Follow Us:

A Note From the Artistic Director

COVID, A Christmas Carol turns 40, and the Players Guild marches on!

We've all heard it, and have probably said it, "What a year!"  Back in April of 2020, we had just opened the very popular SISTER ACT on the MainStage, when like the rest of the world, Covid-19 forced us to close the show and the theatre.  We never imagined we would stay closed for as long as we did, but then none of us had ever dealt with something like this before.  But here we are, almost 2 years later, back on the stage with an all new production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  A show which has become synonymous with our name.  And did I mention this year marks the 40th anniversary of the beloved holiday classic!  I will be honest, putting this new production on the stage has been one of the most difficult challenges we have faced.  Supply shortages, skilled labor shortages, rehearsals and Covid protocols, it has stretched us in ways we didn't know were possible. And yet here we are back in the theater and excited to be doing what we love, telling stories and sharing experiences.  Despite the many challenges, the true heroes of this adventure, have been the cast, crew and production team, who overcame the adversities of this moment and dedicated themselves to telling this hopeful story of redemption.  And isn't that what we could all use right now, hope and redemption.  Art has always had the power to transcend our most difficult moments in time, and while theatre can only sweep us away for a brief moment, we hope that during the next couple of hours, you are swept away by our story, one which was lovingly adapted by Beth Knox, with a beautiful score composed by Steve Parsons.  We're grateful to be back and more grateful still that you are back with us.  

May God Bless Us, Everyone!

Yours, Josh

Creative Team

Production Team & Front of House

COSTUME TEAM

Assistant Costume Designer:

Kelley Shephard

Costume Technicians:

Serenity Tate

Keely Rutledge

Kathryn Connair

Tyra Mucci Grisak

SET CONSTRUCTION

Andrew Hayes

Robert Hayes

Eric Myers

Ben Myers

Alex Myers

Bill Hazlitt

Tyler Shepherd

Bryon Daugherty

Scenic Paint Charge:

Laura Prengaman

BACKSTAGE CREW

Fly Chief/Assistant Stage Manager:

Anthony Antoniades

Deck Crew:

Mikal Ford

Fran Nichols

Ryan Lucas

Sara Shanley

Susan Mullikin

Vince Popa

FRONT OF HOUSE

Ushers:

Tina Combs

Jonathan Webber

Hannah Roberts

Mary Ann White

Nancy Shanklin

Margaret Bischoff

Sandy Feielin

Judy Whitman

Tricia Dever

Stacy DeChellis

Bailey Senff

Shayna Akers

Jennifer Akers

Mary Rogers

Diana Collum

Susan Mullikin

Jo Roten

Karen Wilson

Christine Affolter

Chris Rood

Ann Dixon

Sandy Rosetta

Sam Dorto

Jill Williams

Rene Perez

Myzomia Vales

Laura Rogers

Deb Sewell

Heidi Swinford

Brianna Swinford

Hannah Jolly

Meet the Company

RION ASHLEY REMBERT

Child Singer/Want

is excited to be joining the Players Guild Theatre, 40th Anniversary of A Christmas Carol. She was last seen at Avenue Arts Canton:  High School Musical, Jr. (Drum Major/Cheerleader).

ANDREW HORNING

Tiny Tim/Child Ebenezer

is a third grader at Alliance Elementary School and is excited to finally appear in A Christmas Carol at the Players Guild after many years of sitting in the audience watching his father and sisters in the musical version.  He has appeared on stage at Alliance High School, Salem Community Theater, and Carnation City Players in Alliance.  Andrew attends Canton Baptist Temple with his parents Matthew and Candice, and older sisters Rylee, Avery, and Corie. Andrew enjoys math, soccer, Star Wars, and playing with his dog, Finn.

SAM MARAZITA

Fred/Ebenezer

is ecstatic to dive back into the world of acting, and has been fortunate enough to find no shortage of new projects and welcoming theatrical communities. He is ever grateful to be in his first Players Guild production, and is thankful for the safe and accommodating environment everyone has helped create. His favorite previous shows include Reasons to be Happy (Greg), The Shawshank Redemption (Tommy), and Three Tall Women (The Boy).

ANNA MARMADUKE

Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Cratchit

is overjoyed to be making her return to live theatre with this magical show! She recently graduated from Kent State University with her BFA in Musical Theatre. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, doing puzzles, eating tacos, and spending time with her nephew. Her recent credits include Miscast: A Mixed Up MusicASL (Singer), A New Home (Singer), and Dance 20/20: Virtual/ Vision (Dancer), all from KSU. Christmas Carol was the last show she performed in before Covid-19, so it is only fitting that it is what she gets to return with. Have a merry Christmas, a happy new year, and most of all, enjoy the show!

SHEPHERD MITCHELL

Walter Dickens / Young Ebenezer

is so excited to make his debut at the Players Guild Theatre!  He was previously the Cowardly Lion in the St. Paul School's Little Troupe production of The Wizard of Oz.  In his spare time he enjoys singing, reading, drawing, playing tennis and video games. Shepherd would like to wish his friends and family a very Merry Christmas!

ANNA MOEGLIN

Ensemble

is so excited to be making her debut with the Players Guild in a Christmas Carol! She has always had a love for theater and for this show, having seen it almost yearly for the past decade. Anna’s previous roles at St. Thomas Aquinas includes Rizzo (Grease) and Deb (Napoleon Dynamite). She  recently earned her BBA in Marketing from Kent State University and currently works in marketing and job recruitment for the City of Canton. Anna wants to thank her family for all their support and a special shout-out to her grandparents for inspiring her love of this show. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

DELIA PALOMBA

Ensemble

is excited to take the stage for her third performance at the Players Guild. After an awe-inspiring experience in Joseph and the Amazing Dreamcoat, Delia caught the “theatre bug” . Previous stage experience includes;  Peter Pan, High School Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and A Christmas Carol.  Delia is a dedicated soloist and has performed at various ArtsinStark events, EnRICHment and most recently the Stark County Fair. When not on stage, Delia enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and Great Dane, Leo.

ATHENA PAXOS

(Katie Dickens/Fan

is thrilled to be performing in the 40th Anniversary of A Christmas Carol. Athena is 10 years old and in the 5th grade at St. Michael School.  Athena has recently played Sharpay in Avenue Art's High School Musical Jr., Bless The Lord Soloist in Avenue Art's Godspell Jr., and Tamatoa / Sina in North Canton Playhouse’s Moana Jr.  In previous years, Athena has performed in Annie Jr. (Molly, Holy Cross Academy), Lion King Jr. (Young Nala, Holy Cross Academy), and Frozen Jr. (Sven, NCP).  Athena would like to thank the production team and cast for this amazing experience.

STELLA PAXOS

Belinda Cratchit/Ignorance/Turkey Person

is delighted to be performing in the 40th Anniversary of A Christmas Carol.  Stella is 9 years old and in the 4th grade at St. Michael School.  Stella has previously starred in North Canton Playhouse’s Moana Jr. (Hei Hei and Left Claw), Avenue Art’s Godspell Jr. (King Narrator 2), NCP’s Frozen Jr. (Snow Chorus), and Holy Cross Academy’s Annie Jr. (Sandy).   Stella would like to thank the production staff for this wonderful opportunity to work with this amazing cast.

MATTHEW HEPPE

Bob Cratchit/William Hall

This is Matthew's eighth season in A Christmas Carol with the Players Guild Theatre and this year he is especially excited to step onstage for the first time as Bob Cratchit. Most recently, he was seen in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Demetrius) with Shakespeare at the Castle in Alliance. Favorite previous credits at PGT include A Christmas Carol (Fred/Ebenezer [2013-2019]), Cabaret (Cliff), and Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour). He would like to dedicate this performance to his late theatre professor from Capital University, Dr. Bill Kennedy, who encouraged him to take chances, make choices, and “go deeper” to find a character.

AMY ROZKO

Mrs.Cooper/Ensemble

is thrilled to be back on stage after a long absence. Favorite roles include Carmel (IN) Community Players’ Bye, Bye Birdie (Rose Alvarez) and R & H’s Cinderella (Stepmother). This is her first production on the Players Guild Stage and she’s so pleased to be sharing the stage with her daughter, Junia. When she’s off-stage her other favorite roles are Pastor and Mom. Thanks to our friends from First Church of the Resurrection and Historic Ridgewood for their support. Big thanks to my husband JR and my other children Aubrey and Aidan for making this possible!

JUNIA ROZKO

Constance Cratchit/Ensemble

is excited to be making her stage debut! She’s a second grader at Canton City Schools Arts Academy at Summit and just turned 8 years old. She enjoyed sharing the stage with her mom but is looking forward to more time with her dad, sister and brother again soon. She loves singing, presents, reading graphic novels and anything purple! Enjoy the show and Merry Christmas!

DANIELLE SCHUSTER

Ensemble/Fezziwig Sister

is so incredibly proud and grateful to be a member of the ensemble cast in this year’s Players Guild Theatre production of A Christmas Carol!  Regional: Enrichment: Anne and Emmett (Anne),  NDPAA: Seussical Jr. (Gertrude McFuzz), NDPAA: Matilda(Tommy), Music Single released 2020 “Get Through This Together” as Danni Elise on all streaming platforms,  Canton Idol Winner 2019.   Sending out Love and Happy Holiday wishes to all of my family, friends, and the wonderful cast, crew and production team of A Christmas Carol! Facebook: @DanniEliseOfficial   Instagram: Danni_Elise

DAVID SPONHOUR

Jacob Marley/Old Joe

is happy to be celebrating his 40th anniversary as an actor along with A Christmas Carol. This is also his return to the PG’s boards since playing Mitch in A Streetcar Named Desire in 2010. He has studied theatre at Carnegie Mellon University, Ohio State and Kent State/Stark. He was with the local professional improv group, Scared Scriptless, from its inception. He would like to dedicate his performance to all the former Christmas Carol family members who are no longer with us.

LINDA TEIS

Mrs. Dilber/Mrs Darby

My second family is on stage & with any cast, tech crew and directors I am blessed to work with. Retired and so ecstatic to be performing in this new adaptation for your Christmas season. Merry Christmas to All!

ROBERT TRUSHEL

Counting Man 2/Caroline's Husband

is so happy to be a part of Players Guild's 40th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol! Previous acting roles include: Kent State at Stark: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barfee). Kent State at Stark: The Nerd (Warnock Walgrave). Kent State at Stark: Of Mice and Men (Lenny). And a podcast, available now, by Roving Rogue Productions: Simply to Die For (Mayor Eddie Bull). Robert is excited for everyone to see all the hard work put into the show. Special thanks to the family and friends that supported him auditioning!

AUSTIN VANDEGRIFT

Businessperson 1/Ensemble

cannot express how excited he is to be back in the theater, and have it be a theater as prestigious as the Canton Players Guild! Austin has worked on stage and behind the scenes for 7 years, but this is his first production at the CPG. He has previously been seen in roles such as Jud Fry in Oklahoma! and Mr. Green in Clue. He wants to thank everyone at the Kent State Stark Writing Center, his girlfriend Lucy, and his fellow cast and crew members for their love and support through this holiday season!

MADISON WITTE

Ensemble

is very grateful for the opportunity to finally be on stage as an actor of this Christmas classic! Past credits include Cinderella’s Stepmother (North Canton Playhouse, Into the Woods) Miss Honey (Theatre 8:15, Matilda), and she worked backstage here at PGT for Hunchback of Notre Dame! She would like to say a special thank you to her Grandmother for introducing her to theatre at a young age, and to her best friends (you know who you are) for always being there and lending a hand, and encouraging her to keep going.

DRAKE HARBERT

Ghost of Christmas Future/Topper/Dick Wilkins

is elated to be a part of the cast this year. Players Guild Theatre: Sister Act (Pablo) was the last production I was in and being able to be a part of this show has been fulfilling! I graduated from Northwest high school and Universal Technical Institute: Marine Mechanics Institute. I work full-time at Boat Masters Marine and I thank them, my family, my friends, my girlfriend, and her family for all of their support.

KAMRYN AFFOLTER

Mary Dickens/Martha Cratchit

is thrilled to be returning to the Players Guild stage where she discovered her love of theatre at only three years old. Previously she could be seen in shows all around Ohio; some of her favorites include James and the Giant Peach (James), Shrek (Young Fiona), Akron All City Cabaret (Soloist) and many more. When not on stage, Kamryn enjoys doing film work, drawing, and dancing. She would like to thank Josh Erichsen and the whole production team for such a wonderful opportunity and amazing experience, as well as her friends and family for their never ending support.

KATHLEEN BACHTEL

Mrs. Fezziwig/Ensemble

is thrilled to be making her debut with The Players Guild! Roving Rogue Productions: Simply to Die For (Narrator), The Mousetrap (Mollie Ralston). The Luminescent Moon Theater: The Odd Couple (Cecily Pigeon). MassMu Players: Shadow of the Son (Artemis), Our Town (Mrs. Gibbs).  Youngstown State University: Cosi fan tutte (Fiordiligi), Die Fledermaus (Rosalinda), Opera Western Reserve: L’elisir d’amor (Gianetta), Don Giovanni (Donna Elvira, young artist’s stage). Graduate of Westminster College with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Thank you to the PG team for this wonderful opportunity and a Merry Christmas to one and all!

TAYLOR BOND

Sarah/Ensemble

is excited to return to the Players Guild stage! Previous credits include Sophie in MAMMA MIA (Carnation City Players, Weathervane Playhouse), Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE (Canton Players Guild Theatre), and Squeaky Fromme in ASSASSINS (Canton Players Guild Theatre). Taylor is a drama teacher in Stark County and you can see many of her students onstage in this year's production of A Christmas Carol. She is so very proud of them and has enjoyed watching them light up the stage the last few months. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband Cole and their two Rottweilers Carl and Louie.

MORGAN BROWN

Belle/Emma

is thrilled to bring a new version of this timeless classic to the Players Guild stage! A Christmas Carol was Morgan's first-ever theatrical experience in 2005, and 16 years later she is still loving every minute. Morgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching. She is the Props Master and Director of Education at the Players Guild. Past credits include Matilda (Stage Manager, Carnation City Players), Of Mice and Men (Director, Kent State University at Stark), and Rock of Ages (Regina, Players Guild Theatre).

TODD COOPER

Ghost of Christmas Present/Mr. Fezziwig/Edward Chapman

is thrilled to once again be a part of this incredibly heartwarming tradition. Todd’s most recent credits include: Sixth Street Theatre: Alan (God of Carnage); Lakeland Theatre: Steven (If/Then); Players Guild: Joey (Sister Act), Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Pharaoh/Mr.Potiphar), Rock of Ages (Dennis Dupree), Titanic (J. Bruce Ismay), Jesus Christ Superstar (Priest 2, Roman Soldier). Todd is a longtime supporter of the theatre, and a firm believer in its transformative power. He would like to thank his family and friends whose support and love make it all worthwhile.

KATIE DEVER

Ensemble

is thrilled to once again be part of this magical show at the Players Guild.  Katie was recently in Descendants the Musical (Jane) and Moana (Moana) at the North Canton Playhouse. Some of Katie’s favorite roles have been Les Misérables (Little Cosette) and Annie (Annie). Katie is in eighth grade at St. Paul in North Canton. She is thrilled that theatres everywhere are opening – support the arts!  Katie wishes her friends and family and her theatre family a wonderful Christmas season!

ERIC DUBINSKY

Counting Man 1/Undertaker’s Man/Ensemble

Appearing with his wife Ruth in their first performance of ACC at PGT, Eric is excited and looks forward to sharing this classic story with the audience. Eric's past credits include Aslan (The Lion...Wardrobe, PGT), Mr. Kraler (The Diary of Anne Frank, PGT), King Arthur (Spamlot, Firehouse Theatre) and Lord Dumaine (Shakespeare's Loves Labors Lost, Canal Fulton Players). Eric is very thankful for the support of his loving wife and children, and his hope "at this festive season of the year", is that our hearts are full with the Christmas Spirit. May everyone have a very blessed holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!

RUTH DUBINSKY

Charwoman/Ensemble

After spending the past 7 years directing, Ruth Dubinsky has returned to the other side of live theater as the Charwoman. She last appeared as Mrs. Van Daam in The Diary of Anne Frank. She and her husband Eric have always wanted to be in the Players Guild A Christmas Carol together, and this year that dream came true!  Many thanks to all those who support live theater in Canton, and to all my friends and family who come to the show!

JUSTIN EDENHOFER

Charles Dickens

is pleased as punch to be returning to The Players Guild stage to participate in his 3rd iteration of this institution A Christmas Carol. (2010-11 Fred/Young Ebenezer). Justin was last seen on The Guild’s stage as Bert in Mary Poppins. While Justin has had the great fortune to bring life to many characters upon a multitude of stages, he is perhaps most notably recognized for his exceptional work as That Guy in That Show I Saw Once. “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another” – The Inimitable Boz

HALEY EVANS

Rachel/Businessperson 2/Ensemble

is so happy to be back on stage. Her first production was A Christmas Carol at the Players Guild Theatre in 2007 and is so excited to be making it her fifth time being a part of the holiday tradition. Haley would like to thank her parents, Angela Ferrell, Jerry Evans, and Matthew Ferrell, for supporting her always and even more so over the past two years. She thanks her Aunt Ashley Berg for introducing her to theatre and Aunt Heather Gribben for reminding her of it.

GABRIEL FACTORA

Ensemble

is so excited for his first show with The Players Guild Theatre. Gabriel is in 4th grade at St. Paul North Canton. Gabriel just wrapped his portrayal of The Wizard for the school's Little Theatre Troupe production of The Wizard of Oz. He was also part of the Ensemble for the school's play, Alice in Wonderland. Gabriel LOVES everything Christmas and wants to thank the directors for the opportunity to be part of this amazing show. The acting bug has bit him and he's happy to share the stage with his cousin Sammy. The Dynamic Duo wishes you all a Merry Christmas!

SAM FACTORA

Ensemble

loves to be on the stage and is very excited to be a part of The Christmas Carol at the Players Guild.  Sammy was just recently seen on the stage of St. Paul School in the Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow).  Sammy has also been in St. Paul’s Little Troupe’s production of Alice in Wonderland (Ensemble).  Sammy is in the third grade at St. Paul School.  Sammy would like to thank the Players Guild for this amazing opportunity and his parents and siblings for supporting him!

NICOLE GRAHAM

Caroline/Ensemble

is so excited to be back on stage after 2 years! She has been in many shows, including Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Narrator), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), Footloose (Rusty), A Christmas Carol 2017-19 (Ensemble), and many more. She has also been behind the scenes in many shows as a stage manager and music director! She is so thankful that Josh is giving her this opportunity. She wants to thank her family and friends for believing in her. Most importantly, she wants to thank God for blessing her with this talent. Ephesians 5:20

ADEN GRAVES

Charlie Dickens/Peter Cratchit

feels very fortunate to be returning to the Players Guild Theatre in this classic Christmas story! He first appeared at the Players Guild in 2015 where he played the Turkey Boy! Other previous stage credits include: MARY POPPINS (Bert), CLUE (Wadsworth), HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (Bud Frump), THE MUSIC MAN (Winthrop Paroo), and FAME, JR. (Schlomo Metzenbaum), all performed at Lake High School. Aden has also performed at the Akron Civic Theatre, North Canton Playhouse, and Avenue Arts Theatre.

JAMES GRAYSMITH

Ebenezer Scrooge

brings a wealth of experience in theater to his role of Mr. Scrooge. His previous incarnations in this wonderful holiday story were as Fred, Jacob Marley and Old Joe. Recently, Jim has been seen at the Players’ Guild in Titanic (Capt. Smith), Newsies (Joseph Pulitzer) and Hunchback of Notre Dame (Claude Frollo), as well as many past productions. My love and gratitude to my supportive (and talented) family and my wish that we all embrace our “reclaimed Scrooge” as we face the challenges presented to us this Christmas and every day. May God bless us…everyone!

Joshua Erichsen

Producing Artistic Director

This season marks Josh's 14th as Producing Artistic Director and in total his 23rd season with this world-class organization!  During his tenure, he has had the privilege of producing, directing and designing countless productions.  Credits include, Players Guild: Titanic, Next To Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis, Ragtime, Hunchback…, Assassins, Cabaret, Les Miserables, A Christmas Carol (’04-present), The Full Monty, A Few Good Men, 1776 and Jekyll & Hyde.  Ohio Shakespeare Festival: Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest.  Other credits include: Romeo and Juliet (Magical Theatre Co), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Natl. Tour), and served as producer for An Evening with George Takei, starring Mr. Takei.  Additionally, Josh is a co-founder of and Executive Producer for, Red Fig Productions, a live event production company.  Josh is a graduate of Kent State University, and is a recipient of the Spotlight Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre. Love to my beautiful wife and daughters for their unconditional love and never-ending support!

Beth Knox

Managing Director

Beth is in her ninth season at the Players Guild Theatre.  She earned her degree in Business Management and Marketing from the Ohio State University.  Beth spent the majority of her career in management in the cosmetic and fashion industry in the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and NYC markets for brands including Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Yves St. Laurent, Paloma Picasso, and Giorgio Armani.  Her background also includes grant writing, event planning, and fundraising. Beth is a co-founder, Executive Producer, and playwright for Red Fig Productions.

Frankie Castrovillari

Lighting Designer

Returning for another season at the Players Guild Theatre, Frankie is ecstatic to be working with this truly fantastic team. Frankie is a graduate of Kent State University’s School of Theatre and Dance where he earned his degree in Production, focusing in Lighting and Scenic Design. Frankie has designed at various theaters in the Cleveland area and even spent some time in Lexington, Kentucky designing the set and lights for Transylvania University’s production of Stupid F---ing Bird. Other recent design credits include, The Brecksville Theatre: Newsies, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Sister Act. Magical Theatre Company: Harriet Tubman: An American Moses and Harriet the Spy. Padua Franciscan High School: the Ohio Premiere of Chaplin, White Christmas and Big Fish. He also had the privilege of designing the World Premiere of the opera The Story of an Hour at Kent State University post grad, and while he was still a student there the World Premieres of NOW and Blood & Water. When not in the theater, Frankie can be found hanging out with friends, paying for a gym membership that he never uses and tasting all of the food that his food blogger mother creates.

Steve Parsons

Resident Musical Director

Steve is the Resident Musical Director at the Players Guild of Canton, having served in the same capacity at Carousel Dinner Theatre from 2004-2009, where his work received the 2006 Cleveland area Times Newspapers “Outstanding Musical Direction” award. Other credits include The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, The Ohio Shakespeare Company, Carnation City Players, and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Additionally, he provided new arrangements for Dean Pitchford’s official revised version of FOOTLOOSE, created new versions of the NUNSENSE scores for creator Dan Goggin, wrote original music and fight song arrangements for the hit video game COLLEGE SLAM, and performed in the “Tickestra” for the FOX animated television series THE TICK. Steve was also the arranger for the Grateful Dead musical CUMBERLAND BLUES, which was presented at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and orchestrated the regional musical IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. An active composer, Steve has a Master’s degree in composition and numerous published symphonic pieces and choral works. His original musical version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is published by Steele Spring Stage Rights, and has received an NYC Off-Off Broadway production, a fully staged production in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, numerous regional theatre performances across the United States, and is presented annually at The Players Guild. Steve arranged and orchestrated the hit LA musical LIFE COULD BE A DREAM and is a consultant and contributor to Defying Gravity, the biography of legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz. He presently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kent State University – Stark Campus in the areas of Musicology, Piano, Ensemble Direction and Conducting, and is a proud member of ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild of America.

Suwatana (Pla) Rockland

Costume Designer

is delighted and thrilled to be back at Players Guild Theatre. She is currently resident Costume Designer, Educator and Costume Shop Supervisor at The College of Wooster. Suwatana is originally from Thailand, where she was a professional dancer, actress, director, choreographer, and designer. She worked on industrials, commercials, television shows and stage productions in Thailand and the US before moving to Ohio.  Suwatana received her MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Kent State University in 2019. In addition to her full-time employment, she finds time to freelance as a costume designer and guest lecturer for universities and theatres in the US and Thailand. Her credits included Emilie La Marquise Du Chatelet, (2019 costume design winner of the Regional Awards for Broadway World), The Member of the Wedding (Beck Center of The Arts), All Shook Up (Kent State), The Nerd (Kent State - Stark Campus),  Shrek The Musical, Sister Act, Joseph The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Rock of Ages for The Players Guild Theatre and BKLYN at Porthouse Theatre.

Breanna Morton

Production Manager/Stage Manager

Breanna Morton is starting her third season at the Players Guild and is excited to take on her new role as Production Stage Manager for the theatre! Prior to her work here, Breanna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies with a concentration of Theatre Production and a minor in Theatre Performance from Kent State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She also worked as a theatre technician, stage manager, assistant director, and even performed in a few of the shows during her time at Kent State. While she has worked at a few other theaters in the area, the Guild has become her second home and she could not be happier that she gets to work in a career she is so passionate about. 

Morgan Brown

Education Instructor/Props Master

Morgan Brown has been part of the Players Guild family for over fifteen years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from Kent State University with a concentration in Theatre Production and minors in Management and Performance. Morgan is a current graduate student at the University of St. Francis, working towards a Master of Arts in Teaching. She has been the Props Master at the Players Guild since 2018, and has held roles as stage manager and director for area productions. Previous credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, A Christmas Carol, Next to Normal (Props Master, Players Guild Theatre), Matilda (Stage Manager, Carnation City Players), Of Mice and Men (Director, Kent State University at Stark), and God of Carnage (Director, Avenue Arts Theatre).

Matthew Heppe

Associate Artistic Director

Matthew is ecstatic to be joining the Players Guild Theatre Team where he has worked both on stage and off since 2013. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Theatre Studies and Business Management from Capital University in 2011 and currently works in the Scholarships and Student Financial Aid Office at Kent State University where he is pursuing his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs. Matthew is extremely grateful for the various artistic opportunities which he has been able to take part in while working with theaters across Northeast Ohio, but he is proud to consider the Players Guild to be his home base. At the Players Guild, he has been an Assistant Director for the past several seasons and some of his favorite shows include Jesus Christ Superstar, A Christmas Carol the Musical (2018 & 2019), Rock of Ages, Chicago, and Aida.

Tyra Grisak

Guest Services Manager

Tyra is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this exciting season!  This is Tyra's sixth season with the Players Guild Theatre.  With a career in the Cosmetics Industry as a special event manager, make-up artist, and account coordinator, Tyra couldn't be prouder to be a part of the Players Guild Theatre staff as Guest Services Manager. The arts and dance have always been a passion of hers, and it is her sincere pleasure getting to know the numerous talented performers in our community, and the incredible Volunteers that give a hand towards the theatre's success.

Multimedia

Players Guild Theatre Members

Coming Soon!