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MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
MAIN SHOW PAGE
Cast bios
Director’s Note
RICHARD III
MAIN SHOW PAGE
Richard III Family Tree
Cast Bios
Director’s Note
BACKYARD BARD
A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Taming of The Shrew
MAIN SHOW PAGE
Cast Bios
Director’s Note
SEASON DEDICATION
The world lost a bright light this past spring. We dedicate our 37th Season to Madeline Nutting.
Audiences may remember Mads as a secretly-not-so-good-girl Bianca in The Taming of the Shrew (2012), the much abused, beauteous Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2013), or a wailing widow and life-size doll in The Two Noble Kinsmen (2015).
She originated the Titania-Helena-Snug track of Backyard Bard’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in a presentation at the Seattle Public Library in celebration of the visiting First Folio and read love-sick Venus in our presentation of Shakespeare’s long-form poems.
Off stage she was open, generous, whimsical, quick to smile and goof around, always game for an adventure, with a graceful strength and power she often undercut with fart jokes. She was a true gem.
Every summer we take part in a tradition of presenting stories that have been told countless times, connecting with the comedy, humanity, and ultimate tragedy of the human condition. Mads is a vibrant thread in the tapestry of not only GreenStage’s history, but the great heritage of community storytelling. Our hearts are with Tom, her many friends, and her family. We hope you can take a moment to remember both her, and the strings that bring us together for this beautiful brief moment in time.
Short Summaries of the Summer Shows
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – Directed by Daniel Wood
Arriving in Messina, Don Pedro, Benedick, and Claudio are greeted by Leonato, his daughter Hero, and niece Beatrice. Hero and Claudio fall in love at first sight. Beatrice and Benedick, who have known each other for years, fall into an ongoing battle of wits. During a masked ball, Don Pedro woos Hero on behalf of Claudio and, with Leonato’s blessing, Claudio and Hero will marry. Huzzah! Love!
To pass the time before the wedding, Hero, Claudio, Don Pedro, and Leonato conspire to trick Beatrice and Benedick into loving one another. While the men talk of Beatrice’s love for Benedick, making sure he hears them, Hero and her maid play the same joke on Beatrice. And it works—Beatrice and Benedick are madly in love! But still refuse to admit it.
Meanwhile, Don John, Don Pedro’s caustic brother, looks to destroy the wedding with help from his men Conrad and Borachio. The night before the ceremony, Don John brings Claudio and Don Pedro to a hiding place below Hero’s window where they see what appears to be Hero and her lover. Later that night, Constable Dogberry and his partner Verges capture Conrad and Borachio discussing details of the plan to prevent the wedding. However, Dogberry and Verges are so inept and full of malapropism that no one learns the truth in time.
At the wedding, Claudio accuses Hero of being unfaithful, refuses to marry her, and storms out. Hero faints. Leonato furiously denounces her while Beatrice defends her, and the Friar suggests that Hero play dead for a bit, and report that she died upon Claudio’s accusation—to prove her virtue and cause Claudio and Don Pedro to doubt themselves.
Benedick and Beatrice find themselves alone together, and turning despair into joy, they declare their feelings for one another.
But what will become of Hero? Will Benedick’s wit save the day and win Beatrice? Will Don John destroy happiness or will Claudio and Don Pedro learn the truth? And will anyone get married?
RICHARD III – Directed by Erin Day
The long and bitter Wars of the Roses are over, the Yorks have won, and England is at peace. The English crown now belongs to King Edward IV. But his health is failing; his heirs, Prince Edward and the Duke of York, are just young boys; and his youngest brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester is “determined to prove a villain” and has his sights on the throne.
Convinced by Richard that their other brother Clarence can’t be trusted, King Edward imprisons Clarence in the Tower, where he’s tucked away until Richard can get around to having him murdered.
Lady Anne laments the deaths of her father-in-law King Henry VI and her husband Prince Edward (yes, another Edward). Both of whom Richard murdered (see Henry VI, part 3). If Richard is going to be King, he’s going to need a Queen, so he brazenly sets to wooing her to be his wife. Then he gets around to having Clarence killed.
When the sickly King hears about the death of his brother Clarence, the shock pushes him over the edge and he dies, leaving an empty throne. The young Prince is sent for to be crowned, but is intercepted by Richard—technically the boy’s “protector”—and both the Prince and his younger brother are sent to the Tower for safe keeping until the coronation.
With the boys out of the way, Richard has the Duke of Buckingham spread rumors that Edward IV was actually a bastard, making his sons ineligible for the crown. Which conveniently makes Richard the next in line of succession.
But just in case, he also contracts the murder of the boys.
Now that everyone blocking his path to the throne is gone, all he has to do is convince the citizens—which is far simpler than it should be. Crown achieved! Level up!
Now nothing can stop him… except maybe a rebel force.
BACKYARD BARD – Directed by Nicole Vernon
About Backyard Bard
Backyard Bard was born out of a desire to bring Seattle’s Shakespeare in the Park Company shows to smaller, neighborhood parks, and to serve communities that weren’t being reached with our larger shows. Backyard Bard is a fast-paced, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, abridged introduction to Shakespeare, meant for audiences young and old, and also available for private events! Want to bring Backyard Bard to your party? Contact us!
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Hermia and Lysander are in love, but Demetrius also loves Hermia and Hermia’s dad Egeus is on Demetrius’ side. Egeus brings the squabble to Duke Theseus, who is busy getting ready to wed Hippolyta, and the Duke makes a quick decision to force Hermia to marry Demetrius.
Hermia and Lysander decide to flee the city to find a better life. Before leaving, Hermia tells her best friend Helena, who is madly in love with Demetrius, that they are running away. So of course, Helena tells Demetrius. Hermia and Lysander run off into the woods, followed by Demetrius, followed by Helena.
Meanwhile, the fairies in the forest are busy with their own love feud. Titania, queen of the fairies, is fighting with Oberon, the fairy king, over who gets to own a changeling child, and it’s causing chaos in the fairy land.
Add to the forest a group of workmen rehearsing a play they plan to perform at the royal wedding, and Oberon’s sidekick – the mischievous sprite Puck – and you get… magic. And pranks, magical pranks. Hopefully all will get sorted out by morning.
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
Baptista has two daughters he’d like to marry off. The youngest and sweetest is Bianca, who has an eager line of wealthy suitors courting her. The older daughter is the sharp-tongued Katherine, who wants nothing to do with marriage.
So Baptista makes a deal, he’s not going to let Bianca get married until somebody agrees to marry Katherine. This prompts Bianca’s beaus to start searching for a suitable spouse for Kate.
Along comes Petruchio, who is determined to win Kate’s hand… and get her dowry. He matches her wit with his outrageous antics, and their relationship turns into a hilarious war of words, wills, and mind games.
Will Petruchio and Kate be happily in love? Will Bianca get the man of her dreams? And most importantly, will their father get a little peace and quiet?
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – cast bios
(alphabetical order by last name)
Brandon Brown – (Don John, Verges, Musician)
Brandon is excited to be performing in his second GreenStage production, after playing Sir Andrew Aguecheek last year in Twelfth Night. Other favorite roles include Hamlet, Romeo, Macbeth, the Duke and Angelo in (different) Measure for Measure(s), Starkwedder in The Unexpected Guest, and Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest.
Matthew Fisher – (Claudio)
This is Matthew’s third summer working with GreenStage, and he is excited to be back working on one of his favorite plays of all time. Having developed a deep love of theater when he saw Merry Wives of Windsor as a child, Matthew is proud to help provide free theater to the people of Seattle and hopes to share his love of the stage with all of you.
Matthew Gilbert – (Benedick)
Matt Is thrilled to be back with GreenStage once again. Last year he played Richard, Duke of York in Henry VI parts 2&3 and had so much fun getting his head chopped off. Now he’s ready for some comedy! Matt would like to thank his friends and family for their support and love through his theater adventures. Much love to his friend Jalyn! He would also like to thank his wonderful girlfriend Lola for making him laugh hysterically everyday! Thank you and enjoy the show.
Olivia Ockey Goodwin – (Beatrice)
Born and raised in Lindon, Utah, Olivia graduated from the BFA Acting program at Brigham Young University and moved to Washington in 2021. Her love of acting began with Shakespeare, though she also loves to do contemporary works and voice over. Local credits include Ruins of Memory: Women’s Voices of the Holocaust and Surviving Survival with Tales of the Alchemysts Theatre. She has previously appeared with GreenStage as Katherine and Boy in Henry V, and Maria in Twelfth Night. Olivia is thrilled to be back for her third summer with GreenStage in a role she has dreamed of playing for years. She’s incredibly grateful for her husband, Jayden, who’s helped her push through the audition nerves to do what she loves.
Tod Harrick – (Leonato / Properties)
Tod feels “a kind overflow of kindness” to be in his first GreenStage production. Favorite past roles include Ray (Yankee Tavern, Driftwood), Juror 8 (12 Angry Men, Renton Civic), and The Man in the Yellow Suit (Tuck Everlasting), and the Tin Man (Wizard of Oz), both at Kitsap Forest Theater. Tod is a great fan of outdoor theater, especially for Shakespeare, as this is so close to how it was originally seen, and thanks you all for coming out to support it. Don’t forget that when he approaches you after the show with a hat. Tod joins his beautiful wife, Deb, who has done sound and house management for the past 3 years. Much love to Jas and Eli. Here’s to the dancing afterward.
Samantha Katz – (Margaret, Ensemble, Soprano)
Samantha is so excited to be making her GreenStage Debut with Much Ado About Nothing. Her most recent acting works include The Prom (Pacific Lutheran University), Anastasia (Tacoma Musical Playhouse) and Jasper in Deadland (Pacific Lutheran University). Other Credits include Guest Choreographer for The Spring Dance Concert 2025 (Pacific Lutheran University) and Educational Youth Choreographer for Camp Rock Jr. (Tacoma Musical Playhouse). She would like to thank her family and Madison and Z for always supporting her in her craft. Enjoy the show!
Izzy Murphy – (Ursula, Ensemble, Musician)
Izzy is thrilled to make her GreenStage debut! Izzy was most recently seen onstage at SecondStory Repertory Theatre in the premiere of Bee Present. Other favorite credits include The Tempest – Seattle Shakespeare Company, Fun Home – Ballyhoo Theatre, Indy Jones and the Raiders of the Last Temple of the Doomed Ark – Seattle Public Theatre, and Freckleface Strawberry – SecondStory Repertory. Izzy graduated with a BA in theatre from Hope College in Holland, Michigan and has been working as a Teaching Artist and educator in Western Washington ever since. When not in the theatre, Izzy enjoys hiking, crocheting, and baking. All love to John and PJ.
Jonathan M. Rizzardi – (Don Pedro)
Jonathan M. Rizzardi (they/them) is a Seattle-based educator, performing artist, and theatre historian. Since moving from the Washington, D.C. area to complete their PhD in Theatre History and Performance Studies at the UW School of Drama, Rizzardi has continued to use art as a language of social change in juvenile detention centers, drug rehabilitation facilities, with youth in the foster care system, and in schools around Washington state. On stage, Jonathan has created with Monumental Theatre Company, Imagination Stage, Theatre Prometheus, Source, Tenth Muse Productions, and others. They serve as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Education at PLU in Tacoma. Jonathan is enthused to collaborate with GreenStage for the first time, and hopes you smile along with Much Ado About Nothing!
Jamie Skaggs – (Friar, Conrad, Ensemble, Musician)
Jamie Skaggs has a degree in Theatre from Central Washington University, where he was part of numerous productions with the school in both acting and technical roles. His favorite was playing Mash in Stupid F***ing Bird by Aaron Posner. Jamie acted in many independent productions outside of the school as well. He was part of the ensemble for The Brothers’ Grimm Spectaculathon by Don Zolidis. He also played several characters in Romeo and Juliet in another outdoor setting. After graduating in 2020, Jamie took a break from acting. He made his return to the stage earlier this year as Michal in The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh at Theatre 4 inside Seattle Center. Jamie couldn’t be happier continuing his passion for performance in Much Ado.
Mariah Lee Squires – (Hero)
Mariah’s previous credits include SecondStory Rep: Doubt (Sister James). StrawShop: Minutes & Seconds (Bri). Reboot Theatre: Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly), Cabaret (Frenchie). Seattle Shakespeare Company: The Merry Wives of Windsor (Simple/Robin). Seattle Public Theater: Dry Land (Ashley/Ensemble). Dacha Theatre: Ghost Party Remastered (Regina Yaros). Shaxberd: A Pond as Deep as Hell (Isabella). Cornish College of the Arts: Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice), Peter and the Starcatcher (Smee), The Trojan Women (Cassandra).
Sean Patrick Taylor – (Dogberry, Ensemble / Music Director)
Sean is happy to return for his seventh show with GreenStage, most recently as Feste in last summer’s Twelfth Night and in 2023 as Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, Amiens in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s As You Like It, and the Host of the Garter in SSC’s Merry Wives. He also appeared as Telegin in Akropolis Performance Lab’s production of Uncle Vanya. A scholar of language and literature, he provided the translations of A Doll’s House and Cyrano de Bergerac for SSC, and teaches medieval and ancient literature at the Creative Retirement Institute, and through UW Extension.
Gail Javarah Wamba – (Antonio, Ensemble / Choreographer)
Delighted to see you and play in our beautiful parks! You may recognize Gail (she/they) as Nurse (Romeo and Juliet), and Bardolph (Henry V) among others, and she supports lots of offstage activities for GreenStage, too. Gail’s theatrical work includes 29 years of comedy goofiness with Midnight Mystery Theater (upcoming at MVCAC, C&P Coffee House, Couth Buzzard); and recently props for Centerstage (Trouble in Mind, First Date, Emma, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels); cover album art for Two Worlds by Kibbonafide; A Paladins Bargain podcast (Mrs. Wiggles, Tariqa Severina); Blue Egg Films: Prayer Circle; Thistle Puppetry: Orihime & Hikoboshi; Pendant Audio 2024 Pendy winner for Sonnet 104; Gail Javarah enjoys coding, hiking, dancing & activities that let one wander into the weeds. Love to Josh & our growing community!
Cole Wimpee – (Borachio, Ensemble)
Cole is honored to be making his GreenStage debut. Notable prior roles include Macbeth (Saltfire Theatre/Port Townsend), Hamlet (Hyde Park Theatre/Austin), Woody in Penetrator (American Place Theatre/NYC), Gill in Lavaman (in the Obie Award-winning Ice Factory/NYC), and Hotspur (Kennedy Center/DC) for which he received the Molly Risso National Classical Acting Award. Other honors include ‘Best Supporting Actor’ (Austin Critic’s Table), ’Outstanding Production’ Director (San Diego International Fringe) and ‘Distinguished Director of New Works’ for a Hip-Hop Musical (Kennedy Center/DC). Cole has additionally acted and directed nationwide in award-winning and original tours from NYC, to internationally in NZ, AU, and the UK. BFA-Acting (Texas State), MFA-Directing (University of Arkansas), PhD Studies – Interdisciplinary Drama (Texas Tech), Study Abroad Training (Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford).
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – Director’s Notes
Much Ado About Nothing is a play of contradictions: sharp wit but deep pain, joy and cruelty, illusion and truth. At first glance, it’s a lively romantic comedy—but beneath the banter lies a deeper exploration of trust, honor, societal expectations, and the masks we wear.
The characters we find ourselves with seem desperate to break free from the constraints they are in. They live in a society obsessed with appearances and reputation, where speaking plainly can be risky. These are people who are wrestling with their pride, gender roles, and the consequences of public shame. So they scheme and plot, eavesdrop and deceive—sometimes to find connections, sometimes to control, sometimes to protect themselves but, in spite of their best efforts, it always exposes the truth.
Shakespeare shows us in this play that love, in all its forms, requires courage—not just to feel it, but to act on it, forgive with it, and trust it again. I want us to focus on the humanity of these characters in all of their flaws. Maybe you will even recognize yourself in them. Allow me then to invite you to laugh with these people, heal with these people and, ultimately, hopefully, find love with these people, too.
— Daniel Wood
RICHARD III – cast bios
(alphabetical order by last name)
Garth Ball – (Dorset, Ratcliffe, Ensemble)
Garth is a theatre artist and educator, and he’s delighted to return to GreenStage this summer! Favorite past Shakespeare roles include Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, the Fool in All’s Well That Ends Well, Henry in Henry VI, Part 1 and Bottom in Midsummer Night’s Dream. He also directs and designs at local schools, universities, and youth theatre organizations. When not in the classroom, onstage, or backstage, he enjoys reading, playing music, riding his bike, and Dungeons & Dragons. Huge thanks to Meredith, Dr. Meyer, Kate, and Rosa for fostering his passion for Shakespeare, and to his students for tolerating his dramatic antics.
Mary Murfin Bayley – (Duchess, Ensemble)
Mary is thrilled to have been in every GreenStage history play since Henry IV and to now complete the series with Shakespeare’s marvelous Richard III. She has been seen in various Seattle theaters including Taproot, Annex, Seattle Public, Book-It Rep, and (as an actor/combatant) at Seattle Opera. Trained at Reed College and at the HB Studio in NYC, Mary later studied Commedia dell’Arte at Teatro Cestello in Florence, Italy. She loves to spend summers playing Shakespeare in the parks and is so glad you are here.
Jennifer Crooks – (Margaret, Murderer, Ensemble)
Jenny (she/her) is a local artistic collaborator who has worked as an actor, deviser, director, dancer, choreographer, photographer and teaching artist. She is excited to spend the summer working with GreenStage again after appearing as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (2015) and Backyard Bard (2016), and directing Backyard Bard (2018) and Taming of the Shrew (2019). She has created a number of original devised works including The Juliet Project (for which she received The ECC Centennial Cup award from the Festival of European Anglophone Theatrical Societies in Antwerp, Belgium). Much love and thanks to her ever-supportive husband for taking care of the critters while she ran off to rehearsal.
Anthony Duckett – (Duke of Gloucester/Richard III)
Anthony is thrilled to be working with such an amazing cast and positively humbled that GreenStage has allowed him to return for another summer. Last summer he played the slightly younger version of Richard in Henry VI, parts 2&3. Other GS credits include: Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Arthur in King John, Trinculo in The Tempest, Cornwall in King Lear, Dumain and Nathaniel in Loves Labours Lost, King Louis and Rochfort in The Three Musketeers, Demetrius and Wall in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Dauphin Prince Louis in Henry V. Hard Bard credits: Anselmus in Cardenio and Ferdinand in The Duchess of Malfi. Anthony is an Equity Member Candidate and graduate of Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts. Anthony enjoys fast cars, loud motorcycles, reading fantasy fiction and playing in the deep woods. He sends his love to his Mom, his Dad and his very hairy children (dogs), Millie, Finn and Bacchus.
Tony Driscoll – (Duke of Buckingham)
Tony is one of the founders of GreenStage and the chief instigator of the seminotorious Hard Bard series. He recently took a 14 year hiatus from the stage to fail as a father. He sometimes sings in a band called The Purdins. In his spare time, Tony enjoys making people smile and other people who enjoy making people smile. With his wife Erin Day, he has a son named Emmett, a dog named Tank and a new found hope for tomorrow. We hope you enjoy the show. Love to all
hk goldstein – (Stanley Earl of Derby, Ensemble)
hk goldstein (they/them) is a non-binary theatremaker and performer from New York. They’ve performed on both coasts, and directed original work at the NYC International Fringe Festival, Dixon Place, Prelude Festival and more. Most recently, they’ve performed in Alice in Arabialand at Annex Theatre, (((god/hole))) at the Shattered Glass Project, CASSANDRA at the Vera Project, Anyone Can Whistle with Reboot Theatre and in Drunken Owl Theatre’s monthly variety show at Jules Maes Saloon. hk holds a BFA in Drama from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts where they studied Shakespeare, Commedia Dell’Arte and Experiemental Theatre. They also co-created and starred in the radio drama podcasts A World Where and The Mueller Report: A Radio Dramatization.
Anna Lou Hearn – (Lady Anne, Young York, Blunt)
Anna Lou is a Seattle-based actor, director, and applied theatre practitioner. Recent stage work includes Twelfth Night (Olivia), Love and Information (Lead Ensemble), and The Dutchman (Lula), all with New York City companies. She has also appeared in regional productions across the U.S., with experience spanning community-based, devised, and classical theatre. Anna Lou brings a love of Shakespeare, physical storytelling, and a strong sense of ensemble to the stage. She holds an MA in Applied Theatre from CUNY and a BA in Acting from Temple University. Her artistic work centers creative inclusion, collaboration, and socially-engaged performance. She’s thrilled to make both her Seattle theatre and GreenStage debut with Richard III!
Keenan Hilton – (Rivers, Brackenbury, Mayor, Ensemble)
Keenan is thrilled to make his Seattle acting debut with GreenStage! Some favorite credits include The Book of Will (Redwood Curtain Theater), The Elephant Man, The Rocky Horror Show (Ferndale Repertory Theater) and Tiny Beautiful Things (Northcoast Repertory Theater). He would like to express warm gratitude to his family, friends, collaborators and audience as well as to the plants and critters and stewards of the beautiful parks.
Elliot Jensen – (King Edward, Catesby, Ensemble)
A newcomer to acting, Elliot studied music production and technology at Berklee College of Music and works as a live sound engineer in Seattle. He is a life-long lover of film and theater, and is honored and excited to be part of GreenStage’s 2025 season of Shakespeare in the Park.
Aubrey Sara Kaye – (Queen Elizabeth, Ensemble)
Aubrey (she/her) is thrilled to return to GreenStage’s history saga playing one of her favorite Shakespearean women. She is a graduate of PCPA – Pacific Conservatory Theatre and holds a degree in Computer Science from California Lutheran University. In previous seasons with GreenStage, she has appeared as: Helena in All’s Well That Ends Well (Backyard Bard), Caesar/Portia in Julius Caesar (Backyard Bard), Ophelia/Gertrude in Hamlet (Backyard Bard), Hermia/Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Backyard Bard), Lady Percy/Bardolph in Henry IV: Part 1, Prince Hal in Henry IV: Part 2, Fluellen in Henry V, and Bedford/Somerset/Margaret in Henry VI: Part 1.
Luke Sayler – (Hastings, Ensemble)
Luke Sayler is chuffed about his eighth summer with GreenStage (not counting a few cameo appearances). With this company, Luke has portrayed Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2013), John of Lancaster and Shadow in Henry IV pt 2, and Pistol in Henry V to name a few. Luke is most proud to have directed Romeo & Juliet (2023). He has worked with other theatre companies too. You might remember him playing big, tall guys. Luke is a graduate of Cornish College of the Arts. This summer, Luke’s goals are to support his cast and impress his fiancee.
Malia Wessel – (Clarence, Richmond, Ensemble)
Malia “Li” Wessel (they/she) holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UHM), an MA in Theatre Directing from the University of East Anglia, and has received conservatory training from Atlantic Acting School. Some of their favorite roles have been Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night (UHM), Dr. Watson in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Mānoa Valley Theatre), and Oscar in Wild Swimming (KOA Theatre). This play marks their 24th male role onstage, adding to a bewildering resume of 4 female roles, 4 creatures, and 2 inanimate objects. In addition to acting and directing, Wessel also moonlights as a playwright and accent coach. Special thanks goes out to Li’i the cat for her unwavering support and research assistance.
RICHARD III – Director’s Notes
In 2017 we began our trip through Shakespeare’s “War of the Roses” histories. Just as the times in the plays themselves change, so too has our world in the time it has taken us to get here to Richard III. These changes effect the lens through which we encounter the world of Richard III, but also remind us of how little has changed in the centuries since its writing. Humbly, we thank you for being here and hope that you enjoy the show.
As space will not allow the full text, I leave you with the final stanza from the W.H. Auden poem “September 1, 1939”.
“Defenseless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame.”
— Erin Day
BACKYARD BARD – cast bios
(alphabetical order by last name)
Ejay Amor
- MIDSUMMER – Lysander / Flute / Oberon
- SHREW – Baptista / Grumio
Ejay is excited to return to GreenStage! He studied Voice at Cornish College of the Arts and received his B.A. in Theatre (Acting & Dance) from Western Washington University. He is currently a Core Company Actor at Taproot Theatre Company’s Touring Shows. Known for playing Josh in 9 to 5: A Dolly Parton Musical for Showtunes Theatre Company, Hamza in Ten Acrobats by Yussef El Guindi at Centerstage Theatre Company, Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth in Macbeth for GreenStage, Terrance in Roost and Viral in 11th and Pine for Sound Theatre Company. Feel free to connect with him on Instagram @ejayamor
Ryan Crome
- MIDSUMMER – Theseus / Puck
- SHREW – Lucentio / Gremio / Tailor
Ryan (They/Them) is a Seattle actor and director. They recently received a BFA in Acting/Original Works from Cornish College of the Arts. An avid fan and performer of Shakespeare, Ryan is beyond excited to make their GreenStage debut! They invite you to revel in the vulnerability, wit, and chaos of each show. Recent Cornish acting Credits include Beatrice in A View from the Bridge, Horatio in Hamlet and Helicanus/Pandar in Pericles. Recent Cornish Directing Works include The Last 5 Years by Jason Robert Brown, EAT YOU ALIVE by Madeline Beckner, and The Only Choice to be Had by Elaine Wenzel.
Katie Dreesen
- MIDSUMMER – Egeus / Helena / Titania / Snug
- SHREW – Kate / Servant
Katie is ecstatic to be returning to the parks with GreenStage after running amok as Fabian in last season’s Twelfth Night. She is proud to be a part of an organization that prioritizes accessibility in a time when art in community is more important than ever. Since graduating from WWU in 2023 with a Theatre Performance degree, Katie has been performing, dialect coaching, and teaching all around the Puget Sound area, most recently in Colder Than Here with As If Theatre Company and Good Water with Northwest Original Works. Love to Mom and Dad, and to all the artists & patrons finding and spreading the joy right now!
Lauren Erwin
- MIDSUMMER – Hermia / Quince / Fairy
- SHREW – Bianca / Petruchio
With credits spanning classics, new plays, and immersive audio drama, Lauren is always in pursuit of the next great story. Trained at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she was most recently seen onstage as #00 in The Wolves at Southern Rep. She also co-directed and voiced the title role in the award-winning podcast Missing Annie Lee. When she’s not performing, you’ll most likely find her playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends. Lauren is so excited to join GreenStage this summer to stir up mischief and magic in her Seattle debut.
Bryce Publow
- MIDSUMMER – Demetrius / Bottom
- SHREW – Tranio / Hortensio / Vincentio
Bryce is thrilled to return to GreenStage for another year! His credits include Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing, Benvolio from Romeo and Juliet,Brutus from Julius Caesar, and The Crow Lord, Lord of Crows from the podcast, Save the D8. When he’s not acting, Bryce can be found writing music for his band, AstroZoo, and thinking about the greatest love of his life: cats. He loves being a part of the GreenStage community and hopes everyone can enjoy this season’s shows.
BACKYARD BARD Director’s Notes
When I was cast in Taming of the Shrew in college my cousin, who had never expressed interest in theatre before, exclaimed “that’s my favorite play!” What? Why? Shrew!? She just replied that the show was funny and she liked it.
Often the flaws and problems— in these plays, in each other — are easy to focus upon. It is almost too easy to write characters off as dated or stupid or drugged, to criticize, make excuses of ignorance or malice and harden one’s heart. Understanding another perspective is hard. It takes strength to acknowledge, forgive, embrace shortcomings, to tell a person we care about how they are hurting us, to change, and to bear our tender hearts again and again.
As a person in a long-term relationship who’s love-languages are nonsense and bothers, I see a lot of myself in these characters. I love them. I love these plays. Not because they are perfect, but because as humans we can cherish flawed things.
Just a few rehearsals in and the cast is vibrating with energy, a willingness to play and support each other, the optimism that comes with opening yourself to something new. I hope you too, catch that spirit of love. Do I think we should use these shows as life lessons or morality plays, no. Did I consider cutting Kate’s whole last speech “for time reasons”, maybe. But in the end, do I hope they give you a moment’s joy to pass on to someone else, yes, yes, yes.
— Nicole Vernon
PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS
Daniel Wood – (Director – Much Ado About Nothing)
Daniel is a longtime GreenStage veteran. He last directed The Merry Wives of Windsor for GreenStage back in 2016. GreenStage audiences might recognize his recent roles onstage with GreenStage as Sir Toby in Twelfth Night, Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Athos in The Three Musketeers. Most recently he was seen as Father Flynn in Doubt with SecondStory Rep. Other directing credits include The Children’s Hour with Arouet and Shoggoths on the Veldt with The Rogues Gallery. He has had the pleasure to perform with companies all over Seattle such as Seattle Shakespeare, Book-It Repertory, Sound Theatre Company, Theater Schmeater (RIP), Annex Theater and many, many more.
Erin Day – (Director – Richard III)
After moving from Washington D.C., Erin found a home in GreenStage and finds nothing grander than playing with them and with you. Around town, she has performed at Seattle Public Theater, Theatre Babylon, Seattle Fringe Festival, The Washingtonians! and others. She is currently a member of The Midnite Mystery Players and is honored to serve as Artistic Director for GreenStage. Thanks to her amazing family and especially to you. Enjoy the show!
Nicole Vernon – (Director – Backyard Bard)
Twenty summers ago Nicole was excited to play Hermia, not realizing that GreenStage would provide artistic fulfillment and a majority of her friends through the ensuing decades. Some favorite parts include Regan in King Lear, Lavinia in the Hard Bard Titus Andronicus, and multiple roles in the 2015 Backyard Bard tour, including Lady Macbeth and, of course, Crab the Dog. She has also been a GreenStage Stage Manager, House Manager, Costumer, and Assistant (to the) Director for Romeo and Juliet. Hopefully you will never have occasion to meet her in her role as an oncology nurse. She sends love to Erik, Brian and Paige, the Eclectic Cloggers, and thanks, thanks, and ever thanks to everyone that supports the Seattle theatre community through time, talent, and cash.
Amy Bogaard – (Stage Manager – Much Ado About Nothing / Production Manager)
Amy is delighted to spend her third summer with GreenStage, most recently stage managing Twelfth Night. She is passionate about supporting storytelling from behind the scenes, or in the case of GreenStage, behind the trees. She is grateful to continue working with such a caring and talented group of artists eager to create new art and experiences. Special thanks to her nephew, Zorro, his endless excitement for new adventures, and his unabashed enthusiasm keep her encouraged and open to new ideas.
Natasha Thompson – (Stage Manager – Richard III)
Natasha started as an actor, then moved to working as a Stage Manager within the Seattle Area for the last year and a half. Some past collaborations have been Covenant & Guards at the Taj with ArtsWest, All’s Well that Ends Well / Julius Caesar with last season’s Backyard Bard, and The Spitfire Grill as Effy Krayneck with Driftwood Players. When she’s not behind or on stage, you’ll find her playing on her bass, caring for her plants, or spending way too much money on trinkets and D&D dice. She thanks Tres, Valley, and her family for continuing to love and support her through the madness. Enjoy the show! @nat.outtakes
Rosie Arnesen – (Stage Manager – Backyard Bard)
A recent graduate from Western Washington University, Rosie is making her debut on the Seattle theatre scene this summer with GreenStage. Her passion for organization in the name of art has brought her to work with WWU’s theatre department on Hurricane Diane and with the small Bellingham-based company, Flooded Productions, for many productions. She deeply appreciates the many people who have played a crucial role in her success so far and continue to support her in her theatrical pursuits.
Cricket James – (Costumer – Backyard Bard)
Cricket is utterly ecstatic to return to GreenStage after their debut in the 2023 Backyard Bard. Other recent credits in Washington have included The Mousetrap with Driftwood Players, Incomplete List with Dacha Theatre, and 110 in the Shade with Reboot Theatre. They are honored to have been welcomed into such a caring community and hope to do much more work in the future. As always, for those who have taught them the importance of a good story.
Arietty Power – (Costumer – Backyard Bard)
Arietty Power is currently studying at the University of Washington Bothell, working toward a degree in music education with the goal of becoming a music teacher. A lifelong member of the GreenStage community, she has grown up immersed in theater and the arts. While music is her main passion, she enjoys contributing to all aspects of production and has taken on various crew roles over the years. Most recently, she served as an assistant director on productions at Glacier Peak High School. She would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to GreenStage and her mentors for their constant support, guidance, and inspiration throughout her journey.
Elizabeth Power – (Costumer – Richard III)
Elizabeth is thrilled to return this year to help bring history to life once again. She has greatly enjoyed sharing these stories with audiences over the past several summers and has been a part of the GreenStage costuming team for many years. A dedicated and experienced costume designer, Elizabeth sews daily and finds joy in teaching her craft to young people throughout the region. Her recent work includes Newsies, Radium Girls, and beloved classics such as The Music Man and You Can’t Take It With You. Many thanks to the company of GreenStage for their continued dedication to making theater accessible in parks throughout the community. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Tom Dewey – (Fight Director)
Tom returns to GreenStage after appearing in 2023 in Romeo and Juliet. His work on and offstage has been seen in productions by GreenStage, Seattle Shakespeare Company & Wooden O, Book-It Repertory Theatre, Theater22, and others. GreenStage productions include HARD BARD: Titus Andronicus (Every Minor Character Who Dies), As You Like It (Oliver), HARD BARD: Macbeth (Malcolm), and Taming of the Shrew where he played Petruchio. Other local productions include Seattle Shakespeare Company’s Coriolanus where he played Titus Lartius, Wooden O’s Henry IV Part I as The Douglass and choreographed the fights, and Book-It’s Treasure Island where he played Abraham Grey, chorus, and choreographed the fights.r and Seattle Musical Theater to name a few. Enjoy the show.
Gail Javarah Wamba – (Choreographer – Much Ado About Nothing)
Tera Winter – (Props and Scenic Designer)
Tera Winter couldn’t be more thrilled for her first season with GreenStage! She’s participated in over 20 full length shows. Currently, she serves as Producing Director of Penguin Productions, a youth led theater company. Recent notable credits include Fiddler on the Roof with Village Theater Kidstage, Ophelia with West Seattle High School, and Falsettoland with Penguin Productions. When not building sets or managing shows, she enjoys swimming, guitar, and making chainmail.
Tod Harrick – (Props and Scenic Designer – Much Ado)
Deb Harrick – (House Manager – Much Ado)
Deb (she/her) is as merry as the day is long to return for her fourth season with GreenStage! She values how GreenStage makes theater accessible, and how each park plays a featured role in every production. Experiencing the magic of live theater together in this shared space unites us all; thank you for being here. Much love to T,J & E.
Val Johnson – (House Manager – Richard III)
Val Johnson (they/them) is a scriptwriter and aspiring filmmaker based in Seattle, Washington. They are delighted to be joining the GreenStage team for the first time and can be found at the House Manager table. During their time at university, they concentrated their study on Shakespeare’s folio and filmmaking. Their current career goal is to direct a portfolio of Shakespeare adaptations, resetting them in apocalyptic and/or science fiction environments.
Sierra Allen – (House Manager – Backyard Bard)
Sierra was introduced to the world of theater with her debut as the Potato in a thrown together Rapunzel musical along with Shrek Jr. as a lovely Duloc Performer (Ensemble), which has led them to carry their torch for theater since they were little. Afterwards, they’ve continuously attended performances wherever and whenever she can with a love for supporting the theater community. While she often dances at Exit Space in Seattle or with her school’s club Vis Viva Dance Company in NY, this is their first time taking a part of GreenStage as a House Manager, and she can’t wait to spend her summer with them!
Molly Alyea – (House Manager – Backyard Bard)
Molly is thrilled to be back with GreenStage for her second season. She is back as the sound operator after graduating from Edmonds-Woodway High School where she produced and ran sound for the music department as well as ran the sound department for a production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Neptune Rasnic Olson – (Sound Operator – Richard III)
Neptune is thrilled to be working with GreenStage in his professional debut. He is a Linguistics major at Oberlin College, where he has done sound design for These Gay and Crazy People, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? with the Oberlin Student Theater Association. He gives a special thank you to Natalie Gress at Garfield High School, where he got his start with audio engineering.
Nap Miller – (Sound Operator – Backyard Bard)
Nap (they/them) recently graduated from UW and already misses the theatre life. They worked with UW Stagenotes (A student run musical theater group at UW) as a sound designer/technician for the last 3 years doing shows like Pippin, Legally Blonde, and many others. With this being their first Shakespeare in the Park season, They are super pumped to be out in the city, doing sound tech once again!
Natalie Young – (Production Assistant)
Natalie is thrilled to return to GreenStage for her third year! A student during this last school year, she recently obtained her Master’s degree in teaching theatre in Middle and High school. She thanks her parents for their enduring support and Robin, her mentor teacher, for her help in all things education and Shakespeare.
Josh Kibbey – (House Manager Lead, Volunteer Coordinator)
Along with his roles in this summer’s tour, Josh serves as the President of the GreenStage Board of Directors. He began working with GreenStage in 2018 performing in The Three Musketeers and also performed in and stage managed 2023’s Romeo and Juliet. In 2022, he House Managed for Henry V and in 2024 started the House Manager Lead/Volunteer Coordinator role for the entire tour. A lifelong actor and theater artist who grew up in Southern California and relocated to Seattle in 2006, you may have seen or heard him around town in plays, audio dramas, films, comedy shows and hip-hop concerts. He also serves as an elections administrator. Love to his wife, Gail, who is acting in the tour this summer.