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

Kimberly Basnight

Kimberly Basnight is the Director of the Dance Program at Avila University and a proud alumna of the university’s Performing Arts Department and the Glitter Girls Dance Team. Passionate about developing artists, she works to cultivate creativity, discipline, and confidence in the next generation of performers. In addition to her work in higher education, Kimberly is actively making her mark in the theatre and dance world as a dance educator and choreographer. She collaborates with dance studios and professional theatres, bringing dynamic storytelling and movement to the stage. Most recently, she served as choreographer for Nunsense with Theatre in the Park.

Victoria Bestor

Victoria Bestor is playing Christine Colgate and is the co-lighting designer for this production

Kam Bradley

Kam Bradley is a Freshman at Avila University. She is playing Ensemble in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. She is so grateful for this opportunity!

Patrick Burgess-Clark

Patrick Burgess-Clark is a Junior transfer from Cowley Community College. This is his fourth production with Avila. He has previously done design work on The Cherry Orchard, 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

Micah Cheek

Micah Cheek is a junior Acting and tech/design major. 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.

Dr. Li-Hsin Chen

Dr. Li-Hsin Chen serves as Assistant Adjunct Professor of Piano and Voice at Avila University, where he teaches applied piano and voice, directs collaborative work, and contributes to the university’s annual musical production. He maintains a vibrant international career as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and chamber musician, with performances across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His recent engagements include performances in Germany and appearances at major venues such as the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Chicago Symphony Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Vienna Golden Hall, as well as concerto appearances with the Lee’s Summit Symphony. He has collaborated with distinguished musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and András Schiff, and remains active as a collaborative pianist for competitions, festivals, and educational events. In addition to his performance career, his research has been presented internationally, including two selected papers at the 2024 La Frontera International Piano Conference and World Piano Conference in Zagreb.  

Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark is a director, choreographer, educator, and performer based in the Kansas City area. She has collaborated with organizations such as Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Starlight Theatre, The Coterie and Stage Right Performing Arts. Amanda also has partnered with the Disney Theatrical Group in developing new musicals for young actors. She currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Avila University. Her directing work spans a wide range of productions—from contemporary plays to large-scale musicals—including What the Constitution Means to Me, Seussical, Pippin, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Amanda received her MFA in Acting from Louisiana State University.

Sophie Dech

Sophie Dech is a current sophomore and Prenursing student and dance minor at Avila University. In this production Sophie is our assistant Scenic designer. Over the course of these past two years, Sophie has been a part of electrics crew 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.

Jim Fletcher

At Avila University, “Fletcher” plays a vital role in training students in scenic carpentry and guiding them in the construction of scenery for productions. Known for his commitment to mentorship and team building, he fosters the development of theatre students in a wide range of technical disciplines. Drawing on an extraordinary 40-year professional career that spans acting, stage crew work, professional stagehand experience, and production design, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge to his teaching. Since joining the Avila community in 2015, he has been an invaluable resource and mentor to generations of students.

Emmerson Franco

Emerson Franco is a freshman Acting Major at Avila University. You may have even seen him as Gladwell in George Orwell’s 1984 and as a Vagrant in The Cherry Orchard!

Dr. Andrea Fredrickson

Dr Fredrickson, PhD is an educator, musician (piano and voice), composer, choral director, and two-time international Down Beat award winner in vocal jazz. Andrea has sung in Carnegie Hall, Oxford University, Canterbury Cathedral, and was part of a choir that won the Preveza, Greece Choral Festival in July, 2023. She is currently working on The Audacity of Magic, A Musical, and a children’s biography on the indelible impact of Maybelle Carter on American music. She composed the music and lyrics for Avila’s Alma Mater which will be officially premiered at 2026 graduation ceremonies. Dr. Fredrickson received her PhD in Music Education from The University of Kansas and her research includes: Musical Theater Voice: First-and-Second-Year Choral Music Educators’ Definitions of Belt and Mix Voice and Attitudes Towards Teaching Students Those Techniques for Musical Theater and her book Music Educators’ Perceptions of Their Preservice Training in Musical Theater.

Lauren Grimes

Lauren Grimes is a sophomore and is so excited to be a part of this hilarious show! Lauren thanks Matt, John, Amanda, Kim, and Dr. Fredrickson for the wonderful opportunity, all the designers/production crew for their hard work and dedication, and her best friends, family, and boyfriend for always showing up for her. She hopes you love Muriel and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels as much as she does!

Angel Hernadez

Angel is a technical design major in her junior year. Shes excited for everyone to see the performance. She got to work some on the costumes and was sound assistant for the show. She is hopeful to work more with costumes in the future and branch out into more areas of design.

Kendall Hobgood

Kendall Hobgood is a sophomore theater major with a concentration in acting at Avila University. She is the lighting designer for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a part of the ensemble, and the understudy for Christine Colgate. Besides Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Kendall also portrayed Julia in Avila’s production of 1984. This is Kendall’s first musical and her first time as a light designer. She’d like to thank her friends, family, and her partner MJ for the constant support they continue to have for her.

Nathan Hummell

Nathan Hummell is a Junior at Avila. He’s an acting major and has been acting since 7th grade. 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 Freddy in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels! 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 excited to be in his first musical in 3 years! 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. 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 is a Theatre tech/Design BFA major at Avila

Dr. Alan Martin

Dr. Alan Martin holds the full-time position of Associate Vice President of International Enrollment and Student Affairs at Avila University, and also teaches as an adjunct instructor of Applied Voice. Specializing in vocal pedagogy in both Operatic and Broadway Theatre styles, Dr. Martin’s education and performance experience straddles the Atlantic Ocean, originating from his homeland of Scotland and continuing in the United States beginning in 2012. He holds degrees from Edinburgh Napier University (BMus Vocal Performance), Central Washington University (MM Vocal Performance Pedagogy), and The University of Kansas (Ph.D. Music Education specializing in Vocal/Choral Pedagogy). Dr. Martin still performs professionally whenever his schedule allows, most recently appearing as Prof. Bhaer in Music Theatre Heritage’s production of Little Women in downtown Kansas City in 2025. In addition to this, Dr. Martin is an experienced Music Director and choral conductor.

Hannah Martin

Hannah is a freshman at Avila. She is Majoring in Theater Directing and Producing. This is her 4^th show at Avila and her second as Stage Manager.

Mariah Masterson

Mariah Masterson is a Senior. This is their 7th time performing on stage and their final show at Avila University. She plays Reneé, is in ensemble, is AUTC Secretary, and on Paint Crew. They’d like to thank their grandma and dad for showing steady love and support throughout the process.

Dr. Kristin Newbegin

Dr. Kristin Newbegin (she/her) is a vocal artist, educator, and movement specialist with extensive experience in performance, pedagogy, and creative entrepreneurship. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice and a Master of Music in Opera Performance from the University of Kansas, as well as a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Newbegin has served on the voice faculties of Missouri Western State University, Central Methodist University, Benedictine College, and North Central Missouri College. An active performer, she has appeared with organizations including the Kansas City Lyric Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera for the Young, New Ear Contemporary Ensemble, KC Vitas, and The Meadowlark Project. A frequent clinician and presenter, she has led workshops for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and the Missouri Choral Directors Association. Her students have earned recognition at local, regional, and national levels and have performed at venues such as the Kennedy Center, Disney Parks, and with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. 

Will Oliver

Will Oliver is back again in his fourth production with Avila University’s School of Performing Arts, this time appearing as Laurence in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. An avid member of the Kansas City performing arts community for over a decade, Will has participated in countless productions throughout his primary schooling years and has also performed with Shawnee Mission’s Theatre in the Park and The Barn Players. He is thrilled to continue his journey studying theatre at the collegiate level. Will is a scholarship student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus on Acting. He would like to thank his director for this production, as well as the faculty and mentors who have supported his growth throughout the process. He also extends heartfelt gratitude to his family and dear friends for their constant love and encouragement—he would not be here without them.

Desirae Rodriguez

Desirae Rodriguez is a first-year transfer student from Hesston College who is now majoring in Musical Theatre and 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 in the ensemble, understudying Jolene, 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. You may have last seen her as Lyubov Andreyevna in The Cherry Orchard last February. 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 Dylon Rohr is the Assistant Professor of Theatre Design, Technology, and Management at Avila University. Professional credits include: RENT, The Little Mermaid, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Joseph (The White Theatre,) The Wiz, RENT (Music Theatre Heritage,) Uncle Vanya (Kansas City Actor’s Theatre,) and many others! John is so grateful to Avila University and the School of Performing Arts for an incredible four years of memories, laughs, and happy tears. Additionally, John is so proud of his students for their hard work and for inspiring him every day. 

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 “George Orwell’s 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, where he will be directing “Mrs. Christie” this summer. 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 Shroeder 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.” Most recently, you may recognize him as Lopakhin in “The Cherry Orchard.” 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 4^th show here at Avila!

Travon Thurman

Travon is a BFA Musical theatre transfer student here at Avila. This is the fourth production that he has the honor of being a part of here at Avila. He is proud to say this will be his 14th show overall.

Alex Valdez

Alex Valdez is a senior, walking the stage in May! This will be his last production at Avila University. He is the Paint charge, along with a lot of other titles. He is happy to be saying goodbye to Avila with such a lively show! He’s grateful to his crew, the entire cast and stage management for all their work! He hopes you enjoy the show and he wishes you’ll follow along on his professional journey! 

IG: alex.andfilm

Emma Willard

Emma Willard is a Freshman here at AU and is VERY excited to co-prop design Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Although she misses Tazi, she is having a blast with the musical. Emma is an Elementary Education major with a theatre and a psychology minor in the honors program. She has directed four shows and starred in, and/or was crew for, more than a dozen more. Most recently, she ASM’d and helped with props for The Cherry Orchard. Some of her favorites have been CLUE, Cinderella, and Arsenic and Old Lace. She loves her friends at 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 Ayna in The Cherry Orchard 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 sixth show as an actor. Nick’s most recent show prior to “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” was “The Cherry Orchard,” where he played Gayev, and “1984,” where he played Parsons.