| | CAST & CREW - SWING!
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| NATALIE BERRY (Natalie) is very excited to be a part of SWING. Her other acting credits include CITY OF ANGELS and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at FMPAT, THE TEMPEST at Dallas Shakespeare Festival, Teatro Dallas’ THE PRETENTIOUS MAIDENS, and NUNSENSE and WEST SIDE STORY here at Artisan. She has stage managed and run lights for several productions around the metroplex and is currently working as the box office manager and resident stage manager for Artisan. | | | | 
| ZACH BROWN (Zach/Latin Dancer) is returning to Artisan for his second production. He attended Marymount Manhattan in New York for a BFA in acting. Zach is an artist and his work can be seen at The Yat Gallery in Keller. His previous roles include Moose in WEST SIDE STORY, Feste in TWELFTH NIGHT, Nick in WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLFE, Flute in A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT DREAM and Riff Raff in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. | | | | 
| AMANDA BUTCHER (Amanda/West Coast Swing Dancer) is extremely excited to be a part of her first show at Artisan! As a senior studying English at the University of Texas at Arlington, Amanda has somehow found time to be involved with 13 musicals all around DFW, as well as perform with the ACME Swing Company in association with the Dallas Swing Dance Society. As to theatre, she can name a few favorite roles including Madeleine Astor in TITANIC: THE MUSICAL, Graziella in WEST SIDE STORY, and Laurey Williams in OKLAHOMA. Amanda lists her interests as: dancing (Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and West Coast), going to jazz concerts, having random dance parties with her ridiculous friends, flying with her boyfriend in small, single engine airplanes and spending time with her loving family, although not necessarily in that order. She would like to thank Artisan for this opportunity. “I cannot believe people are paying to watch me do what I love—dance!” | | | | 
| DONNA CATES (Donna) is excited to be in another wonderful production at Artisan! She was last on stage here as Constance in THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS. Some other favorite roles include Sister Mary Regina in NUNSENSE, Mother Superior in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC … see a theme there? Donna and her children Tevin and Taryn have enjoyed spending many of their evenings up at Artisan over the past 3 years. When not on stage and playing taxi driver, Donna enjoys playing volleyball and singing in the church choir. Donna would like to thank her fantastic parents, her amazing kids, and God for His truly incredible blessings. | | | | 
| TEVIN CATES (Tevin/Understudy Dancer) is thrilled to be cast in another great show at Artisan! Tevin was recently seen in THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS. His favorite Artisan role was playing Mouthpiece in WEST SIDE STORY. Other favorites here include White Stag in THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE and Frank Gilbreath in BELLES ON THEIR TOES. Tevin has also performed in other local theatres including Theatre Arlington, where he played Jesse Aarons in BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA and CATS where his favorite role was in Rudolph. Tevin is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and a second degree black belt. The few hours a week he is not at Artisan, Tevin likes playing basketball and football. Tevin would like to thank John Wilkerson for giving him this great opportunity! He would also like to thank God, mom, grandparents, uncle, and his sister Taryn for all they are to him in his life. | | | | 
| MICHAEL DURINGTON (Michael) is pleased to be returning to the Artisan stage for his 10th show. After playing everything from a "stalker" to a king, he's really enjoying playing a big band leader who is the ultimate in COOL (now THAT'S acting!). He would like to thank John for this incredible opportunity, Lindsay for always having his back and his wonderfully fun and talented cast mates. Always remember ....” it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that SWING!!” | | | | 
| EDDIE FLORESCA (Eddie/Latin Dancer) is ecstatic to be returning at Artisan once again, after choreographing WEST SIDE STORY last summer, but as a SWING dancer this time. He received his Bachelor of Music from UNT and trained at DCJ's School of Dance (ballet/jazz) and Arthur Murray's/M.E. Dance Studios (ballroom). He is a recipient of The Column's Chita Rivera Dance Award (for WEST SIDE STORY) and has performed in industrials for The Miss Philippines Texas Pageant, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and Ebby Halliday Realtors. Some of his favorite roles include: Larry (A CHORUS LINE), Fiddler (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF), Ito (MAME), Chino/Pepe (WEST SIDE STORY), Judah/Asher (JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT), Billy Boy Bill (URINETOWN), and Wrangler (WILL ROGERS FOLLIES). Other credits include: ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, CAROUSEL, FIORELLO, GUYS AND DOLLS, HELLO DOLLY, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, SHOWBOAT, and THE KING AND I. Other shows he has choreographed at Artisan include: CINDERELLA, THE ARK, JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and BYE BYE BIRDIE. Other choreography credits: 42nd STREET, ANYTHING GOES, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, THE FULL MONTY and WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. | | | | 
| PHILLIP FOOKS (Phillip/East Coast Swing Dancer) is excited to be joining the Artisan family for his very first musical theatre performance. Although Phillip has never been seen on the theatrical stage, he's definitely not new to performing. Phillip comes with a long line of performance and choreography credits. Among those include being a member of the Houston Hepcats Dance Troupe, teaching dance lessons for ten years, and co-choreographing for the show Jukebox Journey at the Savannah Theater in Savannah, Georgia. Phillip was also the founder of the Brown Derby Jumpers Damce Troupe. In addition to being such an accomplished dancer, Phillip is also a skilled drummer and guitarist. Phillip would like to give a special thanks to his Mom for always being so supportive of his dancing and musical endeavors. | | | | 
| ALAN B. FOWLDS (Alan/Western/Comical Dancer) is new to the stage and excited to be in his first production at Artisan. His dance experience comes from social dancing throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton. He acts as the President of the Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate (fwsds.org) a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to spreading the joy of East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and the dances of the 1920’s, 30’s, & 40’s. | | | | 
| GINA GWOZDZ (Gina/Latin Dancer) is returning for her second appearance on the Artisan stage. She is excited about this also being her second show working side by side with her Papa, Richard Gwozdz! Gina started her dance career in Fort Worth, TX at age 12 and hasn't stopped. Her first musical was THE BEST LITTLE ….. HOUSE IN TEXAS as Ruby Rae at ONSTAGE in Bedford. She knew then how much she enjoyed entertaining the community! You may recognize her from her singing and acting debut as Anita in WEST SIDE STORY here at the Artisan. Gina is a full-time student with plans to attend UTA next Fall and finish her nursing degree. | | | | 
| COLLEEN HALL (Colleen/East Coast Swing Dancer) is thrilled to be joining such a fantastic cast for her first production at Artisan! Although new to the Artisan stage, Colleen is no stranger to the theatre. Her credits include shows at Cedar Valley College's Family Music Theatre such as SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Kathy Seldon), WEST SIDE STORY (Consuela), YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Sally), ANNIE (Lily St. Regis), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Liesl), and SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (Ruth), as well as several other featured dancer and chorus roles. She was also seen as the title character in CINDERELLA at FUMC Dallas as part of the Rotunda Theatre Series. In addition, Colleen received the honor of being named one of the Top 10 Dancers at the CHICAGO workshop held in Dallas by the national touring company of the show. In her spare time (Ha!) Colleen enjoys baking, playing soccer, and dancing the night away. She would like to thank her wonderful family for all of their support as well as John and Linda for giving her this great opportunity and Phillip for helping in so many ways to make this happen. We couldn't have done it without you! Go team!! | | | | 
| KELSEY HEINE (Kelsey) was last seen at Artisan in CINDERELLA as an evil stepsister. She has also enjoyed performing in shows such as LES MISERABLES as Cosette, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN as Jessie, GREASE as Sandy, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT as Benjamin, and so much more. She would like to thank her amazing cast and crew for this production of SWING!, and for her family being so patient with her time spent at the theater. So let's "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord"... | | | | 
| TIFFANY HILLERT (Tiffany/West Coast Swing Dancer) was first introduced to the stage as a dancer at the age of eight. She’s done quite a lot, from high kick to belly dance, and a good deal of swing dancing. After moving from her hometown of San Antonio to Fort Worth, she attended Texas Christian University and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy. Along with managing a stage and the unruly actors upon it, she’s vamped as the leader of a burlesque troupe in THE BEULAVILLE BAPTIST BOOK CLUB PRESENTS: A BUR-LESS-QNUTCRACKER, played a messenger and brutal guard in 1984, condemned all humanity as Eve in FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE NATIVITY with the Stolen Shakespeare Guild, and cleaned up as Florence Unger in the female version of THE ODD COUPLE. Somehow, amongst rehearsals and shows, she manages to get some knitting done, and even catch a few Texas Hold Em’ games. | | | | 
| JENNIFER LEYVA (Jennifer/Western/Comical Dancer) proudly hails from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She has trained for over 30 years as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She has performed all over the US and abroad including performances in Beijing, China and Oaxaca, Mexico. She was a choreographer and performer for Six Flags America in Maryland, as well as spending seven years working as an Entertainment Manager at a dude ranch and golf resort in Michigan. She has trained in most all forms of dance and is now excited to use her training to "Swing" onto the Artisan stage! Jennifer choreographed THE MUSIC MAN for Artisan and was recently featured in THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE with her husband and two wonderful (and talented) children. She currently works in Marketing for Texas Ballet Theater and is a dance teacher in the local area. Her biggest success is her amazing family and she would like to thank them for their love, encouragement and support. Now ... Let's DANCE! | | | | 
| HANNAH LUMPKIN (Hannah/East Coast Swing Dancer) was born to sing and dance. She graduated from high school in 2008 from Texas Christian Academy and in now enrolled at NCTC in the nursing program. While in high school she attended Texas Academy of Fine Arts and was a regular at South Side Presbyterian Hall learning to swing dance. She has always loved the stage and last year she performed in Regal Opera Company’s THE GONDOLIERS. Hannah is eternally grateful for the Lord Jesus Christ and her parents, family and friends for their constant love and support. | | | | 
| BRANDON MATTHEWS (Brandon/Western/Comical Dancer) has been performing his whole life. Some of his more memorable accolades include Paul in MOON OVER BUFFALO and a recently remembered role as Eiliff in MOTHER COURAGE. This is Brandon’s second show here at Artisan. You may remember him from WEST SIDE STORY as Big Deal. He would like to thank the theater for the opportunity and remember “That the robbed who smile - steal something from the thief.” | | | | 
| DANIEL MOORE (Daniel/West Coast Swing Dancer) is excited to be performing at Artisan for the first time! Recently Daniel appeared as Joachin in the world premeire of MIGUEL IN THE MAGIC RAIN at Tarrant County College's Northwest Campus, and has also been seen as Pinch in William Shakespeare's THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Daniel would like to thank John Wilkerson for this amazing opportunity! Romans 8 | | | | 
| MICHAEL PANDOLFO (Michael) is 15 years old and is delighted to be in this production of SWING! Michael has been in several shows in the area, the most recent being: WEST SIDE STORY, ALADDIN, JUNIOR, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, JUNIOR, and PETER PAN. In his spare time Michael likes to sing, play guitar, yo-yo, tap dance, play outside, pet his cat, and hang with his friends. Michael would like to thank his family, his voice teacher, and everyone at Artisan for this wonderful opportunity. | | | | 
| ANDRE PERKINS (Andre) is thrilled to be in his first production at Artisan. At The Family Music Theater at Cedar Valley Community College he was in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Snoopy), TITANIC THE MUSICAL (Mr. Andrews), THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (Sir Percival), and in three different Swinging With the Big Band shows as a featured singer. He was in THE PROMISE (twice – once as John the Baptist and then again this year as Satan.) | | | | 
| EVAN RAMOS (Evan) is performing in his 5th show at Artisan. He is extremely grateful for the chance to be working with such a great group of performers! Evan was last seen as Tony in the amazing Artisan production of WEST SIDE STORY. Other favorite roles include Rolf in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Prince Chris in CINDERELLA, and Ben in THE TELEPHONE. He has also co-starred in two independent movies. During the day, Evan is a middle/high school choir director. “Thanks to John and Richard for letting me be a part of this show! All my love to Sarita! Soli Deo Gloria.” | | | | 
| REBECCA SIGGERS (Rebecca) is happy to debut her first show at the Artisan with SWING! She has been a jazz singer for the past 8 years. She is currently majoring in theater performance at TCC. She was in the Thespian society in high school. Past roles include many lead roles and stage managing in one act plays in high school and currently Mrs. Claus in TCC's RUDOLPH. She started playing the piano at the age of 3 and started acting in musicals in 3rd grade. She would like to thank everyone who has always supported and believed in her. "Life has no rehearsals, only performances." | | | | 
| LAURA TOLSMA (Laura/Western/Comical Dancer) loves the music from the big band era and is excited to be in this show! She graduated last year from Brigham Young University with a BA in Theater Studies, emphasis in Dramaturgy, and is a staff member at the Artisan. Laura loves to dance and toured internationally with the International Folk Dance Ensemble. She was recently seen on Artisan’s stage as Florence in THE MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES. Laura is all jitterbugged for her swingin’ man, Jeff, as they celebrate their anniversary this month. | | | | 
| RYAN WHEELER (Ryan/East Coast Swing Dancer) is excited to be working his first musical here at Artisan Center Theater. Ryan began swing dancing on his seventeenth birthday and has since fallen in love with the vintage dances of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. He is currently studying music at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and loves singing. His life is centered around loving God and loving people. Ryan’s swing training is an accumulation of swing workshops, group lessons and social dancing. His experience in voice includes two gold and one silver medals at the state level competition in high school and master classes at SMU. Ryan looks forward to performing SWING! at Artisan and hopes you enjoy it. | | | | 
| JOHN WILKERSON (Director) is thrilled to be returning as a director, after having directed THE MIKADO and MY FAIR LADY earlier this year. Since then, he has joined the Artisan staff as Artistic Director. In professional theatre, he has produced, directed and designed numerous musicals and plays. He appeared in the original Broadway Cast of STATE FAIR with John Davidson and Kathryn Crosby and played Emile Dubeque in the nationally acclaimed Dallas Theatre Center production of SOUTH PACIFIC. Much love to his wife, Margaret Shafer, his two sons Michael and Shafer, and “great thanks every day to God for the talent he has given me and the ability to use it.” | | | | 
| LINDSAY HARDISTY (Stage Manager) is back again for her 6th (and counting) production at Artisan. She enjoys being involved in theater. You can usually find her running around making sure everything is okay before the show starts. Lindsay enjoys being backstage although she plans on being onstage in the near future. She would like to thank John for being such a great director, Natalie for being a great friend and her mom for understanding the passion that she has for theater and her unconditional love. “You are my best friend and I love you.” | | | | 
| LINDA LEONARD (Choreographer) is thrilled to be working at Artisan for the first time and to be collaborating with John on this amazing project. She has a long professional history with John and his wife Margaret that goes back to 1983. Linda has been in the business professionally for over 30 years as an actor, singer, dancer, director, choreographer, and teacher, and she is a member of Actors Equity and AFTRA. She most recently directed OLIVER, THE MISER, LES MISERABLES, and she will be directing/staging RAGTIME in the new year. She will be seen on Friday Night Lights "Injury List" episode and she can be seen in “The Cleaner” with Samuel L. Jackson and C.Thomas Howell in “A Killer Within”. Linda directs often for CitiRep on OKC and she teaches in both the Career Acting and the Musical Theatre Programs at KD College Actors Conservatory and TWU. She just finished a 16 week run of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL for GFOUR Productions as the Iowa Housewife. She would like to thank all the amazing dancers in this production who contributed to the numbers you will see. Linda is dedicated to the process of creativity and her husband, actor Bill Jenkins, and their "children" Roxie, Lola and Cosmo. | | | | 
| NITA CADENHEAD (Costumer) left a career in purchasing for a major jewelry retail giant to be a stay-at-home mom. Unable to resist the desire to create, she recently started and coordinates a non-profit jewelry business and has been involved behind the scenes in theater projects in the Mid-Cities area. She has participated in costuming for several local school productions, as well as the Artisan productions of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, PETER PAN, MY FAIR LADY, THE MIKADO, and LION, WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. | | | | 
| RICHARD GWOZDZ (Musical Director) is from Fort Worth, Texas, played piano since 2nd grade. While with the famous Texas Boy’s Choir he sang for President Kennedy, Ed Sullivan Show, the Perry Como Show, and is on the TBC's Grammy recordings. Highlights in his career include: Technical Music Mix Director for Pope John Paul II's visit in Colorado; Music Director for Casa Manana Theatre's productions of SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, ALAMO (World Premier), and PRINCESS AND THE PIRATE (World Premier), rehearsal pianist for brother, Eugene, while he was Music Director for CAMELOT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, GODSPELL, OKLAHOMA, CINDERELLA, A CHORUS LINE, KING AND I, and THE CHRISTMAS CAROL, all performed at the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. (HE was often told to remember who the Music Director was, but it didn’t stop him from giving the cast members his comments.) At ONSTAGE in Bedford he music directed LA GAE AUX FOLLES (won the ONY Award for Best Music Director) and THE BEST LITTLE …..House IN TEXAS. At Coppell Theatre he music directed OLIVER. At Artisan he assisted on WEST SIDE STORY. At Tarrant County College he conducted URINETOWN. MD’d “My Way-A Tribute to Frank Sinatra for Rover Dramawerks in Plano TX. Recently Nominated for the Column's Best Music Director Award. Finally, MD at St. Elizabeth Church in Oakcliff and plays the piano for the Singing Waiters/Waitresses at Italian Inn Ridglea - Hungry!? It is fantastic working with the production team and the cast. Makes my job easier. Thanks. | | | | THE BAND
Richard Gwozdz - Keyboard
Jared Asher - Trumpet
Kurtis Muller - Trombone
Jason Lellison - Flute, saxophone
Lancer Hardy - Bass
Rod Kile - Drums |
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