Charleston Stage has one of the oldest and largest arts education programs for young people in the region. Led by Rylee Coppel, Director of Education and Engagement, and by Colin Waters, Education Program Manager, Charleston Stage's TheatreSchool classes are taught by ten full-time professional actors who make up the Resident Acting Company. These actor/educators join Charleston Stage for a 12-month artist-in-residence and teacher training program. They perform in leading roles throughout the season while also teaching youth theatre classes and ArtReach Workshops in local schools.
gracie brantley
Gracie is thrilled to be joining Charleston Stage’s Resident Acting Company for their 46th season! Originally from Tennille, GA, Gracie studied acting at Columbus State University where she graduated with a B.F.A. in Theatre Performance. Her previous productions include the Riverside Theater’s productions of Pippin (Leading Player) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), both of which she received an Irene Ryan nomination for. While in school, she often worked at Georgia's Historic State theater, the Springer Opera House, where she was involved in productions such as The Bodyguard (Karaoke Girl/Back-up Singer Swing), Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Ensemble/ Shy U.S.), and educational children’s theatre productions of Click Clack Moo (Cow 1), and The Rainbow Fish Musical (Starfish). Recently, Gracie won Region 4 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival’s Irene Ryan award for Classical Acting. Keep up with Gracie through Instagram: @gracierbrantley.
brendan considine
Brendan is absolutely stoked to join Charleston Stage! Brendan is originally from Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. Previous credits include Merrily We Roll Along (Charley Kringas), Crazy for You (Sam), Bright Star (u/s Jimmy and Billy), Legally Blonde, and Honk! The Musical (u/s Drake). He recently graduated with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina this May. Brendan was also a member of the Inclusive Theatre club at CCU. He feels extremely lucky to have the support of his family and friends and could never have made it here without them. Chants up. Instagram: @brendan_considine
CODY ELSENSOHN
Cody is so happy to join Charleston Stage once more in its 46th season as a Resident Actor! Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Cody earned his B.F.A. in Acting from the University of Southern Mississippi (2022). Recent credits include Pablo (Native Gardens), Bob Cratchit (A Christmas Carol), Crusader Ancestor, Gomez u/s (The Addams Family), and Max (The Play That Goes Wrong). Cody would like to express sincere thanks to his family and friends for their support, love, and encouragement. Keep up with him on Instagram @cody.elsensohn
BRIETTA GOODMAN
Brietta (she/her/hers) is ecstatic to be back this season! She was last seen as Asaka in Once on This Island, Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web, The Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Tabor in A Christmas Carol, and the Flapper Ancestor in The Addams Family! Originally from Horn Lake, Mississippi, she received a A.A. in Theatre from Northwest Mississippi Community College and is a recent graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.A. in Theatre with credits including Cathy Haitt in The Last Five Years, Bunny in Detroit '67, and Lucy Grant in Bright Star. While at USM, she was an Irene Ryan Finalist and was awarded First Place in the Musical Theatre Initiative Region IV Competition. She is so grateful for this opportunity and the support she has received from her friends and family going on this new journey! Stay Connected: https://briettagoodman99.wixsite.com/actor-performer
ELIZA KNODE
Eliza is beyond excited to return to Charleston Stage for their 46th Season! Some of her previous credits include: The Addams Family (Morticia), JFK & Inga Binga (Inga Arvad), Into the Woods (Witch), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena). Eliza earned her B.F.A in Musical Theatre from the University of Miami. She would like to extend gratitude to her family, friends, and teachers around the globe who support her. Website: https://elizadknode.wixsite.com/mysite / Instagram: @eliza.knode
Kyra McKillip
Kyra (she/her/hers) is absolutely elated to be a Resident Actor with Charleston Stage this season! As a native from Delaware, she traveled a few hours for her college experience to WVU. She recently graduated from West Virginia University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre with a minor in Entertainment Media. Some of her favorite past roles are Alice in Bright Star, Ms. Gardner in Carrie The Musical, Amneris in Aida, and Eva Peron in EVITA. She is incredibly grateful to her family and friends for their endless support and can't wait to see where life takes her as a newfound college graduate! Stay Connected: kyramckillipofficial.com / Instagram: @K.yraleigh
dominick ventrella
Dominick is originally from Ridgefield, Connecticut, and he is delighted to be joining Charleston Stage for its 46th season! A recent graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Dominick received his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, as well as the 2020 WCSU Theatre Arts Acting Award. His previous credits include Peter and the Starcatcher: Smee (Ives Concert Park), Company: David (Regional Theatre of the Palouse), Gordon Gets Down: Mayor Horne (Forestburgh Playhouse), and Crazy for You: Lank (WCSU). www.dominickventrella.com / @dmventrella
eddie weaver
Eddie is ecstatic to be joining the Charleston Stage family for their 46th season! Originally from Atlanta, Ga, he graduated from Columbus State University with his B.A. In Theatre Performance. Some of his favorite credits include: The Wiz (Lion), Once on this Island (Agwe), And Detroit 67 (Sly). Eddie would like to send his appreciation and gratitude to his loving family, friends, and teachers who have poured so much into him over the years. If you'd like to keep up with Eddie's journey, follow him on Instagram: @Eddiejihad
Chloë Wendler
Chloë is so excited to join Charleston Stage in its 46th season as a Resident Actor! Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Chloë just recently graduated with her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University. Some of her recent credits include Little Sally (Urinetown), Kate (Legally Blonde), and Ensemble (Honk! The Musical). Chloë would love to thank her parents, her sister, and Alex Lefevre for all the support, love, and encouragement. Keep up with Chloë on her Instagram, Tik-Tok, or website! @chloewendler | @chloewiththefancye | www.chloewendler.com
JHONIKA WRIGHT
Jhonika is thrilled to be returning to Charleston Stage for her second year as a Resident Actor! Originally from Maryland, Jhonika spent most of her life in Arkansas where she graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Her favorite roles include Ti Moune and Erzulie (Once on This Island), Wendla (Spring Awakening), Cairo (We Are the Tigers), Grizabella (Cats), and Yertle the Turtle (Seussical the Musical). Sending all the love to her incredible family and friends for their endless support, “This one is for you!” To keep up with all things Jhonika, you can visit her Instagram: @jhonikaaaa