Trace was born and raised where the wind comes sweeping down the plains: Tulsa, Oklahoma! Some of his favorite roles include William Barfee, Bob Gaudio, and The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald. When he’s not onstage, you can find him in the kitchen making his famous chocolate chip cookies, watching The Traitors, or playing the New York Times games. He’s a writer too! His song cycle Elevator Music was produced at OU last spring, and he’s spent the last year working on a musical satire about the moon landing. He’s excited to move to NYC post-graduation!
Evelyn is from Concord, New Hampshire. She grew up on 5 acres of land, so she loves being outdoors — whether that’s hiking, swimming, or soaking up fresh air. She’s a big fan of board games, reading a good book, and curling up with her dog, Scout. Her favorite role at OU has been Inga in Young Frankenstein. She can’t wait for this summer, where she will be performing as Kristine in A Chorus Line and Jan in Grease at Theatre Aspen in Colorado! She is very excited to take on post-grad life -- it will be an adventure for sure!
Jackson is a dedicated performer and a die-hard lover of all things on and off the stage. When he's not kicking face, Jackson channels his creativity as a choreographer, teacher, and director, a comedic content creator, and a wicked designer of hair, wigs, makeup, and prosthetics. He has a background in cirque du soleil, where he trained heavily in production design and aerial apparatus. Jackson has an affinity for comedy and, above all else, hopes to make you laugh! Find him on Instagram @jacksonrdunlap.
Jayson Gorton is a Norman, Oklahoma native and a lifelong Sooner with a passion for exploring the world beyond it. He has been fortunate to travel internationally, with some of his favorite destinations including Athens, Paris, and Venice. When he’s not traveling, Jayson is a devoted Oklahoma City Thunder fan and a true music enthusiast, often listening to artists like Burt Bacharach, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles (he swears the alliteration is purely coincidental). With his sights set on New York City, Jayson is excited to take the next step in his career - something that has been a long time coming!
Sofia Macaluso is a vocalist and performer known for her powerful voice and confident presence. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Sofia was raised by a proud Italian family rooted in strength, hard work, great food, and above all, kindness. It's no question why she gravitates toward leading women roles that embody both ferocity and vulnerability. Outside of theatre, Sofia is passionate about all things fashion, graphic design, art history, therapy, and dancing with her friends on a perfectly planned night out!
Cameron is a true Texas boy, born and raised in Houston. Growing up, he developed a love for all things uniquely Texan, including the Houston Rodeo, where he even competed in Mutton Bustin' as a kid (competitive sheep riding). When he's not cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners (a diehard OU Softball fan through and through), you'll find him in the kitchen experimenting with a new dish. The more complex the dish, the better. However, when cooking for himself, it is mainly chicken and rice. Cooking for the people he loves brings him the same joy and passion he feels when he's performing. One of his favorite roles to date is The Monster in OU's production of Young Frankenstein. Cameron is now setting his sights on a brand-new chapter. This summer, he's making the move to New York City, ready to hit the ground running!
Raleigh, North Carolina native Ellen Pierce - also known as “Ellen Fierce” - is a musical theatre performer with a “small but mighty” presence and a love for bold storytelling. Known for her sharp comedic timing and keen eye for detail, she thrives as both a leading lady and a dynamic featured dancer. A great representation of her range, Ellen has served as Dance Captain at Music Theatre Wichita, worked as the Associate Choreographer under Sara Brians, and made audiences laugh as Schwartzy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Offstage, Ellen can usually be found deep in a true crime rabbit hole or searching every chip aisle for the perfect salt and vinegar - Cape Cod currently holds the crown.
David was born Venezuela and moved to Parkland, Florida when he was 7, and was raised there. He’s had a passion for performing and making people laugh ever since he learned English. Some of his favorite roles he’s played have been Frederick in "Young Frankenstein," (a dream role since elementary school) and John Wilkes Booth in "Assassins." Outside of performing, David loves directing, teaching, watching really obscure movies (he’s a huge John Waters fan), and hanging out with his beautiful Golden Retriever.
Merrick Theobald Jr. is a multi-faceted music theatre performer hailing from Ball Ground, Georgia. Growing up, he had plans of one day becoming a weatherman, paleontologist, or business man, but it wasn’t until he stumbled into performing arts classes in middle school that he decided to play it safe and pursue a career in acting.
Merrick prides himself on bringing a captivating authenticity to his work. Whether he is acting, singing, or dancing, he provides a sense of grounded realism that is both refreshing and energetic.
He is a soon-to-be graduate from the University of Oklahoma Wetizenhoffer School of Musical Theatre with his BFA. Recently, he played Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! At Musical Theatre Wichita. Additionally, he has also worked at the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and Queensbury Theatre. This summer, he is thrilled to return to Music Theatre Wichita, where he will play Marius in Les Miserables, as well as being a member of the resident ensemble for Elf, Fiddler on the Roof, and Hairspray.
When not in a rehearsal room, Merrick can be found seeking out a new experience, eating good food, thrifting, and talking about Game of Thrones.
Originally from Houston, TX, Manny Tijerina is a fearless singer, smart actor, confident hip-hop dancer, instrumentalist/songwriter, and devoted music lover. Some favorites include Elton John, Frank Ocean, and Joni Mitchell. In his downtime, he enjoys long walks with a podcast, a night at the movies, and cooking new recipes.
Anastasia White's love of theatre began in her hometown of Charlotte, NC. This passion for theatre led her to make the big trek to Norman, OK, to pursue her BFA in Musical Theatre Performance. Credits: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky), Rent (Seasons of Love Soloist/ u/s Joanne), Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon Zealotes), The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Lucy Pevensie), Heathers (Young Republicanette/ u/s Veronica), Annie (Mrs. Greer), Escanaba in da Moonlight (Wolf Moon Dance), Crazy For You, Young Frankenstein, and Sweeney Todd. She has also performed in and contributed to many workshops and new works, including Little Miss Perfect (Noel), Oh L’Amour (u/s Savannah), and Elevator Music (Choreographer). During her time at OU, she has also learned she has a knack and love for choreography and teaching. When she isn't busy performing or teaching, you can find her running the student-led musical theatre producing club, The Artists' Gallery, or watching a riveting video essay on YouTube. There isn't much this little lady can't do!
Ashley Woytal, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, loves inspiring audiences by telling honest, emotionally driven stories through theatre. She loves singing all genres of music and is passionate about teaching voice to children. She watches about two horror films a week, is fascinated by Impressionist art, makes a mean dairy latte, and never turns down warm biscuits.
