Joshua Peterson

Joshua Peterson is an alumnus of UNCG School of Performing Arts, where he graduated with a BA in Drama. He works as an actor through the Charlotte area, both professionally and in collaboration with community theatres. He is very grateful for the opportunity to portray Hamlet the Dane in this production. He wants to thank his wife, who lets him go play with other grown children 4 nights a week, and his many other patrons and supporters.

Alyssa Whiting

Alyssa is returning to the Free Reign stage after her performance as Le Bret in Cyrano de Bergerac earlier this season. She has had such a wonderful time with this cast and gives thanks to David for choosing her to be Ophelia. It has been a huge honor. Alyssa thanks her husband, Kelvin, for his ceaseless support and encouragement. She sends him all her love! Off the stage, you might usually find her pursuing voice acting, in figure skating classes, making bobbin lace at the renaissance festival, sewing who knows what, playing flute in a community band, rock tumbling, learning another language, watching anime, or caring for her dog, cat, or turtle. (Yes, she’s a hobby collector.)

David Eil

David Eil is delighted to be performing in his fifth Free Rein production. He has previously appeared in Julius Caesar, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Tempest.

Caryn Crye

Caryn Crye is thrilled to be back with Free Rein Theatre. She was previously seen as Mercutio (#2 )in Free Reign’s Romeo and Juliet. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University and has performed on stage in Los Angeles as well as in the Carolinas. Most recently she was in Theatre Charlotte’s production of 1984 as The Landlady. Her other passions are playing the cello and her cat Marigold. I want to give a great big hug to David, Cara, Charles, Becca and the whole cast and crew for a wonderful time. Words can’t say how much I love and appreciate ya’ll. For my Aunt Janice. I miss you.

Harold Skinner

Harold Skinner recently retired from teaching Theatre at Andrew Jackson Middle School which he did for 17 years. This is his second appearance with Free Reign, having recently played the Jury Foreman in 12 Angry Jurors. He has performed in some 70-odd productions over the years in many locations.

Nathan Morris

Nathan liked the last Free Reign Theatre Company show so much that he decided to do it again. Nathan was last seen in Free Reign Theatre Company's 12 Angry Jurors. He also recently performed in Rock Hill Theatre's The 39 Steps and Fort Mill Community Playhouse's The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). He'd like to thank his wife for her constant support and David for continuing to work with him after almost 15 years of being in the bloody theatre together and dealing with Nathan's BS.

Robert Brafford

Robert could not be happier to be back in a fighting role with Free Reign Theatre Company, after earlier appearing as the conniving De Guiche in their production of “Cyrano De Bergerac.” Other roles he’s played in the Metrolina region include Oliver in “Puffs” with Waxhaw Theatre Company, Dr. Watson in Theatre Charlotte’s “Baskerville”, and Mike in “What The Constitution Means to Me” at Lee Street Theatre. Offstage, he works in banking and serves on the board of the Metrolina Theatre Association. Thanks go out to God, to Gina for the light she carries with her, and to the Bard for all of the wonderful words.

Taryn Hoyt

Taryn Hoyt acts, directs, and stage manages. Technical credits include "The 39 Steps”, “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Singing in the Rain", "Red", "Cagebirds", "Hairspray", "Annie", “Guys & Dolls”, “Beauty and the Beast” & the national tour of "The Lion King". Previous acting credits include “Sweepstakes” (Lynne), "The Heir Apparent” (Isabelle), "The Tempest" (Trinculo/Gonzalo), "Native Gardens" (Tania), "Junk" (Jacqueline Blount), & the 2017 Tony Awards. Taryn is over-happy to be a player with Free Reign Theatre for the first time, and sends love and thanks to the ever patient Aaron, sweet Balthazar, and darling Persephone.

Hannah Atkinson

Hannah Atkinson is so excited for her next production with Free Reign! She earned her B.A. in Theatre Performance from Winthrop University in 2023. Her most recent stage credits include: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Joanna), Everybody (Cousin/Evil), and The Tempest (Miranda). She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support.

Stephen Griffin

Stephen Griffin is excited to be working with the Free Rein Theatre Company in his first ever Shakespeare! Recent roles include Mr Salt in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at Matthews Playhouse and Superintendent in "The Drowsy Chaperone" and Old Joe in "A Christmas Carol" at Theatre Charlotte. Up next he'll be in "Oslo" with the Belmont Abbey Players. Offstage, Stephen is an Escalation Engineer (aka bug fixer) for Microsoft. He wants to thank his family for all their support.

Jonathan Essex

Jonathan Essex is English and has lived in South Carolina for more than a decade. As an IT specialist, he decided to fill the void in his soul though increasing participation in the Arts. After several years helping Free Rein backstage with brute force and ignorance, he decided to expand into minor roles and gradually built his acting skills with the support of the Company. Following his appearances in Cyrano De Bergerac and 12 Angry Jurors, he is thrilled to contribute to the Hamlet ensemble and is grateful for the opportunity to work with this talented cast.

Harper Elaine Rego

Harper Elaine Rego is so grateful to the Free Rein team for the opportunity to perform in Hamlet! Harper Elaine has worked as a director/choreographer for 6 years, and has been performing for 15. She graduated from Winthrop University in 2023 with a degree in Theatre Performance and a minor in Community-Based Learning; now, she teaches theatre and dance at Corvian Community Middle School in Charlotte. Harper Elaine's favorite acting credits include Fastrada (Pippin), Death (Everybody), Frances O'Connell (These Shining Lives), Reno Sweeney (Anything Goes), and Heather Duke (Heathers). She would like to thank the Hamlet cast and creative team for welcoming her into their community!

Kristen Bethea

Kristen Bethea, Originally from Dillon, SC. From a young age Krissy has always loved the theater and acting. Always being dramatic as is the staple of being an only child but with many sister cousins around. Krissy loves being the center of attention at times, Singing and dancing are her passions and her fiancé Kelvin loves to give her the spotlight when their 3 yr old pittbull isn't stealing it.