The Wizard of Oz

Cast and Creative Team

THE CAST 

 * Member, Charleston Stage Resident Acting Company
** Member, Charleston Stage Junior Company

Cast Biographies (In Alphabetical Order) 

JERRAD AKER (Uncle Henry / Ozian Guard / Ensemble)
Jerrad is thrilled to make his return to the Dock Street stage. After graduating from College of Charleston, he toured all 50 states performing with Hampstead Stage Company, where he performed a two-person play of The Wizard of Oz for schools and libraries across the country. Jerrad was last seen on the Dock Street stage in Charleston Stage’s Anything Goes in 2013. He spent the last decade performing at the Most Magical Place on Earth, Walt Disney World, dancing in Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade and Festival of the Lion King. He was also in the opening cast for Disney’s Starlight: Dream the Night Away Parade before moving back home to Charleston, SC with his beautiful wife. Other Charleston Stage credits include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story, Chicago, Hairspray, and A Christmas Carol. He would like to thank his wife and family for their continual love and support. IG – @chandis_a

EMMA AYCOCK (Student Ensemble)
Emma is very excited to perform her first role in a show with Charleston Stage. Some of her favorite previous roles have been Lydia (Beetlejuice Jr. - South Of Broadway), Katherine (Newsies Jr. - Flowertown Players), and Miss Hannigan (Annie Jr. - South of Broadway). She loves singing, but also enjoys drawing, video games, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Emma is homeschooled at BYU Online High School and is entering her junior year. She is very grateful for this opportunity to perform with such wonderful cast members and directors, and would like to thank her family for their continued support throughout her musical theater journey.

JENNY BETTKE (Ensemble)
Jenny graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Theatre Performance and a minor in Arts Management in 2018. Her Charleston credits include Mary Warren in The Crucible (Flowertown Players), Joan in Fun Home (PURE), Crissy in HAIR (What If?), Tina Denmark in Ruthless!, Estelle in The Full Monty, Stephanie in POTUS, Little Sally in Urinetown, Dale in Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche, Little Red in Into the Woods, Fraulein Kost/Fritzie in Cabaret, and Constanze in Amadeus (Footlight Players), as well as an ensemble member in Fiddler on the Roof (CharlestonStage). Beyond performing, Jenny enjoys working behind the scenes, stage managing productions with Footlight Players and CharlestonStage—including The Odd Couple, The Glass Menagerie, and Dial M for Murder—and recently stepped into the role of assistant director for Company. She is excited to also be in A Christmas Carol and Les Misérables this season.

RILEY BRYANT (Student Ensemble)
Riley is super excited to work with Charleston Stage in The Wizard of Oz. Some of her favorite past roles have included Gretchen Wieners in Mean Girls Jr. and Deila in Beetlejuice Jr. with her most resent role being Sharpay Evans in High School Musical Jr. performed with the South of Broadway Theater Company. She would love to thank her family for always believing in her and her friends for always supporting her in every role she does. She would also like to thank her cast members and directors for their encouragement and kindness throughout her journey. She is beyond grateful to be a part of this production and hopes to bring her joy to you.

TRE BUTCHER (Ensemble / Nikko the Flying Monkey)
Tre is thrilled to be joining Charleston Stage for Season 49 as a 2nd year Resident Actor! Originally from Amarillo, TX, Tre recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. Previous credits include Avenue Q (Nicky), The Sound of Music (Rolf), Sense and Sensibility (Edward Ferrars), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip). Tre is incredibly grateful to his family, friends, and professors for their continued support. Instagram: @tre-butcher

CHARLIE CHEWNING (Student Ensemble)
Charlie is thrilled to return to the Dock Street Stage after previously appearing for two consecutive seasons in A Christmas Carol! Previous credits with Charleston Stage include Lavender in Matilda, The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo. Charlie is a currently a Theatre Major at SOA and has been performing since she could walk and talk - a natural born entertainer! Charlie made her on-camera debut as a toddler, appearing in commercials for Disney World, Google, Elf on the Shelf, Graco, and Food City and can be seen in print ads around the globe! She has also performed in Giselle with the American Ballet Theatre and can been seen in the upcoming film SUPERVOID. She is “DNA funny” and loves to make people laugh. Charlie is a trained vocalist with a mezzo-soprano voice. She spends her time songwriting, playing guitar, working on her novel and filming her own improv skits. When she is not performing or creating she enjoys being adventurous; riding her skateboard, swimming, and playing with her 3 brothers. Charlie would like to thank her friends and family for their support and encouragement. @iamcharlierosec

CLAYTON CHEWNING (Student Ensemble)
Clayton is excited to be back on the Dock Street Stage previously performing as Peter Crachit in A Christmas Carol and Charlie Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Additional stage credits include Ralphie in A Christmas Story as well as Schwartz the year prior at Queen Street Playhouse. He performed with Charleston Stage Company in High School Musical Jr., Seussical, Golly Gee Whiz!, and SpongeBob the Musical. As a Theatre Major at The School of the Arts, he was invited to join the High School cast of Big Fish as well as perform improv at the State of The Schools Address. On screen, Clayton has appeared in Marvel Studios THUNDERBOLTS*, RED ONE (Prime Video), REBEL RIDGE (Netflix), A NASHVILLE COUNTRY CHRISTMAS (Paramount) and “Bigger” (BET+) along with numerous national commercials. When he’s not performing he serves on Student Council, loves sports, video games, watching movies and has a strong interest in history and social justice. Clayton thanks his family and friends for always cheering him on! @iamclaytonc

LILA CLARK (Ensemble)
Lila is thrilled to be back with Charleston Stage after spending the last 8 years attending Drew University and MUSC! In May, she earned a doctorate in Occupational Therapy and is now a full-time occupational therapist at a skilled nursing facility. If you’ve been a long time patron of Charleston Stage, you may have seen her as Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank (2014), or dancing in shows like The Producers (2015), Hairspray (2016), and The Little Mermaid (2017). She would like to thank Rylee Coppel for this opportunity and her fiance Chaise for his never ending support, along with their dog and cat Lucy and Louie.

CONNOR COLLETTE (Student Ensemble)
Connor is thrilled to return to the historic Dock Street Theatre stage in The Wizard of Oz. A fourth grader at Johns Island Elementary School, Connor is a member of his school’s Academic Gifted and Talented Program and has also been identified as Artistically Gifted and Talented in Theatre through the Charleston County School District’s Visual and Performing Arts Program. Most recently, Connor received the highest rating of Superior at the South Carolina Theatre Association’s Theatre for Youth Festival for both his individual monologue and group performance. Connor began his theater journey at age six with Drama Kids International Johns Island and continues to grow as a proud member of the Charleston Stage Junior Company. Audiences may remember him as Kurt von Trapp in The Sound of Music here at the Dock Street Theatre. He also recently participated in the developmental reading of the new musical The Puzzle. Additional theater credits include Finding Nemo and Matilda. Beyond the stage, Connor enjoys singing, playing the piano, participating in his school’s drama program, visiting New York City, playing outside, and spending time with his family and friends. Connor is incredibly grateful to his family, teachers, directors, and everyone at Charleston Stage for their unwavering encouragement and support. A special thank you to his Mom, Dad, brother Gavin, sister Aubrey, and grandparents for always believing in him.

RAFAELLA CONNOLLY (Student Ensemble)
Rafa is thrilled to return to the stage at The Dock Street Theatre for her fourth performance. Rafa is a 9th grade vocal major at School of the Arts. She is a proud member of Charleston Stage Junior Company. You may have seen her in A Christmas Carol (2022), Fiddler on the Roof (2024) or as Louisa in The Sound of Music (2025). Rafa has spent the past four summers at Interlochen Arts Camp where she performed in The Boy at the Edge of Everything, Macbeth, A Midsummer’s Night Dream and (King Henry) in King Henry V. In her free time, Rafa enjoys dancing, traveling the world and convincing her Mom to bring her to NYC. Rafa would like to thank her Mom, grandparents and mentors for supporting her on this journey.

COSMO (Toto)
Cosmo is paws-itively delighted to be back with Charleston Stage! As no stranger to the spotlight, this production marks Cosmo’s fourth time taking on the titular role of Toto. He was last seen at the Dock Street Theater as Bruiser in the 2025 production of Legally Blonde. Other notable credits include Sandy in Annie Jr. and Cheeky in Anything Goes. When he’s not stealing scenes, he’s stealing hearts with his cuteness. Outside of theatre, Cosmo enjoys belly rubs, demanding treats, and protecting all of humanity from the dreaded vacuum cleaner. He would like to thank everyone in the cast, crew, and production team for endlessly spoiling him with love and attention. He’d especially like to thank Kailei for taking such good care of him on and off the stage. Special love to my Papa for being the best dog Dad and "Straw Man" a baby dog could ask for. Keep up with all his adventures by following him on Instagram and TikTok @cosmothefunnypup.

CAMPBELL ELLA (Ensemble)
Campbell is thrilled to be making her debut at Charleston Stage for their 49th season! Originally from Knoxville, TN, Campbell recently graduated from James Madison University with a B.A. in Musical Theatre and minors in Honors and Nonprofit Studies. Some of her favorite credits include Little Women at Charleston Stage (Meg), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Natasha), The Light in the Piazza (Signora Naccarelli), and Pippin (Company). She is incredibly grateful to her family for their continued support, the JMU MT 26ers, and the Knoxville Children's Theatre for instilling her passion for the arts. Follow Campbell here: campbellella.com / Instagram: @thecampbellella

KELSIE ENGEN (Ensemble / Dance Captain)
Kelsie couldn’t be happier to be back for another season at Charleston Stage! She grew up performing in the Seattle area, then graduated with her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Utah. Some of her favorite credits include The Sound of Music (Liesl), Legally Blonde (Margot), A Christmas Carol (Belle), and A Year With Frog and Toad (Snail). She wants to give a big shout out to her Mom and Dad, brother, and friends for all of their support! Instagram: @kelsie.engen

SADIE EVANS (Student Ensemble)
Sadie is so excited to be making her mainstage debut in The Wizard of Oz! Some of her favorite roles she's played include: Gabriella Montez (High School Musical), Flounder (The Little Mermaid), and Peter Pan (Peter Pan). Sadie would like to thank all her friends and family for being her biggest supporters throughout her journey. She also hopes that y'all enjoy the show!

CAROLINE FISHER (Student Ensemble)
Caroline was born in Colorado and has grown up in Charleston. She is an eighth grader at School of the Arts where she majors in theater. She has participated in Charleston Stage education programming since kindergarten and has been a member of Troupe for 4 years. She’s excited to start her second year of Charleston Stage’s youth group, Junior Company this fall. This is Caroline's 5th performance at the Dock Street Theater and she loves the experience, in particular the encouraging environment and getting to learn new things each day from her Director and the Resident Actors, all while making new friends along the way. 

GIANNA GAVINS (Student Ensemble)
Charleston native Gianna "Gigi" Gavins (13) is a bright, energetic performer who loves being on stage. An 8th-grade gifted and talented student at South Carolina Connections Academy, Gigi has trained with Charleston Stage’s Junior Company since 2021. Recent credits include A Christmas Carol (Boy Scrooge/Oliver Twist, 2024 & 2025), High School Musical (Cheerleader), SpongeBob (Ensemble), Finding Nemo Jr. (Crush), Once on This Island (Little Ti Moune), and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Emma Hopkins). She is thrilled to be back on stage and extends a heartfelt thank you to her family and friends for their unwavering love and support!

JACKSON GRIFFEE (Ensemble)
Jackson is stoked to be joining Charleston Stage for this wonderful production! He is a proud native of Mt. Washington, KY, and a recent B.F.A. in Musical Theatre graduate from Samford University. Performing from a very early age, some of Jackson’s favorite credits include Godspell (Jesus), Oklahoma! (Curly), Little Women (John Brooke), and The Lightning Thief Musical (Mr. D/Ares). Jackson wants to give a huge thank you and shout out to his family and friends who have loved and supported him along his way. All glory to God! Instagram: @jacksongriffee

KAILEI HINTON (Dorothy Gale)
Kailei is so grateful to be a 2nd year Resident Actor here with Charleston Stage! She is originally from New Orleans, LA. She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, receiving her B.F.A. in Acting. You might recognize her from her roles in Season 48 including: Come From Away (Janice) and Sense and Sensibility (Fanny). Kailei sends all her love to her wonderful family, friends, and loved ones who have helped nurture her dreams! Instagram: @kaileiannhinton

CHASE JUSTER (Zeke / Cowardly Lion)
Chase is so excited to be joining Charleston Stage’s 49th season! Chase is originally from Wilmington, IL, and received his B.A. in Music Theatre with a minor in Choral Literature and Conducting from Carthage College. Previous credits include Nine (Guido Contini), Carrie: The Musical (Billy Nolan), Life is a Dream (Segismundo), and Dear Elizabeth (Robert Lowell). Chase is so grateful for the people who have made this opportunity possible. :) IG: @chasejstr | www.chasejuster.com

SAGE KELLER (Student Ensemble)
Sage is a third-grade student and member of Charleston Stage Junior Company. She loves singing dancing and performing as well as art crafts and animals. Sage is super excited to be making her debut on Charleston Stage and honored to get to work with such a talented cast and crew as The Wizard of Oz. 

PENELOPE KIERNICKI (Student Ensemble)
Penelope is thrilled to be appearing in The Wizard of Oz! She is an 8th grader at Alston Middle School, in her 4th year with Charleston Stage. Some of her favorite past roles include Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr. and Fan/Belinda in A Christmas Carol. Outside of theatre, she enjoys baking, reading, making videos, art, and spending time with friends and family. Penelope is very grateful to her cast, crew, and family members for their support! 

TANNER LEONARDO (Ensemble)
Tanner is a senior at the College of Charleston and this is the first show with Charleston Stage that he has performed in. Some of his other performances have been Ensemble in Cinderella, Lead Dancer in 42nd Street and Al in A Chorus Line at CofC. Special thanks to our Choreographer Laurel Van Beusecum for referring me to this show and helping from day 1 with choreography. 

JAMIE LOCKHART (Ensemble)
Jamie is excited to make her Charleston Stage debut! She is a recent graduate of NYU Steinhardt’s Classical Vocal Performance program with a Bachelors in Music. Some of her favorite credits include: The Waves, Little Red’s Most Unusual Day (Little Red), The Crucible (Bridget Booth), La Traviata, and L’enfant. She has been featured in various cabarets and shows at 54 Below and Greenroom 42 in NYC. She thanks her family for their support and the city of Charleston for welcoming her! Instagram: @jamiellockhart

LUCIANA MARCIAL (Miss Gulch / Wicked Witch of the West)
Luciana has thoroughly enjoyed choreographing and performing for the company over the last 26 years, especially the shows Pippin, Anything Goes, Chicago, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sister Act, Beauty and the Beast, Footloose, Elf, Kinky Boots and Come From Away. She lends a bit of voiceover mischief to Shortwave Kitsch Radio – a live show and podcast that takes audiences back to the days 1940’s radio stories. An exercise physiologist by trade, she is Senior Advisor and Global Team Manager for the Spinning® indoor cycling program and travels internationally as a public speaker and Master Instructor educating fitness professionals and lecturing at events. This show is dedicated to her father, Manuel Marcial, who loved the theater so much. Rest easy, Pop, I love you.

JOSH MICCIO (Hunk / Scarecrow)
Josh is delighted to return to Charleston Stage in one of his favorite roles alongside his trusty furry companion! Recent Charleston credits include: A Christmas Carol (Charleston Stage Company), Legally Blonde (Charleston Stage Company), The Mousetrap (Footlight Players) and Amadeus (Footlight Players). Other notable regional credits: All's Well That End's Well, King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Richard III (Hip to Hip Theatre Company, NYC), The Tempest (The Secret Theatre, NYC), Puffs, The Wizard of Oz (Allenberry Playhouse, PA), Treasure Island (Open Stage of Harrisburg, PA), Ichabod Crane in ENCORE!! (National Tour - Chamber Theatre Company), The Shackleton Experience (International Tour – Leadership Masters), “Billions” (Showtime), “The Deuce” (HBO), and Disney’s Frozen 2/Saks 5th Avenue Windows Unveiling (Disney Parks Live Entertainment). Josh holds a B.F.A. from Marymount Manhattan College. He would like to extend his deepest gratitude to this very talented cast, crew, Rylee, and the rest of his Charleston Stage family. For EG. www.joshmiccio.com

HENRY CLAY MIDDLETON (Professor Marvel / Wizard of Oz)
Clay debuted with Charleston Stage Company as Tom Robinson in Charleston Stage Company’s 1997 production of To Kill a Mockingbird. He’s been seen in The Seat of Justice as Thurgood Marshall, Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun, Denmark Vesey in Insurrection: Denmark Vesey, Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Rev. Reginald Mabry in Chicken & Biscuits. Other acting credits include The Piano Lesson (Boy Willie), God’s Trombones, Choir Boy (Headmaster Morrow), King Lear (Edmund), Citizen: An American Lyric (Citizen 5), and God’s Trombones (Preacher). Directing credits include Black Pearls Sings, Purlie Victorious, and Dial M for Murder with Charleston Stage Company; Porgy and Bess; A Raisin in the Sun; the gospel musical Crowns; Of Mice and Men; and Fences (also playing Troy Maxon). National commercial credits include “Bud Light Seltzer.” Television credits include NBC’s Found, a recurring role on Army Wives, and Sheriff Thompson on the TV One series Fatal Attraction. This fall, he will be filming the independent short Hooderton, playing the role of Mr. Biggs. Clay has also performed as a featured concert narrator for the Colour of Music Orchestra.

MELISSA MITCHELL (Auntie Em / Ensemble)
Melissa is excited to return to Charleston Stage after last being seen as Marge in Kinky Boots and in the ensemble of Fiddler On The Roof. Originally from San Diego, she has worked professionally all over the US, as well as abroad. Select regional credits include: Sunset Boulevard (Mary) at North Shore Music Theatre starring Tony Award Winner Alice Ripley, Titanic (Kate McGowan), Bridges of Madison County (Ens/Francesca u/s *perf), Legally Blonde (Gaelan/Elle u/s *perf) and others at Arizona Broadway, The Palace Theatre, Prather Ent, and Busch Gardens to name a few. Locally: Spamalot (Lady of the Lake), and Wild Party (Kate) at Queen Street Playhouse. When not performing she is running the Drama Program at Johns Island Elementary School! Much love to her Family and precious pup Mr. Feeny. This show is dedicated to her soul dog Mayzie, who is now "over the rainbow." Jeremiah 29:11 @melissashevaem

OLIVIA NELSON (Ensemble)
Olivia is thrilled to be returning to Charleston Stage for her second show! Performing has been her passion for as long as she can remember and she is thankful for every opportunity to bring stories to life on stage. Some of her favorite past roles include Roxie (Chicago), Cosette (Les Misérables), and Catherine Parr (Six). When she’s not performing, she loves traveling , spending time with friends, and teaching theater. She is beyond grateful to the incredible cast, crew, and creative team for making this such a special experience!!

ALEXA NILES (Ensemble)
Alexa is so grateful to be returning to Charleston Stage for Season 49 as a 2nd Year Resident Actor! You may have seen her recently as Jo March in Little Women: The Broadway Musical and last season as Marianne in Sense and Sensibility, Schwartzy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Caroline in A Christmas Carol! Other favorite credits include Avenue Q (Kate Monster), Into The Woods (The Witch), and Cabaret (Fraüline Kost). She received her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre in 2025 from Coastal Carolina University. Alexa would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their support in helping her become the artist she is today! Be in the know about Alexa on her Instagram: @alexaniles or visit her website: alexa-niles.com.

CAROLINE NITARDY (Glinda)
Caroline is thrilled to be joining Charleston Stage for The Wizard of Oz! This is her first production with Charleston Stage and she has loved every moment in Oz! Originally from Independence, Kentucky, Caroline is a 2025 B.F.A. Musical Theatre graduate of the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support. She hopes you enjoy your journey to Oz and that you remembered to bring your broomstick!

GAVIN RAMOS (Student Ensemble)
Gavin is a 10th grade student at Charleston County School of the Arts studying Theater and is a member of Charleston Stage’s Performance Troupe. He is thrilled to join the talented cast of The Wizard of Oz at the historic Dock Street Theatre. Gavin found his love of the theater when he moved to Charleston 5 years ago. His debut role with James Island Players was Oliver in Oliver! and has since performed in Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, Into the Woods Jr, The Little Mermaid Jr, Hello Dolly, A Christmas Carol, Sponge Bob, The Murderous Mansion of Mr Uno, and Dare to Dream. He has loved joining Charleston Stage’s Junior Company and looks forward to many more years of learning and performing. Gavin would like to thank Charleston Stage for this amazing opportunity and his family and friends for all the love and support they have given him.

RYAN JAMES RODRIGUEZ (Hickory / Tin Man)
Ryan is thrilled to be a part of the Season 49 Resident Actor Company here at Charleston Stage. He was born and raised in Long Island, NY and is a recent graduate of SUNY Cortland’s B.F.A. in Musical Theater Program. Most recent credits include Topher/R&H Cinderella, Frank ‘n’ Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, and Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. He’d like to thank his family and friends for their never ending support. IG - ryanjamesrod

CAEDON VENNÉ (Ensemble)
Caedon is thrilled to join the cast of The Wizard of Oz! Select regional credits include Waitress (West Virginia Public Theatre); Charlie Price in Kinky Boots, Joseph in Joseph… Dreamcoat, and Telly in Godspell (Main Street Theatre Company); and The Wizard of Oz and A Broadway Musical Celebration (Pittsburgh CLO). Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Caedon is a published playwright (A Temporary Matter) and an alum of Pennsylvania Western University with dual degrees in Secondary Education and Mathematics. Eagle Scout, composer, and fervent D&D nerd, Caedon wishes to thank Charleston Stage, his friends and family, and Aubri. Online: caedonvenne.com | Instagram: @caedon.v

CAMILLE WASHINGTON (Student Ensemble / Mayor of Munchkin City)
Camille is excited to be returning to the Dock Street Theatre for The Wizard of Oz. Her previous credits include Boy Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and Maxine in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Camille would like to thank her family, friends, fellow cast members, and directors for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this production and hopes this performance brings you a little joy and a touch of magic. Enjoy the show!

VIRGINIA WEIS (Student Ensemble / Dance Captain)
Virginia is overjoyed for her debut performance with Charleston Stage in The Wizard of Oz as a Poppy Soloist and Ensemble. She is grateful to be able to share her passion for dancing, acting, and singing in their mainstage production of the beloved story of the magical Land of Oz! She is a proud member of Charleston Stage’s Junior Company and the preprofessional program at Dance Conservatory of Charleston. Virginia is excited to return to the cast of The Charleston Christmas Special (Moranz Entertainment) for a second year this holiday. Virginia wants to thank Charleston Stage, her teachers and mentors, friends and family for all of their love and support of her dreams.

HARPER WILDE (Student Ensemble / Mayor of Munchkin City)
Harper is delighted to return to Dock Street’s stage to experience the magic of this classic fantasy, a true favorite she first watched as a 5-year-old with her More Nana. Harper made her debut last year with Charleston Stage’s Junior Company in A Christmas Carol as Belinda Cratchit and fell in love with the chance to be a part of something so special for our community and the arts. She just started 6th grade at Rollings Middle School of the Arts in Summerville, where she is having a blast figuring out her newest role as a middle schooler. Harper would like to thank her friends who think it’s cool she gets to stay up so late on performance nights, and her family who love her unconditionally and will support her following any color brick road she chooses.

THE Creative team 

Creative team Biographies (In Alphabetical Order) 

RYLEE COPPEL (Director)
Rylee is Charleston Stage's Director of Education and Engagement and Artistic Associate. Rylee has a Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from Ramapo College of NJ and a Master's in Integrated Arts and Education from the University of Montana, and over 15 years of experience teaching voice, music, theatre, and dance. In addition to teaching, Rylee has performed regionally and internationally with such companies as; Sesame Street Live, Joey Casella Productions, Roxy Regional Theatre, and RWS and Associates. Charleston Stage credits include; Little Women: The Broadway Musical (Marmee March), Come From Away (Diane), Legally Blonde (Paulette), Beautiful (Genie), Kinky Boots (Pat), Footloose (Vi Moore), Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), The Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time (Judy), Mamma Mia! (Donna), White Christmas (Tessie/Mrs. Snoringman), Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick), and Avenue Q (Ensemble). Thanks to Ben and Vivian for being the best!

CALEB S. GARNER (Lighting Designer)
Caleb is an award-winning Lighting and Sound Designer based in Charleston. With extensive experience in Off-Broadway, regional, and educational theatre, his designs have earned him eight national and regional awards. A North Carolina native, Caleb holds a B.A. and B.F.A. from Catawba College and an M.F.A. from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is driven by a passion for artistic collaboration and is deeply grateful for the support of his colleagues, friends, and family. Currently, Caleb serves as the Resident Lighting Designer and TheatreWings Coordinator at Charleston Stage Company and is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of Charleston. See more of his work at www.calebsgarner.com or on Instagram @csgtheld

VICTORIA LEATHERMAN (Stage Manager)
Victoria is so excited to be working on Season 49 with Charleston Stage! Since graduating from the College of Charleston in 2021, she has worked as a freelance stage manager and production manager for several companies up and down the east coast. A few of her favorite credits include: Come From Away with Charleston Stage, Hair and Marry Me A Little with Weston Theater Company, Arabian Nights with Carolina Ballet Theatre, Spring Awakening and Sweet Charity with Stagedoor Manor, and Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf, Other Desert Cities, and Art with Lean Ensemble Theater.

MICHAEL LOPEZ (Music Director)
Michael, a Charleston native, is thrilled to be Charleston Stage's Resident Music Director, bringing with him years of local and international musical theatre experience. Michael has been with Charleston Stage since the spring of 2018 and had served as Assistant Music Director for several productions. For the past 13 years, Michael has also served as Associate Music Director at Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville where he contributed to a thriving and diverse music program. Beyond the Lowcountry, he has traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and South America as a conductor and collaborative pianist for international music festivals and conferences. He had such a joy working on The Wizard of Oz, and wants to give a huge thank you to his family and friends for their continual love and support! Enjoy the show everyone! :) Instagram: _williammichaelopez_

JOSH MICCIO (Associate Properties Designer / Shop Manager)
Josh is delighted to be back at Charleston Stage for the 49th Season. Recent Charleston credits include: A Christmas Carol (Charleston Stage Company), The Mousetrap (Footlight Players), Legally Blonde (Charleston Stage Company), and Shrek the Musical (Flowertown Players). Other notable regional credits: All's Well That End's Well, King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Richard III (Hip to Hip Theatre Company, NYC), The Tempest (The Secret Theatre, NYC), Puffs, The Wizard of Oz (Allenberry Playhouse, PA), Treasure Island (Open Stage of Harrisburg, PA), Ichabod Crane in ENCORE!! (National Tour - Chamber Theatre Company), The Shackleton Experience (International Tour – Leadership Masters), “Billions” (Showtime), “The Deuce” (HBO), and Disney’s Frozen 2/Saks 5th Avenue Windows Unveiling (Disney Parks Live Entertainment). Josh holds a B.F.A. from Marymount Manhattan College. He would like to extend his deepest gratitude to the cast, crew, Rylee, his family, and most of all his fur baby, Cosmo! For EG. www.joshmiccio.com

HAILEE MEOLA-SELBY (Properties Designer)
Hailee is a South Carolina local who received her B.A in Theatre from the College of Charleston where she also served as a Prop Manager for three years. Hailee has worked across the country, including First Stage in Milwaukee and Central City Opera in Colorado where she worked on a diverse range of productions, from intricate operas to engaging children's theater. Hailee initially joined Charleston Stage in Season 45 as a Carpenter and Prop Artist and began Season 47 with her new role as Properties Manager. Hailee extends her heartfelt thanks to her friends and family for their unwavering support. 

HAYLEY O'BRIEN (Costume Designer)
Originally from South Florida, Hayley graduated from Florida State University with a Masters of Fine Arts in Costume Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. Her recent credits at Charleston Stage include: Come From Away, The Sound of Music, Legally Blonde, Purlie Victorious, and Fiddler On The Roof. Other credits at Charleston Stage include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Clue: Onstage and Kinky Boots. This is her 6th season with Charleston Stage and she looks forward to future productions ahead. Hayley would like to thank her family, friends, and the whole Nadeau crew for all their love and support!

CODY TELLIS RUTLEDGE (Scenic Designer)
Cody (He/Him/His) is originally from McMinnville, TN and is a current 3rd year M.F.A. Lighting/Scenic candidate at UConn. He graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.F.A. in Theatre with a double emphasis in Musical Theatre and Technical Production. Cody is excited to be back again with his Charleston family designing for Little Women: The Broadway Musical and The Wizard of Oz. Last season Cody designed for Sense and Sensibility, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Come From Away. Past favorite designs at Charleston Stage include Of Mice and Men, Blithe Spirit, The Hungry Caterpillar Show, and JFK and Inga Binga. Feel free to follow him on Instagram @rutledgescenicdesign and @rutledgelightingdesign to see more of his work across the country or visit his website rutledgescenicdesign.com for more. Thanks to MB, Ashley, Ravyn, Caleb, and the entire shop!

LAUREL VAN BEUSECUM (Choreographer)
Laurel, a native of western North Carolina, holds an M.F.A. in Dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and a B.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Alabama. She has enjoyed numerous performances and choreographic opportunities, including dancing with the Second Avenue Dance Company in NYC and performing at Radio City Music Hall. Currently teaching dance and serving as the Director of Recruitment for the Department of Theatre and Dance at the College of Charleston, she has enjoyed 12 years of instructing and choreographing at various colleges, universities, academies, studios, and summer intensives across the southeast. Her choreographic work expands a range of genres seen in both concert dance and musical theatre productions. Laurel is honored to join Charleston Stage and looks forward to engaging with a community of talented artists.

LUKE WALCHUK (Sound Designer)
Luke has worked in the live sound industry in one form or another since 2004. He gained experience in cruise ship entertainment, amusement parks, live music, and corporate audio before deciding that theatre was the most creatively fulfilling work he could be doing. He went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Sound Design and is especially happy to be here at Charleston Stage.

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