Christmas Canteen 2019

JIMI KOCINA* is a fool for the Holidays. He's a fool most days-and I should know-I am the guy. Christmas holds a special place in my heart. As a guy who likes to see everyone happy, Christmas and The Holidays seem to get the closest to granting that wish. Past credits at Aurora include Canteen last year, Canteen 12 and 13 years ago, and what you might call a slew in between. Most recently performed in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime at Horizon Theatre. Next Jimi can be seen here at Aurora in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Forever thanks to AC and Tony. 

CECIL WASHINGTON JR.*, born in Birmingham, AL., B.A. in Theatre Arts from Alabama State University; Certificate in film and television from The NY Conservatory For Dramatic Arts, Manhattan, NY.  Recent shows include Men with Money, George in Sunday in the Park with George, Benny in Aurora's Musicals by Moonlight In the Heights, Delray Jones in Memphis The Musical, Sam Cooke in The Sam Cooke Story, Mister in The Color Purple, and Curtis Taylor Jr in Dreamgirls. Cecil has appeared on shows such as “The Resident” and  
"Law & Order"; credits also w/ Indie Films, Commercials, Promotional, & Music videos. Coming next will be Guys and Dolls concert at The Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, and Porgy in Gershwin’s “Porgy & Bess” at Red Mountain Theatre. “I am Always Grateful to return to the Aurora Stage, and especially thankful to God to be able to share my gifts with the world. 

SCOTT ROUSSEAU has been acting and directing in the Atlanta and surrounding areas since the 80s. Favorites include The Fantasticks at Aurora Theatre, The Importance of Being Earnest and Charlie’s Aunt for Theatrical Outfit at the Madison Theatre Festival, as Reb Morcha in Fiddler On The Roof at the Fox with Theodore Bikel;The Odd Couple, How The Other Half Loves, A Murder is Announced, Second Samuel, and On A Clear Day with Shirley Jones. Scott wrote and directed the original Christmas Canteen for Aurora Theatre. The show played for the first 7 seasons. Thank you, Tony, AC, and David, for this opportunity to return to a show he has always loved in this legendary role. 

HADEN RIDER (he/ him) is thrilled to be back with some of his favorite people at the Aurora Theatre, and to be celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with such an incredible cast and creative team!
Past regional credits include: Monty Navarro in A Gentleman’s Guide To Love and Murder, Quasimodo in The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Perchik in Fiddler On The Roof, Jack in Into The Woods, Radames in Aida, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Tony Elliot in Billy Elliot, Abel in Children Of Eden, Gabe in Next To Normal. Boundless thanks to the Aurora Theatre as well as family and friends for their love and support. 
Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a blessed New Year!  www.hadenrider.com
‪IG: @haden_riderdie

CHANI MAISONET* They say the 3rd time is a charm so Happy Holidays once again, Canteen! Chani is a Vocal Performance alumna of Kennesaw State University. Theatre Credits: Becoming Nancy, Ever After, Paige In Full, Beautiful Blackbird, The Dancing Granny (Alliance), Hairspray (City Springs Theatre), 110 In The Shade, Simply Simone (Theatrical Outfit), Holler If Ya Hear Me (Kenny Leon's True Colors), The Hunchback of Notre Dame, In The Heights (Aurora/Theatrical Outfit), A Chorus Line (Lyric). When Chani isn't performing, she is running her own business teaching voice. Visit @Made4Stage for more information and follow her @ChaniMaisonet on IG. 

GALEN CRAWLEY* (she/her)is thrilled to be home for the holidays! This Snellville native is jingling her bells to be appearing in her fourth Christmas Canteen. You may remember her as the eponymous nanny from Mary Poppins (a role she has played twice at Aurora), or as a wicked stepsister in Cinderella. Regional: Ragtime, The Last 5 Years, and Urinetown (Nashville Rep), It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Studio Tenn), Beehive (Flat Rock Playhouse). Atlanta: Shrek and Broke (Alliance Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (City Springs Theatre), The Wild Party (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre), My Fair Lady, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Joseph…Dreamcoat (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Miss Bennet and 110 in the Shade (Theatrical Outfit), Our Town (Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern), Bad Jews and Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (Actors Express). 2014 Suzi Bass Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Mary Poppins. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from The Sargent Conservatory at Webster University; follow her online at GalenCrawley.com or @galencrawley wherever it counts. Thanks always to Jacob, Mom, Dad, Devyn, and her forever angel, Abigail, who trots along in her shadow and nibbles at her heels on the high notes. 

BRIANNE KNIGHTS (she/her) is excited to be back at Aurora Theatre for the most wonderful time of year! She is an actor, singer, dancer, writer, and an Atlanta native. She attended the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA and is a proud Alumnus of the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta where she serves as an educator. She has performed in several theaters around Atlanta including 7 Stages, Southwest Performing Arts Center, the Rialto, and Horizon Theatre to name a few. Her most recent professional credits include Christmas Canteen (2019), Mary Poppins (Ms. Corry), the original musical, Mother of God, and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Tv Film: Gotham Knights and Holiday Road. Follow her on her artistic journey on IG @bri.knights

Meg Johns is a recent graduate of Central Michigan University’s BFA Musical Theatre program. Meg is grateful and excited to be a part of this wonderful company! She was recently seen as Sally in the National Tour of Cat in the Hat (TheatreWorksUSA/ Two Beans).  Favorite credits include Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike! (Nina/ CMU), Never in my Lifetime (Tessie/ Six Eleven Theatre Company), A Chorus Line (Cassie- Irene Ryan Acting Nominee/ CMU), and The Marvelous Wonderettes (Suzy Simpson/ CMU). 

CONNER KOCKS is thrilled to be making his Aurora Theatre debut. He is a recent graduate of Georgia College where he earned his B.A. in Theatre. He also spent a summer training at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City. Some of his favorite theatre credits include A Doll’s House Part 2 (Torvald), American Idiot (Theo), and his many performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Frank N Furter, Brad, Rocky). Conner is so honored to be a member of Aurora’s AppCo20 and work with such amazing people. He’d like to dedicate this show to everyone who comes to see it. A huge thank you to those who have supported me every step of the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. Also hi mom :) 

Kristin Talley is currently a working dance teacher, actor, singer, dancer and props designer. In 2019, she graduated from Young Harris College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a minor in history. After graduating, she became a member of the Aurora Theatre’s AppCo’20. A few of her recent shows with the Aurora Theatre include Sister Act (ens/dance captain), Mary Poppins (ens/asst dance captain), Cinderella (swing), On Your Feet (ens), and Christmas Canteen 2019 (featured ens). She is also a principal dancer in the 2-time Emmy award winning Netflix movie, Dolly Parton’s: Christmas on the Square. Kristin currently works as a dance teacher and the dance company director at Lilburn Dance Academy in Lilburn, GA where she teaches students 6-18 jazz, lyrical, and tap.

Sarah Nathanson is a recent graduate of Oberlin College & Conservatory where she earned a B.A. in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and a minor in Dance. She spent a semester at the LaMama Experimental Theatre Club in New York City, where she studied devised performance art and developed her own original work. She also trained at the British American Drama Academy in London and was a Core Company member at The Orchard Project in Saratoga Springs, New York. Her favorite theatre credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky), Dancing at Lughnasa (Michael), West Side Story (Principal Dancer), Fly By Night (Miriam), and What We Look Like (Zoey Beckons). She has studied jazz voice under La Tanya Hall and enjoyed her role as music director of Oberlin’s a cappella group, Pitch Please. Sarah is thrilled to be joining the Aurora Theatre Apprentice Company for the 2019-2020 season.

Andrew Lampley is from the small town of Benton, Illinois. It was there that he found a home in theater. He recently graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with his BFA in Musical Theatre. His favorite and most cherished performance credits were Sunday in the Park with George (George Seurat), Pippin (Charlemagne), Punk Rock (Nicholas), Children of Eden (Noah), and  Oklahoma! (Will Parker). Andrew is beyond grateful to his family, friends, and mentors for building him up with their support and making it possible to pursue his dreams. He is so excited to join the Aurora Apprentice Company and to continue to grow and perform with them! 

DAVID ROSSETTI (he/him) is thrilled to be back with his friends at Aurora Theatre and at the new LAC! Previous artistic work includes Associate Choreographer to Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In The Heights) for the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat national tour and dance captain and swing for the Broadway revival of Annie. Choreography and direct- ing credits in NY: Thankskilling: The Musical, Nightfall on Miranga Island (2012 Fringe Festival “Encore Series”) the viral sensation The Spidey Project (reti- tled Peter, Who) which was an official selection for the 2018 New York Musicals Festival (Best Choreography nomination). Atlanta credits: Drowsy Chaperone at Atlanta Lyric, Broadway in Review at City Springs (Virtual Presentation), and Legally Blonde, Once on this Island, Hairspray, Cabaret, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wedding Singer and Singin’ in the Rain at Gainesville Theatre Alliance. He also served as an Assistant Director for the Hairspray National Tour and at Paper Mill Playhouse. He thanks Tony & AC for trusting him and his hubby Dustin (and dog Mr. Benson) for letting him spend so much time away from home. Website: www.davidrossetti.com.

ANN-CAROL PENCE (Co-Founder/Producing Artistic Director) arranged the music for Aurora’s first Christmas Canteen in 1996 and was hired full-time in September of 1998 as Resident Musical Director. An education major at James Madison University, she used her background to develop Learning Library (or L2). As a musician, she created Aurora’s Musicals by Moonlight, and Aurora’s New Musical Initiative. She has performed as pianist and music director both nationally (Goodspeed Opera House, Pasadena Playhouse, The Cleveland Playhouse, The Kennedy Center) and locally (The Alliance, Theatrical Outfit, The Horizon, Georgia Ensemble Theatre,). As a proud citizen of Gwinnett, Ann-Carol is most proud of Aurora Theatre winning the first ever Pinnacle Award for Large Non-Profit, and the first ever Moxie Award (for woman-led businesses) for Aurora Theatre. These distinctions go well with her 5 Suzi Awards for Outstanding Music Direction. She was a participant in the 2016 Atlanta Regional Leadership Institute and member of the “Best Class Ever!”

ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ (he/him) a career non-profit leader, is proud to be the first Executive Director of the Hub404 Conservancy. HUB404 is an innovative 9-acre “cap park” that will soar above GA 400 and provide a direct connection to MARTA’s Buckhead rail station. HUB404 will create a dynamic, active, gathering place for the Metro-Atlanta region and transform the core of Buckhead. Prior to joining HUB404, Anthony was President and CEO of Aurora Theatre, a professional theatre he co-founded 26 years ago. He currently serves on various boards, both nationally and locally, including Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Alliance for Musical Theatre (Vice President), Theatre Communications Group, the Citizens Advisory Board for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, and the Advisory Board for Public Broadcasting Atlanta which includes the NPR station WABE and PBS station PBA30. Anthony is a past Chair of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the first Latino and first Arts Leader to hold that position. He served as Vice Chair of Arts for the Chamber and Chair of Partnership Gwinnett and serves on the National Steering Committee for the Latinx Theatre Commons. Anthony is a graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, Leadership Atlanta (#2classes) and the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures’ Leadership Institute and Advocacy Institute. Anthony, born in New York, and raised in Atlanta, graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. He resides in Duluth with his partner in life, Ann-Carol Pence, and their dog Bella.

JUSTIN ANDERSON (Associate Artistic Director) has served as Aurora Theatre's Associate Artistic Director since 2014. His directorial work has earned 13 Suzi Bass Award Nominations for Outstanding Direction (Winner for The Bridges of Madison County and Les Misérables at Aurora Theatre, in 2017 and 2013 respectively). He is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia where he directs and teaches courses in acting and musical theatre. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Campbell University and an M.A. in Theatre Studies from Regent University, with additional course study at Rutgers. Song and Dance marks his last project as a full time staff member at Aurora Theatre, having expanded his storytelling skillset and ability into real estate earlier this year. You can find out more about how he and his partner, Michael Crute, are using real estate to help write the next best chapter of people’s lives at www.welcomehomeatlanta.com. 

KATIE ERIN CHAMBERS* (Director of Production and Resident Stage Manager) is excited to be starting her 8th season with Aurora Theatre and stepping into a new role as Director of Production. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia, a member of Actor’s Equity, and a proud alumna of Aurora's 2013-14 Apprentice Company. She has previously stage managed in Atlanta for Horizon Theatre Company, Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity Theatre and Habima Theatre. She has also served as coordinator for the New South Young Playwrights’ Festival, production manager for the Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival, and coordinator for the Atlanta Unified Auditions.

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the US.

Lena Armas is thrilled to be making her Atlanta debut in  Aurora Theatre's AppCo 2020! She is a recent graduate of Western Carolina University in North Carolina with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre. During her time at WCU, she participated both on the stage and backstage. Most recently, she was "Chip" in Beauty and the Beast, directed by Hunter Foster, as well as the Stage Manager for God Save Gertrude, directed by Ashlee Wasmund. Lena is excited to delve into another passion of hers while being surrounded by a great team of artists. She would love to thank her family, friends, Phi Mu sisters, and mentors at WCU for constantly believing in her and pushing her to be the best version of herself.  

JULIE RAY (she/her) is a scenic designer for theatre, film and television. UGA Professor of Scenic Design and Department Head for the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, her designs for theatre have been presented at many companies including: The Hippodrome Theatre, Actors Express Theatre, PICT Theatre, Quantum Theatre, The City Theatre, Ballet Pacifica, Unseam’d Shakespeare, and East LA Classical Theatre Company. In addition to live theatre, Julie has worked in multiple art departments as Production Designer, Art Director, and Set Designer. TV and film credits include Netflix’s Mindhunter, The X-Files, Babylon 5, Neighbors 2, Abduction, Love & Other Drugs, and 13 Days. Website: www.jraydesign.com.

DANIEL TERRY (he/him) is happy to return to the Aurora Theatre and to be working at the beautiful LAC for the first time. Daniel called Aurora home as both Technical Director and Resident Sound Designer for 5 years, working on countless shows like Memphis, In The Heights and the first production of Mary Poppins. Daniel is now proud to be the Technical Director at KSU’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies with brilliant students whose work you will see on this stage and many others in Atlanta. Enjoy the show! 

ALAN YEONG** (he/him) has designed over 20 productions for Aurora. Recent Regional credits include Seattle Children's Theatre/Alliance Theatre -- The Boy Who Kissed The Sky. He's worked with theatres all over Atlanta and is a Professor of Costume Design/Head of Design at the University of West Georgia Theatre program with over 20 years of design credits. Education: MFA in Design (University of Kansas), MFA in Costume Design (Wayne State University), and BA in Theatre (Bemidji State University). Website: www.alanyeong.com

Ansleigh Harrison is a Lawrenceville native and a recent graduate of Piedmont College with a BA in Theatre Arts. She began working with costumes during her time at Piedmont and designed several shows there, including The Shadow Box and Crimes of the Heart, as well as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at North Georgia Theatre. When she’s not sewing or designing, Ansleigh enjoys performing, reading and watching movies. Ansleigh is very excited to join AppCo20!

CODY RUSSELL (Properties Designer) is a proud alumnus of Aurora’s AppCo 17 and current company member of The Weird Sisters Theatre Project. He has worked props, set dressings, scenic design, and scenic artistry for 22 productions between 7 companies in the metro Atlanta area. When he is not working on props you may find him music directing or teaching young talent, predominantly with Aurora Theatre Academy. Or you may see him on stage singing his heart out; most recently in the Atlanta Opera’s Chorus of Carmen.

KATIE PELKEY (Managing Director)

DANIEL POPE (Production Manager) is proud to be joining the great team at Aurora Theatre as Production Manager. Daniel has been a sound designer and engineer in the Atlanta area for the past seven years. He’s had the pleasure of designing sound for the Aurora Theatre on many occasions on shows such as: Into the Woods, Christmas Canteen, Sweep, and most recently The Bridges of Madison County. Additionally, he’s worked on countless other productions in the Atlanta theatre community including: Evita and A Streetcar Named Desire as Sound Designer and Production Manager at Serenbe Playhouse. Daniel received a Bachelors in Marketing with a specialization in sales and a minor in Music from The University of West Georgia in 2010.

JON SANDMAIER (he/him) is excited to return to the Aurora, the place he called home for his first four years in the state of Georgia.  He originally hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he designed and built sets for a variety of venues and organizations around the area.  Over the past year he has been working in the television and film industry.  One of Jon's favorite projects was building the boat for Men With Money.

SARAH THOMSON (Scenic Painter) loves to paint and has been gracing the sets of Aurora Theatre for the last 11 seasons. A resident of Johns Creek, she brings her talents and her crew of Jack and Dylan to support her in her endeavors. Sarah designed and painted sets for many years while her daughter danced with Susan Chambers Theatre Dance. In a previous life, she was the scenic artist for Casa Mañana Theatre, Casa on the Square, Fort Worth Ballet, Dallas Shakespeare in the Park, Dallas Summer Musicals and Six Flags. She has worked with Southwest Studios and Stageworks where she served as scenic artist. Children of a Lesser God also featured Sarah’s original artwork. She is accompanied by her man of the North, Ian.

Anna Lee is thrilled as always to be back designing at Aurora. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies. Her credits include Zombie Prom (GGC), Spring Awakening (Oglethorpe), This Wonderful Life (Suzi Nominated), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Suzi Nominated), Christmas Canteen 2019, and Children of Eden (Aurora Theatre). Upcoming: Steel Magnolias (Serenbe Playhouse). Big thanks to Justin, her family, Jeffrey, CB, and all the Katies and Daniels she knows.

JASMINE RENEE' ELLIS (she/her) Originally from Jackson, Mississippi Jasmine Renee’ Ellis serves as the Director of Education. Outside of education, She is an actor, singer, director, and writer throughout the Atlanta Metro Area. Some of her acting credits include: Shakespeare Tavern (MacBeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest). Actor’s Express (Lizzie), Horizon Theatre Company (Roe), Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company (Marie and Rosetta- where she earned a Suzi Bass Award Nomination), and Southwest Art Center (Mother of God), You can see her in Aurora Theatre’s 28th Season Closing Show Sister Act starring as Deloris Van Cartier. Jasmine also will be directing the Summer Camp Musical Finding Nemo Jr. this June.