The Sound of Music
May 27 - July 2
SYNOPSIS - Musical
The last great success of Rodgers & Hammerstein will charm you once again. Your “heart will be blessed” and you’ll “sing once more!” Based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers, this heartwarming musical is a joy for the whole family.
cast list
DIRECTED by:
Bill Sizemore
MUSIC BY:
Richard Rodgers
BOOK by:
Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse
ADAPTED FROM:
"The Story of the Trapp Family Singers"
LYRICS by:
Oscar Hammerstein II
PRESENTED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH:
R & H Theatricals
Hannah Bowen
Role: Nun Ensemble/Party Guest
Hannah was last seen in her school’s COMEDY OF ERRORS. Her Artisan debut was in LES MISERABLES. She wrote, directed, and acted in a show at the Actors Conservatory Theatre called THE ADVENTURES OF MORTY THE VAMPIRE. Her favorite roles include Eliza in MY FAIR LADY, Ophelia in HAMLET, Mary Bennett in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, and Gwendolyn in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST. She sings and plays clarinet and piano, recently being her choir’s rehearsal accompanist.
Katie Canant
Role: Nun Ensemble/Ursula
Katie is making her Artisan debut in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, however, she has been involved with church drama for eight years. She enjoys reading and writing fiction. Katie would like to thank her mother and father for supporting and encouraging through the years.
Donna Cates
Role: Sister Margaretta
Donna is excited to be back in the habit for the fourth time, having played Maria at Creative Arts Theatre & School, Mother Abbess at Artisan, and Sister Mary Regina in NUNSENSE at Artisan! Her favorite roles include Connie Lou in THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS and herself in SWING! Donna would like to thank her wonderful kids and fantastic parents for all their love and support, and to God for all His amazing blessings.
Taryn Cates
Role: Brigetta von Trapp
Taryn started her theatre career in December 2006 when she played Gretl in THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Artisan! Since that time, Taryn has been in over 20 theatre productions! Her favorite roles include Tootie in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and Young Cosette in LES MISERABLES – SCHOOL EDITION, both at Artisan. Taryn is an A-honor roll student, a member of student council, and a member of the library club. Thank you to my family and friends-big hugs to Jill and Rick. Thank you, God, for my wonderful life.
Tevin Cates
Role: German Soldier/Party Guest
Tevin was most recently on stage as Lamar in Creative Arts Theatre & School's production of GODSPELL. Tevin's favorite roles were Mouthpiece in WEST SIDE STORY at Artisan, Jesse Aarons in BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA at Theatre Arlington, and Albert Peterson in BYE BYE BIRDIE at BJH. Tevin is an honors student, a second degree black belt, and he enjoys basketball and football. Tevin thanks his family, especially Granddad, for the rides to rehearsals, and love, and thanks to God for His undying love and support.
Dave Cave
Role: Captain Georg von Trapp
Dave says singing has been an important part of his life from an early age. He grew up in Titusville, Florida, where he sang his first song on the stage of his elementary school when he was just five years old. He continued singing throughout his public school years and set state records in Florida for the number of competitive awards received. Dave was chosen as the Florida delegate to represent that state in the famed America’s Youth in Concert that traveled Europe. While attending Carson-Newman College in Tennessee, he was the key soloist for the school’s public relations group as they traveled around the country. Performing publicly for over forty years, Dave has had the opportunity to sing in a variety of venues including the beautiful Bass Hall in Fort Worth, the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, and the famed Fox Theatre in Atlanta. He has been the featured soloist for both the Fort Worth Symphony’s and Irving Symphony’s July 4th concert programs and made three successive appearances (2005 – 2007) at the White House to entertain guests during the Christmas holidays. He served as the featured entertainer at several Miss America affiliated pageants and was a weekly performer at Arlington’s Johnnie High's Country Music Revue for a number of years where he sang with LeAnn Rimes, Steve Holy, and Linda Davis. Dave recently appeared in Betty Buckley’s Story Songs at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Wherever he performs, Dave’s outgoing personality and natural ability to connect with his audience have created a loyal following. His strong tenor voice and wide range of music genre provides something for everyone to enjoy. Dave has released several recordings over the years. His first, Expressions, which included a number of songs he wrote, came out in 1988, followed by Christmas Memories in 1991 and A Christmas To Remember in 1994. Grand, This Is America, and White World Of Winter were all released in 2001. Love Divine, Dave’s most recent recording, came out in 2008. Since 1980 Dave has made his home in Fort Worth, Texas. Known professionally as a first-class family entertainer, Dave is recognized in his daily life as a devoted husband, dad, and friend. He met Keila, his wife, when he moved to Texas after graduating from Carson-Newman. They have two children, David and Anna.
Louise Childs
Role: Frau Schmidt
Louise serves on the Board for the Las Colinas Symphony, is president of her American Legion Auxiliary Unit 218 Irving, and serves at her church as treasurer and in the choir. She works with the youth group, and does gardening in the flower beds of the church. Louise has been involved in theater for over 40 years in Victoria B.C. and now in Texas. She has donated many hours of volunteer service to several theaters and organizations in the Irving general area, including Artisan, ICT, and Lyric Stage. She runs a daycare in her home and teaches two mornings a week at Little Hearts preschool. Her first works with ICT was back stage with PICNIC and LAURA. She volunteers on a regular basis as usher or concessions. Her first production at Artisan was THE SOUND OF MUSIC and has since been in THE MUSIC MAN Eulalie Shinn, CINDERELLA, HARVEY, Mrs. Higgins in MY FAIR LADY, OKLAHOMA, Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, and ANNIE. She was the assistant stage manager for THE MIKADO. In Victoria she was in MY FAIR LADY, THE SOUND OF MUSIC ( twice), GUYS AND DOLLS (Matilda Cartwright), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and YEOMAN OF THE GUARD. In addition to the stage time she worked crew, props and front of house in numerous productions. She produced KISS ME KATE and stage-managed STEEL MAGNOLIAS. She has been singing and dancing since she was two and still loves it today. Louise thanks her husband Jim for his patience with her efforts.
Pearce Colwell
Role: Kurt von Trapp
Kurt was recently seen as Reepicheep in PRINCE CASPIAN and as the tap-dancing Bullfrog in HONK! Pearce thanks God for his life and talents given and hopes to glorify Him with every performance. Pearce also attends Colwell Home School and enjoys drawing, guitar, LEGO building, and exploring the great outdoors.
Rob Colwell
Role: German Soldier/Party Guest
Rob was last seen as Bundles/Harold Ickes in ANNIE here at Artisan, where he was blessed to have been able to share the stage with his daughter Emma. He thanks God for being given a second opportunity to perform with his family, and Jesus Christ for being his rock of strength. Psalm 121.
Tina Colwell
Role: Nun Ensemble
Tina last appeared in THE CHRISTMAS CAROL MIRACLE. She thanks her Lord Jesus Christ for his love and care of her heart, as well as her precious family for bringing her much joy. Special thanks to her daughter Emma for persevering in Christ. She would also like to thank Bill for allowing her to share in this family adventure.
Michael Davis
Role: Friedrich von Trapp
Michael is making this his first production with Artisan. His most recent production was Gateway’s HE HOLDS THE KEYS. Michael also performed in THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM EXPERIENCE and THE CAPERNAUM PASSOVER EXPERIENCE for Tammy Lane Productions. Aside from acting Michael enjoys giving back through community services, studying fine arts and riding his bicycle. Michael would like to thank GOD, his Mother and his brother Koby for always encouraging him and his best friends Simba and Rajah.
Madeleine Deneault
Role: Nun Ensemble/Party Guest
Madeleine is making her Artisan debut. Madeleine has performed in FALSTAFF and CARMEN with the Fort Worth Opera. She’s a six year alumni of THE LITTLEST WISEMAN, a play pageant of the Nativity at the Scott Theater. She enjoys singing and dancing and spending time with family and friends who she thanks for cheering her on.
Elizabeth Dewhirst
Role: Baroness Elsa Schraeder
Elizabeth graduated from Texas Woman’s University last spring with a degree in Music Liberal Arts. She spent some of her college career living and studying in Florence, Italy. She has been involved in all things theater for 8 years and during that time has been in over 35 productions. Two of her favorite roles have been Marion Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN and Ruth in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Elizabeth is a past Bev Sellers Memorial Scholarship winner, which awarded her a trip to Nashville in 2009 where she performed for nearly 10,000 people. Elizabeth works as a voice and piano teacher and also as a Veterinary Technician at Tara Animal Hospital in Colleyville. In her free time she enjoys cooking, hanging out with her big family, and training her one year old Great Dane to become a certified therapy dog.
Michael D. Durington
Role: Max Detweiler
Michael is pleased to once again be back on the Artisan stage after a break from performing. Apparently the name “Max” is a good luck charm for him, having previously played King Max in Artisan’s CINDERELLA. Michael has been seen in many of Artisans shows such as FOREVER PLAID, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, BYE, BYE BIRDIE, THE MUSIC MAN, and SWING! . . .just to name a few. He would like to thank Bill, John and Dee Ann for the chance to play this great character role and also thank the wonderful cast and crew for their support and friendship.
Jacob Fergus
Role: Rolf Gruber
Jacob most recently played Prince Caspian in PRINCE CASPIAN at Artisan and before that he was seen as Enjolras in LES MISÉRABLES. For the last nine years he has been taking drama classes from Shannon Loose. "A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver 5 minutes longer." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mandy Foster
Role: Liesl von Trapp
Mandy is elated to be in her seventh show at Artisan. Some of her favorite roles include Madame Thenardier in LES MISERABLES (Artisan) and Bonnie Belmont in ANYTHING GOES (Birdville High School). Mandy would like to thank Bill Sizemore, Rick, and DeeAnn for this opportunity and her family for their support.
Bonnie Gentry
Role: Louisa von Trapp
Bonnie is exhilarated to be a part of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. A few other shows she has been a part of include THE BOXCAR CHILDREN at Creative Arts Theatre & School, ANNIE here at Artisan, and BEAUTY AND BEAST as Chip. Bonnie absolutely loves dancing and singing as well as acting with her family on the stage. She passes her time each day writing, reading, and riding horses. Bonnie would like to thank her Dad and all her brothers for setting a great example on and off the stage.
Eric Gentry
Role: Max Detweiler
Eric was last seen on the Artisan stage as Bert Healy in ANNIE and before that as Doc in WEST SIDE STORY. He played Maurice in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Bob Cratchett in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at CATS. Eric's all time favorite role continues to be Dad to four wonderful children! He is an Executive Recruiter by day. Desiring to see children have opportunity to grow in their creative abilities, Eric serves on the board of Creative Arts Theatre and School (CATS) in Arlington. Psalm 27:14
Stephanie Harris
Role: Nun Ensemble
Stephanie is very excited to be in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. She was recently in PRINCE CASPIAN at Artisan Center Theater and has been in many plays and musicals at church. She would like to thank Mr. Sizemore for this wonderful opportunity and her family for their support. She would also like to thank her acting teachers Mrs. Loose and Mrs. Geisel, for sharing their skills and knowledge. She also wants to thank everyone involved in this musical to make it a success. And most of all she wishes to thank God, for giving her these talents to share.
Kelsey Heine
Role: Sister Margaretta
Kelsey is excited to grace the Artisan stage for her third time. She has performed in shows such as LES MISERABLES as Cosette, GREASE as Sandy, and many more. Her shows at Artisan include CINDERELLA as Portia and SWING as Laura. Kelsey is currently a student at UNT and looks forward to student teaching in the Fall. A big thanks to her friends, family, cast and crew, and most importantly her Lord for giving her the strength to manage such a busy schedule during the run!
Colton Hess
Role: German Soldier/Party Guest
Colton is thrilled to be appearing in his first show at Artisan. He was last seen in OKLAHOMA! as Will Parker at Covenant Christian Academy. He has also appeared in SWEENEY TODD as Tobias, in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN as Charlie, and in many other shows at Ohlook Performing Arts Center.
Carolyn Höhle
Role: Mother Abbess
Carolyn is thrilled to be a part of such a timeless musical theater production like SOUND OF MUSIC. Fresh off a run as Carlotta in PHANTOM here at Artisan, Carolyn is pleased to be returning to the Artisan stage and to be trading-in her “Diva Card” to play a more harmonious character like Mother Abbess for a while. As a TCU alumnus with a degree in Vocal Performance, Carolyn’s resume to date includes an array of operatic and musical theater roles, recitals, and concerts performed both in the DFW metroplex and abroad.
Nichole Hostetler
Role: Sister Bertha
Nichole is thrilled to be doing THE SOUND OF MUSIC, her second show with Artisan! She was last seen singing through Paree in PHANTOM! Other credits include HELLO DOLLY (Irene Malloy), SOUTH PACIFIC (Bloody Mary) and GREATER TUNA (Bertha Beumiller). She would like to thank God for giving her the courage to follow her dreams, her parents for constantly supporting and encouraging her, and the whole Artisan family for welcoming her with open arms!
Meredith Jeppson
Role: Sister Sophia
Meredith is so pleased to be onstage again! She is a long-time Artisan patron and loves the comradery of being in a show. At Artisan, she has played Grandma Tzeitl in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Maude in THE MUSIC MAN, Fairy Godmother in CINDERELLA, Miss Hannigan in ANNIE, and was the musical director for MY FAIR LADY. When not onstage, Meredith skypes with grandbabies....really. Thanks to David and Ace for "letting" me play.
Dan Johnston
Role: Herr Zeller
Dan is excited to be involved in one of his favorite musicals. Dan has performed at the Artisan Center Theater in eight productions including SOUTH PACIFIC, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK and NO TIME FOR SERGEANTS. He has also appeared at ONSTAGE in Bedford in INHERIT THE WIND, Irving Community Theater in IN DEFENSE OF BETTER DAYS and the Pantagleize Theatre in IT IS SO, IF YOU THINK SO. He thanks his wife, Delta, for her continued support and Bill Sizemore for this wonderful opportunity.
Connie Kegg
Role: Maria Rainer
Connie holds a BM in musical theatre from The University of Texas at Arlington and is thrilled to be making her Artisan debut in one of her most favorite musicals. Credits include Thea in FIORELLO and Kate Mullins in TITANIC (Lyric Stage), Claudia in NINE (ICT), Joanie in THE FULL MONTY and Woman 1 in PUTTING IT TOGETHER (Theatre 3), Antonia in MAN OF LA MANCHA (FMPAT), Luisa in THE FANTASTICKS (RTC), Tiger Lilly in PETER PAN (TFM Productions), Laurey in OKLAHOMA!, Sandy in GREASE, and Maria in WEST SIDE STORY (GSM), which earned her a Leon Rabin nomination for Best Actress in a Musical and 2 Column Awards. Her favorite role of all is the one God has chosen for her; wife to a wonderful husband and mom to her amazing 2 year old son and 7 month old daughter.
Lennie B. Knight
Role: Sister Sophia
Lennie is joyfully making her debut in community theater at Artisan! She is the ardent admirer of Dr. Richard Knight, her husband, friend, and co-producer/director of the former KNIGHT FAMILY SINGERS. Together they give glory and gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ for all of life, especially for their six talented children (with 3 spouses and 3 grandchildren), of whom Melody (Louisa) is the youngest.
Melody Knight
Role: Louisa von Trapp
Melody is thrilled to return to THE SOUND OF MUSIC! Her acting experience began as Brigitta in THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Plaza Theatre in 2008. Melody was last seen at Artisan as Pattertwig in PRINCE CASPIAN. She thanks her Lord Jesus Christ, her parents, and her director, for giving her an opportunity to do this show.
Pamela Lack
Role: Sister Bertha
Pamela is excited to make her Artisan debut and her second performance as a “sister” in Sound of Music. She has now gone full circle, after playing an “adulteress woman” in her last production. She has been seen in Oklahoma!, as Edith in Blithe Spirit, and Mother in The Cup. As always, she is so thankful for the support of her husband Kent, as she pursues her passions!
TJ Little
Role: Friedrich von Trapp
TJ is excited to be in his first Artisan show. His favorite shows include GUYS AND DOLLS (Harry the Horse), OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD (JohnArscott) and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Jem), Runway Theatre. He was recently nominated for a Betty Buckley Award for his performance in GUYS AND DOLLS. TJ would like to thank Mr. Sizemore for this opportunity and his Keller High School directors, his family and his friends for their support.
Adam Livingston
Role: Franz
Adam is back onstage after a stint in the behind the scenes world as Stage Manager and Co-Lighting Designer of PHANTOM! His previous stage appearances have been Squire Dap in CAMELOT and Fred Lawton in OKLAHOMA! at Artisan, also as Dennis Sanders in SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN at Trinity United Methodist Church and Issachar in JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLORED DREAMCOAT at First United Methodist Church Stephenville. He would like to thank the people in his life for encouraging him to keep going. ENJOY THE SHOW!!!
Morgan Mason
Role: Maria Rainer
Morgan is living a lifelong dream and making her debut at Artisan with this production! She studied at Texas A&M University (B.A. Communication), State School of Acting (Austin), and Page Parkes Acting Academy (Houston). Favorite performances include: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Carlotta Giudicelli), LITTLE WOMEN; THE MUSICAL (Meg March/Clarissa), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Millie Dillmount), PLANO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (Soloist), and in college, fondly playing the role of Dorothy from WIZARD OF OZ. Thanks to her incredible family, husband, and her "Angels" and friends. This one if for Mom & Dad! May your heart be blessed with the sound of music!
Jacob Matheny
Role: Rolf Gruber
Jacob is thrilled to be in yet another show at Artisan. His favorite performances here include Colin in THE SECRET GARDEN, Harry Beaton in BRIGADOON, and Friedrich in THE SOUND OF MUSIC (2006). Other favorites are Humpty Dumpty in ALICE IN WONDERLAND, a Newsboy in GYPSY, and Zeke in A HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.
Natalia May
Role: Nun Ensemble
Natalia has been away from theater for a long while and is glad to be back. She has been seen in such Artisan productions as CINDERELLA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, HEAVEN CAN WAIT, GODSPELL, and several Artie’s Playhouse productions. She thanks her wonderful family and friends, and her Heavenly Father.
Lan Mei
Role: Nun Ensemble
Lan is very excited to make her Artisan debut as a member of the Nun's Ensemble. Her recent acting credits include Cora in LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE at Regal Opera Company in 2011. Off stage, Mei Lan works as a quality professional in a pharmaceutical company. She loves to read, spend quality time with her family, travel to different cultures and meet new friends. She would like to thank her loving husband Mark Tol and her two most wonderful children Brian(12) and Christopher(10) for their support in her passion for musical theater. She is thrilled and appreciative to be part of this legendary show and a fantastic cast.
Mary Miller
Role: Nun Ensemble
Mary has been involved in all aspects of theater for over 40 years, including writing, acting, stage manager, props, lighting and directing. She recently appeared in Artisan’s production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Other roles include Sophie in STAR SPANGLED GIRL, Grandma Zeitel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Morgan Le Fey in CAMELOT, and a Pick-a-Little Lady in THE MUSIC MAN. Thanks to Dee Ann and Rick Blair for the wonderful family theater that is Artisan and to Bill Sizemore for the opportunity to appear in this classic musical. Thanks to her family and to God for music.
Travis Miller
Role: Admiral von Schreiber
Travis is excited to join his wife Mary in the cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. This is his fourth production at the Artisan Theater, having appeared in OKLAHOMA, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and PHANTOM. Travis is a veteran of the stage with over 40 years of experience. Some of his favorite roles have been Tevye in Trinity UMC’s production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Jacob in Theatre Arlington’s production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, The King in the Dallas Children’s Theater production of SLEEPING BEAUTY, Benjamin Franklin in Longview Community Theater’s production of 1776 and Big Daddy in Longview Community Theater’s production of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF.
Jessica Mize
Role: Baroness Elsa Schraeder
Jessica is very excited to be a part of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Her other acting credits include PHANTOM as an Opera Diva, GIANNI SCHICCHI as Zita, and THE MUSIC MAN as Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, among others . She last appeared as an Opera Diva in PHANTOM here at Artisan. Jessica would like to thank her fellow cast members, Bill Sizemore, Artisan Center Theater, and her family for all their wonderful support and the opportunity to be apart of this inspiring production.
Michelle Neat
Role: Nun Ensemble/Party Guest
Michelle is so excited to be in her second Artisan production, the first being ANNIE. Other credits include THE HOBBIT, BYE BYE BIRDIE and PETER PAN (all at Richland High School). She loves peanut butter and enjoys singing and being involved with AMTC (Actors, Models, Talent for Christ). She would like to first thank God, the amazing cast and crew, her parents, and her amazing, supportive boyfriend Nick!
Janette Oswald
Role: Frau Schmidt
Janette has been involved in theater for many years. Some of her favorite parts include Phyllis in SEASON’S GREETINGS, BLITHE SPIRIT, and DOLLY’S DARLING DAUGHTER. In 1999, she walked in the San Diego Marathon. She enjoys family time and thanks her husband Carl.
David Priddy
Role: Admiral von Schreiber
David loves theater and music. He’s performed in such Artisan shows as ANNIE, OKLAHOMA, MIKADO, THE MUSIC MAN, and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE as the Professor. He participates in the music and drama ministry at FBC Hurst. Approximately 0.01% of you may have seen him as Desmond Darkacre in the melodrama CHASTITY WILDFLOWER when he was in high school, one of his most memorable roles. John 14:18
Omega Priddy
Role: Brigitta von Trapp
Omega has several acting credits to her name. Her favorite shows were PRINCE CASPIAN, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, ANNIE, OKLAHOMA, and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, where she played a mouse. She plays the harp, loves math, music, and volleyball. She thanks the director, stage manager, choreographer, musical director, and Artisan for this opportunity.
Mary Claire Probasco
Role: Gretl von Trapp
Mary Claire is thrilled to play Gretl in this show! She has previously enjoyed roles in several Artie's Playhouse productions, BRIGADOON, and NUPTIALS. Her favorite role was Gina in ANNIE, because she liked being stuck in the bucket! Mary Claire enjoys 1st grade, playing her cello and violin, and riding her bike. #20 would like to thank Rick Blair and John Wilkerson!
Melina Laura Quintanar
Role: Nun Ensemble
Melina is thrilled to be appearing in her second Artisan production, THE SOUND OF MUSIC. She last appeared in THE PHANTOM here at the Artisan as part of the chorus. She has also had small parts in two Regal Opera Productions. She will be starting her Freshman year at The Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts in the 2011-2012 school year. She is part of (SGT) Singing Girls of Texas and dances at FWAFA. She would like to thank her parents for all their support and encouragement.
Hope MacKenzie Raymond
Role: Nun Ensemble
Hope is very honored to be a part of THE SOUND OF MUSIC! Her previous stage experience includes Richland High School's productions of WIZARD OF OZ and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, she also starred as Fan at age 12 in First Hurst Ministry’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Hope loves to sing, act, dance, and laugh. She would like to thank her family and School Theater for being so supportive, her church for inspiring her, and above all her God for giving her an amazing life!
Carolyn Robbins
Role: Nun Ensemble
Carolyn is thrilled to appear with her mom for a second time on stage at Artisan. Recently they were in PHANTOM together. Some of her favorite credits include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Mrs. Potts), EPIC PROPORTIONS (Queen of the Nile), and OLIVER! (Workhouse orphan/Fagins gang). Originally hailing from Nashville, Carolyn likes playing harp, reading, and Chapel Choir. She thanks her mom for driving her around and being in the show, Mr. Yandell for believing in her, and God for inspiring and giving her something to believe in.
Gena Robbins
Role: Mother Abbess
Gena was recently seen in PHANTOM, along with her daughter. Her favorite roles have been Mama in BYE BYE BIRDIE. Other credits include THE GONDALIERS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and MAME. She enjoys working with her church youth group, shopping, sewing decorating, and teaching voice. She thanks her husband for picking up the slack.
Annessa Robbins
Role: Nun Ensemble
Annessa is excited to be in this production with her mom and sister. Her favorite role ever was playing Noah’s wife. She also enjoyed ONE HUNDRED PERCENT CHANCE OF RAIN, EMPOROR’S NEW CLOTHES, and OLIVER. She loves singing in the choir and thanks her family, choir director, and friends.
Stephanie Rucker
Role: Nun Ensemble
Stephanie gained a love of theater from her grandmother, Joan, who took her to community productions as a child. In Jr. High she participated in competitive theater, winning several awards. Since then she has studied theater at UNT and has been in The Dallas Opera’s productions of BORIS GODUNOV as a workman, and ROMEO & JULIET as a servant/townswoman. She plans to return for their next season. This is her first production at Artisan.
Victoria Savill
Role: Nun Ensemble
Victoria is very excited to be part of her second Artisan Show, the first being PRINCE CASPIAN as Willow Tree. Some of her acting credits include YANKEE DOODLE DANDIES, LYLE THE CROCODILE and BERENSTAIN BEARS at Creative Arts Theatre & School. Victoria enjoys ballet, singing, guitar and piano. She would like to thank all her friends and family for all their support.
Brian Sears
Role: Captain Georg von Trapp
Brian has enjoyed his association with so many great people at Artisan including the founders, directors, and cast. Brian is privileged to be around them, learn from them and share with them. Brian's shows at Artisan include PHANTOM (Phillipe), ANNIE (Burt Healy), SOUTH PACIFIC South (Lt. Cable), BRIGADOON (Charlie), and THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS. Brian is grateful to his Heavenly Father who gives this talent to share and hopes that you have a wonderful and memorable evening. "Climb Every Mountain" in your own life and feel the love of those around you. Brian thanks his wife Jenny, and family (Megan, Brock, and Shelby) for their sacrifice of time. I love you.
Eleanor Sebastian
Role: Gretl von Trapp
Eleanor is very excited to be in THE SOUND OF MUSIC! Although this is her first theater role, this 5 year old has been entertaining her family with singing and dancing for years. She also loves playing soccer and teaching her little sister everything she knows. Eleanor would like to thank Aunt Kathleen, Gorgeous, and her Grandparents for taking her to so many plays and musicals; and Mr. Sizemore for this wonderful opportunity.
Brandon Shreve
Role: Kurt von Trapp
Brandon is 12 years old and has been acting since he was 4. He is excited to be in his 10th production at Artisan; some of his favorite roles include Dill in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and Gavroche in LES MISERABLES, SCHOOL EDITION, he also performed in PHANTOM (Young Erik), CAMELOT (Tom of Warwick), THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS (Young Handel), as well as 13 Artie's Playhouse productions at Artisan. He has also been in several other performances at other theaters such as THE MUSIC MAN (Winthrop), and CARMEN (with Fort Worth Opera at Bass Hall). Brandon loves performing and the family friendly environment at Artisan. He thanks God for his many blessings!
Ron Staggs
Role: Herr Zeller
Ron is excited to be appearing in his fifth show at Artisan. He was most recently seen in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and has also performed in THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS, CINDERELLA, and BELLES ON THEIR TOES. In addition to acting and singing, Ron enjoys many outdoor activities.
Mary Strauss
Role: Marta von Trapp
Mary is very excited to be part of THE SOUND OF MUSIC! Although this is her debut theater performance, she is not new to the stage. She has been a selected singer at the 2009 and 2010 Celebrate Roanoke Festival in Roanoke, Texas. She takes voice lessons at the Denton Music Academy. She would like to thank God, her mom, dad, little brother, and her voice teacher, Ms. Kathleen, and, of course, the Artisan for giving her this amazing opportunity!
Connor Thompson
Role: Baron Elberfeld/German Soldier
Connor is pleased to be making his second appearance at Artisan. He was last seen as Joseph Buquet in PHANTOM here. He was also in the Chorus in JEKYLLE AND HYDE at the Greater Lewisville Community theatre. He is excited to be a part of this cast working with Mr. Bill Sizemore and the stage managers.
Jennie Titiryn
Role: Liesl von Trapp
Jennie is making her 9th appearance on the Artisan stage. She has been studying theatre since the age of four and hasn't stopped since. Her credits include Anybodys in WEST SIDE STORY, Mimi in RENT, Nora in BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, Eponine in LES MISERABLES, She enjoys writing and spending time with her amazing friends. She would like to thank her family for their never-ending support, and Rick, Dee Ann, Bill, and everyone else at Artisan for giving her the chance be in this amazing cast.
Ted Ung
Role: Franz
Ted is happy to be back at Artisan and part of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. He was seen last here as Henri in SOUTH PACIFIC; and also has been fortunate to play Cabbie in FORGOTTEN CAROLS. Judge Carnes in OKLAHOMA! was a challenging role for him, and Yertle the Turtle in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL a favorite, both at Plaza Theatre Company. Ad maiorem gloriam Dei!
Katie Womble
Role: Nun Ensemble
Katie is thrilled to be a part of SOUND OF MUSIC. Although she has been taking acting classes at the Artisan for a while, this is her first performance. Katie is an avid archer, and enjoys writing short stories and sewing.
Camryn Wright
Role: Marta von Trapp
Camryn is thrilled to be in her second main stage show! Camryn started acting with her debut performance as Patch in 101 DALMATIANS at Artisan Theater in 2009 and has since been in six Artie’s Playhouse productions. Camryn’s most current roles have been as Tessie (ANNIE) and Gretel (HANSEL AND GRETEL). She would like to thank her family and friends for their encouragement, Mrs. Joleen Mattison for teaching her so much about voice and Mr. Sizemore for the opportunity to be part of this amazing cast!
Bill Sizemore
Role: Director
Bill played Pooh-Bah in THE MIKADO and recently Carrier in PHANTOM at Artisan and is thrilled to be bringing his directing talents as well to the Artisan stage. Originally from Chicago, Bill has locally produced and directed REDEEMER and LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, with his wife Judy in their own production company. Other directing highlights include: BLITHE SPIRIT, THE CUP, JUST BEYOND, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING, EBENEZER, THE SHADOW BOX, PLAZA SUITE, MY THREE ANGELS, ROMANTIC COMEDY, and PLAYING DOCTOR, where he met Judy who remains the love of his life after 18 years of marriage. PSA 146:2.
Branson White
Role: Stage Manager
Branson is stage managing for the second time at Artisan, the first being for SOUTH PACIFIC. He was the assistant stage manager for PHANTOM. Branson has stage and production managed many shows however working at Artisan is a most interesting experience because of its theater in the round. His stage credits include working for Waco Hippodrome Theatre, Basque River Stage, The Alley Theatre and for three years the IATSE working on shows from Austin to Houston. He sends a BIG thank you to the production staff at Artisan, the wonderful director, Bill Sizemore, and most of all, his parents for being wonderful supporters through every show.
Mike Williams
Role: Assistant Stage Manager
Mike has made THE SOUND OF MUSIC his second show to ASM, the first being CAMELOT. He has worked on at least 10 shows at Artisan since Summer 2009, whether he be crewing, performing, or both. As much as he loves being on stage, he enjoys even more to be behind stage. He is looking forward this summer to work with such a wonderful cast and crew.