Charlize Anderson

Charlize Anderson is a junior at Avila University, majoring in Theatre with a concentration in acting and minoring in Psychology and English. She has previously worked front of house and is excited to continue her involvement in this production. She hopes to keep exploring both onstage and behind-the-scenes roles throughout her time at Avila.

Victoria Bestor

Victoria Bestor is playing Dunyasha and is the paint charge for this production.

Kam Bradley

Kam Bradley is a Freshman this year at Avila. She is understudying for Anya and Dunyasha and is also the Sound Board Operator for this show. Kam was also in a show this year called “The Mousetrap,” and she played Mrs. Boyle

Patrick Burgess-Clark

Patrick Burgess-Clark is a Junior transferring from Cowley Community College. This is his third production with Avila. He has previously done design work on 1984 as well as Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and Young Frankenstein. He would like to thank his parents who have continuously supported him, and you for supporting local theatre

Tazi Carter

Tazi Carter is the star of the show, or at least Tazi thinks she is. She is a 3-year-old teacup chihuahua, only weighing in at 2 pounds. Her pastimes are sleeping, playing with toys larger than she is, almost getting taken by eagles, and her favorite, bossing her mom around. This is her very first show! Don’t mind her shaking, it’s just the stage fright.

Micah Cheek

Micah Cheek is a junior Acting and tech/design major. The Cherry Orchard will be Micah’s 10th show at Avila. He is the props designer and will be playing Simeonov Pishchick . He loves the atmosphere of rehearsal and the creativity of his peers. He would like to thank his mother, friends, and his lovely Jocelyn for supporting him through this process.

Sophie Dech

Sophie Dech is a current sophomore Prenursing student and dance minor at Avila University. Over the course of these past two years, Sophie has been a part of electrics crew and a PA for various shows at Avila. Sophie enjoyed acting in high school and wanted to continue involvement in productions at Avila. When Sophie is not studying for her classes, she enjoys helping behind the scenes with productions.

Phil Filorini

Phil Fiorini has been invited back to his alma mater to be a part of “The Cherry Orchard”.  He is a 1982 graduate of a BFA in Performing Arts. Phil has been working as a professional actor since leaving Avila, and it’s a great privilege and honor to come back and be amongst this magical theatrical environment with Matt Schwader, Char Gould, and the incredibly talented students. 

Emmerson Franco

Emerson Franco is a freshman Acting Major at Avila University. Cherry Orchard is his second show at Avila; he plays the Vagrant as well and is a part of the ensemble, too! You may have even seen him as Gladwell in 1984.

Charlene Gould

Dr. Charlene Gould, Professor Emerita of Theatre at Avila University, retired in 2022 after having been affiliated with the university for nearly 40 years. She served as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Professor of Theatre. Throughout her career, she was deeply committed to the growth and development of the performing arts. In her administrative role, she spearheaded the creation of the multi-million-dollar Goppert Performing Arts Center that opened in 2021. Whether it was teaching, directing, producing, or networking, Dr. Gould invested her energy in creating a vibrant arts culture. She has either produced or directed over 100 university productions and co-produced 6 professional shows.

Dr. Gould earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in theatre and film with a cognate in women’s studies. She was a recipient of a post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she participated in historical and interdisciplinary representation of the Holocaust. After directing two Holocaust-themed shows, she published with her dramaturge colleague Dr. Jeffrey Myers, “The Performance of Memory: Diane Samuels’ Kindertransport, Tim Blake Nelson’s The Grey Zone, and Holocaust Representation,” in Trajectories of Memory: Intergenerational Memories of the Holocaust in History and the Arts, Cambridge Scholars Press. She has also been a reviewer for the Journal for the Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies at the United States Memorial Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

She returned to Northwestern in the fall of 2021 to earn a certificate in leadership. Other scholarship and teaching interests include directing, theatre history, feminist theory, and interdisciplinary courses. Dr. Gould currently serves on the board for Theatre for Young America in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as having a variety of philanthropic projects

Lauren Grimes

Lauren is a sophomore this year and is beyond excited to be playing Varya in The Cherry Orchard. She thanks Char, Matt, John, and the rest of the production team for all of their hard work and dedication. Lauren thanks Phil for spending his nights with us to give us such a wonderful learning opportunity. Lastly, she thanks her family, best friends, and boyfriend for their everlasting support. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Angel Hernadez

Angel Hernandez is the lighting board operator for this show. They are a junior,  a technical design major, and can’t wait for everyone to see the show. She is excited for our upcoming play and wants to work more with costumes.

Kendall Hobgood

Kendall Hobgood is a sophomore acting major at Avila University. This is her 7th production she has been involved in since being at Avila. For ‘The Cherry Orchard’, she is an assistant lighting designer, and she is also the understudy for Lyubov Andreyevna. You may have previously seen Kendall in Avila’s production of ‘1984’ as Julia, and in Avila’s production of ‘The Comedy of Errors’ as The Courtesan. She wants to give great thanks to the director of ‘The Cherry Orchard’, Char Gould, her professors, her family, friends, and to her partner, MJ.

Nathan Hummell

Nathan Hummell is a Junior at Avila. He’s an acting major and has been acting since 7th grade. He plays Yasha in The Cherry Orchard. He would like to thank his friends and family for all the support over the years. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Alejandro Lopez

Alejandro Lopez is extremely excited to play Trofimov in The Cherry Orchard! He is a recent transfer from the University of Minnesota, where he recently played Len Hoch in Book of Days and Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night. He also recently played Winston Smith in the U.S. premiere of Ryan Craig’s adaptation of Orwell’s 1984. He is thrilled to finally experience a Chekhov play! As always, he would like to thank his Mom, Dad, his lovely girlfriend McKenna, and his UMN and Avila colleagues alike for their unwavering support!

Khylee Luther

Khylee Luther is a freshman here at Avila University. This will be her second time acting in a show at Avila and her 14th show that she’s done overall. Her favorite things to do include scrolling on reels, furiously writing notes 5 minutes before class, and sleeping. She hopes this show keeps you on your toes and makes you laugh with your heels back.

Maria Leon-Mantei

Maria Leon-Mantei is a PA for this show and is also a part of the lighting crew with her stage lighting class.

Hannah Martin

Hannah Martin is a freshman at Avila, majoring in Theatre Design and Management. This is her 3^rd show and her first as Stage Manager at Avila.

Mariah Masterson

Mariah Masterson is a Senior. This is their 6th time performing on stage. She plays Charlotta, is the AUTC Secretary, and is on Paint Crew. They’d like to thank their grandma and dad for showing steady love and support throughout the process

Jeffrey Myers

Jeffrey Myers, Ph.D., is a professor of history who has taught and published research based on his expertise in modern German history, history of the Soviet Union, and Holocaust Studies. Since arriving at Avila in 1995, Dr. Myers has focused on cultural history, inspired by creative collaboration with the theatre department. Thus, he has served as dramaturge and historical consultant for past Avila Theatre productions, such as Diane Samuels’s Kindertransport, Tim Blake Nelson’s The Grey Zone, Celeste Raspanti’s I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Moira Buffini’s Silence, José Riveria’s Marisol, Ryan Craig’s George Orwell’s 1984, and now Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard.

Will Oliver

Will Oliver is back again, playing Yepihodov, in his third production at Avilas school of Performing Arts. Will has been an avid member of the performing arts community in Kansas City for over a decade now. He has been in countless productions throughout his primary schooling career and has appeared in productions through Shawnee Missions Theatre in the Park and The Barn Players. He is thrilled to take his next big leap and study the art of theatre at the collegiate level. Will is a scholarship student and is on track to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on acting. He would like to give thanks to his director, Char Gould, for giving him the opportunity to work on this production with her, Phil Fiorini, for his coaching throughout the process, and a thank you to his family and dear friends for loving and encouraging him every step of the way. He would not be here without them.

Asher Peterson

Asher Peterson is a junior business administration major. He has pursued a passion for theater at The Actor Training Studio, and has most recently been a part of the KC Fringe Festival. He is excited to be in his first play at Avila.

Desirae Rodriguez

Desirae Rodriguez is a first-year transfer student from Hesston College who is now double-majoring in Musical Theatre and Film/Digital Media here at Avila! She has also just accepted the position of Treasurer on the AUTC board for the spring semester! In this production, she is playing Lyubov Andreyevna, and is a part of paint and electrics crew! Last semester, she made her acting and design debuts at Avila in 1984 where she played Syme and was the Assistant Projections designer. The Cherry Orchard will serve as the 30th show in their acting career, and she is very excited to hit that milestone with a role as special as this! She would like to thank Char, Phil, and the fine arts department at Avila for this opportunity and the grace they have extended during the rehearsal process, as well as her parents, friends, AUTC, and past instructors for their unwavering support! In her past, she has been in productions such as Steel Magnolias, Little Shop of Horrors, and Urinetown.

Insta: @desirae.does.theatre

John Rohr

John Rohr is the Assistant Professor of Theatre Design, Technology, and Management at Avila University. Prior to his time at Avila, John received his MFA in Scenography from KU, where he graduated with honors. At Avila, John has been the Scenic Designer for Voices, Measure for Measure, Hay Fever, Unnecessary Farce, and The Mousetrap. Professionally, John has scenic designed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Little Mermaid, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, RENT (The White Theater), RENT (Music Theatre Heritage), A Wrinkle in Time (The Coterie), Uncle Vanya (Kansas City Actor’s Theater), and many more! Thank you so much for coming out to support the incredible students here at Avila University!

Matt Schwader Harbor

Matt Schwader Harbor is a professor of theatre, the Director of Performance Studies at Avila University, and Chair of the School of Performing Arts. He has directed “1984,” “Comedy of Errors,” “Eurydice,” “Hay Fever,” “Measure for Measure,” “The Imaginary Cuckold,” “Twenty20s,” “War of the Worlds,” and “The Diary of Anne Frank,” all for Avila University. Most recently, he directed “Uncle Vanya” for Kansas City Actors Theatre. A seasoned professional actor since 1998, he has appeared on notable stages, including the Goodman and Chicago Shakespeare theatres, Indiana Repertory Theatre, ACT Theatre of Seattle, and many more. His repertoire spans internationally, from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre to performances in Mozambique. Some favorite roles include Hamlet, Henry V, and Raskolnikov in “Crime and Punishment” during his time as a Core Acting Company member with American Players Theatre. Recent professional highlights include playing Jack in The Old Globe Theatre’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Shakespeare in “Shakespeare in Love” at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and directing “The Pests” as well as serving as an artistic board member for Kansas City Actors Theatre. Matt holds an MFA from the University of Delaware and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association.

Shannon Smith-Regnier (Costume Designer)

Shannon Smith-Regnier is a Kansas City based costume Designer. She received her MFA in Costume Design from Ohio University as well as her BFA from Wichita State University.  Design credits include: MTH, Music Theater of Wichita, Barn Theater, Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park, Kansas City Regional Theatre, KCAT, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, Spinning Tree Theater, Quality Hill, and the American Heartland Theater. She has also guest designed at Kansas University and Wichita State University. She has also worked in the costume shops of Music Theater of Wichita and Glimmerglass Opera. In 2011, she received the Zelma Weisfeld award from USITT for her costume designs.

Zac Stoddard

Zac is a junior at Avila and is excited to return to the stage. In the past, he has played Schroeder in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!” as well as Robert in “Proof,” and his debut at Avila as Jesus in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” He has mainly stayed backstage, however, performing as Stage Manager in “Ride the Cyclone” and “1984”, as well as costume designing for “Sight Unseen” and “Waiting for Godot.” His calling, however, is directing, his debut being KCKCC’s mainstage production of “Private Lives.” He hopes you enjoy the show, and “Have a wonderful evening.”

Richie Taylor

Richie taylor is a freshman here at Avila. She is a theatre tech and design major. This is her 3^rd show here at Avila.  She is an assistant lighting designer and an assistant costume designer.

Travon Thurman

Travon is a BFA Musical theatre transfer student here at Avila. This is the third production that he has the honor of being a part of here at Avila. He is proud to say this will be his 13th show overall. He is “so excited for everyone to see the hard work and experience this talented cast. This is a show that has a lot of love and work put into it.”

Micah Underwood

Micah Underwood is a sophomore at Avila University, majoring in Vocal Music Education. He used to do theater in high school, and after a brief break, he wanted to get back into it, with this being his first college show, playing a partygoer/peasant.

Alex Valdez

Alex Valdez is the Sound Designer for the Production of Cherry Orchard. This is his first sound designer and second to last production here at Avila!

His recent credits include: Projections Designer for George Orwell’s 1984, Stage Manager for The Mousetrap (Avila University), and Stage Manager for Thoughts of a Colored Man (Black Repertory Theater of KC).

He would like to thank the people who have believed in him and continue to support his work! He hopes you enjoy the show and is excited for you all to see what’s to come!

Emma Willard

Emma Willard is a freshman here at Avila. She is very excited to be the ASM, a part of props, and, most importantly, the dog wrangler for Cherry Orchard. Emma is an Elementary Education major with a theatre minor in the honors program. She is very excited to report that she made it on the dean’s list this fall. She has directed four shows and starred in, and or was crew for more than a dozen more. Most recently, she was an ensemble member in 1984 and the sound board op for Mouse Trap. Some of her favorites have been CLUE, Cinderella, and Arsenic and Old Lace. She loves her friends, Tazi, and AUTC, and can’t wait for the years to come.

Kailey Wilson

Kailey Wilson is a sophomore Acting major here at Avila. You may have most recently seen her as Telescreen in 1984 or Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling bee here at Avila! Kailey has always believed in the power of theatre to move and inspire, and she is grateful for this opportunity she has been given to portray an absolute dream role of hers! She would like to thank her family and friends, wonderful boyfriend but most importantly Jesus for blessing with her talents! Enjoy the show!

insta: @kaileywilson15 

Nick Youngblood

Nick Youngblood is a junior at Avila. This is his fifth show as an actor. He is playing the character of Gayev. Nick worked on this production as a part of carpentry crew and electrics/lighting crew. Nicks most recent show prior to “The Cherry Orchard” was “1984” where he played Parsons.