These are our 2008 Equity Membership Candidates.  They are an important part of the Barn Theatre company.   Primarily college students, or recent graduates, they are the Barn's work force, staffing all of its various departments.  As they learn about all of the different aspects of theatre production, the E.M.C.'s are earning their memberships in Actors Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors.

DANA JOY GLAUS, 2ND year intern
Dana Joy Glaus is ecstatic to be back here for her second year as a Barnie! You might remember her from last season as Nurse Flinn in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST and one of the usherettes in THE PRODUCERS. Dana has also appeared in URINETOWN as Little Becky Two Shoes, CABARET as Frenchie, HAIR as Angela and WONDERFUL TOWN as The Modern Dancer and dance captain. Dana will be entering her senior year at Kent State University where she majors in Musical Theatre and minors in Dance. Dana wants to thank Penelope and Brendan for another amazing opportunity and also sends thanks and love to her family for all their never ending support.

MEGAN MACPHEE, 2ND year intern
Megan MacPhee is elated to be back at the Barn for her second season! Previously on the Barn stage Megan played Sister Leo in NUNSENSE THE MEGA MUSICAL and Alice in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, and other featured roles in THE PRODUCERS, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, and GEPPETTO AND SON. Megan just received her B.M. in Musical Theatre from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Last spring Megan studied abroad at the London Dramatic Academy. Other professional credits include the female swing for Signature Theatre's MY FAIR LADY directed Eric Schaeffer starring Broadway's Sally Murphy and THE SEX HABITS OF AMERICAN WOMEN (Katie), Papermill Playhouse's JOSEPH….and NEW VOICES CONCERT 2004. Megan thanks her family, Penelope and Brendan and everyone at the Barn for this opportunity.

VAUGHN SCHMIDT, 2ND year intern
Vaughn is thrilled to be returning to the Barn for his second summer. Last summer, Vaughn performed in the Barn Theatre productions of THE PRODUCERS, GEPPETTO AND SON, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, OLD TIMER and was a featured guitarist several times in the Rehearsal Shed show. During the recent off season Vaughn performed in URINETOWN, JEKYLL AND HYDE, in which he played the title role, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, as the world's skinniest Gaston, and THE WHO'S TOMMY. He is extremely excited about the current season and is very eager to perform for the Barn Theatre patrons again.

KATHERINE WEATHERFORD, 2ND year intern
Katherine is overjoyed to be spending her second summer at the Barn! Katherine attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and is a recent graduate of The New School University. Last summer here she was seen as Sarah in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, Sister Mary Luke in NUNSENSE THE MEGA MUSICAL, Miss Watson in OLD TIMER, and in the ensembles of GEPPETTO AND SON and THE PRODUCERS. She wants to thank her family their love and support and the Ragotzys for the opportunity for return this summer.

KEVIN WHITE, 2ND year intern, Rehearsal Shed Pianist/Bar Show Music Director
Kevin is stoked to be returning to the Barn for a second summer. Barn audiences may remember him as the youngest brother, Gideon, in SEVEN BRIDES…, and his performances in THE PRODUCERS, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, and GEPPETTO AND SON. Kevin is a Musical Theatre major at Millikin University, where he will be a senior this fall. Over the past year Kevin performed in the mainstage production of MY FAVORITE YEAR at Millikin and acted as musical director for the musical RUTHLESS! Kevin would once again like to thank his grandparents for everything they do for him, his loving family that supports him, and of course, the Ragotzys for inviting him back.

ISAAC BUSH, 1ST year apprentice
Isaac Bush, now a senior at Hope College, is pursuing a BA in Theatre Performance & Directing. His credits at Hope include STRIDER, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, WONDERFUL TOWN, THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL, THE NINA VARIATIONS, TALK TO ME LIKE THE RAIN AND LET ME LISTEN…, THE BOOM BOX, BAD DREAM, TAPE, TWELFTH NIGHT, and the creation of ROSE AND THE RIME. He also held an internship with the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre with credits including OLIVER! and BUNNICULA. Most recently Isaac was showcased at the National level of the American College Theatre Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC with his cast of ROSE AND THE RIME. Next fall Isaac will be studying in London with the British-American Drama Academy, followed by an internship in NYC with the GLCA New York Arts Program in the spring. Future plans include living in NYC before auditioning for graduate school.

KATRINA CHIZEK, 1ST year apprentice
Katrina is very excited to be making her debut at the Barn this summer. Having grown up in Plymouth, Michigan, she is return to her home state. Katrina just completed her junior year at Cal State Fullerton, where she is majoring in theatre. Most recent credits include Gloria Rasputin in BYE BYE BIRDIE, Crystal in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and Wendy Jo in FOOTLOOSE. She is very happy to be a part of such a wonderful experience and would like to thank her friends and family for all their support!

JOE DELY, 1ST year apprentice
Joe Dely is a Kalamazoo native who has been involved in theatre all of his life. Recent credits include Jekyll/Hyde in JEKYLL AND HYDE at Interlochen Arts Academy, the Engineer in MISS SAIGON, John Hinkley in ASSASSINS, Younger Brother in RAGTIME, and Laurie in LITTLE WOMEN. He is extremely excited to be part of a great season at the Barn! Last fall he was honored with the Young Artist of the Year award in Kalamazoo. He will be entering his sophomore year as a Music Theatre major at Western Michigan University this fall.

SARAH DOWLING, 1ST year apprentice
Sarah Dowling is pleased to spend this summer at the Barn Theatre. She recently graduated from Millikin University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. At Millikin she played numerous roles including Abigail Williams in THE CRUCIBLE, Nerissa in MERCHANT OF VENICE, Alice in MY FAVORITE YEAR and Myrna Thorn in RUTHLESS! Sarah has spent the last two summers touring with Prairie Fire Children's Theatre. She would like to thank her family for their constant support and love.

RYAN DENARDO, 1ST year apprentice
Ryan is pumped to be spending his first summer at the Barn. Ryan just finished his sophomore year at Ithaca College as a BFA Musical Theatre major, where he has been in THE FULL MONTY and DANCE: NO TRANSLATION NEEDED, as well as the world premiere workshop production of 16 DAYS. Professionally, he has been in BYE BYE BIRDIE at the Three Little Bakers Dinner Theatre in Wilmington, Delaware and THE ODYSSEY: PART II at the Kitchen Theatre in Ithaca, New York. Ryan would like to thank Brendan and Penelope for this fantastic opportunity, as well as his family for their undying support.

ALEX D. GORGONE, 1ST year apprentice
Alex D. Gorgone is a Theatre Arts student from Smithfield, Rhode Island. In the fall, he will enter his senior year at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, MN. Some of his recent roles include Hank in FRISCO KATE'S SILVER SPUR SALOON REVUE at Six Flags New England, Joe in London's Wimbledon Theatre production of IN THE SHADOW BOX, and the following roles in Saint Mary's University productions: Agamemnon in IPHIGENIA, Paul in COMPANY, Wilhelm Maria Eisenring in THE FIREBUGS, and Macbeth in MACBETH. He is very happy to spend his summer with the Barn.

KEVIN ALAN GREEN, 1ST year apprentice
Kevin is incredibly excited to be making his debut at the Barn this summer. He is a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University with a BAC in theatre with a specialization in Acting and Directing. Previous credits include Albert Peterson in BYE BYE BIRDIE, Mendel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, B.J. in 1940S RADIO HOUR, George Gibbs in OUR TOWN, and most recently Carter in FAT PIG, along with ensemble roles in HOW TO SUCCEED…, CABARET, and FOOTLOOSE. He would love to thank his friends and family for always being behind him pushing him to do the best he can.

PATRICK HUNTER, 1ST year apprentice
Patrick is very pleased to be making his debut at the Barn. Patrick just completed his sophomore year in the Musical Theatre program at Ithaca College, where his roles have included Officer Barrel in URINETOWN, Morrel in the world premier of THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO and Dave (u/s) in THE FULL MONTY. Patrick is also a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy. Many thanks and much love to the entire Barn family for this wonderful opportunity.

KEVIN RAY JOHNSON, 1ST year apprentice
Kevin is truly pleased to be back in the Midwest and to be making his Barn debut. Kevin is from Washington, D.C. and will be attending AMDA in New York City in the spring. Favorite professional credits include Mungo Redd in THE BINGO LONG TRAVELING ALL-STARS AND MOTOR KINGS for the Kennedy Center's Page 2 Stage Festival, Bongdanovitch in THE MERRY WIDOW for The Washington Savoyards, Sonny in GREASE at Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, The Cat in the Hat in SEUSSICAL, and Hot Blades Harry in URINETOWN. He is currently writing his first play entitled LIFE INSIDE AN OPEN KAIJE. Kevin has trained with Signature Theatres' OVERTURES 2006 taught by Eric Schaeffer and Karma Camp and Jodie Langel's MAKING IT ON BROADWAY Intensive 2008 taught by Jodie Langel, Kim Steiner, Jose Llana, Hollie Howard and Judith Fredericks. He would like to thank the Ragotzys for making this amazing opportunity, his mother, and Jose Llana for all his knowledge. www.kevinrayjohnson.com

ALEX KIP, 1ST year apprentice
Alex Kip just finished his sophomore year at The University of Michigan as a BFA in Musical Theatre. Previous credits at Michigan include Captain Heinz in PLAYING FOR TIME, for the grand opening of the Arthur Miller Theatre, an Ensemble Member and Featured Soloist in CAROUSEL, and a Dancer in RITUALS AND REVERIES. Last summer he performed at the Weathervane Playhouse where he was seen as Lieutenant Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, the Younger Brother in RAGTIME, Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Eddie in THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940, and Man 2 (u/s) in SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD. He has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as Max in WITH THEIR EYES, and will be attending The London Dramatic Academy for the fall semester of 2008. Alex would like to thank his family and friends for their everlasting support!

BRITTANY LYNN KRIGER, 1ST year apprentice
Brittany is beyond excited to be spending this summer at the Barn! Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended LSU and earned her first degree in interior design, Brittany recently packed up and moved to the Midwest to pursue her love of the theatre. She has just completed her first year in the BFA Musical Theatre Program at Southeast Missouri State University, and while there her credits have included Mary Jane in BIG RIVER, Lenny in CRIMES OF THE HEART, and Edith in 'DENTITY CRISIS. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her dreams and helping to make them a reality, as well as the folks at the Barn for this wonderful opportunity.

KATIE MACK, 1ST year apprentice
Katie Mack is more than excited to be a part of the Barn Theatre! Originally from Detroit, Michigan and currently residing in Chicago, she wants to send her love to all her friends who continually push her toward her dreams! Most recently Louka in ARMS IN THE MAN at Columbia College, she has also loved her roles as Roberta in ZANNA, DON'T! and Janice in EFFECT OF THE GAMMA RAYS… "Thank you," goes to her parents and brothers who are her continual rock and support - the best family ever!

J.P. MAKOWSKI, 1ST year apprentice
J.P. is delighted to spend this summer at the Barn. J.P., a native of Strongsville, Ohio, is currently pursuing his BFA in Musical Theatre at Kent State University. Prior to attending KSU, he studied Musical Theatre at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Previous credits include Hysterium in A FUNNY… FORUM, Mr. McQueen in URINETOWN, Charlie Blossom in WORKING, John in PETER & WENDY: AN AFTERHOUGHT, as well as ensemble roles in RAGTIME, PARADE, and BRIGADOON. In addition to being an actor, J.P. also works as an accompanist. He wishes to say "thanks" and send his love to his parents for their continuing love and support always.

ELLIE MESSINGER, 1ST year apprentice
Growing up in Portage, Michigan, Ellie has spent numerous summers (since the age of 5) in the Barn audience wishing she could be on the Barn stage. She just finished her sophomore year at Bowling Green State University as a Theatre major and is ecstatic to finally be joining the Barn legacy! Her most memorable roles include Eva in KINDERTRANSPORT, Little Becky Two Shoes in URINETOWN and Darlene in THE DIVINERS. She has also been featured in CABARET and LOVE'S FIRE. She would like to thank her previous teachers and coaches from Portage Northern High School for inspiring her to follow her dreams, and especially her Mom, Dad, and Sister for all of their love and support.

AMY O'CONNELL, 1ST year apprentice
Amy is thrilled to spend her first summer at the Barn! She is a junior musical theatre major at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, but she hails from the small town of Lebanon, Indiana. Amy has studied voice, dance and theatre since she was seven years old. She has appeared in over 30 productions throughout the Midwest. She also was a studio singer in Indianapolis for various recording companies for several years. Amy's favorite roles include Elsa in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Urleen in FOOTLOOSE, Martha in A CHRISTMAS CAROL and Frenchy in GREASE. She wishes to thank her family, friends, and boyfriend Alex for their love and support in this crazy and wonderful career!

MAGGIE POLITI, 1ST year apprentice
Maggie is so happy to be making her Barn debut this summer! She most recently received her B.M. from the Musical Theatre program at Catholic University. This past year she appeared at The Kennedy Center in a tribute to Richard Rodgers, MYTHS AND HYMNS at Signature Theatre, and EVITA at Catholic U. Last summer Maggie performed at The New London Barn Playhouse and appeared as Bombalurina in CATS, Frauline Kost in CABARET, Dolly Tate in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and Crystal in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Other favorite roles include Millie Dillmount in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and Rosalie in CARNIVAL. Maggie would like to thank her family for all of their support, and of course, Brendan and Penelope for this fantastic opportunity.

CARSON ROSS, 1ST year apprentice
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio and a Musical Theatre major at Kent State University, Carson is delighted to join the Barn family for its 63rd season. Last summer, he appeared in Porthouse Theatre's PETER PAN. Other credits include WONDERFUL TOWN, CABARET, SWEENEY TODD, and LES MISERABLES. Thanks to friends and family for their support.

ERIN MICHELLE ROUTH
Erin is delighted to be joining the Barn this summer! A Springfield, Missouri native, she is currently attending the North Carolina School of the Arts as a costume design major. Favorite roles include Lucy in JEKYLL & HYDE, Mollie Ralston in THE MOUSETRAP, Rita LaPorta in LUCKY STIFF, Gwendolyn in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, and Peggy Sawyer in 42ND STREET. Erin would like to thank her mother and incredible family and friend for their continuous love and support. A very heartfelt "thank you" to Penelope and the entire Barn family for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

KELLY MARIE SCHAAF, 1ST year apprentice
Kelly is excited to be making her Barn debut this summer! She recently completed her junior year at James Madison University in Virginia where she is studying musical theatre. Recent JMU credits include Mae in LaChiusa's THE WILD PARTY, Sister Felicity in SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, and Woman 2 understudy in EDGES: A SONG CYCLE. Kelly was the music director for JMU's production of SIDE SHOW this past school year. She is also extremely passionate about writing for musical theatre. Kelly would like to thank her family for being her biggest fans, the Ragotzys for believing in her, "and anyone who has ever told her 'no,' thus giving her the drive to succeed. Without you, she would not be here, and she is incredibly grateful."

ALYSSA SCHLAGETER, 1ST year apprentice
Alyssa Schlageter is from Greenville, Rhode Island and will be going into her senior year as a Theater Arts major at St. Mary's University in Winonna, Minnesota. Since being at St. Mary's, she has been seen in IPHIGENIA as Clytemnestra, Marta IN COMPANY, Anna in FIREBUGS, Amira in O, JERUSALEM, and Witch 2 in MACBETH. She was also seen as Beverly in THE SHADOW BOX at the Wimbledon Studio Theatre in London. She spent last summer at Six Flags New England where she played Frisco Kate in FRISCO KATES'S SILVER SPUR SALOON REVUE as well as the Host in the Wiggles Show. She is more than thrilled to be joining the Barn Theatre for their spectacular season!

LINDSEY MICHELE SCHROEDER, 1ST year apprentice
Lindsey is so excited to be joining the Barn for their 2008 season! She comes all the way from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she just finished her sophomore year as a musical theater major. Her university credits include: Rita in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Hot Box Dancer in GUYS & DOLLS and various roles in SWING! and SEUSSICAL. Other previous credits include: WEST SIDE STORY, ANYTHING GOES, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Lindsey would like to thank her parents for their unconditional love and support and the Barn for this amazing opportunity and seeing something special in her! Psalms 108:1

MICHAEL TUCK, 1ST year apprentice
Michael Tuck is very excited to be making his very first appearance on the Barn Theatre stage. Michael has been seen in such productions as Septimus in ARCADIA, Benjy in MY FAVORITE YEAR at Millikin University, in Decatur, IL. He has also been seen in THE ROCKY HORROR (Puppet) SHOW in which he portrayed Riff Raff, DON'T ROCK THE JUKE BOX, TWO ROOMS as Walker, and was seen in the ensembles of HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE and BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL and was Handler in GEORDI with The Collin Theatre Centre in Plano, Texas. At the Water Tower Theatre in Addison, TX he was seen in THE WIZ as The Lion, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF as Perchik, and Will Parker in OKLAHOMA! Michael would like to thank his friends and family for their support, and most of all his mother for all she has done for him. Many thanks to the Barn Theatre for their support!

KATIE WADDLES, 1ST year apprentice
Katie is a junior BFA Musical Theatre student at Kent State University. This past year she appeared as "Hope" in URINETOWN and in the ensemble of BLOOD BROTHERS. Some other credits include CINDERELLA in which she portrayed an evil stepsister, as well as ensemble roles in COPA CABANA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, and WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. She has studied with the Barn's previous musical director, David Young, for the past 8 years. "If you are a writer or a painter, you write or paint whenever you want to. But we have to do this task at a precise moment. At three minutes past eight, the curtain goes up, and you've got to pretend to believe, because no one else will believe you unless you believe yourself. A great deal of our work is simply making ourselves dream. That is the task. At three minutes past eight, you must dream." - Anonymous