CAST
JOEL DIGGS (John Malachi Curtis) was born in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. He grew up in Reston, VA, and is currently a resident of Nashville, TN. Joel began his career in theatre in 2006 at Tennessee State University in Nashville. His theatre accolades include Ma’ Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Jitney, Topdog/Underdog, and Pipeline, just to name a few. Joel is truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the cast and crew in telling this wonderful and important story.
AVIS-MARIE BARNES (Betty Curtis) This is her second production with SigPro, her first being The Roommate in 2024. Her theatrical roles include: Sweetwater Taste, Oh Lord What a Night and The Best of Enemies (The Orlando Shakespeare Theater). Television roles include: Lodge 49 on AMC as Anita Jones, Oprah Winfrey's series Greenleaf as Misty Williams, and roles in the television shows Will Trent, Doom Patrol, Stranger Things, and Atlanta. Movie roles include: F1, My Mother the Madame, Pain Hustlers, Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul, Girlfriendship, R.A.D.A.R, The Dirt and Jeepers Creepers. She is originally from Montclair, NJ and an alumnus of Howard University School of Fine Arts. Bloom where planted. Avis-MarieBarnes.biz | FB: @avismarie.barnes
HERB NEWSOME* (William "Cochise" Brown) Theater: The First Deep Breath, Paradise Blue (Geffen Playhouse), A Raisin in the Sun (Fresno City Theater), A Fox on the Fairway, Fences, Twelfth Night, Driving Miss Daisy, Hay Fever (Lyric Repertory Company) Macbeth, Richard III (Colorado Shakespeare), Take Me Out (Foothills Theater), News To Me, Riding the Turnpike (Hartbeat Ensemble) Re:Definition (HHTF), No Place To Be Somebody (Penn Stage Center Stage), six August Wilson plays- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Kuntu Rep), Fences, The Piano Lesson, and Radio Golf (Penn State Centerstage) King Hedley II (A Noise Within) and Jitney (Elmwood Playhouse). Film: Brother from Another Planet, Untamed, American Exit, Sweet Nothings, Pimpin' Ain't Easy, Aban-
doned. Education: MFA in Acting from Penn State. herbnewsome.com | IG: @herbnewsome
JACQUELIN LORRAINE
SCHOFIELD* (Hattie Mae Brown) hails from Brooklyn, NY. She is a proud Afro-Latina, USAF Veteran, and she is thrilled to be making her debut with SigPro. Jacquelin is most proud to have been the first Afro-Latina to play Abuela Claudia in La Mirada’s production of In The Heights. Other Theatre Credits: The Crucible (Theatricum); Sister Act: The Musical (CASA 0101 Theatre); Bronco Billy, The Musical (Skylight Theatre); Bad Habits (Ruskin Group Theatre); A Great Wilderness (Rogue Machine); Come Get Maggie (Rogue); Marilyn, Mom & Me (ICT Long Beach). Honors: NAACP Award (Rapunzel Alone - 24th Street Theatre and The Color Purple - Greenway Court Theatre) and Ovation Award (The Color Purple - Celebration Theatre). #IcandoallthingsthroughChrist IG: @jacquelin_lorraine | FB @jacquelin.lorraine
PHILLIP MCNAIR (Ezekiel "Zeke" Curtis/Man) was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. In 2014 he set out for New York City in pursuit of his acting career which led him to graduate from the New York Film Academy with his bachelor's degree in acting for film. He's also no stranger to the theatre, having been a part of numerous stage productions around Los Angeles since 2017 (LaDarrion Williams' Concrete Rose in 2017, Lynn Nottage's Ruined in 2019 and Paris Crayton III's Brother's of Affliction recently in 2025.) Now Phillip is elated to bring Zeke to life for his Equity debut with SigPro.
JAY C. WEBB ( Boy) is a 19-year-old Miami native and recent high school graduate. He most recently wrapped a leading role in the indie coming-of-age film This Too Shall Pass and received breakout recognition for his starring role in James Gray’s Armageddon Time, produced by Focus Features. Working professionally since age 13, Jay C. returns to the stage, the space where his voice was first shaped, making his debut with SigPro. He hopes to write and direct stories rooted in feeling, memory, and truth. He
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
thanks Paris for the trust, his family and friends for their grounding support, and SigPro for the opportunity. IG: @jaylincwebb
KEITH BATCHELOR (Swing for John, Cochise) is a Tampa native making his debut with SigPro. He has worked with multiple theaters in the Tampa and St. Petersburg areas such as The Tampa Repertory Theatre, The Off-Central Players, and Carrollwood Players. Keith also has a growing film resume, working with several independent film studios and film schools such as Full Sail University, University of Central Florida, and Valencia College. FB: @joe.kerr.90226
STEPHANIE ANUWE (Swing for Betty, Hattie Mae) Regional: Watch the Throne (Black Spectrum Theatre), Bethune: Our Black Velvet Rose (TheaterLab NYC), MaRainey’s Black Bottom (Bedstuy Theatre Group), Lack of Milk (New York Theatre Festival) In the Middle of the Mess (Yendor Theatre Company), A Raisin in the Sun (Dallas Cultural Arts), The Surrender (Columbia University), Belly: An American Love Story (Central Connecticut State University). TV/ Film: Trundle (Cannes), Between the Pages (Amazon Prime), Monday Monologues (Watchmen Media) MFA: Actor’s Studio Drama School, Shakespeare: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Stephanie is excited to be joining this amazing cast and crew! Special thanks to her friends and family for all their love and support! www.StephanieAnuwe.com | IG: Adaeze369 FB: @Stephanie Anuwe
JABARI C. WILLIAMS (Understudy for Zeke) A native of Clinton, MD, Jabari is thrilled to make his debut with SigPro. Regional credits include The Comedy of Errors and Cymbeline (Extreme Shakespeare) with Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s Young Company. Washington, DC area credits include Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth (Chesapeake Shakespeare Company), and The America Play (Perisphere Theater). Jabari is a graduate of DeSales University, earning a B.A. in Acting for Stage and Screen with a concentration in TV/Film. Favorite academic credits include Intimate Apparel, As You Like It, and Pride and Prejudice. He is grateful for
this opportunity and thanks his family and mentors for their continued support. jabaricwilliams.com | IG: @jabariwilliams_
DIRECTION
PARIS CRAYTON III (Writer & Director) is an award-winning playwright, actor, and director. He was one of ArtsATL's "30 under 30" and Atlanta Journal Constitution's "Artist to watch." Critics have called him "a powerful dramatist" and praised him as "One of the most important playwrights of our time." His plays have been staged all across America and Internationally. His directing credits include; Labyrinth of Desire at The University of Kansas. Civil War Christmas and Crumbs from the Table of Joy at DeSales University. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at Pure Artistry. Mama Bear at Out of Box Theatre. The Old Settler at New African Grove Theatre, and more. He holds a certificate in directing from Yale University. ParisCrayton3.com
JORDAN GREGSON (Assistant Director) is an actor, arts administrator, director, and producer. Jordan proudly serves as the Artistic Associate at Significant Productions. When Jordan isn’t assisting with casting and script selection for The SigPro Studio, you can find him in the rehearsal room supporting guest directors, working on his own passion projects, or relaxing at the beach. Selected assistant directing credits include When We Were Young and Unafraid & Angel Street (Significant Productions), Intimate Apparel (Asolo Repertory Theatre), Jekyll & Hyde (Players by the Sea), Power to the Queendom (Black and Latino Playwrights Celebration), Gloria (Texas State University) the 2022 Broadway World Austin Award Winner for Best Play. Selected directing credits include A League of Her Own (Significant Productions), Everyone But Us (Retama Theatre Series), Imaginary Friend & The Meeting (TXST New Play Festival), We Are Proud to Present… & Punk Rock (Apex Theatre Studio). He is an alumnus of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Texas State University. jordanhoughgregson.com @just_jayhgreg
DESIREE MONTES (Intimacy Director) Desiree is an AEA actress, singer, dancer, puppeteer, voice-over artist, creative/artistic director, choreographer, intimacy coordinator, and arts educator. Audiences at The Sharon have seen Desiree's previous intimacy work in Kim's Convenience. Notable intimacy credits include: For Colored Girls..., Orlando Sentinel’s 2025 ‘Top Production’ (Theater West End), Sordid Lives , Orlando Sentinel award winner (Theater West End), Next to Normal, Orlando Sentinel award winner (Theater West End), Calendar Girls , Orlando Sentinel’s 2025 Top Production (Theater West End), Romeo & Juliet (Orlando Shakes), Jesus Christ Superstar, Orlando Sentinel award winner (Theater West End), The Great Comet of 1812, Orlando Sentinel multi-award winner 2024 (Theater West End). Training & Certification: Ann C. James (Intimacy Coordinators of Color). linktr. ee/bookdesmontes | @brdwyheart
AYÒFÉMI DEMPS (Cultural Competency Specialist) is a Central Florida educator, director, actor, teaching artist, and theatrical activist. She specializes in cultural competency, dramaturgy and consent-based intimacy for stage. Ayòfémi is also a fantasy writer and poet, with an M.F.A in Popular Fiction Writing & Publishing from Emerson College. Recent credits include Orlando Sentinel Nominations for Best Leading Actor in a Musical ( Sweeney Todd at Theater West End (TWE)); Best Director of a Musical and Top Production (Lady Day at TWE) and Critic's Picks for Best Director of a Drama and Best Drama (Appropriate at Ensemble Company). She is also a member of the inaugural cohort for Theatre Communications Group’s Funds For the Dolls: Elevating Trans Women of Color in Theatre. IG: @carefree.black.revolutionary
PRODUCTION
JARROD BARNES (Costume Designer) Atlanta Region: Theatrical Outfit, The Atlanta Opera, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company, Horizon Theater Company, Rob Jackson Presents, 7 Stages Theater, Dad's Garage Theater, Synchronicity Theatre, ART Station Theatre, Dominion Entertainment, Impact
Theatre Atlanta, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Theatrical Outfit Theater, Actors Express Theatre, The Aurora Theatre. Other Regional: The 5th Avenue Theatre, Nashville Rep Theatre, GEVA, KC Rep Theater, Latte Da, Je’Caryous Johnson Presents, Educational Work: Tri-Cities High School Drama Dept, New Manchester High School Drama Dept., The Weber School Performing Arts. TV/Film: Netflix, Swirl Films, TVOne, BET, MGM Films, Orion Pictures. Dance: His Lane Productions, Body traffic Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Art Official Pictures. Education: NC Central University, Bauder Fashion College, American Intercontinental University. IG: @Jarrods1977
CLAYTON BECKER (Senior Manager, Technical Operations) is from the DFW area of Texas. Always wanting a career in theatre, he received his BA in Theatre from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR. After graduating, Clay worked as the Technical Director at Circa’ 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, IL before joining The SigPro Studio team in 2018. When not in the theatre, he is out hiking, kayaking or biking the wonders of mother nature across the country. Clay invites everyone to see the brilliant work our team does at both Significant Productions venues!
LESLIE BECKER (Director of People, Projects & Culture) Since joining this organization in 2018, Leslie has had the privilege of working across various facets of the theatre. Now, as the Director of People, Projects, and Culture, she is dedicated to working closely with the team to cultivate an inclusive and collaborative workplace environment. Leslie believes that fostering an inclusive and supportive culture is essential for creating exceptional art, art that SigPro is proud to share with its audiences. Leslie is grateful for the opportunity to serve this talented team and contribute to the vibrant arts community, she extends thanks to the audience for their continued support of the arts.
MONICA BERDECIO, MA
(Marketing Director) Bolivian roots drive her passion for the arts, food, and people. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Florida, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializing in Global Strategic Communication. She has taken on various roles within The Villages community, leading her to her most recent one as Marketing Director for Significant Productions, where she continues to pursue her love for making stories resonate with diverse communities. When she's not creating stories for work, she's creating memories with her husband and three kids wherever the fun is.
NATALIE BOLLINGER
(Marketing & Social Media Coordinator) is a proud Midwest mutt with a theatre and communications degree from Ball State University. Before joining SigPro, you may have seen her on VNN’s Entertainment Beat. Now, she brings her creativity to life as SigPro’s social media coordinator. When she’s not crafting content, you can find her behind the scenes (or under the spotlight) at local theatres, or trying out cool coffee shops with pals.
ANGELY CALLEJAS
(Backstage Crew) is a Hair and Makeup artist specializing in theatrical, opera, and film makeup design. She has worked on productions with Opera Orlando, Opera Tampa, and Vero Beach Opera, and has contributed to performances presented at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to theatre and opera, Angely works in independent film, creating beauty, character, and special effects makeup that supports visual storytelling. Her experience includes prosthetic application, wig styling, and coordinating makeup teams for live productions and film sets. Angely is passionate about collaborative storytelling through hair and makeup design and thanks her collaborators and mentors for their continued inspiration. IG: @angelymua
TINA CARROLL (Assistant Manager of Patron Services) attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University where she earned a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Marketing. She has spent the majority of her career working as office manager and children’s ministry director in large churches with lots of volunteers. A great joy has been teaching children’s choir for many years. Music, dance, and theater is vital in her life and she enjoys performing as well as directing. She and her husband have two sons. Tina loves living in The Villages and is delighted to celebrate her “un-retirement” joining SigPro as Assistant Manager of Patron Services.
ROEL CAVAZOS
(Audiovisual Supervisor) is the Audiovisual Supervisor for Significant Productions. Roel is originally from Raymondville, TX. He joined us in the summer of 2023, after having been on tour with Jurassic World Live as an automation technician under Feld Entertainment. Before Feld Entertainment, he worked for Jurassic Quest National Tour for over 2 years. Since getting off the road, he has enjoyed learning new things everyday about his work here at The SigPro Studio and The Sharon. Him and his partner, Madi Carr, who is the Production Coordinator for The Sharon, have been welcomed with open arms into the Significant Productions family, and look forward to many more shows with them.
ANGEL CREEKS
(Artistic Director) is honored to join this wonderful company with over 30 years of experience as an actor, singer, dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director. A few credits include: Film and television (North Hollywood, Days of Our Lives, Living Single), Broadway (Fosse, Chicago the Musical), national tours and artists (Chicago the Musical, Starlight Express, Michael Jackson, Anne Reinking), regional and theme parks (Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser, Frozen-Live at the Hyperion, Romeo and Juliet, Hairspray, Godspell, Seussical). She is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion working with PSPI.org, CFEABlackbook.org, and Blacktheatregirlmagic.org. She has a B.A. in Performing Arts from St. Mary’s College
of California, and a certificate in leadership from University of Notre Dame.
ANTONIO CAMPAGNA
(Carpenter) born in Caracas, Venezuela, with Italian heritage, found his way to the United States in 2013. His passion for art and entertainment led him to graduate in Film Production and obtain a Certificate in Stage Technology from Valencia College. Since childhood, he has cultivated his artistic talent, writing plays and exploring various forms of creative expression. Currently, he channels his love for entertainment at The SigPro Studio, where he plays a crucial role in creating sets and stages for theatrical productions. His world revolves around the fascinating universe of performing arts, where he continues to make his mark with creativity and dedication.
JON CRONIN (Director of Operations, Composer) has been working in live events for fifteen years. His professional journey before joining The Sharon in 2021 included Dave Matthews Band, Huey Lewis & The News, World Wrestling Entertainment, Apple Events, Universal Parks and Resorts, and The Walt Disney Company. Jon currently serves as Director of Operations at SigPro, where he supports the production and operations teams across both of our world-class venues. An avid cruiser and theme park fan, Jon spends as much time at Disney or in the middle of the ocean as possible.
STEPHANIE ELLIOTT
(Production Manager, Resident Productions) has been professionally working in theatre since graduating from The University of Florida BA Theatre & Dance program in 2011. Previous experience includes Orlando Family Stage (Assistant Stage Manager), Garden Theatre (Production Stage Manager and Company Manager), Theater West End (Production Stage Manager), Orlando Fringe (Production Stage Manager), Virgin Voyages (Rehearsal Stage Management Supervisor), Epic Universe (Coordinator for Untrainable Dragon Show), and SeaWorld (Stage Manager of POP!). When she is not facilitating brave spaces for performers and creative teams to play pretend or explore the human condition, she can be found at
home with her husband, three children, and their ever-growing list of farm animals.
KRISTIN FORTUNA (Analyst, Sales, & Customer Support) Originally from Nashville, TN, Kristin fell in love with the Arts at an early age. Her career began in Nashville in the 1990s, working for venues such as Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and Starwood Amphitheater before accepting a position with Clear Channel located in Houston, Texas. Following that, she made her way to Orlando, Florida in 2004. Kristin has since had the opportunity to lend her talents to multiple other venues including Hard Rock Live, Dr. Phillips Center, Clermont Performing Arts Center, and Reilly Arts Center. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, photography, and performing at local music venues such as Orange Blossom Opry and Morgan’s Music Junction.
MIKAELA FRASER (Sound Designer) is a Sound Designer and Sound Engineer based in Atlanta, GA, and a Kennesaw State University alumna. Her work includes The Wiz, Gods of Comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong, Sister Act, and The Color Purple at Aurora Theatre; Doubt, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Cullud Wattah, Red Speedo, and Lizzie at Actor’s Express; The Book Eating Boy at Alliance Theatre; and Once at Horizon Theatre. Additional credits include productions at Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, True Colors Theatre, Out of Hand Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Syracuse Stage, The Old Globe Theatre, The Warehouse Theatre, and Flint Repertory Theatre, as well as multiple productions at Kennesaw State University. IG: @Simone1818
JOSHUA E. GALLAGHER (Scenic & Props Designer, Set Dressing) has been designing imaginary places in real spaces for the past decade. He began working with The SigPro Studio in 2021 creating an assortment of deserts for The Cake , and became a full-time member of the Significant Productions team shortly thereafter. He has also designed scenery for Garden Theatre, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, University of Cincinnati, Villanova University, Millbrook Playhouse, and Kalamazoo Civic
Theatre, among others. Joshua has a Master of Fine Arts in Stage Design from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. JoshuaEGallagher.com
CORY H. GARRETT (Costume Shop Supervisor) is a graduate of the Masters in Entertainment Design at Southern Methodist University and received his undergraduate degree from East Texas Baptist University. Before packing up the truck and moving to paradise, he assisted Elaine J. McCarthy on the world premiere opera The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at The Dallas Opera. He is a freelance costume and scenic designer currently based in Central Florida. Selected designs include Cabaret (The SigPro Studio), Next to Normal (Theater 3), Plano (Richland College Theatre), Let the Right One In (Outcry Theatre), The Rape of Lucretia (Meadows Lyric Theatre), Twelfth Night - The Musical (Southern Methodist University), and The Odyssey (Dallas Theatre Center-Public Works Dallas). IG: @thartsofthartopolis
JASON GOEDKEN (Producer) has been the Operations Manager at The Sharon since its opening in 2015. Prior to his time in Florida, he spent the previous 11 years working in various theatres in NYC and Chicago. Jason helped found both The Sharon and The SigPro Studio and manages the staff from both venues. Although his work is mostly behind-the-scenes, he made a memorable acting debut in The SigPro Studio's Second Season as Harry in Company.
LONNIE GOERTZ (Assistant Manager of Patron Services) After touring for two decades as a prop person with national tours of Broadway musicals, Lonnie Goertz recently relocated to The Villages from Atlantic Beach, FL to be closer to her mom. A graduate of NYU, some of her credits include Dear Evan Hansen, Jersey Boys, Moulin Rouge, Fun Home , and The Lion King . When she’s not in the theater, Lonnie enjoys running, cooking, chatting about vegetables, and chasing lizards in the park with her dog. She’s looking forward to becoming a better line dancer and has a hard time saying no to coffee ice cream.
MARIO GONZALEZ (Lighting Supervisor) is thrilled to be working with Significant Productions. He graduated in 2025 from the University of Florida with his MFA in Lighting Design, where he designed multiple shows including Macbeth, Blood at the Root, and Pipeline He also has a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Tampa. He's incredibly excited to start this new chapter with Significant Productions and cannot wait to help create incredible shows.
KRISSI KUGLER (Graphic Designer) has been in the design world for over 20 years. From corporate and contract gigs to helping shape The Sharon, The SigPro Studio, and SigPro brands, she has done all facets of design. Originally from the Northeast (Go Birds!), she has called Florida home for over a decade, continuing to create and collaborate on a diverse range of projects and clients. KrissiKugler.com
RYAN LOECKEL (Company Manager & Music Supervisor) is an active musician, vocalist, and collaborative arts producer. Trained as a classical musician at Ohio State University, he is a descendant of the Max Aronoff line of violists through studies with Marcia Ferritto and studied chamber music with the Cavani String Quartet. Ryan has played in Principal positions under numerous notable conductors and composers and shared the stage with various artists including Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Barry Manilow, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra in addition to making a Carnegie Hall debut in 2023. He has been seen and heard on SigPro stages in over 450 performances and served as Assistant Music Director, Cover Conductor, or Music Supervisor for 9 to 5, Assassins, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, Pippin, ILYYPNC, and Next to Normal. Ryan is Artistic Director of an annual summer concert series in conjunction with the Chicago Park District. As well, he produces A Quiet Christmas each year in The Villages with friend and colleague Angie Rose. Many thanks to his work family at SigPro for their amazing and diverse talents, and to Ben for his support of my crazy career in the arts! www.aquietchristmas.org | @loeckelmusik
ALISON MADISON (Associate Technical Director) Originally from the Hudson Valley area in New York. Alison graduated with her AAS from Genesee Community College in technical theater and BA in theater from UNLV with a concentration in carpentry and technical direction. She has interned with Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA, and worked at UFPA as head carpenter. She loves building spaces for imaginary people for The Villages audience to enjoy! Thank you to my husband. You are my rock! Shout out to theater gremlins, please stop taking my tools.
VERNA MCINTYRE (Scenic Carpenter) was born and raised here in sunny central Florida and is excited at the opportunity to present important and culturally relevant theater to her home community. She's been with The SigPro Studio since 2023 but has been a lover of the performing arts as long as she can remember, and is happy to be able to express that love in the workshop!
ZACH MLEKUSH (Stage Manager) is a Midwesterner at heart, born and raised in Illinois but loving life as a Floridian! Zach joined the Stage Management team in Season 9, and loves working with this team! Past favorite Stage Management credits include Exit Laughing, The Vote, Pippin (The SigPro Studio), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Tiananmen: A New Musical, Elf: The Musical, The Lehman Trilogy (The Phoenix Theatre Company), The Book of Will (Illinois Shakes), and Lost in Yonkers directed by Jane Lynch. He hopes you enjoy the show!
SAVANNAH ROSE PARKER
(The SigPro Studio House Manager & Assistant Manager of Patron Services) is excited to be part of Significant Production's House Management Team. She comes with 13 years of experience in the customer service industry and is very much looking forward to using her skills to enhance the experiences of patrons at The SigPro Studio. Prior to joining the theatre industry, she honed her hospitality skills at several companies, her favorite of which were the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC and the World Equestrian Center in
Ocala, FL. Savannah prides herself on displaying strong attention to detail and infusing positivity into her workplace. In her personal time, she enjoys baking, traveling, and antiquing. She can't wait to see you at the theatre!
NICOLAS RAFFENAUD
(Swing Stage Manager) holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of South Florida. There, he worked on shows such as Ride the Cyclone, Little Women, As You Like It, and 9 to 5. Most recently he served as the Assistant Stage Manager for the world premiere of The Boy Who Loved Batman in Tampa, FL. Other Credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Wizard of Oz (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre).
DIO RAQUEL
JR. (Lighting Designer) hails from Honolulu, HI - sharing his Aloha to various areas of the country through Theatrical Lighting Design and Performance. He currently holds his Theatre Performance Certificate from Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts (Las Vegas, NV) and his B.F.A. Theatre Studies in Lighting, Arts Leadership, and Musical Theatre from Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln, NE). He had the privilege to design new works such as Not Too Far Distant by Becky Boesen and Umbra by K. Evans in Lancaster County, NE alongside iconic works from Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters and Diana Son’s Stop Kiss. He recently made his design debut with SigPro in Michael McKeever’s Suite Surrender. Notable works for performance include Little Shop of Horrors (U/S Seymour Krelborn), Hello Dolly! (Ambrose Kemper), and Fun Home (Roy/Mark). He currently serves as an Associate Lighting Supervisor/Lighting Technician for SigPro - continuing to innovate and develop lighting to be known as character in various stories.
LYNDSEY SHORE (Development and Customer Support Coordinator) is based in The Villages, FL, and recently earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of West Florida. She has experience both onstage and behind the scenes, including work in box office operations, social media marketing, community outreach, and guest engagement with organizations such as Walt
Disney World and Cedar Point. During her college career, Lyndsey worked with both regional and community theatres and performed with Prairie Repertory Theatre in the Ensemble of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Lyndsey is passionate about storytelling and creating meaningful experiences for audiences. She is grateful to be part of this community and thanks her family and friends for their endless love and support.
ALEC SPEERS (Manager of Patron Services) has a long history of working with theatre productions. After over a decade of working on and around the stage, he feels most at home in the theatre and is very proud to be Significant Production's House Manager. Favorite credits include Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog (Colorado, 2012), La Traviata and La Boheme (Germany, 2017), and Ada and the Engine (The SigPro Studio, 2021). Alec also has experience in set building, stage managing, and directing. He holds two degrees in Theatre Studies and Music from the University of Northern Colorado. It is always a privilege to work in the industry that you love, so Alec would like to thank The SigPro Studio family, Significant Productions, and his own immensely supportive family for everything they do.
DESTINEE STEELE (Wigs Designer) selected credits include Lady Day at Emmerson’s Bar and Grill, Kinky Boots, Cabaret (Orlando Shakes) La Boheme, Treemonisha, Cendrillion, Macbeth, Lucia di Lammermoor, Frida, among others (Opera Orlando) Dreamgirls, A Christmas Story (The Walnut Street Theatre) Westside Story, Jersey Boys, The Color Purple, 42nd Street, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, RENT, Music Man (Broadway at Music Circus) Death of a Salesman, Bob Fosse’s: Dancin’ (Broadway). She has a Masters of Fine Arts in Wig and Makeup Design from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She's the founder and CEO of The Beauty Menagerie LLC, and a 2024 recipient of the 1/52 Grant. @The.Beauty.Menagerie
YASMEEN STOGDEN (Development Director) has professionally supported the arts in our community since 2015. Having worked, performed, and supported the arts since she was 8 years old, she has grown passionate about keeping the arts alive and active. Yasmeen was a professional flutist, competitive conductor, has launched Music Arts Society chapters, and founded a Collegiate Marching Band Program. Yasmeen has been involved and graduated from many leadership and organizational development programs, including Panhellenic Sorority, NCAA athletics, National Camp School, and spent years as a Director and Ambassador of The Villages. To this day, she stands by the training and leadership gained within music and performing arts programs. She is set to ignite the passion and purpose in others to support the arts.
MADISON
YOUNGBLOOD (Deck Stage Manager) was born and raised in the Central Florida area and has been a member of the resident stage management team at The SigPro Studio since season 6. With more than a dozen years of stage management experience, Madison has lived and worked in Central Florida, Philadelphia, and New York. Some of her favorite credits at The SigPro Studio include Urinetown, Cabaret, Exit Laughing, Pippin, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Madison worked as an intern with WICKED on Broadway and has stage managed for the Arts for Autism Broadway Concerts and the Broadway Green Alliance. She graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Directing, Playwriting, and Production.
CAST
John Malachi Curtis Joel Diggs
Betty Curtis Avis-Marie Barnes
William "Cochise" Brown .................. Herb Newsome*
Hattie Mae Brown Jacquelin Lorraine Schofield*
Ezekiel "Zeke" Curtis/Man
Phillip McNair
Boy............................................................. Jay C. Webb
Swing for John, Cochise
Keith Batchelor
Swing for Betty, Hattie Mae .............. Stephanie Anuwe
Understudy for Zeke ........................ Jabari C. Williams
DIRECTION
Director ................................................ Paris Crayton III
Assistant Director Jordan Gregson
Intimacy Director Desiree Montes
Cultural Competency Specialist ........... Ayòfémi Demps
PRODUCTION
Founder & Producer .............................. Jason Goedken
Founder & Consulting Artistic Director ... Whitney Morse
Artistic Director Angel Creeks
Director of Operations, Composer ............... Jon Cronin
Director of People, Projects & Culture Leslie Becker
Director of Development Yasmeen Stogden
Development and Customer Support Coordinator Lyndsey Shore
Production Manager, Resident Productions Stephanie Elliot
Senior Manager, Technical Operations .... Clayton Becker
Associate Technical Director Alison Madison
Company Manager & Music Supervisor ... Ryan Loeckel
Production Stage Manager ..................... Zach Mlekush
Deck Stage Manager Madison Youngblood
Swing Stage Manager ..................... Nicolas Raffenaud
Backstage Crew Angely Callejas
SCENIC
Set Designer, Scenic Artist ............ Joshua E. Gallagher
Carpentry Antonio Campagna, Verna McIntyre
COSTUMES
Costume Designer Jarrod Barnes
Wigs Designer Destinee Steele
Costume Shop Supervisor ..................... Cory H. Garrett
LIGHTING
Lighting Designer Dio Raquel Jr.
Lighting Supervisor ............................. Mario Gonzalez
AUDIO/VISUAL
Sound Designer .................................... Mikaela Fraser
Audiovisual Supervisor ............................. Roel Cavazos
PROPS
Props Designer, Set Dressing........... Joshua E. Gallagher
HOUSE MANAGEMENT
Manager of Patron Services Alec Speers
Assistant Manager of Patron Services ......... Tina Carroll
Assistant Manager of Patron Services Lonnie Goertz
The SigPro Studio House Manager & Assistant Manager of Patron Services Savannah Rose Parker
MARKETING
Marketing Director Monica Berdecio, MA
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator Natalie Bollinger
Marketing Account Manager Erika Nelson
Graphic Designer ...................................... Krissi Kugler
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*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.
Hand-Selected Jewelry from the World’s Finest Brands
Hand-Selected Jewelry from the World’s Finest Brands
Expert Repairs by In-House Master Jewelers
Expert by In-House Master
Certified Appraisals On-Site by GIA Gemologists
Appraisals On-Site GIA Gemologists in The Community for 25 Years
Proudly Family-Owned in The Villages® Community for 25 Years
