Shakyla Garcia Davidson (Mina Harker) is excited be be onstage at Civic after working behind the scenes as stage manager for The 39 Steps, Murder on the Orient Express and The Play That Goes Wrong. Shakyla holds an AFA from Spokane Falls Community College and enjoys horror movies and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Amanda L. Hampton (Drusilla) is a mother of two, currently studying cosmetology in hopes of using her skills for future productions. A local drag queen and cabaret performer (Northern Quest Casino), she is excited to work in theatre again after her recent performances in the ensemble for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Civic) and as a phantom in The Rocky Horror Show (Stage Left).
Mitch Heid (Jonathan Harker) graduated from Whitworth University with a B.A. in Theatre (Acting and Production), and is a licensed massage therapist with a focus on nurturing massages that soothe both the body and the mind. His other passions include mental health and horror (so he is living his best life being in this play during October). His recent credits with Civic include Nigel/Dormouse/Mock Turtle in Alice by Heart, Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Max in The Play That Goes Wrong.
Nicholas Roy Morgan III (Dr. George Seward) is returning to Civic after performing as Gosling in the studio theatre’s Photograph 51. Other favorite credits include The Baker in Into The Woods (TAC at the Lake), Dr. Seward in Dracula: A Radio Play (Bakersfield Community Theatre) and director of Important Hats of the Twentieth Century (Upstart Players),
Nicole Ostlie (Lucy Westenra) would like to thank the artistic team, Chelsea, her voice teacher Patti, and her family, for all their endless support and guidance. Recent performances from Nicole include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Lorraine in Jersey Boys (both with Civic) and Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins (CYT Spokane). “Enjoy the show!”
Bridget Pretz (Dr. Van Helsing) is ecstatic to be a part of the cast of Dracula. Her previous roles include Bernice in An Aviary for Birds of Sadness, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing, Mary/Spider/Simon Peter in Corpus Christi, Malvolia in Twelfth Night, and Alice/Susanna Shakespeare in The Book of Will. Bridget would like to give a big thank you to Chelsea, the amazing cast, crew, and production team of Dracula, and her mother.
Dawn Taylor-Reinhardt (Renfield) is excited to make her return to the stage after working primarily as a director over the last 9 years. Her most recent role was Hyde in Spokane Civic Theatre’s production of Jekyll and Hyde.
Kaylie Scott (Marilla) returned to Washington after studying musical theater at AMDA in New York. A lifelong performer, she continues to study dance at Dance Center of Spokane. Offstage hobbies include baking, painting, drawing, photography, sewing and playing a variety of musical instruments. Recently, she performed in the ensemble for Civic’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. “Most importantly, I perform for my brother Kairan ♡ always and forever.”
Ethan Williams (Dracula) is excited to get back on stage after a long hiatus and can’t wait to be more involved in the Spokane theatre community. With experience both behind and on-stage, Ethan holds an MFA in Theatre Management and his favorite credits include Rum Tum Tugger in Cats and Curly in Oklahoma (both with Snake River Theatre).
Chelsea DuVall (Director, Dialect Coach, Sound Design) is a director and theatre artist currently based in Spokane, WA. She completed her Master of Fine Arts in Acting at the California Institute of the Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre at Northern Illinois University. She is a Lecturer for the School of Theatre at Gonzaga University, Production Manager for Stage Left Theater and offers private coaching in acting and voice. Spokane Civic credits: Director for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Dr. Rosalind Franklin (Photograph 51), Marianne (Constellations) and Amelia Earhart (The Navigator with SPL). Other Spokane credits: The Magician (Open) at Stage Left Theater, Sound Designer for Red (Stage Left Theater), and Director of Twelfth Night at the MAC, which was nominated for a Spokane Arts Award in 2021. Next project: Sound Design for How I Learned to Drive (Stage Left).
Matthew Pope (Stage Manager, Light Board Operator) is thrilled to be back at Civic after working behind the scenes as stage manager for the studio theatre’s Native Gardens. On-stage his favorite performances include Jordan in Significant Other (Civic) and Thomas in Corpus Christi (Stage Left). He would like to thank his roommates, Jacob and Kirsten, as well as the director, Chelsea.
Lily Savage (Stage Manager, Light Board Operator) is back at Civic after a summer of stage managing for Civic Academy’s Moana Jr. and Treasure Island. Last season she worked as fly crew in The Wizard of Oz and assistant stage manager (and the role of Fan) for A Christmas Carol. She also recently played Angel/Ensemble in Jersey Boys (Civic) and Scuttle in The Little Mermaid (Lewis & Clark High School).
Janice Abramson (Producer) has been involved with Spokane Civic Theatre family since the summer of 1975. Since then she has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at Civic and the Individual Arts Contribution Award from the Spokane Arts Commission. Janice also works full-time for Spokane Public Schools and part-time for Spokane Chiefs Hockey Club. She is very excited to be back at the theatre. “I want to thank my family and friends for being there for me.”
Jeremy Whittington (Scenic Design & Artist) is an accomplished artist, notably working as the Managing Artistic Director at Stage Left here in Spokane. Jeremy received a BFA in Design (Summa Cum Laude, 2014) from Sanford Brown. Recent achievements include the Governor’s Arts & Heritage Luminary Award (2022), Best Scenic Design: Pass Over (Washington State Kaleidoscope Competition, 2023) and Best Scenic Design: Pass Over (AACT Region IX, 2023).Recent scenic design credits include Sweeny Todd, Admissions, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (all with Stage Left) and The Pajama Game (Public Theatre of San Antonio). Outside of the theatre, Jeremy serves as board president for Odyssey Youth Movement and recently married his partner, Alex on June 4. www.JeremyCreates.com
Jamie L. Suter (Costume Design) 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 (Lighting Design) 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.”
Jake Schaefer (Sound Design) 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).
Marty Kittelson (Props Design) has been involved with theatre in every capacity including over 30 years with Woodland Theatre in Kettle Falls, 1983-2013. Her props and scenic painting work can be found in many Civic shows over the last few seasons. In addition to all things theatre, she loves playing the ukulele with several groups of wonderful musicians.
Trudy Rogers (Props) 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.
Denny Pham (Technical Director) 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
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).
Justin Craigmile (Run Crew) is excited to return to Civic after working as backstage crew for The 39 Steps, Murder On The Orient Express and The Play That Goes Wrong, and props master for The Wizard of Oz.
Theresa Craigmile (Run Crew) is returning to Civic after working as assistant stage manager for The 39 Steps and Murder On The Orient Express, props master for The Wizard of Oz and backstage crew for The Play That Goes Wrong.
Chloe Lee-Smith (Run Crew) has been involved with theatre since 2004, getting her start in Juneau, AK. Since then, she has been part of over 80 shows throughout the country, either behind the scenes or on stage. Her recent credits include backstage crew for The 39 Steps and Murder on the Orient Express (both with Civic), Chloe in A Short Rehearsal, Touchstone in As You Like It and stage manager for Hamlet (all with New Antiquities Theater Company).
Micah Sybouts (Run Crew) is excited for another season at Civic! Recently she performed as Mrs. Fezziwig/Charwoman in A Christmas Carol, Ensemble in The Wizard of Oz and Denise/Perkins in The Play That Goes Wrong. She also worked backstage for Murder on the Orient Express.
Kate Hamill (Playwright), Originally from the farms and fields of upstate New York, Kate is an award-winning NYC-based actor/playwright. She is deeply passionate about creating new feminist, female-centered classics, both in new plays and in adaptation: stories that center around complicated women. Her work as a playwright celebrates theatricality, often features absurdity, and closely examines social and gender issues – as well as the timeless struggle to reconcile conscience / identity with social pressures. As an actor, she tends to play truth-tellers, oddballs, and misfits.
Kate was named 2017’s Playwright of the Year by the Wall Street Journal. She has been one of the 10 most-produced playwrights in the country, 3 seasons running (2017-2020); in both 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, she wrote two of the top 10 most produced plays in the U.S.; many of her plays have been produced internationally. Future productions, including 4 world premieres in 2019/2020: Dracula at Classic Stage Company, Emma at the Guthrie, Prostitute Play at Cygnet Theater, and Scarlet Letter at South Coast Rep. Her previously-produced plays include Sense and Sensibility (Bedlam; in which she originated the role of Marianne) – Winner, Off-Broadway Alliance Award; Nominee, Drama League Award; 265+ performances off-Broadway; “Top Ten Theater of 2014” – Ben Brantley; “the greatest stage adaptation of this novel in history” – Huffington Post. Other plays include Vanity Fair (The Pearl; in which she originated the role of Becky Sharp; Nominee, Off Broadway Alliance Award; WSJ Critic’s Pick), Pride and Prejudice (Primary Stages / HVSF; in which she originated the role of Lizzy Bennet; Nominee, Off Broadway Alliance Award; “Best Theater of 2017”, Huffington Post; WSJ Critic’s Pick), Little Women, Mansfield Park (originated role of Mary Crawford), and Dracula (Classic Stage Company; originated role of Renfield; WSJ Critic’s Pick.)
Her plays have been produced off-Broadway, at A.R.T., Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Guthrie Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Seattle Rep, PlayMaker’s Rep, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Dallas Theater Center, Folger Theatre (8 Helen Hayes Award nominations; Winner, best production) & more. Kate’s Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Vanity Fair, and Little Women are published by DPS. She is currently working on an adaptation of The Odyssey (commissioned by A.R.T.) as well as several new original plays – including Love Poem, In The Mines (Sundance Semi-Finalist; now collaborating with The Bengsons on this piece), Em (Red Bull New Play finalist), the Prostitute Play (O’Neill Semi-Finalist), and The Piper (O’Neill Finalist, PlayPenn Haas Fellow play).
Additional acting credits include: Talley’s Folly (Syracuse Stage; WSJ Critic’s Pick; TheaterMania best productions of 2020) The Seagull (Bedlam; “best classical productions of 2014” – WSJ) Noises Off (Syracuse Stage), The General from America (HVSF), Cyrano (“Outstanding Performance by an Actress”- DFW Critics Awards, Amphibian Stage), Internet Famous (Youngblood), Dreams of A West Texas Marsupial Girl (PearlDamour), All That Fall (Cherry Lane), and more. Numerous independent films that she has performed in have gone on to festival success, including: Clermont Ferrand Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Festival del Film Locarno, Brooklyn Film Festival, Boston Int’l Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival (Jury Award Finalist), Honolulu Film Festival, Black Maria Film Festival (Stellar Award), etc. Kate has a BFA in Acting, Ithaca College.