Callings: Beyond Flesh
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Charity John
Dancers: Ally Balash, Kiki Durante, Olivia Ehmke, Mia Ganapolsky, Nora Green, Hannah Hans, Annabella Hopkins, Sylvia Leonard, Rae Miller, Danielle Sapor, Lilly Schlegel
Music Collaborator: Dantrae Alonso Costume
Lighting Designer: Chris Ochman
Projection Designers: Charity John and Chris Ochman
Music: “Ndikhokhele” Rendition by The Unveiled, “Ancestral Soul Beats” by Ancestral Soul Rhythm, “Abantu” by Siphamandla Arts Group, “uMzimba Shaker” by Pro-Tee
Program Note: …a place where bodies breath, and sound converge to trace the unseen connection between the physical and the ethereal.

Beneath the Surface
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Lauren Guarna
Dancers: Gia Antonini, Makayla Garrett, Ella Hankinson, Sophia Pham, Kelly Root, Hannah Thurman, Grace Wythe
Lighting Designer: Kay O’Sullivan
Music: “Honeyed Words” by Anna Meredith, “Salem” by Travis Lake

The Conductor’s Cognition
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Jenna Hartke
Dancers: Amanda Hatfield, Rachel Hunt, Kendra Jones, Kasey MacDonald, Abby Postle, Violet Schraver, Kira Sethi
Lighting Designer: Liam Deyell
Music: “Ph” by Travis Lake, “Tracked” by Christophe Filippi, “Take It” by Dom Dolla

And I Locked The Door
Choreographer/Costume Designer/Dancer: Madeline E. Dembowski 
Lighting Designer: Tarrin Kuehner
Music: “White Noise (1 min)” by Catie, “We’ll Take It” by Oneohtrix Point Never, and “Green Timbers” by Ryan Lott

Disconnect
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Selena Pereyra
Dancers: Ally Balash, Erinn Cosgrove, Sarah Kalenik, Mackenzie Leone, Kiera Oppelt, Sophia Pham, Lillian Rothrum, Ayla Simpson, Kamryn Skrocki, Emma Slojkowski
Lighting Designer: Ashtyn Rozenberg
Projection Designers: Selena Pereyra and Ashtyn Rozenberg
Music: “Cybergenesis” by Into the Pale Abyss, “TEXT TYPE SEND RECEIVE iPhone.wav” by madcowzack, “iPhone Text Sound” by ukjoncollins, “Smartphone Texting Sound and Vibrate (High Quality)” by SoundsLikeFoley, and “IPhone Ringtone” by KW03 Lucky, “Pacific” by Sleeping At Last, “A Quiet Sunday Relaxing by the Lake” by Path to the Wild

Under Abrasion
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Nathan Eck
Dancers: Ava Crean, Kiki Durante, Grace Lamanna, Sam Muscato, Jessamy Zarragoitia
Lighting Designer: Dylan McGannon
Music: “Familiar” by Nils Frahm, “Hammers” by Nils Frahm, “Etudes: No. 6” composed by Philip Glass played by Yuju Wang.

15 MINUTE INTERMISSION

Pulse
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Jasmine White
Dancers: Makayla Garrett, Lauren Jezioro, Shannon Nephew, Hannah Spencer
Lighting Designer: Kay O’Sullivan

Answer Me
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Kendra Jones
Dancers: Marjorie Charles, Rachel Hunt, Jordan Moody, Aniyah Mungo, Shannon Nephew, William Schmidt, Jessamy Zarragoitia
Lighting Designer: Ashtyn Rozenberg
Music: ‘Trick of the Moon’ by Eloise,‘Montana Sacra II’ by Bardo Pond, ‘MyPeople…Hold On’ by Eddie Kendricks, ‘Bendix 1: The Tomorrow People’ by Raymond Scott, ‘I’m Not In Love’ by 10cc, ‘A Day In The Life’ by the Beatles, ‘Elusive Butterfly’ by Bob Lind, ‘Come Ruin and Rapture’ by Desiderii Marginis,‘Bendix 2: The Tomorrow People’ by Raymond Scott, ‘Answer Me, My Love’ by Nat King Cole
Program Note: A group of friends in the mid-1980s undergo a collective psychedelic experience when experimenting in their parents basement. They are faced with their own personal hells and paradises of the teenage experience through this intense process, and all the while wonder together, what are the answers?
“I am all of existence.” - unknown

Mother of Ashes
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Alyvia Christensen and Dancers
Dancers: Madeline Dembowski, Danielle Sapor, Mia Ganapolsky, Olivia Ehmke, Madison Firmstone
Lighting Designer: Shelia Fastoff
Music: “Moon” by Sleeping At Last, “Mountains” by Hans Zimmer, “Coney Island Low” by Clint Mansell & Kronos Quartet

Pop Fantasy
Choreographer/Costume Designer: Ariana Parsons
Dancers: Grace Lamanna, Sylvia Leonard, Rae Miller, Aniyah Mungo, Adriana Vetcha
Music: “Elevator music” by Bohoman, “Run The World (Girls)” Instrumental by Beyonce, “Toxic Instrumental Extended” Remix by Britney Spears, “Blow X Judas Mashup” by Lady Gaga and Kesha.
Lighting Designer: Liam Deyell
Program Note: This piece explores the fantasy world of being a popstar. While at your day job you find yourself falling into a fantasy channeling an alter ego of being a popstar.

Living Chapters
Choreographers: Rebekah Bono in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Maddi Firmstone, Sam Muscato, Kira Sethi, Kamryn Skrocki, Hannah Spencer Costume Designer: Rebekah Bono
Costume Design, Filiming and FIlm Editing: Rebekah Bono
Lighting Designer: Lisa Gallagher
Music: “Playing Around before the Party Starts” by Childish Gambino, “Million Dollar Seller, Pt 2” by Vista Kicks, "Phase" by Beck, "Specks of Time" by Son Lux, "Heavy on the Bacon" by Fouk
Program Note: We write the stories of our lives by living them.

Consumed by the Rhythm
Choreographers/Costume Designers: Grace Rezin and Audree Woods
Dancers: Marjorie Charles, Lauren Jezioro, Amanda Hatfield, Annabella Hopkins, Kelly Root, Danielle Sapor, Lilly Schlegel, Kira Sethi
Lighting Designer: Faith Marsala
Music: “Couleurs” by Buscemi and Viktor Lazlo, “Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club des Belugas

Bows
Choreographers/Costume Designers: Rebekah Bono and Selena Pereyra
Dancers: Choreographers Showcase Cast
Lighting Designer: Maili Novak
Music: “Sometime” by Yung Bae and Brasstracks

Meredith Conti
Cynthia Darling
Michael Deeb Weaver
Kate DeRosa
Stephanie Genco Gasiecki
Glenda Hastings
Lynne Koscielniak
Eero Laine
Paul Liguori
Thomas Mitchell
Nicholas Quinn
Thomas Ralabate
Kerry Ring

Support UB Theatre and Dance’s students as they conduct innovative creative research and train for careers in the performing arts and entertainment industries. BECOME A UB THEATRE AND DANCE BOOSTER!

CHANON JUDSON, Visiting Associate Professor, joined the critically acclaimed Urban Bush Women in 2001. She has had the privilege of serving the company as rehearsal director, Director for UB2 – Urban Bush Women’s performing apprentice ensemble, and now furthers her work with UBW as Co-Artistic Director and Co-Director of BOLD (Builders Organizers and Leaders through Dance). Chanon and Samantha are choreographic directors for UBW's new evening-length work, “Hair and Other Stories,” in collaboration with Raelle Myrick-Hodges.

Rebekah Bono (Graduate Assistant to the Director) is a dance instructor, performer, choreographer, and administrator currently pursuing her MFA in Dance at UB. She teaches tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, contemporary, and ballet to students of all ages. She previously served as Lead Faculty at Cora Dance in Brooklyn and VDT in Va, co-director of VDTPC, and adjunct professor at Mary Baldwin University. Rebekah performed across the East Coast with Soul Steps and Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance based in NYC. Her choreography has been seen on the concert dance stage, in competition, and in productions of Guys and Dolls, Freaky Friday, and Mamma Mia. She has managed several education programs, produced performances, and teacher-training programs. Recently, Rebekah has presented works at UB and with the Buffalo Infringement Festival. She has also joined the faculty of Elite Dance Company. Rebekah aims to share the love of dance through education and performance with the University at Buffalo community!

Alyvia Christensen is a MFA Dance candidate at the University at Buffalo and is thrilled to be a Choreographer in University at Buffalo’s Choreography showcase this year. She is a multidisciplinary dancer, choreographer, and teacher, who earned her BA in Psychology and a minor in Dance from Niagara University in 2025. Alyvia's professional credits include assistant-choreographing Company in 2025 at Niagara University, co-choreographing Return to the Forbidden Planet in 2024 at Niagara University, choreographing and dancing in Dancing in the Light III in 2024 at Niagara University, and co-choreographing Rent in 2024 at Niagara University.

Madeline Dembowski is an eager, dynamic dancer, choreographer, and educator currently pursuing an MFA in Dance at the University at Buffalo. She was inducted into the National Honor Society for dance in 2024 and has over 20 years of dance training in styles including contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, ballet, lyrical, modern, improvisation, and musical theatre.

She has worked with and learned from renowned choreographers and companies such as Yoshito Sakuraba, Boston Dance Theater, Limon, and Gallim Company members, among many others. Madeline's professional performance experience includes DancesatMUCCC, Rochester Fringe Festival, Rochester Fashion Week, MFA Dance Thesis at the University at Buffalo, ChoreoLab, Rochester’s 2024 & 2025 Cocktail Revival.

She is a company member of the professional dance company Cat + the Coyote, based in Rochester, NY. Most recently, she performed in Sotto Voce’s Opera Production Silk and Grit 2025, choreographed by Kerry Ring. Madeline has taught recreational and competitive students of all ages and abilities. She has received standout choreography awards for her work in the competitive dance industry, and frequently teaches masterclasses in Western NY. Currently, Madeline teaches adult dance classes for beginner-advanced levels at Surge Dance Company. In her leisure time, she loves to explore nature, visit local coffee shops, and cook.

Nathan Eck is a senior dance major at UB from Long Island, New York. His passion for dance began at a young age, where he trained competitively at Legacy Dance Center and later studied at Long Island High School for the Arts. He has trained with American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Spectrum, Entity Contemporary Dance, and Instincts by Theresa Stone. Nathan has performed as the prince in the American Academy of Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, a featured dancer in Starring Buffalo’s production of Grease, and as a performer for Stanzi Vaubel’s Indeterminacy Festival. Dancing at University at Buffalo has propelled his versatility and fueled his ambition to dance professionally. Nathan is a member of Zodiaque Dance Company and is an assistant to the directors for the 2025-2026 season. On top of performing, Nathan has choreographed works for Choreographer’s Showcase and Dancer’s Workshop. Nathan is very grateful to continue dancing and choreographing.

Lauren Guarna is a senior BFA dance major and minoring in education. She is honored to say she is the ACDAassistant as well as the current director of Dancers Workshop. Lauren grew up in Brewster, New York where she attended Seven Star School of performing Arts since she was 2 years old. She was given many opportunities growing up one including being a part of the USA Tap Team where they traveled to Germany for the world tap championships. While at UB, Lauren has performed in many shows such as Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, Dancers Workshop, and Zodiaque. Along with performing, Lauren also has a love for choreographing and is excited to showcase her first piece in this show. Beneath the Surface is a modern contemporary piece exploring the feeling of drowning. The suffocation and panic of what it would be like to drown. The need to take a breath but not being able to. While the rest of the world stays silent as the panic increases within yourself. This piece explores this feeling and the uncomfortable desire to be okay.

Jenna Hartke is a senior dance major, acquiring her BFA here at UB. She is the current UB Dance merch representative as well as one of the recruitment assistants within the department. Jenna was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up in Orchard Park, New York for the majority of her life. Growing up, she trained at Mary Alice’s Dance Studio. This was where she found her love for dance and knew this would be the passion for the rest of her life. Her dance teachers and family’s support allowed her dream to seem attainable and worth running after. Without them, Jenna would not be where she is today. Since being at UB, she continues her training in jazz, modern, ballet, and tap. Her aspirations and love for choreography continue to grow within her artistic journey as well. Jenna’s strong love for movement along with her individual artistry has shaped her into the person she is today.

Charity John (Graduate Assistant to the Director) is a dance educator, performer, choreographer, and dancer from Nigeria, currently a third-year MFA Dance candidate at the University at Buffalo with a concentration in African dances, Afro house, African jazz, and contemporary dance. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, majoring in Dance and Acting with a minor in Speech and Rhetorical Arts. Her performance and choreographic credits span local and international stages. She has performed in Danscore (2023) and the Sankofa Dance Festival (2024) organized by SUNY Brockport, and was an invited guest artist for their Dance Awareness Days in 2025. At UB, she co-choreographed Black Tales for the MFA Showcase (2023, Fall) and contributed as a musician, vocalist, and dancer for the 49th and 50th Zodiaque Dance Company (Fall eds.), later returning as a choreographer for the 50th Spring edition. She served as Graduate Assistant for the 2024 Emerging Choreographers Showcase (Fall), where she also choreographed Vumani. Her work extends beyond the university. She has featured as a dancer and dance captain in an opera performance with Sotte Voce Company, choreographed by Kerry Ring and dancers; taught African dance with Peace of The City; and collaborated with Urban Bush Women. Within her time in the US, she has choreographed and performed in MFA thesis concerts as both dancer and storyteller, and taken on roles as Research, Graduate, and Teaching Assistant, these experiences that have enriched her creative process. Charity aims to share her knowledge and culture while building community through dance, theatre, and performance.

Kendra Jones is a junior BFA dance major from Queensbury, NY. She trained in a variety of styles with Reality Dance Studio for ten years before transitioning to the University at Buffalo. She is currently an honors student, choreographer, and dancer at UB specializing in jazz, modern, contemporary, ballet, and tap. She recently completed the National Choreography Intensive with Regional Dance America as an emerging choreographer to hone her choreographic and directorial skills and prepare herself for a career as a choreographer. Kendra’s choreographic credits include competitive teams, university clubs, and musicals The Little Mermaid, Shrek, and The Wizard of Oz. She is also the vice president of UB Dance’s Choreography Club. Kendra is very grateful to have created her first collegiate work in Choreographer’s Showcase and plans on having her own company in the future.

Ariana Parsons is in her senior year as a dance major obtaining her BFA at UB. Ariana holds the positions of senior class representative and social media intern for the department. She grew up dancing in Rome, New York where she has lived her entire life. Ariana danced at Susan Hasty’s School of Dance from age four until graduating high school. This is where she trained and formed her love for the art of dance. Ariana knew from a young age that dance was her passion and something she wanted to pursue. Ariana has been a part of departmental shows such as, Zodiaque Dance Company, Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, ChoreoLab, MFA showcase, and Dancer’s Workshop. Ariana is so thankful to have the opportunity to showcase her choreography in Choreographer’s Showcase, she is so proud of her amazing cast.

Selena Pereyra is a senior Dance and Psychology major and a Presidential Scholar in the Honors Program at the University at Buffalo. This is her third year serving as Student Assistant to the Director of Choreographers Showcase, and she has previously held the same role for ChoreoLab. Over the past three summers, she has traveled to Guatemala with JUNTOS, an organization that partners with dance volunteers to provide workshops and performances in underserved communities. Selena is the founder of Choreo Club and created a program connecting UBTHD students with local nursing homes through performance. She is a current member of Zodiaque Dance Company and has performed in Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, Spring into Art, Kathy Wendell Showcase, Lewiston Jazz Festival, and Dancers Workshop. She is a two-time recipient of the Lucille and Jack Yellen Award (2024 and 2025). Selena presented her first departmental work in the 2025 performance of ChoreoLab and is thrilled to share her latest choreography in Choreographers Showcase.

Grace Rezin is a senior BFA Dance major from Warrens, WI. She started dancing when she was three at Melissa’s DanceArts, Marilyn’s School of Dance, and Misty’s Dance Unlimited. Grace has also trained at Giordano Dance Chicago, Point Park University Summer Intensive, Midwest Dance Collective, and CNADM. At UB, she has performed in many shows including, Zodiaque Dance Company, Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, MFA Thesis, ChoreoLab, and Dancer’s Workshop. Grace is a Student Recruitment Assistant to Michael Deeb Weaver for the second year. Her love for jazz dance has grown immensely throughout her time at UB through guest artists and the incredible jazz program at UB Dance, and that inspired her to want to create a jazz piece. Grace would like to thank her friends and family for their support in this process, her wonderful co-choreographer, Audree Woods, and her incredible cast. Long live jazz!

Jasmine White is a senior BFA dance and psychology double major. She is from Rochester, NY and has been dancing since she was 10 at her home studio Articul8 Dance. While Jasmine loves all forms of dance, her true love is tap, as it was one of her favorite styles growing up. At UB, Jasmine has performed in a number of shows, including Zodiaque Dance Company performances, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and Dancers Workshop. She also had the opportunity to choreograph for Dancers Workshop her sophomore year and is so excited to be choreographing for Choreographers Showcase this semester. Throughout her undergraduate career at UB, she has learned to be more confident in her skills and has gained a greater appreciation for the art of dance. Jasmine is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be a choreographer for Choreographer’s Showcase!

Audree Woods is a senior BFA in dance and musical theatre with a management minor. She is also a part of the Honors college. She is a proud member of Zodiaque Dance Company and has also choreographed for Dancer’s Workshop. Audree was also seen in UBMT’s production of Ride the Cyclone as Jane Doe for which she won the Kennedy Center regional dance award. In the past she has trained in NYC and Chicago with the Verdon/Fosse Legacy, the Giordano Dance School, and Entity Contemporary Dance. Favorite regional performance credits include Polly Baker (Crazy for You), Charlotte (Cinderella), Zaneeta Shinn (The Music Man), and Usherette (The Producers). You can see Audree onstage next as Amber Von Tussle in MusicalFare’s production of Hairspray next May. Audree would like to thank her family, friends, and the entire CS team for this incredible opportunity. A special thank you to her incredible co-choreographer Grace Rezin, her mentor Kurt Adametz, and her stellar cast! Long live jazz!

Ally Balash is a dancer from Elmira Heights, New York and a current freshman dance major at the University at Buffalo. She has trained at Dance Force Studio for the past fifteen years in Elmira, New York. During her time there, Ally was a part of the competition team and was able to assist for her teachers and teach some of the classes. Along with taking classes at her studio, she was able to take master classes with professional dancers through the competition’s convention classes. This studio offered many performance opportunities. Ally is very grateful and excited to be preforming in her first production with the UB Dance Department.

Marjorie Charles is a sophomore BFA Dance and BA Criminology double major from Hilton Head, South Carolina, aspiring to be a professional commercial dancer. She has trained at a competitive dance studio in addition to attending a performing arts high school, and her love for dance has continued to grow here at UB. Marjorie has performed in Choreo Lab and Dancers Workshop during her freshman year here at UB and she is so excited to perform in her second Choreographers Showcase! She is so excited and grateful to be a part of this incredible show!

Erinn Cosgrove is a junior BFA Dance and BA Communication double major from Syracuse, New York. She started dancing when she was three years old and trained at CMC Dance Company, where she discovered her passion for dance. Erinn is a member of Zodiaque Dance Company and has performed in many other departmental productions including Choreolab, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, MFA Thesis, Dancers Workshop, and The Pajama Game. She also has choreographed for Dancers Workshop. She is grateful to her castmates, choreographers, and the production team for creating another amazing show!

Kiki Durante is a dedicated dancer and performer with training in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary techniques. She has performed in many dance concerts, showcasing both technical precision and expressive artistry. Kiki's work emphasizes musicality, storytelling, and the fusion of classical and contemporary styles. She continues to explore choreography that reflects personal experience and emotion. Passionate about growth and collaboration, Kiki strives to connect movement with meaning and inspire audiences through performance and creative exploration.

Olivia Ehmke is a freshman BFA Musical Theatre major with a Dance minor from Binghamton, NY. She has studied dance since the age of 3 at her public high school as well as the private studio, Dance Connection. A few roles include: Angela Robson (Billy Elliot) with The Hangar Theater, Roxie Hart (Chicago) & Donna Sheridan (Mamma Mia!) with the Rod Serling School of Fine Arts, & Oracle (The Lightning Thief) with Penobscot Theater. Olivia is excited to be in her first dance show at UB. She is beyond grateful to be working with such amazing dancers and choreographers.

Mia Ganapolsky is currently a BA Dance major at The University at Buffalo. Mia is from Brooklyn, NY. Prior to UB, she has done various performance/community service work in the field of dance including the Dance Against Cancer Gala Benefit at NYC Center (2024) choreographed by Frederick Earl Mosley, soloist in Lyrics for Life (2023) supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. Mia received her training and degree at Fiorello H. LaGuardia of Music and Art & Performing Arts High School (NYC), Triple Threat Performing Arts Company, and Dance Molinari. She is excited for her first performance here at UB!

Makayla Garrett is a sophomore BFA Dance and a BA Criminology double major from Syracuse, New York. She has been a part of ChoreoLab, Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, and Dancer’s Workshop. Makayla has trained at a competitive dance studio for over 11 years, and her love for dance has continued to grow while attending UB. She is so grateful to be a part of this incredible show!

Hannah Hans is a full-time baker and cake decorator who loves to dance on the side. Currently, Hannah trains with Surge Dance Company in many styles such as jazz, contemporary, heels, and hip hop. Hannah is grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with UB Dance.

Amanda Hatfield is a sophomore pursuing a B.A. in Dance with a minor in Business Entrepreneurship. Originally from Elmira Heights, NY, she trained competitively and was a member of a local dance company, performing in numerous spring and winter productions. Throughout high school, Amanda performed in the Disney’s Christmas Holiday Parades four times. During her freshman year here, she was a member of the UB Dance Team. Now, she is thrilled to perform in her first college dance showcase and is so grateful for the opportunities she has to continue growing as a dancer.

Annabella Hopkins has been dancing since she was two years old. Currently a Criminology/Pre-Law major and a dance minor she loves to be involved in any UB dance show she can! She was in a MFA thesis piece 2024-2025 seasons well as performing in Dancers Workshop. This year she is thrilled to be in Grace and Audree's CS piece as well Charity’s thesis piece. She would like to thank her choreographers and she cannot wait for more dance to come at UB!

Lauren Jezioro is a sophmore BFA Dance and BS Mathematics double major, minoring in Statistics and Economics, in the Honor’s College, from Rochester, New York. She is a Student Assistant to the Recruitment Coordinator and has been involved in several dance concerts and performances. Lauren has performed in Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, MFA Showcase, MFA Thesis, ChoreoLab, and Dancer’s Workshop. Most recently Lauren performed in Starring Buffalo’s Young Frankenstein. Lauren trained at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory competitively, continuing to peruse her love for dance at UB. She is so grateful to be involved in such an incredible show with immense talent.

Sarah Kalenik is a freshman from Buffalo, New York pursuing a BA in Dance and BFA in Music Theatre. She most recently appeared in the ensemble of Starring Buffalo’s Young Frankenstein. Favorite past credits include Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham), Shrek (Fiona), Sweeney Todd (Pirelli), Grease (ChaCha), Freaky Friday (Hannah), Mean Girls (Ms. Norbury), Newsies (JoJo), and Chicago (Hunyak). Sarah is a Walh Performing Arts Alumnus where she spent two years as a teacher assistant, in addition to taking dance and voice classes for twelve years. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support!

Grace Lamanna is a junior at the University at Buffalo, studying dance and speech & hearing science. She is originally from Syracuse, NY and grew up dancing at Camillus Dance Center. Grace has performed in many shows for the department of theater and dance including Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, ChoreoLab, and Dancer’s Workshop. She has also recently performed in Starring Buffalo’s Young Frankenstein. Grace is excited to perform in this year's CS!

Sylvia Leonard is a freshman Dance major and criminology minor at the University at Buffalo from Hershey, Pennsylvania. She has trained at One Broadway Dance Academy for three out of her fifteen years of dancing. Throughout her time there, Sylvia was a part of the competition team and worked as an assistant for many of her teachers. She has also attended many intensives from companies such as Ground Grooves, Entity Contemporary Dance, and Broadway Dance Center. She can not wait to continue her love for dance and performance here at UB. Sylvia is beyond excited to be performing in her first production with the UB Dance Department!

Mackenzie Leone is a Junior pursuing her BFA in dance and BA in psychology at UB. She grew up training in Syracuse, NY where she found her love for dance. She’s toured with Soul de Soul dance convention as a SoulElite and has choreographed short works for Groundwork’s summer session directed by Tracie Stanfield and Eric Campros. This summer she worked with Melanie Aceto performing for The Indeterminacy Festival. She’s performed in many departmental shows including Zodiaque Dance Company, MFA Thesis, ChoreoLab, Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, and Dancers Workshop. Mackenzie is excited to be performing in Choreographer’s Showcase this semester.

Rae Miller is a senior at UB, studying Spanish, sociology, and dance. Rae has been incredibly grateful for the many performance opportunities they have received at UB, including Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, MFA Thesis, and Dancer’s Workshop. After graduating, Rae hopes to continue her studies in dance in the WNY area and continue seeking out opportunities to grow as an artist. Rae would like to thank everyone who has supported them this semester.

Jordan Moody

Sam Muscato is a dancer from Rochester, New York and is a freshman double major in dance and exercise science at the University at Buffalo. She began her dance journey at Marilyn Schneider School of Dance, and continued there upon graduation. Sam trained in all styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, acrobatics, and musical theatre. Throughout her training she has learned and trained from many choreographers, some including Joe Lanteri, Megahan Sanett, Suzi Taylor, and Derrick Schrader. Sam has also performed and traveled all over the United States for dance competitions, conventions, and intensives: including California, Florida, Tennessee, and New York City. Sam is very excited to be performing in her first UB dance show.

Kiera Oppelt is a third-year Dance major at the University at Buffalo, also majoring in Statistics. Originally from Rochester, NY, she grew up learning the styles of ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, and acrobatics. Throughout her time as UB, she has danced in departmental shows including Zodiaque Dance Company, Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, ChoreoLab, MFA Showcase, and Dancer’s Workshop, in addition to this year’s Choreographer’s Showcase.

Sophia Pham is a sophomore BFA Dance and BS Business Administration double major from Rochester, New York. She has performed in Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and Dancers Workshop her freshman year. Sophia has trained at a competitive dance studio from an early age and participated in dance performances throughout middle school and high school. She is beyond grateful to be part of UB Dance and this amazing show!

Abby Postle is a junior dance and psychology major at UB. Originally from Rochester, NY, she grew up training in ballet, tap, and jazz at Sandy Stramonine School of Dance starting at the age of five. Since coming to UB, she has expanded her knowledge of dance and has performed in many different styles and shows. Some of these include Emerging Choreographers Showcase, Choreolab, Dancers Workshop, and she joined Zodiaque Dance Company for their 51^st season. She is looking forward to dancing in Jenna Hartke’s piece, “The Conductor’s Cognition” in CS! 

Danielle Sapor is a sophomore BFA Dance and BA Mathematics double major from Rochester, New York. She transferred this year from Marymount Manhattan College, where she danced in their Fall 2024 Dancers at Work. She grew up training at a competitive dance studio. This is her first show at UB, and she is so excited and grateful to perform!

Lilly Schlegel trained at Lancaster Dance Center with former UB Theatre and Dance alumni Miranda Bosse, Aimee Lynn Walker, and Monica Karwan for over 15 years. Her favorite styles of dance are tap and jazz. She is continuing her studies in not only Dance but in Exercise Science on a pre-health track, in hopes of getting involved in the medical field to give back to dancers and athletes. Lilly has also received the Kenny Award for Outstanding Musical Performance at Sheas Buffalo Theatre in 2022, when she was a specialty dancer in the musical "Catch Me If You Can". She thanks her family, friends, and professors for her love for dance.

William Schmidt is a sophomore BFA Dance major at the University at Buffalo. He grew up training at KipTom Dance Center in Cheektowaga, NY, and is a new member of the Zodiaque Dance Company. He’s attended the Dance Masters of America (SHIP) intensive at UB and last year performed in Newsies at the Shea’s 710 Theatre, as the Wizard in Three Wishes with the Royal Academy of Ballet, and in Swan Lake with the Greater Niagara Ballet Company. In addition to school concerts, he’s assisted, subbed, and taught classes from a young age and currently teaches at his home studio and at the Royal Academy of Ballet. He hopes to pursue a professional career after college.

Kira Sethi is a senior dance and architecture major from Long Island, NY. She has taken part in Emerging Choreographer Showcase, ChoreoLab, and Dancers’ Workshop these past four years. Kira has also choreographed a piece for Dancers’ Workshop last year. She can’t wait to dance for everyone in this wonderful show and is grateful for all her friends and family's support.

Kamryn Skrocki is a dancer from Florida and a current freshman dance major at the University at Buffalo. She has trained at New Dimensions Dance Academy for the past nine years in Oviedo, FL. Throughout her time there, Kamryn was a part of the competition team as well as worked as an assistant for her teachers. She also attended The Villages High School, where she has had many opportunities to both perform and choreograph for various shows each year. Kamryn has taken classes from many prestigious instructors such as Joe Lanteri, Chris Jarosz, and Suzi Taylor. She also has had the opportunity to perform several restaged works choreographed by Carolyn Dorfman and UB alumni Jon Lehrer. Kamryn is beyond thrilled to be performing in her first production with the UB Dance Department! 

Hannah Spencer is a freshman dance major at the University at Buffalo. Prior to coming to UB, Hannah trained at Steppin’ Out Dance Academy in West Seneca, NY. She is both a performer and choreographer. Her professional dance credits include backup dancing for Ava Max, Todrick Hall, Icona Pop, Nicky Youre and Now United. She is beyond excited to perform in her first production in the UB Dance Department!

Adriana Vetcha is a senior at the University at Buffalo, pursuing a BFA in Dance. Originally from Rockland, New York, she discovered her passion for dance at age 11, which led her to explore various styles. She received extensive training at the Edge Dance, Steeltoes, BDC, and the Joffrey Ballet School. While at UB, Adriana has performed in ECS, MFA showcase, Choreolab, MFA Thesis, Dancer's Workshop, and Zodiaque. In addition to performing, she's had the chance to choreograph for the 47th and 48th shows of Dancer's Workshop. Adriana also holds positions as a director of senior showcase and a recruitment assistant for incoming students.

Grace Wythe, a Senior BFA dance major, is thrilled to perform in Choreographers Showcase. With 18 years of training across all dance genres, she's honed her skills at Janet Dunstan's Dance Academy and Greater Niagara Ballet Company, gaining experience in performance, choreography, and teaching. Currently, Grace teaches at Tonawanda Dance Arts. Her UB credits include Zodiaque Dance Company, ChoreoLab, and Dancers Workshop, where she also choreographed. Grace's professional experience includes dancing at Art Park in Lewiston, NY, in The L'Oiseau Immersive Concert. She thanks her family, friends, and professors for their unwavering support and looks forward to sharing the stage with her friends.

Jessamy Zarragoitia grew up in Lancaster, New York, just outside the city of Buffalo, where she began her training at the age of 5 with Classical Ballet of Western New York under the direction of William Gentes and Susannah Dwyer. She danced as an apprentice for the Minnesota Ballet during the 2022-23 season and is currently studying at the University at Buffalo. Most recently, she has performed with Neglia Conservatory of Ballet, Onium Contemporary Ballet, and various UB productions such as Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase and Choreolab. Jessamy is delighted to once again perform in this showcase!

Allie Space (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman Theatre Tech/Design student and is excited to work on their second dance show this semester. Earlier in the season, they worked on Zodiaque Dance Company’s 51st show. They would like to thank the wonderful crew they got to work with as well as the rest of the production team. More thank yous to their family for the continued support, and to Ally Hasselback for her mentorship and assistance when joining this production.

Tarrin Kuehner (Lighting Designer) is a sophomore in mechanical engineering here at UB and is grateful for the opportunity by the lighting department to participate in designing this show as his first show at UB. He thanks all performers and other designers as well as everyone else involved in the show for their hard work, time, and effort put into this show.

Faith Marsala (Lighting Designer) is in her last semester of her junior year as a BFA Theatre Design/ Tech student and is thrilled to be lighting designing for the first time. She is extremely grateful to Lynne Koscielniak for her mentorship and her fellow students for helping to program her design. She would like to thank the company and crew for their dedication to the show. Finally, she would like to give a special thanks to her parents for supporting her throughout her college career. She hopes everyone enjoys the University at Buffalo’s production of Choreographers Showcase!

Dylan McGannon (Lighting Designer) is a senior Theatre BA with a concentration in design technology student. Born and raised in Cicero, NY. He is thrilled to contribute to his first lighting project! He previously worked as the Technical Director on Urinetown and in the spring will also be TD on Macbeth and Into The Woods. He thanks his fellow students that helped him learn along his lighting journey. He is also extremely grateful to his family and friends for their constant support and interest in his, sometimes crazy, endeavors.

Maili Novak (Lighting Designer/Assistant Lighting Designer) is currently a junior design/tech BFA. She is super excited to be involved with lighting for the first time. She thanks Lynne and her lighting 2 class for making it an amazing experience. At UB she was most recently on Urinetown as the stage manager and part of the build team. She is extremely grateful to her friends for all the moments of goofiness and whimsy they brought to the long hours, and for all their love and support through all her endeavors. A special thanks to Stage Management for calling the cues.

Chair/Artistic Director: Meredith Conti 
Associate Chair/Producing Director: Lynne Koscielniak  
Department Administrator: Veronica Sedota 
Senior Staff Assistant: Rob Falgiano 
Administrative Assistant: Kristin Mann 
Technical Director: Nick Quinn 
Production Manager: Ally Hasselback  
Asst. Technical Directors: Tom Burke and Erich Frank 
Scenic Artist and Head of Stage Properties: J. Marc Quattlebaum 
Scene Shop Instructional Support: Hannah D’Elia 
Costume Shop Manager: Max Levitt  
Asst. Costume Shop Manager: Cindy Darling 
Costume Shop Assistant: Judith Curtis 
Production Photographer: Eric Tronolone 

UB Theatre and Dance is honored to dedicate the 2025-26 production season to Professor Emeritus Saul Elkin and Professor Emeritus Vincent O’Neill, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the field of theatre and to our academic and artistic community. 

Throughout their distinguished careers, Professors Elkin and O’Neill have exemplified excellence in education, direction, and performance. Their visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the transformative power of theatre have shaped generations of artists and scholars, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. This dedication serves as a tribute to their enduring influence and a celebration of the profound impact they have made on our institution and the cultural life of our region.

The UB Department of Theatre and Dance is a proud member of the UB College of Arts and Sciences.

With a firm commitment to the advancement of creative research, experiential learning, and community engagement, the UBTHD 2025-2026 Production Season is administered by the Department of Theatre and Dance. We acknowledge our full faculty and staff for their part in preparing students for work on stage and behind the scenes.

We thank UB Center for the Arts for their support in making these productions possible.

UB Theatre and Dance wishes to acknowledge the generous continued philanthropic support of Fox Run at Orchard Park, an official contributing sponsor of the UBTHD 2025-2026 season.