Jim Arter (Rulon Stacey, Stephen Belber, Andrew Gomez, Murdock Cooper, Shadow) is humbled to be part of this significant play.  Jim’s roles include a pair of Scrooges, two General Waverlys, a couple of Ozsome Uncle Henrys/Crazed Guards, (It was the Baum.) Peter Bailey, Bob Ewell, Jeff Douglas, Milt Fields, Anthony Kirby, Mr. Van Daan, Cinderella’s Father, Oscar Shapiro, Meyer Wolfsheim, Mrs. Hardcastle, the Duke of Albany, a variety of quadrupeds, a Dead Man on a Rock, and on special occasions a dancing bookcase.  His favorite acting experience must include being alongside his gravity-defying best friend when he was Andrew Ladd to her Melissa Gardner in “Love Letters.”

 

Paula Arter (Leigh Fondakowski, Alison Mears, Dr. Cantway, email writer, Harry Woods) is honored to be a part of this tremendous production.  Favorite roles include Arsenic and Old Lace (Abby Brewster), You Can’t Take It With You (Penny), To Kill a Mockingbird (Mrs. Dubose), Romeo and Juliet (Nurse), Angels in America (Ethel Rosenberg/Hannah/the doctor), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Big Mama), Clybourne Park (Bev/Kathy), The Mousetrap (Mrs. Boyle), The Diary of Anne Frank (Mrs. Van Daan), and Love Letters (Melissa). She has acted with Clark State College, Marysville Avalon Theatre, Showtime Performing Arts, Ohio Lyric Theatre, Yellow Springs Theatre Company, and Ohio Performing Arts. Thanks to Jim for once again defying gravity with her.

 

Tom Hand (Moisés Kaufman, Matt Mickelson, Jonas Slonaker, Rob DeBree) is grateful to return to Springfield’s theater community, which helped him rediscover his life as an artist. A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, his credits include Come From Away (Kevin Tuerff), Falsettos (Mendel), The Fantasticks (Hucklebee), and 1776 (Thomas Jefferson). He founded On Hand Studio to support performers in developing their craft and artistic voice. For Tommy, The Laramie Project continues a deeply personal commitment to theatre that asks us to listen closely, recognize one another’s humanity, and consider our responsibility to the communities we call home.

 

Ed Knapp (Doc O'Connor, Baptist Minister, Fred Phelps, Dennis Shepard) is grateful to be working with Civic Theatre once again. He was last seen, on stage, in the Civic Theatre production of Picnic, and directed the productions of Jake's Women and The Bigfoot Letters at the John Legend Theater. Working with Civic Theatre has been a part of his life since the early '80's and helped shape him as an actor, director, and person. Many lasting friendships and influences are because of the fantastic group of people associated with Civic Theatre. Ed would like to thank his wonderful wife, Lorrie, and this great cast and crew for bringing this truly unique experience to the stage.

 

Cassandra Jolley (Romaine Patterson, Aaron Kreifels, April Silva, Anonymous Friend of Aaron McKinney) is proud to be a part of this relevant and thought provoking play; it will be her first production with the Springfield Civic Theatre. Before The Laramie Project she was in shows at her middle and high school in Upper Arlington. When not on stage she spends time writing and making music, attending singing lessons and college classes as well as playing with her cats. She is extremely grateful to her loving and supportive family.

 

Sandy Lemming (Eileen Engen, Waitress, Minister’s Wife, Bailiff) feels over-the-top fortunate to be a part of The Laramie Project and to be able to watch a great director bring this show to life.  For several years she was in Old Case Files productions which were presented in Dayton’s Old Courthouse. She has appeared at several area community theaters and most recently performed in I Remember Mama at XACT in Xenia.  She thanks John for his constant support and total acceptance of all her busy rehearsal schedules.

 

Nancy Mahoney (Marge Murray, Lucy Thompson, Sherry Aanenson) is blessed to be part of meaningful storytelling with this great cast and director. Nancy has been involved with Springfield Civic Theatre for over 50 years and is a long-time SCT Board member. Nancy was also a founding member of the Potluck Players, best known for Wren’s Breakfast with Santa. Favorite roles include Reverend Mother in Nunsense, Grace in Bus Stop, Mrs. Antrobus in The Skin of Our Teeth, and Mrs. Potts in Picnic, all for SCT, and Clairee in Steel Magnolias for Clark State Theater. Long live community theater! Love to Dennis!

 

Sarah Perkins (Narrator, Barbara Pitts, Trish Steger, Doug Laws, Sherry Johnson, Skinhead, Foreperson) is honored to be a part of this production of The Laramie Project. She worked professionally in theatre throughout her 20s before taking a step back from the stage for a while. She is thrilled to be diving back into the theatre world again. This is Sarah’s first production with Springfield Civic Theatre, but she has previously worked with Trumpet in the Land, Theatre West Virginia, and Treehouse Arts Ensemble. She would like to thank her husband, Jeremiah, for always believing in her and for being her partner on this crazy rollercoaster of a life.

 

Jaime Rose (Amanda Gronich, Phil Labrie, Tiffany Edwards, Jen, Kerry Drake, Russell Henderson) is excited for this relevant and meaningful play to be her first production in nearly 10 years, and her first production with Springfield Civic Theatre. Before The Laramie Project, she had previously performed in multiple productions for the Vandalia Youth Theater. Aside from acting, she spends her time writing screenplays, making music, and embarking on family road trips. Jaime is grateful for the love and support from her wonderful mom. 

 

Steve Schlather (Greg Pierotti, Sgt. Hing, Father Roger, Gil Engen, Cal Rerucha, Judge) is glad to be part of the ensemble bringing this thought-provoking drama to the John Legend stage. He has appeared in many area productions, including Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Clybourne Park for Clark State, Our Town for Civic Theatre, and Glengarry Glen Ross for Springfield Stageworks. When not on stage, he can be found doing various volunteer projects for church and community groups, riding his bike, or cooking. As always, he’s grateful to Nancy for her love and support.

 

Paige Sellars (Zackie Salmon, Matt Galloway, Catherine Connolly, Shannon), is thrilled to participate in her first theater production since high school with such a talented cast and creative team. While not having been part of many productions as of late, Paige is still an avid enjoyer of theater and has remained involved in the community by supporting the theater programs of Bowling Green State University, Springboro High School, Ohio University’s Lost Flamingos Theater Company, and Yellow Springs High School. Paige spends most of her time as a high school biology teacher, which she adores doing.

 

Heather Shaffer (Rebecca Hilliker, Jon Peacock, Stephen Mead Johnson) is thrilled to be in her first production with Springfield Civic Theatre. She is an improviser and sketch actor with Dayton’s Black Box Improv. She has also been in multiple productions with Dayton Drunk Theater. When not on stage, she enjoys reading, going to shows and loves a good karaoke night. Heather would like to give thanks to the amazing cast and crew as well as her family for their love and support.

 

Katie Thorpe (Phillip DuBois, Andy Paris, Zubaida Ula, Narrator, Conrad Miller, Aaron McKinney) is honored to be a part of this talented cast and impactful production. This is Katie’s second production with Springfield Civic, her first being Rocky Horror Picture Show as Janet Weiss. Recently, she has appeared as Hannah/Mrs.Mingott (Little Women), Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird), and Nancy (Angel Street). Katie would like to thank the incredible cast and crew for their hardwork and dedication, Lorrie for this amazing opporunity, and her friends and family for their immense support. Thank you for your support and enjoy the show!

 

Meghan Tubbs (Jedidiah Schultz, Reggie Fluty, Kristin Price, Bill McKinney) has been involved in local productions such as Ragtime, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Rocky Horror Show, and she has been a member of World House Choir since 2022. She is on the board of Springfield Arts Council and works at American Electric Power Foundation. Meghan is from Warren, Pennsylvania and lives in Springfield with her husband, Clint Morgan, and their rabbit, Magpie.

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Director ................................................................................................................................................................. Lorrie Sparrow-Knapp