THE LIGHTNING THIEF:
THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

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ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical was originally commissioned, created, and produced Off-Broadway by TheaterWorksUSA.

The video taping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Cell phones are to be put away during the performance.

+ Denotes Coterie resident artist

* Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

SPECIAL THANKS

Bethany Elliot, Laura Burkhart, Vi Tran, and Derek Trautwein for their time and talents in set building and painting.

Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: The Lightning Thief design by Trinity Washington.

Financial assistance for this project has been generously provided by Missouri Arts Council, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund,  The Shubert Foundation, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, and Theater League.

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. The Lightning Thief: The Musical 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, named "One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences" in the U.S. by TIME magazine, 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 writing programs (Young Playwrights' Roundtable), teen LGBTQ work (Project Pride), and preteen and teen mental health workshops (Project Daylight), which are offered to students and schools free of charge.

All these components serve an average over 75,000 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

Joe Bellinger
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Gabriela Lucas
Carla Noack
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Ali Saucier
Ashley Strohm
Andrew Van Der Laan

COTERIE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR • Jonathan Thomas
INTERIM PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR • Heidi Van
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR • David Golston
DIRECTOR OF THEATRE SCHOOL • Allison Nissley
BOX OFFICE MANAGER • Jason Coats
BOOKING COORDINATOR/BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATE • Stephanie Laaker
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT/MARKETING SPECIALIST • Tressa Lee
MARKETING ASSISTANT • Kennedy Claypoole
HOUSE MANAGERS & BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS • Dorian Allen, Ezra Martinez-Haskins, Pam West, Adisynn Foster, Tre Coppage, Lillian Manuel, Kelsey McGee
 

Meet the Company

Riley Given

Percy Jackson

Riley Given credits his mom as his biggest theatrical influence. When he was three years old, she put him in her production of THE CURIOUS SAVAGE at the local high school, and his love of theatre hasn't stopped since. Riley is an actor, singer, and musician based in Kansas City who recently graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a BFA in Theatre Performance. Riley makes his Coterie debut in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL. His previous works include Topher in CINDERELLA, Everybody in EVERYBODY, and Trent Oliver in THE PROM. When not on stage, Riley enjoys writing, playing guitar, filmmaking, and creating new work. In Percy Jackson, Riley is super excited to perform such a fun and unique character and hopes everyone tags along on this "killer quest"!

Rachel Curry

Annabeth

Rachel Curry found her love of theatre while watching a production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. She was so enamored with how visually beautiful the show was that when, at the end of the show, they flew several huge colorful pieces of fabric over the audience and then connected them to Joseph's dreamcoat on stage, she was completely hooked! Rachel is excited to be starting off the new year working with The Coterie for the first time. She recently graduated with her BFA from University of Central Missouri and spent last summer in Nebraska performing with the Crane River Theatre Company and serving as an education director for their theatre camps. One of her favorite roles that she's played was Beth March in LITTLE WOMEN because Beth found happiness in other people's joy, and while Rachel loves and has an immense passion for performing, she actually can't wait to begin the process of opening a non-profit fine arts studio in areas where students don’t have access to the arts in school. Rachel would like to thank everyone who continues to patron the arts as well as the cast, crew, and creatives for all their work on THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL. Find out more about Rachel at www.rachelecurry.com.

Ryan Dervin

Grover, et al.

Ryan Dervin started off dancing at a young age but in high school he had the opportunity to perform in the musical DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and he ended up having so much fun that he caught the theater bug (as some may call it), and he knew he wanted to keep performing as much as possible. Ryan makes his Coterie stage debut in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL after recently serving as choreographer for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. Elsewhere, Ryan has appeared in HOLLYWOOD LIVE: HOLIDAY EDITION, A CHRISTMAS STORY, and PIPPIN with Music Theatre Kansas City Pro, A COMMERCIAL JINGLE FOR REGINA COMET with The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL with Herkon Productions. A native of Leawood, KS, Ryan is a graduate of University of Arizona.

Terrace Wyatt, Jr.

Luke, et al.

Terrace Wyatt, Jr. discovered his likeness in the arts from watching TV in the comfort of his living room as a child; acting out films, Nickelodeon, 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 stage after previously appearing in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (Male Understudy), A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (Snoopy), and ALICE'S WONDERLAND (Male Understudy). Terrace received his B.A. in Theatre at William Jewell College in 2020 and has been working non-stop since. Other recent credits include THE GRAPES OF WRATH with The Arts Asylum, BOXED with Whim Productions, IS GOD IS with KC Melting Pot Theatre, DREAMGIRLS with New Theater and 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 recently made his professional debut as a playwright, producer, and director with Theatre Community Fund of Kansas City’s 2nd Annual Crescendo Awards Festival of his play BLACK MAN, MO [MISSOURI] at The Arts Asylum. 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 giving him the path to be Terrace Wyatt, Jr. Welcome to Camp Half-Blood!

Daphany Edwards *

Sally Jackson, et al.

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 last season as Ella in ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR and returning as Duckling and the Bus Engine in DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! Other recent credits include ANNIE at The 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.

Francisco Javier Villegas *

Mr. Brunner a.k.a. Chiron, et al.

Francisco Javier Villegas realized as a child that no matter what he would do in life, theatre and the arts would be involved. Francisco has appeared in numerous Coterie productions including DOCTOR DOLITTLE; MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE; TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY; A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD; SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!; THE WIZ; RED BADGE VARIATIONS; GEEK MYTHOLOGY: OLYMPIAGANZA; ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY-THE MUSICAL; LUCKY DUCK; U:BUG:ME; ONCE ON THIS ISLAND; A SEPARATE PEACE; and TWICE UPON A TIME: THE LORAX & THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES; as well as touring with The Coterie's Dramatic HIV/STDs Project to area schools. Other local credits include BARE: A POP OPERA at Unicorn Theatre, KISS ME KATE at Musical Theatre Heritage, and EATING RAOUL with Egads! Theatre. Francisco would like to encourage everyone to, “Go fast, take chances!”

Sergio Guerra

Percy/Grover/Luke/Chiron Understudy

Sergio Guerra had always loved music and different forms of storytelling, whether it be books and movies, but when he was introduced to theatre and musicals on school field trips to The Coterie, it made him fall in love with theatre. Now, performing in THE LIGHTNING THIEF, which combines his love of The Coterie and his love of the Percy Jackson book series, is like his inner child morphing into a superhuman and he loves it! Sergio is an actor, singer, and musician based in Kansas City. His recent credits include appearing as Alex in FRIDA LIBRE with Blue Curtain Project's educational tour, as Robert in PLAYING ON THE PERIPHERY with Whim Productions, and as Billy Cane in BRIGHT STAR with Summit Theatre Group.

Jessica Michael

Annabeth Understudy

Jessica Micheal credits her love of theatre to her high school theatre teacher, Mrs. Browning, and sends thanks to her for all the creativity she instilled in her! Jessica has spent her time in Kansas City as a professional theatre artist working both on and off stage. Jessica loves The Coterie and is so, so, so excited to be back as an understudy for THE LIGHTNING THIEF after previously serving as stitcher on RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL and DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! and as stage crew swing on DOCTOR DOLITTLE. Other recent professional credits include acting in DARK FORREST with Quixotic Entertainment, 13 GOING ON 30 with Brother Octopus Productions, and in a music video for American Idol contestant Cassie Joy. She also served as wig runner on A CHRISTMAS CAROL and a quick change artist on CYRANO with Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Jessica loves spending time with her dogs and husband and wants to thank everyone for supporting The Coterie and invites you to the rest of their 2023/2024 season!

Jenise Cook

Director

Jenise Cook started dancing at a very young age and in her senior year of high school, she joined the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Jenise is a storyteller, movement artist, and intimacy director from Detroit, MI. She holds an MFA in Acting and Directing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a BFA in Theatre Performance from Michigan State University. Jenise returns to The Coterie after previously serving as Choreographer and performing as the Yellow Dragon in DRAGONS LOVE TACOS. She has spent time choreographing movement, choreographing intimacy, and directing in Missouri (Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Kansas, Fishtank Theatre, Kansas City Actors Theatre, Starlight Theatre, University of Central Missouri), Georgia (Aurora Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, Georgia Gwinnett College), South Carolina (Glow Lyric Theatre), and Ohio (Cleveland Playhouse - New Ground Festival). You may also see Jenise on the stage as she is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association. She is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre-Performance at the University of Central Missouri. Find more about Jenise at www.jenisec.com

Anthony T. Edwards +

Resident Music Director

Anthony T. Edwards was a young accomplished pianist who had won many national awards, when a local theatre company in Bells, TN, needed a pianist and conductor for ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. “I said ‘yes’ and conducted and played my first show when I was 14 years old.” Anthony returns to The Coterie after serving as music director for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!", BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM - THE MUSICAL, GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE, MADAGASCAR- A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, THE WIZ, LYLE THE CROCODILE, SHREK THE MUSICAL, SPRING AWAKENING, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, and LUCK DUCK. Nationally, Anthony has been the music director for theaters across the country including the Denver Center for the Performing Arts where he performed for four years in ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE. Currently, Anthony is the resident music director for The Coterie, Unicorn Theatre, Starlight Theatre, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, and Eventology. He is an adjunct faculty member at UMKC and is proud to be an endorsed Kurzweil artist. He holds a BA of Music degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, and graduate studies in piano performance from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Anthony proudly serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City.

Marc Wayne

Fight & Movement Choreographer

Marc Wayne started dancing at 15 years old when his high school theatre department needed dancers for the winter musical, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Now a 40-year professional, Marc’s work has been featured on The Coterie’s stage in numerous productions (sometimes as choreographer and others as technical director), including DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, SHREK THE MUSICAL, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016 and 2018). Marc's other recent productions include directing and choreographing STEVIE: SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED as well as choreographing CHICAGO, HAIRSPRAY, BIG FISH, and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: THE MUSICAL. He has also appeared in NINA: FOUR WOMEN, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and THE RIPPLE. THE WAVE THAT CARRIED ME HOME! with Kansas City Repertory Theatre; AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, RAGTIME, OKLAHOMA!, HAIR, and CAROUSEL with Music Theater Heritage; UNDERGROUND with Störling Dance Theater; and ON CYPRUS AVENUE with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company.

Mackenzie Goodwin *

Production Stage Manager

Mackenzie Goodwin met the theatre through her parents, and she became an avid theatre goer. Her mom is a theatre actor and director, and her dad was an acrobat and a lightning & sound technician. Mackenzie returns to The Coterie after having worked on numerous recent productions, including serving as production stage manager for ELECTRIC POE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and as a production assistant and an actor in THE CAT IN THE HAT. Other recent credits include being associate director on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (2022, 2023); swing manager on DREAMGIRLS and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for New Theatre & Restaurant; production stage manager on THE PRICE and DOT for Kansas City Actors Theatre, SHOWS FOR DAYS for FishTank Theatre, and TITUS ANDRONICUS and MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE for The Living Room Theatre; and safety coordinator at Kansas City Actors Theatre. Mackenzie is the co-producing artistic director for Brother Octopus Productions at BlackBox (formerly Stuffed Buffalo Productions), an intimacy director, a voice over actor, and a member of Actor's Equity Association. For more about Mackenzie visit www.goodwincalling.com.

Mark A. Exline

Set Designer

Mark A. Exline knew he always loved to draw, but when he found that a career in theatre allowed him to draw, paint, build things, and work with a lot of other artists, he jumped at the opportunity! Mark returns to The Coterie where he previously served as properties designer on RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL, as well as scenic designer on DOCTOR DOLITTLE and HANA’S SUITCASE. Other stage credits include serving as production designer of EVERY BRILLIANT THING for Arkansas Repertory Theatre, scenic designer of TITANIC THE MUSICAL and COMPANY for Music Theater Heritage, and COLLECTIVE RAGE for Fishtank Theatre. Mark’s work has also been seen in multiple recent art installations including Party Arty at The Nelson-Atkins Museum, BARE Evolution at The Joslyn Museum, and Terra Luna for Quixotic. Mark holds degrees in Theatre Design and Technology from Florida School of the Arts (AS), Greensboro College (BA), and The University of Missouri - Kansas City (MFA).

David Kiehl +

Resident Sound Designer

David Kiehl thanks his family for piquing his interest in theatre by being raised to value the arts in all forms and for supporting him. David has designed over 130 Coterie productions during the past 25 years including, most recently, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, PUFFS, RISE UP: THE STRUGGLE OF THE FREEDOM RIDERS, BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, and BECOMING MARTIN. Other local productions include THE GRAVE, MILKING CHRISTMAS, and NOCTURNE at The Living Room Theatre, CLYDE'S, THE SOUND INSIDE, and TONI STONE at Unicorn Theatre, and SMART PEOPLE, ‘NIGHT MOTHER, and A DOLL'S HOUSE at Kansas City Actors Theatre.

Jarrett Bertoncin +

Resident Lighting Designer

Jarrett Bertoncin worked backstage on his high school’s theatre productions, where his passion for designing sets and lights began. His most recent shows at The Coterie include RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2016, 2018 and 2023), DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, ELECTRIC POE, PUFFS, RISE UP: THE STRUGGLE OF THE FREEDOM RIDERS, BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, BECOMING MARTIN, GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM - THE MUSICAL, JACK AND THE BEAN MÁGICO!, TUCK EVERLASTING, and THE NINE WHO DARED: COURAGE IN LITTLE ROCK, as well as LUCKY DUCK, which performed Off-Broadway at The New Victory Theater (NYC). Other recent credits include serving as lighting designer on The Coterie’s co-production of Disney’s NEWSIES at White Theatre at The J, TE ATA for the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of the American Indian, and as scenic designer for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY for Oklahoma City University’s School of Theatre. To see more of Jarrett's designs visit www.jsbdesigns.org.

Arwen J. White

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 DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL! last season, as well as co-costume designer on PETE THE CAT. She has designed theatrically throughout Kansas City, including productions of FLOOD at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, MARY'S SEACOLE at Unicorn Theatre, and R & H UNPLUGGED at Music Theater Heritage. Arwen is the founder of Juste Jaquet Designs, a creative studio for costume design and fine art. She 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. Arwen received her degree in Theater Design and Construction from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Now a teaching artist throughout Kansas City, Arwen loves the opportunity to help young artists grow and explore through theatre and design. For more designs visit www.arwenjwhite.com.

Eric Palmquist

Properties/Set Dressing

Eric Palmquist participated in a production of PETER PAN after being signed up by his parents, and has been trying to relearn how to fly ever since. He made his mainstage debut at The Coterie in HANA'S SUITCASE and recently performed in AKEELAH AND THE BEE. He has also worked on our productions as a properties designer for DOCTOR DOLITTLE, DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and PUFFS. His recent performance credits include SPIDER'S WEB with Kansas City Actors Theatre, VIPER with Terra Femina Collective, and NOMAD HOTEL with Unicorn Theatre. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Theatre Performance and is currently the resident props designer at Unicorn Theatre, Spinning Tree Theatre, and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Meg McSweeney

Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Manager

Meg McSweeney first got involved in live performance during her elementary school talent show, in which she wrote and directed her friends in a "Weekend Update" segment about school lunches called "Westwood View Night Live." Meg returns to The Coterie after previously serving as assistant stage manager on JUSTICE AT WAR and DRAGONS LOVE TACOS. She also previously worked as production assistant on Kansas City Actors Theatre's DRACULA as well as assistant stage manager on UMKC Conservatory's STORYTELLING PROJECT, THE TEMPEST, BLOOD WEDDING, and CHERUBIN. Her other stage management credits include ROMEO AND JULIET and PHÉDRE for University Theatre Association and [title of show] for UMKC Conservatory. Meg received her BA from UMKC Conservatory.

Dorian Allen

Stage Carpenter

Dorian Allen made his way into theatre completely by accident. He was loosely involved in high school and never would have guessed that it would be such a serious endeavor. If you love it, do it! Dorian is thrilled to be involved with a show as bodacious and grand as this one! He prides himself on being a Monkey Wrench for the local theatre community, especially at The Black Box and right here at The Coterie. Recent credits include Stage Manager for ELF - THE MUSICAL for Padgett Productions, Assistant Stage Manager for NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 for Fishtank Theatre, and Deck Manager for ELECTRIC POE for The Coterie. When he isn't on a ladder or covered in paint you can find him playing his guitar or hiking with his dog, Bear. Dorian would like to thank The Coterie, Heidi Van, his family, and his partner, Andi, for their unwavering love and support. Enjoy the show!

Amanda Burkhart

Scenic Paint Charge

Oliver Pemberton

Scenic Painter

Oliver Pemberton got started in theatre by acting out skits with his sister when they were kids. Oliver is a lighting designer and theatrical artist from Kansas City who marks THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL as his first show at The Coterie. Previously, Oliver was an employee at Portland Center Stage in Portland, OR. He has worked as lighting designer on Fuse Theatre Ensemble's DOWNWARD FACING, as well as an electrician on RENT and GEM OF THE OCEAN. As a board operator, his credits include MS. HOLMES AND MS. WATSON: APARTMENT 2B and THE RIPPLE, THE WAVE THAT CARRIED ME HOME. Oliver has a Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University.

Katherine Ryanstrati

Costume Design Intern

Katherine Ryanstrati fell in love with theatre by listening to Broadway cast albums and watching recordings of stage musicals. In fact, Katherine has loved THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL for years so she has every version of it memorized. Now, she's excited to work on her first Coterie production by helping make the costumes. Previously, Katherine helped with costumes on THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at Olathe West High School, RENT at Olathe Civic Theatre Association, SOMETHING ROTTEN at Shawnee Mission Theater in the Park, and she has made dozens of individual costumes for herself and others. Off stage, Katherine likes to sew, crochet, and read, including all 30+ books in the Percy Jackson series.

Heidi Van

Interim Producing Artistic Director

Heidi Van is a creator, director, and producer of contemporary experimental live theatre. “A stalwart of the alternative theatre scene” (THE PITCH), Heidi challenges the way theatre meets its audience; installing performances anywhere but where expected. She has worked at The Coterie as an actor, educator, and director and joined The Coterie as Interim Producing Artistic Director last season for DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!. Earlier this season, she directing RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. Heidi is the founder and Artistic Director of Fishtank Theatre, a generator of new theatrical work, activism, and entrepreneurship. She is also the founder of The Black Box, an ever-evolving stage that acts as a spotlight in the world of theatre, shining a light on bold and provocative performances. Directing credits include MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS, THE CAT IN THE HAT, PETE THE CAT at The Coterie, DANCE NATION, THE WOLVES and PROJECT DAWN at Unicorn Theatre; SHOWS FOR DAYS, BELFAST GIRLS, DRY LAND, DEATH BY SHAKESPEARE, MOTHERFREAKINGHOOD! THE MUSICAL! at Fishtank Theatre; and MY FAIR LADY at Music Theater Heritage. Heidi is a graduate of Dell ‘Arte International School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake, CA. She is the recipient of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Fellowship, The Pitch Mastermind Award, and a proud recipient of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation SEED Grant. She is a graduate of Artist, Inc. and the Escholars program from The Bloch School of Entrepreneruship and Innovation.

Jonathan Thomas

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 interim 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, government agencies, and individuals that so generously support The Coterie.

The following list celebrates gifts received January 1, 2023 - January 26, 2024.

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