181 WHITE STREET, DANBURY, CONN. WCSU.

EDU/ SVPA
 WCSU DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE ARTS
PRESENTS

Be More Funny, and

Other Short Plays
Written by
Eric Lane

Directed by

Pam McDaniel

Lead Audio/Video/Editor Assoc. Audio/Video/Editor Sound Designer

RJ Romeo Evan Brenner Leo Faitakes

Head Costumer Asst. to the Costume Designer Hair & Makeup

Courtney Skeens Alessandra Munroe Abby Cunningham

Producer Associate Producer Graphic Designer

Pam McDaniel Dr. Justin P. Cowan Bay Tait
Ralph Capriglione

Production Manager Asst. Production Manager Production Stage Manager

Frank Herbert Jenna Atherton Meredith Yoho

This event is originating on the ancestral lands of the Weantinock and Schaghticoke
people, who stewarded this land for generations. The WCSU Theatre Arts department
recognizes and respects the enduring relationship that exists between indigenous
peoples and their traditional homelands.

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, WCSU WESTSIDE

CAMPUS, 43 LAKE AVE. EXTENSION, DANBURY, CONN. 06811
WCSU.EDU/SVPA
 Note from the Dramaturg
In the words of Cosima Tuti, “Be MORE Funny.” Cosima Tuti, the protagonist of “Be More
Funny,” provides this prescription for survival. The title of the collection Be More Funny was
picked to encapsulate the feeling of the whole piece. Although there are hardships we
experience in life, we have humor to remind us not to take everything too seriously and that
everything will work out.

While we are living in a time where we are all separated in different ways, this play reinforces
our need for human connection. These short plays all show characters seeking connection.
Each character has their own humanity that makes them realistic and relatable for all
audiences. Our playwright, Eric Lane, claims each short play possesses a sort of simplicity
and clarity that allows Be More Funny to be especially relevant in our world today.

Surprisingly, these short plays were not intended to be a collection. Lane has written many
plays, including full-length ones. Some of these short plays were written a while ago and
performed on their own, and some have been written only a few weeks ago and will be
performed here for the first time. In the collecting of these short plays, we can acknowledge
how some stories do not take a long time to tell. But no matter the length, they all leave us
with the sense of connection among the characters.

A few of the short plays are inspired by real-life events. “The View from Here” touches on the
impacts 9/11 has had on different kinds of people. Lane’s inspiration for this piece came from
his experience working in the Freedom Tower after 9/11. He stated that the intensity he felt
going to work there every day, and the fact that he was in New York when 9/11 occurred,
allowed him to write “The View from Here.” “Knock” places us at the beginning of the Covid-
19 pandemic. After living through the uncertainty and the hopelessness that came with being
quarantined, Lane was able to express the feelings we all experience during these
unprecedented times. “Faith” explores the scandals of priests molesting young boys in the
Catholic church. Though this issue is not as topically current as the some of the other short
plays, it is unfortunately a situation that we still hear about in the news, making it relevant in
today’s world.

These short plays based on real-life events give us some insight into understanding
humanity. Most people can recall where they were when the events of 9/11 occurred. A lot of
people felt betrayed by the church when the scandals emerged. And we all continue to live
through the uncertainty of the coronavirus. These short plays reinforce the idea that we are
not going through these hardships alone.

Be More Funny reminds us that we are all human and that a little laughter is the best
medicine.

“If you build it, they will come.”- “Curtain Raiser,” Eric Lane

-Haley Napier, Dramaturg

For more information on Be More Funny, enjoy this Prezi:

https://prezi.com/view/Yz2apDSCdHibJByDJelr/
 CAST

Jessica Abbotts Ana Borque Julia Bussell Jamishay Cammann

Patrick Cassidy Hunter Chicoine Alexandra Colaiacovo Kayla Fischer

Colin Tyler

Kenneth Galm Victoria Gentile Sean Gorman Tim Halligan

Dean Grace

Liv Heaton Jared Hirsch Robert Knippel Crystal Madore

Sierra Mayhew Michele McDonald Liam McGrath Haley Napier

Bailey Nickerson Beckett Pais Elizabeth Quinby Ashley Raymond

Alex Rushton Joey Taylor Tina Vlamis

 Cast

Curtain Raiser
Oscar………………..…………………………….…..…………………………………………..…………….…………JOEY TAYLOR
Lorraine.…………………………………………………………..……………………….…………….…….JAMISHAY CAMMANN

Lady Liberty and The Donut Girl

Wes..…………………………………………………………………………..…..………………….…..……….HUNTER CHICOINE
Erin.…………………………….…………………………………………………...…………………….…………JESSICA ABBOTTS

Ride
Carrie..…………………………………………………………………………..…….………..………….………ASHLEY RAYMOND
Molly…….………………….…………….…………………………………………….………………….………ELIZABETH QUINBY

Faith
Father.…..……………………………………………………………….……….……….…………………………....TIM HALLIGAN
Michael.……….………….………………………………………………………………….……………...…..….…KENNETH GALM

The Statue of Bolivar

Jemma.……..……………………………………………………….………….….…………………………….…………LIV HEATON
Elizabeth.…..………….…………..………………………………………………………….…………………CHRYSTAL MADORE

Bear Essentials
Ron..………………………….………….…………………...……………………….…………………………………SEAN GORMAN
Kate.…………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………HALEY NAPIER
Valishnavi…………………………………………………………………….………………………………….………JARED HIRSCH
Lydia.…………….………………………………..………..……………………...……………………ALEXANDRA COLAIACOVO

The Table
Kate.………………………………………………………………………………………….….……………….………KAYLA FISCHER
Joe………….…..……………………………………………………………………………………………..…..…PATRICK CASSIDY
Shay…………………………………………………………………….…………….…………………….………BAILEY NICKERSON
Ana……………………..………………………………………….………………………..…………………………SIERRA MAYHEW

Assumptions
Ray…………..……………………………………………………………………………………………..………………BECKETT PAIS
Bailey…………………………………………………………………………………………….….…………..……….ALEX RUSHTON

OH
Annie……………………………………………………………………………………….…………………...…....……ANA BORQUE
Jim……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..…………ROBERT KNIPPEL
The View from Here
Ellen…………….……………………………………………………………………………………..………..….VICTORIA GENTILE
Barry…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....……LIAM MCGRATH
Arlene…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….MICHELE MCDONALD
Mac……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………….ROBERT KNIPPEL

Be More Funny
Cheryl Barnett…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….TINA VLAMIS
Cosima Tutti………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………JULIA BUSSELL

PRODUCTION TEAM WCSU THEATRE

Director……………………….………PAM MCDANIEL
Asst. to the Director………………...ANA BORQUE
Dramaturg………………………….…HALEY NAPIER
Producer……………………..………PAM MCDANIEL
Associate Producer…..…DR. JUSTIN P. COWAN
Production Manager………….FRANK HERBERT
Asst. Production Manager….JENNA ATHERTON
Production Stage Manager…MEREDITH YOHO
Assistant Stage Manager…….HALEIGH OLIVER
Audio/Video Supervisor…………………RJ ROMEO
Audio/Video Designer….….ARIELLE EDWARDS
Lead Audio/Video/Editor.….DOMINICK WALCH
Assoc. Audio/Video/Editor…....EVAN BRENNER
Sound Designer………………..……LEO FAITAKES
Props Master.…….………….…..BRENDA CHAVES
Costume Supervisor…….JONI JOHNS LERNER
Costume Shop Supervisor…..CHRISTINA BEAM
Head Costumer.……………..COURTNEY SKEENS
Asst. to the Costume Designer……………….……..
………………………………..ALESSANDRA MUNROE
Hair & Makeup….……..……ABBY CUNNINGHAM
Graphic Designer……………………..…...BAY TAIT
Graphic Designer………....RALPH CAPRIGLIONE
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT
PERSONNEL
University Assistant………...…CHRISTINA BEAM
JOHN BONANNI
…………………………………….….JOSEPH BREWER
…………………………………………MARK FOCARILE
VPAC Events Coordinator……..…..ERIC GOMEZ
VPAC Technical Coordinator…….KORI HANSEN
VPAC Audio and Information Tech Coordinator
…………………………………….SHELDON STEIGER
Theatre Dept. Secretary….…....ABIGAIL BUETI
FACULTY
Dean, School of Visual and Performing Arts…..
………………………………………BRIAN T. VERNON
Chair/Professor……………..……. PAM MCDANIEL
Assoc. Chair/Assistant Professor…………………..
……………………………….DR. JUSTIN P. COWAN
Professor…………………………DONALD GAGNON
Professor……………………..……FRANK HERBERT
Professor……………………....ELIZABETH POPIEL
Professor……………………..………...SAL TRAPANI
Associate Professor/Coordinator of Musical
Theatre………………………..………. TIM HOWARD
Adjunct Professors………………………...MICHAEL
BARTOLI, HELEN BECHARD, CHRISTOPHER
BOLAN, LOUISA BURNS-BISOGNO, SCOTT
CALLY, ROB DECINA, ANTHONY DEPOTO,
CHRISTOPHER DONOVAN, ARIELLE
EDWARDS, MAUREEN FREEDMAN, PHILLIP
GEORGE, JOHN HICKOK, KIMILLE HOWARD,
HOPE KATCHER STRIANO, MARY ANN LAMB,
NEAL LERNER, VICTORIA MACK, JAN MASON,
KAIA MONROE RARICK, MEGAN OSTERHAUS,
HEATHER PATTERSON KING, ELIZABETH
PARKINSON, BRENDA PHELPS, JEREMY
POWELL, JANELLE ROBINSON, RJ ROMERO,
JOSHUA ROSE, MARIAH SAGE, SCOTT WISE
UNIVERSITY
PUBLICATIONS AND
DESIGN
Director…………………………….JEFFREY TALBOT
Assistant Director………..…………ELLEN MYHILL
Photographer……….……………PEGGY STEWART

UNIVERSITY
RELATIONS
Director……………………………PAUL STEINMETZ
Associate Director…………………….SHERRI HILL
 WHO’S WHO IN THE
CAST
JESSICA ABBOTTS (Erin) is a junior
Theatre Performance and Music double
major from East Hampton, CT. WCSU credits
include Animal Farm (Ensemble), Happy
Meal (Stephen), Hired Help (Body Removal
Woman), and The Second
Beam (Patti Scharer U/S). Other credits
include Footloose (Vi Moore), Pippin
(Leading Player), and The Children’s
Hour (Martha Dobie) at East Hampton High
School.
ANA BOURQUE (Annie/Assistant Director)
is a sophomore Theatre Performance Major
from Hartland, CT. WCSU credits
include Family by Numbers (Youngest Son)
and 2002: 15 Minutes of Clown Fame (U/S
Joe). Outside credits include The Drowsy
Chaperone (Superintendent) and The Little
Mermaid (Featured Ensemble).
JULIA BUSSELL (Cosima Tutti) is a junior
Theatre Performance major from Westfield,
MA. WCSU credits include Crazy for
You (wardrobe crew), What Remains of
Youth (Sydney 2), and Hand to
God (SFX/Makeup Head).
JAMISHAY CAMMANN (Lorraine) is a
freshman Theatre and performance major
from New Paltz, NY. Credits
include Chicago (Roxie), 25th Annual
Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne),
and Fame (Carmen) at Pied Piper Youth
Theater.
PATRICK CASSIDY (Joe) is a senior
Theatre Performance major
from Middlebury, CT. WCSU credits
include Bright. Apple. Crush (Ethan) and Just
One Night (Dave). Other credits
include Guys and Dolls (Lt. Brannigan)
and Les Misérables (Ensemble) at The Taft
School, The Crucible (John
Willard), and Murder at the Orient
Express (Lester Peapicker).
HUNTER CHICOINE (Wes) is a sophomore
Theatre Performance major from Granby,
CT. WCSU credits include What Can We Do
(Anson). Other credits include
Grease (Roger), Fiddler on the
Roof (Motel), Cinderella (Prince Topher),
How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying (Mr. Twimble), Drowsy
Chaperone (Pastry Chef), Almost,
Maine (Chad), Miracle Worker (James
Keller), Our Town (Howie Newsome),
and Inherit the Wind (Howard) at Granby
Memorial High School and Simsbury Summer
Theatre.
ALEXANDRA COLAIACOVO (Nola) is a
freshman Theatre Performance major from
Ocean, NJ. Credits include Camp: A
New Muscal (Sticks), The Wizard of
Oz (Wicked Witch/Almira Gulch),
Bye Bye Birdie (Mae Peterson), and The
Laramie Project (Marge Murray). @covo728
KAYLA FISCHER (Kate) is a senior Theatre
Performance major from Middletown,
NY. WCSU credits include Bright. Apple.
Crush. (Dani), Misremember (Margaret),
Reunion (Abby/US Eliza).
KENNETH GALM (Michael) is a senior BFA
Musical Theatre major from West Hartford,
CT. WCSU Credits include A Little Night
Music (Henrik), UBU (Boggerlas), The Who’s
Tommy (Cousin Kevin) 25th Annual..., Evita,
Clybourne Park. Other credits include
Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg) * CT Critics
Circle award for Outstanding Debut.
@kenneth_galm
VICTORIA GENTILE (Ellie) is a senior
Theatre Performance major from East
Haven, CT. WCSU credits include Beth and
Samantha (Ten-Minute Play). Other credits
include Cloud 9 (Edward/Betty) and
Road (Louise/Clare/Helen/Sheena) at the
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
SEAN GORMAN (Jon) is a junior Theatre
Performance major from Bethel, CT. Other
credits include Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric
Play (Mr. Burns/Gibson) at Naugatuck Valley
Community College, Harvey (Elwood
P. Dowd) at Bethel High School,
Insomniacs (Reese) at Playhouse on
Park. Macbeth (Angus/Murderer), A
Midsummer Night’s Dream
(Demetrius), and The Monroe
Doctrine (Dylan) at The Brookfield Theatre
for the Arts. @seangorman98
TIM HALLIGAN (Father) is a senior
Theatre Performance major from Rocky Hill,
CT. WCSU credits include Death Valley
DQ (Hank) and Charlotte’s
Web (Homer Zuckerman, Avery Arable).
Other credits include Oklahoma! (Judd
Fry), Beauty and the Beast (Beast),
and Little Shop of Horrors (Orin Scrivello,
D.D.S.)
LIV HEATON (Jemma) is a senior
Theatre Performance major from New
Milford, CT. WCSU credits
include The Resistible Rise of Arturo
Ui (Bodygaurd), Great to See
You (Liza), Bagel Club (Zoe). Other credits
include The Tempest (Ariel). @livheat
JARED HIRSCH (Max) is a senior Theatre
Performance major form Monroe, CT. WCSU
credits include Much Ado About Nothing
(Conrade/Don John US/Borachio US),
Animal Farm (Moses), and Hamlet (British
Ambassador). Other credits include The
Addams Family (Uncle Fester) at
Masuk Repertory Theatre.
ROBERT KNIPPEL (Mac/Jim) is a junior
Theatre Performance major from Brookfield,
CT. WCSU credits include The Resistible Rise
of Arturo Ui (Caruther), and Neither
Knows (Dad). Other credits include Shrek
The Musical (Shrek), The Addams Family
Musical (Uncle Fester), Willy Wonka
(Augustus Gloop) and Guys and Dolls (Angie
The Ox) at Brookfield High School.
@robertknippel
CRYSTAL MADORE (Elizabeth) is a senior
BA Music and Theatre Performance double
major from Southington, CT. WCSU credits
include Sovereignty (Mrs. Elsbeth) and Holy
Shit! (Mary Magdalene). Other credits
include Shrek the Musical Jr. (Director),
Beauty and the Beast (Babette), and A
Midsummer Night’s Dream (Lysander).
SIERRA MAYHEW (Ana) is a junior
Theatre Performance major from Pawling,
NY. Credits include in High School Musical
(Susan) Off-Broadway with KOTA
Productions, Cabaret (Rosie, u/s Sally
Bowles) at Dutchess Community College,
Shrek: the Musical (Princess Fiona), and 13:
the Musical (Eddie) with Pied Piper Youth
Theatre.
MICHELE MCDONALD (Arlene) is a junior
Theatre Performance Major from Southbury,
CT; born and raised in Danbury. WCSU
credits include Fiddler on the Roof
(Ensemble- 1983). Other credits
include Little Mary Sunshine (Cora), The
Sound of Music (Sister Berthe),
Anything Goes (Ensemble) at Musical at
Richter, Jerry’s Girls (Michele) at The
Brookfield Theatre for the Arts.
LIAM MCGRATH (Barry) is a junior Theatre
Performance Major from New Fairfield, CT.
WCSU credits include The Resistible Rise of
Arturo Ui (Butcher).
HALEY NAPIER (Beth/Dramaturg) is a
junior Theatre Performance and
Management major from Hopewell Junction,
NY. WCSU credits include The Whole
Moon (Amanda) and Tommy (ASM). Other
credits include Footloose (Vi) and All Shook
Up (Matilda) at Sharon Playhouse.
BAILEY NICKERSON (Shay) is a senior
Theatre Performance major from Old Lyme,
CT. WCSU credits include The Resistible Rise
of Arturo Ui (Butler/Ensemble/US
Prosecutor), Kingdom of the Spider (Bible
Girl). Other credits include Rumors at
Theatre Under the Shell (Officer Walch/ US
Cassie), Fiddler on the Roof at East Lyme
Regional Theatre (Featured Dancer/ Bottle
Dancer). @bailey._nickerson
BECKETT PAIS (Ray) is a sophomore BFA
Musical Theatre major from
Bethel, CT. WCSU credits include The
Who’s Tommy (Ten Year-Old Tommy)
and What Can We Do? (Kurt Kelly). Other
credits include Footloose (Chuck
Cranston), Almost, Maine (East, Steve, and
Dave), and The Pajama Game (Myron
Hasler) at Bethel High School. @beckettd.p
ELIZABETH QUINBY (Molly) is a junior
theater performance and design tech major
from Poughkeepsie, NY. WCSU performance
credits include Beth and Samantha
(Beth), Family by Numbers (Middle Child),
and BEE (Lee72). Other credits include
Crazy for You (Patsy) and All Shook Up at
Sharon Playhouse (Dance
Captain/Ensemble). @lizzyquinby
ASHLEY RAYMOND (Carrie) is a junior
theater performance and design tech major
from Ridgefield, CT. WCSU performance
credits include Much Ado About
Nothing (Messenger/US Margaret/US
Ursula/US Watchmen), The Resistible Rise of
Arturo Ui (Inna), Animal Farm (Mollie),
and Charlotte's Web (Goose). Other credits
include Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat at ACT of
Connecticut (Ensemble).
ALEX RUSHTON (Bailey) is a junior Theatre
Performance major from White River
Junction, VT. WCSU credits
include Crazy For You (Sam), Holy Sh*t (Jud
as), Sovereignty (Mr. Runihura). Outside
credits include Footloose (Reverend Shaw)
at North Country Community
Theatre, Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye) at
Hartford High School. @_rushtonroulette_
JOEY TAYLOR (Oscar) is a senior Theatre
Performance major from Wappingers Falls,
NY. WCSU credits include The Resistible Rise
of Arturo Ui (Sheet), The Way, The Truth,
The Life (Gil), and Animal
Farm (Dramaturg). Other credits
include Sweat (Jason) and Cabaret (Cliff)
at Dutchess Community College.
TINA VLAMIS (Cheryl) is a junior Theatre
Performance major from Prospect, CT.
WCSU credits include The Resistible Rise of
Arturo Ui (Ensemble/ Dockdaisy U/S), Animal
Farm (Pigeon), Charlotte’s Web
(Narrator), and Drugs are Bad (Mom).
FACULTY PRODUCTION
TEAM AND DESIGNERS
PAM MCDANIEL (Director/Producer/Chair) is
a professor of acting, directing and play
production, and chair of the WCSU
Department of Theatre Arts. At WCSU, she
has directed productions of Major Barbara,
Sweeney Todd, The Best Little Whorehouse in
Texas, City of Angels, Cabaret, The Cherry
Orchard, Nine, The Full Monty, The Mystery of
Edwin Drood and Kiss Me, Kate. She also
directed Two Nights Near Doolin, a play
written by WCSU faculty member Louisa
Burns-Bisogno. Her production of The Cherry
Orchard received a Merit award as
Outstanding Associate Production for Region
1, and her production of Sweeney Todd was
chosen for the Kennedy Center American
College Theater Festival (KCACTF). Prior to
coming to WCSU, McDaniel produced and
directed extensively in San Francisco and
Dallas/Fort Worth. She was a co-founder and
artistic director of San Francisco’s Annual
Working Women Festival, spotlighting
outstanding female theatre artists, and she
has worked with new plays for the New York
Chapter of the National Academy of Television
Arts and Sciences. Her M.F.A in Directing is
from the University of Texas-Austin with
additional study at the American Conservatory
Theatre in San Francisco, the Royal Academy
of Dramatic Arts in London, Actors Theatre of
Louisville, and New York City casting with
Daniel Swee at Theatre Communication
Group.
ERIC LANE (Playwright) is an award-winning
playwright and book editor. His plays have
been performed worldwide and are published
by Dramatists Play Service, Playscripts,
Dramatic Publishing and in Best American
Short Plays. Premieres include Ibis and
Riverbed (59E59),Ride (WHAT), Filming
O’Keeffe and Times of War (Adirondack
Theatre Festival) and Dancing on Checkers’
Grave, which starred Jennifer Aniston. With
Nina Shengold, he has co-edited 14 play
anthologies for Penguin and Vintage Books,
earning a Lambda Literary Award nomination.
Eric's short films have screened around the
globe, including at the British Film Institute
and the Director’s Guild of America. For TV’s
Ryan’s Hope, he received a Writer’s Guild
Award. Honors include the Berrilla Kerr
Playwriting Award and the La MaMa
Playwright Award. He has received fellowships
at Yaddo, VCCA and St. James Cavalier in
Malta. Eric is an honors graduate of Brown
University. www.ericlanewrites.com
CHRISTINA BEAM (Costume Shop
Supervisor) is a freelance costume designer
and technician working in New York and New
England. Beam graduated from UMass
Amherst in May 2019 with an M.F.A. in
costume design, after completing an
assistantship that also included rigorous work
in costume construction. Her recent design
credits include The Revolutionists by Lauren
Gunderson (Silverthorne Theater), Queer and
Now: Sync or Swim (NYPOP), She Loves
Me (UConn Opera) and Taylor Mac’s The Lily’s
Revenge: A Flowergory Manifold (UMass). Her
designs for The Lily’s Revenge were included
as part of the 2019 Emerging
Artist/Imagination Exhibit at the 2019 USITT
Prague Quadrennial. Since graduation, she
has devoted much of her time to working as a
draper for Connecticut Repertory Theatre and
as a stitcher for Hartford Stage. She is
thrilled to be joining the WCSU family in her
new role as Costume Shop Supervisor.
DR. JUSTIN P. COWAN (Associate
Chair/Associate Producer) Cowan’s New York
regional credits include West Side Story, The
Producers, Hairspray, Cabaret and Annie Get
Your Gun. Other regional credits include
Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with
George (North Carolina Summer Rep), Damn
Yankees, Avenue Q, Gypsy, Guys and Dolls,
Legally Blonde, How To Succeed... (Ocean
State Theatre Company), South Pacific, Man
of La Mancha, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Dirty
Blonde, A Christmas Carol (Triad Stage), The
Fantasticks (Florida Repertory Theatre), The
Drowsy Chaperone (Maples Repertory
Theatre), Always…Patsy Cline, Ethel Waters’
His Eye is on the Sparrow (Florida Studio
Theatre), Little Shop Of Horrors, Something’s
Afoot, A Grand Night For Singing (the
Schoolhouse Theatre), The Secret Garden,
Into the Woods (The Gallery Players), Zombie
Prom, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
(North Carolina Theatre Alliance), Caroline, or
Change, Heathers, Hairspray, Into the Woods,
Monty Python’s Spamalot, Mr. Burns: A Post-
Electric Play, A Year With Frog and Toad, Dani
Girl, Cabaret (UNCG School of Theatre).
Church Basement Ladies, Are We There Yet?.
The Winter Wonderettes (Prather
Entertainment Group), Little Women, Single
Rider (University of Alabama), Dirty Rotten
Scoundrels, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Das Barbecü,
Songs For A New World andThe 25th
Annual...Spelling Bee (BIG ARTS Herb Strauss
Theatre). He holds D.M.A. and M.M. degrees
in Conducting and a B.A. in Voice from the
University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
www.ConductorCowan.com,
www.DirectorCowan.com
ARIELLE EDWARDS (Sound Designer) is a
former assistant audio supervisor for the
Public Theater and Shakespeare In the Park,
working on shows there from 2008 through
2013. As a freelance sound engineer off-
Broadway, she worked on productions of Altar
Boyz at New World Stages, Walmartopia at
Minetta Lane, and Jack Goes Boating starring
Philip Seymour Hoffman with LAByrinth
Theater Company. Winner of the Connecticut
Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Sound
Design for dance of the holy ghosts at Yale
Repertory Theatre. She holds a B.A. from
Vassar College and an M.F.A. from Yale
School of Drama.
KORI HANSEN (Technical Coordinator/
Adjunct Professor) is responsible for the
training and maintenance of the equipment
for the Art, Music and Theatre Arts
departments in the building. She is also an
adjunct professor in the Theatre Arts
Department, teaching techniques in lighting
and rigging. Hansen received her B.F.A. in
Theatre Design Technology from SUNY
Purchase and has spent more than 30 years
working in live entertainment production and
management. Her early work includes
touring as an electrician for the Big Apple
Circus and working on the lighting crew at
Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City. From there,
she went on to work for Kliegl Brothers
Lighting and was exposed to theatrical
lighting from the manufacturing of fixtures
to the design for some of the first computer
and digital lighting systems. Before arriving
at WCSU, she worked for a production
company as a technical director for
corporate events and most recently spent 12
years as the production manager for the
Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill,
New York, where she managed more than
500 shows including children’s shows, dance
and countless rock-and-roll performances.
FRANK HERBERT (Professor) has spent 45-
plus years in theatre production and
management, with some design, direction and
performing throughout his career. As owner of
the Corner Shop Scenic Studios, he served
most of New York’s off-Broadway theatres,
dance and opera companies, trade, industrials
and television. Some of those credits include
work on the original production of Miguel
Pinero’s Short Eyes, the Broadway premiere of
Medea and Jason, David Mamet’s A Life in the
Theatre (the Marquis Display sits in his office
to this day) and David French’s Leaving
Home. Herbert served on the staff of the
Performing Arts Center at SUNY, where he
joined the design/tech faculty and was the
associate producer of the internationally
acclaimed Pepsico Summerfare bringing
music, theatre and dance from Japan,
Indonesia, Australia, Europe and throughout
the United States and Canada to the newly
created arts center. He has been on the
WCSU faculty since 1990 and served as the
Theatre Arts Department’s first chairman. He
originated the department’s productions for
Ives Concert Park’s Summer Concert Series in
2008 with Shalamazoo, which was later taken
to Edinburgh. He has enjoyed guest
assignments with the Aspen Music Festival, as
a scenic and lighting designer at the
University of Pennsylvania, and as lighting
designer for modern dance at TRC.
JONI JOHNS LERNER (Assistant Professor,
Costume Shop Manager) has been working in
the New York professional costume industry
for more than 35 years. As a textile artist, her
work can be seen on the stages of the
Broadway, National Tours, European and
Asian companies of The Lion King for the last
23 years. Other examples of her work have
been seen on the Broadway and National Tour
of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Wicked.
Multiple projects have included New York City
Ballet, American Ballet Theater, San Francisco
Ballet and Kansas City Ballet, and Bette
Midler’s Kiss My Brass and Las Vegas shows
as well as the Spider-Man costumes at
Universal Studios Theme Park in Florida.
Lerner was co-owner of Fabric Effects in New
York, a fabric dyeing, painting and silk
screening company serving the theatre, film
and fashion industries. She has collaborated
with numerous designers of stage, screen and
ballet, including Maurice Sendak on several
opera projects and an exclusive hand painted
scarf series.
A full list of WCSU Department of Theatre
Faculty is available on
www.wcsu.edu/theatrearts/faculty
 STUDENT PRODUCTION
TEAM
JENNA ATHERTON (Student Production
Manager) is a senior Theatre Management
and Design/Tech major from Bethel, CT.
WCSU credits include Animal Farm (PSM),
Evita (ASM) and Company (Properties
Master). Outside credits include What of The
Night (PSM, Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film
Institute), Asphodel’s (PSM/Sound Designer,
New York Theatre Festival) and Upright
Citizens Brigade (ASM, Long Wharf
Theatre).
EVAN BRENNER (Associate Audio/Video) is
a Design Technology major from Ridgefield,
CT. Outside credits include America Hurrah
at Anne Richardson Black Box (Lighting
Design), Stronger Voices at Anne Richardson
Black Box (Lighting Design), Pippin at
Curtain Call Theatre (Assistant Lighting
Design), Dark of the Moon
at Schimmel Center (Lighting
Programmer), Paranormal at Studio Theater
at Theater Row (Lighting
Programmer), Employee of The Month at
Studio Theater at Theater Row (Lighting
Programmer).
www.evanmbrennerdesigns.com
BRENDA CHAVES (Props) is a junior
Design Tech major from New Milford, CT.
Other credits include Mary
Poppins, Curtains, The Worst High School
Play In the World, Friday Night Live,
The Wizard of Oz, Improvapalooza, and
Grimm Brothers Spectaculathon.
ABBY CUNNINGHAM (Hair/Makeup) is a
sophomore Theatre Performance and Social
Sciences double major. WCSU credits
include Five Characters in Search of an
Exit (The Ballerina).
LEO FAITAKES (Assistant Audio/Video) is a
junior Theatre Design/Tech major from
Brewster, NY. WCSU Credits
include The Elixir of Love (Assistant Master
Carpenter and Flymen)
COURTNEY SKEENS (Costumer) is a
sophomore Theatre Design/Technology
major from West Haven, CT. WCSU credits
include A Little Night Music (running crew).
Outside credits include Footloose (Costumer,
Two Planks Theater Company).
BAY TAIT (Graphic Artist) is a sophomore
Theatre Design/Tech major from Stratford,
CT. Outside credits include The Drowsy
Chaperone (spotlight operator), How to
Succeed in Business… (props), and Over the
River and Through the Woods (art director).
DOMINICK WALCH (Lead Audio/Video) is
a senior Design Tech major from Brewster,
NY. WCSU Credits include Crazy for
You (Master Electrician), The Res. Rise of
Arturo Ui (Master Electrician), Hand to
God (Assistant Lighting Designer), A Little
Night Music (Assistant Technical Director).
Outside credits include 25th Annual Putnam
County Spelling Bee at ACT of CT (Master
Electrician) Harvey at Trinity Pawling Theatre
(Lighting Designer)
MEREDITH YOHO (Stage Manager) is a
junior Design Tech major from New Fairfield,
Connecticut. WCSU credits include The
Who’s Tommy (Assistant Master Carpenter),
and Bright. Apple. Crush. (Stage Manager).
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 WCSU.EDU/SVPA
About the School of Visual and Performing Arts

Western Connecticut State University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts (SVPA) establishes
Western as the premier regional center for cultural, intellectual and artistic excellence. SVPA
brings together the departments of Art, Theatre Arts and Music, allowing the university to better
promote and grow all three creative disciplines.

Mission Statement
• To offer the highest-quality educational, pre-professional and professional programming within a
liberal arts environment.
• To utilize fully our regional advantage in the arts and arts-related professions, including access to
outstanding faculty, guest artists and resources of New York City.
• To recruit the most talented students in the arts disciplines.
• To fulfill the role of designated center for the arts of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities
system.
• To attract major funding for scholarships and endowed faculty chairs.
• To enhance the cultural life and image of the university.
• To provide significant experiences in the arts for all students in academic programs across the university.

Contact Us
For more information about the school and its programs, please contact the Office of the Dean at
(203) 837-8851 or visit wcsu.edu/svpa.

Giving to the School

For information on giving opportunities to the SVPA, please contact the Office of Institutional
Advancement at (203) 837-8279.
 The Marian Anderson Naming Campaign
Please help us achieve our goal to name the
School of Visual and Performing Arts at
Western Connecticut State University in honor
of the legendary Marian Anderson. Your gift
will bring us one step closer to naming both
the School and Visual and Performing Arts
Center in recognition of this cultural icon and
longtime Danbury resident. The Anderson
School will be committed to excellence,
opportunity and inclusion.
All contributions to the Marian Anderson Fund
will go to the naming, development and
enhancement of the School of Visual and
Performing Arts and community
programming. A donation envelope may be
found at the box office.

FOLLOW US…

FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/WCSUDepartmentofTheatreArts

INSTAGRAM:
@wcsu_theatre