The Visit: Cast and Creative Team

Grace Carney (Assistant Costume Designer) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major at The University of Texas at Austin.

Alik B. Clay (Scenic Designer) is a third-year M.F.A. in Theatre student with a specialization in live design and production at The University of Texas at Austin. You may have seen their work glowing on stage here and across the street at the Butler School of Music. Recent credits include Cendrillon, Ain't No Mo' and DRT: Rooted in Motion, in addition to several Department of Theatre and Dance thesis projects. They hope you enjoy the show.

Joseph Crawford (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a first-year M.F.A in Theatre student with a specialization in live design and production (lighting design). Before coming to Austin, Crawford was a lighting designer and arts administrator based out of Atlanta, GA.

Kay Currier-Graves (Lighting Designer) is a M.F.A in Theatre student with a specialization in live design and production (lighting design) at The University of Texas at Austin. She holds a B.F.A. in Theater Design and Technology from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Recent credits include Ain't No Mo' (UT Theatre and Dance), VOID / ing (Rooted in Motion, UT Dance Repertory Theatre), Weight of Faith (UT M.F.A. Dance Thesis) and The Prudes (UT Theatre and Dance: Studio Series).

Friedrich Dürrenmatt (Playwright) Born on January 5, 1921, in Konolfingen, Switzerland, Friedrich Dürrenmatt had writing in his blood. His grandfather—a well-known satirist and political poet—encouraged the young boy to develop a questioning spirit, which would characterize his later works. In fact, the memory of his grandfather inspired Dürrenmatt throughout his career. As a young man, Dürrenmatt attended the University of Bern, where he studied literature, theology, philosophy, and science. It was here that he first became interested in playwriting after becoming a regular patron of the operettas. Among his favorite playwrights were Aristophanes and Thornton Wilder. After transferring briefly to the University of Zurich, Dürrenmatt decided to withdraw from school and try his hand at playwriting. At the age of twenty-two, he set about composing his first play, a lyrical and apocalyptic comedy which was never produced. Over the course of the next few years, he struggled to earn a living as a writer and had to turn to the writing of short stories, mystery novels and radio plays to make ends meet, but he never gave up writing for the stage. His breakthrough came in 1952 with the comedy The Marriage of Mr. Mississippi, in which he first began to formulate his own unique style of theatre: a dark, dreamlike world populated by characters who, though frighteningly real, are often distorted into caricature. The playwright found that dark comedy was a most effective medium through which to expose the grotesque nature of the human condition. The Marriage of Mr. Mississippi evoked strong reactions from Dürrenmatt's audiences and established him as one of the finest European dramatists of his day. Dürrenmatt's most popular plays include Romulus The Great (1949), The Visit (1956), The Physicists (1962) and Play Strindberg (1969). His many awards include the Drama Critics' Circle Award and the Schiller Prize. He died in 1990.

Liberty-Belle Garza-Omae (Assistant Costume Designer) is a first-year M.F.A in Theatre student with a specialization in live design and production (costume design) at The University of Texas at Austin. During her time in undergrad, Garza-Omae designed several productions including Public Rituals for Broken Hearts, Feywild and Spring Awakening, in addition to the short film If It's Not Love.

Steve Gilliand (Sound Designer/Composer) is an award-winning sound designer, composer, technical director and musician based in New Orleans.  A member of theater ensembles Goat in the Road Productions and Intramural Theater, his work spans installations, design, acting and videography. His music and sound design can be heard at the Walter Anderson Museum, The New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center and online, where he releases music under the name GillaWatts.

Rob Hahn (Voice Coach) is a dialect coach, voice and speech specialist and Visiting Guest Lecturer in Acting/Voice at The University of Texas at Austin. He spent 19 years on the faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, directing 30-plus productions and coaching dialect and voice on 250-plus more. On screen, he recently coached the cast of Peacock's The Good Daughter and is coaching the upcoming season of Apple TV's For All Mankind.

Alisa Irvin (Assistant Stage Manager) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance (design and technology) major at The University of Texas at Austin. She has an extensive background in stage management. Recent Credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Diet of Worms, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing and Three Exorcisms.

Luna J (Projection Designer) is a M.F.A. in Theatre student with a specialization in live design and production (integrated media for live performance). She has a wealth of experience in visual effects rendering and live video performance to bring to a theatrical setting. Her previous projects include Rooted in Motion, Ain't No' Mo', Millenium Strike at DadaLab and Freaky Deaky festival. She is an enigmatic technologist who emphasizes breaking the video mold with music video qualities.

Bennett Kirschner (Assistant Director) is a theatremaker who is currently pursuing a M.F.A. in Theatre with a specialization in directing at The University of Texas at Austin. He is the founding Artistic Director of Intramural Theater, a New Orleans-based theatre collective that focuses on physical and spatial experiments with original scripts.

Sunghyun Lim (Director) is a theatre director and playwright based in Seoul, South Korea. He is a third-year M.F.A. in Theatre student 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.

Chris McGarry (Assistant Dramaturg) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance (playwriting and directing) major at The University of Texas at Austin. He is thrilled to be working with Sunghyun Lim and such an amazing and hard-working cast and crew on this timeless and prescient play.

Madeline Parker (Assistant Stage Manager) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance (design and technology) major at The University of Texas at Austin. She has a background in stage management. This is her first show with Texas Theatre and Dance.

Yan Pena-Akens (Assistant Sound Designer) is a B.S. in Arts and Entertainment Technologies major with an emphasis in sound design at The University of Texas at Austin. With a background in Audio/Visual operations fueled by a love for creative arts, Pena-Akens has taken industry endeavors into music, film and now, theatre.

Polina Pinchevsky (Assistant Projection Designer) is a first-year M.F.A. in Theatre student with a specialization in live design and production (integrated media for live performance). She earned her B.F.A. from The New School with a graphic arts focus and has owned a design studio for the past two decades in the Washington, D.C. area. The Visit is her first theatre production.

Sandi Rodriguez-Gonzales (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a third-year B.F.A. in Theatre Education major at The University of Texas at Austin. She has an extensive background in teaching and lighting design. Recent credits with the Department of Theatre and Dance include lighting design for Sovereign Shoulders and assisting with lighting for The Cohen New Works Festival.

Zoe Saldaña (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance (design and technology) major at The University of Texas at Austin. She previously served as the assistant scenic design for Cendrillon and has worked as assistant scenic charge artist at Texas Performing Arts Fabrication Studio.

Ava Settoon (Costume Designer) is a M.F.A. in Theatre student with a specialization in live design and production at The University of Texas at Austin.

Judith Soto (Assistant Stage Manager) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance (design and technology) major at The University of Texas at Austin. As a first-year student, this is her first production with the department and she has had a very wonderful time.

Megan Thornton (Dramaturg) is a M.F.A. in Theatre student with a specialization in performance as public practice. Recent dramaturgy credits include Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret by Jessica Peña Torres (world premiere) and SLASH/HER by Anthony Anello. Thornton is the Director of New Works at Ground Floor Theatre and founder of GFT Writes, a year-long fellowship for Austin playwrights. She is a puppeteer and vocalist in emo puppet band Fragile Rock.

Kyle Trehern (Stage Manager) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance major (design and technology). He has a background in stage and event management. Recent credits with the Department of Theatre and Dance include The Cohen New Works Festival, Ain't No' Mo' and A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes. Outside of the department, he has worked at the Zach Theater, The Long Center and The Hogg Memorial Auditorium.

Maurice Valency (Translator) (1903-1996) was a playwright, author, critic and popular professor of Comparative Literature at Columbia University. He was best known for his award-winning adaptations of plays by Jean Giraudoux (The Madwoman of Chaillot, Ondine, The Enchanted and The Apollo of Bellac) and Friedrich Dürrenmatt (The Visit). Valency's version of The Madwoman of Chaillot became the basis of the Jerry Herman musical Dear World on Broadway. Valency's version of The Visit became the basis of the Kander and Ebb musical The Visit on Broadway. Valency's original plays include The Thracian Horses, Regarding Electra and Conversation with a Sphinx, and he wrote numerous textbooks on drama.

Durrell Anderson Jr. (Man 2/Athlete) is a B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Some of his recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include The Senator from Maryland in Diet of Worms and an Understudy in Ain’t No Mo’.

Kylie Aquino (Kobby) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also pursues a minor in Advertising through Moody College of Communication. She has an extensive background in acting, and this is her first production with Texas Theatre and Dance.

Danielle Berman (Painter/Radio Reporter) studies history and is in the Plan II program at The University of Texas at Austin. She attended LaGuardia High School’s Drama Department (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Titania). In college she has continued acting through Shakespeare at Winedale (As You Like it, Rosalind; Henry V, The Duke of Exeter). She has also participated in student-led projects (Antigone, Ismene and Eurydike). She is excited to be working with the Department of Theatre and Dance for the first time this semester! (she/her)

Keiny Cantu (Man 4/Second Reporter) is a B.F.A. in Acting major with a minor in Arts Management and Administration at The University of Texas at Austin. Cantu is a bilingual performer with a background in both theatre and mariachi. She made her Texas Theatre and Dance debut in A Tale for Home (UTNT 2026). Additional credits include Catch Me If You Can, Unexpected Tenderness and Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, among others.

Frida Castro (Lobby) is a second-year B.F.A in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. The Visit will be her second production with Texas Theatre and Dance. Some of her onstage performance credits include Diet of Worms (The Senator of New Mexico), Iphigenia (Iphigenia) and She Kills Monsters (Tilly Evans). She would love to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering love and support. Hook ‘em!

Giulianna Coco (Burgomaster) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also pursues a minor in Arts Management and Administration and a BDP certificate in Non-Profit and Social Entrepreneurship with an environmental emphasis.  Recent credits include Beatrix in This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing and Carly in SLASH/HER. She is very thankful to be a part of this story and would love to thank God, her family, mentors and friends for all of their support!

Chandler Collins (Pedro) is a fourth-year B.F.A. in Acting major and director at The University of Texas at Austin. They have been in various incredible works throughout their time here at UT Austin and have loved every second. Recent credits include Ain't No Mo’ (Texas Theatre and Dance), Eurydice (Prism Productionz), Walden: Remixed (Mary Moody Northern Theatre), Our Town (Rude Mechs) and more. They are grateful for the opportunity to share this story with you and hope you enjoy the show!

Na’Imah Cutts (Man 3/First Reporter) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. This marks Cutts’ first credit with Texas Theatre and Dance, and she is incredibly excited and grateful to be part of this production. She would like to thank and send love to her family, friends and cohort for their continued support.

Connor Davis (Anton Schill) is a third-year B.F.A. in Acting major. He strives to be a part of exciting work that resonates with the audience on an individual and communal level. Last year, he was in Twelfth Night as Duke Orsino, Father James as Abel and Ordinary Time as Father Nicholas, which was a highlight of his year. He is excited to be part of this project and hopes you will enjoy the show!

Zoë Hampton (Man 1) is a second-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 The Visit, after previously appearing in Diet of Worms and The Horribly Agonizing Three-Day Death of Father James. Hampton 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.  

Minsoo Han (Max/Second Woman) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance (performer’s process) major at The University of Texas at Austin. His recent credits include D’arc in Vernal Roost at Frontera Fest, Ensemble in Reefer Madness and Peter in Hearts like Fists at ACC Highland.

Emerson Hartman (Claire Zachanassian) is a fourth-year B.F.A in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Hartman has worked extensively with film and on the stage during her time at UT Austin. Her past credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Cheesecake (A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes) and Paulina/Beetle (Once In A Hundred Years).

Ellie Herr (Bobby/Cameraman) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance (performer’s process) and a B.S. in Radio-Television-Film double major at The University of Texas at Austin. Mainly known for her work as a screen actor, she is excited to return to the stage. Some of her recent film credits include UT Graduate Thesis film Static (Claire) and Australian film Smash the 9 Dash Line (Iris) which is currently making its international festival run.

Jordan Hill (Priest) is a proud student in the B.F.A. in Acting program at The University of Texas at Austin. He has a background in acting, singing and directing, with numerous credits throughout the Houston and Austin area, including Ain’t No Mo’, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors and Purlie Victorious, among others. He is deeply honored to continue his artistic and academic growth in Austin with the Department of Theatre and Dance as a performer in this distinguished program.

Chiamaka Igwegbu (Teacher) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major. Her most recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Ain't No Mo' and The Prudes. Alongside acting, she has a strong passion for dancing and singing. She is thrilled to be a part of this show and hopes its contents can resonate deeply with the audience.

George Johannson (Doctor) is a second-year B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Diet of Worms and The Prudes. He spent the summer at Shakespeare at Winedale where he performed in Romeo and Juliet, Henry IV Part 1 and Love's Labors Lost.

Isaiah Jones (Mike/First Woman) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance (performer’s process) major at The University of Texas at Austin. 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 Once In A Hundred Years (UTNT 2025). His recent credits include Diet of Worms (UTNT 2026), This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing (Texas Theatre and Dance 2025), Necromantic (Take the Wheel 2024), Carrie: The Musical (University Theatre Guild 2024) and The Line (Fade to Black Play Festival 2025). He is so excited to be a part of this project and hopes you enjoy this phenomenal show!

Preston Powe (Policeman) is a B.F.A. in Acting major at The University of Texas at Austin. He has been acting since seventh grade, and has recent television credits in Brothers on Apple TV, and On Campus: Game of the Week on Netflix. He's been on stage within the department in Diet of Worms, The Prudes and Twelfth Night.

Sadie Ritchey (Daughter/Conductor) is a third-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance (performer’s process) and a B.S. in Radio-Television-Film double major at The University of Texas at Austin. This is her first show with Texas Theatre and Dance, though she actively participates in many shows with the University Theatre Guild. Recent roles include Claire Ganz (Rumors), Ensemble (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) and Yellow Fish (Rainbow Fish).

Jason Robalino (Son/Stationmaster) is a B.A. in Theatre and Dance (performer’s process) and B.S. in Radio-Television-Film double major at The University of Texas at Austin. This is his second show with Texas Theatre and Dance, having previously worked on UTNT (UT New Theatre). He is thrilled to be a part of this talented company and hopes you enjoy the show!

AnaLee Tinajero (Frau Schill) is a fourth-year B.A. in Theatre and Dance (performer's process) and B.S. in Communication & Leadership double major at The University of Texas at Austin. Fun fact, Tinajero worked as a costume stitcher for this production as well! Recent credits include Assistant Stage Manager for Ain't No Mo’ (Texas Theatre and Dance), Queen Ant/Pianist in A Tale for Home (UTNT (UT New Theatre), 2026) and Attendant/Cellist in Twelfth Night, or What You Will (Texas Theatre and Dance: Studio Series).

Sophia Carter (Understudy) is a second-year B.F.A. in Theatre Education major with a minor in Arts Management and Administration at The University of Texas at Austin. Recent credits with Texas Theatre and Dance include Almost, Maine last spring. She is also a member of the improv troupes Gigglepants and SNAFU here at UT Austin.

Abigail Williams (Understudy) is a second-year B.F.A. in Theatre Education major at The University of Texas at Austin, where she also pursues a minor in Media and Entertainment Industries through Moody College of Communication. With Texas Theatre and Dance, her recent credits include Almost, Maine, Ain’t No Mo’, EQUINOX and Ordinary Time.