Jo Zakas Musical Theatre Incubator
The School of Performing Arts welcomes the writing team of Amanda D'Archangelis (music) and Sami Horneff (lyrics) who met in the world-renowned BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Each year, the School of Performing Arts invites guest artist to campus with the end goal of performing a staged reading of a musical to be performed at the conclusion of their workshopping experience.
Faculty and Guest Artist
Amanda D'Archangelis
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Amanda is a composer and actress in NYC. She holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from The Boston Conservatory, and is a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. She is the resident composer of Bluelaces Theater Company, providing theater and outreach for people with developmental differences; and a York Theatre Company 2019 NEO Writer. Credits include: SINGLE RIDER (Music & Book, Off-Broadway); THE BREAK (Music, Omaha Creative Institute); THE RADIUM GIRLS: A JAW DROPPING NEW MUSICAL (Music & Book, Winner at The Players Theatre BOO! Short Play Festival); BLATANTLY BLAINE- A “FAMILY” MUSICAL (Music & Lyrics); THE DISEMBODIED HAND... THE MUSICAL! (Music & Lyrics); COMING ATTRACTION (Music), a new musical about the life of Hollywood superstar Greta Garbo, premiered at Wilbury Theatre in Providence RI, January 2019; BLEEDING KANSAS (Music & Lyrics, won the Audience Choice Award and TheatreNow New York’s Soundbites Festival). She's composed and arranged for various projects, and her music has been performed at The Duplex, Green Room 42, The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Feinstein's 54 Below and more.
Sami Horneff
A born and raised New Yorker, Sami is a proud graduate of Brown University (B.A. Theatre Arts) and an advanced lyricist and bookwriter in the world-renowned BMI LEHMAN ENGEL MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP. In 2019, she was named one of The York Theatre Company's NEW, EMERGING, OUTSTANDING (NEO) WRITERS along with collaborator Amanda D'Archangelis. In 2024, the music of D’Archangelis & Horneff was featured on PLAYBILL’S SONGWRITER SERIES. They have also been Artists in Residence at THE LEGACY THEATRE in Branford, CT and at Drama Club Productions’ DRAMA CLUB CAMP in Mount Vernon, ME. In 2025, Sami and Amanda’s song “I Will Go” was the Grand Prize winner at the WRITE OUT LOUD SONGWRITING CONTEST and was recorded by Tony Nominee Jenn Colella and Broadway alum Elizabeth Teeter.
Amy Baker Schwiethale
Amy Baker Schwiethale (Director) is a Professor, Program Coordinator of Musical Theatre & the Associate Director of the School of Performing Arts at Wichita State University. She has been honored by the National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C. for her Direction and Choreography of SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ. Other Choreography Credits include: Disney’s MY SON PINICCHIO, HONK!, GYPSY & CAMELOT with Music Theatre Wichita, the New York Jazz Choreography Project & Traditions in Tap at the Alvin Ailey Studios NYC, and in numerous capacities at Prairie Repertory Theatre and WSU as a Director/Choreographer. Her performing highlights include the First National Broadway Tour of 42nd STREET, RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN-Westchester Broadway Theatre, five summers in the Music Theatre Wichita Company and playing "Anytime Annie" in 42ND STREET.
Cheyla Clawson
Cheyla Clawson, MA, MFA (Producer) is an Associate Professor of Dance and the Director of the School of Performing Arts at Wichita State University (WSU). Chandler’s modern dance research is focused on Horton Technique, and she attended the Horton Dance Technique Certificate Program 2013-2020 at The Ailey School in NYC. Her two duets, Anam Chara (2014) and nosuchSymbiosis (2016) were invited to The American College Dance Association National Festival at The Kennedy Center. Beyond Wichita State, Clawson has created dance works for several companies and universities such as the University of Central Oklahoma, Milwaukee Dance Project, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Colima in Colima, Mexico. Cheyla presented her latest research focused on community integration curriculum in dance performance degrees at The International Arts in Society conference (Australia), gave a workshop on Dance and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the American College Dance Association online National Workshop, as well as community-based intergenerational research at The American Dance Symposium in 2023. Clawson was invited to lead a panel topic on BIPOC Leadership in Higher Education in Changing Political and Cultural Environments with colleagues Charles Anderson (The Ohio State University), Chrysal U. Davis (University of Maryland), and Duane Cyrus (University of Arizona) at the The American Dance Symposium in New York City (January 2025) and the National Dance Education Organization's annual conference (October 2025). At WSU, Cheyla is a member of the university Student Success and Persistence Coalition and the University Assessment Committee. Her research is centered in LatCrit theory related to higher education systems and community/academic partnerships.
Jason Flanders
Jason Flanders (Scene Shop and Properties Shop Mentor) has held many jobs such as USAF Heavy Equipment Operator, Day Care Provider, Combat Engineer and Life Drawing Model. These jobs lasted (some longer than others) until boredom settled into the pores of his existence and those paths were all eventually abandoned. This aversion to boredom eventually led to art and theatre where, if boredom were to rear its dull head, it would soon be defeated by new challenges; new skills to learn, new styles and mediums to explore and new messages to be conveyed. The excitement of these new challenges quickly defeated boredom and its cubicle minions. The ongoing struggle to keep boredom at bay led Jason from the United States Air Force to Arkansas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, and continued his education in the Scenic Design MFA program at the University of Oklahoma. Teaching and exploring art and theatre as Assistant Educator in Design and Theatre Technology with a specialization in Scenery and Props for the School of Performing Arts at Wichita State University has proven to be the perfect weapon to insure boredom’s defeat.
Jamison Rhoads
Jamison Rhoads (Lighting and Scenic Mentor) is thrilled to return to Wichita State University. Jamison graduated from the School of Performing Arts at WSU in 1996 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance. Jamison is coming to WSU from The University of Central Oklahoma where he served as the Associate Professor of Theatrical Media. Prior to UCO, Jamison taught at North Greenville University, Newman University, Cowley College, University of New Orleans and TuIs University. Jamison holds an MFA in Design from Temple University in Philadelphia and studied lighting at the Juilliard School in New York City. A lifelong theatre professional Jamison has designed over 200 productions for both professional and educational institutions. Jamison grew up in Wichita and is proud to call it his hometown. Jamison is married to the love of his life fellow Wichitan, Kate Rhoads. Together they have a sweet four-year-old daughter named Stella. Jamison is thrilled to be back at his Alma Mater, and he is excited to help Wichita State University School of Performing Arts grow into the future selected.
Cast/Crew
Elena Cianciolo
Elena Cianciolo Bachelor of Fine arts in Performing Arts Music Theatre
Katie Bauman
Katie Bauman (Assistant Scenic Designer) is thrilled to be the Assistant Scenic Designer for Company. This is her third year at Wichita State studying Design and Technical Theatre with a focus in scenic design and construction. She served in SPA's production of Twelfth Night as Assistant Scenic Designer. Enjoy the show!
Elena Cianciolo
Elena Cianciolo (Jenny) is a sophomore at Wichita State University pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre. Her previous credits include Alice in After You (Student Film), Charlotte in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Wichita State Music Theatre Company), Ensemble in Express (Wichita State University), and The Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone (St. Michael the Archangel). Elena is so grateful to everyone who has helped her throughout this process and is so excited to share this story with you.
Lexye Collins
Lexye Collins (Amy) is ecstatic to be playing Amy in this year’s production of Company. She is getting a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre with a minor in Entrepreneurship, and is a proud member of the first ever Wichita State Performing Arts Company (WUPAC) group! Amy’s neurotic charm and emotional whirlwind have been a thrilling challenge, and Lexye is honored to bring herself into this iconic Sondheim masterpiece. Her most recent roles include Young Jane in Express through Wichita State University, Susan Waverly in White Christmas with The Forum, and Thea in Spring Awakening at Wichita State University. She'd like to sincerely thank all her loved ones for their continued support in everything she does. Instagram: @lexyecollins
AJ Corbett
AJ Corbett (Assistant Stage Manager) is a second year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Design and Technical Theatre! AJ is beyond excited to continue their theatre journey at Wichita State! You may have seen them previously for assistant stage managing for Spring Awakening (Wichita State) or for their hair and makeup design and technical direction for The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals (Wichita State Music Theatre Company). You may have also seen them as Kaliope in She Kills Monsters (Empty Space). AJ would like to thank their castmates and wonderful Stage Manager for being so supportive and patient throughout the process. They hope you enjoy this show as much as they have!
Gabriel Cornwell
Gabriel Cornwell (David) is very excited to perform once again with Wichita State. Previous credits include Adult Men (Spring Awakening), Bill (The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals), and Mr. Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors). Gabriel is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre, he is also a member of Wichita State Music Theatre Company. Gabriel wants to inspire others to pursue the performing arts just like those around him inspired him.
Jacob Crabtree
Jacob Crabtree (Understudy-Peter) is a second year student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre at Wichita State University, and he is so excited to be a part of Company! He has done shows for Music Theater For Young People, Stage Lights Theater Company, Music Theatre Wichita, Wichita Children’s Theater, and Andover High School and had the honor of being a Jester nominee in 2024. You also may have saw him as Ernst Robel in Spring Awakening. He would like to thank his parents, his sister, his girlfriend, and the cast and crew for making this the most incredible show experience!
Zoie Dangerfield
Zoie Dangerfield (Kathy) is thrilled to be joining the cast of Company as Kathy! A proud graduate of Classen School of Advanced Studies High School, where she majored in drama with a musical theater emphasis, Zoie is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theater at Wichita State University. Her past roles include Claire in Rumors, the Cheshire Cat in Alice by Heart, Donna in Mamma Mia!, and Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher. Zoie is a member of the Wichita State Musical Theatre Company (WSMTC). She is excited to bring her passion and energy to this new production and can’t wait to share the stage with such a talented ensemble.
Nicholas Dreier
Nicholas Dreier (Peter) is an actor from Lindsborg, Kansas and is enrolled at Wichita State University for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Acting. Some of his notable credits include Claudio in Kechi Playhouse’s Much Ado About Nothing, Lieutenant Frank Cioffi in Lindsborg RFD’s production of Curtains, Black-Stash in Smoky Valley High School’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher, King Arthur in Smoky Valley High School’s production of Spamalot, Ace in the Logan Bodenhamer’s Short film Edge of Oblivion, and Young Man in Aiden Replogle’s short film Until Death.
Jyavon Hill
Jyavon Hill (Larry) is enthused to be a part of Company! Previously, he has appeared in Spring Awakening as Georg (Wichita State), The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals as Professor Hidgens (Wichita State Music Theatre Company), Trail to Oregon as McDoon (Wichita State Music Theatre Company), and A Chorus Line as Roy. They also spent the summer directing and choreographing their friends in a mini showcase! Jay’s Mission is to spread joy with his performance!
Emily Flowers
Emily Flowers (Costumer/Wig/Hair & Makeup Designer) is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Design/Technical Theatre and a minor in Anthropology from Wichita State University. Her passion lies in costume and wig design, but she dabbles in props and makeup as well. Emily fully believes that anyone can be a designer, technician, or a builder as long as they have the guts to go after what they want and to persevere when things get rough. Currently, she is working as a Costume Shop Assistant at WSU and is serving as Marketing Coordinator for Empty Space Theater. Previous credits at Wichita State University include Lead Costumes/Hair/Makeup Design for Twelfth Night (2024) (Awarded KCACTF Region 5 Certificate of Merit for Costume Design), Props Designer for Le Nozze di Figaro and Costume Designer/Rental Coordinator for A Chorus Line (2023). Crew positions include Wardrobe Crew for Pippin (2023), Stupid F**king Bird (2022) and Hair/Makeup Crew for Peter and the Starcatcher (2024).
Liam Freibott
Liam Freibott (Properties Supervisor) is a sophomore majoring in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Design/Technical Theatre at Wichita State University. Some of his proudest accomplishments have been designing lighting for a production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and helping design/build scenery for Mt Spokane High School theatre’s showing of Cinderella. He loves the process of construction of both sets and props as well as working with a plethora of different artistic mediums. Liam wishes to continue to expand his knowledge of the inner workings of the theatre throughout his college career and beyond.
Grace Jerke
Grace Jerke (Understudy - Jenny) is over the moon to be working with Wichita State University in this musical season. Her most recent featured roles were the Narrator in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Music Theatre Wichita), Judy Haynes in White Christmas (Triple Threat Theater), and Mr. Davidson in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Maize High School). Grace is a freshman pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre and loves serving at her church every Wednesday night to encourage her amazing middle school girls. Grace’s passion for theater drives her to pluck heartstrings as an artist and connect community through hard work & inspiration.
Aubrey Johnson
Aubrey Johnson (Understudy - Amy) is so excited to be a part of Wichita State University’s production of Company with the School of Performing Arts! Her previous involvements in SPA include female swing in Twelfth Night at Wilner Auditorium and Emma in The Guy Who Doesn’t Like Musicals at the Welsbacher Theatre. Aubrey is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Von Love
Von Love (Harry) is thrilled to be a part of this year’s production of Company. Previous credits include Sister Act and Kinky Boots (Tulsa Community College), Fiddler on the Roof (Wichita Community Theatre), and more. Von is a second-year transfer student studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre and is a proud member of WSMTC (Wichita State Musical Theatre Company), MADT (Mid-America Dance Theatre), and Off the Cuff Improv Troupe. As an artist, Von’s goal is to entertain in any way he can.
Olivia Lybarger
Olivia Lybarger (Understudy - Joanne) is overjoyed to make her Wichita State University debut. Her most loved past credits include Legally Blonde: The Musical (Winfield High School), Frozen Jr. (Cowley College Summer Theater), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Winfield High School). Olivia is a freshman at WSU, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre, and is the First-Year Representative for Wichita State Music Theater Company (Wichita State Music Theatre Company). She hopes to give young artists the assurance that their passions are more than worth pursuing.
Issy Lynn
Issy Lynn (Sarah) is ecstatic to be a part of Company! Previous credits of theirs include Into the Woods (Northwest High School), Twelfth Night (Wichita State University), as well as Marriage of Bette and Boo (Northwest High School). She is also involved with a local improv company, Say What?! Issy is currently a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts - Design/Technical Theatre with a minor in Music Theatre. Issy’s mission is to influence young actors and designers through her work, encourage them to persevere, and continue to follow their ambitions.
Sebastian McGinty-Kinderknecht
Sebastian McGinty-Kinderknecht (Paul) is making his Wichita State University theatre debut. Previous credits include Dracula (Bethany Burnett Center), Little Shop of Horrors (A.J. Steinberg Theater), and Music Man (Lindsborg Bandshell). Sebastian is a freshman and is pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Acting. Sebastian’s mission is to become a great actor in both plays and film.
Dot McMillen
Dot McMillen (April/Understudy - Susan) is so glad to be part of this amazing process. She has previously been in Now We Are A Hundred (Welsbacher Theatre), Cinderella (St Dominic High School) and Mean Girls (O’Fallon Theatre Works). Dot is in her first year at Wichita State University pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre. She is also part of WuChoir and Wichita State Music Theatre Company. Dot wants to share her talents and her love of theatre with every audience she possibly can.
Kailer Megrail
Kailer Megrail (Understudy - Paul) is ecstatic to be involved in Company at WSU. Recently he performed as a supporting roll in Fiddler on the Roof (Washburn Rural High School). Kailer is currently working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre at Wichita State University and is a lover of all vocal performance.
Kaete Mokrynski
Kaete Mokrynski (Joanne) is a senior Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Dance and Music Theatre. Kaete's recent credits include Spring Awakening (Wichita State University) Cabaret (Roxy's Downtown) and Rent (Theatre Row NYC). Kaete has a deep passion for choreography based storytelling and would like to be a professional choreographer as well as achieve her certification in scoliopilates to treat and help other dancers with scoliosis like herself. You can check out her work on her Instagram: @mtheatreact
Alec Moore
Alec Moore (Lighting Designer) is delighted to be working on Wichita State University’s production of Company. He has previously worked as Scenic Designer for Twelfth Night (Wichita State University), Scenic Designer for Mama Bushwick is Dead (Wichita State University), and Assistant Lighting Designer for A Chorus Line (Wichita State University). He also works in WSU’s scene shop. Alec is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Design/Technical Theatre.
Ava Nguyen
Ava Nguyen (Assistant Costume/Wig/Hair & Makeup Designer) is thrilled to be working on Wichita State University Theatre’s production of Company. Ava is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Design and Technical Theatre. She is a member of Empty Space Theatre. Ava’s mission is to become a self-sustaining fashion designer.
Leopold Porcaro
Leopold Porcaro (Scenic Designer) is currently in his fourth year majoring in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Design and Technical Theatre at Wichita State University. His previous design credits include scenic design for Spring Awakening (WSU) and makeup and scenic design for Trail to Oregon (WSMTC). Through his designs, Leopold has enjoyed expressing his perspectives and personality in scenery. When he isn’t designing or creating, Leopold enjoys acting. He has appeared onstage as Curio/A Sea Captain in Twelfth Night (WSU) and Theseus/Mustardseed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Empty Space). Leopold has professional experience in scenic carpentry and academic experience in costume construction. He worked two seasons at Music Theatre Wichita as a Scenic Carpenter, and his most recent venture is working as a Technical Intern at the Croswell Opera House in Michigan. Leopold’s career in theatre started as a child with plays at his childhood church. He began acting in high school and found joy in being on stage. Over time, he branched into design and construction and realized that was where he wanted to be. Leopold currently serves as one of the Technical Directors on the Empty Space board. His mission is to spread the joys of humanity through art. Leopold’s work can be found at https://leopoldporcaro.wixsite.com/portfolio
Ruby Quezada Valadez
Ruby Quezada Valadez (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Design and Technical Theatre and a focus on lighting technology. She currently works in the Electrics Shop and serves as one of the Technical Directors for Empty Space Theatre. Previous work includes an audio internship (Music Theatre Wichita), acting as Master Electrician for the 2025 Spring Dance Concert (Wichita State University), and serving as Light Board Operator for SIX (Music Theatre Wichita).
Liv Rivera
Liv Rivera (Marta) is very excited to be performing again at Wichita State University. Her previous credits include Spring Awakening (Wichita State University), Bright Star (Free State High School), and The Prom (Lawrence Art Center). Liv is a second year student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Perfroming Arts - Music Theatre
Grace Ryan
Grace Ryan (Understudy - Sarah) is very excited to participate in Wichita State Universities’ production of Company. Some of her most recent credits include Express (Wichita State University), The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals (WSMTC), and The Importance of Being Earnest (Prescott High School). Grace is a sophomore pursuing degrees in Performing Arts - Music Theatre and Music Education and is a member of NAfME. Grace plans on becoming an educator that is passionate about helping people find and build love for the arts.
Gracie Solas
Gracie Solas (Understudy - Marta) is so excited for the opportunity to work on Company. You may have seen them in Wichita State's production of Spring Awakening and Express. They have also worked behind the scenes for Wichita State Music Theatre Company (WSMTC) and Mosley Street Melodrama. Gracie is currently in the 3rd year of pursuing a Bachelor of Fine in Performing Arts - Music Theatre. Their mission as an artist is to make theatre a joyful, artistic experience for all involved in the arts.
Jesse Stephenson
Jesse Stephenson (Stage Manager) is proud to have Company be his final stage management role here at WSU. He has previously assistant stage managed Pippin and A Chorus Line, and staged managed Peter and the Starcatcher and Twelfth Night, earning KCACTF merits of honor for both productions. In the spring, you will be able to see his scenic design in WSU's Time Stands Still. Jesse is a senior studying for his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Design and Technical Theatre and his Stage Management Certificate. He will be graduating in May with the Class of 2026. Outside of stage management, he works in the WSU scene shop as a carpenter and scenic artist and serves as the Production Manager on the Empty Space board. You can see more of his work on his website: https://jjsteph13.wixsite.com/jstephensontechnical
Alyssa Watson
Alyssa Watson (Susan/Understudy - Robert) is a senior at Wichita State University, and this is their 6th production with the program. Some of their favorite shows include Trail to Oregon (Wichita State Music Theatre Company), A Chorus Line (Wichita State University), and A Year with Frog and Toad (The Culture House). Alyssa is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre. They are the President of Wichita State Music Theatre Company; the student musical theatre organization, as well as a member of SPACO and WUPAC. You can find more about Alyssa at https://adwatson060404.wixsite.com/theatre
Aaliyah Wise
Aaliyah Wise (Understudy - Kathy) is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts - Music Theatre at WSU and is very excited to be involved in her first production, Company! She would like to thank Jacob McGlaun and Amy Baker Schwiethale for the opportunity and training. She is very excited for everyone to see the show!
Ava Wiechman
Ava Wiechman (Understudy - April) is a sophomore at WSU and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts- Music Theatre and a minor in Dance some of her favorite credits include: Fiddler on the Roof, Wichita Community Theater (Chava); Frozen, Music Theatre Wichita (Youth Ensemble); Godspell, Hornet Theatre (all Good gifts Soloist); and The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (Nora/Dance Captain). She is so excited and grateful for every opportunity she gets to be involved.