Cast
Meet Interact's performers!
“Feast of Fools”, 2017
Interact Theater’s company of actors with disabilities creates all original work, sustains rigorous professional standards, and explores ideas through the lens of the entire spectrum of disability labels. Our uncompromising vision of radical inclusion dissolves concepts of who “can” or “cannot,” blending the talents and viewpoints of artists with and without disabilities, and artists from mainstream and marginalized communities
Interact was founded in 1996 and since then, the vision has grown to include over forty talented artists creating some of the most innovative work you’ll find in the Twin Cities and beyond. The company continues to grow and work together with dozens of guest artists each year to leave an indelible mark on our community and the world. See the faces and learn about the individuals who make up the Interact ensemble below!
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.
Curtis Breyette
Company Member since 2022
Curtis returned to Interact in 2022 as a tour de force of comedic expression. A seasoned actor, Curtis has performed in upwards of twenty shows during his time with Anodyne Artist Company and Interact Center. Enjoying the experience of pretending to be someone else, Curtis finds excitement in accessing and expressing the emotions of his characters. “It’s almost like playing a game to me. Instead of board pieces, I have lines. Forming the plan can be a puzzle, but when I’m performing the puzzle is all together,” he reflects. A fun and easy-going man, Curtis likes to get along with his fellow actors and sees himself performing for years and years to come.
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.
Henry Brown
Company Member since 2014
Henry began performing in high school and early on made the decision that he wanted to perform for the rest of his life. Henry has also been deeply involved with competing in the Special Olympics and workshopped with Upstream Arts (mostly acting and scene-work). He says, “Now I’m living my dreams, it’s a dream come true working at Interact.” Henry continues to live this dream at Interact by playing a number of characters ranging from a mischievous imp in Plotholes: A Fool’s Foibles to the benevolent King Bonafacious in Feast of Fools.
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.
Ian Dischinger
Company Member since 2015
Ian is a surprising individual, mixing a quiet disposition with a rock ‘n’ roll soul. In a short amount of time, Ian has played some notable ensemble roles, the standout Romano in 2016’s What Fools These Mortals Be (a character parody of Shakespeare’s Romeo), and a Gargoyle in 2017’s Feast of Fools. While Ian reminisced this experience, he mused, “When I was onstage, I closed my eyes and imagined me—the me that hit the stage—that he and I am not shy.” Ian continues to push himself as an artist, inspired by music and the support of his family.
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.
Jeffrey Haas
Company Member since 2009
Interact is lucky enough to call Jeffrey the resident Shakespeare expert, dramaturgist, and performer extraordinaire. Jeffrey started his theatrical career as a child, he explains, “And now it’s my mission in life—to create works of performing art.” Jeffrey creates with gumption, spirit, and gentle strength in regards to his work at Interact and local/educational theater companies (Theater Latte Da, Theatre in the Round, and Lakewood Community College to name a few). “I do theater because it’s my passion, it’s what I love to do, I love enlightening myself and the audience. [Life] would be boring and I’d fall into a pit of despair if I wasn’t doing theater.”
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.
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.
Stephanie Muue
Company Member since 2016
Stephanie knew that she wanted to be an actor since she was a child. “I love acting, it’s my passion, and I enjoy it. I love to dance and just do performing arts.” She feels that her dreams are further realized at Interact, encouraging her as a performer and helping her develop as a human being. “Interact has made my personality better—made me more calm and at peace—because I feel comfortable when I work with other artists. It’s a safe environment to be in.” Besides her work at Interact, Stephanie is an avid cinephile who adores talking about films and working at a movie theater.
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.
Gianna Valentini
Company Member since 2020
Gianna knew that she was destined to be on the stage. “My family encouraged me because I like to be dramatic,” Gianna says with a twinkle in her eye. Finding interest in singing and dancing, Gianna started her performing arts journey in high school. Having performed in multiple musicals there, including James and the Giant Peach, Willie Wonka, and Annie, Gianna was ready to take the stage with Interact for We’re Still Here. In her goal of becoming a professional actress, Gianna finds the most fun being in improv scenes and having her family come to watch her perform. Gianna is a gifted dancer and a goofy personality, spending her time outside of Interact working with kids and rehearsing with her dance company.
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. 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.”
Creative Team
Riley A. Graygrove, MA, P-RDT
Riley Graygrove - Performing Arts Department Manager
(she/they) is ecstatic to be joining the cast for her first Interact production! In addition to being the new Performing Arts Manager for Interact, Riley is a long time performer, director, drama therapist, disabled advocate, and role player. Past favorite roles include: Ghost of Christmas Present (Scrooge), Eddie (The Rocky Horror Show), This One (If By Yes), Fingers (The Enchanted Bookshop). Riley would like to thank the PA Artists and Staff for welcoming her and trusting her in this new role on and off stage, their wonderful understudy, Sam, and her husband, Paul, for moving all the way across the country with her…again…and still loving her anyway. Enjoy the show!
Performances
Upcoming shows and a select archive of Interact’s productions over the years.