Bee Aaron (Alice Beineke) is a classically and theatrically trained vocalist and a Hawaiian Hula Dancer. Her recent role include Ens/Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, Phantom in The Rocky Horror Show (both with Stage Left) and Tina in Sister Act (Spokane Valley Summer Theater). Bee also performs as a jazz singer and is the General Manager of Stage Left Theater.
John Preston Crocker III (Ancestor) is back on the Civic stage after playing Angus/Caterpillar in Alice by Heart this summer. Other recent roles include Hector MacQueen in Murder on the Orient Express (Civic), Otis in Suite Surrender and Sir John in Sense and Sensibility (both with Corban University).
Oliver Donahoe (Pugsley Addams) is excited to be on the Civic stage for the first time! His favorite roles include Kurt Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Fletcher Blake in Freaky Friday and Tommy in Matilda (all with Spokane Children’s Theater).
Maren Forsnes (Ancestor) has performed as a competitive gymnast for 15 years and is a thespian state qualifier. Recently she was onstage at Ferris High School as Flounder in The Little Mermaid. She also loves to garden and dance, and is an expert sandwich artist at your local Subway.
Jayce Fortin (Morticia Addams) earned BA in theatre from Eastern Washington University and an AA in Drama from Spokane Falls Community College. Her favorite credits include Claire in Ordinary Days (EWU), Laurey in Oklahoma (Wheatland Theatre), Blanche in Bonnie and Clyde (SFCC) and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Magenta Theatre).
TaeZhanae Hays-Cormier (Ancestor) is excited for her first show at Civic! Her favorite rolls include Aunt Hermione in Murder at Rutherford House, Bagheera in The Jungle Book and Linda in Check Please! (all with Roger’s Encore Theatre).
Ruby Krajic (Wednesday Addams) is beyond excited to be back on stage at Civic as Wednesday Addams. Ruby was last seen performing at Civic in A Christmas Carol as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Other favorite roles include Little Allison in Fun Home (Lake City Playhouse), Chip in Beauty and the Beast (Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre), Pink Lady/Ensemble in Grease (Spokane Valley Summer Theatre), Annie in Annie (Lake City Playhouse) and Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family (Aspire Community Theater). Ruby is a freshman at Coeur d’Alene Highschool this year and hopes to pursue a degree in theatre after she graduates. Ruby would love to thank her family, friends, coaches and teachers for their support in pursuing her dreams.
Scott Larson (Lurch) is thrilled to be playing one of his dream roles in The Addams Family. He is currently studying theater at Spokane Falls Community College where his favorite roles include Mr. Green in Clue The Musical and Oral Pernelle Jr. in JT: Tartuffe in Texas. Offstage he enjoys working as a chef, reading comic books and going to the movies.
Liam Archer Lundberg (Lucas Beineke) keeps busy with voice, dance and acting lessons. His favorite credits include Duchess/Dodgy in Alice by Heart (Civic), Holiday Headliner in Traditions of Christmas (Laura Little Theatricals), Tommy Djilas in The Music Man (The Oaks Theater), and Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz (Civic). Liam also modeled for MOB Magazine in addition to other publications based in Seattle and LA. He spends his free time reading, hiking, listening to rock music, studying/singing jazz, and going to the lake.
Chloe Matteson (Ancestor) is currently training in voice and dance. Her favorite credits include Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (TAC at the Lake), Tweedledum in Alice in Wonderland, Urchin in Little Shop of Horrors and Jane in Babes in Toyland (all with Spokane Children’s Theater). Offstage Chloe enjoys playing the piano and varsity tennis. She would like to dedicate this show to Carp for always showing patience, and dedication…. etc.
Mathias Oliver (Gomez Addams) earned a BA in Theatre Arts and is one of the newest editions to the Upstart’s Theatre Company where he is very excited to begin pursuing new avenues for theatre making. His favorite roles include Sebastian in The Little Mermaid (Fort Peck Summer Theatre), Sam Greevey in Important Hats of the 20th Century (Upstart Players), Emcee in Cabaret and Eugene Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (both with Civic).
David Olson (Mal Beineke) is excited to be back onstage at Civic! Favorite roles include Ensemble in Sweeney Todd (Stage Left), Lester in Duck Hunter Shoots Angel (Civic), Magician in The Music of Harry Potter and Other Halloween Favorites (Spokane Symphony) and Ensemble in White Christmas (Civic). He is so thankful to his supportive wife and kids for the unending darkness and unspeakable sorrow.
Mary Ormsby (Ancestor) is happy to be on the Civic stage again. Her favorite roles include Baby Duckling in Honk! (Spokane Children’s Theater), Fred’s Daughter/Street Urchin in Scrooge, Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz and Ensemble in Jersey Boys (all with Civic). “Thank you to my family for always being there for me! Mom, dad, and Katie, I couldn’t do this without you!”
Koa Otis (Ancestor) (they/them) used to be a folgers bucket.
Carmyn A. Parks (Ancestor) is a classical and jazz singer with a BM in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Her recent credits include Ensemble in Hänsel und Gretel (Berlin Opera Academy) and Soupy Sue in Urinetown (Eastern Washington University). In addition to singing, she enjoys playing video games and spending time with her three cats. This fall Carmyn also starts her role as the Shadle Park High School Choir Director.
Joe Quintana (Ancestor) is excited to be back at Civic after playing Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl and Mr. Queeze and in A Christmas Carol. Other favorite roles are Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance and Leo Frank in Parade (both with EOU Theatre). “When I’m not onstage you will find me at many a local cafe or tavern plucking Banjo and singing my heart out!”
Wren Rhodes (Ancestor) has trained in dance for 8 years and received an overall top score for voice. Their favorite roles are Winifred Sanderson in Halloween Spooktacular and director for Encanto: Live on Stage (both with Dreams Are Forever Events). By day they are a toddler teachers and a princess for birthday parties and stage shows!
Tamara Schupman (Grandma) is a local actor with various accolades including Spokane Inlander Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical [Female Authority Figure] for her role in Hairspray (Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater), WA Chautauqua Film Festival Audience Choice Award for her role in “The Cosmological Constant” (by Ron Ford) and performing as an Artist in Residence at Spokane InterPlayers. Other favorite credits include Grandma Josephine in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Lady D’Ysquith in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (both with Civic), Kate Keller in All My Sons (The Modern Theater, Coeur d’Alene), Jena in Good People (Interplayers) and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater). Continuing on in entertainment, Tamara has recorded 20 audio books for Books in Motion, worked as a Resident Artist for InterPlayers Theatre and as a on-air Pledge Drive Host and voiceover artist for KSPS Public TV. Offstage, she worked as a standardized patient trainer for WSU Medical School, is a world traveler and phenomenally skilled grandmother.
Heather Stephens (Ancestor) received her BA in Theater from Eastern Washington University. Favorite credits include Gingy in Shrek The Musical (CYT), Ophelia in Drowning Ophelia (EWU Theater), Marie in Cinderella and Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda (Spokane Children’s Theater). Offstage she works he outdoor summer concerts at Northern Quest Casino as a stage hand in the AV department and enjoys photography, baking, puzzles, reading and spending time with her dog and three cats.
Ryan Wasson (Ancestor) welcomes you to Season 76! He’s made a home at Spokane Civic Theatre over the past 5 years. His recent credits include Vice Principal Douglas Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Civic Academy), James Watson in Photograph 51, and Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz (Both at Civic). Ryan also works in the area as an actor, director, and photographer in addition to working as the Communications Assistant at Civic. He thanks Jake, the creative team, the cast and crew for such a positive and welcoming environment. And he thanks his friends and family for their continued support and endless love. Insta: @rgwassonofficial
Josh White (Ancestor) is no stranger to the Civic stage. In season 75 he was seen as Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Ensemble in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Joe Pesci in Jersey Boys, Young Ebenezer in A Christmas Carol and Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz. He is currently taking voice lessons from Steve Mortier.
Zach Zwanzig (Fester) is excited for his first production at Civic! He is currently studying engineering at Eastern Washington University while enjoying theater classes on the side. Recent credits include Aaron in First Date: The Musical, Max Detweiler in The Sound of Music (both at Whitworth University), Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night The Musical (EWU Theater) and Gomez Addams in The Addams Family (CCT).
Jake Schaefer (Director) is a musician, theater-maker and, proudly, Civic’s Executive Director. His passion for collaborative creative work caught fire at a young age while studying music and performing at Civic. Jake moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to pursue a college education and career in show business. In 2010, he founded a music co-op called EMPHATIC which has since evolved into a recording and live production company. Jake and other EMPHATIC artists have contributed to recordings and live endeavors for artists including Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, LA Phil, Madonna, Ricky Martin, Rufus Wainwright, and Quincy Jones; commercial clients include Cirque du Soleil, Marc Jacobs, and Nike; favorite regional theater credits include Evita (director), It Must Be Him (original/LA workshop music director), and The Night of the Black Cat (original production workshop music director); consulting clients include Live Nation, The Nederlander Organization, and Universal Music Group. In October 2021, Jake worked on the grand opening of Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, supporting Coldplay concert opening act We Are KING. In addition to directing Alice by Heart, Follies in Concert, Jersey Boys, Young Frankenstein, and more, Jake has led Civic collaborations with Spokane Symphony (West Side Story) and Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (Dressing The Abbey: The Costumes of Downton Abbey).
Henry McNulty (Music Director and Conductor) has served as Music Director of Spokane Civic Theatre since 2017. A vocalist and self-taught pianist, he earned his degree in Music Composition from Eastern Washington University. As an actor, he spent five seasons performing with Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, including Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet and Smudge in Forever Plaid. His most recent appearance on the Civic stage was playing Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein. Henry is proud to call Civic his “home theatre,” having started here at a young age, performing in various summer camps, Main Stage shows, and as a member of the Box ‘n’ Hat Players.
Jonah Taylor (Choreographer), usually on stage, is excited to join the production side of the table. Previously choreographing Chicago at North Central High School. You may have seen him in Spokane Civic’s Season 75 productions of Wizard of Oz (Tinman), Jersey Boys (Bob Gaudio), and Alice by Heart (Alfred/White Rabbit). He believes theatre is the most collaborative art form in which in order to be the best team player, one should try every position. He would like to his family and friends for their constant support. Love one another. @jonahrtaylor
Kelli Cunningham (Stage Manager) holds a double BA in Finance and Business Management from Eastern Washington University where she also found a love for the performing arts through the theater program. She joined the Spokane Civic Theatre staff in 2014 as Assistant Box Office Manager and is currently enjoying her role as Operations Manager. She started working on the production side at Civic as assistant stage manager for Catch Me If You Can in 2015 and has continued on as stage manager for Young Frankenstein, Jersey Boys, Alice By Heart and more. Kelli has also been fortunate to have a part in various community collaborations with Spokane Symphony and Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and hopes to be part of many more in the future.
Clara Buck (Dance Supervisor) received a BA in Communication Studies, Psychology, and Dance (concentration in performance) from Gonzaga University where she is currently the Marketing and PR Assistant for the Theatre and Dance Department and also pursuing her MA in Communication and Leadership. While an undergraduate student she received a Meritorious Achievement for Choreography Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for her work on Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa. Her dance experience includes Irish, ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre. Recent choreography credits include assistant choreographer for Jersey Boys (Spokane Civic Theatre) and choreographer for Beauty and the Beast Jr. (My Turn Theater) along with favorite dance performance credits of Siamsa: A Celtic Christmas (Shamrock Productions) and A New Season (Florence & Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy Tour Ensemble with Gonzaga University). Clara is thrilled to be back with Civic for another production and hopes you enjoy the show on this normal night!
Theresa Johnson (Producer) is thrilled to kick off Season 76 with The Addams Family and hopes you will find yourself coming back again and again. She dedicates her work for the show to the cast, crew, and audiences of the unique family we cultivate in our lives. Thank you for supporting live theatre & YOUR Spokane Civic Theatre!
Denny Pham (Scenic Design) is a local actor and the Technical Director for Spokane Civic Theatre. He holds a BA in Theatre from Eastern Washington University in Acting (Stanislavsky, Michael Chekhov and Shakespeare), and Technical Theatre with focus in Scenic Design and Lighting. He was awarded a Merit of Acting from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for his role as Doctor Nemur in Flowers for Algernon. He is a technical theatre veteran with 10 years of experience working professionally and locally in over 115 productions both on and off stage. Favorite credits Acting: Dennis Ziegler in This Is Our Youth, Caliban in The Tempest, Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q; Scenic Design: Cabaret, The Play That Goes Wrong, Murder on the Orient Express; Lighting Design: Chicago. He is thrilled and proud to be part of a company of artists that pushes for all degrees of creativity. @Dennydpham
Jamie L. Suter (Costume Design, Light Board Operator) holds a BA in Theater Design and Technical Production with concentrations in Costume Design and Directing from Marymount Manhattan College in NYC, studying under Broadway professionals Gail Brassard, Liz Covey, and Bob Anton. Her favorite credits include Costume Design for The Wonder!: A Woman Keeps a Secret (T. Schreiber Studio), Assistant to the Costume Designer for Sweeney Todd (Avery Fisher Hall), Assistant Costume Designer for The Lucky Chance (Theresa Lang Theater), Director/Costume Designer for Seven Femmes (Rathskeller Studios), and Costume Designer for The Lost Cabaret (NYC Fringe Festival). Jamie loves being part of the fun and frivolity of live theater, and is incredibly happy to do that at her home away from home, Spokane Civic Theatre.
Bryan D. Durbin (Master Electrician) has a BA in theatre and is very excited to be back as Civic’s master electrician and lighting designer following the long hiatus. “I want to thank my family Heather, Evie, and Abby for all of their support.”
Logan McHenry-Kroetch (Production Design) has been involved in community theatre her entire life. Growing up, she loved watching her parents’ rehearsals and hanging out at the theatre. She appeared in several Civic productions as a young child including her favorite, as Alice in the Studio Theatre’s production of Hollywood Arms. She continued doing theatre in high school at North Central primarily as a costumer and actress. For the last two years she’s been teaching English in Lyon, France and plans to return there next year. She’s excited to be part of another Spokane Civic Theatre production while she’s home!
Chris Wooley (Projection Design) is a photographer and educator with a theatre addiction. He has been involved in over 100 different productions over the last 20 years, in a variety of roles, including actor, director, stage manager, audio engineer, designer, and photographer. His favorite directorial credits include Two-Point-Oh, Treasure Island (Civic), 1984 and Cyrano (Stage Left Theater).
Trudy Rogers (Properties) has been involved with theatre for 45 years and still loves learning all the many aspects that bring shows to life. Her favorite credits are Mother in Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Director for Mary Poppins (both with Spokane Children’s Theatre), Stage Manager for A Christmas Story: The Musical and Grandma Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof (both with Civic). When not at the theatre, Trudy fosters kittens and dogs with Partners for Pets.
Joshua Baig (Master Carpenter) is a graduate of the Eastern Washington University Theatre department and Spokane Falls Community College Theatre. Recent favorite credits include Paul Roms in Important Hats of the Twentieth Century (Upstart Players) and Sebastian in The Tempest (EWU Theatre).
Charles Blankenship (Sound Engineer and Board Operator) is currently studying Music Technology and Theater at Eastern Washington University in addition to working in the EWU Theater scene shop. Charles started his theater education at North Central High School in 2015, joining the Civic family in 2018, “I feel the people at this theater have only ever helped to further my abilities and understanding in theater and life.” His recent credits include audio engineer for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The 39 Steps, A Christmas Carol (all with Civic), RENT, She Kills Monsters (both with EWU Theater) and Twelfth Night (Spokane Ensemble Theater).
Kirsten Chandler (Makeup Support) is formally trained in the Artistry of Makeup specializing in Beauty, Corrective, Practical and Advanced Effects for HDTV/Film, Editorial, and Special Events. Being a professional makeup artist for 8 years, she’s had the chance to work along amazing talent and projects including work on the Emmy Award’s Red Carpet, leading a feature film’s makeup department and being personally requested by a variety of director and actresses. But her favorite part of her work is being able to express her creative personality. “I love that I can mesh my interests in the spooky, edgy, macabre through avante garde makeup.” Around Halloween you’ll find Kirsten doing extravagant character makeup on herself and her friends just for fun and to go out to local live music shows.
Aly Snow (Backstage Crew) worked at Civic through Season 75 on props, backstage, light board and projections! Recently they stage managed Alice by Heart, were behind the scenes for Significant Other, Native Gardens, The 39 Steps, Jersey Boys, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (all with Civic) and Red (Stage Left).
Alexei Snow (Backstage Crew) is excited to support Civic and local theatres. Recently he worked as light board operator for Alice by Heart, fly coordinator for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, deck chief for Jersey Boys (all with Civic) and as crew for Stage Left’s production of Red. “I would like to thank my life partner Aly Snow and dear friend Sarah Dahmen for showing me the delight of collaboration and teamwork that is theatre.”