Costume rendering by John Merritt, costume designer, courtesy of the artist.
⬇️Digital playbill ⬇️
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Welcome to the 2025 season of Great River Shakespeare Festival! As someone who has had the privilege of supporting this extraordinary journey for many years—as a volunteer, audience member, and donor—I am filled with gratitude and awe. Each year, I’m reminded of the magic that happens when passionate artists, dedicated volunteers, and this amazing community come together to breathe life into and soak up Shakespeare’s timeless words and messages. The talent across this company—on stage and behind the scenes—continues to astonish me.
This season, the plays Romeo & Juliet and The Comedy of Errors will serve two very different purposes, but hopefully you will find something to connect with in both of them. H. Adam Harris has created an incredibly beautiful R & J that explores grief and memory and youth. GRSF's Artistic Director Doug Scholz-Carlson is this year directing The Comedy of Errors, which will offer joy and levity and silliness. Both productions show a disjointed community: one that is harshly and violently divided, and another that has closed itself off to visitors. One community is only brought back together through tragedy, the other through hilarity.
I feel that productions like these, where we can explore the things that separate and bring us together, are always useful. They may merely be entertainment—a few hours where we can escape from the stresses of our day-to-day lives and experience a little magic—or they may make us feel connected with ourselves, our friends or our community. Maybe they will make you think differently about something or merely allow you a moment of group catharsis.
Whether this is your first season joining us or you’ve been with us for many years, thank you for being part of this remarkable celebration of art, connection, and storytelling. Here's to another unforgettable season!
Gratefully,
Kris Blanchard
Chair of the Board of Directors20 YEARS OF INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEERS!
Like many nonprofits, Great River Shakespeare Festival’s temerity, effectiveness, and longevity is not due to a single factor. The festival benefits from donors. We charge for tickets to create income. We hire proficient, talented artists. We train the next generation of professional theater folk. And we partner with other organizations throughout the community. No single pillar supports the festival. Collaboration is not only an artistic tenet, it is how we continue to breathe and grow as an organization.
Just as we cannot survive without monetary or artistic support, Great River Shakespeare Festival would fall flat without the support of its corps of volunteers: the Friends of Will. As a new organization in 2004, the festival benefited from a small group of Winonans who immediately identified that such a festival would need volunteer people-power. Thus began the Friends of Will, and the group has continued to grow over the last eighteen years of the festival, and will continue to do so in the future thanks to the passion of its current members.
We at the festival are so incredibly grateful for the thousands and thousands of hours the Friends of Will have donated to the festival for two decades. From airport pickups to artist housing to tech meals, the Friends of Will keep us safe, sheltered and fed. In the costume shop, in the front of house, and in the office, the Friends of Will consistently join in on the theater-making process and become our colleagues, our co-workers, and most of all our friends. The Friends of Will know that to be a community, to have difficult conversations, and to create beautiful, challenging, inspiring, and magical art, we all need some help from our friends.
Thank you, dear volunteers. Thanks, and ever thanks.
If you’d like to join the Friends of Will, visit grsf.org/volunteer today.
GRSF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Chair
Kris Blanchard
Vice President, VA CCN Deputy Program Manager, Logistics Health, Inc.Vice Chair
Paul Mundt, Attorney, Legal Aid (retired)Treasurer
Alan Leonhardt
CFO, Peerless Chain (retired)Secretary
Mary Alice Anderson, Media Specialist, Winona Area Public Schools (retired)Directors
Mary Adams, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer; TCF Bank (retired)Jacquelyn Banicki, Loan Processor, WNB Financial
Cherisa Broadwater, Owner, Cherisa's Skin Care Spa; Adjunct Professor, Minnesota State College Southeast
Gary Diomandes, Theater Professor Emeritus, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Jack Hedin, Owner/Operator, Featherstone Farm
Jill Krase, Owner, Ovenbird Bindery
Beth Forkner Moe, CEO, Envision It Together
Kelley Olson, Philanthropy Director, Lutheran Campus Center
Gaby Peterson, Owner, Yarnology
Tom Stoa, Physician, Mayo Clinic Health System & Winona Health
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“I to the world am like a drop of water, That in the Ocean seeks another drop . . .”
Every summer theater artists from across the country and often across the world come to Winona to create this festival. We were strangers at first, but anyone who has been in the company for even a few weeks discovers that Winona is a welcoming place. Many of us would even say we’ve found a home here. The Comedy of Errors is a joyful celebration of searching for and finding home.
For the next two hours, I hope we laugh together. This play is pretty simple. The premise is ridiculous, and we kind of know that these absurd characters are going to be okay in the end. They’ll be more than okay. They will find their family, and the strangers will be welcomed home.
Simple is sometimes profound. Laughter is contagious, and shared laughter is almost the definition of community - not laughter at some other but laughter with each other. You are sitting in the midst of potential new friends. Let’s laugh a little and see what happens.
What you need to know:
The play takes place on a single day in Ephesus, a city known for witchcraft and sorcery. Strange and magical things happen in Ephesus.
According to the law, anyone from Syracuse who is caught in Ephesus must pay a fine or they will be executed.
The first character we meet is Egeon, a Syracusian caught in this very law. Egeon lost his wife, his two twin sons (both named Antipholus) and their twin servants (both named Dromio).
It’s a little confusing to give both of your twin children the same name, but that’s what they did. They are all searching for each other. What could possibly go wrong?
Doug Scholz-Carlson
Director, The Comedy of Errors
Artistic Director, GRSFThe Comedy of Errors is generously sponsored by Margaret & Bruce Johnson, Char & Bill Carlson, and Thern Stage Equipment.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Doug Scholz-Carlson
Assistant Director Yashashvi Choudhary
Text Coach Terry Weber
Assistant Text Coach Sammy Pontello
Scenic Designer Leah Ramillano
Costume Designer John Merritt
Costume Design Assistant Matthew Robert Carl
Lighting Designer Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz **
Lighting Design Assistant Avery Reagan **
Sound Designer Matt Tibbs
Props Designer Karl Gfall
Intimacy Director Kara Eggers
Assistant Intimacy Director Gabriela Bulka
Assistant Fight Director Denzel Dejournette
Stage Manager Abbi Hess *
Assistant Stage Manager Mayson KnippCAST
Host/Egeon/Dr. Pinch Michael Fitzpatrick *
Merchant/Mrs. Pinch/Amelia Stephanie Lambourn *
Solinus/Angelo Gavin Mueller *
Antipholus of Syracuse/Ephesus William Sturdivant *
Dromio of Syracuse/Ephesus Emily Fury Daly *
Adriana Diana Coates *
Luciana Eliana Rowe *
Balthazar Alessandro Yohoyama *
Courtesan Serena PhillipUnderstudies: Develyn Jayan (Dromios/Luciana), Sammy Pontello (Antipholi/Egeon/Dr. Pinch), Gabriela Bulka (Mrs. Pinch/Amelia/Courtesan), Denzel Dejournette (Merchant), Yashishvi Choudhary (Adriana), and Clay Cooper (Angelo). Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager Ella Egan
Assistant Production Manager/Crew Supervisor Kristen Benner
Prop Shop Supervisor Karl Gfall
Props Apprentice Annika Drury
Technical Director David “Rudi” Utter
Scenic Carpenter Killian Coffinet
Scenic Charge Artist Bella Fortunato
Deck Carpenter Zero Pordon
Head Electrician Demi Demaree
Lighting Apprentice Savana Andershock
Sound/Lighting Apprentice Elijah Warrington
Sound/Media Supervisor Bailey Fenn
Costume Shop Supervisor Heather Hirvela
Draper Dayne Sabatos
First Hand/Stitcher/Wardrobe Supervisor Callie Hartel
Associate Costume Shop Manager/Costume Crafts Artisan Brittany
Staudacher
Costume Apprentices Nico Walker, Inga Domenick
Overhire Stitcher Jenn Oswald
Hair/Makeup Technician Monique Caraman* Denotes membership in Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors and stage managers.
** Denotes membership in United Scenic Artists. -
“Where great grief lies, love also resides . . .”
I had no grand ideas when I first approached directing Romeo & Juliet (R&J). The only thing that struck me was a core human element that is present so strongly in this story: grief. Grief, especially linked to loss, is one certainty that all of us will experience again and again. It’s an emotion that the youngest among us learn without any preparation. And as we age, we hold that first moment of loss as a harbinger of the tragedies to come. So, I began thinking of a version of this play that would bring that grief and sense of loss to the forefront. An R & J that honors the love, the fury, and the joy present, but centers the grief. And so, the play became a “memory-play” for me, a type of play told from the perspective of someone who already knows the ending and the beginning, much like each audience member after the prologue of R & J. In that famous speech about two households, Shakespeare tells us precisely what the play is about and what is to come. Then, with “two hours’ traffic of our stage” Shakespeare still asks us to feel, even though we already know how it ends.
Memory is like this for us. We can recount the critical moments of our lives: a child’s first breath, a lover’s first caress, grief’s first grasp—knowing the ending yet still being moved by the telling. The emotions and sensations can come rushing back just as we speak the words. In this way, memory is theatrical. Theatre is where we go to experience a retelling, hoping it will move us to laughter or tears. But memory, like grief, is for the living, and so in R & J, I was moved not only by Romeo & Juliet’s love and eventual death, but also by those who are left behind. You see, where great grief lies, great love also resides. That led me to the Nurse, who I felt, having early lost a child the same age as Juliet, might have the deepest well of grief and love upon which to draw. In this version of the play, we see much of it from her perspective. We are all the Nurse, desperate to figure out the what and when of the wrong, while cherishing the joy and wonder of those precious lives, and our own. This creative team has expertly woven their artistry into this approach. We have a set that frames and foregrounds, costumes that hold history and cross time, lights that cast despair and possibility, and sound that pulls us back and pierces through. The actors, speaking words spoken by so many before, are working their bodies to make a language of now. I’m incredibly grateful to GRSF for having me, and I’m glad you’re here too. I didn’t set out to teach you anything with this production, only to invite you to deeply feel the loss and the love. And like the Nurse, remember to endure.
H. Adam Harris
Director, Romeo & JulietRomeo & Juliet is generously sponsored by Kathy & Dave Christenson and Theater League of Kansas City.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director H. Adam Harris
Assistant Director Develyn Jayan
Text Coach Terry Weber
Assistant Voice & Text Coach Sammy Pontello
Scenic Designer Leah Ramillano
Costume Designer John Merritt
Costume Design Assistant Matthew Robert Carl
Lighting Designer Avery Reagan **
Lighting Design Assistant Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz **
Sound Designer Matthew Tibbs
Props Designer Karl Gfall
Music Director Clay Cooper
Intimacy Director Kara Eggers
Assistant Intimacy Director Gabriela Bulka
Fight Choreographer Doug Scholz-Carlson
Assistant Fight Director Denzel Dejournette
Stage Manager Alexander Carey *
Assistant Stage Manager Ember KvandeCAST
Lady Capulet/Mercutio Diana Coates *
Montague/Peter Emily Fury Daly *
Lord Capulet Michael Fitzpatrick *
Nurse Stephanie Lambourn *
Tybalt/Friar Lawrence Gavin Mueller *
Juliet Serena Phillip
Benvolio/Paris Eliana Rowe *
Prince/Apothecary William Sturdivant *
Romeo Alessandro Yokoyama *Understudies: Yashashivi Choudhary (Montague/Peter/Mercutio/Lady Capulet), Sammy Pontello (Prince/Apothecary/Lord Capulet), Develyn Jayan (Juliet), Denzel Dejournette (Romeo), Clay Cooper (Tybalt/Friar Lawrence/Benvolio/Paris), and Gabriela Bulka (Nurse). Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager Ella Egan
Assistant Production Manager/Crew Supervisor Kristen Benner
Prop Shop Supervisor Karl Gfall
Props Apprentice Annika Drury
Technical Director David “Rudi” Utter
Scenic Carpenter Killian Coffinet
Scenic Charge Artist Bella Fortunato
Deck Carpenter Zero Pordon
Head Electrician Demi Demaree
Lighting Apprentice Savana Andershock
Sound/Lighting Apprentice Elijah Warrington
Sound/Media Supervisor Bailey Fenn
Costume Shop Supervisor Heather Hirvela
Draper/First Hand/Stitcher Dayne Sabatos
First Hand/Stitcher/Wardrobe Supervisor Callie Hartel
Associate Costume Shop Supervisor/
Costume Crafts Artisan Brittany Staudacher
Costume Apprentices Nico Walker, Inga Domenick
Overhire Stitcher Jenn Oswald
Hair/Makeup Technician Monique Caraman* Denotes membership in Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors and stage managers.
** Denotes membership in United Scenic Artists. -
FREE FESTIVAL EVENTS
Ice Cream Socials
Friday and Saturday Evenings
Join us right after the show every Friday and Saturday night outside the theatre for our ice cream socials! Enjoy a FREE frozen treat, mingle with the cast and crew, and share your experiences of the plays with your fellow audience members.Generously sponsored by Miller Scrap.
Post-Show Talk-Backs
Thursday Evenings (July 3-July 24)
On Thursday evenings, stay in your seats after the show and meet the cast who just performed! Have your questions ready as our actors and crew share what goes on behind the scenes and how we bring our productions all the way from page to stage.Generously sponsored by Dr. Sally Sloan.
Company Conversations
Sunday Mornings at 11:00 a.m.
Grab a coffee and settle in for fun, fascinating, and in-depth conversations with our company members about the plays, the productions, and life in the theater.Company Conversations take place on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. at Blooming Grounds Coffee House in downtown Winona. Come ready with your questions!
Select conversations are broadcast on Facebook Live (facebook.com/GreatRiverShakes), so you can also join from the comfort of your living room!
Generously sponsored by Mary Alice Anderson and Greg & Terri Evans.
ACCESSIBILITY
The festival can accommodate any accessibility needs at any performance with advanced notice. However, if you are looking to join with community who share your accessibility needs, Friday matinees at 1:00 p.m.are the time for you. The first two Friday matinees are designated as Fidget Friendly performances. For anyone who may struggle to sit quietly through an entire performance, these are the shows to attend!
The final two Friday matinees of the season will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) and audio-described live for the blind (via headset). Those who would benefit from these services are encouraged to discuss their needs with the box office personnel when ordering tickets so that special seating requests can be accommodated.
Generously sponsored by Merchants Bank.
EDUCATION PROGRAM
Great River Shakespeare Festival provides extensive formal training programs for a wide variety of ages. Our focus is not only on theater production but on the development of human character. We are a company of artists, and we are part of a community. We value respect, empathy, and compassion every bit as much as we value excellence, authenticity, and innovation. Students focus on intensive study of language interpretation, movement, costume design, lighting design, and scenic design in one-week and three-week day camps. All classes are led by teaching artists who are actively involved in creating work at this year's festival. Younger students perform for their families and friends. The middle and high school-aged students perform for the general public. Please visit our website grsf.org/classes to learn about the programs we offer for people of all ages.
Join us for our Youth Showcase! You are invited to attend a free evening showcasing the work of our young artists on Sunday, July 20. View design presentations in the lobby starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by a live performance starting inside the theater at 7:00 p.m.
Support for youth programming is made possible by a grant from the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation.
CHILL WITH WILL
Friday Afternoons
(Workshops 12:00 Noon & Matinees 1:00 p.m.)
Students age 11-18 can enroll in a FREE workshop prior to each Friday afternoon performance. The festival’s education team will guide them through theater games and activities related to the show. Participants will then receive free tickets to the afternoon show. Guardians wishing to accompany a student will receive a discounted rate of $20. Contact the box office to sign up.Generously sponsored by Altra.
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BECOME A DONOR TODAY!
The mission of the Great River Shakespeare Festival is to enrich people's lives by creating dynamic, clearly understood productions of Shakespeare and other playwrights who celebrate the spoken word.Can people’s lives really be enriched by engaging with clearly-presented 400-year-old texts? The thousands of audience members, students, artists, and administrators who have been part of the 22-year history of Great River Shakespeare Festival can resolutely answer YES! Enriching lives is more than just watching a play, however. Through all of the education and outreach programs and deep exploration into human nature, GRSF has been inspiring conversations in cars, homes, coffee shops, bars, and across political aisles.
It is those conversations that enrich our understanding of “others,” inspire a resolve to become better members of society, and become change agents in our own lives. As a result, relationships improve, marginalized voices are celebrated, and communities are knit together. This is the work of a non- profit organization and the work you make possible with your charitable support.
We invite you to keep the conversation going by making a tax- deductible gift to GRSF today.
Visit GRSF.org/donate today.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to the following groups and individuals, without whose generosity of time, resources and/or talent this season would not be possible:David Murakami
WSU Theatre & Dance Department
Isaac Sawle
Peggy Sannerud
Tracy VanVoorst
Marybeth Lenhardt
WSU Department of Music
Emory University Theater
Tracy Floyd
Stephanie Jones
Karl Gfall
Brandon Moeller
Christopher Gerson
Dr. Kara Lindamann
Amy & Chris Mulyck
Brook Noland
Jim Goblirsch
University of Minnesota Department of Theater Arts & Dance
Montana Johnson
Bill Healey
City of Winona
Chad Ubl
Patrick Menton
Laura Holberg
Josh Poepping
Corbin Flom
Megan Winter
Jesse Cogswell
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Kamryn Matta
Lee Tran
Gail K Fabrics
Damien Rozendal: Field Project Coordinator at ETC Lighting
Jacob NguyenAdditionally, the GRSF staff would like to thank our local partners, who ensure we have a variety of concessions available during performances.
THANK YOU TO OUR BUSINESS SPONSORS!
The following businesses have supported Great River Shakespeare Festival with a donation this season. GRSF and its audiences generate more than $1.3 million of economic activity in the Winona region every year. We encourage you to support the businesses in the area that support the arts. Thank you to this generous group!102 Walnut Winona LLC
About Face Winona
Ageless Esthetics Medspa Winona
Altra Federal Credit Union
Ameriprise Financial
Art & Sol
The Bar
Best Buy
Blooming Grounds Coffee House
Bumble Bee Soaps LLC
Chef's Table Winona
Commonweal Theatre Company Dahl Toyota
Elmaro Vineyard
Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory
First Circle Design, Inc.
Floor Coverings of Winona
Forager Brewery
Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 1243
Frozen River Film Festival
Gilmore Avenue Car Wash & Quick Lube, Inc.
Graphic Image
The Hatchery
HBC
Heart's Desire
Hoff Celebration of Life Center
IBM
KQAL 89.5 FM
The Learning Club
Leighton Media
Merchants Bank
Midtown Foods
Miller Scrap & Disposal
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Orno Gift And Home
Pillbox Bat Company
Plaza Hotel & Suites
Port 507
Radiant Beauty Studio LLC
Rethos
River Junctions Arts Council
Rose Colored Glass
RTP Company
Sandbar Storytelling Festival
Sapori Di Sicilia
Sheldon Theatre
Sim Sound & Video, Inc.
Supreme Graphics
Theater League of Kansas City
Theatre du Mississippi
Thern Stage Equipment
Thrivent Financial
Two Fathoms Brewing Company
United Health Group
Vision Design Group, Inc.
Visit Winona
The Watkins Company
Wells Fargo Bank
Wild Wales Tours LLC
Winona Health
Winona State University
YarnologyGRSF LEGACY SOCIETY
We would like to thank the following individuals who are ensuring the future of the Great River Shakespeare Festival by designating the festival in their estate plans:Mary Alice Anderson
Marcia Aubineau
Kenneth Baughman & Leandra Sunseri
Stephen Carmichael & Susan Stoddard
Candace Meyer Gordon
Dan & Pat Rukavina
Sally Sloan
Jim Stoa & Gail Christiaansen
Tom & Christine StoaIf you would like to consider making a planned gift, please contact Managing Director Aaron Young at 507.474.9372 or aarony@grsf.org.
CONTRIBUTORS
Great River Shakespeare Festival gratefully acknowledges the financial and in-kind support of the 650 donors who make the festival possible. Donors are grouped by giving level based on total gifts received between Shakespeare’s birthday from year to year. The following listing of individuals, foundations, businesses, and governmental agencies represents gifts received between April 24, 2024 and April 23, 2025. We also extend our deepest gratitude to those who have given gifts since April 24 who will be acknowledged in our 2026 program.Diamond Giving Circle
Annual Giving of $10,000 or more:
Anonymous gift in memory of John & Janet
102 Walnut Winona LLC
Dave & Muriel Arnold
Char & Bill Carlson
Dave & Kathy Christenson
Mary Christenson & Neil Hamrin
HBC
Margaret & Bruce Johnson*
Margaret H. & James E. Kelley Foundation, Inc.
The Mark E. Jacobs Charitable Fund in recognition of The Watkins Company
Minnesota State Arts Board
Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, Inc.
Theater League of Kansas City
Thern Stage Equipment
Karin & Jim Worthley*includes funds given through the Winona Community Foundation
Ruby Giving Circle
Annual Giving between $5,000 and $9,999:
Altra Federal Credit Union
Mary Alice Anderson
Bosshard Parke Ltd.
Mary Burrichter
Dahl Toyota
Elizabeth Callender King Foundation
Greg & Terri Evans
First Circle Design, Inc.
Gary & Jean Hayes
Carol Heyl
John and Margaret Cross Memorial Fund of the Winona Community
Foundation
Doug & Mary Jones
Alan & Collette Leonhardt
Merchants Bank
Amaria Najem O'Leary & Patrick O'Leary
Brad & Gaby Peterson
Lawrence & Rill Ann Reuter
Susan Stabile & David DruedingEmerald Giving Circle
Annual Giving between $2,500 and $4,999:
Anonymous (3)
Leslie Albers & Ed Thompson
Kenneth Baughman & Leandra Sunseri
Lyle & Kris Blanchard
Barb Burchill
Ray & Connie Dretske
Leslie & Jo Hittner
Sherry Jester & Harry Cloft
Margaret Lambert
Laurie R Lucas
Miller Scrap & Disposal
Tracy & Tedd Morgan
Scott & Kelley Olson
Craig & Lori Pesik
Patricia Rogers
RTP Company
Lawrence J. Sinak & Anne Black-Sinak
Dr. Sally Sloan
Cindy & LeRoy Telstad
Two Sisters Annual Memorial Fund in memory of Marilyn Bambenek, M.
Judith Schmidt & Phoebe Bambenek
United Health Group
Winona FoundationSapphire Giving Circle
Annual Giving between $1,000 and $2,299:
Anonymous (4)
Janet H. Albers
Margret & David Anderson
Blooming Grounds Coffee House
Alastair Boake & Nancy Vrabec
Coleen & Thomas Bremer
Frank & Ruth Bures
John Campbell & Colette Hyman
Stephen Carmichael & Susan Stoddard
Chris & Kathy Carroll
Cheryl Cutsforth
Helen & Gary Delp
Dr. Wanda DuCharme & Edd Storey
Robert & Susan Edel
Charlie & Susan Sawyer Evans
Daniel & Carolyn Flanagan
Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 1243
Kathie & Ken Geiger
Dan & Nancy Goltz
Candace Meyer Gordon
Cherie Hales
Patricia Haswell & Richard Todd
Jenni McHugh & Jack Hedin
Ann McLaren Helstad
Bob & Marlene Kohner
Dan & Colleen Koll Family
Drs. Amy Kotsenas & Ron Kuzo
Hazel Light
David & Ruth Marshall
Jim & Diana Metzger
Ken & Sally Mogren
Jonelle Moore
Mike Mutschelknaus & Cherisa Broadwater
Jerome & Judy Nadler
Carole Nelson
Edward & Gwen Paulson
Greg & Kathy Peterson
Suzanne Redepenning
Paul & Joan Schoenfeld
Cora Scholz
Thomas & Sarah Scott
Peter Shortridge & Amy Nankivil
Anna Sibenaller
Charlotte & John Speltz
Mary Steinbicker
Diane Stevens
Tom & Christine Stoa
Amy & Phil Watson & FamilyPlatinum Giving Circle
Annual Giving between $500 and $999:
Anonymous (2)
American Legion Post #9 Winona
Jennifer Anderson & David Crawford
Marcia Aubineau
Roderick S. Baker & Moira A. Corcoran
Jacquelyn & Scott Banicki
Kathy & Brad Benke
David & Julie Boen
Margaret Cassidy
Chef's Table Winona
George Cipov
Cassie & Dan Cramer
Bob & Marj Deter
Gary Diomandes
Ellyn English & Brad Turner
Jennifer Erin
Sara & Karl Fiegenschuh
Kathi & Greg Fischer
Leland & Beverly Gehrke
Kent Gernander & Elizabeth Burke
Maureen & Louis Guillou
Rose & Jim Gurley
Mike & Sue Hauser
Amanda Hedlund & Matthew Neil Hayley & Scott Hornberg
Clare & Shari Jarvis
Dennis & Yvonne Johnson
Florinus & Shirley Mah Kooyman Laurie & Fred Krause
Martha & John Langowski
Ann Lavine & Kevin Possin
Bill Moe & Beth Forkner Moe
Bert & Marge Mohs
Paul Mundt
Pat & Jay Mutter
Patti & Gerry Neal
Greg Neidhart
Michelle Nightoak
Douglas Nopar
William North & Victoria Morse
Anne Scott Plummer & Taff Roberts Mary & Hugh Polus
Cynthya Porter
Robert & Cheryl Roediger
Nora & James Rogers
Mike & Jennifer Rupprecht
Erik Scheurle & Karin Anderson Laura & Jim Sell
Debbie Sheets
Linnea Sodergren
Jim Stoa & Gail Christiaansen
Thrivent Financial
Sandra Todd
Catherine Tuggle
Susan White
Aaron & Kristen YoungGold Giving Circle
Annual Giving between $250 and $499:
Anonymous (7)
Karen Acker
Mary Adams
Ageless Esthetics Medspa Winona
Sandy Bauer
David & Karen Behling
Jan Berg
Larry & Mary Bergin
Maria & Stephen Boda
David Boen
Bucknam Family
Dave & Emily Casey
Nicole Civettini
Commonweal Theatre Company
Ginny Copeman
Francine Corcoran
Jodi Dansingburg & Kevin O'Brien
Jon & Christine DeVries
Carolyn Dry
Dick & Carol Eick
Ray W. & Carolyn W. Felton
Kerri Ferstl
Jeannine Flick
Diane McNally Forsyth
Frozen River Film Festival
Gilmore Avenue Car Wash & Quick Lube, Inc.
Mary Y. Hadley
James Hammann
Regina Harris
Barbara & Glen Herrington-Hall
Arthur & Donna Hogenson
Drake Hokanson & Carol Kratz
Kathy Hovell & Tom Slaggie
Barbara Jenkins
Kathy Jensen
Susan Jensen
Larry & Anne Jost
Virginia & Keith Laken
Herbert V. & Lauren S. Leighton
Allan Mahnke & Kathryn Schenk
Maureen & Patrick Marek
Kamryn Matta
Lynn & Jeffrey Meinders
Alice & Walter Mirk
Joel & Jodie Monson
Beth Moore
Gay & Arvid Mortensen
Daniel Moy
Debi Niebuhr
Pillbox Bat Company
Radiant Beauty Studio LLC
Judith Ramaley
Jim & June Reineke
Polly Renk
Steven & Ann Ringlien
Rose Colored Glass
Sandbar Storytelling Festival
Connie Scharlau
Cathy & Greg Schmidt
Jeff & Joicelyn Schwager
Jeri V Sebo
Laura Silver & Jeff Hertzberg
Brian & Betty Singer-Towns
Evan Skillman
Mark & Lynn Smith
Ronald Spiegel
Jim & Diane Wagner
Steve & Maggie Wasz
Wells Fargo Bank
The Family of Judy Whetstone Debra Wilk
Ken & Lynn Winter
YarnologySilver Giving Circle
Annual Giving between $100 and $249:
Anonymous (10)
Christopher Adams
Douglas Affinito
Lexi Ajak
Liz Bach
Jennifer Baltes
Robin Bambenek
Thomas Barnes & Beth Hennessy
Danielle Bartz
Bay State Milling Company
Barbara Beeman
Walt & Bunny Bennick
Todd Bjerke & Karen Kroll
Patricia Boge
Michael Bostwick & Connie Williams
Judy Broske
Bumble Bee Soaps LLC
Collette & Stephen Carras
Pauline Christensen
Jeanne & Peter Ciborowski
Carolyn & John Collins
Joan & H. Pat Costello
Douglas & Ruth Crane
Dr. Jacoba Daley
Gale Childs Daly & Jonathan Gillard Daly
Monica & Emilio DeGrazia
Thomas Depauw
Brent Derowitsch
Arty & Coleen Dorman
Barbara DuFresne
Vicki Englich
Jean Erpelding
Mary & Jim Faircloth
David, Renee, Maren, and Owen Fawcett
Lea Ann & Price Flanagan
Richard & Sharon Flatten
Leslie Foote
Ruth & James Forsythe
Mary & Justin Galke
Rick & Gayle Garrity
Patsy Gavin
Jean Gfall
Mark Gideonsen
Jennifer Gross
June Gross
Jon & Sharon Grossardt
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Guernica
Mark & Suzie Hansen
Tom & Carol Harbinson
The Hatchery
Hugh & Katie Hedin
Mark P. Helling
Gordon Hoffert & Ulrike
Schorn Hoffert
Tom & Bea Hoffmann
Larry & Serena Holstad
IBM
Ingrid Iverson
Kathy Jaszewski
David & Kathi Johnson
Geraldine & Alan Kagan
Sharon & Alfred Kauth
Jim Kenealy
Jeff & Carrie Kish
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Celeste Lea & Sam Liesch
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Lee & Ione Loerch
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Anne Lynch
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Anne Maselli
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Gloria McVay
Midtown Foods
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Elizabeth Beery Olson
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Orno Gift And Home
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Carol Pack
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Nancy Peterson
Anne & Scott Pollock
Port 507
Eryn & Adam Potthast
Kathy & Robert Redig
James & Nancy Reynolds
Don & Lori Rivers
Kent Rodriguez
Steve & Janet Rosen
Thomas J & Gwynn Rosen Joseph Schmidt
Mary A. Schneider Marilyn Schwab
Ben & Sally Scott
Kathy Seifert & Bob Pflughoeft
Paul & Jeanne Skattum
Andrea Specht
Susan Sprehn
Christine Streukens
Erin Swenson-Klatt
Dr. Rhiannon Talbot
Terese Tenseth
Del & Lois Tesch
Rob & Kate Thomas
Scott & Kathy Turner
Paul Valenti
The van Schaik-Iremonger Family
Visit Winona
Dwayne & Denine Voegeli
Susan & Robert Warde
Jon & Ruthanne Weispfenning
Paul Werger
Randall Wilkins & Dianne Sattinger
Janette Williams
Fr. Thomas E. Winkler
Bob Youngerman
Lindsey Zellman
Laurie Ziliak & Todd GraffBronze Giving Circle
Annual Giving up to $99:
We extend our deepest thanks to the 260 Bronze Giving Circle donors.GIFTS IN MEMORY & HONOR OF DEAR ONES
We extend thanks to those who have left gifts to honor/remember loved ones. This list represents gifts received between June 6, 2024 and June 5, 2025. Gifts received after June 5 will be recognized in the 2026 program.In honor of Dan Ajak
Joel & Jodie MonsonIn honor of Barbara Beeman
Charlotte & John SpeltzIn honor of Kathy & Brad Benke
Kathy Hovell & Tom SlaggieIn honor of Kris & Lyle Blanchard
Rob & Kate ThomasIn honor of Dave & Kathy Christenson
Frank & Ruth BuresIn memory of Dee Cipov
Anonymous
Kathy Hovell & Tom SlaggieIn honor of Ruth Civettini
Susan WhiteIn honor of Sandy & Don Curtin
Kathy Hovell & Tom SlaggieIn memory of Robert DuFresne
Mary MoxnessIn honor of Kathi & Greg Fischer’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
Cindy & LeRoy TelstadIn honor of Tarah Flanagan & Christopher Gerson
Anonymous
Daniel & Carolyn FlanaganIn honor of Tarah Flanagan and her Hamlet
Michael Bostwick & Connie WilliamsIn memory of Peter Flick
AnonymousIn honor of Karl Gfall
Mark P. HellingIn honor of Cooper Hancock
Anonymous
Richard & Sharon FlattenIn memory of Terry Hawkings
Gilmore Avenue Car Wash & Quick Lube, Inc.In honor of Pierre Hecker and Andrew Carlson
William North & Victoria MorseIn memory of Ann Reed Kaser
Anna SibenallerIn honor of Megan Keach
AnonymousIn honor of Keith & Ginna Laken
Dottie BobzinIn memory of Wendy Larson
Patricia RogersIn memory of Dr. John Levitt
Rachel LevittIn memory of Santo & Frances Manco
Tom & Joann KujawaIn honor of Kelley Olson
AnonymousIn honor of Thomas Rowe
Toni BrasherIn memory of Mavis Scheurle
Anonymous
Erik Scheurle & Karin Anderson Sig Scheurle
Dwayne & Denine VoegeliIn memory of Dr. Robert E. Sloan
Dr. Sally SloanIn memory of Mary Stettler
AnonymousIn memory of Ron Stevens
Anonymous (4)
Karen Acker
Steve & Nancy Bachler
George Cipov
Carolyn & John Collins Joan & H. Pat Costello Vicki Englich
Jeannine Flick
Leslie Foote
Cherie Hales
David Hanson
Tom & Joann Kujawa Gloria McVay
Marilyn & Michael Meeker
Brian & Betsy Neil
Debi Niebuhr
Douglas Nopar
MaryAnn SeversonIn memory of Jeff Stevenson and in honor of Nancy Stevenson
David & Kathi Johnson
Company Bios
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DIRECTING COMPANY
Kara Eggers
Intimacy Director
Kara Eggers (they/them) is a queer intimacy theatre maker based in Southeast Minnesota. With a passion for creating inclusive theatre experiences, Kara’s work focuses on fostering supportive and empowering environments on stage. A strong advocate for consent-based and trauma-informed practices, Kara's approach to theatre-making is heavily influenced by their training with the Advocacy Center of Winona. This training has deeply informed their work, emphasizing the importance of support, respect, and mutual understanding throughout the creative processes.H. Adam Harris
Director, Romeo and Juliet
H. Adam Harris is a director focusing on heart-forward, textually rigorous, imaginative productions of classics and new work. His directing credits include the world premieres of Heritage at North Carolina Black Repertory and 5 at The Jungle Theater, both by JuCoby Johnson. Other work: Snow White and The Incredible Book Eating Boy at South Coast Repertory; Redwood at The Jungle Theater; Luna Gale and How It’s Gon’ Be with Underdog Theatre Company; Tick Tick...Boom at Chance Theater. He has directed readings and development workshops with IAMA Theater Company’s Emerging Writers and New Works Festivals and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, National Black Theater, Theater Mu, Theater Latte Da, History Theater, and Exposed Brick Theater. He is the Artistic & Audience Engagement Associate at South Coast Repertory and Board Co-Chair at Ten Thousand Things. More at hadamharris.comDoug Scholz-Carlson
Director, The Comedy of Errors
Artistic Director
Doug works nationally as a director, fight choreographer, actor and certified intimacy director. In 22 seasons at GRSF, Doug played roles including Henry in Henry V, Stephen Price in African Company Presents Richard III and Thomas in Venus in Fur. He directed productions including Hamlet, The Winter’s Tale, Romeo and Juliet, Richard III, Cymbeline and Shakespeare in Love. Directing credits include Minnesota Opera, Austin Opera, Kansas City Lyric Opera, Madison Opera and Pittsburgh Opera. Doug was the first intimacy director at The Metropolitan Opera with productions including Grounded, Dead Man Walking and Fire Shut Up in My Bones. Other intimacy direction credits include Guthrie Theatre, San Diego Opera and Minnesota Opera. He choreographed fights for the world premiere of Silent Night at Minnesota Opera (which won a Pulitzer Prize for music) as well as productions for companies including The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Kansas City Opera, Children’s Theater Company and the Seattle Police Department. Doug is a graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Washington.Terry Weber
Voice/Text Coach
Terry Weber has worked regionally as voice/text/dialect coach at Great River Shakespeare festival (Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello, The Tempest), PlayMakers Rep (Assassins, Cabaret, Opus), Round House Theatre (Charming Billy, The Picture of Dorian Gray), Utah Shakespeare Festival (Othello, Cyrano, Two Gentlemen of Verona), Illinois Shakespeare Festival (Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar, Pericles), North Carolina Stage Company (The Dresser, The Syringa Tree), Alabama Shakespeare Festival (Merry Wives of Windsor), Clarence Brown Theatre (Around the World in 80 Days, A Shayna Maidel, Wrens, Our Country’s Good, Merry Wives of Windsor, The Secret Rapture, A Christmas Carol, Assassins, The Secret Garden, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Country Wife, Oliver!), and the Vermont Stage Company (A Child’s Christmas in Wales). Terry is an Emeritus Professor of Theatre (retired) at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and former Artistic Director of The WordPlayers.STAGE MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Alexander Carey
Stage Manager, Romeo and Juliet
Alexander is thrilled to return to Great River Shakespeare Festival for his fifth season! His previous GRSF credits include: Hamlet, The Winter’s Tale, Twelfth Night, Cymbeline, Love's Labour's Lost, and No Child. Other regional credits include Little Women, King Lear, The Comedy of Errors (American Shakespeare Center), Macbeth (Chenango River Theatre), JABBAWOCKEEZ TIMELESS (JBWKZ Productions, LLC), All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 (Four Seasons Theatre), and Now and Then (Peninsula Players Theatre). BFA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; MFA, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Forever grateful to his love, Madison.Abbi Hess
Stage Manager, The Comedy of Errors
Abbi is grateful to be back for the fifth year with the GRSF company and as an equity SM! Abbi spends the other part of the year in Madison, Wisconsin, at Forward Theater. Abbi is super thankful for family, friends, and teams/companies that allow her to live this great magical, theatrical life.Mayson Knipp
Stage Management Fellow
Mayson Knipp is so excited to be working her second season with the Great River Shakespeare Festival. She is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Credits at the Clarence Brown Theatre include Inherit The Wind (Stage Manager), Knoxville (Assitant Stage Manager), Always…Patsy Cline (Assistant Stage Manager), Murder on the Orient Express (Assistant Stage Manager), Hair (Assistant Stage Manager), and Kinky Boots (Assistant Stage Manager). She has also worked with the Darkhorse Theatre on Assassins (Assistant Stage Manager). She would like to give a special thank you to her sister, Molly, for being her biggest supporter.Ember Kvande
Stage Management Apprentice
Ember is a stage manager from Memphis, who is currently in school at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Ember’s recent credits include Zombie Prom (SM) and The Lightning Thief (ASM). Ember also lighting designed for Millikin’s pop-rock spectacular and the Decatur Arts Council.Rachel Winengar
Stage Manager, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (including props and scenic design)
Rachel Winenger (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of her first season at the Great River Shakespeare Festival. She is currently pursuing a BA in Theatre at the University of Tennessee after completing an Associate of Arts degree at Pellissippi State. Some of her favorite shows she's been a part of include recent productions at the Clarence Brown Theatre, such as Play That Goes Wrong (ASM), Knoxville (ASM), and Kinky Boots (Props). Upcoming works include stage managing the Clarence Brown's MainStage production of Sense and Sensibility. She is so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful theatrical community.PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Kristen Benner
Assistant Production Manager
Kristen Benner is beyond excited to have the opportunity to be back at The Great River Shakespeare Festival for her third year, this year in a slightly new position as the Assistant Production Manager! She is originally from Buffalo, New York and has spent the past year after graduating in spring of 2024 on tour. Touring credits include The Grinch National Tour, and Tina- The Tina Turner Musical 2nd National Tour (Assistant Stage Manager). Past GRSF credits include The Winter’s Tale (ASM), and Much Ado About Nothing (ASM). She would like to thank everyone that has believed and supported her on this journey, as well as the many friends she’s made along the way.Ella Egan
Production Manager
Ella Harper Egan is a freelance production manager and carpenter based in New York City. She is delighted to be returning for her fourth season with GRSF. Her recent projects include theatrical shows aboard the Norwegian Aqua (Norwegian Cruise Line) and Oh, Mary! and Dead Outlaw (Off-Broadway). After this season, Ella will be moving to New Haven, Connecticut, to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Technical Design and Production at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. -
Gabriela Bulka
Gabi is an actress, dancer, and movement director. Originally from Krakow, Poland, she is currently pursuing an MFA in Acting at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Gabi is an alumna of the two-year Conservatory at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, the Ballet School of Krakow, and holds a degree in Intellectual Property Law. Recent theatre credits include The Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra), A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchit), and Cry It Out (Jessie) at Clarence Brown Theatre. She has been involved in new play development as movement director and assistant choreographer, including NYC premieres of Charlie (TheatreLab) and Hamlet Split Apart (The Flea Theatre) with RJ Theatre Company.Yashashvi Choudhary
Yashashvi Choudhary is an MFA Acting student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She comes from the capital of her country New Delhi, India, where she received her B.A. (honours) in English Literature from the University of Delhi. She is a trained belly dancer and a black belt in Taekwondo. Recent credits include The Play That Goes Wrong (Joanna/Charles Haversham), A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit), and Cry it out (Adrienne).Diana Coates
Diana Coates counts it a great privilege to be back with GRSF for her second summer. She currently resides in New York and spent the last six months on a national tour with The Acting Company taking the works of August Wilson and Shakespeare to 23 cities all over the country. Recent credits include Macbeth (Chenango River Theatre), The Nacirema Society (Goodman Theatre), and Murder on the Orient Express (Drury Lane). Other favorites include work with Milwaukee Rep, Asolo Rep, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and the African Continuum Theatre Co. Television credits: Chicago Fire, Chicago Med (NBC); Deli Boys (hulu); and Emperor of Ocean Park (MGM+). She is represented by DDO Artists Agency. Support live theatre—it matters. Always for mom. @itsdianareneClay Cooper
Clay Cooper is a graduate student who is about to begin his third and final year at the University of Tennessee. Originally from Pinehurst, North Carolina, Clay holds a BA in Theatre Education from Appalachian State University.Emily Fury Daly
Emily is returning to GRSF for her fourth season! She has been on stages for the past decade at American Players Theatre, Pittsburgh Public, Chautauqua Theater Co, Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Theatre SilCo, and La Mama Experimental Theatre. When not doing Shakespeare, Emily is a stand-up comedian and actor in Chicago. She recently took her solo show, "Furious," to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Off-Broadway at Soho Playhouse, and at The Annoyance in Chicago. Her work onstage this summer is dedicated to her wonderful family, Jon, Sam, and Gale Fury.Denzel Dejournette
A man living his wildest dreams through storytelling! www.denzeldejournette.comMichael Fitzpatrick
Michael is an actor and Designer whose career spans regional theater, off-Broadway, national Broadway tours, concerts, cabaret, film, and television. Selected theater credits include First National Broadway tour of 42nd St., roles at Utah Shakespeare Festival, St. Louis Repertory, Kansas City Repertory, the Denver Center Theater, Ensemble Shakespeare Company NYC, Musicals Tonight NYC, A.C.T. in San Francisco, and a company member at the Great River Shakespeare festival in Minnesota.Develyn Jayan
From the south of India to the south of the United States, Develyn comes with stories to tell and ears to listen. An Indian classical dancer and an actor, Develyn has been using the stage as a form of expression since she could remember. She is so excited for this new opportunity to share more stories with Great River!Stephanie Lambourn
Company Member at GRSF for eight seasons performing in over sixteen productions: Elizabeth, Richard III; Adriana, Comedy of Errors; Laura, The Glass Menagerie; Olivia, Twelfth Night; Katherine, Henry V; Audrey, As You Like It; Luisa, The Fantasticks; Hero, Much Ado About Nothing; Hermia, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Cordelia, King Lear. Other Theatres: A Christmas Carol (first national tour/Broadway SF), Utah Shakespeare Festival (Select roles include The Beggar Woman, Sweeney Todd; Queen Margaret Henry VI Parts I,II,III; Regan, King Lear; Mistress Page, Merry Wives of Windsor) Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Aurora Fox, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre; in the United Kingdom - Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Bellairs Playhouse; in Australia - A Christmas Carol (Old Vic & GWB Entertainment), Fame Theatre, Flying Bookworm Theatre (VIC/NSW tour). Teaching Credits: Utah State University, GRSF, Utah Shakespeare Festival. Education: Guildford School of Acting PGDip and MFA (current). Professional Affiliation’s: Actor’s Equity Association
https://stephanieslambourn3.wixsite.com/actorGavin Mueller
Gavin Mueller (he/him) is returning for his second season with GRSF! Since performing in beautiful Winona last, Gavin co-founded a non-hierarchical theatre company in Chicago, Sandbox Theatre Collective, and could not be more proud of the community they’ve built over the last three years. Recent credits include All’s Well That Ends Well (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Richard II (Sandbox Theatre Collective), How to Murder… (Bramble Theatre Company), and Julius Caesar (Invictus Theatre Company). Gavin holds an MFA in Acting from University of California, Irvine. All the love to my Chicago family!!Serena Phillip
Serena is thrilled to be returning for her second summer with GRSF, joining the main acting company. She would like to thank the cast and crew of this season, her mentors from NYU/Stella Adler, and her friends and family for always supporting her creative endeavors. Cheers to live theater!Sammy Pontello III
Sammy Pontello is an MFA Acting Candidate at the University of Tennessee and is thrilled to be joining to the Great River Shakespeare Festival community! They've worked regionally as an actor, director, coach, and teaching artist with Florida Studio Theatre, Orlando Shakes, Texas Shakespeare Festival, and the Clarence Brown Theatre. Favorite previous roles include Chris, The Play That Goes Wrong; Ebenezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol; Man #1, Knoxville (CBT); Beadle Bamford, Sweeney Todd (TSF). IG: @sjpactor | sammypontello.comEliana Rowe
Eliana Rowe is a Theatre Artist/Storyteller based in Albany, New York. Regional: As You Like It (Celia) and Imbroglio (Betty) at Great River Shakespeare Festival, Twelfth Night (Viola) at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Take Me With You (Mayenne, Evie, Celia) at Capital Repertory Theatre. Educational: Harriet Tells It Like It Is (Harriet) with Capital Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare LIVE! 2022 with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Other recent credits include: Backing Vocalist/ Dancer for Taína Asili’s ‘Fever Pitch’ Tour, and A Deed Without a Name, Beckett3 Echo Chambers, and City of Myth: Illium Sings all with Troy Foundry Theatre. GRSF ‘23! Rowe was also a 2024 Semifinalist for the National Playwright’s Conference with their one-person show, My Papier Mâché Monster, and is a proud alum of Fordham University. ElianaRowe.com @simply_eliana_William Sturdivant
Will Sturdivant enters his sixth season with GRSF this summer and is thrilled to be back in Winona. Comedy of Errors will mark his 40th Shakespeare production. He received a BFA from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program and has performed off Broadway and regionally for the past 17 years. He will be performing this October in Primary Trust at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, followed by The Lehman Trilogy in January at Milwaukee Repertory Theater.Alessandro Yokoyama
Alessandro is beyond honored to be back in Winona for his second season at GRSF. Select credits include "Tracks" (Off-B'way, dir. by Sarah Norris and Tabatha Gayle), "Room 1214" (Off-B'way, dir. by Sarah Norris), GRSF '24 Season, "Hedda Gabler" (dir. John Gould Rubin), "Othello" (dir. Tom Oppenheim). All performances are dedicated to my mother, Natsuko Yokoyama. Education: Stella Adler Studio of Acting, 3-Year Conservatory; "Luigi Cherubini" Conservatory of Music, (Florence, Italy). @ale.niba -
SCENIC/PROPS COMPANY
Killian Coffinet
Scenic Carpenter
Killian earned a B.A. of Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota in 2022. Second Season @ GRSFAnnika Drury
Properties Apprentice
Annika Drury is very excited to work with GRSF for the 2025 season as a properties apprentice. They are in their third year at UNCSA and have worked as a props artisan on shows such as Fairview, The Wild Party, and Frankie and Johnny. They would like to thank their friends and family for all of their support.Isabella Fortunato
Scenic Charge Artist
Isabella is a scenic artist currently based in Iowa City, Iowa. She is thrilled to embark on her second season with Great River Shakespeare Festival. Isabella is currently enrolled in the theatre design MFA program at the University of Iowa and aspires to continue working in fabrication for the majority of her career. She enjoys collaborating with designers to help realize creative and artistic sets that help tell a story.Karl Gfall
Properties Designer & Props Supervisor
Karl is delighted to be returning to Winona once again as Properties Designer. Winona has become a cherished summer home. In the remainder of the year Karl is a Union Stagehand with the Paramount Theatre of Aurora, Illinois, as well as an occasional playwright, voice actor, and otherwise flexible itinerant professional.Zero Pordon
Deck Carpenter
Zero is happy to return for their second season at GRSF. They recently graduated from Wayne State University with a BFA in Theatre Technology and Design.Leah Ramillano
Scenic Designer
Leah Ramillano is a Southern California-based designer who balances work as a CAD Associate at Mattel, Inc. and freelance scenic design. At Mattel, she collaborates with various teams for tradeshows, toy fairs, conventions, and live special events, among other areas of in-person activations. Alongside her corporate work, her most recent design credits include The Tempest: An Immersive Experience (Shakespeare Center LA/After Hours Theatre Company; LA Drama Critics Circle Scenic Design Nominee), In The Heights (Center Rep), Much Ado About Nothing and Hamlet (Great River Shakespeare Festival), and the world premiere of God Will Do The Rest (Artists At Play/Latino Theater Company; Stage Raw Scenic Design Award Recipient).David “Rudi” Utter
Technical DirectorCOSTUME COMPANY
Monique Caraman
Hair & Makeup Technician
Monique Caraman is a production design student at Asbury University. She has worked in makeup and costuming for theater and student film.Matthew Carl
Costume Design Assistant/Costume Designer, The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Matthew is an Orlando-based costume designer. He is currently earning his masters in costume design at The University of Tennessee. Past design credits include Dragons Love Tacos, Luchadora! ( Orlando Family Stage) Failure: A Love Story (Clarence Brown Theatre) La Cage, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, (significant productions). Past associate work includes Beautiful (The Paramount Theater) and Cinderella (Drury Lane Oakbrook).Inga Domenick
Costume Apprentice
Inga Domenick (She/Her) is a costumer born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She is a third-year undergraduate at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. In her work, Inga strives to create costumes that help an actor bring their character to life while working to bring sustainable practices to costume design. For fun, Inga rides and shows horses in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.Callie Hartel
First Hand/Stitcher & Wardrobe Supervisor
Callie is a recent graduate from Colorado State University where she completed a B.S. in Apparel Design. She spent the last nine months as an intern at The Naples Players where she designed, patterned, and constructed a wide variety of costumes. Now she is very excited and grateful to be joining the GRSF team for the season!Heather Hirvela
Costume Shop Manager
Heather is so grateful to be returning to GRSF for her 11th season. She fell in love with Winona as an intern in 2013 and can’t imagine spending her summers anywhere else. She received her BFA in Costume Technology from UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts in 2013 and her MFA in Costume Technology from The Pennsylvania State University in 2020. After many summers spent draping for the festival, she’s excited to be entering into her new role as Costume Shop Manager, and looks forward to many more seasons to come.John Merritt
Costume Designer
John is a freelance Costume Designer and a Costume Buyer/Shopper for film & TV production residing in Atlanta, Georgia. You can see John's film and TV credits on streaming platforms such as Netflix (Dog Gone, Sweet Magnolias-Season 4) , Hulu (Class of 09) , Amazon Prime (Bullitt County) and Peacock (Found-Season 1) . Previous GRSF Costume Design credits include Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing (24') Imbroglio, As You Like It ('23) Every Brilliant Thing (‘21) and All the Town’s a Stage: A Winona Story (‘22). John received his Master’s of Fine Arts in Costume Design at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (‘21) and his Bachelor’s of Arts at University of Southern Indiana (‘18). Atlanta design credits include Laughs in Spanish (Horizon Theatre) Macbeth (Kennesaw State University) Lysistrata, The Other Shore, Blood Wedding (Emory University) , Dido & Aeneas (Atlanta Baroque Orchestra) , Cry it Out, Native Gardens (Stagedoor Theatre), A Third Way (Actors Express). See further examples of John's work at johnmerrittdesigns.comDayne Sabatos
Draper/First Hand
Dayne (He/They) is a graduate of Emporia State University's theatre program in Emporia, Kansas. Dayne was bit by the theatre bug at a young age and has been hooked ever since. Besides theatre Dayne has a great passion for all things creative—he's constantly trying new projects and exploring new mediums. They love learning and aren't afraid of a challenge.Brittany Staudacher
Associate Costume Shop Supervisor/Costume Crafts Artisan
Brittany Staudacher (she/her) originates from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She received her BA from the University of Northern Iowa and her MFA from Indiana University. Past theaters include Penobscot Theatre Co., Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and Florida Repertory Theatre. Favorite design credits include Carrie the Musical, The Threepenny Opera, and Woody Guthrie's American Song. Brittany is thrilled to be returning to the GRSF family this summer!Nico Walker
Costume Apprentice
Nico Walker was honored to take on the role of Costume Apprentice and Wardrobe Crew. They want to thank the cast, crew and shop staff for being so welcoming and kind!LIGHTING/SOUND COMPANY
Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz
Lighting Designer, The Comedy of Errors, and Co-associate Artistic Director
Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz is a professional lighting designer and a professor of lighting design at the University of California, Irvine. He has designed for many regional theatres around the country. Recent designs include You Are Not My Perfect Mexican Daughter at the Denver Center, The Old Man and the Old Moon at South Coast Repertory, Cinderella at Syracuse Stage, and Jitney at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He is the resident lighting designer here at GRSF and has been designing their productions since 2008, as well as a Co-Associate Artistic Director. He is the Resident Lighting Designer for Ballet Repertory Theatre and the Resident and Tech Advisor for INTUIT ARTSHIP Balle. He is a member of the United Scenic Artists, Local 829/International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. His complete design portfolio can be found at www.lradesigns.com.Savana Andershock
Lighting Apprentice
This is Savana’s first season with the Great River Shakespeare Festival working as a Lighting Apprentice. Savana has most recently designed the lighting for Dead Man’s Cell Phone and Carrie: The Musical. She has served as Production Electrician for multiple productions in various theatre spaces such as the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, American Players Theatre, and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside–where she recently received her BA in Theatre Arts.Michael “Demi” Demaree
Head Electrician
Michael Demaree is from Gardnerville Nevada and went to college at Southern Oregon University where he designed The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui and Mr Burns: A Post Electric Play. He has also been on Tour with Chamber Theater and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Albany Berkshire Ballet. Lately he has been working for IATSE Local 720 in Las Vegas.Bailey Fenn
Sound/Media Supervisor
Hi! My name is Bailey Fenn. I just graduated from the University of Minnesota where I received a Master of Fine Arts in Design/Technology with specialization in Sound Design. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design/Technology from Auburn University in 2022. Prior to that, I received my Associate of Arts in Technical Production from Chipola College in 2020. I am very excited to be joining the Great River Shakespeare Festival for another amazing season.Avery Reagan
Lighting Designer, Romeo and Juliet
Avery Reagan is a lighting designer currently based in the Los Angeles area. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia (a proud and enthusiastic Braves fan), Avery discovered her passion for lighting through school and community theatre productions. As she specified and matured her craft, she found how mesmerizing and impactful light can be within a production. She is very excited to return to GRSF for her fifth summer with the company. Avery has designed and assisted from coast-to-coast with companies such as South Coast Repertory Theater, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Opera, Milwaukee Repertory, LADP and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. She received her M.F.A. from the University of California, Irvine and was the 2020-2022 Gilbert Hemsley Lighting Intern. She is a proud member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829.Matthew Tibbs
Sound Designer
Matthew Tibbs (he/him) is a sound designer, educator, and current chair of Theatre Design and Production at University of Cincinnati CCM. Previous work includes sound designs of No. 6 and The Cay at Indiana Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare in Love, As You Like It, and Romeo and Juliet at Utah Shakespeare Festival, Three Sisters, Violet, and Of Mice and Men at the Clarence Brown Theatre, and six summers and 15 productions with Great River Shakespeare Festival. Matthew is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829 and the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA). BA: George Fox University MFA: University of Cincinnati CCM. To learn more, please visit matthewtibbs.comElijah Warrington
Lighting/Sound Apprentice
Elijah Warrington (he/him) is a lighting and sound technician and designer pursuing his degree at Fordham University. He’s thrilled to be at GRSF as Lighting & Sound Apprentice! NYC: MUD (Co-Lighting Designer, American Theater for Actors), reasons to be pretty (2024, Lighting Designer, Chain Theatre). Selected Educational (Fordham University): Orange Sky at Night (2025, Sound Designer/Composer), The Threepenny Opera (2025, Lighting Designer), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (2025, Composer), SCOUTS (2024, Lighting Designer), The Untitled Tim Zay Musical (2024, Sound Designer/Composer), Marisol (2024, Lighting Designer), The Practice Room (2024, Lighting Designer), Sagittarius Ponderosa (2023, Video Designer). See (and hear) his work at elijahwarrington.com! -
ADMINISTRATION COMPANY
Pedro Figueiredo
Marketing & Video Specialist
Pedro Figueiredo was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew up in Salvador, Brazil. He is a filmmaker and rising senior triple-majoring in Film Studies, Theatre, and Communication at Ohio Wesleyan University. At OWU, Pedro has previously been involved in 365 Days/365 Plays (Stage Manager), Doubt: A Parable (Father Flynn), and the one-act plays Contact in the Park (Writer) and The End of it All (Bertrand Bergamashi). In film, Pedro has recently written and directed an original short film, The City, shot in NYC and starring fellow company member, Serena Phillip. He recently returned from the 78th International Cannes Film Festival, his first time attending the festival. Pedro also coordinated the productions of The Shakespeare Office (co-writer, director, editor) made for the 20th Anniversary season of GRSF, and Shakespeare Couples Therapy for the 2024 season. He is very excited to be back for his third season at GRSF!Viva Graff
Company Manager
Viva is a Winona native and is excited to be back for her fourth season with the Great River Shakespeare Festival. During the academic year, she is a music educator, works for the Winona Symphony Orchestra as the Arts Administrator, and teaches dance classes and music lessons at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts and around town. She is an active musician in the area as a bassoonist with the Winona Symphony Orchestra, the conductor of the La Crescent Community Band, accompanist for the local Winona Hims choir, and the Music Director for Winona State University's production of Footloose in 2023.Kristine Hipps
Finance Associate
In addition to her finance role at GRSF, Kris is an artist, photographer, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her films have screened in festivals throughout the USA and Canada.Melissa Maxwell
Co-associate Artistic Director
Past GRSF productions: Much Ado about Nothing, Hamlet, The Tempest, No Child, Cymbeline, Shakespeare in Love, All's Well that Ends Well, Richard III, Comedy of Errors. Other Acting Credits: The Guthrie, Mint Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Public Theatre of Maine, Capital Rep, Pearl Theatre Company, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Cincinnati Playhouse, Crossroads Theatre, Kennedy Center. Film and TV: FBI: Most Wanted, MANIFEST, Mrs. Fletcher, Madam Secretary, HOSTAGES, Law & Order, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Sopranos. Directing Credits: Utah Shakespeare Festival, Playmakers Rep, George Street Playhouse, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Kitchen Theatre/Civic Ensemble, Pearl Theatre Company, Soho Playhouse. Playwriting Credits: IMBROGLIO (GRSF World Premiere), SALT IN A WOUND (Stella Adler Studio NYC, ETA Creative Arts Center); UNREQUITED LOVE (New Perspectives Theater); FETUS ENVY (manhattantheatre). TEDx Talks: TEDxMosesBrownSchool: Taking Ownership and TEDxBarnardCollegeWomen: On Courage. Melissa is the Director of Professional Development at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, NYC. www.melissamaxwell.com.Eileen Moeller
Director of Production
Eileen likes to be home with spouse, dog, cats, chickens and fish whenever possible. She spends her limited free time in the garden, knitting or repainting her house.Aaron A. Young
Managing Director
Aaron A. Young joined the leadership team of Great River Shakespeare Festival in 2017. Prior to moving to Winona, he spent 13 years as managing director of the Fulton Theatre Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He has also led the theater program of Robert Redford's Sundance Institute and served as marketing manager for the Sundance Film Festival and as general manager of Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Aaron is a graduate of Brigham Young University, and along with his wife Kristen, a clawhammer banjo player, has raised three lovely and very tall daughters. He is happy to devote his career to connecting artists and audiences, making sure artists have meaningful dialogues with their communities, and seeing they earn living wages.EDUCATION COMPANY
Andrew Carlson
Lead Instructor, Shakespeare for Young Actors
A professional actor, dramaturg, and director, Andrew has worked with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cleveland Playhouse, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, First Folio Theatre, ZACH Theatre, Austin Shakespeare, American Records Company, and Children’s Theatre of Madison. He has also participated in new play development with playwrights Steven Dietz, Aditi Kapil, Allison Gregory, Kirk Lynn, David Valdes, and Lisa Loomer, He was an actor at the Great River Shakespeare Festival for thirteen seasons, playing roles such as Hamlet (Hamlet), Edmund (King Lear), Jim O’Connor (The Glass Menagerie), Macbeth (Macbeth) and the Poet (An Iliad). He is a co-author of the 11th edition of The Essential Theatre textbook and has published essays in Theatre History Studies, American Theatre Magazine and the Routledge Companion to Dramaturgy. An award-winning educator, Carlson received the 2016 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award at the University of Texas.Kate Carlson
Teaching Artist, Will’s Creative Drama and Will’s Power Players
Kate Carlson has been part of the Great River Shakespeare Festival family for nearly 20 years. A 5th-grade teacher, literacy advocate, and longtime theatre lover, Kate brings a passion for making Shakespeare accessible, playful, and meaningful for young learners. She delights in helping students explore Shakespeare’s language, characters, and timeless stories through creative expression and performance.Kate teaches alongside her talented assistant — and child — Emerson Carlson, who was quite literally born into GRSF and grew up immersed in its vibrant community. An accomplished stage manager and director, Emerson provides essential technical support and artistic insight to the educational Shakespeare camps. Together, Kate and Emerson foster joyful, inclusive spaces where students of all ages can discover the magic of theatre and the power of their own voices.
Collin Preves
Education Specialist
My name is Collin Preves, and I am a graduate of Carleton College. I have worked as an actor, assistant director, producer, writer, technician and dramaturg, although this is my first time working for GFSF!AUDIENCE SERVICES COMPANY
Brooke Cherny
Box Office Associate
Hi there! This is my first season working at GRSF! I have done theater in high school (mostly acting) but this is my first time working in a professional theater environment! I’m very excited for this experience!Willa Krase
Box Office Manager
This is Willa’s fifth season with Great River, and she is thrilled to return as the box office manager. She first became involved with the festival through Shakespeare for Young Actors and has had a love for Shakespeare since. Willa is passionate about language and storytelling, and is studying English at the University of Minnesota. She enjoys being creative and spending time outside.A. Ringlien
Box Office Associate
Winona native. Senior at UMD, Biology BA & Theatre BA! GRSF Box Office Associate 2021-present, former student in GRSF's Shakespeare for Young Designers 2017-2021. Dramaturg for UMD's upcoming production of The SpongeBob Musical.Laurie Ziliak
House Manager
Laurie is excited to be back for her second year with GRSF. Highlights of this role include working with many amazing GRSF volunteers and welcoming all our patrons to the festival! In her other universe, Laurie works for Saint Mary’s Press as a member of the Content Team. She has played many other roles around Winona, including theology faculty, campus minister, volunteer coordinator, and parish musician. Above all, Laurie’s favorite roles include wife to a wonderful husband, proud mother of their six adult children, and “Grandma LuLu.”
