CAST BIOS
Aidan Wright (Roger) is excited to share such an important story with the community. You may have last seen Aidan as Galahad in GFCT’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Aidan also played Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening, and numerous ensemble roles in local productions over the past 25 years. He would like to thank his friends, family, and beautiful partner.
Josh Willis (Mark) is excited to perform alongside so many talented folks! A recent graduate of SUNY New Paltz, Josh is excited to be returning to acting after a few years away. Previous credits include: Solstice with Company of Curiosities (originated the role of James), Spring Awakening at SUNY New Paltz (Moritz), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with Glens Falls Community Theater (Leaf Coneybear). Josh would like to thank his family, his partner, Adara, and his cats for their support.
Olivia Barcomb (Mimi) is 20 years old and is excited to be making her GFCT debut. Some previous roles include Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Janet Van De Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone, and The Narrator in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Olivia would like to thank all her family and friends for their support, as well as the whole RENT team! Enjoy the show!
Kevin Trapasso (Collins) is thrilled to be a part of this production of RENT alongside his friends and husband. It has been a while since he last performed with Glens Falls Community Theater, having played Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors back in 2013. Last fall, Kevin had the pleasure of music directing GFCT's 9 to 5 and looks forward to participating in many future productions, both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether first enjoyed on Broadway, on tour, or on film, RENT is beloved by everyone. Kevin is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help finally bring this iconic show to Glens Falls.
Mark Trapasso (Angel) is thrilled to be headed back to the East Village and making his debut with Glens Falls Community Theatre in the role of Angel in RENT. This part holds a special place in his heart and marks a special milestone to be a part of this talented cast playing opposite his husband. A passionate performer with a love for both music and storytelling, Mark is excited to bring Angel's vibrant energy and heart to the stage. He would like to dedicate this performance to his late sister for her unwavering belief in his talent. Enjoy the show!
Olivia Dybas (Maureen) is “Over the Moon” excited to be a part of this production! Some of her favorite past GFCT credits include 9 to 5 (Doralee Rhodes), Godspell (Nancy), and Urinetown (Little Sally). Other favorite credits include Traffic & Weather (Ensemble) and Last Stop on Market Street (Jojo/Ensemble) with Adirondack Theatre Festival. Liv is a proud alum of the Cornell University Chorus, where she served as a soprano and secretary from 2021 to 2023. She would like to thank her family, friends, and partner for their unwavering support.
Grace Davis (Joanne) is very excited to be back on the stage for the first time in four years. Some of her favorite shows include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Home Made Theatre), Brighton Beach Memoirs (SSHS Drama Club), and The Little Mermaid (Saratoga Children’s Theatre). Grace has had a wonderful time being in this production, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Prince Massie (Benny)
Meghan DiMeglio (Ensemble) Credits include: Joseph and the Amazing...(Narrator) at SLOC, The Sound of Music (Nun/Baroness Elberfeld) at Home Made Theater, Oliver! The Musical (Nancy) at Hendersonville Community Theater and Bye-Bye Birdie (Rose Alvarez) at Schuylerville Theater. Meghan is thrilled to return to the stage and grateful to be part of this production. This debut with Glens Falls Community Theater has been a wonderful experience and she would like to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work and dedication. To her family and friends - thank you for your continued love and support. "Measure your life in love!"
Anthony Jones (Ensemble) is excited to join the cast of RENT. Originally from Whitehall, NY, he has appeared locally in Mary Poppins (Ensemble/Chimney Sweep), You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder), Mousetrap (Giles), The Drowsy Chaperone (George) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Mitch Mahoney- Upcoming). “I am so grateful to be part of this incredibly talented cast, and to be surrounded by people who love and support me.”
Molly (Ensemble) is thrilled to make her GF Community Theater debut in RENT. She has previously performed in theaters across Long Island, with favorite credits including The Sound of Music (Liesl), Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larken), and Into the Woods (Jack’s Mom). Outside of theater, Molly teaches kindergarten, enjoys skiing, and loves spending time on the lake. She would like to congratulate the entire cast and crew for their hard work and dedication to this production, and extend her gratitude to Martha Banta and Jonathan Larson for bringing this incredible show to the world.
Allison Schmitt (Ensemble) Allison has a Photojournalism degree with a minor in Theatre from Penn State; Recent GFCT credits include 9 to 5 (Roz Keith), Clue: Live (Mrs. Peacock), The Addams Family (Alice Beineke) and School of Rock (Ensemble). She has also been seen at Fort Salem Theater in Beethoven: Live in Concert (Ensemble) and originated the role of Effie Witherman in Company of Curiosities’ staged reading of Solstice: A New Musical. Other favorite credits include The Little Mermaid (Ursula), The Pillowman (Michal), Ordinary Days (Deb), Our Town (Mrs. Gibbs), High School Musical (Coach Bolton), The SpongeBob Musical (Mayor of Bikini Bottom), and Steel Magnolias (Annelle). As always, Allison dedicates her performance to her husband Noah, her soulmate and the world’s sexiest stage manager. Call those cues, baby ;)
Sean Murphy (Ensemble)
Hannah Nolan (Ensemble/Assistant Producer) is beyond excited to be a part of this incredible company. Her GFCT credits include Hope Cladwell in Urinetown, Patty in Godspell, and Laurie in Brighton Beach Memoirs. Some other favorite theatre credits include Traffic & Weather (Ensemble) with Adirondack Theatre Festival and Nearby/Faraway (Dorothy/Kitty) presented by the Adirondack Institute. Hannah would like to thank her partner, family, friends, and colleagues for their support throughout this experience. RENT was one of her favorite musicals growing up, and she is honored to help bring this inspiring story to Glens Falls.
Stephanie Willis (Ensemble) Stephanie has been participating in shows since she was 6 years old and is a classically trained vocalist. You have most recently seen Stephanie's work as Director of Ordinary Days at Schuylerville Community Theatre or originating the role of Aslin Banks in the Glens Falls premiere Solstice by Ben Rowley. Other treasured roles include: Addams Family (Morticia), Baby (Lizzie), Godspell (Catherine), Seussical (Mayzie La Bird), and Legally Blonde (Paulette).
CREW BIOS
Trent Sano (Director) is thrilled to be leading this incredible company to bring RENT to life for GFCT. Trent has been on stage in the area since he was 11, performing in more than 45 musicals with Lake George High School, GFCT, Schuylerville Community Theatre, SMSA Players and Lake George Youtheatre, to name a few. Favorite recent roles include King Arthur in GFCT's Spamalot and The Old Man in SMSA's A Christmas Story: The Musical. Favorite directing credits include Annie at SCT (COVID cancelled) and Prelude to a Kiss at Marist University (formerly Marist College). Trent is a TANYS Award Winner and a proud 2023 inductee into the Marist University Theatre Hall of Fame. He dedicates this show to the memory of his mom, Sharon, who he lost just four weeks before opening night.
Ben Rowley (Music Director) is a composer, music director, and teacher from Glens Falls. Ben is the music director at St. Mary’s Church and a music teacher at St. Mary’s Academy. As a composer, Ben’s work has been heard in and around the northeast, at venues including Boston Symphony Hall, the Green Room 42, the New York Society For Ethical Culture, the Kimmel Center and the Provincetown Playhouse. Ben is a recipient of the Alan Menken Scholarship for Composition. A concert presentation of his debut musical Solstice premiered at the Wood Theater in 2023. Recent area shows music directed include Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease.
Kristin Stroebel (Choreographer) has studied dance for most of her life and has a degree in Dance Theory from Skidmore College. Kristin has worked professionally as a dancer, instructor, and choreographer for almost 30 years. She has choreographed for a wide-range of groups, from schools to professional theater productions, and was formerly the Artistic Director of Adirondack Repertory Dance Theatre.
Kayla Toney (Producer) is grateful to work on such a beautiful and important show. A member of GFCT since 2009, she joined the board in 2019, and in the last several years has enjoyed directing Godspell and School of Rock, and producing Addams Family as well as 9 to 5. Favorite onstage credits include Always, Patsy Cline (Patsy) at GFCT, Brigadoon (Fiona) and The Sound of Music (Baroness Elsa) at HMT, Last Five Years (Cathy) with PTL, and Rent (Mimi) with BU. Following this show, she is looking forward to stage managing the musical The Prom at GFHS. Kayla is so proud and impressed with this team and cast, and very grateful for the energy and love they put into this one.
Noah Schmitt (Stage Manager) is ecstatic to work with Glens Falls Community Theatre once again in the wings of the Wood. Past roles include NRT's RedRum (Jack Torrance), AoK's Beauty and The Beast (Cogsworth), and CPHL's Treasure Island (Jim Hawkins). Past production credits include GFCT's The Addams Family (Stage Manager), GFCT’s 9 To 5 (Stage Manager), NRT's The Complete History of America (Abd.) (Director), and NRT's War of the Worlds (Director). Noah would like to thank his wife, Allison, for always cheering him on, his stage crew for their hard work and dedication to the production, and this community for their continued support of the theatrical arts on a local level.
Lisa Combs-Pratt (Costume Designer) has been costuming in the area for several years, working with companies such as South Glens Falls school district’s Stage 42 and All Abilities Productions. Costuming credits include Something Rotten, Snoopy! The Musical, Tuck Everlasting, Matilda, and Guys and Dolls. She is thrilled to be working with GFCT for the first time! Lisa lives in South Glens Falls with her partner and their two cats, Izzie and Ollie.
Todd Andrews (Sound Designer) has had the pleasure of designing and running sound (with the help of his daughter, Serah) for many of GFCT’s productions as well as productions from other local theater groups like Broadway Upstate and Hudson Falls High School. Todd also enjoys spending time with his granddaughter and is always on the lookout for interesting sounds and acoustic environments. If we can hear, then it is up to us to listen.
Katie Klein (Lighting Designer) has lent her lighting knowledge to Glens Falls Community Theatre in 9 to 5 and Always….Patsy Cline (Light Design). Other local appearances include School Of Rock (Light Design) with SLOC and The SpongeBob Musical (Light Design and Board Op) with Adirondack Center Stage. In her spare time, Katie loves to read the latest fantasy novels, sew whatever comes to mind, and spend time with family.\
Dylan Kreiger (Props Designer)
Sean Magee (Scenic Designer) agreed to help with the set for RENT after collaborating with Trent Sano on 23 previous productions. No one likes odd numbers, so, now it’s 24 and that feels better doesn’t it? Previous set construction: QHS Shrek the Musical (2023 Best Set Design Proctors High School Musical Theatre Awards), QHS Annie, Williamstown Theatre Festival's The Price (designed by Mike Brown) RIT Players Lend Me a Tenor! Youtheatre’s West Side Story, Into the Woods. Sean is happy to be returning to GFCT after performing in Oliver! (Mr. Bumble) in 2017.
Delaney Sano (Assistant to the Director) is excited to make her debut as a production team member with GFCT’s RENT. This opportunity allows her to gain experience behind the scenes while building on her on-stage resume. Delaney has been performing in musicals since the age of 5 and has enjoyed playing a variety of roles over the years, such as the title role in Annie and Gingy in QHS’s production of Shrek, for which she was recently nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 HSMTA at Proctors Theatre. She is also excited to be playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz this March. She is looking forward to contributing to one of her all time favorite shows in this production of RENT!
Samantha Difiore (Assistant Producer) This is Samantha’s first show ever being a part of the production team! She was recently in GFCT’s production of 9 to 5 and wanted to continue with the organization. Other shows include Glens Falls High School’s production of Sister Act (Sister Mary Robert), Broadway Upstate’s Footloose (Ariel), and many others. She has been on the stage since 2010 and will continue to stay on the stage for the rest of her life. In her free time, she is the Social Media Manager for Saratoga Sweat Hot Yoga. Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @saratogasweat_hotyoga!
Stephanie Willis (Publicity/Intimacy Coordinator) Stephanie is a long serving board member of GFCT and has taken over publicity, social media, and graphic design for the group over the past 8 years. Her experience includes a decade of marketing experience and the recent completion of her MBA in Project Management. She is putting her past experience and collegiate training in sexual health, wellness, and consent to use as she receives additional training from Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (a SAG-AFTRA approved training program). As a performer, director, and production team member for numerous local productions, Stephanie is so excited to take on the club's first ever intimacy coordination role with RENT.