Welcome to the Moon and Other One Acts

Lyssi Antrim (Girl, U/S Woman) is a junior in the BFA Acting program. Her previous Theatre UCF credits include Much Ado About Nothing (U/S Hero) and The Rover (Masquerader, U/S Florinda). Some of her other favorite credits include Pippin (Catherine), The Bald Soprano (Mrs. Smith) and The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van de Graaff). She also worked in entertainment at Walt Disney World.

Bjorn Backman (Stephen, U/S Figure/Postman) is a senior in the BFA Acting program. He has been seen on the Theatre UCF stage in Of Mice and Men (Slim) and Titanic: The Musical (Benjamin Guggenheim, Third Man). Other theatre credits include F*cking Men (Brandon) which won the Patron Pick's award at the 2021 Orlando Fringe Festival. He's also involved in Orlando Independent Filmmakers and his end-goal is Hollywood. Follow his adventures on Instagram: @bjornbackmanofficial

Karlo Buxo-Morales (Walter) is a senior in the BFA Musical Theatre program and a dance minor. Karlo is honored to be a part of this show in memory of Mark Brotherton. Previous Theatre UCF credits include A Knight to Shine, A Knight to Dance, Urinetown and She Kills Monsters. Other major shows include The Who's Tommy, A Chorus Line, and In the Heights. His next role will be an Angel in Titusville Playhouse's production of Kinky Boots. Karlobuxo.com

Jillian Cossetta (Mary, U/S Sally) is a freshman in the BFA Musical Theatre program. This is her Theatre UCF debut. Other theatre credits include The Wedding Singer (Julia), Legally Blonde (Elle Woods) and Into the Woods (Rapunzel). She was recently a nominee for the 2021 National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards) as the Best Actress representative for the Broadway Star of the Future Awards.

Janiece Deveaux (Love, Monster) is a junior in the BFA Musical Theatre program with a dance minor. She has been seen in Theatre UCF productions including Scaramouch in Naxos (Ariadne), How to Catch Creation (Riley) and A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder (Swing). Her other credits include Godspell (Self), Aida (Nehebka, U/S Aida), and The Bodyguard (Female ensemble, U/S Nicki Marron).

Chris Echevarria (U/S John, U/S Barkeep, U/S Vinnie, U/S Artie) is a third-year transfer student in the B.A. Theatre Studies program. Other theatre credits include Antigone (U/S Creon), Arcadia (Valentine) and Peter and The Starcatcher (Prentiss). This is his first appearance on the Theatre UCF stage.

Jordan Gago (U/S Ronny) is a third-year transfer and senior in the BFA Musical Theatre program. He was last seen with Theatre UCF in The Rover (Blunt's Man, U/S Willmore, U/S Stephano, U/S Sebastian). Other credits include: Mamma Mia! (Sky), American Idiot (Declan), The Producers (U/S Leo Bloom) and the Emmy Award-winning Virtually Yours: A Night with the Athens Theatre. Instagram: @jordananthony109, JordanGago.com

Christopher Hancock (John) is a senior in the BFA Acting program. His favorite credits include A Gentleman's Guide... (Ensemble), Titanic (Bellboy), Of Mice and Men (U/S Curly, U/S Whit), The Nerd (Willum), 25th Annual... Spelling Bee (Chip) and The Complete History of America (abridged). Instagram: @chrishancxck

Jesse Harris (U/S Poet) is a senior in the B.A. Theatre Studies program. Although this is his Theatre UCF debut, some of his most recent credits include Annie (Ensemble), Don't Eat Your Peas (Gus) and Zack Hill and the Rocket Blaster Man Adventure (Carl). He is also involved with Project Spotlight and serves as the vice president of Playback UCF.

Joshua Houvouras (Cowboy, U/S Stephen) is a senior in the BFA Musical Theatre program and sociology minor. Select previous Theatre UCF credits include Songs of Inspiration (Soloist), It's a Small World (or The Robot Play) (Billy/John) and Titanic: The Musical (Officer Boxhall, Bandsman Taylor, U/S Thomas Andrews). Professional credits include Black Flag (Harry) at Mad Cow Theatre and Forbidden Frontier (Wyatt "Digger" Dempsey) at Cedar Point. Other favorite credits include Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl) and Noises Off (Garry Lejeune).

Makenna Kirsch (U/S Love) is currently a third-year student in the BFA Musical Theatre program. Her past credits include the Universal Orlando Holiday Parade (Lemur), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Philia), The Who's Tommy (Ensemble) and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (Swing, Dance Captain). Instagram: @makennakirsch

Rosalind Krabill (U/S Mary) is a second-year student in the BFA Acting program. She was last seen in As It's Written (Robin) and Moment 2 Moments production of The Crucible (Ann Putnam). Some of her other favorite productions include And Then There Were None (Vera), Hamlet (Ophelia) and A Wrinkle In Time (Meg).

Lucas Laguer (Jim) is a junior in the BFA Acting program. His Theatre UCF credits include the TYA production of The Grumpiest Boy in the World (Scientist 2), the virtual performance of Kill Move Paradise (Tiny) and Water by the Spoonful (U/S Ghost, U/S Aman, U/S Police Officer). His other production credits include The Crucible (Proctor), The Curious Savage (Hannibal) and Rumors (Ken Gorman). Lucaslaguer.com

Tori Micaletti (Shirley) is a second-year MFA Acting graduate student. Theatre UCF credits include The Wolves (Soccer Mom U/S), Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice U/S) and Songs of Inspiration (Soloist) Other credits include Heathers (Heather Macnamara), Junie B in Jingle Bells Batman Smells (May), A Peter Rabbit Tale (Flopsy, Nutkin), and Kiss Me Kate (Ensemble, U/S Lois).

Madison Mintzer (Sally, Mother, U/S Shirley) is a sophomore in the BFA Musical Theatre program. This is her Theatre UCF debut. Past credits include The Music Man, The Wild Party (Mae), Bring It On (Campbell), Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey, Crystal), Bright Star, Mamma Mia and Mary Poppins. Instagram: @madimintzer

Andres Procel (Vinnie, Brother, Figure, Postman, Monster, U/S Jim) is a second-year transfer student in the BFA Acting program. Prior Theatre UCF credits include Scaramouch in Naxos (Sarmion), Much Ado About Nothing (Conrade), The Rover (Officer, Masquerader), Blood at the Root (U/S Colin) and Sweat (U/S Stan). Over the Summer he entered the theme park industry at Cedar Point as an actor in the All-New Snake River Expeditions as well as a stilt walker in the 150th Parade Spectacular.

Courtney Ruebens (U/S Betsy) is a freshman in the BFA Acting program and this is her Theatre UCF debut. Her favorite credits include Legally Blonde (Paulette), Bring It On (Eva), Godspell (Sonia) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Philostrate). Instagram: @courtneyruebens

Emilie Jean Scheetz (Woman) is a second-year transfer student in the Theatre Studies BA program. She's previously been seen in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder (U/S Miss Shingle) as well as the Mad Cow Theatre's productions of 1776 (Courier), Big River (Jo/Joanna) and Fun Home (Medium Alison). emiliejeanscheetz.com

Will Sippel (Poet, Ronny, U/S Man) is a senior in the BFA Acting program. Previous roles with Theatre UCF include Scaramouch in Naxos (Harlequin), Much Ado About Nothing (Dogberry), Urinetown (Mr. McQueen), #GodHatesYou (Joshua), Sweat (U/S Jason) Titanic: The Musical (Ensemble) and Of Mice and Men (U/S Candy). He is also a playwright frequently in collaboration with Project Spotlight.

Sterling Street (Artie, Barkeep, Man, U/S Walter) is in his second-year as an MFA Acting candidate. He began his professional career as a resident actor at Greenville Theatre. A few of his favorite credits include: Miracle on 34th Street (Fred Gaily), Peter and The Starcatcher (Cpt. Scott), Into The Woods (Rapunzel's Prince), Breaking Up is Hard to Do (Gabe Green), It's a Wonderful Life (George Bailey) and Alexander and The Terrible...The Musical Tour (Albert). Follow him @sterlingstreet or sterlingstreetactor.com.

Seth Thornton (U/S Brother, U/S Cowboy) is a first-year transfer student in the BFA Acting program. Prior theatre credits include Much Ado About Nothing (Leonato) and 12 Angry Jurors (Juror #8). Seth is also an avid chess player.

Natalie Werba (Betsy) is a freshman in the BFA Musical Theatre program. Natalie has performed in a variety of musicals and plays including Pippin (Fastrada), Bright Star (Lucy Grant) and The Theory of Relativity (Sara). She has been showcased at Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center's Applause Awards for the past three years as a medley lead and an outstanding performer.

Aubree Williams (U/S Girl) is a junior in the BFA Acting program. Her past Theatre UCF credits include Scaramouch in Naxos (Ariadne) and Sweat (Radio Voice). Other theatre credits include Old Flame (Sophia), Pride and Prejudice (Jane Bennet) and 26 Pebbles (Carole, Julie). Instagram: @aubree.williams

Dunstan Ashe (Deck Crew) is a sophomore in the BFA Acting program. Dunstan was most recently seen as Mercy in The Crucible, voiced several characters in the Knight's Ghostlight Podcast, and was a scareactor at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. Other past credits include Grease (Betty Rizzo), Annie (Miss Hannigan) and James and the Giant Peach (Sponge).

Stevie Bleich (Production Electrician, Programmer) is a third-year student in the BFA Design and Technology program. Previous Theatre UCF credits include As It’s Written (Lighting Designer) and Songs of Inspiration (Co-Lighting Designer). Other credits include Bohemian Heat Repertory Concert (Programmer) and Romeo and Juliet Ballet (Programmer).

Carla Carran (Wardrobe) is a second-year transfer student in the BFA Design and Technology program. She previously worked on shows as a technical theatre student at Indian River State College. Previous theatre credits include Hedda Gabler (Carpenter), Variety Concerts Band/Dance (Camera Operator), Barefoot in the Park (Carpenter, Props Master, Run Crew), Grease the Musical (Carpenter, Shift Director) and Blood Wedding (Carpenter, Run Crew).

Audrey Casteris (Assistant Production Electrician) is a third-year student in the BFA Design and Technology program with a focus in scenic and lighting. Previous Theatre UCF credits include UCF Celebrates the Arts 2020 (Production Assistant), Mojada (Stage Manager), To Saints and Stars (Set Designer) and First Date (Assistant Production Electrician).

Valeria Cole (Wardrobe Supervisor) is a junior in the BFA Design and Technology program. Her Theatre UCF credits include Sombra del Sol (Assistant Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor) and A Knight of Dance (Assistant Costume Designer). She was the Costume Designer for Projects Spotlight's 10-Minute Play Festival and currently the One Act Festival. More of her experimental work can be seen on the runway at this year's Fusion Fest.

Syd Deines (Associate Scenic Designer) is a junior in the BFA Design and Technology Program. Their previous credits include Urinetown (Assistant Props Manager), the Fall 2020 Amplify, Empower, Illuminate series (Assistant Multimedia Design and Production), Much Ado About Nothing (Assistant Multimedia Design and Production) and Scaramouch in Naxos (Props Manager).

Michael Ghysels (Production Assistant) is a first-year transfer student in the BFA Stage Management program. Originally from California, his previous theatre credits include Clybourne Park (Stage Manager), Hand to God (Stage Manager), Pride and Prejudice (Stage Manager), Significant Other (Asst. Stage Manager) and A Christmas Story (Asst. Stage Manager). This is Michael's Theatre UCF debut.

Thomasa Hagney (she/her) (Assistant Stage Manager) is a second-year transfer student in the BFA Stage Management program. This is her third production with Theatre UCF. Her other credits include Sombra Del Sol (Stage Manager), Scaramouch in Naxos (Production Assistant) and How to Catch Creation (Assistant Stage Manager). Her other professional credits include Lil and Louis (Production Stage Manager) at JoMo Productions, Ethal Waters (Fallow Spot) and Marvelous Wonderettes (Fallow Spot) at Florida Studio Theater, and The Song of Paul (Stage Manager) at Church of the Palms.

Alfredo Hued (Deck Crew) is a junior in the BFA Theatre Design and Technology program. This is his Theatre UCF debut. Other credits include Costume Dresser for Halloween Horror Nights and the Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Parade since 2019. @sketcheswithsane

Melissa Manrique (Assistant Director) is a senior in the BFA Acting program. This is her first time assistant directing a Theatre UCF show. Previous theatre credits include The Grumpiest Boy in the World (Giant, Bird), Much Ado About Nothing (Ursula) and Claire's Johnny (Claire). Previous directing credits include Meat-Cute, T-19EC and Of Hawks and Sparrows. She dedicates this performance to her father, who passed away in July.

Seth Niquette (Wardrobe) is in his final semester in the B.A. Theatre Studies program. He also will finish with a minor in education. Seth is the Children & Youth Arts Associate at Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) and has been the assistant director for multiple shows with them, with The Sound of Music and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe being the two most recent productions. He also worked as the summer camp coordinator for the CFCArts youth programs this past summer. Instagram: @seth_niquette

Elana Treiser (Assistant Stage Manager) is a second-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. Previous Theatre UCF credits include UCF Celebrates the Arts 2020 (Stage Manager), Scaramouch in Naxos (Tech Production Assistant) and Birdbrains (Stage Manager) with Project Spotlight.

Solomon Wells (Deck Crew) is a first-year student at the University of Central Florida, and this is his first production with Theatre UCF. He has previously worked as a performer and combatant with the Hoggtowne Medieval faire, as well as an ensemble member in both Mamma Mia! and The Little Mermaid at the Gainesville Community Playhouse.

Ayana Yokie (Stage Manager) is a second-year student in the BFA Stage Management program. Previous Theatre UCF credits include Sombra Del Sol (Assistant Stage Manager) and Scaramouch in Naxos (Production Assistant), as well as various roles in UCF Celebrates the Arts 2020. Professional credits include A Taylor-Made Christmas Spectacular (Stage Manager). Instagram: @ayanayokie

“I am not a courageous person by nature. I have simply discovered that, at certain key moments in this life, you must find courage in yourself, in order to move forward and live. It is like a muscle and it must be exercised, first a little, and then more and more. All the really exciting things possible during the course of a lifetime require a little more courage than we currently have. A deep breath and a leap.'' - John Patrick Shanley

In Welcome to the Moon and Other One Acts, John Patrick Shanley utilizes a mix of absurdism and realism to explore different aspects of love. Down and Out and Out West both lean into extreme or absurd circumstances to showcase love, while The Red Coat and Welcome to the Moon depict two couples in the heightened, gritty reality of relationships. Through the events of each play, we are challenged to look beyond the period settings (each play depicts a different decade) and reflect on our personal relationships, romantic or otherwise. These shifts were intentionally crafted by Shanley to show the contrasting nature of complexity and simplicity that love’s spell has on us all. There are phases of love where it seems like nothing can go wrong, and there are phases where nothing can go right. The cyclical nature of each play asks us to consider the phases of the moon itself as a symbol of our ever-evolving relationships. Shanley seems to suggest that everything turns and returns upon itself — that we should not have expectations of experiencing only joy or sorrow.

In his book The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevsky writes, “What is hell? I maintain that it is the suffering of being unable to love.” Dostoevsky’s perspective on the tension between love and suffering impacted Shanley’s worldview and, ultimately, his art. In fact, he pays respect to Dostoevsky by referencing him directly in Let Us Go Out Into the Starry Night. In each of Shanley’s plays presented tonight, characters are challenged to go out of their comfort zone to experience love and accept all the consequences that come with that. They must learn that love doesn’t guarantee reciprocation or eternal success or freedom from pain. Instead, by stepping out into the unknown to feel love, the characters reject a hell of stagnation. They choose to experience both the good and the bad that life has to offer wholeheartedly.

This is a motto that Mark Brotherton exemplified throughout his life. As a director, Mark would often wear a hat that read “Just Have Fun.” This hat symbolized the way Mark thought and taught. For Mark, the ups and downs of the theatrical process were anchored in play. They were anchored in love. He made it a point to not only teach his students about theatre but life itself. He encouraged his students to be themselves and to grow not only as performers but as people. In a letter that Mark was known to share with his students, he wrote that “if you have something worth saying, and you hold on to the magic, you might have the chance to live on long after your journey’s over.” Mark’s legacy lives on through the way he taught and lived his life with integrity and passion for life itself. Our performance of Welcome to the Moon and Other One Acts, though not directed by him as planned, is a tribute to his memory. Mark believed that Shanley had “something worth saying,” and tonight, we dedicate our show to him.

– Kyle Machande

THEATRE UCF PRODUCTION STAFF, FACULTY, AND ADVISORS

Director of the School of Performing Arts: Michael Wainstein
Theatre UCF Artistic Director: Julia Listengarten
Theatre UCF Director of Production: Bert Scott

* Theatre UCF student