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October 12 - 22, 2022 , The Helen

CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program

Everybody

written by BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS
directed by TONY F. SIAS

Run time: Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes, no intermission

YOLO! You Only Live Once. And everybody has to die. But what really happens when we pass on? And how do we prepare? Riffing off the 15th century morality play Everyman, Obie Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins shares a dark comedic look at the inevitability of death and the meaning of life in his acclaimed Pulitzer-Prize finalist, Everybody. When the character Everybody is told that their time is up, they attempt to bargain with Death on what or who they might bring on their final journey. Featuring the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program Class of 2024, Everybody is a wildly funny and heartfelt ride through our humanity.

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Artists

Josh Bates

Josh Bates

(Everybody, 4th Somebody) is a Southern California native who received his BFA in Acting from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Sic ‘Em Bears. He was recently seen in CWRU/CPH’s EVERYBODY and PASSAGE and has spent time working as a professional musician in the New York area. He’d like to more(Everybody, 4th Somebody) is a Southern California native who received his BFA in Acting from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Sic ‘Em Bears. He was recently seen in CWRU/CPH’s EVERYBODY and PASSAGE and has spent time working as a professional musician in the New York area. He’d like to thank his family and friends for putting up with this ridiculous life of his. Glory to God!

Madeline Calais

Madeline Calais

(Kinship, 5th Somebody, Mind, A) was born and raised in the mighty metropolis of Houston, Texas and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (summa cum laude) in Acting from the University of Houston's School of Theatre & Dance. Following undergrad, Madeline performed in theatres across the country with more(Kinship, 5th Somebody, Mind, A) was born and raised in the mighty metropolis of Houston, Texas and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (summa cum laude) in Acting from the University of Houston's School of Theatre & Dance. Following undergrad, Madeline performed in theatres across the country with the American Shakespeare Center's national touring troupe based out of Staunton, Virginia, for two years. Madeline had the pleasure of appearing as Hero in Much Ado About Nothing, and Cordelia in King Lear as a part of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s 2022 season. Other notable companies Madeline has worked with include Red Bull Theatre, Mildred's Umbrella, and The Classical Theatre Company.

Ellen Grace Diehl

Ellen Grace Diehl

(Love) (she/her) is truthfully ecstatic to be in this cast of The Liar. Ellen is an actor, singer, dance teacher, and choreographer. Previous CWRU/CPH credits: Love (Everybody) and S/D/J/Mosquito/Gecko (Passage). Other credits include: Louise (Carousel), Sibella (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder), Sophie (Mamma Mia!), Louise (Gypsy), Sandy more(Love) (she/her) is truthfully ecstatic to be in this cast of The Liar. Ellen is an actor, singer, dance teacher, and choreographer. Previous CWRU/CPH credits: Love (Everybody) and S/D/J/Mosquito/Gecko (Passage). Other credits include: Louise (Carousel), Sibella (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder), Sophie (Mamma Mia!), Louise (Gypsy), Sandy (Grease), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), and Ariel (The Tempest). Much love to the class of 2024, to her family, and to David. www.ellengracediehl.com

Victoria Alev Duffy

Victoria Alev Duffy

(Friendship, 1st Somebody, Senses, B) (she/her) is excited to return to the Helen stage after Everybody (Friendship) and Passage (G). A proud New Jersey native, she spent her childhood summers studying theatre at the Paper Mill Playhouse and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Victoria received her BA from Fordham more(Friendship, 1st Somebody, Senses, B) (she/her) is excited to return to the Helen stage after Everybody (Friendship) and Passage (G). A proud New Jersey native, she spent her childhood summers studying theatre at the Paper Mill Playhouse and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Victoria received her BA from Fordham University where she performed in The Most Massive Woman Wins, Machinal, Eurydice, God of Carnage, DIMES: A New Musical, and more. Victoria has a passion for exploring theatre through a non-American lens, and has spent her summers intensively studying devising techniques and experimental theatre in Berlin and Shakespeare in London. She would like to thank Don and everyone involved with The Liar. Instagram: @vickduff

Olivia Hovis

Olivia Hovis

(Girl, Time) is excited to join Everybody for her first time performing in Cleveland. A few of her favorite past roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Angela in The Fun Story. Olivia completed her undergraduate training in theatre performance at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy more(Girl, Time) is excited to join Everybody for her first time performing in Cleveland. A few of her favorite past roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Angela in The Fun Story. Olivia completed her undergraduate training in theatre performance at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and The New School. She is currently pursuing her master’s in dramatic writing at Case Western Reserve University.

Girard Ireland

Girard Ireland

(2nd Somebody, Cousin, Strength, D) is 24 years old, coming from High Point, North Carolina. Ireland is excited to dive into his second year of graduate school, and continue honing his craft. Ireland has a plethora of acting experience from a melting pot of disciplines. Shakespeare, Commedia dell’arte, contemporary more(2nd Somebody, Cousin, Strength, D) is 24 years old, coming from High Point, North Carolina. Ireland is excited to dive into his second year of graduate school, and continue honing his craft. Ireland has a plethora of acting experience from a melting pot of disciplines. Shakespeare, Commedia dell’arte, contemporary drama, and the Laban technique are just a few styles Ireland has had practice with. Before acting, Ireland was a musician, and football player. The theatre is a space where he can express, where he can just be. Ireland has plans to move to New York City post-graduation to continue his acting career. In his spare time, Ireland is a proficient saxophonist and avid comic reader. He dabbles in other artistic endeavors such as drawing and is currently is currently teaching himself the piano. Ireland gives glory to God, his family, and his friends both here in Cleveland and back home. Follow his journey: @girard_ireland

Shunté Lofton

Shunté Lofton

(Death) is a graduate of the University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance and is thrilled to be on this next journey. She’s had the privilege of growing up all over the world and comes to Cleveland from Houston. She is thankful to God and to her more(Death) is a graduate of the University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance and is thrilled to be on this next journey. She’s had the privilege of growing up all over the world and comes to Cleveland from Houston. She is thankful to God and to her family for their continued support. A lover of the classics, she has performed her way through half of Shakespeare’s canon. Some of her favorite credits include: Ophelia (Hamlet) and Princess of France (Love’s Labour’s Lost) with the American Shakespeare Center and Constance (King John) with Colorado Shakespeare Festival. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Gavin Michaels

Gavin Michaels

(3rd Somebody, Stuff, C, Beauty) is from wonderfully rainy Seattle, Washington. His stage credits include Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Orlando in As You Like It (Bainbridge Performing Arts), The Prince in the musical The Light Princess (Dacha Theatre), Rolly in Mae West’s The Drag (Play Your Part more(3rd Somebody, Stuff, C, Beauty) is from wonderfully rainy Seattle, Washington. His stage credits include Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Orlando in As You Like It (Bainbridge Performing Arts), The Prince in the musical The Light Princess (Dacha Theatre), Rolly in Mae West’s The Drag (Play Your Part Theatre), Ferdinand in The Tempest, Hamlet in Hamlet (Kentwood Players), and most recently as Stuff/Beauty in Everybody, and “B” in Passage (CWRU). His recent film credits include the school-shooter Derek in the short film Diabolos, Carl in the sci-fi drama The House, and Danny in the quirky comedy Danny Doom (Amazon Prime). He earned his undergraduate degree in Political Communication and Rhetoric from the University of Washington. When he’s not on stage you can find him playing his signature flavor of pop-punk/emo at local music venues. @_gavinmichaels / gavinmichaels.com

Alfredo Ruiz

Alfredo Ruiz

(Usher, God, Understanding) has CPH credits in Passage and Everybody, is from Miami, and currently a 2nd year grad actor at the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program. He will be moving to Los Angeles in 2024 to pursue a career in the TV/Film industry. Alfredo recently starred in the more(Usher, God, Understanding) has CPH credits in Passage and Everybody, is from Miami, and currently a 2nd year grad actor at the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program. He will be moving to Los Angeles in 2024 to pursue a career in the TV/Film industry. Alfredo recently starred in the award winning short film, ‘Til Death. He was nominated for Best Actor at the Indie Short Fest in LA. He spent the majority of his time in Miami working in immersive regional theatre and releasing critically acclaimed works of indie film. Regional credits include: 7 Deadly Sins (Miami New Drama/Winner of the Drama League Award), Wynwood Stories (Juggerknot Theatre Co.). alfredojruiz.com

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

(Playwright) is based in Brooklyn. His plays include Everybody (Signature Theatre; Pulitzer Prize Finalist), War (world premiere, Yale Rep; LCT3), Gloria (Vineyard Theatre; Pulitzer Prize finalist), Appropriate (Signature Theatre; OBIE Award), An Octoroon (Soho Rep; OBIE Award), and Neighbors (The Public Theater). A Residency Five playwright at Signature Theatre, more(Playwright) is based in Brooklyn. His plays include Everybody (Signature Theatre; Pulitzer Prize Finalist), War (world premiere, Yale Rep; LCT3), Gloria (Vineyard Theatre; Pulitzer Prize finalist), Appropriate (Signature Theatre; OBIE Award), An Octoroon (Soho Rep; OBIE Award), and Neighbors (The Public Theater). A Residency Five playwright at Signature Theatre, his most recent honors include the Charles Wintour Award for Most Promising Playwright from London’s Evening Standard, a London Critic’s Circle Award for Most Promising Playwriting, a MacArthur Fellowship, the Windham-Campbell Prize for Drama, the Benjamin H. Danks Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Steinberg Playwriting Award, and the inaugural Tennessee Williams Award. Having taught at NYU, Juilliard, and Hunter College, where he was director of the M.F.A. Playwriting program, he now serves on the faculty at Yale.

Tony F. Sias

(Director) is the President +CEO of Karamu House, Inc., America’s oldest Black producing theatre. Under Sias, since 2015 Karamu stabilized finances, raised over $10 million for restoration and increased attendance. Prior to his tenure at Karamu, Sias served in several progressive roles for the Cleveland Metropolitan School more(Director) is the President +CEO of Karamu House, Inc., America’s oldest Black producing theatre. Under Sias, since 2015 Karamu stabilized finances, raised over $10 million for restoration and increased attendance. Prior to his tenure at Karamu, Sias served in several progressive roles for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) including Director of Arts Education and Artistic Director of Cleveland School of the Arts. As a creative Sias has produced, directed and performed in over 100 productions. He most recently received critical acclaim for directing Karamu’s production of Freedom on Juneteenth, and in October 2021 Sias performed narration with The Cleveland Orchestra in Sinfonia No. 5 “Visions” by George Walker. His work has been highlighted nationally in The New York Times, American Theatre Magazine, on NBC’s Today Show with Al Roker, and more. Sias served as a delegate from the U.S. Department of State in Istanbul, Turkey, representing the Council of International Programs in the Youth Arts for Peace Project. In 2018, he was inducted into The HistoryMakers, the largest African American oral history archive collection in the U.S. In 2019, Sias was named the Cleveland Arts Prize, Barbara S. Robinson award winner. In 2021, Sias received the Community Leader Award from Cleveland Magazine. He is a Fellow of the National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program through Harvard Business School. Sias serves as a National Board member for the League of Historic American Theatres. He is a Boards member of the Cleveland School of the Arts and the Assembly for the Arts. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in dramatic art from Jackson State University and a Master of Fine Arts in acting from The Ohio University.

Laura Carlson Tarantowski

(Scenic Designer) is a Cleveland-based set designer and scenic artist. Her free-lance design work has taken her to many theaters around the mid-west including: Dobama Theatre, Madison Opera, Cain Park, Berea Summer Theatre, Ohio Northern University, Cumberland County Playhouse, Viterbo University, Beck Center for the Arts and 30+ more(Scenic Designer) is a Cleveland-based set designer and scenic artist. Her free-lance design work has taken her to many theaters around the mid-west including: Dobama Theatre, Madison Opera, Cain Park, Berea Summer Theatre, Ohio Northern University, Cumberland County Playhouse, Viterbo University, Beck Center for the Arts and 30+ productions for Theatre Cedar Rapids. She is the resident set designer for Near West Theatre since 2009 and was thrilled to play a part in designing the décor, marquee and murals that decorate their brand new building in Cleveland’s Gordon Square Art District. Recent set designs include All Shook Up and La Finta Giardiniera (Baldwin Wallace University); The Investigation (Cesear’s Forum); The Call and Slowgirl (Dobama Theatre); Dogfight (Beck Center for the Arts) and Family Happiness (Oberlin College). Recent work for Near West Theatre includes Scrooge, The Snow Queen and Hair. She holds an MFA in Scenic Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BA in Theatre from Brenau University.

Suwatana Rockland

(Costume Designer) is delighted to join Cleveland Play House for Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. She is currently the resident costume designer, professor, and costume shop supervisor at The College of Wooster. Suwatana is originally from Thailand. In addition to her full-time employment, she finds time to freelance as a more(Costume Designer) is delighted to join Cleveland Play House for Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. She is currently the resident costume designer, professor, and costume shop supervisor at The College of Wooster. Suwatana is originally from Thailand. In addition to her full-time employment, she finds time to freelance as a costume designer and guest lecturer for universities and theatres in the US and Thailand. Her credits include Emilie La Marquise Du Chatelet, (2019 costume design winner of the Regional Awards for Broadway World), All Shook Up (Kent State); The Nerd (Kent State - Stark Campus); Shrek the Musical, Sister Act, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rock of Ages, and A Christmas Carol (The Players Guild Theatre); BKLYN the Musical (Porthouse Theatre); The Member of the Wedding and The Legend of Georgia McBride (Beck Center of The Arts); and Cinderella (The Ohio Light Opera).

Jakyung Cho Seo

(Lighting Designer) is an Associate Professor of Lighting Design and Coordinator of BFA and MFA Design, Technology and Production at Kent State University (KSU). Prior to joining the faculty at KSU she taught at University of Cincinnati and California State University at Fresno. Jakyung has worked as a more(Lighting Designer) is an Associate Professor of Lighting Design and Coordinator of BFA and MFA Design, Technology and Production at Kent State University (KSU). Prior to joining the faculty at KSU she taught at University of Cincinnati and California State University at Fresno. Jakyung has worked as a professional lighting designer and assistant lighting designer in USA regional theatres including Steppenwolf, Congo Square Theatre, Eye to Soul, CATCO, Porthouse, and Lodestone Theatre. Her international credits include: Face at Edinburgh, (UK), What We want is for Thrust Dance Company (Japan) where she was awarded the best prize at the International Dance Festival in Saitama, BINARI at Avignon Off Theatre festival and Theatre Laboratory Elizabeth Czerczuk (France), Sibiu International Theatre Festival (Romania). Internationally, she has taught lighting design workshops in Thailand, Singapore, and South Korea.

Jeff Polunas

(Sound Designer) (he/him) is thrilled to be making his Cleveland Play House design debut after growing up in Northeastern Ohio. He is the Assistant Professor of Sound and Projection Design at Kent State University. Recent credits include Million Dollar Quartet, She Loves Me, Shakespeare in Love, The more(Sound Designer) (he/him) is thrilled to be making his Cleveland Play House design debut after growing up in Northeastern Ohio. He is the Assistant Professor of Sound and Projection Design at Kent State University. Recent credits include Million Dollar Quartet, She Loves Me, Shakespeare in Love, The Sisters Rosensweig (South Coast Repertory); A Doll’s House Part 2, Silent Sky, Fences, Uncanny Valley, Abigail/1702 (International City Theatre); Cost of Living (Fountain Theatre). He is a graduate of the Claire Trevor School of Theatre with a MFA in Sound Design from the University of California-Irvine.

Kenya Woods

(Choreographer) is a native of Cleveland, Ohio holds more than 30 years of experience in dance performance, choreography, teaching, and leadership. She holds a degree in Dance from Tennessee State University and is certified in Lester Horton Pedagogy, the official technique taught at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. more(Choreographer) is a native of Cleveland, Ohio holds more than 30 years of experience in dance performance, choreography, teaching, and leadership. She holds a degree in Dance from Tennessee State University and is certified in Lester Horton Pedagogy, the official technique taught at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Her additional dance credits include Dance New Amsterdam and North Coast Ballet Theater. Madame Darvash, Dr. Diane McIntyre and Lynn Simonson have influenced her teaching style as well. She has worked nationally and internationally at regional dance companies, universities and school systems as an educator, performer, and choreographer. She continues to teach dance to students of all ages and lead programs that help cultivate technique, artistry, body awareness and empowerment and appreciation for dance. In the spring of 2022, Ms. Woods was a Hildegarde and Elbert Baker Visiting Scholar in the Humanities at CWRU. She most recently co-directed/co-choreographed Ain't Misbehavin'- The Fats Waller Musical at Near West Theatre.

Beth McGee

(Vocal Coach) is a member of Actor’s Equity a local actress, and a voice, speech, and dialect coach. She is one of the co-founders of Cleveland’s immersive theater company Shadow of the Run LLC, and was the playwright for their first immersive piece, Wanderlust. She was the more(Vocal Coach) is a member of Actor’s Equity a local actress, and a voice, speech, and dialect coach. She is one of the co-founders of Cleveland’s immersive theater company Shadow of the Run LLC, and was the playwright for their first immersive piece, Wanderlust. She was the on-set dialect coach for Cinemax’s 2016 television series Quarry, directed by Greg Yaitanes. She has acted as dialect coach for many Cleveland area theaters and dialect coached the 2002 film Welcome to Collinwood starring George Clooney, and directed by the Russo Brothers. She has coached and/or acted in productions at numerous Cleveland area theaters. She is a Professor of Voice and Acting at Case Western Reserve University.

Jeffrey Ullom

(Dramaturg) is an Associate Professor of Theater at Case Western Reserve University where he teaches theatre history and dramaturgy. He is the author of several books and articles focusing on regional theatre, including his most recent book on Cleveland Play House America’s First Regional Theatre. As a more(Dramaturg) is an Associate Professor of Theater at Case Western Reserve University where he teaches theatre history and dramaturgy. He is the author of several books and articles focusing on regional theatre, including his most recent book on Cleveland Play House America’s First Regional Theatre. As a dramaturg, he worked with notable playwrights including Tony Kushner, David Henry Hwang, John Patrick Shanley and others at the Humana Festival of New American Plays, and he has served as a dramaturg for several Cleveland Play House productions. He is currently working on two books—a broad history of regional theatre and a murder mystery involving theatre history.

Tyree J. Franklin

(Stage Manager) (He/Him) is a Cleveland based stage manager and Artist with his BFA in Stage Management from Wright State University. His recent stage management credits includes Everybody, Passage and the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program Solo Shows (Cleveland Playhouse), Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity (Karamu House), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom more(Stage Manager) (He/Him) is a Cleveland based stage manager and Artist with his BFA in Stage Management from Wright State University. His recent stage management credits includes Everybody, Passage and the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program Solo Shows (Cleveland Playhouse), Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity (Karamu House), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Karamu House). He would like to thank his family and friends for their continued love and support!

Giving to CPH: Why it Matters

Giving to CPH: Why it Matters

Every year, Cleveland Play House welcomes actors, production designers, and other professional artists from all over the country. These artists, many ...

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Our Theatres

Allen Theatre

Allen Theatre

Helen Theatre

Helen Theatre

Outcalt Theatre

Outcalt Theatre

The Allen, Helen and Outcalt theatres are located at Playhouse Square
1407 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115

Administrative Offices and Education Center
1901 E. 13th Street, Suite 200 Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 400-7000

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7401 Detour Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103

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