ARTIST BIOS

Helena Ayas (Ensemble, she/her) is so excited to be making her debut with Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts! From Vancouver, Canada, Helena has worked in various regional productions, and is now pursuing a degree in Theatre with a double major in Cognitive Science. She is beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to work with this phenomenal team of actors, visionaries, and creatives. Enjoy the show!

Olivia Barón (Asst. Stage Manager, she/they) is a first-year Theatre major and is thrilled to be working on her first Wirtz Center production. Originally from Miami, Florida, Favorite past credits include Into the Woods (Cinderella), The Addams Family (Alice), and Hadestown (Fate 2). She would like to thank her incredible parents, the creative team, the run crew, and especially the SM team, Audrey and Jackson, for teaching her How to Succeed by Trying Really Hard.

Rose Bicas-Dolgen (Ensemble, U/S Finch, she/her) is thrilled to be making her Wirtz debut. She is a junior from Ketcum, ID, studying Theatre and Environmental Policy & Culture. Credits at Northwestern include Shylock in “Something Rotten,” JTE Song Cycle, Mia in “Diary of a Gay Disaster,” Annas in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Mr. Mayor in “Seussical,” and the Lamplighter in “The Little Prince.”

Azalea Brown (Hedy LaRue, she/her) is excited to be appearing in How to Succeed with the Wirtz Center. She is a Junior Theatre Major in the Music Theatre Certificate with an interest in performance and choreographing for the stage. She recently returned from a study abroad program in Paris focused in Art History, and she is this year’s Artistic Director of Steam Heat— a student org for MT Dance. She would especially like to thank Christopher for his vision and inspiring leadership & team costume for the beautiful gowns. The gowns!

Joey Collins (Asst. Choreographer, he/him) is a freshman majoring in theatre and history and minoring in dance, and he’s thrilled to be working on his first Wirtz show. Joey is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he performed and trained in the community theatre scene, with Grand Rapids Ballet, and through his high school drama department. This Spring, Joey will direct the NU Freshman Musical! “Special thanks to this incredible choreography team, Chrissy and Mary-Kate! Enjoy the show.”

Noah Cooper (Ensemble/Mr. Davis/Ms. D, U/S Biggley, he/him) is excited to be making his Wirtz Center Debut. Recent Northwestern stage credits include “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Ensemble, Jewish Theatre Ensemble) and “Seussical” (General Schmitz, Purple Crayon Players). In his spare time he enjoys horsing around, getting up to hijinks, and engaging in shenanigans. Also playing the bass and watching movies. He would like to thank his Mom, his Dad, his brother, all his friends, and the great borough of Brooklyn.

Marcus Dowd (Smitty, he/they) is a junior Theatre Major. He is Minoring in Dance as well as Environmental Policy & Culture, also pursuing the Music Theatre Certificate and Playwriting Module. Favorite roles include “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” (Snoopy), “Kinky Boots” (Angel, U/S Lola), “RENT” (Ensemble), and “La Ventanita” (Rickey). On campus, Marcus adapts & performs K-6 stories with Griffin’s Tale, choreographs & performs with TONIK Tap, and performs musical improv with The Bix.

Gabby Gutierrez (J. Pierrpont Finch, she/her) is ecstatic to be in this wonderful production! Previously “Whatsername” in Arts Alliance’s American Idiot (2024), “Emma (u/s)” in the Wirtz Center’s The Prom (2023), “Matilda” in Matilda the Musical 1st National Tour (2015-2017), “Sophie” in Broadway’s School of Rock (2016), “AnnieWho” in Madison Square Garden’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2014), “Ngana” in Paper Mill Playhouse’s South Pacific (2014), and Brooklyn Nets National Anthem Singer (2023). Thankful for her family’s support.

Regina “Reg” Harris (Lighting Designer, she/they) is a 3rd year MFA Lighting Designer from Oakland, California and has been designing in the theater community for around 13 years. She’s an alumnus of CSU, Fresno’s Theatre Arts program where she worked for 6 years as the resident Lighting and Sound Technician. She has designed such shows as “Museum” and “Doctor DeSoto.” As a 3rd-year MFA Lighting Designer, Regina continues to push the boundaries of her craft.

Jackson Hollis (Asst. Stage Manager, he/him) is a Freshman Theatre Major in the School of Communications and is thrilled to be working on this project. In the fall, Jackson deck managed “The Addams Family” and is producing the Freshman Musical, “The Lightning Thief”, in the spring. He’d like to thank his amazing stage management team, including Audrey Michael and Olivia Barón, for their incredible support throughout this process. Additionally, he’d like to thank his stage management mentor, Barbara Butts.

Jasmine Eidem Jenkins (Ensemble Swing, she/they) is thrilled to make her debut at the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts! She was most recently in “Hadestown” (Persephone) with Braver Players in Costa Mesa, California. Other musical credits include “Urinetown” (Little Becky Two Shoes) and “Chicago” (Velma Kelly). She has also worked on makeup, costumes, and choreography for various productions. She’s grateful to everyone on the team and to her family.

Ibrahim Khan (J.B. Biggley, he/him) is a third year from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania studying Theatre with the Music Theatre certificate, and he’s ecstatic to return to the Wirtz Center after his quarter abroad in London! Previous Wirtz credits include Wink (Gregor u/s) and How to Know the Wildflowers (Ensemble, Michael u/s). Other credits include Hecuba (Polymestor, Theatro Technis) and Legally Blonde (Sundeep/Ensemble, Music Theatre Works). He’d like to thank his partner, parents, and friends for their unending support.

Jordan Klein (Assoc. Music Director, she/her) is thrilled to be part of How to Succeed! She is a junior at Northwestern University studying theatre with a focus on musical direction. Her work spans music directing, orchestrating, conducting, pit performance, and programming. Favorite credits include R&H Cinderella, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Legally Blonde, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Jordan is the incoming Artistic Director of the Jewish Theatre Ensemble and music director of SigO a capella at Northwestern.

Selina Liu (Music Director, she/they) is a composer, conductor, collaborative pianist, and interdisciplinary music director. In 2024, she served as assistant conductor and assistant music librarian for the Orchestre Lamoureux in Paris. This summer, she will serve as assistant conductor with the Vienna Opera Academy. Her Wirtz Center credits include Man of La Mancha (2025, AMD/Key 2) and Working (2024, Music Assistant/Key 2). Selina will complete her B.A. in Theatre and Music in March 2026.

Chrissy Martin (Choreographer, she/they) is an interdisciplinary performance artist and educator with roots in contemporary dance forms, contact improvisation, Afro-Caribbean dance, postmodern experimental music, vocal jazz, and physical theater. Chrissy blends these forms to rigorously examine her intersecting queer and neurodivergent identities. Martin is an avid member of the global contact improvisation community and has facilitated and taught workshops across the Midwest. Chrissy is an assistant professor of movement and dance at Northwestern’s Theatre School. chrissymartinmakes.com

Jonah Mensch (Bud Frump, he/him) is an actor, writer, and musician from Beacon, New York, and is thrilled to be making his Wirtz Center principal cast debut. He recently co-directed and performed in his first original script, False From True, with music adapted from Pete Seeger. Past roles in Northwestern student theatre include Sebastian (R&H Cinderella), Will (American Idiot), and Little Prince (The Little Prince, North American Debut). On streaming services under the name Laurie Supple. Instagram: @carolchnning.

Audrey Michael (Production Stage Manager, she/her) is thrilled to be a part of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Michael is a senior pursuing a dual degree in Theatre and Opera Performance with a concentration in Theatre Management. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Stage Manager for “The Addams Family.” Her other credits include: “Man of La Mancha” (Stage Manager), “Into the Woods” (Production Assistant) with Idaho Shakespeare Festival, 2024 New Play Festival (Stage Manager), and “The Prom” (Assistant Stage Manager). Michael has also been an Assistant Director/chorus member of numerous Northwestern operas.

Kennedy Naseem (Rosemary Pilkington, she/her) is an actress and director from Kansas City, Missouri pursuing a major in Theatre, a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies, a certificate in Music Theatre, and a module in Theatre for Young Audiences. Her recent theatrical credits include From the Old Wood Forest (Director, Newberry Library), Arch Madness (Skipper, Waa-Mu), and Splish Splash (Great Blue Heron, Imagine U). She wants to thank her family, faculty mentors, and friends for believing in her!

Elebetel Negusse (Ensemble, U/S Mr. Bert Bratt, she/her) is a Theater and Data Science major. She is currently a member of the ensemble in “How to Succeed in Business”, where she also understudies Bratt. Last year, she appeared in “Man of La Mancha” and understudied the Governor. She made her directing debut with the student production of “Alice by Heart.” Her favorite acting credits include “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Axeman’s Requiem.”

Lily Ramras (Ensemble/Fight & Intimacy Captain, U/S Rosemary) is a Senior at Northwestern in the Musical Theater Certificate, pursuing the Theater for Young Audiences module. She is a member of Shireinu acapella, Purple Crayon Players and TriDelta. Wirtz roles include Naomi (upcoming) in 2026 Waa-Mu show, Savannah in 2025 Waa-Mu show, u/s Alyssa in The Prom and Theresa in Working. Most recently she played Penny Pingleton in Uptown Music Theater’s Hairspray and Mary in Sit and Spin’s False From True. @lilyramras

Alec Rego (U/S Gatch, Swing, he/him) was born and raised in East Taunton, MA where he began his theater career performing in community productions. Over the past few years at Northwestern, he has performed in several university productions, including Outer Space with Seesaw, How to Know the Wildflowers: A Map, and Arch Madness. Alec looks forward to working on his first show as a swing and supporting the cast from this position as they put on this show!

Christopher Michael Richardson (Director, Additional Choreography, he/him) is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist from Richmond, VA.Directing: “Mancub” (NU Collaboration Series), “Winnie-the-Pooh” (Imagination Stage), “Everybody” (American University), “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Turn of the Screw” (NextStop Theatre Company), and “A Raisin in the Sun” (National Players Tour 72.) Selected Acting Credits: WEST END: “A Strange Loop” (The Barbican); REGIONAL: Signature Theatre: “Sweeney Todd”; Kennedy Center TYA: “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!”; Shakespeare Theatre Company: “Our Town” and “Macbeth”; Olney Theatre Center: “Matilda”; Ford’s Theatre: “The Wiz” www.cmrich.me IG @chrismichrich

Theo Rickert (Asst. Director, U/S Bud, U/S Twimble, they/them) is a freshman theatre major at Northwestern. They are a member of ShireiNu acapella on campus. This is their first show at Northwestern, but some of their favorite performances outside of the university include Emma in “The Prom,” Spongebob in “The Spongebob Musical,” Winnifred in “Once Upon A Mattress,” Jonas in “The Giver,” and Conor O’Malley in “A Monster Calls.” They are very excited to be participating in their first Wirtz production.

Ien Ruark (Ensemble, they/them) is thrilled to be making their Wirtz debut in How to Succeed! Hailing from Massachusetts, ien is a second year student at Northwestern University, where they are studying Theatre, Art, and Dance. Recent stage credits include: “Pippin” (Arts Alliance), “Diary of a Gay Disaster” U.S. Premiere (SPP), and “Cabaret” (Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts). ien would like to thank their friends and family for their endless support.

Celeste Shuman (Mr. Bert Bratt, she/her) was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and is a senior theatre major, psychology minor at Northwestern on set to graduate this spring. Celeste would like to thank her amazing parents for always supporting her dreams! She would also like to thank her teachers and mentors who have shaped her into the artist she is today! Celeste plans to stay in Chicago after graduation and continue to pursue her career in performance.

Sophie Simon (Ensemble, U/S Smitty/Hedy) is a sophomore studying Theatre and Film, and is so excited to be a part of “How to Succeed!” Previous credits include The Wirtz Center’s “The Addams Family” (Flight Attendant Ancestor), The Dolphin Show’s “Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (Gabrielle Standby/Dance Captain) and WAVE Productions’s “Bonnie and Clyde” (Young Bonnie/Eleanore) at Northwestern University. She would like to thank Christopher, Chrissy, Selina, Audrey, the cast and crew, and her family for their love and support. Enjoy!

Naya Tadavarthy (Costume Designer, she/her) is a third-year MFA student in costume design originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Previous credits include This Is Modern Art (University of Notre Dame), Sunday on the Rocks, As It Is in Heaven, and Dr. De Soto (Northwestern University). She is excited to work with such a wonderful team on her final show of graduate school!

Mary Kate Tanselle (Ensemble/Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain, she/her) is ready to succeed in her last NU show! Favorite NU credits include “Cabaret,” “Bonnie & Clyde,” and “Danceworks signal :: transfer.” MK is co-Artistic Director and President of TONIK Tap and member of Steam Heat Dance Company. She would like to thank Dr. Batman for her years of advice and her family for cheering so loudly for all of her endeavors, in and outside of the theatre. Shout out team choreo and enjoy the show!

Mia Van De Mark (Miss Jones, she/her) is about to complete her final year at Northwestern. She is a proud Sarah Siddons scholarship recipient, and a member of Purple Haze A Cappella and WAVE Productions. She made her professional debut in Chicago as Isabella in “Women Beware Women” in 2024. She is immensely looking forward to her final show at Northwestern, where she will be playing Marilyn in “David’s Redhaired Death” in May.

Juniper Viernes (Dramaturg, they/she) is a student scholar in the Interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre and Drama program. She is a trans Filipina-American performer interested in dance, musicals, and American identity. Favorite credits include works by Lucinda Childs, Molissa Fenley, and Chase Brock. They were a nonfiction fellow with the 2021 Kundiman Mentorship Lab. After a Bay Area upbringing and a decade in New York City, Juniper now calls Rogers Park home.

Alec Westland-Hurwitz (Mr. Milton Gatch / BBDO / Mr. Toynbee, he/him) is so grateful to have worked alongside such an amazing cast and team! Originally from Berkeley, California, Alec is a junior in the Music Theatre Certificate Program, studying theatre and creative writing. Favorite recent credits include King Richard in “Richard II” (British American Drama Academy), and Grandma Addams in “The Addams Family (Wirtz Center). Much love and thanks to Christopher, who has been a constant mentor and guiding force throughout his time at Northwestern!

Lucy Winzenried (U/S Miss Jones, Swing, she/her) is a third year Theatre major/Dance minor. Her previous credits at Northwestern include The Prom, Kinky Boots, Jesus Christ Superstar, Seussical, Alice By Heart, and Carrie. She hopes you enjoy the show!!