ARTIST BIOS

Akinle Armand (Jason/Tyrone, he/him) is a second year in the theatre department. He is very excited to be a part of this extremely unique and challenging production.

Juno Azuz Zacher (Margery, she/her) is excited to play Margery in “Hand to God”. As a sophomore Theatre major and Political Science minor at Northwestern, her recent credits include “POTUS”, “Sunday on the Rocks”, and “Do You Feel Anger”. When not in rehearsal, Juno is probably in the library working her way to that degree. She would like to thank her amazing cast and crew, and apologize to her parents for not letting them see her in this show.

Bryan Baumer (Timothy, he/him) is so excited for his second Wirtz production. Recent credits include “Bonnie and Clyde”, “Mancub”, and “Something Rotten”. His favorite childhood memory might be being on Kidz Bop in 2016 or going to Circus Camp. He’d like to thank his family, friends, and the entire cast and team of Hand to God.

Jamel Booth (Director, he/him) is a native of the oh so live, 305, Miami, Fl. Prior to attending Northwestern, he graduated from the illustrious Florida A&M University. Previous credits at NU is Topdog/Underdog. He would like thank his mom, Mommy, for supporting him fully in this journey. Special thanks to his parents, God parents, siblings, family, friends, and students for always making him feel supported and reminding him that he’s a star!

A Inn Doo (Scenic Designer, she/her) is a scenic designer from Seoul, now based in Chicago. Her credits include Man of La Mancha, February House, and Sunday On the Rocks at the Northwestern Wirtz Center, as well as numerous productions and musical concerts in Seoul, including Achilles, Musical V Ever After, and Musical The Pirates. She is the recipient of the Norrenbrock Design Award and is an MFA candidate in Stage Design at Northwestern University.

Astra Duffy (Sound Designer, they/them) is an M.A. student in Northwestern’s Sound Arts and Industries program and they are incredibly excited to be serving as the sound designer for “Hand to God”! Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Astra holds a B.S. from Belmont University in Audio Engineering Technology and received two KCACTF nominations for their sound design work on “The Diviners” and “Kodachrome.” They currently serve as an A1 for a variety of professional theatres in the Chicagoland area.

Michah Kier (U/S Pastor Greg, he/him) is a sophomore theatre major and legal studies minor who is thrilled to be understudying Pastor Greg. He’s taken part in over 40 theatre productions and some of his favorite shows include “Puffs” (Wayne), “The Drowsy Chaperone” (Man in Chair), and “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” (Town’s Guy). Michah would like to thank his fellow castmates, family, friends, and all of you for coming to the show.

Kristen Laidley (U/S Jessica/Jolene, she/her) is thrilled to make her Wirtz Center debut understudying Jessica in Hand to God. She’s a first year with a deep love for bold, challenging theatre and storytelling that brings people together. She’d like to thank her family, friends, and the Pingry School Theatre Department faculty for their continued support and guidance.

Julia Rachel Marshall (Production Stage Manager, she/her), New York-based stage manager, is a Northwestern University senior. Julia assistant stage managed Wirtz productions “Man of La Mancha” and “Comedy of Errors,” Shakespeare consulting for the latter. Other productions include “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “A Gentleman’s Guide….” Julia is also a theatre educator, most recently assistant teaching at Showtime Theatre in Vienna. She finds love in theatre’s ability to reflect those who experience it and to challenge both individuals and society.

Aedan McConnell (Asst. Director, he/him) First Wirtz show! Theatre & Economics major from Leesburg, Virginia. Thank you to mom and dad, Jamel, the cast and crew of “Hand to God,” and Devil Dawgs happy hour.

Sterling Powell (U/S Timothy, he/him) is a first-year Theatre major and is thrilled to be participating in his first production at Northwestern! He previously attended Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida, where he played Oberon in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Pepper in “Mamma Mia”. He would like to thank his parents for their support during his theatre journey, and the people who have aided him in his growth as an actor.

Shahzeb Shah (Pastor Greg, he/him) is a senior studying Theatre and Cognitive Science alongside Design and HCI, and he’s very excited to be performing as Pastor Greg! He has loved his time at Northwestern, and has enjoyed directing, writing, and acting across film and theatre. Shahz is also the captain of the bhangra dance team and a big WingStop guy. He is very thankful to the cast, crew, and team of Hand to God!

Louise Sims (Jessica, she/her) is a junior theater major pursuing the Music Theater Certificate and super jazzed to be part of Hand to God! Favorite credits include Fanny in As It Is in Heaven (Wirtz Center), Lucius/Mark Antony u/s in Julius Caesar (Delaware Shakespeare Festival), Sue in Fefu and Her Friends (WAVE Productions), & Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz (Walnut Street Theater). Offstage, Louise can be found carpenting, directing, baking, or cutting her bangs. Love to her family and the dog.

Alyssa Ruoxin Sun (Asst. Stage Manager, she/her) loved working on “Hand to God” as her first show for the Wirtz. She is a first year student in Theatre at Northwestern University. She recently worked as a technical director for “Mark of Han”. After this show, she’ll be costume designing “The Lightning Thief” musical in spring and looking to re-enter set design. She’s thankful to her family for supporting her interests no matter what.

Jacob Toole (U/S Jason/Tyrone, U/S Timothy, he/him) Freshman theatre major from Tucson, AZ. Proud Vertigo Member + ILU F15. Selected favorite performing credits are “Alice By Heart” (Alfred), “Peter and the Starcatcher” (Black Stache), “Into The Woods” (Jack). As a playwright, Jacob worked on “Death Do Us Part” (Book/Lyrics), “Bruisers” (Book/Lyrics), “Game Three” (Playwright). Founder @rigbytheaterco. Jacob seeks to make theater more accessible & meaningful for young voices at Northwestern and beyond. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Mrs. B, & Jesus. IG: @jdtrigby