A DIY Séance to Summon Harry Houdini
“I literally just googled ‘instructions for a séance’. I took the night off, escaped the kid’s bedtime, to try this here with you. Tonight.”
Take your seat at Katie Bender’s “DIY séance party”, as she attempts night after night to escape her own life by summoning the spirit of master escapologist Harry Houdini. This theatrical experiment, first workshopped at The Playwrights Center and The Alley All New Festival, transforms Bender’s mesmerizing personal journey into a collective experience that asks the audience: what are you trying to escape?
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this unpredictable theatrical event, where reality and illusion converge in a gripping exploration of the human experience.
Content Warning: Please be advised this séance contains strong language, a reference to sexual assault, and brief description of physical violence.
Special Community Nights
In Rehearsal
In Performance
Creatives
Katie Bender
Creator
Katie Bender is a playwright, performer and theater maker. Her plays include Judith, SHE WOLF, The Survivors/Los Sobrevivientes, Instructions for a Séance and Howling, Texas to name a few. Filled with games, physical exertion and a poetic delight in the mundane, her work often examines the surprising ways humans transform within impossible systems.
Katie’s work has been developed and produced all over the country including at Hyde Park Theater, ZACH, The Alley, Shrewds, EST, Kitchen Dog, The Playwrights’ Center, LAUNCH PAD, Fusebox Festival, THT Rep, New Harmony Project, ACT Theatre, All For One Theater and Urbanite. She is the co-creator of Underbelly, with whom she made ecstatic site-specific performances such as Slip River which received the Critics Table Award for Best New Comedy. Her play Judith received the B.Iden Payne award for Best New Script. Katie was a Jerome Fellow and is thrilled to be returning as a Core Writer at The Playwrights Center. She received her M.F.A from The University of Texas.
Creator
Katie Bender
Katie Bender is a playwright, performer and theater maker. Her plays include Judith, SHE WOLF, The Survivors/Los Sobrevivientes, Instructions for a Séance and Howling, Texas to name a few. Filled with games, physical exertion and a poetic delight in the mundane, her work often examines the surprising ways humans transform within impossible systems.
Katie’s work has been developed and produced all over the country including at Hyde Park Theater, ZACH, The Alley, Shrewds, EST, Kitchen Dog, The Playwrights’ Center, LAUNCH PAD, Fusebox Festival, THT Rep, New Harmony Project, ACT Theatre, All For One Theater and Urbanite. She is the co-creator of Underbelly, with whom she made ecstatic site-specific performances such as Slip River which received the Critics Table Award for Best New Comedy. Her play Judith received the B.Iden Payne award for Best New Script. Katie was a Jerome Fellow and is thrilled to be returning as a Core Writer at The Playwrights Center. She received her M.F.A from The University of Texas.
Lily Wolff
Director
Lily Wolff is a British-American director and new play dramaturg/super-fan. She had the pleasure of directing at Amphibian Stage for the first time in SparkFest 2022 (Oleanna, Part 2 by Chris Cragin Day) and was thrilled to be invited back for their 25th anniversary season! Formerly the literary manager at Alley Theatre in Houston, Lily passionately ran their new play initiative from 2018-2022 until relocating to Philadelphia where she now freelances, parents, and makes ice cream. Lily has directed at theatres across the country, especially in Texas, including Alley Theatre, Rec Room Arts, Hyde Park Theatre, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern University, Capital T Theatre, and Theatre en Bloc, among others. Previous directing credits include: Mrs. President (world premiere, Offie Award nominated), Wolf Play (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production” Finalist and “Best Use of/Design of Puppets in a Play” award) and Hurricane Diane (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production,” “Best Ensemble,” and “Best Director” Finalist), The Oresteia, From White Plains (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production” and “Best Director” Finalist), The Madres (NNPN Rolling World Premiere), Cry It Out, A Bright Room Called Day, The Effect, Fahrenheit 451, Lungs (“Best Direction” Austin Critics Table Award), As You Like It, and Gidion’s Knot. As a dramaturg she has worked for Alley Theatre, visual artist and playwright John Ransom Phillips, the Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Cornerstone Theater Company, New York Stage and Film, New Georges, and has read for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for several years. In the UK, Lily has directed at C Aquila Temple Theatre (Edinburgh Fringe), Theatre503, Battersea Mess & Music Hall, a hillside on Kerrera Island, Scotland, and on several boats at Cadogan Pier on the river Thames. Lily is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and pandemic parenthood… All my gratitude to Katie for creating this beautiful experience and for allowing me to live in it too.
Director
Lily Wolff
Lily Wolff is a British-American director and new play dramaturg/super-fan. She had the pleasure of directing at Amphibian Stage for the first time in SparkFest 2022 (Oleanna, Part 2 by Chris Cragin Day) and was thrilled to be invited back for their 25th anniversary season! Formerly the literary manager at Alley Theatre in Houston, Lily passionately ran their new play initiative from 2018-2022 until relocating to Philadelphia where she now freelances, parents, and makes ice cream. Lily has directed at theatres across the country, especially in Texas, including Alley Theatre, Rec Room Arts, Hyde Park Theatre, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern University, Capital T Theatre, and Theatre en Bloc, among others. Previous directing credits include: Mrs. President (world premiere, Offie Award nominated), Wolf Play (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production” Finalist and “Best Use of/Design of Puppets in a Play” award) and Hurricane Diane (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production,” “Best Ensemble,” and “Best Director” Finalist), The Oresteia, From White Plains (Houston Theatre Awards “Best Play/Production” and “Best Director” Finalist), The Madres (NNPN Rolling World Premiere), Cry It Out, A Bright Room Called Day, The Effect, Fahrenheit 451, Lungs (“Best Direction” Austin Critics Table Award), As You Like It, and Gidion’s Knot. As a dramaturg she has worked for Alley Theatre, visual artist and playwright John Ransom Phillips, the Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Cornerstone Theater Company, New York Stage and Film, New Georges, and has read for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for several years. In the UK, Lily has directed at C Aquila Temple Theatre (Edinburgh Fringe), Theatre503, Battersea Mess & Music Hall, a hillside on Kerrera Island, Scotland, and on several boats at Cadogan Pier on the river Thames. Lily is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and pandemic parenthood… All my gratitude to Katie for creating this beautiful experience and for allowing me to live in it too.
Sydney Dormire
Stage Manager
Sydney Dormire is stage managing her first show with Amphibian Stage. Recent credits include stage manager for Poor Clare, Grand Horizons (Stage West Theatre), The Merry Wives of Windsor (MSU Texas Theatre), assistant stage manager for I Wanna F*cking Tear You Apart (Stage West), and production assistant for Into the Breeches! (Stage West). She holds a BFA in Design and Technology from Midwestern State University of Texas. Website: sydneydormire1200.wixsite.com/website, Instagram: @sydney_dormire
Stage Manager
Sydney Dormire
Sydney Dormire is stage managing her first show with Amphibian Stage. Recent credits include stage manager for Poor Clare, Grand Horizons (Stage West Theatre), The Merry Wives of Windsor (MSU Texas Theatre), assistant stage manager for I Wanna F*cking Tear You Apart (Stage West), and production assistant for Into the Breeches! (Stage West). She holds a BFA in Design and Technology from Midwestern State University of Texas. Website: sydneydormire1200.wixsite.com/website, Instagram: @sydney_dormire
Brett Schneider
Magic Consultant
Brett Schneider is a magician and illusion designer based in Los Angeles. His work has been seen at the Alley Theatre (previous production of Instructions for a Seance), The Roundabout Theatre, 2nd Stage Theater, The Goodman Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Portland Center Stage, among many others. Television credits include USA, HBO, NBC, FOX, and Showtime. As a magician, Brett is a regular performer at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles, and performs virtual magic shows all over the world. More at brettschneidermagic.com.
Magic Consultant
Brett Schneider
Brett Schneider is a magician and illusion designer based in Los Angeles. His work has been seen at the Alley Theatre (previous production of Instructions for a Seance), The Roundabout Theatre, 2nd Stage Theater, The Goodman Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Portland Center Stage, among many others. Television credits include USA, HBO, NBC, FOX, and Showtime. As a magician, Brett is a regular performer at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles, and performs virtual magic shows all over the world. More at brettschneidermagic.com.
Paige Seber
Lighting Designer
Paige Seber is a New York City-based lighting designer for Theatre, Dance, Opera, Music, and Immersive Events. Her work can be seen on the Off-Broadway musical Titanique which won the 2023 Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical. Other recent credits include Heroes of the Fourth Turning and Wolf Play (Rec Room Arts), Is Anyone Alive Out There? (Minetta Lane), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Manhattan School of Music), Ready. Set. Play! (Virgin Voyages), The Consul (San Francisco Conservatory of Music), Powerline Road (Theatre NOW), Cityscrape (Good Apples Collective), Good Friday (The Flea), and Swann: A Digital Opera Short (Catapult Opera). Paige is a proud member of United Scenic Artists 829. For more about her work, visit seberlighting.com.
Lighting Designer
Paige Seber
Paige Seber is a New York City-based lighting designer for Theatre, Dance, Opera, Music, and Immersive Events. Her work can be seen on the Off-Broadway musical Titanique which won the 2023 Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical. Other recent credits include Heroes of the Fourth Turning and Wolf Play (Rec Room Arts), Is Anyone Alive Out There? (Minetta Lane), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Manhattan School of Music), Ready. Set. Play! (Virgin Voyages), The Consul (San Francisco Conservatory of Music), Powerline Road (Theatre NOW), Cityscrape (Good Apples Collective), Good Friday (The Flea), and Swann: A Digital Opera Short (Catapult Opera). Paige is a proud member of United Scenic Artists 829. For more about her work, visit seberlighting.com.
David Lanza
Sound Designer
David Lanza has been sound designing in DFW for some time now, is excited to still be sound designing, and looks forward to sound designing more in the future. He also loves the Phibs always and forever. Pro-tip: eat half of your cookie now, and save the other half for a late night snack after the show. Follow David Lanza Audio on Facebook or go to www.DavidLanzaAudio.com to learn more. Or look up my LiveJournal I had in high school. Love to Nikki, Maggie, Peter, and the Oxford comma.
Sound Designer
David Lanza
David Lanza has been sound designing in DFW for some time now, is excited to still be sound designing, and looks forward to sound designing more in the future. He also loves the Phibs always and forever. Pro-tip: eat half of your cookie now, and save the other half for a late night snack after the show. Follow David Lanza Audio on Facebook or go to www.DavidLanzaAudio.com to learn more. Or look up my LiveJournal I had in high school. Love to Nikki, Maggie, Peter, and the Oxford comma.
Kaitlin Hatton
Stage Manager
Kaitlin Hatton is excited to be working with Amphibian Stage again! Recent props designs include Ann (WaterTower Theatre), La Medium (FW Opera), Baba, Spaceman, Marie Antoinette (Amphibian Stage Productions), Kodachrome, Fences, Young Frankenstein, An Empty Plate in the Cafe du Grand Boeuf, The Glass Menagerie, The Last Wide Open, and One Man, Two Guvnors (Circle Theatre). Recent stage management includes I’m Proud of You, The Other Josh Cohen, Tiny Beautiful Things (Circle Theatre), Marjorie Prime, Handle With Care, Between Riverside and Crazy, Witch, On The Exhale (Stage West), Baba, Spaceman, The Hollow, Egress, Hans & Sophie, She-Wolf, Gutenberg! The Musical!, Babette’s Feast, Lonely Planet, and Artist Descending A Staircase (Amphibian Stage Productions). Kaitlin holds a BFA in Theatre – Design and Technology from Texas Wesleyan University and teaches Stage Management there. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and received the 2019 Live Theatre League Bill Garber Young Artist Award.
Stage Manager
Kaitlin Hatton
Kaitlin Hatton is excited to be working with Amphibian Stage again! Recent props designs include Ann (WaterTower Theatre), La Medium (FW Opera), Baba, Spaceman, Marie Antoinette (Amphibian Stage Productions), Kodachrome, Fences, Young Frankenstein, An Empty Plate in the Cafe du Grand Boeuf, The Glass Menagerie, The Last Wide Open, and One Man, Two Guvnors (Circle Theatre). Recent stage management includes I’m Proud of You, The Other Josh Cohen, Tiny Beautiful Things (Circle Theatre), Marjorie Prime, Handle With Care, Between Riverside and Crazy, Witch, On The Exhale (Stage West), Baba, Spaceman, The Hollow, Egress, Hans & Sophie, She-Wolf, Gutenberg! The Musical!, Babette’s Feast, Lonely Planet, and Artist Descending A Staircase (Amphibian Stage Productions). Kaitlin holds a BFA in Theatre – Design and Technology from Texas Wesleyan University and teaches Stage Management there. She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and received the 2019 Live Theatre League Bill Garber Young Artist Award.
Levi Richey
Production Assistant
Levi Richey is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He most recently worked on the stage management team of THE VISIT and MISS MOLLY here at Amphibian. Some recent roles include: the Beadle in SWEENEY TODD and the Emcee in CABARET.
Production Assistant
Levi Richey
Levi Richey is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He most recently worked on the stage management team of THE VISIT and MISS MOLLY here at Amphibian. Some recent roles include: the Beadle in SWEENEY TODD and the Emcee in CABARET.
Lauren Riley
Crew Member
Lauren Riley is a dynamic theatre and film artist from Fort Worth, Texas. Her credits include “Sleepy Hollow” at Hip Pocket (Katrina), “Texas Book of Beast at Arts FW” (Hero), Mountain View College Dance Shows (crew), and “The Secret Lives of Henry and Alice” at Onstage in Bedford (costume design). Lauren is proud to be part of the Amphibian Stage company for “Instructions for a Seance”, and thankful for the incredibly talented individuals who brought this show to life.
Crew Member
Lauren Riley
Lauren Riley is a dynamic theatre and film artist from Fort Worth, Texas. Her credits include “Sleepy Hollow” at Hip Pocket (Katrina), “Texas Book of Beast at Arts FW” (Hero), Mountain View College Dance Shows (crew), and “The Secret Lives of Henry and Alice” at Onstage in Bedford (costume design). Lauren is proud to be part of the Amphibian Stage company for “Instructions for a Seance”, and thankful for the incredibly talented individuals who brought this show to life.
FAQ’s
How long is this performance?
The approximate run time of Instructions for a Séance is 70 minutes with no intermission.
Is this a comedy or a drama?
We consider this a comedy! You will laugh, but you will also have profound moments of introspection.
Is there free parking?
Yes. If you have a ticket to the performance, you can park for free in the parking lot behind our building on South Main Street.
Is there assigned seating?
All seating is General Admission except for members who have reserved seating included in their membership package. We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to the show to find your seats.
Is there a dress code?
Come as you are! (Shoes and shirts required). We’re glad to have you.
Are there age restrictions?
This production is appropriate for all ages. Keep in mind the run time of the show is approximately 70 minutes with no intermission.
Can I bring food or drink into the theater?
We do not permit outside food and drink inside the theater. We sell snacks, water, soda, and alcoholic beverages at the bar in the lobby.
Are accessible seating options available?
Our venue is ADA Accessible and there is accessible seating available in the theatre. Please let our box office know ahead of time so we may accommodate your needs.
From the Creator…
FROM PAGE TO STAGE
- Developed with support from ScriptWorks Revision Resource funding. Find more information about ScriptWorks at www.scriptworks.org
- This play was developed with the support of Playwrights’ Center.
- INSTRUCTIONS FOR A SÉANCE received a workshop in the Alley Theatre’s 2023
Alley All New Festival Rob Melrose, Artistic Director Dean R. Gladden, Managing Director
WORLD PREMIERE
It’s 1889 London, darling, where the only game in town is the pursuit of the perfect partner. Lifelong friends Matthias and Aloysius are convinced they’ve struck gold with the dazzling sisters, Molly and Genevieve. The stage is set for a perfect match…or is it? Enter the ever-discerning Viscountess Houseington, who detects a whiff of something fruity surrounding her daughter’s potential suitors…not to mention the boys’ formidable mothers are determined to put their future in-laws through the ultimate test. Get ready for a sidesplitting, love-struck escapade that’s enough to make Oscar Wilde clutch his pearls!
This new comedy and homage to The Importance of Being Earnest comes from Christine Carmela and will be directed by Evan Michael Woods. These TCU alums were roommates when Carmela first drafted Miss Molly.
Amphibian Stage was the first professional theatre to host a staged reading of one of Carmela’s early plays.
Since then, Carmela made her Off-broadway debut at SoHo Repertory Theatre and received a Masters in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California. While Woods is known as a multidisciplinary theatre artist in DFW, Miss Molly marks his directorial debut.
Amphibian Stage’s New Tiered Ticket Pricing Model
Tickets for this show range from $15-60, but YOU get to decide what you pay in an effort to make theatre more accessible for any budget. Read more about our tiered ticketing model here!
Photos of the Production
Reviews
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Check out the timeline of Miss Molly
Community Nights
Cast & Creatives
Emily Scott Banks
Director
Emily Scott Banks is a member of Actors Equity who has been in or led over 90 professional shows since returning to the Dallas/Fort Worth stages 20 years ago. Most recently she played Camille in Into the Breeches at Stage West and directed the first shows back at three different theaters when reopening’s first began in 2021. Pre-pandemic Emily reprised the one-actor Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol at Stage West to a sold-out run; appeared as Agatha in The Moors at Theatre Three, Angel in Angels in America – Perestroika at Uptown Players, directed Sarah Ruhl’s Stage Kiss at Circle Theatre in Fort Worth, and played Madame Ranevsky in The Cherry Orchard for The Classics Theatre Project. Her many area directorial credits include the critically acclaimed The Big Meal; The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer for WaterTower Theatre. For Stage West the award-winning Stupid F*cking Bird, Life Sucks., An Iliad and The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence; and Egress for Amphibian Stage. Emily has won awards for her work in both disciplines, including multiple DFW Critics’ Forum Awards, and Best Actress of the Year nods from Dallas Observer, D Magazine, and TheaterJones.
Director
Emily Scott Banks
Emily Scott Banks is a member of Actors Equity who has been in or led over 90 professional shows since returning to the Dallas/Fort Worth stages 20 years ago. Most recently she played Camille in Into the Breeches at Stage West and directed the first shows back at three different theaters when reopening’s first began in 2021. Pre-pandemic Emily reprised the one-actor Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol at Stage West to a sold-out run; appeared as Agatha in The Moors at Theatre Three, Angel in Angels in America – Perestroika at Uptown Players, directed Sarah Ruhl’s Stage Kiss at Circle Theatre in Fort Worth, and played Madame Ranevsky in The Cherry Orchard for The Classics Theatre Project. Her many area directorial credits include the critically acclaimed The Big Meal; The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens, and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer for WaterTower Theatre. For Stage West the award-winning Stupid F*cking Bird, Life Sucks., An Iliad and The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence; and Egress for Amphibian Stage. Emily has won awards for her work in both disciplines, including multiple DFW Critics’ Forum Awards, and Best Actress of the Year nods from Dallas Observer, D Magazine, and TheaterJones.
Christine Carmela
Playwright
Christine Carmela is thrilled to be making her return to the DFW theatre scene after far too long of a time apart. Though Christine is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she acquired a BFA in Acting from Fort Worth’s very own TCU. Her work as a stage actress has been seen at SoHo Rep, Uptown Players, Circle Theatre, and more. As a writer, she is thrilled to be making her regional theatre debut right on the heels of her graduating with an MFA in Writing for Screen and Television from USC in Los Angeles where she is now based.
Playwright
Christine Carmela
Christine Carmela is thrilled to be making her return to the DFW theatre scene after far too long of a time apart. Though Christine is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she acquired a BFA in Acting from Fort Worth’s very own TCU. Her work as a stage actress has been seen at SoHo Rep, Uptown Players, Circle Theatre, and more. As a writer, she is thrilled to be making her regional theatre debut right on the heels of her graduating with an MFA in Writing for Screen and Television from USC in Los Angeles where she is now based.
Laurel Collins
Actor
Laurel Collins began her career as a tap dancer in Tommy Tune shows on Broadway. She’s tried many other jobs and always finds her way back to the performing arts. She podcasts (Sumo Kaboom), performs all over DFW, and teaches.
Actor
Laurel Collins
Laurel Collins began her career as a tap dancer in Tommy Tune shows on Broadway. She’s tried many other jobs and always finds her way back to the performing arts. She podcasts (Sumo Kaboom), performs all over DFW, and teaches.
Parker Gray
Actor
Parker Gray is a Dallas based Actor, Producer, Teaching Artist, and Playwright, and is so excited to be returning to Amphibian where he was last seen as Matthias Manley in the world premiere of Miss Molly, as well as the original reading of The Handless King at SparkFest! Other stage acting credits include work across the metroplex at Dallas Theater Center, Casa Mañana, Theatre Three, Circle Theatre, Kitchen Dog Theater, Stage West, Undermain Theatre, Shakespeare Dallas, WaterTower Theatre, Fair Assembly, Lyric Stage, Shakespeare in the Bar, and Second Thought Theatre where he currently serves as the Executive Director. Parker’s voice can be heard in various shows with Crunchyroll, and can be seen in several films including the Dallas-made horror film The Finale. He has served as a teaching artist for Stage West, Shakespeare Dallas, Bishop Dunne, and Arts Mission Oak Cliff. Parker’s premiere play, Incarnate, received a reading at Undermain for their Whither Goest Thou America Festival in 2022, and his play How to Lose a Sleep Paralysis Demon in 10 Days was chosen for the inaugural year of the Digital Development Project in 2023. More of Parker’s plays can be found on New Play Exchange. He holds a BFA in Acting from SMU and is represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.
Actor
Parker Gray
Parker Gray is a Dallas based Actor, Producer, Teaching Artist, and Playwright, and is so excited to be returning to Amphibian where he was last seen as Matthias Manley in the world premiere of Miss Molly, as well as the original reading of The Handless King at SparkFest! Other stage acting credits include work across the metroplex at Dallas Theater Center, Casa Mañana, Theatre Three, Circle Theatre, Kitchen Dog Theater, Stage West, Undermain Theatre, Shakespeare Dallas, WaterTower Theatre, Fair Assembly, Lyric Stage, Shakespeare in the Bar, and Second Thought Theatre where he currently serves as the Executive Director. Parker’s voice can be heard in various shows with Crunchyroll, and can be seen in several films including the Dallas-made horror film The Finale. He has served as a teaching artist for Stage West, Shakespeare Dallas, Bishop Dunne, and Arts Mission Oak Cliff. Parker’s premiere play, Incarnate, received a reading at Undermain for their Whither Goest Thou America Festival in 2022, and his play How to Lose a Sleep Paralysis Demon in 10 Days was chosen for the inaugural year of the Digital Development Project in 2023. More of Parker’s plays can be found on New Play Exchange. He holds a BFA in Acting from SMU and is represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.
Logan Graye
Actor
Logan Graye is beyond thrilled to be part of the world premiere of Miss Molly! Previous credits include Cruel Intentions (Stage West/Uptown Players), The Office A Musical Parody (The Theater Center), Disenchanted! (Priscilla Beach Theatre), Side Show (White Plains Performing Arts Center), The Devil Tree Part Two (The Players Theatre), Titanic (Uptown Players). TCU B.F.A. Musical Theatre alum (go frogs!).
Actor
Logan Graye
Logan Graye is beyond thrilled to be part of the world premiere of Miss Molly! Previous credits include Cruel Intentions (Stage West/Uptown Players), The Office A Musical Parody (The Theater Center), Disenchanted! (Priscilla Beach Theatre), Side Show (White Plains Performing Arts Center), The Devil Tree Part Two (The Players Theatre), Titanic (Uptown Players). TCU B.F.A. Musical Theatre alum (go frogs!).
Shannon J. McGrann
Actor
Shannon J. McGrann is pleased to make her Amphibian debut in Miss Molly. Select regional theater credits include: The Cake (Uptown Players and Theater Arlington); It’s Only A Play (Uptown Players); Raptured! (Theatre Three); Incognito (Second Thought Theatre); Church & State, A Doll’s House, Part 2, A Funny Thing…. (Stage West); Hand to God, Silent Sky, (WaterTower Theatre); Gypsy, As Thousands Cheer (Lyric Stage); A Christmas Carol (The Dallas Theater Center); The Wizard of Oz (Lyric Theatre OKC & Casa Manana). TV/Film work includes Love and Death (HBO), Look Both Ways (Netflix), Rock Me, The Price of Fame: Carrie Fisher; The Good Guys; Lone Star; My Generation; The Marina Oswald Story; and regional and national commercial credits.
Actor
Shannon J. McGrann
Shannon J. McGrann is pleased to make her Amphibian debut in Miss Molly. Select regional theater credits include: The Cake (Uptown Players and Theater Arlington); It’s Only A Play (Uptown Players); Raptured! (Theatre Three); Incognito (Second Thought Theatre); Church & State, A Doll’s House, Part 2, A Funny Thing…. (Stage West); Hand to God, Silent Sky, (WaterTower Theatre); Gypsy, As Thousands Cheer (Lyric Stage); A Christmas Carol (The Dallas Theater Center); The Wizard of Oz (Lyric Theatre OKC & Casa Manana). TV/Film work includes Love and Death (HBO), Look Both Ways (Netflix), Rock Me, The Price of Fame: Carrie Fisher; The Good Guys; Lone Star; My Generation; The Marina Oswald Story; and regional and national commercial credits.
Brayden Raqueño
Actor
Brayden Raqueño is an LA-based actor, originally from McKinney, Texas. Most recently, Brayden was a performer for Norwegian Cruise Line in their productions of Footloose and Elements. Locally, he was last seen as Jay in Disney’s Descendants at Casa Mañana. Brayden holds a BFA in Acting from Texas Christian University and is represented by Avalon Artists Group.
Actor
Brayden Raqueño
Brayden Raqueño is an LA-based actor, originally from McKinney, Texas. Most recently, Brayden was a performer for Norwegian Cruise Line in their productions of Footloose and Elements. Locally, he was last seen as Jay in Disney’s Descendants at Casa Mañana. Brayden holds a BFA in Acting from Texas Christian University and is represented by Avalon Artists Group.
Evan Michael Woods
Marketing Director
Evan is a Fort Worth-based actor, photographer, and designer. His work has been seen at the Dallas Theater Center, Second Thought Theatre, Undermain Theatre, Stage West Theatre, Trinity Shakespeare Festival, Amphibian Stage, and more. Evan holds a BFA in Acting from Texas Christian University. Evan is represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.
Marketing Director
Evan Michael Woods
Evan is a Fort Worth-based actor, photographer, and designer. His work has been seen at the Dallas Theater Center, Second Thought Theatre, Undermain Theatre, Stage West Theatre, Trinity Shakespeare Festival, Amphibian Stage, and more. Evan holds a BFA in Acting from Texas Christian University. Evan is represented by the Kim Dawson Agency.
Christine Carmela
Playwright
Christine Carmela is thrilled to be making her return to the DFW theatre scene after far too long of a time apart. Though Christine is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she acquired a BFA in Acting from Fort Worth’s very own TCU. Her work as a stage actress has been seen at SoHo Rep, Uptown Players, Circle Theatre, and more. As a writer, she is thrilled to be making her regional theatre debut right on the heels of her graduating with an MFA in Writing for Screen and Television from USC in Los Angeles where she is now based.
Playwright
Christine Carmela
Christine Carmela is thrilled to be making her return to the DFW theatre scene after far too long of a time apart. Though Christine is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she acquired a BFA in Acting from Fort Worth’s very own TCU. Her work as a stage actress has been seen at SoHo Rep, Uptown Players, Circle Theatre, and more. As a writer, she is thrilled to be making her regional theatre debut right on the heels of her graduating with an MFA in Writing for Screen and Television from USC in Los Angeles where she is now based.
Seth Hunter Williams
Assistant Director
Seth Hunter Williams is overjoyed to be making theatre with his favorite DFW theatre company! He has taught theatre at the high school level for 9 years and has enjoyed many successes in Texas Thespians and U.I.L. One-Act Play contests. Seth holds a BFA in Theatre from Tarleton State University and is currently the Co-Vice President of the Theatre at Tarleton Alumni Association. He is currently an MFA in Directing candidate at The University of Idaho and has plans to graduate in December of 2024. Seth has a passion for reading plays, making his own clothes, and Patti LuPone. He would like to thank Evan, Alyssa, and the other artists at Amphibian who involved him in Miss Molly! Also, Seth would like to thank his husband, mother, sisters, and friends for helping him along the path of life and supporting his passions. He would like to dedicate this production to the loving memory of his Aunt, Linda Snelson Brown, who was one of his fiercest supporters and encouragers.
Assistant Director
Seth Hunter Williams
Seth Hunter Williams is overjoyed to be making theatre with his favorite DFW theatre company! He has taught theatre at the high school level for 9 years and has enjoyed many successes in Texas Thespians and U.I.L. One-Act Play contests. Seth holds a BFA in Theatre from Tarleton State University and is currently the Co-Vice President of the Theatre at Tarleton Alumni Association. He is currently an MFA in Directing candidate at The University of Idaho and has plans to graduate in December of 2024. Seth has a passion for reading plays, making his own clothes, and Patti LuPone. He would like to thank Evan, Alyssa, and the other artists at Amphibian who involved him in Miss Molly! Also, Seth would like to thank his husband, mother, sisters, and friends for helping him along the path of life and supporting his passions. He would like to dedicate this production to the loving memory of his Aunt, Linda Snelson Brown, who was one of his fiercest supporters and encouragers.
Josh Nguyen
Stage Manager
Josh Nguyen is ecstatic to debut at Amphibian Stage for Miss Molly. Previous Stage Management Credits: The Tender Land (Baylor Opera), Godspell, The Ballad of Little Jo (Assistant at WaterTower Theater). Josh is usually seen billed as a Sound Designer around the DFW metroplex. Selected works: Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Second Thought Theatre), The Mountaintop (Circle Theatre), Clue (Associate Design at Dallas Theater Center), Side by Side by Sondheim (Associate Design at RepSTL). Josh holds a BFA in Theatre Design & Technology from Baylor University and is a member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association. Josh hopes to be part of the next generation of theater educators, making the medium and field more accessible and equitable. joshuanguyen.net @jashngooyen
Stage Manager
Josh Nguyen
Josh Nguyen is ecstatic to debut at Amphibian Stage for Miss Molly. Previous Stage Management Credits: The Tender Land (Baylor Opera), Godspell, The Ballad of Little Jo (Assistant at WaterTower Theater). Josh is usually seen billed as a Sound Designer around the DFW metroplex. Selected works: Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Second Thought Theatre), The Mountaintop (Circle Theatre), Clue (Associate Design at Dallas Theater Center), Side by Side by Sondheim (Associate Design at RepSTL). Josh holds a BFA in Theatre Design & Technology from Baylor University and is a member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association. Josh hopes to be part of the next generation of theater educators, making the medium and field more accessible and equitable. joshuanguyen.net @jashngooyen
Levi Richey
Production Assistant
Levi Richey is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He most recently worked on the stage management team of THE VISIT and MISS MOLLY here at Amphibian. Some recent roles include: the Beadle in SWEENEY TODD and the Emcee in CABARET.
Production Assistant
Levi Richey
Levi Richey is a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He most recently worked on the stage management team of THE VISIT and MISS MOLLY here at Amphibian. Some recent roles include: the Beadle in SWEENEY TODD and the Emcee in CABARET.
Paige Hathaway
Scenic Designer
Paige Hathaway is a freelance scenic designer based in the Washington, DC area. In the DC area, Paige has recently designed On the Far End and Jennifer Who is Leaving at Round House Theatre; The High Ground at Arena Stage, No Place to Go at Signature Theatre, Dance Nation at Olney Theatre Center, Gloria: A Life at Theater J, Bars and Measures at Mosaic Theatre, and Baskerville at Everyman Theatre. Regionally, Paige has recently designed A Distinct Society at Writer’s Theatre in Chicago, Much Ado About Nothing at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Mary Poppins at The Muny in St. Louis, and Fireflies at Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Theatre. Paige received her MFA in Scenic Design from the University of Maryland and her BFA in Scenic Design from the University of Oklahoma. She is a proud member of USA 829. Instagram: @paigehathawaydesign Website: www.paigehathawaydesign.com
Scenic Designer
Paige Hathaway
Paige Hathaway is a freelance scenic designer based in the Washington, DC area. In the DC area, Paige has recently designed On the Far End and Jennifer Who is Leaving at Round House Theatre; The High Ground at Arena Stage, No Place to Go at Signature Theatre, Dance Nation at Olney Theatre Center, Gloria: A Life at Theater J, Bars and Measures at Mosaic Theatre, and Baskerville at Everyman Theatre. Regionally, Paige has recently designed A Distinct Society at Writer’s Theatre in Chicago, Much Ado About Nothing at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Mary Poppins at The Muny in St. Louis, and Fireflies at Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Theatre. Paige received her MFA in Scenic Design from the University of Maryland and her BFA in Scenic Design from the University of Oklahoma. She is a proud member of USA 829. Instagram: @paigehathawaydesign Website: www.paigehathawaydesign.com
Aaron Patrick DeClerk
Costume Designer
Aaron Patrick DeClerk has an M.F.A. in Costume Design from The University of Oklahoma. He has designed over 180 productions and garnered critical praise and numerous awards for his work. He was named Best Costume Designer in the Dallas Observers’100 Most Influential People of Dallas, named an Artistic Associate for Trinity Shakespeare Festival, and works with students through Stage West’s Mentorship Program. Some of his work with Amphibian includes Below The Belt, Icarus, Miss Witherspoon, Every Child, The First Day of School, and King Liz.
Costume Designer
Aaron Patrick DeClerk
Aaron Patrick DeClerk has an M.F.A. in Costume Design from The University of Oklahoma. He has designed over 180 productions and garnered critical praise and numerous awards for his work. He was named Best Costume Designer in the Dallas Observers’100 Most Influential People of Dallas, named an Artistic Associate for Trinity Shakespeare Festival, and works with students through Stage West’s Mentorship Program. Some of his work with Amphibian includes Below The Belt, Icarus, Miss Witherspoon, Every Child, The First Day of School, and King Liz.
Haley Nelson
Dramaturg
Haley Nelson is originally from Northern California but has
called Dallas home for the past ten years. She has dramaturged new plays for Dallas
Theater Center, Cry Havoc, and Artstillery, among others. She was Manager of Literary
and Community Initiatives/2019-2021 National New Play Network Producer in Residence
at Kitchen Dog Theater, where she dramaturged the Rolling World Premiere production
of Audrey Cefaly’s Pulitzer-nominated play Alabaster and the world premiere of Jonathan
Norton’s a love offering. In addition to theatre, Haley’s work can be seen on the Lifetime
network’s #TextMeWhenYouGetHome (Season 2 to be released in August), and heard
on the Apple Original podcast Under Cover of Knight and Wondery’s Snatching Sinatra
hosted by John Stamos. She has received grants and awards from Actors Theatre of
Louisville, Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas, Dallas Office of Arts &
Culture, and 100W Corsicana. Next up: Anne-Tig-Uh-Knee at Second Thought Theatre.
www.haleynelson.me
Dramaturg
Haley Nelson
Haley Nelson is originally from Northern California but has
called Dallas home for the past ten years. She has dramaturged new plays for Dallas
Theater Center, Cry Havoc, and Artstillery, among others. She was Manager of Literary
and Community Initiatives/2019-2021 National New Play Network Producer in Residence
at Kitchen Dog Theater, where she dramaturged the Rolling World Premiere production
of Audrey Cefaly’s Pulitzer-nominated play Alabaster and the world premiere of Jonathan
Norton’s a love offering. In addition to theatre, Haley’s work can be seen on the Lifetime
network’s #TextMeWhenYouGetHome (Season 2 to be released in August), and heard
on the Apple Original podcast Under Cover of Knight and Wondery’s Snatching Sinatra
hosted by John Stamos. She has received grants and awards from Actors Theatre of
Louisville, Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas, Dallas Office of Arts &
Culture, and 100W Corsicana. Next up: Anne-Tig-Uh-Knee at Second Thought Theatre.
www.haleynelson.me
Luke Atkison
Lighting Designer
Luke Atkison is originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and a graduate of Texas Christian University here in Fort Worth. Atkison was previously the resident scenic, lighting, and projections designer for Titusville Playhouse in the Orlando, FL area, designing over 100 productions in his time there before moving back into freelance design across the country. Other companies on his resume include Stage West (Fort Worth, TX), Flat Rock Playhouse (Flat Rock, NC), Uptown Players (Dallas, TX), Watertower Theatre (Addison, TX), Theatre TCU (Fort Worth, TX), The Henegar Center (Melbourne, FL), and Tarrant County Colleges (Arlington, TX). Recent credits include Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical (Stage West/Uptown Players), Blood Knot (Flat Rock Playhouse), Kinky Boots (Titusville Playhouse), and What To Send Up When It Goes Down (Stage West). You may visit his website for his full resume and a portfolio of his work at lukeatkisondesign.com.
Lighting Designer
Luke Atkison
Luke Atkison is originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and a graduate of Texas Christian University here in Fort Worth. Atkison was previously the resident scenic, lighting, and projections designer for Titusville Playhouse in the Orlando, FL area, designing over 100 productions in his time there before moving back into freelance design across the country. Other companies on his resume include Stage West (Fort Worth, TX), Flat Rock Playhouse (Flat Rock, NC), Uptown Players (Dallas, TX), Watertower Theatre (Addison, TX), Theatre TCU (Fort Worth, TX), The Henegar Center (Melbourne, FL), and Tarrant County Colleges (Arlington, TX). Recent credits include Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical (Stage West/Uptown Players), Blood Knot (Flat Rock Playhouse), Kinky Boots (Titusville Playhouse), and What To Send Up When It Goes Down (Stage West). You may visit his website for his full resume and a portfolio of his work at lukeatkisondesign.com.
Patrick Emile
Sound Designer/Compoers
Patrick Emile Dallas-Fort Worth: Carter Stubbs Takes Flight; Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins; Sandbox; BABA. New York: Happily Ever After; As We Lie Still; The Ballad Hunters. Audio: SPINES; The Griwwertones; The Canyon; The Disappearance Of Lottie Carmichael; Fairlandria. Awards and Associations: 2014 Frederick Loewe Award For Musical Theatre; 2023 Shorty Award; New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio; BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.
Sound Designer/Compoers
Patrick Emile
Patrick Emile Dallas-Fort Worth: Carter Stubbs Takes Flight; Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins; Sandbox; BABA. New York: Happily Ever After; As We Lie Still; The Ballad Hunters. Audio: SPINES; The Griwwertones; The Canyon; The Disappearance Of Lottie Carmichael; Fairlandria. Awards and Associations: 2014 Frederick Loewe Award For Musical Theatre; 2023 Shorty Award; New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio; BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.
Bella Barnett
Resident Scenic Artist
Bella is a production designer, art director, prop builder, and scenic artist. She received her B.A. in technical theatre from West Texas A&M University. Bella now works as a freelancer in advertising, film, and theater. She worked recently as the production designer for 2022 Lone Star Film Festival official selection Pool Service and 2022 Micheaux Film Festival and 2022 National Black Film Festival official selection Blue Porcelain. Her work with Amphibian Stage includes the props design and scenic painting for The Hollow and Miss Molly along with scenic painting for Spaceman and Baba.
Resident Scenic Artist
Bella Barnett
Bella is a production designer, art director, prop builder, and scenic artist. She received her B.A. in technical theatre from West Texas A&M University. Bella now works as a freelancer in advertising, film, and theater. She worked recently as the production designer for 2022 Lone Star Film Festival official selection Pool Service and 2022 Micheaux Film Festival and 2022 National Black Film Festival official selection Blue Porcelain. Her work with Amphibian Stage includes the props design and scenic painting for The Hollow and Miss Molly along with scenic painting for Spaceman and Baba.
Nicole Alvarez
Wig Designer
Nicole Alvarez is a Dallas-based wig/hair/makeup & costume designer. Selected design credits include: Broadway: Fat Ham (Assistant Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer), Off-Broadway: Fat Ham (Assistant Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, The Public), Regional: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Costume Designer, Theatre Three), Lucha Teotl (Costume Designer, Prism Movement Theater), Citrus (Associate Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Northern Stage), Real Women Have Curves (Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Dallas Theater Center), The Wolves (Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Dallas Theater Center), Electra (Associate Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Dallas Theater Center), Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (Associate Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Dallas Theater Center) Lobster Alice (Costume Designer, Second Thought Theatre).
Wig Designer
Nicole Alvarez
Nicole Alvarez is a Dallas-based wig/hair/makeup & costume designer. Selected design credits include: Broadway: Fat Ham (Assistant Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer), Off-Broadway: Fat Ham (Assistant Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, The Public), Regional: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Costume Designer, Theatre Three), Lucha Teotl (Costume Designer, Prism Movement Theater), Citrus (Associate Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Northern Stage), Real Women Have Curves (Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Dallas Theater Center), The Wolves (Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Dallas Theater Center), Electra (Associate Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Dallas Theater Center), Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (Associate Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer, Dallas Theater Center) Lobster Alice (Costume Designer, Second Thought Theatre).
Kelsey Milbourn
Actor
Kelsey Milbourn (AEA) is a KS native and TCU graduate with a BFA in musical theatre and independent study in modern dance. Kelsey is adjunct faculty for the BFA theatre program at TCU and is an actor and dance/fight/intimacy choreographer in the DFW area as well as a stilts instructor for Amphibians Tadpoles for 4 years. Some of their recent acting and choreo work includes projects at Stage West, Circle Theatre, DTC, Undermain Theatre, Amphibian Stage Productions, WaterTower, Danspiek NYC, and Cape Fear Regional. They’ve been an artistic associate of the Trinity Shakespeare Festival for a decade and a proud recipient of the Tarrant County Theatre League award.
Actor
Kelsey Milbourn
Kelsey Milbourn (AEA) is a KS native and TCU graduate with a BFA in musical theatre and independent study in modern dance. Kelsey is adjunct faculty for the BFA theatre program at TCU and is an actor and dance/fight/intimacy choreographer in the DFW area as well as a stilts instructor for Amphibians Tadpoles for 4 years. Some of their recent acting and choreo work includes projects at Stage West, Circle Theatre, DTC, Undermain Theatre, Amphibian Stage Productions, WaterTower, Danspiek NYC, and Cape Fear Regional. They’ve been an artistic associate of the Trinity Shakespeare Festival for a decade and a proud recipient of the Tarrant County Theatre League award.
Jessica D. Turner
Dialect Coach
Jessica D. Turner is a professional actor and dialect/speech coach based out of Dallas. Jessica has coached a number of theater, TV, and film productions throughout DFW and has become one of the leading dialect coaches in the area for the “Western Dialect”. Throughout her coaching, she has helped a wide range of clients, including executives, scientists, motivational speakers, political candidates, ministers, actors, and opera singers strengthen their public speaking, performance skills and executive presence. Jessica is also a Dialect Reduction Coach as well as a Performance Coach for Jenni Steck Voice and Speech Services based in Dallas (www.jennisteck.com). In Dialect Reduction, she loves the work of helping people with English as a second language develop confidence through learning skills for clearer communication. Also, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Jessica worked extensively as a video communications consultant helping organizations successfully pivot to an online presence. Jessica holds an MFA from American Conservatory Theater (ACT), a BFA from SMU and has been a member of Actor’s Equity Association for over 20 years. She is delighted to be working with Amphibian for the very first time!
Dialect Coach
Jessica D. Turner
Jessica D. Turner is a professional actor and dialect/speech coach based out of Dallas. Jessica has coached a number of theater, TV, and film productions throughout DFW and has become one of the leading dialect coaches in the area for the “Western Dialect”. Throughout her coaching, she has helped a wide range of clients, including executives, scientists, motivational speakers, political candidates, ministers, actors, and opera singers strengthen their public speaking, performance skills and executive presence. Jessica is also a Dialect Reduction Coach as well as a Performance Coach for Jenni Steck Voice and Speech Services based in Dallas (www.jennisteck.com). In Dialect Reduction, she loves the work of helping people with English as a second language develop confidence through learning skills for clearer communication. Also, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Jessica worked extensively as a video communications consultant helping organizations successfully pivot to an online presence. Jessica holds an MFA from American Conservatory Theater (ACT), a BFA from SMU and has been a member of Actor’s Equity Association for over 20 years. She is delighted to be working with Amphibian for the very first time!
Johna Sewell
Costume Designer
Johna Sewell is very happy to be working with Amphibian Stage once again. Past productions include serving as wardrobe supervisor for Miss Molly, The Hollow, and Babette’s Feast. They also designed costumes for Hans & Sophie. Other Fort Worth credits include Costume Designer for The Distant Echo of Ancient Youth and Don Quixote with Hip Pocket Theatre; and Costume Designer for Murder For Two with Stage West Theatre. They received their BFA in Theatre Design/Production from the University of Mississippi and their MFA in Costume Design from Indiana University.
Costume Designer
Johna Sewell
Johna Sewell is very happy to be working with Amphibian Stage once again. Past productions include serving as wardrobe supervisor for Miss Molly, The Hollow, and Babette’s Feast. They also designed costumes for Hans & Sophie. Other Fort Worth credits include Costume Designer for The Distant Echo of Ancient Youth and Don Quixote with Hip Pocket Theatre; and Costume Designer for Murder For Two with Stage West Theatre. They received their BFA in Theatre Design/Production from the University of Mississippi and their MFA in Costume Design from Indiana University.