Darkling - Cast and Creative Team
Hillary Esqueda
(Soprano, Anna, Bride, Voices)
Known for her floating high notes and “cello-like” lower range, soprano Hillary Esqueda is a versatile lyric soprano emerging in the opera scene. Described as a “powerful” and “solid” performer, Ms. Esqueda has sung across the Chicagoland and NYC areas in roles ranging from Monteverdi to music theater. Favorite roles include: Drusilla in L'incoronazione di Poppea, Popelka in Comedy on the Bridge, Marie in La Fille du Régiment, and First Lady in The Magic Flute. She also had the fortune to work as a young artist with Hubbard Hall Opera Theater, Pacific Encore Productions, and OperaWorks. A passion for new music led her to create two roles for composer Francis Lynch, as well as perform in the Midwest premiere of With Blood, With Ink (Dying Juana). Later this fall, Hillary will be making her role debut as Mimi in La Boheme. Hillary holds degrees from NYU and Roosevelt University, and currently resides in Chicago where she studies with Mark Crayton.
(Soprano, Anna, Bride, Voices)
Known for her floating high notes and “cello-like” lower range, soprano Hillary Esqueda is a versatile lyric soprano emerging in the opera scene. Described as a “powerful” and “solid” performer, Ms. Esqueda has sung across the Chicagoland and NYC areas in roles ranging from Monteverdi to music theater. Favorite roles include: Drusilla in L'incoronazione di Poppea, Popelka in Comedy on the Bridge, Marie in La Fille du Régiment, and First Lady in The Magic Flute. She also had the fortune to work as a young artist with Hubbard Hall Opera Theater, Pacific Encore Productions, and OperaWorks. A passion for new music led her to create two roles for composer Francis Lynch, as well as perform in the Midwest premiere of With Blood, With Ink (Dying Juana). Later this fall, Hillary will be making her role debut as Mimi in La Boheme. Hillary holds degrees from NYU and Roosevelt University, and currently resides in Chicago where she studies with Mark Crayton.
Caitleen Kahn
(Soprano, Anna, Bride, Voices)
Soprano Caitleen Kahn is a passionate and communicative performer, devoted to facilitating universal access to the arts. She is the co-founder and executive director of the art song organization Lynx Project, acclaimed for its groundbreaking Autism Advocacy Series. Caitleen was a 2017 participant in The Song Continues program at Carnegie Hall, a 2016 Byron Fellow, and the 2015 recipient of the Shouse Fellowship for her work with Musicambia, a nonprofit establishing music conservatories within incarceration facilities. When she’s not singing or “administrating,” you’ll probably find her exploring the city with her dog and husband, teaching violin at Chicago Arts and Music Project, or running (Chicago Marathon 2019!).
(Soprano, Anna, Bride, Voices)
Soprano Caitleen Kahn is a passionate and communicative performer, devoted to facilitating universal access to the arts. She is the co-founder and executive director of the art song organization Lynx Project, acclaimed for its groundbreaking Autism Advocacy Series. Caitleen was a 2017 participant in The Song Continues program at Carnegie Hall, a 2016 Byron Fellow, and the 2015 recipient of the Shouse Fellowship for her work with Musicambia, a nonprofit establishing music conservatories within incarceration facilities. When she’s not singing or “administrating,” you’ll probably find her exploring the city with her dog and husband, teaching violin at Chicago Arts and Music Project, or running (Chicago Marathon 2019!).
Evita Cervoni Trembley
(Mezzo, Bride, Anna, Voices)
Mezzo-soprano Evita Cervoni Trembley holds a Master of Music in Voice Performance and has performed in a variety of major cities including Toronto, Rome, and Chicago. Evita has been described as “possessing [a] strong and beautiful voice,” and has performed the roles of Ma Dowling in Patience and Sarah, Mamma Lucia Cavalleria Rusticana, Arnalta in L’incoronazione di Poppea, Eva in Comedy on the Bridge, Third Spirit in Die Zauberflöte, Kate in Madame Butterfly, and Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance. Evita currently studies with Judith Haddon and is thrilled to be working with the Third Eye Theatre Ensemble again.
(Mezzo, Bride, Anna, Voices)
Mezzo-soprano Evita Cervoni Trembley holds a Master of Music in Voice Performance and has performed in a variety of major cities including Toronto, Rome, and Chicago. Evita has been described as “possessing [a] strong and beautiful voice,” and has performed the roles of Ma Dowling in Patience and Sarah, Mamma Lucia Cavalleria Rusticana, Arnalta in L’incoronazione di Poppea, Eva in Comedy on the Bridge, Third Spirit in Die Zauberflöte, Kate in Madame Butterfly, and Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance. Evita currently studies with Judith Haddon and is thrilled to be working with the Third Eye Theatre Ensemble again.
Ilana Goldstein
(Mezzo, Bride, Anna, Voices)
Recent opera appearances include Opera Atelier's Pygmalion and Actéon; a "Night at the Opera" concert with the Narragansett Bay Symphony; Hindemith's Hin und zurück (Helene); and John Musto's Later the Same Evening (Rose). Ilana also performs regularly with Music of the Baroque and the Grant Park Music Festival Chorus. Passionate about new music, recent highlights include the premiere of Julia Wolfe's Fire in my Mouth with the Crossing Choir and the New York Philharmonic, and Another woman of another kind by Richard Beaudoin with flutist Claire Chase, as well as multiple programs with NON-op: Open Opera Works here in Chicago. זכור.
(Mezzo, Bride, Anna, Voices)
Recent opera appearances include Opera Atelier's Pygmalion and Actéon; a "Night at the Opera" concert with the Narragansett Bay Symphony; Hindemith's Hin und zurück (Helene); and John Musto's Later the Same Evening (Rose). Ilana also performs regularly with Music of the Baroque and the Grant Park Music Festival Chorus. Passionate about new music, recent highlights include the premiere of Julia Wolfe's Fire in my Mouth with the Crossing Choir and the New York Philharmonic, and Another woman of another kind by Richard Beaudoin with flutist Claire Chase, as well as multiple programs with NON-op: Open Opera Works here in Chicago. זכור.
Stan DeCwikiel
(Tenor, Patriarch, Voices)
Stan DeCwikiel is grateful to return to Third Eye Theatre Ensemble, where he was most recently featured as Padre Antonio in WIth Blood With Ink. He performed as Canio in Pagliacci and as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly for Main Street Opera. Stan was featured as El Piragüero in Porchlight Music Theatre’s long-running In The Heights. He has sung roles such as Florestan in Fidelio, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, the Governor and Vanderdendur in Candide, Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, and Jeník in Bartered Bride. Stan studied voice at DePaul University, and participated in Des Moines Metro Opera’s Artist Apprentice Program. Stan is currently a tenor section leader at Church of Our Savior Episcopal in Chicago, and has been featured as the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah.
(Tenor, Patriarch, Voices)
Stan DeCwikiel is grateful to return to Third Eye Theatre Ensemble, where he was most recently featured as Padre Antonio in WIth Blood With Ink. He performed as Canio in Pagliacci and as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly for Main Street Opera. Stan was featured as El Piragüero in Porchlight Music Theatre’s long-running In The Heights. He has sung roles such as Florestan in Fidelio, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, the Governor and Vanderdendur in Candide, Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd, and Jeník in Bartered Bride. Stan studied voice at DePaul University, and participated in Des Moines Metro Opera’s Artist Apprentice Program. Stan is currently a tenor section leader at Church of Our Savior Episcopal in Chicago, and has been featured as the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah.
Steven Michael Patrick
(Tenor, Patriarch, Voices)
Steven Michael Patrick is a recent addition to the Chicago opera community. Since arriving in September of 2018, Steven Michael has performed frequently with local storefront companies and Opera on Tap. This season, he is a Core Associate member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, a Supplementary Chorus Member with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and will be touring Midwestern schools with Opera for the Young. He is very excited to be a part of this production, and hopes you have enjoyed it as much as he has. If you were affected by tonight's story, please call your representatives and urge them to end the camps on the border. Never Again Is Now.
(Tenor, Patriarch, Voices)
Steven Michael Patrick is a recent addition to the Chicago opera community. Since arriving in September of 2018, Steven Michael has performed frequently with local storefront companies and Opera on Tap. This season, he is a Core Associate member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, a Supplementary Chorus Member with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and will be touring Midwestern schools with Opera for the Young. He is very excited to be a part of this production, and hopes you have enjoyed it as much as he has. If you were affected by tonight's story, please call your representatives and urge them to end the camps on the border. Never Again Is Now.
Jonathan Wilson
(Bass-Baritone, Jewish Man, Voices)
Jonathan is delighted to be performing in Darkling with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble after appearing in their 2016 production of The Filthy Habit. An enthusiast of contemporary opera, recent favorite productions include When Adonis Calls (Borzoni/De Los Santos/Dillard), As One (Kaminsky/Campbell/Reed), and Little Women (Adamo). Up next, Jonathan is thrilled to perform the title character in Tom Waits’ adaptation of Woyzeck with Chicago Fringe Opera in November and in Wagner’s Götterdämmerung with Lyric Opera Chorus in April. Outside of performing, Jonathan is passionate about math and science and works as an RF engineer and a lecturer of physics and astronomy.
(Bass-Baritone, Jewish Man, Voices)
Jonathan is delighted to be performing in Darkling with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble after appearing in their 2016 production of The Filthy Habit. An enthusiast of contemporary opera, recent favorite productions include When Adonis Calls (Borzoni/De Los Santos/Dillard), As One (Kaminsky/Campbell/Reed), and Little Women (Adamo). Up next, Jonathan is thrilled to perform the title character in Tom Waits’ adaptation of Woyzeck with Chicago Fringe Opera in November and in Wagner’s Götterdämmerung with Lyric Opera Chorus in April. Outside of performing, Jonathan is passionate about math and science and works as an RF engineer and a lecturer of physics and astronomy.
Brandon Sokol
(Bass-Baritone, Jewish Man, Voices)
Lyric baritone Brandon Sokol has been singing since age four, when his musical passion was ignited by a fateful encounter with a VHS copy of “Cats.” He earned his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from DePaul University and has since been performing in staged productions and as a concert soloist throughout Chicagoland. He enjoys singing a variety of repertoire from the worlds of art song, opera, musical theater, and jazz, and has a particular affinity for the work of Stephen Sondheim. Catch Brandon next in the Chicago premiere of The Falling and The Rising with Petite Opera Productions.
(Bass-Baritone, Jewish Man, Voices)
Lyric baritone Brandon Sokol has been singing since age four, when his musical passion was ignited by a fateful encounter with a VHS copy of “Cats.” He earned his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from DePaul University and has since been performing in staged productions and as a concert soloist throughout Chicagoland. He enjoys singing a variety of repertoire from the worlds of art song, opera, musical theater, and jazz, and has a particular affinity for the work of Stephen Sondheim. Catch Brandon next in the Chicago premiere of The Falling and The Rising with Petite Opera Productions.
Elijah Newman
(Actor, Groom, Voices)
This is Elijah's first production with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble. He graduated in May with a BFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He appeared there as Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire, Andrey in Three Sisters and many more. He appeared most recently as Sebastian in Twelfth Night with Odd's Bodkins. Elijah would like to thank his cast and crew, his siblings, and his dog, Harley, for their unconditional support. Elijah would also like to mention his gratitude for the Jewish community; without their perseverance, bravery and love, none of this would be possible.
(Actor, Groom, Voices)
This is Elijah's first production with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble. He graduated in May with a BFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He appeared there as Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire, Andrey in Three Sisters and many more. He appeared most recently as Sebastian in Twelfth Night with Odd's Bodkins. Elijah would like to thank his cast and crew, his siblings, and his dog, Harley, for their unconditional support. Elijah would also like to mention his gratitude for the Jewish community; without their perseverance, bravery and love, none of this would be possible.
Teresa Elj
(Actor, Bride, Voices)
Teresa C Elj is excited to be sharing this story that inspires her deeply activist heart that longs to use theatre as a catalyst for change and conversation. Teresa has recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago earning her a BA in Acting and a Minor in Stage Combat and can be next seen in Valiant Theatre's New Works Festival. In her spare time, Teresa is an Advanced Actor Combatant with the SAFD and BASSC, a freelance teaching artist and singer for children's parties, and active reader. She would like to thank her mother, friends, cast mates, and teachers for all of their love and support. "Remember me forever."
(Actor, Bride, Voices)
Teresa C Elj is excited to be sharing this story that inspires her deeply activist heart that longs to use theatre as a catalyst for change and conversation. Teresa has recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago earning her a BA in Acting and a Minor in Stage Combat and can be next seen in Valiant Theatre's New Works Festival. In her spare time, Teresa is an Advanced Actor Combatant with the SAFD and BASSC, a freelance teaching artist and singer for children's parties, and active reader. She would like to thank her mother, friends, cast mates, and teachers for all of their love and support. "Remember me forever."
Jared Sheldon
(Actor, Mr. Bad Luck, Nazi Announcer, Voices)
Jared is so grateful to be working with Third Eye Ensemble on this project. He feels strongly that works of art like this truly inspire the public discourse, and help us remember the lessons and nuances of history. Though this is Jared's first time working with Third Eye Ensemble, and in fact his first opera, you may have seen him in A Kind of Love Story at Oil Lamp Theatre or The Bible at Artistic Home this last Summer! Other previous credits include A Midsummer Night's Dream at Janus Theatre, Ideal House at Intrinsic Theatre, Play On! at Oil Lamp Theatre, and As You Like It at First Folio. Jared would like to thank Susan and all of the artistic staff for guiding us on this journey, his cast mates for the support they provide, and his partner Sophia for running lines and listening to all my crazy dramaturgical thoughts.
(Actor, Mr. Bad Luck, Nazi Announcer, Voices)
Jared is so grateful to be working with Third Eye Ensemble on this project. He feels strongly that works of art like this truly inspire the public discourse, and help us remember the lessons and nuances of history. Though this is Jared's first time working with Third Eye Ensemble, and in fact his first opera, you may have seen him in A Kind of Love Story at Oil Lamp Theatre or The Bible at Artistic Home this last Summer! Other previous credits include A Midsummer Night's Dream at Janus Theatre, Ideal House at Intrinsic Theatre, Play On! at Oil Lamp Theatre, and As You Like It at First Folio. Jared would like to thank Susan and all of the artistic staff for guiding us on this journey, his cast mates for the support they provide, and his partner Sophia for running lines and listening to all my crazy dramaturgical thoughts.
Haley Crowley
(Actor, Bride, Voices)
Darkling is Haley Crowley's first show with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble! Haley is a transplant from Boston, MA where she studied theatre at Dean College. She moved to Chicago shortly after graduation to pursue a life filled with creating and enjoying art. Her recent credits include Georgeanne in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, Alysha in American Idiot, Mala in The East (World Premiere), and Emily in Our Town. Haley would like to thank her parents for their undying support, Sheila and Fred for their open hearts, and Mason for everything.
(Actor, Bride, Voices)
Darkling is Haley Crowley's first show with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble! Haley is a transplant from Boston, MA where she studied theatre at Dean College. She moved to Chicago shortly after graduation to pursue a life filled with creating and enjoying art. Her recent credits include Georgeanne in Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, Alysha in American Idiot, Mala in The East (World Premiere), and Emily in Our Town. Haley would like to thank her parents for their undying support, Sheila and Fred for their open hearts, and Mason for everything.
Kendal Romero
(Actor, Female Understudy)
Kendal Romero is delighted to be working with Third Eye Ensemble! She has worked with various Chicago theatres including Three Brothers Theatre, CenterStage, Ghostlight Ensemble, and Otherworld Theatre. Chicago film credits include Old School, Fibril, and others, including the award winning indie horror film Straight Edge Kegger. A graduate of the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre and BYU-Idaho, she is represented by Lily's Talent. @romero.kendal, www.kendalromero.com
(Actor, Female Understudy)
Kendal Romero is delighted to be working with Third Eye Ensemble! She has worked with various Chicago theatres including Three Brothers Theatre, CenterStage, Ghostlight Ensemble, and Otherworld Theatre. Chicago film credits include Old School, Fibril, and others, including the award winning indie horror film Straight Edge Kegger. A graduate of the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre and BYU-Idaho, she is represented by Lily's Talent. @romero.kendal, www.kendalromero.com
Nat Kier
(Actor, Male Understudy)
Nat is thrilled to make his Third Eye debut! Previous credits include Crossing Delancey at the Skokie Theatre and the documentary play This is About Church at the United Church of Rogers Park. Nat has also performed in play festivals for the Agency Theater Collective, the Arc Theatre, and the Saint Sebastian Players. A graduate of Northwestern University, Nat offers countless thanks to his friends, family, and the terrific cast and crew.
(Actor, Male Understudy)
Nat is thrilled to make his Third Eye debut! Previous credits include Crossing Delancey at the Skokie Theatre and the documentary play This is About Church at the United Church of Rogers Park. Nat has also performed in play festivals for the Agency Theater Collective, the Arc Theatre, and the Saint Sebastian Players. A graduate of Northwestern University, Nat offers countless thanks to his friends, family, and the terrific cast and crew.
Jason Carlson
(Music Director)
Jason Carlson is a collaborative pianist and vocal coach. He is a frequent recitalist and performer, including recent appearances with New York Philharmonic trombonist Joseph Alessi, legendary flautist Sir James Galway, and a lecture recital on law and opera with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a répétiteur, Jason has worked with renowed singers such as Neil Shicoff and Elizabeth Futral, and also served as principal accompanist and auxiliary conductor for performances of Madama Butterfly, La fanciulla del west, and Otello with the late Maestro Lorin Maazel. Jason is currently on faculty in the opera department at his alma mater, Northwestern University. He is also the founding music director for Third Eye Theatre Ensemble and Main Street Opera in Chicago.
(Music Director)
Jason Carlson is a collaborative pianist and vocal coach. He is a frequent recitalist and performer, including recent appearances with New York Philharmonic trombonist Joseph Alessi, legendary flautist Sir James Galway, and a lecture recital on law and opera with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a répétiteur, Jason has worked with renowed singers such as Neil Shicoff and Elizabeth Futral, and also served as principal accompanist and auxiliary conductor for performances of Madama Butterfly, La fanciulla del west, and Otello with the late Maestro Lorin Maazel. Jason is currently on faculty in the opera department at his alma mater, Northwestern University. He is also the founding music director for Third Eye Theatre Ensemble and Main Street Opera in Chicago.
Susan Padveen
(Stage Director)
Susan Padveen is a freelance director, writer, educator and producer. Susan directed Still, Now by Katie Bender in the Sheldon Patinkin Theatre last winter. Last year she took her production of The Portrait, a biographical one man show about Gustav Klimt she wrote and directed in a co-production with the Greenhouse Theatre for their Solo Celebration Festival to Springworks Festival in Stratford, Ontario. At Polarity Ensemble Theatre she directed Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night, the world premiere of The White Airplane by Darren Callahan and the world premiere of Richard Engling’s Anna in the Afterlife. Three summers ago she participated in an artist residency at Ko Festival in Amherst, Massachusetts, continuing development of a devised play, The In-Between, which was also awarded a faculty development grant for further development. She co-curated and produced a Festival of devised work called Dancing on the Ceiling as a Box Partner at Stage 773, (and directed A Mighty Heart as part of it.) She has directed repeatedly at Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, The National Jewish Theatre (where she was co-Artistic Director), Pegasus Players, and for the Neapolitans. Susan is an Associate Professor/Associate Chair at Columbia College Chicago in the Theatre Department, where she teaches acting and directing. Favorite productions there include John Guare’s Landscape of the Body, He Who Gets Slapped and the Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. Susan has written several adaptations of novels and stories for performance, including Baaa, Autobiography of a Face, and An American Tragedy, which is currently being adapted into a musical. She is a long-time member of the Jeff Awards Committee A/T team and on the board of the League of Chicago Theatres. Susan recently created and published a set of rehearsal exercise flash cards called Pro-Acting Cards for actors, directors and teachers. She is excited to be working with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble for the first time.
(Stage Director)
Susan Padveen is a freelance director, writer, educator and producer. Susan directed Still, Now by Katie Bender in the Sheldon Patinkin Theatre last winter. Last year she took her production of The Portrait, a biographical one man show about Gustav Klimt she wrote and directed in a co-production with the Greenhouse Theatre for their Solo Celebration Festival to Springworks Festival in Stratford, Ontario. At Polarity Ensemble Theatre she directed Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night, the world premiere of The White Airplane by Darren Callahan and the world premiere of Richard Engling’s Anna in the Afterlife. Three summers ago she participated in an artist residency at Ko Festival in Amherst, Massachusetts, continuing development of a devised play, The In-Between, which was also awarded a faculty development grant for further development. She co-curated and produced a Festival of devised work called Dancing on the Ceiling as a Box Partner at Stage 773, (and directed A Mighty Heart as part of it.) She has directed repeatedly at Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, The National Jewish Theatre (where she was co-Artistic Director), Pegasus Players, and for the Neapolitans. Susan is an Associate Professor/Associate Chair at Columbia College Chicago in the Theatre Department, where she teaches acting and directing. Favorite productions there include John Guare’s Landscape of the Body, He Who Gets Slapped and the Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. Susan has written several adaptations of novels and stories for performance, including Baaa, Autobiography of a Face, and An American Tragedy, which is currently being adapted into a musical. She is a long-time member of the Jeff Awards Committee A/T team and on the board of the League of Chicago Theatres. Susan recently created and published a set of rehearsal exercise flash cards called Pro-Acting Cards for actors, directors and teachers. She is excited to be working with Third Eye Theatre Ensemble for the first time.
Gregory Tufts
(Conductor)
Gregory Tufts is thrilled to join Third Eye for their production of Darkling. For several seasons he was the conductor for Main Street Opera in Arlington Heights, IL, where he led productions of Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci, Falstaff, Lucia di Lammermoor, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi. An advocate of non-traditional performances, he conducted Verdi’s Falstaff in a pub and Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro in an historical mansion. He has also worked with Lingerie Lyrique, a company that fuses traditional opera with elements of burlesque and Vaudeville. Other engagements include Die Walküre, Candide, Die Fledermaus, La traviata, Die Zauberflöte, and Don Pasquale. He holds degrees from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
(Conductor)
Gregory Tufts is thrilled to join Third Eye for their production of Darkling. For several seasons he was the conductor for Main Street Opera in Arlington Heights, IL, where he led productions of Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci, Falstaff, Lucia di Lammermoor, Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi. An advocate of non-traditional performances, he conducted Verdi’s Falstaff in a pub and Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro in an historical mansion. He has also worked with Lingerie Lyrique, a company that fuses traditional opera with elements of burlesque and Vaudeville. Other engagements include Die Walküre, Candide, Die Fledermaus, La traviata, Die Zauberflöte, and Don Pasquale. He holds degrees from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Jessica Siletzky
(Assistant Director, Projections Designer)
Jessica Siletzky is an eclectic artist with many skill sets. She studied flute performance and music education certifying as a K-12 music teacher and serving four years in the US Marine Corps as a flute/piccolo performer. As a veteran, Jessica began pursuing visual storytelling returning to school for a 2nd Bachelor’s Degree in Documentary Photography and Filmmaking. During her time in film school, she moved into acting and directing, taking on roles in student plays and musicals and studying stage combat at Columbia College Chicago. She is currently pursuing professional acting, directing, photography and film work in the Chicagoland area.
(Assistant Director, Projections Designer)
Jessica Siletzky is an eclectic artist with many skill sets. She studied flute performance and music education certifying as a K-12 music teacher and serving four years in the US Marine Corps as a flute/piccolo performer. As a veteran, Jessica began pursuing visual storytelling returning to school for a 2nd Bachelor’s Degree in Documentary Photography and Filmmaking. During her time in film school, she moved into acting and directing, taking on roles in student plays and musicals and studying stage combat at Columbia College Chicago. She is currently pursuing professional acting, directing, photography and film work in the Chicagoland area.
Sheryl Williams
(Choreographer)
Sheryl Williams is a Senior at Columbia College Chicago studying towards her B.A in Musical Theater with a Minor in Stage Combat and personal focus in Intimacy design. This is her Chicago premier and has been so thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on this wonderful and thought-provoking piece. She has previously choreographed for Susan Padveen’s production of Still, Now at Columbia College Chicago.
(Choreographer)
Sheryl Williams is a Senior at Columbia College Chicago studying towards her B.A in Musical Theater with a Minor in Stage Combat and personal focus in Intimacy design. This is her Chicago premier and has been so thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on this wonderful and thought-provoking piece. She has previously choreographed for Susan Padveen’s production of Still, Now at Columbia College Chicago.
Shelby Krarup
(Stage Manager)
Shelby Krarup has worked extensively as a stage manager for everything from corporate events to regional opera, including an annual Broadway-based music festival in NYC. She is a company member of Third Eye Theatre Ensemble. She splits her time managing with costuming, hair, and special effects make-up endeavors both for theatre and personal enjoyment. Away from the theatre, her time is spent crafting, knitting and occasionally using her dual focus degree in voice and violin performance.
(Stage Manager)
Shelby Krarup has worked extensively as a stage manager for everything from corporate events to regional opera, including an annual Broadway-based music festival in NYC. She is a company member of Third Eye Theatre Ensemble. She splits her time managing with costuming, hair, and special effects make-up endeavors both for theatre and personal enjoyment. Away from the theatre, her time is spent crafting, knitting and occasionally using her dual focus degree in voice and violin performance.
Mariah Pendleton
(Scenic Designer and Technical Director)
Mariah Pendleton is a Scenic Designer and Technical Director originally from Zionsville, Indiana. She recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago where she was a part of many productions including Conference of the Birds, and Rozencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
(Scenic Designer and Technical Director)
Mariah Pendleton is a Scenic Designer and Technical Director originally from Zionsville, Indiana. She recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago where she was a part of many productions including Conference of the Birds, and Rozencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
Benjamin L. White
(Lighting Designer)
Benjamin L. White, USA† is principal consultant for Oak Park-based White Light Design, Inc. (www.WLDesign.com). Mr. White's early work in RI and graduate studies at UW-Madison has yielded an expertise ranging from architectural consulting to live industrial shows, exhibits, theatre, dance, and TV production. Architectural Projects include designs for Citadel, 10 S. LaSalle, Chicago Board of Trade, 1 S. Wacker, Willow Creek Community Church, Ravinia orchestra pavilion, Rick Bayless’s Topolobampo restaurant and numerous high-end residences. In addition, Mr. White has designed in Hong Kong, live international teleconferences from Broadway, London and Boston. Mr. White is very excited to be collaborating again with director Susan Padveen (most recently Klimt). Other theatre credits include original musicals for Off-Broadway and the Broadway-based dance company, American Dance Machine and recent world premiere Chicago productions of Chops, Leavings, The Portrait, Never A Bridesmaid, Fall Out, Anna In The Afterlife, Miracles In The Fall, Ten Cent Night, Slaphappy & Any Someone At All. In his spare time, Mr. White may be found racing his offshore sailboat Radiance. In the yachting community, Mr. White is known as Captain Ben as he holds a United States Coast Guard Master Captains’ license. This passion of Mr. White’s includes sailing instruction, charters, and being a certified measurer of racing boats for US Sailing (visit www.RadianceCharters.com).
† "Member of United Scenic Artists, the Union of Professional Designers and Artists for the Entertainment Industry."
(Lighting Designer)
Benjamin L. White, USA† is principal consultant for Oak Park-based White Light Design, Inc. (www.WLDesign.com). Mr. White's early work in RI and graduate studies at UW-Madison has yielded an expertise ranging from architectural consulting to live industrial shows, exhibits, theatre, dance, and TV production. Architectural Projects include designs for Citadel, 10 S. LaSalle, Chicago Board of Trade, 1 S. Wacker, Willow Creek Community Church, Ravinia orchestra pavilion, Rick Bayless’s Topolobampo restaurant and numerous high-end residences. In addition, Mr. White has designed in Hong Kong, live international teleconferences from Broadway, London and Boston. Mr. White is very excited to be collaborating again with director Susan Padveen (most recently Klimt). Other theatre credits include original musicals for Off-Broadway and the Broadway-based dance company, American Dance Machine and recent world premiere Chicago productions of Chops, Leavings, The Portrait, Never A Bridesmaid, Fall Out, Anna In The Afterlife, Miracles In The Fall, Ten Cent Night, Slaphappy & Any Someone At All. In his spare time, Mr. White may be found racing his offshore sailboat Radiance. In the yachting community, Mr. White is known as Captain Ben as he holds a United States Coast Guard Master Captains’ license. This passion of Mr. White’s includes sailing instruction, charters, and being a certified measurer of racing boats for US Sailing (visit www.RadianceCharters.com).
† "Member of United Scenic Artists, the Union of Professional Designers and Artists for the Entertainment Industry."
Melissa Arbetter
(Orchestra - Violin)
Melissa is honored to be a part of Darkling and is passionate about championing such artistic projects. She is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and DePaul University. When not performing in Chicago theatrical productions or orchestral/chamber music settings, Melissa can be found sharing her music with young students. Violin Faculty, Music Institute of Chicago.
(Orchestra - Violin)
Melissa is honored to be a part of Darkling and is passionate about championing such artistic projects. She is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and DePaul University. When not performing in Chicago theatrical productions or orchestral/chamber music settings, Melissa can be found sharing her music with young students. Violin Faculty, Music Institute of Chicago.
Diana Ortiz
(Orchestra - Violin)
Diana Ortiz, a native from Bogota, Colombia, is a violinist, teacher, and music librarian based in Chicago, Illinois. After starting her Bachelor’s degree under the study of Leonardo Federico Hoyos in Colombia, she transferred and finalized her Bachelor of Arts degree at The College of Saint Rose where she studied with Amanda Brin. She has her Master’s and Certificate degrees in Violin Performance from DePaul University where she studied with Olga Kaler, Carolyn Stuart, and I-Hao Lee. She is also a trained Suzuki violin teacher, and is part of the DePaul University Community Music Division Faculty. After serving as a librarian for the DePaul School of Music for almost four years, she has had the opportunity to work as a music librarian for the Oistrakh Symphony, Chicago Sinfonietta, and Chicago Philharmonic Orchestras.
(Orchestra - Violin)
Diana Ortiz, a native from Bogota, Colombia, is a violinist, teacher, and music librarian based in Chicago, Illinois. After starting her Bachelor’s degree under the study of Leonardo Federico Hoyos in Colombia, she transferred and finalized her Bachelor of Arts degree at The College of Saint Rose where she studied with Amanda Brin. She has her Master’s and Certificate degrees in Violin Performance from DePaul University where she studied with Olga Kaler, Carolyn Stuart, and I-Hao Lee. She is also a trained Suzuki violin teacher, and is part of the DePaul University Community Music Division Faculty. After serving as a librarian for the DePaul School of Music for almost four years, she has had the opportunity to work as a music librarian for the Oistrakh Symphony, Chicago Sinfonietta, and Chicago Philharmonic Orchestras.