The Cast

Courtney Ay (Hermia)

Courtney Ay is a December 2009 graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, majoring in General Fine Arts and Book Arts. Born in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, one could say that Courtney has been performing as long as she has been drawing. Although she has performed in countless musicals and dramas over the years, including Leisel in "The Sound of Music", Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" and Martha Jefferson in "1776", "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is her first Shakespearean production! In recent years, Courtney's love for theater and dance has played a crucial role in defining her as a person and an artist, and though she is no longer a student, she is excited to have the opportunity to perform once again. She sends her love and gratitude to the cast and crew of A Midsummer Night's Dream and more importantly to all those who have inspired her to smile, dream and embrace the quirky, caring and creative person that she is.
Giovanni Flores (Lysander)

Born in Texas, to Venezuelan parents, Giovanni Flores, has always been interested in creating. Spending the majority of his youth using paint as his preferred medium of expression, he has now decided to broaden his horizon and try his hand at many arts. From acting to painting his only goal in life is to touch the heart of man, to force, through the power of creation, people to be a bit more honest with themselves. M.I.C.A.'s production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be his theatre debut and he fully intends to give the audience a view into their own hearts and a bit of optimism towards the ideals beauty,truth, and romance.
Meghan Morrison (Helena)

Meghan Rose Morrison is a junior General Fine Arts major at MICA whose recent work in jewelry has been captivated by the correlations among nourishment, sensuality and the female form. Having spent much of her younger years in several community theatre programs, Meghan has continued her love of the theatrical arts by contributing her creative practices to such performances as Oklahoma!, The Taming of the Shrew, and Charlotte's Web. Being the eldest of four, Meghan thrives working with others and has endless excitement and gratitude to all those involved in A Midsummer Night's Dream which is a quality production in all areas.
Phillip Jenkins (Demetrius)

Phillip Jenkins is a sophomore at MICA. He enjoys most things, if not all things. Currently, he is interested in film, illustration, and animation. He also woos with his silky smooth voice and makes guitars weep in his spare time. Fun Fact: He is also the second of his kind, a junior.
Bobby English (Oberon)

Hello, I am a Junior Drawing major currently attending MICA. I have always loved theatre and it's magic. My father was on Broadway for many years and this continues to inspire me. I am very happy to be a part of this production of Midsummer Nights Dream. This is the second show at MICA I have been a part of and I can't wait to get on the stage again.
Stephanie McKee (Titania)

Stephanie McKee, a painting major and Baltimore muralist, was born by the sea in St. Petersburg, Florida. She began performing at MICA with the 2009 aerial acrobatics production entitled "Look Up." Her love for the stage is inspired by her talented siblings, also involved in the performing arts. Stephanie would like to thank her home and church families, as well as her beau Jon, for all their love and support during this production. Also, endless amounts of thanks to the whole Midsummer's team for making this show happen.
Christina Howland (Puck)

Christina Howland heads up the counter-cultural undertaking "The Howland Underground," a concept which exists as an exercise in production of art as a lifestyle and lifestyle as art: An advocation of individualism, identity, and imagination. Both culture and the private life are maintained through installation, creation, education and spirituality of the self. She is currently studying painting full time at MICA and plans to become an undergraduate professor. She has had several solo shows as well as curating and organizing other artistic events. In her downtime, she performs in the variety/burlesque show "Viva La Decadence," co-directs (and performs in) films with the production team "Make-Out Movies," and heads up the rock and roll outfit "Jack Chick."
John Jennette (Theseus)

I chose to study animation because it combines two of my favorite things: drawing and acting. Studying at MICA has taken care of the first, and I am glad to be able to satisfy my acting urge by being a part of A Midsummer Night's Dream. After acting all through high school, I only got into acting in college during my final year; taking part in the MICA Thespians Club's production of 'Closer' and now joining the Rivals of the West for Midsummer. I'd like to thank my family, friends, and sweetheart Alyssa for all their support, as well as my fellow cast members and the entire crew of Midsummer for putting together such an enjoyable production.
Emi Macleod (Hippolyta)

As a freshman at MICA I'm glad that I could carry over my love for theatre from high school to college. Coming from an international school in Tokyo, I'm amazed and pleased that I can be part of the budding theatre arts programme. MICA's A Midsummer Night's Dream has really given me the opportunity not only to be a part of theatre, but also to get to know the MICA community more intimately
Way Spurr-Chen (Egeus)

Way is a freshman at MICA, planning to major in Video and Film major. He has some theater background, but this is the biggest production he has been in to date, and he loves it. Interested in many different things and involved in a number of different clubs at MICA (which all involve working with theatrics or the body of some sort), he couldn't resist the chance to join in on the production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Dellonese Isaac (Bottom)

Dellonese Isaac grew up with an appreciation for both visual and performing arts. The Junior GFA major from Baltimore is very excited to be back on the stage with the company for this new production. She'd like to thank her family for their love and encouragement and her Rude Mechanicals for all their amazing memories.
Kristi Stoyko (Quince)

Kristi Stoyko is a junior General Fine Arts major from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Her love of performance, be it vocal, on flute, dance, or acting brought her into the world of MICA theater after being involved in "Hair" this previous spring. After such a rewarding and beautiful experience there was no doubt that she would try again to be apart of another theater "family". As usual, she is trilled with the hard work and hilarious creativity brought forth by all cast, crew, and theater members and can not wait to share it once more with the community of Baltimore and MICA. Love to everyone who supports our rich artist community!
Zac Lawhon (Flute)

I am a MICA junior pursuing a bachelor's degree in General Fine Art and a master's in Teaching. When I found out that Rivals of the West was putting on a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, I knew I wanted to be in it-- wanted to get to know Shakespeare better, and sharpen my performing skills. This is the first play I've been in since Elementary school, and I'm really thrilled with how much I have learned by being a part of this production-- way more than I expected. The theater experience will nurture my creative writing, my art, and my future career as a teacher-- who knows? I might even do other plays in the future.
Rachel Verhaaren (Starveling)

Rachel Verhaaren is a junior photography major who has always had a passion for theater. As president of MICA's Thespian Club she has been involved in writing, directing and producing shows for the past two years. Rachel was thrilled to be a part of Rivals of the West's first ever musical, HAIR last year and is sure that A Midsummer Night's Dream will be just as successful (though unfortunately much less naked). She would like to thank everyone involved with the production, it would have been quite impossible without each and every one of you.
Alex Arnopol (Snout)

I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Midsummer Night's Dream, and to perform in MICA's second annual large scale theatrical production. It makes me pleased as punch to see MICA truly embracing the performing arts, something I have been involved in since I was a small child. I have always had a strong passion for theater, most likely due to my parents' passion for the arts. I have striven to be involved in theatrical production in any capacity, which has involved directing, producing, crew, but most often acting. I have performed in productions such as Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, Arthur Miller's All My Sons, William Shakespeare's Macbeth, Lee Blessing's Eleemosynary, and many others. I know that 2010's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will carry on the tradition of strong performing arts that 2009's HAIR! set the foundation for.
Andy Rader (Snug)

Andy Rader is a freshman hailing from Livingston, NJ. He's entering the MAT program with a Bachelor's in Painting. Having spent most of his high school career at Saint Peter's Prep on stage, he's thrilled to be able to continue showing his love for the performing arts in college. He thanks his family, friends, and especially his fellow Rude Mechanicals for adopting him so lovingly into their boisterously funny gang.
Cory Cone (Philostrate)

Cory Cone was born in Bremerton, Washington. He was whisked away to Newport, Rhode Island as an infant and eventually ended up in Tiverton, Rhode Island where he grew up. At 18 he decided to move to Baltimore, Maryland to attend MICA. While at MICA he met his wife, Nathalie and they were wed in 2009. He now works full time at MICA in the Financial Aid department. He enjoys painting, electronic music, and video games.
Meghan Walsh (Peaseblossom)

Meghan Walsh is a Junior Illustration major who enjoys frolicking about and doing ridiculous things for the sake of theater. She is apart of the Haunted House Club and Your New Commanders; the MICA cast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and has played the role of Janet for the past two years.
Mia Fiorentio (Moth)

I'm Mia Fiorentino, also known as Moth the Fairy, and I'm a freshman at MICA. I hail from central New Jersey, and my major will most likely be Painting or Fibers with a minor in Literary Studies. As a former high school drama nerd, I'm thrilled to be able to be a part of MICA's production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." I've participated in a handful of musicals and plays, but never a Shakespeare production, and this has been a really wonderful opportunity to try something new, read a little Shakespeare, and get to know some new, great people. To the whole cast and crew, break a leg!
Libby Landauer (Cobweb)

Libby is a Painting major and Illustration concentration at MICA. She has always loved all forms of the arts, and is delighted to be a part of her favorite Shakespeare production! Libby has been involved in many plays throughout childhood and high school, and is excited to now be a part of the MICA theater community! Much love to everyone in the company, you are all amazing!
Tessa Mullins (Mustardseed)

Tessa Mullins is a sophomore, majoring in Fiber at the Maryland Institute. This is her second appearance in Shakespeares "A Midsummer Night's Dream". She is a graduate of the Oldfields School in Glencoe, Maryland where she participated in many school plays including "The Children's Hour", "Peter Pan" and "Arsenic and Old Lace". She is grateful to of had the opportunity to be part of such a lively and talented group of people. Enjoy the show!