A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Kathleen Bachtel 

is thrilled to return to the Players Guild stage for her 5th production of A Christmas Carol. Some of her favorite productions include: Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts) with The Players Guild Theatre; A Comedy of Errors (Antipholus of Syracuse) and Romeo & Juliet (Benvolio) with Twilight Theatre; Pride & Prejudice (Mrs. Bennet) with The Millennial Theatre Project; Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Mrs. Lovett u/s) with Weathervane Playhouse; A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania) and The Mousetrap (Mollie Ralston) with Roving Rogue Productions.

Jocelynn Leigh Benson

is overjoyed to be in her fourth Players Guild production and is glad to have received her first position as a choreographer for the Players Guild Theatre. Jocelynn is currently attending Kent State University with a major in theatre performance and a minor in dance. From the age of 3, Jocelynn has loved to dance and has been dancing ever since. Throughout high school, Jocelynn would choreograph numerous dances for her school’s spring dance concert, her school’s gymnastics team, and she has even done award-winning choreography for talent pageants. She also has a great love for theatre and is so grateful to have this opportunity to share her passion with all of you! IG:jocelynnleigh

Allie Breit

is thrilled to be making her debut in A Christmas Carol! A 14-year-old performer, her past credits include Mary Poppins Jr., Annie Jr., and Finding Nemo Jr. She is incredibly excited to bring the roles of Fan and Martha to life this holiday season. Allie would like to send a huge thank you to her amazing family and friends for their endless support, and to the entire CPG cast and crew for this wonderful experience. 

Peyton Chevraux


is a 7th grade student at North Canton Middle School where he participates in the school choir and plays trombone. He has previously been seen at the Players Guild as Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka, Michael Banks in Mary Poppins and Edmund in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. He has also been a Lost Boy in his school's production of Peter Pan Jr. and Squirt in the North Canton Playhouse performance of Finding Nemo Jr.. Peyton would like to thank his whole family for the support and coming to all of his shows! 

Rebecca Clark

is thrilled to be back on stage after a 50-year hiatus. You know, life. She so enjoyed the many roles then and only now in retirement does she choose to start again playing Mrs. Dilber/Ensemble in the Players Guild Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol”. This grandmother of two enjoys the outdoors and the rather unconventional sport of powerlifting. She thanks her fellow castmates/crew/support personnel for all their help.

Alexandrea Decatur-Benally

with over nine years of experience in Theater, Orchestra and Dance, including roles as Mary Fitzallard in The Roaring Girl withWorlds Elsewhere Theater and Nadine in Not-For-Profit with Cleveland Public Theater. Alexandrea Decatur-Benally was born Maryland but grew up in Rio Rancho New Mexico. She is currently signed with Docherty Talent Agency and is looking forward to continuing acting for theater and film/tv.

Kassidy Dolecki

is a 6th grader at St. Michael Elementary in Canton. She is thrilled to be performing in A Christmas Carol! Kassidy previously appeared in Elf Jr. at the Players Guild, along with several other productions through New Direction Performing Arts Academy and Canton Theatre Kids. One of her most memorable stage experiences so far was flying on stage as "Michael" in Peter Pan (CTK Production)! She loves all things musical and theatre-related and is grateful for the opportunity to share her passion on stage.

Morgan Douglas

is thrilled to make her Players Guild Theatre debut in A Christmas Carol! Previous productions include Grease, Annie, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Guys and Dolls, and The Mouse Is in the House. When she’s not on stage, Morgan enjoys reading and learning crochet. Her favorite show she’s performed in is Grease, which sparked her love for musical theatre.

Roman Ferrell

this is Roman’s first full production, and he’s thrilled to be part of A Christmas Carol. He is also playing Rudolph in his school’s 4th-grade Christmas musical this month, so he’s full of Christmas spirit! He would like to thank his oldest sister, Haley, for working with and encouraging him, and his music teacher, Mrs. Potts, for helping him discover his love of music.  

James GraySmith

is currently a soloist at the historic Basilica of Saint John the Baptist in Canton, Ohio and is a founding member of the Lyric Theatre Ensemble, a professional vocal ensemble. He has performed with many of the finest orchestras, theaters and universities in Northeast Ohio, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Canton Symphony, the Cincinnati Opera and the Ohio Light Opera. His theatrical resume includes performances with The Kent Acting and Touring Company, Theatre Kent, The Akron Children’s Theater, Blossom Festival Theatre, Contract Players, The Player’s Guild of Canton and Kent State Stark Theater. Among many others, he has been seen in starring roles in The Fantasticks, Company, Tartuffe, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, 1776, The Robber Bridegroom, The King & I, American Buffalo, Royal Hunt of the Sun, They’re Playing our Song, I’m Not Rappaport, Sweeney Todd, Pirates of Penzance, A Little Night Music, Romeo and Juliet, Assassins, Candide, October Tales, All in The Timing, Working, Antigone, Les Miserables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Newsies and Titanic.

Jordan GraySmith

is excited to be in The Players Guild, A Christmas Carol as the Fiddler. She is a sophomore at Cleveland State University studying Film and Media Arts, and just won Best Supporting Actress in the Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project. She has worked on local film projects and theater in high school; at times on stage and other times as a pit musician.

Danny L Headland

is returning to Canton Players Guild from the his latest production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame with the Canton Symphony. You have seen him in Players Guild productions of Sweeny Todd, Mary Poppins, Jekel and Hyde, Newsies, Ragtime and this will be his return performance in A Christmas Carol. He was recently elected to the Board of Directors of The Players Guild. At 66 years young I'm having great fun being back on stage and on the stage I started my acting career in back of the curtain and now in front.  I tell you all truly that it is never to late to rekindle a passion, to hear the applause from you all at each production and to take that wonderful bow.  I hope you all enjoy the rest of the Players Guild’s 25/26 season. Thank you for your patronage.

Matthew Heppe

is happy to be back for his 12th year in A Christmas Carol at the PGT! This year, Matthew performed in Carnation City Players’ production of Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour) and in Hairspray (Corny) here at the PGT, as well as directing our season opening production of Legally Blonde. Favorite previous PGT credits include Jekyll and Hyde (Director), SpongeBob (SpongeBob), Cabaret (Cliff), and A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit 2021-2025; Fred/Young Ebenezer 2013-2019). Outside of theatre, you can find Matthew working on the Kent campus of Kent State University as an Assistant Director for University Orientation or completing a project for his home in Randolph.

Gia Hulse

A Christmas Carol is a classic tale about finding the joy of Christmas through family, friends, and the nature of giving. As my second time ever on stage, I'm honored and excited to be a part of this production at the Players Guild Theatre. I hope this story brings a warmth to your heart in time for your celebrations. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!"

Blake Knore

is thrilled and excited to be making his return to the Players Guild Theater! This is his second time on this stage, as he was in Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble) last year. You may have also seen him at Theatre 8:15 in Jingle Bell Follies (Various roles), Matilda the musical (Ensemble) and Monty Python's Edukational Show (Various Roles). In addition, he has performed at the North Canton Playhouse in The Spongebob Squarepants Musical (Ensemble), Mean Girls, High School Edition (Mr. Heron/Coach Carr), The Anastasia Musical (Ensemble), and has performed at the Carnation City Players in Oklahoma! (Fred/Cowboy) and at Stage Door Studios in A VHS Christmas Carol (Fezziwig/ensemble). He was also in The Music Man (Mayor Shinn) at Northwest High School for his senior year. He is looking forward to bringing this classic show to life for you! Enjoy the show.

Baley Major

is so excited to be part of the holiday magic in A Christmas Carol! This production is Baley's second with the Players Guild, following their debut in Newsies this past spring. They originally caught the theatre bug back in high school. Getting to work with this incredible cast and crew has been an amazing experience. A huge thank you to the Guild and to the audience for supporting live theatre. Love to my family and friends—thanks for everything!

Samuel Marazita

is ecstatic to return to A Christmas Carol for his fifth year. He is grateful to not only  reprise his role as Fred, and some of his other notable performances include The Fish Must Die (Tom), Three Tall Women (The Boy), and Ghost (Subway Ghost).

Isaiah McCullough

is ecstatic to be doing his second show with the Players Guild. He enjoyed doing Newsies in the spring and happy to be back. He works everyday helping to develop tomorrow’s youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon. He wants to thank everyone who’s helped to continue his journey on stage especially mom and dad. Also in memory of grandpa Chip, love you grandpa, miss you everyday. 

Maxwell McGuirk

is just a strange fellow doing what he can with what he has. Aspiring voice actor by day, janitor by night. I had to take a several year hiatus from acting because of life circumstances, so I am very happy to be on the stage again in this rendition of A Christmas Carol. When I’m not wiping off counters at work I’m playing video games, watching anime, or auditioning online for voice acting roles. …Got any leads for me?

Andersen Myers

is thrilled to return for his fourth production at the Players Guild, marking his third performance in A Christmas Carol. A freshman at Malvern High School, Andersen is actively involved in the marching band, drama, cross country, and Boy Scouts. He has also appeared in several JC Films projects. Bringing the Christmas spirit to audiences is what he loves most about performing this show. Andersen is grateful for the friendships he's forged with the cast and crew.

Hunter Royer

is a 5th grader at Glenwood. He is involved in Drama classes, Kids doing comedy, and Lacrosse. He is very excited to be this year’s Turkey Boy in A Christmas Carol. He would like to thank the staff for their helpful instruction, and hard work. He would also like to thank his family, and friends for their supportive roles in his new adventure.

Chase Sexton

is excited to be making his Players Guild debut. He recently graduated from McKinley High School where he has performed in shows such as Chicago: Teen Edition and Working, The Musical (Mike Dillard, Rex Winship). He’s done crew and tech for Newsies and Legally Blonde The musical. Chase likes to thank his family and his girlfriends for getting him where he is today.

Jackson Shreiner

is a 5th grader at Plain Local Schools and is thrilled to be reprising the role of Tiny Tim for the third year! In addition to A Christmas Carol, he has performed in Elf, Jr. here at The Players Guild. Jackson would like to thank his Mom and Dad for all the hours and miles they put in to enable him to do this and everyone at The Players Guild who has taught him so much! God Bless Us, Everyone! 

David Sponhour

is happy to be back at the PG. This marks his 45th Anniversary in community theatre that started with this very show. Some favorite productions include Proof (Players Guild), Zoo Story (Kathleen Howland Theatre) and Buried Child (Kent State Stark Theatre).

Alex Wagner

is so excited to be in his second show at Players Guild Theatre! Starting in Newsies earlier this year as Morris Delancey, he is excited to continue in A Christmas Carol as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. He hopes you all have an amazing time at the show, and more importantly an absolutely spectacular Christmas.

Madison Witte

is Madison’s 5th year participating in the Guild’s production of “A Christmas Carol” and is very happy to keep the tradition going, and she is honored and grateful for the opportunity to portray the parts of Belle and Mrs. Cratchit. Her last theatre experience was her first directing opportunity at Blue Macaroon Theater for their production of “The Elephant Man” earlier this year. Before that she was seen as Sarah and an Ensemble member for last year’s ACC, and before that a Red Rat girl in Players Guild’s production of “Jekyll and Hyde the Musical”.  She sends her thanks to those who are supporting live theatre by attending this performance.  “Thank you for joining us for this holiday tradition! Hope you enjoy, and have a Merry Christmas! “

DARYL ROBINSON

Daryl Robinson serves as the Executive Director Of The Players Guild Theatre, one of Ohio's oldest and most cherished community arts organizations. A proud native of Massillon, Ohio, Daryl attended Bowling Green State University where he studied Music Education, (Vocal and conducting). He has spent over three decades immersed in the local choral and theatre scene - onstage, backstage and everywhere in between. As a performer, Daryl has appeared with the Bowling Green Philharmonic, Toledo Symphony, Akron Symphony, and Canton Symphony. Acting credits include Spring Hill Historic Society, Carnation City Players and The Players Guild to name a few. Daryl was a member of VOCI, formerly Canton Civic Opera for nearly 15 years and served on the Board of Directors and President of the chorus. Daryl is currently a member of the Canton Symphony Chorus. It is an extraordinary honor to help lead the Players Guild into its next chapter, continuing a legacy of artistic excellence, community connection, and the kind of magic that only happens when people gather to tell stories together. Daryl would like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their continued support in helping to fulfill our mission of Keeping Live Theatre ALIVE!

JOSHUA ERICHSEN

recently transitioned from an 18-year tenure as Producing Artistic Director of the Guild to focus full-time on his company, Erichsen Creative Design. He continues to support the Guild as a consultant and advisor while pursuing a wide range of creative projects. Currently, Josh is collaborating with magician and comedian Justin Willman - star of the Netflix series Magic for Humans and the hit special Magic Lover - on the scenic design for Willman’s national tour. He's also teaming up with the award-winning publishing company Vanishing Inc. as a book layout designer. A magician himself, Josh enjoys performing whenever the opportunity arises. Outside of the studio and stage, his greatest joy is life with his wife of 23 years, his “dream girl," and being a proud dad to their two remarkable daughters.

TYRA GRISAK

Tyra will be celebrating her 10th anniversary with the Players Guild this season, during which she has developed numerous meaningful relationships with various patrons. Her greatest fulfillment from her role as guest services manager is seeing the joy that live theatre generates among our audience and everyone involved in the theatrical process. She takes great pride in leading the front of house volunteer team, which continues to grow and thrive. How grateful she is to be where she is in her personal life, and in her professional life with the PGT!

BREANNA ANTONIADES

is excited to be back for her eighth season at the Players Guild 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 has been given many titles throughout her fourteen plus years working in theatre, but her favorite title continues to be Production Stage Manager. She could not be happier that she gets to work in a career she is so passionate about! In her free time, she loves playing board games, throwing themed parties, and cuddling with her three adorable cats. She would like to thank her husband Anthony, her family, and her friends for all of their support over the years. Enjoy the show!

ROSS CARMICHAEL

graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Theatre. Since then, he has worked professionally as an actor, a director, and in technical theatre. Technical credits: Technical Director (Gamut Theatre Group) Scenic Designer (Gamut Theatre: Hamlet; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Every Christmas Story Ever Told; Pericles; A Streetcar Named Desire; TYA) Production Manager (Gamut Theatre, Powerhouse Apprentice Company); Carpenter (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre, York College of PA) Lighting Designer (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre) Directing credits: FoodPlay Productions.

BOBBY SEVERNS

With a passion for enhancing the theatrical experience through sound, Bobby brings a wealth of expertise this production. In now his third season as resident sound designer, Bobby has been instrumental in crafting immersive audio environments through sound effects, atmospheric beds, and original musical compositions that elevate storytelling and engage Players Guild audiences. Memorable projects include A 360-degree soundscape incorporated into the 2023 production of Stephen King’s Misery, and several original compositions for the environments and battle scenes of 2024’s The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Bobby has an extensive background in music and live sound, having worked on a diverse range of projects including running his own DJ and Live Sound Reinforcement company (Pro Party DJ) for 25 years, performing hundreds of shows as a solo musician, and developing his own sound effects applications for the Apple iOS platform. Throughout his career, Bobby has collaborated with numerous community and professional theater groups both onstage as an actor/performer and in artistic, technical, and video production capacities. In addition to his work in theater, Bobby is actively involved mentoring through the Scouting America program, teaching K-5th Sunday school, and playing on the church worship team at Passion Hartville. By day, you will find him as a Senior Corporate Trainer for DRB Tunnel Solutions, a company that provides point-of-sale and tunnel control to the car wash industry. Outside work, Bobby is a proud father of three children and devoted husband of more than 25 years to his lovely wife Emily. Bobby is dedicated to using sound and music as powerful tools to bring stories to life and create memorable experiences for audiences. He hopes you find tonight’s performance a testament to that fact. Enjoy the show!

KATE JOSEPH

is pleased as punch to be back for her fifth season working in the costume shop at the Players Guild! Kate is a graduate of the 2022 class at the College of Wooster where she got her Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre. Kate has worked on every show the last two seasons here at the PGT, but her favorite show recently she designed was *The Toxic Avenger*. Kate enjoys puppetry, making food for everyone during tech, and being the quick change champion she is. She dares you to do a quick change faster than her, and hopes you enjoy the show!

JAMES GRAYSMITH

is currently a soloist at the historic Basilica of Saint John the Baptist in Canton, Ohio and is a founding member of the Lyric Theatre Ensemble, a professional vocal ensemble. He has performed with many of the finest orchestras, theaters and universities in Northeast Ohio, including the Cleveland Orchestra, the Canton Symphony, the Cincinnati Opera and the Ohio Light Opera. His theatrical resume includes performances with The Kent Acting and Touring Company, Theatre Kent, The Akron Children’s Theater, Blossom Festival Theatre, Contract Players, The Player’s Guild of Canton and Kent State Stark Theater. Among many others, he has been seen in starring roles in The Fantasticks, Company, Tartuffe, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, 1776, The Robber Bridegroom, The King & I, American Buffalo, Royal Hunt of the Sun, They’re Playing our Song, I’m Not Rappaport, Sweeney Todd, Pirates of Penzance, A Little Night Music, Romeo and Juliet, Assassins, Candide, October Tales, All in The Timing, Working, Antigone, Les Miserables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Newsies and Titanic. Currently, Jim is starring as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Players Guild Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol at the Kent State University Stark Campus Mary Timken Theater.

TAMMY GRAYSMITH

has been involved in theatre for many years both acting and back stage and last acted in Deathtrap at the Roxy Theatre in Minerva in 2021 and Les Miserables in 2015 at The Players Guild of Canton. Back in the Cultural Center days, she was Fred’s wife in two productions of A Christmas Carol in 2001 and 2002; so, it has been fun being a small part of this years’ production. This show has long been a favorite show to help us all remember how important it is to keep the Spirit of Christmas all year long!

TOM BRYANT

Tom has been involved in local theater for close to 40 years. In addition to stage managing, he has been on stage in countless shows. Some of his favorite roles have been Lazar Wolf in Fiddler of the Roof, Caiaphus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Joe Keller in All My Sons, and many roles under the direction of the late William G. Fry. Tom also enjoys writing and is an amateur playwright. He also enjoys reading and playing the piano and guitar. He retired from the Timken Steel (now known as Metallus) in 2020.

EMILY ROH

is a vocalist, educator, and music director with nearly 30 years of performance experience and 15 years of music direction. A Utah native who has called Ohio home since 2023, she recently appeared on the Players Guild stage as Paulette in Legally Blonde and served as Assistant Music Director for last season's Elf Jr. Her credits also include four seasons of A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre in Utah. Emily is the owner of the thriving Emily Roh Vocal Studio. She is also a teaching artist and music director with New Direction Performing Arts Academy, which has partnered with the Players Guild as the ongoing home for its summer camp programming, including the 2025 production of Hairspray. She has loved becoming more involved with the Players Guild community.

JAEMIN PARK

is a lighting designer and an assistant professor of lighting and sound design at Southern Illinois University. A proud member of United Scenic Artists Local USA829, he was honored with the 2023 Jonathan Resnick Lighting Design Award from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), sponsored by Barbizon Lighting Company. His work has been featured in the USITT St. Louis Design Expo and published in Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T) magazine. In 2025, he was selected through a highly competitive national process for the USITT Training Ground x Cirque du Soleil program—an immersive workshop hosted by Cirque du Soleil’s Resident Show Division in Las Vegas—where he also received a scholarship recognizing his artistic potential and professional excellence. Originally from South Korea, he began his career in 2005 with the opera La Traviata and has since designed lighting for more than 150 productions across theatre, musical theatre, opera, and dance. Before moving to the United States, he served as a resident lighting designer and full-time lighting supervisor at a nationally funded 1,200-seat performing arts center in Daegu. With a background in vocal performance, he brings a distinctive musical sensibility to his lighting approach—translating rhythm, emotion, and musical structure into expressive visual design. He is delighted to return to Players Guild Theatre for his second production of A Christmas Carol, having previously designed the show in 2022. Recent design credits include: The Bridges of Madison County, Footloose, Hello, Dolly!, The Prom (McLeod Summer Playhouse); The Prom, Little Shop of Horrors (Porthouse Theatre); Passage (CWRU/Cleveland Play House); Sweeney Todd, The Lightning Thief (Rubber City Theatre); A Christmas Carol (Players Guild Theatre); La Versión Infinita, La Siempreviva, Trópico Macbeth (LatinUs Theater Company); King and the Clown (Sodam Art/Pontifex Production); El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom (Cleveland Public Theatre); Home (Lagos International Theatre Festival, Lagos, Nigeria); and Aladdin (Broadway Academy Phnom Penh, French Institute of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia).

BETHY WINTERS

is the Lighting & Sound Supervisor at Kent State University and Porthouse Theatre, where she helps train students in theatrical lighting and sound. When not working on a show she enjoys spending time with family and friends and volunteering at her church. She is delighted to have contributed to this magical production.