ARTIST BIOS

Courtney Abbott (Fight/Intimacy Director, they/she) NU: February House; Antigone; Dracula, a feminist revenge fantasy, really; Violet; The Prom; Dance Nation; Marisol. NU Opera: Albert Herring; Cosí Fan Tutte; The Magic Flute. Chicago: Glassheart (City Lit); the love object (The Story); In His Hands (First Floor); Lavender Men (About Face); Love Song (Remy Bumppo); SS! Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakes). Education: MFA, Ohio University; BS, Northwestern. Thanks to Michael Dias for assisting with violence. CourtneyAbbott.com

Avi Aharoni (Jean-Claude/First Man Passing/Mr. Gregory/Steve Williams, he/him) has worked with companies such as: Guthrie Theater, Park Square Theatre, Six Points Theater, Dark & Stormy Productions, Theater Latté Da, Playwrights’ Center, Pillsbury House Theatre, Theatre L’Homme Dieu, Transatlantic Love Affair, as well as many others. Outside Minnesota, his work has been seen at Off-Road Shakespeare in Seattle, and The Guild Theatre in Tel Aviv. He has also had three separate productions of his one-man show, “My Father’s Son: Searching for Identity”.

Isaiah Alexander (Mr. Salt/Giorgio, he/him)  is a MFA acting student in his final year at Northwestern University. A filmmaker and actor from Southern California, his previous theatrical credits include Hamlet: A Collision (Northwestern), Nimrod (Theatre of NOTE), and Radioman (Dell Arte International).

Hannah Andruss (Wig Designer, she/her) is a Chicago-based Makeup Artist and Wig Designer. Recent theatre credits include The Cave at Red Orchid Theatre, the National Tour of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Lie of The Mind with Raven Theatre, Coronation with Refracted Theatre, and The Audience at Drury Lane Theatre. With a passion for storytelling and a love for detail-oriented work, Hannah has worked extensively in theatre within the world of wigs, hair, and makeup. This work and passion has extended to working in both Film and TV. Recent film credits include Rabbit Rabbit with KISSA Productions, The Black Monk with Akbal Studios, and The Conversation Project with Hulu.

Alex Arinkin (U/S Jean-Claude/First Man Passing/Mr. Gregory/Steve Williams/ Francoise/Mira Zadal/Chloe Trapp/Julie Jenkins, any pronouns) is exuberantly excited to be a part of this lovely production of Tina Howe’s MUSEUM! A Wisconsin native, Alex has most recently worked with the Wirtz center on Antigone, and beforehand was seen across the pond performing Hometown at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Alex would like to thank the faculty, family, friends, and all other human shooting stars that have made this journey possible.

Bela Castilho (Blakey/Lillian, U/S Maggie Snow/Barbara Zimmer/Kate Siv, she/her) a sophomore theatre major, recently appeared in Wildflowers, directed by Jessica Thebus and Julie Marie Myatt, and Our Town (Multilingual), directed by Jonathan Davidson. Additionally starring in short films in Evanston and New York. As a passionate artist, Bela has begun exploring visual arts, including painting and sculpture-making. Bela is extremely grateful for the support of her loved ones.

Jillian Dudley (Assistant Director & U/S Mrs. Salt/Gilda Norris/Annette Froebel/Barbara Castle/Zoe, she/they) is a sophomore studying theater and is thrilled to make her Wirtz debut as an Assistant Director and understudy in this wonderful show. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her. She would also like to thank Katy Walsh and this amazing cast for being so inspiring to her as an actor. She hopes you reflect on the intricacies of art and life and enjoy the show!

Nic Eastlund (Mr. Hollingsford/Bob Lamb, he/him)is excited to share “Museum” with all of you! Nic has been living and acting in Chicago for the last 10 years. Credits include “Airness” (Wirtz Center), “Comedy of Tenors” and “It Shoulda Been You” (Actors Theatre of Indiana), and “Hair” (Big Noise). Nic received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University and is currently pursuing his MFA in Acting at Northwestern University. Thanks to his friends and family, especially his inspirational wife, Emma.

Susan Elizabeth (Mrs. Moe, she/her) is a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) who has interpreted in theaters. Some of her favorites include Zulema at Goodman, Jane in the Jungle at Merle Reskin Theatre, La Ruta at Steppenwolf, and Carmela Full of Wishes at Chicago Children’s Theatre. Susan Elizabeth also leads gallery tours (in ASL) at The Art Institute of Chicago.. and thus, she is thrilled to be in the Museum, no puns intended!

Josephine Everett (Costume Designer, she/her) is an MFA Costume Designer and will defend her thesis this spring. Here at Northwestern, Josie has designed costumes for “Space of Uncertainty”, “How to Know the Wildflowers: A Map”, and “Durango”. Her next project is “Man of La Mancha” opening this spring in The Barber Theater.

Ali Foley (Will Willard/Second Guard, she/her) is a second year MFA Actor at Northwestern University and a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory’s BFA Musical Theatre Program. Favorite credits include playing Laura in The “Glass Menagerie,” Feste in “Twelfth Night,” Melody in “Bad Jews,” and spending four summers in Denali National Park, Alaska, singing with Princess Cruises. Ali is a cast member of “Improvised CW Pilots,” which performs weekly at The Annoyance Comedy Theatre. Love to FoFam and AWWA! www.ali-foley.com

Capri Gehred-O’Connell (Fred Izumi/Second Man Passing, she/her) is currently pursuing her MFA in Acting at Northwestern University. Recent credits include Hamlet in “Hamlet: a collision,” Nina in “Airness” (NU), Schmamantha in LOVE STORY! (Bramble Theatre Company) and Huldey U/S in The Moors (A Red Orchid Theatre).

Oscar Giles (Michael Wall, U/S The Guard, he/him) has been an avid storyteller for the past decade, practicing acting at his art-based summer camp in Maine, with training from the Neighborhood Playhouse and LaGuardia High School in New York. He enjoys the physical side of performance, using skills such as puppetry, juggling, and mime to tell a story. He practiced stage combat at the university of Michigan and brings his years of experience as a fencer to his work as well.

Hannah Gill (U/S Will Willard/Second Guard/ Fred Izumi/Second Man Passing, she/her) is beyond excited to be understudying for “Museum.” Originally from Chicago, Hannah is in her second year at Northwestern studying theater. Some of her favorite credits so far include The Pilot in The Little Prince: A New Musical, Barbara Grant in Perfect Arrangement, and Tanya in MAMMA MIA! Off the stage and outside of the classroom, Hannah also loves to tend to her beloved dorm plant, Charles.

Regina “Reg” Harris (Lighting Designer, she/they) is a second-year M.F.A. Lighting Designer from Oakland, California, with a robust career spanning approximately 15 years in the theater community. An alumna of California State University, Fresno’s Theatre Arts program, she dedicated six years as the resident Lighting Technician. Regina has demonstrated her expertise through designing lighting for notable productions, including “Be More Chill,” “Rent,” and most recently “Danceworks.” She would like to thank everyone who has supported her journey.

Emily Hayman (Sound Designer, she/her) is a Chicago-based sound designer and composer. Recent sound design credits include, “Henry V” (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); “Seagulls” (Oak Park Festival Theatre); “Dracula” (Northwestern University); “Measure for Measure” (Montana Shakespeare in the Park); “Extra Yarn”, and “Dooby Dooby Moo”(Lifeline Theatre). Associate sound design for “Ride” (The Old Globe); “Dream Girls” (McCarter Theatre). Assistant sound design for “Winters Tale” (Hartford Stage); “POTUS”, “Describe the Night”, “Choir Boy”, and “Seagull” (Steppenwolf); “A Christmas Carol” 24’, “New Stages 2022” (Goodman Theatre); “Richard III”, and “The Notebook” (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre). Emily received her BFA in Sound Design from The Theatre School at DePaul University.

Libby Lee (Mrs. Salt/Gilda Norris, she/her) is a Korean-American MFA Acting student at Northwestern who hails from Las Vegas and Seoul. Before attending Northwestern, she trained at Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York. Before that, she majored in Industrial Design at Seoul National University and worked as a designer. Selected credits: The Oregon Trail (Wirtz), No Exit (Abbott Hall), Dancing at Lughnasa (Circle in the Square), Me No Know Korean (Workshop, Lincoln Center). www.libbylee.net.

Wynn Lee (Scenic Designer, they/them) is a Chicago based 3rd year Scenic Designer in the MFA Stage Design Program. Previous NU credits include “Wong Kids Go!”, “How to Know the Wildlflowers: A Map”, and “Durango”. Outside Chicago works include “Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea” and “Jane: Abortion and the Underground”. Big big love and thanks to Katy, fellow designers, and the Wirtz Staff for a great process and helping bring the Museum to life. It’s been lovely.

Mila Levit (Liz/Harriet, U/S Elizabeth Sorrow/Ada Bilditsky/Tink Solheim, she/her) is very excited to be a part of this process with a fantastic team and impressive group of actors. She is from Los Angeles, California and currently a sophomore studying theatre and psychology. Recent credits include The Seagullman, Pity the Woman Who Never Spills, and Fefu and Her Friends. She is marketing director for Jewish Theatre Ensemble and is on the executive board for Griffin’s Tale: Children’s Repertory Theatre Company. Endless gratitude to her mom, dad, and everyone who has supported her on this journey!

Christopher Lopez (Mr. Moe, he/him) was seen many shows in Chicago Theatre, “Police Deaf Near Far” Jeff Nominated best ensemble, Jeff award winner for best work, Stage Left Theatre. Piven theatre, Bailiwick, America Theater Company. Several shows in NYC. He has worked with Hearing and Deaf theatre. He was seen National Anthem in America sign language at Chicago Bears home game. Thank to my parents and friends for their support! Big thanks to Northwestern for all arrangements with ASL interpreters.

Noah Marcus (Dramaturg, he/him) is an actor, dramaturg, and scholar currently working on his Interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre and Drama at Northwestern University. His third time dramaturging for The Wirtz Center, Noah’s previous credits for Wirtz include “Indecent” (2023) and “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really” (2024). Selected acting credits include: Marc Antony in “Julius Caesar” (The Grand Theatre), Comédien in “ByProducts/Ottawa Dérivé” (Ottawa Drama Guild), and Sam in “Permissible: A Jewish Sex Comedy” (Ottawa Fringe).

Sharon Miles (Annette Froebel/Barbara Castle/Zoe, she/her) is an actor, singer, and educator. Originally from Mississippi, Sharon moved to Chicago to pursue an MFA in Acting at Northwestern University. Theatre credits include: “Little Shop of Horrors” (Audrey 2), “9 to 5 the Musical” (Violet), “Pipeline” (Nya), “All the Way” (Fannie Lou Hamer), “Our Town” (Stage Manager), “Beauty and the Beast” (Mrs. Potts), and “Hairspray” (Motormouth). Sharon seeks to utilize theatre to influence character development, empower young artists, and community engagement.

Mariana Parejo Molinares (French Language Consultant, she/ella) is a Colombian theater artist passionate about telling stories through a multicultural, political, and social lens. She is a director, actress, and producer currently based in Chicago. In 2020, she founded Anfibia Teatro, a theater company and cultural enterprise based in Bogotá that brings together multidisciplinary artists to produce theater and audiovisual projects for all ages.

Lori Navarrete (Francoise/Mira Zadal/Chloe Trapp/Julie Jenkins, she/they/ella) is a Mexican interdisciplinary artist based in Chicago, Illinois. Her work is an epistemological and ontological exploration of identity, gender, race and sexuality that centers the experiences of womxn of color. Her recent acting credits include “The Oregon Trail” (Wirtz Center Chicago), “Mud” (Northwestern), “Yamel Cucuy” (GHFT), “Saving Salvador” (Placid Productions), and “Love & Death” (HBO). Lori has also worked as an curator and arts education administrator for The Smithsonian Institute. Lori was a founding member of the “Echame un Ojo Theatre and Arts Festival” in Austin, Texas. She graduated with a bachelor’s in Theatre Performance and Art History from St. Edwards University, and is earning her MFA in Acting from Northwestern University. @ohnavarrete

Alex O’Shea (Elizabeth Sorrow/Ada Bilditsky/Tink Solheim, she/her)  is an EMC/SAG-E actor based in Chicago. She is a second year Acting MFA student at Northwestern. Recent credits include Mary Anne in “The Oregon Trail” (Wirtz/NU), Ophelia/Gertrude in “Hamlet: a collision” (NU), Jane in “JOB” (Soho Playhouse Lighthouse Series), and a guest star role on “FBI: Most Wanted”. Education: Wesleyan University. Sending endless gratitude and love to her mom, dad, John, Leila, Ari, her professors, and the entire Museum team!

Kyle Ringley (The Guard, he/him) is currently pursuing his MFA in Acting from Northwestern University. Recent credits include: Billy/Matt in “The Oregon Trail” (Wirtz/NU), Joseph Garcin in “No Exit” (NU), Black Stache in “Peter and the Starcatcher” (Randolph-Macon College), and Angelo in “Measure for Measure” (R-MC). EDUCATION: B.A. Randolph-Macon College ’23. Love to everyone who has supported me on this journey!

Holly Simon (U/S Carol/May/Liz/Harriet/Blakey/Lillian, she/they) Freshman Wildcat, pending theatre major, thrilled to make her Northwestern debut! Writer, musician, activist. Training: Stagedoor Manor (Rob Scharlow, Nick Hrutkay, Larry Nye, Chris Ikner); Jason Dula; Courtney Balan; Tom Rocco. Select credits: “Cabaret” (Fräulein Schneider), “Disaster!” (Ben/Lisa),“The Wolves” (#00), “The Diary of Anne Frank” (Anne), “The Prom” nonprofessional world premiere (featured ensemble). Thank you Mom and Dad, family, friends, Ms. Paik, Laila, Jaelyn and Hana, and all of Museum. So much love.

Ilya Solovjov (Assistant Director, he/him) is a second year Theatre and Computer Science dual degree student at Northwestern University. He is passionate about learning and understanding. He is very thankful for having the chance to be part of the wonderful process of Museum.

Jordan “Jo” Taylor (Maggie Snow/Barbara Zimmer/Kate Siv, she/her) is a Chicago based actress and dancer and currently an MFA Acting student at Northwestern University. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia she has worked with the Alliance Theatre, The Tiny Theater Company, National Black Theatre, and more. She aims to collaborate with artists who yearn to make meaningful and impactful work, and to give life and power to stories by and for women, people of color, and other oppressed communities. Instagram: @thejotaylor

Dahlia Trilling (Carol/May, she/her) is a senior from Los Angeles studying Theatre and Science in Human Culture at Northwestern. She has been in several plays on Campus, namely Wirtz’s “How to Know the Wildflowers” and “Dry Land.” She is thrilled to be a player in “Museum” and to collaborate with such a gifted group!

Caroline Michele Uy (Stage Manager, they/them) is a freelance stage manager, producer, and dramaturg who was last at Northwestern for AMTP’s workshops of “Manic Pixie Dream Girls Aren’t Black” (SM) and “Wonder Boy” (dramaturg). Chicago credits include: “Henry V” (PA, Chicago Shakespeare), “Purpose” (Script Supervisor, Steppenwolf), and producing new work festivals at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and Goodman Theatre. They are currently the Director of New Work at Rivendell. BFA Design & Production, BA Cognitive Science – University of Michigan.

Ella Waffner (Assistant Director/Tap Dance Consultant, she/her) is a junior at Northwestern University majoring in Theatre and English Literature. She hails from Buffalo, New York where she has been fortunate to work with Shakespeare in Delaware Park. On campus, Eleen is the Executive Director of Lovers & Madmen. Eleen would like to thank her family (shout out to Mads) and friends for their love and support.

Kathryn Walsh (Director, she/her) is a graduate of the MFA Directing program at Northwestern, whose recent directing work includes Aphra Behn’s “The Emperor of the Moon” for Theatreworks Colorado Springs, a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Henry VI” plays for Columbia University’s MFA Acting Program, and the world premiere of Nandita Shenoy’s “The Future is Female” at Flint Repertory Theatre in Michigan (where she is an Associate Artist). She lectures at the University of Chicago. kathrynwalshdirector.com.

Carlos Washington (Peter Ziff/Bill Plaid/First Guard, he/him) is a Chicago based theatre maker from Toledo, Ohio and a Northwestern MFA Actor. Theatrical Credits Include: ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (Westus), ‘The Flick’ (Avery), ’20k Leagues Under the Sea’ (Playwright and Prof Aronnax), ‘Hamlet’ (Asst. Dir. and Claudius), ‘Blood At The Root’ (Dir.), ‘Mud’ (Henry), ‘Airness’ (D Vicious).