Charleston Stage's Resident Acting Company is a program that trains emerging theatre professionals while inspiring the Lowcountry community. Each season, a select group of young actors refine their craft while performing on the historic Dock Street Theatre stage, and lead educational workshops in local schools. These Resident Actors are not only talented performers but also educators and arts ambassadors, bringing the magic of live theatre to thousands each year!
SPONSOR:
Andrea and Steven Strawn
MEET OUR 2026-27 RESIDENT ACTING COMPANY
tre butcher
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), Cinderella (Jean-Michel), Alice By Heart (Nigel/Dormouse), and Crazy For You (Eugene Fodor). Tre is incredibly grateful to his family, friends, and professors for their continued support. Instagram: @tre-butcher
CAMPBELL ELLA
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 Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Natasha), The Light in the Piazza (Signora Naccarelli), Big Fish (Josephine Bloom), 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
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 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
JACKSON GRIFFEE
Jackson is stoked to be joining Charleston Stage for their 49th season! 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
Kailei is so grateful to be back for a second year as a Resident Actor here with Charleston Stage! She is originally from New Orleans, LA. Recently, she graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, receiving her B.F.A. in Acting. Some of her favorite previous credits include, Come from Away (Janice), Sense and Sensibility (Fanny), and All My Sons (Ann Deever). Kailei sends all her love to her family, friends, and mentors who have helped nurture her dreams. Instagram:@kaileiannhinton
CHASE JUSTER
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 | chasejuster.com
alexa NILES
Alexa is so grateful to be returning to Charleston Stage for Season 49 as a 2nd Year Resident Actor! You may have seen her last season as Marianne in Sense and Sensibility, Schwartzy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, or 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.
RYAN JAMES RODRIGUEZ
Ryan James Rodriguez is thrilled to be joining Charleston Stage in their 49th season as a Resident Actor. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, he is a recent graduate of SUNY Cortland’s B.F.A. Musical Theater Program (Class of ‘26). His favorite credits include Topher in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Frank ‘n’ Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, and Patrick Star in Spongebob The Musical! While not on stage, he thoroughly enjoys finding time to rewatch any of the Spiderman movies as well as the Back To The Future trilogy.
CAEDON VENNé
Caedon is thrilled to join Charleston Stage for their 49th season! 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