Costume Designer for Distracted, Costume Construction
Kasee is a current MFA candidate in Theatre Design at MSU where she is concentrating in costume and scenic design. Her most recent commemorating achievement was placing 2nd in the nation for the national KCACTF competition for her scenic design for MSU’s production of A Contemporary American’s Guide To A Successful Marriage. Her most recent designs at Michigan State include Hit The Wall (Costumes), and A Contemporary American’s Guide To A Successful Marriage (Scenic). She is originally from a small town in Kentucky, and received her BA at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY. She would like to thank the design faculty (plus Rob), as well as, the theatre graduate cohort for their love and support. www.kaseearnett.com 

Sound Designer for Pippin, Distracted, and The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Nick is a current MFA candidate in Theatre Design at MSU concentrating in lighting design. His most recent lighting designs at Michigan State include Head Over Heels, Wendy and the Neckbeards, and Julius Caesar and also worked as a scenic designer for 2020: The S#!t Show. Nick is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and has worked with many local companies including Young People’s Theater and The Encore Musical Theatre Company. Nick would like to thank Lucas Nunn, the graduate design cohort, and his lovely wife for all of their support. nicklascaselladesign.com

Pippin in Pippin, Understudy for Distracted, Max in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Zach is originally from Dallas Tx, and is an incoming junior here at MSU pursuing a BFA in Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media, along with a Musical Theatre Minor. Some of his most recent credits include Head Over Heels (Musidorus) and Particle (Escalate) here at MSU. Zach is so excited to be working on the 60th Summer Circle season and working with such a talented group of people! He would love to thank his amazing family and friends for always being there for him and being his biggest fans!

Scenic Designer for The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Kirk is a Professor of Scene Design at MSU. As a member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, he has designed scenery, projections, and props throughout the country, including Stages, A.D. Players, Williamston Theatre, Eastman Opera, The Ohio Light Opera, City Lit Theatre, Mitch Albom Productions, Jewish Ensemble Theatre, Performance Network, BoarsHead Theater, Madison Repertory Theatre, Wharton Center, and MakeaCircus. His book entitled Collaboration in Theatre, co-written with colleague Rob Roznowski, explores the collaboration process between director and designer. Visit his website at www.kirkdomer.com.

Charlemagne in Pippin, Dad in Distracted, Robert in The Play That Goes Wrong, performer in White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
Christopher is currently an MFA acting candidate at MSU. He hails from Texas and has a BFA in performance from Baylor and an MA in theatre from BGSU. MSU credits include Hit the Wall (Cop), The Whirligig (Mr. Cormany), and A Contemporary…Marriage ©1959 (Narrator). Other credits include Our Town (Sam Craig), The Drunken City (Eddie), The Madness of Lady Bright (Boy), A Christmas Carol (Fred), Execution of Justice (Joseph Freitas), Talking Pictures (Estaquio Trevino), Courtship (Stanley), and WASP (Son). Christopher sends his love and appreciation to Wendy and the pups! To the cohort: Go, Go, Acting Cohort! Go, Go, Acting Cohort! Go, Go, Acting Cohort! You Mighty Morphin Acting Cohort!

White Rabbit Red Rabbit Performer, Community Engagement, Kids Camp Coordinator
Mona is about to become a second-year Acting MFA student at MSU! Mona was previously seen on MSU stages in the productions of Penelopiad, Whirligig and Hit The Wall. This summer, she’s out and about working on outreach to build community and engagement. The feeling of belonging is created in the culture of Summer Circle and Mona is so happy to be a part of it. Mona is also very excited to be solo performing in the second night of White Rabbit Red Rabbit. Shoutout to faculty and cohort homies in design & acting for their dope support!

Musician for Pippin – Keyboard
Jeff is a retired teacher of choral music and piano in the East Lansing Public Schools.  He was a public school teacher for 30 years and before that taught music at Lansing Community College for 5 years. He is also the music director at the Ruhala Center For the Performing Arts as well as pianist and music director at Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing. Jeff has been music director and pianist for over 150 musicals from high school and college theater to community theater and professional theater.

Leading Player in Pippin, Sherry in Distracted, Sandra in The Play That Goes Wrong
Hailey is from Milford, Michigan and recently graduated from MSU with a BFA in Acting for Stage, Screen, and New Media, along with a Musical Theatre Minor. Some of her credits include Head Over Heels (Ensemble) and The Penelopiad (Melantho/Maid). She will also be featured in Evil Twin Digital’s upcoming film Hark The Angel as Fay and Abigal Isaac. Hailey is excited to be a part of Summer Circle’s 60th season! She would like to thank her friends and family for their continuous love and support. Enjoy the show!

Musician for Pippin – Guitar

Yoshi Fukagawa is a Japanese-born guitarist, composer, audio engineer, and music educator. Yoshi is a staple in the live theatre and concert music scenes throughout the greater Lansing and Jackson areas. You’ve heard him perform in the pit on numerous musicals both at MSU and in the community. MSU highlights include Head Over Heels, American Idiot, See Rock City (SCT), Hair, and Carrie.

Pit Singer/Understudy for Pippin, Jesse in Distracted, Jonathan in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Ural is an award-winning theater artist and educator. He is currently an MFA Acting Candidate with a particular passion for community engagement and arts education. Ural has led workshops on nonviolence, peer pressure, and communication through Tennessee Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet Project. Through a leadership fellowship with New York City Children’s Theater, he is currently developing an arts education program that uses devised theater as a tool to help empower and free young African American males to tell their stories and construct their identities.  Ural strives to bring joy and ignite positive, impactful experiences for young people in his community.

Leading Player in Pippin, Understudy for Distracted, Trevor in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Justin is from Washington DC and is a BA Acting major with a Musical Theatre Minor. Some of his most recent credits include Hit The Wall (Mika) and Particle (Butter) here at MSU. Justin is ecstatic to be working in Summer Circle and with such an amazing cast and crew. He would love to thank his family and friends for being supportive during this journey.

Assistant Director of Pippin and The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Vaughn is a recent graduate from the BFA Acting program, originally from Port Huron, Michigan. His most recent work was as Director for the 2022 Young Playwright’s Festival in collaboration with the Wharton Center (Medea at Colchis, Murder and Cranberry Jam) as well as Assistant Director of the Department of Theatre’s Head Over Heels and Particle. You can see him as Braeden in Evil Twin Digital’s upcoming horror film The Ghost of Melrose Row, and check out his other work in theatre, music, and game development at vxha.net and stratospiel.com

Scenic Designer for Distracted, Scenic Carpenter
Jordan will be entering her senior year as a BFA Design student at MSU in the fall. Some of her previous works include Dear Jack, Dear Louise (assistant scenic designer), It’s a Wonderful Life (scenic designer) and Monsieur d’Eon is a Woman (properties artisan). She’d like to give a special thanks to Thalia and the whole scene shop crew for all their help bringing the Distracted design to life.

Costume Designer for Pippin, Costume Construction
Mona is a current MFA candidate in Theatre Design at MSU where she is concentrating in costume design. Her most recent costume designs at Michigan State include Monsieur d’Eon is a Woman, Wendy and the Neckbeards, and Julius Caesar. She is also a recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, and has had the pleasure of working at a variety of theaters in the St. Louis area including The Muny, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and the Fabulous Fox Theatre. She would like to thank Angie Wendelberger, the entire grad design cohort, and especially Lili Meyers. www.monajahani.com 

Choreographer for Pippin
Sloan is an incoming Senior at MSU, studying Marketing and Dance. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Orchesis Dance Company, where she recently completed two shows for their Winter and Spring shows, Redivivus and Clarity (Choreographer/Dancer). Her work was also featured in MSU’s production of Head Over Heels (Co-Associate Choreographer). She’d like to thank her parents, sisters, and her friends for their continuous support and encouragement!

Catherine in Pippin, Carolyn/Nurse/Waitress/Dr. W/Mrs. Holly in Distracted, Performing Crew in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Madison is a BFA Acting and Animal Science major with a minor in Musical Theatre here at MSU. Her most recent show involvement includes The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet), Head Over Heels (Gynecia/Mopsa/Philoclea Understudy), and Particle (3AM). She’d like to thank her family and friends for all their support! 

Berthe in Pippin, Mama in Distracted, Chris in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Cleveland, OH; First-year MFA Acting candidate. Past productions at MSU DOT include The Impracticality of Modern-Day Mastodons (Delores), The Whirligig (Trish), and Wendy and the Neckbeards (Mama, Kari). Previous to MSU, past productions include Love’s Labours Lost (Maria) at Rubber City Theatre, I’m Alive You B******s and Always Will Be (Jak) at Nightbloom Theatre Co., As You Like It (Rosalind) at French Creek Theatre, and Henry V (Canterbury/Hostess/Alice/Montjoy) with Cleveland Shakespeare Festival. To the MFA cohort, everywhere you look there’s a heart, a hand to hold onto. 

Assistant Properties Designer and Assistant Stage Manager

Scenic Designer for Pippin, Sound Designer Distracted, Properties Artisan
Thalia Pearce just completed her first year in the MFA Theatre Design program here at MSU. Thalia is focusing on Scenic and Sound design, but she is always looking for ways to continue growing as an all-around theatre artist. Having worked as an apparel and a costume designer in the past, she is now spreading her wings and reaching out into other theatrical related disciplines. Prior to coming to Michigan to pursue he MFA, she traveled a winding road of experiences that pulled her away from designing for the stage. Her career divergences were in graphic design, software development and early childhood programs. Thalia is finally returning to her first love of making the magic happen on stage. She recently realized her first mainstage scenic design, Hit the Wall at MSU, this past Spring. Thalia is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the SCT family.

Lewis/Theo in Pippin, Dr. Z/B/J/K in Distracted, Dennis in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong, performer in White Rabbit, Red Rabbit)
Oscar Quiroz is an actor from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. He initially trained in the National School of Dramatic Art of Honduras where he served as a teacher for many years. He holds a BFA in theatre from the University of Guadalajara and a diploma in voice studies from CEUVOZ (Mexico). Previous professional credits include: Trap for a lonely man, Dinner for Schmucks, Midsummer Nights Dream, Lucky Peter’s journey and many more productions with Honduran theatre company Teatro Memorias. He recently appeared in MSUs productions of The Penelopiad and Hit the Wall.

Production Stage Manager
Vee is a BFA Stage Manager here at Michigan State University, and will be starting her senior year this fall. She has been stage managing for 6 years, and has spent most of her career working with middle school drama groups and college theatre departments in the greater Lansing and Jackson area. Some of her most recent (and favorite) productions include Head Over Heels (assistant stage manager) and 2021 ĭmáGen: Particle (assistant stage manager) here at Michigan State University, along with Middletown (stage manager) and The Flick (stage manager) at Lansing Community College. Vee would like to thank her professors, mentors, and friends she has met in the past year at MSU for their support, along with her family and friends for their unending love and encouragement. She is especially grateful to her fellow company members for giving her such an exciting and enjoyable introduction to summer stock theatre!

Costume Designer for The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Zech is recent MFA Candidate that graduated this year with an emphasis in costume design. He received his BS in Theatre Education from the University of Indianapolis and his hometown is Jeffersonville, IN. While at MSU Zech designed costumes for Head Over Heels, A Contemporary American’s Guide to A Successful Marriage ©1959, Grads in Drag, 2020: The S#!tshow, & Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood (cancelled). He has won many accolades from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (both nationally and regionally) for his costumes, props, and directing work. He would like to thank his professors for an eventful three years of growth and passion.

Pit Singer/Understudy for Pippin, Vera/US Mama in Distracted, Annie in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong, performer in White Rabbit, Red Rabbit
SteFannie is from Troy, Michigan and recently graduated from MSU with a BFA in Stage, Screen and New Media along with a Musical Theatre minor.  Her most recent acting credits include: 2022 Young Playwrights Festival (Actor), Monsieur d’Éon is a Woman (Madame Pompadour/ Lord Hailifax), Wendy and the Neckbeards (Bree). She will be featured in the upcoming Evil Twin Digital web series Counter CULT-ure as Tessa. SteFannie is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful Summer Circle experience and everyone who made this process an extraordinary one.  She would like to thank her friends and family for their continuous love and support!

Fastrada in Pippin, Natalie in Distracted, Performing Crew in The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Lane is a BA Theatre Major and Arts and Cultural Management Minor here at MSU. Originally from New Boston, Michigan, she has loved every second of her theatre education here in East Lansing, most recently including A Contemporary American’s Guide to A Successful Marriage (Brunhilde/Ellen), The Seeds of Corruption (Camilla), Monsieur d’Éon is a Woman (Assistant Director) and the upcoming Evil Twin Digital feature film Hark the Angel (Raelyn). Lane is so grateful for the opportunity to experience the wonderful process that is Summer Circle Theatre and thanks you for taking the time to support all of the hard work that went into creating this magic!

Scenic Carpenter
Pittsburgh, PA; Senior BFA Stage Management student. Recent credits include R&H’s Cinderella (Tech. Director), Monsieur d’Eon is a Woman (Stage Manager), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play (Director), and What if Wilhelmina? (Puppet Artisan). Mia is so grateful for her friends, family, girlfriend, and cast and crew for their support in her endeavors! Enjoy the shows and happy summer!

Director of Distracted
Ryan works professionally as an actor, director, and writer. His films have been showcased at festivals around the world and distributed with Gaiam TV, and Gunpowder & Sky’s network, Dust. One of his recent films, It’s Okay, has been showcased at multiple international film festivals including Pasadena International Film Festival, Woods Hole FF, and Vail International Film Festival. His first film, This Is Normal, received the Best of Festival award at the Seattle Deaf Film Festival, as well as acclaim from the Deaf/HoH community for the film’s nuanced approach to living with hearing loss. This summer he will be working with Center Theatre Group (Los Angeles) at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. He was awarded Best Lead Actor for his work on Outpost at the FilmQuest International Film Festival. He was also a series regular for two seasons on the Lionsgate Entertainment show Bite Me which earned him a nomination for a Streamy for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Additionally, he has appeared in numerous commercials both at home and abroad. As a writer, he had several screenplays produced, and several commissioned with companies like Lunacy Productions, Epic Level Entertainment, and Baby Under The Moon Productions. His plays have been featured at The Road Theatre (Los Angeles) and the Activate Midwest New Play Festival.

Kids Camp Coordinator
Dr. Ann Folino White is a scholar and theatre artist. She received her B.A. in Theatre from Michigan State University, M.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University, and Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Theatre and Drama along with a Gender Studies Certificate from Northwestern University.

Dr. Folino White’s teaching interests include stage directing, performance theory, and American theatrical and popular performance from the late-nineteenth century to the early-twentieth century. In 2015, Dr. Folino White received the Mid-Michigan Alumni Association Quality in Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Her scholarship on American drama, protest, and performances has appeared in American Drama, Text and Performance Quarterly, Performing Arts Resources, Women and Performance and TDR: The Drama Review. She is contributing co-editor of the essay anthology, Food & Theatre on the World Stage (Routledge, 2015). Her book Plowed Under: Food Policy Protests and Performance in New Deal America (Indiana University Press, 2015) was awarded the 2015 Working Class Studies Association CLR James Book Award.

She has served as a dramaturg for Appletree Theatre and Writers’ Theatre in the Chicago-area, and as a new play reader for Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Select directing credits for MSU DOT include The Grapes of Wrath, In the Blood, Widows, Macbeth, and Fallen Angels. Dr. Folino White also directed her own adaptation of the book The Lady Victory (by Jane Vincent Taylor, Turning Point Press 2012), which explores the experiences of girls sent to a home for unwed mothers in 1960s Oklahoma.

Director of The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Brad’s credits as a choreographer, movement director, fight director, director, and assistant span Broadway, National Tours, International Theaters, Regional Theaters, and the Metropolitan Opera. Broadway and National Tour: Amazing Grace (Assistant Fight and Military Movement Director), International: Legende Holmes (Holmes the Legend) at the Karlin Theater in Prague, Czechia (Dance, Movement, and Fight Assistant), Met Opera: Porgy and Bess (Assistant Violence Director) among others.  He just choreographed the World Premiere of The Fantasticks at Flint Repertory Theatre this summer. Brad is an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre and Choreography here at Michigan State University where he also oversees the ĭmáGen new musical program.  In the Fall, he heads to Delaware Theatre Company to assistant direct, and choreograph a world premiere of a new Dolly Parton musical entitled Here You Come Again.