Chris spent 15 years in corporate communications and public relations for companies like Target, Honeywell, Padilla, and CaringBridge. He then left the corporate world to create YoYo Donuts, an independent, award-winning donut shop. He successfully ran the business for nearly 15 years, before selling it in early 2023. His personal interest in disability began over two decades ago, when his twin daughters were unexpectedly born as micro-preemies. As a lifelong theatre fan, he was thrilled when they were able to experience inclusive theatre as part of Edina High School’s ‘Theatre For All’ program. Realizing that the majority of those inclusive opportunities ended after high school, he founded Unlabeled Theatre Company in early 2023, where he serves as its Executive Director.

Jessica Froehlich holds a BFA in Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College as well as a Master’s degree in Education from St. Thomas University. She received dance training from an early age, working with Italian ballet masters as well as Broadway veterans. Jess taught theatre, dance and English at Edina High School for nearly 25 years. During that tenure, some of the favorite shows she directed and choreographed include CHICAGO, A CHORUS LINE, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, which all received numerous Spotlight awards from the Hennepin Avenue Theatre Trust. She is the co-founder of ‘Theatre For All,’ the groundbreaking inclusive theatre program at Edina High School, which has become a model for inclusive high school theatre. She retired from EHS in June 2023, and joined Unlabeled Theatre Company as Artistic Director. A lifelong music lover, she is a master tour guide and tour guide trainer at Paisley Park, where she also serves as a Master of Ceremonies for world-class musical events.

Lisa taught special education at Edina High School for 20 years, working with students of all needs levels – from those with multiple/complex disabilities to neurotypical students. She is the other co-founder of ‘Theatre For All.’ Lisa created ArtWork Studios & ArtWork Kitchen, a vocational training program for students with disabilities. She was the founder and club advisor for Hornet Connections (later renamed Edina Unified,) the first program for students with and without disabilities at Edina High School. Lisa has been involved with Special Olympics Minnesota for 30 years – including as a coach, unified schools coordinator, team manager, and unified sports/youth leadership partner. She was head coach of the Edina Hornets, the first team with assisted athletes in Special Olympics MN. She established Hornet Connections / Edina Unified, which was one of the original four champion schools in Minnesota. Lisa was honored to be named Special Olympics MN Coach of the Year in 2002. She was also selected to coach the first MN United Unified Soccer team, in partnership with MN United FC. She also coached Team Minnesota, the basketball team for the first Special Olympics National Games.

Suzanne Reyburn is so happy to be collaborating with Unlabeled Theatre Company on this production. She has worked as a music director, accompanist, stage performer, and arts educator for over 30 years. Some favorite professional music directing credits include The Full Monty (Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud, MN and Paul Bunyan Playhouse in Bemidji, MN), Putnam County’s 25th Annual Spelling Bee (Paul Bunyan Playhouse), The Who’s Tommy (Minneapolis Musical Theatre), Jerry Springer-the Opera (Minneapolis Musical Theatre), Oliver (Bluff City Theater in Hannibal, MO) and Alice in Wonderland (Bluff City Theater). Some favorite performance roles include Claire (bare), Lily (The Secret Garden), Cinderella (Into the Woods), and The Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Suzanne is in her 26th year in the vocal music and theater departments at Totino-Grace High School working as a vocal instructor, choral conductor, collaborative pianist, music theater director, and teaching acting classes. Additionally she co-teaches two musical theater classes at Moore than Dance performing arts studio in Fridley. She has found such joy working with the UTC artists and shadow partners and is so excited to put these artists front and center to celebrate their artistic talents and passions.

Richard Graham (he/him) is excited to be working with Unlabeled again after designing SHREK. Recent designs include Artistry: RENT, NEWSIES; Guthrie: IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (assistant); CTC: FROZEN (assistant); Park Square: THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER; Teatro del Pueblo: LOVE IN A TIME OF HATE; Walking Shadow: FEAST; Fox and Beggar: VANAHEIMR. Mixing credits include Artistry, Latte Da, Theater Mu, Great Northern Festival/MN Opera. Richard is a member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association. richardgraham.net.

Joshua is the owner and operator of River Bottom Productions LLC, a scenic, lighting, sound and drapery company. Joshua has been an artistic and/or technical director, designer and technician over 27 years for various schools, community theater and professional groups, as well as countless events throughout the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest. This is his third show with Unlabeled. He received the 2010 Outstanding Young Jordanite Award for his dedication to providing theater opportunities for adults and kids in and around the Jordan area. His most recent work has been seen at Valleyfair, The Guthrie, Walker Art Center, Edina Public Schools and Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store. He has 3 children, Xander, Maxwell, and Zoey, who all love to see Daddy’s work and enjoy being both on stage and behind the scenes in their own productions. Special thanks to all the River Bottom Crew and an extra special thank you to Jamie for her love and support. Bravo to all the cast and crew on an outstanding production!

UTC Artists Rachel Espinosa, Rachel Moquist & Andrew Olson (with Lisa Hanson) designed and created the props and set pieces as part of Unlabeled Theatre's Technical Theatre Arts class.

Jack Anderson has always enjoyed the spotlight, and this experience with Unlabeled Theatre Company has been a new, exciting challenge. Unlabeled Theatre has allowed him to meet new people and make new friends with the actors and directors. He is excited to be serving on the tech crew for a new challenge. Previously, Jack made his theatrical debut in the role of Donkey in UTC's inaugural production of SHREK and recently appeared in their production of SPONGEBOB as Perch Perkins.

Graciela "Gracie" Ludke is happy to be serving on the tech crew! Previosly she appeared as Larry the Lobster in UTC's production of SPONGEBOB. A recent graduate of Edina High School, Gracie discovered her artistic voice through the innovative Theater For All program, created by Ms. Hanson and Ms. Froehlich. Performing the title role in MOANA sparked a profound change in her confidence. Since then, she has become an inspiration to others, proving that special needs are no barrier to artistic excellence. Her evolution demonstrates the power of inclusive theater to transform lives, both on and off the stage.

Jo Buckellew is a portrait artist based in Minneapolis, specializing in families and weddings. Jo studied Theater and Psychology at the University of Minnesota and dreamed of working in a theater for people with disabilities, which is part of the reason she is so excited to be working with Unlabeled Theater for another production. When she is not pursuing her creative interests, she is at home with her two daughters and trying new restaurants with her husband.