The Cagebirds and Us and Them Creative
Director
Michelle McGowanMichelle has been in several productions over the years, but this is the first time she has ever had to herd lemmings. She now understands why it is not often done. Michelle would like to remind the audience that this is not a democracy. It is, in fact, a monarchy and she is the Queen. She can be addressed as Your Highness or Your Majesty. Bowing in Michelle’s presence is mandatory and is an acceptable alternative if your curtsey is sub-par. Michelle would like to say, “Much Thanks!” to the cast and remind them that the lack of bestowing knighthoods to the cast was not an oversight.
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Stage Manager
Don BalascoJoe “Papa” Don has been working in local theatre for the past 15 years. He has worked upstairs and downstairs, inside and out. He has worked with everyone, even the lout. He's worked schools and churches and theatres both small and large, he's even worked on a barge (not really but it rhymes). He's been up stage and down and all around town. He's done both the tech and the acting, and sets in the making. And now, yes, verse in a bio. He's loved it all even in fall. But most of beloved of all is this cast and crew. Break a leg everyone.
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Set Construction
Tom Liszkais an Associate Professor Emeritus of English at Penn State Altoona. He's a former Artistic Director of Things Unseen Theatre, but still remains active with the organization and with ACT and CLP. He acts, directs, builds sets, and runs the pinrail. He once upstaged Charlton Heston, and he can play the William Tell Overture on his teeth with a plastic pen. He loves his family, the Cubs, and Geoffrey Chaucer.
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Lighting and Sound Design
Matt Michrinais very excited to be a part of The Cagebirds and Us and Them! Matt is a frequent Things Unseen contributor as a director (The Waverly Gallery, 2 Across, 45 Plays for 45 Presidents, The River, Boeing Boeing), stage manager, and lighting and sound designer. He is also very excited to be taking over as Things Unseen's Co-Artistic Director and Production Manager in May! Matt is also active with Altoona Community Theatre, where he recently directed Angel Street. In his spare time, Matt works in the Marketing Department at Sheetz and enjoys spending time with his cats Prince Berenger and Chip Potts, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and watching Star Trek and Doctor Who.
Costumes
Bonnie ResinskiCostume design satisfies Bonnie’s interest in archeology by researching historical clothing. Costume construction allows her to engage in all manner of sewing and craft techniques.
She designed and built costumes for 233 Saint Francis College/University productions directed by her late husband, Kenny Resinski. She is the Costume Wardrobe Manager for the Costume Consultation Service of Saint Francis University Center for Fine Arts. Having designed costumes for Michelle’s ACT production of Little Women, Bonnie is happy to be designing for her cast again.
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Props
Cindy BaneyCindy did props for this show and has done many other shows. She likes shows.
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Light/Sound Crew
Dan Kereseyhas run tech for many shows for Things Unseen. He has even taken to the stage a few times. Dan took some time off, but is thrilled to be back and doing this again!
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Production Manager
Valerie StrattonAfter retiring as a psychology professor at Penn State Altoona, Valerie, together with Jody Hesley, co-founded Things Unseen Theatre in 2011. She has performed and worked behind the scenes in numerous shows in the area over the past 30-plus years. She thanks the cast and crew for the many hours of work they put into the making of this show. “It is now with very mixed emotions that I am stepping down as the Production Manager and Co-Artistic Director of Things Unseen since I will be moving out of the area to be closer to my son and family. It’s been a wonderful run of over 12 years and more than 40 productions. I am so proud of and thankful to the many dedicated actors and crew members who have made this theatre company successful. And of course many thanks to our faithful audience members and supporters. But the future of Things Unseen is in good hands with Matt Michrina and Emily Evey taking over and they have three more excellent shows planned for the rest of the year. I hope you’ve enjoyed this show and others you may have seen, and will come back for more Things Unseen productions.”
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Social Media Manager
Emily EveySince 2016, Emily has been involved with local community theatre, wearing many different hats in various theatre organizations throughout Central PA and at the national and international level. When outside of the theatre, you might find Emily trying to change the world one day at a time or taking time to enjoy her hobbies of dungeons and dragons, watching TV, fiber arts, or, occasionally, cat huffing.