“The Lightning Thief” Bios and Headshots
Director
Kirby Wahl (Director)
A professional actor, director, and dialect coach, Kirby’s directing credits include That Championship Season at The Open Space Café Theatre, The Foreigner at The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, and many Elon University productions, including Macbeth, Ajax, August: Osage County, and Clybourne Park. His local performances include The Mystery of Irma Vep and The Illusion, at Greensboro’s Triad Stage, and The Prisoner’s Dilemma and Jude the Obscure, at the Burning Coal Theatre in Raleigh (where he’s served as dialect coach for numerous productions, including the 2014 London performances of The Iron Curtain Trilogy and a recent production of Arcadia). Other professional acting credits include work at New York City’s Riverside Shakespeare Company, The Arizona Theatre Company, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and the national tour of Ken Hill’s The Phantom of the Opera. A Certified Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework and Knight-Thompson Speechwork, his professional memberships include Actors’ Equity Association, VASTA, and Body-Mind Centering Association.
A professional actor, director, and dialect coach, Kirby’s directing credits include That Championship Season at The Open Space Café Theatre, The Foreigner at The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, and many Elon University productions, including Macbeth, Ajax, August: Osage County, and Clybourne Park. His local performances include The Mystery of Irma Vep and The Illusion, at Greensboro’s Triad Stage, and The Prisoner’s Dilemma and Jude the Obscure, at the Burning Coal Theatre in Raleigh (where he’s served as dialect coach for numerous productions, including the 2014 London performances of The Iron Curtain Trilogy and a recent production of Arcadia). Other professional acting credits include work at New York City’s Riverside Shakespeare Company, The Arizona Theatre Company, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and the national tour of Ken Hill’s The Phantom of the Opera. A Certified Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework and Knight-Thompson Speechwork, his professional memberships include Actors’ Equity Association, VASTA, and Body-Mind Centering Association.
Cast
Jayson Altieri
Jayson is a freshman Musical Theater Major from Prattville, Alabama. He is so excited to be participating in his first show at UNCG. He wants to thank his family for always supporting his dreams and enabling his need for attention.
Jayson is a freshman Musical Theater Major from Prattville, Alabama. He is so excited to be participating in his first show at UNCG. He wants to thank his family for always supporting his dreams and enabling his need for attention.
Christian Bartney
Christian Bartney (Luke) is a current Sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major with a double minor in Dance and Business. This is his third mainstage production at UNCG. He wants to thank God and his family for always believing in his dreams and pushing him to be the best version of himself.
Christian Bartney (Luke) is a current Sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major with a double minor in Dance and Business. This is his third mainstage production at UNCG. He wants to thank God and his family for always believing in his dreams and pushing him to be the best version of himself.
Grace Boudha
Grace is a sophomore musical theatre major and this is her third show at UNCG. Grace was previously Granny in Into The Woods and in the ensemble for Rock of Ages. This summer Grace will be performing as Medda Larkin in Newsies and Mamma Morton in Chicago at Interlakes Theatre. Grace would like to thank her Mom, Dad, brother, and sister in law for always believing in her and coming to every production she has ever been in. She would also like to thank Dominick Amendum and April Hill for their continued support as she would not be where she is today without them pushing her to be the best she can be. Kirby Wall, Kevin Lawson, and Maurice Watson she would also like to thank as they have made this experience not only fun but educational as well. Bring on the monsters!
Grace is a sophomore musical theatre major and this is her third show at UNCG. Grace was previously Granny in Into The Woods and in the ensemble for Rock of Ages. This summer Grace will be performing as Medda Larkin in Newsies and Mamma Morton in Chicago at Interlakes Theatre. Grace would like to thank her Mom, Dad, brother, and sister in law for always believing in her and coming to every production she has ever been in. She would also like to thank Dominick Amendum and April Hill for their continued support as she would not be where she is today without them pushing her to be the best she can be. Kirby Wall, Kevin Lawson, and Maurice Watson she would also like to thank as they have made this experience not only fun but educational as well. Bring on the monsters!
Brandon Criswell
Hi, I’m a freshman BFA Musical Theatre student, and I’m excited for this to be my first show here at UNCG. I want to thank God and my family for always supporting me, and I hope everyone enjoys the show!
Hi, I’m a freshman BFA Musical Theatre student, and I’m excited for this to be my first show here at UNCG. I want to thank God and my family for always supporting me, and I hope everyone enjoys the show!
Maya Diaz
Maya is a freshman in the BFA MT program. She is so excited to be in her first musical at UNCG! She wants to thank everyone that has helped put the show together and her mom for always supporting her and her dreams!
Maya is a freshman in the BFA MT program. She is so excited to be in her first musical at UNCG! She wants to thank everyone that has helped put the show together and her mom for always supporting her and her dreams!
Malcolm Eason
Malcolm is ecstatic to get to be part of the world of UNCG’s ‘The Lightning Thief!’ Malcolm is a first year drama student and this is his first production at UNCG. Outside of acting, he enjoys horror movies and being blond. He would like to thank the amazing cast and crew, Kirby, Alex, and someone named… Kevin? He thinks? (Enjoy the show!)
Malcolm is ecstatic to get to be part of the world of UNCG’s ‘The Lightning Thief!’ Malcolm is a first year drama student and this is his first production at UNCG. Outside of acting, he enjoys horror movies and being blond. He would like to thank the amazing cast and crew, Kirby, Alex, and someone named… Kevin? He thinks? (Enjoy the show!)
Julia Freeman
Julia Freeman is a first BFA Musical Theatre major from the D.C. area. This is her first show at UNCG. Grateful for the brilliance, love, and support surrounding her, she offers special thanks to God and her family for being her lights. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Julia Freeman is a first BFA Musical Theatre major from the D.C. area. This is her first show at UNCG. Grateful for the brilliance, love, and support surrounding her, she offers special thanks to God and her family for being her lights. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Micah Hughes
Micah Hughes is a Freshman this year in the Musical Theatre Program. As a kid who spent a lot of time reading about Ancient Mythology, she is so excited that ‘Lightning Thief’ will be her first show at UNCG. Micah would like to thank her parents, grandparents, and Godmother for their unending support, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Micah Hughes is a Freshman this year in the Musical Theatre Program. As a kid who spent a lot of time reading about Ancient Mythology, she is so excited that ‘Lightning Thief’ will be her first show at UNCG. Micah would like to thank her parents, grandparents, and Godmother for their unending support, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Ryan Liebowitz
Ryan Liebowitz (Mr. D and Others) is a Sophomore BFA Musical Theater student and is beyond excited to be a part of his third show here, at UNCG! His past UNCG credits include the Steward in Into The Woods and Ensemble in Rock of Ages. He would like to give a huge thanks to Kirby, Kevin, Maurice, and the rest of the production team for all they did for this production!
Ryan Liebowitz (Mr. D and Others) is a Sophomore BFA Musical Theater student and is beyond excited to be a part of his third show here, at UNCG! His past UNCG credits include the Steward in Into The Woods and Ensemble in Rock of Ages. He would like to give a huge thanks to Kirby, Kevin, Maurice, and the rest of the production team for all they did for this production!
Anya Maschmeier
Anya is thrilled to be participating in her first show at UNCG! She is a current freshman in the BFA MT program. She would like to thank her family, friends and especially her teachers for there support.
Anya is thrilled to be participating in her first show at UNCG! She is a current freshman in the BFA MT program. She would like to thank her family, friends and especially her teachers for there support.
MacKenzie Moore
MacKenzie Moore is currently a freshman BA Drama Major with a Music Minor! She is so excited to be performing in her first UNCG production having been on the running crew for Into the Woods in the fall! She has previously appeared in Newsies(Davey), Something Rotten(Bea), Fiddler on the Roof(Golde), and The Drowsy Chaperone(Janet) all at Stagelights Theater Company! She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support as well as the entire cast and crew for all of their hard-work on this production! She hopes you all enjoy the show :))
MacKenzie Moore is currently a freshman BA Drama Major with a Music Minor! She is so excited to be performing in her first UNCG production having been on the running crew for Into the Woods in the fall! She has previously appeared in Newsies(Davey), Something Rotten(Bea), Fiddler on the Roof(Golde), and The Drowsy Chaperone(Janet) all at Stagelights Theater Company! She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support as well as the entire cast and crew for all of their hard-work on this production! She hopes you all enjoy the show :))
Patrick Mullen
Patrick Joseph Mullen is in his first year here at UNCG and is grateful to be making his mainstage musical debut this spring. He wants to thank all members of the freshman B.F.A. cohort, for either putting on this show with him, or sitting through the random greek mythology references in class with him. It’s not always easy to do, so thank you all members of his support system, most obviously his mom, who he truly, does love deeply!
Dedicated above all, to Nana, and Victoria.
Patrick Joseph Mullen is in his first year here at UNCG and is grateful to be making his mainstage musical debut this spring. He wants to thank all members of the freshman B.F.A. cohort, for either putting on this show with him, or sitting through the random greek mythology references in class with him. It’s not always easy to do, so thank you all members of his support system, most obviously his mom, who he truly, does love deeply!
Dedicated above all, to Nana, and Victoria.
Patrick Nguyen
Patrick Nguyen (Hades, Ensemble, Grover/Mr.D U/S) Patrick is very excited to be doing his first Main stage production at UNCG! Patrick is a Sophomore BA Drama Major with a Double major in Arts Administration. Previous credits in Greensboro outside of college include Into the Woods (Cinderella Prince/The Wolf) at the Community Theater of Greensboro, The Tempest (Ferdinand) with Shared Radiance, and Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick) with Goodly Frame Theatre. Patrick Would like to thank his friends and family for all their support and hope you enjoy this amazing show!
Patrick Nguyen (Hades, Ensemble, Grover/Mr.D U/S) Patrick is very excited to be doing his first Main stage production at UNCG! Patrick is a Sophomore BA Drama Major with a Double major in Arts Administration. Previous credits in Greensboro outside of college include Into the Woods (Cinderella Prince/The Wolf) at the Community Theater of Greensboro, The Tempest (Ferdinand) with Shared Radiance, and Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick) with Goodly Frame Theatre. Patrick Would like to thank his friends and family for all their support and hope you enjoy this amazing show!
Riley Sharp
Riley Sharp is a third-year student at UNCG pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. The Lightning Thief is the third production at UNCG that she’s performed in after being in the ensemble of Rock of Ages and Into the Woods. Her previous roles include Donna in Mamma Mia! and Eponine in Les Miserables at Dallastown High School in her hometown of York, Pennsylvania. She would like to dedicate this performance to her grandmother who always supported her theatre passions.
Riley Sharp is a third-year student at UNCG pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. The Lightning Thief is the third production at UNCG that she’s performed in after being in the ensemble of Rock of Ages and Into the Woods. Her previous roles include Donna in Mamma Mia! and Eponine in Les Miserables at Dallastown High School in her hometown of York, Pennsylvania. She would like to dedicate this performance to her grandmother who always supported her theatre passions.
Preston Smith
Preston Smith is a first year musical theater student who is proud to join his second UNCG mainstage production as Chiron. He would like to thank his roommates as well as his parents for their continued support. He would also like to thank the back half of his legs and everyone involved in the making of them for the most fun he has ever had in a costume. Previous credits include Robert Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), Demetrius (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and Harold Hill (The Music Man)
Preston Smith is a first year musical theater student who is proud to join his second UNCG mainstage production as Chiron. He would like to thank his roommates as well as his parents for their continued support. He would also like to thank the back half of his legs and everyone involved in the making of them for the most fun he has ever had in a costume. Previous credits include Robert Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), Demetrius (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and Harold Hill (The Music Man)
Symoné Spencer
Symoné Spencer, a Sophomore BFA Musical Theater student, is excited to be apart of another UNCG production. Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Symoné spent her formative years matriculating through the Wake County Public School System and graduated from William G. Enloe High School. Although singing was something that came naturally to her, her true dream of stage and song came to fruition in January 2015. Landing the role of Annie in her elementary school’s winter production propelled Symoné into the world of musical theatre and ignited her passion for the stage. Symoné is excited to showcase her passion for the stage through this role and thanks her family, friends, and the UNCG faculty for their endless support.
Symoné Spencer, a Sophomore BFA Musical Theater student, is excited to be apart of another UNCG production. Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Symoné spent her formative years matriculating through the Wake County Public School System and graduated from William G. Enloe High School. Although singing was something that came naturally to her, her true dream of stage and song came to fruition in January 2015. Landing the role of Annie in her elementary school’s winter production propelled Symoné into the world of musical theatre and ignited her passion for the stage. Symoné is excited to showcase her passion for the stage through this role and thanks her family, friends, and the UNCG faculty for their endless support.
Shelby Starr
Shelby is a senior BA Drama major. She’s so excited to finish out her college experience by playing a demigod in The Lightning Thief, and she hopes everyone will have a great time with this hilarious and magical show. She wants to thank her family and friends for always supporting and believing in her throughout her journey as a performer.
Shelby is a senior BA Drama major. She’s so excited to finish out her college experience by playing a demigod in The Lightning Thief, and she hopes everyone will have a great time with this hilarious and magical show. She wants to thank her family and friends for always supporting and believing in her throughout her journey as a performer.
Joey Urgino
Joey Urgino (Percy) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major. He is beyond stoked to embark on this epic quest in his third main stage production at UNCG, stepping into the shoes (and sword-swinging action) of his all-time favorite literary hero, Percy Jackson! UNCG credits include Rapunzel’s Prince in “Into the Woods,” and ensemble/Drew U/S in “Rock of Ages.” Joey had the privilege to workshop and portray Redvers in “Private Jones” and Bethge in “Bonhoeffer: The Musical” at The New Musicals Lab. He’s immensely grateful to his family for their love, to his professors for their mentorship, and to the cast and crew for their friendship, dedication and generosity, all contributing to the magic on and off stage. *Isaiah 43:1
Joey Urgino (Percy) is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major. He is beyond stoked to embark on this epic quest in his third main stage production at UNCG, stepping into the shoes (and sword-swinging action) of his all-time favorite literary hero, Percy Jackson! UNCG credits include Rapunzel’s Prince in “Into the Woods,” and ensemble/Drew U/S in “Rock of Ages.” Joey had the privilege to workshop and portray Redvers in “Private Jones” and Bethge in “Bonhoeffer: The Musical” at The New Musicals Lab. He’s immensely grateful to his family for their love, to his professors for their mentorship, and to the cast and crew for their friendship, dedication and generosity, all contributing to the magic on and off stage. *Isaiah 43:1
Augusta Wilson
Augusta Wilson is a first year BA drama student from Durham, NC. She is delighted to be a part of her first UNCG production! A few of her previous credits include Into the Woods ( Cinderella), Kentucky ( Hiro), and The Crucible ( Elizabeth). She would like to thank her moms, brother, and wonderful aunties, as well as the cast and crew. She would also like to thank the Celtics and can’t wait to win Banner 18 in June ☘️
Augusta Wilson is a first year BA drama student from Durham, NC. She is delighted to be a part of her first UNCG production! A few of her previous credits include Into the Woods ( Cinderella), Kentucky ( Hiro), and The Crucible ( Elizabeth). She would like to thank her moms, brother, and wonderful aunties, as well as the cast and crew. She would also like to thank the Celtics and can’t wait to win Banner 18 in June ☘️
Crew
Seth Fogelsonger
Seth Fogelsonger is a senior Sound Engineer/Designer in the BFA Design & Technical Production program. At UNCG he has previously worked on Night of the Living Dead, Rock of Ages, Winnie-the-Pooh, Wild Party, The Spongebob Musical, and Peter and the Starcatcher. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Seth Fogelsonger is a senior Sound Engineer/Designer in the BFA Design & Technical Production program. At UNCG he has previously worked on Night of the Living Dead, Rock of Ages, Winnie-the-Pooh, Wild Party, The Spongebob Musical, and Peter and the Starcatcher. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Gabrielle Gajus
Gabrielle (she/her) is a senior BFA Design/Tech Major and the head electrician for this production! This is her final production at UNCG and she is very excited to share her work with you. She’d like to thank her parents and her friends for supporting her through her time here at UNCG.
Gabrielle (she/her) is a senior BFA Design/Tech Major and the head electrician for this production! This is her final production at UNCG and she is very excited to share her work with you. She’d like to thank her parents and her friends for supporting her through her time here at UNCG.
Nicholette Lattibeaudier
Nicholette Lattibeaudeir ( Lighting Designer) is a graduating senior this year. She will graduate with a BFA in Des/Tech with a focus in stage management and electrics. She wants to thank her family and friends for their continued support. She would also like to thank the faculty and staff for their support. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Nicholette Lattibeaudeir ( Lighting Designer) is a graduating senior this year. She will graduate with a BFA in Des/Tech with a focus in stage management and electrics. She wants to thank her family and friends for their continued support. She would also like to thank the faculty and staff for their support. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Kevin Lawson
Kevin Lawson is an award winning off-broadway music director, composer, and vocal coach. His NY credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game (The Gallery Players), and Urinetown! (5th Floor Productions). Regional credits include On The Twentieth Century (Theatre at Monmouth), Cinderella (Penobscot Theatre), Love You, Perfect, Now Change, Godspell (Open Space), Disenchanted (DCT, Regional Premiere), Kevin was also the resident music director for the American Melodrama Theatre for 3 years in California. Outside of theatre Kevin served 2 years overseas as a volunteer with the Peace Corps and has worked in refugee resettlement with the International Rescue Committee. He is currently pursuing an MFA in Music Direction for Musical Theatre at UNCG.
Kevin Lawson is an award winning off-broadway music director, composer, and vocal coach. His NY credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game (The Gallery Players), and Urinetown! (5th Floor Productions). Regional credits include On The Twentieth Century (Theatre at Monmouth), Cinderella (Penobscot Theatre), Love You, Perfect, Now Change, Godspell (Open Space), Disenchanted (DCT, Regional Premiere), Kevin was also the resident music director for the American Melodrama Theatre for 3 years in California. Outside of theatre Kevin served 2 years overseas as a volunteer with the Peace Corps and has worked in refugee resettlement with the International Rescue Committee. He is currently pursuing an MFA in Music Direction for Musical Theatre at UNCG.
Alex Oaks
Alex Oaks (Stage Manager) is a senior Stage Manager and Costume Technician in the Drama: Design and Technical Production program. They have previously worked as the Production Stage Manager for Roe and as the Assistant Stage Manager for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Julies. Alongside stage managements, they have also worked in UNCG’s costume shop as a First Hand on several productions, including Tartuffe, Into the Woods, Rock of Ages, and The Spongebob Musical. Alex would like to thank their parents, their partner, and the Soup Night Crew for all their amazing love and support. They would also like to give a huge thanks to their ASMs for all their hard work. They are excited to close out their time at UNCG by crossing off a bucket list show and position. They hope you all enjoy the show and remember not to get eaten by monsters!
Alex Oaks (Stage Manager) is a senior Stage Manager and Costume Technician in the Drama: Design and Technical Production program. They have previously worked as the Production Stage Manager for Roe and as the Assistant Stage Manager for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Julies. Alongside stage managements, they have also worked in UNCG’s costume shop as a First Hand on several productions, including Tartuffe, Into the Woods, Rock of Ages, and The Spongebob Musical. Alex would like to thank their parents, their partner, and the Soup Night Crew for all their amazing love and support. They would also like to give a huge thanks to their ASMs for all their hard work. They are excited to close out their time at UNCG by crossing off a bucket list show and position. They hope you all enjoy the show and remember not to get eaten by monsters!
Michael Riha
Michael J. Riha is a professor of theatre and has taught at the University of Arkansas since 1992. Michael’s Broadway credits include, Assistant Designer to Christine Jones on the musical, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, and the Metropolitan Opera’s 2013 production of Rigoletto. He has worked as an Assistant Designer to the late John Iacovelli on productions at the Southcoast Rep, The Mark Taper Forum, and the Princess Cruise Line. He’s also worked at the Muny in St. Louis, MO and on the national tour of Fiddler on the Roof, and has designed 14 productions at TheatreSquared. He is currently on faculty at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville where he serves as the Chair of the Department of Theatre. He has designed sets and lighting for over one hundred productions, and is the author of “Starting Your Career as a Theatrical Designer: Insights and Advice from Leading Broadway Designers” published by Allworth Press. Michael is a proud member of USA-829.
Michael J. Riha is a professor of theatre and has taught at the University of Arkansas since 1992. Michael’s Broadway credits include, Assistant Designer to Christine Jones on the musical, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, and the Metropolitan Opera’s 2013 production of Rigoletto. He has worked as an Assistant Designer to the late John Iacovelli on productions at the Southcoast Rep, The Mark Taper Forum, and the Princess Cruise Line. He’s also worked at the Muny in St. Louis, MO and on the national tour of Fiddler on the Roof, and has designed 14 productions at TheatreSquared. He is currently on faculty at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville where he serves as the Chair of the Department of Theatre. He has designed sets and lighting for over one hundred productions, and is the author of “Starting Your Career as a Theatrical Designer: Insights and Advice from Leading Broadway Designers” published by Allworth Press. Michael is a proud member of USA-829.
Emily Soltes
Emily is a first year BFA Drama: Design and Technical Production student with a concentration in Stage Management. This is her second show at UNCG, her first being stage crew on Tartuffe! She is very excited to be a part of this incredible show as a huge fan of the book series and she hopes y’all love this show as much as she does!
Emily is a first year BFA Drama: Design and Technical Production student with a concentration in Stage Management. This is her second show at UNCG, her first being stage crew on Tartuffe! She is very excited to be a part of this incredible show as a huge fan of the book series and she hopes y’all love this show as much as she does!
Tala Terrell
Tala Terrell is a third year BA in Drama and Spanish from Liberty, North Carolina. She is currently serving as Vice President of Alpha Psi Omega. Tala previously worked as stage crew for Wake Up Brother Bear and is throughly enjoying being assistant stage manager for this show. She is so thankful to be a part of this production and the wonderful people helping make it possible.
Tala Terrell is a third year BA in Drama and Spanish from Liberty, North Carolina. She is currently serving as Vice President of Alpha Psi Omega. Tala previously worked as stage crew for Wake Up Brother Bear and is throughly enjoying being assistant stage manager for this show. She is so thankful to be a part of this production and the wonderful people helping make it possible.
Stella Vatsndal
Stella Vatnsdal a third year Master’s student in Design. She holds a degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Scenic and Costume design. In her free time, she likes to hang out with her dog and read. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Stella Vatnsdal a third year Master’s student in Design. She holds a degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Scenic and Costume design. In her free time, she likes to hang out with her dog and read. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Nicole Wylie
Nicole Wylie is a freshman BFA DesTech major at UNCG. She has recently worked on Into The Woods (fly rail) at UNCG. She is grateful to have an amazing team to bring this show together.
Nicole Wylie is a freshman BFA DesTech major at UNCG. She has recently worked on Into The Woods (fly rail) at UNCG. She is grateful to have an amazing team to bring this show together.