| Cast & Crew
Victoria Bestor
Victoria Bestor is the lighting designer for this production.
Patrick Burgess-Clark
Patrick Burgess-Clark is our sound designer for 1984!
Micah Cheek
Micah Cheek is a junior Acting and tech/ design major. 1984 will be Micah’s 9th show at Avila . He is the scenic designer and will be playing O’Brien. He loves the atmosphere of rehearsal and the creativity of his peers. He would like to thank his mother and friends and his lovely Jocelyn for supporting him through this process.
Gaby Dawn
Gaby Dawn is on her final show here at Avila! She will be on screen/stage as the Medic and Ensemble. Backstage, she is our Paint Charge Artist! She has been very active on stage throughout her time, as well as backstage. She has been in Eurydice, Clue!, The Laramie Project, Hay Fever, The Comedy of Errors, Measure for Measure, The Imaginary Cuckhold as well as other productions. She is proud to be Gradating in December with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, as well as a Bachelor of Social Work. She would like to thank Matt for all of the room to fail he has provided her throughout her time, and the opportunity to grow. As well as her social work professors, Debbie and Gerald, who helped her grow in unimaginable ways. @gaby.dawn to follow along with her journey. Long Live Big Brother!
Emerson Franco
Emerson Franco is a freshman who is playing Gladwell in 1984. He majors in acting in hopes of becoming a voice actor as well as a chef. His goal is to really bring characters to life in the most authentic way. To really give characters a voice.
Lauren Grimes
Lauren Grimes is a sophomore and is so grateful to be a part of this wild show! She thanks Matt for the opportunity, and her family and friends for the continued support!
Henry Harbor
Henry Harbor is 9 years old and in the 4th grade. He is currently taking drama classes at the Ibsen Dance Theatre and is serving on student council for his school.
Angel Hernadez
Angel Hernandez is a Junior. During 1984, she is the props designer for the show, and she is working on some other crews. She is excited for everyone to see this show, and she can’t wait for the next show.
Kendall Hobgood
Kendall Hobgood is a sophomore theatre major with an acting concentration at Avila University. This is Kendall’s 6th show at Avila University, and her second one on stage. For this production, Kendall plays the part of Julia and is also the head electrician. She wants to give great thanks to 1984 director Matthew Schwader Harbor, her family, and especially her friends.
Emma Koenigseder
Emma Koenigseder is a freshman at Avila University and is a nursing major. She is ensemble and medic understudy in this production. She most enjoyed playing Mrs. Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Coltyn Ledbetter
Coltyn Ledbetter is a Sophomore Directing and Producing Major at Avila University. They are playing the role of Ampleforth and also acts as an Ensemble member! They have previously played Mayor Meekly in Unnecessary Farce, Dromio of Syracuse in The Comedy of Errors, and Carl Dad in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!
Alejandro Lopez
Alejandro Lopez is thrilled to make his Avila Theatre debut as Winston Smith in 1984! 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. Regionally, you might have seen him perform in Heart of America Shakespeare’s production of Julius Ceasar. He is honored to bring George Orwell’s timeless and haunting story to life. 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 at Avila . While this her my 2nd show at Avila, she is no stranger to acting and theatre. 1984 will have been her 14th shows he’s acted in and 4th show she’s also been a part of crew in. Khylee has done so much from being head of set safety for “The Play That Goes Wrong” all the way to acting in “ELF” the musical playing jungle passion fruit spray lady and Matthews. She is so excited to see how her acting and producing work takes off at AUTC! “I’m a fan of iced coffee; I work at Starbucks!!, fuzzy blankets, and the color light blue.”
Hannah Martin
Hannah Martin is a Freshman her at Avila. “I am majoring in Theatrical Design and Management. ‘m super into psychology even though I’m not moving forward with an education in it. I like getting piercings even though I hate pain, but I only want ear piercings.”
Mariah Masterson
Mariah Masterson is a Senior getting their BFA in Acting with a Musical Theatre Concentration. This is their 5th time being in an Avila University Theatre production, they play Woman, are in Ensemble, and part of costume crew, and they’d like to thank their family for being so supportive and loving.
Jeffrey Myers
Jeffrey Myers, Ph.D. is a professor of history, who has taught and published research based on his expertise in modern Germany history, history of the Soviet Union, and Holocaust Studies. Since arriving at Avila in 1995, Dr. Myers has increasingly focused on cultural history, inspired by creative collaboration with the theatre department. He offered some excellent insights into George Orwell’s 1984, serving as dramaturge for the production. Dr. Myers has had numerous experiences as a dramaturge and historical consultant at Avila.
Will Oliver
Will Oliver plays Big Brother and numerous roles in 1984. He recently appeared in The Mousetrap as Giles Ralston. Will has been an avid member of the performing arts community in Kansas City for over a decade. He has been in countless productions throughout his primary schooling career and has appeared in productions through Shawnee Mission’s Theatre in the Park and The Barn Players. He is thrilled to take his next big leap and study theatre at the collegiate level. Will is a scholarship student on track to receive a BFA with a focus on Acting. He thanks Matt Schwader for giving him this opportunity, and his family and dear friends for their love and encouragement every step of the way.
Adrian Palan
Adrian Palan, but many know him as Charlie.Charlie is a sophomore majoring in Psychology. “The closest I’ve ever come to doing theatre (before now) was a speech and debate tournament where I did storytelling. The only reason I’m here is because my neighbor Stan has always believed in my capacity for acting. Thank you, Stan. Your support means everything to me.”
Desirae Rodriguez
Desirae Rodriguez is a transfer student double majoring in BFA (musical theatre emphasis) and BA film/digital media! “In 1984 I am assistant designing projections with Senior Alex Valdez, playing Syme, as well as being in ensemble. I graduated from Hesston College last may and was in productions like Little shop of Horrors, Steel Magnolias, and Urinetown! I’m very excited to work on this show as an assistant designer and actor and learning what goes into a show on both sides (tech/acting) here at Avila!”
John Rohr (Scenic Design/Technical Director)
John Dylon Rohr is the Assistant Professor of Theatre Design and Technology here at Avila University, where he also serves as technical director for all AU productions. John’s primary design area is the scenery. Professionally, he scenic designs in the Kansas City area at large, as well as regionally in the Midwest. John is so thankful to work with an incredible faculty and staff and is blessed with the most incredible students in the world. Love and art.
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. Along with “1984,” he has directed “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 Vany” 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 Stoddard (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) is a transfer student. In the past, he has played Jesus in Avila’s 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee. Other recent roles were Schroeder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown! and Robert in Proof. He has also stage-managed Ride the Cyclone and costume-designed for Sight Unseen and Waiting for Godot. His calling, however, is directing, with his debut being KCKCC’s production of Private Lives. He hopes you enjoy the show and “have a wonderful evening.”
Richie Taylor
Richie Taylor is a freshman majoring in theatre design and technology. She focuses on costumes, hair, and makeup but wants to learn all parts of tech. She is also passionate about drawing and making sculptures. She would like to thank her sister for her constant support.
Travon Thurman
Travon Thurman is a transfer student here at Avila. This is his second production here at Avila and will be his 12th show overall. “I’m so excited for everyone to see the hard work and experience this talented cast.”
Alex Valdez
Alex Valdez is a Senior, Film and Digital Media major with a Theatre Minor. He is the Projections Designer/Coordinator, Assistant Stage Manager and Board Op for 1984. This is his 13th show at Avila with two more to go! His recent work includes Stage Manager for Thoughts of a Colored Man at The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City and Stage Manager for The Mousetrap at Avila University. He’s grateful to his Assistant Desirae Rodriguez and to the amazing Intermediate Production Students who’ve worked hard to put projections together! He is also thankful to all the actors for working outside of their rehearsal time and the dedication to their work.
Emma Willard
Emma Willard is a freshman at Avila. She is an ensemble member in 1984. Emma is a double major in Education and Theatre BFA with a concentration in Directing. She has directed four shows and worked on a dozen more as actor or crew member. Some of her favorites include CLUE, Cinderella, and Arsenic and Old Lace. She already loves AUTC and can’t wait for the years to come.
Kailey Wilson
Kailey Wilson is a Sophomore here at Avila majoring in Speech/Theatre Teacher Education. This is Kailey’s first play here on the Avila stage and is very excited to be a part of this cast! Last season you may have seen Kailey as Olive in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! She thanks her parents and family, friends and Jesus! Enjoy the show! @kailey.wilsonx on insta
Nick Youngblood
Nick Youngblood is a 20-year-old junior Acting major at Avila University in Kansas City, MO. 1984 is his 5th show with Avila, having just ben in The Mousetrap and before that, The Wave (And What Came After) in downtown Seattle. His premiere show was Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice, where he was cast as Orpheus by director Matt Schwader Harbor. Nick has also worked on the lighting crew for this show. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Nick moved to Seattle, Washington, in high school. He is also a former football player at Avila.
| Winston Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Alejandro Lopez Understudy: Nathan Hummell |
| Julia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Kendall Hobgood Understudy: Kailey Wilson |
| O’Brien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Micah Cheek Understudy: Travon Thurman |
| Telescreen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Kailey Wilson Understudy: Khylee Luther |
| Parsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Nick Youngblood Understudy: Will Oliver |
| Charrington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Charlize Anderson Understudy: Trenidy Peterson |
| Gladwell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Emerson Franco Understudy: Emma Willard |
| Medic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Gaby Dawn Understudy: Emma Koenigseder |
| Mother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Lauren Grimes Understudy: Khylee Luther |
| Ampleforth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Coltyn Ledbetter |
| Young Winston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Henry Harbor |
| Syme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Desirae Rodriguez Understudy: Will Oliver |
| Woman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Mariah Masterson Understudy: Desirae Rodriguez |
| Big Brother . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Will Oliver Understudy: Charlie Palan |
| Goldstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Travon Thurman |
| Ensemble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Charlize Anderson, Gaby Dawn, Emerson Franco, Lauren Grimes, Emma Koenigseder, Khylee Luther, Mariah Masterson, Will Oliver, Charlie Palan, Desirae Rodriguez, Travon Thurman, Emma Willard, Kailey Wilson, Coltyn Ledbetter |
Production Team
| Director | Matt Schwader Harbor |
| Stage Manager | Zac Stoddard |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Alex Valdez, Hannah Martin |
| Scenic Designer | Micah Cheek |
| Scenic Advisor | John Rohr |
| Costume Designer | Shannon Regnier |
| Assistant Costume Designer | Richie Taylor |
| Lighting Designer | Victoria Bestor |
| Assistant Lighting Designer | Nick Youngblood |
| Props Designer | Angel Hernandez |
| Assistant Props Designer | Lauren Grimes |
| Sound Designer | Patrick Burgess-Clark |
| Projections Designer | Alex Valdez |
| Asst. Projections Designer | Desirae Rodriguez |
| House Manager | Mariah Masterson |
| Light Board Operator | Victoria Bestor |
| Sound Board Operator | Patrick Burgess-Clark |
| Projections Operator | Alex Valdez |
| Head Carpenter | Hannah Martin |
| Assistant Head Carpenter | Micah Cheek |
| Paint Charge Artist | Gaby Dawn |
| Assistant Paint Charge | Maria Mantei |
| Head Electrician | Emma Willard, Mariah Masterson, Richie Taylor |
| Carpentry Crew | Stagecraft Lab Students, Nick Youngblood, Patrick Burgess-Clark, Coltyn Ledbetter, Zac Stoddard, Nathan Hummell |
| Digital Media Team | Issy Aguilar, Joshua Ferguson-Pratt, Jordan Hardy, Amelia Kline, Ryan Littlejohn, Jose Lopez-Guerrero, Taylor Morrison, Rhett Rogers |
| Paint Crew | Hannah Chicurel, Alejandro Lopez, Khylee Luther, Alex Valdez, Will Oliver, Kailey Wilson, Kamilia Bradley |
| Costume Crew | Desirae Rodriguez, Mariah Masterson, Emmerson Franco |
| Lighting/Electrics Crew | Coltyn Ledbetter, Zac Stoddard, Khylee Luther, Patrick Burgess-Clark, Nathan Hummell, Travon Thurman |
| Props Crew | Hannah Chicurel, Alejandro Lopez, Emma Willard, Emerson Franco, Will Oliver |
| Wardrobe Run Crew | Richie Taylor, Desirae Rodriguez |
| Production Assistants | Khylee Luther, Lauren Grimes |
| Box Office Manager | Raine Bertoldie |
| Box Office Team | Mariah Masterson, Angel Hernandez, Sophie Dech |
| Front of House Crew | Charlize Anderson, Emma Willard, Kamillia Bradley, Iris Hoffman, Emerson Franco, Will Oliver |
Directors Note:
1984 was written as a warning, not a roadmap. Yet in 2025, Orwell’s world feels uncomfortably familiar. We live in a time of information overload and distrust—where truth is filtered through algorithms, headlines are weaponized, and our devices both connect and monitor us. We argue over facts as if they are opinions, and the line between freedom and fear grows thinner by the year.
This production is not meant to suggest that we are living in 1984—but to remind us how easily a society can drift toward it. Theatre gives us a space to pause, reflect, and question the world we’re making. My hope is that tonight sparks conversation, curiosity, and vigilance. A healthy democracy is one that continually examines itself.
— Matt Schwader Harbor