Heidelberg University
School of Music and Theater Productions
Assassins
Cast List
The Proprietor: Zaria Keys
The Balladeers: Zach Abraham, Sarah Jewell, Lexi Lang
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme: Hannah Lewis
Sara Jane Moore: Natalie Joritz
Emma Goldman/Waitress/Ensemble: Amelia Hammond (understudy Moore)
John Hinckley, Jr.: Jack Mills
John Wilkes Booth: CJ Davis
Charles Guiteau: Dermot Healy
Leon Czolgosz: Elijah Shiley
Giuseppe Zangara: Jer Marshall
Samuel Byck: Jadon Muñiz
Lee Harvey Oswald: Zach Abraham
Bystander #1/Office Clerk/James Blaine/President
William McKinley/Ensemble: Simon Fletcher (understudy Booth, Guiteau)
Bystander #2/Fairgoer/David Herold/President Gerald Ford/
Gentleman/Ensemble: Garrett Hummel (understudy Balladeer/Oswald)
Bystander #3/Fairgoer/Ensemble: Riley Ameel
Bystander #4/Fairgoer/President James A. Garfield
/Factory Hand/Ensemble: Aaron Wilson (understudy Czolgosz)
Bystander #5/Fairgoer/Lady/Proprietorette/
Ensemble: Mackenzie Ludwig (understudy Fromme)
Fairgoer/Housewife/Proprietorette/
Ensemble: Meg Amburgey (understudy Balladeer/Lexi’s track)
Fairgoer/Farmer/Photographer/Ensemble: Syd Mendez (understudy Hinkley)
Fairgoer/Secret Service/Old Man/Ensemble: Austin James (understudy Zangara)
Fairgoer #5/School Teacher/Ensemble: Kathie Albright (understudy Balladeer/Sarah’s track)
Fairgoer #1/Stock Broker/Proprietorette/Ensemble: Becca Young (understudy Goldman)
Fairgoer #2/Pawnbroker/Proprietorette/Ensemble: Serria Allen (understudy Proprietor)
Fairgoer/PoliceMan/Secret Service/Ensemble: Opossum Kreuscher (understudy Byck)
Fairgoer #3/Minister/Ensemble: Lauren Price
Fairgoer #6/Ensemble: Bri Clark
Billy/Kid/School Boy: Chance Roddy
Production/Creative Team
Director/Dialect Design/Fight Director: Karla Kash
Music Director: Michael Shirtz
Production Stage Manager: Autumn Perry
Assistant Stage Manager: Millie Robbins and Sam Barker
Choreographer: Pamela Shirtz
Costume/Set/Lighting/Production Manager: Sue Hlavinka
Assistant Director: Grace Thomas and Melaina Brostenianc
Front of House Manager: Krista Hagans
Assistant Music Director: Ashtyn Wolph
Assistant Set Designer: Sam Barker, Autumn Perry, and Zaria Keys
Assistant Costume Designer: Amelia Hammond and Mackenzie Ludwig
Assistant Lighting Designer: CJ Davis, Autumn Perry, and Kyleigh Clark
Scenic Charge: Bri Clark
Assistant Scenic Charge: Sam Barker
Sound Designer: Autumn Perry and Zaria Keys
Props Designer: Hannah Lewis and Opossum Kreuscher
Hair/Make-Up Designer: Lexi Lang
Dramaturg: Dermot Healy and Mackenzie Ludwig
Assistant Choreographer: Grace Thomas
Dance Captain: Mackenzie Ludwig and Grace Thomas
Assistant Dialect Designer: Amelia Hammond
Sound Mixer: Kyleigh Clark
Master Electrician: CJ Davis and Lexy Saxon
Light Board Operator: Ryleigh Gorman
Sound Board Operator: Joshua Fullwood
Marketing: Melaina Brostenianc
Crew: Cecilia Groth
Meet the Cast
Zach Abraham He/Him (Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald) a senior at Heidelberg University, is navigating the diverse realms of Musical Theatre and Accounting as he embarks on his academic journey this spring. With an excitement for the performing arts, Zach eagerly takes on the role of the Balladeer and Lee Harvey Oswald in the upcoming production. Beyond the spotlight, Zach extends heartfelt gratitude to his supportive family in Marion, whose unwavering encouragement has fueled his academic and artistic pursuits. Equally significant is his bond with the musical theatre community in Tiffin, where he has found a second family that shares in his creative endeavors. As the curtain rises on Stephen Sondheim's Assassins, Zach extends a “break a leg” to the entire cast and crew!
Meg Amburgey She/Her (Proprietorette, Housewife, Balladeer Understudy) is very proud to be on the Gundlach stage. She has previously performed in Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham/Delta Nu), One Man, Two Guvnors (Pauline Clench), as well as other productions. Also, being dance captain in community theater shows. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her!
Katherine Albright She/Her (Ensemble/School Teacher/Balladeer Understudy) is excited to be on the Gundlach stage for her freshman year. She is an AYA English Education Major with a minor in Theatre and Business. This is her third show as a Heidelberg student, and in the past has performed as a member of the ensemble in Fiorello! and Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. She also performs with the Concert choir, Studio2Stage, and edits for the Rock Creek Review. Katherine looks forward to this and future performances with the Heidelberg School of Music and Theatre.
Serria Allen She/They (Pawnbroker/Ensemble/Proprietor Understudy), is a junior English and Integrated Media major and is excited to be a part of Assasians! Serria has been a part of the theater department since their Freshman year at Heidelberg. She has previously acted in Addams Family (Ensemble), Chicago (Select Dance Ensemble), and Spongebob the Musical (Electric Skate #1/Ensemble/Plankton Understudy). Serria was also a part of Cinderella (Assistant Stage Manager), Wendy and Peter (Assistant Stage Manager) Measure for Measure (Assistant Stage Manager), Les Liaison Dangereuse (Sound Designer/Operator), Fiorello (Sound Mixer), One Man Two Guvnor’s (Sound Designer) and The Woman in Black (Assistant Director/Stage Manager/Marketing). Serria has also been the show photographer for many of the Mainstage and Black Box performances! She would like to thank Mike and Pam Shirtz for their amazing dedication throughout the process!
Riley Ameel She/Her (Ensemble/Bystander #3) is currently a Junior and is so excited to be back on the Gundlach stage for her 13th production here at Heidelberg. Her favorite productions at Gundlach include One Man Two Guvnors (Rachel), Wendy and Peter (Wendy), Women in Black (The Women in Black), A Year of Frog and Toad (Lady bird) or Chicago (Mona/featured dancer). Riley also plays volleyball here at Heidelberg University. She would like to thank all of her family and friends for their love and support. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Bri Clark She/Her (Ensemble) graduated with a BA in Musical Theater and is now pursuing her MBA at Heidelberg. She has participated in theatrical productions pretty much her whole life! Bri has been in an array of shows here at Heidelberg over the past 5 years including Pride and Prejudice, She Kills Monsters, Addams Family, Dangerous Liaisons, Measure for Measure, The Letter G, and many more. She also contributes as the theater department's Scenic Charge and Graphic designer. Bri is excited for her future once she leaves the Heidelberg stage!
Christopher (CJ) Davis He/Him (John Wilkes Booth/Assistant Lighting Designer/Master Electrician) is honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of this cast! CJ has been both on and off the stage in his time at Heidelberg. He has been seen on stage as Alan in One Man Two Guvnors, Jeff in Porch, Azolan in Les Liaisons Dangereuses. As for production, CJ is Gundlach Theatre’s Master Electrician and he has light designed several shows including Woman in Black, Endgame, and is also assistant light designing Assassins. He also most recently directed the world premiere performances of The Letter G this past March. CJ is so thankful for all of the support from his friends and family and wishes everyday to make them proud.
Simon Fletcher He/Him (Bystander #1, Clerk, James Blane, William McKinley, Booth Understudy) is a Musical Theater and Vocal Performance double major who works extensively with the Concert Choir and Band. He is thrilled for Assassins to be the first show he is performing in at Gunldlach Theater. Though new to Gundlach, Simon has been a part of many shows at The Ritz Theater in Tiffin and Carey High School. Simon is so excited for everyone to see this masterpiece come to life and is happy to be starting his Theater journey at Heidelberg.
Amelia Hammond She/Her (Emma Goldman/Ensemble/Understudy Sara Jane Moore/Assistant Costumes/Assistant Dialects) is so pleased to end her sophomore year with a bang in this production of Assassins! She is a second year Theatre major with an Acting concentration. Amelia has previously performed in The SpongeBob Musical (Plankton), Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Cecile Volanges), Measure For Measure (Pompey), Fiorello! (Mrs. Zappatella), and One Man, Two Guvnors (Alfie/Old Man). She would like to thank Micheal Shirtz for the fabulous experience it was to work with him, it’s always a pleasure. She’s so glad he’s returned as a Music Director as it’s been since Heidelberg Theatre’s production of Chicago, her freshman year, that she’s gotten to work with him in this setting. She would also like to thank Sue Hlavinka and Karla Kash for giving her many creative opportunities as both an actor and production assistant.
Dermot Healy He/Him (Charles Guiteau/Dramaturge) is excited to be playing one of his dream roles in this production of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. His other shows include One Man, Two Guuvnors (Harry Dangle), Measure for Measure (Escalus), Fiorello!(Ensamble), SpongeBob (Gary), The Other Place (Man), Wendy and Peter Pan (Tom), and Chicago (Ensemble).
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Garrett Hummel He/Him (Bystander #2/David Herold/President Gerald Ford/Gentleman/Ensemble) is a Senior Acting Major at Heidelberg University. Other Heidelberg performances include: Fiorello!, SpongeBob: the Musical, The Cake, One Man Two Guvnors, The Addams Family, Heathers, Freaky Friday and Elf. He has also been involved in Black Swamp productions of Clue: The Musical and Psych. Garrett also had roles in the movies, The Legend of Holcomb Road and Amorette Hotel.
Sarah Jewell She/Her (Balladeer) is so excited to get back on the Gundlach stage! She is a Sophomore Musical Theatre and Music Education double-major. Sarah has previously performed in Fiorello! (Dora), Spongebob (Sandy Cheeks), Chicago (Hunyak), among other shows. Sarah also participates in the Heidelberg Concert Choir, the Chamber Singers, Studio2Stage and the Heidelberg Marching Band. She would like to dedicate this show to her friends, as they always support her!
Natalie Joritz She/Her (Sara Jane Moore) is both thrilled to be a part of this production and sad that it’s her last at Heidelberg. She is a Senior Musical Theatre Major from Garfield Heights, Ohio. Previous credits include: Mistress Overdone (Measure for Measure), Marie Fischer (Fiorello!), and Karen the Computer (SpongeBob). Most recently, she served as the director of Circle Mirror Transformation in the blackbox space. Outside of theatre, Natalie is a member of Zeta Theta Psi, Studio 2 Stage, Alpha Psi Omega, the Euglossian Society (Eagle), the Make-A-Scene improv troupe, and the honors program. Love goes out to her friends and family for all their support, the production team for making this show possible, and anyone out there who is struggling to connect. Your people are out there. Enjoy the show!
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Zaria Keys She/Her (The Proprietor, Assistant Set Designer/Sound Designer) is a Junior and is currently double majoring in Psychology and Theatre with a concentration in Acting and minor in Business. Assassins is one of the many performances that Zaria has been involved in at Heidelberg. For this show, she was also the assistant set designer! Some other productions you might have seen her in include Spongebob the Musical (Patrick), Measure for Measure (The Duke) Wendy and Peter (John). Zaria is also the Vice President of the theatre honorary, Alpha Psi Omega and is a part of Heidelberg’s improv group, Make-A-Scene on campus! She wants to thank her family and friends for being her main source of inspiration and love. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Opossum Kreuscher They/He (Secret Service/Policeman/Ensemble/Props) Opossum has previously performed in shows at Heidelberg such as Fiorello! (Hack), Measure for Measure (Guard), and Circle Mirror Transformation (Schultz). They've also done the props for this production. Opossum would like to thank his parents for always being so supportive of him and his goals. They’re the reason he’s here today.
Lexi Lang She/Her (Balladeer) is happy to be back on the mainstage this Spring. She previously performed her own show, The Saga (Amelia Cullen), in the blackbox space, and she will be debuting her second show, Vexing Happiness, in a reading on May 4th. On Heidelberg’s mainstage Lexi has had roles such as Fiorello! (Thea), Chicago (Mary Sunshine), Pride and Prejudice (Mary Bennet), and Spongebob SquarePants: The Musical (The Mayor of Bikini Bottom). Lexi would like to thank her friends and family, the production team/leaders, Michael and Pam Shirtz, Karla Kash, and Dr. Carol Dusdeiker for believing in her and helping her grow as a performer.
Hannah Lewis She/Her (Lynette "Squeaky" Froome) is thrilled to be back on the Gundlach stage to finish out her freshman year. Previously, Hannah has appeared as Florence in Fiorello, Christine in One Man Two Guvnors, and Lucio in Measure for Measure. Alongside acting, Hannah is also on Props for this show. She wants to thank the directing team for giving her this opportunity and allowing her to stretch her abilities. She also wants to thank the cast for being so supportive and fun to work with. She hopes you all enjoy this powerful show!
Mackenzie Ludwig She/Her (Proprietorette/Lady/Bystander 5/Ensemble/ Fromme Understudy/Assistant-Costumes/Dramaturgy/Dance Captain) is a first-year student majoring in Theatre with a concentration in Acting and Psychology. She was previously in Fiorello! (Chorus Cutie), Measure for Measure (Varrius), and Circle Mirror Transformation (Theresa) at Heidelberg. Along with acting, she was also head of Hair and Makeup for Circle Mirror Transformation, One Man Two Guvnors, and The Letter G. Before coming to Heidelberg she was in Pride and Prejudice (Elizabeth Bennet) and Annie (Lily St. Regis) at Eisenhower High School. Mack is so excited for everyone to see the show!
Jack Mills He/Him (John Hinckley Jr.) is a senior musical theatre major. He has performed in Heidelberg’s production’s Dance Nation as Luke, Lucas in The Addams Family Musical, Puck in A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Patchy The Pirate in SpongeBob the Musical, Francis Henshall in One Man Two Guvnors, and most recently Jim in the first ever production of The Letter G. He co-directed Misery as well as assistant directed Measure For Measure, and most recently directed The Woman In Black in the blackbox. He is very excited to play John Hinckley Jr. in this production of Assassins! He wants to thank his friends and family for their continuous support. He would also like to thank the cast and crew of Assassins for their hard work, dedication, and being such great people to work with. Be sure to come see him in Senior Showcase where he will perform in Gundlach Theater one last time. Hope you enjoy the show!
Jadon Muñiz He/Him (Sam Byck) is a Senior this year at Heidelberg University. He is graduating with a degree in Theatre with a concentration in Acting, as well as in Business Management. Jadon is excited to be a part of this amazing production with all these wonderful and talented individuals. He would like to thank his parents and brother for their constant love and support. Jadon has performed various roles at Heidelberg, his favorites being: Sebastion in Cinderella, Father in Eurydice, Smee in Wendy and Peter Pan, Spooky Dog in Spooky Dog, Morris Cohen in Fiorello!, and now Sam Byck in Assassins.
Lauren Price She/Her (Ensemble/Fairgoer) Lauren is thrilled to be in her fourth show of her Freshman year! Lauren is a Musical Theater and Music double major. She was recently seen in Circle Mirror Transformation (Lauren), Measure For Measure (Marianna), and Fiorello! (Nina). Lauren has previously done theater at Carnation City Players. Some of her past roles include Newsies (Warden Snyder), Honk! Jr (Grace), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Croupier), and many other shows. She is also a member of the Heidelberg University Marching and Symphonic Band and concert choir. This show has been such a pleasure to bring to life! Lauren would like to thank her family, friends, and professors for their endless support!
Chance Roddy He/Him/His (Billy/Boy) is a sixth grade student at Van Buren Middle School and has done theater productions in Findlay, Ohio for 6 years. He is really excited for his first college production at Heidelberg University playing the role of Billy. He has previously been involved in the Marathon Center for Performing Arts productions of The Little Mermaid JR (Flounder), Madagascar JR (Lemur), Moana JR (Villager), and Spongebob the Musical (Sardine). His most recent production at Van Buren Middle School was The Epic Quest of the Damsels in Distress (Bark/Clark/Flark). Chance is really grateful for this opportunity at Heidelberg University and is looking forward to seeing his family and friends in the crowd.
Elijah Shiley He/Him (Leon Czolgosz) is a Freshman Music Education major at Heidelberg University. He is making his Gundlach debut with the mainstage production of Assassins and is quite excited to portray the character Leon Czolgosz. Elijah has this to say, "I would like to thank all of my fellow cast and crew for making this both an educative and enjoyable experience!"
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Aaron Wilson He/Him (Bystander #4/President James A. Garfield/Factory Hand/Ensemble) is a first year Music Education major at Heidelberg University. He has participated in Heidelberg marching band, jazz band, concert choir, chamber choir, and Studio2Stage. He was also in Fiorello last fall semester. He would like to thank his mom and dad for always supporting him.
Becca Young She/Her (Fairgoer #1/Stockbroker/Ensemble/Goldman Understudy) is a freshman majoring in Theatre with a Concentration in Acting and double minoring in Business and Psychology. She is ecstatic to be a part of her fourth main stage production, previously making her Gundlach debut in Fiorello! (Newsie/ Ensemble), Friar Peter in Measure For Measure, and most recently Boy Scout Leader/Gareth in One Man Two Guvnors. Becca would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support, as well as the entire theatre department for welcoming her with open arms!
Meet the Crew
Sam Barker He/Him (Assistant Stage Manager/Assistant Scenic Charge Artist/Assistant Set Designer) is an incoming junior majoring in Theater Production with a minor in Art and Communications. Having come from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio and studying Art and Philosophy, he is excited to now have the opportunity to assist the talented cast and to be able to help in the production of the amazing show and sets on stage. Sam would like to thank his parents, grandparents, and friends back home for all of the support and late night phone calls.
Melaina Brostenianc She/Her (Assistant Director/Marketing) is beyond grateful for the opportunity to Assistant Direct her second Mainstage show alongside the amazing cast and technicians! Melaina is a Freshman AYA Education major with a concentration in Social Studies at Heidelberg University. She has been involved in Heidelberg's production of Fiorello! (Assistant Stage Manager), Endgame (Sound Designer//Marketing), One Man Two Guvnors (Assistant Director/Marketing), and The Letter G (Assistant Stage Manager/Marketing). She has also acted as the Student Marketing Director for the theatre department. Outside of the theatre Melaina is also apart of Greek Life which includes, Kappa Psi Omega and Nu Sigma Alpha Heid Babe's. Melaina would like to thank Karla, Grace, the cast, and her parents for all the support they have given thus far.
Kyleigh Clark They/Them (Assistant Lighting Design/Sound Mixer) is a Freshman Computer Science major, with minors in Business and Theater. After acting for 7 years in school and community theater, they’ve decided to step into the technical aspect of theater here at Heidelberg. They’ve previously been involved with Circle Mirror Transformation (Assistant Lighting Design) and One Man Two Guvnors (Sound Mixing). Kyleigh is excited to keep learning more, and they hope you enjoy the show!
Krista Hagans She/Her (Front of House Manager) is a Senior at Heidelberg University. She is currently working on her Theater degree with a concentration in acting and a minor in business. Krista was last seen as Tink in Wendy and Peter Pan and she is currently the manager of the front house and box office. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad, roommate, and friends back home in Dayton for their continued support. Enjoy the show!!!
Karla Kash She/Her (Director/Dialect Designer) is blessed to work on one of her favorite musicals of all time with this creative cast and production team. Ms. Kash has directed Wendy and Peter Pan, SpongeBob the Musical, and Measure for Measure at Heidelberg and choreographed Fiorello!
Professor Kash is in her second year as an Associate Professor and Director of the Theatre at Heidelberg University and her eighteenth year as a full-time instructor in higher education. Karla feels blessed to be a part of the Berg family and a member of the Tiffin community.
Ms. Kash is a professional Director and Choreographer (member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers), Actor (member of the Actors Equity Association), Fight Director who is certified in six weapons (The Society of American Fight Directors) and is trained in Intimacy Direction. Karla recently became certified in Mental Health First Aid.
Some of Ms. Kash’s favorite roles are Barbara in August: Osage County at Repertory Theatre of Iowa; Susan in the musical [title of show] and Becca in Rabbit Hole at StageWest; Diana in Next to Normal at Des Moines Onstage; Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet at American Theatre for Actors in NYC (and was the production's fight director); and Martha in A Piece of My Heart at the Metropolitan Playhouse, NYC. Karla’s most incredible experience as an actor is playing Josie in A Moon for the Misbegotten opposite her mentor, the late Jonathan McMurtry, at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, CA, under the direction of David Ellenstein.
Ms. Kash’s favorite productions as a professional director, choreographer, and/or fight director are Parade, Jerry Springer the Opera, Spring Awakening, and Avenue Q for StageWest; West Side Story, Rock of Ages, and The Wedding Singer for The Des Moines Playhouse; The Glass Menagerie, Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night for The Repertory Theatre of Iowa; The World Goes ‘Round for The International Lyric Academy in Italy; and Shipwrecked at The Black Hills Playhouse. A career highlight for Karla was doing the fight direction for the Broadway National Tour of La Cage Aux Folles.
Ms. Kash earned her BFA in Acting with an emphasis in Dance, Directing, and Musical Theatre from Wright State University and her MFA in Acting with a focus on Classical Theatre and Movement Studies from Brandeis University. Professor Kash’s highlight of her educational career is receiving the distinguished Madlyn Levitt Mentor of the Year award at Drake University, where she was tenured.
Autumn Perry She/Her (Production Stage Manager, Sound Designer, Ast. Light Designer, Ast. Set Designer) is a Junior Theatre Production and English Literature double major with a minor in Business and is overjoyed to be the Production Stage Manager and in various design positions for the main stage production of Assassins. Autumn has previously been involved in Heidelberg's productions of The Addams Family (Ast. Stage Manager), Eurydice (Stage Manager), Chicago (Stage Manager), Misery (Sound Designer), Top Girls (Sound Designer), Spooky-Dog and the Teen-Aged Gang Mysteries (Sound Designer), Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Production Stage Manager), Porch (Light Designer), Spongebob (Assistant Technical Director), Fiorello! (Production Stage Manager), The Woman in Black (Set Designer), Measure for Measure (Production Stage Manager), One Man, Two Guvnors (Production Stage Manager), and most recently, The Letter G (Sound Designer). Autumn is extremely grateful for her production roles this semester and looks forward to another wonderful semester in the theater. Autumn would also like to thank her loved ones for all the support they offer her!
Milana (Millie) Robbins She/Her (Assistant Stage Manager) is ecstatic to be returning to theater in her Freshman year! She has participated in the International Academy of Macomb’s productions Alice in Wonderland (Lead Set Designer/Backstage Crew), Romeo and Juliet (Lead Set Designer/Backstage Crew), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Lead Set Designer/Lead Stage Manager). She also partook in Gundlach Theatre’s production of Fiorello! (Assistant Stage Manager), Measure For Measure (Assistant Stage Manager), and One Man Two Guvnors (Assistant Stage Manager). Millie would like to thank her parents for their unconditional support through each production and her fellow stage managers for making the job go as smooth as it did!
Ashtyn Wolph She/Her (Assistant Music Director) is a senior music education major and acting minor. This will be her first time working behind the scenes for a production during her time at Heidelberg. Ashtyn has previously performed on stage in Endgame (Nagg), Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (Hannah), Spongebob the Musical (Ensemble), Elf the Musical (Sam/Ensemble), and Fiorello! (Cutie). Along with theater, Ashtyn is a member of the Heidelberg University Symphonic Band, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Composition Studio, and Saxophone Studio. She has also worked with the Ritz Theater as a member of the composition studio to create incidental music for the play Harvey which was performed last year. Ashtyn currently teaches saxophone through the Heidelberg Community School of Music and Theatre alongside student teaching at Tiffin Columbian Middle School/High School. She would like to thank Mike Shirtz for taking a chance on her and allowing her the opportunity to teach and conduct her first show.