MEET THE CAST OF BOTTOM LITTLE THEATRE...
JESS GILLARD | "KATH BAILEY"
Jessica fell into theatre by accident while she was in college and has been hooked ever since. She has recently performed with a variety of community theatre companies around the St. Louis area, including Kirkwood Theatre Guild, Hawthorne Players, and Theatre Guild of Webster Groves. She has performed in a variety of stage productions, including Crossing Delancey (Izzy Grossman), Leading Ladies (Audrey), Radium Girls (Sob Sister), and Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Nikki Crandall, Helsa Wenzel). She recently received an award for “Best Cameo Actress” for her various roles in the ensemble of Hawthorne Player’s production of The Wiz at the company’s annual awards banquet. Jessica has been singing and dancing since the age of three, and she particularly loves ballet and musical theatre. She has choreographed several musicals, including Joseph and the Amazing, Technicolor Dreamcoat, Into the Woods, High School Musical, and Seussical, Jr. She also plays the piano and French horn and has performed at Carnegie Hall. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology and works in the mental health field. She is thrilled to be a part of Bottom Little Theatre!
Jessica fell into theatre by accident while she was in college and has been hooked ever since. She has recently performed with a variety of community theatre companies around the St. Louis area, including Kirkwood Theatre Guild, Hawthorne Players, and Theatre Guild of Webster Groves. She has performed in a variety of stage productions, including Crossing Delancey (Izzy Grossman), Leading Ladies (Audrey), Radium Girls (Sob Sister), and Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Nikki Crandall, Helsa Wenzel). She recently received an award for “Best Cameo Actress” for her various roles in the ensemble of Hawthorne Player’s production of The Wiz at the company’s annual awards banquet. Jessica has been singing and dancing since the age of three, and she particularly loves ballet and musical theatre. She has choreographed several musicals, including Joseph and the Amazing, Technicolor Dreamcoat, Into the Woods, High School Musical, and Seussical, Jr. She also plays the piano and French horn and has performed at Carnegie Hall. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology and works in the mental health field. She is thrilled to be a part of Bottom Little Theatre!
KATHARINE BURSTEIN | "ARIEL LOVAGE"
Katharine is thrilled to be making her big breakout role with Ariel in Bottom Little Theater! She recently moved back from Los Angeles where she studied voice acting under the one and only Goofy (Bill Farmer). She has been acting since middle school, with such productions as Once Upon a Mattress, Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Music Man, and Hair in her repertoire, and majored in theater at Occidental College in Los Angeles. She hopes that this experience will open even more doors for her in the St. Louis acting community!
Katharine is thrilled to be making her big breakout role with Ariel in Bottom Little Theater! She recently moved back from Los Angeles where she studied voice acting under the one and only Goofy (Bill Farmer). She has been acting since middle school, with such productions as Once Upon a Mattress, Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Music Man, and Hair in her repertoire, and majored in theater at Occidental College in Los Angeles. She hopes that this experience will open even more doors for her in the St. Louis acting community!
HUNTER HOFFMAN | "JOSH SOMMERS"
A native of Washington D.C., Hunter Hoffman is an actor based out of New York City. He holds a B.A. in Theatre from Principia College and is also a recent graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. His most recent theatrical credits include Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (South Brooklyn Shakespeare), Macduff in Macbeth (Abtsract Sentiment Theatre Co.), and Lee in the world premiere of Curling: The Musical (Treehouse Theater). Hunter is also featured in the second season of Hunting Season, as well as the short film, Real Dreams, both currently in post-production, and will be starring in the new short film, Nipples, shooting in late April. Hunter can also be spotted in various commercials for Taco Bell, Samsung, and Florida Lottery. Alongside his acting, Hunter is also a musician, and plays at numerous venues around New York under the recording alias, The Lost Wayne. His original music can be found on iTunes, Spotify, and most other music sites. He is thrilled to be a part of Bottom Little Theatre and is very excited to work again with Trish Brown, his former theatre professor!
A native of Washington D.C., Hunter Hoffman is an actor based out of New York City. He holds a B.A. in Theatre from Principia College and is also a recent graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. His most recent theatrical credits include Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet (South Brooklyn Shakespeare), Macduff in Macbeth (Abtsract Sentiment Theatre Co.), and Lee in the world premiere of Curling: The Musical (Treehouse Theater). Hunter is also featured in the second season of Hunting Season, as well as the short film, Real Dreams, both currently in post-production, and will be starring in the new short film, Nipples, shooting in late April. Hunter can also be spotted in various commercials for Taco Bell, Samsung, and Florida Lottery. Alongside his acting, Hunter is also a musician, and plays at numerous venues around New York under the recording alias, The Lost Wayne. His original music can be found on iTunes, Spotify, and most other music sites. He is thrilled to be a part of Bottom Little Theatre and is very excited to work again with Trish Brown, his former theatre professor!
JOHN J. O'HAGAN | "NICK BOTTOM"
John O’Hagan has worked in professional and academic theatre for the past 20 years. He holds both a BFA and an MFA in Performance from the University of Idaho. He has worked with numerous companies including 2 seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where he appeared in Cyrano de Bergerac, The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew and On the Razzle. In addition, John did two regional school tours with OSF which allowed him the wonderful opportunity of playing, among other roles, Hamlet. Other favorite acting credits include: All roles in the one man show I Am My Own Wife, James in Time Stands Still, Harry in The Understudy, Fr. Flynn in Doubt, Hal in Proof, the title role in Macbeth, Einstein in Picasso at Lapin Agile, and Jack Absolute in The Rivals. Recent directing credits include: Stones in His Pockets, Fuddy Meers, The Beaux’ Stratagem, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Rent, Three Days of Rain and a 45 minute version of Romeo and Juliet that toured junior and senior highs schools in Wyoming.
John taught in the Theatre and Dance Department at the University of Wyoming for five years and has been recognized several times by Region VII of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival including three Certificates of Merit for Directing and one for fight direction. In 2010, Six Songs from Ellis, an original dance/theatre piece conceived and choreographed by Marsha Knight and co-directed by Knight and O’Hagan was selected as the first alternate to the national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and received an award for Distinguished Achievement in Directing from the KC/ACTF National Selection team. John received a Mayor’s Award for Artistic Excellence in 2003 (Boise, ID) and an Outstanding Faculty Award from the University of Idaho’s Academic Assistance program in 2005. He is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and a recommended Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors.
John O’Hagan has worked in professional and academic theatre for the past 20 years. He holds both a BFA and an MFA in Performance from the University of Idaho. He has worked with numerous companies including 2 seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where he appeared in Cyrano de Bergerac, The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest, The Taming of the Shrew and On the Razzle. In addition, John did two regional school tours with OSF which allowed him the wonderful opportunity of playing, among other roles, Hamlet. Other favorite acting credits include: All roles in the one man show I Am My Own Wife, James in Time Stands Still, Harry in The Understudy, Fr. Flynn in Doubt, Hal in Proof, the title role in Macbeth, Einstein in Picasso at Lapin Agile, and Jack Absolute in The Rivals. Recent directing credits include: Stones in His Pockets, Fuddy Meers, The Beaux’ Stratagem, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Rent, Three Days of Rain and a 45 minute version of Romeo and Juliet that toured junior and senior highs schools in Wyoming.
John taught in the Theatre and Dance Department at the University of Wyoming for five years and has been recognized several times by Region VII of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival including three Certificates of Merit for Directing and one for fight direction. In 2010, Six Songs from Ellis, an original dance/theatre piece conceived and choreographed by Marsha Knight and co-directed by Knight and O’Hagan was selected as the first alternate to the national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and received an award for Distinguished Achievement in Directing from the KC/ACTF National Selection team. John received a Mayor’s Award for Artistic Excellence in 2003 (Boise, ID) and an Outstanding Faculty Award from the University of Idaho’s Academic Assistance program in 2005. He is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and a recommended Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors.
KEVIN ANDWELE | "JAMES"
Kevin is excited and honored to be playing the role of James in BLT! Kevin is a native of St. Louis and a graduate of nearby Edwardsville High. He has a degree in English with an emphasis on Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Southern Indiana and is currently earning his teaching certification from SIUE. When he isn’t busy preparing for auditions or acting, Kevin is playing or coaching soccer, writing or reading. Kevin has acted in a variety of roles such as "Horatio" in St. Louis Shakespeare’s Hamlet, "Lyons Maxson" in Bradley University’s Fences, "Seaweed J. Stubbs" in Alton Little Theatre’s Hairspray, "The Scarecrow" in Hawthorne Players’ The Wiz as well as numerous others. He will next be playing the role of "Orlando" in As You Like It with Slightly Askew Theatre which opens in February 2016. Kevin would like to thank his family for their constant support and inspiration, his BLT cast and crew for all the fun and God for the blessing and love of theatre and the reminder that there is always something bigger at play, even if we don’t immediately see it. Always remember: The talent or talents we have are a gift from God and using those talents are a gift back to God.
Kevin is excited and honored to be playing the role of James in BLT! Kevin is a native of St. Louis and a graduate of nearby Edwardsville High. He has a degree in English with an emphasis on Rhetoric and Writing from the University of Southern Indiana and is currently earning his teaching certification from SIUE. When he isn’t busy preparing for auditions or acting, Kevin is playing or coaching soccer, writing or reading. Kevin has acted in a variety of roles such as "Horatio" in St. Louis Shakespeare’s Hamlet, "Lyons Maxson" in Bradley University’s Fences, "Seaweed J. Stubbs" in Alton Little Theatre’s Hairspray, "The Scarecrow" in Hawthorne Players’ The Wiz as well as numerous others. He will next be playing the role of "Orlando" in As You Like It with Slightly Askew Theatre which opens in February 2016. Kevin would like to thank his family for their constant support and inspiration, his BLT cast and crew for all the fun and God for the blessing and love of theatre and the reminder that there is always something bigger at play, even if we don’t immediately see it. Always remember: The talent or talents we have are a gift from God and using those talents are a gift back to God.
CHARLY KELLY | "CHIP LAWSEN"
Charly is the proverbial renaissance man...or is it jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none? He performed the one-man theatre production, The Diary of an Ol' Brownie Fan, before being a principal ('Dr. Adolf Marbach') in the documentary Walther, which received the red carpet treatment at the the Des Peres 14 cinema. He is a Pro Bowler, does 30 impressions and authored the book The Backslider, under the name Clyde King. He is honored to have been chosen to play Chip Lawsen in his first series. All that's left on the bucket lis is a stand-u[ routine!
Charly is the proverbial renaissance man...or is it jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none? He performed the one-man theatre production, The Diary of an Ol' Brownie Fan, before being a principal ('Dr. Adolf Marbach') in the documentary Walther, which received the red carpet treatment at the the Des Peres 14 cinema. He is a Pro Bowler, does 30 impressions and authored the book The Backslider, under the name Clyde King. He is honored to have been chosen to play Chip Lawsen in his first series. All that's left on the bucket lis is a stand-u[ routine!
DARIN PIERCE | "KELLY"
LOU CARIFFE | "BARNABY" and "MR. B"
Lou has been in theatre and film for over twenty years. He's looking forward to working with Trish and Angela and the cast and crew of Bottom Little Theatre.
Lou has been in theatre and film for over twenty years. He's looking forward to working with Trish and Angela and the cast and crew of Bottom Little Theatre.
JODI STOCKTON | "NORMA" and "CORONER"
New to the St. Louis area, Jodi Stockton worked in Central Indiana theatre for many years. Professional credits include: Nellie (South Pacific), Ado Annie (Oklahoma), and Adelaide (Guys and Dolls) at Myers Dinner Theatre and four productions with the Indianapolis Opera. Jodi also sang with Intimate Opera and The Steele Project opera companies in Indianapolis. Favorite community theater roles include Sister Amnesia (Nunsense), Nancy (Oliver!), Marian (Music Man) and Kate (Kiss Me Kate). Since her arrival in this area, Jodi has worked closely with Ted Trent Studios and Circa87 on the films Belleville (as a publicist), Expect Delays (as a Caroler in the movie and a lead publicist), and with Circa87 on Love Chronicles (of the Cape) (as a lead publicist), and recently had a leading role in their latest production, Somewhere Between Arnold and Festus.
New to the St. Louis area, Jodi Stockton worked in Central Indiana theatre for many years. Professional credits include: Nellie (South Pacific), Ado Annie (Oklahoma), and Adelaide (Guys and Dolls) at Myers Dinner Theatre and four productions with the Indianapolis Opera. Jodi also sang with Intimate Opera and The Steele Project opera companies in Indianapolis. Favorite community theater roles include Sister Amnesia (Nunsense), Nancy (Oliver!), Marian (Music Man) and Kate (Kiss Me Kate). Since her arrival in this area, Jodi has worked closely with Ted Trent Studios and Circa87 on the films Belleville (as a publicist), Expect Delays (as a Caroler in the movie and a lead publicist), and with Circa87 on Love Chronicles (of the Cape) (as a lead publicist), and recently had a leading role in their latest production, Somewhere Between Arnold and Festus.
MARK VAN DONSEL | "LEONID"
Mark Van Donsel is a film actor who has played variety of roles such as a CIA agent, the right hand man to the king, husband and father, doctor, mafia member, half-man and half-horse, chief information officer, rich man, homeless man. He has played both lead and supporting roles. A character actor who is familiar with mockumentary style, he has strong comedic ability and improvisation skills. He was recently added to the cast of the TV series Up On High Ground as the role of faculty member Wil. Mark comes from a family of actors and models. His wife is a full-time commercial and print model, sometimes actress, and is represented by different model and talent agencies in the US. She is on a billboard for the YMCA along with their two older children. Their oldest son is also a film and theater actor and model. He is currently the lead actor in the stage play written and directed by Jim Sala. He was also one of the child models in the recently concluded Atlanta Kids Fashion Week and walked for children’s brand Monsoon Children. Their daughter has done two commercials before the age of eight, one for St. Louis Rams and the other for AT&T U-Verse. She is also an English equestrian rider. Aside from acting, Mark is an established and published artist, active in the art scene for more than 20 years. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, and a Master’s degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa. His professional artistic skills include cartooning, ceramics and pottery, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Mark was in the US Navy for six years. He is also a certified scuba diver. His other skills include electronics, mechanics, baseball, basketball, billiards, boating, body surfing, bowling, canoeing, cycling, fishing, ice hockey, shooting, snow skiing, snowmobiling, swimming, volleyball, wrestling, motorcycle riding, and golf.
Mark Van Donsel is a film actor who has played variety of roles such as a CIA agent, the right hand man to the king, husband and father, doctor, mafia member, half-man and half-horse, chief information officer, rich man, homeless man. He has played both lead and supporting roles. A character actor who is familiar with mockumentary style, he has strong comedic ability and improvisation skills. He was recently added to the cast of the TV series Up On High Ground as the role of faculty member Wil. Mark comes from a family of actors and models. His wife is a full-time commercial and print model, sometimes actress, and is represented by different model and talent agencies in the US. She is on a billboard for the YMCA along with their two older children. Their oldest son is also a film and theater actor and model. He is currently the lead actor in the stage play written and directed by Jim Sala. He was also one of the child models in the recently concluded Atlanta Kids Fashion Week and walked for children’s brand Monsoon Children. Their daughter has done two commercials before the age of eight, one for St. Louis Rams and the other for AT&T U-Verse. She is also an English equestrian rider. Aside from acting, Mark is an established and published artist, active in the art scene for more than 20 years. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, and a Master’s degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa. His professional artistic skills include cartooning, ceramics and pottery, painting, drawing, and sculpture. Mark was in the US Navy for six years. He is also a certified scuba diver. His other skills include electronics, mechanics, baseball, basketball, billiards, boating, body surfing, bowling, canoeing, cycling, fishing, ice hockey, shooting, snow skiing, snowmobiling, swimming, volleyball, wrestling, motorcycle riding, and golf.
CAMILLE MAROLF | "SAMMI"
MICHAEL HARRISON | "RABBI O'LEARY"
Michael Harrison graduated from Principia College in 1991 with a BA in Theatre. He spent some time in Los Angeles doing movie work in the early 1990s. He has dabbled in community theatre over the years and did some voice over work in the intervening years. Now, after several years completely out of the theatre scene, Michael is happy to be back in it for this fun project!
Michael Harrison graduated from Principia College in 1991 with a BA in Theatre. He spent some time in Los Angeles doing movie work in the early 1990s. He has dabbled in community theatre over the years and did some voice over work in the intervening years. Now, after several years completely out of the theatre scene, Michael is happy to be back in it for this fun project!
SHAMUS JARVIS | "MALE ACTOR 1"
Shamus Jarvis is a recent graduate of Principia College, where he earned a B.A. in Theatre and English, with a focus on literary studies. He participated in seven collegiate theatre productions, including Hush: An Interview with America, for which he was nominated to compete for the Irene Ryan Scholarship. In addition to his college theatre credits, Shamus was also involved in the creation of Petalwink: The Musical, where he enjoyed developing the role of Belfry. Bottom Little Theatre marks Shamus’ sophomore effort in film, after first appearing in the short film, Red Mission, in which he played opposite fellow Bottom Little Theatre cast member, John O’Hagan. Shamus is grateful to be working under Trish Brown’s direction for the third time in as many years, and he looks forward to continuing to pursue his passion for acting.
Shamus Jarvis is a recent graduate of Principia College, where he earned a B.A. in Theatre and English, with a focus on literary studies. He participated in seven collegiate theatre productions, including Hush: An Interview with America, for which he was nominated to compete for the Irene Ryan Scholarship. In addition to his college theatre credits, Shamus was also involved in the creation of Petalwink: The Musical, where he enjoyed developing the role of Belfry. Bottom Little Theatre marks Shamus’ sophomore effort in film, after first appearing in the short film, Red Mission, in which he played opposite fellow Bottom Little Theatre cast member, John O’Hagan. Shamus is grateful to be working under Trish Brown’s direction for the third time in as many years, and he looks forward to continuing to pursue his passion for acting.