Much Ado About Nothing – UCO Theatre Arts
7:30PM Feb. 9–11, 2022
2PM Feb. 12, 2022
Mitchell Hall Theatre
The University of Central Oklahoma
College of Fine Arts and Design
UCO Department of Theatre Arts
Present
Much Ado About Nothing
Written by: William Shakespeare
Director: Ronn Burton
Scenic Designer: Devin Scheef
Costume Designer: Megan Richardson
Lighting Designer: Isabel Delgado
Sound Designer: Samantha Aldridge
Stage Manager: Lexi Howse
Early 1950s, A Hotel on the Italian Riviera
Setting: Hotel Lobby, Ballroom, Garden Terrace, Security Office, and Private Suite
There will be a 15 minute intermission
CAST
Beatrice
Bellah Crawford (Thur./Sat.)
Taylor Loomis (Fri./Sun.)
Benedick
Benjamin Barker
Hero
Gabriella Beck (Thur./Sat.)
Alejandra Carnero (Fri./Sun.)
Claudio
Cutter Acker
Leonato
Nathan Rogers
Antonia
Felicity Branson
Don Pedro
Taylor Lowell
Don John
Nathan Bosworth
Borachio
Ethan Sparks
Condrade
Nom Martinez
Dogberry
David Flynn
Verges
Erin Thompson
Margaret
Rainey Denison
Ursula
Erin Thompson
Balthasar
Alejandra Carnero (Thur./Sat.)
Gabriella Beck (Fri./Sun.)
Friar Francis
David Flynn
Watchmen
Rainey Denison, Alejandra Carnero (Thur./Sat.)
Gabriella Beck (Fri./Sun.)
PRODUCTION CREW
Director
Ronn Burton
Assistant Director / Dramaturg
Gia Brown
Stage Manager
Lexi Howse
Assistant Stage Manager
Val Ragon
Assistant Stage Manager
Jonah Lewis
Scenic Designer
Devin Scheef
Technical Director
Patterson Allen
Assistant Technical Director
Christian Heffron
Scene Shop Crew
Lorenzo Butler, Gillian Andersen, Alyssa Cargill
Properties Master
Christian Heffron
Costumer Designer
Megan Richardson
Costume Shop Manager
Brian Butler
Costume Shop Employees
Alexis Gass, Kylee Vera, Riley Hall, Alejandra Carnero, Kennedy Hurst, Bonnye Payne, Lillie Taylor
Wardrobe Supervisor
Alexis Gass
Wardrobe Crew
Bailey Carpenter, Riley Hall
Lighting Designer
Isabel Delgado
Master Electrician
Ellen Schmidt
Lighting Shop Employee
Sam Cox, Isabell Delgado, Brayden Pogson
Light Board Operator
Madison Kelly
Deck Electrician
Adryan Witchey
Sound Designer
Samantha Aldridge
Sound Board Operator/A1
Tabbie Maben
Sound Shop Employees
Elyse Schmidt, Brayden Pogson
Production Manager
Latricia Taylor
Assistant Production Manager
Rox Allen Kerby
Box Office Manager
Matthew Fowler
Box Office Staff
Lamar Burns, Jenna Gaston, Leah Maier, Roberto Lopez Jr., Emma Livingston, Kody Clark, Jacey Nichole, Madeline Young, Baily Hill
CAST BIOS
Alejandra Carnero (Hero) is a senior theatre performance major at the University of Central Oklahoma. Alejandra’s credits at UCO on the Mitchell Hall mainstage include “Puffs” (Hannah/Xavia and others). Alejandra most recently appeared as an actor in UCO’s production of “Significant Other” as Kiki last Fall. She would like to thank her family who always supports her, and the wonderful cast of “Much Ado About Nothing”
Bellah Crawford (Beatrice) is thrilled to be a part of The University of Central Oklahoma’s production of, “Much Ado About Nothing”! She is a senior theatre performance major with a double minor in creative writing and English. Her most recent acting endeavors include Miss. Scarlett in “Clue” (UCO), Cara in “Bro?” (Co.llective Arts.) and Ismene in “Ismene” (International Thespian Festival). She would like to thank Ronn Burton along with the cast and crew who have cultivated a wonderful environment to create, make discoveries and have fun. “Love the art in yourself, and not yourself in the art.” Stanislavski
Benjamin Barker (Benedick) cannot wait to perform their first Shakespeare show as “Benedick.” Last seen in UCO’s premiere of “Rooster.” Benjamin is excited to stretch their comedic muscles with lifelong friends and castmates. As he is a senior of theatre performance expected to graduate in May, “Much Ado About Nothing” may very well be their last performance on the Mitchell Hall stage. He would like to thank Ron Burton for the opportunity to go out with a splash, as well as Daisy Nystul and Devin Scheef, among the rest of the theatre arts family at UCO, for making his stay welcome.
Cutter Acker (Claudio) – the sophomore theatre performance major Cutter Acker is tickled to perform in the mainstage production of “Much Ado About Nothing” at UCO! Other productions of his consist of UCO’s Mainstage production of “Clue” (Wadsworth), the UCO Blackbox APO production of “The Shadow Box” (Mark) and the world premiere UCO production of “Rooster” (Eli Cartwright). Cutter would like to thank his family, friends and co-stars for always being there for him, even for no reason at all! “Who has any interest in prolonging this confusion? Let’s not try to know. Let’s leave things as they are.” – Eugene Ionesco.
David Flynn (Dogberry, Friar Francis) This is his second main stage show. He would like to thank his friends, family and his girlfriend for all the support they give!
Erin Thompson (Ursula/ Verges) is a sophomore theatre performance major, from Spencer, Oklahoma. Some of Erin’s credits include “Rooster,” “Sister Act” and “Puffs” at UCO, Lyric’s” A Christmas Carol,” “Grease,” Lyric Kids’ Clubhouse and “The Cat in The Hat” at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Erin would like to thank all of her friends and family for their wonderful support during her journey! Erin can be found on Instagram at erin_nicole75
Ethan Sparks (Borachio) is a sophomore theatre performance major at UCO and is excited to be
part of “Much Ado About Nothing”! You may have caught him in UCO’s fall production of
“Puffs” as the dragon, or in UCO’s world premiere of “Rooster” playing Sgt. Dale Marsden. He
wants to thank Director Ronn Burton for letting him be part of this production and would also like to
thank the cast and crew for all their hard work, he will cherish the memories they’ve made.
Finally, he wants to thank his friends and family for always pushing him forward.
Felicity Branson (Antonia) is a senior theatre performance major at the University of Central Oklahoma previously, she earned an associate in arts with a theatre emphasis at Rose State College. She was last seen In APO’s performance of “Significant Other” as Vanessa last semester. This is Felicity’s first mainstage show and her last semester at UCO. She would like to thank her best friends Katelyn and Carter for their constant support. She would also like to thank her best friend, Taylor Loomis, who will always be her favorite Shakespearean scene partner. Finally, she hopes you enjoy the show and leave with a renewed outlook on Shakespearean work.
Gabriella Beck (Hero, Balthasar) is a senior musical theatre major at the University of Central Oklahoma. She grew up in Yukon, Oklahoma. Gabriella has performed many onstage roles, standouts of which include Johanna in “Sweeney Todd,” Ariel in “Disney’s the Little Mermaid” and Wednesday Addams in “The Addams Family.” In addition to her work on stage, she has performed for five years as a character performer for Character Connection Co. and previously performed as an underwater mermaid at the Blue Zoo Aquarium. Gabriella is so excited for this opportunity and would like to thank the entire cast and creative team of “Much Ado About Nothing” for their encouragement and kindness throughout this process, as well as her parents for their endless love and support.
Nathan Bosworth (Don John) is making his grand debut at UCO as a music theatre freshman! REGIONAL THEATRE: “Alex (a conversation about nothing)” (Alex), “Beasts” (Theseus), Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre, “Le Misérables” (Joly), Palm Canyon Theatre. OTHER CREDITS INCLUDE “Shrek the Musical,” “Lion King the Musical,” “Into the Woods,” “Chicago,” “A Christmas Carol,” “The Crucible,” “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “SpongeBob the Musical.” Nathan is excited to work with a whole new cast in UCO’s theatre department and thanks them for the opportunity!
Nathan Rogers (Leonato) is so thrilled to be performing in his first ever Shakespeare production in the role of Leonato in UCO’s “Much Ado About Nothing”! He is a junior at the University of Central Oklahoma currently studying theatre performance. His most recent roles have been Vice Principal Panch in Poteet Theatre’s production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Ram Sweeney in “Heathers: The Musical” at Upstage Theatre and Mr. Boddy in UCO’s production of “Clue.” He would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work. Ephesians 4:31-32 KJV
Nom Martinez (Conrade) continues their “Early Career” part of their Wikipedia with another production at the University of Central Oklahoma! So far, the Wiki editors noted that Nom is a sophomore theater performance major, having appeared in UCO productions like “Significant Other” (Evan and others) and “Corpus Christi” (Bartholomew). The Wiki editors also noted that while Nom is a total cutie, they couldn’t have done it without the friends and lifesaving medicine made along the way!
Rainey Denison (Margaret, Watch) is ecstatic to be playing the role of Margaret in UCO’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Rainey is a junior theatre performance major at Central Oklahoma University. Rainey was most recently seen in last fall semesters production of “Rooster” as Naomi Cartwright. She’d like to thank her mom for being her biggest supporter for her entire life. Instagram: @Raineydenison
Taylor Loomis (Beatrice) is a senior theatre performance major playing the role of Beatrice. This is her final production on the UCO stage, and she could not be prouder herself and appreciative of the opportunity. She was most recently seen in UCO’s production of “Rooster” as Susannah Cartwright and Jewel Box Theatre’s production of “Brief Encounter.” She would like to thank her amazing sister, Katelyn, her best friends Lyric, Carter and Felicity, her insanely supportive parents and her loving partner Trey. Thank you for everything.
Taylor Lowell (Don Pedro) is grateful to be a part of this production. He was last seen on stage in UCO’s “Short Play Festival” last fall. Other previous credits are Jewel Box Theatre’s production of “Yellow” as Dayne Westmoreland and Poteet Theatre’s production of “Peter Pan” as a pirate. He enjoys directing when the opportunity arises, reading if time stops long enough, and having deep often meaningless conversations with friends. His desire is to please the Lord in his craft and prays you all are touched by this quirky story. Enough about him; tell him something about you.
ARTISTIC STAFF BIOS
Ronn Burton (Director) is an instructor of Theatre Arts at UCO and leads the Professional Artist Training program at Lyric Theatre. A member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab in New York, and the Directors Lab Mediterranean in Beirut, Lebanon, Ronn has also taught at the American University of Lebanon, the National Opera House in Ireland, and the Actors Movement Studio in New York.
Selected Directing credits: “Puffs,” “Sense and Sensibility,” “Matilda,” “SpongeBob: The Musical” (Lyric Theatre & Academy), “Brief Encounter” (Jewel Box) and “The Agony and The Agony” (Carpenter Square.)
Selected Acting credits include: Off-Broadway / New York Theatre: Carnegie Hall concerts with Kelli O’Hara and Stephen Sondheim, Union Square Theater, Prospect Theater Company, Second Stage Uptown, York Theatre Company, and 45th Street Theatre.
Oklahoma Theatre: “Superstitions” and “Red” (OKC Rep), “Frost/Nixon” and “The Play That Goes Wrong” (Lyric) and “1984” and “Heartbreak House” (3rd Act).
Training: Ongoing directing training with Olivier Award winners Robert Icke, Lyndsey Turner, Dominic Cooke, and Rebecca Bracknell. BFA from Shenandoah Conservatory.
Lexi Howse (Stage Manager) is a freshman theatre design and technology major here at the University of Central Oklahoma. This is her first mainstage production at UCO. Lexi has previously stage managed APOs student directed show “Significant Other” last semester. She would like to thank her mom and dad for supporting her as she continues to pursue her dreams.
Valerie Ragon (Assistant Stage Manager) is a light design student in the theatre arts program. She grew up in a theatre community and was part of several Disney Jr. productions. In high school, she joined the performing arts crew and helped with productions including “Picasso at Lapin Agile” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Having experiences both on and offstage, she looks forward to more behind-the-scenes magic. This is her first experience in stage management, and she has enjoyed working with the cast and crew. She looks forward to learning as she participates in future productions.
Jonah Lewis (Assistant Stage Manager) is a junior in the theatre performance program and is thrilled to be helping on this performance of “Much Ado About Nothing.” This is Jonah’s first play that he is helping stage manage. He would like to thank the whole cast and crew.
Gia Brown (Dramaturg) is a freshman at the University of Central Oklahoma and would like to thank her family for their love and for supporting her through her creative endeavors, no matter how outlandish. She would also like to thank her sibling Gabrielle for being her favorite person no matter what. Finally, she thanks God for making every day worth it by giving her the opportunity to work with the most insanely talented people that put on the show for you today. Researching and learning so much about this show was an experience never to be forgotten!
Samantha Aldridge (Sound Designer) is the current sound designer and engineer for University Productions at UCO. Samantha graduated from UCO with a B.F.A. in Theatre: Design and Technology with an emphasis in sound design and engineering. She’s done a lot of shows during her career. She plans to stick around Oklahoma for a while and mooch off of her parents as long as she can. If you are anyone other than her mom still reading this right now, then this smiley face if for you. Every show is always dedicated to her family and her dog, Banjo.
Devin Pierce Scheef, MFA (Scenic Designer), is the Assistant Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts at UCO. His recent set designs for Mitchell Hall Theater include “Rooster” and “The Consul.” Devin holds a master’s degree in technical theatre from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and has designed scenery and props for the University of Wisconsin, Nevada Conservatory Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre, and the American Heritage Center for Performing Arts. He has also performed a variety of operational and show-support roles for the theme park, cruise line, and circus industries.
Megan Ann Richardson (Costume Designer) is delighted to be designing the costumes for “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of her favorite Shakespeare plays! She will also be designing the costumes for the musical “Little Women” later this spring. Megan is originally from upstate New York, but her career in theatre has taken her all over the US. Now she is thrilled to be working in the very vibrant theatre community here in Oklahoma!
Isabel Delgado (Lighting Designer) is currently a junior at the University of Central Oklahoma studying theatre design and tech with an emphasis in lighting design. She is very grateful for the opportunity to design Much Ado About Nothing and is excited that it is her first mainstage production. She has previously designed lights for UCO’s productions of “Significant Others,” “Shadow Box” and “Everybody.”
SPECIAL THANKS
College of Fine Arts and Design
Charleen Weidell, Dean
Jill Priest, Associate Dean
Dr. Sandra Thompson, Interim Assistant Dean
Dr. Kato Buss, Interim Assistant Dean
Department of Theatre Arts
Daisy Nystul, Interim Chair
Devin Sheef, Assistant Chair
Collin Andrulonis, Head of Theatre Arts/Communication Education
Kato Buss, Performance
Rebecca McGuigan, Head of Design and Technology
Sue Ellen Reiman, Improvisation Instructor
Jamison Rhoads, Design and Technology
Julia Maisch, Administrative Professional
Mitchell Hall Theatre
Latricia Taylor, Director University Productions
Rox Allen Kerby, Manager of University Production
Matthew Fowler, Front of House Manager
Patterson Allen, Technical Director
Christian Heffron, Assistant Technical Director
Brian Butler, Costume Shop Manager
Ellen Schmidt, Master Electrician & Lighting Designer
Samantha Aldridge, Sound Engineer
Scott Roberts, Resident Scenic Designer
Megan Ann Richardson, Resident Costume Designer
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