SUMMER 2024
Kyle Bunn
(he/him), from Newton, MA, is a rising sophomore at Hofstra University in New York studying Television. He crewed many Hofstra Entertainment Access Television shows during his first year, the university’s student-run on-campus television network. He is also an active student member of WRHU, a four-time Marconi award-winning radio station. He is excited about what the summer has to offer!
Kathleen Campbell
(she/her) is a rising senior at the University of Vermont studying Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 3) with minors in Human Development and Special Education. She has found passion in integrating the arts throughout general education, project based learning, and social justice pedagogies. Kathleen looks forward to learning more about theater education and how she can further enhance her use of the preforming arts within public school setting. She is excited to work with so many young creatives this summer!
Maggie Cavanaugh
Originally from Maplewood, NJ, Maggie is a rising senior working towards a BFA in Musical Theatre at Emerson College. At Emerson, Maggie has been a part of various productions either as a performer or music director, including “Cabaret”, “25th Annual…Spelling Bee”, and “A Chorus Line”. She has worked in theatre education the past two summers, both at Paper Mill Playhouse and Performers Theatre Workshop. She is thrilled to be spending the summer at Wheelock Family Theatre!
Ben Ciliberto
I am an actor born and raised in Boston, MA and am currently a second-year at SUNY Purchase in their Acting conservatory’s 51st company. I am proud to have been a part of WFT’s Teen Ensemble where I had the pleasure of playing Mr. Green in CLUE and Musidorus in Head Over Heels. In addition to acting, I am also a musician who specializes in piano/keyboard and producing. When I’m not doing all these things, you’ll probably find me riding my bike, petting my cats, or watching endless mind-numbing Red Sox highlights with my friends. I’m excited to further the experiences I had at Wheelock onto others, and cannot wait to continue to learn from EVERYONE as I hope they do from me.
Gabriella David
(She/Her) – Emerson College; BFA ‘26 Theatre: Directing Concentration. Emerson College theatre credits: *Rabbit Hole* (Director) (BlueJay Theatre Collective), Tanner Maverick’s Book of Sound (Director) (Musical Theatre Against the Grain)Dog Sees God (Marcy) (BlueJay Theatre Collective), A Wrinkle in Time (Asst. Director) (Kidding Around), Heathers (Asst. Director) (Musical Theatre Society) Additional credits: Tick Tick Boom (Director) (Studio Bleu), The Trail To Oregon (Co-Director) (DQ Troupe), Godspell & Sweeney Todd (Asst. Director) (Infinite Arts) Special thank you to the Nick, the team, and cast!
Natalie Fadlon
Natalie Fadlon is a theatre artist and storyteller from Waltham, Massachusetts. She is currently a sophomore Theatre Studies major with a minor in Writing at Ithaca College. She has been doing theatre since middle school, and has worked as a performer, director, and playwright. They are the current Vice President of Harmony Theatre Collective, Ithaca College’s BIPOC theatre club. You can also hear her as Kyoko Kirigiri on the official cast album for Twisted Minds Theater’s Hope, Despair, Musical! She is extremely passionate about representation in the arts, theatre for young audiences, new theatre development, and theatre that’s just downright weird! Natalie is so excited to be working at Wheelock this summer as an Artistic Operations Intern!
Nili Fish-Bieler
(she/they) is a rising junior at Brandeis University majoring in mathematics. At Brandeis, Nili has stage managed and assistant stage managed many shows. She is so excited for her second summer at Wheelock!
Becky Gray
(she/her) is a rising Junior at the Boston Conservatory studying Musical Theatre. She is thrilled to intern this summer with Wheelock, where she’s hoping to spread her love for the arts and be a supportive member to turn to! Beck has been acting professionally for nearly a decade, but is especially interested in behind the camera/stage creativity. She has respect and passion for arts education, and knows that her previous experience in childcare and will serve her well. When not in school, Becky can usually be found writing songs and stories, making candles in teacups, reading a good book, picking an exciting new hobby off the shelf, or soaking in time with loved ones. If you see her around, feel free to ask for a hug and she will always oblige!
Lauren Grill
Lauren Grill is a rising Senior at Boston University majoring in Film and Television with a minor in Education. Passionate about storytelling, she frequently produces shows for BU’s premier musical theater organization, BU On Broadway (Sweeney Todd, A Chorus Line, The Drowsy Chaperone, Heathers) and recently made her onstage debut as a tap dancing egg in Something Rotten. She also serves as the president for BU On Tap. This past semester, she had the opportunity to study abroad in London and worked as a Production Intern for Opera Holland Park. Outside of theater, she loves summer camp, television, and organizing her Google Drive. She is beyond excited to be an Education Intern for Wheelock Family Theatre this summer!
Austin Kelly
Austin Kelly is a rising Junior at Northwestern University majoring in Theatre with a minor in History. He is a playwright first and foremost, having had two works produced on campus through the Agnes Nixon Playwriting Festival, as well as the Jewish Theatre Ensemble and Vibrant Colors Collective’s “Culture Collab”. Secondarily, Austin is an actor and a performer, acting in various staged readings and devised processes across campus, and performing as a member of the Titanic Players (Northwestern’s premier long-form improv team). He is also a semi-consistent stand-up comic, and a writer of sketch comedy. When not writing or performing, Austin dabbles in sound design, guitar-playing, and ice-cream-eating (which is his true passion). Lastly…he is incredibly excited to be working at Wheelock this summer!
Frankie LaBelle
(they/them) is a rising sophomore at Drexel University in the Entertainment and Arts Management program there. They have been doing theatre since late middle school and have explored many of the different avenues that theatre allows, between both acting and technical aspects. Now they plan to frequently work on technical aspects of various productions in Drexel’s theatre program and other theatres around the Philadelphia area. They are very excited about the opportunity to expand their horizons at Wheelock this summer.
Aaron Lamm
Aaron is from the northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, and has been a working actor since he was twelve years old. He is currently a rising senior at the Boston University School of Theatre, getting his BFA in Acting. His teaching experience ranges from working with 7-10 year olds all the way to high school students. Aaron is super excited to continue his journey working as a Teaching Assistant with Wheelock this summer!
Cameron McDonough
Cameron McDonough (they/them) is a rising junior at University of Massachusetts Amherst where they are double majoring in Theatre and Education. They are a performer and stage manager, who most recently stage managed a student run production of Tracks by Peter Tarsi for UMass Amherst’s Fringe Fest. They are very excited to bring their theater and education experience to WFT this summer!
Merrit O'Keefe
(she/her) is a rising senior at Emerson College, where she is majoring in Theatre Education. At Emerson, she serves as the Production Manger for her theatre organization, Kidding Around, and participates in many student productions with the other student theatre organization. She has always had a passion for working in so man areas of the arts, and with children, and found the perfect place to combine all of those interests in teaching theatre. In the last few years, she has been working at her middle school on their Spring musicals, and teaching at Berkeley Playhouse’s Summer theatre program. She is very excited to be spending her Summer with Wheelock!
Sydney O'Toole
(she/her) is a musician, theatre artist, and educator from the Boston area. Currently a rising senior studying Theatre Education at the University of New Hampshire, Sydney is passionate about creating inclusive and positive learning spaces for all students, as well as equipping them with skills they can use beyond the classroom. Outside of teaching, Sydney is an avid performer, playing around the seacoast area solo and in her band Two Hour Parking. She is excited to return to the Wheelock education team for another summer of learning and fun!
Eden Ornstein
Eden is a rising senior at Emerson College studying Psychology, Theater Education, and Communication Disorders. Their life long goal is to become a Drama Therapist and utilize their studies in their future practice. They are passionate about the use of theater as a tool for social and emotional development. Eden is a total theater dork, with an extensive playbill collection and owns the CD version of all their favorite cast albums. They are looking forward to learning more about theater education this summer and are so incredibly excited to work with Wheelock!
Natalie Ottaviano
(she/her) is a rising junior at Muhlenberg College, where she is double majoring in Theatre and Dance. She is grateful for all the opportunities at Muhlenberg, having performed in three mainstage shows, including “…And Jesus Moonwalks the Mississippi”, a faculty-choreographed dance production, and a student-choreographed dance production . She also worked on a creative team as the choreographer for “12 Ophelias (a Play with Broken Songs)”, a student-directed immersive production of a Shakespeare adaptation, and taught kindergarten students at Muhlenberg Elementary as part of her class on teaching dance. During breaks, Natalie teaches at Mass Motion Dance Boston and has stage managed multiple shows at Newton Theatre Company. With her experiences on and off stage, Natalie was lucky enough to intern at New Repertory Theatre last Summer, which allowed her to become a more well rounded artist. She is excited to continue this journey working as a Teaching Assistant at Wheelock this Summer!
William Owen
is thrilled to be joining the EAL program at Wheelock Family Theatre this summer. A rising senior at New York University studying Politics and Producing, William loves to take in and contribute to the NYC theater scene both in and out of the classroom. Most recently, he has taken on the position of Production Manager for the Broke People Play Festival, NYU’s largest student written play series. Additionally, he recently spent the spring in Washington, DC working with Folger Theatre at the Folger Shakespeare Library. He is very excited to return home this summer and join the Wheelock Family Theatre team.
Taylor Paine
(she/her) is an actor, playwright, choreographer, and journalist from Miami, Florida. She is thrilled to be working as the Marketing, Social Media, and Graphic Design EAL for Wheelock this summer! She is a recent graduate of Emerson College, earning her BFA in Theater and Performance and a minor in journalism. She also worked as a Marketing and Social Media intern last summer at THR33FOLD Marketing Agency, and is thrilled to apply the knowledge learned into a theater environment with other artsy creatives. Can’t wait for this summer!
Nathan Persampieri
My name is Nathan Persampieri, and I am a graduate of Merrimack College. I majored in Social Justice and minored in Communications and Media. He is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and DEI issues. Last summer, I was the Access & Equity intern, and am thrilled to be returning as part of the 2024 EAL cohort! I am a strong supporter of accessibility and inclusion and am grateful the WFT values that as well! I have been taking classes and attending shows at WFT@BU since 2010. I am grateful to Nick and all the other staff for allowing me to return!
Grace Lenore Rogers
is an artist, actor, and educator heading into her senior year at Emerson College, where she is working toward at BFA in Theatre Education and Performance. Since working on the KidsAct! and TeensAct! teaching staff at Barrington Stage Company last summer, she has so been excited to return to educational and youth theatre, and is incredibly grateful to be joining Wheelock Family Theatre’s Emerging Arts Leaders program as a Teaching Assistant this year! Grace is dedicated to using theatre as a tool for fostering empathy and human connection, examining the beauty of the everyday in our ever-changing contemporary world whether that be as a playwright, performer, director or teacher. Recent performance credits include: Romeo + Juliet (Romeo), Death of a Salesman (Linda, Biff, & Happy) and Little Women (Beth Understudy.) @gracelenore
Ceil Shandell
(she/he/they) is a rising junior at Brandeis University, originally from outside Philadelphia, PA. This is his first year at WFT – and she can’t be more excited to work with the technical aspects of these shows! They have 7 years of experience in lighting design and technical theater, ranging from school and community productions – and even to the Philadelphia Fringe. Alongside lighting design, Ceil is also an adept stage manager and a trained digital artist and illustrator. website: ceilshandell.carrd.co
Skylar Sherman
Skylar is a rising senior at Boston University studying Deaf Education and Psychology. She is so excited to work at Wheelock Family Theatre and combine her two greatest passions: theatre and teaching! Skylar studied acting at LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts in NYC and has performed in many musicals at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts. Some of her favorite roles include Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and (most recently) Portia in BU on Broadway’s production of Something Rotten! When she’s not on the stage, Skylar loves arranging music for her a cappella group, teaching at the BU Children’s Center, and hanging with her goldendoodle, Sammy. She is so excited to join the WFT family this summer!
Julia Smith
(she/her) is a rising sophomore at University of Connecticut where she is majoring in Acting. She has 10+ years in performance experience, and her favorite roles are Catherine from Pippin, Edgar from Nightfall with Edgar Allen Poe, Heidi from Secret In The Wings, Cinderella from Into The Woods. She is so excited to be working at WFT this summer!
Sarah Szafran-Pollock
(she/her) is a recent graduate of Suffolk University with a degree in Theatre with minors in Arts Administration and Film/Media. Next year Sarah will be pursuing her Masters in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College. In addition, she is a playwright who enjoys occasionally appearing on stage. Sarah was a production intern last summer and enjoyed her time learning new skills and becoming more acquainted with theatre lighting. She was a TA for the weekend classes this year, and is looking forward to being an education EAL this summer!
Delaney Walkes
(she/her) is a rising senior majoring in Theatre at Wheaton College, where she has worked on acting, costuming, lighting, playwriting and directing skills. She is passionate about the performing arts and is excited to rejoin the Wheelock Family Theatre. She looks forward to working on her independent study this coming fall.
Killian zhang
(he/his) is a rising senior at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, hailing from China. He is majoring in Education and Human Development with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Killian’s theatrical experience includes acting and singing, including improv acting, pop music performances, and being a tenor in a church chorus. He is thrilled to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to WFT as an Education Intern this summer.
Past Interns
Natalie Ackerman
Multimedia & Video
(she/her) is a rising senior studying Film and Television at Boston University. If she’s not watching movies, she’s most likely doing theater with BU Stage Troupe. Her other hobbies include reading, making jewelry, and advocating for bees.
Charlie Berger
Artistic/Literary
(he/him) is a rising Sophomore Theater Arts Major at Boston University in the School of Theater. He has been involved in theater since he was five years old in various studios around Wellesley, Natick, and Boston. He plans to pursue a career in acting, directing, playwriting, and theater making. He thanks his friends and family for supporting him every step of the way.
Kennedy Campbell
Education, Teaching & Learning
(she/her) is a rising Junior at Syracuse University, studying Musical Theatre. Kennedy is the Founder and President of Arts for Anxiety Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to bring awareness and assistance to those who suffer from anxiety and other mental health issues by the relief that can be found through the Arts. She partners with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America to bring her message to youth. Her work through this organization gives her the opportunity to highlight this growing health crisis facing youth today. She is a children’s book author and singer songwriter with her work focused on addressing anxiety, depression and social justice issues. Her first book entitled Singing with Samantha will soon be recreated as a cartoon. Kennedy has been featured with NBC, CBS and other national media outlets concerning her work for anxiety. Kennedy is signed with the DW King Talent Agency and can be seen in advertisements for Hasbro, Optimum TV, Blue Cross Blue Shield and others nationwide. She made her regional theatre debut in Wheelock Theatre’s production of Ragtime for their 2018-2019 season. Since then she performed in the Wheelock production of Once on this Island and the Syracuse Stage production of Working. Her latest projects include the release of a national award winning Black Lives Matter original song and video entitled, I Am America. Kennedy is also featured regularly with the Easton Children’s Museum teaching children art. For more information on Kennedy, please visit her websites at www.artsforanxiety.com or www.KennedyCampbell.com
Caitlin Conrad
Education Intern, Teaching Assistant
(she/her) is a rising Senior at Wagner College in New York dual majoring in Childhood Education and Theatre/Speech. At Wagner, she is involved with student-run theatre and has had the opportunity to work in public school classrooms for grade levels from kindergarten through middle school. She has a great passion for performing; some of her favorite productions she has been in include Newsies, Annie, The Wedding Singer, Godspell, and Anything Goes all in her hometown of Cohasset, Massachusetts.
Madelyn Guyet
Education, Community Outreach/Teaching & Learning Intern
(she/her) is a rising junior at Boston University, pursuing a major in Theatre Arts and a minor in Special Education. She has been involved in theatre since she was 13, and is extremely excited to be sharing her experience and love for the arts with the Wheelock family. During quarantine, she took up ukulele, painting, and avidly obsessing over Tik Tok. She loves all genres of music, going on drives with her sisters in the summer, and lounging at the beach! This is the first theatre she will be working with since the pandemic, and she’s so excited to dive into the Wheelock experience!
JuJu Jaworski
Marketing, Social Media
(she/her) is a rising Sophomore Fordham University studying as a Directing major in their Theatre Program. She is also pursuing a double major in Digital Technology and Emerging JuJu is beyond honored to be joining the Wheelock team as a Marketing, Social Media Intern! Aside from her ventures in Fordham as a director and collaborator, JuJu is also the host of her own radio show on Campus (Verses Radio, Wavelengths at Fordham Lincoln Center), an author of her debut book Senior Year, and the creator of her zine The View From Here. Her latest creative endeavor is being the director and writer of her Zoom Cabaret “Yeah, I’m A Freshman Theatre Major (in a pandemic)”. Directing and arranging this cabaret has been a dream and she has been able to collaborate with her fellow Fordham Theatre ’24 classmates in a fun-filled outside project. JuJu has been involved in the theatre world since second grade and hopes to continue her career in theatre for years to come. So much love to the Wheelock team for welcoming her to their amazing company. Jujujaworski.com
Maisie Kramer
Audience Services, Access & Equity
(she/her) is a rising junior at Clark University majoring in sociology. Maisie grew up in the Boston area and took classes at Wheelock Family Theatre when she was younger, and is ecstatic to be back at WFT as an Audience Services, Access & Equity intern! In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, activism, doing one-woman reenactments of Hamilton, and going down random Wikipedia rabbit holes.
Alex Leondedis
(he/him/his) is an actor, director, teaching artist, and theatre-maker originally from Kansas. Alex is a recent and proud graduate of the fourth class of the B.F.A. Contemporary Theatre program at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Alex’s work onstage includes Someone in Hurry Home: A Collaborative Performance Experience, Demetrius/Bottom in Boston Theatre Company’s touring Midsummer, and Perseus/Phineaus in Medusa Reclaimed for The Nora’s “That’s What She Said” Festival. Alex served as the Assistant Director on SpeakEasy’s production of Fairview, and Directed Anne Eats The Beetle at Emerging Artist Theatre’s New Work Series and Pauligarchy and Now You See Me for the Boston Theatre Marathon. You can check out more of what Alex has going on at @leondedis on Instagram or at leondedis.com
Katie Mead
Artistic/Literary
(she/her) is a rising Senior at Boston College studying Neuroscience and Theatre. She loves being involved in all aspects of the theatre including acting, design, and playwriting. Some of her favorite credits include Sweat, These Shining Lives, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Next year at BC, she is looking forward to serving as Vice President to Boston College Contemporary Theatre and having one of her original one acts produced by the department. She is excited to be working with WFT as Artistic/Literary Intern and getting to be a part of such a great organization!
Isabel Molettieri
Education Intern, Teaching Assistant
(she/her/hers) is a Boston based actor, musician and teaching artist! She appeared most recently onstage in Los Angeles Theatre Initiative’s production of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She recently graduated from Muhlenberg College with a degree in Theatre and Music with concentrations in Acting and Vocal Performance. Isabel is a private voice teacher for singers of all ages and has previously served as a theatre educator with Birch Meadow Elementary School and Five Star Theater Company. Isabel has been with WFT since summer 2021 and loves working with the brilliant young artists here!
Ansley Moore
Education, Community Outreach/Teaching & Learning Intern
(she/her) is a rising senior at Emerson College where she studies Theatre Education and Performance. She has a strong passion for fight and intimacy direction, with six certifications in stage combat through Dueling Arts International. When she’s not in class or a rehearsal, she loves baking cornbread, spending time outside, and watercolor painting.
Liana SC
Education, Community Outreach/Teaching & Learning Intern
(she/her) is a Senior at NYU Tisch, pursuing a BFA in Dramatic Writing with minors in Producing and Environmental Biology. A writer, producer, and theatre administrator, Liana co-founded and currently serves as Managing Director for Scripps Onstage, a theatre education organization based in San Diego, CA. She is also a co-founding board member of NYU Playground Production Co-op, a Tisch club that facilitates interdepartmental collaboration and helps creators develop their works. She has previously worked and interned with theatrical organizations including the Broadway Green Alliance, Broadway Bound Theatre Festival, and La Jolla Playhouse.
Wyatt Anton
Born in Seattle, Wyatt Anton grew up in San Diego, showing an early talent in a variety of arts, he went on to study at a series of arts programs: Stagedoor Manor, NYU Steinhardt’s Summer Institute of Music Production Technology, and the University of MIchigan’s MPULSE summer program, amongst others. He’s trained in voice, acting, and dance as well guitar, piano, and saxophone along the way, honing his skills as both a creator and performer. Wyatt is currently hard at work cultivating his distinct talents and voice while attending the Boston Conservatory at Berklee where he will receive a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre spring of 2025.
Jack Darnell
(he/they) is elated to be able to work with Wheelock Family Theatre for Summer 2022! He is a junior Theatre Education and Performance major at Emerson College in Boston, MA and has experience in acting, direction, choreography, stage management and arts management. In addition to his work as a student, he currently serves as the Artistic Director of “Kidding Around”, the TYA theatre organization at Emerson. He is excited to be able to bring his knowledge of TYA and broad theatrical background to Wheelock this Summer and is looking forward to growing through this experience.
Ashleigh Deamicis
(she/her), from Stoughton, MA, is a rising senior at Salve Regina University, where she is double majoring in Psychology and Theatre Arts. After classes, Ashleigh spends her time in both Salve Theatre Department and Stagefright Theatre Company productions, and is looking forward to working on the executive board of Salve’s improv comedy troupe, Completely Scripted Improv, next fall. In addition to performing, Ashleigh has a passion for community engagement and advocacy in theatre. She is honored to have the opportunity to work with Wheelock Family Theatre this summer as Audience Services Intern!
Katherine Gustafson
(She/Her/Hers) has grown up with the Wheelock Family Theatre, beginning programming as early as she can remember. She is a recent graduate of Emerson College, having received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre & Performance. During her time at Emerson she also gained a minor in Hearing and Deafness Studies through her focus on American Sign Language. Katherine began her performance career at age five when she appeared on the Wheelock Family Theatre stage as a baby spider in Charlotte’s Web. Since then she has worked consistently with WFT as both an actor and teaching artist, having been seen in shows such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Wizard of Oz, Stuart Little, and many more. Most recently Katherine appeared as Sue Snell in Carrie: The Musical at start-up theatre company SALT Theatricals. With a passion for teaching and working with young theatre artists, she is ecstatic to be back with Wheelock Family Theatre’s Education Programming for another summer of art and learning.
Sasha Marlene Nemi Lato
(she/her/hers) is so excited to be returning to Wheelock Family Theatre this summer for her second year as an Education Intern! Isabel is a rising senior at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Theatre and Music. Originally from Reading, MA, Isabel’s love for the arts began at a young age. In fact, she has many fond memories of coming to see productions at Wheelock Family Theatre as a kid! She is very passionate about arts education and has previously served as a theatre educator in youth theatre productions at Five Star Theater Company and Birch Meadow Elementary School. She looks forward to working with all of the teaching artists at Wheelock Family Theatre as well as the amazing young artists this summer!
Alex Leondedis
(he/him/his) is an actor, director, teaching artist, and theatre-maker originally from Kansas. Alex is a recent and proud graduate of the fourth class of the B.F.A. Contemporary Theatre program at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Alex’s work onstage includes Someone in Hurry Home: A Collaborative Performance Experience, Demetrius/Bottom in Boston Theatre Company’s touring Midsummer, and Perseus/Phineaus in Medusa Reclaimed for The Nora’s “That’s What She Said” Festival. Alex served as the Assistant Director on SpeakEasy’s production of Fairview, and Directed Anne Eats The Beetle at Emerging Artist Theatre’s New Work Series and Pauligarchy and Now You See Me for the Boston Theatre Marathon. You can check out more of what Alex has going on at @leondedis on Instagram or at leondedis.com
Mary Mahoney
Lily Mittnight
(she/her) is an educator, theatre artist, and social justice advocate dedicated to bringing up kind, equitable, and creative students. She has previously worked as a set builder/painter, COVID Safety Manager, teaching assistant, and Child Guardian at WFT@BU. She received a B.A. in Human Services and Communications and an M.S. in Creative Practice Leadership from Northeastern University where she spent all her time outside of class performing, costume designing, and directing with NUStage Musical Theatre Company.
Isabel Molettieri
Education Intern, Teaching Assistant
(she/her/hers) is a Boston based actor, musician and teaching artist! She appeared most recently onstage in Los Angeles Theatre Initiative’s production of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She recently graduated from Muhlenberg College with a degree in Theatre and Music with concentrations in Acting and Vocal Performance. Isabel is a private voice teacher for singers of all ages and has previously served as a theatre educator with Birch Meadow Elementary School and Five Star Theater Company. Isabel has been with WFT since summer 2021 and loves working with the brilliant young artists here!
Anika Nayak
(They/She) has been with Wheelock Family Theater since she was a young child and found a home in the arts here. Her work in technical theater began at age 9 with internships at Wheelock in props and scenic design. Since then, they have found a deep passion for stage management, sewing the pieces of theater into a tapestry of stories. Anika focusses on creating non hierarchical and collaborative spaces in which theater and art can be created and experienced as what she believes is at it’s core, a universal language of being, and is beyond thrilled to be back at WFT to further that work. Anika most recently has been the Production Stage Manager for the UMass Amherst Theater Department, a resident Master Electrician for Moonbox Theater, and a returning teaching artist at Wheelock Family Theater. Her work has taken her throughout Massachusetts as well as internationally to Ramala, Palestine. You can see more of her work on her website anikanayak.org!
Jasper Scott
(they/them/theirs and he/him/his) is a rising senior at Boston University studying Theater Design and Production student with six years of experience as a stage manager. This is his first time working with WFT, but he’s excited to be a part of the work WFT is doing. In addition to stage management, they are interested in playwriting and costume design.
Angie Ye
Marketing Intern
(she/her) is a graduate at Boston University, majoring in Journalism. She is a translator, writer, and social media manager for The Buzz magazine. She is a musical enthusiast and loves design, photography, and videography. After her experience of getting involved in the musical “An American in Paris” Asia tour in 2019, she’s so excited to work with the theater again and join the lovely Wheelock family for this summer!
Ashlyn Bagocius
(she/her) is a theatre-maker and writer from Seattle, WA. She graduated from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, MA, with a B.A. in Creative Writing and Musical Theatre. Ashlyn’s theatrical experience includes direction, acting, singing, production, and playwriting. After her original musical Seller’s Market premiered on the Simon’s Rock stage, she went on to be the Assistant Director in the school’s production of RIOT!, and most recently served as an artistic collaborator for the devised piece Oneirology 405. In addition to her work in the theatre, Ashlyn is currently writing her first novel. She is excited to pass on her knowledge as an Education Intern at Wheelock Family Theatre this summer!
Charlene Browne
(she/her) is an Afro-Caribbean American arts educator and administrator, writer, and community builder. In her work, she strives to build power within Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities through the arts and the creation of safe spaces for self-exploration, unconditional love, and mutual care. She has worked as a teaching artist and arts educator for several theatre companies, such as Company One and Actors’ Shakespeare Project, as well as schools in the Boston area.
As a writer, her work has been published in Dartmouth College’s The Stonefence Review and I2 Literary Magazine. Charlene has also received scholarships to notable writing conferences such as Muse and Marketplace in Boston and Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing. She was also a finalist in the inaugural flash fiction contest “Boston in 100 Words”. In community, Charlene has served as an AmeriCorps fellow with 826 Boston, a youth writing and publishing organization, where she created and facilitated many creative arts workshops and after-school club programs.
Currently, Charlene is attending Boston University for a Masters of Science in Arts Administration.
Ken Crossman
(he/him) is a rising senior at Tufts University studying Theater, Film and Media Studies, and Economics. He recently spent part of last year studying at the National Theater Institute at The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and is eager to get into even more theater at Wheelock! Ken continues to act in and direct several productions at Tufts and has a wealth of experience music directing and business managing productions in his hometown of Needham, MA. His mother claims he has seen several shows at Wheelock when he was a kid, but this was a very long time ago, as he does not have any memory of this. Nevertheless, he is super excited to be joining the Wheelock family this year!
Gabriella David
(She/Her) – Emerson College; BFA ‘26 Theatre: Directing Concentration. Emerson College theatre credits: *Rabbit Hole* (Director) (BlueJay Theatre Collective), Tanner Maverick’s Book of Sound (Director) (Musical Theatre Against the Grain)Dog Sees God (Marcy) (BlueJay Theatre Collective), A Wrinkle in Time (Asst. Director) (Kidding Around), Heathers (Asst. Director) (Musical Theatre Society) Additional credits: Tick Tick Boom (Director) (Studio Bleu), The Trail To Oregon (Co-Director) (DQ Troupe), Godspell & Sweeney Todd (Asst. Director) (Infinite Arts) Special thank you to the Nick, the team, and cast!
Nili Fish-Bieler
(she/they) is a rising junior at Brandeis University majoring in mathematics. At Brandeis, Nili has stage managed and assistant stage managed many shows. She is so excited for her second summer at Wheelock!
Sophia Fortuna
(she/her) is a performer, educator, stage manager, and arts administrator from New Jersey. She graduated this year from Berklee College of Music with a BM in Professional Music (Concentrations in Music Education and Musical Theater Performance). Sophia was most recently the stage manager Descendants at North End Music and Performing Arts Center and also works at Puppet Showplace Theater, where she has cultivated her love of puppetry. Sophia is extremely passionate about arts education and is excited to share this passion with everyone at Wheelock this summer!
Sydney Lowry
(she/her) is a rising senior at Emerson College, where she is double majoring in Theatre Education & Writing, Literature, and Publishing. At Emerson, she serves as the Marketing Director for Musical Theatre Society and has participated in multiple student theatre productions, gaining experience in acting, directing, stage managing, and producing. Most recently, she had the opportunity to be the female swing in Musical Theatre Society’s Ride the Cyclone. She is extremely excited to bring her experience on and off-stage to Wheelock Family Theatre this summer!
Mary Mahoney
Liam McCarron
(he/him) is a rising senior at Boston University, on track to receive his BFA in Acting next spring. During his time at BU he has been in shows such as Once, Shakespeare in Love, and Everybody. This past spring, he had the opportunity to study abroad at LAMDA for their semester of classical acting. He is very excited for a summer full of theater with you all!
Sandra Mood
(she/her), from Somerville, MA, is currently a rising sophomore at Western Connecticut State University where she is seeking her BFA in Acting. She has been involved with theatre since fourth grade as a performer, director, technician, devisor, playwright, and dramaturge. Sandra is a 2022 graduate of Somerville High School and was a member of the Highlander Theatre Company for 4 years, serving as their Engagement Director in her junior and senior years and earning the title Honor Thespian in the ITS. Some of her favorite roles have been Samantha Brown in “The Mad Ones,” Mrs. Peacock in “CLUE,” Young Amélie in “Amélie,” Phoebe in “As You Like It,” and Gretta Good/Hazel in “Still Life with Iris.” Sandra has also acted as a director for the scene “Getting it Back’ from “Almost Maine” at SHS and served as the Assistant Director for both ‘Shrek Jr.” and “Honk Jr.” with the Somerville All City Middle School Musical. She recently made her WCSU MainStage debut in Marat/Sade as Coulmier’s Wife in addition to making her swing debut as Female Patient. In addition, she has a newfound love of sound after serving as A1 for “Big Love” and A2 for “Allegro.” When not in school, she has been involved with Somerville Community Theatre, first as a camper, then volunteer, and now serves as their Learning Extension teacher. Sandra is thrilled to be working with Wheelock Family Theatre and is honored to serve as their Social Media and Graphic Design Intern this summer!
Kayala Nayak
(she/her/hers) is a musician, actor, and theatre-maker in the Boston area, soon heading to Bennington College in Vermont to study film, drama, and music. She recently played Miss Scarlet in WFT’s production of Clue, and Corrine in Now You See Me by Natalie Weinberg. She has been going to Wheelock Family Theatre camp since the age of five, but this is her first summer as an education intern. Kayala was the teaching assistant for the 2023 spring session classes of Treasure Trunk Theatre, and is so excited to be back!
Sydney O'Toole
(she/her) is a musician, theatre artist, and educator from the Boston area. Currently a rising senior studying Theatre Education at the University of New Hampshire, Sydney is passionate about creating inclusive and positive learning spaces for all students, as well as equipping them with skills they can use beyond the classroom. Outside of teaching, Sydney is an avid performer, playing around the seacoast area solo and in her band Two Hour Parking. She is excited to return to the Wheelock education team for another summer of learning and fun!
Autumn Pentecost
(she/her) I am an actress who has been doing theatre for several years, I have performed in various shows, as well as worked behind the scenes. I am a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, going into my senior year. I am majoring in general theatre where I am gaining skills and experience in all aspects of theatre. I plan to move on to graduate school and obtain my Masters of Fine Arts in performance. My goal is to teach theatre at the collegiate level. Teaching is my passion! I have volunteered in children’s theaters across Alabama helping children of all ages grow in their acting and singing abilities. Theatre brings me so much joy, and I hope to spread that joy to others!
Nathan Persampieri
My name is Nathan Persampieri, and I am a graduate of Merrimack College. I majored in Social Justice and minored in Communications and Media. He is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and DEI issues. Last summer, I was the Access & Equity intern, and am thrilled to be returning as part of the 2024 EAL cohort! I am a strong supporter of accessibility and inclusion and am grateful the WFT values that as well! I have been taking classes and attending shows at WFT@BU since 2010. I am grateful to Nick and all the other staff for allowing me to return!
Lily Ramras
(she/her) is a rising sophomore at Northwestern University, majoring in Theater and Dance. She is a member of the NU Purple Crayon Players theater board and is pursuing a concentration in Theater for Young Audiences. Lily graduated from Walnut Hill School for the Arts in 2022. When she’s not working at Wheelock this summer, you can find her scooping ice cream at J.P. Licks!
Sarah Szafran-Pollock
(she/her) is a recent graduate of Suffolk University with a degree in Theatre with minors in Arts Administration and Film/Media. Next year Sarah will be pursuing her Masters in Theatre from Sarah Lawrence College. In addition, she is a playwright who enjoys occasionally appearing on stage. Sarah was a production intern last summer and enjoyed her time learning new skills and becoming more acquainted with theatre lighting. She was a TA for the weekend classes this year, and is looking forward to being an education EAL this summer!
Brenna Thornton
(she/her) is a rising fourth-year student at Northeastern University majoring in Theatre and Communications. She is an active member of the Northeastern Department of Theatre and Silver Masque Theatre Company, where she enjoys acting, writing, and directing. Favorite credits include Bobbi in Problem Play, Ellie in You Should Talk to Someone, and Character in A Crime of Passion. She is so excited to be joining the Wheelock team for the first time this summer as an Education intern!
Maelynn Ugokwe
(she/her) a rising senior, double majoring in English and Theatre Studies at Tufts University, where she has been able to develop her acting, directing, playwriting, and scenic fabrication skills. She is passionate about arts and education and has spent her previous two summers as a substitute teacher at a preschool. She looks forward to assistant directing a student production this fall at Tufts, as she begin my final year at the university. She has loved theatre for as long as she can remember, and is delighted to be working with Wheelock Family Theatre for the first time this summer as an Education Intern!
Edan Zinn
(he/him) is excited to join the Summer Intern Team at WFT@BU. A lifelong photographer, Edan has created photo portfolios for arts organizations such as Boston’s SoWa Art + Design District and JP’s Spontaneous Celebrations. Most recently, Edan revamped the photo and video marketing materials for Brimmer Summer Camps. However, some of Edan’s favorite events to photograph are performances, bringing him back to his days on the theatre stage, especially in Wheelock’s 2019 production of Ragtime. Pursuing a B.A. at Williams College, Edan is passionate about arts education and equity work. Edan enjoys seeing Boston theatre and practicing fine art photography in his free time. www.edanzinnphoto.com