Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Loving when all seems lost.
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July 10 - July 26, 2015 Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 8:00 PM 15 Minute Intermission Silverwood Park 2500 County Road E, St Anthony, MN 55421 Admission is free! We will be performing on Silverwood's Great Lawn. In case of unmanageable weather, we will move to the Great Hall. Due to limited seating, patrons will be able to reserve a seat before curtain. This production is brought by a partnership with Three Rivers Parks District, as part of Silverwood Onstage. www.silverwoodonstage.org July 17th Teen Night If you are a teen who loves theater, Shakespeare, history, or just having fun with really great friends, gather on the terrace at 7 PM to meet the Public Theater of Minnesota and learn about the show. A 45-minute celebration follows the performance with ice cream, music, and conversations with actors, some of the designers, and the director. July 18th The Fourth Annual Extreme Picnic It's fun. It's silly. It's a non-competitive competition. Bring your best picnic: best dressed, best presented, best gourmet, best traditional,or best grabbed from the deli. Our actor/judges will give prizes in whatever categories catch their fancy, and we'll have a lot of fun seeing what painstaking creativity (or last minute ingenuity)you bring to the table. Picnic set up starts at 6:45 (or so) and judging will be at 7:30(ish). Check in at the guest services desk to get your entry form. The Brian Just Band will be in concert before the show. 
Extreme Picnic 2013
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Photography by Heidi Bohenkamp
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Cast
Shae Palic (Beatice)
Shae Palic (Beatrice) is happy to be playing with Public Theater for the first time! Favorite roles include Rosalind in As You Like It (Globe Theatre Education), Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (PCPA Theaterfest), and the title role in Medea (UMN/ Guthrie BFA Program). She is a Graduate of The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and is currently working on her B.F.A. at the University of Minnesota/ Guthrie Actor Training Program.
Shae Palic (Beatrice) is happy to be playing with Public Theater for the first time! Favorite roles include Rosalind in As You Like It (Globe Theatre Education), Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (PCPA Theaterfest), and the title role in Medea (UMN/ Guthrie BFA Program). She is a Graduate of The Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and is currently working on her B.F.A. at the University of Minnesota/ Guthrie Actor Training Program.
Zach Keenan (Benedick)
Zach Keenan is excited to be a part of his second production with the Public Theater of Minnesota. He loves spending time outdoors and is a Shakespeare nut, so combining the two makes for a perfect pairing. He is excited to work in the spectacular new Silverwood Park. Zach thanks you for coming out and enjoying local art in our beautiful park system. Zach was last seen in A Midsummer Nights Dream and A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater), My Antonia (Illusion Theater), and Macbeth (Public Theater of MN)
Zach Keenan is excited to be a part of his second production with the Public Theater of Minnesota. He loves spending time outdoors and is a Shakespeare nut, so combining the two makes for a perfect pairing. He is excited to work in the spectacular new Silverwood Park. Zach thanks you for coming out and enjoying local art in our beautiful park system. Zach was last seen in A Midsummer Nights Dream and A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater), My Antonia (Illusion Theater), and Macbeth (Public Theater of MN)
Rebecca Leiner (Hero)
Rebecca is excited to work with The Public Theater for the first time. She has recently been seen in The Crucible (Guthrie Theater); My Antonia (Illusion Theater);Summer People, Welcome to Thebes, A Midsummer Night's Dream (UMN/Guthrie BFA Program).
Rebecca is excited to work with The Public Theater for the first time. She has recently been seen in The Crucible (Guthrie Theater); My Antonia (Illusion Theater);Summer People, Welcome to Thebes, A Midsummer Night's Dream (UMN/Guthrie BFA Program).
Dan Piering (Claudio)
Dan excited to make his Public Theater of Minnesota debut. Previous theatre credits include work with the Guthrie Theater, Theater Latte Da, Minnesota Centennial Showboat, the Old Log Theater, and Children's Theatre Company. Dan is currently a student in the University of Minnesota Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program, and will graduate next Spring.
Dan excited to make his Public Theater of Minnesota debut. Previous theatre credits include work with the Guthrie Theater, Theater Latte Da, Minnesota Centennial Showboat, the Old Log Theater, and Children's Theatre Company. Dan is currently a student in the University of Minnesota Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program, and will graduate next Spring.
Ricardo Beaird (Leonato)
Ricardo future step-father to Blue Ivy Carter, is excited to be working with Public Theater for the second time! Recently he appeared as Anthony in I and You. Mr. Beaird moved to Hoth (Saint Paul, MN) about a year ago to work with the educational touring company, Climb Theatre. You probably didn't see him as Marc Antony in Julius Casar with Nashville Shakespeare Festival or Cliff in The Rotten Core with Tennessee Repertory Theatre, but he won't hold that against you. You might have seen him in The Duchess of Malfi with Classical Actors Ensemble, if so "yeah!" Ricardo would like to thank Tostino's party pizzas, his friends, and his family for always being there we he needs them. He has also worked with Mission Theatre in their production of Much Ado and Titus Andronicus. He loves them very much. Enjoy the show!
Ricardo future step-father to Blue Ivy Carter, is excited to be working with Public Theater for the second time! Recently he appeared as Anthony in I and You. Mr. Beaird moved to Hoth (Saint Paul, MN) about a year ago to work with the educational touring company, Climb Theatre. You probably didn't see him as Marc Antony in Julius Casar with Nashville Shakespeare Festival or Cliff in The Rotten Core with Tennessee Repertory Theatre, but he won't hold that against you. You might have seen him in The Duchess of Malfi with Classical Actors Ensemble, if so "yeah!" Ricardo would like to thank Tostino's party pizzas, his friends, and his family for always being there we he needs them. He has also worked with Mission Theatre in their production of Much Ado and Titus Andronicus. He loves them very much. Enjoy the show!
Brooke Taylor Bowman (Don Perdo)
Brooke is super excited to be debuting with Public Theater! She just graduated from the U of M:BFA Actor Training Program. You may recognize her from Guthrie's production of Crucible where she played Mercy Lewis. In the BFA program she got to play roles such as Olga in Summer People, Mageara in Welcome to Thebes and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Recently, she Co-Created a film Tailing Philip with fellow cast mate Kelsey Peterjohn! Check it out on YouTube.
Brooke is super excited to be debuting with Public Theater! She just graduated from the U of M:BFA Actor Training Program. You may recognize her from Guthrie's production of Crucible where she played Mercy Lewis. In the BFA program she got to play roles such as Olga in Summer People, Mageara in Welcome to Thebes and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Recently, she Co-Created a film Tailing Philip with fellow cast mate Kelsey Peterjohn! Check it out on YouTube.
Paul LaNave (Don John)
A graduate of the University of Minnesota: Duluth with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre: Acting Emphasis, Paul has performed with a variety of theatre companies in Minneapolis, St. Cloud and Duluth over the past year before officially moving to Minneapolis. Most recently, he appeared as "Frisbee" in Workhaus Collective's production of The Reagan Years. Other previous credits include This Is Our Youth (Sidecar Theatre), Red, Coronado (Renegade Theater Company), Proof, Same Time Next Year (Pioneer Place Theatre Company), O.I.N.K. (Paper Crane Theatre, MN Fringe Festival), Richard III, Three Sisters, Medea, Coriolana, It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, and The Miracle Worker (UMD Theatre). Special thanks to Paul's parents and grandparents for their love and support. For more visit: www.paullanave.wix.com/paul-lanave.
**Paul will be playing the role of Benedick on July 17
A graduate of the University of Minnesota: Duluth with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre: Acting Emphasis, Paul has performed with a variety of theatre companies in Minneapolis, St. Cloud and Duluth over the past year before officially moving to Minneapolis. Most recently, he appeared as "Frisbee" in Workhaus Collective's production of The Reagan Years. Other previous credits include This Is Our Youth (Sidecar Theatre), Red, Coronado (Renegade Theater Company), Proof, Same Time Next Year (Pioneer Place Theatre Company), O.I.N.K. (Paper Crane Theatre, MN Fringe Festival), Richard III, Three Sisters, Medea, Coriolana, It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, and The Miracle Worker (UMD Theatre). Special thanks to Paul's parents and grandparents for their love and support. For more visit: www.paullanave.wix.com/paul-lanave.
**Paul will be playing the role of Benedick on July 17
Briana Patnode (Margaret)
Briana is very happy to be working again with PTMN after playing Hermia in A Misdummer Night's Dream and The Nurse in Romeo & Juliet. Locally she has also worked with Walking Shadow Theatre Co, Minnesota Jewish Theatre Co, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Theatre Coup d'Etat, Sabes JCC, and CLIMB Theatre Co among others. She wishes you a magical night with us in beautiful Silverwood Park!
Briana is very happy to be working again with PTMN after playing Hermia in A Misdummer Night's Dream and The Nurse in Romeo & Juliet. Locally she has also worked with Walking Shadow Theatre Co, Minnesota Jewish Theatre Co, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, Theatre Coup d'Etat, Sabes JCC, and CLIMB Theatre Co among others. She wishes you a magical night with us in beautiful Silverwood Park!
Kelsey Peterjohn (Ursula)
Kelsey is thrilled to be spending her first summer with Public Theater. As a native Minnesotan, she has been performing all over the Twin Cities since she was 10 years old. Kelsey attended Minnetonka High School where she was lucky enough to play Christine Daae in The Phantom of The Opera. This past spring she graduated from the U of MN/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program. Her favorite roles at the U of MN have been Gwen Landis in Fifth of July, Mrs. Welsh in Blue Stockings and Lady Diana in Jekyll and Hyde on the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. Kelsey has a passion for comedy, and most recently co-created and starred in the mockumentary “Tailing Philip” with cast mate and best friend Brooke Bowman. Many thanks to her family and wonderful teachers throughout the years who have helped her on this joyful path of theater!
Kelsey is thrilled to be spending her first summer with Public Theater. As a native Minnesotan, she has been performing all over the Twin Cities since she was 10 years old. Kelsey attended Minnetonka High School where she was lucky enough to play Christine Daae in The Phantom of The Opera. This past spring she graduated from the U of MN/Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program. Her favorite roles at the U of MN have been Gwen Landis in Fifth of July, Mrs. Welsh in Blue Stockings and Lady Diana in Jekyll and Hyde on the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. Kelsey has a passion for comedy, and most recently co-created and starred in the mockumentary “Tailing Philip” with cast mate and best friend Brooke Bowman. Many thanks to her family and wonderful teachers throughout the years who have helped her on this joyful path of theater!
Greg Adam (Conrade/Baltashar/Messina Trio)
Gregory Adam is thrilled to be working in Silverwood Park this summer with this company. It's a thrill to be back working with The Bard for a few months. He has recently been seen as Raoul in Eating Raoul and Calvin in Calvin Berger - each with Minneapolis Musical Theatre. Upcoming projects include Ronnie Thompson in the second run of the Twin Cities written musical, Philly.
Gregory Adam is thrilled to be working in Silverwood Park this summer with this company. It's a thrill to be back working with The Bard for a few months. He has recently been seen as Raoul in Eating Raoul and Calvin in Calvin Berger - each with Minneapolis Musical Theatre. Upcoming projects include Ronnie Thompson in the second run of the Twin Cities written musical, Philly.
Kelly Matthews (Sexton/Messina Trio)
Kelly Matthews is delighted to be making her Public debut in Much Ado! A B.F.A. graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Kelly has performed locally with History Theatre (where she recently played Nancy Garcia in River Road Boogie: The Augie Garcia Story), Bloomington Civic, Lyric Arts, the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Co., Paul Bunyan Playhouse, the Guthrie and as a featured performer at the 2014 Ivey Awards. This fall, you can catch Kelly in Freshwater Theatre’s Pioneer Suite, a new musical that tells the forgotten stories of three pioneer women from Minnesota history! www.kelly-matthews.com
Kelly Matthews is delighted to be making her Public debut in Much Ado! A B.F.A. graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, Kelly has performed locally with History Theatre (where she recently played Nancy Garcia in River Road Boogie: The Augie Garcia Story), Bloomington Civic, Lyric Arts, the Gilbert and Sullivan Very Light Opera Co., Paul Bunyan Playhouse, the Guthrie and as a featured performer at the 2014 Ivey Awards. This fall, you can catch Kelly in Freshwater Theatre’s Pioneer Suite, a new musical that tells the forgotten stories of three pioneer women from Minnesota history! www.kelly-matthews.com
Jonathon Dull (Borrachio/Messina Trio/Choreographer)
Jonathon is pleased to be making his debut with The Public Theater of Minnesota in Much Ado About Nothing. Jonathon received his BFA in Acting from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. He previously played Bennett in Red Eye Theater's Private Party and Charles Lindbergh in Candid Theater Company’s Hauptmann. Upcoming: The Little Pilot with Sandbox Theatre (Sept. '15).
Jonathon is pleased to be making his debut with The Public Theater of Minnesota in Much Ado About Nothing. Jonathon received his BFA in Acting from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. He previously played Bennett in Red Eye Theater's Private Party and Charles Lindbergh in Candid Theater Company’s Hauptmann. Upcoming: The Little Pilot with Sandbox Theatre (Sept. '15).
Avrielle Corti (Dogberry/Ensemble)
Avrielle Corti has been in feature films and television. She played opposite of Tom Berenger in Stilleto and Michael Madsen in All In. She Co-created and executive produced the original all female Web Series called “Ex-Girlfriends”. Currently she is a student in the Guthrie BFA Actor Training program where she has had the pleasure of Playing: the Nurse in Medea, Malcolm in Macbeth, Marinette in Moliere’s Lovers’ Quarrels and Phoebe in As You Like It during her study abroad at the Globe in London. While in London, Corti studied and devised work with Complicite. She also has done extensive voiceover work and leant her voice to feature films, television and radio spots. This summer she is thrilled to be a part of Minnesota Public Theater’s production of Much Ado and would like to thank God, her family and faculty at school for all their support.
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Avrielle Corti has been in feature films and television. She played opposite of Tom Berenger in Stilleto and Michael Madsen in All In. She Co-created and executive produced the original all female Web Series called “Ex-Girlfriends”. Currently she is a student in the Guthrie BFA Actor Training program where she has had the pleasure of Playing: the Nurse in Medea, Malcolm in Macbeth, Marinette in Moliere’s Lovers’ Quarrels and Phoebe in As You Like It during her study abroad at the Globe in London. While in London, Corti studied and devised work with Complicite. She also has done extensive voiceover work and leant her voice to feature films, television and radio spots. This summer she is thrilled to be a part of Minnesota Public Theater’s production of Much Ado and would like to thank God, her family and faculty at school for all their support.
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Ben Weiman (Verges/Acting Apprentice)
Ben is ecstatic to be back working with the Public Theater of Minnesota. You may have seen him in Macbeth at the PTMN last summer, or in Good N Plenty with the Young Artists Council of Youth Performance Company. He is very happy to be going in to his senior year at Edina High School, and is excited for the theater that has yet to come in his life!
Ben is ecstatic to be back working with the Public Theater of Minnesota. You may have seen him in Macbeth at the PTMN last summer, or in Good N Plenty with the Young Artists Council of Youth Performance Company. He is very happy to be going in to his senior year at Edina High School, and is excited for the theater that has yet to come in his life!
Samantha Feinberg (Understudy-Sexton/Messina Trio)
Samantha is very excited to be working with the Public Theater of Minnesota for the first time. A recent graduate of Lawrence University (in Appleton, WI) with degrees in theatre arts and vocal performance, she is excited to be back in the state and working with this wonderful company. This fall she will be attending the National Theater Institute Semester at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center.
**Samantha will be understudying Kelly Matthews as The Sexton/Messina Trio on July 17 and 18
Samantha is very excited to be working with the Public Theater of Minnesota for the first time. A recent graduate of Lawrence University (in Appleton, WI) with degrees in theatre arts and vocal performance, she is excited to be back in the state and working with this wonderful company. This fall she will be attending the National Theater Institute Semester at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center.
**Samantha will be understudying Kelly Matthews as The Sexton/Messina Trio on July 17 and 18
Emma Dalen (Acting Apprentice)
Emma is elated to be a part of this summer’s Public Theater of MN Shakespearean cast. She is a produced playwright and actor who has appeared on stages throughout the Twin Cities, most recently as eight different characters, including Slue Foot Sue, in Youth Performance Company’s Pecos Bill and Other Tall Tales. Following Much Ado, Emma will be a part of the MN Fringe Festival, her third, with Holey Theater's Café Inferno. Future plans include writing, while pursuing a BA in Theater Performance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Emma is elated to be a part of this summer’s Public Theater of MN Shakespearean cast. She is a produced playwright and actor who has appeared on stages throughout the Twin Cities, most recently as eight different characters, including Slue Foot Sue, in Youth Performance Company’s Pecos Bill and Other Tall Tales. Following Much Ado, Emma will be a part of the MN Fringe Festival, her third, with Holey Theater's Café Inferno. Future plans include writing, while pursuing a BA in Theater Performance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
James Napoleon Stone (Understudy-Don John)
James Napoleon Stone is glad to be with PTMN for a piece of summer Shakespeare. His previous work onstage includes Ghosts, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Miss Julie (Theatre Coup d'Etat) as well as Killer Joe, Never the Sinner, and Rat in the Skull (Candid Theater Co.). His directing credits include Hamlet (co-director), One Flea Spare, and 'Art' (Theatre Coup d'Etat). James is thankful to work with yet another great cast and crew. And for Tullimore Dew.
**James will be playing the role of Don John on July 17
James Napoleon Stone is glad to be with PTMN for a piece of summer Shakespeare. His previous work onstage includes Ghosts, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Miss Julie (Theatre Coup d'Etat) as well as Killer Joe, Never the Sinner, and Rat in the Skull (Candid Theater Co.). His directing credits include Hamlet (co-director), One Flea Spare, and 'Art' (Theatre Coup d'Etat). James is thankful to work with yet another great cast and crew. And for Tullimore Dew.
**James will be playing the role of Don John on July 17
Lillie Horton (Acting Apprentice)
Lillie is excited to be working with the Public Theatre of Minnesota again after appearing last year in Macbeth. Previous theater credits include Circles, a works in progress play at Red Eye Theatre, The Woodsman with Theatre Pro Rata, A Christmas Story the musical at the Ordway, and Charlotte's Web at The Children's Theatre Company. She would like to thank her family and friends for their ongoing support!
Lillie is excited to be working with the Public Theatre of Minnesota again after appearing last year in Macbeth. Previous theater credits include Circles, a works in progress play at Red Eye Theatre, The Woodsman with Theatre Pro Rata, A Christmas Story the musical at the Ordway, and Charlotte's Web at The Children's Theatre Company. She would like to thank her family and friends for their ongoing support!
Elizabeth Schuetzle (Acting Apprentice)
Elizabeth Schuetzle has participated in theater at various places around the Twin Cities. She is ecstatic to be in her first production with the Public Theater of Minnesota and would like to thank her family and friends for their support
Elizabeth Schuetzle has participated in theater at various places around the Twin Cities. She is ecstatic to be in her first production with the Public Theater of Minnesota and would like to thank her family and friends for their support
Creative team
Mark Hauck (Director & Artistic Director)
Mark is a freelance director, designer, and educator. In addition to founding the Public Theater of Minnesota, he was a founder of Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minnesota where her served as the Executive Producing Director. He was the director of the Hopkins High School theater program for 5 ½ years, growing the program to include an annual production of Shakespeare, after school training, and a second stage of student devised work (including the award-winning adaptation of St. Lucy’s School for Girls Raised By Wolves). He has directed or designed over 60 plays, and his work has appeared at Great River Shakespeare Festival, History Theater, Park Square, Mixed Blood, Eye of the Storm, Theatre Latte Da, Milwaukee Rep, The Commonweal Theater, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, and the Friday Night Live at the Berkshire Theater Festival where he interned under Artistic Director Josephine Abady. Mark has directed plays for UMN/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program, Regis University, Colorado Mountain College, and St. Paul Academy. Mark is a founder and co-owner of COTY award-winning Bluestem Construction.
Mark is a freelance director, designer, and educator. In addition to founding the Public Theater of Minnesota, he was a founder of Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minnesota where her served as the Executive Producing Director. He was the director of the Hopkins High School theater program for 5 ½ years, growing the program to include an annual production of Shakespeare, after school training, and a second stage of student devised work (including the award-winning adaptation of St. Lucy’s School for Girls Raised By Wolves). He has directed or designed over 60 plays, and his work has appeared at Great River Shakespeare Festival, History Theater, Park Square, Mixed Blood, Eye of the Storm, Theatre Latte Da, Milwaukee Rep, The Commonweal Theater, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, and the Friday Night Live at the Berkshire Theater Festival where he interned under Artistic Director Josephine Abady. Mark has directed plays for UMN/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program, Regis University, Colorado Mountain College, and St. Paul Academy. Mark is a founder and co-owner of COTY award-winning Bluestem Construction.
Maureen O’Mally (Lyrics)
After several summers interning and volunteering with PTMN, Maureen is thrilled to be working with them, this time as a songwriter. Maureen has been writing music since she was eight years old, and has composed music for several school functions and productions, as well as writing lyrics for "Pullman Car Hiawatha: A New Musical Drama," a part of the 2013 MN Fringe Festival. She is currently pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she will be writing music and lyrics for their 2016 touring children's show "Zeusical: The Olympus Musical." You can find her online at soundcloud.com/maureen-omalley
After several summers interning and volunteering with PTMN, Maureen is thrilled to be working with them, this time as a songwriter. Maureen has been writing music since she was eight years old, and has composed music for several school functions and productions, as well as writing lyrics for "Pullman Car Hiawatha: A New Musical Drama," a part of the 2013 MN Fringe Festival. She is currently pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she will be writing music and lyrics for their 2016 touring children's show "Zeusical: The Olympus Musical." You can find her online at soundcloud.com/maureen-omalley
Cody Burch (Score & Orchestrations)
This is Cody's fourth collaboration with the Public Theater of Minnesota. Cody studies English at the University of Maine in Orono. He has had work published in the University's graduate literary journal "Stolen Island" and is working on co-writing a script for PBS with one of their English faculty members. He has previously completed two and a half years at Chapman University in California where he studied music composition. Apart from his incidental music for the theatre, he has written the scores for short films such as "From the Woods" for which he won a best original score at the LA Movie Awards. Some of Cody's favorite composers/musicians include (but are not limited to) David Bowie, Dmitri Shostakovich, Iannis Xenakis, Stephen Sondheim, Jean Sibelius, and Howard Shore.
This is Cody's fourth collaboration with the Public Theater of Minnesota. Cody studies English at the University of Maine in Orono. He has had work published in the University's graduate literary journal "Stolen Island" and is working on co-writing a script for PBS with one of their English faculty members. He has previously completed two and a half years at Chapman University in California where he studied music composition. Apart from his incidental music for the theatre, he has written the scores for short films such as "From the Woods" for which he won a best original score at the LA Movie Awards. Some of Cody's favorite composers/musicians include (but are not limited to) David Bowie, Dmitri Shostakovich, Iannis Xenakis, Stephen Sondheim, Jean Sibelius, and Howard Shore.
Talk of the Town was created by both Cody Bursch and Maureen O'Mally.
Topaz Cooks (Stage Manager)
Topaz Cooks (Stage Manager) is eager to be back with the Public Theater of Minnesota. She earned her BFA in theater last fall. Most recently, she stage managed the Duluth Playhouse productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and White Christmas, as well as the Duluth Playhouse production of Les Miserablés at the DECC. Up next, Topaz will begin a stage management internship at the Children's Theater Company in Minneapolis. She is thankful for this opportunity and is humbled to be a part of this community.
Topaz Cooks (Stage Manager) is eager to be back with the Public Theater of Minnesota. She earned her BFA in theater last fall. Most recently, she stage managed the Duluth Playhouse productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and White Christmas, as well as the Duluth Playhouse production of Les Miserablés at the DECC. Up next, Topaz will begin a stage management internship at the Children's Theater Company in Minneapolis. She is thankful for this opportunity and is humbled to be a part of this community.
Eli Schlatter (Scenic Designer)
Eli is very excited to be back with PTMN after his design of I and You this winter! He is a freelance scenic designer in the Twin Cities where he has recently worked with Yellow Tree Theater, Walking Shadow Theater Company, Torch Theater, and Theater in the Round. Eli has additionally done technical work with The Children’s Theatre Company, The Moving Company, The Jungle Theater and The Minnesota Fringe Festival. He has a B.F.A in Theater Design and Production from the University of Michigan, and has interned with The Children’s Theater Company and Cirque du Soleil’s KÁ in Las Vegas.
Eli is very excited to be back with PTMN after his design of I and You this winter! He is a freelance scenic designer in the Twin Cities where he has recently worked with Yellow Tree Theater, Walking Shadow Theater Company, Torch Theater, and Theater in the Round. Eli has additionally done technical work with The Children’s Theatre Company, The Moving Company, The Jungle Theater and The Minnesota Fringe Festival. He has a B.F.A in Theater Design and Production from the University of Michigan, and has interned with The Children’s Theater Company and Cirque du Soleil’s KÁ in Las Vegas.
Lucas Skjaret (Costume Designer)
Lucas is super excited to be costuming again for PTMN! Previous PTMN credits include: As You Like It, Macbeth, and I and You. Favorite design credits include: Don’t Dress for Dinner (Theatre in the Round), The Reagan Years (Workhaus Collective), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Minneapolis Musical Theatre), True West (Teater Neuf, Norway). Lucas received a double B.A. in Theatre Arts and Scandinavian Studies from the University of North Dakota and studied abroad at The University of Oslo and The International Summer School of Oslo. He has worked in other capacities with Park Square, Playwrights’ Center, History Theatre, Walking Shadow Theatre, Little Lifeboats, Freshwater, Yellow Tree, Bloomington Civic Theatre/Artistry, and many more. He is the Artistic Adminsitrator for The Public Theater of Minnesota. Upcoming credits include: Pioneer Suite (Costume Designer/Freshwater Theatre) and The Shape of Things (Costume Designer/Daleko Arts). lucasskjaret.com
Lucas is super excited to be costuming again for PTMN! Previous PTMN credits include: As You Like It, Macbeth, and I and You. Favorite design credits include: Don’t Dress for Dinner (Theatre in the Round), The Reagan Years (Workhaus Collective), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Minneapolis Musical Theatre), True West (Teater Neuf, Norway). Lucas received a double B.A. in Theatre Arts and Scandinavian Studies from the University of North Dakota and studied abroad at The University of Oslo and The International Summer School of Oslo. He has worked in other capacities with Park Square, Playwrights’ Center, History Theatre, Walking Shadow Theatre, Little Lifeboats, Freshwater, Yellow Tree, Bloomington Civic Theatre/Artistry, and many more. He is the Artistic Adminsitrator for The Public Theater of Minnesota. Upcoming credits include: Pioneer Suite (Costume Designer/Freshwater Theatre) and The Shape of Things (Costume Designer/Daleko Arts). lucasskjaret.com
Barry Nelson (Co-Lighting Designer/Technical Director)
Barry has been a freelance designer, educator, production manager, facility manager and production technician for the past 10 years. He has designed or managed over 75 shows with his work appearing in Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Chaska Valley Family Theater, Theatre Unbound, Chameleon Theatre Circle, Eastern Carver County Schools and Public Theater of Minnesota. He studied at Bemidji State University, where he completed two degrees in Theater Production and Technology Education with a Minnesota licensure. While living in Bemidji, Barry acted as Resident Lighting Designer and Off Season Manager at The Paul Bunyan Playhouse from 2006 to 2010. After returning to the Twin Cities, Barry served as the District Theater Manager and District Technical Director of Eastern Carver County Schools, where he developed technical training for students to prepare them for professions in technical design. He is now working with Norcostco, Inc. as the Technical Theatre Project Manager, providing project management and technical solution consultation. Barry has been with Public Theater of Minnesota for four years now and is currently its Production Manager. www.barrynelsonproductions.com
Barry has been a freelance designer, educator, production manager, facility manager and production technician for the past 10 years. He has designed or managed over 75 shows with his work appearing in Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Chaska Valley Family Theater, Theatre Unbound, Chameleon Theatre Circle, Eastern Carver County Schools and Public Theater of Minnesota. He studied at Bemidji State University, where he completed two degrees in Theater Production and Technology Education with a Minnesota licensure. While living in Bemidji, Barry acted as Resident Lighting Designer and Off Season Manager at The Paul Bunyan Playhouse from 2006 to 2010. After returning to the Twin Cities, Barry served as the District Theater Manager and District Technical Director of Eastern Carver County Schools, where he developed technical training for students to prepare them for professions in technical design. He is now working with Norcostco, Inc. as the Technical Theatre Project Manager, providing project management and technical solution consultation. Barry has been with Public Theater of Minnesota for four years now and is currently its Production Manager. www.barrynelsonproductions.com
Hunter Froelich (Co-Lighting Designer)
Hunter is a freelance lighting designer in the Minneapolis area. He is currently working on his double major in marketing and technical theatre degree with a specialization in lighting design from Creighton University. He has worked on shows all around town as well as companies throughout the Midwest including Ballet Nebraska, Summit Dance Shop, and Park Productions. Some of his favorite designs are A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Peter Pan.
Hunter is a freelance lighting designer in the Minneapolis area. He is currently working on his double major in marketing and technical theatre degree with a specialization in lighting design from Creighton University. He has worked on shows all around town as well as companies throughout the Midwest including Ballet Nebraska, Summit Dance Shop, and Park Productions. Some of his favorite designs are A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Peter Pan.
Props Master: Merritt Rodriguez
Assistant Stage Managers: Ruby Zajac & Keara Lavandowska
Stitchers: Amanda Hildebrandt & Amanda Jaeger
Lighting & Sound Crew: Brian Bolles & Hunter Froehlich
Graphics by Amy Matthews
Assistant Stage Managers: Ruby Zajac & Keara Lavandowska
Stitchers: Amanda Hildebrandt & Amanda Jaeger
Lighting & Sound Crew: Brian Bolles & Hunter Froehlich
Graphics by Amy Matthews
Special thanks
Deb Murphy
SpringHouse Ministries
Laurie Clements
Jefferson Theatre Company
Annie Cady
The Velvet Tart
SpringHouse Ministries
Laurie Clements
Jefferson Theatre Company
Annie Cady
The Velvet Tart
