SUMMER 2023
Ashlyn Bagocius
(she/her) is a theatre-maker and writer from Seattle, WA. She graduated from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, MA, with a B.A. in Creative Writing and Musical Theatre. Ashlyn’s theatrical experience includes direction, acting, singing, production, and playwriting. After her original musical Seller’s Market premiered on the Simon’s Rock stage, she went on to be the Assistant Director in the school’s production of RIOT!, and most recently served as an artistic collaborator for the devised piece Oneirology 405. In addition to her work in the theatre, Ashlyn is currently writing her first novel. She is excited to pass on her knowledge as an Education Intern at Wheelock Family Theatre this summer!
Charlene Browne
(she/her) is an Afro-Caribbean American arts educator and administrator, writer, and community builder. In her work, she strives to build power within Black, Indigenous, People of Color communities through the arts and the creation of safe spaces for self-exploration, unconditional love, and mutual care. She has worked as a teaching artist and arts educator for several theatre companies, such as Company One and Actors’ Shakespeare Project, as well as schools in the Boston area.
As a writer, her work has been published in Dartmouth College’s The Stonefence Review and I2 Literary Magazine. Charlene has also received scholarships to notable writing conferences such as Muse and Marketplace in Boston and Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing. She was also a finalist in the inaugural flash fiction contest “Boston in 100 Words”. In community, Charlene has served as an AmeriCorps fellow with 826 Boston, a youth writing and publishing organization, where she created and facilitated many creative arts workshops and after-school club programs.
Currently, Charlene is attending Boston University for a Masters of Science in Arts Administration.
Ken Crossman
(he/him) is a rising senior at Tufts University studying Theater, Film and Media Studies, and Economics. He recently spent part of last year studying at the National Theater Institute at The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and is eager to get into even more theater at Wheelock! Ken continues to act in and direct several productions at Tufts and has a wealth of experience music directing and business managing productions in his hometown of Needham, MA. His mother claims he has seen several shows at Wheelock when he was a kid, but this was a very long time ago, as he does not have any memory of this. Nevertheless, he is super excited to be joining the Wheelock family this year!
Gabi David
(she/her) is a creative and engaging leader who enjoys blending her passion for directing theatre with philanthropy. She builds great teams and creates opportunities for artists to flourish and audiences to roar in a space for communities to better understand turbulent topics. Through learning, self-reflection, awareness for the underserved, and opportunity for those without a voice, Gabi creates teams where diversity is not only celebrated, but encouraged. Gabi has directed seven productions, and assistant directed six. Some of her favorites include “Tick, Tick, BOOM!”, “The Trail to Oregon”, and “Godspell”. Originally from Northern Virginia, and a military brat at heart, Gabi is a sophomore at Emerson College studying Theatre Education and Entrepreneurial Studies, and is SO excited to be working with Wheelock Family Theatre to cultivate an environment working towards an incredible mission!
Nili Fish-Bieler
(she/they) is so excited to be working at WFT this summer! She is a rising sophomore at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with an undecided major. When not stage managing a show, Nili can be found singing (or beatboxing) with their a capella group.
Sophia Fortuna
(she/her) is a performer, educator, stage manager, and arts administrator from New Jersey. She graduated this year from Berklee College of Music with a BM in Professional Music (Concentrations in Music Education and Musical Theater Performance). Sophia was most recently the stage manager Descendants at North End Music and Performing Arts Center and also works at Puppet Showplace Theater, where she has cultivated her love of puppetry. Sophia is extremely passionate about arts education and is excited to share this passion with everyone at Wheelock this summer!
Sydney Lowry
(she/her) is a rising senior at Emerson College, where she is double majoring in Theatre Education & Writing, Literature, and Publishing. At Emerson, she serves as the Marketing Director for Musical Theatre Society and has participated in multiple student theatre productions, gaining experience in acting, directing, stage managing, and producing. Most recently, she had the opportunity to be the female swing in Musical Theatre Society’s Ride the Cyclone. She is extremely excited to bring her experience on and off-stage to Wheelock Family Theatre this summer!
Mary Mahoney
Liam McCarron
(he/him) is a rising senior at Boston University, on track to receive his BFA in Acting next spring. During his time at BU he has been in shows such as Once, Shakespeare in Love, and Everybody. This past spring, he had the opportunity to study abroad at LAMDA for their semester of classical acting. He is very excited for a summer full of theater with you all!
Sandra Mood
(she/her), from Somerville, MA, is currently a rising sophomore at Western Connecticut State University where she is seeking her BFA in Acting. She has been involved with theatre since fourth grade as a performer, director, technician, devisor, playwright, and dramaturge. Sandra is a 2022 graduate of Somerville High School and was a member of the Highlander Theatre Company for 4 years, serving as their Engagement Director in her junior and senior years and earning the title Honor Thespian in the ITS. Some of her favorite roles have been Samantha Brown in “The Mad Ones,” Mrs. Peacock in “CLUE,” Young Amélie in “Amélie,” Phoebe in “As You Like It,” and Gretta Good/Hazel in “Still Life with Iris.” Sandra has also acted as a director for the scene “Getting it Back’ from “Almost Maine” at SHS and served as the Assistant Director for both ‘Shrek Jr.” and “Honk Jr.” with the Somerville All City Middle School Musical. She recently made her WCSU MainStage debut in Marat/Sade as Coulmier’s Wife in addition to making her swing debut as Female Patient. In addition, she has a newfound love of sound after serving as A1 for “Big Love” and A2 for “Allegro.” When not in school, she has been involved with Somerville Community Theatre, first as a camper, then volunteer, and now serves as their Learning Extension teacher. Sandra is thrilled to be working with Wheelock Family Theatre and is honored to serve as their Social Media and Graphic Design Intern this summer!
Kayala Nayak
(she/her/hers) is a musician, actor, and theatre-maker in the Boston area, soon heading to Bennington College in Vermont to study film, drama, and music. She recently played Miss Scarlet in WFT’s production of Clue, and Corrine in Now You See Me by Natalie Weinberg. She has been going to Wheelock Family Theatre camp since the age of five, but this is her first summer as an education intern. Kayala was the teaching assistant for the 2023 spring session classes of Treasure Trunk Theatre, and is so excited to be back!
Sydney O'Toole
(she/her) is a sophomore studying Secondary Theatre Education, Musical Theatre, and English at the University of New Hampshire, and is so excited to continue her training as an educator and a theatre artist at Wheelock this summer! She has worked in stage management, directing, designing, pit orchestra, stage crew, and performance over the last several years. In addition to theatre, Sydney has a passion for music and current issues in education. She can’t wait to work with all the young artists this summer!
Autumn Pentecost
(she/her) I am an actress who has been doing theatre for several years, I have performed in various shows, as well as worked behind the scenes. I am a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, going into my senior year. I am majoring in general theatre where I am gaining skills and experience in all aspects of theatre. I plan to move on to graduate school and obtain my Masters of Fine Arts in performance. My goal is to teach theatre at the collegiate level. Teaching is my passion! I have volunteered in children’s theaters across Alabama helping children of all ages grow in their acting and singing abilities. Theatre brings me so much joy, and I hope to spread that joy to others!
Nathan Persampieri
(he/him) is a rising Senior at Merrimack College, majoring in Social Justice and minoring in Communications and Media. He just completed his first year and transferred from MassBay Community College. He is passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and DEI issues. He is on the Advisory Board for a non–profit in Newton, MA, Understanding Our Differences. Their mission is to provide interactive disability awareness programs to elementary school students. He is also a strong supporter of accessibility and inclusion and has been taking classes and attending shows at WFT@BU since 2010. He is thankful for the opportunity to intern this summer and can’t wait to get started!
Lily Ramras
(she/her) is a rising sophomore at Northwestern University, majoring in Theater and Dance. She is a member of the NU Purple Crayon Players theater board and is pursuing a concentration in Theater for Young Audiences. Lily graduated from Walnut Hill School for the Arts in 2022. When she’s not working at Wheelock this summer, you can find her scooping ice cream at J.P. Licks!
Sarah Szafran-Pollock
(she/her) is a senior at Suffolk University pursuing a degree in Theatre with minors in Arts Administration and Film/Media. Sarah is a director and playwright who enjoys occasionally appearing on stage. In the past year, Sarah has directed and written her own show at Suffolk, The Lunch Table, and is overjoyed to have her play The Paper Kingdom put on at Suffolk this fall. Sarah was a production intern this summer and enjoyed her time learning new skills and becoming more acquainted with theatre lighting. She is excited to be a TA this fall and to work with younger kids to instill an early love of theatre!
Brenna Thornton
(she/her) is a rising fourth-year student at Northeastern University majoring in Theatre and Communications. She is an active member of the Northeastern Department of Theatre and Silver Masque Theatre Company, where she enjoys acting, writing, and directing. Favorite credits include Bobbi in Problem Play, Ellie in You Should Talk to Someone, and Character in A Crime of Passion. She is so excited to be joining the Wheelock team for the first time this summer as an Education intern!
Maelynn Ugokwe
(she/her) a rising senior, double majoring in English and Theatre Studies at Tufts University, where she has been able to develop her acting, directing, playwriting, and scenic fabrication skills. She is passionate about arts and education and has spent her previous two summers as a substitute teacher at a preschool. She looks forward to assistant directing a student production this fall at Tufts, as she begin my final year at the university. She has loved theatre for as long as she can remember, and is delighted to be working with Wheelock Family Theatre for the first time this summer as an Education Intern!
Edan Zinn
(he/him) is excited to join the Summer Intern Team at WFT@BU. A lifelong photographer, Edan has created photo portfolios for arts organizations such as Boston’s SoWa Art + Design District and JP’s Spontaneous Celebrations. Most recently, Edan revamped the photo and video marketing materials for Brimmer Summer Camps. However, some of Edan’s favorite events to photograph are performances, bringing him back to his days on the theatre stage, especially in Wheelock’s 2019 production of Ragtime. Pursuing a B.A. at Williams College, Edan is passionate about arts education and equity work. Edan enjoys seeing Boston theatre and practicing fine art photography in his free time. www.edanzinnphoto.com
Past Interns
Natalie Ackerman
Multimedia & Video
(she/her) is a rising senior studying Film and Television at Boston University. If she’s not watching movies, she’s most likely doing theater with BU Stage Troupe. Her other hobbies include reading, making jewelry, and advocating for bees.
Charlie Berger
Artistic/Literary
(he/him) is a rising Sophomore Theater Arts Major at Boston University in the School of Theater. He has been involved in theater since he was five years old in various studios around Wellesley, Natick, and Boston. He plans to pursue a career in acting, directing, playwriting, and theater making. He thanks his friends and family for supporting him every step of the way.
Kennedy Campbell
Education, Teaching & Learning
(she/her) is a rising Junior at Syracuse University, studying Musical Theatre. Kennedy is the Founder and President of Arts for Anxiety Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to bring awareness and assistance to those who suffer from anxiety and other mental health issues by the relief that can be found through the Arts. She partners with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America to bring her message to youth. Her work through this organization gives her the opportunity to highlight this growing health crisis facing youth today. She is a children’s book author and singer songwriter with her work focused on addressing anxiety, depression and social justice issues. Her first book entitled Singing with Samantha will soon be recreated as a cartoon. Kennedy has been featured with NBC, CBS and other national media outlets concerning her work for anxiety. Kennedy is signed with the DW King Talent Agency and can be seen in advertisements for Hasbro, Optimum TV, Blue Cross Blue Shield and others nationwide. She made her regional theatre debut in Wheelock Theatre’s production of Ragtime for their 2018-2019 season. Since then she performed in the Wheelock production of Once on this Island and the Syracuse Stage production of Working. Her latest projects include the release of a national award winning Black Lives Matter original song and video entitled, I Am America. Kennedy is also featured regularly with the Easton Children’s Museum teaching children art. For more information on Kennedy, please visit her websites at www.artsforanxiety.com or www.KennedyCampbell.com
Caitlin Conrad
Education Intern, Teaching Assistant
(she/her) is a rising Senior at Wagner College in New York dual majoring in Childhood Education and Theatre/Speech. At Wagner, she is involved with student-run theatre and has had the opportunity to work in public school classrooms for grade levels from kindergarten through middle school. She has a great passion for performing; some of her favorite productions she has been in include Newsies, Annie, The Wedding Singer, Godspell, and Anything Goes all in her hometown of Cohasset, Massachusetts.
Madelyn Guyet
Education, Community Outreach/Teaching & Learning Intern
(she/her) is a rising junior at Boston University, pursuing a major in Theatre Arts and a minor in Special Education. She has been involved in theatre since she was 13, and is extremely excited to be sharing her experience and love for the arts with the Wheelock family. During quarantine, she took up ukulele, painting, and avidly obsessing over Tik Tok. She loves all genres of music, going on drives with her sisters in the summer, and lounging at the beach! This is the first theatre she will be working with since the pandemic, and she’s so excited to dive into the Wheelock experience!
JuJu Jaworski
Marketing, Social Media
(she/her) is a rising Sophomore Fordham University studying as a Directing major in their Theatre Program. She is also pursuing a double major in Digital Technology and Emerging JuJu is beyond honored to be joining the Wheelock team as a Marketing, Social Media Intern! Aside from her ventures in Fordham as a director and collaborator, JuJu is also the host of her own radio show on Campus (Verses Radio, Wavelengths at Fordham Lincoln Center), an author of her debut book Senior Year, and the creator of her zine The View From Here. Her latest creative endeavor is being the director and writer of her Zoom Cabaret “Yeah, I’m A Freshman Theatre Major (in a pandemic)”. Directing and arranging this cabaret has been a dream and she has been able to collaborate with her fellow Fordham Theatre ’24 classmates in a fun-filled outside project. JuJu has been involved in the theatre world since second grade and hopes to continue her career in theatre for years to come. So much love to the Wheelock team for welcoming her to their amazing company. Jujujaworski.com
Maisie Kramer
Audience Services, Access & Equity
(she/her) is a rising junior at Clark University majoring in sociology. Maisie grew up in the Boston area and took classes at Wheelock Family Theatre when she was younger, and is ecstatic to be back at WFT as an Audience Services, Access & Equity intern! In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, activism, doing one-woman reenactments of Hamilton, and going down random Wikipedia rabbit holes.
Alex Leondedis
(he/him/his) is an actor, director, teaching artist, and theatre-maker originally from Kansas. Alex is a recent and proud graduate of the fourth class of the B.F.A. Contemporary Theatre program at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Alex’s work onstage includes Someone in Hurry Home: A Collaborative Performance Experience, Demetrius/Bottom in Boston Theatre Company’s touring Midsummer, and Perseus/Phineaus in Medusa Reclaimed for The Nora’s “That’s What She Said” Festival. Alex served as the Assistant Director on SpeakEasy’s production of Fairview, and Directed Anne Eats The Beetle at Emerging Artist Theatre’s New Work Series and Pauligarchy and Now You See Me for the Boston Theatre Marathon. You can check out more of what Alex has going on at @leondedis on Instagram or at leondedis.com
Katie Mead
Artistic/Literary
(she/her) is a rising Senior at Boston College studying Neuroscience and Theatre. She loves being involved in all aspects of the theatre including acting, design, and playwriting. Some of her favorite credits include Sweat, These Shining Lives, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Next year at BC, she is looking forward to serving as Vice President to Boston College Contemporary Theatre and having one of her original one acts produced by the department. She is excited to be working with WFT as Artistic/Literary Intern and getting to be a part of such a great organization!
Isabel Molettieri
Education Intern, Teaching Assistant
(she/her/hers) is a Boston based actor, musician and teaching artist! She appeared most recently onstage in Los Angeles Theatre Initiative’s production of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She recently graduated from Muhlenberg College with a degree in Theatre and Music with concentrations in Acting and Vocal Performance. Isabel is a private voice teacher for singers of all ages and has previously served as a theatre educator with Birch Meadow Elementary School and Five Star Theater Company. Isabel has been with WFT since summer 2021 and loves working with the brilliant young artists here!
Ansley Moore
Education, Community Outreach/Teaching & Learning Intern
(she/her) is a rising senior at Emerson College where she studies Theatre Education and Performance. She has a strong passion for fight and intimacy direction, with six certifications in stage combat through Dueling Arts International. When she’s not in class or a rehearsal, she loves baking cornbread, spending time outside, and watercolor painting.
Liana SC
Education, Community Outreach/Teaching & Learning Intern
(she/her) is a Senior at NYU Tisch, pursuing a BFA in Dramatic Writing with minors in Producing and Environmental Biology. A writer, producer, and theatre administrator, Liana co-founded and currently serves as Managing Director for Scripps Onstage, a theatre education organization based in San Diego, CA. She is also a co-founding board member of NYU Playground Production Co-op, a Tisch club that facilitates interdepartmental collaboration and helps creators develop their works. She has previously worked and interned with theatrical organizations including the Broadway Green Alliance, Broadway Bound Theatre Festival, and La Jolla Playhouse.
Wyatt Anton
Born in Seattle, Wyatt Anton grew up in San Diego, showing an early talent in a variety of arts, he went on to study at a series of arts programs: Stagedoor Manor, NYU Steinhardt’s Summer Institute of Music Production Technology, and the University of MIchigan’s MPULSE summer program, amongst others. He’s trained in voice, acting, and dance as well guitar, piano, and saxophone along the way, honing his skills as both a creator and performer. Wyatt is currently hard at work cultivating his distinct talents and voice while attending the Boston Conservatory at Berklee where he will receive a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre spring of 2025.
Jack Darnell
(he/they) is elated to be able to work with Wheelock Family Theatre for Summer 2022! He is a junior Theatre Education and Performance major at Emerson College in Boston, MA and has experience in acting, direction, choreography, stage management and arts management. In addition to his work as a student, he currently serves as the Artistic Director of “Kidding Around”, the TYA theatre organization at Emerson. He is excited to be able to bring his knowledge of TYA and broad theatrical background to Wheelock this Summer and is looking forward to growing through this experience.
Ashleigh Deamicis
(she/her), from Stoughton, MA, is a rising senior at Salve Regina University, where she is double majoring in Psychology and Theatre Arts. After classes, Ashleigh spends her time in both Salve Theatre Department and Stagefright Theatre Company productions, and is looking forward to working on the executive board of Salve’s improv comedy troupe, Completely Scripted Improv, next fall. In addition to performing, Ashleigh has a passion for community engagement and advocacy in theatre. She is honored to have the opportunity to work with Wheelock Family Theatre this summer as Audience Services Intern!
Katherine Gustafson
(She/Her/Hers) has grown up with the Wheelock Family Theatre, beginning programming as early as she can remember. She is a recent graduate of Emerson College, having received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre & Performance. During her time at Emerson she also gained a minor in Hearing and Deafness Studies through her focus on American Sign Language. Katherine began her performance career at age five when she appeared on the Wheelock Family Theatre stage as a baby spider in Charlotte’s Web. Since then she has worked consistently with WFT as both an actor and teaching artist, having been seen in shows such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Wizard of Oz, Stuart Little, and many more. Most recently Katherine appeared as Sue Snell in Carrie: The Musical at start-up theatre company SALT Theatricals. With a passion for teaching and working with young theatre artists, she is ecstatic to be back with Wheelock Family Theatre’s Education Programming for another summer of art and learning.
Sasha Marlene Nemi Lato
(she/her/hers) is so excited to be returning to Wheelock Family Theatre this summer for her second year as an Education Intern! Isabel is a rising senior at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Theatre and Music. Originally from Reading, MA, Isabel’s love for the arts began at a young age. In fact, she has many fond memories of coming to see productions at Wheelock Family Theatre as a kid! She is very passionate about arts education and has previously served as a theatre educator in youth theatre productions at Five Star Theater Company and Birch Meadow Elementary School. She looks forward to working with all of the teaching artists at Wheelock Family Theatre as well as the amazing young artists this summer!
Alex Leondedis
(he/him/his) is an actor, director, teaching artist, and theatre-maker originally from Kansas. Alex is a recent and proud graduate of the fourth class of the B.F.A. Contemporary Theatre program at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Alex’s work onstage includes Someone in Hurry Home: A Collaborative Performance Experience, Demetrius/Bottom in Boston Theatre Company’s touring Midsummer, and Perseus/Phineaus in Medusa Reclaimed for The Nora’s “That’s What She Said” Festival. Alex served as the Assistant Director on SpeakEasy’s production of Fairview, and Directed Anne Eats The Beetle at Emerging Artist Theatre’s New Work Series and Pauligarchy and Now You See Me for the Boston Theatre Marathon. You can check out more of what Alex has going on at @leondedis on Instagram or at leondedis.com
Mary Mahoney
Lily Mittnight
(she/her) is an educator, theatre artist, and social justice advocate dedicated to bringing up kind, equitable, and creative students. She has previously worked as a set builder/painter, COVID Safety Manager, teaching assistant, and Child Guardian at WFT@BU. She received a B.A. in Human Services and Communications and an M.S. in Creative Practice Leadership from Northeastern University where she spent all her time outside of class performing, costume designing, and directing with NUStage Musical Theatre Company.
Isabel Molettieri
Education Intern, Teaching Assistant
(she/her/hers) is a Boston based actor, musician and teaching artist! She appeared most recently onstage in Los Angeles Theatre Initiative’s production of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She recently graduated from Muhlenberg College with a degree in Theatre and Music with concentrations in Acting and Vocal Performance. Isabel is a private voice teacher for singers of all ages and has previously served as a theatre educator with Birch Meadow Elementary School and Five Star Theater Company. Isabel has been with WFT since summer 2021 and loves working with the brilliant young artists here!
Anika Nayak
(They/She) has been with Wheelock Family Theater since she was a young child and found a home in the arts here. Her work in technical theater began at age 9 with internships at Wheelock in props and scenic design. Since then, they have found a deep passion for stage management, sewing the pieces of theater into a tapestry of stories. Anika focusses on creating non hierarchical and collaborative spaces in which theater and art can be created and experienced as what she believes is at it’s core, a universal language of being, and is beyond thrilled to be back at WFT to further that work. Anika most recently has been the Production Stage Manager for the UMass Amherst Theater Department, a resident Master Electrician for Moonbox Theater, and a returning teaching artist at Wheelock Family Theater. Her work has taken her throughout Massachusetts as well as internationally to Ramala, Palestine. You can see more of her work on her website anikanayak.org!
Jasper Scott
(they/them/theirs and he/him/his) is a rising senior at Boston University studying Theater Design and Production student with six years of experience as a stage manager. This is his first time working with WFT, but he’s excited to be a part of the work WFT is doing. In addition to stage management, they are interested in playwriting and costume design.
Angie Ye
Marketing Intern
(she/her) is a graduate at Boston University, majoring in Journalism. She is a translator, writer, and social media manager for The Buzz magazine. She is a musical enthusiast and loves design, photography, and videography. After her experience of getting involved in the musical “An American in Paris” Asia tour in 2019, she’s so excited to work with the theater again and join the lovely Wheelock family for this summer!
