Ryan Lidgett, working in the marketing office this semester, did an outstanding job putting together the social media posts for the Pitt Stages production of Spark. Just in case you missed any of the 'Meet the Cast and Crew' posts - they are here to review!
Great job Ryan!
Starting us off, we have Danica Moffitt (left). A junior theatre arts major, she is excited to perform the role of Pan in her first Pitt Stages production. She hopes that audiences are reminded that hope can be found even in the darkest of times.
Next we have Lauren Scheller-Wolf (center). Performing the role of Jude, she feels lucky to be in a show where it feels like everyone is learning about and exploring the characters and world of the play together. Like Danica, she also believes in the hopeful message of the show.
Wrapping up the first of our meet the cast series is Aidan Upton. Performing the role of Farren, he is excited to make his Pitt Stages mainstage debut. He is a first-year student studying architecture and theatre arts.
First up we have Grace Ruble (left). Grace is a senior theatre arts and film and media studies double major and is excited to make her Pitt Stages mainstage debut as the Storyteller/Keeper in Spark. It has been inspiring for her to see the creativity in keeping the theatre alive during these challenging times.
Today we also feature our first crew member, stage manager Shamus Bonner (right). Shamus is excited to be stage managing his first Pitt Stages mainstage production. He is excited for the opportunity to work with a great team of designers, technicians, and actors to bring Spark to life.
First up, we have Thomas Heibeck (left). He is excited to make his Pitt Stages mainstage debut in the role of Tico. He is a sophomore molecular biology and chemistry double major with a creative writing minor. Thomas is also involved in Pitt Tonight and Pitt Pathfinders.
Next, we have our scenic designer Alex Dolinger (center). They are thrilled to be designing another production with Pitt Stages, having previously worked on The Wolves, Oblivion, and Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties. Alex is a senior theatre arts major with a creative writing minor.
Finally, we have Jermiya Gaines. She is a freshman intending to double major in linguistics and theatre arts. Jermiya has previously performed in “Hair Waiting” and is excited to perform the role of K in Spark.
First, we have Finley Geist (left). Finley is excited to take part in their first Pitt Stages mainstage production in the role of Dr. Lowell. They are an undecided freshman who have been acting for over a decade in shows such as Chicago, Pippin, and The Crucible.
We also feature our lighting designer, TJ Hays. He is excited to be working on another show during this time, having previously worked as the streaming technician for She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms. TJ is a junior theatre arts major, hoping to become a concert lighting designer in the future.
First up we have assistant director, assistant costume designer, and CODA sign language advisor Becca Hobart (left). Becca is a junior theatre arts major and creative writing minor. She is excited to work on her first Pitt Stages mainstage production. She was previously seen in Pitt Stages On Trial and you can catch her direction in the upcoming production of “Carrie and Francine.”
Next up we have director and costume designer Karen Gilmer (center). Also performing in the role of Amin, Ms. Gilmer is a Lecturer in Costume Design in the Theatre Arts Department. She designs for departmental productions and teaches Costume Design I, Introduction to Theatre Design, Theatre and Collaboration and Theatre Production. Previously, she has directed, and designed costumes for Pitt Stages productions of Pearl Cleage's Flyin' West, Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel and "Inside the Zoom: Black and Blue and Hair Waiting", two online one acts by Niccole Nero Gaines. Her work strives to create, sustain, and support brave, creative spaces, especially for BIPOC theatre artists.
Finally, we have dramaturg Liz Kurtzman. Liz is a second year doctoral student in Pitt’s theatre and performance arts department whose research includes dramatic narrative, historical theatrical effects, and modern horror performances. This is her first experience working on a Pitt Stages production.
Today we feature Kaylah Harley (left). She is excited to perform the role of Janice in her second PItt Stages mainstage production. Kaylah has previously performed in Pitt Stages production of “Hair Waiting.” She is a sophomore pursuing a degree in theatre arts and a minor in Africana studies, with plans of pursuing medical school.
We again feature director and costume designer Karen Gilmer. She would like to offer up some words before you watch Spark! “Costume designers paint with clothing onstage. Directing allows me to create stage pictures which are metaphors for the movements of life.”
Today we feature the inspiration of our student designers, TJ and Becca.
In Spark, lighting designer TJ Hays (top right) aims to highlight how identity is presented in Sanctuary. In terms of costumes, student designer Becca Hobart (bottom left) looked to dystopian influence and a reliance on technology.
