Love, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Oklahoma!, and Newsies. He is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and a certified actor combatant from Dueling Arts International. This is his second year with PRT.

Hannah Hetland

Assistant Choreographer

Hannah is happy to be returning to the PRT stage. This will be her second summer with the Prairie Repertory Theatre. Past PRT shows for her include The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Footloose. Most recently, Hannah was seen in Brightstar and Macbeth at South Dakota State University, where she attended. She aspires to continue performing in both theater and dance in the future. Hannah is excited for this summer and to have the opportunity to perform with her friends again.

Shawn Stemsrud

Music Director

Milbank native Shawn has earned regional and national recognition for his refined conducting gesture, musical direction, and rehearsal techniques. Notable recognitions include being named the 2021 winner of the National American Choral Directors' Association Conducting Masterclass. He maintains an active performance schedule as well, singing with the South Dakota Symphony Chorus and the semi-professional vocal ensemble Transept. He now serves as the musical director and vocal coach for the Chancel Choir, as well as the choral scholars director and organist at First Methodist Church, and as the assistant director of choirs at Brookings High School. He earned his B.M.E. from SDSU.

Sara Gushue

Stage Manager

Sara is a recent graduate from Benedictine College and is thrilled to be joining Prairie Rep this summer. Predominantly a director, manager, and designer, Sara also has experience in marketing and show photography. Sara's work as a sound designer and stage manager has been recognized by KCACTF Region V, and she recently attended the National Festival as Region V's representative in the ASPIRE Arts Leadership cohort. Favorite shows she's worked on include: The Mousetrap, Tartuffe, Machinal, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play!, The Glass Menagerie and Escaped Alone.

Jacee Casarella

Scenic Design

Jacee is excited to join PRT for her 7th summer (4 as a student and 3 as a guest.) Past PRT credits include Cinderella (24) and Peter & the Starcatcher (22). She is an Assistant Professor of Theatre and Resident Designer at Augustana University in Sioux Falls. Jacee holds an MFA from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) and has worked with companies such as The Little Theatre on the Square, Des Moines Metro Opera, SD Shakespeare Festival, and the Black Hills Playhouse. Jacee lives with her husband, Clark, and her sweet rescue pup, Zeke. The 3 of them love camping and hiking. On their outdoor adventures, they have visited 19 state high points.

Emma Arends-Montes

Costume Design

Emma Arends Montes is currently a freelance Costume Designer and Technician out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Emma has a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in Costume Design and Technology from Louisiana State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and Hospitality Management from South Dakota State University.

Reilly Sazdoff

Properties Design

This summer will be Reilly’s PRT debut! Her State University Theatre credits include Macbeth and Bright Star, in both acting and assistant props design roles. Other shows she has been in include Mamma Mia!, Little Women, and Fiddler on the Roof. When she’s not in the theater, Reilly likes to read, have movie marathons with friends, and drink chai lattes. She’s looking forward to spending this summer with existing friends and making new ones, and hopes you enjoy the shows!

Lucas Granholm

Lighting Design

Lucas Granholm is an Associate Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris), Chair for The United States Institute for Theatrical Technology Northern Boundary Section, and Program Director of the Minneapolis Green Theatre Alliance. At UMN Morris, Granholm oversees the theatre design and technology program and holds an MFA in Theatre Design and Technology from the University of South Dakota. Granholm’s work has been showcased across the United States, as well as the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Outside of teaching Granholm works as a freelance Lighting Designer across the country. Recent productions include Peter and the Starcatcher, Beehive!, and Cinderella at Prairie Repertory Theatre, The Drowsy Chaperone at the Black Hills Playhouse, Our Town at Lyric Arts, Romeo and Juliet at UMN Morris, and Terminator: The Musical at the Fallout Theatre. You can see his work at www.Granholmdesigns.com

Abigayle Jo Davis

Asst. Lighting Design

Abigayle Jo is a recent graduate from SDSU and a PRT alum. This will be her fourth season here, during which she has been very active both as a tech and in performance. Some of her work has been lighting designs for Cemetery Club(2022) and See How They Run(2023), but she has also appeared onstage as ensemble in Footloose(2022) and Oklahoma(2023). During her last year here she was in the production of Macbeth, did sound design for Turn of The Screw, and did lighting design for Fuddy Meers and Brightstar. Abigayle hopes to be working with a touring group after PRT, seeing the world while doing what she loves.

Kendall Morris

Sound Design

This is Kendall's PRT debut. So far, her credits as an undergraduate student at Truman State University include audio mixing for The Lightning Thief, The Rocky Horror Show, and Ride the Cyclone. As well as co-sound designing for Schoolhouse Rock Live and assistant stage managing for Peter and the Starcatcher. She was also on the lighting crew for Truman State Theatre’s 2024-2025 season. When not in the theatre, she enjoys reading, coloring, and hanging out with friends. This summer, she is excited to join the Prairie Rep Company to gain professional experience and meet new people.

Matti McDonnell

Wardrobe

Matti McDonnell is thrilled to make their PRT debut! Although new to PRT, they have been actively involved in theater productions at Watertown High School, performing in shows such as Grease, Into the Woods, Meet Me in St. Louis, Bedlam and Breakfast, and more. Their experience also extends to community theater in Watertown, South Dakota, where they participated in Town Players productions of Newsies and Shrek. In addition to performing, Matti took on a technical role as head of lighting for Arsenic and Old Lace at Watertown High School. They are excited to collaborate with everyone this summer and look forward to the journey ahead!

Jennika Bunney

Wardrobe

Jennika is excited to make her Prairie Repertory Theatre debut as a costume and wardrobe technician. Her recent costume design credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (KCACTF Merit Award), Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, and Cabaret. After college, Jennika plans to channel her passion for costumes into both theatre and museum work. Outside of theatre, she enjoys painting and curating her ever-growing collection of vintage clothing.

Priscilla Muehr

Charge Artist

Priscilla is a newfound member of PRT. They are focused on scenic design but also interested in stage makeup and performance. Priscilla has been in many shows at SMSU in Marshall. Such as An Inspector Calls, Laundry and Bourbon, and many more. She also helped last summer at the SMSU children’s theatre and was Patty DiMarco in School of Rock at MASC in Marshall. Her latest projects include Wigs and Makeup for Shout: The Mod Musical, set design for Laundry and Bourbon, and projections for 46 Plays for America's First Ladies. She’s really looking forward to meeting some cool people, learning new things, and having fun!

Thomas Alpers

Audio 2

This is Thomas' first year participating in PRT; however, he has been involved in several shows at SDSU's university theatre, including serving as the lighting designer for The Turn of the Screw. One of Thomas' favorite musicals is Les Misérables, and he someday hopes to do the lighting for it in a production. He also hopes to one day write and publish his own play. In his free time, he enjoys working out, reading, biking, and hanging out with friends. He is very excited to work with everybody this summer.

Alyza Pike

Wardrobe

While being new to Prairie Repertory Theatre this summer, Alyza is experienced on and off stage as both an actor and a technician. They have acted in musicals and plays such as Something Rotten!, Legally Blonde, CLUE, and the Crucible at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and has recently worked in backstage crew and wardrobe in shows such as Macbeth, Turn of the Screw, and Bright Star at South Dakota State University. In recent years, Alyza has discovered a deep love and dedication for costuming/wardrobe and hopes to continue doing what they love in the future.

Sam Clark

Followspot

This is Samantha's first year with PRT, as she is a freshman at South Dakota State University. As a freshman so far, she has been able to help with run crew for Macbeth and was the assistant sound designer for the musical Bright Star. Being part of PRT will help Sam secure opportunities in the arts and continue to pursue what she loves. Outside of theatre, she also likes traveling, going out for coffee, hanging out with friends, doing crafts, and watching a good TV show.

Cody Lee Crist

Followspot

Making his PRT Debut behind the scenes this summer, Cody Lee is excited to bring his skills to our stage as a crew member and lighting designer. Past lighting designs include She Kills Monsters, The Addams Family, Town Hall, A Bright New Boise, Cinderella, and more! Cody Lee hopes to pursue theatre management, lighting design, and directing post graduation and cannot wait to see where life takes him. Check out his portfolio on his website and Instagram (@theleeman0213).

Eve Vogel

Light Board Op

Eve is very excited to make their PRT debut! They have spent their past working hard at Normandale Community College as a Stage Manager and Scene Shop Foreman, most recently stage managing Normandale's performance of The Language Archive and assistant stage managing Amelie. They are delighted to be working in the properties department at PRT and have the pleasure of serving as Light Board Op for Grease and Properties Designer for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. They will continue on their journey to become a Properties Designer and Stage Manager next year at theatres throughout the Twin Cities. They would like to thank everyone that has mentored them and helped them to get this far!

Dontaevian Aldridge

Backstage Crew

Dontaevian is the newest addition to the PRT family and is very excited to make his debut. During his first year at SDSU's Theatre and Dance, he portrayed Lennox in Macbeth, a Ringmaster in Fuddymeers, and Max in Brightstar. As a high schooler at Mitchell High, Dontaevian portrayed Rueben in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Judge Gaffney in Harvey the Rabbit, Danny Mcguire in Xanadu, a child in I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Jamal in Escape to Margaritaville, an Ancestor in The Addams Family Musical, and Wadsworth or The Butler in Clue. Dontaevian also has experience in stage management, having worked on his high school production of The Woman in Black. When he is not working on homework or in production, Dontaevian's hobbies include hunting, Fishing, playing his harmonica, listening to country music, and helping his family when needed.

Photos

Donors

Thank You Contributors  

The following people, firms, and organizations have donated to Prairie Repertory Theatre from June 4, 2024, to May 31st, 2025. We deeply appreciate the continued support of these individuals. PRT donations are used to support PRT operations and the students who participate in the company.  

You can make a tax-deductible donation to PRT online at https://www.sdstatefoundation.org/give-now  

Donations received after May 31st, 2025, will be recognized in next year’s PRT program.  

Thanks to all who graciously donated and loaned personal items for stage properties and costumes.  

Thank you to our patrons for your continuous support for the past 53 seasons!  

Ticket stock for all productions has been printed through the generosity of First Bank and Trust in Brookings.

The 2025 PRT Advisory Board

The 2025 PRT Advisory Board

Nick Castillo - President

Jen Kuck - President Elect

Kay Norton - Secretary

Major Anderson

Donna Bain

Kay Becker

Christina Castillo

Tom Chleborad

Barry Dunn

Dr. David Earnest

Rita Edwards

Joanie Holm

Vonni Knutson

Jill Kruse

Eric Mette

Kayla Mette

Don Norton

Kay Norton

Sharon Prendergast

Jason Raether

Eric Rasmussen

David Reynolds

Kristi Richter

Corey Shelsta

Gerrit VonEye

Donna Wermedal

Billy Wilburn

Kate Wismer

Jim Wood

Fifty-four Years of Prairie Repertory Theatre!

Fifty-four Years of Prairie Repertory Theatre!

Special Thanks

The Murray Family Fund for Excellence in Theatre

The Murray Family Fund for Excellence in Theatre at South Dakota State University was established by Jo Ann Murray (‘75 Sociology) to honor her brother, father, uncles, and grandfather who worked the land in Clark County, SD, for several generations. While Jo Ann thrived in her academic studies as an undergrad at State, it was on stage and behind the scenes in the theatre where she truly found her voice and lifelong friends. The Murray Family Fund for Excellence in Theatre proudly supports PRT 2025!

Special Thanks

Michelle Kuebler, Amanda Stirling, University Marketing and Communications, SDSU School of Performing Arts, The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Christina Castillo, Amber Turner, Dr. David Earnest, Dr. David Reynolds, Brookings Radio, First Bank and Trust, Brookings Chamber of Commerce, Visit Brookings, South Dakota Arts Council, Dani Wermedal, Andie Star, Maryke Taute, Rebecca Peterson, Janell Davis, Briggs Library and Archives, Kathy Larsen, Kara Vostad, Cady Falken, Shannin Richarz, Donna Behrend, SDSU Card and Parking Services, Erin Staniszewski, Jessica Lewis, Sarah Bison, SDSU Foundation, Lindsay Borer, Glacial Lake & Prairies Tourism, Brookings Library, South Dakota Arts Museum, University of South Dakota Department of Theatre, University of Minnesota-Morris Theatre Department, Mosaic Wine Bar and Small Plates, Scoops and Loops, Friends and Family of the 2025 PRT Company.

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