We welcome you to Zodiaque Dance Company's 51^st fall concert, which embodies our commitment to presenting University at Buffalo dance majors in diverse styles of movement - including contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop and modern. We are proud to be involved in the development of the next generation of performers, designers, choreographers, teachers, and scholars, who will make an impact in the field of dance. ZDC has become a source of inspiration on campus and in the Buffalo community over the last five decades and is energized by the process of sharing.

Enjoy the concert!

Kerry & Michael

“When all of this is over”
Choreographer: Rachael Leonard
Dancers: Gia Antonini, Vic Bruce, Erinn Cosgrove, Mario Liguori, Kiera Oppelt, Selena Pereyra, Abby Postle, William Schmidt
Understudy: Mackenzie Leone
Costumes: Mackenzie Leone
Music: “When All of This is Over” by the Westerlies, “How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson, “Roy the King” by Time Groove
Program Note: In this contemporary ballet, the dancers explore the intimate connection between love and breath.

“Step up to the Front”
Choreographer(s): Rebekah Bono in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Nathan Eck, Lauren Guarna, Ella Hankinson, Jenna Hartke, Grace Rezin, Violet Schraver, Audree Woods
Understudy: Ava Crean
Costumes: Violet Schraver
Music: “Step Up to the Front” by Leigh Gracie, “Move on Up” by Curtis Mayfield, “If You Want Me to Stay” by Sly & The Family Stone, “Stomp!” by The Brothers Johnson
Program Note: This piece is inspired by the celebratory nature of funk music, reminding everyone that “It’s okay to DANCE”.

“Groupthink”
Choreographer: Kurt Adametz
Dancers: Gia Antonini, Sarah Chowaniec, Nathan Eck, Ella Hankinson, Mario Liguori, William Schmidt, Adriana Vetcha
Understudy: Kiera Oppelt
Costumes: Ella Hankinson
Music: "And Still They Move/Flight" by Colin Stetson and Sarah Neufeld, “Cadence” by Travis Lake
Program Note: This contemporary jazz piece is a playful exploration of the psychological phenomenon of the same name.

“Homecoming of the Queens”
Choreographer: Arianna Dixie
Dancers: Vic Bruce, Erinn Cosgrove, Lauren Guarna, Mackenzie Leone, Selena Pereyra, Ariana Parsons, Abby Postle, Violet Schraver, Adriana Vetcha, Audree Woods, Jasmine White, Grace Wythe
Understudy: Ella Hankinson
Costumes: Erinn Cosgrove
Music: “Lose My Breath” by Beyoncé, “Diva” by Beyoncé, “Bow Down” by Beyoncé
Program Note: This group hip hop dance embodies the ambience of live music lead by a powerful and strong group of female dancers.

~15-Minute Intermission~

“DRIVEN”
Choreographer(s): Kerry Ring and Dancers
Dancers: Vic Bruce, Sarah Chowaniec, Erinn Cosgrove, Ava Crean, Nathan Eck, Jenna Hartke, Mario Liguori, Ariana Parsons, William Schmidt, Violet Schraver, Jasmine White, Grace Wythe
Understudy: Audree Woods
Costumes: Max Levitt
Music: “Concerto in D Minor” composed by Charles Avison after Dominico Scarlatti; performed by Cafe Zimmermann
Program Note: This group modern dance is a study about the passionate motivation to achieve a personal goal.

“Whole in the Bottom of the Sea"
Choreographer(s): Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis
Dancers: Ava Crean, Lauren Guarna, Jenna Hartke, Mackenzie Leone, Selena Pereyra, Grace Rezin
Understudy: Abby Postle
Costumes: Selena Pereyra
Music: “Whole in Bottom of the Sea” arrangement and vocals by Grace Galu
Sound design: Chanon Judson
Program Note: "Whole in the Bottom of the Sea" is an excerpt of Urban Bush Women's "Haint Blu," a modern dance-theater work that takes an embodied look into the movements, histories and stories of our elders and ancestors to examine what has been lost across generations and what can be recovered.

“Queen Bee”
Choreographer: Michael Deeb Weaver
Dancers: Sarah Chowaniec, Kiera Oppelt, Ariana Parsons, Grace Rezin, Adriana Vetcha, Jasmine White, Grace Wythe
Understudy: Giovanna Antonini
Costumes: Grace Wythe
Music: “It's a Man's Man's Man's World” written by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome, performed by Celine Dion; “Maybe This Time” written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, performed by Liza Minnelli; “Queen Bee” written by Rupert Holmes, performed by Barbra Streisand
Program Note: This jazz dance piece showcases seven dancers embodying the spirit, energy, charisma, and allure of live musicians onstage in a nightclub-style performance.

“Z’BOWS” (2012/2025)
Choreographer: Tom Ralabate
Dancers: ZDC Company
Costumes: Kerry Ring
Music: “Rock Prelude” by David Garrett
Program Note: The signature Z’BOWS is a powerful spectacle of movement and emotional energy, dedicated to all lovers of dance who have shared those creative and gifted moments with ZDC as a performer, choreographer, designer, technician, friend, or audience member - dream big and dance often.

ZDC dedicates Z’BOWS to the loving memory of Distinguished Professor Saul Elkin and Professor Vincent O’Neill, and to all lovers of dance who have shared those creative and gifted moments with ZDC as performers, choreographers, designers, technicians, friends, or audience members.

Kerry Ring, Teaching Professor of Dance at the University at Buffalo, is a choreographer who creates works with various levels of collaborative investigation, teaches ballet and modern dance techniques and is director of Zodiaque Dance Company. She received her BFA in Dance at the University of New Mexico and her MFA in Choreography from Mills College in Oakland, CA. Kerry is core faculty for Dance Master’s of America, certified in Ultra Barre, Kriya Yoga and the Cecchetti Method. For more information visit: kerryaring.com

Michael Deeb Weaver (he/him) is co-director of Zodiaque Dance Company, and a faculty member at the University at Buffalo, where he teaches jazz, tap, and musical theatre dance. In addition to his academic work, Michael’s recent choreographic credits include Sweet Charity (Kavinoky Theatre – Artie nominee), Merrily We Roll Along (Second Generation Theatre), Grease and Sister Act (Starring Buffalo), and Fursona Non Grata (First Look Buffalo). He has served on faculty at Nazareth University, Dance Masters of America, the Chautauqua Institution, and at Steps on Broadway in New York City. An accomplished dancer and actor, Michael’s performance credits have taken him all over the world. He holds his BFA in Dance from the University at Buffalo, and he is proud to continue the long tradition of excellence in the UB Dance program and in Zodiaque Dance Company.

Gia Antonini is in her sophomore year as a Dance and Public Health major, obtaining her BA in Dance and following the Occupational Therapy track at UB. She grew up dancing in Westchester, New York, where she has lived her entire life. Gia danced at Westchester Dance Academy from age 10 until graduating high school. This is where she was able to grow and discover her love for dance. Gia has always known that she wants to pursue her passion for dance. After auditioning for UB’s dance program, she immediately knew it was the place for her. She has spent her time here pursuing both dance and academics. She is incredibly thankful to have so many friends who love and support her each and every day. Gia is honored to be a part of Zodiaque Dance Company and all the amazing opportunities it offers.

Sarah Chowaniec is a second-year member of Zodiaque Dance Company. She trained at Elite Dance Company, where she found her passion for dance and learned the importance of versatility. Sarah is especially grateful to the faculty at EDC for shaping her into the dancer she is today. Over the past two years, she has enjoyed teaching at her home studio and developed a love for sharing her knowledge of dance with younger students. Sarah would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support. She feels fortunate to be part of the Zodiaque legacy.

Erinn Cosgrove is excited for her second season with Zodiaque Dance Company! Erinn 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. During her time at UB, Erinn has performed in many departmental productions including ChoreoLab, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, MFA Thesis, Dancers Workshop, and The Pajama Game. She is grateful to her castmates, choreographers, and the production team for creating another amazing show!

Ava Crean has been dancing since age 2. Ever since she could walk, Ava was dancing. She grew up training at Mary Alice’s Dance Studio, located in Orchard Park, New York. This is where she found her passion and love for dance. When deciding what she wanted to pursue in college and as a career, Ava knew it would be dance. She is currently a sophomore Dance major obtaining her BA degree at the University at Buffalo. Since coming to UB, the dance program has pushed her to become the best version of herself and has provided an incredible environment filled with supportive professors and friends. Ava is thankful and honored to be a part of Zodiaque Dance Company and its amazing legacy at UB.

Nathan Eck is a senior Dance major at UB from Long Island, New York. His passion for dance began at a young age, training competitively at Legacy Dance Center and later studying 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, as a featured dancer in Starring Buffalo's production of Grease, and as a performer in Stanzi Vaubel's Indeterminacy Festival. Dancing at the University at Buffalo has enhanced his versatility and fueled his ambition to dance professionally. Nathan is a member of Zodiaque Dance Company and serves as an assistant to the directors for the 2025–2026 season. In addition to performing, Nathan has choreographed works for Choreographer's Showcase and Dancer's Workshop. He is very grateful to continue dancing and choreographing.

Lauren Guarna is a senior BFA Dance major with a minor in Education. She is honored to serve as the ACDA assistant and the current director of Dancers Workshop. Lauren grew up in Brewster, New York, where she attended Seven Star School of Performing Arts from the age of 2. She was given many opportunities growing up, including being part of the USA Tap Team, which 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 has a passion for choreographing and currently has the opportunity to choreograph for Choreographers Showcase this semester. She values all the opportunities Zodiaque has brought her and is honored to be part of its legacy.

Ella Hankinson is a junior at the University at Buffalo, double majoring in Dance and Communications. Originally from Buffalo, she has trained extensively in styles such as tap, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. During her time at UB, she has performed in Emerging Choreographers Showcase, ChoreoLab, and has choreographed for Dancers Workshop. Ella also serves as the junior class representative. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to perform with Zodiaque Dance Company and can’t wait to share the stage alongside such talented artists.

Jenna Hartke is a senior Dance major, acquiring her BFA at UB. She is the current UB Dance merch representative and one of the recruitment assistants within the department. Jenna was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up in Orchard Park, New York for most of her life. She trained at Mary Alice’s Dance Studio, where she discovered her love for dance and knew it would be her lifelong passion. Her dance teachers and family’s support made her dream feel attainable and worth pursuing. Without them, Jenna would not be where she is today. Since coming to UB, she has continued her training in jazz, modern, ballet, and tap. Jenna’s strong love for movement and her individual artistry have shaped her into the person she is today.

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 discovered her love for dance. She has 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 has performed in many departmental shows including MFA Thesis, ChoreoLab, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, and Dancers Workshop. Mackenzie is excited to be performing as a first-year member of Zodiaque Dance Company.

Mario Liguori is a senior at the University at Buffalo. He will be graduating this spring with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Psychology. He is a member of the Honors College and a Collegiate Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. Mario is thrilled to be performing in his third year with ZDC. He recently performed in Lancaster Opera House’s production of Crazy For You (Junior) and will appear in MusicalFare’s production of Hairspray this May. Mario is eternally grateful for his friends, professors, and especially his parents!

Kiera Oppelt is a second-year Zodiaque Dance Company member. She is a third-year Dance major at the University at Buffalo, also majoring in Statistics. Originally from Rochester, NY, she grew up training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, and acrobatics. In addition to Zodiaque, Kiera has participated in other departmental shows since coming to UB, including Emerging Choreographers Showcase, Choreolab, and Dancers Workshop. She is thrilled for her junior year and excited to continue being part of the Zodiaque legacy.

Vic Oshman-Bruce is excited to be a part of Zodiaque Dance Company once again! She is a junior BFA Dance major at the University at Buffalo and has participated in many departmental productions since her first year. Since the age of 2, Vic has had the pleasure of training in various dance styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop, and musical theater, among many others. This past summer, she performed in Sotto Voce’s Grit and Silk as a dancer and helped debut an original dance piece at this year’s Lewiston Jazz Festival with fellow ZOD company members. Vic is also an avid storyteller and would love to thank her mother and brother for supporting her artistic endeavors!

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 developed her love for the art of dance. Ariana knew from a young age that dance was her passion and something she wanted to pursue. After auditioning for UB's dance program, she was certain it was the place for her. She has spent her time here training and working toward her goals with her best friends. She thanks her loved ones and everyone who supports her journey. Ariana is honored and beyond grateful to be a part of the amazing legacy that is Zodiaque Dance Company.

Selena Pereyra is a senior Dance and Psychology major and a Presidential Scholar in the Honors Program at the University at Buffalo. She serves as Student Assistant to the Director of Undergraduate Dance and the Emerging Choreographers Showcase. She founded Choreo Club and created a program bringing UBTHD students to perform in nursing homes. She has traveled to Guatemala with JUNTOS, offering dance workshops and performances in underserved communities. Selena has performed in multiple UB dance showcases and is a recipient of the Lucille and Jack Yellen Award. She looks forward to her second season with Zodiaque Dance Company.

Abby Postle is a junior BA Dance and Psychology major at UB. Originally from Rochester, NY, she grew up training in ballet, modern, tap, and jazz at Sandy Stramonine School of Dance starting at the age of 5. She has performed in Emerging Choreographers Showcase, Choreolab, and Dancers Workshop throughout her time at UB, and is looking forward to performing with Zodiaque Dance Company for its 51st season.

Grace Rezin is a senior and second-year member of Zodiaque Dance Company 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 the Giordano Dance School, Point Park University Summer Intensive, and Midwest Dance Collective. At UB, she has performed in many shows including Emerging Choreographers Showcase, MFA Thesis, Choreolab, and Dancers Workshop. Grace is also choreographing for Choreographers Showcase this fall. She is a Student Recruitment Assistant to Michael Deeb Weaver this year. Her love for jazz dance has grown immensely throughout her three years at UB, thanks to guest artists and the incredible jazz program at UB Dance. Grace is incredibly excited to be a part of this legacy and to continue sharing her love for dance at UB and beyond!

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 Zodiaque Dance Company. He has attended the Dance Masters of America intensive at UB and performed in Newsies at 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 has assisted, substituted, and taught classes from a young age and currently teaches while hoping to pursue a professional career after college.

Violet Schraver is a junior BFA Dance major with a Law minor. Violet is from Rochester, NY, and trained at Fitzsimmons Dance Factory for 13 years in various styles. She teaches Pilates in the fitness instruction program at UB and has the pleasure of assistant directing Dancers Workshop. Long-term, Violet hopes to continue her dance career in New York City, working commercially. She would like to thank the UB Dance staff for allowing her to be a part of Zodiaque Dance Company and for providing her with so many incredible opportunities. Violet also thanks her family for continually supporting her dance aspirations and making her dreams a reality—she would not be where she is today without them.

Adriana Vetcha is a senior at the University at Buffalo, pursuing a BFA in Dance. Originally from Rockland County, New York, she discovered her passion for dance at age 11 during her first ballet class, which led her to explore various styles including modern, contemporary, jazz, tap, musical theatre, and acro. She received extensive training at the Edge Dance Company, Steeltoes Dance, Broadway Dance Center, and the Joffrey Ballet School. While at UB, Adriana has performed in Emerging Choreographers Showcase, MFA Showcase, Choreolab, MFA Thesis, Dancers Workshop, and Zodiaque. In addition to performing, she has choreographed for the 47th and 48th anniversary shows of Dancers Workshop. Adriana also serves as a director of Senior Showcase and as one of the recruitment assistants for incoming students. She is inspired to continue her passion for dance and cannot wait to perform in this year’s Zodiaque show!

Jasmine White is a senior BFA Dance and Psychology double major who has been a member of Zodiaque Dance Company for three years. 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, which was one of her favorite styles growing up. At UB, Jasmine has performed in numerous shows including Zodiaque Dance Company performances, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, Choreolab, and Dancers Workshop. She also choreographed for Dancers Workshop during her sophomore year and is currently choreographing for Choreographers Showcase this semester. Throughout her undergraduate career at UB, she has grown more confident in her skills and gained a deeper appreciation for the art of dance. Jasmine is excited to see where her final year at UB takes her!

Audree Woods is a senior BFA Dance and Musical Theatre major with a minor in Management. She is also a member of the Honors College. Audree played Jane Doe in UBTHD's production of Ride the Cyclone and most recently starred as Polly Baker in Crazy for You at the Lancaster Opera House. She spent her summer in NYC training with the Verdon/Fosse Legacy. You can see her work in Choreographers Showcase later this semester and as Amber Von Tussle in MusicalFare's production of Hairspray next May. Audree would like to thank her family, friends, professors, and the entire Zodiaque team for making her senior year one to remember!

Grace Wythe is a senior BFA Dance major, excited to be performing with Zodiaque Dance Company for a third year. Grace is honored to be one of the student assistants to the directors for this season of Zodiaque. She has trained in all genres of dance for the past 18 years at various studios, including Janet Dunstan's Dance Academy and Greater Niagara Ballet Company, where she has had many opportunities to perform, choreograph, and teach in recent years. Grace is currently teaching at Tonawanda Dance Arts. She has also danced in many shows at UB, including Emerging Choreographers Showcase, Choreolab, and Dancers Workshop, where she also had the opportunity to choreograph. Grace danced professionally at Artpark in Lewiston, NY in The L'Oiseau Immersive Concert. She would like to thank her family, friends, and professors for their continuous support. Grace is excited to perform on stage with all her best friends.

Kurt Adametz, originally from Northampton, MA, is a dancer, educator, and choreographer currently based in Buffalo, NY. Upon receiving his BA in Hispanic Studies from Wheaton College in Boston, Kurt was offered a full scholarship to train at the Giordano Dance School in Chicago. He went on to dance for Giordano II, the second company to Giordano Dance Chicago, as well as appearing as a Principal Dancer for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and as a guest artist with several other Chicago dance companies. In 2010, Kurt moved to Buffalo to dance for the Jon Lehrer Dance Company. He spent 8 years dancing for the company, including 5 years as Rehearsal Director. His work with JLDC allowed him to both perform and teach at esteemed institutions across the US, as well as in Europe and Russia. Before retiring from performing, he performed as a dancer and aerialist for Holland America Cruise Lines. Locally, Kurt is on faculty at the University at Buffalo as well as several other studios, while also traveling nationally to teach and choreograph for students of all ages.

Rebekah Bono is a dance instructor, performer, choreographer, and administrator currently pursuing her MFA in Dance at UB. In her 15th year of teaching, she has previously served as adjunct professor of dance at Mary Baldwin University and as Lead Faculty of tap, jazz, hip hop, modern/contemp, and ballet at both Cora Dance in Bk and VDT in Va. She currently teaches technique courses at UB and has joined the faculty of Elite Dance Company. Rebekah has 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 theatrical productions. She has managed several education programs, teaching-training programs, directed youth companies, and produced performances. Rebekah uses dance to inspire creativity, tell stories, practice discipline, and create meaningful relationships.

Mame Diarra Speis-Biaye (she/her) is a mother, movement improviser, and former Co-Artistic Director of Urban Bush Women. Her work explores play, risk, duration, and ancestral memory. She co-created Haint Blu, a site-responsive performance rooted in healing and lineage. Speis-Biaye has performed with artists such as Liz Lerman, makini jumatatu poe, Deborah Hay, and Marjani Forté-Saunders, and received a Bessie Award and Alvin Ailey New Directions Lab residency. She developed the Liberated Pelvis practice and has taught nationally and internationally, including at Princeton and Montclair State. Recent projects include collaborations with Leslie Parker and the Toni Morrison Project at McCarter Theatre.

Rachael Humphrey-Leonard is originally from Buffalo, NY, where she studied dance at the American Academy of Ballet. Rachael is a 2010 graduate of SUNY Potsdam and has performed pieces by many professional companies including Bridgman/Packer Dance, Configurations Dance Theater and Danny Grossman Dance Company. In 2010 Rachael began her professional dance career with former dance company Lehrer Dance. She served as a concert dance performer as well as teacher for Lehrer dance from 2010-2017. During this time Rachael held the title as Education and Outreach Director and taught countless classes not only across Buffalos school system but internationally. Rachael teaches dance for Hoffman’s school for Dance, Stepping out Dance Academy and David de Marie dance studio. This will be her second time creating a work for Zodiaque Dance Company.

Chanon Judson is an investigative-innovator. She makes by way of dance-theatre, performance, visual design, and the curation of art-based communal practices that encourage play, self reflection and engagement with jazz as an organizing aesthetic. Chanon is a Visiting Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo. She served as Co-Artistic Director and ensemble performer with the Urban Bush Women. Choreographic credits include “Haint Blu,” “Hair and Other Stories” (UBW), “The Priestess of Twerk” (Nia Witherspoon), “The Hang” (Taylor Mac, Niegel Smith), “Cannabis! A Viper Vaudeville” (La Mama, Talvin Wilks) “The Invention of Tragedy” (Flea Theatre, Meghan Finn). Performance-Collaborator Credits include, Dancing with Glass - The Piano Etudes (Pomegranate Arts), Snake Hips in our DNA (Talvin Wilks), A 24-Decade History of Popular Music (Taylor Mac, Niegel Smith), and the Tony award winning musical Fela! (Bill T. Jones)."

Arianna Lee is a dancer and choreographer from Buffalo, New York. She started dancing at the age of 3 years old and started competing/training professionally at 14 years old with the Future Dance Center’s performance company. Arianna trained in styles of ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. She has choreographed and danced for local artists, assisted and taught on Empire Dance convention, and now teaches and choreographs for the Future Dance Center. Arianna plans to continue spreading her knowledge and passion in the dance arts, and continuing to guide aspiring artists.

Tom Ralabate (Mr. Tom), Professor Emeritus of Dance, is a past UB Theatre and Dance chair and a past artistic director of ZDC.  With his sister Kip, he was a United States Latin Ballroom Dance Champion and representative at the World Latin Dance Championships. Tom is the third Ivy Hall Foundation Award recipient, first awarded to Gene Kelly and presented by DMA. Other UB/professional awards include a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities, the Artistic Achievement Award (CNADM), a Dance Teacher Magazine Award, and a DTCB Lifetime Member Award. Scholarships in his name are presented yearly through his UB endowments for Dance and Design & Technology.  Proud to have a 50-year affiliation with ZDC, Tom appears in the documentary Gus, an American Icon, and the HBO Max documentary film UPROOTED.

Alyvia Christensen (Graduate Assistant to the Directors) is a MFA Dance candidate at the University at Buffalo and is thrilled to be the Graduate Assistant for Zodiaque Dance Company 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, being a choreographer and dancer in Dancing in the Light III in 2024 at Niagara University, and co-choreographing Rent in 2024 at Niagara University.

Aidan Sumrall (Stage Manager) is a senior Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, & Theatre Technology student and is thrilled to be stage managing his 1st Zodiaque performance. He is extremely grateful for his family and friends for their support and would like to thank both his design team and dance team for their constant hard work and dedication. He would also like to give a special thanks to Melinda Lamoreux, Ally Hasselback, Joyce Cheng, and Elisabetta Antonacci for their mentorship. Production credits: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella, 9 To 5: The Musical, Outrage, Ride the Cyclone, No Exit, Three Sisters. Theatrical Credits: Puffs. Instagram - Aid_in_the_fight

Allie Space (Assistant Stage Manager)

Lyla Wasilewsk (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman Theater Studies BA student who is excited to be participating in her first college theater experience. She would like to thank her family, and friends for their continuous support, as well as Lynne Koscielniak and Ally Hassleback for entrusting her with this position.

Lisa Gallagher (Technical Director/Lighting Designer/Head Theatre Electrician)

Max Levitt (Costume Designer)

Kay O’Sullivan (Sound and Projection Designer/Videographer/Electrician/Costume Shop Assistant)

Chris Ochman (Production Electrician/Sound Supervisor)

Marcus Harter (Projection Supervisor/Videographer/Lighting Programmer)

Leo Muck (Assistant Technical Director)

Layla Cafaro (Wardrobe Supervisor)

Fly Ops/Deck Hands: Makayla Garrett, Grace Lamanna (Fly Captain), Kira Sethi 
Wardrobe Supervisor: Layla Cafaro
Dressers: Amanda Hatfield, Shannon Nephew, Kelly Root
Costume Shop Assistant/Light Board Operator: Kathleen Isaacs 
Sound Board Operator: Taylor Hannah

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
Assistant 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 
Assistant Costume Shop Manager/Wardrobe Head: Cindy Darling
Costume Shop Assistant: Judith Curtis
Production Photographer: Eric Tronolone

Meredith Conti
Cynthia Darling
Kate DeRosa
Stephanie Genco Gasiecki
Eero Laine
Paul Liguori
Lynne Koscielniak
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!

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.