UTNT (UT New Theatre) 2026: Cast and Creative Team

Juno Adair (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology at The University of Texas at Austin. He specializes in scenic design, construction, and painting. Previous work includes Assistant Set Designer for Cabaret (UTTD), Automation Operator for Mary Poppins (SSA) and Le Nozze di Figaro (BSM), and Assistant Technical Director for UT New Theatre 2025 (UTTD). He also works at Texas Performing Arts as a Fabrication Assistant. 

Brittney Barton (Scenic Designer) is a 2nd year M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in scenic design and technology. She has a passion for scenic design and is excited for all her upcoming projects. She designed A Tale for Home and Vulturine. She is also working on Ain't No Mo' later this spring. Other recent credits include This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing. 

Nia Brondo (Sound Designer) is a fourth-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer's process at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include assistant sound designing for Cabaret (2025), as well as sound designing The Horribly Agonizing Three Day Death of Father James (Studio Project, 2025). 

Nicole Chacko (Co-Production Manager) (she/her) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology and a focus in stage management at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent Credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Pretend it's Pretend (UTNT(UT New Theatre), 2024), James and the Giant Peach (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024), Absolute None! (The Cohen New Works Festival, 2025), and Rooted in Motion (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025). 

Sarah Jean Elliot (Lighting Designer) is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a M.F.A. in Theatre (live design and production). She is the resident lighting designer for Ballet Vero Beach, and her recent work includes m(other) figures (Dance Waterloo, 2025), A Christmas Carol (Barter Theatre, 2024) and Lyric & the Keys (Magik Theatre, 2024). Credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include: Un Intento (An Attempt) and Oxido (Rusty) (Points of Intersection, 2024) and Ride the Cyclone (2023). She also served as co-technical director for The Cohen New Works Festival (2023). (she/her)

Aaron Flynn (Props Designer) has been designing for theatre since 2015. Notable works include Rude Mechs' Not Every Mountain, Frank Wo/Men Collective's Rub A Duck and Salvage Vanguard Theater's Bright Mother: An Invitation Into Being.

Amanda Geyer (Costume Designer) is a first-year M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in live design and production (costume design). Prior to her time at The University of Texas at Austin, Amanda worked as a Costume Fellow at Berkeley Repertory Theatre for the 2024-2025 season. She has also worked as a Costume and Wardrobe Technician at Utah Festival Opera, The REV Theatre Company, and Round House Theatre. 

Andy Grapko (Intimacy Director) is a lecturer and the resident intimacy director for the Department of Theatre and Dance. Her work as an intimacy coordinator has appeared at film festivals throughout the country and on Netflix, Hulu, Disney and The CW. An award-winning intimacy director with expertise in working with early-career actors, she has intimacy-directed shows and taught intimacy workshops at universities, colleges, acting studios and theatres throughout the region. Grapko’s research interests include intimacy practices and protocols, as well as her previous work on Czech theatre director Evald Schorm.

Sunghyun Lim (Director) is a theatre director and playwright based in Seoul, South Korea. He is a second-year M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in directing at The University of Texas at Austin. He creates work that tears apart myths and fantasies, confronts nasty realities, and curses the distorted world we live in. He doesn't believe theatre can change the world, but at least it changed him anyway, so he tells himself that's reason enough to keep living as a poor theatre maker. 

Reagan Miller (Assistant Stage Manager) is a B.A. in International Relations and Government major at The University of Texas at Austin. Reagan has a background in Stage Management and this is her first show with UT Theatre and Dance. Outside of theatre, Reagan is a volunteer at Austin Animal Center and is a member of UT's 2026 Schuman Challenge Team. She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Valeria Blanco Perez (Associate Production Manager) is a second-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management) at The University of Texas at Austin. Theatrical credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Austin Opera, Kids Ensemble Manager) and A Christmas Carol (Zach Theatre, Student Actor Supervisor). Credits with UT Theatre and Dance include EQUINOX 2025 (Assistant Stage Manager) and Twelfth Night (Assistant Stage Manager). She wants to thank everyone in the UTNT 2026 team and hopes you enjoy these new works!

Jose Salcido (Technical Director) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology at The University of Texas at Austin. This is his eighth production with UT Theatre and Dance and his third year with UT New Theatre. Some of his credits include production manager for UTNT (2025), production management assistant for Williamstown Theatre Festival (2025) assistant technical director for the Butler School of Music “Downwind” (2026).

Robin Schuler (Stage Manager) is a second-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (with a focus in stage management) at The University of Texas at Austin. Some of Robin's most recent stage management credits include: Three Exorcisms (UTNT (UT New Theatre), 2025), All Engulfing (Cohen New Works Festival, 2025), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition (Dallas Children’s Theatre, 2025), and Cabaret (University of Texas at Austin, 2025). 

Laura Soares (Co-Production Manager) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management). She has a background in various types of backstage work and stage management. Recent credits include assistant stage managing for Dance Repertory Theatre’s ROOTED IN MOTION (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025) and stage managing the student-led dance show EVOLUTION (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025).

Kira Small (Assistant Director) is pursuing a B.A. in Theatre and Dance with an emphasis in performer's process and a B.A. in Humanities Honors at The University of Texas at Austin. She has an extensive background in stage acting. Recent credits include Our Town with the Rude Mechs, Twelfth Night at North Carolina Stage Company, and Furry Play at Mi Casa es Su Teatro.

Matt Thekkethala (Playwright) is a M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in playwriting at The University of Texas at Austin. His plays are swollen clown cars inhabited by taboos, neuroses, mythologies, and vendettas. Recent credits include AHIMSA (Pittsburgh New Works Festival), ADRIEN VS. PREDATOR (The Larking House), and ARE YOU OK IN THERE? as part of The Cohen New Works Festival. 

Adelaide Fairbanks (Store Manager) is a B.A. Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer’s process. Recent credits include Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew (The Globe), Portia in The Merchant of Venice (BADA) and the writing of her play Kissing Practice (Loyola Marymount University New Works). She hopes to make you react in some way. 

Zoey Gonzales (Sampati) is a fourth-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer’s process at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits include the roles of “Sorin/Human Being” in Once in a Hundred Years (UT New Theatre, 2025) “Friar Lawrence” in Romeo y Juliet (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024), and “Henry Roberts” in The When and How (Speedrun Studios, 2024).

Katelyn Quintanilla (Jatayu) (she/her) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits include the Department of Theatre and Dance's production of Cabaret (Fritzie), the staged reading, Transcendence (UTNT (UT New Theatre), 2025), The Cohen New Works Festival’s (To Leave) When you Go, and You Need the Goo. Thank you to her family and educators! 

Carlise Rosa (Old Man) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include: Choreomaniac 1518 (UTNT(UT New Theatre) 2024), A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of The Great Lakes (2024), Three Exorcisms (UTNT 2025), and Macbeth (Studio Series (2025)).

Kira Small (Small Fry) is pursuing a B.A. in Theatre and Dance with an emphasis in performer's process and a B.A. in Humanities Honors at The University of Texas at Austin. Her background is in stage acting, with recent credits including Our Town with the Rude Mechs, Twelfth Night at North Carolina Stage Company, and Furry Play at Mi Casa es Su Teatro.

Georgia Beckmann (Assistant Director) is a Ph.D. candidate in Theatre with a specialization in performance as public practice, where her research focuses on theatrical explorations of queer history. Georgia’s artistic work is rooted in sensory world building and sociopolitical engagement. At UT Theatre and Dance, she recently served as dramaturg for Cabaret (2025). Additionally, Georgia was the Co-Chair of the Committee for Education, Community Engagement, and Dramaturgy for the 2025 Cohen New Works Festival.

Eleanor Bird (Assistant Stage Manager) is double majoring with a B.A. in Theatre and Dance with an emphasis in design and technology and a B.S. in Radio-Television-Film at The University of Texas at Austin. Her recent ventures include She Walks in Beauty and Hemingplay with The Broccoli Project. 

W. Scott Bussey (Technical Director) After graduating from The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a B.F.A. in Technical Theatre Production, Bussey started out as a master carpenter with the Portland Stage Company, Ogunquit Playhouse, Virginia Opera and Spoleto Festival before working his way up to technical director for the Ogunquit Playhouse, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, North Carolina Theatre, Dallas Theater Company and The Arizona Theater Company. He has been the technical director for Texas Performing Arts at The University of Texas at Austin since September of 2000. 

Nicole Chacko (Co-Production Manager) (she/her) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology and a focus in stage management at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent Credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Pretend it's Pretend (UTNT(UT New Theatre), 2024), James and the Giant Peach (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024), Absolute None! (The Cohen New Works Festival, 2025), and Rooted in Motion (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025). 

Edgardo Cruz (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a first-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology at The University of Texas at Austin. He has an extensive background in lighting design. Recent credits with the Department of Theatre and Dance include Twelfth Night.

Gala Demarin (Assistant Scenic Designer) (they/them) is an M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in live design and production (scenic design) at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing and the Dance Repertory Theatre’s Equinox – Spring 2026. Their work centers on immersive spatial design and the relationship between audience, movement and environment.

Valeria Nuñez Estrada (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology, and a B.A in Government major. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Assistant Technical Director and Assistant Prop Manager for This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing (2025), Assistant Scenic Design for Dance Repertory Theatre: Rooted in Motion (2025), and Co-Scenic Designer for A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2024). 

Julia Kreutzer (Director) is an M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in performance as public practice. Her work spans from musical theatre to immersive, experimental experiences including credits with Pittsburgh Musical Theater, the University of Pittsburgh, the Cohen New Works Festival. She is a co-founder of Incline Theater Collective. Her current works-in-progress use communal devising techniques to investigate structures of queer community and belonging from secluded convents to the American Girl Doll Hospital. 

Kaia L (Playwright, Composer)(they/she) is a Black queer playwright and memoirist from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They're a current member of Ensemble Studio Theatre's OBIE-winning collective, Youngblood and a former member of Clubbed Thumb's Early-Career Writers' Group (2022-23). Their work has been seen and/or developed with The Fire This Time Festival, Fresh Ground Pepper, and Possibilities Theatre Company.

Lisa Laratta (Scenic Designer) received her M.F.A. in Theatrical Design from The University of Texas at Austin. Some local sets that she designed include Plano and Baal (paper chairs), Sonnets For An Old Century and UTNT (UT), Heroic Dose and Stop Hitting Yourself (Rude Mechs), Montag (SoHo Rep) and Wolf Play (MCC), The Marriage of Figaro and Counterfeit Opera (NYC’s Little Island). She also has production designed on films jumping off bridges and Lover, Beloved. Lisa teaches set design at UT. 

Jacqueline Mai (Stage Manager) is a second-year B.A. Theatre and Dance student with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management). She has experience in many areas of technical work and stage management. Her recent Theatre and Dance titles include 'Once in a Hundred Years' and ‘Twelfth Night’. 

Ashton Bennett Murphy (Props Manager) is a lecturer at The University of Texas at Austin, where she teaches technical theatre and props management for the Department of Theatre and Dance. Since joining Texas Performing Arts in 2018, Murphy has served in multiple roles including scenic charge artist and project specialist. This fall, she took on the role of theatrical properties manager, leading the design, fabrication and integration of props that help bring Theatre and Dance and Opera productions to life.

Hannah Nelson (Dramaturg/Music Director)  graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Theatre and Dance in May 2025. She is a dramaturg and playwright interested in post-conflict and postcolonial theatre that explores memory, identity and reconciliation. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Three Exorcisms, A Beautiful Day in November…, and Choreomaniac 1518.

David Olivares (Sound Designer) is a graduate from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Arts and Entertainment Technologies. With a background in audio engineering, he has experience operating audiovisual systems across a variety of live events. He has transitioned into sound design seamlessly, with a recent credit on Ordinary People for Austin Collaborative Theater. David currently works as an AV technician at the Moody Center while pursuing independent creative work in audio production. 

Valeria Blanco Perez (Associate Production Manager) is a second-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management) at The University of Texas at Austin. Theatrical credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Austin Opera, Kids Ensemble Manager) and A Christmas Carol (Zach Theatre, Student Actor Supervisor). Credits with UT Theatre and Dance include EQUINOX 2025 (Assistant Stage Manager) and Twelfth Night (Assistant Stage Manager). She wants to thank everyone in the UTNT 2026 team and hopes you enjoy these new works!

Rain Snyder (Lighting Designer) is a second-year B.F.A in Theatre Education major at The University of Texas at Austin. This is her 4th show designing with the department. The other shows include “You Need the Goo” and “This Girl Laughs…” she is very excited for this project.

Laura Soares (Co-Production Manager) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management). She has a background in various types of backstage work and stage management. Recent credits include assistant stage managing for Dance Repertory Theatre’s ROOTED IN MOTION (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025) and stage managing the student-led dance show EVOLUTION (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025).

Lindsey Thurston (Costume Designer) graduated from the University of Texas at Austin’s Live Design program in 2021 and continues to collaborate with UT on theatrical and educational projects. Lindsey is the owner of Hook & Eye, a costume and fabrication shop that creates custom costumes, garments, and specialty pieces for film, stage, and live performance in Austin, Texas. 

Benjamin Barclay (Brother Jude) is a second-year B.F.A. in Theatre Education major. His plan after college is to teach somewhere still in Texas! This is his third show with the school of Theatre and Dance. Previous credits include being in the ensemble for "This Girl Laughs This Girl Cries This Girl Does Nothing" (Theatre and Dance) and being an Assistant Designer for "Once In A Hundred Years" (Theatre and Dance).

Auden Beauvois (Father Matthias) is a second-year B.F.A in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Beauvois has extensive background on the screen and the stage. Recent credits include “Antonio / Shipmaster” in Twelfth Night (Texas Theatre and Dance Studio Series 2025), “The Plug” in You Need The Goo! (Cohen New Works Festival 2025) and “The Father” in Six Characters in Search of an Author (Prism Productions 2025). 

Connor Burk (Father Abbott) is a fourth-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer’s process at The University of Texas at Austin. Connor has a long history of performance. Recent credits in the Department of Theatre and Dance include Cabaret and The 2025 Cohen New Works Festival’s Rigged: the Game Show. He would additionally like to thank his family, instructors, and friends, for always being there to support him! (he/him) 

Connor Davis (Father Nicholas) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major.  In his first year, he was in A Bad Influence as “Donovan,” The Pillowman as “Ariel,” and multiple Cohen New Works projects.  This past semester, he was in UT Studio Series’ Twelfth Night as “Duke Orsino” and The Horrible Agonizing Three Day Death of Father James as “Abel”.  He is excited to be part of a new work and hopes you will enjoy the show! (he/him) 

Caleb Goodwin (Brother Andrew) is a second-year B.F.A. in acting major. He is very excited to make his stage debut at UT, and would like to thank his supportive friends and family.

Channing Grace (Brother Paul) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. This is his first show within the Department of Theatre and Dance. His favorite roles include Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher, Father in Eurydice, and Karl the Giant in Big Fish. He is a big advocate for storytelling and is steadfast in his pursuit of using creativity to connect people. 

Aidan Halat (Brother Francis) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance.

André Lira (Brother James) is a third-year B.F.A in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include "Friar John" in Romeo y Juliet (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024), and "Elon" in the discreet charm of the CEOs (The Cohen New Works Festival, 2025). Additional work includes collaborations with the Department of Radio-Television-Film and uncredited work in Acapulco (Apple TV+, 2024). 

Diego Rodriguez (Brother Thomas) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major. Recent credits include “Shrek” in Shrek Jr. and “Red” in The Shawshank Redemption at Meridian World School, “Ralphie” in A Christmas Story at the Georgetown Palace Theatre, and “Trigorin” in Once in a Hundred Years, “Elijah” in All Engulfing, and “Hans/Sailor” in Cabaret at The University of Texas at Austin. Film credits include “Tyler” in Beat and Adventures of Zobey. He is very excited to continue his acting career at UT Austin. (He/him) 

Khalia Sacko (Brother Jean) is a fourth-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer’s process at The University of Texas at Austin. He has previously worked in Texas Theatre and Dance’s production of These. Are. The. Keystrokes. and Blood at The Root. He is excited to be back on the stage for the UTNT (UT New Theatre) festival in the production of Ordinary Time by Kaia L. 

Zachary Williams (The Bishop) is a second-year Radio-Television-Film major at The University of Texas at Austin.

Matt Thekkethala (Audiobook Narrator) is a M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in playwriting at The University of Texas at Austin. His plays are swollen clown cars inhabited by taboos, neuroses, mythologies, and vendettas. Recent credits include AHIMSA (Pittsburgh New Works Festival), ADRIEN VS. PREDATOR (The Larking House), and ARE YOU OK IN THERE? as part of The Cohen New Works Festival.

W. Scott Bussey (Technical Director) After graduating from The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a B.F.A. in Technical Theatre Production, Bussey started out as a master carpenter with the Portland Stage Company, Ogunquit Playhouse, Virginia Opera and Spoleto Festival before working his way up to technical director for the Ogunquit Playhouse, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, North Carolina Theatre, Dallas Theater Company and The Arizona Theater Company. He has been the technical director for Texas Performing Arts at The University of Texas at Austin since September of 2000. 

Nicole Chacko (Co-Production Manager) (she/her) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology and a focus in stage management at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent Credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Pretend it's Pretend (UTNT(UT New Theatre), 2024), James and the Giant Peach (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024), Absolute None! (The Cohen New Works Festival, 2025), and Rooted in Motion (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025). 

Edgardo Cruz (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a first-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology at The University of Texas at Austin. He has an extensive background in lighting design. Recent credits with the Department of Theatre and Dance include Twelfth Night. 

Rodolfo Robles Cruz (Director) is a M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in directing at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent directing credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Cabaret, James and the Giant Peach, This Is Our Youth, and Sanctuary City. Rodolfo recently collaborated with Nicholas Hart in The Cohen New Works Festival directing his solo performance Happenchance. Previous collaborators include: Teatro Vivo, Teatro Espejo, 2Rhythms Theatre, The Selma Arts Center, Pan Valley Institute, and Lime Arts Productions. Rodolforoblescruz.com 

Gala Demarin (Assistant Scenic Designer) (they/them) is an M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in live design and production (scenic design) at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing and the Dance Repertory Theatre’s Equinox – Spring 2026. Their work centers on immersive spatial design and the relationship between audience, movement and environment.

Valeria Nuñez Estrada (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology, and a B.A in Government major. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Assistant Technical Director and Assistant Prop Manager for This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing (2025), Assistant Scenic Design for Dance Repertory Theatre: Rooted in Motion (2025), and Co-Scenic Designer for A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2024). 

Aaron Flynn (Props Designer) has been designing for theatre since 2015. Notable works include Rude Mechs' Not Every Mountain, Frank Wo/Men Collective's Rub A Duck and Salvage Vanguard Theater's Bright Mother: An Invitation Into Being.

Taylor Foster (Assistant Stage Manager) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in stage management at The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance.

Andy Grapko (Intimacy Director) is a lecturer and the resident intimacy director for the Department of Theatre and Dance. Her work as an intimacy coordinator has appeared at film festivals throughout the country and on Netflix, Hulu, Disney and The CW. An award-winning intimacy director with expertise in working with early-career actors, she has intimacy-directed shows and taught intimacy workshops at universities, colleges, acting studios and theatres throughout the region. Grapko’s research interests include intimacy practices and protocols, as well as her previous work on Czech theatre director Evald Schorm.

Nick Hart (Playwright) is a M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in playwriting at The University of Texas at Austin. 

Alisa Irvin (Stage Manager) is a B.A in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology at The University of Texas at Austin. She has an extensive background in stage management. Recent credits with UT include Three Exorcisms as part of UTNT 2025 and a venue head for Cohen New Works Festival. 

Lisa Laratta (Scenic Designer) received her M.F.A. in Theatrical Design from The University of Texas at Austin. Some local sets that she designed include Plano and Baal (paper chairs), Sonnets For An Old Century and UTNT (UT), Heroic Dose and Stop Hitting Yourself (Rude Mechs), Montag (SoHo Rep) and Wolf Play (MCC), The Marriage of Figaro and Counterfeit Opera (NYC’s Little Island). She also has production designed on films jumping off bridges and Lover, Beloved. Lisa teaches set design at UT. 

Elias Merlo (Sound Designer) graduated with a B.A. in Theatre and Dance from The University of Texas at Austin in 2023.

Ashton Bennett Murphy (Props Manager) is a lecturer at The University of Texas at Austin, where she teaches technical theatre and props management for the Department of Theatre and Dance. Since joining Texas Performing Arts in 2018, Murphy has served in multiple roles including scenic charge artist and project specialist. This fall, she took on the role of theatrical properties manager, leading the design, fabrication and integration of props that help bring Theatre and Dance and Opera productions to life.

Evelyn Paniagua (Assistant Director) is a second-year B.F.A. in Theatre Education major at The University of Texas at Austin. Evelyn is elated to be a part of her first UTNT production, and would like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her to continue this journey. 

Valeria Blanco Perez (Associate Production Manager) is a second-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management) at The University of Texas at Austin. Theatrical credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Austin Opera, Kids Ensemble Manager) and A Christmas Carol (Zach Theatre, Student Actor Supervisor). Credits with UT Theatre and Dance include EQUINOX 2025 (Assistant Stage Manager) and Twelfth Night (Assistant Stage Manager). She wants to thank everyone in the UTNT 2026 team and hopes you enjoy these new works!

Rain Snyder (Lighting Designer) is a second year Theatre Education B.F.A student at The University of Texas at Austin. This is her 4th show designing with the department. The other shows include “You Need the Goo” and “This Girl Laughs…” she is very excited for this project. 

Laura Soares (Co-Production Manager) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in stage management. She has a background in various types of backstage work and stage management. Recent credits include assistant stage managing for Dance Repertory Theatre’s ROOTED IN MOTION (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025) and stage managing the student-led dance show EVOLUTION (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025).

Aaron Sullivan (Dramaturg) is a fourth-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance with a concentration in History, Literature, and Dramaturgy and B.A. in Journalism double-major at The University of Texas at Austin. Other credits with Texas Theatre & Dance include: Dramaturg for All Engulfing (Cohen New Works Festival) and “Slim” (Cowboy Mouth, UT Studio Series). Outside of theater, Aaron writes for various Central Texas newspapers, such as the Austin American-Statesman and The Austin Chronicle, covering local arts, culture and government. He previously served as the managing editor of The Daily Texan, UT’s student newspaper.

Lindsey Thurston (Costume Designer) graduated from The University of Texas at Austin’s Live Design program in 2021 and continues to collaborate with UT on theatrical and educational projects. Lindsey is the owner of Hook & Eye, a costume and fabrication shop that creates custom costumes, garments, and specialty pieces for film, stage, and live performance in Austin, Texas. 

Durrell Anderson (The Senator from Maryland) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. He has been acting for many years and is so excited to be a part of this show. Some of his past roles include Renfield and Dr. Westfeldt in Dracula: A Comedy Of Terrors, Bobby Child in Crazy For You, and Agamemnon in The Oresteia. He would like to thank God and his wonderful family for always supporting him. 

Haddon Britt (The Senator from Michigan) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer’s process at The University of Texas at Austin. He is beyond excited for his first mainstage show. He has a plethora of experience within the Austin and Dallas areas, including directing The Pillowman, and being an avid content creator and writer. Recent credits include Absolute None! (Cohen New Work’s Festival, 2025), The Blind Spot, and various short films.  

Frida Castro (The Senator from New Mexico) is a B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Frida has always held a passion for storytelling and performance. Her favorite on stage credits include Iphigenia in Iphigenia, Harry in Puffs, and Rose in The Badger. She portrayed Josie Ingrim in the short film Dead Memories, which went on to win Best Short film at the Leftover Film Festival. She thanks everyone in her life for their unconditional support

Emma Dodds (The Senator from West Virginia) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin.  Previous credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Tybee in Choreomaniacs 1518 and Feste in Twelfth Night.  

Ella Eavenson (The Senator from Connecticut) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits include “Sally Bowles” (Cabaret, Texas Theatre and Dance), “Hunna” (Three Exorcisms, UT New Theatre 2025) and “Fastrada” (Pippin, Casa Mañana Theatre).  

Ava Grottis (The Senator from Alaska) is a B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. She has been involved in theater since she was in middle school. Her previous credits include Hello, Dolly!, The Drowning Girls, Newsies, and The BFG.  

Zoë Hampton (The Senator from Kansas) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin, originally from Brownsboro, Texas. She is thrilled to return to the Texas Theatre and Dance stage in Diet of Worms, after previously appearing in The Horribly Agonizing Three Day Death of Father James. Zoë is grateful for the opportunity to help bring new stories to life and would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their constant love and support. 

Shaya Harris (The Senator from Kentucky) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. She was recently seen in UT’s production of Cabaret as Fraulein Schneider, as well as being featured in the 2025 Cohen New Works Festival (Rigged: The Game Show, The Tragical Comedie of Margery Lyall). She has a background in film and TV. Thank you to her teachers, family, cast and crew! (she/her) 

Jimena Herrera (The Senator from Oregon) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin from Brownsville, TX. This UTNT (UT New Theatre) production marks her debut with Texas Theatre and Dance. Recent credits include RENT and The River Bride. She'd like to thank her family for their endless support. (she/her)  

George Johannson (The Senator from Nevada) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. He is from the Houston area and this is his first acting credit with Texas Theatre and Dance.  

Isaiah Jones (The Senator from Washington) is a second-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer’s process. He has been performing in his hometown for as long as he can remember and can’t wait to continue his journey at the university level! This is his third Texas Theatre and Dance production, with his first being the UTNT (UT New Theatre) production Once in a Hundred Years. He has recent credits in This Girl Laugh, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing (Texas Theatre and Dance), Necromantic (Take the Wheel), Carrie: The Musical (University Theatre Guild) and The Line (Fade to Black Play Festival). Isaiah is so excited to be a part of this project and hopes you enjoy this phenomenal show!  

Jarell Kearney (The Senator from Colorado) is a second-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer’s process. This is his debut with Texas Theatre and Dance. His recent credits include a Theatre for Young Audiences show based on the children’s book The Rainbow Fish, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Into the Woods. All of these were with The University Theatre Guild.  

Jade Lang (The Senator from Vermont) is receiving a B.A. in Theatre and Dance with an emphasis in performer’s process at The University of Texas at Austin. This is her first acting credit with Texas Theatre and Dance and she has been pursuing acting and performance for 13 years.  Her most recent credits include Columbia in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (2025), Biff in House Play (2025), and Eunice in A Streetcar Named Desire (2024).

Eli Leva (The Senator from Montana) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. He has an extensive background in theatre. His recent credits include James and the Giant Peach (2024), Twelfth Night (2025), in addition to multiple projects as part of The Cohen New Works Festival. He is excited to be a part of this amazing production and have the ability to collaborate with a brilliant cast and crew.   

Roman Losa (The Lobbyist) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. He has an extensive background in theatrical performance as well as appearing in multiple short films and TV episodes through the Moody College of Communication. His previous roles include Dorn in Once In a Hundred Years and Herr Schultz in Cabaret. This is his third production with Texas Theatre and Dance. 

Mackenzie Moberly (The Senator from Arkansas) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major excited to be making her Department of Theatre and Dance debut! She has an extensive background and love for both music and acting. Her recent credits include Brandeis High School’s Phedre, Matilda, and The Little Mermaid as well as participation in the Majestic Empire's Joci Awards.

Keren Sofia Ortega (The Senator from Florida) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer's process. This is her Texas Theatre and Dance debut. Recent credits include "The Criminologist" in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and "Princess" in Glitter Play (The Broccoli Project, 2025). She has also done extensive work with Texas Student Television and KVRX Student Radio. (she/her) 

Blake Persyn (The Senator from Mississippi) is a third-year B.F.A. in Theatre Education major at The University of Texas at Austin. (He/Him)  

Manuela De Pontes (The Senator from Idaho) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include “Peaseblossom” in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2024) and, as part of The Cohen New Works Festival (2025), “Emily Dickinson” in We Are The Only Poets and “Jorah” in You Need The Goo!. She has also been part of multiple Radio-Television-Film projects. Manuela would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support, and is thrilled to be a part of her first UTNT (UT New Theatre) production.  

Preston Powe (The Senator from Illinois) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. He has been a part of many productions here on Campus, such as Twelfth Night, You Need The Goo, and Six Characters in Search of an Author. He would like to thank the creative team for trusting him in this role. 

Ericka Pugliese (The Senator from Texas) is in her fourth year pursuing a degree in Theatre & Dance at The University of Texas at Austin. She has been seen in multiple Austin productions such as The Baker’s Wife, Beauty and the Beast, and recently performed in the the World Premiere of the musical Unveiled. She is excited to be performing on the Brockett stage for her final performance at UT. 

Jason Robalino (The Senator from Alabama) is a first-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance Major from New York. This is Jason's first mainstage show, and he is thrilled to be a part of this talented cast. Last semester he was a part of the University Theatre Guild where he performed as Anthony in Sweeney Todd. He would like to thank his cast, crew, and team of directors for making this production possible. He hopes you enjoy the show!  

Erin Simpson (The Senator from Nebraska) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer's process. Some of her recent credits include The Horribly Agonizing Three Day Death of Father James (Katherine) with Texas Theatre and Dance Studio Series and We Are The Only Poets (Sue) with the Cohen New Works Festival. (she/her)

Neely Stalcup (The Senator from California) is a first-year B.F.A in Acting major here at The University of Texas at Austin! This is Neely's first production here at Texas Theatre & Dance, and she is so honored to be working with this spectacular crew & cast! She has a keen passion for the craft, and she is excited to see where UT takes her! Neely would like to thank Jesus, her family, her director, and of course, her cohort! 2 Corinthians 4:18  

Erick Vargas (The Senator from Wisconsin) is a fourth-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer’s process at The University of Texas at Austin. He has previously worked on tech in Plano and The Revolutionists. He has been part of Tapping, Six Characters in Search of an Author, Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret, and Rigged: The Game Show. Erick is excited to continue his journey after graduation to further his career in the film industry. 

Fred Wara (Jeremy the Intern) is a first-year B.F.A. Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. He brings an extensive background in both theatre and film. His experience includes projects he has self-directed, produced, and starred in, as well as acting roles in several short films created through the Moody College of Communication. This past semester marked his theatrical debut as Father James at The University of Texas at Austin’s production of The Horribly Agonizing Three Day Death of Father James. He hopes that you enjoy the show!

Pennylou Zimmerman (The Senator from Ohio) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Previous credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include "Lulu" in Cabaret, “Gumbo” in A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes (2024) “Clara” in Pretend It’s Pretend (UTNT (UT New Theatre) 2024) and “Blue” in a staged reading of Grief Camp (Eliya Smith, 2024). Her most recent project was writing the play Absolute None!, which premiered at The Cohen New Works Festival (2025).

Juno Adair (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology at The University of Texas at Austin. He specializes in scenic design, construction, and painting. Previous work includes Assistant Set Designer for Cabaret (UTTD), Automation Operator for Mary Poppins (SSA) and Le Nozze di Figaro (BSM), and Assistant Technical Director for UT New Theatre 2025 (UTTD). He also works at Texas Performing Arts as a Fabrication Assistant. 

Brittney Barton (Scenic Designer) is a 2nd year M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in scenic design and technology. She has a passion for scenic design and is excited for all her upcoming projects. She designed A Tale for Home and Vulturine. She is also working on Ain't No Mo' later this spring. Other recent credits include This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing. 

Nia Brondo (Sound Designer) is a fourth-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer's process at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include assistant sound designing for Cabaret (2025), as well as sound designing The Horribly Agonizing Three Day Death of Father James (Studio Project, 2025). 

Nicole Chacko (Co-Production Manager) (she/her) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology and a focus in stage management at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent Credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Pretend it's Pretend (UTNT(UT New Theatre), 2024), James and the Giant Peach (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2024), Absolute None! (The Cohen New Works Festival, 2025), and Rooted in Motion (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025). 

Manami (Ally) Dolley (Stage Manager) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management) at The University of Texas at Austin. She brings a strong background in technical theatre, with experience spanning multiple disciplines. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Assistant Stage Manager for This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries and This Girl Does Nothing, the touring TYA show, Assistant Stage Manager for These. Are. The. Keystrokes. and Hair and Makeup Designer for a production featured in the Cohen New Works Festival.  

Sarah Jean Elliot (Lighting Designer) is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a M.F.A. in Theatre (live design and production). She is the resident lighting designer for Ballet Vero Beach, and her recent work includes m(other) figures (Dance Waterloo, 2025), A Christmas Carol (Barter Theatre, 2024) and Lyric & the Keys (Magik Theatre, 2024). Credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include: Un Intento (An Attempt) and Oxido (Rusty) (Points of Intersection, 2024) and Ride the Cyclone(2023). She also served as co-technical director for The Cohen New Works Festival (2023). (she/her)

Eliot Gray Fisher (Video Designer) is an interdisciplinary arts worker and co-director of Austin-based ARCOS, whose practice connects bodies and technologies. He has created sound and media art for live performance, composed music for dance, theater, and film, designed and built interactive media arts installations, and written and directed original theater and dance productions. He recently received an M.F.A. in Performance as Public Practice from The University of Texas at Austin. 

Oyin Ojomo (Dramaturg) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major. She is pleased to be working in the LAB Theatre for the 2nd time and feels blessed to be in this program. 

Valeria Blanco Perez (Associate Production Manager) is a second-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management) at The University of Texas at Austin. Theatrical credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Austin Opera, Kids Ensemble Manager) and A Christmas Carol (Zach Theatre, Student Actor Supervisor). Credits with UT Theatre and Dance include EQUINOX 2025 (Assistant Stage Manager) and Twelfth Night (Assistant Stage Manager). She wants to thank everyone in the UTNT 2026 team and hopes you enjoy these new works!

Jose Salcido (Technical Director) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology at The University of Texas at Austin. This is his eighth production with UT Theatre and Dance and his third year with UT New Theatre. Some of his credits include production manager for UTNT (2025), production management assistant for Williamstown Theatre Festival (2025) assistant technical director for the Butler School of Music “Downwind” (2026).

Ava Sofia Settoon (Costume Designer) is a second-year M.F.A in Theatre candidate with a specialization in live design and production (costume design) at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits include Costume design positions for This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing and At This Table at UT Austin. 

Laura Soares (Co-Production Manager) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology (stage management). She has a background in various types of backstage work and stage management. Recent credits include assistant stage managing for Dance Repertory Theatre’s ROOTED IN MOTION (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025) and stage managing the student-led dance show EVOLUTION (Texas Theatre and Dance, 2025).

Sophie Steinhauser (Assistant Director) is a fourth-year B.F.A. in Theatre Education major. Past credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include CHOREOMANIAC 1518 (ensemble) and Yes or No during The Cohen New Works Festival (costume designer). She has also participated in the Shakespeare at Winedale program and a variety of student productions.

Bonnie May Trippensee (Assistant Stage Manager) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in design and technology at The University of Texas at Austin. She has experience in many areas of technical theatre and is excited to help stage manage this project. 

Hans Tsai (Composer) is a Taiwan-based music producer at MOKRAFT Studio. He composes music and designs sound for film, theatre, award shows, events, and video games. His recent works include Trace of Belief by Chun Dance, presented at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Sweden Fringe, and EVA Air’s brand project Your Asia Journey Expert.

Chih-Ching Chester Tsai (Playwright/Director) is a playwright-director from Taiwan, and an M.F.A. in Theatre candidate with a specialization in Playwriting at The University of Texas at Austin. His works include The Reunion Dinner (2020), Slipping through Fingers (2022), and classic reimaginings Antigone (2019), The Madness of Titus Andronicus (2021), and Hamlet Machineman (2024). He also wrote the book and lyrics for Dancing through Formosa the Musical (2023, co-produced by the National Theatre of Taiwan). Website: https://www.chihchingtsai.com

Lucky Cantu (Mimi the Rabbit) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major. She has been onstage since age 3 and film since 5. She has performed with Different Stages, Cedar Park Theatre, Young Shakespeare, the Pollyanna Theatre, the Scottish Rite, Summerstock Austin, and Zilker Theater Productions. Lucky recently received her third B. Iden Payne for ‘26 Miles.’ Having done stage, commercials, and film, she is happiest with a live audience! IG: luckycantu8

Keiny Cantu (Ant 5 / The Fisherman) (she/her) is a first-year B.F.A. Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. After spending fifteen years in Mexico, she continued to pursue her passion for performance through productions such as Catch Me If You Can, Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, Urinetown, and Bring It On. Keiny is deeply committed to using storytelling to explore the human experience and inspire empathy in others. 

Timmy Huynh (Joseph / Ant 2) is a B.A in Theatre and Dance major with an emphasis in performer's process at The University of Texas in Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance includes This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing and multiple projects for The Cohen New Work Festival.

Abby Joe (Ann / Ant 1) is a first-year B.F.A. in Acting major from Washington, D.C. She has performed in multiple productions with The Shakespeare Theatre Company and at the Alvin Ailey. A former Elite All Star Dancer, she earned the World Champion title in 2023 and also has extensive vocal training. At The University of Texas at Austin, she is involved in Alpha Delta Pi, Steel Dance Company, Collective Film Club, French Society, and Young Life. 

Meera Laskar (Ant 4 / The Fisherman’s Daughter) (she/her) is a second-year B.A. in Theater and Dance major with an emphasis in performer's process. She is also studying speech pathology! She has most recently been involved in The University of Texas at Austin's studio production of Twelfth Night; or What You Will (2025), UT's Cohen New Works Festival (2025) in productions of You Need The Goo and We Are The Only Poets, and University Theater Guild's production of Into The Woods (2025). Meera hopes you enjoy the show!

Mackenzie Mann (May) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre with an emphasis in Playwriting & Directing,  with a love for poetry, acting, her family, and her cat. They have acted in multiple Texas Theatre and Dance productions, as well as student films. She is grateful for this opportunity to share the stage with wonderfully talented people once more. (She/They)

Oyin Ojomo (Lynn) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major. She is pleased to be working in the LAB Theatre for the 2nd time and feels blessed to be in this program. 

AnaLee Tinajero (Ant 3 / The Queen Ant) is a third-year B.A in Theatre & Dance with an emphasis in Performer's Process and B.S in Communication & Leadership double-major at the University of Texas at Austin." Recent credits include “Cassandra” in The Horribly Agonizing Three Day Death of Father James (Texas Theatre and Dance Studio Series), “Attendant/Cellist/Mariner” in Twelfth Night, or What You Will (Texas Theatre and Dance Studio Series), "Jane" in Hag Ridden (TSTV incubator pilot), and "Michal" in The Pillowman (Prism Productions).