INCHING TOWARDS YEOLHA

KYLE ANGIOLINO (Assistant Stage Manager/Sub Show Caller/Fight Captain) Ridgewood, NJ; Junior, BFA Stage Management & Minor in Arts & Cultural Management. Kyle is super excited to work on this Show. Some of his recent credits include P\A Devised (Production Stage Manager) and Spring Awakening (Assistant Stage Manager). He would like to thank his family and close friends for supporting him every step of the way during this crazy adventure.

PHILIP EFFIONG (Faculty Dramaturg), Theatre Studies & Humanities Professor. Philip holds a PhD in Drama from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.  Prior to joining Michigan State University in 2017, he taught drama, fiction, nonfiction, the oral tradition and writing at various Nigerian, American and Ghanaian universities. In addition to a book on African American drama, Philip has published several articles that cover a range of topics in the humanities. His latest book, Nigeria’s un-Civil War: Memories of a Biafran Child, was released in 2023. Philip’s second book on the Nigerian war will be published later this year. It is titled, My Biafran Scar: A War & Postwar Narrative. 

MACARTHY BROWN (Assistant Properties Artisan) Wixom, MI; Freshman, BFA Theatre Design. This is Macarthy’s first show designing at Michigan State University. Macarthy would like to extend their gratitude to Thalia for this opportunity and her mentorship, and for the creative genius of both Julie and Jackson. It has been wonderful to work alongside them, along with everyone else on the show.

SINE CHAN-GOLSTON (Mahn Mahn) Fresno, CA. Sine has had a varied performing arts background, specializing primarily in classical and contemporary ballet. While obtaining her BA in Dance and Certificate in Exercise and Sports Studies from University of California, Santa Barbara she had the opportunity to perform at the World Congress of Dance in 2019 under Monique Meuiner (NYCB) and performed works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Monica Bill Barnes, and Norbert de la Cruz III. Since the closure PDX Contemporary Ballet and subsequent loss of a company contract, she has ended her dance career and since performed in more theatre productions including Hookman (Yoonji) and She Kills Monsters (Kaliope). Currently they are a part of Through Brooklyn College’s MFA in Performing Arts Management and is working as an intern though Eisenhower Dance Detroit. With this experience, Sine hopes to be able to bring more work and performing arts experiences to the communities that need it most.

JULIE CLAMPITT (Properties Artisan) Charlotte, MI; Senior, BFA Theatre Design. Past credits include A Beautiful Day in November… (Paint Charge), Digging Up Dessa (Properties Artisan), Title of Show (Properties Artisan), and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare… (Properties Artisan). Julie would like to thank Jackson and Macarthy for being such an amazing team to work with, Thalia for her fantastic mentorship, and Romo and Anthony for all of the late-night pancakes.

JACKSON COSME-BROOKS (Assistant Properties Artisan) Holt, MI; 3rd Year, BFA Stage Management, Minor in Arts & Cultural Management; He/Him/His. Recent credits include Inherit the Wind (Stage Manager/sub-caller), Cinderella (Production Stage Manager/Stage Management Mentor), and soon, The Laramie Project (Stage Manager/Lighting Designer/Sound Designer). Jackson is infinitely grateful for his partner Jacob, his cats Dipper and Jinx, and the theatre world, for continuing to give him the career he’s always dreamed of.

MATT DURLAND (Inspector) First year MFA Acting Candidate! Past credits include Inherit the Wind, Thinner Than Water, Eurydice, Island Song, Romeo and Juliet, Taming of the Shrew, A Piece of Monologue, 25th…Spelling Bee, 10,000 Cigarettes. Matt also works as a Music Director and has worked on Cabaret, The Prom, Matilda, A Funny Thing…Forum, Legally Blonde and a whole lot more! He’s so proud to be on stage with actors merging from multi-disciplinary areas at MSU. Shout out to the brilliant MFA Cohort (actors and designers!), Ji Won, Stage Managment Team, and all the incredible faculty, teachers, and support staff in our theater department for their kindness! 

THOMAS EVANSKY (Ho-Cheh) Morristown, NJ; Junior, BFA Acting. Some of his recent work includes A Beautiful Day in November… (#), Waiting for Lefty (Dr. Barnes/Dr. Benjamin), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo), Little Women (Laurie), and Something Rotten! (Brother Jeremiah, u/s Shakespeare). He would like to thank his cast, crew, and family for their constant support and tolerance. Stalk his Instagram! @thomas.evansky

COLLIN GARDNER (Gang-Ryang) Portland, TN; Freshman, BFA Acting, Musical Theatre Minor, Creative Storytelling Minor. This is Collin’s second production at Michigan State University! The first being the annual improv show, MSU Unscripted. This is his first major acting role since he graduated high school in 2023. He’d like to thank everyone he has met since arriving at MSU for their support, and he is incredibly excited to be a part of this production!

SHELBY GINSBURG (Sahn Yuh) Commerce, MI; Senior, BFA Acting Major, BA Creative Advertising Major, Musical Theater Minor. Shelby is thrilled to be working on this amazing production and round out her time with Michigan State’s Department of Theatre. Recent performances include A Beautiful Day in November (Twin Wife #2), What if Wilhelmina (Perimeter Person and Wilhelmina 1), Sweat (Jesse) and For the Love of (Squeaky Mouse). To all those who have loved and supported her throughout her time at college, thanks for all you do! Here’s to her final show with MSU! Finally she’s not horsin’ around when she says there is neigh way you won’t love this show!

JHON GOVAERE (Guh-Boh) Chelsea, MI; Junior, BFA Acting. His previous MSU roles include Love Is the Greater Labyrinth (Teseo), White (Tanner), and Charlotte’s Web (Avery). He is very excited to be a part of such an amazing and creative production. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continuous support! Have an amazing show!!

KARA (AH HYUN) HWANG (Student Dramaturg) Seoul, Korea; Sophomore, majors in History & Social Studies Education, minor in Asian Studies. Kara had a wonderful experience working with the production team and actors, sharing Korean culture and historical background behind Inching Towards Yeolha. She congratulates everyone for their amazing work and hopes the audience enjoy the show.

MATTHEW IMMEL (Boo-Hyeh) Howell, MI; Sophomore, BA Theater. This will be Matthew’s official acting debut. He is very excited to be working with so many talented and creative individuals! He would like to thank his family and friends for their ongoing support. He would also like to thank the faculty and his peers for their kindness- this wouldn’t be possible without them!

KYLE JEDRUSIK (Yoo-Yoo) South Lyon, MI; Sophomore, BFA Acting, Screenwriting Minor. His previous MSU roles include A Beautiful Day in November… (Fred) and Waiting for Lefty (Clayton/Clancy) with Mainstage as well as TSD’s Page to Stage Cabaret. He would like to thank his friends and family for their everlasting support in his performing arts journey!

ANDREW KELLER (Kyo-Choong) Toledo, OH; First-year MFA acting candidate. Recent credits include Thinner Than Water (Benjy) and A Beautiful Day in November… (Granddada) here at MSU. Thanks to Ji Won and the rest of the creative team for the opportunity to create this special piece of theatre, the MFA cohort for their perpetual support and friendship, and his family for their love. Enjoy the show!

STEPHANIE KROSCHEL (Cho-Mae) Olympia, WA; First-Year MFA Acting candidate. Recent credits include Thinner Than Water (Cassie), Inherit the Wind (Mrs. Brady), at MSU, and A Very Williamston Christmas (Understudy) at Williamston Theatre. When the arts flourish, our communities thrive. Thank you for coming out to enjoy live theatre, and support the arts in your community.

BANDA LINDER (Understudy for Inspector, Cho-Jung, Pan-Chen Lama, and Choo-Oh) Honolulu, Hi; Junior, BFA Theater. This will be Banda’s second show here at MSU. He played Mr. Boddy in MSU’s production of CLUE. He is excited for the opportunity to work in a show that reminds him of his home city’s local cultures and to work with such a fun and creative cast and crew.

NOLAN LOUKES (Sahn-Goh): Richland, MI; First-year, BFA Acting. Some of Nolan’s most recent credits include MSU Unscripted (Actor), Spooky Dog and the Teen-Age Gang Mysteries (Spooky Dog) with Second Stage, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck) with Roial Players. He would like to thank all the people involved in this show for making this such a fun, safe, and welcoming experience. And to viewers like you, thank you!

BRANDON MCDUFF (Sound Designer) Lansing, MI; Second-year M.F.A in Theatrical Sound and Media Design Candidate. His most recent works include A Beautiful Day in November… (Media Designer), and Stevie and the Real World (Sound Designer/Composer). He will be the Audio Supervisor at The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center this summer and he recently won the USITT: Point Source Audio’s “Your Story in Sound” Sound Design Contest. He is excited to work with Ji Won again and wishes to thank his wife, Jazlyn, for her unwavering support.

ALEXIS MENDEZ (Jang-bok) is a First-Year MFA Actor originally from the town of Coatepec, Mexico. Recent credits include Thinner Than Water, Inherit the Wind, The Elephant Man.  Alexis would like to thank his family for their love and support, the MFA cohort for a great semester and Ji Won for the opportunity to bring this character to life. Enjoy the show!

SHELBY PARKER (Yeon-Ahm) Fort Worth, TX; First-year MFA acting candidate. Recent credits include Thinner Than Water (Angela) and A Beautiful Day in November… (Snapdragon) here at MSU. Shelby would like to thank the cast and crew of Yeolha, the MFA cohort and mentors, her partner, Olivia, and her family for everything they do and are. It is a gift to make art alongside you all.

SAVANNAH PEREZ (Gee-Yuh) Warren, MI; Junior, BFA Acting, Musical Theatre Minor. Savannah’s recent MSU credits include But Why Bump Off Barnaby (Magnolia), The Link (Marcia/Kate/Actor 3), The Ripple Effect, and the Page To Stage Cabaret. This is Savannah’s first mainstage show since coming back to MSU after a long break, so she is very excited to perform at the Wharton Center again after 9 years! She wants to thank everyone who has given her encouragement to keep pursuing her dreams and she hopes you enjoy your journey to Yeolha!

TYLER RADZE (Panchen Lama/Tiger) White Lake, MI: BA Business Management, BFA Acting for Screen Stage and New Media. MSU DOT Credits: A Beautiful Day in November… (Twin), Clue (Mustard), Charlotte’s Web (Uncle), What If Wilhelmina (Bulldog), MSU Unscripted. SSP: Arsenic and Old Lace (Jonathan). Tyler would like to thank his family, friends, and this company.

CONNOR J REILLY (Production Stage Manager) (He/Him/His); Intimacy Captain; Grand Rapids, MI, Senior, BFA Stage Management; Arts and Cultural Management Minor; Spanish Minor; Professionally, Connor has most recently worked on Williamston Theatre’s Thirst as an Assistant Stage Manager and Mason Street Warehouse’s productions for Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots (Stage Manager Intern).  As a Student, Connor has most recently worked on MSU Department of Theatre’s 9 to 5, The Musical as the Assistant Intimacy Director and Love is the Greater Labyrinth (Production Stage Manager). He would like to thank his friends and family for their unending support!

TASHVI SHETTY (Assistant Stage Manager) Canton, MI; Sophomore BFA Stage Management; BA Business Management. Tashvi has most recently worked on the MSU Department of Theatre’s production of 9 to 5, The Musical (Automation Operator), Inherit the Wind (Assistant Stage Manager) and Second Stage’s production of Horse Girls (Assistant Stage Manager). She would like to thank her family for their support!

SHEA SNOW (Scenic Designer/Paint Charge) Clarksville, TN; First Year Design MFA Candidate in Scenic and Lighting. This is her first ever realized scenic design, but she has previously assisted on Clarence Brown Theatre’s Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and Murder on the Orient Express. She would like to thank you for supporting the theatre!

JAERIN SON (Puppet Designer) Jaerin Son is a puppet artist, play director and set designer from Korea. Her work includes plays, performance with movements, and dances. Her work often involves surreal images to depict a vivid reality of the real world rather than a rendition of illusion. She is working as a puppet & scenic designer and Pop-up book puppetry instructors at the Chicago Puppet festival and in 2022, is nominated as one of the 2022 fellowship artists from Links hall. She was also awarded a 2023 Workshop Grant from The Jim Henson Foundation.

NOAH TRAPP (Jeh-Gun) Livonia, MI; Sophomore, International Relations, BFA Acting. Past performances include The Music Man (Harold Hill), 9 to 5 (Bob), and A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes (Smilesinger’s Husband). Noah is very excited to return for his second Mainstage production of the semester. He would like to thank the department for the opportunity to perform in this thought-provoking show alongside a wonderful cast, as well as his friends, family, and amazing girlfriend for their constant support.

MARA VANDER BEEK (Production Assistant) Kalamazoo, MI; Sophomore, BFA Stage Management. Some favorite past productions include A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes (Assistant Stage Manager), Legally Blonde (Stage Manager), and Something Rotten! (Stage Manager). She would like to thank her family and friends for always being there for her! <3 

IRIS WIDLANSKY (Goo-Yuh) Salt Lake City, UT; Sophomore, BFA Acting, History Minor, Digital Storytelling Minor. Iris is so excited to be in this show! Recent performances include Inherit the Wind (Reverend Brown), Arsenic and Old Lace (Abby Brewster), and improv shows. She is thrilled to be working with this incredible group of artists, and she would like to thank her friends and family for their support!

CHAMANG YANG (Chang-Dae) Originally from Fresno, CA where he received his BA at Fresno State. Yang is a first-year MFA Acting candidate. His past performances includes Inherit the Wind (EK Hornbeck) with the Department of Theatre here at MSU, Much Ado About Nothing (Dogberry) with the Woodward Shakespeare Festival, and Body Maps with Tim Miller as a performer.

KARAM MAWAZINI (Choo-Oh) – is a third year BFA actor from San Diego, California. He has been involved in theatre for many years, but has only had the chance to explore English plays, literature, and stories. He is honored and excited to be a part of this Korean story, and glad to be exploring different backgrounds of experience. He dedicates his performance to his Love, Samantha and his cat, Missy.