The CRISMON THEATER COMPANY
proudly presents
PRODUCER / DIRECTOR
RANDALL THORN
STUDENT DIRECTOR
KYLE MCKNIGHT
COSTUME DESIGNER
LIAM PLATT
PRODUCTION MANAGERS
JOSH INSALACO
CHRISTINA INSALACO
STAGE MANAGERS
CLAIRE MANZKE
MADDIE CARPENTER
LIGHTING DESIGNER
HAVEN HANNUM
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S
A MIDSUMMER
NIGHT'S DREAM
Producer / Director
Randall Thorn
Production Managers
Josh Insalaco
Christina Insalaco
Student Director
Kyle McKnight
Stage Managers
Claire Manzke
Maddie Carpenter
Costume Designer
Liam Platt
Lighting Designer
Haven Hannum
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ABOUT THE PLAY
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, likely written around 1595-1596, is a delightful comedy that weaves together the intersecting stories of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and a mischievous group of fairies. Set in an enchanted forest near Athens, the play explores themes of love, illusion, and the unpredictable nature of desire. The central plot follows the romantic entanglements of Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius, while the comedic subplot involves the misadventures of a group of amateur actors led by the bumbling Nick Bottom. Meanwhile, Oberon and Puck, the fairy king and his mischievous servant, add a magical element to the whimsical narrative.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is celebrated for its light-hearted and fantastical nature. It is often categorized as one of Shakespeare’s comedies, showcasing his mastery in blending humor, romance and enchantment. The play’s exploration of the complexities of love and its use of magical elements contribute to its enduring popularity.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Shakespeare once said that “all the world’s a stage,“ and he could not have been more on point. We are all but merely players in this stage playing many roles and showing many emotions…including the most powerful emotion of all…love. One of his earliest works, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is all about love, both the good and the bad. And just how much we all need love.
These students have really latched on to the foibles of love that is presented in this delightful comedy. We hope that you find it as amusing and fun as they do and as the Bard himself did when he wrote it.
During this Valentine’s week, experience the tale of lovers and magic and fairies and gods and how all of them intertwine. Enjoy the Crismon Theater Company’s second production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Randall Thorn
SCENES
SCENE 1
THE PALACE OF THESEUS
SCENE 2
PETER QUINCE'S HOUSE
SCENE 3
THE WOODS OUTSIDE OF ATHENS
SCENE 4
THE WOODS LATER THAT EVENING
SCENE 5
THE WOODS AT NIGHT
SCENE 6
THE PALACE OF THESEUS
COMING SOON
MEET THE COMPANY
CAST
NATHAN PROKOP
"Theseus"
I'm Nathan Prokop, Theseus. I have been in Music Man, Lion King, Jr, and Frozen Jr. I have done dance and others. But now I'm mostly into drama and acting. My favorite Broadway show is "Ride The Cyclone."
NEEMA MBUYA
"Hippolyta"
Hello, my name is Neema Mbuya and I play the character Hippolyta in our show. I’m a junior here at CHS and have been doing theatre productions since 3rd grade. I’m also on the Varsity Girl’s Basketball team and work in my free time.
JELENA ALVAREZ
"Egeus"
Jelena, who plays the role of the Egeus, is extremely excited to perform for the Crimson Theatre Company. She would also like to thank her mother for actively encouraging her to pursue her interests and creativity..
GIANNA MARTIN
"Philostrate"
Hi! I'm Gianna Martin. I was so happy when I found out I got the role of Philostrate! I was previously Young Anna in Frozen, and will be in Beauty and the Beast! I am excited for you to view this show.
STAR NORRIS
"Hermia"
Hello! My name is Star and I'm very excited to be your Hermia. I have a good theater background and enjoy performing and being able to show my creativity. This is my first time doing a Shakespeare play but I hope you enjoy seeing me and everyone else perform. Take care and I hope to see you at the show. :D
DYLAN GLASS
"Lysander"
My name is Dylan Glass. I am a seventh grader and am Lysander in A Midsummer Nights Dream. I was also Hans for the Frozen Jr production. I enjoy acting and have made home movies before. I like music and reading, and my favorite subject at school is the Drama elective.
AUDREY DUTELL
"Helena"
My name is Audrey Duteil and I play the character Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream. My love for acting started in the 6th grade when I played an evil step-sister in the musical Into the Woods. Theater has been a way to express myself when I felt stuck, and when I got cast for Helena I was extremely excited
I never expected myself to be able to get a lead role in anything. i feel like me and my character actually have a lot in common in the fact that we are both young women just trying to navigate the world and find someone who cares about who we are as a person. I have loved working with the cast of this play, especially Kiley McKnight who has helped me a lot to find myself and to step out of my comfort zone, Thanks to him I have much more confidence in myself to try and advance my theater career.
KYLE MCKNIGHT
"Demetrius"
Some of the highlights of Kyle's acting career have been playing Kristoff/ Hans, Mufasa, Dr. Gibbs, and Captain Hook. He has also student directed for Frozen the musical. When he is not acting you will either find him sleeping, drawing, or writing. (Definitely not homework) He enjoys watching other plays and musicals as well as hanging out with friends and family. Kyle feels very honored to be trusted with the role he has especially because it's his first Shakespeare play.
BRANDON VASQUEZ
"Nick Bottom"
Hello! My name is Brandon Vasquez and I am so excited to be part of this amazing performance! I've been doing theater for 3 years, doing four plays (including this one), but this is my first one that isn't a musical, and I am loving it so far! I've played in Matilda JR, Peter Pan, Frozen JR here at Crismon, and soon to be playing as Monsieur D' Arque in Beauty and the Beast. Big thanks to everyone involved, and I hope you enjoy the show!
DANIEL GUNSTEN
"Peter Quince"
My name is Daniel Gunsten and I am 16 years old. I was born and raised in AZ all of my life and started acting and singing in middle school and through junior high with shows such as frosty the snowman and our town .Also I was a mascot for my old school and have done a few comedy shows with my twin brother. I want to thank my family for being so supportive and all the people along the way and I'm glad to work with this amazing team lead by the excellent Mr. Thorn.
MAYA GALARZA
"Francis Flute"
Hi, my name is Maya Galarza and I play Francis Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream!! I enjoy drawing and playing the violin in my free time, as well as hanging around with my friends and cast members. I am so grateful to be a part of this production of Shakespeare with a cast who I can confidently call friends. Anyways, please enjoy the show and the hard work many people have put so much effort into!
BAILEY WOODALL
"Tom Snout"
This was a great production. My schedule has been very busy with Spanish club, NJHS, classes, and other musicals/plays but I managed to make it work. My mom told me I’d be the best wall on the set– and she was right. I love performing at CHS and I’m proud to be a part of this theater company because the people are amazing and the productions are fun to do.
ADDISYN TINSLEY
"Robin Starveling"
Hi I am Addisyn Tinsley and I play the role Robin Starveling. I am very excited and thrilled to be in this play!! I have been in musical theatre for several years and have been a part of 9 productions. I have also been dancing basically my whole life! I am on the Pom team here at Crismon and also in L.O.L. Crismon is an amazing place to enjoy your school days and I cannot wait to be in this production!!.
HARLOW PLACKO
"Snug"
Hello! I'm a freshman at Crismon, and this is my first time acting in a Crismon production. I've done lighting at Crismon, but not acting. I've previously done Annie Jr, Frog and Toad Jr, Into the Woods Jr, and Check Please, as well as several improv programs.
JAYDEN GUNSTEN
"Oberon"
Hi i'm Jayden I really enjoyed this whole experience was great the entire cast was great and are all awesome people and I enjoyed my time on stage thx to my family and the people in theater thank you love you all.
PENNY ERICKSON
"Titania"
Penny is a current sophomore at Crismon High School, and she will be playing Titania in Crismon's A Midsummer Night's Dream. She has been doing theater for five years where she worked in Minnesota. She would like to thank her mom for supporting her and everything she aspires to be through the changes. She would also like to thank her past director, Tami Provencher, for always pushing, believing, and undoubtedly supporting her.
HALEY LEWIS
"Puck"
Hello! My name is Hayley Lewis and I am playing Puck in our play. It has been my dream to play this role for a little over 3 years, and I'm very honored to have been chosen. I know my younger self would have been so proud of me for getting this, and even now am I proud of myself. A thanks for my family, friends, and especially Mr. Thorn, who trained me for this role. Thank you all, and cheers to a good show!.
AUBRI FULLER
"Peaseblossom"
Hi I am Aubri Fuller and I am Peaseblossom. I played Sven in Frozen and I thank Mr. Thorn and Mr. and Mrs. Insalaco and Mr. Glass for taking photos and keeping the cast together and for our stage managers Madison, Claire, and Haven for being the best and especially to Mr. Thorn for making The CHS Performing Arts Center what it is for my cast members who are like family to me. ❤️
ADDILYN NIEPOETTER
"Cobweb"
Hi. This is awkward if you are kinda reading this!! This is one of the best shows! She was a fairy!!! I am so excited to bring this show to Crismon and I can't wait to see you all there!!
MAYA ZACRESKA
"Moth"
My name is Maya Zacreska. I play the role of Moth in the CHS production of A Midsummer Night's dream. I previously played as Queen Iduna in Frozen Jr, another one of the productions at Crismon High School. I am so happy to work with the cast!
RYAN BARTH
"Mustardseed"
Hi my name is Ryan and I play a fairy named Mustardseed.I love performing even though I don’t have much experience. I was in our school's production of Frozen and I had so much fun. I am also lucky enough to be able to take Mr. Thorn our Director's Drama class as an elective. When I am older I dream to be on Broadway so I am happy to be a part of something so wonderful to bring me closer to that dream.
THE FAIRIES
SHANIA MILLER
AMELIA SOTO
BRIANNA JOHNSON
VICTORIA KENDZIC
ATHENIAN ROYALTY
ABIGAIL CARPENTER
CARLEE MEASON
NIAH HARRIS
LILYANNA SINKS
MALLORY GLASSER
CREW
CLAIRE MANZKE
MADDIE CARPENTER
Stage Manager
Stage Manager
LIAM PLATT
Costume Designer
HAVEN HANNUM
Lighting Designer
PRODUCTION TEAM
RANDALL THORN
Producer / Director
Randall Thorn is thrilled to be a part of the Crismon High School Fine Arts Department. Mr. Thorn originally comes from Pittsburgh Pa where he studied Music and Musical Theater at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Penn State University. He has been a successful Choir and Showchoir director and a Theater producer and director for 31 years in education. He has produced over 120 full stage productions here in Arizona and Pennsylvania and has additionally worked throughout the Valley with groups such as Fusion Talent Showcase, Actors Youth Theater and Just West of Broadway. Mr. Thorn helped design and create an entire program at Learning Foundation and Performing Arts Charter School in Gilbert as well at Paideia Liberal Arts Academy in South Phoenix and is excited to grow a wonderful and new Theatrical program for the Crismon High School Community.
JOSH INSALACO
Production Manager
With over 25 years of professional experience in theater, spanning Production Management, Stage Management, and Design, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the stage. His career has taken him to major cities across the country, from the glitz of Los Angeles to the entertainment hub of Las Vegas and even the illustrious Broadway.
Josh has dedicated a substantial amount of time to studying, analyzing, and performing Shakespeare, showcasing a deep appreciation for classical theater. As he embarks on his fourth production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, the joy he finds in the creative process is palpable. Excitement resonates as he witnesses the growth and development of the students at Crismon High School, recognizing the start of an epic adventure for the Crismon Theater Company. It is indeed an honor for Josh to be part of this journey, contributing his skills and passion to the flourishing program.
CHRISTINA INSALACO
Production Manager
With a rich and diverse background spanning three decades, Christina brings a wealth of performance experience to the stage, showcasing her talents in theater, choir, dance, and cheer. Her unwavering passion for musical theater has been a driving force throughout her career, infusing every role with dedication and creativity.
Not only is Christina a seasoned performer, but she also possesses a keen eye for the visual aspects of the stage, showcasing her skills in Set and Costume Design. Her ability to easily connect with students fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, making her an invaluable addition to the Crismon Theater Company. Excitement emanates as Christina embarks on this new journey, eager to contribute her expertise and witness the program's growth and success.
GALLERY
Randall Thorn
Scenic Design
Maddie Carpenter & Claire Manzke
Stage Managers
Liam Platt
Costume Design
Randall Thorn
Lighting/Projection Designer
Haven Hannum
Student Lighting Designer
Randall Thorn
Sound Deisgner
Kyle McKnight
Student Director
Queen Creek Performing Arts Center
Scenic Elements
Josh & Christina Insalaco
Production Managers
SPECIAL THANKS
Principal Elyse Torbert and the Administration of CHS
All the wonderful parents and volunteers
Brian Glass
Josh and Christina Insalaco
Crystal Wright
Mrs. Dana Sloan
Scott Lloyd and the CHS Fine Arts Department
The amazing faculty at CHS
Molly Jacobs and the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center
Dr. Perry Barry, Superintendent
Clearwing Productions
The CHS Music Boosters
The CHS Custodial Staff and Maintenance
PERFORMANCE DATES
FEBRUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 16, 2024