JUST ASK!

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Song List

Together ... Ensemble

Together (Reprise) ... Ensemble

Just Ask ... Ensemble

Quiet Time Is Quite All Right ... Rafaela, Ensemble

Hand in Hand ... Bianca, Jordan, Ensemble

A Friend ... Rafaela, Jordan

Go the Extra Mile ... Sonia

Helpful for Me ... Manuel, Julia

Nothing About Us Without Us ... Ensemble

Be Different, Be Brave, Be You ... Ensemble        

Curtain Call: Just Ask (Reprise) ... Ensemble

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

The Just Ask! workshop was funded by in part by the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts.

The Coterie is proud to recognize funding from partners Variety KC, Spencer Fane, and Breakthrough T1D for this production.

Additional funding was provided by individual contributions from Suzanne Shutz and Howard Kooper and Larry Kelberg.

The development of Just Ask! was funded in part with support from The Children's Theater Foundation of America.

Additional financial assistance for The Coterie's season has been generously provided by National Endowment for the Arts, Missouri Arts Council, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, Hallmark Corporate Foundation, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, American Royal, Mark Edelman Theater Fund, and Turner.

Travis Bedard; Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: Just Ask! design by Yeongu Kang.

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. Just Ask! 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.
 

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bellinger • President
Amy Graham • Secretary
Kristina Thompson • Secretary
Theresa Stoker • Treasurer
Laura Antolak • Board Engagement Chair
Ali Saucier • Development Chair
Nicole Jacobs-Silvey • Community Engagement Chair

Sara Anthony
Angela Bedell
Richard Browne
Ava Delsemme
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Michael Judy
Gabriela Lucas
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Natalie Simms-Patton
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-PRODUCERS

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 • Arts Integration Specialists.

Visit them on Instagram >>

Or their website:

Deborah Denenberg, Producer

Deborah Denenberg began her career at the Upstairs Dinner Theater in Omaha, NE, as Producer/General Manager of this live, professional theater. The Upstairs’ turnaround became the subject of a Harvard Business School case study, Lyric, Inc, still taught in business curriculums nationwide. In New York City, Deborah joined the Broadway producers, Dodger Productions. There she created and built Big League Productions, an industry leader that produces, books and general manages national tours of Broadway shows. Representative productions include GUYS AND DOLLS, THE SECRET GARDEN, INTO THE WOODS, DRIVING MISS DAISY, and THE WHO'S TOMMY, the most profitable production of this multimedia Broadway musical. Deborah sidelights as a communications coach with her consulting firm, Hark Communications. She still produces with Big League and now develops TYA musicals (theater for young audiences). She is grateful for her producing partners, Howard Kooper and Larry Kelberg.

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

What got you into theatre? ... and other biographical notes from the cast, designers & production team

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, Actor #1

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 seven 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, Actor #2

Elise Natalya Bowles was introduced to theatre by her mom through the soundtracks of WICKED and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Elise is thrilled to make her debut with The Coterie in JUST ASK! She recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Her recent credits include playing Laurey Williams in OKLAHOMA! at SEMO, Agnes in the world premiere of LORENE'S REVERIE with Moon Piper Productions, and performing as a featured soloist in Music Theatre Kansas City’s Soundstage. Elise is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family. You can follow Elise on Instagram @liseybow or on Facebook @Elise Natalya Bowles.

Lola Kernell

Grace, Actor #3

Lola Kernell got started on her path to theatre with a karaoke machine, and now has performed in both high school and community theatre productions. Lola is a student at Johnson County Community College and works for the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities as the Advocacy Coordinator. She has most recently appeared in RUBIK and WORKING at Spinning Tree Theatre, and performed in five school musicals, three plays, and five one-acts. She also helped direct a one-act and remodel her high school theatre department props room. Find Lola online on Instagram @LolaKernell and Snapchat @lolapaloozak.

Morgan Lynn Sterrett

Bianca, Actor #4

Morgan Lynn Sterrett was encouraged by her mother to get into theatre after a childhood of solo concerts in her basement. She is thrilled to return for her fourth show at The Coterie after previously appearing in NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, THE WHITE ROSE: WE DEFIED HITLER, and BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE! Morgan is particularly proud to represent all those kids who struggle with words on a page. This one is for my mom, who always believed in the power of reading. Other local A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; DISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAY THE MUSICAL at New Theatre & Restaurant; THE BREAKFAST CLUB and GODSPELL at Theatre Atchison PRO; CATS at Music Theatre Heritage; CONJURE THE NIGHT, SPECTRAL SISTERS, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAIN ADVENTURE, TINKER'S TOY FACTORY at Cedar Fair: Worlds of Fun. Regional credits include NEWSIES and THE TEMPEST at Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival; ALABAMA STORY and MAMMA MIA at Great Plains Theatre. Morgan received her BS in Theatre Performance from Kansas State University and MA in Theatre Education from Avila University. Find Morgan on Instagram @morganlynnster or online at www.morganlynnsterrett.com.

Ismael Michel

Manuel, Actor #5

Ismael Michel got into theatre through his love of music. Having been in choir all his life, he loved music and singing since he was very young. In his elementary school, they had these mini-musicals that the students would perform and that's where Isma took his first steps into theatre. Since then, his love of theatre bloomed, grew, and changed. Isma is so excited to be a part of the world premiere of JUST ASK! He previously appeared in Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC)'s productions of TARTUFFE as Damis, RIDE THE CYCLONE as Noel, and CABARET as Hans. He has also worked behind the scenes as stage manager for KCKCC’s production of PROOF. Isma is so grateful to everyone at The Coterie for this amazing opportunity and is thankful to all his friends and family for the never ending support.

Loren Wendelburg

Jordan, Actor #6

Loren Wendelburg always enjoyed playing pretend as a child so, to Loren, being an actor is like playing pretend on stage! Loren is thrilled to be in the world premiere of JUST ASK! Other favorite roles include Major General in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Clown in THE 39 STEPS, Death in EVERYBODY, and Macbeth in THE HOLLOW CROWN at University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Captain/Reaper in THE TEMPEST at Heart of American Shakespeare Festival, Pirate in PETER PAN at White Theater at THE J, and the Beast in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at The Culture House. Loren recently graduated from the Conservatory at UMKC in Theater. He is proud to represent someone on the autism spectrum and to show you can follow your dreams. He enjoys reading, creative writing, drawing, puppetry and is a really tall person! Loren thanks his supportive family and friends; the great cast, crew and directors; and to Sonia Sotomayor for this amazing story! Find Loren on Facebook @loren.wendelburg.

Cori Anne Weber

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

Cori Anne Weber credits ANNIE for her start in theatre. At 4 years old, she was obsessed with Carol Burnett and the movie musical, ANNIE, so her mom took her to see it on stage at The Crown Uptown Theatre in Wichita, and she has been performing ever since! Cori Anne is a performer and visual artist with a lifelong passion for storytelling. She was recently seen at The Black Box as Barb in STRANGER SINGS! THE PARODY MUSICAL. Other favorite local roles include Hélène in NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 for Fishtank Theatre, and Nancy Downs in THE CRAFT: AN UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY and Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD for Padgett Productions. This January, while rehearsing for JUST ASK!, Cori Anne was also directing THE LION KING JR. at Kansas City Young Audiences. Born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and several other related conditions, Cori Anne strives to elevate EDS awareness within the medical community and is always advocating to make theatre more safe, accessible, and inclusive for artists with disabilities. Follow Cori Anne on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @corisyndrome or on her website at www.corianneweber.com.

Alex Jaguar

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

Alex Jaguar always read well in English class, so one of their friends dragged them to an audition because they were the only one who knew to read in character! Alex is an actor, director, and educator living in Kansas City, KS. They are currently attending their last semester at Kansas City Kansas Community College, and acts all around Kansas City, but JUST ASK! marks their first show at The Coterie! Alex's other recent roles include as a Wickersham Brother in SEUSSICAL at Theatre in the Park, Terror in CONJURE THE NIGHT at Worlds of Fun, and Ernst Ludwig in CABARET at Kansas City Kansas Community College. In addition to theatre, they also perform with the Blue Devil Funk band. Alex hopes you enjoy the show and wished you, Godspeed!

Fran Sillau

Playwright, Director

Fran Sillau has worked extensively within the world of Theater For Young Audiences for over twenty years. A professional playwright, director, and producer, Fran can also be found in the classroom as a theatrical teaching artist and inclusion consultant. He is the newly appointed Artistic Director of Trike Theatre, the professional theatre for youth in Northwest Arkansas. For Trike, Fran has directed THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, CHOOSE LOVE, TORTUGA AND THE HARE, and the world premiere of BIRDIE AND THE BEANSTALK. Fran spent seven years collaborating with theatrical producer Deborah Denenberg (Dodger Productions and Big League Productions) on THE DOLL MAKER'S GIFT. After tracking the book author down to her home in St. Petersburg, Russia, he co-wrote the book, and directed the world premiere at the Rose Theater in 2019. The Omaha World Herald said, “Families should flock to this one.” He currently is working on his second collaboration with Ms. Denenberg, the world premiere of the New York Times best-selling book, JUST ASK! Fran also serves as Executive Artistic Director of Circle Theatre, Omaha’s theater for individuals of all abilities. Under his leadership, the Circle co-commissioned MY BROKEN DOLL, a play based on the life of holocaust survivor Beatrice Karp, adapted by Ernie Nolan, and OVER THE RIVER, a play about friendship by Ellen Struve. Both plays recently toured the state of Nebraska. In December of 2016, Fran directed a regional premiere of A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS. This production incorporated American Sign Language, shadow interpreting, audio description, as well as actors with various physical and developmental disabilities. He is also currently developing new original TYA works for the Institute For Holocaust Education and the Great Plains office of the Anti-Defamation League. Fran served as the Director of Accessibility at The Rose Theater, where he led an expansion of the popular Every Single Child Program (a multi-layered program that serves an average of 35,000 students each year at more than 70 school buildings). The expansion developed production and residency programming for students in self-contained special education classrooms in the Omaha area. He also directs mainstage productions at The Rose. Some of his credits include SHREK: THE MUSICAL; GO, DOG. GO!; and the Omaha premiere of HANA'S SUITCASE. Fran is a past Aurand Harris Fellow with The Children’s Theatre Foundation of America and a winner of The Access Grant from The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he is a frequent contractor. Fran serves as the United States representative to IIAN a program of ASSITEJ. He also a former Emerging Leader fellow for Theater for Young Audiences USA. He holds an MFA specializing in directing and inclusion from Goddard College.

Mark Kurtz

Composer, Lyricist, Music Director

Mark Kurtz was a graduate composition student when his professor, Alex Lubet, asked him to be the music director for his new children's musical adaptation of THE WISE MEN OF CHELM for Stages Theater Company in the Twin Cities. He had never directed a musical, and the piece included improvisations in Klezmer style (which he had never done), but Alex assured him that he was the right person for the job. As it turns out, that leap of faith was Mark's entry in the world of musical theater and he has never regretted saying, "Yes!" Mark is a composer, lyricist, pianist, organist, and music director. Adept in a broad spectrum of genres, including both art music and popular music, he is currently Director of Music at First United Methodist Church (Omaha), Associate Director and Collaborative Pianist for Résonance (a professional choral ensemble), and Organ Instructor at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Often awarded, he recently received the Marilyn Mason Award in Organ Composition for his “Re-Formations (after Bach)." Find out more about Mark at www.markkurtzmusic.com.

Courtney Stein Cairncross

Choreographer

Courtney Stein Cairncross started in theatre when she was 5 years old, playing the younger version of her cousin in her high school production. From then on, she was hooked! Courtney is a freelance choreographer and teaching artist for several theatres, schools, and non-profit organizations in Omaha, NE. Courtney holds a Masters in Dance Anthropology from the University of Roehampton in London, England, where she lived and worked professionally for three years. She is the current co-artistic director of Circle Theatre, an all-abilities theatre in Omaha that promotes creative opportunities for artists both on and off stage. Courtney has provided her choreographic talents at Opera Omaha, Bard Summerscape, and Washington National Opera. Most recently, she worked as Associate Choreographer on the Metropolitan Opera new work, GROUNDED, which opened the 2024-2025 Met Season. Find out more about Courtney at www.kodomokids.us.

What iF Puppets

Co-Producer, Puppet Design & Fabrication

What iF Puppets (WiP) inspires play and cultivates connections through puppetry. JUST ASK! marks the third of three co-productions with The Coterie this season, starting with the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY and FINDING NEMO TYA. The talented WiP team of artists that brought JUST ASK! 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 FINDING NEMO TYA, 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 www.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 FINDING NEMO TYA, 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. Dorian has served on The Coterie's technical team for a year now after time spent in stage management and performance work across town. Recent credits include playing guitar in FUN HOME, witch OCTA, and in BEAUTIFUL with The Barn; assistant stage manager for NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET with Fishtank Theatre, and stage manager for The Living Room's NO SLEEP NOVEMBER festival. When not on a ladder or covered in paint you can find Dorian serving drinks at The Black Box or seeing shows at local dives. He would like to thank his family, his dog, and Heidi Van for their continued support. Welcome to our garden!

Paula S. Wallace

Scenic & Properties Designer

Paula Wallace is an artist and illustrator in love with stories, so she loves theatre and opera because they offer the possibility of employing all the arts in storytelling. Paula is an artist, author, illustrator, and has a studio in the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha, NE. Paula, a graduate of the University of Iowa, recalls a professor saying, “the artist’s job is to pay attention.” Her art and stories are informed by relationship: to the natural world and in community. Her work in arts outreach includes art-making with artists of all abilities, ages, and languages. Paula has illustrated for other authors, as well as written and illustrated her own books including, "Choose Your Days" (Lee & Low) and "Ted Kooser: More Than a Local Wonder" (Carla Ketner/University of Nebraska Press), which both won the Nebraska Children’s Picture Book Award. Paula exhibits in the United States and Italy. Find out more about Paula on Instagram @paulawallaceart or at www.paulawallacefineart.com.

Fabian Rosales

Sound Designer

Megan Reilly

Lighting Designer

Megan Reilly was recruited by friends to run the light board for a student production of THE TEMPEST in her sophomore year of college. She fell in love with how passionate everyone was about what they were doing and decided to become a theater major. Megan is a lighting and projection designer based in Madison, WI, where she teaches lighting design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Recent design credits include YELLOW FACE at Lyric Stage Company of Boston; INTO THE WOODS at Firehouse Center for the Arts; FINDER AND THE NORTH STAR and DISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAY THE MUSICAL at Children's Theatre of Madison. Her designs have been seen in New England; Minneapolis; Madison; Chicago; Fayetteville, AR; Austin; Houston; San Antonio; and San Francisco. Internationally, she has designed in Dublin, Edinburgh, and helped create a two-day, one-audience member show in Portugal. She is currently researching and creating interactive virtual reality performance. Megan is a proud member of USA 829 and USITT. Find out more about Megan on Blue Sky: meganreilly.bsky.social or at www.meganreillydesign.com

Taylor Adams

Costume Designer

Taylor Adams was very young when they were cast as The Boy with Sled in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. When they put on their costume and played pretend for a couple hours, Taylor knew that they wanted to do it forever! Taylor graduated from Creighton University in 2020 with a BFA in Theater Performance and Direction. They have been a professional theater designer for eight years, but this will be their first professional costume design. Taylor's previous hair crew experience includes designer for HAIRSPRAY at Burke High School, as well as EUGENE ONEGIN, I CAPULETI E I MONTECCHI, THE ABDUCTION FROM SERAGILO, and SWEENY TODD at Opera Omaha. Scenic design credits include LIZZIE for Shelterbelt Theater; LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS for OPS All School Musical; 39 STEPS for Chanticleer; RIOT, REPEAT for KCACTF Region V Achievement in Design; BENT for SNAP!. Previous properties experience includes HEATHRES and RUTHLESS! for Creighton University, and THE STINKY CHEESE MAN for Rose Summer Camps. Find out more about Taylor at www.MakeArtWithTaylor.com.

Morgan Lynn Sterrett

Wardrobe Supervisor, Production Assistant

Morgan Lynn Sterrett was encouraged by her mother to get into theatre after a childhood of solo concerts in her basement. She is thrilled to return for her fourth show at The Coterie after previously appearing in NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, THE WHITE ROSE: WE DEFIED HITLER, and BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE! Morgan is particularly proud to represent all those kids who struggle with words on a page. This one is for my mom, who always believed in the power of reading. Other local A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; DISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAY THE MUSICAL at New Theatre & Restaurant; THE BREAKFAST CLUB and GODSPELL at Theatre Atchison PRO; CATS at Music Theatre Heritage; CONJURE THE NIGHT, SPECTRAL SISTERS, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAIN ADVENTURE, TINKER'S TOY FACTORY at Cedar Fair: Worlds of Fun. Regional credits include NEWSIES and THE TEMPEST at Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival; ALABAMA STORY and MAMMA MIA at Great Plains Theatre. Morgan received her BS in Theatre Performance from Kansas State University and MA in Theatre Education from Avila University. Find Morgan on Instagram @morganlynnster or online at www.morganlynnsterrett.com.

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.

Donors

The Coterie wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the many corporations, foundations, agencies, and individuals that so generously support The Coterie.

The following list celebrates gifts received January 1, 2024, and January 27, 2025.

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