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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

Andrea Hobley*

Sonia

Andrea Hobley got into theatre as an outlet for her high energy and a joy to entertain. Over time, she discovered a love for children’s theatre and everything it entails: storytelling, engaging young audiences, fostering creativity in children through performance, and witnessing the joy and growth that theatre can inspire in young minds. She finds there is something magical about bringing characters to life and representing shows to those who may be experiencing live theatre for the first time. Seeing the positive impact it has on their imaginations and creativity is incredibly fulfilling and motivates her to continue sharing this art form with others. Andrea is thrilled to make her Coterie debut in JUST ASK! A passionate performer with a deep love for children’s theatre, Andrea brings characters to life in ways that captivate young audiences and introduce many to the magic of live performance for the first time. She believes the energy of the stage is infectious and hopes her work inspires creativity and joy in others. Recent credits include Lucille/Shirelle in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (MTKC Pro), Piggie in Elephant & Piggie (LAC), Bree in Fancy Nancy the Musical (LAC), That Grace in Junie B. Jones (TYA), and the world premiere of Sugarplum (MTKC Pro). Andrea sends heartfelt thanks to her friends and family for their endless support. Proudly represented by Moxie Talent Agency. “Numbers 6:24-26” Instagram @BarbieQDIVAQueen TikTok @LilRedDalek Facebook Moxie https://moxietalentagency.com/talent/

Jen Benkert

Julia

Jen Benkert discovered their love of theatre by taking Coterie summer classes starting at the age of thirteen and has been involved with The Coterie ever since! You may remember them most recently as Pigpen in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2022). Jen’s Coterie credits also include Assistant Stage Manager for a multitude of productions. In addition to being a Teaching Artist with The Coterie Theatre School, Jen served as Assistant Director of Project Pride for 7 years and participated in the annual Young Playwrights Festival. Recent acting credits include THE GRAPES OF WRATH at The Arts Asylum and JUST IMAGINE at Starlight Theatre. Coming up in April, catch Jen in The Arts Asylum’s production of EXIT 16. Jen is a proud alum of Stephens College (BFA, Class of 2012). Find out more about Jen on Facebook @Jennifer Benkert-Goche, Instagram @jenhben816, and TikTok @jenben816.

Elise Natalya Bowles

Rafaela

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. __________ liseybow on Instagram and Elise Natalya Bowles on Facebook

Lola Kernell

Grace

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. ___________ Instagram: LolaKernell Snapchat: lolapaloozak

Morgan Lynn Sterrett

Bianca

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. _____________ IG: @morganlynnster morganlynnsterrett.com

Ismael Michel

Manuel

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.

Loren Wendleleburg

Jordan

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!

Cori Anne Weber

Cover (Sonia, Actors #1, #2, #3)

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. _____________ corianneweber.com, @corisyndrome on TikTok, IG, and YT

Alex Jaguar

Cover (Actors #4, #5, #6)

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. _________________ Instagram: alex.jaguirre; Tiktok: alex.jaguirre

Fran Sillau

Playwright, 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.

Mark Kurtz

Composter, Lyricist, 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.

Courtney Stein Cairncross

Choreographer

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.

Dorian Allen

Associate Technical Director

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.

Paula S. Wallace

Scenic/Properties 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.

Fabian Rosales

Sound Designer

Megan Reilly

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.

Taylor Adams

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.

Morgan Lynn Sterrett

Wardrobe Supervisor, Production Assistant

Betsy Wendorff

Assistant Stage Manager, Deck Manager

Khalia Davis

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.

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.

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