COMPANY BIOGRAPHIES
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Adam Kapis (Monsieur D’Arque) Adam is currently attending Cleveland State University as a music education and a music composition major. He is from Ashtabula originally and has performed in such shows as Zombie Prom (Jonny), Footloose (Willard), Lil’ Abner (Abner), and Lucky Stiff (Mr. Witherspoon). This is Adam’s first production at the Beck Center. He would like to thank his friends, family and the ENTIRE cast and crew. “You people are amazing!”

Aimee Kluiber (Costume Designer) is a costume, fashion and millinery designer from Lakewood. She studied theatre and music at Wittenberg University and The Cleveland Institute of Music and fashion and millinery at The Virginia Marti College of Art and Design. Her professional theatrical associations include: Lyric Opera Cleveland, The Cleveland Play House, The Cleveland Institute of Music, Cain Park Theatre, Case Western Reserve University, Caesar’s Forum, Red Hen Productions, and the Beck Center for the Arts. She was an assistant to the costume designer for the feature film, Welcome to Collinwood and American Movie Classics: Fashion in Film on Tour with Shirley Jones.

Amiee Collier (Mrs. Potts) Aimee is tickled pink to be playing around on stage with all these crazy people. She's been seen around town at CPT, Cain Park, JCC, Mercury, Lakeland, RRCT, and Near West. Previously at Beck, she has appeared in: Moby Dick The Musical, On the Town, Seussical the Musical, Reefer Madness, and La Cage aux Folles. You can see her wail Janis Joplin in Beehive at Cassidy in March 2006.

Andrew Parmelee (Townsperson/Doormat) As a foreign exchange student in China, Andrew studied a plethora of gymnastic styles and techniques. Andrew would like to thank the ACE bandage and Icy Hot people for making this production easier on him. He also appreciates all of the back rubs he has received from fellow cast mates. “Look ma’ only a few bruises!”

Annie Meyer-Steinheiser (The Aristocratic Lady) Annie has graced the stage as Anna in The King and I, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof and Lizzie in The Rainmaker and is loving her latest character roles as General Cartwright in Guys and Dolls and Sister Hubert in Nunsense. Her three sons swear she's always been a character. We agree.

Assad Khaishgi (Townsperson/Dinner Bell) Transplanted from Karachi, Pakistan to Lakewood, this is Assad’s third “Fred” show. He got back into the theatre in 2005 after a 13-year gap, and is thoroughly enjoying himself. He feels privileged to work with all these wonderful people in the Cleveland theatre scene, and feels that his medical practice is seriously interfering with his rehearsal time.

Ben Thomas (Townsperson/Wolf/Fork) Ben is a 12th-grader at Westlake High School and a student of the Beck Center Theater Conservatory. He recently portrayed Lenny in Neil Simon's Rumors. Favorite past roles include Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew and Dracula in the Beck Center Teen Theater production of Dracula. He has earned a black belt in Hap Ki Do and aspires to one day be a fight choreographer/stunt man. Thanks to my Mom and especially my Dad, without whom I would not have this bio.

Ben Needham (Scenic Designer) This is Ben’s first production with the Beck Center. He is the founder of Digital Squirrel Studio, www.digitalsquirrel.net, a full-service theatre design, 3D animation and architectural illustration studio. Ben has designed over 90 productions for a number of theaters in the Cleveland and Atlanta area. He has worked with organizations such as Geauga Lake, Signstage on Tour, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Stage Crafters, The Jewish Community Center/Tri-C East, The Fine Arts Association, Porthouse Theatre, LaGrange Opera, and Lyric Opera of Cleveland. He would like to thank Christie, Aaron and Helen for all their support.

Bevan Michael Haynes (Egg Man/Wolf/Knife) Bevan is thrilled to be making his Beck Center debut with this wonderful cast. Past credits include Much Ado About Nothing, Coriolanus, Jane Eyre: The Musical, Elegies, Our Town, To Kill A Mockingbird, Bat Boy, and many others. Much love to his family and all of his dXa siblings. All glory to God!

Bill Kelly (Maurice) This is Bill's second appearance on the Beck stage. His first time was in his favorite role, Benjamin Franklin in 1776. Bill has performed at various theaters around the Cleveland area, usually with the permission of the proprietors. In real life, Bill is an optician. He would like to thank this wonderful cast, Fred and most of all his patient wife, Jackie.

Camille Rekhson (Townsperson) is a straight "A" fifth grader at Moreland Hills Elementary. She is thrilled to be back on Beck's stage after performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat two years ago. Camille has also performed in more than 15 productions at Dobama and other Cleveland area community and youth theaters. The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and Seussical the Musical are some of her favorites. Camille is very grateful to her family for all of their support (and all of the driving). She would also like to thank Fred for making this a very fun experience.

Courtney Schloss (Lady with Baby/Broom) Courtney’s favorite roles include Becca in Refuge (Dobama), Morse in One Flea Spare (Cleveland Public Theatre) and Luisa in The Fantasticks (Tri-C West). She will appear in the world premiere of Sarah Morton’s Night Bloomers this spring at the Cleveland Playhouse. Courtney thinks you are all lovely people. Fo’ real, yo.

Dan Folino (Beast) Beck holds a special place in Dan’s heart. Not only has he done some of his best work here (Che in Evita, Jonny in Zombie Prom and Calvin in The Fix), it’s also where he met his adoring and very patient wife, Koula. Dan was also Hedwig at Cleveland Public Theatre, starred in the film, Kingsbury Run and fronts the band vanityCrash. Thanks to Cinderelli for the inspiration.

David Malinowski (Fish Man/Wolf/Pepper) David is elated to be back at the Beck Center, although with much less hair than as the Wickersham with the “fro” in last year’s Seussical! The Musical. He comes to Beauty and the Beast immediately from South Pacific, in which he played “Professor.” He dedicates this performance to his dear friend, Mark, whose past year has been filled with such tragedy that only a beautiful show like this can hopefully bring him the courage to continue on, no matter how many “beasts” may be out there.

Deanna Cechowski (Wardrobe Mistress) Deanna is excited to be back at the Beck Center. Her costume design credits include Top Dog/Underdog at the Beck and Run For Your Wife, The Unexpected Guest, Out Of Order and It’s a Wonderful Life at Huntington Playhouse. Deanna was delighted to recently have her first opportunity to costume design for a feature film, 'Dreaming On Christmas.' She has done wardrobe assistance at Cleveland Public Theater for A Bright Room Called Day, Venus, and The Secretaries, at the Beck Center for On The Town and, most recently, assistant costume design at the JCC for South Pacific. Deanna wishes to thank her family for all of their patience and encouragement.

Douglas Collier (Cogsworth) Douglas is happy to be working with Fred Sternfeld in what is also his Beck Center acting debut. Past roles have included Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music and Archibald Craven in Secret Garden, both at Beachwood Community Theater, Richard in Blood Brothers at Mercury Summer Stock and Sir Edward in The King and I at Near West. He also played in the orchestra for Aida here at Beck and for Footloose and Children of Eden at Canton Players Guild. He will be music directing Once Upon a Mattress here at Beck in April 2006.

Emily Grodzik (Townsperson/Napkin) Emily is very happy to be involved in this wonderful production of Beauty and the Beast, her eighth consecutive holiday show on Beck’s Main Stage. Past productions include: at the Beck Center - Seussical the Musical, On The Town, Parade, Annie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and at JCC - Ragtime, and more. Emily is a freshman at Magnificat High School and has attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts and FPAC. Happy Holidays!

Erik M. Seidel (Production Manager/Technical Director) Erik has an MFA in Design from Michigan State, Erik’s credits include: Parade, Eating Raoul, Once on this Island, Lord of the Flies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and most recently 1776 at Beck Center; Brigadoon at Near West Theatre and Oklahoma and The Music Man at Rocky River Community Theatre.

Fred Sternfeld (Director) recently directed Beck’s productions of On The Town, Of Mice and Men, La Cage aux Folles, and Stephen Sondheim’s Saturday Night. He is currently producing the JCC’s theatre productions, most recently South Pacific and Ragtime, the musical (Cleveland Theatre Collective ‘Critic’s Choice Awards’ – Best Local Musical & Best Director; Cleveland Scene ‘Best of Cleveland 2005’ – Best Musical). He also serves with Tom Fulton as Co-Artistic Director of ‘Fairmount Conservatory Theatre,’ a new professional theatre at Fairmount Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, that is slated to begin producing in the fall of 2006. Also, at Fairmount, Fred is founder and camp director for Fairmount Performing Arts Camp, an arts camp offering professional training that drew over one hundred and fifty young people to it’s second season. He previously served as Artistic Director at Lakewood Little Theatre - Beck Center for the Arts and the Seattle & Dallas Jewish Community Centers and is a free lance director in the Cleveland area, garnering numerous honors and awards. Selected credits: Fiddler on the Roof & The Sound of Music at Cain Park; The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife & The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek at Dobama Theatre; Man of La Mancha, Rags, The Twilight of the Golds, The Immigrant, Beau Jest & Conversations With My Father at the JCC Halle Theatre; Bad Seed at Ensemble Theatre; Amadeus at Willoughby Fine Arts; Broadway Bound & A Shayna Maidel at Center Stage in Seattle, Foxfire, Noises Off, Peter Pan, Children of a Lesser God & The Importance of Being Earnest at Beck Center, Proof at GLTG and All My Sons & Enter Laughing at the Dallas JCC. His next project is From Door to Door for the JCC, opening in May. For more information about Fred you can visit his website at http://www.fredsternfeld.com.

Jason Modica (Young Prince/Townsperson/Wolf) Jason is a senior at Mentor High School and is overjoyed to make his Beck Center debut in this production. Jason has appeared on professional and community stages across the area. Recent credits include: at Jewish Community Center, Tri-C East in South Pacific (Herbert Quale); at Fine Arts Association in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown) and in Anyone Can Whistle (John Magruder); at Rabbit Run in Brighton Beach Memoirs (Eugene); and at Mentor High School in The Man Who Came to Dinner (Sheridan Whiteside). Jason gives thanks to his ever-supportive family and friends, as well as Fred, Martin and Larry for giving him the opportunity to be a part of one of the shows that first inspired him to pursue theater!

Jessica Sopko (Silly Girl/Napkin) is thrilled to be back at the Beck Center for another outstanding performance. Her recent credits include Aida, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Footloose, Funny Girl, and HONK. After graduating from high school, Jessica plans to attend college to study musical theatre, after which she will then strive to reach her goal of shooting a hockey puck from the moon to Earth. Jessica sends love and thanks to everybody for all of their support, and a great "BON-JOVI" to her twin, Sarah. Enjoy the show!

Joe Fornadel (Bookseller/Wolf/Salt) Joe is happy to be working with such a talented group at the Beck Center; He was last seen on the Beck Center stage as Ozzie in On The Town; His other Beck center credits include Eating Raoul, Dames At Sea and Joseph. Some of his favorite roles were: Josh Baskin in Big, the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, Kenikie in Grease, Hines in Pajama Game and Bud Frump in How to Succeed. Adding to his career of over 36 theatre productions, Joe has worked on some productions lending his skill as a Lighting, Sound, and Video Technician. When and if he has free time; Joe enjoys Roller Blading, Jetskiing and is an accomplished swing and salsa dancer. Joe wished to thank the cast and crew for a beast of a time and is willing to give you a "lift" anytime. Much Love to Family and Friends- "Salsero's Rule!!!!"

John A. Doyle (Baker/Cake Server) Originally from Winona, Ohio, John is new to Cleveland and this is his first show at the Beck. He holds a degree from Mount Union College, where he was actively involved in MUC Players theater productions, choir and varsity soccer. Some of John’s previous credits include Pippin in Pippin, Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls and Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof.

Josh R. Noble (Gaston) is thrilled to be making his Beck Center debut! A current resident of New York, Josh has performed in over 30 professional shows across the country, with favorite credits including: Forever Plaid (Smudge), Disney's Beauty & the Beast (Gaston), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II Voice), Guys & Dolls (Sky), A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit), The Music Man (Harold), Grease (Kenickie), Lend Me A Tenor (Max), The Fantasticks (Matt), as well as the upcoming Arizona Broadway Theatre production of Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy). Josh studied musical theatre at the University Of Miami Frost School of Music and was the recipient of the Lisa Bowlin Abney Performing Arts Memorial Award for Excellence in the Arts. He is a member of the Equity Membership Candidate program, the Florida Professional Theatre Association, the Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts, and the Theatre League of South Florida. Many thanks to the cast, company and crew, and to his family and friends for their constant support.

Kathryn Clover (Townsperson/Plate) is new to the Cleveland theatre scene, this is her second show in the area having just moved here. She has done theatre, modeling and singing all over and is glad to be doing this production in Lakewood. She travels back and forth to New York to do modeling and acting and now lives in Cleveland Heights with her fiancé Matt and dogs Perry, Chester and Tinkerbelle. Thanks to them for all of their support!

Katie Farragher (Townsperson/Plate) Katie is a senior at Highland High School and is attending the University of Akron full-time as a post-secondary student. Katie was last seen playing the part of Erma in Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. This is her first show at the Beck and she is very excited to be part of such an amazing production. She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their love and support throughout the years, her vocal, dance, and acting coaches, teachers, and instructors for their guidance, and her cast mates for their dedication and hard work.

Kelly Pekar (Enchantress/Silly Girl/Spoon) Kelly is excited to make her Beck debut! A musical theatre major at Wright State, she has performed at Severance Hall, the State and Allen Theaters, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Near West Theatre, Aurora Community Theatre, Cassidy Theatre, and others. Favorite roles include Laurey in Oklahoma, the title role in Cinderella, and Kim Macafee in Bye Bye Birdie. Thanks to family and friends, especially those at NWT and WSU for their amazing love and support.

Kevin Mulder (Trumpet/Flugelhorn/Piccolo Trpt) plays professionally all over the Cleveland area. He received his BM in Trumpet Performance from BGSU, and has played at numerous locals including Beck, Lakeland Community College, Tri-C East, Rabbit Run, StageCrafters, Huntington Playhouse, Severance Hall, Cassidy Theatre, and Solon Center for the Arts. Some of Kevin’s recent and favorite productions are Miss Saigon (Beck), On the Town (Beck), World Goes Round (Solon), Seussical (Beck), Saturday Night (Beck), Chicago (Huntington), and Beauty and the Beast (Beck). Kevin is a freelance Trumpet player available for hire for all occasions.

Kristin Netzband (Babette/Dance Captain) Before becoming an Enchanted Feather Duster, Kristin most recently performed in Bad Girls (and the Men Who Love Them) at the Cassidy Theater. Past performances at Beck include Miss Saigon (Ellen US/Dance Captain), Reefer Madness (Ensemble/Lady Liberty), and The Fix (Regional Premiers). Other credits include Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit), Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre), Little Me (Belle), and Ruthless (Louise/Eve). Kristin will perform next in the Cabaret Sampler in Kennedy's Down Under at Playhouse Square Center in March and April. Feathery hugs and kisses to Mom, Dad and Monkey. Special thanks to Fred, Martin, Larry, Leslie, and the amazing cast and crew! Je t'aime!

Larry Goodpaster (Musical Director) Larry is pleased to return to the Beck Center to musically direct its holiday extravaganza, Disney's Beauty and the Beast.. At the Beck Center, he has musically directed over 30 shows ranging from Broadway standards (Evita, On the Town) to contemporary mega-musicals (Miss Saigon, Aida, Urinetown, the musical) to regional premiers (The Fix, Reefer Madness, Moby Dick). Thanks to Scott, Martin and the Beck Center for all of these opportunities.

Larry Nehring (Lumiére) Larry is thrilled to return to the Beck Center. As a cast member of Playhouse Square's I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, he logged in 100 performances before leaving to film the PBS miniseries 'The War That Made America,' starring as George Washington, and to be aired in January 2006. He performed in Beck Center's By Jeeves and at Willoughby's Fine Arts Association in Anyone Can Whistle, staged the fights for Ragtime (JCC) and Romeo and Juliet (MLS High School, Amherst), and directed Much Ado (Weathervane) and Cymbeline (Cleveland Shakespeare Festival). He also just closed South Pacific at the JCC as the irrepressible Luther Billis. Larry is Artistic Director of the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, a graduate of the University of Rochester (BA/MSCD), and a professional Sign Language Interpreter. He is also a proud member of the SAG and Equity Actors’ Association, the unions for professional actors on film and stage (respectively.)

Laurel Held-Posey (Hair/Wig Designer) returns to the Beck Center in another new capacity: Wig Designer. Laurel has performed on the Beck stage in five shows: as Prudie in Pump Boys and Dinettes, as the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as Helen in Saturday Night, "shimmygirl" in Smokey Joe's Café, and most recently as Amneris in Aida. She has performed in a variety of professional and community venues including Kalliope Stage, Carousel Dinner Theater, Ensemble Theater, and as a soloist for the North Coast Men's Chorus. Laurel recently served as costumer for T.I.D.Y. in the studio theater at the Beck Center and will next appear in a revival of Beehive! at the Cassidy Theater in March 2006.

Lauren Skirbunt (Sausage Curl Girl) is very excited to be part of this absolutely outstanding cast that has become a big Happy Family! She is a graduate of Miami University, where she studied psychology and neuroscience. Although all that brain stuff is interesting, she has more fun on stage, so here she is to entertain you once again! Yes! Her recent credits include South Pacific (Janet McGreggor), By Jeeves (Missy), Oedipus Rex (Jocaste), Godspell (Robin), and The Dining Room, among others. She would like to dedicate this show to the inventor of measuring spoons.

Maggie Gibbons (Townsperson/Plate) Maggie is delighted to be returning to the Beck Center after a long hiatus, last appearing in Chess. Other favorite shows include Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larken), You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Snoopy), A Grand Night for Singing, and Bye, Bye Birdie (Ursula). Maggie recently moved back to Lakewood from New York City after working at TMG/The Marketing Group, a Broadway marketing and promotions firm and then completing the NBC Page Program. She is thrilled to be back in the Cleveland area and thanks her family and friends for their support during her first endeavor back on the stage.

Mark W. Goins (Townsperson) After taking time off to be Mr. Jr. Penguin Keeper for the motion picture, March of the Penguins, Mark is pleased to return to the Beck Center from Antarctica for his second production. Mark’s latest productions have been in Aida at the Beck Center and Oklahoma at BHS where he is a member of International Thespians Troupe 494. Mark is a musical theater student at the Beck Center. Mucho gracias to the cast, production staff, penguins, family, and friends.

Martín Céspedes (Musical Staging/Choreographer) Martín most recently staged dances for Beck Center’s hit production of Urinetown the Musical. He also directed and choreographed Smokey Joe's Café and Five Guys Named Moe at Beck Center and My Way (the Music of Frank Sinatra) at Weathervane Playhouse. Martín is a frequent collaborator with Fred Sternfeld, having choreographed South Pacific, Ragtime, the musical and Man of La Mancha at the JCC, On the Town, La Cage aux Folles and Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night at Beck Center and Chicago at Willoughby Fines Arts. He last appeared in the Broadway tours of Man of La Mancha with Jack Jones and Ron Holgate where he completed ove 300 straight performances in the role of Pedro, Lun Tha in The King and I with Hayley Mills, Marie Osmond and Faith Prince, South Pacific with Robert Goulet, and West Side Story with Bebe Neuwirth. Martin has directed and staged dances for the off-Broadway production of Scrooge and Marley to rave reviews, and re-staged Israel Horowitz' long-running production of Line with Keith David at the 13th Street Repertory Company in New York City. He served as assistant choreographer in Great Lakes Theater Festival's The Tempest. Martín danced in opening acts for the Bee Gees and Earth, Wind and Fire and has appeared on TV's Dance Fever and NBC's Weekday Fever. His most recent opera credit was the lavish PBS production of Le Cid with Placido Domingo and the Washington Opera (Live from Kennedy Center) where he served as dance and fight captain. He has performed in over twenty Cleveland Opera productions, taught theater dance for the School of Cleveland Ballet. His next theater project will be The Full Monty at the Beck Center in the spring. Martín received an honorable mention for this year's Northern Ohio Live Theater Achievement Award. In memory of Herbert Heppler.

Melissa Smith-Beudert (Townsperson/Napkin) Years at Cleveland Ballet produced a pro-ballerina career for Melissa. She took her talents to Disney World where she swept “cinders” and flew with a “brolly” for “tuppence a bag.” Now she’s moved on to musical theater and…Oh, what a ride!!! Love and kisses to Mommy and Daddy, Jas and babies. Go cow-pony!

Meriel Sikora (Townsperson) is appearing in her first Cleveland production after moving to the area this summer. Originally from Richmond, VA, she received a B.A. in Theatre Performance at Huntington University and served (or is it "slaved"?) as an acting intern at the Lexington Children's Theatre in Kentucky. Her favorite roles include Phebe in As You Like It, the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Mariane in Tartuffe. Thanks to Andy for being so awesome!

Miles Sternfeld (Chip) Ten-year-old Miles is thrilled to make his Beck Center debut with the talented cast of Beauty and the Beast. Since the age of six, Miles has been performing as an actor, singer, dancer, and pianist in theater productions and recitals. He starred as Little Tommy in the Stagecrafter Summer Stock production of Tommy. Last summer, Miles played Charlie Brown in the Fairmont Performing Arts Camp’s Showcase. He has enjoyed his past two summers at FPAC, performing under the tutelage of his uncle, Fred Sternfeld, acclaimed director of Beauty and the Beast. Miles is in fifth grade at Moreland Hills Elementary School.

Natalie Green (Belle) Natalie is honored to join the Beck in one of her favorite productions. A 2005 theatre arts graduate of Point Park University, she was last seen in Pittsburgh Repertory Company's production of Peer Gynt. While in Pittsburgh she also appeared in First Lady Suite as Margaret Truman and in Macbeth as Witch #3. Natalie previously attended Mount Union College where some of her favorite roles included Catherine in Pippin, Christina in Dancing at Lughnasa, Lisabette in Anton in Showbusiness, and Tillie in The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds.

Richard B. Ingraham (Sound Designer) Richard is very happy to be joining the Beauty and the Beast design team. Richard’s most recent sound design at the Beck Center was for Eric Coble’s world premiere of T.I.D.Y. Other previous sound designs at the Beck Center include: Aida, Polish Joke, Agnes of God, and Of Mice and Men. Richard is a former Resident Sound Designer at The Cleveland Play House and is the current Resident Sound Designer for Hope Summer Repertory Theatre in Holland, Michigan. He has designed sound for numerous theatres in the area and around the country including: Caesar’s Forum, Cleveland Art Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland State University, Cleveland Theatre Company, Dobama Theatre, The University of Evansville, Jewish Community Center of Cleveland, Playhouse Square Center, Rabbit Run Theatre, Shakespeare and Company, The Working Theatre, and Willoughby Fine Arts Association.

Sarah Clare ( Silly Girl/Napkin) was last seen onstage as Rapunzel in Into the Woods at the Cassidy Theatre. She has also been seen as Louise in Carousel, Maggie in Lend Me a Tenor, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, Muffy in Logo-A-GoGo, and Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors. You will also be able to see her in CATS at the Cassidy Theatre as Rumpleteazer this January. She would like to send love to her PYTs and a “bonjovi” to her adorable ‘twin,’ Jess! Sarah’s highest aspiration is to become a pirate and roam the seven seas, although she understands it is neither a lucrative or logical career choice.

Scott Gamble (Beast Make-up Designer & Creator) Scott attended the studio art and sculpture programs at Kent State University and completed extracurricular studies under Academy award-winning makeup artist, Dick Smith. Gamble has done numerous makeup jobs for print, television and live theater performances. He has worked on numerous motion pictures applying makeup to stars ranging from Rob Lowe to James Coburn and has traveled the United States and Europe with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil for their feature motion picture, Journey of Man. Scott operates his own fully functional special effects make-up studio where for the past twelve years he has provided specialty costuming for Warner Bros. licensed amusement park Batman stunt shows internationally.

Scott Spence (Artistic Director) is just as excited about his 15th season at Beck Center as he was for his first! The years have brought so much joy and adventure, and this year promises more of the same. From the first Beck World Premiere in 15 seasons (T.I.D.Y. in Nov./Dec.) to reuniting with dear friends and amazing artists (Lies and Legends in June/July). Throw in the opportunity to direct two of his favorite recent Broadway shows (Urinetown and The Full Monty), and it makes for what should be the ultimate season. Past favorites in the director's chair include The Fix, Reefer Madness, Moby Dick, The Musical, Floyd Collins, Hair, Tommy, Eating Raoul (Twice!), Diviners (Where he met his wife, the lovely Rachel!) and so many more along the way. The occasional actor, he has enjoyed stints in Laughter on the 23rd Floor, The Boys Next Door, Man of La Mancha, and Anything Goes. The remainder of his time is blissfully spent with Rach and daughter Carleigh. "Long Live The Best Day Ever!"

Sean Fitzgerald (Shepherd Boy) This is Sean’s first production here at the Beck Center. Sean is a senior at Hawken School in Gates Mills. He has performed at numerous area theaters including: Fine Arts Association, JCC Halle Theater, Great Lakes Theater Festival, Cain Park, Dobama Theater, and the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival. Sean would like to thank the entire cast and crew for making Beauty and the Beast an enjoyable and fantastic show to be a part of.

Sharon Epstein (Properties) Sharon has been a theatre artist in Cleveland for the last 12 years. Since graduating from Cleveland State University with a B.A. in Dramatic Arts in 1997, Sharon has worked for Great Lakes Theatre Festival, the Jewish Community Center, Lyric Opera, Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland Opera, Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, and a handful of other community venues in a variety of positions including, Prop Master, Costumer, Make-up Artist, Scenic Artist, and Stage Manager. Building props and creating special effects make-up and prosthetics are her favorite activities. Sharon is pleased to be working with Fred Sternfeld again and thrilled to be on staff as Prop Master for the Beck Center this season.

Steven C. Mack (Lighting Designer) Steven is the Resident Lighting Director for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) and is also a full-time freelance designer working across the country. This work follows the completion of an M.F.A. in lighting design from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music (CCM). His designs span many genres of entertainment including dramas, musical theatre, opera, dance, and theme park shows. Internationally, he has designed two operas in Lucca, Italy while coordinating the technical production aspects of the company. He has designed and assisted on multiple shows at Knott’s Berry Farm theme park in Los Angeles, as well as, with Cedar Point in Ohio. Some other lighting design credits include: Hello Again, Assassins, Kiss Me Kate, The World Goes Round, The Wild Party, She Loves Me, Richard II, Pelleas & Melisande, Paquita, Don Giovanni, Driving Miss Daisy, Three’s Company (an American premier), and many others.

Susan Kobylinski (Townsperson/Napkin) is thrilled to make her Beck stage debut. She has performed in many YSU productions such as Evita and Big River before graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Susan taught for three years before she and her husband were blessed with their beautiful daughter. Susan was last seen onstage in Sugar (BLT 2005) and recently finished a seasonal job with the Cleveland Indians.

Susan Wagner (Lady with Cane/Wooden Spoon) Susan was born and raised in Lorain and moved to Lakewood in August 2004. She currently stays busy as an independent Mary Kay beauty consultant and the mother of five children, ages 9 through 20. Credits include ‘Snoopy’ in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, ‘Best Friend’ in Heartbeats and ‘Hope Harcourt’ in Anything Goes. Susan is also currently producing SHAPE!, a locally written show with all original music. Look for it next spring.

Tim Anderson (Candle Man/Corkscrew) Tim is thrilled to be making his Beck Center premiere as a candle-selling corkscrew. Really. After leaving the thriving metropolis of Leavittsburg, Tim eventually left Kent State University with a degree in education, a minor in theater, and a debt. His 73 kids and close friends find his sense of humor, evil laugh and love of grammar his most endearing qualities. Tim’s previous roles include Albert Peterson, Charlie Brown, Tom Sawyer, and most recently, the puppeteer for the Arby’s Oven Mitt A special nod to all of my L’il Princesses (real mean wear pink) and unparalleled thanks to Mom, Dad, G.M., J.G., D.I., and J.S.

Tod Huffman (Stage Manager) Tod has been stage managing for many years. He has worked around the Cleveland area at places such as the Beck Center, Rocky River Community Theatre, JCC, CPT, Tri-C Metro, and Dobama. When not stage managing or working as a computer programmer for May Department Stores Inc. (which is now known as Federated), he travels all over China. Favorites show have included Hair, The Fix, Perfect Ganesh, Tommy, Chicago, Five Guys Named Moe, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, A Raisin in the Sun, La Cage Aux Folles and Aida. Urinetown is my town!!! He sends thanks to a terrific cast and crew. Next stop – Beehive with those terrific girls, at Cassidy. See you there. Please support your arts organizations! Don’t let them disappear! Ni hao to Jim, Christopher, Sarah, and Solomon.

Tracee Patterson (Madame de la Grande Bouche) has most recently appeared as Stevie in Dobama Theatre's recent production of The Goat and as Woman 2 in Cain Park's Songs for a New World last summer. Other credits include Gertrude McFuzz (Seussical), Arkadina (Seagull), and Violet (The Fix) at the Beck Center; Yentl (Yentl) and Aldonza (Man of La Mancha) at the Halle Theatre; Holly (Nickel and Dimed) at Great Lakes/Cleveland Public Theatre, and others. Tracee is a member of the Actors' Equity Association and serves on the Cleveland Equity Liaison Committee.

Zac Hudak (LeFou/Fork) is happy to return to the Beck after appearing as Old Man Strong/Hot Blades Harry in the hit production of Urinetown the Musical. Some local and regional credits include: Emcee (Cabaret), Bobby Child (Crazy For You), Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Rocky Horror Show), Billy Crocker (Anything Goes), Hannah (La Cage aux Folles), Cain/Japheth (Children Of Eden), Puck (Midsummer Night’s Dream). Zac has also been a featured stand-up at the New York Comedy Club in Manhattan.