Chioma Anyanwu
Director

Chioma Anyanwu is thrilled to be back to create with the Avila Theatre Dept! Previous directorial credits: Bomb’itty of Errors (The Black Box in the West Bottoms), Pippin (Avila University), Emotional Creatures (Spinning Tree Theatre). Some favorite performance credits include The Pests (Kansas City Actors’ Theatre), SchoolGirls, For Colored Girls, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (KC Rep), Hairspray, Godspell (Starlight Theatre), The Revolutionists, The Wolves, Men on Boats, The Mountaintop, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Everyday Rapture, Ruined, Hungry (Unicorn Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (This Happy Breed/Arts Asylum), 1776, Evita (Musical Theatre Heritage), Eating Raoul the Musical, Evil Dead the Musical (Egads Theatre Company). Enjoy the show!

Richard Bertoldie
Mark Cohen

Richard Bertoldie is a 3rd year Acting and Directing student at Avila and is proud to be taking up the role of Mark Cohen in this production! He has previously been seen in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, The Imaginary Cuckold, Sylvia, Pippin, The Servant of Two Masters, Twenty20s, Harvey, Miss Nelson is Missing!, As You Like It, and War of the Worlds. He is thrilled to cap off his penultimate year at Avila with RENT and is honored to be portraying one of the first roles he ever watched. This family of Performing Arts here means the world to him, and he is proud to continually get to learn, grow, and perform with his friends. He is earnestly and wholly thankful for his family for getting him to this point and coming to see him in this! He knows you will but looks forward to you enjoying RENT!

Isabella Brauner
Properties Designer

Isabella Brauner is a junior in Special Education and Acting. She is the Co-designer and Prop Master for Rent and has loved being able to collaborate and work with Ellie Peoples her Co-designer. Other prop work includes War of the Worlds, Pippin, Sylvia, and The Imaginary Cuckold. She would like to thank Bethany for all her help and support, and Chioma and Amity for being a joy to design for.

Gaby Dawn
Ensemble/Carpenter

Gaby Dawn is a freshman here at Avila University. She is from Omaha NE where she did theatre at Benson High School. This is her second show acting at Avila in and her fourth show meeting involved backstage! She played Gorgibus in The Imaginary Cuckold and is currently the Homeless Person, Junkie, the Restaurant Man, and Dave in RENT. She is continuing to pursue her degree in Acting and in Social Work, living every minute of her career here.

Abigail Dearing
Sound Board Operator

Abigail Dearing is a freshman at Avila. She is getting her B.F.A in Theatre Design, Tech, and Management. Abigail has been doing theatre since her sophomore year of high school. Rent is her third show at Avila, and she is very excited to participate in future shows.

Gabriella Fast
Carpenter/Painter

Gabriella Fast is a Junior. This is her first year here at Avila University. For both Sylvia and The Imaginary Cuckold, she was the Assistant Stage Manager as well as part of the paint crew on The Imaginary Cuckold. For this show she gets to be part of the scenic crew and paint crew, and she’s excited to learn different jobs backstage. She wants to thank her family and former theatre teachers for encouraging her to continue her dream to do theatre through these tough times

Eleanor Frances
Properties Designer/Digital Media Operator

Eleanor Frances is a first year here at Avila and is a technical theater and designer major with a minor in women and gender studies. She has been a part of all 4 shows this year. For RENT she is a co-props designer, and digital media board opt. Eleanor’s past credits have included Assistant stage manager for Sylvia, spotlight opt and paint crew for The Imagery Cuckold, assistant lighting designer and run crew in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Eleanor would like to thank her family for coming to support her.

Bee Givens
Joanne Jefferson

Bee Givens is a sophomore at Avila. This is their sixth production at Avila, previous productions including Sylvia, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and now Rent. They have been incredibly grateful to be a part of this experience. They have learned so much this year and are so glad to be surrounded by such supportive friends and family. They want to give a special shout-out to Gracey for being their rock this year.

Miriam Gleeson
Ensemble

Miriam Gleeson is super excited to be in her second production on the stage at Avila University! Her first show was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, where she played several roles in the ensemble. She is a Radiologic Science major who enjoys being involved in theatre, and this is her third show helping with tech. She has painted, worked with props, and worked on lighting.

Kyle Hammond
Run Crew, Box Office

Kyle is in his third year of college here at Avila, and he is currently working towards receiving his Bachelor’s degree in theater performance. He recently graduated from Metropolitan Community College Longview and achieved his Associate of Arts Degree. Kyle discovered his talent and passion for acting at the young age of thirteen and has only grown in his craft throughout the last 7-8 years. For this show, Kyle is playing the roles of Voice Four, Uncle Terry, London Policeman, and Ensemble. He is super excited to be in his first show at Avila University. Outside of Avila, Kyle’s past shows include Tartuffe and Company of Wayward Saints at Longview as well as A Few Good Men at City Theater of Independence. Kyle would like to thank his loving mother for helping him discover his talent and passion for theater. He would also like to thank his whole family and all his friends for their love and support throughout the years. Without it, He never would have made it this far and who knows how much farther he will go with them at his side!

Kelsey Harms
Assistant Costume Designer

Kelsey is a first-year student, studying Design & Technology. She has a background in the performing arts as a dancer. She is an Assistant Costume Designer for this production. Kelsey enjoys all the behind-the-scenes shenanigans, working alongside her peers and friends has created many fond memories, and has also learned many new skills from them. She is looking forward to all of the many more shows to come here at Avila University. Past work at Avila includes Assistant Costume Designer for The Imaginary Cuckold (2021), Assistant Costume Designer for The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time (2022).

Ari Hernandez
Scenic Charge Artist/Ensemble

Ari is a sophomore at Avila University pursuing a BFA in Theater with a concentration in Directing/Producing and a minor in Dance. In the past, Ari has acted in Avila’s productions of Twenty20s, The Servant of Two Masters, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Ari had also been the Assistant to Director for The Imaginary Cuckold and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time as well as Co-Properties Designer for the latter. Ari is excited to be performing Rent, as it is one of their favorite musicals, and has enjoyed being Paint Charge for the first time!

Daniel Hicks
Ensemble/Mark Understudy/Assistant Scenic Designer

Daniel Hicks is a 2nd year Acting and Musical Theatre major. This is his 4th production at Avila and 1st production he’s helped design for. In this show, he plays multiple ensemble roles including Gordon, Mr. Jefferson, and Coat Vendor. Behind the scenes, he was also the assistant scenic designer. He’s very proud of the work he has put into this show and hopes everyone appreciates what we accomplished for the set of this show. He looks forward to more design projects in the future and can’t wait for everyone to see all the work everyone has put into this show.

Talia Hinckley
Sound Designer/Assistant Stage Manager

Talia Hinckley is a sophomore at Avila University studying Theatre Design and Technology. Her previous works at Avila include Sound/Digital Media Operator for A Servant of Two Masters, Lighting Designer for The Imaginary Cuckold, and Lighting Designer for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Talia is the Sound Designer and Assistant Stage Manager for this production. Talia is enthusiastic about being able to do what she loves again and would like to thank everyone involved who made this show possible. She would also like to give a special thanks to Jeannie and Tommie Hutter for helping her find her place in the theatre and grow her love for the art into what it is today.

Gracey Hopkins
Mimi Marquez

Gracey Hopkins is a senior B.A. Music student. This is the 9^th production she’s been heavily involved in. Gracey is also a part of the first-ever Avila Bowling team, University and Avila Singers, Campus Ministry, Residence Life, and in her free time she designs clothing down at the Avila Bookstore. After this year she plans to continue school for Music Education here at Avila. Gracey wants to thank everyone who has supported her on this journey both in RENT and in college.

Rachel Howard
Scenic Designer and Ensemble

Rachel Howard is a Junior at Avila. She is working on a BFA Acting Major as well as a Psychology Minor and Women’s and Gender Studies Minor. She is so excited to be a part of such a timeless and important story. She would like to thank Bethany Elliot for supporting and mentoring her throughout the design process, her assistant set designer Daniel Hicks for always having the best ideas, Dr. Amity Bryson for her inspiration and wisdom, and Chioma Anyanwu for helping her grow and learn. She would also like to thank her family, friends, and the Kansas City community for always bringing her so much joy and hope. She hopes that you have a fun night of community and love. Thank you for coming to see RENT!

Paul Joseph
Tom Collins

Paul Joseph is a 2nd-year transfer student from Brooklyn, New York, majoring in voice performance at Avila University. A bass-baritone, Mr. Joseph transfers in with a degree in chemistry and joins the amazing cast of Rent as Thomas B. Collins, a character he has explored both in Jonathan Larson’s musical and in Puccini’s opera La Bohème as Colline. Paul’s journey in music began in the Fall of 2007 under the baton of Will Hodgson in Port-au-Prince, Haiti with whom he has performed works of imminent composers and has explored a panoply of music literature in many foreign languages. The brilliance of Jonathan Larson not only sheds light on a disease that needs much attention even today but also exposes the pain of stigmatization and the many communities affected by it. Mr. Joseph continues to grow as a musician and an artist as he prepares for a matinée at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York this upcoming May under the baton of Dr. Amity Bryson.

Izaak Kimsey
Ensemble

Izaak Kimsey is a grad student working on his Masters in Kinesiology with a minor in Theatre. In his first play, he played Sir Oliver Martex in Shakespeare As You Like It. His second show was designed by the students called Twenty20’s based on true events happening in that year. He has been an assistant stage manager for A Servant of Two Masters, and for Pippin. For The Imaginary Cuckold, he played Hugo in the lazzis throughout the show. For Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime he plays Mr. Thompson, voice 3, drunk two and was a part of the ensemble. With his role in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, he also assisted with the authenticity of the depiction of characters on the spectrum. Rent is Izaak’s first musical. For Rent, he is homeless, and Mr. Grey. It is exciting for him to be working with friends on stage and off-stage prepping for the show. He is excited to be doing theatre with excellent people and singing too!

Tyler Lindquist
Assistant Lighting Designer/Master Electrician/Ensemble/Roger Understudy

Tyler Lindquist is a Junior at Avila University pursuing his degrees in Acting (BFA) and Theatre Education. For RENT, Tyler on the technical side is the Assistant Lighting Designer and the Co-Master Electrician, and on the performance side Tyler is a part of the ensemble playing The Man and is also the understudy for Roger. Tyler has previously worked on The Imaginary Cuckold (2021), The Servant of Two Masters (2021), Harvey (2020), and Miss Nelson is Missing (2020). He is astronomically grateful for his loved ones who have supported him throughout his entire journey, and he wants to give special gratitude and love to Kristina Rivera, Chiki Wikis, and Boo for being everything in his life. He hopes you all enjoy the performance!!

John Livingston
Rehearsal Accompanist & Lead Piano

John Livingston has worked extensively as a collaborative pianist, getting his start at the age of 13. Since then he has had a continuous stream of collaborative experiences ranging from choirs, to musical theatre, to college instrumental lessons and recitals, and more. Being accepted to the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2013, John studied Piano Performance under the highly-sought-after tutelage of Dr. Robert Weirich, earning his Bachelor of Music degree (cum laude) in 2017. During his undergrad, John worked closely with singers from all the voice studios which culminated in being asked to play Stravinsky’s famously difficult aria “No Word from Tom” fromThe Rake’s Progress at the commencement ceremony in the Kauffman Center. John was subsequently accepted into the Master’s program at UMKC and was awarded one of the Opera Accompanying graduate assistantships. During his time at UMKC, along with all the work with singers, John also incorporated extensive instrumental accompanying, playing for lessons and recitals for cellists, violinists, oboists, trombonists, and more. During his Master’s, John also began a relationship with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, playing for their Opera to Go program and subbing as a vocal coach for their Resident Artists. In the same vein, John performed with a new opera company in Kansas City, Opera 180 for their premiere production “Bon Operatit!” in April of 2018. John is also a founding member and principal accompanist of Choral Spectrum, an LGBTQ and supporting choir which is the first of its kind in Kansas City. Besides his undergrad work with Dr. Robert Weirich, John has had masterclasses with esteemed teachers including Gilbert Kalish, Alon Goldstein, and Margot Garret. John recently completed his Master’s degree at UMKC having studied with the 2013 Van Cliburn third prize winner, Sean Chen. John’s relationship with the Lyric Opera led to him being chosen to be the Resident Artist Coach/Accompanist for the KC Lyric Opera’s 2019-2020 season. John serves as Adjunct Faculty at Avila University where he teaches piano and serves as a staff accompanist.

Christian Lucas
Master Carpenter

Christian Lucas is a senior BFA Acting Major at Avila and was the Master Carpenter for this show. He transferred from Independence Community college where he earned his AA degree focusing on theatre. In independence he played; Tom in The Glass Menagerie, Peter in Silent Sky, Orcus in She Kills Monsters, and Zamir in Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them. At Avila he has played Ed in Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-time, Greg in Sylvia, Lewis/ensemble in Pippin, Wilson in Harvey, and Fernando Gomez in Servant of Two Masters. While acting is his true passion he loves carpentry as well. He was the Master Carpenter for Curious Incident and RENT. He has also been an assistant scenic designer for multiple shows while at Avila. He was an assistant director for KCAT’s The Pests over his winter break as well! Although he is not onstage for RENT, he couldn’t be happier to have brought the set to life and put it on its feet! He would like to thank all the carpenters, Fletcher, and Bethany for all the hard work put into getting this beast up. He would also like to thank Adrianna Wendel for being his support system throughout all of it.

Garland Moore
Angel Schunard

Garland Moore is a senior at Avila University and will be graduating in May with his Bachelors in Voice Performance along with a certificate in Music Technology. His past Avila performances include The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Miss Nelson is Missing, Twenty 20’s, and Pippin. He has a passion for performing and it is shown in his work. He loves music and theater and enjoys the opportunity to be able to perform with such amazing cast members and directors. Garland would like to thank all the performing arts faculty and students, his amazing director Chioma Anyanwu, his family, friends, and everyone else who has been involved in his journey as both an actor and a musician. He continues to strive for success and to keep on reaching greater heights in his career. Thank you all and enjoy the show! “No Day but Today!”

Charlie Parsons
Assistant Stage Manager

Charlie Parsons is a freshman at Avila University studying directing and producing for the theatre. He’s had a lot of fun learning more about the rehearsal process through a stage manager’s point of view. Previously, he has worked as assistant sound designer for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, as assistant props master for The Imaginary Cuckhold, and as a spotlight operator for Sylvia, The Imaginary Cuckold, and Songs for a New World. Charlie would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him in his work, and for loving him through the difficult times. He also thanks Avila Theatre for accepting him into their community with open arms.

Samantha Reiner
Digital Media Designer/Master Electrician/Assistant Lighting Designer

Samantha Reiner is a freshman at Avila University studying technical theatre. Samantha is so excited to be a part of Rent as an Assistant Lighting Designer, Co-Master Electrician, Digital Media Designer, and the light board op. Her past credits include Digital Media Co-Designer for Curious Incident, Assistant Costume Designer for The Imaginary Cuckold, and Sylvia. As well as Costume Designer during her productions in high school. She would love to thank Tinna Rivera for teaching her all the works about being a Lighting Designer. Tyler Lindquist for being an amazing Co-Master Electrician, and Bethany Elliot for helping her with learning about projections. She couldn’t do it without them.

Tinna Rivera
Lighting Designer and House Manager

Tinna Rivera is a fourth-year student studying Technical Theatre and Design. Her passion for theatre began unexpectedly in high school and has grown astronomically as she learns and develops new skills. Tinna was the Lighting Designer for this production. She is super excited to be designing her last show of undergrad with her amazing assistants Tyler Lindquist and Sam Reiner! Tinna’s past works at Avila include Sound Designer for The Imaginary Cuckold (2021), Stage Manager for Pippin (2021), and Stage Manager for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2022). She wants to thank her family for understanding why she never comes home and for loving her still. Their constant support and affection make life as a busy college student much more bearable.

Tucker Rushing
Ensemble/Benny Understudy/Electrician

Tucker Rushing is a First-Year Student at Avila working towards a BFA in acting.  Tucker plays the role of Paul. His past roles include an ensemble member in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime at Avila University (2022), Gros René in The Imaginary Cuckold at Avila University (2021) A Police Officer in Disney’s Newsies for The Kansas City Cappies (2021) and many others. His favorite part of this production has been the amazing and loving environment created by this cast and crew. Tucker would like to thank his family for their constant support and patience and his friends for always being there.

Alec Sade
Ensemble/Joanne Understudy

Alec Sade is a freshman at Avila and has recently switched to a double major in psychology with an emphasis on mental health and music. This is his second show at Avila with his first being The Imaginary Cuckhold. In this show, he plays a police officer and a member of the support group, as well as an understudy to Joanne. He’s looking forward to participating in future productions at Avila. Enjoy the show!

McKenna Sanford
Ensemble/Props Crew

McKenna, a Freshman Musical Theatre major, is thrilled to be participating in another Avila production, having previously been in Sylvia (Sylvia), The Imaginary Cuckold (Celie u/s), and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Mrs. Shears/Punk Girl). Originally from Seattle, McKenna also gained both professional and semi-professional credits through theatrical roles, including The Sound of Music (Maria), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Newsies (Katherine), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly), The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe (Lucy) and August: Osage County (Jean). This summer, McKenna is looking forward to performing as Elle Woods in Gladstone’s Theatre in the Park’s production of Legally Blonde.

Ta’ja Snipes
Assistant Costume Designer

Ta’ja Snipes is a first-year student studying Technical Theater & Management. For this production, Ta’ja was an Assistant Costume Designer. She previously was an Assistant Stage Manager/ Assistant Scenic Designer for, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and properties crew for, The Imaginary Cuckold. As well as just helping her friends whenever she can. Ta’ja adores all things designing in addition to acquiring new skills each and every day.

Adrianna Wendel
Box Office

Adrianna Wendel is a senior at Avila studying theatre/speech secondary education. Some past credits include Toni Dawn in War of the Worlds, a scenic charge artist in As You Like It, a writer in Twenty20’s, an assistant stage manager in A Servant of Two Masters, ensemble for Pippin, and dramaturg for The Imaginary Cuckold. She has been student teaching this past semester and has loved every minute of it! She is thankful for her time at Avila but is also excited for the next chapter in her life.

Kaitlyn White
Stage Manager

Kaitlyn White is a second-year junior at Avila studying Theatre Design and Technology. Kaitlyn is excited to be stage manager again and to be challenged by such a large production. Some past credits include Stage Manager for The Imaginary Cuckold, Asst. Sound Designer for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Asst. Lighting Designer for Sylvia, Asst. Costume Designer for Pippin, and Asst. Stage Manager for Harvey. Kaitlyn would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her in everything even when she rarely has time to spend with them.

Brandon Williams
Roger Davis

Brandon is a Music Tech Major with a Psychology Minor. He is a senior this year. He has loved his experiences at Avila. Especially since switching majors, he has never felt this fulfilled within an educational environment ever. All his professors push him and never allow him to do anything but his absolute best. His peers are so talented and incredible, and he’s so blessed and thankful to have been able to share this campus, stage, etc. with them all!

Taylor Williams
Maureen Johnson

Taylor Williams is a Graduate student at Avila University and is soon graduating around May of 2023 with her Master’s in Music Education and certification. Her past performances include: The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Twenty20’s, and Miss Nelson is Missing. She loves music and theater and has devoted herself to being an artist. Taylor would love to thank all her friends and family for their support and love. She would love to thank the guidance of all her mentors and teachers at Avila. Lastly would love to give special thanks to her mother who has always kept her spirit high and supported her to continue chasing her dreams.

No Day but Today

Lynn Winkler
Painter and Run Crew

Lynn Winkler is a Senior at Avila University. Previously they have been in The Imaginary Cuckold, from last year, and Pippin, from the year before. They are an Acting major and feel very bittersweet about this being their last semester, but they are excited for more opportunities to come.

Molly Zagorski
Costume Designer

Molly Zagorski is continuing her education at Avila University to obtain a Theatre (BA) and Secondary Education (BA).  Her collegiate education began in 2002 at The Illinois Institute of Art, where she studied Apparel Design. In 2004 she continued her education at Kansas State University, where she studied Mass Communication. She holds a current License of Cosmetology in the states of Kansas and Missouri.  Molly has spent the majority of her work career as an Event Coordinator. She has assumed the roles of Master Electrician, House Manager, and Costume Crew for previous Avila productions. She is grateful to have the opportunity as a Costume Designer for RENT. Molly would like to thank Professor Shannon Regnier for believing in her, granting her the opportunity, and guiding her through the entire process. She thanks her amazing assistants, Ta’ja Snipes, and Kelsey Harms, for sharing her vision. She would also like to thank her family, especially her husband and three children, for inspiring her to follow her dreams.

Davin Zamora
Benny Coffin/Carpenter

Davin Zamora is a sophomore at Avila University working towards a Theatre major with concentrations in Acting and Directing/producing. He is very excited to be playing Benny in this production of RENT! You may have seen him as Sganarelle in The Imaginary Cuckold, Reverend Peters in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and a player in Pippin. You also may have HEARD his work as he also sound-designed Sylvia and Curious Incident! Davin would like to thank his friends and professors for pushing him to be better every day, without their support he would not be where he is now!