Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
AVENUE Q CAST & Crew
.JPG/:/cr=t:0%25,l:12.5%25,w:75%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,h:1612,cg:true)
Peter DeMarzio
**PRINCETON**
Peter is so excited to be making his Sacramento theater debut in Avenue Q. Peter, who studied theater at UC Berkeley, has performed in a variety of roles from Barestage's Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg), to Shotgun Players' Assassins (The Balladeer u/s, Giuseppe Zangara u/s), to several original shows for a company he co-founded in college. He's currently taking a break from the tech industry, which is the perfect time to play a character who also is searching for their higher Purpose.
CHRISTINA MARTINEZ
**KATE MONSTER**
Christina is absolutely thrilled to be playing the role of Kate Monster in her first production with Rise Up Theater Company! She has been active in the Sacramento theater community for 8 years, previously performing with Runaway Stage Productions, and Green Valley Theater Co. Favorite past credits include: Hair, The Rocky Horror Show, White Christmas, and dancing in the “Jump For My Stupid Kiss” music video for her favorite artist PRIMME. Christina has a minor in dance from Santa Clara University where she also served as captain for the Salsa Clara dance team. When not on stage, Christina works in HR as a Recruiting Coordinator, loves baking, and spending time with her partner Adam who often shares the stage with her!
ADAM CHWALIK
**NICKY*
Adam Chwalik is a local singer and actor who’s polished their acting at the Harris Center in shows like Hair and Macbeth, his comedic chops in the Green Valley Vertefée Cabarets, and his singing in choirs and various musical ensembles. They’re extremely excited to get to put it all together for one big performance for you! They’d like to thank their partner Christina for supporting them every step of the way and for being such a wonderful person to take this journey with. Welcome to Avenue Q!
SCOTT SCHWERDTFEGER
**ROD**
Scott is excited to be joining Rise Up Theatre for this production of "Avenue Q"! He discovered his love of acting later in life and has been performing much more consistently the last few years. He was last seen as Lumiere in "Beauty & the Beast" at DMTC (Davis Musical Theatre Company) and was previously in DMTC's productions of "The Music Man" (Olin Britt - Quartet Bass), "Evita" (Ensemble), and "The Producers" (Ensemble). He has also performed with Winters Theatre Company: "As You Like It" (Oliver), "Tony & Tina's Wedding" (Dom Fabrizzi), War of the Worlds (Orson Welles). Scott's a huge SF Giants fan, a gamer, a cinephile, and wants to thank everyone who has helped get him to this point, especially his family for all their support.
DANIEL ZINK
**TREKKIE MONSTER**
Daniel is returning to the acting scene after almost a 10 year break. His last time performing was in high school where he was frequently cast as the bad guy (don't worry he loves it). With a passion for acting yet sadly not enough time, he's both nervous and excited to get back into the spotlight. He spends the weekends with his friends, and enjoys his gaming time when he can get it. He is thrilled to be playing the role of Trekkie Monster, and even more thrilled to be acting again! He hopes you enjoy the show!
MORGAN BARTOE
**LUCY, BAD IDEA BEAR, BOX**
Morgan Bartoe has been performing around the Greater Sacramento Area since 2015. Having made a home at Davis Musical Theatre Company, she has been able to expand her theatre career with directing, choreographing, and actively serving on the Board of Presidents. Outside of the theatre she is a vocal coach and barista. She is elated to do what has been a dream show for quite some time. A few of her previous credits are: Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (That's Show Biz Theater), Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical (Davis Musical Theatre Company), and Penny Pennywise in Urinetown (Davis Musical Theatre Company). She would like to thank the Rise Up Team for their hard work and consideration for this show. Additional thanks to her family, friends, and fiance, Hugo, for their continued support both on and off the stage.
GRACIELLA HAMILTON
**GARY COLEMAN**
Graciella is thrilled to be in Avenue Q at Rise Up! Graciella has been performing in theatrical productions since she was very young and has been involved in multiple productions around the Greater Sacramento area ever since. Graciella is currently in her last semester at American River College and is planning to attend California State University, Sacramento to continue studies in theater and education.
Domenica "Mimma" Campanella
**CHRISTMAS EVE**
Classically trained with a love for musical theatre, Domenica/Mimma is delighted to make her debut with Rise Up Theatre Co. in her first supporting role as Christmas Eve in Avenue Q. She has over 18 years of music and performance arts experience, including years of ensemble experience in choir, theatre, symphony and marching band.
Domenica/Mimma received her B.A. in Music from Santa Clara University, where she received private instruction and co-founded an a cappella group, Audiosync. She has also performed in minor roles and the chorus in Madama Butterfly and Il Trovatore with California Lyric Artists Association. Domenica/Mimma lives in Sacramento with her two cats where she works as an ambulance dispatcher.
HUGO FIGUEROA
**BRIAN**
This is Hugo’s 48th show and his Rise Up Theatre Company debut! Theatre credits include: Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid), Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast), Officer Lockstock (Urinetown: The Musical), Chip Tolentino (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Guys and Dolls), Troy Bolton (High School Musical), Charlie Brown (You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Christmas), Prince (Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella), Enjolras (Les Miserables), Outside of theatre, Hugo is an avid Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys, Sacramento Kings, and Chivas fan! By day, Hugo works as a barista. Hugo would like to thank Courtney for the great opportunity to finally be able to this hilarious show. Hugo would also like to thank his fiancée, Morgan, for always being there for him, and his family and friends for all their support!
OMAR E.HUERTA
**TREKKIE DOUBLE, MRS. THISTLETWAT, BOX, BAD IDEA BEAR, NEW GUY, **
**May 13th 8pm and May 27th 2pm ONLY- Featuring Omar E. Huerta as TREKKIE MONSTER **
Wow, that's a lot of puppets to shove an arm into! Omar has performed at numerous Theatres throughout the Sacramento area. His favorite role was Ghost of Christmas Spirit at Davis Musical Theater Company. This will be his first show at Rise Up Theater! When Omar isn't on stage, he enjoys his hobbies which are Dungeon Masterin and playing Dungeons and Dragons (hit me up if you wanna play or set up a game!) he also regularly L.A.R.Ps with a Foam fighting Comunity (on Saturdays HMU if you wanna come hit people!). Professionally He works as a Voice actor, and as a Paraeducator at a Middle School in Woodland and is currently working on becoming a Teacher. An English teacher! (gee, what can I do with a B.A in English? Am I right folks?!). Omar and the cast and crew of Avenue Q thank you for reading our long bios and staring at our headshots wondering if "I saw this person perform somewhere else before!" and also for coming today to see the hard work they have been working on.
NATE MERCIER
**RICKY, BOX, NICKY DOUBLE**
Nate has been acting in the Bay Area since he was 18 years old with a passion for performing and the arts in his family’s blood. His mother traveled the world as a gospel singer, older brother got into TV and Film acting, and his father did radio broadcasting while Nate settled with the beauty and live magic of theatre. Though he has dabbled in a talent agency and some short film and commercial credits as well as landed some Netflix airtime (13 reasons why) theatre is where he is most at home.
Nate is a theatre major from Sonoma county with many years of acting technique and private vocal coaching and singing lessons under his belt not including the various shows he has been blessed to be a part of. He is also a registered alcohol and drug counselor for those struggling with addiction, and a mental Health counselor for the Sacramento community. He is about to get his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from South University.
Some of his favorite roles he has played include Don Price in Big Fish The Musical, Ram in Heathers The Musical, Chuck Cranston in Footloose, and Rocky in Rocky Horror. He dedicates his performances to those looking for a light in their lives and the hundreds each day that struggle with addiction. He hopes the show inspires creativity in so many. For more info on addiction and mental health resources please visit samhsa.gov, and most of all, enjoy
The show!
ORCHESTRA
JACOB FENNELL
**MUSICAL DIRECTOR AND PIANIST**
Jacob Fennell is a Sacramento-based Pianist & Arts Manager. He has performed many productions on staff with Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' Fine & Performing Arts program and San Jose's Children's Theater Company, in addition to freelance productions. He currently works as Campus Director of NewSongs: Lafitte Music Center in Citrus Heights, CA where he furthers the musical education of families in the community.
CREW (aka the magic makers)
COURTNEY CONKLIN
**DIRECTOR**
Courtney, is the founder of Rise Up Theatre Company, has a 20-year award winning history of producing, performing, directing, and distributing, both live theatrical and film productions. Courtney is Thrilled to be directing Avenue Q with such an unbelieveably talented group of actors. She is continuously humbled and thankful for each person joining Rise Up Theatre Company, decdicating their time, energy, and talents to the growth of this company. We collectively strive to fulfill our mission of "Bringing the community together one production at a time through quality theatre and visual performing arts, with integrity, honesty, and inclusion." without each and every volunteer we would not be possible. Thank you, and ENJOY THE SHOW!
Karen Van Tassel
**ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHY**
Karen has been singing, acting and dancing around Sacramento since she was a child. Bringing musicals to life through dance has always been her greatest joy. Some of her latest shows have been Fiddler, Sound of Music and Music Man with Stageright Productions. She also enjoys working with childrens workshops where she can see the joy of theatre through children's eyes. Nunsense is her first show with Rise Up Theatre Company and looks forward to the opportunity to do more. Whether on stage herself or choreographing musical numbers Karen enjoys the enrichment theater can bring to all ages and all communities.
WALTER PIERSON
**TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND SET DESIGN**
Walt is our true magic maker. He designs and builds the sets, as well as designs and runs the lighting for each show here at Rise Up Theatre Company. Walts TECH accomplishments include, but are not limited to; a history as a recording engineer, several years working in the musical industry as a DJ, and event work including owning his own successful production company called “Magical Memories”. In recent years he is known for his production work on community events and productions such as The Polar Express in James Town as well as Train productions and Wine Tours.
CLARE RADFORD
**PUPPET MASTER & PROPS**
This is Clare's fourth production wrangling props, set pieces, and keeping the cast in line for Rise Up Theatre Company. Clare has been a part of theatre arts for over 20 years, enjoying producing theatrical productions (mainly with her husband, churches and friends). Clare is a whiz with her hands, and master of details, and a valuable, member of our team, we love you Clare!.... and YES Clare made every single one of those beautiful puppets, under the tutelage of William Palitti.