Mister E of Imagination: Tales of Edgar Allen Poe Digital Playbill
By Vivian Robin Snipes
Supported By:
Pay What You Will sponsored by:
Cast
Madeline, Virginia, and others: Olivia Wintz
Boone, Butler, and others: Taliyah “Taffy” Ford
Montresor, Mr. Allan, and others: Raymond Cronley
Edgar Allan Poe, Fortunado, and others: Cameron Taylor
Cast Bios
RAYMOND CRONLEY (Montresor, Mr. Allan, and others) Originally from Cincinnati, Raymond graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ohio Northern University in 2021. Since then, he has performed at theme parks such as Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tweetsie Railroad and spent two years as a part of the resident acting company at Charleston Stage in Charleston, SC. He is excited to be back with Lexington Children’s Theatre for his third season! Recent credits include Jonathon in The Play that Goes Wrong, Warner in Legally Blonde: The Musical, John Arable/Lurvy in Charlotte’s Web, and Bob Cratchit in Scrooge No More!
TALIYAH “TAFFY” FORD (Boone, Butler, and others) Taliyah “Taffy” Ford, is an Atlanta based actor and jazz vocalist. She is thrilled to join Lexington Children’s Theatre for the fall season! Some of her recent credits have been Meg in Little Women and Proteus in Two Gentlemen of Verona, both at the Tiscornia Theatre. She trained at Shorter University and earned her BFA in Theatre. Taffy would like to thank her family, her best friend, and God for their support and their provision.
“That is art, to give all you have” – Michael Chekhov
CAMERON TAYLOR (Edgar Allan Poe, Fortunado, and others) Cameron Taylor is a professional actor, dramaturg, and educator born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. He was last seen on the LCT main stage as Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden, as well as Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Margalo and others in Stuart Little. Cameron is a proud graduate of Mary Baldwin University’s masters program in Shakespeare and Performance, where had the pleasure of performing with Treehouse Shakespeare Ensemble in Macbeth, The Duchess of Malfi, Edward II, and The Birth of Merlin. Other favorite professional credits include Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Warehouse Theatre, Unto These Hills, The National Theatre for Children, and Tecumseh. He would like to thank his family, friends, and fiancé for their constant love and support.
OLIVIA WINTZ (Madeline, Virginia, and others) A Central Texas native, Olivia is a recent graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where she received her BFA in Acting/Directing while also studying hospitality. Olivia’s recent credits include The Piano Lesson (Maretha), Brother Mario (Daisy), and The Moors (The Moor-Hen). When not acting, Olivia is most likely either baking, crafting, walking, or planning her next adventure. This is Olivia’s first season with LCT, and she is thrilled to bring these shows to youth across Kentucky!
Production Credits
Director: Gabriel Slusser
Scenic Design: Regan Densmore
Costume Design: Haberlin Roberts
Sound Design: Gabriel Slusser
Stage Managers: Marina Prather, Kate Tayler
Technical Director: Gabriel Slusser
Assistant Technical Director: Laika Myers
Properties Manager: Forrest Loeffler
Carpenters: Forrest Loeffler, Laika Myers, Gabriel Slusser
Charge Artist: Laika Myers
Scenic Painters: Forrest Loeffler, Laika Myers, Gabriel Slusser
Costume Shop Manager: Marie Henderson
Costume Construction: Emily Hampton, Marie Henderson, Haberlin Roberts
Special Thanks
Dr. John Denison DDS; HighBridge Spring Water; Sally Horowitz Photography; 3M Cynthiana; Copy Express; Bobby Taylor; Pro Sound and Lights; Transylvania University Theater Department; University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance; Mahan Multimedia; University of Louisville, Centre College; LEX18; WKYT; Newport Cleaners; Lexington Legends
Staff and Production Teams Bios
RHONDA BELL (Education Director) Rhonda is excited to continue her journey at LCT as Education Director. She holds an MA in Theatre from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and a BA from Berea College. Rhonda enjoys driving her car, watching cartoons, and having lively debates with her students.
OCTAVIA BIGGS (Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre) Tavia has worked hard over the last 19 years to bring children’s theatre to Eastern Kentucky. She believes strongly that all children have the ability to be creative and through that creativity will discover the gifts they possess. She would like to thank LCT and the W. Paul and Lucille C. Little Foundation!
DAKOTA ROSE CHEN (Education Associate) Dakota Rose graduated from Piedmont University with a B.A. in Musical Theatre where she worked as a performer, costumer, director, and more. Additionally, she has experience as a performer, event coordinator, costume repairman, and photographer due to time with Enchanted Events GA. Dakota is looking forward to working with LCT!
KAITLIN (K.C) CHEYENNE (Resident Teaching Artist) Kaitlin “K.C” Cheyenne serves as the Education Associate at Lexington Children’s Theatre. They hold a BA in Theatre from Berea College, where they focused on creating inclusive, diverse and accessible spaces. Their passion lies in arts education, and they are thrilled to encourage young peoples’ excitement for storytelling.
ASHLEE COLLINS (Development Director) Ashlee is a recent graduate of Commerce Lexington’s Leadership Lexington program. Her journey with LCT began in 2013 as a work study with Shooting Stars Youtheatre, LCT’s Satellite Theatre in Morehead, KY. After graduating she completed an Arts Administration internship in 2015 and was part of the Touring Company in the 15/16 season. Ashlee has worked with theatres all over the country, including Chicago Children’s Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, and most notably, with Broadway in Chicago as a marketing assistant during the first National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin!
EMILY HAMPTON (Costume Artist) Emily graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in Theatre in 2020. She is passionate about costuming and the fiber arts!
MARIE HENDERSON (Costume Director) Marie’s experience with LCT, and theatre altogether, began with a walk on roll at the age of 9. She is delighted to have closed the circle of her theatrical experience by coming “home” to LCT as a staff member.
JAIME HURT (Marketing and Sales Director) With over 20 years in arts marketing; Jaime connects communities through storytelling and creative collaboration. As Marketing and Sales Director at LCT, she captures moments that make theatre magical for children and families, expanding access to engaging, immersive experiences while embracing the joy of bringing stories to life.
JEREMY KISLING (Producing Artistic Director) Welcome to LCT! Jeremy has worked at Lexington Children’s Theatre for over 20 years and is a proud member of its staff. I hope this theatre is a place where you feel empowered, enriched, and emboldened. I am honored and humbled to work with such amazing and talented artists and individuals! Thank you for being here, for your support, and for being a part of the LCT Family.
MADDI KNOETTNER (Communications Manager) Maddi graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Communication Studies. She is a Double Gold Medalist of The United States Figure Skating Association and is a figure skating instructor over at the Lexington Ice Center. Maddi brings a unique blend of communication expertise and athletic achievements, and she is honored to showcase her diverse skills at Lexington Children’s Theatre!
FORREST LOEFFLER (Technical Associate) Forrest Loeffler is from Lexington, he has a BFA in Acting from Illinois Wesleyan University, and is currently Kentucky Chautauqua’s Abraham Lincoln performer. He has worked with Leeds Center for the Arts, Woodford Theatre, Adventure Theatre, Pioneer Playhouse, Athens West, and is happy to have added LCT to that list!
CALEB LUNSFORD (Shooting Stars Youth Theatre Assistant Director) Caleb is a teacher, painter, and arts education enthusiast from Harrodsburg, Kentucky. A graduate of Morehead State University, he is passionate about children’s theatre; striving to provide an outlet for creative expression. With a history in youth-based creative programs he aims to curate a safe space to learn and grow.
MARY ANN MULLINS (Bookkeeper) Mary Ann joined LCT in March 2024 as the bookkeeper and is delighted to be part of an organization that boosts creativity and imagination in young people. She brings 50+ years of bookkeeping experience with her. In her spare time, she loves adventures with her children and grandchildren and enjoys taking rides with her husband of 42 years with the top off of the Vette!
LAIKA MYERS (Charge Artist/Assistant Technical Director) Laika Myers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bowling Green State University with a specialization in Design and Technical Theatre. In her spare time, she loves to read and visit a new coffee shop, while on the clock she loves to use her artistry to share the magic of theatre with young audiences!
MARINA PRATHER (Resident Stage Manager/Production Associate) Marina Prather graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a bachelor of science in Theatre Production and Performance with a minor in Musical Theatre. During the school year, she focused on stage management for student theatre productions and mainstage productions while filling her time working as a designer and director on many shows. Outside of University, she has worked at theatre’s such as: Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, Stagedoor Manor, and The Lexington Theatre Company. Marina is excited to be returning to Lexington with The Lexington Children’s Theatre! She would love to thank her family, friends, and God for supporting her love for theatre!
HABERLIN ROBERTS (Resident Costume Artist) Haberlin Roberts is a graduate of Transylvania University with a degree in Theatre. After graduation she interned with Endstation Theater in Virginia with a focus in costuming. Her recent theatre credits includes costuming (Best Christmas Pageant Ever), stage management (39 Steps, Miracle on 34th Street, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Annie) and acting (Into the Woods) with Woodford Community Theatre. As a child she adored watching productions at LCT and it feels full circle to be working on productions here now as an adult.
JEFF SACHS (Managing Director) Jeff Sachs (he/him) is an administrator, educator, and theatre artist dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to expand their horizons and connect with their community through live performance. He is the founding managing director of Kerfuffle, a theatre for the very young company based in Chicago. Originally from Long Island, Jeff has worked as an educator across the country with Chicago Public Schools, Imagination Stage, Childsplay, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. He is the playwright of Bookworms and has directed young people in devising new plays as well as a production of Mamma Mia! that he is particularly proud of. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Northwestern University, a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre for Youth from Arizona State University, and a Master of Business Administration from DePaul University.
DELANEY SALLEE (Sales Associate – Onsite) Delaney’s (she/they) love of theatre began as a child and carried her through many productions as both a student and professional. She has worked with the Singletary Center for the Arts and Pioneer Playhouse as a stage manager, and she is very excited to work with LCT! She has also worked in local libraries and loves a good book!
GABRIEL SLUSSER (Technical Director) Gabriel has worked throughout the southeast in positions ranging from sound engineer to lead electrician to shop foreman at theatres including Titusville Playhouse, Inc., Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Buford Community Center. As LCT’s Technical Director, he facilitates the implementation of all scenic, lighting, audio, and projection elements for their season.
CHRIS SWANSON (Senior Sales Associate) Chris Swanson has been a theatre professional for the past 25 years. She is very excited to be joining the staff at LCT. She earned her MA and BA in Theatre and Communications from Morehead State. Her past credits include Bat Boy the musical and Book of Days.
KATE TAYLER (Production Stage Manager) Kate Tayler graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Bowling Green State University in Design & Technical Theatre. She is originally from Monroe, Michigan. Kate loves spending time with her cats and her husband, reading, keeping up on all things Taylor Swift, taking classes at Pure Barre, and working with young people.
LCT Professional Staff
- Rhonda Bell, Education Director
- Octavia Biggs, Program Director of Shooting Stars Youtheatre
- Olivia Oberlin Brown, Administrative Intern
- Dakota Rose Chen, Education Associate
- Katilin (K.C) Cheyenne, Resident Teaching Artist
- Ashlee Collins, Development Director
- Lori Halligan, Development Assistant
- Emily Hampton, Costume Artist
- Marie Henderson, Costume Director
- Jaime Hurt, Marketing and Sales Director
- Jeremy Kisling, Producing Artistic Director
- Maddi Knoettner, Communications Manager
- Forrest Loeffler, Technical Associate
- Caleb Lunsford, Assistant Program Director for Shooting Stars Youtheatre
- Mary Ann Mullins, Bookkeeper
- Laika Myers, Charge Artist/Assistant Technical Director
- Marina Prather, Resident Stage Manager/Production Associate
- Haberlin Roberts, Resident Costume Artist
- Jeff Sachs, Managing Director
- Delaney Sallee, Sales Associate – Onsite
- Gabriel Slusser, Technical Director
- Chris Swanson, Senior Sales Associate – Outreach
- Kate Tayler, Production Stage Manager
Indigenous peoples have lived on the land now called Kentucky for at least 12,000 years. Every community owes its existence and heritage to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and stories to making the history that led to this moment. Indigenous peoples have always lived on the land that is now called Kentucky and continue to live here today. The place we now call Kentucky is primarily Shawnee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Osage land.
A commonly cited claim many of us heard in history class growing up is that this region was merely a hunting ground. This claim is a myth, perpetuated at first by land speculators who wished to improve land sales, and still today to absolve settler colonists and their descendants from grappling with their history of land theft, genocide, and white supremacy. The continuation of this myth is harmful for all of us.
Lexington Children’s Theatre is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome to enjoy the magic of theatre. Learn more about Audio Description, ASL Interpretation, Sensory Friendly Performance, and Pre-Visit Resources by following the link below.
LCT’s Annual Campaign
Imagine if all 100,000+ people LCT serves a year made a $10 donation every year. That would cover more than 95% of LCT’s operating expenses and bring the cost of our classes and shows WAY down. If you share our passion for arts education and want to support our mission, please consider making a donation of any size to our Annual Campaign. Learn more about LCT’s Annual Campaign by visiting https://www.lctonstage.org/support-us/give-online/ or by emailing our Development Director, Ashlee Collins, at acollins@lctonstage.org
Our sincere thanks to these wonderful people for their stellar support of LCT’s Membership Program!
Supernova Supporter:
Charlotte Lewis
Jennifer Windhorn
Galaxy Supporters:
Gwendolyn Cassling
Elizabeth Barrera
Cheryl Taylor
Our Major Contributors
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