"Peter and the Starcatcher" Meet the cast and crew!

Welcome to the world of "Peter and the Starcatcher," brought to life by an incredible cast and crew. From the actors you see on stage to the team working behind the scenes, each person has played a vital role in creating this production. Take a moment to meet the talented individuals who have poured their time, energy and artistry into every detail of Clark State's and the Springfield Arts Council's co-production of "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Dave Weimer, Wittenberg University and the Clark County Public Library for pulling together this special reading list related to "Peter and the Starcatcher."

Nathan Adkins (Smee/Mrs. Bumbrake) is thrilled to be taking part in his second show at Clark State. He is active in various community theater programs, including the Springfield and Madison County Arts Councils. Recent credits include “Ragtime: In Concert” (Ensemble), “Oklahoma!” (Will Parker), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Issachar) and “Beauty and the Beast” (Lefou). He has also played in the pit for numerous productions, including “The Wizard of Oz,” “9 to 5” and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and has helped choreograph productions such as “Shrek the Musical Jr.” and “The Addams Family.” Nathan is extremely grateful to his fellow cast members and the production crew for entrusting him with his most challenging role yet. He is also thankful to his friends and family for their endless support throughout his theatrical journey, especially his wife, Rachel, who constantly reminds him to follow his dreams.

Mikayla "MJ" Bailey (Grempkin / Hawking Clam) is super enthralled to be a part of the cast of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” This is her first production, but not her last. MJ is creative and passionate about all things theatrical. She is also helping to build the set for this play and is super excited to learn from all the talented people working on this show. She thanks her grandma, Sandra K. Browning, her late mother, Lavera, and the amazing cast, crew and her friends.

Madeleine Barr (Ted) is so grateful to be a part of this amazing cast. This is her first production at Clark State and has been loving it! She has been doing community theatre for a little over two years. Past shows include “Alice in the Wonderland” (Alice), “The Little Mermaid” (Flounder) and “A Midsummers Night’s Dream” (Mustardseed). Madeleine would like to give a big thanks to her castmates for making this experience unforgettable and to her directors Krissy and Anthony for making this production come to life. She would also like to thank everyone else who has helped along the way!

Lewis Emerson (Lord Leonard Aster) is over the moon to be a part of Clark State’s “Peter and the Starcatcher” as his stage debut. Lewis has dreamed of being on stage since he was a young child and cannot give enough thanks to the incredible directors (Krissy and Anthony), the absolutely wonderful cast and crew and his amazing family for making this a wonderful experience and for making all of those dreams come true!

Katy Greene (Captain Robert Falcon Scott) is thrilled to be involved in her first show at Clark State! Recent credits include “Tarzan the Musical” (Jane) and “Ragtime: In Concert” (Ensemble). When she isn’t performing with the Springfield Arts Council, she can be found singing with various choral ensembles, including the Dayton Philharmonic Chorus and Sulphur Grove UMC’s choir. Katy extends her sincere thanks to Krissy and Anthony for all their guidance and support, as well as to the incredible cast and crew. She would also like to thank her mom and dad for their unconditional support of her passion — she couldn’t have done it without you both!

Adison Daniels (Prentiss) is beyond excited to be involved in Clark State’s production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” This is her first production with Clark State, as well as her first named role. Other productions Adison has been involved in include “Beetlejuice Jr.” (Ensemble) and “Antigone” (Ensemble). Adison would like to give a huge thank you to Krissy, Anthony and Jacob, along with everyone involved in this production. They’ve all made this such a special first experience, and she couldn’t be more grateful for this incredible group of people. Adison would also like to give a shoutout to her supportive family and friends, especially her niece, Violet.

Fatima Haleem (Teacher) is thrilled to be part of “Peter and the Starcatcher” at Clark State. Born in Pakistan, she experienced theater from an early age while living in Argentina, West Africa, Pakistan and New York. She found her voice at Clark State and holds a degree in business management and is currently pursuing her entertainment technology degree. She is honored to be part of this production and grateful for the opportunity to pursue her dreams. She is deeply grateful to her family and friends for being part of her life, especially her two wonderful children, who are among her greatest blessings.

Chelsea Jenkins (Alf) is over the moon excited to be returning to the stage after 16 long years! Previous acting credits include, but are not limited to, “SpongeBob the Musical” (Johnny the Bartender), “Something Rotten!” (Francis Bacon) and “Legally Blonde” (Judge). She would like to thank Krissy and Anthony for casting her in such a fun show! She would also like to thank her boyfriend, mother and Madre Número Dos for their continued support. And to the cast: Swim on!

Illa Kerns (Molly Aster) is so excited to be involved in her third production with Clark State! Some of her past roles include “Mary Poppins Jr.” (Winnifred Banks), “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Maudie Atkinson) and “Little Women” (Meg March). She has been involved in community theater for the past 10 years and is currently a student at Clark State. Illa would like to give a huge thank you to Krissy, Anthony, Jacob and the entire cast and crew for all that they do! She would also like to thank her friends, family and boyfriend for being her biggest fans and supporters. To the cast and crew, reach for the stars!

Joshua Manz (Slank/Fighting Prawn/Mack) is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Clark State's production of "Peter and the Starcatcher!” This is his first time acting on stage, but his previous credits involve stage managing "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Little Women." He would like to thank his family, his girlfriend and his own little Starcatcher, Brooklynn, for their continuous support, love and inspiration. Break a leg, everyone!

Jeremy Moeller (Black Stache) is ecstatic to bring another dream role to life at Clark State. He spends most of his time as the education and logistics coordinator for the Springfield Arts Council, but he continues to look for fun and new opportunities to be on stage. Recent credits include “Tarzan the Musical” (Kerchak), “Ragtime: In Concert” (Father) and “Little Shop of Horrors” (Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.). Jeremy would like to thank the entire cast and production team for the incredible hard work, love and passion they have brought to this show. You all are the reason he loves doing theater!

Adrian Moran (Boy/Peter) is extremely grateful to be in another Clark State Production! Other productions you may have seen him in are “The Addams Family” (Gomez Addams), “Little Women” (Laurie Laurence) and “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Jem Finch). Adrian would like to give a huge thanks to Jacob, Krissy, Anthony, as well as everyone else involved in this amazing production. He would also like to give a big shout out to his family and teachers for supporting him along the way.

Keanu Roark (Pirate/Sanchez) is performing in his first production at Clark State and his first time performing on stage since his high school production of “West Side Story” (Bernardo). He is excited to learn more about the theater space and to become more immersed in the wonderful world of theater. He would like to thank Anthony, Krissy, Jacob and the entire cast and crew for bringing this production to life. He would also like to give special thanks to his friends and family for all their support and guidance along the way.

Brad Boyer (Props) is thrilled to help bring “Peter and the Starcatcher” to life. After enjoying the stage for more than 25 years, he now finds a creative outlet in making and managing props. It’s a way to give back to the arts, honor the local organizations and mentors who inspired him and support his daughters’ passion for theater. Some of Brad’s credits include “Little Shop of Horrors,” “The Lion King Jr.,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Beetlejuice Jr.” He thanks his family for supporting his creativity, even as he trashes the house making random “masterpieces.”

Lynn Brown(Costumer) is thrilled to return to Clark State for this production! In addition to serving as the costume shop supervisor at Wittenberg University and costume supervisor for Archbishop Carroll High School, Lynn designs regularly throughout the Dayton theater community. Her work on Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “Dial M for Murder” recently earned her a DayTony Award of Excellence in Costume Design. Her previous Clark State credits include the premiere of “The Last Pirates of the Vast Golden Treasure,” as well as “Something Rotten!,” “Red Herring” and, most recently, “Ragtime: In Concert.”

Josh Compston (Set Design/Construction) is thrilled to return to the Turner Studio Theatre for his 15th production with Clark State! He serves as scene shop supervisor and assistant technical director at the Performing Arts Center, where he is also an instructor and directs for the Theatre Arts Program, including “The SpongeBob Musical,” “Something Rotten!” and “Urinetown.” His favorite directing and acting credits include “The Wedding Singer,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “The Addams Family.” He wishes the amazing cast and crew a broken leg! Special thanks to his best friend, Andaya, for all of her support!

Maggie Cooper (Producer) is happy to be producing her second show at Clark State! She is the house operations manager at the Performing Arts Center and enjoys being on stage as well. Recent credits include “The Rocky Horror Show” (Columbia) and “Xanadu” (Terpsicore). When she steps out of this theater long enough for her eyes to adjust to the sun, she usually steps right into another one to enjoy the talents of her terrific theater community, particularly her darling daughter, Olive, who needs no “starstuff” to soar.

Jacob Gifford (Stage Manager) is ecstatic to be part of his fourth Clark State production and his first as a stage manager. As a student currently enrolled at Clark State, he looks forward to working with this amazing cast. His previous credits include “Macbeth” (Light Board Operator), “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Boo Radley/Assistant Stage Manager) and “Little Women” (Light Board Operator). He looks forward to growing alongside this cast and would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support and encouragement, which have helped shape him into the person he is today.

Krissy Hartman (Co-Director) is ecstatic to be directing again for the Clark State Theatre Arts Program/Springfield Arts Council's collaboration after kicking off the partnership with “The Crucible” in 2023. She currently serves as the executive director of the Springfield Arts Council and feels incredibly lucky to work with Clark State in this creative capacity. Big love to this incredible production team and cast for their hard work, dedication and willingness to fully utilize their imaginations in bringing this beautiful show to life. A giant thank you to Anthony for constantly reading her mind and filling every need she can’t! Biggest love to Emma and Ollie, the sweetest star catchers around.

Anthony Reed (Co-Director) is thrilled to co-direct this magical show with such a hardworking cast and crew. Most recently, he was the assistant director of “Tarzan” for the Springfield Arts Council’s Summer Arts Festival. As a Clark State alumnus and current employee, as well as an avid performer with the Springfield Arts Council, Anthony is delighted to take part in this collaboration between the Clark State Theatre Arts Program and the Springfield Arts Council. He sends a huge shoutout to Krissy for being such a wonderful shipmate, for all the coffee and for helping make this show something to be proud of. This cast and production team have worked tirelessly for this moment and he hopes you enjoy it!  “It's supposed to hurt, that's how you know it meant something.”  Miss you, Matt.

John "JR" Riechers (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be lighting “Peter and the Starcatcher” for Clark State and the Springfield Arts Council. He serves as assistant technical director at Clark State, where he works behind the scenes on events throughout the season. His recent lighting design credits include “Ragtime: In Concert” at Clark State. He is grateful to the cast, crew and creative team for bringing this imaginative story to life. JR thanks his wife, Andaya, for her endless love and support, and his best friend, Oli, who he hopes enjoys the lights.