Category Archives: Productions

Tumyaraq-qaa

Written and directed by Kavelina Torres.
The UAF Department of Theatre & Film invited the community to a live studio-audience filming of the TV pilot Tumyaraq-qaa in the Lee H. Salisbury Lab Theatre from March 31st – April 2nd, 2023.

Click here for a PDF version of our playbill! 848kb – medium sized pdf.

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Produced by Theatre/Film UAF, with generous support from UAF’s Department of Alaska Native Studies and Rural Development.

Photos follow the credits.

Bridge Crew Cast

Ellalluk, Captain ……………………………….……. Misty “Too Oozhrii” Nickoli
Atauciiq, First Mate………………………………………..…..…………… Kyle Moore
Naaq, Navigator………………………………………………. Donetta “Ditter” Tritt
Kaaktuŋa Communications Officer…………………… Sean Asikłuk Topkok
Suupaaq, Spiritual Advisor……………………………………………… David Leslie
Dr. Yuuncarista, Doctor…………………………………………… Debbie Mekiana

Earth Cast

Tekitua, Chief Engineer…………………………………………………………….……… Canaar Chanar
Tax Drone……………………………………………………………………………………….… Charlotte Gray
General……………………………………………………….………….……………….. Jaden Daniel Reed
World Leader 1………………….………………………………………………………….. Kalesha Pearson
World Leader 2……………………………………………………………..…………….. William K. Rogers
World Leader 3………………………………………………………………………………. Theresa Sherron
World Leader 4……………………………………………………………………….…….……. Ellen Lopez
World Leader 5…………………………………………………………………………….… Kellie Bernstein
Squad…………….. August Cooper, Amanda Frantz, Patrick Rogers, Charlie Wolgemuth

Stage Production Team

Director & Writer…..………………………………………………………………….…… Kavelina Torres
Ground Plan Design, Grip & Live Video Programmer …………………. Kade Mendelowitz
Costume Design………………………………………………………….……………….… Stephanie Rivet
Sound Design………………………….……………………………………………………… Flyn Ludington
Props, Master Carpenter & Scene Shop Manager…………………….. Alex Gagne-Hawes
Set Construction & Painters……….. Alex Armstrong, Alex Gagne-Hawes, Rori Kattnig
Stage Manager……………………………………………………………………….……….. Flyn Ludington
Animation…………………………………….…………… Tyson Paris Hansen, Kade Mendelowitz
Production Manager………………………………………………………….…………….. Maya Salganek
Director of Photography………………………………………………………………….. Maya Salganek
Producers…………………………………………………………. Maya Salganek, Kade Mendelowitz
Marketing/ Publicity…………………….. Maya Salganek, Kade Mendelowitz, Carrie Baker,
Tyson Paris Hanson
Costume Shop Manager…………………………………………………………………. Stephanie Rivet
Costume Construction ……………………………….. Magnolia Altamirano, Steven Anderson,
Michelle Bailey, Zorissa James, Vengre Pasilan, Stephanie Rivet
Board Operator …………………………………………………………………………… Charlie Wolgemuth
Scenic Running Crew …………………………………………………………………………… Rori Kattnig
Linguistic Advisor……………………………………………….…………………………………. Lou Frenzl
Box Office Manager……………………………………………………………….… Sarah “Sam” Seifert
Box Office Ticketer ……………………………………………………………………………… Diana Berry

Film Production Team

Director …………………………………………………………………………………………. Kavelina Torres
Executive Producer ……………………………………………………………………….    Charlene Stern
Producer & Film Set Instructor ……………………………………………………….   Maya Salganek
Production Designer ………………………………………………………………… Kade Mendelowitz
Casting …………………………………………………………………   Maya Salganek, Kavelina Torres
Technical Support…………………………………………………………………………….. Scott Hansen
1st AD/ Camera Switcher ……………………………………………………………………   Daisy Carter
Gaffer & Set Dresser ……………………………………………………………….   Alex Gagne-Hawes
Costume Designer ………………………………………………………………………… Stephanie Rivet
Camera Operators ………………… Bryant Womack, Jordan Gulbertson, Maya Salganek,
                           Molly Wilson, JB Brown, Naomi Green, Hannah Greene, Eric Marshall,
                                             Payton Tobin, Jaden Reed, Ben Rainwater, Kjrsten Schindler
Jib Operators ……………………. JB Brown, Payton Tobin, Kjrsten Schindler, Jaden Reed
Location Sound Recordist & Sound Designer …………………………………… Flyn Ludington
Boom operator …………………………………………………….. Flyn Ludington, Tiffany Emmons
Sound Stage audio recordist ……………………………………   Scott Hanson, Seamus Knight
Script Supervisor …………………………………………………………. Nora Grochala, Jaden Reed
2nd AD ………………………………………………………………………          August “Austin” Cooper
Digital Image Transfer & Associate Editor ……………………………………………. Jaden Reed
Grip …………………………………………………………………………………………   Dawson Brannan
Editors ………………… Kade Mendelowitz, Maya Salganek, Jaden Reed, Flyn Ludington,
                                                                                                                                Daisy Carter

Photo Galleries – Production Photos and Behind the Scenes filming Earth.

Tumyaraq-qaa behind the scenes. — Featuring (left-right) Sean Asikłuk Topkok, Donetta Tritt, Misty “Too Oozhrii” Nickoli, Kyle Moore, David Leslie, Debbie Mekiana and writer/director Kavelina Torres in front.

Tumyaraq-qaa-BTS — Featuring (left-right) Sean Asikłuk Topkok, Donetta Tritt, Misty “Too Oozhrii” Nickoli, Kyle Moore, David Leslie, Debbie Mekiana and writer/director Kavelina Torres in front.

Photo Galleries – Production Photos and Behind the Scenes filming Earth.

The Shape of Things

by Neil LaBute, Directed by Rachel Blackwell
February 24 – March 5, 2023

Download the playbill. 710k PDF (pretty small)

Cast

Adam ………………………………………………………………………… Seamus Knight
Evelyn …………………………………………………………………… Riley von Borstel
Phillip ………………………………………………….…………………… August Cooper
Jenny ………………………………………………………………………. Hannah Greene

Production Crew

Director …………………………………………………………………….. Rachel Blackwell
Writer ……………………………………………………………………………….. Neil LaBute
Set Design………………………………………………………………. Kade Mendelowitz
Costume Design ………………………………………………………… Stefanie Kramer
Lighting & Projection Design………………………………….. Kade Mendelowitz
Master Electrician ……………………………………………….. Alex Gagne-Hawes
Electricians……………………………….. Alex Armstrong, Alex Gagne-Hawes, Hannah Greene, Adrian Peterson, Seamus Knight
Sound Design ……………………………………………………………….. Frank Gamboa
Associate Producer & Casting Director ……………………………. Carrie Baker
Technical Director ………………………………………………….. Kade Mendelowitz
Stage Manager ………………………………………………………….. Kjrsten Schindler
Assistant Stage Manager ………………………………………..Deyanira Van Acker
Master Carpenter ………………………………………………… Alex Gagne-Hawes
Set Construction & Painters ……… Alex Armstrong, Alex Gagne-Hawes, Rori Kattnig
Costume Construction ……………………..Stefanie Kramer & Bryan Kramer
Dressers, Props and Flys ………….. Bethany Cohen & Charles Wolgemuth
Board Operator …………………………………………………………… Alex Armstrong
Scene Shop Manager …………………………………………….. Alex Gagne-Hawes
Costume Shop Manager………………………………………………. Stephanie Rivet
Theatre UAF Box Office Manager ……………………….. Sarah (Sam) Seifert
Box Office Ticketer ………………………………………………………… Diana Berry
Publicity …………………………………………………………………. Kade Mendelowitz

"The Shape of Things" production photo by designer Kade Mendelowitz. — Featuring August Cooper, Hannah Greene, Riley von Borstel, Seamus Knight. Directed by Rachel Blackwell.

The Shape of Things at Theatre UAF
Featuring (l-r standing) Hannah Greene, Seamus Knight, Riley von Borstel, and August Cooper,
Directed by Rachel Blackwell (seated). — ***The Shape of Things*** at Theatre UAF
Featuring (l-r standing) Hannah Greene, Seamus Knight, Riley von Borstel, and August Cooper,
Directed by Rachel Blackwell (seated).

Seminar

a comedy by Theresa Rebeck
directed by Tom Robenolt
March 25 – April 10, 2022

The Cast:
Douglas-Kris Luddington
Kate-Sarah Williams
Izzy-Charlotte Gray
Martin-Charles Wolgemuth
Leonard-Bruce Hanson
ASM/Female understudy-Isabelle Nygren
ASM/Male understudy-August Cooper

Production Team:
Director – Tom Robenolt
Set & Lighting Design – Kade Mendelowitz
Costume Design – Stephanie Rivet
Sound Design – Adam Gillette
Props & Scene Shop Manager – Adam Gillette
Stage Manager – Steven Anderson
Producer – Kade Mendelowitz
Associate Producer & Casting Director – Carrie Baker
Box Office & Marketing – Tom Robenolt

Seminar review from the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner — Care to read the review?

Download the Playbill/Program here. 1.25mb pdf.

Seminar production photo — Seminar presented by UAF Department of Theatre and Film, written by Theresa Rebeck and directed by Tom Robenolt, March, 2022. Featuring (left to right): Sarah Williams, Charlotte Gray, Charles Wolgemuth, Kris Luddington and Bruce Hanson. Photo by Scenic & Lighting Designer Kade Mendelowitz, Costumes designed by Stephanie Rivet.

The Misanthrope

Adapted by Timothy Mooney – Based on the play by Molière – Directed by Michael Shaeffer.

November 12-21, 2021

The Cast:
Alceste-Kris Luddington
Philinte-David Salado
Celimene-Riley Von Borstel
Eliante-Theresa Sherron
Arsinoe-Rachel Blackwell
Oronte-Eugene Cole
Clitandre-Sarah Williams
Acaste-Paloma Polanco
DuBois/Basque-Isabelle Nygren
The Guard-August Cooper

Production Team
Director – Michael Shaeffer
Set Design & Scene Shop Manager – Adam Gillette
Costume Design & Costume Shop Manager – Stephanie Rivet
Lighting Design – Kade Mendelowitz
Sound Design – Michael Shaeffer
Producer – Kade Mendelowitz
Stage Manager – Valeria Zamora

"The Misanthrope" production photo — Featuring August Cooper, David Salado, Eugene Cole, Isabelle Nygren, Kris Luddington, Paloma Polanco, Rachel Blackwell, Riley von Borstel, Sarah Williams, Theresa Sherron, directed by Michael Shaeffer, 11/2021

Pride & Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice production poster — ***Pride and Prejudice*** production poster

CAST:

PRODUCTION TEAM :

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet – Isabelle Nygren
Fitzwilliam Darcy -Luke Williams
Jane Bennet – Riley von Borstel
Mary Bennet – Jared Olin
Lydia Bennet – Jessica Reed
Mr. Bennet – Michael Shaeffer
Mrs. Bennet – Paloma Polanco
Charles Bingley – Jared Olin
Caroline Bingley – Flyn Ludington
Charlotte Lucas – Kellie Bernstein
Mr. Collins – Steven Anderson
George Wickham – Charles Wolgemuth
Lady Catherine DeBourgh – Siri Tuttle
Anne DeBourgh – Paloma Polanco
Servant – Adam Gillette

Director – Rebecca George
Scenographer & Video Editor – Kade Mendelowitz
Costume Design – Amanda Casterline
Sound Design – Flyn Ludington & Cody Peters
Dialect Coach – Carrie Baker
Producer – Carrie Baker and Kade Mendelowitz
Choreographer – Jay Paggi-Howe
Stage Manager – Mahala Gale
Props Master & Scene Shop Manager – Adam Gillette
Costume Shop Manager- Stephanie Rivet
Audio/Video Technical Support – Maya Salganek

THE STORY:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

“This isn’t your grandmother’s Austen! Bold, surprising, boisterous, and timely, this P&P for a new era explores the absurdities and thrills of finding your perfect (or imperfect) match in life. The outspoken Lizzy Bennet is determined to never marry, despite mounting pressure from society. But can she resist love, especially when that vaguely handsome, mildly amusing, and impossibly aggravating Mr. Darcy keeps popping up at every turn?! Literature’s greatest tale of latent love has never felt so theatrical, or so full of life than it does in this effervescent adaptation. Because what turns us into greater fools…than the high-stakes game of love?”

Dramatists Play Service

She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms

Review by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

by Qui Nguyen
directed by Tom Robenolt

December 4-12, 2020
Was available for streaming after the purchase of a “viewing link”.

CAST:

PRODUCTION TEAM :

Narrator & Farrah the Fairy – Flyn Ludington
Tilly Evans – Emily Ross
Agnes Evans – Josie Adasiak
Chuck – Luke Williams
Vera – Paloma Polanco
Miles – Jared Olin
Kaliope/Kelly – Melissa Buchta
Lilith/Lilly – Melia Hackney
Orcus/Ronnie – Charles Wolgemuth
The Great Mage Steve – Zachary Mason
Evil Tina – Miranda Reynolds
Evil Gabbi – Sarah Wallace

Director – Tom Robenolt
Producer/ Casting Associate: Carrie Baker
Scenographer & Animation/Visual Effects Designer – Kade Mendelowitz
Costume Designer – Amanda Casterline
Props Designer – Adam Gillette
Sound Designer – Flyn Ludington
Video Editor- Kade Mendelowitz
Assistant Video Editors- Maya Salganek, Mahala Gale
Assistant Scenography – Maya Salganek
Stage Manager – Mike Kampen
Assistant Stage Managers – Steven Anderson, Jared Olin
Scene Shop Manager – Adam Gillette
Costume Shop Manager- Stephanie Rivet

Trailer for Theatre UAF’s production of She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms, edited by Mahala Gale.

Dead Man’s Cell Phone

Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl directed by Carrie Baker
March 29 – April 7, 2019

CAST:
Jean – Emily Ross
Gordon – Heath Robertson
Dwight – Jared Olin
Mrs. Gottlieb – Siri Tuttle
Hermia/Stranger/Carlotta – Mary Conlin
Ensemble – Keara Anderson, Keziah Anderson, Eric Barragan, Sam Thompson

PRODUCTION TEAM :
Director – Carrie Baker
Set Designer – Lara Lotze
Costume Designer – Amanda Casterline
Lighting & Projection Designer – Kade Mendelowitz
Sound Designer – Andrew Cassel
Stage Manager – Colby Freel

This promotional video was created by two FLPA students who were also part of the production.

Dead Man's Cell Phone production photo by Kade Mendelowitz

A review of our production by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Click this for an easy-to-print PDF.

Avenue Q

presented by Interior Independent Theatre and Theatre UAF
November 8-18, 2018

Book by Jeff Whitty
Music & Lyrics by Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx
Based on Original Concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Directed by Gwendolyn P. Brazier
Orchestration & Arrangements by Stephen Oremus
Musical Direction by Scott Stephen Hansen

Brian ……………………………………………………………. Paul Adasiak
Christmas Eve …………………………………………………Tana Fudge
Gary Coleman ………………………………………….. Laquita Deans
Katie Monster ………………………………………….. Elsbeth Cheyne
Lucy T. Slut………………………………………………. Kellie Bernstein
Mrs. Thistletwat………………………………… Amanda Torgerson
Nicky………………………………………………………. David Martinson
Princeton ………………………………………………….. Bill Torgerson
Rod …………………………………………………………….. Bill Torgerson
Trekkie Monster …………………………………… David Martinson
Boxes/Bad Idea Bear 1 ……………………….. Amanda Torgerson
Boxes/Bad Idea Bear 2 ……………………………… Kayla Gilchrist

Director ………………………………………… Gwendolyn P. Brazier
Musical Director ……………………………………….. Scott Hansen
Stage Manager ……………………………………… Isabella Sellers
Producers ……………… Carrie Baker, Gwendolyn P. Brazier
Technical Director ……………………………………. Adam Gillette
Set Design …………………………………………………… Adam Gillette
Set Construction …………… Adam Gillette, Freddy Gryder
Costume Design ……………………………………….. Stephanie Rivet
Costume Construction ………………………….. Stephanie Rivet
Puppet Design ………………………………………………….. Jeff Nepple
Puppet Construction… Maite Agopian, Gwendolyn Brazier, David Martinson
Lighting design ………………………………………………. Colby Freel
Assistant Lighting designer ……………………….. Mary Conlin
Master Electrician ………………………………………. Mary Conlin
Electricians .. Ian Borowski, Mary Conlin, Colby Freel, Adam Gillette, Freddy Gryder, Kade Mendelowitz, Paloma Polanco, Stephanie Rivet, Emily Ross, Daniel Walker, Garrett Wilson
Sound Design …………………………………………………. Josh Bennet
Projection Artist ………………………………………….. Lara Lotze
Props …………………………………. Colby Freel, Isabella Sellers
Board Operators ……………………………………………. Emily Ross
Follow Spot Operator ………. Mary Conlin, Darren Napoli
Scene shop manager …………………………………. Adam Gillette
Costume Shop Manager …………………………. Stephanie Rivet
Theatre UAF Box Office Manager ….. Amanda Casterline
Design Mentor/ Publicity……………………. Kade Mendelowitz

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner did an article about “Avenue Q”. Click thumbnail to read the PDF.

Read the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner official review about “Avenue Q”. Click thumbnail to read the PDF.

: Avenue Q featuring Amanda Torgerson, David Martinson, Elsbeth Cheyne, Kayla Gilchrist, Kellie Bernstein, Laquita Deans, Paul Adasiak, Tana Fudge, William “Bill” Torgerson

: “Avenue Q” cast and musicians / IIT and Theatre UAF

: Set Design by Adam Gillette, Lighting by Colby Freel, Projections by Lara Lotze

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

By William Shakespeare.
Guest director Andrew Cassel.
March 23-April 8, 2018.

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Cast:

The Athenians featuring (l-r) Ariana Polanco, Darren Napoli, Siri Tuttle, Rachel Blackwell, Michael Shaeffer, Brittany Bowling, Jared Olin and Elsbeth Cheyne

The Course of True Love
Theseus…Michael Shaeffer
Hippolita…Rachel Blackwell
Egeus…Siri Tuttle
Philostrate…Brittany Bowling
Hermia…Ariana Polanco
Demetrius…Jared Olin
Lysander…Darren Napoli
Helena…Elsbeth Cheyne

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The Players featuring (l-r) Lara Lotze, Alexander Gloger, Eric Heyne, Sam Thompson, Eugene Cole and Jessica Reed (sitting)

The Players
Peter Quince…Eric Heyne
Nick Bottom…Alexander Gloger
Francis Flute…Sam Thompson
Robin Starveling…Eugene Cole
Snug…Jess Reed
Snout…Lara Lotze
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The Fairies featuring (Clockwise) Tim Sackett, Annabel Heyne, Brittany Bowling, Lily Larson, Audrey Fox and Kellie Bernstein.

Fairy Land
Puck…Annabel Heyne
Cobweb…Brittany Bowling
Mustard-seed…Tim Sackett
Pease-blossom…Audrey Fox
Oberon…Lily Larson
Titania…Kellie Bernstein

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Care to read the review?

PRODUCTION TEAM :
Director – Andrew Cassel
Producer/ Fight Choreographer – Carrie Baker
Set Design – Adam Gillette
Costume Design – Jay Howe
Lighting Design – Colby Freel
Sound Design – Chris George
Design Mentor & Publicity – Kade Mendelowitz
Stage Manager – Valerie Stilipec
Assistant Stage Manager – Natilly Hovda

: The Cast and Crew of Theatre UAF’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing

by Finegan Kruckemeyer
Directed by guest artist Abigail Van Patter
February 8-18, 2018

CAST:
Albienne: Emily Ross
Carmen: Paloma Polanco
Beatrix: Sarah Williams
Narrator: Mary Conlin
Father: Freddy Gryder

CREW:
Set, Lighting, & Projection Designer: Lara Lotze
Costume Designer: Frederica Matumeak
Stage Manager: Isabella Sellers

Featuring (left-right) Mary Conlin, Emily Ross, Sarah Williams, Freddy Gryder, and Paloma Polanco.

This Girl Laughs News-Miner review (click image for easy-to-print PDF)

Winter Shorts – Fall, 2017

The Winter Shorts – fall, 2017
November 10-19, 2017

Presented by the UAF Student Drama Association featuring:
The Writer by Chip Bolcik, directed by Freddy Gryder
Over the Line by Freddy Gryder, directed by Adam Gillette
Home by Vinecia Coleman, directed by Mary Conlin
Ace by Frederica Matumeak, directed by Lara Lotze

: The Writer featuring Kelsey Nore; Victoria Nelson by Chip Bolcik, directed by Freddy Gryder

: The Writer

: The Writer

: The Writer

: The Writer

: Over the Line featuring Gary Becker and Luke Williams by Freddy Gryder, directed by Adam Gillette

: Over the Line

: Over the Line

: Over the Line

: Home featuring Brittany Bowling; Darren Napoli; Sam Thompson; Sarah Williams. Winter Short by Vinecia Coleman, Directed by Mary Conlin

: Home featuring Ariana Polanco; Darren Napoli; Eugene Cole; Kellie Bernstein; Sarah Williams; Victoria Nelson. Winter Short by Vinecia Coleman, Directed by Mary Conlin