The Grapes of Wrath

R. Mitchell Fore

After university appointments in Arkansas and New York, Mitch spent 26 years on the performing arts faculties at UNC Greensboro, retiring in 2015. A native Virginian, this is the second time he’s come out of retirement, and is enjoying his interactions with student and faculty colleagues at Elon.

Kayla Higbee

Kayla Higbee (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in Theatrical Design and Technology. She has a BA in English from Centre College and an MFA in Production Design & Technology from Ohio University. Professionally, she has worked with Berkshire Theatre Group as wardrobe supervisor and Texas Shakespeare Festival as assistant costume designer. She was also resident costume designer and costume shop supervisor at Centre College for four years. At Elon, she is part of the Performing Arts Inclusivity Committee and serves as an Elon College Fellows mentor for multiple disciplines in Theatrical Design & Technology.

Jeff A.R. Jones

Jeff A.R. Jones (Fight Director) has staged fights and/or scenes of intimacy for over 200 shows in theatre, opera, and ballet. His fights have received rave reviews in The Washington Post and The New York Times. He is recognized as a Fight Director, Certified Teacher, and Theatrical Firearms Instructor by the Society of American Fight Directors. He is also a Certified Intimacy Director with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators. He is on faculty at Elon University and Meredith College. He also teaches weekly public stage combat classes through Collaborative Combat Movement Arts in Raleigh. www.jarjones.com

Courtney Liu

Courtney Liu is an Assistant Professor of Music Theatre and Director-Choreographer at Elon University. She has performed with the Broadway cast of the Phantom of the Opera, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Queen of the Night, AEA & Disney Developmental labs, the Broadway Dance Lab, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Busch Gardens Theme Parks, the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Peridance Contemporary Dance Company. Courtney has taught dance for 20 years and published her pedagogical research in the Journal of Dance Education. Recent choreography credits include Forestburgh Theatre, Playmakers SYC, and the American Dance Festival in collaboration with the Nasher Museum. Courtney received her BA and MFA from Duke University.

Kim Shively

Kim Shively is an Associate Professor at Elon University where she teaches acting and directs. She is also Guiding Faculty with Theatrical Intimacy Education, a leading research and professional organization that trains and equips people in the best practices for staging intimacy for theatre, film, and TV. A member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, professional acting credits include: Shakespeare Orange County, Laguna Playhouse, and the Asolo Rep; roles on Guiding Light, As the World Turns, The Young and the Restless, CSI:Miami; and over a dozen national commercials. She is the co-author of Applied Meisner for the 21st Century Actor (Routledge), and her peer-reviewed articles have been included in journals including Theatre Topics, The Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism, and The Journal of Consent Based Performance. Shively travels around the world working as a theatrical intimacy educator and practitioner with an emphasis on working with minors.

Shively earned a BFA in Theatre Performance at Chapman University and an MFA in Acting at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory. Learn more at www.KimShivelyCreative.com and www.21CActor.com.

Kirby Wahl

Kirby has directed and dialect coached many Elon productions. Locally, he’s performed in The Mystery of Irma Vep and The Illusion, at Greensboro’s Triad Stage, and The Prisoner’s Dilemma and Jude the Obscure, at the Burning Coal Theatre in Raleigh (where he’s served as dialect coach for numerous productions, including the 2014 London performances of The Iron Curtain Trilogy). Other professional acting credits include New York City’s Riverside Shakespeare Company, Arizona Theatre Company, & Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. A Certified Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework and Knight-Thompson Speechwork, other professional memberships include Actors’ Equity Association, VASTA, and Body-Mind Centering Association.

Parker Felumlee

This is Parker’s second time on the McCrary stage. His first was as Jacques in last year’s production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Since then, Parker has had the chance to study abroad in London, where he spent a considerable amount of time honing his Oklahoman accent with the locals to mixed results. He would like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support throughout his performance career, and he would like to give a special shoutout to his mom, his G-dad, and his G-ma, who started their journey as Okies long before he did. Boomer Sooner!

Makenzie Pridgen

Makenzie Pridgen is a Sophomore BFA Acting Major from Baltimore MD. Her previous Elon credits include Legally Blonde (Ensemble), John Proctor Is The Villain (Nell U/S, Student Chorus), and Spring Dance Concert 2024 (Dissent/Descent). She is honored to be performing in Elon’s production of The Grapes of Wrath! @makjade444

Caroline Moore

Caroline Moore is thrilled to play Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath. This has been such a rewarding process for her! At Elon, she has previously been a part of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (Tragedian), As You Like It (u/s Rosalind), and The Antipodes (u/s Eleanor). She would like to thank her family and professors for their endless support! Enjoy the show!
Instagram: @carolinegmoore

Claire Keel

Claire Keel is a junior BFA Acting major who is so excited to be making her McCrary stage Debut in Grapes of Wrath as Rose of Sharon. At Elon Claire has had the privilege to have been a part of John Proctor is the Villain (student chorus), The Inferior Sex (Penny Barlowe U/S), and Antigone with Renegade Productions (Antigone U/S). She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and hopes you enjoy the show. I love you Mom, Dad, Nonna and Eva! @c1airekeel

Jaden Carlisle

Jaden Carlisle is experiencing his first year at Elon and is majoring in Acting with a minor in Theatrical Design & Technology. Though originally from Metairie, Louisiana, Jaden holds an Associate Arts degree in Theatre from Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. Credits include: Eddie in Pocatello, George in The Drowsy Chaperone, Doug in Gruesome Playground Injuries, Jesus in Godspell, and more. He’s sending love to his mom, dad, brothers, and entire family for supporting him, as he’s the first person in the family to attend university. Jaden dedicates this performance to Pawpaw Eddie 03/16/24. @jaden.carlisle

Ailish O’Brien

Ailish is a sophomore Acting major originally from Southern Pines, NC. Previous Elon credits include Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Tragedian/Horatio), John Proctor is the Villain (u/s Ivy), and Instant Laughter (comedic improv troop). She is beyond excited to be making her principle debut and to share this important and meaningful story with everyone. She would like to thank her family for their never ending love and support.

Alan Kornbluth

Alan Kornbluth is an International Acting BFA Major from Caracas Venezuela, with a minor in Communications. He last participated in Elon University’s Production of “As You Like It” as the character Adam. Reach out via email to “alankornbluthactor@gmail.com” for any inquiries regarding opportunities or collaborations.

Mia Basulto

Mia Basulto Urrea is so excited to have worked on her first Elon University show! She is an Acting BFA student and a Creative Writing double major. At Elon, Mia has participated in the 24-Hour Play Festival as a writer and looks forward to future productions. She thanks her mom, dad, and teachers for always supporting her in what she’s passionate about, and she thanks her cat for being cute!

Graham Boggess

Graham Boggess is beyond excited to perform in Grapes of Wrath! Having played Danny M1 in The Antipodes and swinging for Paradise Lost, this is his second mainstage performance and first performance on the McCrary stage. Over the summer, he performed in Green Day’s American Idiot at the Sarasota Players, where he started playing guitar. He is proficient at being juuust below average height.

Allison Durand

Allison Durand is a senior BFA Acting & Political Science double major who is excited to be in her final college show! At Elon, Allison has performed in Concord Floral (10/Bobbie James) and The Cherry Orchard (U/S Anya & Dunyasha). She would like to thank her wonderful support system for being there for her throughout college, and she looks forward to the next chapter of her post-grad life!

Dylan Levison

Dylan Levison is a Sophomore BFA Acting major from Short Hills, New Jersey, and is very excited to be performing in his third Elon production! Some of Dylan’s favorite past credits include Antipodes (Josh) and As You Like It (Silvius U/S). He wants to give a special thanks to the entire cast and crew of Grapes of Wrath for making this show an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the show! Instagram: @dyllev

Kavalon Mills

I’m Kavalon Mills but I go by Kav. I’m a sophomore BFA Acting and Music double major with a minor in dance here at Elon. This is my 2nd MainStage production at Elon. Outside of theatre I have interest in modeling and traveling. I want to thank my mom, dad and the rest of my family and friends for there support.

Seth Upchurch

Part of the BFA Acting Class of ’26, Seth returns for his fourth Elon main stage role! He has had a hand in many other productions at Elon such as Clue, As You Like It, Antipodes, and more! He also loves helping in Theatrical Production with prop & scenic design, working in Voice Acting, and animation. Buckle up, and enjoy the show!

Aubrey Kocsis

Aubrey’s love for theater began when she performed as a Billy Elliot Ballet Girl, playing Tracey Atkinson. At Elon she’s known for her role as Charleene the Wrestler’s Sister, a ball busting acrobat, in As You Like It. She’s a get-it-done-girl, usually all in the same day. She is a cheerleader, fitness instructor, and trains in dance, voice, cello, acrobatics, aerial arts, improv comedy, and stilts. She loves cats, wishes she could eat gluten, and can’t wait to bring the WRATH.

Mikayla Tees

Mikayla Tees is a First-Year Acting Major. She is so grateful to have had the opportunity to work on her first show at Elon. She would like to thank her friends, family, and teachers who have supported her throughout her theater journey thus far!

Jeffery Wilson

Jeffery is a first-year BFA Acting Major and is super excited to share his work in The Grapes of Wrath with you all. He has been working on his craft since the 7th grade and growing ever since. He would like to thank his family for their support in his journey and the production team for all of their hard work!

Lachlan Apple

Lachlan Apple (Any Pronouns) is a first year actor from Louisville, Kentucky. They are double majoring in Acting and Arts Administration. Lachlan is involved in on campus groups like Instant Laughter Improv and serves House Management as an Audience Ambassador. They got to serve on crew for Acting productions of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead as well as Paradise Lost this season, and are excited to take the stage for the first time in Grapes of Wrath.

Nick Brillo

Nick Brillo is a first year BFA acting major here at Elon University and is so excited to be a part of his first mainstage production of The Grapes of Wrath. Nick is very happy with what he’s doing and loves the people that he works with. He can’t wait for what’s to come in the future. He is looking forward to the audience seeing this show, Break a Leg!

Claire Fellows

Claire Fellows is thrilled to be involved in her first Elon play! She has enjoyed performing in previous productions including Junie B Jones in Junie B Jones Is Not A Crook, Della in The Gift of the Maji, and Jane in The Coast Starlight. She’d like to thank the cast, crew, and wonderful director Julian Stetkevoch, as well as her parents and cat Tilly for their unwavering support!

Keller Gilliland

Keller is an acting freshman and this is his first time being a part of an Elon production. Other credits include Hamlet at Interlochen Arts Academy as Polonius, and Vice Principal Panch in Spelling Bee at Interlochen as well as many more. He hopes to wish everyone a great time watching Elon’s Grapes of Wrath.

Arlan Visser

Arlan is an international student and a double major in Acting BFA and Psychology BA. She was last in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead when she played Guildenstern.

Sam Weiss

Sam Weiss is a freshman BFA Acting major at Elon University. This is his first ever show at Elon and has been elated to understudy so many talented actors. From dialects, which he’s never done before, to picking up harmonica, Sam has been pushed in all new directions by this amazing show!

Owen Harsch

Owen is a sophomore Acting major from Davidson, NC with previous Elon credits including Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Lee U/S in John Proctor Is The Villain, and Oliver U/S in As You Like It. Owen has loved getting the chance to switch roles and get behind the directing table. He is so excited for audiences to see this inspiring production!

Juliette-Elise Hill

Juliette is a sophomore double majoring in Arts Administration and Drama & Theatre Studies with a double minor in Business Administration and Creative Writing. She is thrilled to be on her 4th production as assistant director at Elon University, previous productions being The Antipodes, Legally Blonde, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, and now Grapes of Wrath. She wants to give a big thanks to Professor Julian for this opportunity and for being a great mentor. This experience has been exceptional. Juliette hopes to continue on in a career in the arts and directing after Elon.
Instagram: @juliette_hill05

Ilana Meissner

Ilana Meissner is a senior from St. Louis, Missouri pursuing a major in Computer Science (BA) and a minor in Theatrical Design & Technology. Having worked with Renegade, NewWorks, and Elon Performing Arts on shows previously, she is ecstatic to be making her mainstage debut as a Lighting Designer! She would like to thank the wonderfully talented cast, crew, and the entire ‘village’ that helped bring this show together including mentors from along the way. She would also like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.

Margo Buchanan

Margo Buchanan (she/her) is a senior at Elon double majoring in political science and theatrical design and technology with a concentration in technical direction. She’s very excited to be the technical director for Grapes of Wrath! Most recently, she worked at the Heidelberg Theater as a metalworking intern and at the Santa Fe Opera as a stage crew apprentice. Previous Elon credits as assistant technical director include Legally Blonde, Spring Awakening, and Bridges of Madison County.

Talia Scheckman

Talia Scheckman is excited to be the stage manager for this production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Talia is a junior, currently studying Theatrical Design and Technology with a concentration in stage management and a double major in Arts Administration. Her past stage management experience at Elon includes Spring Dance Concert (Stage Manager), Spring Awakening (Asst. Stage Manager) and The Bridges of Madison County (Asst. Stage Manager). Talia is grateful to the cast, crew, and creative team for their hard work and dedication, and would like to thank her family, friends, and her dog, Scout, for their continued support.

Gracie Guess

Gracie is so thrilled to be apart of this amazing process for Grapes of Wrath. This season she was also the ASM for Fall Dance Concert and ALD for Great Comet. She would like to thank her supportive friends and family, Julian Stetkevych, Justin Miller and the whole TDT faculty, Jess MR, and the Bennetts. Special shout out to Talia and Avery for being such a fun and productive SM team. Enjoy the show!

Avery Smith

Avery is a second year Acting and Communication Design double major with a minor in Theatrical Design and Technology. She is so excited to be assistant stage managing for the first time for this amazing production! She would like to thank the entire cast for being such great performers and people, as well as Professor Stetkevych for his fantastic direction, Talia for being such a wonderful stage manager, and Gracie for being a perfect assistant stage manager.

Lillian Chen

Lillian is a sophomore from New Jersey with a double major in Theatrical Design & Technology and Arts Administration and is thrilled to be working as the lighting designer for Grand Night! Recent productions at Elon include The Grapes of Wrath (Props Manager), Spring Dance Concert: Emanation (Asst. Lighting Designer), Paradise Lost (Stage Manager), Fall Dance Concert: Unboxed (Lighting Designer), and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Scenic/Props Coordinator). When she isn’t backstage, you can find her working as a house manager. Many thanks to the company of Grand Night for creating such a fun and collaborative environment and trusting her to light their work – enjoy the show!