Carl F. Gilmore is excited to bring his experience on stage, behind the scenes, and front of house to continue to build Playnfield Players community theatre as a founding board member. He is honored to be able to direct “The Dining Room” as our second summer production, after directing the first two versions of "A Christmas Carol" the last two Decembers and “Our Town” in July of 2025. He has been involved in the theatrical world in some way for over 35 years. From acting, singing and directing, to designing and constructing, to box office and house management, he's done it all. Performance highlights include Konstantin in "The Seagull," The Gentleman Caller in "The Glass Menagerie," Jack Worthington in "The Importance of Being Earnest," Andrew Rally in "I Hate Hamlet," and Pilate in "Jesus Christ, Superstar." Carl has been working in the higher ed world for over 20 years, currently in change management with Alchemy, partnering with institutions moving to Workday. He also serves as Board President of the Plainfield Area Public Library, who marked their 100th anniversary last year, and who are celebrating the completion of their recent renovation and expansion. Carl is thankful to his family for their support in all his endeavors, especially his wife Jennifer, whom he met doing theatre many moons ago.

Jax is making his second appearance as Assistant Director, after doing the same for Playnfield Players’ performance of "Our Town" last year. He has also played the Ghost of Christmas Present in their first production, "A Christmas Carol," in 2024, and Jacob Marley in 2025. He is also a published author, award-winning costume designer, amateur blacksmith and Dungeon Master for kids at a local game store when not doing theater. Huge thanks to his beautiful wife, Diane, and his kids, Evie and Ray for all their support and putting up with him being so busy with theater!

This is Krystyna’s fourth stint as stage manager for the Playnfield Players. She is excited to see new faces join the cast. Her utmost respect goes to the design and production crew for their hard work during this brutal summer to create the delightful set we are enjoying today. Her first time in the role was with the debut Players’ performance of "A Christmas Carol" which she's now helmed a second time, and she served in the same role for last summer's "Our Town." Her theater credits include Co-Director of “[Brackets]” (One Act Play) at The Riverfront Playhouse and Assistant Stage Manager for “Between Riverside and Crazy” at The Riverfront Playhouse. Besides her work in theater, she enjoys traveling to see new parts of the world.

Deb has been designing theatrical sets since high school. Though retired now from teaching, she was set designer & tech director for 30 plus productions during her tenure as an art teacher at Plainfield Central. "The Dining Room" is Deb's 3rd show with the Playnfield Players. She is excited about being involved with the theatre again and she is looking forward to many more productions. This has been an ongoing dream for Deb since those high school days. Deb also wishes to thank Ed, her husband of 50 years, for his ongoing support in all her creative endeavors!

Jake Long will be a sophomore at Plainfield North High School. He is a theater tech student at the Paramount School of the Arts. Jake has designed and operated lights for "A Christmas Carol" and "Our Town," (Playnfield Players); "Shrek Jr." (Plainfield Children's Theatre); "Newsies, Jr.," "Lion King, Jr.," "Mary Poppins" (IJMS) and "Frozen Jr." (HGMS) and many more. Jake will be a part of the lighting team for the 2027 Illinois High School All-State production of "Something Rotten!" Jake is thrilled to be a part of another Playnfield Players Production.

Kelley has been involved in theater since high school. She has enjoyed creating many costumes for IT Productions. Her Playnfield Players productions include A Christmas Carol 2024-2025, and Our Town. Kelley is excited to be a part of the 2026 production of "The Dining Room". Retirement after 35 years of teaching has become a whirlwind of color, texture, design and history lessons! It is wonderful to dream, plan and collaborate with talented, dedicated people. It is her hope that each costume helps in a small way to inspire the actor and enrich the audience's experience.

Emily is currently a second year BFA Stage Management student at Michigan State University. She is grateful to be returning to the Playnfield Players for her 3rd production with the team where she has led the set construction as well as working as an assistant stage manager during performances. Some of her other recent credits include "A Sherlock Carol" (ASM/ Williamston Theatre), "Echoes From the Banks of the Red Cedar" (ASM/ MSU), and "Othello" (Assistant Technical Director/ MSU). She thanks the cast, crew, and everyone who has helped bring this vision to life! And of course GO GREEN!