Theater Arts Productions

Nicole Albright ‘25 (Sir Toby Belch). she/they. Nicole is ecstatic to be playing Sir Toby in Twelfth Night and making their Brandeis theater department debut! They have previously been involved in various student productions around campus, including Macbeth (Second Witch), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Claudius/Player), and most recently made her directorial debut last semester with the UTC’s Murder’s in the Heir. Nicole is a junior from Mountain View, California, and is a Theater and English double major. They would like to thank their family and friends for showing their love and support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Liam Delaney ‘26 (Sir Andrew Aguecheek). he/him. Liam is a sophomore at Brandeis double majoring in Theater Arts and Music. At Brandeis, Liam has appeared in Spring Awakening (Hanschen) and Five Doors One Room (Eldrid), both on the Spingold Mainstage. He has also worked as the Sound Board Operator for Without Blinking: A Devised Participatory Performance and Stupid F*cking Bird, both in the Laurie Theater. In the Theater Department, Liam also works as a Prop Stock Manager and Costume Shop Stitcher, so he finds himself very involved with many aspects of theater beyond performance. Outside of the Theater Department, Liam is a member of Fafali, Brandeis’ Ghanaian drumming ensemble, as well as Hooked On Tap, Brandeis’ Tap Club. He also works as the program assistant for the Creative Arts Division of Brandeis. Liam is very excited to be playing the role of Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

Anika Hahn ‘25 (Viola, Fight Captain). They/them. Anika is thrilled to be playing Viola in Twelfth Night. This is their sixth show at Brandeis. They have previously appeared in three shows through the Brandeis Theater Department: In The Empty (Ensemble/Dance Captain), Spring Awakening (Otto/Dance Captain), and Stupid F*cking Bird (Mash/Dance Captain). They have also done two student theater productions: Our Day Will Come (Rosemary Blake) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia). Anika is a dancer, actor, and singer from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They would like to thank their parents and brother for their love and support.

Isaiah Hill '26 (Feste). he/they. Isaiah, who is playing Feste, is from Dedham, Massachusetts and is excited to be working with his fellow cast and crew on this production. Before Twelfth Night, Isaiah appeared in Murder's in the Heir (Mike Davis) and directed a one-act called Actor's Nightmare at Dedham High School. While busy studying Psychology at Brandeis, he's grateful for the chance to be part of another Brandeis production.

 

Noah Leikind '24 (Malvolio). he/him. Noah is thrilled to be performing in Twelfth Night, although it is a little bittersweet as this will be his final time acting on the Brandeis stage! Noah is a senior majoring in theater arts with a minor in creative writing. Previous Brandeis performances include Stupid F**king Bird and Orlando with the theater department, Macbeth with Hold Thy Peace, and No Exit with the Undergraduate Theatre Collective. Outside of Brandeis, he has performed in Romeo & Juliet with the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company and Julius Caesar with the British American Drama Academy. He is currently working on an original play about his grandmother’s childhood in 1930s Germany which will premiere in the Senior Thesis Festival in April. Thank you to his friends and family for their love and support and to the entire Twelfth Night cast and crew for making this play such a wonderful experience.

Shelby Levine ‘25 (Fabian). She/her. Shelby is very excited to be playing Fabian in this production. She is a Biology major and this is her first time in a Brandeis mainstage production! However, she has previously appeared in Hamlet (Hamlet), Hurricane Diane (Beth), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Peter Quince) with Brandeis’ Hold Thy Peace, which she is currently treasurer of. She is so excited to with such an amazing cast and production staff. She would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support!

Chris Li ‘24 (Antonio). he/him. Chris is a senior from Sudbury, Massachusetts and majoring in Theater Arts, and is so excited to be part of not only his first Shakespeare play, but also his very first theater production! Originally focusing on Audio work in Theater, Chris has worked as a Sound Designer on Amy Ollove’s Senior Thesis: Foolish Sanity (2020) as well as on Something Rotten with the Undergraduate Theater Collective. Outside of theater, Chris is a drummer for Olas De Surya, an indie-alternative rock band on campus. He also releases music under the alias “barelyanygood” on Spotify and Apple Music on the side. He would like to give a huge thank you to the Twelfth Night cast, crew, artistic team, and everyone involved for the love and passion they’ve brought to this production.

Skye Lu '27 (Second Officer). she/her. Skye is a first year student from Beijing, China, double majoring in theatre and anthropology. This is her first time to join a production in Brandeis. In the past, she directed plays include Three Sisters, Waiting For Godot, The Delayed Trial (an original play that she wrote with friends), and And Then There Were None. She also choreographed dance dramas and did musicals (as Heidi in DEH!).

 

Matthew Magee ’25 (Sea Captain / Priest). he/him. Matthew is from Dallas, Texas and is excited to be making his Brandeis debut. Previously, Matthew appeared in a high school production of Romeo and Juliet (Lord Capulet). He has enjoyed being a part of this production and would like to thank the Brandeis theater department for being so welcoming.

 

Noemi “Nico” Miller ‘24 (Olivia). Nico is absolutely thrilled to be playing Olivia in this production of Twelfth Night! They are a Senior double majoring in English and Theater Arts, and originally from Nashville, Tennessee. Nico has been an active member in Brandeis’ theater community throughout their time here, including the Department of Theater Arts 2023 production of Spring Awakening (Wendla Bergman), the 2022 production of Orlando (Sea Captain/Elevator Man/Ensemble), and several Undergraduate Theater Collective productions such as Team Starkid’s Firebringer (Grunt), the 24-Hour Musical Camp Rock (Kevin Jonas), and Hold Thy Peace’s Macbeth (Banquo). Nico would like to thank their friends and family for coming to support them, and for the endless love and community they provide. They hope you enjoy the show!

Eli Mones ‘25 (Curio/First Officer). He/him. Eli is a Junior from Portland, Oregon and is ecstatic to act in his first Shakespeare play. Eli will be playing both Curio and the First Officer in this showing of Twelfth Night. He’d like to give a quick thank you to all the wonderful people who were a part of this production for making the experience so meaningful, and also to his family at home for a lifetime of loving support! Enjoy the show!

 

Abigail Roberts '24 (Maria). she/her. Abigail is a senior from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania majoring in English and Theater Arts, and she's absolutely honored to be playing Maria in this production of Twelfth Night! She's been involved in eleven shows over her past four years at Brandeis, but some of her favorite previous Brandeis theater credits include Narrator 2 in The Lathe of Heaven (Dept. of Theater Arts), Pam in Hurricane Diane (HTP), and Claudius in Hamlet (HTP). Abby would like to thank her incredible cast, crew, and production staff for their dedication to the show and their wonderful energy and spirit. She'd also like to thank her family and friends for their support here and back home.

Greg Roitbourd '26 (Orsino). Greg is a Sophomore majoring in Physics and minoring in Theater Arts, Mathematics, and Creative Writing. This is his second production with the Department of Theater Arts at Brandeis. This is Greg’s first time performing a Shakespearean play and they are excited to play the role of Orsino. Past credits include Stupid Fucking Bird (Dev), Almost, Maine (Dave), and The Laramie Project (Ensemble). He is also the Vice President of Brandeis’ Premiere Sketch Comedy group, Boris’ Kitchen! Outside of the Theater, Greg is a ballroom dancer and enjoys writing poetry in his spare time. Greg is extremely excited to be a part of this production and would like to thank his family, friends, and the cast and crew for all of the support over the course of this production.

Gianni Storti '26 (Sebastian). he/him. Gianni Storti is a first semester sophomore at Brandeis and is excited to be participating in his next production with the Theater Department. He plans on double majoring in psychology and theater arts. Over the last five years, Gianni has participated in a number of theater productions as both an actor and director. Outside of theater, Gianni is a member of the Brandeis Starving Artists a cappella group, and loves beatboxing, going out for brunch, and watching animated movies. He would like to thank all those involved with the process for making this show possible!

LaRue Vigil ‘26 (Valentine). they/she. LaRue is a second year student at Brandeis University studying Theater Arts. They are thrilled to be doing their first Brandeis mainstage production as Valentine! LaRue spent her summer in Prague performing with the Prague Shakespeare Company as Phebe in As You Like It. Some of their other past credits include Legally Blonde: The Musical (Paulette), Matilda the Musical (Matilda), The Addams Family Musical (Alice) at The Grove Theater Center and All Together Now (Tracy) at Los Angeles Valley College. LaRue is overjoyed to be working on this production and can’t wait for you all to see it!

Robert Walsh (Director/Faculty) He/him. Robert Walsh is a founding member of Actors’ Shakespeare Project: King Lear (Lear); Richard III (director) Richard II (York); Phèdre (Theseus); As You Like It (director); Henry VIII (Wolsey); Two Gentlemen of Verona (director); Troilus and Cressida (Aggie/Pandarus); Living In Exile (multiple roles); Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2 (Falstaff); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom); Coriolanus (director); The Merchant of Venice (Antonio); The Tempest (Stephano); Titus Andronicus (Titus); Hamlet (Polonius); Twelfth Night (director); Julius Caesar (Brutus); and Measure For Measure (director).  Robert was the Artistic Director of the Gloucester Stage Company from 2014 – 21, where he directed several world and regional premieres including Think of Me Tuesday, My Station in Life, The New Electric Ballroom, and Bank Job.  Other area theaters for whom he has either acted, directed, or staged fight sequences include: the Huntington Theatre Company, American Repertory Theater, Merrimack Rep, New Rep, Speakeasy Stage Company, Shakespeare and Company, Hartford Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Portland Stage Company, Two River Theater and the American Stage Festival, where he also served several seasons as the Producing Artistic Director.  Recent films include Fourth of July, Black Mass, Dead Reckoning, and The Spirit of Christmas.  He has served on the faculty at Brandeis University since 1990 and is a member of SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA and The Society of American Fight Directors.

Payton Gunner (Stage Manager) she/her. Payton Gunner is a senior and an Atlanta Posse Scholar at Brandeis University.  This is her sixth production at Brandeis, having previously participated in many department shows including Spring Awakening and Stupid F*cking Bird. Payton most recently worked as production assistant on two productions and assistant stage managed The PickleBall Wars at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater. This is Payton’s stage management senior thesis and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Saskia Martínez (Scenic Designer/Scenic Artist) they/them. Saskia Martínez is a Boston-based scene designer and scenic artist. Regional credits include: How I Learned to Drive, Taming of the Shrew, As You Like It, Coriolanus, Seven Guitars (Actors’ Shakespeare Project), HER|alive.un.dead (Guerilla Opera), Head Over Heels, Little Women: The Musical (Wheelock Family Theatre). They are a graduate of Boston University. See their work at saskiamartinez.com

Qian Chengyuan (Lighting Designer) he/him. Qian is a talented lighting designer who has worked on various projects in different fields. He has worked as a lighting designer for The Play That Goes Wrong at Boston Modern Theatre, Rx-Machina at Boston Playwright’s Theatre, Walking the Tightrope at Wheelock Family Theatre, and many other dramas, movies, and TV shows. He also has a versatile portfolio of lighting design for fashion shows and exhibitions. Qian is passionate about bringing his artistic vision and technical skills to every project he undertakes.

Brooke Stanton (Costume Designer) is a costumer who has worked in theatre, film, and television. During her five years with George Lucas’ ILM, she built creatures for the Star Wars Special Edition Trilogy and The Phantom Menace. She has toured internationally and nationally designing for Peter Sellars. Other clients include Disney, Columbia Pictures, CBS, American Repertory Theatre, American Conservatory Theatre, Aspen Music Festival, Berkshire Opera Festival, Boston Symphony Youth Orchestra, Commonwealth Shakespeare, Santa Fe Opera, S.F. Shakespeare, New England Conservatory, and Odyssey Opera. She costumed three films with Robin Williams after studying Costume Design at NYU and Textiles at California College of the Arts. www.brookestanton.com

David Reiffel (Sound Designer) he/him. David Reiffel has created sound, music, and words for theaters in the Boston area and across the United States, including Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare & Co., Court Theatre (Chicago), Theatre for a New Audience (NY), Chautauqua Stage Company, LaMama, and five years on the road as composer-in-residence/sound designer with the nationally-acclaimed Cornerstone Theatre Company. At Brandeis, he created sound for The Last Five Years and The Conference of the Birds. His latest musical Glory received a workshop production at Moonbox in 2023. David received the first Elliott Norton Award for Musical Direction in 2018 for his work on Man of La Mancha (New Rep) and Shakespeare in Love (SpeakEasy). He is an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he teaches songwriting, musical theater writing, and sound design. Listen at www.soundcloud.com/davidreiffel.

Erika Bailey (Voice and Text Coach) she/her. Erika Bailey is the Head of Voice and Speech at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) and a faculty member at Harvard University. She has coached theater productions across the country and on Broadway. Previous Brandeis credits include Orlando and Stupid F*cking Bird. At A.R.T. she has coached 1776, Life of Pi, We Live in Cairo, and Endlings, among others. She has also worked with Nora Theater Company, Gloucester Stage Company, and Central Square Theater among others.  She holds a B.A. from Williams College and an MFA in Acting from Brandeis University. 

Bio Coming Soon!

Ted Hewlett (Intimacy Director) he/they. Ted is a teacher, actor, fight & intimacy director, and director. Ted is on the full-time acting faculty of Emerson College, as well as being a senior teacher at Shakespeare & Company. They hold an MFA in Acting from Brandeis, where previous credits include In The Heart of America, Big Love, and A View From The Bridge, amongst others.

Yijia Yu (Assistant Director) She/Her. Yijia Yu is a Senior majoring in Theater and Anthropology. She participated as a devisor and an assistant director in Without Blinking: A Devised Participatory Performance About Climate Action. Last spring she assistant directed Stupid F*cking Bird. This is her third assistant directing role for the department!

Hannah Dillis (Prop Designer) she/they. is a Boston-based Props Master & Fabricator for stage and screen. Recent credits include Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s Macbeth, Curtain Call Theatre’s Peter & the Starcatcher, Sideways Stories, and Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. Her work can be found at @CryptidProps on Instagram. Hannah would like to thank the Brandeis team for welcoming her aboard & would like to congratulate the cast and crew on a wonderful production.

Ani Poghosyan (Assistant Stage Manager) she/her. Ani is from Cranston, Rhode Island and this is her second time assistant stage managing a Brandeis production, her first being Stupid F**king Bird. She is a sophomore and is majoring in Neuroscience and Biology, and she enjoys participating in theater in her free time. She is grateful for the entire team that came together to make this show possible and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Naomi Stephenson (Dramaturg) she/her. Naomi is a sophomore at Brandeis majoring in History and IGS. She is delighted to be dramaturging this production! Past credits include Hamlet (Director) with Brandeis Hold Thy Peace. She has also directed Romeo and Juliet and Cymbeline with Actors’ Shakespeare Project Youth Company. Naomi is a self-avowed Shakespeare nerd and is always looking for opportunities to express that. Special thanks for her family for always encouraging her Shakespeare obsession and Prof. Walsh for this opportunity!

“How will this fadge?”  Viola’s little improv upon being cast upon the shores of Illyria as a means of beginning life anew from a shipwreck, has placed her squarely between a rock and a hard place.  Shakespeare’s delightful confection that is Twelfth Night was the perfect tonic to the topsy-turvy world in 1601, England.  The holiday of Twelfth Night was considered a feast of misrule before the commemoration of the Feast of the Epiphany and diving deep into the darkness of winter.  It was a time of inverting the social order with shows, songs and parodies fueled by ample food and drink.  Fast forward to the Regency period, England and all of Europe was transitioning from the Napoleonic wars and balancing the debauchery of King George IV with others crying out for social and religious reform.  Enter Malvolio…  On top of which, the male role models were now being invited to shift from a militaristic point of view to that of the gentleman, as wonderfully drawn in the works by Jane Austen.  With an eye to the whimsical insouciance of shows like Bridgerton and Dickinson, we are delighted to share this version of Twelfth Night. Our dramaturg, Naomi Stephenson, captured it perfectly in writing, “The elegance, extravagance, and atmosphere of change in the Regency period really speak to the tone of Twelfth Night. The Regency upper class was obsessed with an elegant, gilded, luxurious aesthetic and image to their life. England’s war with France had led it to obsessively try to promote its beauty and its culture over that of the French. At the same time, this luxurious world came in for criticism by satirists and reformers. There was a sharp contrast in the glamorous ideal promoted by the wealthy and the more unstable reality experienced by others.”  Thank you for joining us!