Marliss Ameia*

Diva Donna/Mary Gaines

MARLISS AMIEA* was most recently seen in the World Premiere of Square Blues at Horizon Theatre as Tuesday and can be seen recurring as Maguerite on season two of “Swagger” (Apple TV). The Washington D.C. native’s television/film credits include the Aretha Franklin bio pic RESPECT, A QUESTION OF FAITH, “The Resident”, “Rake”, “Young & the Restless”, and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. She has also co-starred in a host of Lifetime, Hallmark and Ion Original Holiday movies. Atlanta audiences may remember Marliss as Nina #4 in Simply Simone at Theatrical Outfit, Octavia Vivian in the Emory Theatre Workshop For Peace I Rise, Princess in American Black Princess, or Sharmaine in Da’ Kink in my Hair. National tours and regional theater productions include Disney’s The Lion King, Hairspray, AIDA, Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty & The Beast, Sister Act the musical and the long running Disney shows Playhouse Disney Live Onstage and Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Marliss attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and is a graduate of Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida and the famed Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington D.C. She currently resides in Atlanta with her husband, two children and fur baby. For more info- IG: @MsMarliss and MsMarliss.com. I'm eternally grateful to GOD for another opportunity to grace the stage!

Desiré Gaston

Disco Donna

DESIRÉ GASTON is thrilled to join the cast of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical at Aurora Theatre. Her favorite credits include Whitney Houston in Whitney: A Moment in Time (NSU Theatre Co.), Darlene in The Color Purple (ASU Theatre), and Elle in The Forbidden Tour (International tour with Todrick Hall). She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Alabama State University. Desiré is excited to have her Aurora Theatre debut this season, and would love to thank her friends and family for always supporting her!

Jessenia Ingram

Duckling Donna/Mimi/Ensemble

JESSENIA INGRAM is absolutely delighted to be performing at Aurora Theatre. She is an Atlanta based actor, designer, and producer from Plano, TX. Recent acting projects include: Do You Love the Dark?, Hands Up (Alliance Theatre), Hamlet (Tiny Theatre Company), The Art of Facing Fear (Os Satyros, Brazil), and A Kids Play About Racism (Bay Area Children’s Theatre). Jessenia graduated from Spelman College and was the '19-'21 Spelman Leadership Fellow at the Alliance Theatre, where she is also a Teaching Artist & Allyship Facilitator. She sends love and gratitude to her family, both gifted and chosen. Follow her IG: @jesseniaingram

Wesley Tunison*

Neil Bogart/Gunther/Ensemble

WESLEY TUNISON* is thrilled to be making his Aurora Theatre debut! Off-Broadway: Freckleface Strawberry, The Apple Tree, Angelina Ballerina, Wanda’s Monster, Trouble! Williamstown Festival: Mad Forest, Dixon Family Album. New York: Nineteen, Zombie Wedding, Boys Of Summer, Hip Hop High. TV: "Vinyl", "Game Shakers", "Hey Girl". Film: EUGENIA AND JOHN, 8:46, HOLD FAST, GOOD LUCK. Proud AMDA grad. Love to Martina, Mom, my Fam and my fantastic team at Forward Talent! For more follow  IG: @wesleytunison and visit www.wesleytunison.com

Michael A. Blackmon*

Andrew Gaines/Ensemble

MICHAEL A. BLACKMON* Performance credits include Ain’t Misbehavin (as Ken), Miss Saigon (as John), Man of La Mancha (as Pedro), Jesus Christ Superstar (as Judas), Grease (as Teen Angel), Full Monty (as Tony Giodarno U/S:Horse), Damn Yankees (as Linville with Darius De Hass and Stephanie Pope), Bye, Bye Birdie (with Tommy Tune and Anne Reinking), Cinderella (as Prince Charming), Mame, Scarlet Pimpernel (as Ben), On The Town, Carnival, Camelot, Annie Get Your Gun, Singin' In The Rain, Carnegie Hall, Carnival Cruise Lines, Ballet for Young Audiences, Springfield Ballet Company, Cest Fantastique (Guam USA). Jazz Roots Dance Company, Bert and Ernie's Guide to Friendship, and Optimum Cable. His choreography credits include Escape to Margaritaville, All Shook Up, Miss Saigon, Oklahoma!, Chicago.

Courtney Locke

Ami/Dr.Myer/Ensemble

COURTNEY LOCKE is a Teaching Artist and founder of Actor Mommy Productions. Originally from Houston, she has lived in Atlanta for the last six years. She is so excited to be back at the Aurora with Summer, after being a part of the incredible production of Mary Poppins as a member of the Ensemble. Before that she wrote, choreographed and produced Broadway Baby Mamas with some other talented mommies as well as Moms Unleashed and Moms Unleash on Xmas at Alliance's Club Hertz. Some of her past credits include Mimi (RENT), Velma Kelley (Chicago), Cinderella (Cinderella), and Annelle (Steel Magnolias). Courtney is a graduate of San Jacinto College. IG: @thecourtneylocke

Amy Duffy

Joyce Bogart/Ensemble

AMY DUFFY is an actor, music director, and arts administrator. After moving to Atlanta to be a part of Aurora Theatre's AppCo, she has worked with the following companies: Alliance Theatre, The Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Atlanta Shakespeare Co., Buicentennial Productions, Horizon Theatre, Serenbe Playhouse, Stone Mountain Park, Habima Theatre, and the Georgia Aquarium. Aurora credits include Men with Money, Be Here Now, A Doll's House Part 2, Beat Bugs: A Musical Adventure, Christmas Canteen 2018 and 2021, and Mary Poppins. She is the proud co-founder of Destination Theatre. Thanks for being here today! Follow along with her work. IG: @destinationtheatre

Autumn Dawn

Linda/Brooklyn/Ensemble

AUTUMN DAWN  is an Atlanta artist who began her love for the arts at the age of 5. She was trained in various dance genres, like her all time favorite, tap. Autumn graduated from Georgia State University in 2020 where she earned a B.I.S. with a concentration in Theatre Performance and minor in Spanish. She currently works at The Alliance Theatre where she is a Teaching Artist and the TVY Stage Manager. A few of her stage production credits include; Rent (Joanne), In The Heights (Vanessa), and All Shook Up (Lorraine). Autumn has also choreographed musicals such as Newsies, Cabaret and upcoming productions of Once on This Island and Dreamgirls. “I would like to thank my DYLTM crew, friends and family for their support.” IG: @itsautumndawn

Mona Swain*

Dara/Ensemble, Disco U/S

MONA SWAIN is a local Atlanta actress and is thrilled to be back on the Aurora stage! She is a CCCEPA graduate and has built a Social Media following of more than 2 million people across her Social Media platforms (@monaswain). Credits: War Paint (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Let’s Hang On (City Springs Theatre Company), She Loves Me (Reinhardt University), Jukebox Giants (Strand Theatre), Christmas Canteen (Aurora Theatre).

Luke Badura

Brian/Ensemble

LUKE BADURA is thrilled to return home to Aurora Theatre having last appeared as male ensemble/swing in Aurora’s production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Favorite theater and film credits have included Tyler Hubbard's Dancin' in the Country music video with Terry Crews, Megalopolis with Adam Driver and Francis Ford Coppola coming later in 2023, Shoe Show commercial, Newsies, and Mamma Mia! (Aurora Theatre), Billy Elliot, and Mary Poppins (City Springs). Luke Badura is a professional dancer, artist, choreographer, actor in Atlanta, GA. Luke has danced with many dance companies, ballets, industry shows, cruise ships, and currently works in the film and theater industry and is signed with Xcel Talent Agency! Follow IG: @lukebadura

Tyler Kidd

Pastor/Herman/Ensemble

TYLER KIDD is an Actor, Singer, and Dancer who works full time in the world of TV/Film, Musical Theatre, along with being a recording artist. Currently part of Aurora's AppCo23, he previously was a Dance Instructor/local Choreographer that had the chance to teach at multiple schools in the Atlanta area. He has plans to one day be able to travel around the world getting to share his studies and schooling. He’s very excited to be a part of this musical and really hopes that you enjoy the show.

Gabrielle Hines

Mary Ellen/Ensemble

GABRIELLE HINES is a Coatesville, PA native and graduate of Muhlenberg College with degrees in theatre and music. Gabrielle has studied Theatre and Music at Goldsmiths University in London, England. Past credits include Charlaine in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Danielle in Bring it On, Lady in Brown in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf. Offstage, Gabrielle has directed and choreographed Revival Productions’ Ruby: The Ruby Bridges Story, directed and choreographed Limelight Theatre Company’s student productions of Matilda, and assistant directed Lancaster Bible College’s Ruth, a collaboration with Sight and Sound Theatre. Gabrielle is excited to begin her artistic journey in Atlanta! @gabrielle_hines

Truman Griffin

Bob/Policeman/Helmuth Sommer/Norman/Ensemble

TRUMAN GRIFFIN is making this Aurora debut with this production. Atlanta credits include: Bright Star (Legacy Theatre); Skintight (Actors Express); Camelot (Atlanta Lyric); Hand To God (Alliance Theatre, understudy); Dead Man Walking (Atlanta Opera); Dogfight (Woodstock Arts). Regional: The Bodyguard and Mamma Mia! (Springer Opera House); Miracle on 34th Street and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Emerald Coast Theatre Company). Concert credits: A Christmas Tradition (Strand Theatre); Robert Ray Productions. He received his BA from Kennesaw State University and he is the owner of Truman Griffin Fitness, LLC. Represented by East Coast Talent. Love to Rachel.

Aidan Alford

Ensemble

AIDAN ALFORD  is thrilled to be making her debut at Aurora Theatre in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. She is a recent graduate of Rider University where she was involved in productions like Oklahoma!(Ado Annie U/S), In Every Note (Nadia Yurievna), and Hair (Ensemble, Crissy U/S). Other favorite performances include The Roaring 20s (Gertie/Dodie), Fiddler On the Roof (Chava), The Secret Garden (Martha), and Band Geeks (Laura Jane Kirk) at Red Mountain Theatre. She would like to thank her parents and sister for all their support!

Ajia Northern*

Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain, Darcy/Ensemble

AJIA NORTHERN* is a resident of Atlanta, GA and proud Alumna of Alabama State University. With a profound love for the arts, she has a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Ajia began dancing at the age of three. She has studied all genres of Dance, being well rounded in ballet, modern, jazz, and pointe, Horton, Graham & more. She's studied at The Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre for 5 years. During her rigorous studies, she has grown as a Dancer. Ajia has trained with many amazing choreographers and artists throughout many cities. Dancing is her Grace. Aurora is the beginning of an unimaginable powerful story and two words, Thank You.

Taloria Merricks

Jeannette/Amanda/Ensemble, Duckling U/S

TALORIA MERRICKS  is super excited to be playing the role of Ensemble/US Duckling Donna in Summer: Donna Summer the Musical. She is excited to help portray this story of black excellence. Taloria is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her studies include drama classes at Howard University. She is a part of Aurora's AppCo23. Her past roles have included, Ensemble/US of Mary Poppins in Aurora's Mary Poppins. Also, she was the female identifying Swing in Aurora's Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Leading Player in a production of Pippin, & more. Taloria continues to pursue her passion in all forms of the Performing Arts with the help of God and her family.

Patdro Harris

Director/Choreographer

Tanya Orellana

Scenic Designer

TANYA ORELLANA (she/her) designs performance spaces for theatre, opera and immersive experiences. Collaborations include Fefu and her Friends directed by Pam MacKinnon at ACT’s Strand Theatre, Oedipus directed by Jenny Koons at The Getty Villa, We the Peoples Before directed by Roberta Uno at The Kennedy Center,  The Industry’s Sweet Land, an immersive opera directed by Yuval Sharon and Cannupa Hanska Luger at LA State Historic Park,  Long Beach Opera's Voices from a Killing Jar by Kate Soper, directed by Zoe Aja Moore,  LEAR by Marcus Gardley directed by Eric Ting at Calshakes, . She is a member of Wingspace Theatrical Design and an organizing member of La Gente: The Latine Theatre Production Network. www.tanyaorellana.com.

Mary Parker*

Lighting Designer

Kimberly Binns

Video Designer

Jeremiah Davison

Sound Designer

JEREMIAH DAVISON (he/him) Aurora: Cinderella: The Musical, Song & Dance (Suzie Nominated); Atlanta: The Incredible Book Eating Boy, Do You Love The Dark, Do You Love The Dark (Alliance Theatre); Urinetown, Bootycandy, Home Town Boy, Heather's: The Musical, Head Over Heels, and Audio Engineer for The Color Purple at Actors’ Express (Suzie Award Winner for Best Sound Design); Chicken & Biscuits (Dominion Group); The Light (Horizon); Fires in a Mirror (Theatrical Outfit). Touring: The Step Afrika! National Tour of Drumfolk. Education: 2017-18 Actors Express Appco Alum, University of West Georgia & Georgia State Perimeter College Alum. Davison is a Co-Founder and the current Director of Operations of Multiband Studios LLC. @MultibandStudiosLLC

Nicole Clockel

Assistant Costume Designer

NICOLE CLOCKEL (Costume Designer) is a costume designer and fabricator, as well as a proud graduate of Kennesaw State University. She currently works as a design assistant for the Alliance Theatre. Her previous work with Aurora Theatre includes New Brain, Bicycle Country, and In the Heights. Nicole would like to thank her sister Danielle, Christian, and the inspirational folks at the Aurora.

Galen Crawley*

Host

GALEN CRAWLEY* (she/her) is thrilled to be home for the holidays! This Snellville native is jingling her bells to be appearing in her fourth Christmas Canteen. You may remember her as the eponymous nanny from Mary Poppins (a role she has played twice at Aurora), or as a wicked stepsister in Cinderella. Regional: Ragtime, The Last 5 Years, and Urinetown (Nashville Rep), It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Studio Tenn), Beehive (Flat Rock Playhouse). Atlanta: Shrek and Broke (Alliance Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (City Springs Theatre), The Wild Party (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre), My Fair Lady, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Joseph…Dreamcoat (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Miss Bennet and 110 in the Shade (Theatrical Outfit), Our Town (Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern), Bad Jews and Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (Actors Express). 2014 Suzi Bass Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Mary Poppins. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from The Sargent Conservatory at Webster University; follow her online at GalenCrawley.com or @galencrawley wherever it counts. Thanks always to Jacob, Mom, Dad, Devyn, and her forever angel, Abigail, who trots along in her shadow and nibbles at her heels on the high notes.

Sydney Michelle

Annie Understudy/Stage Crew

SYDNEY MICHELLE (she/her) is excited to be a part of the Aurora family. She started as a box office associate at the Aurora in February of 2022. She is now happy to be a part of Appco23. Sydney has had the privilege of understudying Ms. Andrew and being an ensemble member in Mary Poppins (Aurora Theatre, 2022). She was an Ensemble Member in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Aurora Theatre, 2023) Sydney graduated from The Theatre School at Depaul University (2020) and received a BFA in Theatre Arts. Sydney starred in a short film called A Divas A Bedroom. Sydney also is a content creator and her brand Black.Funny.Diva. She enjoys entertaining her audience by having a comedic diva lifestyle. Sydney is ecstatic to be back at home on stage and ready to work with incredible people.

Cole Ferguson

Ensemble

COLE FERGUSON (he/him) is excited to return to the Aurora stage. You may have seen him in Christmas Canteen 2022, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Giorgio),Mary Poppins (Northbrook/Ensemble), Swindlers (Miles/Marcus U/S), and Cinderella (Lord Pinkleton). Cole was a member of Aurora’s AppCo22. Cole is a graduate of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance at Brenau University, earning his BFA in Acting. Cole would like to thank his parents, sisters, friends, and Katie for their unending love and inspiration.

Karley Dené Sanders

Scenic Charge

KARLEY DENÉ SANDERS (she/her) is an Atlanta-based visual and performing artist who has enjoyed working with Aurora Theatre since the grand opening of the Lawrenceville Arts Center in 2021. An alumnus of the University of Georgia with a B.F.A. in Sculpture and Minor in Theatre, her favorite work has been featured in Swindlers, Mary Poppins, and SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical. Other artistic endeavors have granted Karley a featured exhibition at Lyndon House Art Center, the Byron Gibb Memorial Award for excellence in sculpture, and an SFx Certificate from Kryolan Professional Make-Up NYC. She extends special thanks to Pheeny, Kailie, David, Gus, the volunteers who help make the magic happen, and to you for supporting live theatre and local artists!

Diane Camacho*

Stage Manager

DIANE CAMACHO* (she/her) is a recent graduate from Georgia Gwinnett College with a love of the Arts, ready to take on the vast world of Theatre and learn every aspect that goes into production. Past works include: Aurora Theatre’s Christmas Canteen 2021, Mary Poppins, Goldilocks & the Three Bears and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Stage Door Theatre’s Completeness, GGC’s Ordinary Days, Romeo & Juliet, Black Nerd. She thanks her family, friends, and all who have supported her along the way.

Jordan Patrick

Neil Sedaka/Righteous Brother/Nick/Ensemble/U/S: Gerry

JORDAN PATRICK (he/him) is so grateful to be returning to The Aurora Theater after being in "The Donna Summer Musical"! A native of Wisconsin, Jordan moved to Georgia in 2017, and has been performing ever since: Spring Awakening, Assassins (Jennie T. Anderson) The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Synchronicity Theater), Heathers (Actors Express), Pretty Pants Bandit (Georgia Ensemble Theatre), Goodnight Tyler (Alliance Theater), Titanic, Robin Hood (Serenbe Playhouse). He also regularly performs around town with his Comedy Improv Troupe, Two Bears Blow Up in A Car. TV/Film Credits Include: Candy (Hulu) The First Lady (SHOWTIME), Teenage Bounty Hunters (Netflix), The Resident (FOX).

Ann-Carol Pence

Co-Founder/Producing Artistic Director

ANN-CAROL PENCE (she/her) arranged the music for Aurora’s first Christmas Canteen in 1996 and was hired full-time in September of 1998 as Resident Musical Director. An education major at James Madison University, she used her background to develop Learning Library (or L2). As a musician, she created Aurora’s Musicals by Moonlight, and Aurora’s New Musical Initiative. She has performed as pianist and music director both nationally (Goodspeed Opera House, Pasadena Playhouse, The Cleveland Playhouse, The Kennedy Center) and locally (The Alliance, Theatrical Outfit, The Horizon, Georgia Ensemble Theatre,). As a proud citizen of Gwinnett, Ann-Carol is most proud of Aurora Theatre winning the first ever Pinnacle Award for Large Non-Profit, and the first ever Moxie Award (for woman-led businesses) for Aurora Theatre. These distinctions go well with her 5 Suzi Awards for Outstanding Music Direction. She was a participant in the 2016 Atlanta Regional Leadership Institute and member of the “Best Class Ever!”

Alan Yeong**

Costume Designer

ALAN YEONG** (he/him) has designed over 20 productions for Aurora. Recent Regional credits include Seattle Children's Theatre/Alliance Theatre -- The Boy Who Kissed The Sky. He's worked with theatres all over Atlanta and is a Professor of Costume Design/Head of Design at the University of West Georgia Theatre program with over 20 years of design credits. Education: MFA in Design (University of Kansas), MFA in Costume Design (Wayne State University), and BA in Theatre (Bemidji State University). Website: www.alanyeong.com

Alice Neff

Panelist

ALICE NEFF (she/her) joined the resident staff at the Aurora in 2022. Previously, she was the shop manager for Cinderella, Swindlers, and Christmas Canteen 2021, and was a draper for On Your Feet, Men with Money, and Mamma Mia, and designed Mary Poppins, Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, a co-production with Horizon Theatre. She was the shop manager for the Theatre & Dance Department at Appalachian State for many years, and was a draper at Glimmerglass Opera and a stitcher for the Hallmark mini-series True Women. She has designed for Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers, and for Lees McRae Summer Theatre, Blowing Rock Stage Company, and Horn in the West in NC, along with numerous schools in the southeast.

Emily Grace Blackstone

Wig Designer

EMILY GRACE (she/her) is excited to be back with Aurora for another season. Her previous shows at Aurora include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Men with Money, and & Newsies. She has also worked with the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta as well as Arena Stage and the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, DC. She thanks her family and Patty for all their support.

Katie Pelkey

Managing Director

KATIE PELKEY (Managing Director) is celebrating twelve seasons with Aurora! In 2013, Katie transitioned to the role of Company Manager, having previously served as Resident Stage Manager. She also created the highly-successful Stage Management and Costume Apprentice programs that operates simultaneously with Aurora’s Acting Apprentice Company program. For five seasons, she worked as Aurora’s Educational Resources Associate developing educational curriculum for teachers to use in conjunction with Aurora’s TYA Learning Library offerings. And for over a decade, Katie served as Production Stage Manager for New Plays for Young Audiences, a prestigious TYA summer staged reading series based at New York University. She received her BA in Educational Theatre from New York University with a minor in Dramatic Literature. Many thanks to Michael, Maxwell, and Alexander for their love and support!

Katie Erin Chambers*

Director/Director of Production

KATIE ERIN CHAMBERS* (she/her) is excited to be starting her 8th season with Aurora Theatre and stepping into a new role as Director of Production. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia, a member of Actor’s Equity, and a proud alumna of Aurora's 2013-14 Apprentice Company. She has previously stage managed in Atlanta for Horizon Theatre Company, Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity Theatre and Habima Theatre. She has also served as coordinator for the New South Young Playwrights’ Festival, production manager for the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, and coordinator for the Atlanta Unified Auditions. *Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the US.

Daniel Pope

Video Designer

DANIEL POPE (he/him) is proud to be joining the great team at Aurora Theatre as Production Manager. Daniel has been a sound designer and engineer in the Atlanta area for the past seven years. He’s had the pleasure of designing sound for the Aurora Theatre on many occasions on shows such as: Into the Woods, Christmas Canteen, Sweep, and most recently The Bridges of Madison County. Additionally, he’s worked on countless other productions in the Atlanta theatre community including: Evita and A Streetcar Named Desire as Sound Designer and Production Manager at Serenbe Playhouse. Daniel received a Bachelors in Marketing with a specialization in sales and a minor in Music from The University of West Georgia in 2010.

Isaac Burrier

Master Electrician

ISAAC BURRIER (he/him) has worked on numerous events with Aurora including this year’s Christmas Canteen as the Master Electrician. Before working with Aurora, Isaac worked in Nashville, TN as a lighting and scenic designer as well as a lighting tech in Raleigh, NC. Some of his professional credits include: Ordinary Days (Georgia Gwinnett College), Giant Squid (Woven Theatre Company), Lungs (Woven Theatre Company), The Whale (Verge Theater Company), Beneatha’s Place (Verge Theater Company) and several dance recitals with Rejoice School of Ballet. Isaac is also a graduate of Belmont University with a BFA in Production Design in Theatre. www.isaacburriercreative.com

Ashley Hogan

Associate Technical Director

ASHLEY HOGAN (she/her) is excited to officially join Aurora’s family as a staff member. She has enjoyed working her summers at Aurora the past few years while pursuing her degree at Georgia State University. After graduating summer of ‘18, she has spent the past year expanding her skill craft as an over-hire carpenter at Aurora.

Victoria Broyles*

Stage Manager

Taylor Broyles

Technical Director

TAYLOR BROYLES (he/him) is so excited to be joining the staff at Aurora Theatre! Worked at Alabama Shakespeare Festival (2015-2022) starting out as a carpenter moving into the Technical Director (2018-2022). A few favorite credits include: Cinderella, Macbeth, Little Shop of Horror’s, All is Calm, Pipeline, Romeo and Juliet, Sound of Music, Steel Magnolias, Into the Breeches, Buzz, The Agitators, Every Brilliant Thing, Annie, Twelfth Night, and Miracle Worker. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this with out the support of my wife, Tory, and son, Jack.

BriAnne Knights

Ensemble

BRIANNE KNIGHTS (she/her) is an Atlanta native. She has appeared on several stages across Atlanta including 7 Stages, the Rialto, and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center to name a few. Most recently, BriAnne appeared in Mary Poppinsand Christmas Canteen 2019 right here at Aurora Theatre. She is delighted to be back at Aurora for Summer and is proud to be a part of such a talented cast! She would like to thank her family for their loving support during the process!

Jahi Bogard

Ernie, Ensemble, Curtis U/S

JAHI BOGARD (he/him) is an actor from Atlanta, GA through way of Little Rock, AR! Jahi has received his BA in Musical Theatre from Greensboro College and his MFA in Performance from the University of Louisville. Some of Jahi’s favorite roles he’s portrayed are Lank from Detroit ’67, Sam Carmichael from Mamma Mia!, and Sir Toby Belch from Twelfth Night. Jahi is dedicated to discovering and testing new ways to push the boundaries of African American and Queer theatre.

Calvin Bernardo

AppCo24 Member

CALVIN BERNARDO (he/him) has returned for his sixth Aurora Theatre production. You may have seen him in this season's Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, in last season's Summer: The Donna Summer Musical as Pete Bellotte, or as Robertson Ay/Valentine in Mary Poppins. He also recently performed in Aurora's Theatre for Young Audiences program in Stiles and Drewe's The Three Little Pigs, as well as portrayed Norm Waxman in Jersey Boys at the Alhambra Theatre in Jacksonville Florida. He is currently a member of Aurora's AppCo24, and has taught musical theatre and acting at the Lionheart Theatre Company for five years. He'd like to thank his family and Natalie for their love and support.