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Out of Order
Written by Ray Cooney
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Director- Jim Wood |
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Scenic Design Emma Niswander |
Costume Design Journey Johnson |
Lighting Design Thomas Alpers |
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Sound Design Kendall Morris |
Properties Design Clay Hull |
Scenic Charge Artist Priscilla Muehr |
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Lewhat Tesfaldet |
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*"Out of Order" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc.
Follow Us:
Welcome!
We are thrilled to have you with us for the 54th season of PRT. This season has something for everyone. Thank you for letting us be part of your summer. With your patronage, you are helping PRT fulfill its two-part mission: 1) Provide intensive training for students in the company, and 2) Provide the Best possible entertainment for all.
We are happy to bring back our popular PRT+ program that allows you to see our productions in a new way. These FREE events include opening night receptions, cast meet and greets, backstage tours and more. To see a full list of events, visit PrairieRep.org.
New this year, we are partnering with South Dakota Shakespeare Festival to host their production of 'Romeo & Juliet'. Taking place on SDSU's Sylvan Green, this show will provide an outside entertainment experience for patrons, and will feature Brookings natives, SDSU students, and PRT alums. The partnership between PRT and South Dakota Shakespeare Festival was mainly brought upon by the working relationship with PRT alum and director of Romeo & Juliet, Mike Lee. Outdoor theatre creates an unique experience impossible to recreate on our mainstage. We look forward to this new and exciting partnership with South Dakota Shakespeare Festival.
We greatly appreciate your participation with our company. Many of our friends provide tax-deductible donations. Others provide in-kind contributions of food, properties, and costume items. Others serve on the PRT Advisory Board. Please contact us if you wish to play a greater "role" with PRT.
On behalf of the 2025 company, thank you very much and enjoy the show!
Warm Regards,
Billy Wilburn
PRT Artistic Director
Greetings!
Every summer, Jane and I look forward to enjoying the time and theatrical talents on display courtesy of Prairie Repertory Theatre (PRT). This will be the 54th season of PRT providing wonderful entertainment throughout the summer months. PRT has a rich history of gathering individuals of all ages from across the Brookings region to enjoy a series of fantastic performances. Jane and I, along with the Brookings community look forward with great expectation for the start of this new season!
In addition to providing outstanding entertainment for its patrons, PRT delivers the best possible opportunities for our students to gain real-life skills in the production world. Between the hands-on training in all facets of theatrical production including marketing, coordinating, ticketing, acting, set design and construction, and costumes, it provides an immeasurable experience that sticks with our students for a lifetime. It also provides a unique opportunity for students to work and perform alongside alumni of both South Dakota State University and Prairie Repertory Theatre.
With a wide variety of plays, including musicals, classic, and madcap farce, the summer of 2025 will be sure to offer something for everyone to enjoy. On behalf of SDSU, we are grateful for your support of Prairie Repertory Theatre.
Enjoy the shows!
Barry H. Dunn
President
South Dakota State University
Sponsors
Cast
Creative Team
W. James Wood
Sara Gushue
Emma Niswander
Journey Inez Johnson
Clay Hull
Thomas Alpers
Kendall Morris
Priscilla Muehr
Kally Brinkman
Isabel Blom
The 2025 PRT Company
First Row (L to R): Billy Wilburn, Isabel Blom, Jennika Bunney, Lewhat Tesfaldet, Peyten Wiese, Morgan Foote, Maiah Brown, Alyza Pike, Sara Gushue, Hannah Hetland, Ally Armstrong, Angel Qualset, Mattisyn McDonnell, Riley Sazdoff, Melissa Hauschild-Mork. Middle Row (L to R): Anna DeGraff, Cody Lee Crist, Dontaevain Aldridge, Thomas Alpers, Chase Thedens, Camryn Caruso, Silla Muehr, Maddie Perry, Abigayle Davis, Barbara Gonzalez, Kirynn Engelbrecht, Noah Ong Bamola, Gerrit VonEye, Jack Diamant, Emi Imre-Fecske, Journey Johnson. Back Row (L to R): Jacee Casarella, Casey Paradies, Jim Wood, Emily Ganfield, Joshua Barclay, Christian Broekemeier, Eli Zagurski, Kally Brinkman, Kendall Morris, Evan Anderson, Eve Vogel, Anna Rubey, Clay Hull, Jacob Stevens, Hugh Paul, Carl Steinlicht, Alyssa VanLandingham, Amilia Baca, Alex Strawn, Rylinn Dale, Sam Clark, Nick Teal, Kim Johnson, Corey Shelsta. Not Pictured: Emma Arends-Montes, Christina Castillo, Noah Files, Luke Granholm, Brooklyn Mauch, Emma Niswander, Shawn Stemsrud, Jacob Wallace.
Shop Staff
Prairie Repertory Theatre is a collaborative experience. We offer a wide variety of education for both actors and technicians. Each company member works in a designated production shop for all 4 shows. This means that every actor on stage has also helped build costumes and scenic pieces, hang lights, and sell tickets! PRT prides itself in providing intensive training alongside quality entertainment.
Scene Shop - Dontaevian Aldridge, Amilia Baca, Joshua Barclay, Christian Broekemeier, Rylinn Dale, Jack Diamant, Morgan Foote, Hannah Hetland, Priscilla Muehr, Emma Niswander, Maddie Perry, Carl Steinlicht, Alex Strawn, Chase Thedens, Eli Zagurski
Costume Shop - Isabel Blom, Kally Brinkman, Jennika Bunney, Kirynn Engelbrecht, Barbara Gonzalez, Emi Imre-Fecske, Journey Johnson, Matti McDonnell, Alyza Pike, Angel Qualset
Properties Shop - Clay Hull, Reilly Sazdoff, Alyssa VanLandingham, Eve Vogel
Lighting & Sound Shop - Thomas Alpers, Sam Clark, Cody Lee Crist, Abigayle Jo Davis, Kendall Morris
Box Office & Publicity - Evan Anderson, Ally Armstrong, Maiah Brown, Camryn Caruso, Sara Gushue, Brooklyn Mauch, Noah Ong Bamola, Hugh Paul, Anna Rubey, Jacob Stevens, Lewhat Tesfaldet, Gerrit VonEye, Peyten Wiese
SDSU Credits
SDSU Theatre & Dance
W. James Wood, Artistic Director, Professor/Directing
Corey Shelsta, Professor/Scenic & Lighting Design
Billy Wilburn, Associate Professor/Costume Design/Artistic Director PRT
Dr. Melissa Hauschild-Mork, Associate Professor/Director of Dance Ensembles
Casey Paradies, Instructor/Acting
Kim Johnson, Scenic/Properties Shop Supervisor
Dr. James L. Johnson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus
J.D. Ackman & Raymond Peterson, Professor Emeritus
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. David C. Earnest, Dean - College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. David Reynolds, Director - School of Performing Arts
Christina Castillo, Larson Family Endowed Director of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
Meet the Company
Gerrit VonEye
This is Gerrit's first summer at Prairie Repertory Theatre! His State University Theatre credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Newsies, James and the Giant Peach, Fuddy Meers, Macbeth, and Bright Star. In his free time, Gerrit enjoys staying active outside, traveling, watching movies, working at Kool Beans Coffee, and buying lego sets that he doesn't need. He also loves making music with his siblings and leading worship at Oasis college ministry. Gerrit aspires to be a professional actor onstage or onscreen, and he is looking forward to a fun summer making art with friends!
Peyten Wiese
Peyten, a veteran PRT company member, has appeared in See How They Run and Rumors at Prairie Repertory Theatre. Her favorite acting credits from State University Theatre are Farrah/Evil Tina in She Kills Monsters and Katya in The Escape Thingy. You might have most recently seen her in Macbeth as Witch 2 at SUT. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and playing guitar with her grandpa. She’s little but can fill a stage with her personality.
Jacob Stevens
Jacob is going into his senior year at SDSU and a seasoned member of the State University Theatre, having performed in Bright Star, Macbeth, Fuddy Meers, The Escape Thingy, Newsies, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He is passionate about both acting and music. Jacob is eager to continue growing in his craft while contributing to the success of future productions. When not on stage, Jacob enjoys quality time with friends, hiking, and time spent outside. His future goal is to pursue a career in musical theatre. This is Jacob's first summer doing Prairie Rep, and he couldn't be more excited!
Kirynn Engelbrecht
Kirynn will be making her debut for PRT this summer. She is extremely thrilled to have been cast in three out of the four productions and is looking forward to making memories with all of the other cast and crew members. She still has two more years of studying Theater and Dance at SDSU, but afterwards hopes to start her journey of becoming a choreographer for theatre, dance, and show choir. In Kirynn’s spare time she enjoys shopping, traveling to see family, working at Kool Beans and making people laugh.
Barbara Gonzalez
Barbara, a veteran PRT company member, appeared in the ensemble of last year's production of Cinderella. Her State University Theatre credits include Aunt Spiker in James and the Giant Peach and her first ever leading role in a two person show with Turn of the Screw as the Governess. Upon her graduation, Barbara hopes to start working in the film industry as an actor, director, or makeup artist, but she is also interested in modeling. While not working in the theatre, she enjoys working out, watching movies, and hanging out with her friends. Barbara is also bilingual; she can speak English and Spanish fluently, and she is hoping to learn a third language and travel around the world in the future. This summer, she is looking forward to creating long-lasting friendships and memories at Prairie Rep.
Lewhat Tesfaldet
Lewhat has just completed his junior year as a Theatre major at SDSU and is thrilled to be spending his first summer with PRT. Some of his favorite past roles at SDSU include Chuck in She Kills Monsters, Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Davey in Newsies. Outside of theatre, Lewhat enjoys singing, working in the box office and publicity, watching movies, working out, and spending time with friends and family. This summer, he’s looking forward to new experiences, building connections, and putting on great shows as a part of PRT.
Carl Steinlicht
Carl is happy to be back after taking a short hiatus from PRT! You may remember him from the shows See How They Run, Oklahoma, Peter and the Starcatcher, or Footloose, though he has also been performing at SDSU during the school year in Fuddy Meers and Newsies to name a few. Carl can't wait to share more art with everybody and hopes you enjoy the season!
Alex Strawn
Making his PRT debut, Alex has performed in multiple South Dakota State University productions including Newsies, James and the Giant Peach, Fuddy Meers, Macbeth, and Bright Star. When not working on theatre, Alex enjoys drawing, going bowling, playing baseball, and trying to make people laugh with bad jokes. After his time at South Dakota State University, he would love to pursue a career in film acting. Alex is super excited to act alongside incredible people this summer and bring some joy to the audiences of Prairie Repertory Theatre!
Hannah Hetland
Hannah is happy to be returning to the PRT stage. This will be her second summer with the Prairie Repertory Theatre. Past PRT shows for her include The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Footloose. Most recently, Hannah was seen in Brightstar and Macbeth at South Dakota State University, where she attended. She aspires to continue performing in both theater and dance in the future. Hannah is excited for this summer and to have the opportunity to perform with her friends again.
Camryn Caruso
Camryn is so excited to return to PRT for her second summer playing some of her DREAM roles! You may have previously seen her in PRT's Cinderella as Queen Constantina last summer. Camryn is an upcoming junior at Drake University where she most recently played Vivienne Kensington in Legally Blonde, Karen in Fugitive Songs, and Oscar/Ensemble in 42nd Street. When not on the stage, Camryn enjoys marketing/publicity, playing with her two basset hounds, and juggling! She is VP of a student organization known as Drake Theatre People and loves spreading the beauty of theatre wherever she goes. She is so grateful to her family, friends, teachers, and everyone who has helped her chase her dreams thus far. Enjoy the shows and thank you for being here! @camryncaruso
W. James Wood
Jim is a Professor and the Artistic Director of SDSU Theatre & Dance. An actor, director, designer, manager and playwright, he prides himself on being a theatre generalist. Throughout his career, Jim has directed over 90 productions, acted in almost 40, designed over 50, done the fight choreography for 15 and has appeared in over 20 television commericals. Specific areas of interest include stage combat, dialects and management. Recent productions at SDSU include "Bright Star" and "Fuddy Meers." Favorite shows he has done for PRT include the direction of "The Play That Goes Wrong" and "Hairspray", appearing as Mitch in "Tuesdays With Morrie" and as Rev. Shaw Moore in "Footloose." Prior to coming to SDSU, Jim ran the Olde Towne Dinner Theatre, South Dakota’s only year-round dinner theatre, for 9 years. Jim is the proud recipient of the F.O. Butler Award for Service and the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion. He was also recognized at SDSU for his creative activity in 2023 and was was honored by the SDSU College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences in as the J.P. Hendrickson Liberal Arts Faculty Scholar and presented the Herbert Cheever Jr. Liberal Arts Lecture Connections: Using Theatre to Listen, Learn and Evolve. Jim also has dedicated much of his career in service to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, having served on the National Executive Committee and as a past chair of Region 5. He received his BFA from the University of South Dakota and his MFA from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Sara Gushue
Sara is a recent graduate from Benedictine College and thrilled to be joining Prairie Rep this summer. Predominantly a director, manager, and designer, Sara also has experience in marketing and show photography. Sara's work as a sound designer and stage manager has been recognized by KCACTF Region V, and she recently attended the National Festival as Region V's representative in the ASPIRE Arts Leadership cohort. Favorite shows she's worked on include: The Mousetrap, Tartuffe, Machinal, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play!, The Glass Menagerie, and Escaped Alone.
Emma Niswander
Emma will be returning to the PRT scene shop this summer as a Carpenter and Scenic Designer for Out Of Order by Ray Cooney. They attend Augustana University in Sioux Falls and while there they’ve designed for multiple shows in multiple different areas including Scenic, Costumes & Props. In addition, they work as Augustana Theatre’s Paint Charge. When they aren’t in the theater, they’re likely thinking about theater and watching a workplace sitcom.
Journey Inez Johnson
Now in her second season with Prairie Repertory Theatre, Journey Inez Johnson previously appeared in Oklahoma! as a wardrobe team member and ensemble performer. Her SDSU costume credits include Assistant Costume Designer for Newsies, Bright Star, as well as Costume Designer for The Turn of the Screw, and Macbeth, in which she performed as the Doctor. Last summer, she designed The Play That Goes Wrong and The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Theatre West in Nebraska.
Clay Hull
Clay Hull is making their debut with Prairie Repertory Theatre. They have previously managed props for Mary Poppins and Elf at Harding University, as well as You Can’t Take It With You, and The Marvelous Wonderettes at Searcy Summer Dinner Theater. Clay has been fabricating stage props for a decade, starting in middle school. Clay’s long-term goal is to freelance projects out of their own shop someday. They are passionate about props and excited to gain more hands-on experience. Clay is thrilled to bring their creativity to Prairie Rep.
Thomas Alpers
This is Thomas' first year doing PRT, however he has participated in several shows at South Dakota State University theatre, including doing the lighting design for Turn of the Screw. One of Thomas' favorite musicals is Les Misérables, and he someday hopes to do the lighting for it in a production. He also hopes to one day write and publish his own play. In his free time, he enjoys working out, reading, biking, and hanging out with friends. He is very excited to work with everybody this summer.
Kendall Morris
This is Kendall's PRT debut. So far, her credits as an undergraduate student at Truman State University include audio mixing for The Lightning Thief, The Rocky Horror Show, and Ride the Cyclone. As well as co-sound designing for Schoolhouse Rock Live and assistant stage managing for Peter and the Starcatcher. She was also on the lighting crew for Truman State Theatre’s 2024-2025 season. When not in the theatre she enjoys reading, coloring, and hanging out with her girlfriend. This summer she is excited to join the Prairie Rep company to gain professional experience and meet new people.
Priscilla Muehr
Priscilla is a newfound member of PRT. They are focused on scenic design but also interested in stage makeup and performance. Priscilla has been in many shows at SMSU in Marshall. Such as An Inspector Calls, Laundry and Bourbon, and many more. She also helped last summer at the SMSU children’s theatre and was Patty DiMarco in School of Rock at MASC in Marshall. Her latest projects include Wigs and Makeup for Shout: The Mod Musical, set design for Laundry and Bourbon, and projections for 46 Plays for America's First Ladies. She’s really looking forward to meeting some cool people, learning new things, and having fun!
Kally Brinkman
This is Kally’s PRT debut. Her theatre credits at South Dakota State University include acting in Brightstar, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Macbeth as well as working in the costume shop and growing a passion for designing wigs. After graduation, Kally hopes to continue her passion for theatre, dance, and music in the professional world, which has been her dream since she was little. When not at the theatre, she enjoys writing songs, reading, sewing, dancing, and playing cards. Kally dedicates her performances to her amazing family, who have supported her since her first performance 18 years ago.
Isabel Blom
Isabel is making her debut at PRT this summer! She will be a Junior in college when the fall semester starts. Coming from a small private high school, she doesn’t have a lot of theatre experience under her belt, but she is looking to expand her knowledge of the craft this summer at PRT. During her sophomore year of college, she appeared in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the bluegrass musical Bright Star. Her dream job is working in the TV and film industry as an actress. Besides theatre, she enjoys singing, reading, watching movies, and listening to music. She is so excited to laugh, learn, and grow at PRT this summer!
Donors
Thank You Contributors
The following people, firms, and organizations have donated to Prairie Repertory Theatre from June 4, 2024, to May 31st, 2025. We deeply appreciate the continued support of these individuals. PRT donations are used to support PRT operations and the students who participate in the company.
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Producing Partner ($40,000 or more) SDSU College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Partner ($10,000-39,999) Your name could be here!
Producer ($1,000-9,999) Brian & Lynn Darnall James O. & Rita M. Edwards Jerome & Mary Fiedler John G. & Brenda L. Janssen Annette E. Meeks
Director ($500-999) Jenny M. Adair David & Dawnette Anderson Keith A. & Glynn E. Bartels Tom & Kay Becker Dean E. & Kendra K. Kattelmann Randy & Sue Knutzen Pete & Deborah Leiferman Don Norton Ted & Kathy Weiland Douglas R. & Donna J. Wermedal
Advocate ($300-499) Dennis & Connie Harstad Joe D. & LouAnn D. Jensen Jerry D. & Jo Ann H. Jorgensen Thomas J. Linngren Wayne & Vicki Soren |
Friend ($150-299) Lyle J. & Patricia J. Anderson Anonymous Donor Alan W. & Teresa A. Christensen Kim D. Dahl Cathy Enlow Larry Fjeldos Carolyn L. Clague & Dennis L. Hopfinger Larry L. & Marcia K. Janssen Jerry D. & JoAnne H. Jorgensen Mary Jo Benton Lee Anne Maag Lawrence Novotony Sharon Prendergaast David & Rina Reynolds Elizabeth K. Rezek Thomas A. & Kristi L. Richter Linda R. Schumacher Wendell & Marlys Thompson Betty Vaughn Albert & Terri Veen Richard E. Zimmer
Patron ($50-149) James & Carolynn Baustian Anna M. Cox Matthew L. Fuks Timothy G. Goldammer John A. Hayne Ed & Joan Hogan Ronald & Carol Lenz Desi & Eileen Roybal Marilyn F. Ruhlman Peter R & Mary S. Schaefer Michelle Turner TV Productions, INC Joshua N. Westwick John & Peggy Whalen |
You can make a tax-deductible donation to PRT online at https://www.sdstatefoundation.org/give-now
Donations received after May 31st, 2025, will be recognized in next year’s PRT program.
Thanks to all who graciously donated and loaned personal items for stage properties and costumes.
Thank you to our patrons for your continuous support for the past 53 seasons!
Ticket stock for all productions has been printed through the generosity of First Bank and Trust in Brookings.
Thank You for Your Support
The 2025 PRT Advisory Board
The 2025 PRT Advisory Board
Nick Castillo - President
Jen Kuck - President Elect
Kay Norton - Secretary
Major Anderson
Donna Bain
Kay Becker
Tom Chleborad
Rita Edwards
Joanie Holm
Vonni Knutson
Jill Kruse
Eric Mette
Kayla Mette
Don Norton
Kay Norton
Sharon Prendergast
Jason Raether
Eric Rasmussen
Kristi Richter
Gerrit VonEye (student board member)
Donna Wermedal
Kate Wismer
Ex-Officio Members
Christina Castillo, Larson Family Endowed Director of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
Dr. Barry H. Dunn, President - South Dakota State University
Dr. David Earnest, Dean - College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Dr. David Reynolds, Director - School of Performing Arts
Corey Shelsta, Professor/Technical Director of Theatre & Dance
Billy Wilburn, Associate Professor/Artistic Director of PRT
W. James Wood, Professor/Artistic Director of Theatre & Dance
Fifty-four Years of Prairie Repertory Theatre!
Fifty-four Years of Prairie Repertory Theatre!
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Special Thanks
The Murray Family Fund for Excellence in Theatre
The Murray Family Fund for Excellence in Theatre at South Dakota State University was established by Jo Ann Murray (‘75 Sociology) to honor her brother, father, uncles, and grandfather who worked the land in Clark County, SD, for several generations. While Jo Ann thrived in her academic studies as an undergrad at State, it was on stage and behind the scenes in the theatre where she truly found her voice and lifelong friends. The Murray Family Fund for Excellence in Theatre proudly supports PRT 2025!
Special Thanks
Donna Behrend, Sarah Bison, Lindsay Borer, Christina Castillo, Janell Davis, Dr. David Earnest, Cady Falken, Michelle Kuebler, Kathy Larsen, Jessica Lewis, Rebecca Peterson, Dr. David Reynolds, Shannon Richarz, Erin Staniszewski, Andie Star, Amanda Stirling, Maryke Taute, Amber Turner, Kara Vostad, Dani Wermedal, Friends and Family of the 2025 PRT Company. Brookings Chamber of Commerce, Brookings Library, Brookings Radio, Briggs Library and Archives, First Bank and Trust, Glacial Lake & Prairies Tourism, Mosaic Wine Bar and Small Plates, Scoops and Loops, SDSU Card and Parking Services, SDSU Foundation, SDSU School of Performing Arts, South Dakota Arts Museum, South Dakota Arts Council, The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, University of Minnesota-Morris Theatre Department, University of South Dakota Department of Theatre, University Marketing and Communications, Visit Brookings
