Cast & Creative Team

Katlyn Aubitz

Company Member since 2017

Katlyn was overjoyed to perform in Feast of Fools and Hot Funky Butt Jazz with Interact. “I [now] feel like an actress…the costume and the set made me feel like my character was there,” she giggled, “I like acting, it’s my favorite thing to do. I feel happy hanging out with new friends and dancing. I feel free dancing, doing anything [where] you move.” Katlyn says that part of what inspired her to pursue acting was a fondness of films and she draws inspiration from that for her work in rehearsal. Additionally, Katlyn models for ARC and participates in various pageants and public speaking events.

Doree Bogrow

Company Member since 2007

Doree says that she knew she wanted to do theater ever since she was four years old and saw the movie, The Little Mermaid. Before she joined Interact, Doree was a frequent player at Jerry’s Habima Theater, a Jewish theater company that often performs musicals. Now, a member of Interact for over ten years, Doree constantly challenges herself vocally and, acquires new information with each new show. “I’ve learned to do a lot of funny accents, I love working with accents—they’re fun and really hard, I like [the challenge] and it spreads my talent.” Doree has an amazing gift of eidetic memory, remembering practically every nuance of all the shows she has experienced. Interact’s Joy, Plotholes: A Fool’s Foibles, and What Fools These Mortals Be hold a special place in Doree’s heart because of the success of her friends and co-workers in their performances. 

Mike Brindley

Company Member since 1997

Mike identifies as a poet both on the written page and by using his body in his theatrical pursuits. “[Theater is] part of my dream, my imagination—it’s kind of like creating words with my body.” Mike approaches each new work with grace and dignity, an outlook he has mastered in his twenty years at Interact. He feels particularly connected to the Interact shows that have travelled—stateside and internationally and says, “The best part of the touring show is to gather people together I would never have met.” Through his work at Interact, Mike gathers a local and international community together through motion and storytelling. 

Jennie Buzzone

Company Member since 2023

Jennie embarked on her theatrical journey with Interact as a newcomer to the stage, but it didn’t take long for her to discover her true passion. Her debut performance with Interact at the Mayo Clinic marked a significant milestone, followed by a captivating portrayal as a Mystic at the fall festival, Uniquinox. “I love acting. It can be a challenge but you’ll have fun,” Jennie enthusiastically shares. Alongside her passion for acting, she finds immense joy in nurturing her singing voice, recognizing that “it takes a while to develop those things”, but has already begun to notice the growth in her vocal abilities.

Matt Dahlstrom

Company Member since 2001

Matt joined Interact five years after the company formed, attributing his admiration of other actors as fuel for himself becoming an actor. Since making the leap, Matt has performed in over thirty shows with Interact, often in featured roles. “I’m a comic, I make people laugh and laughter feels good in the heart…acting just comes out of my brain.” Matt feels particularly proud of his global travel, touring everywhere from England to Thailand. Matt brings his comedy, love of William Shakespeare, and poetic heart to his characters at Interact. 

Noah Durand

Company Member since 2022

Noah’s path to acting was a winding one. Having originally decided to pursue a profession in the fields of medicine or law, Noah’s head was turned when he attended an Interact fundraising party filled with singing and dancing. “My mom encouraged me,” Noah admitted, “but I really enjoy just how fun it is. It’s a lot of energy and it’s exciting.” Noah was pleased to play a role in We’re Still Here, yet his talents don’t stop with his acting abilities. Noah surprises many with his expertise in dance and music as well, being a seasoned tap dancer and a multi-instrumental musician. Playing stand-up bass, piano, and acoustic guitar, Noah finds joyful expression in playing folk, classical, and popular kids’ songs for friends and family.

Maya Easter

Company Member since 2020

Maya radiates a friendly and comforting presence whenever she steps foot into the rehearsal room. A woman of many talents, Maya’s interests in singing, acting, and dancing first brought her to Interact. Yet it was working with her fellow actors in We’re Still Here that made clear her love of performing. “It inspires me,” Maya stated when discussing working in an ensemble. “To have other artists go on stage with me. I’m inspired by them.” Maya takes pride in her work ethic, sharing that her favorite aspects of theatre are practicing her lines, trying out new roles, and learning new skills like Tai Chi and reciting Shakespeare.

Chelsey Ellering

Company Member since 2018

Chelsey finds new ground in her first show at Interact, thinking that theater would be a new fun thing to try out. “…my friend told me about Interact and I thought it would be fun to try – to act, to inspire people and maybe make the world a better place.” J.K. Rowling, one of Chelsey’s biggest idols, inspires Chelsey because Rowling puts her voice out into the world. “I could change the world, so I better work hard to make that [change] happen,” Chelsey chuckles before preparing for rehearsal.

Eric Ferguson

Company Member since 2023

Eric is a seasoned actor and brings a professional level of commitment to every scene he’s in. Dedicated to the craft, Eric has performed in multiple shows with Lakeville Area Arts, ProAct, and his high school. Although he displays an even-keeled and easy-going energy, Eric finds much joy in the sense of ridiculousness that theatre invites. “It’s about coming out of your shell,” Eric says as he reflects on the positives of his theatre experiences. “Making friends is important, and you’re able to be yourself. You’re able to do silly things you wouldn’t normally be able to do in the real world.” Eric is grateful to his parents for building a Thanksgiving tradition that inspired him to pursue a life in the theatre.

Becca Flint

Company Member since 2007

Becca’s first show at Interact, Between the Worlds, cemented her love of performing and helped her realize her natural talent onstage. “It’s a passion, I just got into it and I figured it’s a strength…and it kind of helps me—[acting] provides something to do every day. I get to express my emotions by acting out roles.” Besides performing, Becca takes a serious interest in theatrical research.

Beth Halvorson

Company Member since 1996

Beth, an actor for more than two decades, always finds something new to experience as an artist, while holding onto years of community building. “I love it [theater]—I can act, I can sing, be expressive. Interact has given me all of this experience, intelligence, and friends,” Beth says with jubilation. “I feel inspired, and imagine there’s clouds around me when I’m onstage.” Beth feels this elation with each role she plays, but finds challenging roles hold a special place in her heart, like the part of Fontina (a parody of Shakespeare’s Juliet) in What Fools These Mortals Be for line memorization and playing a Townsperson in Life is Sweet because of the specific and sharp choreography.

Kramer Hegenbarth

Company Member since 2021

Kramer has contributed multitudes since joining the performing arts company in 2021, all with a flair for the fabulous. Kramer originally joined Interact as a visual artist, finding joy in the mediums of ceramics, knitting, and sewing. Now, Kramer spends most of his time working with his fellow actors and strengthening his comedic improv skills. “I’ve always been a creative person,” he explains. “And the response I get from the audience when I’m on stage, it gives me energy.” Kramer has sought opportunities to share that energy with others, from high school and community performances with Northern Star to his Interact debut in We’re Still Here. Inspired by the comedians of Who’s Line Is It Anyway, Kramer’s work is founded on the belief that success comes from being a helpful ensemble member with a keen sense of humor.

Anna Maria Ihekoronye

Company Member since 2015

Anna finds solace onstage and thinks of theater as a way to break free. “It’s a safe zone where I can be someone else. Theater is my place of escape.” Anna feels particularly connected to dancing and acting, finding artistic inspiration in pop music and public news. Anna enjoys the research aspects of theater and finds that her deep interest in NPR allows her to be an informed artist.

Yeon Ju

Company Member since 2005

Yeon feels energized and enthused by theatrical work. “I was in a motorcycle accident so I traded in my books—for being in front of an audience. Theater gives me a chance to express myself, I get to express all these emotions I couldn’t or wouldn’t do if I wasn’t in theater. It gives me a chance to express it all.” In his ten-plus years of performing at Interact, Yeon identifies singing as a beloved aspect of performing along with shows Hot Jazz at da Funky Butt (2012), Between the Worlds, and the Ivey Award-winning Broken Brain Summit. I’ve been doing this a long time and I want to put something into my roles and celebrate being onstage.”

Micah Kadwell

Company Member since 2022

With a strong stage presence and bright smile, Micah has always envisioned himself in the performing arts. “When I think about myself, I think about performing,” he says with a grin. “I’m an actor.” A company member since 2022, Micah first took the stage with the Interact ensemble in We’re Still Here. In his spare time, Micah also graces the stages in his community as a musician, performing guitar in a band with friends. In both his practice and performance, Micah is diligent and deliberate in his technique. “I focus on doing things one at a time, to make sure the scene goes well.” A true bandmate and ensemble member, Micah works to ensure he supports his fellow actors in all that he does.

Jen Levin

Company Member since 2020

A sports enthusiast, musician, and actor, Jen enjoys the thrilling experiences of life. “The adrenaline I get from performing is one of the most rewarding things,” she states. Jen was first introduced to theatre at Camp Ramah, where she performed in plays that celebrated her Jewish heritage. She then found passion in songwriting and came to see performance as a tool for self-expression. Having received such a sincere welcome after auditioning for Interact with a self-written rap, Jen knew this would be a place for her. “The people are what keep me here. Everyone is so positive.” Finding strength in making bold choices, Jen seeks out performance opportunities that allow her to share her voice with others.

Daniel Mauck

Company Member since 2012

Daniel says that he was inspired to become an artist because of his parents’ love of music and attempting a multitude of musical instruments at a young age. “I was always encouraged to pursue my interests and music, dance, and acting have always been part of my interests. I have this creative side that just feels rhythm and music.” When Daniel performed a clarinet solo in Work of Heart, he felt elated and proud to perform alongside his fellow artists, cementing in his mind that Interact was the place he was meant to be. Daniel continues to challenge himself with learning new instruments and choreography to follow his artistic dreams. 

Naa Mensah

Company Member since 2009

Naa brings a vibrant and extremely physical aspect to her stage work, having trained as a dancer for her entire life. Naa enjoys incorporating dance into her work at Interact and is inspired by many different styles, being particularly inspired by traditional African dance, tap, hip hop and ballet. A company member since 2009, Naa enjoys every show she has performed in, particularly, Joy, Life is Sweet, and Madame Majesta’s Miracle Medicine Show. When asked why these shows resonate with her, she responded, “They’re real, good for dances—I liked the responsibility.” 

Taylor Michurski

Company Member since 2015

Taylor brings a vibrant, leading-man quality to his theatrical work at Interact. He identifies strongly with dance work and enjoys learning new choreography. “Theater is my life, without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today…[it] helps me create and find things that I don’t know about myself. It would be a boring old world without theater.” Taylor found great moments of strength as an actor playing the iconic role of Romeo in What Fools These Mortals Be followed by the herorical predestined youth, Francois, in 2017’s Feast of Fools. 

Jule Moench

Company Member since 2017

Jule made his Interact debut in 2017’s Feast of Fools as the hilarious Chicken Man and continued to build his character work as Manny, a tough and stressed out vaudeville manager in 2018’s Hot Funky Butt Jazz. Moreover, Jule sings in his church’s choir and is an accomplished member of Toastmasters, a non-profit centered on public speaking and leadership. “I wanted to do theater because of the dancing, singing—I feel proud [when I sing]. It helps me relax. I want to learn to be better, to know people, make connections and make people laugh.” Besides his work at Interact, Jule works at the restaurant, Bread & Pickle, on Lake Harriet—a truly engaged community member whose talent Interact is lucky to have. 

Shannon Murray

Company member since 2024

Shannon made her way to Interact with great zeal and a clear goal in mind, “I want to be a real good actress, that’s all I want. I thought this would help me become famous.” Shannon has been a Merry Music Makers choir member for multiple years and, having attended many plays in the theatre community, knew that her singing and comedic talents needed to be in the spotlight. At Interact, Shannon enjoys trying new things, becoming different characters, and being around peers that share her interests. Shannon would like to extend a special thanks to her boyfriend for all of his support.

Laura Nelson

Company Member since 2010

Laura presents constant sincerity and gratitude both onstage and off. She attributes her ability to perform in her first Interact show, Life is Sweet, to the support of her mother. Since that premiere, Laura finds joy and challenges with each project, but she approaches her work with three ideas in her head for artistic success, “Be yourself, be prepared, and have fun.” By the Seat of Our Pants, Plotholes: A Fool’s Foibles, and What Fools These Mortals Be stick out in Laura’s mind as particularly memorable because of the ensemble work with her peers and because, in her own words, “We all like to act and be onstage and work, do music and dance—it’s fun!”

Tirzah Peterson

Company Member since 2023

Tirzah’s curiosity and passion for performance have made her an incredible new addition to the Interact ensemble. Tirzah joins Interact with a strong understanding of musicality, having performed in both her high school band, choir, and musical. Having always found a personal love for singing and dance, Tirzah dedicates much of her time outside of Interact to learning new choreography and music from online videos. “I’m singing on my own all the time, any time of day,” she says. An outgoing and grounded presence, Tirzah appreciates being a part of the group and being able to learn so many different things while “just having fun with it.”

Scott Raberge

Company Member since 2003

Scott believes that by performing, you also act as a teacher and that it is an artist’s responsibility to discover and create. This view has been shaped by his fifteen plus years as a company member at Interact. “Acting tells people about yourself and people in the audience are learning. What you’re doing is teaching. People are then understanding what people with disabilities can do.” Hot Jazz at da Funky Butt (2012),, Outcast Elves, Sindibad:Artist and Outlaw, and World Wide Church of the Handicapped are shows that Scott believes showcased both artist and ability, something that Scott holds to the utmost importance. “People will say people with disabilities can do nothing more than just washing dishes. I wanted something different, something that I would enjoy doing. Doing something you love is a good feeling.”

Suzy Sauter

Member since 2003

Suzy is probably one of the sweetest humans you will meet, with a naturally high soprano speaking (and singing) voice that excels her charming nature. One cannot be completely sugar, which is why Suzy brings surprising and hilarious coloring to roles such as the Devil in Hell is Empty and All the Devils are Here—one of her most memorable roles—and a Macbeth-style Witch in What Fools These Mortals Be. Aside from more villainous characters, Suzy enjoyed playing a bird in Cloud Cuckoo Land. “I really enjoy different acting moments, performing in front of an audience—the attention from the audience—I love it!” Suzy excels at many forms of improv, adding comedy in various capacities that she believes energizes her. “It’s a smile and a wink, then you got it,” she laughs before hitting the stage. 

Jonathan Sund

Company Member since 2023

A true entertainer, Jonathan always finds a way to make things fun at Interact. “I love it. My whole life I have been dreaming about joining the acting profession. The moment I step in here, I feel alive,” he says, beaming. Jonathan came to Interact with a background in theatre, having performed in multiple plays at his high school, but has truly blossomed in his craft since joining the ensemble. “I love myself and being in the spotlight. I love being an artist. I work hard and I believe in myself…and I’m a little bit handsome,” Jonathan cheekily shares as he reflects on his strengths as an actor. Jonathan’s enthusiasm for his craft and goofy clowning invites others to join in the fun and bring positive energy to the work.

Karen Thorud

Company Member since 1996

Karen is, by definition, a true diva, a title which she has embraced over her twenty years as a performer. “A real diva,” Karen says, “Is in a leadership role, she doesn’t always win, but she tried because she has been doing so for a long time.” Karen has toured around the world and the United States with Interact and enjoys all the festivities and work that comes with being a theater artist, particularly in cabaret pieces. Karen has performed in numerous plays and musicals, continuing her work as a soloist, actress, and life-long learner.

Sam Videen

Company Member since 2003

Sam is an impressive theatrical presence: a tall ginger with an exceedingly deep voice combined with a sense of fashion that will not quit. Sam feels that with his work as a singer-actor, he can make a difference in himself as a performer while amusing an audience. “I express myself truly and now because I like to perform and sing, it’s fun to entertain.” Sam’s most memorable roles include Nick Bottom in What Fools These Mortals Be, Gunther in Work of Heart, and Oliver in Between the Worlds at Interact. The Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus is also lucky to have Sam’s powerful bass voice as a proud member for a number of years. 

Jake Walinski

Company Member Since 2010

Jake is not the typical theater artist. He possesses a solid build and a deep voice that says “linebacker” over “actor,” his exterior hides tenderness and his passion for his work at Interact. “Theater is really good place. I’ve learned that the stuff onstage is good stuff because my fellow performers challenge me to be better…I carry the torch.” Jake carries the torch—a gift given from a late mentor, Eric Wheeler—with care and notes the importance of the shows What Fools These Mortals Be, Edgar Allan Poe’s Nutcracker (the unballet), and Ship of Fools as theatrical capstones for his continuing work at Interact.

Michael Wolfe

Company Member since 2011

When asked why Michael decided to pursue work as an actor, Michael answered, “Well, because I love it. Theater allows me to reach within myself and activate aspects of my personality that I don’t normally tap into in my regular life.” Since joining the company in 2011, Michael proves himself as a dedicated and compelling performer in a multitude of roles in shows such as Joy, What Fools These Mortals Be, and Plotholes: A Fool’s Foibles. Michael recently finished touring with Ten Thousand Things Theatre in their production of Helen and described it as a life-changing experience. As successful as Michael is as a soloist, he says that his work as an artist is not just about him as a performer. “It’s like when people are growing up, people ask them what are they going to do with their life that benefits not just them but their community and make life better? I like to think doing this [theater] is contributing to bettering society. I like to think it benefits myself and others.”

Riley A. Graygrove, MA, P-RDT

Riley Graygrove - Performing Arts Department Manager

Riley (she/they) is a Queer, Disabled performing artist-advocate and drama therapist. A graduate of Ball State University and Kansas State University, Riley incorporates compassion, enthusiasm, playfulness, and honesty into her work both in and out of Interact. The future is accessible to all! Past favorite projects include: Twelfth Night (Maria) with the Shakesqueer Ensemble, Scrooge! (Ghost of Christmas Present) with North Texas Performing Arts, The Rocky Horror Show (Eddie) with Ball State University, and This One (If By Yes).

Scotty Reynolds

Director

Scotty Reynolds (he/him) is a stage director, performer, and producer passionate about theatrical events that connect the community. His theater company, Mixed Precipitation, has been producing opera since 2008, including fourteens seasons of outdoor productions in community gardens, orchards, and farms throughout Minnesota. He has also performed with Frank Theatre and the History Theatre. Scotty has had many outdoor adventures throughout the Midwest and New England with Tiger Lion Arts in Nature: A Walking Play. He is a recipient of a 2017 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. He has 15 years of performance highlights as an instructor and director at the Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts.

Eliana Meyerowitz

Assistant Director

Eliana has been a theatre maker in the Twin Cities for 5 years after growing up in South Florida and then graduating from Oberlin College. She believes that ‘acting’ requires taking action beyond the stage, art is an irreplaceable form of communication, and humor is a powerful tool of resistance and resilience. She adores cats, vegan food, and the community Interact has given her over the past year.

Josette Antomarchi

Co-Creator, Actor

Josette is a French native who studied European techniques of Theater in Paris, at the International Lecoq School. She later specialized in mask theater techniques.

While at Lecoq School, she met Jeanne Calvit, and when they later moved to Minneapolis, they brought this unique Theater style–based on physical expression and improvisation–to Interact.

In Paris, Josette performed with prominent Theater Companies such as “Theater Du Soleil” and “Peter Brook Company”.

In Minneapolis, she was one of the founding members of “Theater de la Jeune Lune” and performed with “Children Theater”, “Guthrie”, and on all the major Theater stages.

Josette is happy to be part of the Interact Team of players, and to co-create the unique comedic style that shines on our stage.

Lizzy Hinman

Co-Creator, actor

Lizzy (she/her), originally from Asheville, NC, came to the Midwest to receive her B.A. in Political Science and Theatre from Grinnell College. She has worked as a teaching artist with The Children’s Theatre Company, CLIMB Theatre, and The Anne Frank Project. Lizzy has performed with Magical Moments, Wonderlust Productions, and Phantom Chorus Theatre. Her work as an actor-educator is rooted in the belief that theatre inspires individuals to find and claim their creative power while creating a more compassionate, connected, and open-minded public.

Dylan Payne

Music Director, Composer

Dylan works as Music director for Imagination Theater in Seward and composes soundtracks for video games like the upcoming “Tall Trails” from Overfull Games.  He also plays bass in a local punk band “True Lust” and releases his own electronic music as “Tommy Blossom.”  Since joining in 2022 Dylan has had a blast collaborating with Interact’s many talented artists to create and perform original music.

Cameron Fleck

Stage Manager

Cameron Fleck (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be joining Interact for the first time! Residing in the Twin Cities, his recent credits include Bonnie and Clyde (Collide), La bohème (Lyric Opera of the North), The Sound Of Music (Duluth Playhouse), Holmes and Watson, The 39 Steps, Sea Marks, Souvenir, The Mousetrap, Love and Baseball, The Thin Place, Darrow (Acadia Repertory Theatre), Matt & Ben (Nocturnal Giraffe), Othello: The Remix (Minneapolis Musical Theatre), and The Snow Queen (Rosetown Playhouse). Cameron holds a BFA from the University of Utah.

Samantha Fairchild

Assistant Stage Manager

SAMANTHA FAIRCHILD (assistant stage manager) is a local theatre artist in the Twin Cities and is excited to be working with Interact!  Some of her previous assistant stage management credits include Merry Wives of Windsor and Romeo & Juliet with Classical Actors Ensemble and Be More Chill with Minneapolis Musical Theatre.  Some of her previous stage management credits include Thank You for Holding: The Caregiver Play Project, Every Brilliant Thing, and Hidden Herald with Wonderlust Productions, Fantasma at Playwright’s Center, The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington at Mixed Blood, Million Dollar Quartet at Old Log Theatre, The Book Club Play at TRP and Othello and Hamlet with CAE.  Samantha has also performed as an actor for multiple shows at Old Log and CAE and works at Mixed Blood as a part-time production manager.  She was also a special education teacher for 5 years before doing freelance theatre full-time.

Peter Morrow

Video and Sound Designer

Peter has been working as a composer, sound and video designer for 16 years. He has been based in the Twin Cities since moving here from Ireland in 2012 and keeps busy designing and composing for many theatre and dance companies, colleges and independent artists. He also works as a teaching artist with Stages Theatre Company, Speaking Out Collective and East Side Arts Council.

Jesse Cogswell

Lighting Designer

Jesse Cogswell is a freelance lighting designer based in the Twin Cities. He has previously designed for Minnesota Opera’s 2013 Project Opera (Shoes for the Santo Nino, Down in the Valley, and Noye’s Fludde). He has also served as lighting coordinator for Manon Lescaut (2013) and as co-lighting coordinator on The Marriage of Figaro (2017). His recent design credits include In the Heights for Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Red Velvet and Hatchet Lady for Walking Shadow Theatre Company, mONSTER for Swandive Theatre Company, Tapestries 3.0for Threads Dance Project, Time to Burn for Red Bird Theatre Company, and The 1968 Exhibit and Somalis + Minnesota exhibit for the Minnesota History Center. Jesse holds an MFA in Lighting Design and Technology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Xae Copeland

Guest Artist - 2024

Xae is so excited to be joining this amazing production with Interact! Xae has been a professional theatre artist since 2016. Being on multiple theatre tours in the United States and Canada, they are excited to come back to the stage since 2019! Throughout their theatre career, Xae has also been a teaching artist and is currently working with Graceful Monsters. Theatre credits include Rent (Collins), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Black Fox), and Fences (Jim Bono). You can also see Xae as Rustina Phoenix Nuttz throughout the Twin Cities, producing amazing drag events and being a role model in the queer community. Xae would like to thank the cast and crew for bringing them onto this amazing show and hopes you all enjoy the production.

Jordan Hedlund

Piano

Minnesota native Jordan Hedlund plays a few instruments, but performs mainly on piano, bass, and drums.  Jordan has created bands for many touring shows, fundraisers, and special events, and has been invited to performing arts high schools and colleges as a guest artist on the work and process of being a full-time musician and performer. Jordan’s original compositions can be heard on commercials and museum exhibits across the United States, and locally at the Landmark Center and McNamara Alumni Center. As the music director for an upcoming touring show, Jordan knows that it’s a wild, creative, fun ride to put on a theater production – which is why he’s excited to be part of Interact’s Greatest Hits: The Essential Cabaret Collection.