The Historic Playhouse at White Lake—Whitehall, Michigan—The Summer Theatre Festival 2021 Company`

The Summer 2021 Theatre Festival Players and Staff

View the 2021 Summer Festival Schedule

	William Abbott Bill designed hair and makeup for MCT’s The 39 Steps, A Christmas Carol, Shrek the Musical, The Women of Lockerbie, The Old Settler, Mary Poppins, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, My Way, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Disenchanted! He was named our Outstanding Newcomer for the 2017–2018 season. Bill has designed hair and makeup for Steel Magnolias (The Playhouse); Muskegon Community College productions of The Importance of Being Earnest, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Glass Menagerie, A Civil War Christmas, Big Love, Avenue Q, Metamorphosis and The Taming of the Shrew; and Reeths-Puffer High School’s Les Miz. He is owner of Bill & Co. Hair Design and enjoys theatre, gardening, cooking, and his kitten, Rumpel.
	Caroline Arana Caroline is happy to be back this year as a Costumer after serving as our Production Manager for the past two seasons. A 2021 graduate from Western Michigan University, Caro plans to pursue a career in production management and costuming in Las Vegas.
	Katy Atwell Katy's Lighting Design credits include: New York City Ballet - Assistant Lighting Director, Moulin Rouge! Broadway - Assistant Lighting Designer, HSRT 2021 - Lighting Supervisor and Designer. MFA Boston University. For more info on Katy visit KatwellDesign.com
	Beth Beaman Beth is the Managing Director and is pleased to celebrate her eighth (wow!) Summer Theatre Festival this year. She thanks all of the patrons, sponsors, and donors who supported the theatre during the past 16 months! She is grateful to her amazing family, friends, and wonderful husband, Chris, for sharing this journey.
	Christopher Beaman Chris is a Whitehall native and his life-long love of the theatre began onstage at the Howmet Playhouse more than 30 years ago. He appeared in the one man show, Every Brilliant Thing, A Doll’s House, Part 2, and Happy at The Playhouse. Since 1994, Chris has been involved in more than 30 productions with Muskegon Civic Theatre, including Mr. Lindner in A Raisin in the Sun, a gangster in Kiss Me Kate, Serge in Art, Doug Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Chris’ directing credits include Forever Plaid–Plaid Tidings for Muskegon Civic Theatre and The Odd Couple, Sherlock Holmes, The Birds and a WLYT production at the Playhouse.
	Claire Beaman Claire is so thrilled to be returning to the playhouse for her eighth summer! A recent graduate of Western Michigan University’s Theatre Design and Technical Production program, Claire will be putting her degree to use as Scenic Designer and Technical Director for all plays this summer.
	Jason Bertoia Jason is Muskegon Civic Theatre’s managing director, Jason directed our productions of The Fox on the Fairway, Old Love, and Mind the Gap. For MCT Jason has directed Shrek the Musical, Mary Poppins, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Moonlight and Magnolias, A Christmas Carol, Working, and will be directing Steel Magnolias this Fall. He has directed productions of Western Michigan Christian High School and his alma mater, Muskegon Catholic Central: credits include Seussical, Anything Goes, Bye Bye Birdie, Carousel, Curtains, Tarzan, The Pirates of Penzance, Hello Dolly!, Wonderful Town, Sister Act, Godspell, James and the Giant Peach, The Sound of Music, and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. His acting credits include the Crocodile in Peter Pan, Charlie Cowell in The Music Man, and Edna Turnblad in Hairspray.
	Julie Bratton Julie previously appeared at the Playhouse in 2019's Winter Shorts and she is so happy to be in this magic space again. Life has taken her to New York City, Baltimore, the DC suburbs, Pennsylvania, and Iowa, and she has done theater in all those places. She holds a BA in Theater from George Mason University with additional study at the Ward Studio, Touchstone Theatre Apprentice Program, Celebration Barn, and Grand Rapids Civic Theater.
	Isaac Bush Isaac is an award-winning director and actor based in New York City. He co-founded The Circle Theater of New York (CTNY) and SMPL MCHN (Simple Machine) and serves as Artistic Director. Credits for CTNY include an adaptation of Woyzeck, premiere of Flash Flash Bang Boom, premiere of The Mountain, premiere of Trail of Crumbs and Strangers with the National Theater of Luxembourg (TNL), premiere of Wellspring in London, and the ongoing Brooklyn LIVE ART Market. Bush also co-founded and is a company member of China-based company, International Spice. Recent acting credits include Whisky Jack at the New York International Fringe Festival, Trail of Crumbs with the CTNY & TNL, All New People, Killer Joe, Stupid Fucking Bird, and Brooklyn Boy Made Good for Théâtre des Capucins in Luxembourg City. Recent television credits include Girls (HBO), Celebrity Ghost Stories (A&E), and Dirty Little Lies (Discover ID). Bush holds an MA from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), BA from Hope College, Certificate from the British-American Drama Academy, and Certificate form the GLCA New York Arts Program. He’s served as a guest instructor for Hope College, NYU Gallatin School, International School of Cyprus, ENREACH Nanjing, and University of Luxembourg.
	Renee Carpenter Renee is thrilled to be working with the White Lake Youth Theatre Program for the first time this summer! Renee is a pianist/accompanist/teacher, local to North Muskegon, whose passion is working with kids of all ages at her various piano “jobs” which have included: accompanying for the choir/theatre programs at Reeths-Puffer Middle School & High School, accompanying at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, teaching private piano lessons, and being involved in various musical productions across West Michigan as a pit pianist/keyboardist. When she’s not playing piano or teaching kids, she enjoys spending time with her five children & going to the beach!
	Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema Cindy Beth is the Arts Education and Marketing Director for the Playhouse at White Lake, and the Owner of Kalon Arts and Yoga Company. She has been teaching Theatre for Children for twenty years, and she began directing the White Lake Youth Theatre in 2008. After spending several years as Children’s Theatre adjunct faculty at Muskegon Community College's Overbrook Theatre, she now works as their Coordinator for the Annual Muskegon Area County Arts and Humanities Festival, ahFest. Cindy Beth believes in creating a compassionate community of young artists and educators in West Michigan and aims to expand the Playhouse offerings into underserved populations. She utilizes yoga and creative movement, breath work, self-celebration and conscious relaxation as important skills that are built into each production, workshop, and class she offers. Her dream is to see the White Lake Youth Theatre program grow widely into a self-sustaining year-round entity, known widely for its inclusivity, professionalism, young leadership, and creative arts education. She is in constant awe of the amazing Beth Beaman and feels fortunate to work alongside her daily to serve our Playhouse community.
	Hannah Erdman Hannah is excited to return as a Production Assistant this summer at the Playhouse at White Lake. She is also the ADSM for Summer Shorts. Hannah completed her BS in Theatre Design & Technology at the University of Michigan Flint. While there she was heavily involved in the theatre, working in the scene shop, assistant stage managing Significant Other, props master on Peter in the Star Catcher, and was the scenic designer for Antigone. She is happy to be home with her friends and family this summer.
	Robin Erdman Robin is so grateful to be back on stage with a live audience! Most recently she appeared in The Laramie Project a joint production with The Arts Coalition and the Grand Rapids Pride Center. Favorite roles at The Playhouse include Clara in Miracle on South Division Street, and M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias. Other favorite roles include Mama Bear/Shrek, The Bird Woman/Mary Poppins both for Muskegon Civic Theatre. Robin would like to thank her family, Larry, Hannah, and Ashley for their love and support in pursuing her dreams.
	Alexxander Evergreen Alexx grew up performing at The Playhouse and enjoying the wonderful community and environment it created. His time involved gave him a passion for theatre which he continued to grow at Montague High School and Muskegon Community College through a number of productions. He joins us this summer with great excitement while working on the summer shows Paper or Plastic and Our Place alongside Cindy Beth, and working with the newly created White Lake Youth Theatre Council. Alexx is absolutely overjoyed to be a part of creating wonderful opportunities for the youth of our community and looks forward to the experience of a lifetime with the playhouse this summer!
	Susan Eyler Susan is the costumer for Muskegon Community College and works for Freedom Village as Resident Activities Representative. She has worked as a freelance costumer for Steven Iannaconne and the Hope College dance department, and as a choreographer for a number of local high schools. Susan’s background in the arts includes studying at The Royal Academy of Dance. After graduating with a double major—LPN and international business/English language and literature—she moved to Germany to study economics, government, and politics. All this time she still continued to study dance with Yve Poprawski (Martha Graham Technique) and toured with Jazz Tanz Gruppe. Susan resides in Holland.
	Debra L. Freeberg Debra is a director, playwright and actress. She has extensive experience in both academic and professional theatre, including work at the Three Rivers Shakespeare Festival as Associate Producer, the Independent Eye as Tour and Literary Manager, the Pittsburg Metropolitan Stage Company (Metro) as Managing Director, Saltworks Theatre Company as a member of the Board of Directors, and occasional guest director. She just retired as Director of Theatre for Calvin University.
	Ann Genson Ann is thrilled to be performing in front of a live Whitehall audience once again. You may remember Ann as Millie in Exit Laughing (2017) or as Bev in Miracle on South Division Street (2019), among many other roles for The Playhouse at White Lake. Ann works as Domestic Violence Counselor at Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE) in Ludington. She resides in Scottville and has (and loves) two beautiful daughters, a delightful son-in-law, a naughty grand-puppy, and two wonderful, longtime, furry companions.
	Flo Glass (Graphic Design) Flo has over 35 years of experience in the graphic design and printing industry, handling everything from idea through finished product, or just consulting on a small portion of a project. While her design work for the Playhouse rests primarily in the creation of the annual summer brochure, program, and posters, her repertoire includes logo design, brochures, catalogs, banners, sales and marketing pieces, books, newsletters, annual reports, and more. She excels at fitting a project to the customers’ expectations, and finding creative solutions while maximizing options and keeping timelines and budgets in check. Flo has designed marketing materials and programs for Muskegon Civic Theatre for over 25 years, and is excited to continue to be a part of the Playhouse at White Lake team!
	Tom Harryman Tom is an actor, designer, director, and a recently retired college instructor of theatre. He holds a B.Ph in theatre from GVSC's Thomas Jefferson College, an MA in Acting from Antioch McGregor University with training from The Second City in Chicago and The New Actor’s Workshop in NYC. In 45 years of performing professionally, Tom has played on stages across the U.S. and beyond. Recent roles include Polonius in Hamlet, Tony in Outside Mullingar, Mother/Flanagan in Flanagan’s Wake, Willy in The Death of a Salesman, and The Hobo in the award-winning film Ruin Me. He also served as the Playhouse Manager in 2007 - 08.
	Kimberly Harsch Kimberly is a current Acting Graduate student at University of Central Florida. This Michigan native returns to the Playhouse stage for her 14th season! Along with theatre, Kimberly has worked in film, television, stage and voice for the past 20 years. A few of her Playhouse at White Lake credits include Rosemary in Outside Mullingar, Molly, Kitty, and Kendra in Old Love, Louise Seger in Always…Patsy Cline, and Rita in Educating Rita. She also directed over 20 stage productions, produced and co-wrote three original plays, and narrated audio books for Audible. Her two children Sky and Damian inspire her daily to “live life large.”
	Sky Harsch Sky is a current senior studying International Relations and Environmental Studies at Richmond University in London. She is a passionate member of The Playhouse community, participating in productions both on and off stage for the last 14 years. Past White Lake credits include Cinderella in Cinderella, Violet in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and Benjamin in The Yellow Boat. Sky also co-wrote and performed an original play, Mind the Gap, alongside her mother Kimberly and brother Damian for last summer’s virtual season.
	Andrea Holmes Is that the BEST ADSM in the whole world? It sure is! Back again for her 6th summer theater festival, Andrea is ready to get back into the saddle. Her past works have included Youth Theater (Around the World in 8 Plays; Vintage Hitchcock: a live radio Play), Comedies (Summer Shorts 2019), Horror (The Birds), and Mystery (Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure). This year she has the privilege of adding a musical to her list (The Last Five Years). Can she do it? We all know she can! Woot Woot!!
	Lindsey Huizenga Lindsey is pleased to be returning to the Playhouse for another production this summer. As a theatre graduate of Calvin College, Lindsey is always pleased to be able to actually utilize her degree. She has done a little bit of everything in the theatrical world, from playing a fairy in Midsummer to installing new LED stage lights, from collecting props to helping write an ethnographic play about the refugee program in Grand Rapids. But stage management is her true love. Being welcomed back to the Playhouse is one of the highlights of her summer and Lindsey would like to thank Beth Beaman and the Whitehall Community for letting her crash their summer theater party.
	Ted Jawor This is Ted’s debut with The Playhouse. He last appeared with Central Park Players as Potter, Joseph, Martini, and various voices in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play. Some of Ted’s Muskegon Civic Theatre credits include: Sheriff Heck Tate, To Kill A Mockingbird, Tony Wendice, Dial M for Murder, and Ken, Night of Ballyhoo. He has also appeared with Muskegon Community College as Ranger Tom, Escanaba in da Moonlight, Duke, Comedy of Errors, Trucker, Working, Tybalt, Romeo & Juliet. He also has credits in several films and commercials. Ted is a self-employed history buff and enjoys traveling with his wife, Sue.
	Aubrey MacIntosh Aubrey is an upcoming senior at Pentwater Public Schools. This summer I'm an intern at The Playhouse At White Lake. I have been involved in many aspects of the fine arts for a long time. I have participated in acting, dance, set design, hair, makeup, playing the clarinet, and behind the scenes in many productions. In my future I plan to pursue a career in some aspect of the fine arts.
	Heather McCallum Heather is a music director, choir teacher, and vocal coach in West Michigan. She has music directed productions for Hope College, Muskegon Civic Theatre, Central Park Players, and White Lake Youth Theatre. She holds performance and music education degrees from Hope College and Michigan State University College of Music. Some performance credits include: La Boheme (Mimi), Cosi fan tutte (Fiordiligi), Die Zauberflöte (Third Lady), La Traviata (Annina). Heather currently teaches K-12 music and choir at Calvary Christian Schools.
	Erin Mickelson Erin Erin is so happy to be back at the Playhouse this summer doing what she loves to do most, acting with friends! She has a theatre degree from Grand Valley and has been in over 30 shows in various theaters throughout Michigan. She has a new job at Sun Title that she loves and hopes that at least one person from the office will come to the show so that they understand why it looks like she’s talking to herself constantly.
	JaiLynn Petrie JaiLynn is a lifelong resident of the West Michigan area. Working full-time as the collaborative accompanist for the Mona Shores High School Choir Program for the past six years, she has also found the time to music direct and/or accompany shows for West Shore Community College, Muskegon Civic Theatre, and several area high schools. She is the incredibly proud mother of her wonderful daughter, Charley Clare, and credits her success to her mentor Tom Kirk and her mother Sharon Pepple, for their unwavering support.
	Beth Pierson Beth is thrilled to be directing again for the Playhouse and honored to bring Lady Bird, Pat, and Betty to the stage. She directed A Betrothal for the Playhouse’s venture into virtual theater last summer. Her previous experience includes serving on the stage management and/or directing staffs of major opera companies in the U.S., including San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, and Boston Lyric Opera. Her roots are in community theater and she is especially proud of her productions of Quilters and Three Tall Women for the Duluth Playhouse. She is a member of the White Lake Dramatic Club, serves as Secretary on the Friends of the Playhouse Board, and is happy to call the White Lake area her "forever" home.
	Caylee Prater is so excited to be joining the Playhouse for their first summer! Caylee has acted as stage manager for 12 productions at Western High School in Parma, MI and will be switching gears to work as a production Assistant this summer. A warm thank you to Brayden, Adora, and Gizmo, for their support.
	Tyler Quinn Tyler is a graduate of Michigan Technological University holding a BA in Sound Design with a minor in Music Composition. He is thrilled to return to the Playhouse at White Lake for his fourth Summer Season with them. His past sound credits for the Playhouse include The Seamstress, Fox on the Fairway, and The Remember in 2017, Vintage Hitchock in 2018 and the entirety of the Playhouse’s 2020 virtual Summer Season. He has also composed music for Michigan Tech’s productions of Fires in the Mirror and Agnes of God, for both of which he received a certificate of merit from KCACTF and was a front of house mixer for the Ohio Light Opera’s productions of Into the Woods, Music in the Air and The Devil’s Rider (for its American debut performance). In addition to his work on theatrical pieces, Tyler is also an active sound freelancer, either as a designer or an engineer in a myriad of other mediums. Recently he worked as a sound effects designer for an independent web series pilot and as a recording engineer on a rock album.
	William S. Rafaill Bill has been the webmaster for the Playhouse at White Lake since the spring of 2007. He and his wife, Barbara, have been enjoying the western shore of Michigan and all that it offers, including the Playhouse, since the mid 1980s. They have had a cottage in Stony Lake since 1998 and are now building a new home in Whitehall as they “downsize”. Bill is CEO, CFO, COO, and all those other "O's" for his own company, Rafaill & Associates, LLC. He specializes in website development, graphic design, and technology training. He is pleased to do all that he can to promote the renovated but still Grand Old Lady, the Playhouse at White Lake.
	Diane Reeths Diane has appeared at The Playhouse as Ouiser in Steel Magnolias and as Mrs. Norquist in Mom’s Gift. She has also appeared with Central Park Players and Muskegon Civic Theatre. Diane is a retired special education teacher. She is married to Paul, has two beautiful daughters, a great son-in-law and one granddaughter who lights up her life.
	Erin Robere Erin is thrilled to make his debut at The Playhouse at White Lake alongside such talented performers and production staff. A recent transplant back to the West Michigan area, Erin is ecstatic to be performing again and to be a part of this theater community. Erin moved back to Michigan after working in the Orlando, Florida area for over ten years. There he performed in numerous parades and shows at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. He also worked for numerous theaters, resorts, entertainment companies, as well as toured and participated in the Orlando Fringe Festival in the surrounding area. Favorite roles include Peter in Seasons the musical, Link Larkin in Hairspray, Chuck Cranston in Footloose, and Bricks/Dragon Puppeteer in Shrek the musical. Love to all who have supported him throughout the years. Thank you for supporting the arts! It’s great to be back!
	Claire Root Benson Claire serves as Executive Director for the Poppen Programs, Inc., which provides funding for private arts studies and scholarship opportunities for students of Muskegon Public Schools, and has a vocal studio at her home in Roosevelt Park. She and her husband Derek have a seven year old son, a three year old daughter, a rambunctious cat, and two Guinea pigs; and they love to hike, kayak, and cook. They met in a musical in seventh grade at Mona Shores Middle School, and have been best friends since. Claire’s last appearance on this stage was in the 2016 production of Quilters; she also occasionally performs for and serves on the Board of Directors of Muskegon Civic Theatre.
	Derek Root Benson Derek is a Muskegon native with a Bachelor's in Theatre from St. Olaf College. His credits at The Playhouse include Boeing, Boeing, Actor, and Steel Magnolias, Director. He enjoys a chaotic life with his wonderful wife and two whirlwind children.
	James Saunders James is a Graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, NYC, May 2006, with a Bachelor’s degree in violin performance. Since 2012 James has performed in over 60 Broadway musicals, including several recordings of shows in Los Angeles. Some of his favorite shows include Parade, Young Frankenstein, Bright Star, Into the Woods, and West Side Story. James is thrilled to perform at the Playhouse at White Lake, as a new Michigan resident!
	Lauren Sawson Lauren has been rooted in movement throughout her entire life. She began dancing at the age of three, and continued in college; receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance from Wayne State University. In dance, Lauren has held many titles; artist, performer, choreographer, instructor, Dance Team Director, and Artistic Director. She is Acrobatic Arts Certified and is also a trained Early Childhood Education Instructor in the Discover Dance Method. Outside of the dance studio, Lauren gets grounded in Yoga and Pilates. Lauren trained in STOTT Pilates, beginner through advanced mat, and is also a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. Outside of four walls, within nature, Lauren enjoys hiking and kayaking the dunes and waters of West Michigan.
	Aidan Lynn Smith Aidan is thrilled to be back doing lighting design for The Playhouse at White Lake. His selected lighting credits include: Michigan Irish Music Festival, Escanaba in da Moonlight (Playhouse), As You Like It (Wayne State University), Medea (Underground Theatre), and Shrek the Musical (Whitehall High School). Aidan gives all his love to Beth, his parents, siblings, grandparents, and boyfriend! To keep updated on his upcoming projects visit his website at aidanlynnsmith.com
	Lorrell Stark Lorrell is thrilled to be treading the boards of the newly renovated Playhouse! She has been involved in theater, both onstage and off, from Grand Haven to Manistee for the last 17 years. Lorrell studied theater at Muskegon Community College, and was most recently seen on stage at the Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon Civic Theatre’s production of Shrek the Musical. In her spare time, she enjoys painting her nails, reading, singing karaoke, and baking. She would like to thank her family for always supporting this dream she chases, the audience, for your support of the marvelous Playhouse, and her husband, Chazz, for his constant love, care, and patience.
	Madelyn Stembol Madelyn is an 18-year-old homeschool graduate, this is her eighth production with WLYT, and she is excited to be an intern working with the Summer Theatre Festival. Madelyn’s hobbies include politics, basketball, photography, and music. She is planning to go to college this fall to study violin.
	Justin Sternburgh Justin is very excited to return to the playhouse for real live people. His last appearance was 2 across. He has directed the summer shorts as well as played Watson in Sherlock Holmes Final Adventure. Again he is very excited to share the stage with his wife Sarah. Together the two have a beautiful baby girl, two wonderful middle aged cats (Kunu and Tonks) and the newest member of the Sternburgh clan Dotty. Their new puppy.
	Sarah Sternburgh Sarah has acted in several shows for The Playhouse at White Lake, most recently last year in 2 Across. Others include Summer Shorts (twice), Fox on the Fairway, The Seamstress, Deathtrap, and Steel Magnolias. She is married to Justin and together they have a beautiful daughter Eliza, two cats, and a new puppy! She is thrilled to be both back on stage and behind the scenes at this gorgeous theater.
	Kate Thomsen Kate joyfully makes her return to the Playhouse at White Lake to share in this unique experience. She was last seen here in The 39 Steps back in 2012. Other credits include Unnecessary Farce at Mason Street Warehouse and Diva Royale, God of Carnage and Vino Veritas at Purple Rose Theatre Company where she is a resident artist. She holds a BA from Western Michigan University and an MFA from University of California, Irvine. She is a proud Assistant Professor for WMU’s Theatre Department and happily associated with Shakespeare Behind Bars at the Brooks Correctional Facility in Muskegon. Deepest of thanks to Beth and Kim for creating a place of magic and to the patrons for sharing in the present moment of live performance here.
	Katie Trusty This is Katie’s first time assistant directing a show, and she is so excited for everyone to see it! Katie has been apart of the White Lake Youth Theater community for eight years! She would like to thank Cindy-Beth and Beth Beaman for giving her the opportunity to help these kids put on an amazing show!
	Diane Van Wesep Diane is thrilled to be appearing in Summer Shorts as part of this almost-post-pandemic re-opening of the Playhouse! She has been privileged to work in productions from Lend Me a Tenor to On Golden Pond in the Playhouse’s previeration--dear Howmet Playhouse. She was honored to be part of the Summer Shorts ensemble, the first year in the beautifully renovated theatre. She has worked with Muskegon Civic Theatre, Central Park Players, and Muskegon Community College performing roles in dramas such as The Lion in Winter, Deathtrap and Night, Mother, comedies such as Inspecting Carol, Moon Over Buffalo, and Sylvia, and musicals such as The King and I and A, My Name is Alice. She is grateful for each performing opportunity she has had and she wishes to thank the City of Whitehall, the staff of the Playhouse and her supportive husband, Ed De Jong, for making this summer’s experience possible.

The Playhouse is a year-round venue. Be sure to visit the EVENTS menu for our complete schedule of plays, music, movies, and more.