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★ 2025 Pulitzer Prize Finalist ★
From the Tony Award-winning author of The Band's Visit comes a provocative new play about identity, loyalty, and the complexities of allyship.
When Asaf's student asks him to sign a manifesto condemning police brutality, he wants to help — until he realizes the petition says more than he's ready to stand behind. As the debate roars through his Midwestern campus and his ex-girlfriend takes the lead, Asaf is pulled into a political storm that tests his convictions and his sense of self. Will his fumbling entrée into activism help or hurt the cause? The Ally, a darkly funny and deeply human new play by Itamar Moses (The Band's Visit, Completeness), asks us: just whose side are you on?
Itamar Moses brings his signature sharp wit and intellectual rigor to this timely exploration of campus politics, family dynamics, and the fraught terrain of contemporary social discourse. Only at Theater Wit.
Understudies
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association
PlaywrightItamar Moses
Casting DirectorClaire Simon Casting
Sharyon Culbersonshe/her
Nakia Clark
Sharyon Culberson is a Chicago-based actor excited to join Theater Wit. On screen, she has appeared in THE CHI (Showtime), CHICAGO PD (NBC), CHICAGO FIRE (NBC), THE BIG LEAP (FOX), and PROVEN INNOCENT (FOX). She also starred in the short films MAMA’S BOY and DAUGHTERS, the latter of which screened at the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival and at the Music Box Theatre, and was featured on WGN and in the Chicago Sun-Times. Both shorts are scheduled for national streaming on AMC+. On stage, Sharyon has performed in regional and national productions spanning drama, comedy, musical theatre, and ensemble-devised work. A former performing artist-in-residence with Arts + Public Life, she has collaborated with companies and creatives throughout Chicago and toured nationally as an actor and educator. She has a particular love for character-driven work that explores identity, family, humor, and resilience. As a multi-hyphenate storyteller, Sharyon also writes and produces film projects centered on underrepresented voices; however, the heart of her practice remains acting and the alchemy of live performance. She believes theatre is a laboratory for empathy and continues to seek roles that challenge, electrify, and disrupt expectations. Sharyon holds a B.S. from Florida A&M University and is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. She would like to thank Theater Wit and the Chicago theatre community for their warmth, grit, and joyful weirdness.
Eliyah Arman Ghaeinihe/him
Farid El Masry
Eliyah Arman Ghaeini makes his Theater Wit debut. Regional Theatre: WHITELISTED and A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (Salt Lake Acting Company); SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, WEST SIDE STORY, THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION and IN THE HEIGHTS (West Valley Theatre); TWELFTH NIGHT (Creekside Theatre Festival). TV/Film: THE CHOSEN (CW), HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE SERIES (Disney+), AMBER BROWN (AppleTV), CINDERELLA IN THE CARIBBEAN, ARTIFACT WAR. BFA: Northern Illinois University.
Mira Kesslershe/her
Rachel Klein
Mira Kessler grew up in Durham, North Carolina and comes to Chicago by way of New York, where she was a proud member of The New Yiddish Rep Theater Company, performing with them in GOD OF VENGEANCE and AWAKE AND SING!. Mira graduated with an MFA in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Her favorite Theatre School credits include INDECENT and SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS. Notable credits include Netflix’s UNORTHODOX, THE BAND’S VISIT at Writers Theatre (u/s), GOODBYE MARIANNE at Goodman Theatre (reading) as well as two upcoming feature films.
Devaughn Asante Lomanhe/him
Baron Prince
Devaughn Asante Loman most recently played Kenneth in Eboni Booth’s PRIMARY TRUST at Farmers Alley Theatre. Other credits include MOVEMENT REVISITED (Muhammad Ali), Chicago Symphony Orchestra; JIVE RECORDS (Bobby Womack, Bob Marley, Ensemble), Black Ensemble Theatre; A DROP IN THE BUCKET (Sumwea), Jackalope Theatre; CULT SHOW (Ensemble), Neo-Futurist Theatre; THE RUSTIN ARREST (Bayard Rustin), Edge Theatre; THE BACCHAE (Ensemble), CIRCE (Elios, Trygon, Daedalus) at Hydrama Theatre; EURYDICE (Orpheus), ANTIGONE (Kreon), IS GOD IS (Man), UNACCOMPANIED (Aiden) at The Theatre School.
Evan Ozerhe/him
Reuven Fisher
Evan Ozer is a Chicago-based actor, originally from New York. Pursuing the craft since childhood, Ozer is a National YoungArts Winner and a graduate of LaGuardia High School’s renowned Drama Program. Upon graduating from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Spring 2025, he played Duke Orsino in TWELFTH NIGHT at Oak Park Festival Theatre. He is represented by DDO Artist Agency. Ozer is proudly Jewish and grateful to be in this production of THE ALLY and the confrontation it stages with the modern Jewish-American experience. This reflects Evan’s real-life commitment to question and heal the world according to the faith-based values with which he was raised. As such, Ozer finds it important to share his opposition to the violence Israel has and continues to inflict on the Palestinian people. Ozer is strongly against the weaponization of antisemitism to commit violence in the name of Jewish safety. He strives to embody a Judaism that is not built on fear but solidarity. Ozer believes in theater’s ability to foster important dialogue. If you are interested in hearing more, please visit his website evanozer.com, where he has written about his experience in THE ALLY and wrestling with being a young Jewish artist. He is hopeful that this production can stimulate reflective conversations and help us all discover and act upon deeper truths rooted in justice.
Jordan Lane Shappellhe/him
Asaf Sternheim
Jordan Lane Shappell is excited to be making his Theater Wit debut! His most recent credits include KING JAMES, for which he won a San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Award for Best Actor. Credits also include GEORGIANA & KITTY: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY (TheatreWorks), THE REAL THING (Writers Theatre), BE A GOOD LITTLE WIDOW (NoHo Theater), HOW TO QUIT (Meta Theatre), HENRY V (Meta Theatre), JOURNEYS OF IDENTITY (National Theatre of the Deaf), DANCING AT LUGHNASA (Merle Reskin Theatre), DAY IN THE DEATH OF JOE EGG (dir. Larry Moss). Film and TV credits include MONKEY BREAD (dir. Amelia Brantley), ABIGAIL BEFORE BEATRICE (dir. Cassie Keet), SCREAM: Fan Favorite (dir. Tyler Hansen), PATIENT (dir. Lori Felker), THE ORVILLE (FOX). Shappell earned his BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. He is now a teacher at the Forge Chicago. He’d like to thank his wife and his family for their endless support.
K Chinthana Sotakounthey/them
Gwen Kim
K Chinthana Sotakoun is excited to make their Chicago theatre debut. They most recently appeared in the indie folk rock musical HUNDRED DAYS as Abigail and in the streaming series HEAVY HITTERS. Other roles include Yitzhak in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, Neary/Sothea in CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND, Mercutio in ROMEO AND JULIET, and Jessica/Jolene in HAND TO GOD. They had the pleasure of playing a supporting role in the locally-produced indie feature WHAT RHYMES WITH MAGDALENA? In addition to appearing in countless regional and national commercial spots, K Chinthana is also a singer/songwriter and a budding playwright.
Alex Dutyhe/him
u/s Reuven
Alex Duty is thrilled to make his debut with Theater Wit as the understudy for Reuven Fisher in THE ALLY. He earned his BFA in Acting and Directing from Stephen F. Austin State University and is proudly represented by Talent X Alexander. After working a few years in the Denver theatre scene, he relocated to Chicago in 2023 and is grateful to be building roots in the city’s vibrant theatre community. His most notable credits include THIS IS OUR YOUTH (Warren) and SWEAT (Jason) at SFASU, RUMORS (Lenny) at SharkBox Theatre, STONEWALL (Seymour Pine) at Benchmark Theatre, INHERIT THE WIND (Davenport & Cates u/s) at Edge of the Wood Theatre and TAKEN AT MIDNIGHT (Dr. Conrad) at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center. Endless thanks to the entire Theater Wit company, and to his parents, family, friends, and dog Scout for their continued support!
Bri Goldenshe/her
u/s Rachel
Bri Golden is delighted to be making her Theater Wit debut! Previous credits include Ruth in JANE: ABORTION AND THE UNDERGROUND (Cat’s Cradle Theatre), #25 in THE WOLVES (Illinois State University), and Adela in THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA (Illinois State University). She has a BA in Acting from Illinois State University and is currently represented by Lily’s Talent. She is proud to be a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, the largest Jewish organization supporting Palestine. Learn more at www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org. Instagram: @brigolden
Jaylon Goldenhe/him
u/s Baron
Jaylon Golden is very excited and grateful for his debut at Theater Wit, understudying for Baron! Getting his Fine Arts Degree from Illinois State University, he has performed a multitude of notable roles, from Michael in TICK, TICK…BOOM! to Uncle Fester in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. In his spare time when he’s not on the stage, he loves to brush up his skills on music production and songwriting, which he can hopefully showcase just as much as acting. Jaylon would like to thank Theater Wit and NV Talent for this opportunity, and a huge shout out to the audience for continuing to support the Performing Arts!
Joyce Leeshe/her
u/s Gwen
Joyce Lee is currently a senior at The Theatre School at DePaul and is super excited to be a part of this production and work alongside super talented people! Film credit: CHICAGO FIRE. Theater credits: THEATER MERMAID, LEFT UNHEARD (Healy Theatre), LOTTERY DAY (Watts Theater), HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS THEN KILL THEM (Subrosa Theatre), CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION, THE CHERRY ORCHARD.
Faiz Siddiquehe/him
u/s Farid
Faiz Siddique is an actor based in Chicago. This is his first time working with Theater Wit, and he couldn’t be more excited for the chance to play with and understudy as Farid in this brilliant script of THE ALLY. After spending the summer completing BADA’s Midsummer in Oxford program, Faiz followed up with some theatre credits including: ROMEO AND JULIET (Midsommer Flight), HATEF*CK (First Floor Theatre), IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY (Studio Theatre), and INFINITY BURNS through Red Orchid’s Incubator series; DELI BOYS (Hulu series). @iamfaizsiddique
Jeremy Wechslerhe/him
Director
Jeremy Wechsler is the founding Artistic Director of Theater Wit, which has grown into an essential hub of the artistic community in Chicago. Under Jeremy’s leadership over the last twenty years, Theater Wit has emerged as a go-to destination for cutting edge contemporary work, gaining national recognition for excellence. During his tenure, he has directed the Chicago premieres of PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, INANIMATE, THE WHISTLEBLOWER, HURRICANE DIANE, THE REALISTIC JONESES, THE ANTELOPE PARTY, 10 OUT OF 12, NAPERVILLE (Jeff Award), THIS WAY OUT OF SANTALAND, THE NEW SINCERITY, THE (CURIOUS CASE OF THE) WATSON INTELLIGENCE (Best of 2015 – Sun-Times), BAD JEWS (Best of 2015 – New City), MR BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY (Time Out People’s Choice Award for Direction, Best of 2015), SEVEN HOMELESS MAMMOTHS WANDER NEW ENGLAND (Sun-Times Best of Year 2014), COMPLETENESS, TIGERS BE STILL, THIS, THE FOUR OF US, FEYDEAU-SI-DEAU, MEN OF STEEL, THOM PAIN (BASED ON NOTHING) (Jeff Award – Best Solo Performance), TWO FOR THE SHOW and many, many productions of THE SANTALAND DIARIES. He has directed over seventy shows in the last thirty years at various theaters, including TRAGEDY: A TRAGEDY, THE FLU SEASON, A TASTE OF HONEY (“US Best of 2008” in The Wall Street Journal), NOW THEN AGAIN (Jeff Award – Best New Work), THE PLAY ABOUT THE SQUIRREL, THE WHITE DEVIL, THIS IS NOT A PLAY ABOUT CANCER, TITUS ANDRONICUS, THE ROARING GIRL, HENRY VI: BLOOD OF A NATION, THE PROMISE, SPIN, UN ROBOT, HORROR ACADEMY, THE COARSE ACTING SHOW, CABARET and THE THREEPENNY OPERA. His productions have been nominated for and won multiple awards for design, performance, adaptation and best new work.
Joe Schermolyhe/him
Scenic Designer
Joe Schermoly is always delighted to team with Theater Wit and Jeremy on great plays. Regional credits: CARMEN (Charlotte Ballet); PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC (Northlight Theatre); YASMINA’S NECKLACE (Goodman), CONSTELLATIONS (Steppenwolf), HAND TO GOD, SAMSARA (Victory Gardens); DREAM KING (Teatro Vista); HURRICANE DIANE, NAPERVILLE, THE WATSON INTELLIGENCE, SEVEN HOMELESS MAMMOTHS WANDER NEW ENGLAND, COMPLETENESS (Theater Wit); LOVE SONG, FRANKENSTEIN, KING HENRY IV, TRAVESTIES (Remy Bumppo); POMONA, RED REX, BIRDLAND, WASTWATER AND LELA & CO. (Steep); SOLARIS, POCATELLO, TITANIC, SPELLING BEE, FLARE PATH, PUNK ROCK (Griffin); THE GULF, THIS BITTER EARTH, THE TEMPERAMENTALS (About Face). Joe received a B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University, is an ensemble member of Steep Theatre, and has received four Equity Jeff Awards. www.joeschermoly.com
Matthew Eggershe/they
Costume Designer
Matthew Eggers is a queer midwestern costume designer. This is their first production with Theater Wit, and they want to thank Jeremy and the team for the Chicago welcome! Regional: DETROIT ’67 (Detroit Public Theater), BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (Timber Lake Playhouse), INTO THE WOODS (Yale Dramatic Assoc.), RENT (The Encore Musical Theatre Company). They have also worked with Seattle Rep, The Public, Hartford Stage, Two River Theater, and Barrington Stage Company as an associate/assistant. They have worked internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and on Broadway as a production assistant. Upcoming: KING JAMES (DPT). They have a BFA in Theater Design from the University of Michigan and are a USITT Creative Emerging Artist. mattheweggers.com IG: @preggerss
Cole Carricohe/him
Assistant Costume Designer
Cole Carrico is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Theatre Arts. This is his first production with Theater Wit! Most recently he worked with Spoleto Festival USA as their Marketing apprentice and Principal Documentary Photographer. He has recently moved to Chicago and is excited to meet the many talented artists who call the city home. colecarrico.com IG: @cole_carrico
Piper Kirchhofershe/her
Lighting Designer
Piper Kirchhofer is a Jeff Award nominated lighting designer. Previous work includes VHS CHRISTMAS CAROLS with StarKid, WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT… at Theatre Y, WOLVES, THE GREAT KAHN, TITUS ANDRONICUS, GARY: A SEQUEL TO TITUS ANDRONICUS, and ’NIGHT, MOTHER at Redtwist Theatre, TICK, TICK…BOOM! at BoHo Theatre, BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE and MACBETH at Three Crows Theatre, HURRICANE DIANE at Theater Wit, 8-TRACK and ONCE UPON A MATTRESS at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre. She is also an IATSE union member. She works as a lighting technician touring with productions such as BLUEY’S BIG PLAY, the first national tour of COMPANY, DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL, and THE CHOIR OF MAN, which she has taken to Chicago, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Shanghai, and across the United States.
Jonathan Berg-Einhornhe/him
Properties Designer
Jonathan Berg-Einhorn is a Chicago based scenic designer and prop artisan. His prop design work can be seen at Paramount’s long running show of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, and he has worked with Theater Wit on MR BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY and TEENAGE DICK. Favorite scenic designs: HAND TO GOD (Paramount Theatre); ROCK OF AGES (Metropolis); PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Mercury Theater); THE RECLAMATION OF MADISON HEMINGS (American Blues Theater); FUN HOME, Associate Designer for ERNEST SHACKLETON LOVES ME (Porchlight); BABEL, ISAAC’S EYE (Jeff nominated, Redtwist). Jonathan has also had the privilege of being the resident scenic designer for Skylight Music Theatre for the past two seasons. jonathanbergeinhorn.com
Joe Cerquahe/him
Composition and Sound Design
Joe Cerqua is thrilled to be making his Theater Wit debut. Joe is a freelance, award-winning composer, producer, vocalist and sound designer. Joe has composed/designed sound for over 350 productions nationally and internationally. Original music and sound design: Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, American Players Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, Arizona Theatre Company, Asolo Theater, The Alliance, Mark Taper Forum, Geva Theatre, Deaf West, Northlight Theatre, Skyline Opera, Cleveland Play House, Clarence Brown Theatre, Forward Theater, Kansas City Rep, Indiana Rep, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Shakespeare & Company, Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Remy Bumppo. National Tours: SIDEMAN, AMERICAN BUFFALO, HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, THE LARAMIE PROJECT, MASTER CLASS. Joe is the Composer in Residence for the Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre and the Creative Director and Producer for the Music Department at Columbia College. Future projects include concerts in Chicago with Cerqua Rivera, original music and sound designs for productions with the American Players Theatre, Milwaukee Rep and Forward Theater.
Grace Kessler Overbeke
Dramaturg
Grace Kessler Overbeke and the Columbia College Chicago Dramaturgy Class are delighted about their first collaboration with Theater Wit. Dramaturgy students include Ben Melton, Regina Carlson, MJ Evangelista, Deja Hockett, Emma Jacobson, Aurora Lowther, Megan McIntyre, Natalie Medlock, Beetle Michaelis, Dalila Roman-Martinez, Marley Savarese, Ashton Shacochis, Emily Stipitec, Ambika Trivedi, and Jayla Watts.
Matthew R. Chasehe/him
Production Manager
THEATER WIT: INANIMATE, WHO’S HOLIDAY!, HOUSEHOLD SPIRITS, THE WHISTLEBLOWER, HURRICANE DIANE & MR. BURNS, A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY. CHICAGO/PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT: INTO AMERICA, GIRLS & BOYS, ASTRONAUT GROUP 1, THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE, MARY’S SEACOLE, HEISENBERG (Griffin Theatre Company); THE SECRET GARDEN, NEVER BETTER, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, THE SONDHEIM TRIBUTE REVUE, ASSASSINS, BAKED! A NEW MUSICAL, PASSING STRANGE, THE THREEPENNY OPERA (Theo); SPRING AWAKENING (Porchlight Music Theatre). REGIONAL/SOUND DESIGN: THE IRISH…AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY, FUN HOME, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, ANYTHING GOES, ERNEST SHACKLETON LOVES ME, CABARET, RENT, SPRING AWAKENING (Porchlight Music Theatre); ASSASSINS (Capital City Theater); STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (Meadow Brook Theatre). CHICAGO/SOUND DESIGN: DIANA, TELL ME ON A SUNDAY, THE SECRET GARDEN, NEVER BETTER, THE SONDHEIM TRIBUTE REVUE, ASSASSINS, BAKED! A NEW MUSICAL (Theo); ROCK OF AGES (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre); LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, SHREK THE MUSICAL, THE PRODUCERS, PIPPIN (Music Theater Works); WHO’S HOLIDAY (Theater Wit); THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMAS TREE (Griffin Theatre Company); ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY (Marriott Theatre). www.matthewrchasedesign.com
Sarah Luseshe/her
Production Stage Manager
Sarah Luse is excited to be back working with Theater Wit on THE ALLY. Past Wit shows include COMPLETENESS, THOM PAIN (BASED ON NOTHING), BAD JEWS, THE ANTELOPE PARTY, and INANIMATE. She has been stage managing in the Chicago area for almost 20 years. Some favorite Chicago credits include W;T, LONESOME WEST, TEN (an annual ten minute play festival), LOCUSTS, TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, CYGNUS, and OBLITERATION (The Gift Theatre), BONHOEFFER’S COST and REDEEMED: THE FALL AND RISE OF CHUCK COLSON (Provision Theatre), and THE TEMPERAMENTALS (About Face Theatre). Regionally Sarah has been a part of the stage management team for the Michigan Shakespeare Festival for their 2014, 2018, and 2019 seasons. Sarah is also the resident stage manager and an ensemble member of The Gift Theatre.
Noelle Harrisonshe/her
Audience Design Manager
Noelle Harrison is a longtime arts professional specializing in audience development and engagement. A graduate of San Francisco State University in Technical Theatre, her primary professional pursuit and passion has been in creative community building via audience development. Her work at Theater Wit encompasses marketing, fundraising, special events and patron services, where she has been pleased to be your Theatre Ambassador since 2022. A recent transplant from the SF Bay Area, Noelle has worked with companies across the Bay Area including Berkeley Rep, San Francisco Playhouse, and American Conservatory Theater, among many others.
Ave Fitzgeraldshe/they
Assistant Stage Manager
Ave Fitzgerald is a 2025 graduate from Central Michigan University with a BFA in Theatre Tech/Design, focusing primarily on costumes and stage management. New to the city, they are thrilled to be working with the Theater Wit team! Her recent works include Assistant Stage Manager, Wardrobe Supervisor, and Costume Design for TIGERS BE STILL (Sandbox Theatre Collective), Costume Design for SIX YEARS OLD, Stage Manager for A WRINKLE IN TIME, and Costume Design for RICHARD III (Central Michigan University). She would like to thank the Chicago community and Theater Wit for the warm welcome.
Emily Murrayshe/they
Wardrobe Supervisor
Emily Murray is excited for her first production at Theater Wit. She graduated with her B.A. in theatre and music from Valparaiso University. Wardrobe credits include DEATHTRAP, FROZEN, and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at Barter Theatre, RADIO GOLF and THE 39 STEPS at Gulfshore Playhouse, and WHITE CHRISTMAS at Theatre at the Center. She has spent the last 3+ years with Barter Theatre and is delighted to be back in Chicago. In her free time, Emily enjoys Jazzercise, audiobooks, and going to the beach. She would like to thank her family for supporting her work everywhere she goes!
Nick Peebleshe/him
Technical Director
Nick Peebles is very excited to return to Theater Wit for this production (prior credits WHO’S HOLIDAY ’24/’25, INANIMATE)! He graduated Goshen College in 2017, and spent the following year working first as the Technical Director at Thunder Bay Theatre in Alpena, MI (credits include THE ODD COUPLE, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, and SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD), then as a carpenter and the Technical Director at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, IL (credits include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE FULL MONTY, BEEHIVE, and BASKERVILLE). He returned to Chicago as a Technical Director and carpenter in 2018, working at a number of local theaters, including Theo Ubique (TELL ME ON A SUNDAY, DIANA, TL;DR, URINETOWN), Music Theater Works (CAMELOT, WHITE CHRISTMAS, and AVENUE Q), Porchlight Music Theatre (THE IRISH, AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY) and Oakton College (DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, SMOKEFALL, INDECENT). In addition to working in theater, Nick has also worked at the Historic Pullman Foundation on the south side of Chicago as an exhibit installer and Living Works in Rogers Park as a carpenter. He has also taught Tae Kwon Do for Connelly’s Academy of Martial Arts at several Chicagoland public and private schools for over fifteen years. Nick would like to thank his wife and his parents for their consistent love and support over the years – he is lucky and grateful to have them in his life.
Kendra Luedkeshe/her
Assistant Technical Director
Kendra Luedke is a stage manager and carpenter based in the Midwest and is super excited to be back at Theater Wit! Recently, she has built sets for Northwestern University, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Shattered Globe Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre, Oakton College, and Westbeth Entertainment. Recent credits for SM work include Gulfshore Opera’s 2026 PAR CONCERT TOUR, URINETOWN (Roosevelt University); THE WINTER’S TALE, ‘ART’, KING LEAR, WOLF AT THE DOOR, THE APPRENTICE PROJECT (American Players Theatre); ASTRONAUT GROUP I (Griffin Theatre); THE SECRET GARDEN (Theo). She is a graduate of the University of Miami where she received a degree in Music with a concentration in classical euphonium performance. Thank you to Mom, Dad, Maeven, and Susie!
Nick Chamernikhe/him
Master Electrician
Nick Chamernik is a Chicago-based freelance lighting designer, programmer, and technician. Theater Wit credits include INANIMATE, HOUSEHOLD SPIRITS, and WHO’S HOLIDAY (Master Electrician). Other Wit-located credits include Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s HEDDA GABLER, WISH YOU WERE HERE, ART, DEAR ELIZABETH, LOVE SONG, BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY, GALILEO’S DAUGHTER, ANNA IN THE TROPICS, and PASSAGE (Lighting Supervisor), and Shattered Globe Theatre’s RADIAL GRADIENT and THIS WIDE NIGHT (Master Electrician). Other Chicago credits include Goodman Theatre’s THE ANTIQUITIES (Run Crew) and THE WHO’S TOMMY (Projections Operator), as well as Lookingglass Theatre’s WHITE ROOSTER (Lighting Programmer). Nick also serves as the Lighting Supervisor at Chicago Children’s Theatre, as a Lighting Programmer/Master Electrician for Midwest Event Solutions and works as a freelance electrician across the city of Chicago.
Newton “Newt” Schottelkottethey/she
Audio Supervisor
Newt Schottelkotte is a sound engineer, designer, and composer based in Chicago by way of Appalachia. Recent work includes THE DRESS-UP PLAY, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH and DUMMY IN DIASPORA (Jackalope Theatre), 321 PLAYS FOR TRANS FUTURES, ROOTED (Bramble Theatre Company), ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE: WE ARE IN A PLAY! (Young People’s Theatre of Chicago), OM MISSION (About Face), and THE LOVE OBJECT (the story theatre). In addition, Newt is a staff composer for multiple podcasts with Bloody Disgusting, and produces their original audio work under Caldera Studios.
Arthur Karsonhe/him
Scenic Charge
Arthur Karson is a writer, director and scenic artist originally from Ohio. He graduated from the University of Toledo in 2024, and previously painted WHO’S HOLIDAY! at Theater Wit. He would like to say, Free Palestine, abolish ICE, and thank you for coming to the show.