Meet the Company

Class/Major: Senior, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Role: Alfonso Churchill, & Bob Henderson

This has been an acting experience like no other for Ryan. He wishes to express his gratitude to the cast, crew, and Director for making this another great opportunity for him and other students here at NWMSU. Taking on his acting roles and delving into film performance has been an awesome take away for his senior year.

Class/Major: Sophomore, B.S. Theatre: Technical Design, Minor: Digital Media

Technical Role:

Assistant Stage Manager

This is Paige’s fourth production with Theatre Northwest. Filming this production was a great learning opportunity, and Paige is grateful for the opportunity to expand her stage management skills. She would like to thank all who put in the time and energy to make this production possible. While she never thought she would be producing theatre in a pandemic, Paige is excited for whatever future opportunities may bring.

Technical Role: Sound Designer

Jack is the Technical Director for Theatre Northwest and manages the daily operations for the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts and the Charles Johnson Theatre. Jack also serves as the Sound Design and Sound Engineering mentor for Theatre Northwest students.

Technical Role: Head of Publicity

Katheryn Bilbo is Artistic Director of Theatre Northwest and Associate Professor of Theatre. She teaches performance, theatre history and playwriting; directs mainstage productions; and sponsors the student organization University Players.

Katheryn has an MFA in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has been a member of the professional actors' union - Actors' Equity Association - since 1998. She most recently directed the play Good Kids, November 2020.

Class/Major: Senior, B.S. Political Science

Technical Role: Playwright, Dramaturg

Role: Hildrup Tubbs, and “Tennessee” Claflin Shope

Cory’s experience with theatre has been anything but uniform, he has seen the stage through the eyes of an actor, assistant director, and playwright, which has given him the insight to write and edit A Memory of Spoon River at the request of Dr. Ross. The creation of creative ideas and concepts is very important to Cory and he takes great joy in thinking about what he can do with the arts next. This production has been a highlight for his academic career and he looks forward to doing more work like it in the future.

Class/Major: Senior, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Role: John Cabanis, Professor Newcomer, John Horace Burlesson

Kaleb is excited to be in his 1st film project at Northwest. You have recently seen Kaleb in Theatre Northwest’s production of Good Kids. Kaleb is simply happy that Northwest has provided the opportunity for him to perform even during a pandemic. Kaleb wants to thank all of his friends and family for supporting him. Especially Payton because she is super rad.

Class/Major: Freshman, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Role: Harry Wilmans, Fiddler Jones, Robert Stephenson, Many soldiers

Matthew’s first year with Theatre Northwest has been a very exciting one, and only bolsters his anticipation for what else is to come. Spoon River has been a brand new experience for him; it is his first time acting for the camera. These are the new experiences that fuel his love for Theatre Northwest. He hopes audiences love the characters of Spoon River just as much as he does.

Class/Major: Junior, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Technical Role:On-Location Props Master, On-Location Wardrobe/Makeup/Hair Crew

Role: Margaret Gretchen, Conradine Siever

Jenna is finishing up their third year here at Northwest. They are beyond excited to work on a production such as Spoon River as they have never done a production quite like this. They have performed in multiple productions such as Kylie in Good Kids and Mrs. Organ Morgan in Under Milk Wood. They have also worked behind the scenes for productions, such as Co-Projections Designer for Good Kids, Assistant Stage Manger for An Uncommon Evening: One-Act Plays by Wendy Wasserstein, and Assistant Props Master for Under Milk Wood.

Class/Major: Senior, B.S. Business Management

Technical Role:

Assistant Costume Designer

Aleka is excited to be working on another production with Theatre Northwest. She is grateful to have done so much work on this show. She is looking forward to working on the upcoming One Acts before graduation in May. She would like to thank Stephi for being a great mentor.

Class Major: Senior, B.S. Theatre Performance & B.A. English: Creative Writing

Technical Role: Publicity Manager & Web Designer/ Manager

This is Taylor's first time working on web design. It was a great learning experience and helped expand her skills as an artist. Taylor currently serves as the Publicity Manager for Theatre Northwest; she oversees the department's social media and front of house design. Her position for this show was unique, in the sense of a virtual front of house design, but she enjoyed every minute of it. Taylor's next adventure is directing The Most Massive Woman Wins by Madeleine George in our upcoming One-Acts.

Technical Role: Scenic Designer/ Lighting Designer/ Film Editing

Role: Fred Hoskins

Patrick J. Immel is a Full Professor of Scenic & Lighting Design at Northwest Missouri State University. He holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, (1994) and he received his MFA from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1998. Recent designs at Northwest include the World Premiere of Death Comes for Jesse James, Footloose, Macbeth, Midwives and Witches, Rumors, Legally Blonde, The Learned Ladies, Urinetown, The Tempest, Almost Maine, Our Town. Regional design credits include, CATS, Iphigenia, Beast on the Moon & I Love You You’re Perfect, Now Change!. Research interests include discovering new and better ways of integrating computer technology into the design process. Pat would like to dedicate his work on this production to his Dad, Irv Immel, who passed away in August 2020.

Class/Major: 2013 M.F.A. Theatre: Lighting and Props from Southern Illinois University

Role: Captain Orlando Killion

Though a 31 year veteran of academic and professional theatre and film as a designer and technician, Christopher (known as Jombi to most in the business) takes his first steps out from behind the curtains and cameras with this role. He would like to thank Dr. Ross for thinking of him for this part, and would especially like to offer his deep appreciation to the cast, crew, and production staff for their warm welcome and generous patience with this enthusiastic “young” amateur.

Technical Role: Costume, Hair, & Makeup Designer

Stephanie Jorandby is Associate Professor of Theatre, Costume Designer, and Scholarship Manager for Theatre Northwest. She teaches costume design and technology, stage management, stage makeup, and other design courses, and designs costumes for all mainstage productions. Stephanie holds an MFA in Costume Design from Southern Illinois University, and sponsors the student chapter of United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT).

Class/Major: Freshman, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Role: Rhodaline McDowell and Theodore the Poet

Shannon’s time with Theatre Northwest has been extremely informative and amazing. Every day she is inspired by those around her and is motivated to continue to pursue starting her own theatre company. Working on Spoon River has been a fun learning experience for Shannon, as this is her very first on-camera performance. She looks forward to what her future with Theatre Northwest holds.

Class/Major: Junior, B.S.Ed. Speech & Theatre Education

Technical Role:

Properties Master

This is Alex’s seventh production here Theatre Northwest. Props for this production was an interesting task for Alex. He learned a lot about what is demanded of a filmed production and the precautions that must be taken because of the pandemic. Alex also really enjoyed getting to collaborate again on props for the second time since Noises Off! and hopes to do it again in the future.

Class/Major: Sophomore, B.S.Ed Early Childhood Education

Roles: Judson Stoddard and Emily Sparks

Elizabeth is thrilled to be in her third performance at Northwest, and her first ever performance of true on-camera acting. It was a new and exciting experience, and she is so happy that she got to learn new tips and tricks for being natural when acting for a camera rather than a live audience. She is so grateful for this incredible opportunity and can’t wait to audition for even more shows in the future! She would like to thank Theatre Northwest for truly accepting her as one of their own despite her lack of a theatre major or minor!

Class/Major: B.A. Theatre NWMSU, Class of 2020

Roles: Rebecca Wasson & Victoria “Undertow” Kissenger

Christy is a Theatre Northwest Graduate and is excited to be a part of this unique project! Her theatre credits include Rosemary Pilkington in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying (Maryville Young Players), Lady Macduff in Macbeth (NWMSU), and Nun Ensemble in Sister Act the Musical—to name a few! Since Christy has done only live theatre thus far, she has learned quickly that recorded video performance is completely different from anything she’s ever done! Christy sends thanks to all the cast and crew for their hard work, and also to Dr. Ross for the privilege to learn and grow for the camera in this new experience!

Class/Major: Senior, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Role: Mrs. Goodpasture & Mrs. Webster

Kailyn’s time at Northwest has helped mold her into a more well rounded performer, and Spoon River gave her even more opportunities to grow as an actress. The Theater Department as a whole has been a positive influence in her life, and she would like to thank all of her peers for being such kind and wonderful people. She would also like to thank her family and her boyfriend for encouraging her to pursue her passions. Kailyn cannot wait for her next theatrical opportunity here at Northwest.

Class/Major: B.S. Theatre Performance

Role: Ima Erenhardt

Amanda’s time at Northwest so far has been very beneficial to the learning she’s needed to help her create a career for herself in Theatre. She is very thankful for the people she’s met and worked with, as well as all the connections she’s made while she’s attended any and all Northwest Missouri State University programs she’s been a part of. She sees a bright future for herself thanks to all the support.

Technical Role:

Producer & Director

Theo Ross is a professor of Theatre at Northwest Missouri State University where he teaches performance-related courses, directs productions, and supervises the theatre’s internship program. He has published and presented at national conferences, and served for over twenty years as a department chair or dean.

Before joining the Northwest faculty in 1978, Dr. Ross taught in Camden, New York, at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and while completing the PhD in Theatre History at University of Missouri-Columbia. At UM-C he developed the Gentry Hall Studio Theatre program which serves as a model for Northwest’s own studio program; and was the first graduate student to direct on the department’s main-stage, producing Max Frisch’s BIEDERMANN AND THE FIREBUGS including his own translation of its afterpiece.

As well as professional acting experience on the stage and screen early in his career with performers such as Anne Meacham, Marie Santell, and Chris Cooper, Theo has directed over 100 productions; including classical works, original plays, and musicals.

Class/Major: Sophomore Theatre Performance

Role: Perry Zoll & leader of Many Soldiers

Samir is proud to be a part of his third Production at Northwest Missouri State. He had previously performed in Under Milkwood and in FT Show his first semester. While being on campus, he likes to keep up with school and cope with classmates. He is thrilled to be playing Perry Zoll and leader of Many Soldiers in Spoon River. Samir thanks his friends and family for helping him get to where he is today.

Class/Major: Sophomore, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Technical Role: Assistant to the Costume Designer/Location Makeup/Wardrobe Assistant

Role: Narrator & Julia Scott

This is the sixth production Christina has acted in at Northwest. Her other Northwest credits include Good Kids as Madison, Boy Meets Girl as the Narrator, Under Milk Wood as Lily Smalls, Wrecking Grounds as Allison, and When She Had Wings. Christina has also been involved in technical capacities for six shows as well, mostly focused in costuming. She is excited to work with such a talented group of cast and crew on a fully filmed production. Christina would like to thank Michael Brown and Stephi Jorandby for all their support.

Class/Major: Sophomore; B.S. Theatre Design

Technical Role: Camera Operator

Role: Tamara McNeely

Lynette is highly creative person who is excited to learn and perform. Lynette has been involved with theatre since her freshman year of High School and has learned many things throughout the years. Lynette is looking at expanding her horizons into film is excited to learn some about the process that goes into film, although is not a true film.

Class/Major: Junior, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Role: Hannah Armstrong, Tasmin Trevelyan, & Mrs. Williams

Abbey’s experience at Theatre Northwest has been very enlightening and valuable to the advancement of her future acting career. Working with the whole team in this project has been an experience like no other, and she thanks everyone for their dedication and zeal. Abbey is extremely grateful for this opportunity, and she cannot wait to see what other productions she will be a part of in the future.

Class/Major: Senior, B.S. Theatre: Technical Design

Technical Role:

Stage Manager/

Assistant Director

Jamie has been very blessed with her work in the theatre department here at Northwest. Since arriving her freshman year with no experience, Jamie has been taught and supported and is now a Senior with three stage managed productions on her resume. The support she has received from friends, family, and Theatre Northwest (although most of the department falls into one or both of the two previous categories) has allowed Jamie an environment to grow, learn, explore, and prepare herself, her craft, and her future. She couldn’t have done it without her loved ones.

Class/Major: Sophomore, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Role: Willie Metcalf & Rueben Pantier

Drew’s experience with Theatre Northwest has provided him with excellent windows of opportunities to learn and grow not only as an actor, but also to help fuel his interest in different areas of tech and backstage work as well. Working on Spoon River has been one of the most creative and unique performance experiences Drew has had, and the amazing cast and crew has helped make it even more memorable. Drew looks forward to contributing to Northwest’s future productions, whether that be on stage or backstage.

Class/Major: Postbaccalaureate, B.S. Theatre: Performance

Technical Role: Location Scout

Role: Tom Beatty, Irv Immel, & John Wasson

Working with the cast and crew of Spoon River has been amazing both as a performer and finding great places to film. It has been very different than acting on a stage with others. What a great experience for us all. Thanks to Dr. Ross for the opportunity and as always thanks to my wife for her unwavering support.