School of Rock | October 24 - November 16

SCHOOL OF ROCK | Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White | Book by Julian Fellowes | Lyrics by Glenn Slater | New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Director: Kevin Cline | Music Director: David Coxe | Choreographer: Jordon Matthew | Producer: Amanda Ruby

Cast
Cast Dates
Crew
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About

Based on the hit 2003 film, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who is down on his luck. After Dewey is kicked out of his band, and threatened with eviction, his fortunes take a turn for the better when he intercepts a phone call meant for his flat mate, Ned Schneebly. He quickly decides to make a bit of cash and pose as Ned to take up a substitute teaching post at Horace Green, a prestigious prep school.

He is horrified to discover that his straight-laced and straight-A students haven’t a clue about rock and roll, and he makes it his mission to educate them. Dewey realizes they are a talented bunch and he decides to mold them into a rock band and enter the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition. However, he needs to do all of this away from the prying eyes of the school’s principal, Rosalie Mullins. Along the way, Dewey finds romance, self-worth, a proper job, and, most importantly, he teaches the children and their parents the beauty of rock!

SCHOOL OF ROCK is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com

Cast Dates

Cast

  • Brandon Alexander-Smith

    Brandon Alexander-Smith

    Dewey Finn

    Brandon Alexander-Smith (Dewey Finn) is happy to do his first show at ACT. He has performed on many stages in NE Ohio, as well as having numerous on screen credits. Some past projects include Christopher Wren in The Mousetrap, Hector Macqueen in Murder on the Orient Express, Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Radames in Aida, Congregation/U/S David in The Amen Corner, Burrs in The Wild Party, and many more! He would like to thank his Mother and D-D for always supporting his artistic endeavors, and the theatre community for all the love and positive connections.

  • Samantha Ksiezyk-DeCrane

    Samantha Ksiezyk-DeCrane

    Rosalie Mullins

    Samantha Ksiezyk-DeCrane is happy to be returning to the ACT stage. As a classically trained Soprano she continually improves her craft under the guidance of Dr. Eve McPherson at The Music Settlement. She has been seen on stage in musicals, operas, and plays across Northeast Ohio. Some of her favorites include The Sound of Music (Maria), Beauty and the Beast (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), Kiss Me Kate (Hattie), Straszny Dwor with The Cleveland Opera, La Traviata with Cleveland Opera Theatre, and Madame Butterfly with Opera Western Reserve. Thanks to the production team for the opportunity to rock! Love always to her family and friends for being the best fan club! Supporting the arts is crucial, enjoy the show!

  • Ev Brodsky

    Ned/Mr. Janes/Mr. Wagner

  • Marissa Ziemer

    Patty Di Marco

    As a long-time fan of the movie, Marissa is thrilled to be playing Patty in School of Rock! This is her first show at ACT, but she has previously been seen in productions at Medina County Show Biz such as Something Rotten (Portia) and A Christmas Carol (Fan). She’d like to thank her mom and dad for supporting her in her theatre journey, and for teaching her to love rock music! Enjoy the show!

  • Juliana Shumaker

    Juliana Shumaker

    Summer (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

    Juliana is so excited to perform onstage at ACT! She is a freshman at Kenston High School and plays clarinet in her school’s marching band. She’s been performing since age seven and has played many roles such as Matilda in Matilda (HYT), Little Red in Into the Woods (HYT), Skye in Beetlejuice JR (Cain Park) & Louisa in Sound of Music (CVLT). Professionally, she played Small Alison in Fun Home at Cain Park, for which she was titled Cleveland Critics’ Circles’ 2023 Rising Star. Juliana would like to thank her parents, everyone in the cast and crew and YOU.

  • Margot L. Payne

    Margot L. Payne

    Summer (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    Margot Payne is a student at Wickliffe Elementary School. This is her first time in School of Rock The Musical and working with ACT. She is honored to be part of such a talented cast and crew. Margot just came off a sold-out run of Annie at Cain Park Theatre, where she played the lead role. She is a gifted singer and has performed with a few Cleveland bands. Musical theatre keeps her very busy. She has been going nonstop for almost two years. While she is small, she has the pipes of a soul singer. She hopes to be a professional singer, actress, and aesthetician one day. When she’s not singing or at school, she’s playing with her best friend Riley, making fun of her twin brother Gus, and loving on her pets. She would like to thank her Mom, “Amy,” for supporting all that she does.

  • Merry Wakefield

    Merry Wakefield

    Zack (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

    Currently in their last year of middle school, Merry enjoys drawing, dancing (typically not very well), and listening to some banger tunes. Their favorite kinds of music are rock, jangle pop, vocaloid, metal and musical theater. Favorite past roles include High School Musical (Jack Scott), Waitress (Lulu), and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (ensemble). They’ve been learning guitar and are very excited to be able to play the role of Zack the guitarist in this production of School of Rock.

  • Smith Hollis

    Zack (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    Smith Hollis has been playing guitar for over six years. As lead guitarist for local rock band Out of Pocket, Smith has performed at music events throughout Northeast Ohio, including Akron's annual Porch Rokr Festival, Hudson mART, First Fridays in Akron, and Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Highlights of his acting performances include his role in Hudson Middle School’s production of Beauty and the Beast as Maurice and The Little Mermaid as Grimsby. He was also nominated in the 2025 Highland Square Film Festival for his original song and music video "Remember Your Soul." Smith hopes this show blows your mind with its high-voltage rock!

  • Rafael Gregorius

    Rafael Gregorius

    Lawrence (All Performances)

    Rafael Gregorius is a freshman at Roosevelt High School in Kent. He's been playing the piano since he was five and acting, singing, and dancing from age seven. He gets to do all of the above in School of Rock, and he's having a blast! Favorite past roles include Disney's Descendants (Carlos); The Little Mermaid (Sebastian); Something Rotten, Jr. (Shakespeare); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Gad); and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Ensemble). Rafael thanks ACT for giving him the chance to learn the craft of acting while having fun with friends. He can't think of a better way to spend his time!

  • Keelie Hagan

    Keelie Hagan

    Katie (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

    Keelie is ABSOLUTELY THRILLED! to be back on stage at ACT. She is a 7th grader at Chardon Middle School. When she’s not on stage, she loves rehearsing with her band, drawing, and creating content. Previous roles include Matilda in the Fine Arts Association’s Matilda the Musical, Veruca Salt in FAA’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda in ACT’s Matilda the Musical, Crush in Rabbit Run's Finding Nemo Jr., and Junie B. Jones in Rabbits Run's Junie B. Jones. Keelie is literally All About That Bass and hopes that by the end of the show, you will be too!

  • Anastasia Pelletier

    Katie (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    Anastasia is beyond thrilled to be part of this show! This is her second time in School of Rock, and this time she is so excited to rock out on the bass as Katie! Some of her favorite shows include: Cain Park: Fun Home (Small Alison U/S), Cain Park: School of Rock (Marcy), Rubber City Theatre: Matilda (Matilda), and Hudson Middle School: The Little Mermaid (Ariel). She would like to thank her amazing sister for helping her with learning the bass, as well as her bass teacher Charlie Trenta, and her vocal coach, Ciara Newman. Thank you to the cast, crew, directors and band. Let’s Rock!!

  • Simon Keating

    Simon Keating

    Freddy (All Performances)

    Simon Keating is 15 years old, and is a Sophomore at Orange High School. He is excited to play the role of Freddy Hamilton in School of Rock at ACT. He has been previously seen as the boys swing in School of Rock at Cain Park, Ren McCormick in Footloose at Orange High School, and the understudy for Jake McGowan in Leap of Faith at Blank Canvas Theatre. He has enjoyed the rehearsal and show experience with his fellow cast-mates and is excited to perform alongside them.

  • Lola Thoele

    Lola Thoele

    Tomika (All Performances)

    Lo (they/them) is excited to return to the ACT stage for School of Rock as Tomika! You may have seen them in ACT'S Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Lo’s favorite performances include, Nostradamus in Something Rotten! JR (ACT), Ensemble in Joseph and the Amazing... (Weathervane Playhouse), and Baby Louise in Gypsy (ACT). Lo dedicates their performance to Brandon for being the best Dewert around! Thank you, Brandon, for all of your support! Lo is grateful for the caring community ACT has gifted them and hopes you have a kick ass time rockin' in the theater tonight! There’s no way you can stop the School of Rock!

  • Gianna Chase

    Gianna Chase

    Marcy (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

    Gianna Chase (Marcy) is thrilled to be making her ACT debut in School of Rock. Past credits include Annie in Annie Jr., Lullaby League/Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz, Ewartie Dunlop in Music Man Jr. and Tangle the Elf in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer with Rubber City Theatre. She has also appeared in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda the Musical at Weathervane Playhouse. She is a member of the Weathervane Musical Theater Company and studies voice with Ms. Sue Wallin. She would like to thank the ACT creative team for welcoming her and letting her rock the house and make a scene!

  • Ella Bell Peters

    Ella Bell Peters

    Marcy (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    Ella Bell is thankful to return to ACT as Marcy in School of Rock. Past favorite roles include Hortensia in Matilda the Musical at ACT & Weathervane Playhouse, Lily St. Regis in Annie Jr. at Cain Park Youth Theater, Gum Chompin’ Diva & ensemble in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory & Elf the Musical at Weathervane Playhouse, Mean Girls Jr. as Caroline Krafft at Joffrey Ballet Musical Theater & Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical Jr. She trains with Weathervane Musical Theatre Company & Aurora School of Music. She’s grateful to the ACT team, her teachers, & family for letting her live her best rock star life (without actually smashing any guitars… yet).

  • Sophia Latina

    Sophia Latina

    Shonelle (All Performances)

    Sophia Latina is delighted to perform in ACT’s School of Rock as Shonelle. A passionate performer, she loves bringing every role to life. Credits include Music Man with Hudson Players, The Little Mermaid at HMS, a solo in ACT’s Shakespeare Comes to Calamity Creek, and singing the national anthem at HMS. She will also appear in Annie with Magical Theater Company. Outside the stage, Sophia enjoys rock climbing and lacrosse, reflecting her adventurous, team-spirited nature. She is thrilled to share this experience with her castmates and hopes you enjoy the show!

  • Shane Johnson

    Shane Johnson

    Billy (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

    Shane Johnson is thrilled to rock out in his return to ACT's mainstage! Shane recently appeared as Fletcher in Freaky Friday at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre and has performed in The Sound of Music at CVLT as well as Matilda, Gypsy, Mary Poppins Jr., and Alice in Wonderland Jr. at ACT. He studies voice and loves singing, acting, and dancing. When he’s not on stage, Shane enjoys hanging out with friends, playing sports, and making people laugh. He thanks his family, friends, and teachers for supporting his love of performing. Rock on!

  • Asher Elberson

    Asher Elberson

    Billy (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    This is Asher’s first performance with Aurora Community Theatre. This past August, he played the role of Genie in the Nordonia Drama Camp’s production of Aladdin Jr. Asher loves to sketch and doodle when he is bored. Asher is 10 1/2 years old and he has three cats named Sadie, Marley, and Lucille. Asher takes vocal lessons and he wants to be a famous singer or Broadway star someday. He would like to thank his vocal coach Vicki Lester and his supportive mother Jamie.

  • Kai Ruby

    Kai Ruby

    Mason (All Performances)

    Kai Ruby is excited to return to the ACT stage after appearing as Young Yonkers in Gypsy and Sailor/Accordian Player in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Favorite roles from ACT's Children's Summer Workshop include Cheshire Cat 1 (Alice in Wonderland, Jr.), The Escapologist (Matilda, Jr.), and John Northbrook (Mary Poppins, Jr.). He has also been seen as Friedrick von Trapp in CVLT's The Sound of Music. Kai would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support.

  • Noel O'Sullivan

    Noel O'Sullivan

    James (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

    Noel O’Sullivan is delighted to return to ACT this fall. His recent roles include: Winthrop Paroo in Hudson Players’ The Music Man (2024), Wally Webb in Summit County Players’ Our Town (2024), and Tommy in ACT’s Matilda the Musical. Previously, Noel acted as Hamlet and Banquo in Acting Up’s “Shakespeare for Kids” productions at Hudson Montessori School, where he is a sixth grader. Noel enjoys reading, singing, playing soccer, fencing, Rubik’s cubing, riding rollercoasters, and gaming. He appreciates all the support from family, friends, and our cast and crew—especially his sister, Maisie.

  • Holden Peterson

    Holden Peterson

    James (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    Holden is eight years old and ready to rock in his first show at ACT. With a passion for musical theater, he has enjoyed taking the stage in numerous productions over the past year. Some of his favorite roles include Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man Jr. (Rubber City Theatre), Frank Jr. in Merrily We Roll Along (Firestone Theatre), and Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Weathervane Playhouse). Holden studies vocal performance at the Ellie Kelly Voice Studio and trains in jazz and tap dance as well. He would like to thank the awesome cast and crew for such a fun show (and mom and dad too)!

  • Julia Vitatoe

    Julia Vitatoe

    Sophie (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

    Julia Vitatoe is excited to make her ACT debut in School of Rock! She has studied voice through private lessons and choral training with The Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus, developing her love of singing and performing. Julia enjoys both singing and dancing and is thrilled to bring those passions to the stage for her first musical.

  • Lily Shumaker

    Lily Shumaker

    Sophie (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    Lily is thrilled to be returning to the ACT stage as Sophie! Lily is a 8th grader at Kenston Middle School where she participates in Cross Country, Choir, Student Council, Mock Trial and Theater. Recently she was seen on stage as Jane Banks in Mary Poppins with Stagecrafters. Other favorites include Brigitta in Sound of Music (CVLT), Small Alice in Alice in Wonderland (ACT), and Once Upon a Mattress (Kenston). Lily would like to thank Kevin, Louis, Jordan, & Amanda for this amazing opportunity. She is also thankful for her friends and family for all their love & support. Enjoy the show!

  • Adelyn Lewis

    Adelyn Lewis

    Madison (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

    Adelyn is thrilled to make her mainstage debut with Aurora Community Theatre as Madison! She has previously performed with the Acting Up Program in The Oresteia for Kids, Shakespeare’s Antony & Cleopatra for Kids, and The Odyssey for Kids. Adelyn loves taking voice lessons and performing in the pop, rock, and vocal recitals/concerts. She also participates with the choir at her school where she is a fifth grader. If Adelyn could sing with any band, it would be Journey. When she’s not performing, Adelyn plays volleyball and enjoys hitting the slopes skiing and snowboarding. She is also an altar server at her church. Adelyn appreciates the support of her family, friends and teachers!

  • Natalie Spence

    Natalie Spence

    Madison (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    Natalie Spence (Madison), is excited to make her ACT debut. Some of her previous, favorite roles have included Miss Hannigan in Annie, Jr. at Cain Park, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Medina Show Biz, Annie/Orphan swing in Annie at Cassidy Theatre and Herald in Cinderella at Ohio Youth Ensemble Stage. In 2025, she placed first in state for Musical Theater 2 in the OH NATS competition. Natalie would like to thank her family, Kimberly States, her vocal coach, and Tyler Martin, her acting coach, for their endless support. Also thanks to the SOR creative team for an awesome experience.

  • Holly Ann Budin

    Holly Ann Budin

    Ensemble/Security (All Performances)

    Holly Ann is excited to be back on the ACT stage. Previously she was Barbie in Gypsy and Small Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Jr here. She was also Marta in The Sound of Music at CVLT and Rosemarie in Annie at Stagecrafters (2024). Holly Ann is a sixth grader at Harmon Middle School.

  • Lucy Koslo

    Lucy Koslo

    Ensemble/Security Guard 2 (Oct. 24, Nov. 2, 8, 14, & 16)

  • Julia Drake

    Julia Drake

    Ensemble (Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 7, 9, & 15)

    Julia Drake is super excited to be in her first main stage show at ACT, previously appearing Mary Poppins Jr, Matilda Jr. and Alice in Wonderland through ACT’s Children’s Summer Workshop. Additional shows include: Seussical and Children of Eden at Western Reserve Playhouse, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and A Christmas Carol at Hudson City Schools, and Miracle on 34th Street at Chagrin Valley Little Theater. She would like to thank her family and friends and the awesome cast and crew for all their support and hard work. Rock on!

  • Lindsay O'Sullivan

    Lindsay O'Sullivan

    Ms. Williams/Ms. Gordon

  • Amber Ellington

    Doug/Ms. Mooneyham/Ms. Green

    Amber Ellington is a Field Service Engineer who also loves music. She loves to sing in community theatre and play alto saxophone in community band! This is her second musical with her first role being Estelle in The Full Monty at Cassidy Theatre in Parma Heights. She is so excited to be a part of School of Rock!

  • Brooke Holt

    Brooke Holt

    Adult Ensemble

    Brooke is thrilled to be making her musical debut as Ms. Sheinkopf and Ms. Hamilton in School of Rock at ACT! A Junior at Bio-Med Science Academy, Brooke has experience on stage through her Drama Club, where her favorite roles include Laurie in Little Woman and the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society, Troupe 11900. Outside of theater, Brooke enjoys writing and hopes to write a play of her own one day. She would like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her and supporting her dreams!

  • Brett Bryson

    Brett Bryson

    Theo/Male Ensemble

    Brett has been doing theater since the age of 12 and is excited to bring this show to you! He has mostly been playing ensemble as of recent, but perhaps you caught him in The Who's Tommy, The Addams Family, and Young Frankenstein - all at the WFAA (Willoughby Fine Arts Association). This is his first show with ACT and he is happy to have the chance to meet new people and make new friends. He hopes you enjoy the show.

  • Amy L. Brodsky

    Adult Ensemble (Mrs. Spencer and Mrs. Sanders)

    Amy is thrilled to be once again on the ACT stage in the adult ensemble of this terrific show. Amy started her involvement in community theater alongside her children about a decade ago, and has happily participated in a number of local venues. She enjoyed surprising ACT audiences recently as the Usherette in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and she really enjoyed being dressed as a giant egg in Hudson Community Theater's Something Rotten. From playing Mrs. Gloop to repeatedly playing nuns, every show brings new joys and new friends!

  • Ellie Lambacher

    Ensemble

    Ellie Lambacher is super excited to be in her first show with ACT. She was last seen in Medina Show Biz’s production of A Christmas Carol where she played Martha Cratchit, and she couldn’t be more stoked to be back on stage. Other shows she’s been in are Bye Bye Birdie at Medina Show Biz (Debra Sue); SpongeBob the Musical at NCP (ensemble), and Rocky Horror Picture Show, MTP (ensemble). Ellie graduated from Revere High School in 2017 and graduated from Stark State College in 2022 where she earned her AA. Ellie is planning to go back to school to get a degree in theatre or something with theatre but doesn’t know where yet. Ellie has been having so much fun getting to know everyone at rehearsals and can’t wait for an audience to see the art they have created under the direction of their creative director, Kevin. With that said, Ellie would like to thank him, and the rest of the production team, for the opportunity to be in this show, her friends and family for all of their support, because if it wasn’t for them, she wouldn’t be in theater. Now, she invites you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! :)

  • Chantel Covino

    Bobbi (No Vacancy)/Ensemble

    Chantel is thrilled to return to ACT where she performed in the Spring 2025 production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Chantel has been dancing and performing since the age of five, and enjoys being the Greek Hellenic Junior Dance group instructor at her church. She will be completing her MHA in Spring of 2026, and has been to many rock concerts! Chantel would like to thank ACT, the fabulous Producers and Directors of School of Rock for such a fun opportunity, her talented Scoundrel castmates (now Rock Star Scoundrels) who encouraged her to be in this show, and the audience. Enjoy!

  • Andrew Lloyd Webber

    Andrew Lloyd Webber

    Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. His shows have run continuously in London’s West End for 50 years and ran for 43 uninterrupted years on Broadway.

    When the original Sunset Boulevard joined School of Rock, CATS and The Phantom of the Opera, he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards.

    Lloyd Webber owns six London theatres, including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Reopened in July 2021, the latter was completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. This was one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra is that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings for their conservation and development.

    Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need, and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST).

    In academic year September 2025-26, 14,885 children are being given free musical tuition and instruments as part of MiSST’s Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme. The Foundation also commissions research into diversity in theatre.

    Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed music for globally significant moments. Most recently, he was asked to compose “Make a Joyful Noise,” the anthem for the Coronation of King Charles III.

    Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992, created an honorary life peer in 1997, and made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by King Charles III in 2024. He is the only person in the arts ever granted this personal honor by a monarch.

    Photo: John Swannell

Crew

  • Kevin Cline

    Kevin Cline

    Director

    Kevin Cline is incredibly grateful to debut at Aurora Community Theatre. He has directed many shows around the Cleveland area as well as acted in even more. Most recently he directed Luau for King Lear at the Independence Community Theatre and The Woman in Black at The MAD* Factory. He was recently in A New Brain at Broadview Heights Spotlights. He wants to thank his friends and family for their support. Most importantly he wants the cast to know how proud he is of them. They have made this experience a joy. Now let's get ready to ROCK!!

  • David W. Coxe

    David W. Coxe

    Music Director

    David is pleased to return to ACT to Music Direct School of Rock. He was last seen here as the Music Director for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. For 2025, David has also music directed Jersey Boys and Freaky Friday at CVLT and will also be music directing Heathers at Independence Community Theater. He has also appeared as Declan Faloon for Flanagan’s Wake at Playhouse Square over the past 13 seasons. David would like to thank Kevin, David R., Louis, and Amanda for all of their support during this process. Any time you do a show by Andrew Lloyd Webber, you know there’s going to be many moving parts. It’s been a team effort and he hopes that you love this show as much as he does.

  • Jordon Matthew

    Jordon Matthew

    Choreographer

    Jordon is excited to be back at ACT to choreograph this ROCKIN’ production of School of Rock! His choreography work has been seen in shows such as Matilda the Musical, [title of show], Gypsy, 9 to 5 the Musical, and Sound of Music. He has also been seen in shows such as Singin’ in the Rain, Hairspray, Newsies, The Prom, Gypsy, Dearest Enemy, Spring Awakening, and many more. Jordon can be found literally running all over Northeast Ohio maintaining his Real Estate business under The Matt Shafer Real Estate Group, powered by RE/MAX Infinity, and teaching Musical Theatre dance classes at Dianna Durkin Dance Studio. IG: @jordon.matthew

  • Amanda Ruby

    Amanda Ruby

    Producer

    Amanda Ruby studied theatre at Edinboro University (BA) and Kent State (MA). She serves on ACT’s Executive Board and has done just about everything in her 30 years of theatre- from directing to dramaturgy, and has published three Ancient Greek plays adapted for kids (and another coming soon). She created and runs an after-school theatre program called Acting Up and co-produces ACT’s Children’s Summer Workshop. Amanda had a blast working with this ginormous cast and crew and hopes they all recognize that she is not, in fact, the man.

  • Louis Schwartz

    Louis Schwartz

    Stage Manager

    Louis Schwartz is excited to be on the other side of the curtain for once at ACT. He is a local actor and stage manager. Most recently he was seen on stage as Davey in Disney's Newsies the Musical at the Fine Arts Association and off stage as the stage manager for Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party at Western Reserve Playhouse. At ACT his last role was Anthony Marston in And Then There Were None. During the day he is a Research and Development Technician for Energizer (yes, like the bunny) in Westlake and a Youth Group advisor for Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike. Much love to his friends and family for their continued support of him on and off stage, especially mom and dad. Enjoy the show, YOU are in the band, ROCK ON!

  • David Rusnak

    David Rusnak

    Assistant Director

    David Rusnak is normally on the actor side, but is elated to be on the production side for his first time being an assistant director! David has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Akron. Some of his favorite credits include Jamie (The Last Five Years), Seymour Krelborn (Little Shop of Horrors), William Barfeé (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Ted Scheider (Disaster!), and Will Bloom (Big Fish). He would like to thank his family, friends, and the creative team and cast for their support. Thank you for supporting local community theater!

  • Megan Uline

    Megan Uline

    Assistant Choreographer

    Megan is thrilled to be back at ACT, this time assistant choreographing such a “jam out” show as School of Rock. As her first experience on the production side of a musical, she is so glad to be working with such a wonderful team and cast. She has recently been in shows such as Dearest Enemy, Pride & Prejudice: The Musical, Rent, Cabaret, and Matilda (here at ACT). Megan is a senior at Kent State University pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in dance.

    IG: @m_uline

  • Allie Stark

    Allie Stark

    Assistant Stage Manager

    Allie Stark is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a degree in environmental studies. She is currently pursuing her masters in public administration. Allie has worked on several shows at ACT and is so thankful for the wonderful community of people here. She would like to thank her friends and family for their unwavering support in all her endeavors.

  • Ann Nyenhuis

    Ann Nyenhuis

    Technical Director

    Ann Nyenhuis is thrilled to be continuing her work at ACT. She is in her twelfth season and loves working with all the incredibly talented volunteers, actors, and staff. Ann has a BM, cum laude, in vocal performance from Kent State. Ann has over 30+ years’ experience in the technical aspects of theater. Ann spends what free time she has watching Cleveland sports with her husband, Dave, and sharing cuddle time with her beloved Australian Cattle dog, Lady (RIP, Lady, 9/27/25).

  • Kathalina Plummer Thorpe

    Kathalina Plummer Thorpe

    Scenic Designer

    Kathalina holds an MFA in Scenic Design from Kent State University. With 17 designer credits, her most recent include costume design for The 39 Steps, scenic design for Men on Boats, and production-team work for Cleveland’s Parade the Circle. She is also creating an installation for the Día de los Muertos Parade and Festival in Cleveland this October through early November. Kathalina is excited to bring her design vision to School of Rock at Aurora Community Theatre.

  • Rob Wachala

    Rob Wachala

    Lighting Designer

    Rob has spent time with many local companies in the Cleveland area over the last two decades working with Tri-C, Near West Theatre, LiveNation, among others. He is excited to collaborate with this talented team on School of Rock. Recent Credits include Little Shop of Horrors and Legally Blonde with Near West Theatre. We are Continuous, The Squirrels, This Side of Crazy, The Pitchforks, and many others with Convergence-Continuum, and the recent production of Somebody’s Children with Tri-C. He would like to thank all those who have supported and mentored him along the way including his parents, family, friends, and his wonderful ever-present Fiancé, Eva!

  • Maggie Hamilton

    Maggie Hamilton

    Sound Designer

    Maggie is a former ACT Board of Trustee member and retired cochlear implant audiologist. She has been the resident sound person at ACT since 2012 and appreciates all the tools at her disposal to help audiences hear the dialog of our great actors. Actors are individually miked to improved clarity and we have a telecoil loop system for compatible hearing aids/cochlear implants. We have several receiver sets available to borrow. Feel free to bring your own earbuds. Standard phone size (3.5mm) plug.

  • Kate Smith

    Katie Smith

    Costume Designer

    Kate Smith is excited to be working at ACT again, after directing The 39 Steps this summer! Most recently, she appeared in a variety of roles in Abbey Marshall's adaptation of The Beautiful and Damned at convergence-continuum. Catch her next as Hermia in Dead Man's Cell Phone at Twin Masks! Hailing from California, she relocated to Cleveland in 2018 and has been making a home for herself within the local theatre community ever since. When not working, you can find her taking pictures and playing with her dogs. Many thanks, as always, to her ever-patient husband Shane.

  • Alex Minyard

    Alex Minyard

    Assistant Costume Designer

    Alex Minyard is a multi-disciplinary theatre artist who is incredibly excited to work with ACT for the first time! When there isn’t a needle and thread in her hand, you can find her acting, directing, or teaching all around the Cleveland area. She is forever grateful for the Baldwin Wallace Costume Studio for giving her another home, and would especially like to thank Tesia, Melanie, and Stephanie for all that they taught her.

  • Libby Gabor

    Libby Gabor

    Props Manager

    Libby graduated from BGSU with a BAC in Design and Technical Theatre. Most recent credits include co-props manager at Rabbit Run Theater, props managing for The 39 Steps here at ACT, and stage managing at Con-Con. Libby has worked most extensively prop managing for shows at Rabbit Run Theatre including Calendar Girls, Titanic, Newsies, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure at Marathon Center for the Arts in Findlay, and various other stage hand positions at Cleveland Playhouse and RRT. Libby would like to thank ACT for welcoming her back for her second show!

  • Jerry Schaber

    Lead Carpenter

  • Bri Clark

    Scenic Artist