CAST
DEXTER ARENS, he/him, (Townsperson, Horse), is the son of Andrea Arens and Todd Sandberg. Dexter is employed part-time at Rebel Ice Cream Company. He graduated from Peotone High School this year and is majoring in Chemistry at ONU this fall. Dexter has been involved in theater since 4th grade, starring in the district’s productions of Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, A Wrinkle in Time, Into the Woods, Check, Please!, A Christmas Story, Almost Maine, and Descendants. Dexter’s favorites roles were Old Man Parker in A Christmas Story and Jean-Michel in Cinderella. This is Dexter’s first production with AOTC. Dexter would like to thank his mom for pushing him to pursue his passions, and his friends and family for always being in the audience.
MALAKAI BASHAYREH, he/him, (Children’s Ensemble) is the son of Cassandra and Taiseer Bashayreh, brother of Layla Bashayreh and Jojo (dog), and grandson of Donna Kirkpatrick. Malakai is a 4th grader at Herscher Intermediate School. Aside from involving himself in the AOTC, he enjoys soccer and baseball. Malakai would like to thank the AOTC family for making this a fun adventure. He would also like to thank Mrs. Gross and Gavin for convincing him to join, his grandma for her support, and his mom for driving him to practices, supporting him, and being his biggest fan! Cinderella is Malakai’s first play.
ABRIELLA CARAVETTE (Ensemble) is very excited to be a part of her first AOTC show. She just completed her MBA while working for the last two years as the graduate assistant for Olivet’s theatre program, doing mostly tech work. While she loves working behind the scenes, she is no stranger to the stage. She was most recently seen in Guys and Dolls (KVTA) and While the Lights Were Out (CBT). She would like to thank her family for always supporting her and the cast for being incredible people to work with.
HARPER CASE, he/him, (Royal Ball Guest, Children’s Ensemble) is the son of Stephen and Christine and brother to Jack, Baylor, and Matt. Harper is a sixth grader at Kennedy Middle School in Kankakee. He loves animals (especially cats), LEGOs, Transformers, drawing, and reading. Previously he has appeared on stage as Napoleon in The Aristocats (KSD111 Summer Production), Manfather/Chil the Vulture in The Jungle Book (KVTA), and Left Claw/Maui Ensemble in Moana, Jr. (KVTA). Harper thanks his family for always showing up to watch him dance and sing on stage. He also thanks Miss Paula (Sutter) for believing in him. He loves being in Cinderella and says that his favorite part is that everyone involved is “so chill.”
CHRISTINE CASE, she/her, (Queen) is the wife of Stephen and mother of Jack, Baylor, Matt, and Harper. Christine works as a Library Media Specialist at Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills. A proud defender of kids’ rights to read whatever they want, she lives in Kankakee, serves on the board of KVTA, and spends the rest of her time driving her children to various activities and restoring her historic home. In high school and college, Christine played in the pit for several musicals. More recently, she has helped as a volunteer for multiple KVTA kids’ shows and was recently seen on stage as an Apostle in Jesus Christ Superstar (KVTA). Christine would like to thank her family, especially Stephen, for never batting an eye when Mom decides she’s going to throw everything into chaos and do a show. Christine thanks her kids for leading her to community theatre and also AOTC for casting half of her family in this show and giving them a summer of fun memories on stage together. Finally, thank you to her beloved Kankakee and Riverside Historic District for welcoming the production with open arms.
MATTHEW CASE, he/him, (Ensemble) is going into 10th grade at Kankakee High School. This is his first AOTC production, but previous credits include Ensemble in Junie B. Jones (KVTA), Narnia, Seussical, and Mary Poppins, Hannah in A Night in Sleepy Hollow (KVTA), Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast (KVTA), Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka (KJHS), Ted in Peter and the Starcatcher (KHS), Ernie in Sister Act (KHS), and Willy Wonka in Pure Imagination Broadway Revue (KVTA). He would like to thank everyone who ever grew his love for musical arts, especially his friends.
CHLOE CUNNINGTON, she/her, (Townsperson/Assistant) is the daughter of Dawn Landwehr and Tom Cunnington. Chloe just graduated from Kankakee High School and will be attending Olivet Nazarene University next month. Chloe is delighted to make her debut with Acting Out! At KHS, her favorite credits include Constance Dinwiddie in The Nitwits, Mona Lipschitz in Chicago: High School Edition, Bill Slank in Peter and the Starcatcher and Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act. She would like to thank her parents, her brother, and her second family for supporting her and the AOTC family for welcoming her into this show.
MORGAN GEORGE, she/her, (Servant/Royal guard) is the daughter of Chris and Julie George and sister to Trevor and Bryson George. Morgan is going to be a junior at North Central College, earning her degree in Health Science. This is Morgan’s first summer show with Acting Out. Some previous shows Morgan has been in include a Zombie in A Night in Sleepy Hollow (AOTC), The Centipede in James and the Giant Peach (KVTA), a dancer in White Christmas (KVTA), and many others. Morgan would like to thank AOTC for allowing her the opportunity to be in this show and help her enjoy theatre again. “To my family and friends; thank you for being so incredibly supportive and caring for me. Without you guys, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today. I love you guys!”
KAELEIGH GROSS, she/her, (Townsperson, Royal Guard) is the daughter of Amber Gross and Geoffrey Gross, and mother of Bellatrix (cat). Kaeleigh is a freshman at Bourbonnais Bradly Community High School. She was recently seen in in Ghosts of Salem (AOTC). Kaeleigh would like to thank her Mom for always bringing her to practices with a smile. She would like to thank her Dad as well for always coming to the shows and putting up with singing practice in the kitchen.
AMBER GROSS, (she/her), (Townsperson, Royal Ball Guest) is the wife of Geoff Gross and mother of Kaeleigh and Gavin. Amber is a 3rd grade teacher at Herscher Intermediate School. Amber has been involved with AOTC’s productions of The Ghosts of Salem and A Night in Sleepy Hollow. Amber would like to thank her husband for listening to the Cinderella soundtrack on repeat this summer while she and her children were learning their roles.
GAVIN GROSS, (he/him), (Children’s Ensemble) is the son of Geoff and Amber Gross, and proud pet owner of Potter (cat). Gavin is a 4th grade student at Herscher Intermediate School. Aside from being a part of AOTC, he also enjoys gymnastics, disc golf, and many nature-based activities. Gavin’s past roles include Ghost Child in The Ghosts of Salem (AOTC) Gavin would like to thank his mom and dad for encouraging him to try a musical production for the first time.
TIAH GUTHRIE, (Ensemble) is very thankful to be a part of this wonderful show! Although every rehearsal had her going home with a smile, her favorite part of the production was learning all the dances! Tiah has previously been seen on stage as Lucy in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. She would like to thank everyone for putting in so much hard work and love into this production!
BRYAR HOMAN, they/them, (Ensemble) has been previously seen onstage in the Ensemble of In the Heights (KVTA).
HANNAH HUDGINS, she/her, (Cinderella), is going into her Junior Year at Olivet Nazarene University as a Public Relations and Corporate Communications major. She was most recently cast as a Cut Dancer in A Chorus Line (AOTC), and as Katrina in A Night in Sleepy Hollow (KVTA). She would like to thank each and every director and staff member involved with Cinderella for giving her this opportunity and allowing her to have a prosperous summer experience filled with friendship, laughter, and wonderful memories. She would also like to give a special shout out to Adelynn McBurnie for supporting her every step of the way and unconditionally loving her through life.
MICHAEL KEIGHER, he/him, (Herald), is starting as the School Social Worker at Marcker Intermediate School for the 23-24 school year. Michael is an AOTC board member. He is enjoying being back outside and on stage for this production and can’t wait for Ghosts of Salem this Fall!
GIANNA KOHL, she/her, (Fairy Godmother) will be going into her second year at Texas State University pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Gianna has been performing within the community since she was 6 years old. Her most recent appearances are with Bradley Bourbonnais’ Theatre Education Program under the direction of David Charles Morgan. Past credits include Rafiki in The Lion King, Sophie in Mamma Mia!, Ms. Willie in Crimes of the Heart, Anastasia in Anastasia, and and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. She was also recently cast in Texas State’s spring musical, Pippin, as a swing for Players 8 and 9. She would like to thank the creative team for giving her the opportunity to grow within this magical role and for all the work they’ve put into this show to make it “possible.” Finally, she would like to thank her family and close friends for loving and supporting her this summer as she prepares to go back to school! She encourages everyone to remember, “Everything starts with a wish. Nothing happens without wishing,” and that anything you wish for, can be possible.
SYDNEY LANG, she/her, (Townsperson, Royal Ball Guest) is performing with Acting Out for the first time this summer. She has been in multiple other performances at Olivet Nazarene where she studies opera and theater. She has loved every moment of rehearsals and getting to know the other cast members.
DUSTIN MANN, he/him, (King), is husband to Ron. He works as a Certified Pharmacy Technician for Walgreens. This is his first show in 8 years. Some of his favorite past roles include Harry in State Fair (KVTA), Lt. J.G. Sam Weinberg in A Few Good Men (KVTA), Sonny in Grease (KVTA), Jack Gable in Leading Ladies (CTW), Tommy Briggs in Natalie Needs A Nightie (CTW), and Ensemble in RENT (Morris Theater Guild). He has been involved in numerous productions with KVTA and CTW. He would like to thank his husband and family for their continued support. “Thank you to the directors and staff for this opportunity. I would like to dedicate this show to my late brother Shannon who always believed in me.”
ANDREW MCBURNIE (Steward) shares the stage this weekend with his wife, Ashtyn McBurnie (Joy) and his cousin, Hannah Hudgins (Cinderella). He is a 24 year-old native to Bourbonnais, and you may have previously seen him as Mike Costa in A Chorus Line (AOTC, 2022), Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain (ONU, 2022) or Tony in West Side Story (AOTC, 2018). Andrew is always thankful to spend his summers with Acting Out and is so grateful for the impact that community theatre has had on him, and all who attend.
CHARLEE MEISTER, (Children’s Ensemble) is the daughter of Doug and Paige, and the younger sister to JoElle. She is the most loving mother to her black cat, Bruce, and Aunt to black/white cat, Stan. Charlee will be entering 4th grade and her favorite subject is Math. Outside of school, Charlee enjoys swimming, playing Dynamo soccer, and dancing with Paula Aubry School of Dance. Cinderella (AOTC) is her first theatre production experience. She is excited to bring her spunky personality to the stage. Learning the music of this production has been the most spectacular part of the experience. “To the directors, thank you for choosing me to be a part of this production!”
BRANDON MERRILL (Townsperson, Royal Ball Guest, Minister) has been seen recently on stage with Easy Street Theatre where he performed in Hats Off, Bye Bye Birdie, Wizard of Oz, and Grease. He got his start in theatre on the stage at Kankakee High School in Lil’ Abner, Cinderella, Seussical and The Sound of Music. He has also been seen on stage as Monster and Zombie Soldier in A Night at Sleepy Hollow (AOTC) and Ghost Henry in Ghosts of Salem (AOTC). Brandon is a happy go-getter, a big ham, tries to make everyone laugh, and enjoys telling everyone positive things. He has enjoyed all the rehearsal day fun! His mom passed away, but he knows in his heart that she and his dad are very proud of him for trying out for this first time and getting a part in the show.
AVERY NICHOLS, she/her, (Children’s Ensemble/Assistant) is daughter of Victor and Lindsey and sister to Ethan and Rowan. This fall she will begin 8th grade at Bradley Central. She has studied violin for 5 years and participated in choir since 4th grade. She is a proud member of Scouts BSA, also serving as a Den Chief to mentor the younger Cub Scouts. She fell in love with AOTC when she attended their production of CATS, and has attended almost every summer show since! Her favorite past roles include: Stingray/Chef in The Little Mermaid (BBCHS), and Kate in Annie Jr. (BCMS). This experience has provided her with countless lessons and growth opportunities that she hopes to take with her to future shows. Being in this production with AOTC is a dream come true and she couldn’t feel more blessed to be part of this show! She would like to thank her family for their constant support of her dreams. She would also like to thank the AOTC staff, crew, and cast members for their unwavering commitment to quality productions and for guiding her through this new experience. Their positivity and kindness are unmatched!
DEBBIE OBERLANDER, she/her, (Townsperson, Royal Ball Guest) is the wife of Ed Oberlander and mom to Lindsay Ingram. Debbie is the Owner/Hairstylist of Deborah Scissorhands and a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. Her first onstage role was in the Ensemble of Jesus Christ Superstar (KVTA). Prior to that, she performed as a Pit Singer in A Chorus Line (AOTC). In each production she has been honored to learn from talented cast members and leaders. To each of them she can say ” Because I knew you, I have been changed….for good.” She’s excited now to add Cinderella to her list of performances! Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a favorite childhood musical of hers, so it’s going to be amazing to take part in bringing this show to life for a live audience!
EMMA O’DELL, she/her, (Royal Ball Guest/Children’s Ensemble) is the youngest of five. Her parents are Todd & Sheri O’Dell. Emma graduated 8th grade in May and will be attending Manteno High School in the fall. She is also involved in cheerleading, track, and a part of Manteno Magic Show choir. This is Emma’s first musical with Acting Out Theatre Co. “I want to thank my family for always supporting me. Thank you to the directors and cast members for making me feel welcome. This has been a great first experience with theater. Lastly, thank you to Erin Phillips for being my person. I wouldn’t have known about this show without her.”
ERIN PHILLIPS, she/her, (Assistant/Royal Guard) is the daughter of Scott and Nona Phillips and the older sister to Alec Phillips. Erin is a student at Olivet Nazarene University and is getting her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. She currently works at Bradley East Elementary School as a paraprofessional. Erin’s favorite past roles include: Allana in The Little Mermaid (KVTA), Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show (Limelight Theatre Works), and a HotBox Dancer/Havana Dancer in Guys & Dolls (KVTA). Erin wants to thank her friends and family for always being supportive, as well as the cast and crew for making this summer so much fun!
ANNA POOLE, she/her, (Footman, Children’s Ensemble) is the daughter of Todd and Lisa, sister to Jake. She is entering eighth grade and loves singing, flute, theater, karate, basketball, and hanging out with her friends. This is Anna’s first time acting with AOTC, but her love of theater started when she saw AOTC’s Beauty and the Beast. Anna’s favorite past roles at her school include: Goonie Bird Greene in Goonie Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures, Napkin/Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast, Timon in The Lion King Kids, and Orphan in Annie, Jr. She would like to thank all her new friends and everyone who made this production possible. AOTC is full of supportive and fun people, and she is sad it is coming to an end. Anna would like to thank her parents for driving her and her friends and family who support her in every role.
SOPHIE POWELL, (Children’s Ensemble, Assistant)) the daughter of Zach and Becky Powell. Sophie attends Bishop McNamara Catholic School. At the age of 7, when she saw an outdoor production of Peter Pan, she asked, “when can I be on the stage?” Since then Sophie has participated in numerous musicals. She would like to thank her mom, dad, Grammy, Yaya, family, and friends for their support.
LAUREN PUESCHELL, she/her, (Portia) is the daughter of Mike and Rachel Pueschell, and sister to two younger siblings. She is a videography assistant/editor, dance teacher, and musical theatre enthusiast. Lauren has been on the stage for nearly 19 years, and is so excited to continue her theatre journey with Cinderella! In the past, she has performed with Studio on Main, Indiana Youth Ballet, Country Theatre Workshop, Kankakee Valley Theatre, Acting Out, and has even made an appearance at Walt Disney World! Lauren will be moving to Naperville this summer, where she plans to audition for Broadway in Chicago and performance opportunities at Walt Disney World. She would like to thank the production staff, board, directors, choreographer, and fellow cast members for making Cinderella such a wonderful experience!
ISABELLA SCHNITZLER, she/her, (Royal Ball Guest, Townsperson, Assistant) is the daughter of Roger and Sandra, sister to Emma, James, and Sophia, and sister-in-law of Bobby Calderone. She is a Special Education teacher. Isabella has been in Beauty and the Beast (KVTA), Shrek the Musical (Manteno High School), and a production of The Body Monologues (Iowa State Theatre Department). She has been interested in theater since she found a cassette tape of CATS and secretly listened to it for months. “I want to send a special thank you to all my friends and family who have always been extremely supportive of me auditioning and continuing my passion of performance.”
GRANT SPARENBERG, (Prince) is the son of Tim and Danette Sparenberg and sibling of Ross and Brett Sparenberg. Most importantly, he is an uncle to three amazing nephews; Evan, Wyatt, and Levi. Grant has been doing community theater in the Kankakee area for the past ten years starting with Chicago (AOTC) in Momence and most recently A Night in Sleepy Hollow (KVTA) as Ichabod. Outside of the community theater, Grant is active with his church family at Community Cup of the Nazarene and has been teaching in the area for the past 7 years. This next school year he will be teaching music in the Kankakee School District at the Lincoln Cultural Center. Music and performing is a passion for Grant and loves the many opportunities there are to utilize these talents.
MCKENZEY JOLEE TESTERMAN, she/her, (Stepmother) is the daughter of Jeff and Kendra Testerman and sister of Bailey and Davis Testerman. She has managed to turn her obsession with books into a career by becoming a school librarian. McKenzey is no stranger to playing the villain as her previous roles include Miss Hannigan in Annie Jr. (KVTA), the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical Jr. (BBTEP), The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz (BBTEP), and Sister Mary Roberts in Sister Act (KVTA)…one of these things is not like the other. McKenzey shares that she is thankful to get to work with a group of people that make it challenging for her to be so mean to them.
CARSON WILLIAMS, she/her, (Children’s Ensemble) is the daughter of Max and Sarah Williams and sister of Jackson. She is a student at Bishop McNamara Catholic School and is going into 4th grade. Carson has been seen on stage in the Ensemble of Beauty and the Beast Jr. (KVTA), in the Ensemble and as Penguin in Mary Poppins Jr. (KVTA) and as Orphan Kate in Annie Jr. (BMCS). Carson loves the stage and is excited to be part of Cinderella. She wants to thank all of her family and friends for their constant support.
ASHTYN WILLIAMS, she/her, (Joy) is the wife of Andrew McBurnie and a proud cat mom to Bourbon and Brisket. She graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 2022 where she studied Music and Theatre, and where she is now employed. She has previously been seen in A Chorus Line (AOTC) where she played the role of Sheila. She’d like to thank the staff and cast for putting on such a magical show!
STAFF
SHAUNTIA METTLIN, she/her, (Director) is the proud mother of four beautiful furbabies, Presley, Paisley, Daisy and a most recent foster turned family member Toga. Shauntia is the Jr. High Band Director at Saratoga School in Morris, IL. She has directed many plays and musicals at Saratoga, which include Seussical Jr., Schoolhouse Rock Live Jr., Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan Jr. The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, and Shrek Jr. She currently serves on the Acting Out Theatre Company’s Board of Directors, directed You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and has worked as sound tech, tech director and props for many of their shows for over 13 years. Cinderella has been an amazing adventure with a fabulous cast and staff! Thank you to my family and friends who have always supported my musical adventure and Dunkin’ for keeping me caffeinated during rehearsals.
KIM STRUCK, she/her, (Vocal Director) has been married to her loving husband, Jeff, for thirty one years, living in their hometown of Morris. Their two amazing children, Jorie (30) and John (27) are both ELA teachers in Milwaukee and Morris, respectively. Kim will begin her 37th year of teaching as a “senior” with this being her final year as she looks forward to the adventures of retirement. She began her teaching career at Immaculate Conception School in Morris where she taught K-8 music and liturgical music for 22 years. Currently, she is starting her 15th year at Saratoga School in Morris where she is the K-5 music specialist using the Orff Approach to much of her curriculum. She is director of the Saratoga Youth Choir, Junior High Choir and Route 47 Hawkbeats Orff Ensemble. In the past few years she has implemented a SEL program called Munchie Bunchies where junior high students lift their self-esteem and receive tools for dealing with everyday stresses and celebrating joys, as well. She is thrilled to offer students of all ages the experiences of music, creativity, dance and culture in her career! Past productions include Vocal Director of Godspell (IWU), Director of Godspell, Jr., Oklahoma, Jr., Schoolhouse Rock, Jr., and Suessical, Jr. (ICS); Vocal Director of Godspell, and Peter Pan, Jr. (Morris Theatre Guild); Vocal Director of Peter Pan, Jr., Suessical, Jr., Schoolhouse Rock!, Jr., The Big Bad Musical, Shrek, Jr. (Saratoga School) as well as numerous sacred children’s musicals at First Presbyterian Church, Morris where she was Director of Music for 29 years. Kim is a newbie with AOTC and is super thrilled to be a part of this magical production filled with inspiration, creativity, passion and talented vocalists, young and old, dedicated production team members and gifted instrumentalists. “I want to thank my mom, Ginger, and my late father, Russell for instilling a love of music in my heart, my husband and children for always being there with words of encouragement and support, the thousands of students’ lives who have crossed remarkably with mine through song and dance, Shauntia for simply taking a chance and asking me to be part of this production, Julie and the AOTC team for welcoming me with open arms and hearts and Gwen for her smile, calmness and patience at every vocal rehearsal. Keep the magic of love in your hearts, forever!”
MISTI KOHL, she/her, (Assistant Director) is the wife of Mark and mother of Gianna, Calvin and Georgia. She is a Math Interventionist at Bradley East Elementary School and loves to share her talents in her community by singing at Gathering Point Church as well as at local events with the band EveryDay People. You may have also seen her on the KVTA stage in Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray, and Les Miserables. She thanks Acting Out for inviting her to be a part of this production and the cast and crew for all their hard work this summer! Misti also wants to thank Mark and the kids for their support and understanding with the time away the past weeks. She says the best part of this production is watching the Fairy Godmother fol de role and fiddle di dee….”I love watching my girl learn and grow from experiences like these!”
KELSIE DAVIS, she/her, (Choreographer) is so excited to join AOTC this summer as choreographer! Cinderella has a special place in her heart, and working on this show is a dream come true. She is a long-time theatre lover and will be the Theatre Director/Faculty at Olivet Nazarene University starting this fall. She started choreographing for theatre when she was 13, and has been the ONU Theatre choreographer for the past three years. When she’s not in the theatre, you can find her at home with her cat, O’Malley, curled up with a good book. She’d like to thank the board and staff for inviting her to the AOTC family, the Cinderella cast for bringing her choreography to life, and every audience member who has come to support the Arts!
JULIE GINDY, she/her, (Set Designer/Decorator) is the wife of Jeff, mother of Jillian & Mike Van Gindy, Katie Gindy, and Cody Gindy. She is the proud Grammy of Kit, born on the forth of July!
Julie is a part-time graphic designer, production coordinator at Sweet Street & 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 my main man, he is a builder extraordinaire! She would also like to thank her grandcats Thor, god of Thunder, and Re, Egyptian Sun god, in advance for the sunny weather.
EMMA MENDELL (Co-Costume Designer) is a sophomore in college at Dominican University in River Forest. She is majoring in Fashion Design and minoring in Entrepreneurship. She has been sewing for a long time, but this is her first time helping in the theater. She is very excited to see the end product for Cinderella, and knows it’s going to be amazing! “I want to thank Deb Laskey for helping me with costumes. I am very thankful for her guidance through it all!”
DEB LASKEY (Co-Costume Designer) is the proud mom of two grown sons, 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, and Ghosts of Salem. Deb’s favorite part of the production is watching it all come to life on stage!
JULIE TOMISEK, she/her, (Orchestra Conductor) retired from teaching orchestra for 36 years in Kankakee School District # 111. She is the co-founder of the River Valley String Ensemble and also performs violin with the Joliet Symphony, the West Suburban Symphony, and the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. She serves as the string coach for the Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony. Julie has played violin in the pit for Sweeney Todd (AOTC) and West Side Story (AOTC). She has conducted the orchestra for several productions including In the Heights (KVTA), The Music Man (KVTA), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (KVTA), Ragtime (KVTA), and Avenue Q (Limelight Theater). Julie is honored to conduct such a talented and large group of musicians.
MIKE PRANGER, (Stage Construction) is the husband of Lisa and father of Michael & Michelle, Nathan and Andrew. He is the owner of Valley Glass Company. He has served as Stage Construction for 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, (Scenic Carpenter) is the husband of Julie, father of Jillian & Mike Van Gindy, Katie Gindy, and Cody Gindy. He is the proud grandfather to Kit Anthony born this month on July 4th. Jeff is a retired Bourbonnais 53 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.
EDITH ROSAS, she/her, (Props Assistant) is the daughter of Antonio Rosas and Eustolia Martinez and older sister of brothers Marco Rosas, Ethan Rosas, and Christian Razo. Edith was born and raised in Kankakee, she is a Kankakee High school graduate, class of 2012, and a KCC alum. Edith spends her weekdays as a proud Riverside Medical Center employee and on her weekends she spends her time with some of her most favorite people in her life, her brother Christian, niece Eliana, and nephews Noah and Gael. This is Edith’s first stage production, but she spent a handful of years helping entertain the community during the Halloween season as an actor at St.Patrick’s Haunted House. She has loved the time spent working on Cinderella with the crew and actors. Her favorite part has been watching the rehearsals and being in awe of how talented everyone that has been part of this show is and how much talent this community has. She hopes this is only the beginning of her career with Acting Out Theatre Company. She would like to thank Julie Gindy and Paula Denault for making a place for her on this wonderful team and she would like to thank the rest of the cast and crew for being so kind and welcoming to a new face.
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 Cinderella. He would like to thank fellow stagehand Cody Gindy. ‘Good luck to our amazing cast.”
KARLA BREITENBUCHER, she/her, (House Coordinator) is the wife of Tom and mother of Kaylee and Cole. She is a retired high school teacher. Karla has served as House Coordinator for the past several years for Acting Out Theatre Co. productions.
PAULA DENAULT, (Props and Pre-Show Festival) is the wife of Joe, mother of Sarah & Jarrod Huggins, Lisa Graft, and Kyle and Jenny Denault. She is the proud grandmother of Josie, Emma, Hadley, and Cal. Paula is a retired third grade teacher and currently a Sweet Street employee. Paula loves to collect interesting serving pieces and table decor, and decorate 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!”
SARAH HUGGINS, (Volunteer Coordinator) is the wife of Jarrod and dog mom to Harvey. Sarah is a 2nd Grade teacher at Noel LeVasseur School. She has been the Volunteer Coordinator for several previous shows and enjoys working with our awesome volunteers. Sarah would like to thank her husband, Jarrod, for his support and willingness to volunteer too!
HANNAH SWALE, she/her, (Auction), is proud Mama to Leah and Rowan! She is the Adult Services Supervisor at the Kankakee Public Library, is part of the team that brings you Merchant Street MusicFest and is a Board Member for AOTC. Some favorite roles on stage include Big River (AOTC), It’s A Wonderful Life (AOTC), A Night in Sleepy Hollow (AOTC), A Few Good Men (KVTA), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (KVTA). Hannah is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful board that’s capable of absolutely anything. “And I’m so happy to live in this wildly creative and collaborative community. To Leah and Rowan, you’re the best! I love you!”
DONNA WORTH, she/her, (Auction Chair) is the wonderful wife of Steve, magnificent mother of John, Charlie, Ellen, Pete and Sally and gregarious grandmother of Neve, Willow and Scarlett. Her interests, hobbies and passions are numerous, but a few include triathlon-ing, costume design, soirée hosting, and living out her faith. Her awe-inspiring set-design skills have been widely used in community theater in Kankakee for decades and her infectious energy enhances every production she takes part in. Finally, she is not actually this conceited; her son wrote this.