Tim Venablehe/him

Playwright

Tim Venable is a playwright, director, actor and filmmaker, born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. His plays at Rogue Machine Theatre include THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE (dir. Guillermo Cienfuegos), and his critically-acclaimed play BABY FOOT, which he also directed, that played to sold out audiences in New York and Rogue Machine Theatre in Los Angeles. Other plays include BLUE ROSES, CRYSTAL GAYLE IS A BEAUTIFUL LADY, HANDWRITING, AMERICAN BRUTUS, and FRONT FOOT IMPOSSIBLE. His feature-length screenplay SINGIN’ THE BLUES was a finalist in the ScreenCraft Drama Competition, and he is currently in development on WONDERLAND, a limited series about the Wonderland murders in Los Angeles in 1981. Other screenplays include PRETTY GOOD YEAR (feature), ALL APOLOGIES (co-writer, pilot), IOWA (pilot), BROOKLYN, MAYBE (short film), and FRONT FOOT IMPOSSIBLE (short film). As director, his production of ROMEO AND JULIET at the Hollywood Fringe Festival was hailed as “superb…incredibly exciting…a very rare experience.” Other directing credits include staged readings of MOUSE IN A JAR and PETTY HARBOUR, both by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok, at The Road Theatre, and acting credits include S.W.A.T. and AMERICAN HORROR STORY: DELICATE, and onstage at Portland Stage Company, Shakespeare & Co., The Black Dahlia, The Antaeus Company, A Noise Within, and Son of Semele Ensemble. B.A. Illinois State University.

Guillermo Cienfuegoshe/him

Director

Guillermo Cienfuegos serves as Artistic Director at Rogue Machine Theatre in Los Angeles. He directed the RMT productions of EVANSTON SALT COSTS CLIMBING, HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING, ADOLESCENT SALVATION, MIDDLE OF THE WORLD, THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, DISPOSABLE NECESSITIES, READY STEADY YETI GO, and DUTCH MASTERS. Most recently, Cienfuegos directed Shakespeare’s RICHARD III at A Noise Within, where he’s previously staged productions of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and Shaw’s MISALLIANCE. Last summer, Cienfuegos directed Martyna Majok’s IRONBOUND as the inaugural production of the Ojai Theatre Festival starring Marin Ireland and Jon Bernthal. He won both the Ovation and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards for Best Director for his production of Shakespeare’s HENRY V at Pacific Resident Theatre. He has directed numerous productions at PRT, including Ionesco’s RHINOCEROS, Pinter’s THE HOMECOMING and SAFE AT HOME: AN EVENING WITH ORSON BEAN. Other credits include the Los Angeles premiere of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Pulitzer Prize winner BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY at the Fountain Theatre, Juan Alfonso’s MIDDLE OF THE WORLD at Boise Contemporary Theatre, Carlos Zenen-Trujillo’s CHRISTMAS CONTIGO at Oregon Cabaret Theatre, and Vince Melocchi’s JULIA, both at PRT and at New York’s 59E59 Theaters, Off-Broadway. Cienfuegos was featured in the ‘People to Watch’ issue of American Theatre Magazine and is a graduate of the American Conservatory Theater.

Grace Kellyshe/her

Assistant Director

Grace Kelly is a New York City–based director and sound designer entering her senior year at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is thrilled to be making her Chicago theater debut with Theater Wit. Directing credits include TÊTE-À-TÊTE by Jo Allen at PHTS (NYU Tisch Drama Chair’s Honor of Excellence Award). Additional credits include Assistant Director for ANNA KARENINA: A RIFF by Gwen Kingston in collaboration with Notch Theatre Company and Associate Director for OHIO PLAY by Dylan Sherman (Soho Playhouse; Theatre Under the St. Marks; Soho Playhouse Lighthouse Series Finalist). Grace is a proud disabled artist who believes accessibility should be at the heart of the theatrical process, both onstage and off. She would like to thank Jeremy Wechsler and Guillermo Cienfuegos for believing in her and giving her this opportunity. She also sends endless love to her parents for always encouraging her to follow her passions, her amazing roommate Oliver, who shows her more grace than anyone else in this world, her little brother Eddie, who is always asking when Grace is coming home next, and her wonderful cat, Hank. Follow her future work or for cute Hank pics at @eandjkelly.

Jonathan Berg-Einhornhe/him

Scenic Designer

Jonathan Berg-Einhorn is a Chicago-based Scenic Designer and Prop Artisan. He has recently designed with Porchlight on FUN HOME, as well as ERNEST SHACKLETON LOVES ME, and prop design for SPRING AWAKENING. His prop design can also be seen at Paramount’s long-running show MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. He has also previously designed with Theater Wit, Metropolis, Kokandy, American Blues, Mercury Theater, and Redtwist, to name a few. Jonathan has also had the privilege of being the resident scenic designer for Skylight Music Theatre for the past three seasons. jonathanbergeinhorn.com

Josephine Everettshe/her

Costume Designer

Josephine Everett is a costume designer, printmaker and teaching artist. Recent design credits include A ROCKIN’ MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, MAN OF LA MANCHA, MUSEUM, DURANGO, THE SPACE OF UNCERTAINTY, and HOW TO KNOW THE WILDFLOWERS. She has worked with theaters including The Guthrie Theater, Children’s Theatre Company, Steppenwolf, Paramount Theatre, The Jungle, Minnesota Opera, Remy Bumppo and Court Theatre. She holds an MFA in costume design from Northwestern University and is excited to be making her Theater Wit debut.

Hannah Andrussshe/her

Hair and Makeup Designer

Hannah Andruss is a Wig Maker, Makeup Artist, and Designer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Wig and Makeup Design and Technology from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Driven by a passion for storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, she has gained extensive experience in wig-making, hairstyling, makeup artistry, and special effects fabrication. Hannah continues to bring her creativity and technical expertise to projects across theatre, film, and commercial.

Recent credits include LEOPOLDSTADT at Writers Theatre, the National Tour of BEETLEJUICE! The Musical and HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical. Additional theatre credits include UGLY LIES THE BONE, A LIE OF THE MIND, THE CAVE, and THE AUDIENCE. Film credits include RABBIT RABBIT, THE SOLLUTION, THE CONVERSATION PROJECT, STRONGHOLD and EL MONJE NEGRO.

Ellie Feyshe/her

Lighting Designer

Ellie Fey is a 25-year-old Chicago-based Lighting Designer and Electrician. She graduated from The Theatre School at DePaul University in 2023 with a BFA in lighting design. Some of her design credits include LOBBY HERO (Shattered Globe Theatre), DAMN YANKEES, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, URINETOWN, TL;DR, and TELL ME ON A SUNDAY (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre), DIE FLEDERMAUS and TURN OF THE SCREW (The Music School at DePaul University), THE SUGAR WIFE, SUPERIOR DONUTS, BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, and WITCH (The Artistic Home), SOUTHERN RAPTURE (Tin Drum Theatre), THE UNKNOWN VARIABLE (Momentary Theatre), HERE BE SIRENS and FIZZ AND GINGER (Chicago Fringe Opera), SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM and THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT (Oil Lamp Theater), MEDEAMEDEAMEDEA (Theatre Evolve), THE COTTAGE (Citadel Theatre). Ellie has received two Jeff Award nominations for outstanding lighting design for her work on LOBBY HERO and WITCH. In the coming months she will be designing EVERLASTING FAINT at The Music School at DePaul University. She will be assistant designing TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Steppenwolf Theatre and VLADIMIR at Shattered Globe Theatre. You can check out her portfolio at www.elliemfeydesigns.com.

AnnaMae Durhamshe/her

Properties Designer

AnnaMae Durham is pleased to be back for her 4th production with Theater Wit! Her previous credits as Props Designer include HURRICANE DIANE, THE WHISTLEBLOWER, and INANIMATE. She was the Assistant Props Supervisor at Chicago Shakespeare Theater from 2022–2024 where she worked on THE NOTEBOOK, RICHARD III, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, TWELFTH NIGHT, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, and JUDGEMENT DAY. She most recently worked in the Washington, DC area as the Props Supervisor at Roundhouse Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland. Credits include BAD BOOKS, THE INHERITANCE, PARTS ONE AND TWO, and RULES FOR LIVING. She’s excited to be back in Chicago and collaborating with Theater Wit again.

Daniella Brownshe/her

Sound Designer

Daniella Brown is thrilled to be part of the creative team for this regional premiere of ADOLESCENT SALVATION. As a queer artist of color, through sound, she seeks to amplify underrepresented voices and investigate the intersections of identity, culture, queerness, and the human experience. Daniella has an M.F.A. in Sound Design and Technology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is a two-time recipient of the Region 8 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Sound Design (2022, 2023). Her recent credits include NATIVE GARDENS at Theatre Evolve, the regional premiere of PRIMARY TRUST at Hope Repertory Theatre, and THE COMEUPPANCE at The Human Race Theatre Company. She would like to thank her best friends, her family, and every artist and technician of color that came before her.

Sarah Scanlonshe/her

Intimacy Director

Sarah Scanlon is an IDC certified and SAG registry intimacy director/coordinator, actor, and educator working across theatre, television, and higher education. Recent theatre credits include Chicago Shakespeare Theater (AS YOU LIKE IT, RICHARD III, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, among others), Paramount Theatre (A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE), Drury Lane Theatre (CINDERELLA, GUYS AND DOLLS, ON YOUR FEET!, among others), Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival (ROMEO AND JULIET, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, among others), and Redtwist Theatre (HOW TO TRANSCEND A HAPPY MARRIAGE). Her theatre work spans classical repertoire, musicals, and new play development, with a focus on supporting bold, brave, and detailed physical storytelling. Her screen intimacy work includes Paramount+’s THE CHI, Apple TV+’s SHINING GIRLS, FX’s FARGO, NBC’s CHICAGO FIRE, MED, PD, Hulu’s DELI BOYS, and Amazon MGM’s BARBER SHOP, among others. She is passionate about embodied performance through actor advocacy, uplifting the director’s vision, and creating exciting repeatable movement to tickle the imagination. Sarah holds an MFA in Acting from the American Repertory Theater Institute at Harvard University and the Moscow Art Theatre School. She has taught at nearly every major university theatre program in Chicago, where she works with actors and directors on building consent-forward rehearsal rooms, communication techniques, contextualizing scripted and unscripted intimacy, movement choreography, and mental health safety practices for high-risk work. While she’s been in this building as an actor, she is thrilled to be joining Theater Wit for the first time alongside a long-time collaborator and creative partner, Kate Booth.

Kate Boothshe/her

Fight Director

Kate Booth is an actor and stage combat instructor around town. She is the Coordinator of Continuing Education at Open Gate Movement Arts and a founding member and devising/performing artist with To The Point, a traveling stage combat theatre troupe. She is excited to be welcomed at Theater Wit for the first time and to collaborate again with Sarah Scanlon. Elsewhere in the Chicago area, Kate has led or assisted fight direction on shows with Kokandy Productions, Paramount Theatre, Babes with Blades Theatre Co., Oak Park Festival Theatre, The Factory Theater, and various high schools and universities. She regularly assists the stage combat classes at the Actors Gymnasium in Evanston, and she recently performed this summer as The Red Line with Point Theatre Project’s GLADIATOR FIGHT NIGHT IN THE PARKS.

Noelle Harrisonshe/her

Audience Design Manager

Noelle Harrison is a longtime arts professional specializing in audience development and engagement. Her work at Theater Wit encompasses marketing, fundraising, special events and patron services, where she has been pleased to thrill audiences with her shenanigans, tomfoolery, and many, many emails. A transplant from the SF Bay Area, Noelle is also a singing member of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus.

Drew Donnellyhe/him

Production Stage Manager

Drew Donnelly is elated to join Theater Wit for this production! Originally from the panhandle of Texas, Drew got his Chicago start with Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company where work included THE GLASS MENAGERIE and SUPERIOR DONUTS. Recent work includes CABARET, FUN HOME, TITANIQUE (Porchlight Music Theatre), DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE ENIGMATIST, ISLANDER (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), and THE LEHMAN TRILOGY (TimeLine Theatre Company).

Ave Fitzgeraldshe/they

Assistant Stage Manager

Ave Fitzgerald is thrilled to be returning to Theater Wit! She holds a BFA in Theatre Tech/Design from Central Michigan University, focusing primarily on costumes and stage management. Recent works include Assistant Stage Manager for THE ALLY (Theater Wit), Costume Designer for HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARS ROVER, and Assistant Stage Manager and Wardrobe Supervisor/Costume Designer for TIGERS BE STILL (Sandbox Theatre Collective). She would like to thank her family, friends, and girlfriend for their support this past year since moving to the city.

Nick Zabelhe/him

Technical Director

Nick Zabel is very excited to return to Theater Wit for this production (prior credits WHO’S HOLIDAY! ’24/’25, INANIMATE, THE ALLY). He graduated from Goshen College in 2017, and spent the following year working first as the Technical Director at Thunder Bay Theatre in Alpena, MI (credits include THE ODD COUPLE, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD), then as a carpenter and the Technical Director at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, IL (credits include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE FULL MONTY, BEEHIVE, and BASKERVILLE). He returned to Chicago as a Technical Director and carpenter in 2018, working at a number of local theaters, including Theo Ubique (TELL ME ON A SUNDAY, DIANA, TL;DR, URINETOWN), Music Theater Works (CAMELOT, WHITE CHRISTMAS, and AVENUE Q), Porchlight Music Theatre (THE IRISH, AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY) and Oakton College (DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, SMOKEFALL, INDECENT). In addition to working in theater, Nick has also taught Tae Kwon Do for Connelly’s Academy of Martial Arts at multiple Chicagoland schools for over fifteen years. Nick would like to thank his wife, parents, and cat for their consistent love and support over the years — he is lucky and grateful to have them in his life.

Nick Chamernikhe/him

Lighting Supervisor

Nick Chamernik is a Chicago-based freelance lighting designer, programmer, and technician. Theater Wit credits include THE ALLY, INANIMATE, HOUSEHOLD SPIRITS, and WHO’S HOLIDAY (Lighting Supervisor). Other Resident Theater Wit credits include Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s HEDDA GABLER, WISH YOU WERE HERE, ART, DEAR ELIZABETH, LOVE SONG, BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY, GALILEO’S DAUGHTER, ANNA IN THE TROPICS, and PASSAGE (Lighting Supervisor/Head Electrician), Shattered Globe Theatre’s RADIAL GRADIENT and THIS WIDE NIGHT (Head Electrician). Other Chicago credits include Lookingglass Theatre Company’s WHITE ROOSTER and UNTITLED VAMPIRE PLAY (Lighting Programmer), and Goodman Theatre’s THE WHO’S TOMMY (Projections Operator) and THE ANTIQUITIES (Run Crew). Nick is also the Lighting Supervisor at Chicago Children’s Theatre. CCT credits include GOODNIGHT MOON, THE BEATRIX POTTER HOLIDAY TEA PARTY, LEO LIONNI’S FREDERICK, GO DOG GO!/¡VE PERRO VE!, and MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD. www.nickchamernik.com

Anna Jacksonshe/her

Audio Supervisor

Anna Jackson is a Chicago-based audio engineer and sound designer who recently graduated from DePaul University with a BFA in Sound Design and Technology. She is excited to join the team at Theater Wit for ADOLESCENT SALVATION. Recent credits include A1 for TL;DR at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, A1 for Lookingglass Theatre’s UNTITLED VAMPIRE PROJECT, and Sound Designer for THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, a Jeff Award-nominated production. Internationally, Anna served as Wireless Microphone Lead for MADAMA BUTTERFLY and Wireless Microphone Team Manager for DER FREISCHÜTZ at the Bregenzer Festspiele in Austria. She is passionate about using sound to support compelling storytelling and loves collaborating with artists to bring productions to life. Anna is grateful to the cast, crew, and creative team for welcoming her to ADOLESCENT SALVATION and hopes you enjoy the show.

Arthur Karsonhe/him

Scenic Charge

Arthur Karson is a writer, director and scenic artist originally from Ohio. He graduated from the University of Toledo in 2024, and previously painted WHO’S HOLIDAY! and THE ALLY at Theater Wit. He would like to say, Free Palestine, abolish ICE, and thank you for coming to the show.