The Production Team
....... It takes a village
Sophie Liese she/they - Make Up And Design
Sophie is excited to come back to Bard Fest this year as the makeup designer for Angels in America! A graduate from Ball State’s theatre design department and school of music, she currently works as a hairstylist in Indianapolis. Sophie has designed hair and makeup for multiple theatrical productions, including “Antigone”, “Fun Home”, “Don Giovanni”, and “Into the Woods”. She has also performed in a variety of theatrical shows around Indianapolis, including Claire in “Proof”, Anne Page in “The Merry Wives of Windsor”, and Dr. Stokes in “Hands on a Hardbody”. Outside of theatre, Sophie is a vocalist who enjoys arranging and writing music in her free time!
Karena Monday - Wigs and Hair Design
Karena is honored to return to Bard Fest as this year's Hair and Wig Stylist for "Angels in America." A graduate from Empire Beauty School, she currently works as an Independent stylist and artist in the Greenwood/Indianapolis area. Karena has previously managed hair and wig design for the productions of "Elizabeth Rex," and "Radium Girls." Aside from her love of theatre work, Karena enjoys painting, rugged hiking and spending time with her kids.
Adrienne Reiswerg - Jewish Culture and Dialect Coach
Adrienne burst on the Indianapolis theatre scene in 1988, and, despite earnest pleas, has simply refused to leave. She has appeared onstage, backstage, or on the administrative staffs of Civic Theatre, the Phoenix, Beef & Boards, TOTS, the Fonseca, Footlite, and others. She has enjoyed doing dramaturgy and dialect coaching for the Diary of Anne Frank, How to Succeed in Business, and Angels In America this year. A native New Yorker, Adrienne is a graduate of Butler, a retired IPS schoolteacher, and is taking
tap dancing with a class of senior women twice a week.
John Clair - Producer, Chief Financial Officer, and Set Design
John has long been a devotee of Shakespeare, and was most recently seen on stage playing Leonato in the Bard Fest production of Much Ado about Nothing, directed by Glenn Dobbs several years ago. He has been involved in theatre since he was a youth, launching his theatrical career at the Jordan Conservatory in Indianapolis, IN, working both on stage as an actor, and backstage in the technical aspects. He has sat on the boards of several Indianapolis Theatres including the Repertory Theatre at CTS, and Carmel Community Players. He and his wife June have written and produced a number of scripts including Andersen: A Fairy Tale Life, Pocahontas: An American Princess, and a musical revue it’s about Time. He has served as producer, stage director, and technical director of numerous productions at Carmel Theatre Company. Clair is currently chairman of Carmel Theatre Company, and in that capacity has hosted Bard Fest for several years
Glenn's take - "There would be no Bard Fest without John Clair. It's that simple"
Kevin Robertson - Fight Choreography
Kevin C. Robertson, is proud to join the company of Bardfest as a Associate producer and Executive Stage Combat Director. Kevin brings over 40 rears of theater experience as an actor, director and stage 4 combat choreographer. Kevin is professionally recognized in 8 of the 9 weapons styles tough by the Society of American Fight Directors. An award winning choreographer from the Washington,DC metroplex Kevin has choreographed well over 100 shows ranging from Romeo and Juliet to Moon Over Buffalo to The Miracle Worker..
Andy & Melody Burnett- Set Design & Decoration -
"The keys to making all of this happen"
Glenn's Take - Andy and Mel are forces of nature. They are my oldest friends and have been working with me since before Bard Fest was an idea. They are the most active and interesting couple I know. They have talents I only wish I possessed and to have them here with me for this special project means the world to me. They have always been an endless source of encouragement and support. And if that is not enough, they have a deep well of talent they draw from to to make any production soar. It is a privilege to have them here again.
Jonathan 'JB' Scoble - Set Design
In addition to serving as one of the producers for Bard Fest, JB is active with several theatre companies across central Indiana. A few of his favorite character roles the past several years include Gomez in Carmel Apprentice Theatre’s production of The Addam’s Family Musical; El Gallo in Carmel Community Players’ production of The Fantasticks; Lt. Kendrick in Booth Tarkington Civic’s production of A Few Good Men; and Stanley in Carmel Community Players’ production of A Streetcar Named Desire. JB would like to thank everyone who has contributed their time to this production and his family and friends for their tremendous support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!
Glenn's Take - JB is an old friend and a life saver. He is multi talented and performs all over town as well provide leadership for Bard Fest. On many occasions he has come to me when we face hurdles saying, "Glenn I've got this." And he does. It was JB who , almost single-handedly, saved the show when it was under real threat. I am so grateful for his friendship and support.
Mary Lich - Set Design, Decoration, Scenic Transmogrifier, and "Anything else you need"
Mary is delighted to again be involved in the transformation of some lumber, paint, sweat and tears. Thank you to Glenn Dobbs, our fabulous build/set crew and as always our Little Maddie for the therapeutic support.
Amber Shatto- Choreography Consultant
Amber Shatto of Indianapolis has been on and around the area’s community theatre stages since 2012 learning lines, creating choreography, designing sound, directing actors, and approving bylaws. She possesses a passion for composing stage pictures and telling stories through movement and is grateful for Glenn’s invitation to contribute ideas to this production made up of immensely talented artists both on and off stage.
Glenn's Take - Amber is crazy busy. But she graciously agreed to meet with me several times and attend some rehearsals to offer advice and tips to improve our Angel team's movement. The cast loved her and I am always grateful when she is involved in any of my shows. She is that good.
Jamie Devine - Dresser, Costumes, and Backstage Hand
Jamie is a local actor who is excited for the opportunity to work backstage on this production. Her prior involvement with Bard Fest includes playing Octavia in Antony and Cleopatra; Cobweb in A Midsummer Night's Dream; and Lord Willoughby in Richard II.
Linda Findley Grow - Costume Design
Linda has been sewing for 56 years. She has been a costumer since the early 2000’s. Her theatrical career originated with acting roles, but she found her niche in costuming. Her favorite projects involve period costumes, mostly in Shakespeare shows. But she has also made many friends through costuming more contemporary works. She has recently been named Costuming Consultant for Bard Fest, an honor that means a lot to her. Angels in America will be her most challenging and therefore rewarding project to date. She would like to thank Glenn Dobbs for his faith in her and her family for all their help and support.
Glenn's Take - Linda makes everything beautiful, just like her. We are blessed to have her talent.
Eric Matters- Technical Director. Light, and Sound Design
Mr Matters has joined the team as our new Technical Director for all productions. He is well known in the theater scene here in Indianpolis . His talent is sought after by many artists and we are thrilled to have him join our team.
He writes, "I’ve “worked extensively in the Indiana theater community, and I’m excited to be joining Bardfest on this new adventure.”
Glenn's Take - With his frequent admonition, "Go big or go home", Eric has challenged us to seek new heights. If what you see tonight looks pretty or spectacular, well you can thank Eric for it. His talents are overflowing.
Jenn Robinson - Assistant Stage Manager, Marketing
Jennifer Robinson is joining Bard Fest as the assistant stage manager. She’s been crew for Persephone Uncut at Earlham College, and How To Succeed at Footlite Musicals.
This has been extraordinary to learn from such professionals. I’m very fortunate to get to work on a project with my spouse Eli as well. Being a queer person - this show means a lot to me and it was a dream to get to work on this project.
Thank you Indy, cast and fellow crew.
Marta Hamilton- Stage Manager, Show Runner
Glenn' Take - If you ask me to pick the indispensable member of the team, I would have to say Marta Hamilton comes to mind. Everyone on the team plays a vital role, but Marta is the glue that holds all of it together. Quiet, focused, with a zen-like calmness that makes everyone feel better and encouraged. She is a supreme professional, multi-talented, and I am blessed to not only have her as a partner, but more importantly as a friend,
Glenn Dobbs- Director
Glenn founded Bard Fest a decade ago. He currently serves as its Executive Producer. His previous theatrical credits include Henry V, Hamlet, Richard III, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry IV,
Richard II, Romeo and Juliet, As You Like it, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Elephant Man, The Shadow Box, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Into the Woods, Proof, The Sound of Music, Medea, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Abridged, and many others. He wants to thank Andy, Mel, , And John and many others who have been with him from the beginning. And especially his long suffering "Trophy Wife" Colleen who has endured this 'hobby' of his for far too long.
