Samuel Katzman

From Montrose, NY - Business Administration: Data Analytics and Theatre: Acting/Directing major, Class of 2025. Sam is ecstatic to be a part of Binghamton University's Into The Woods! He has held various leading and supporting roles in high school productions of Footloose as 'Willard', Anything Goes as 'Moonface Martin', Into The Woods as 'The Baker', and Carousel as 'Billy Bigelow'. More recently, he was one of the leads in Binghamton's production of In Pieces as 'Hunter'. Outside of theatre, Sam is involved in several business clubs on campus, works as a campus tour guide, and is a member of Binghamton's oldest a capella group, The Binghamton Crosbys. Sam can't wait to share this show with you and hopes you enjoy!

Jenna Cooperman

From Rockland County, NY - Biology, Psychology, & Theater major, Class of May 2023. Jenna is a Senior at Binghamton University, and is thrilled to be returning to Watters Theater for Into the Woods. She was most recently seen on the Binghamton stage as ‘Berthe’ in Pippin, and ‘Mrs. Grace’ in A Man of No Importance, in addition to various productions throughout the NY metropolitan area. When not in rehearsal, Jenna can be found volunteering at Harpur’s Ferry SVAS as an EMT. A huge thank you to Tommy & Melissa for their continued support and encouragement, fostering an incredible environment to learn and grow alongside such a talented cast, as well as to the brilliant creative team and crew

Julianna Mpazicos

From Massapequa, NY - Acting/Directing Major, Class of 2023. Julianna is making her onstage debut at Binghamton in its theatre department's production of Into the Woods (Cinderella). She is a theatre major with a focus in acting and directing, who upon graduating will be a Masters' student hoping to work in production. Before coming to Binghamton, she had appeared in Legally Blonde (Vivienne), Spring Awakening (Ilse), Les Misérables (Fantine), and has been featured in several other productions around Long Island, where she lives currently.

James O’Driscoll

From Bronx, NY - Theatre Major, Class of 2023. James is an actor from the Bronx working with the Binghamton University Theatre Department. James has gotten the opportunity to play amazing roles at Binghamton such as ‘Chuck’ in She Kills Monsters. He is excited to play as Cinderella’s Father in Into the Woods, and incredibly grateful for the chance to work with an amazingly talented cast and crew.

Bethany Miller

From Syracuse, NY - Graduate Student in the MAT Program, Graduating Fall '23. Bethany is beyond excited for her second mainstage production here at Binghamton. She participated in musical theater all throughout high school, holding principal roles in The Music Man, The Little Mermaid, and Shrek. The stage is where she was able to gain self-confidence and find a sense of belonging, which is the reason she continues to pursue theater as a graduate student. Bethany has had an amazing time working with the incredible cast and crew of Into the Woods, and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of her family and friends who tolerate her constant singing and always encourage her to be involved in theater.

Nick Parker

From Warrensburg, NY - Cinema major, Class of 2025. Nick began theater later in high school, beginning with Newsies in his junior year. The show was sadly shut down due to Covid, but Nick’s newfound itch for theater lived on. In a nearby youth theater group, the summer after his senior year, Nick auditioned for their production of Grease, landing the role of ‘Teen Angel/Vince Fontaine’. When coming to college, Nick knew that he wanted to keep being involved in theater shows however he could, so into the woods he went.

Jillian Carley

From Rocky Point, NY - Class of 2025. Jillian is currently a second year student at Binghamton University, and feels incredibly lucky to be involved in another mainstage production along side so many talented people. Previous productions Jillian has been involved in at Binghamton include performing as 'Judith' in Triptych: An Experience in Three Acts, and as 'Antonio' in HPC's production of Twelfth Night. Jillian would like to thank not only everyone involved in this production of Into the Woods, but also the increible support system she has had that has allowed her to get this far. Enjoy the show!

Janmariz Deguia

From Scarsdale, NY - Human Development major, Class of 2026. Janmariz is a creative, advocate, and proud unicorn enthusiast! This is their first year and first show at Binghamton University. They are absolutely honored to have been part of this wonderful production, cast, and community. They are incredibly impressed with the unique talent and extraordinary kindness each member of ITW holds frfr. They hope to have made you laugh as ugly as they have during the show. Janmariz sends their love to their supportive, wonderful friends. A special shoutout to Jake, Mari, and the rest of their chosen family here at Bing and beyond. Janmariz would also like to thank their mom, Jeanneth, for coming to every show they have worked on these past 17 years. Past productions of 2022: Clue (‘Wadsworth’ & Scene Shop/Sound), Willy Wonka(Director), Crazytown (Director), Spelling Bee(‘Logainne’ & Scene Shop), Descendants(ASM/Costumes), and Annie (Costumes/Choreographer).

Briana Ibañez

From Monticello, NY - Integrative Neuroscience major, Class of 2024. Briana Ibañez is playing ‘Granny/Giant’ in this production of Into The Woods. Briana has been participating in the school musicals since her 7th grade year, with some of her favorite roles being the ‘Wicked Witch’ in The Wizard of Oz, ‘Wendy’ in Peter Pan, and ‘Audrey’ in Little Shop of Horrors. She has also played ‘Jael’ in In Pieces with Binghamton Mainstage Productions. She has also been in the drama throughout her high school career. Aside from the school performances, Briana has done work with Shadowland Theater, Forestburgh Playhouse, Hudson Valley Opera, and Rivoli Theater as ‘Lucinda’ in Into The Woods. She is excited to continue to work on musical theatre and blossom as a performer. She would also like to thank everyone who has driven her to succeed in her musical theatre career including her family, friends, fellow cast members, and everyone that has helped make this show one unforgettable experience.

Patrick Saint Ange

From Ossining, NY - Sociology and English major, Class of 2023. Saint is a proud Haitian-American and is a senior Sociology and English double major and Theatre minor. This is his fifth main stage production at the university and second with Director Tommy Iafrate. He previously played the role of ‘Miles’ in last spring's production of She Kills Monsters. Saint is excited to bring the story Jack and the Beanstalk to life in a new and unique way and hopes that you all enjoy Into the Woods!

Grace Burkart

From Averill Park - Sociology major, Class of 2024. Grace Burkart is a transfer student, with this being her first semester at Binghamton University. She has done several community plays with both the Sand Lake Center for the Arts and The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. These shows include: Amelie (Philomene), Annie (Ronnie Boylan), A Christmas Carol (Martha Crattchit), and others. Grace is excited for her first show with the Binghamton University mainstage, and has enjoyed her time immensely in meeting the cast and crew.

Olivia Timmis

From Clifton Park, NY - Biology Major, class of 2024: Olivia is delighted to do her second theater department show at Binghamton, her first playing 'Tillie' in She Kills Monsters last Spring. She has most recently been in The Humans and Stupid Fucking Bird with Hinman Production Company.

Marjorie Horowitz

From Congers, NY - Theatre(Acting/Directing) Major, class of 2023: Marjorie is senior studying Theatre with a concentration in Acting/Directing. She is very excited to be a part of Into the Woods and work with such amazing cast, crew, and staff. Marjorie has only been in one Mainstage production prior to this, In Pieces (understudy/ensemble singer), and can’t wait to participate in more this year. She is also extremely grateful for the help from Tommy and Melissa throughout this process.

Arigna Guha

From Calcutta, India - PhD Economics major, Class of 2027. Arigna is a first year PhD student at Binghamton University studying Economics, with an emphasis on development and environmental economics. He couldn’t be more excited and thankful to be a part of Into the Woods, learning alongside Binghamton University’s incredible performers and professors. Arigna would like to sincerely thank Tommy and Melissa for their tremendous support throughout this journey. Arigna's past productions include RENT and Musical Excerpt Concert 2021, at the City University of Hong Kong, while he was an undergraduate student.

Elizabeth McGovern

From Albany, NY - History and Political Science major, Class of 2023. Elizabeth is thrilled to be performing in her first production at Binghamton University! Elizabeth is in her third year at Binghamton and is studying history and political science. Favorite credits include Head Over Heels ‘Philoclea’, Matilda ‘Miss Honey’, Urinetown ‘Hope Cladwell’, Little Shop of Horrors ‘Audrey’, H2$ ‘Rosemary Pilkington’, Annie ‘Grace Farrell’. Elizabeth would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.

Matthew Beach

Jared Wofse

From Port Washington, NY - Theatre and Electrical Engineering major, class of 2024. Jared is so excited to be back again on Binghamton's Theatre Department stage for Into the Woods! His previous projects with the department include She Kills Monsters, In Pieces, and Pippin. Some of his other favorite projects outside the department and before Binghamton include Assassins, Spring Awakening, Chicago, The Little Mermaid, and On The Town. He is super excited to be a part of this show - it's stellar interweaving of well-known stories speak to many experiences we all encounter one way or another, making it that amazing of a production in his eyes. He'd like to thank the entire cast, crew, pit, and production team for a fantastic show, as well as his friends and family for their constant love and support on this journey.

Kristina Yim

From Long Island, NY - Psychology & Theatre Dance Major, Speech & Hearing Science Minor, Class of 2024. Kristina is a third year student at Binghamton University double majoring in Theatre Dance and Psychology, with a minor in Speech & Hearing Sciences. She couldn't be more grateful to be working alongside such an incredible group of people in her first production with the Binghamton Theatre Department! Kristina is the secretary of the Hinman Production Company, a student-run theatre company on campus. Recent productions with HPC include: Heathers (Heather McNamara), Theory of Relativity (Mira), and Godspell (Assistant Music Director). She has also been involved in numerous productions with different theatre companies in Manhattan, such as Broadway Workshop, KOTA Productions, and Actors Technique NY. She would like to thank Tommy and Melissa for their immense support, as well as the incredibly talented creative team, crew, and cast for making this show possible!

Jeremy Cazes

From New City, NY - Business Administration (Entrepreneurship) Major, Studio Arts Minor (Painting). Jeremy is ecstatic to be a part of his first Binghamton University Mainstage Production. He previously performed at Binghamton through HPC in Godspell as Judas, and is looking forward to playing George in ‘Vignettes of an Artist’ later this semester. He is so thankful to have gotten the opportunity to work with such a talented cast, and supportive team. Enjoy the show!

JessieJean Newman-Getzler

From New York, NY - Musical Theatre major, Class of 2025. JessieJean is so excited to go Into The Woods this semester. Her most recent Theatre credit is ‘Evil Tina’ in Binghamton’s production of She Kills Monsters. JessieJean also is the Business Manager/ Historian/ Co-Choreographer for the Harpur Harpeggios, Binghamton University’s only Soprano-Alto Acappella group. You can find her on Instagram @jessiejeanng.

Jacob Schiavone

From Calverton, NY - Biology major, Class of 2026. This is the first main stage production for Binghamton University freshman Jacob! At Riverhead High School, Jacob was quite active in the theater. His most recent roles included 'Spongebob' in The Spongebob Musical and 'Calogero' in the musical A Bronx Tale. Jacob is a member of the A Capella group, the Binghamtonics, and takes his studies very seriously where he majors in biology with the goal of becoming a pharmacist. Jacob hopes the cast and crew break legs as he is thrilled to be a part of this incredible show.

Saoirse Cohen

From Port Jefferson, NY - Biology major, Class of 2024. Saoirse has been a member of the Binghamton University Theatre program for three years, her first show being Pippin. Most recently, she has performed in Binghamton’s productions of She Kills Monsters (Lilith) and In Pieces (River). Saoirse is so grateful to be a part of this production of Into The Woods, and is excited for Binghamton’s future productions!

Tommy Iafrate

Tommy Iafrate is a stage director, musical director, arts educator, and musician who is thrilled to engage in these many passions as the Director of Musical Theatre at Binghamton University. He has directed and music directed productions around the world, and continues to freelance in these arenas outside academia.  Iafrate has served as the Producing Artistic Director of Illinois’ Festival 56, Iowa’s Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, and Rhode Island’s Kaleidoscope Theatre. He has directed, music directed, or performed with Infinity Theatre Company, the Barnstormers Theatre, the Cider Mill Playhouse, Thunder Bay Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. His favorite performance experience was touring the United States, Canada, Korea and Japan in Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall's Cabaret. In 2018, Iafrate was a guest Musical Theatre Director in Residence at the Beijing Dance Academy in China, and previously toured several cities in China. As an instrumentalist, he performs on piano, saxophone, clarinet, flute, and oboe. He is also a proud member of the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the Golden Key International Honour Society, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.  Iafrate currently serves as the coordinator of the Musical Theatre Intensive (MTI) for Region 2 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and has attended several national festivals at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., including as a mentor and music director for MTI and as a directing fellow through the SDC Directing Initiative. He holds an MFA in directing from Western Illinois University and a BA in musical theatre and in physics from Rhode Island College.

Melissa Yanchak

From Pittsburgh, PA - Melissa is the Resident Music Director for SUNY Binghamton's Department of Theatre. Prior to joining faculty in Binghamton this year, Melissa was a faculty music director for the Musical Theatre Program at Penn State University’s School of Theatre and served as staff music director and vocal coach for Wright State University's Department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Pictures. Melissa has worked as a music director, conductor, keyboardist, vocal coach, and/or music supervisor for various companies throughout the U.S. including: Work Light Productions (NY/NJ), Tuacahn Center for the Arts (Ivins, UT), West Virginia Public Theatre, 1812 Productions (Philadelphia, PA), Summer Stock Austin (TX), Cockroach Theatre (Las Vegas, NV), Florida Studio Theatre (Sarasota, FL), The Human Race Theatre (Dayton, OH), Interlochen Center for the Arts (Interlochen, MI), Feld Entertainment (Palmetto, FL), Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Musical Theater, Front Porch Productions, Keystone State Music Theater, and Point Park University. Melissa served on staff for the Pittsburgh CLO Gene Kelly awards and can be seen on the PBS special about the Jimmy Awards, "Broadway or Bust," as a member of the creative staff. Regional: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Cats, Disney's Mary Poppins, Starlight Express (regional premiere), Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wizard of Oz, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell, Nunsense, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Mr. Burns, Lizzie. National Tours: Rodgers &Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Ringling Bros Circus (Blue Unit, “Legends” & “Out of This World”).

Theo Watson Ley

From Yorktown Heights, NY - English and Theatre Major, Class of 2023: Theo is a Costume Designer originally from Surrey, England. He is currently pursuing a major in Theatre with a concentration in Tech and Design, which has fostered an interest in set design and scenic painting. He has co-designed costumes for several studio and mainstage productions, including 'Proof' and 'In Pieces'. He has also designed for a student production of 'Clue: On Stage', and he worked as the Assistant Costume Designer on mainstage's production of 'She Kills Monsters'.

Alyssa Paulo

From Ossining, NY - Theatre Design/Tech Major, class of 2023: Alyssa is thrilled to be designing her first mainstage production at Binghamton University. Alyssa is in their senior year and is excited to continue working in lighting after she graduates. Last fall, she designed Andrew Ajaka's studio production of Proof and was assistant designer to Katy Atwell on She Kills Monsters in the Spring. Alyssa would like to thank their advisor Nate Wheatley and her master electrician Laura Hensley for all their help and support through this process. Break legs to the cast, and enjoy the show!

Laura Hensley

Laura is originally from Indiana, but has lived and worked in various parts of the US including TN, NE, NC, SC, and NYC. She has worked on many productions in the roles of master electrician, sound engineer, lighting designer, sound designer, and more. Some of her favorite lighting experiences include designing The Jungle Book at The Rose Theater in Omaha, Spamalot, and Bright Star. She also had the opportunity to serve as a spotlight operator for The New Group's Off-Broadway production of Clueless: The Musical, and Good for Otto. She is eager to help students learn the ins and outs of lighting and sound technology, and she absolutely can't wait to be continually learning along the way.

Luke Craver

From Hyattsville, Maryland - Theatre Design/Tech Alumnus '22: Craver has worked as a theatre technician even since high school, so for almost 8 years now. While the majority of that time was spent building and painting sets, as well as run crew, I began to love the way the sets I was building were designed. While building sets at Binghamton I learned more about what went into them and decided to focus on scenic design. This past spring I was given the opportunity to assist in the scenic design for In Pieces, and I was more than happy to take the position.

Laura Fine Hawkes

Laura Fine-Hawkes' work broadly encompasses scenic design for theatre, opera and musical theatre, as well as art direction for live shows, themed visitor experiences, museum exhibits, events and television programming. Theatrical engagements include design for Houston Grand Opera, Utah Opera, Arizona Opera, Center Theatre Group at the Mark Taper Forum, Stages Repertory Theatre, Catastrophic Theatre, Big League Productions, the Geffen Playhouse, Ensemble Studio Theatre Los Angeles, the Road Theatre, Circle X Theatre, NoHo Arts Ensemble, the Fountain Theatre and a short film within Cirque du Soleil's Iris production at the Kodak Theatre, among many others. Fine-Hawkes joined the faculty of Binghamton University in the fall of 2017 as an assistant professor in scenic design, having served as chair of the Performing Arts Department at Santa Fe University of Art and Design in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is a 2016 recipient of the Laureate Education GPS Award for Leadership. Previously, Fine-Hawkes has worked with academic institutions and young artist training programs as a guest designer and guest faculty in scenic design. Highlights include Rice University Shepherd School of Music, the Opera Institute at Cal-State University Long Beach, San Francisco Opera Merola Program, UCLA Opera and Cal-State Los Angeles. Fine-Hawkes has participated in the development of multiple international large scale live shows and themed visitor experiences for Thinkwell Group, Inc. and the Hettema Group, both based in the greater Los Angeles area. She designed the THEA award-winning Air Force One Discovery Center housed in the Air Force One Pavilion within the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA. Art direction for television includes programming for NBC/Bravo, Comedy Central, PBS and the FUEL Network. Fine-Hawkes is a former assistant and associate of the late scenic designer David Mitchell. She holds an MFA in scenic design from UCLA. More at designhawkes.com

Devon Painter

A costume designer is a blend of both artistic and practical skills; Devon Painter analyzes plays, psychoanalyzes characters, researches periods and events, and uses visuals and inspirations, to develop a visual community in which to tell the story. This requires flexibility to explore all manner of choices to arrive at a completed design in a timely, affordable manner. She organizes her artistic ventures with a practical, calm and inspirational hand to motivate both a cast and a costume shop to invest in her vision. Painter's aim is to develop the best show possible within both budgetary and workload constraints. She helps an actor discover a character, supports an actors’ choices, as well as helps the costume shop stay in budget, and effectively move the show through the shop in the designated time slot. After earning her MFA at the University of Texas at Austin, she worked in regional theaters as a draper, dyer-painter, and a first hand and design assistant. Painter moved to New York in 1998 and began her freelance career as a costume design assistant to many award-winning costume designers, including Desmond Heeley, Jess Goldstein, Susan Hilferty, Paul Tazewell, and Andreane Neofitou on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in television and in opera. She now designs at major regional theaters across the country, including the Guthrie Theatre, The Denver Center, Geva Theater Center, Indiana Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and American Players Theatre. Learn more at devonpainter.com

Chris Hawkes

Chris Hawkes is an entertainment design and construction professional with 29 years of experience in specialty fabrication, focusing on project management and technical direction/design. Projects include a broad spectrum of work in live theatre, permanent installations for theme parks and museums, corporate events, trade shows and television. Most recently, as the Technical Director for the Performing Arts Department at Santa Fe University of Art and Design, Chris taught undergraduate BFA technical direction and production classes, in addition to leading all technical production areas. Prior to this, he was Technical Director for the Theatre Department at University of Houston and taught graduate level technical direction coursework. Chris spent many years in Los Angeles working as a technical director, project manager and production manager with multiple entertainment design firms, production companies and scenic fabrication companies. Production management projects include work for Thinkwell Group: Fernbank NatureQuest at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, GA and Warner Bros. Theme Park in Abu Dhabi. With BRC Imagination Arts, Chris worked as Fabrication Manager for the Information and Communication Pavilion at World Expo in Shanghai. He has worked on three project teams which have received Themed Entertainment Association Awards. Additional projects involve project management work for Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios California, The Guggenheim at The Venetian Las Vegas and The Cerritos Millennium Library. Project management for corporate clients includes: Microsoft, Harley Davidson, Motorola, SmithKline Beecham, Time Warner, Qualcomm. Theatrical experience encompasses work as the Scene Shop Foreman for La Jolla Playhouse/University of California San Diego Theatre Department, Director of Opera Production at Rice University Shepherd School of Music, as well as fabrication for UCLA Opera, USC Opera, The Old Globe, The Geffen Playhouse, The Philadelphia Opera Theatre, among many others.

Mia Jumbo

ABOUT MIA JUMBO Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, (Oh oops I forgot I wasn't creating a graphic prop...) Here is some bio material for you feast your eyes upon. Mia Jumbo has been in and out of the business of theatre since 2009 when she graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Design for Performance. She has worn many hats inside and outside the theatre world but these days she is enjoying her time as an ATD/ Props Master at Binghamton University. Some of the most enjoyable and notable shows she has worked on thus far are Wicked: MunchkinTour (Rodey Theatre, UNM), Kinky Boots (Hangar Theatre), Sweeney Todd (Hangar Theatre), She Kills Monsters (Binghamton University), Little Women (Hangar Theatre), I Carry Your Heart (Hangar Theatre), Into the Woods (Hangar Theatre) and Other Desert Cities (The Old Globe). She enjoys spending time with her family; doggo Tora, kitties Rango, Ang and Pee Wee and humans Joshua, Frey and Crow. She also uses her spare time to read, garden, make soap and play Mario video games.

Scott Selmeski

Scott Selmeski is the Assistant Technical Director for the Binghamton University Theatre Department and Building Administrator for Fine Arts. As an alumni he earned a BA in Theatre from Binghamton University, and attended graduate school at Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts. With an eclectic background in many aspects of technical theatre, he has designed sets, sound and lights, constructed, painted and stage managed many productions in a variety of venues. Selmeski was the Master Carpenter/Assistant Technical Director at Broad Hollow Theatre Company on Long Island, NY for several years.

Clarence Hause

From Binghamton, NY - Clarence Hause is an award-winning artist who obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree from Brooklyn College in 2017, and his Master of Arts from Binghamton University in 2020. His artwork has been displayed in Brooklyn (Dumbo), N.Y.C., Albany, and Binghamton. He is also a published illustrator whose work can be found in 50 books. Hause has been a scenic artist on previous Binghamton mainstage theatre productions, most recently She Kills Monsters (2022) and Sunset Mirage (2022).

Ariel Thomke

Ariel Thomke is a costumer and theatre technician from the greater Los Angeles area. Her passion for theatre has led her to house management, scenic painting, props, design, and teaching. She has worked on productions such as Les Miserables, Hamilton, Apollo 11 national tour, America's Got Talent, and the Academy Awards. Her interest in education has led her to Binghamton University as the costume shop manager where she is excited to help guide students to pursue their own theatre dreams.

Olivia Dilworth

Olivia Dilworth is a costume technician with experience in theater, opera, and dance. She graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a BFA focused in costume design and technology. Companies Olivia has worked for include The American Shakespeare Center, The Santa Fe Opera, Tuacahn Center for the Arts, and Norwegian Creative Studios. In her free time, Olivia enjoys creative writing and playing piano.

Nate Wheatley

Lighting Designer Nate Wheatley has collaborated with some of America's most sought after directors and has enjoyed engagements with companies such as the Des Moines Metro Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Florida Grand Opera, Opera Orlando, Arizona Broadway Theatre, the Florentine Opera, Opera Steamboat, Kansas University Opera, Louisiana State University Opera, Baylor Opera, and the Sugar Creek Symphony and Song. Of his production of a Little Night Music with stage director Matthew Ozawa and Scenic Designer Isaac Mizrahi for the Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Today noted "Nate Wheatley's magical, sensitive lighting design captured all the intrigue and mystique of a midsummer night when the sun never quite sets"; Of his production of Maria de Buenos Aires with stage director Octavio Cardenas, Opera Today expressed "Nate Wheatley has contributed an inventive lighting design that beautifully serves the dramatic, brooding text and music" And of his production of Gluck's Orphee with stage director Chas Rader-Schieber, Opera Today states "all of this stage magic was flawlessly enhanced by Nate Wheatley's superb lighting design" Nate received his BA in Theatre Production and Design from Indiana University Southeast and his MFA in Lighting Design from the University of Idaho.

CK Zaki

From Washington, DC - Theater Technical Design Major, class of 2025: CK Zaki is a Costume Designer originally from Washington, DC. She is currently working towards a major in Theatre with a focus in Tech and Design, however, she grew up with continual exposure to numerous aspects of theater, including acting, writing and designing. She has designed costumes for several productions across different companies, including ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ and The Who’s ‘Tommy.’ She also has design and construction experience for dance shows. ‘Into the Woods’ is her first show with Binghamton University where she acted as Assistant to the Costume Designer.

Olivia O'Brien

Olivia O’Brien is an AEA Stage Manager with over 15 years of experience as a stage manager, company manager, and production manager. As a New York City based stage manager she worked with various companies nationally and abroad. From 2017 to 2020 Olivia worked as a Production Supervisor at the Brooklyn Academy of Music where she worked with companies such as The Royal Shakespeare Company, Mark Morris Dance Company, Meredith Monk, and Grupo Corpo. Additionally, Olivia provided support for BAM’s Annual Gala, Apple corporate events, film premiere parties, and as the lead supervisor on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Working for a wide variety of companies and in many genres of theater including straight plays, musicals, devised work, dance, and vaudeville has afforded Olivia the opportunity to develop stage management skills to address the various needs of the directors, creatives, performers, and production personnel in each of those areas. Career highlights include Barrington Stage Company, The Spoleto Festival USA, Arena Stage, Lincoln Center, the New Victory Theater, The Joyce, Classic Stage Company, and La Jolla Playhouse. Favorite shows she has stage managed include Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, Mourning Becomes Electra, and Porgy and Bess.

Taylor Denning

From West Islip, New York - Biochemistry Major, class of 2024: Taylor is so excited to be stage managing this show! This is her fourth semester working with the Binghamton Theatre Department. She's been an assistant stage manager for shows such as The Diary of Anne Frank, In Pieces, and She Kills Monsters, and she loves working in theatre. Into the Woods has been such a great experience! Taylor is a biochemistry major with a theatre minor, and she's looking forward to her future work in the department.

Madison Stolarski

From Tappan, NY - English Literature and Rhetoric Major: Madison is a fourth year student at Binghamton studying English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Literature along with minoring Theater. After stage managing her first show, She Kills Monsters in Spring 2022, Madison has grown to love theater and working with everyone to put on an amazing show. She is more than excited to put on Into the Woods!

Marina Sitnikov

From Brooklyn, New York - Integrative Neuroscience and Russian Major, Class of 2025: Marina Sitnikov is a second year student at Binghamton University with a major in Biochemistry on a pre-medical track, as well as a Theater minor. Dancing from the ages of 3-18, Marina has only first had the opportunity to experience theater in her freshman year of high school, with her participation in SING! (a student created and run theater competition) as an ensemble dancer (which she continued to do up until her graduation from high school). In her first year of university she had found her passion for Stage Management with her role as Stage Manager in M-Jay He’s production of The Informer. For the remainder of her three years at BU, she plans to continue her experience as a stage manager and take up roles in dance productions as well.

Daniel Kim

From Goshen, New York - Musical Theater Major, class of 2026: The Jack of all Trades, Daniel learned broadly from a lot of different sections of theater, ranging from light to sounds, from acting to stage managing.

Matthew Nitti

From Riverhead, New York - Political Science Major, Class of 2026: Matthew Nitti is a Freshman at Binghamton University and an Assistant Stage Manager for “Into The Woods.” This is Matthew’s first mainstage production and wishes everyone luck with the show!

Olivia Richmond

From New Rochelle, New York - Theatre Major, class of 2024: Olivia is a Junior at Binghamton University majoring in Theater. Prior to college, Olivia has been performing musical theater since she was 8 years old. Although being on stage is a hugely important part of Olivia's life, it was only at Binghamton where she found her interest in stage managing and working backstage. In Fall 2021, Olivia was the 1st Assistant Stage Manager of the production, Triptych. She decided to continue exploring this interest by becoming the Stage Manager for the In the Works piece, The Informer, in the Spring of 2022. Now, Olivia is the Production Assistant of Into the Woods, and she is happier than ever to be working on such an amazing production! I can't wait for everyone to see the show!

Jen Schilansky

Jennifer Schilansky is delighted to be working with the fantastic students of Binghamton University. Based in Groton, NY Jen spends most of her time working in Ithaca, NY. Previous work includes being a Stage Management mentor for Ithaca College’s production of Sweat, Production Stage Manager for The Cherry Arts and their English World Premieres of A Day, Hotel Good Luck, The Fan, and Felt Sad, Posted a Frog. From 2012 - 2022 Jen was the resident stage manager for the Kitchen Theatre in Ithaca.KTC production favorites include: The Royale, Ironbound, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Mountaintop, Paloma, The Whipping Man, and Brian Dykstra Selling Out. She has also served as the Production Stage Manager for the Hangar Theatre’s Pride and Prejudice, Dégagé, and A Doll’s House Part 2. Prior to moving to Ithaca, she spent five years as the resident stage manager for Stageworks Theater in Hudson, as well as Stage Managing for Half Moon Theater in Poughkeepsie and Bard College.

Julian U Lamarti

From Rye Brook, NY - Music Major, class of 2023: Julian is a senior majoring in music, with an emphasis on collaborative piano, conducting, and music directing. Julian is incredibly grateful for having been able to work on this show alongside incredibly talented and passionate performers, musicians, and team of directors. Julian would like to thank Melissa and Tommy for their guidance and support. Past productions with the Binghamton University Theater Department include Triptych (MD), In Pieces (AMD), and A Man of No Importance (keyboard); with the Hinman Production Company, Godspell (MD), The Theory of Relativity (Co-MD), and Spring Awakening (AMD);

Robert Rose

From Stony Brook, NY - Philosophy, Politics, and Law Major, Class of 2026: Robert Rose is currently a freshman at Binghamton University. He has been playing the bass for over 9 years. In high school, he was a member of his school’s orchestra, jazz band, wind ensemble, pit orchestra, pep band, and even marching band! He’s happy here at Binghamton to be a part of the Screamin’ Green and the Binghamton Wind Symphony. He is also principal bass of the Binghamton University Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in shows such as Anastasia and Les Misérables, and looks forward to continuing playing with the Binghamton University Pit Orchestra.

Matthew Zwerling

From Suffern, NY - Biology Major, class of 2026: Matt is an incoming freshman who is excited to get his start in the music program. He recently played the clarinet in his high school's production of Guys and Dolls, and is looking forward to continuing his involvement throughout his time at Binghamton. Matt would like to thank his family for their continued support of his endeavors, no matter how far away they are.

Jordan Subocz

From Monroe, NY - Biomedical Engineering Major, class of 2026: Jordan Subocz is delighted to be playing cello in the pit orchestra for Into The Woods. This is his first show with the Binghamton University Theater Department, as he is a freshman. He has previously played in a pit orchestra on double bass for shows such as The Addams Family, Chicago, and even James and the Giant Peach. He would like to thank his previous music teachers and his parents for giving him the experiences and knowledge that allowed him to be here today.

Caleb Dransfield

From Vestal, NY - Graduate Student in Theatre, class of 2023: Caleb began playing the clarinet in 2003 and participating in theatre in 2004. He played in orchestra and concert band throughout his undergraduate studies as well as performing in numerous plays and musicals. He graduated from Southern Virginia University in 2018 with a BA in theatre and a music minor and played with the Rockbridge Symphony Orchestra until he moved to Vestal in 2021. Caleb is now pursuing a master's degree in theatre and plans on obtaining a PhD in order to teach collegiate theatre. He lives with his beautiful wife and cat and has a daughter on the way.

Emily Fong

Emily, a clarinetist of 11 years, is excited to be a part of the Into the Woods production. She was fortunate enough to attend the All National Concert Band in 2019 along with many other groups. Emily is currently on a pre-vet track at Binghamton and looks forward to more musical opportunities!

Melody Sharp

Melody Sharp (yes, this IS her real name!) comes originally from a 40 acre farm in Chartiers Township, PA and now resides in either Washington, PA. or in Eclectic, AL. Melody's education in music began at an early age studying piano with classical pianist, Ann Weber of Washington, Pa.; studying French horn with James Bennet of Upper St. Clair, Pa.; studying voice with Allen Emerick at Waynesburg College and continued her studies in music performance/ music education at West Virginia University and Duquesne University (also, Organizational Psychology), and in voice care at St. John's University in Minnesota. Melody has maintained a diversified career as a music educator, performer, and director in schools, churches, and theatres all over Southwest Pennsylvania. Melody formerly founded and directed F.A.M.E. Center for the Arts and directed St. Patrick’s School Instrumental Music Program in Canonsburg, PA. She also has been a church musician from the age of 10 and served as a Director of Music for various denominations for almost 40 years. Melody currently teaches full time privately on the road and online in various states offering musical support to various schools and families. Melody is pleased to be able to play horn for Binghamton University and to be under the direction of her daughter, Melissa.

Justin Mintz

From Selden, NY - Mechanical Engineering Major, class of 2026: Justin Mintz is a percussionist in the Pit Orchestra for Into the Woods. He is a first year student majoring in mechanical engineering. His previous show experience consists of The Wizard of Oz, The Addams Family, and The Little Mermaid, all from productions from his high school that he performed for as a percussionist in the Pit Orchestra.

Kevin Murphy

Kevin Murphy is the Assistant Director of International Education and Global Affairs (IEGA) and a co-instructor of one of the first-year seminars that explores Walt Disney and the modern United States. He is thrilled for the opportunity to perform Stephen Sondheim's gorgeous music in this production. He previously played in the pit on campus in A Chorus Line (Keyboard I), Spring Awakening (Drums/Percussion), The Wizard of Oz (Keyboard), Guys and Dolls (Keyboard), Sweet Charity (Drums), and In Pieces (Drums). In addition to his theater credits, Kevin previously worked as the Interim Music Director at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Vestal. He wishes to thank Melissa for her passion, caring, and intrepid leadership of the orchestra. Additional praise to Tommy, the crew, and cast for their vision, dedication, and hard work. He remains grateful to family and friends who support the value that theater adds to our community and country. The greatest thanks and love go to Linda, with whom Kevin is always happy to journey with into the woods.

Ron Harris

Ron Harris plays trumpet with the Blue Velvet Big Band and the Maine Community Band. He is on the Ti-Ahwaga Community Players board of directors in Owego.