The Cherry Orchard

Kevin Otos grew up in Southern California where he learned to love the beaches and the mountains as well as acting. He developed his passion for theatre in Oregon and ultimately graduated with his MFA in Acting from Florida State University's Asolo Conservatory where he studied with an outstanding faculty, including the legendary director of Eugene O’Neill's plays, the Tony Award winning José Quintero. Screen credits include One Tree Hill, Necessary Roughness, and Underground as well as several independent films, commercials, and industrials. Favorite stage roles include Antony in Julius Caesar and Leo Tressler in Junk. Also a director for the stage, some favorite productions include American La Ronde, Cherry Orchard, Twelfth Night, his own adaptation of Servant of Two Masters, and the North American premier of Simon Stephen’s Pornography. Learn more about Kevin at kevinotos.com.

JP has served as the Performing Arts Technical Director since Fall 2017. Prior to Elon, he worked as a lead craftsperson and project manager on productions such as Paw Patrol Live. Outside of Elon, he continues work as a freelance technical designer on productions such as the Frozen Australian Tour, The Beauty and the Beast in Shanghai, and The Phantom of the Opera World Tour. In his free time, JP builds custom furniture and runs an ever-increasing number of virtual Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. He couldn’t do any of this without the constant support of his amazing partner.

Jack is an Associate Professor of Performing Arts. He has worked at many regional theaters from The Orlando Shakespeare Theater to The Actor’s Theater of Louisville. He spends most of his summers either working at a small theater in Missouri (City of Maples Rep) or traveling the world looking at textiles, antique garments, or cultural wonders. His passions include antique textiles (specifically American Women’s Costume from the 19th century and the politics of 18th-century French fashions) and his dog, Neha!

Natalie Taylor Hart is a Scenic Designer and the Associate Chair of Performing Arts at Elon University. Selected Scenic Designs: New York: Tech Support (59E59TH, Off-Broadway); Tartuffe (Queens Theatre, Off-Off-Broadway); Slave Shack (Algonquin Theatre); Associate Designer for The Wiz (The Netherlands). Regional: Life in the Fat Lane (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Having Our Say, Our Town {Scenic Consultant}, Fences {Finalist in World Stage Design 2017 Taipei}, White Lightning (Triad Stage). Exhibitions: USITT Design Expo, Prague Quadrennial, World Stage Design Finalist 2017, Lincoln Center Portfolio Review. MFA, Ohio University. Proud member of IATSE USA Local 829. natalietaylorhart.com

Greg Thorn is the Technical Director for the Department of Cultural & Special Programs at Elon University. Some of his past lighting design credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Cabaret, You Can’t Take It with You, The Glass Menagerie, and Mama Mia! In addition, his set design credits include My Side of the Story and The Thing With Feathers. This is his fifth time designing for this production, and it remains to be his favorite event of the year! He wants to thank the entire production team for tackling this event in a film capacity for the first time ever, as well as the dancers for their amazing work!

Kamilah is a dramaturg, playwright, and educator originally from North Carolina. She holds a B.F.A. in Theater Education from UNC-Greensboro. Currently, she is the Literary Manager at Portland Center Stage in Oregon before which she spent several seasons at Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ, Asolo Repertory Theater in Sarasota, FL, and Triad Stage in Greensboro, NC.

Maria Angelos is a first-year Elon College Fellow majoring in Environmental Studies and Theatrical Design and Technology, with a concentration in stage management. She has been a part of the theatre world since high school and has previously stage managed, designed, and directed many productions. Maria would like to thank the design team, directing team, and actors for creating such a great show. She also thanks her family, friends, teachers, and professors for all of their help in getting her where she is today.

Markley Bortz (she/her) is a junior acting major at Elon University. She is thrilled to be returning to the Elon main stage in The Cherry Orchard! Previous Elon productions include Clown Bar, Pheromone, and Macbeth. Instagram @markleysara_b

Ross is excited to make his mainstage debut at Elon University. Previously he’s been involved in APO's Dog Sees God as Van and he understudied in previous Elon productions of Clown Bar and Hamlet. This summer Ross will be in Boston with the Commonwealth Shakespeare taking part in their Work-Study Apprentice Program. A special thanks to Professor Otos for giving him this amazing opportunity, along with the Acting and Theatrical Design and Technology Departments for collaborating to create an inspiring production. Ross thanks his family, friends, and teachers throughout his life for helping him to achieve his dreams.

Matthew Conkling is a senior BFA Acting major with a minor in TDT making his final appearance on an Elon University stage. His previous Elon credits include Twinkles in Clown Bar, Bernard U/S in Arcadia, and appearances with Instant Laughter. After graduation, Matthew plans on working in New York and traveling around the world to make art. He would like to thank everyone involved with The Cherry Orchard for making this an incredibly rewarding artistic experience as well as his family for constantly supporting and uplifting him throughout his time at Elon.IG: @matthew_conkling | www.matthewconkling.com

Balazs David is a Junior Acting Major who is very excited to make his MainStage debut. He was abroad in the fall studying at The Theatre Academy of London. He loved taking all his experiences he learned there and working on them on this incredible show. Previous credits include: Shotgun U/S in Clown Bar, Swing in Shakespeare in the Dark, Van U/S and Matt U/S in Dog Sees God, and Aegeus U/S in Medea. He would like to thank the entire creative team, everyone in the cast, Kevin Otos, and his parents for always supporting him.

Allison is a first-year student from Louisville, Kentucky double majoring in Acting and Political Science. She is also a member of the Elon College Fellows Program. Allison is beyond thrilled to be involved in her first main-stage production and is excited to experience all Elon has to offer during her next three years.

Hana is a senior acting major from Westchester, New York and is beyond grateful to be taking her final bow here at Elon in The Cherry Orchard. Prior Elon credits include Macbeth, Hamlet and School for Wives. Hana would like to thank the amazing The Cherry Orchard team for being a dream to work with. Special thanks also go to all of her friends and family for their endless support and love. She hopes you enjoy the show!hanaeddib.com | @hanaeddib on Instagram

Riley is a junior Theatrical Design & Technology and Statistics double major from Durham, NC. The Cherry Orchard is his first mainstage stage management position at Elon, and he cannot wait for you to experience the work this company has been putting into this production for months. Riley would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support, love, and compassion!

Kelli Geiger is a first-year BFA Acting major and is so excited to be in her first Elon production! She is from Long Island, NY and is a singer. She has been involved in numerous productions It's A Wonderful Life (Mary), Newsies (Medda), The Addams Family (Morticia), R&H'S Cinderella (Madame.) She is sending love to her fellow castmates and wants to thank everyone involved for making this such an amazing process.

Anna Gullion is a junior acting major and cinema and TV arts double major at Elon University. She is thrilled to be a part of Elon's main stage production of The Cherry Orchard. Previous Elon productions include The Elephant Man and Hamlet. Instagram @annagullion

Caity is so proud to be a part of this wonderful production and is so excited to be doing live theatre again. Her previous Elon credits include U/S #11 and #13 in The Wolves and Chorus in Medea. She would like to thank her incredible cast, crew, and Kevin for all of their support and hard work, and her family for their unwavering support and love always. Welcome to the Orchard!

I am very excited to be Assistant Directing a main stage during my Freshman year! I love acting but I am exploring all facets of theatre. Insta: @laney_lync

Sean Mikesh is a first-year BFA Acting major from Bristow, VA making his Elon Mainstage debut in The Cherry Orchard! Before arriving at Elon, he was involved in community theatre and his high school’s theatre productions. His favorite shows included A Few Good Men (Lt. Daniel Kaffee) and Based on a Totally True Story (Michael). At Elon, Sean has understudied in the two previous plays this season Heart of Shrapnel (Y) and Sense and Sensibility (Edward/Col. Brandon). He was also involved in the student-led production Sensory Overload. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Emma Morris is a first year at Elon pursuing a double major in Dance Performance & Choreography and Dance Science. She is from Lexington, Kentucky and is thrilled to continue on her path of becoming a professional dancer here at Elon. This year she will be performing in Dancing in the Landscape and Bridging: Spring Dance Concert as well as operating the sound board for The Cherry Orchard.

Alex is a Senior TDT major with a concentration in lighting and stage management. This year she is the lighting designer on Heart of Shrapnel, Sense and Sensibilities, and The Cherry Orchard. Additionally, she is one of several lighting designers on the Fall Dance Concert and an assistant lighting designer on 42nd Street.

Gia is a First-Year student pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography while also working to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is from Collegeville, PA and has grown up dancing throughout her whole life at her home studio, On Edge Movement as a company member. She is experienced in styles including Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop and many more. She is beyond thrilled to continue her dance career and journey here at Elon University. This year, she will be performing in Dancing in the Landscapes, Fall Dance Concert and Spring Dance Concert.

Haley Richey is a senior Theatrical Design and Technology Major with a concentration in Props and Makeup. She wants to thank the cast, production team, her family, and friends for their support of this production. Her previous credits include 42nd Street as the Props Manger, Pheromone as the Props Manager, and Trojan Barbie as the Makeup Designer.

John Lee Rudolph is a senior BFA Acting major here at Elon and he is so excited to be a part of this incredible production. His past credits include Heart of Shrapnel (X/Y), Medea (Messenger), Hamlet (Guildenstern U/S), and Arcadia (Jellaby U/S). John Lee is also a proud member of the Department of Performing Arts improv team, Instant Laughter. He would like to sincerely thank the entire team for their artistry and their role in making this such a joyful experience. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Carli is thrilled to be Assistant Directing The Cherry Orchard. Her other Elon credits include stage manager of Sense and Sensibility and assistant stage manager of The Bubbly Black Girl... and Fugitive Songs. Special thanks to Kevin Otos for the mentorship and opportunity.

Carenna, a junior B.F.A. Acting major, could not be more grateful to be a part of such a lovely company for The Cherry Orchard. Past Elon credits include Voice in Pheromone, Court Attendant and Ophelia u/s in Hamlet, and #46 u/s in The Wolves. She would like to extend a humungous thank you to the entire creative team, cast, and Kevin Otos for making this process one of the most fulfilling experiences she's had at Elon. Endless thanks to her friends and family for constantly supplying her with so much love and support, especially throughout this process.

Griffin Todd is a senior BFA Acting/BA Arts Administration double major from Lexington, South Carolina. Previously seen as Marcellus in Hamlet (online), Griffin is excited to now be portraying Firs in The Cherry Orchard. He'd like to thank the wonderful cast and crew for their work, as well as his friends and family for their constant support. www.griffintodd.com

Sophia is a first-year Elon College Fellow majoring in Theatrical Design and Technology with a concentration in lighting design. Since participating in technical theatre throughout high school, she found her passion in lighting design and electrics and is excited to follow this path into the future. Sophia would like to thank her friends and family for all their care and support as well as the mentorship she has received from fellow TDT students and Cultural Programs throughout this academic year.

Gavin Connors is a sophomore acting major from Nashville, TN. He is very excited to be a part of his first main-stage show, The Cherry Orchard. Gavin has worked on various short films and student projects here at Elon and can’t wait to get back to performing the magic of live theatre.