CAST
BLAIR ALDERSON, (Serena) is a student at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN, studying Children and Youth Ministry and Applied Theatre. In the past, she has enjoyed working with the Kankakee High School Drama Department, KVTA, Trevecca Theatre, and Paula Aubry School of Dance. Previous roles include Miss Casewell in The Mousetrap (Trevecca Theatre), Molly Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher (KHS Drama), and Roxie Hart in Chicago (KHS Drama). Blair is thrilled to be working with Deena Cassady and Kyle Aiden again, old classmates, and so many new friends in this project! As Mama Cassady always says: “Theatre changes lives!” and Blair finds that to be true over and over again. She would like to thank God for his provision and his joy in all things. She would also like to thank her family, friends, castmates, and directors for their laughs, real talks, and encouragement!
ABBY ALTENBERGER, she/they, (Pit Singer) is so excited to be a part of her first production with Acting Out! Abby received a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Music in 2023 and plans to continue her studies. Some of Abby’s favorite past roles include Rosie in Mamma Mia (BBCHS) and Charlie Chaplin in Singin’ in the Rain (ONU). Abby is grateful to the talented people that bring the arts in all forms to her childhood home of Kankakee County. She also thanks the talented cast & crew of AOTC’s Legally Blonde, her parents, Cindy & Andrew, & her partner Cassidy.
DEXTER ARENS, he/him, (Ensemble) is a student at Olivet Nazarene University where he is studying chemistry. He has done theater nearly all of his life and is so grateful to his Mom and his family and friends for supporting him through this journey no matter what.
GRACE BEATTY, she/her, (Ensemble) is the daughter of Constance and Steven Beatty. She will be a senior in the fall at Olivet Nazarene University, studying biology. “Ask me about my summer research!” She has recently been seen as Dromio of Ephesus in The Comedy of Errors (ONU), Tinkerbell/Shadow in Captain Hook (ONU), and she choreographed Beauty and the Beast (ONU). Grace is the current Artistic Director of ONU’s Dance Team and will be co-directing To Burn a Witch at Olivet this Fall. She would like to thank her family and friends for the encouragement to pursue what sets her heart on fire.
BRAD BENOIT, (Pit Singer) is happy to be working with AOTC again and has been involved in past productions of It’s A Wonderful Life and Acting Out Christmas. Brad is currently the Music Director at St. Joseph’s Church in Bradley and a Fine Arts instructor at Kankakee High School where he teaches piano and choir and helps produce their main stage musicals and show choir.
ANDY BREITBARTH, he/him, (Warner Huntington III) is so excited to make his AOTC debut in Legally Blonde! When not performing you can find him at Wrigley Field, writing fantasy football articles, and taking pictures of his dog Sammy. Some favorite roles include Harold Hill in The Music Man (OLPD), Squidward in The Spongebob Musical (OLPD), and Ren in Footloose (BTG). “Huge thanks to the production staff for all of their hard work in making this show everything it is. Enjoy the show!!”
MACKENZIE BROWN, she/her, (Pilar, Elle u/s) is excited to make her AOTC debut! She lives in Bourbonnais with her husband, Austin, and dog, Hallie. Mackenzie works in the Office of Admissions at Olivet Nazarene University. Mackenzie’s favorite past roles include Amber in Hairspray (RCT), Ursula in The Little Mermaid (RCT), and Mrs. Gibbs in Our Town (ONU). She would like to thank AOTC for the warm welcome and her friends and family for their endless support. She dedicates her performance to the Grider girls!
KYLE CASSADY, he/him, (Professor Callahan) is thrilled to be returning for his 8th summer show with AOTC!!! He holds a B.A. in Musical Theatre from Western Illinois University. Kyle is a professional actor and has performed all over the country for the past 19 years from off Broadway in New York, all the way to Montana. Highlighted credits include Stephen in Line (Off Broadway), Ensemble in Spamalot (Jedlicka Performing Arts Center), Orin in Little Shop of Horrors (Beverly Arts Center), Max in The Sound of Music (Beverly Arts Center), Frankie in Forever Plaid (Heart & Soul Productions) and multiple solo cabarets in NYC’s UC Lounge, Sardis, and Don’t Tell Mama’s. In addition to acting, Kyle is the Training and Safety Coordinator for Shoup Manufacturing in Kankakee. He resides in Bourbonnais, Illinois with his wife Deena and their two children, Nadia and Nathan. Kyle thanks his family, his mom and dad, and Bill Kincaid for their unwavering support.
MYAH CRAWFORD, she/her, (Pit Singer) is daughter of Montele and Camille Crawford and sister of two siblings! Myah’s past roles include Rizzo in Grease, Liz in Chicago, and Babette in Beauty and The Beast in the BBTEP program! Myah is incredibly grateful for her Directors, friends, and especially parents for their steadfast support in all her endeavors! She is so excited for the opportunity to be in Legally Blonde from a new perspective.
CHLOE CUNNINGTON, she/her, (Whitney/Cat Lady/Chutney u/s) is the daughter of Tom Cunnington and Dawn Landwehr. She will be a junior at ONU in the Fall, majoring in Christian Education. You might have seen Chloe as Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act (KHS), Captain Bill Slank in Peter and The Starcatcher (KHS), or as Mona Lipschitz in Chicago (KHS). She would like to thank her parents, her partner, and her friends for supporting her and encouraging her in her endeavors. She would also like to thank Deena, Tracy, and Kyle for continuing to believe in her over the years and for making such a wonderful directing team time and time again. Chloe hopes Legally Blonde is exactly “What You Want!”
AMANDA CUZZO, she/her, (Ensemble/Judge/Paulette u/s) is an auntie of four beautiful nieces and a dog mom of two boys, Walter and Georgie. She moved to Bourbonnais two years ago and is finding different ways to make new friends. Amanda is a full-time Sr. Payroll Specialist with Advanced Group. She achieved her FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) in 2017 and plans to earn her CPP Certification (Certified Payroll Professional) next year. It has been over 15 years since Amanda has been on stage. Amanda would like to thank Katie Betz for encouraging her for several years to join a theatre group and get back on stage. “Katie – you knew what my soul needed all this time, thank you for pushing me. My “muchness” has finally returned after all these years thanks to you.” Amanda’s favorite past roles include: Helsa Wenzel/Dieter Wenzel in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. (SSC Playhouse), A Principal Role (Amanda) in the musical Godspell (SSC Playhouse), Morgan le Fay, in Excalibur (Children’s Theatre Company), and Flora Meighan in 27 Wagons Full of Cotton (SSC Playhouse). Amanda would also like to thank Deena, the AOTC staff, crew, and cast members for all of their hard work and support. “Thank you all for taking a chance on me.” Amanda would like to honor her past castmates that left this world too soon. “This is for you Ro, Wendy, & Nick.”
HELEN DANDURAND, she/her, (Vivienne) is married to Evan, paw-rent to Bindi & Maeve, and daughter of Tim and Sophia Berdebes. Helen is a Marketing Communications Representative at Riverside Healthcare. She has been a part of many local theatrical endeavors. Some of her favorite past roles include Witch in Into the Woods (ONU), Wednesday in The Addams Family (KVTA), and Babette in Beauty and the Beast (AOTC). She would like to thank her friends and family for their constant support. Helen is so grateful to be a part of such a terrific and talented group and she wishes that each person watching is left smiling from ear to ear and remembering that “being true to yourself never goes out of style.”
BRYAN DIEKEN, (Kyle/Emmett u/s) is a GA for the Theatre Department at Olivet Nazarene University where he got his bachelor’s degree in theatre and now is pursuing a master’s in business while also doing much of the behind the scenes work on their main stage shows. His most recent acting credits include Jack in Captain Hook, Egeon in The Comedy of Errors, and Peter in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This is his first-time being part of an AOTC production and has loved working with this cast and crew so much. He would like to thank God for the ability to do theatre, his family for being incredibly loving and supporting of him every day, his friends for being incredible people who he couldn’t live without. He hopes you all have as much of a ball watching this show as he has had being in it.
VICTORIA EISENACH, she/her, (Pit Singer) is the daughter of Dana and Nick Eisenach and the oldest of three sisters. She is a barista at Biggby Coffee in Shorewood, IL. She has previously been seen as Middle Anna in Frozen Jr. (KVTA), Ensemble in Mary Poppins Jr. (KVTA), Ensemble in Grease (Small Town Theatrics), Kashoggi in We Will Rock You (KVTA), Wizard understudy/Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz Jr. (KVTA), and most recently as Babette in Beauty and The Beast Jr. (Bragis Players). “I’d like to thank the directors and cast for making this such a memorable experience, and my family and friends for always supporting me.”
CASSIDY ELMER, she/they, (Pit Singer) is having a blast singing in her first AOTC show. Cassidy teaches voice and piano lessons to incredible students and loves watching them grow! Some of her favorite past roles include Edith in Pirates of Penzance (ONU), Dancer in Singin’ in the Rain (ONU), and Beth in Little Women (ONU). She thanks everyone who made this show shine, and her partner Abby.
JORDAN FOX, she/her, (Delta Nu/Pilar u/s) is daughter of Stacey Fox and granddaughter of Glen and Linda Fox. Some favorite past roles include Velma Kelly in Chicago (BBTEP), Ursula in The Little Mermaid (BBTEP), Grinch Vocal Ensemble in the Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert. “I would like to thank my family for their endless love and support and coming to all of my shows since I was five, especially my mom who has encouraged me to never give up and for always pushing me to do my best on the stage and off! I would also like to thank the cast and staff for such an amazing first experience with AOTC. I truly had so much fun and made so many new friends. This group is truly so kind and positive and made this show even more special. I can’t wait to work with everyone again.”
MORGAN GEORGE, she/her, (Ensemble/Brooke Wyndham u/s) is the daughter of Chris and Julie George and the younger sister of two brothers. This is her second year performing in Acting Out’s summer show. Some of her favorite past shows include AOTC’s Cinderella and many others. Morgan would like to thank AOTC for giving her the opportunity to cherish and enjoy theatre with others that love theatre just as much. She also wants to thank her family for always believing in her and supporting her!
TIAH GUTHRIE, (Delta Nu/Greek Chorus/Ensemble/Kate u/s.)
TRE HADLEY (Nikkos) is excited to be performing in his second show with Acting Out Theatre Co following his first performance two years ago in A Chorus Line. He would like to thank his friends and family for always being supportive and is grateful for the support of the new friends he made in this year’s show.
ALLIE HAUG, she/her, (Delta Nu) is the wife of Nathan and mother of Felix and Saylor. She is a teacher at Bourbonnais Upper Grade Center. Allie’s favorite past roles include Andrina in The Little Mermaid (KVTA), Chimney Sweep in Mary Poppins (KVTA), Marcy in Dog Sees God (Limelight), and Katrina Van Tassel in A Night In Sleepy Hollow (AOTC). She would like to thank the staff for casting her and giving her an opportunity to get back on the stage! To Nate and my parents, ‘Nate, thank you for supporting my love of theatre and holding down the house so I could be at rehearsals. Mom and Dad, thanks for your support and assistance with the kids! I couldn’t have done this without you guys!’ This has been one of the most fun summers Allie has had in a long time. She also thanks the cast for the memories!
BEAU HILEMAN, he/him (Rufus), is the most macho French Bulldog in Kankakee County. He is 2 ½ years young and originally from Lansing, Michigan! He came to the Land of Lincoln when he was only 7 weeks old and has lived in Kankakee, Manteno and Bourbonnais with his mom and dad, Jacquelyn and Jacob Hileman. It’s been a wild ride! Beau enjoys strutting his stuff on walks with the perfect temperature of 67 degrees, baking like a potato in the sun on hot summer days and claiming the title of “intuitive eater.” This is his first experience under the stage lights, though he’s usually the talk of the neighborhood, so hold your autographs until bows! He’d like to thank the best dog dad for hanging out with him while mom has been at rehearsals and all his current and future fans!
CHLOE KEARNEY, she/her, (Kate/Enid u/s) is the daughter of Amy and Kevin Kearney and the sister of Camden and Colten Kearney. She is going into her senior year at Kankakee High School and attends the Early College Program at Kankakee Community College. Some memorable roles for her are Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr. (KVTA), Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act (KHS), and Dory in Finding Nemo Jr. (KVTA). Chloe would like to thank her friends and family for their undying support and love of her passion! She would also like to thank the amazing staff on this show for giving her the opportunity to be in her dream show!
NICOLE KLIMZAK, she/her, (Winthrop/D.A. Joyce Riley) resides in Kankakee and is the proud mom of Miles-Thomas. Go Blue Demons!! She is also mom to her fur babies: Tori, Nalah and Jughead…all of whom lovingly torment her on a daily basis with their shenanigans. She has worked in management for 12 years at LN Engineering in Momence. Nicole has been involved in theatre for the past three decades, both on and off stage. She co-directed Peter and the Starcatcher and performed alongside her puppet, Mrs. Thistletwat in Avenue Q (LTW). She sang in the pit in A Chorus Line (AOTC) and costumed Little Shop of Horrors (KVTA). Nicole says of all the experiences she’s had in productions she has been involved with, her favorite by far were performing as Daniela in In the Heights (KVTA) and doing flight crew for Wizard of Oz (BBTEP). She would like to thank her kiddo and her family and friends for always supporting her passion. This is Nicole’s second production of Legally Blonde, going from Harvard student in 2013 for KVTA to Harvard professor in 2024 for AOTC. She says it’s been a blast seeing the show through a different lens. As the lovingly self-described oldest member of the cast, she says she admires all the hard work her fellow cast mates have put into making this such an incredible show. “SNAPS!!”
CASE KOERNER, they/them, (Enid Hoopes) is the child of Pat & Donna Koerner, sibling of Colin & Michelle Koerner, and proud cat parent to Stormcrow, Gimli, Maes, and Stryder. Case trained in dance at Dance in the Light and graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a theatre concentration. Case currently works at Paula Aubry School of Dance, 3rd Street Dance Academy, Sweet Street, and the Sunflower School Home School Pod. Case is most proud of student-directing Pride & Prejudice at ONU and recently earning a Best Ensemble award for their choreography in BBCHS’s Sweeney Todd. Case would like to thank their mom, dad, brother, and sister-in-law for their unconditional love and support, the Legally Blonde staff and cast for their hard work and dedication, and their cats for being so dang cute.
GIGI KOHL, she/her, (Elle Woods) is going into her Junior year at Texas State University as a Musical Theatre Major and pursuing her bachelor’s degree in fine arts. She is so grateful to be on an AOTC stage for the second summer in a row. Last summer, she played the role of the Fairy Godmother in AOTC’s Cinderella. At Texas State, she had the opportunity of being a swing for Players 6 & 7 in Pippin, along with the role of Dr. Billeaux in Urinetown. Gigi would like to thank the creative team for the opportunity to help tell this empowering story and the stage management, costume team, and lighting designers for helping to bring this world to life. Finally, she would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love, support, and encouragement to continue to pursue her dreams.
SHAWN LACY, he/him, (Elle’s dad/ Lowell) is the husband of Jennifer, and father of Owen. Shawn is a data science manager at The Hartford Insurance Company. Shawn has not been involved with theater since high school, but he has been a part of various community choirs throughout the Chicagoland area. “To anyone thinking of getting back into theatre or trying out theatre for the first time… just go for it!”
SYDNEY LANG (Ensemble) is very excited to be in her second show with Acting Out! She is a student at Olivet studying theatre and is thrilled she got to spend her summer with her friends doing theatre.
DUSTIN MANN (Pforzheimer, Ensemble, Dewey u/s) is husband to Ron. He works full-time as a Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician at Walgreens. He has been involved in community theater for 16 years. His favorite past roles include King in Cinderella (AOTC), Sonny in Grease (KVTA), Harry in State Fair (KVTA), Captain Hook in Peter Pan (KVTA), and Jack Gable in Leading Ladies (CTW). I’d like to thank my husband Ron, friends and family for their continuous support.
NATHAN MARCOTTE, he/him (Aaron Shultz/ Carlos u/s) is the son of Melissa and Andre Marcotte. He has recently been seen in The Little Mermaid as Scuttle (BBTEP), and Chicago as Amos (BBTEP). “I want to thank my Mom for being the sole reason I’ve come to love musicals as much as I do. Working with AOTC has been an amazing experience and I’m excited to perform in Legally Blonde — my very first show with them.”
KATELYNN MCBURNIE (Ensemble) is new to Acting Out Theater Co but has participated in many KVTA productions such as Mary Poppins (KVTA), Music Man (KVTA), Junie B. Jones (KVTA) and more. Katelynn would like to thank her family and close friends for all the support, and her mom for the rides! “I have loved getting to do another show with my brother and just grow in something so beautiful! Thank you to Denna and the talented directors that have dedicated so much work and time!”
ANDREW MCBURNIE, he/him, (Emmett Forrest) is a Full-Time Videographer at Pathfinder – a marketing agency based in Kankakee. He is married to Ashtyn, and both have recently made Kankakee their home. This is his 6th production with AOTC and one of his favorites! Andrew’s favorite past roles include Tony in West Side Story (AOTC) and Frederic in Pirates of Penzance (ONU). He would like to thank Acting Out for always creating a magical experience for the cast off stage – as well as they do for the community on stage.
KYREN MCELROY (Grandmaster Chad/ Aaron u/s) has done shows with KVTA and high school theater such as Finding Nemo Jr. (KVTA), Peter and the Starcatcher (KHS Theater), Sister Act (KHS Theater), and Lion King Jr. (KHS Theater). He would like to thank his youth group for always coming to his shows, and director Deena Cassady for introducing him to theater! “I have loved getting together with all these talented people who all have this common interest that is theater. I loved talking to this cast and connecting with them!”
DAISY MAE METTLIN, she/her, (Bruiser) is the cutest Cavachon this side of the Mississippi. She is a 5-year-old pup, raised in Morris, IL with the coolest dog mom, Shauntia. She has a few feline siblings (Presley, Paisley and Toga), and spends most of her day chasing them around the house or practicing her WWE wrestling moves with Toga. She loves kayaking, watching Bluey and her daily Greenie™ treat. This is her first theatre experience, though she’s usually the center of attention wherever she goes, so stardom comes naturally. She’d like to thank her mom for taking her to get pup cups at Starbies on the way to rehearsals and all her new besties in the cast & crew! “Love ya!”
AMANDA RINGLER, she/her, (Elle’s Mom/Delta Nu) is excited to be a part of her first production with Acting Out! She lives with her husband Scott and her cat, Cookie. She is a high school special education teacher. Amanda’s favorite past roles include Hotbox Girl in Guys and Dolls (KVTA), Tree/Crow in Wizard of Oz (JDG), and Apostle/Ft. Dancer in Jesus Christ Superstar (KVTA). She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant love and support.
KAITLYN ROSE, (Margot) is a sophomore Musical Theatre BFA student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and is thrilled to be a part of the amazing cast of Legally Blonde! This is Kaitlyn’s second Acting Out production! Other acting credits include Ti Moune in Once on This Island, Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy, Velma Understudy/June (Squish) in Chicago H.S. Edition, Blind Mouse/Dragonette/Sleeping Beauty in Shrek: The Musical, and Julia Augustine in Wedding Band. Kaitlyn would like to thank her parents, Camille and Paul, and her friends for supporting her throughout her theater career and for making sure she is loved no matter what. Kaitlyn also hopes everyone enjoys the show!
BECKY ROUTSON, she/her (Paulette) is the wife of Damon Routson and mother to their rambunctious, sweet two-year-old, Simon. Becky is going into her 12th year as a mental health professional and will be working as a school social worker at Parker Junior High School in Flossmoor, IL in the upcoming school year. Some of Becky’s favorite past roles include Margot in Legally Blonde (KVTA), Cathy in The Last Five Years (Limelight Theatre Works), Amy March in Little Women (KVTA) and JoAnne in RENT (Small Town Theatrics). Becky is thrilled to be making her way back to the stage again after an over four-year hiatus from performing. “Thank you to Deena and the entire directing staff for believing in me, and thank you to my wonderful husband, Damon, and my sweet son, Simon, for sacrificing so much of your time and energy so that I could reconnect with my love of theatre. To this amazing cast, I couldn’t imagine doing this show with anyone else; you’re all stars. To the audience, I hope you enjoy watching Legally Blonde as much as we enjoy performing it for you!”
RYAN RUNNER, he/him, (Carlos/ Warner u/s) is the son of Aimee Ruel and Bradley Runner. Ryan has spent countless hours of his life dedicated to theatre, mostly because brother forced him to do his first show in junior high. This is Ryan’s second show with Acting Out Theatre Company. He made his debut with the company last summer when he played Mark Anthony in A Chorus Line. His other credits include Bobby Flynn in Chicago H.S. Edition (KHS) and Daniel in Once on this Island (KHS). Ryan would like to thank all of his family and friends for their continuous support in his theatre ventures and hopes they love this show as much as he does.
JACQUELYN SAROWATZ, she/her, (Brooke Wyndham, Delta Nu) is the lucky daughter of Jack and Dee Sarowatz, dog mom to her French bulldog Beau (because he’s not just a dog, he’s family), and future WIFE to Jacob Hileman. Jacquelyn has been performing under stage lights since she was a young girl, beginning her dance training at Paula Aubry School of Dance, going on to graduate as a dance performance major at Illinois State University, then setting sail through the Eastern-Western Caribbean to perform with Disney Cruise Line on the Disney Fantasy! Some of Jacquelyn’s favorite Acting Out Theatre Company productions include Annie in Chicago, Rumpleteazer in CATS, and Val Clark in A Chorus Line. “To mom and dad, thank you for always giving me opportunity after opportunity and for all the love in the world!” She would also like to thank her friends and family for always showing up and supporting her on the stage and in life! “Being true to yourself never goes out of style! Snaps!”
ISABELLA SCHNITZLER (Ensemble) is the daughter of Sandra and Roger Schnitzler. She has three siblings Sophia, Emma, and James. She spends her days teaching middle school students. Her favorite roles have included Dragon in Shrek the Musical and recently playing a Who in Seussical. She would like to thank her friends and family for being so supportive of her returning to theatre.
COOPER SKOUMAL, he/him, (Kiki) is the son of Gina and Terry Skoumal. He has an older brother Conner and twin sister Chloe. He will be a Junior at Olivet majoring in music. He has been seen as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast (ONU), Warner in Legally Blonde (BBTEP), Gleb in Anastasia (BBTEP) as well as several KVTA shows. He would like to thank all the staff for making this a very memorable experience. He has enjoyed being “Whipped into Shape.”
ROBERT SOWELL, (Padamadan/Ensemble)
GRANT SPARENBERG, he/him, (Dewey / Ensemble) is a local KSD 111 music teacher who has participated in his fair share of community theatre productions over the past decade. He is the son of Tim and Danette Sparenberg and the proud dog dad to the happiest corgi, Brutus. Following this production, Grant will continue with other members of the cast to join KVTA’s production of The Producers and reprise his role as Ichabod Crane in A Night in Sleepy Hollow with KVTA and the Bourbonnais Park District.
ELAINA STORER, she/her, (Pit Singer) is the daughter of Paul and Emily Storer and sister of Katelyn along with her dog Nellie. Elaina’s past roles include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeny Todd (BBTEP), Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (BBTEP), Mona in Chicago (BBTEP) and Margot in Legally Blonde (BBTEP). Elaina is very grateful for her family and friends and all the amazing opportunities theater has given her. She is very excited to be doing Legally Blonde again in a different and fun way!
ALEXIS TANNER, she/her, (Chutney/Ensemble/Vivienne u/s) is beyond thrilled to be a part of her first ever Acting Out production! Previous credits include Lucy in Avenue Q and several KVTA productions. Alexis is a performing arts teacher and the Art Director at Allegro Music & Dance Academy. Alexis would like to thank Deena, Kyle, Veronica, Tracey, and everyone who made this production a success. “To mom and Joe and my other family (blood and chosen) YOU MADE IT! I love you all and thank you endlessly for your support.”
STAFF
DEENA CASSADY, she/her, (Director) is thrilled to be back with Acting Out Theatre Company. Previous AOTC credits include Director of A Chorus Line, Co-Director of Ghost Light Cabaret, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables, Mama Morton in Chicago, and a member of the Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast. She would like to thank Kennedy for babysitting the “Cassadettes” all summer while she and Kyle were at rehearsal and this incredible cast, crew, and production team for all of their hard work this summer…it’s been a blast!!
TRACY TOEPFER, she/her, (Vocal Director) is the wife of Craig and mother of Lucy, 9 and Jack, 7. She has been a public school Music Educator for 21 years. She currently serves as the Choir and Theatre Director in Peotone School District. This is Tracy’s first production with AOTC but has been involved in several community theatre companies in many capacities over the last two decades. Tracy is excited to be spending the summer with the most hard working, talented, and kind cast and production staff! She would like to thank the Board of Directors at AOTC for inviting her to be part of this amazing show!
ANNA MARIA D’ORTENZIO, she/her, (Assistant Director/Pit Singer) is thrilled to be a part of her first AOTC production! She currently resides in Chicago and will be a senior in the fall at DePaul University, majoring in theatre arts with an emphasis in directing and minoring in classical voice performance. Anna Maria has recently directed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Blue Demon Theatre) and is slated to assistant direct Ride The Cyclone (The Theatre School) this winter. She is also a performer and was recently seen as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (KVTA) and Nina in In The Heights (KVTA). Anna Maria would like to thank Julie and Deena for this incredible opportunity!
VERONICA KRAVAT, she/her, (Choreography Assistant) is from Kankakee and is the office manager and a teacher at Paula Aubry School of Dance and also works at Sequels Resale Shop. She has choreographed musicals in our community such as West Side Story (AOTC), Newsies (KVTA), and A Chorus Line (AOTC). She is also on the Acting Out Theatre Company board. She would like to thank Kyle for being the creative brains behind the dancing operations, Deena for always being a great teammate to work things out with, and Julie for doing everything under the sun and then some to pull off every Acting Out production. “And one last thank you to this cast who is one of the absolute hardest working groups of people I’ve ever been with!”
KYLE AIDEN, he/him, (Choreographer) is an international award-winning choreographer that works with dancers, singers, and actors of all ages throughout the world. He travels across the US choreographing and directing for theatre, show choir programs, dance companies, festivals and workshops, and much more, as well as works with music groups worldwide. He is excited to join AOTC for his first show with the company. To the production staff, thank you for trusting me with creating the choreography for this show. To the cast, “OMIGOD YOU ROCK! Thank you for working so hard to really bring this show to life.”
GWEN FOX, she/her, (Rehearsal Pianist) is married to Michael J. Fox, mother of Casey (Meyer), Ryan, and Rachel (Fecht), and grandma to Gwendalynn, Margie, Artie, Elliott, Boyd, and Oliver. Gwen played in the pit for AOTC’s Into the Woods, and CATS. She has also served as the rehearsal pianist and keyboard for the pit for AOTC’s Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, Charlie Brown, A Chorus Line, Cinderella, and Legally Blonde. Gwen loves working with the amazing staff and casts of these outdoor productions.
JULIE GINDY, she/her, (Set Designer/Decorator) is the wife of Jeff, mother of Jillian & Mike Van Gindy, Katie Gindy, and Cody Gindy, and Grammy of Kit. Julie is a full-time Julie-of-all-Trades. She co-founded Acting Out Theatre Company over a basket of chips and salsa and serves on the board as President. She has been involved with Scenic Design for every AOTC production since its inception, and then a little. Julie would like to thank each and every AOTC staff, crew member, and cast member who volunteer countless hours creating quality productions for our community. Thanks to Jeff for partnering with me on this scenic design journey each year, he’s the best! “To Jillian, Mike, Katie, Cody and Kit, I say wow, you guys are swell!” She would also like to thank her grandcats Thor, god of Thunder, and Re, Egyptian Sun god, in advance for the sunny weather.
SHAUNTIA METTLIN, she/her, (Costume Design) is the Band Director at Saratoga School in Morris, IL. She has directed many plays and musicals in her 11 years at Saratoga, most recently Matilda the Musical Jr.! She serves on their Board of Directors with AOTC and has worked as director in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown & Cinderella, as well as behind the curtain as Sound Tech, Technical Director and Props with some amazingly dedicated humans for over 15 years. Shout out to her furry ride or dies, Daisy, Presley, Paisley and the infamous Baby Toga.
DEB LASKEY (Costume Assistant) is the proud mom of two grown son, Keith and Kyle. She is the HR Administrator at Peoples Bank of Kankakee County. Deb has previously worked with AOTC on A Night In Sleepy Hollow, It’s A Wonderful Life, Les Miserables, CATS, Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story, Cinderella, and Ghosts of Salem. Deb’s favorite part of the production is watching it all come to life on stage. “A great big thanks to Shauntia for asking me to be on her team. It’s been a blast!”
JULIE TOMISEK, she/her (Orchestra Conductor), taught orchestra in Kankakee for 36 years before retiring in 2018. She is currently the String Coach for the Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony and is co-founder/violinist of the River Valley String Ensemble. She also performs with the Joliet Symphony, West Suburban Symphony, and Kankakee Valley Symphony. Julie’s conducting work includes Cinderella (AOTC), In the Heights (KVTA), The Music Man (KVTA), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (KVTA), and Ragtime (KVTA). Violin pit playing includes Seussical the Musical (KVTA), Sweeney Todd (AOTC), and West Side Story (AOTC). She is thrilled to be working with such talented people and would like to thank Deena for the opportunity.
MIKE PRANGER, (Stage Construction) is the husband of Lisa and father of Michael and Michelle, Nathan and Andrew. He is the owner of Valley Glass Company. He has served as Stage Construction for Cinderella, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, CATS, Les Misérables, Chicago, Big River, Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story and many more local theatre productions. Mike would like to thank his talented and dedicated building staff.
JEFF GINDY (Set Construction) is the husband of Julie, father of Jillian and Mike Van Gindy, Katie Gindy, and Cody Gindy, and Papa Jeff of Kit. Jeff is a retired elementary school Principal and currently works full-time as the personal woodworker of his wife, children, and the neighborhood birds and squirrels, and part-time as a Sweet Street taste tester. His favorite part of the show is getting his garage clean afterwards. He would like to thank his daughter Jillian, once again, for ghostwriting this biography.
PAULA DENAULT (Props) is the wife of Joe, mother of Sarah and Jarrod Huggins, Lisa Graft, and Kyle and Jenny Denault. She is the proud grandmother of Josie, Emma, Hadley, Cal and Bennett. Paula is a retired third grade teacher and currently a Sweet Street employee. Paula loves to collect interesting serving pieces and table decor and decorating for any party or occasion! She has been involved with Acting Out Theatre Company since 2011, both as a board member, actor, and behind the scenes. Paula would like to thank each and every AOTC cast, crew, staff, and board member for investing so much of themselves into this community theatre! “You make our world a better place!”
EDITH ROSAS, she/her, (Props Assistant), is enjoying her second season with Acting Out Theatre Company. She was born and raised in Kankakee and is currently a proud employee of Riverside Medical Center. When she is not working, she spends time with her family, such as her little brother Christian and her nieces and nephews, Ellie, Noah, Gael, and the newest addition this year Mateo. Edith is incredibly happy to be back this season and wanted to thank Julie and Paula for reaching out and asking for her to be a part of another incredible production filled with immense talent. She has always loved theatre and loves being able to work hard backstage and help create the magic that is shared with the audience every show night. She hopes you all enjoy the hard work, joy, laughs and love that everyone has put into this season’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical.
JOE DENAULT (Stage Manager) is the husband of Paula and father of Sarah, Lisa, and Kyle. He has been the Stage Manager for many Acting Out Theatre Co. shows and is happy to be involved in Legally Blonde. He would like to thank fellow stagehands for their hard work. ‘Good luck to our amazing cast.”
MAGGIE JAMES,(Make-Up Designer)
DAWN DEANY, (Hair and Wigs)
SARAH HUGGINS (Volunteer Coordinator) is the wife of Jarrod and mother of Bennett. She has taught second grade for 18 years at LeVasseur in Bourbonnais. Sarah is grateful to work with AOTC again and loves the opportunity to work alongside the fabulous volunteers!