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Home , Annie (musical), Billy Aronson, Finale B, Hairspray (musical), Jeffrey Seller, Jonathan Larson

California State University, Los Angeles College of Arts and Letters Department of Music, and Dance present

Book, Music and Lyrics by

with Emma Andreini, Luke Bellmonte, Romello Bernstine, Ernesto Brooks, Candice M. Clasby, Elizabeth Cron, Daniel Ferreira, Evea Gornall, Michael Grady, Kate Harmon, Jon Lee, Todd Leiser, Max Mayer, Brenda Perez, Matthew Ryan Pest, Jordan Rodriguez, Hanna Schultheis-Gerry, Angelino Simbulan, Candi Smith, Erika Steele and the band… Jamal Abercromia, Greg Kupka, Jenny Nam, Larry Smith and Shawn Tseng Scenic Design Lighting Design Ken George Karyn D. Lawrence Costume Design G. Shizuko Herrera Audio Design Graffiti Artist Dave Hobday Carlos Chavez Stage Manager Dramaturg Wendy Arteaga Assistant Stage Managers Marissa Pitts Danielle Magana Jessica Morataya

Choreographer Director Music Director Lauren Blair Meredith Greenburg Jerry Sternbach

RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson Musical Arrangements Steve Skinner Original Concept/Additional Lyrics Music Supervision and Additional Arrangements Tim Weil Dramaturg Lynn Thomson RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by , Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop

Please turn off all electronic devices in the theatre. Use of cell phones during the performance may result in being asked to leave the performance. No recording of images or audio is permied. Violators are subject to copyright infringement law by the license holders and the management. THE CAST

Jon Lee Luke Bellmonte

Brenda Perez Kate Harmon Candice M. Clasby

Angelino Simbulan Michael Grady Matthew Ryan Pest THE CAST

Emma Andreini Romello Ernesto Brooks Elizabeth Cron Bernstine

Todd Leiser Daniel Hanna Evea Gornall Ferreira Schultheis-Gerry

Maximilien Mayer

Jordan Rodriguez Kiku Smith Erika Steele THE Roger Davis ...... Jon Lee Mark Cohen ...... Luke Bellmonte Tom Collins ...... Matthew Ryan Pest Benjamin Coffin III ...... Michael Grady Joanne Jefferson ...... Brenda Perez Angel Schunard ...... Angelina Simbulan Mimi Marquez ...... Kate Harmon ...... Candice M. Clasby Mrs. Cohen ...... Hannah Schulthies-Gerry A Homeless Man ...... Maximilien Mayer Mr. Jefferson ...... Jordan Rodriguez Mrs. Jefferson ...... Erika Steele Steve ...... Romello Bernstine Gordon ...... Jordan Rodriguez Ali ...... Evea Gornall Sue ...... Kiku Smith Paul ...... Daniel Ferreira Squeegieman ...... Ernesto Brooks Blanket Person ...... Erika Steele Cops ...... Elizabeth Cron, Daniel Ferreira, Kiku Smith Coat Vendor ...... Emma Andreini The Man ...... Todd Leiser Waiter ...... Daniel Ferreira Mr. Gray ...... Jordan Rodriguez Alexi Darling ...... Emma Andreini Pastor ...... Todd Leiser Roger’s Mother ...... Evea Gornall Mimi Mother ...... Elizabeth Cron THE BAND Keyboard / Conductor ...... Jerry Sternbach Keyboard ...... Jenny Nam Guitar 1 ...... Jamal Abercrombia Guitar 2 ...... Greg Kupka Bass ...... Larry Smith Drums ...... Shawn Tseng MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT ONE Tune Up A ...... Mark, Roger Voice Mail #1 ...... Mrs. Cohen Tune Up B ...... Mark, Roger, Collins, Benny Rent ...... Company Christmas Bells #1 ...... A Homeless Man You Okay, Honey ...... Angel, Collins One Song Glory ...... Roger Light My Candle ...... Roger, Mimi Voice Mail # 2 ...... Maureen, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Today For You ...... Mark, Roger, Collins, Angel You’ll See ...... Benny, Mark, Roger, Angel, Collins Tango Maureen ...... Joanne, Mark Support Group ...... Steve, Gordon, Ali, Pam, Angel ...... Collins, Mark Out Tonight ...... Mimi, dancers Another Day ...... Roger, Mimi and Support Group Will I ...... Company On the Street ...... Max, Jordan, Hannah, Squeegieman ...... Blanket Person, Cops Santa Fe ...... Angel, Collins, Mark, Homeless I’ll Cover You ...... Angel, Collins We’re Okay ...... Joanne Christmas Bells ...... Company Over The Moon ...... Maureen La Vie Boheme/I Should Tell You ...... Company

Rent will be performed with one 15 minute intermission. MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT TWO ...... Company Happy A ...... Mark, Roger, Mimi, Maureen Joanne, Collins, Angel Voice Mail #3 ...... Mrs. Cohen Voice Mail #4 ...... Alexi Darling Happy New Year B ...... Mark, Roger, Mimi, Maureen Joanne, Collins, Angel, Benny ...... Maureen, Joanne Seasons of Love B ...... Company Without You ...... Mimi, Roger Voice Mail #5 ...... Alexi Darling I’ll Cover You ...... Collins, Company Halloween ...... Mark Goodbye Love ...... Mark, Roger, Mimi, Maureen Joanne, Collins, Angel, Benny What You Own ...... Pastor, Mark, Collins, Benny, Roger Voice Mail #6 ...... Roger’s Mother, Mimi’s Mother Mr. Jefferson, Mrs. Cohen Finale A ...... Mark, Roger, Mimi, Maureen Joanne, Collins, Angel Your Eyes ...... Roger ...... Company PRODUCTION TEAM Audio Engineer ...... Dave Duane Assistant Scenic Designer / Props Master ...... Stephanie Gardea Projection Consultant ...... E. Martin Gimenez Light Board Operator ...... Lilyana Melero Follow Spot Operators ...... Jennifer Castillo, Kevin Ezeh Running Crew ...... Thien Nguyen, Jenisse Castillo, Audio Crew ...... Kirbie Puestow, Will Banno Rothman Wardrobe Running Crew ...... Melanie Martinez, Tiffany Curry Makeup Artist ...... Maritza Melissa Amaral Scenic Shop Technicians ...... Stephanie Almeida, Dmitri Bilyk Eric Harris, Kate Harmon, Elizabeth Cron Costume Shop Lead ...... Rachel Masters Costume Shop Technicians .... Osbaldo Mancia, Melanie Martinez Electrics Shop Technicians ...... Matthew Tsang, Kate Harmon Elizabeth Cron, Eric Harris Poster/Graphic Design ...... Candice M. Clasby Assistant Production Management ...... Candice M. Clasby Jessica Morataya MTD Production Manager ...... Meredith Greenburg A&L Productions Staff Technical Director/Shops Supervisor ...... Elizabeth Pietrzak Costume Shop Supervisor ...... Bruce Zwinge Electrics Shop Supervisor ...... Tim Jones Audio Systems Technician ...... Rico Garcia BIOS Jon Lee (Roger Davis) is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and singer-songwriter active in the Los Angeles music and theatre communities. He is currently pursuing his Master of Music degree in Commercial Music after having completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music from CSULA in 2014. Jon’s past theatre experiences include Composer/Music Director for Shakespeare’s Tempest with Santa Monica Rep, Music Director/Guitarist for Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Green Show version of Twelfth Night. Rent is his first production with CSULA. Jon also performs with the fabulous CSULA Commercial Music ensemble, the 444’s, on an ongoing basis. www.jonleesongs.com Luke Bellmonte (Mark Cohen) is an actor, filmmaker and writer. He has appeared nationally on the E channel's hit TV show "The Drama Queen." He studied Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Theatre at Montclair State University before moving to Los Angeles. He has been involved in many CSULA productions including last year's John Lion New Plays Festival. He played the lead in Correr Con Los Toros, a new work directed by Armando Molina. Luke was also a semi-finalist in this year's ACTF Irene Ryan competition held at The Los Angeles Theatre Center. Luke is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Dance at CSULA.

Michael Grady (Benjamin Coffin III) is thrilled to take part in this production of Rent at CSULA. As a Music Education major with a Vocal Choral emphasis, he has seen the stage many times in the last several years in a variety of concerts and productions. Our campus benefits from live theatre. Human ideas and emotions being expressed through story and presentation is a beautiful experience. The excitement of the theatre is the very essence of what it means to be alive. Thank you for coming and God Bless! Angelino Simbulan (Angel Schunard) is new to CSULA working on his BA in English; an upper division transfer from , Angelino recently graduated with his AA in Paralegal Studies whilst pursuing the theatre opportunities that his community college presented him. He moved to Los Angeles in September, hoping to become more acquainted with theater while fulfilling his educational goals. Although not a Theatre major, Angelino made a self-promise to do at least two plays/musicals a year to keep his for acting alive. Some of his most recent endeavors on stage include: Rod in ; Narrator/ Jedidiah Schultz/Dr. Cantway in The Laramie Project; Clifford Bradshaw in ; Beethoven in Dog Sees God; and Sandy Sonenberg in The Paris Letter. Kate Harmon (Mimi Marquez) is earning her BA degree in Theatre Arts and Dance with a Theatre Option. Recent productions include The John Lions New Plays Festival, Winter Dance Concert, The Wall, , Moving Dance Images, and The Winter’s Tale. She also performs as a singer in LA bands: Old Blood, Couch Party, and Harmon Eyes. She is currently doing an internship at ToneMesa Inc., a sound and media production company. A BIG shout out to my parents who always help me advertise and research my artistic endeavors, my brothers for their endless support and love, and my for being my family away from home and providing me with endless inspiration. ❤ ACTOR BIOS Brenda Perez (Joanne Jefferson) is a fourth year sociology major and women studies minor. Her secret love is performing! Her last performance was in Hair the musical at CSULA and she played Yolanda in at Casa 0101. She's super excited to be performing in Rent for the second time! "Embrace life and love yourself!!” Candice M. Clasby (Maureen Johnson) is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Television, Film, and Theatre with an emphasis in production and directing at CSULA. Since graduating with her B.A. in Theatre Arts from CSU, Fullerton she has been working as a choreographer and director in both LA and Orange Counties, and she teaches acting for the camera at a Young Conservatory. She has been seen in the numerous productions including: (Sally Bowles) Cabaret, (Ginger) The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, (Lin) The Great American Trailer Park Musical, (Kate) , (Elsa) , and most recently (Dionne) in CSULA’s production of Hair. She’d like to thank Meredith and Jerry for believing in her and pushing her to her limit and then pushing her even more, and her parents George & Fatima for their never-ending love and support! See you all on the other side of the moon!!! www.candiche.com Matthew Ryan Pest (Tom Collins) is an Alabama native in his third year of the MFA program at CSULA. He holds a BA in Classical Vocal Performance (2009) from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Ryan is a proud member of the Circle Squared Collective, a local theatre and film based ensemble consisting of CSULA alumni, current students, and artists from around the area. Ryan also works closely with the LA , a precision kick line dance and performance ensemble, as a singer and musical director. Some favorite past roles include Tom Steinbock (The Wall- del Espacio), Claude (Hair - CSULA), John Jasper (The Mystery of Edwin Drood - UAH), Seymour (Little Shop of Horrors - UAH), and King Kaspar (Amahal and the Night Visitors - UAH Opera). www.matthewryanpest.com Daniel Ferreira (Ensemble) is a Junior at CSULA, majoring in Theater Arts and Dance, with an option in Theater. Daniel is the current Resident Hall Association President for CSULA. Some of Daniel’s favorite past roles on stage include Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened On the way to the Forum, George in Of Mice and Men, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Hermes in Silenced Screams and a Corny Collins Council Member in . Daniel would like to thank all of those in his life that are constantly supporting him. Ernesto Brooks (Ensemble) is an LA native. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mr. Brooks has always had a Hollywood state of mind and has always aspired to do bigger and better things. Mr. Brooks is open to new challenges, which brought him to the auditions for Rent. As an actor he has accomplished many things and hopes to one day write, direct, and star in his own feature film. Erika Steele (Ensemble) is in her third year, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. She has always had a passion for performing arts. Past productions include where she played Rizzo, and most recently she was seen in CSULA’s production of HAIR. ACTOR BIOS Evea Gornall (Ensemble) is a junior earning her B.A. degree in Theatre Arts and Dance, with an option in Theatre. This is Evea’s first production with CSULA, having recently transferred from Glendale Community College. Evea grew up and attended high school in San Francisco, and had the honor of graduating with the Class of 2010’s Performance Art Achievement Award and received the 2nd Place Gold Medal for Monologues at the 2010 Northern California Theatre Festival. Some of Evea’s favorite roles on stage include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and Fräulein Schneider in Cabaret. Evea would like to thank her family and close friends for their constant, unwavering support. Candi Smith (or Kiku, among cast and friends)(Ensemble) is a full time college student majoring in her passion, Japanese. Japanese wasn't always her first choice, in fact just a few years back she was certain her major would reflect her undying love for . Her goal is to become fluent in Japanese and teach English in , while participating on the stage as much as possible along the way. Hope you enjoy the show! Jordan Rodriguez (Ensemble) is a second year student at CSULA, majoring in Exercise Science. This is Jordan’s first production at CSULA and he is very excited to be a part of the team. Previous to this, Jordan was in three other theatre productions, all taking place in Columbus, Ohio. Jordan plans to pursue a career as an actor. Elizabeth J. Cron (Ensemble) is currently celebrating her six year anniversary living in Los Angeles, along with her third and final season at CSULA. During that time, she has worked as a backup dancer for Starsix, Kate Crash, and Damian Lazarus, as well as opening for Joan Jett. She has performed at various music venues and festivals, including Nocturnal, Electric Daisy Carnival, A Taste of Newport, The Viper Room, Whiskey A Go Go, and Bordner's. Elizabeth has appeared in numerous film, television, and music video projects, including NCIS, Adventure Time's Sea of Tranquility, Catch 21 on The Game Show Network, and several Joule Thief Youtube shorts (with over 400k views collectively). Over the past year, Elizabeth represented Downtown Los Angeles at the 2014 Miss California USA competition and recently placed second runner-up at 2015 Ms. Coastal States Globe. She was last seen on CSULA stage as Emily in the world premier of The Perfect Marriage and in the prior year, she was nominated for an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship for her performance as Crissy in Hair. She would like to thank the faculty and staff of CSULA for their support and mentorship over the years. She also sends hugs and kisses to her amazing friends and now lifelong colleagues. Romello Bernstine (Ensemble) is a Freshmen at CSULA, majoring in Theatre Arts and Dance, with an option in Theatre. This is his first production at Cal State LA, and hopes it is the first of many. Other credits include: Hairspray, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Miser, and on this Island. Romello would like to thank his friends Shakiah, Kevin, Jessica, and Laura, as his family for always supporting him. ACTOR BIOS Todd Leiser (Ensemble) is a current third year graduate student in the TVFT MFA at CSULA. As a Production student, his focus is on film directing and writing. He received his BA from Willamette University in Salem Oregon in 2012 where he majored in Film Studies. With a passion for film history, Todd also co-teaches the undergraduate film history class at CSULA as a graduate assistant. While having participated in and acted in many theatre productions before in his academic career, this is Todd’s first musical. He thanks everyone for all the support. Maximilien Mayer (Ensemble) is graduating this year with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Dance from CSULA. Max is, and always has been, a born traveller. He was born in and spent the majority of his childhood traveling from place to place on cruise ships. His parents are dancers, which is likely what sparked the performing gene in him. Throughout high school, Max performed in musicals such as Treasure Island, and Les Miserables. After completing high school he immediately knew that acting was going be his life long passion. He has studied multiple acting techniques and loves working in both film and theatre. Max has also performed in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale and The Wall at CSULA. He is tremendously excited to be part of this production of Rent. He’s especially excited to be working with such a talented cast and group of creative team members. He would like to thank his mum, sister and girlfriend for always supporting him and his love for the arts. Hanna Schultheis-Gerry (Ensemble) graduated from University of California, Irvine in 2012 with a BA in Drama, emphasis in playwriting and musical theatre. She is now in her second year of study for her MFA in Dramatic Writing for Television, Film and Theatre, here at CSULA. She has performed in Los Angeles, Orange County, the SF Bay Area and . Her favorite roles include Bonnie in and the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet. She hopes to become the next and is grateful for her family, friends, kick- arse professors and gluten-free pasta. Thanks! Emma Andreini (Ensemble) is a second-year undergraduate student at CSULA working to obtain her BA in Theatre Arts and Dance. Rent is Emma’s second musical at CSULA; in May, 2014 she performed in the original work Seaduction as Sarah. Some of her favorite and most notable musical roles include Adelaide in and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. She grew up in the small town of Oakdale, California and left immediately following high school to pursue an education and career in theatre and film. She would like to thank her family and friends for being the greatest support group an actress could hope for! PRODUCTION TEAM Wendy Arteaga (Stage Manager) is a 4th year senior who will be earning her B.A. degree in Theatre Arts and Dance this June. Having been on stage as Lucy in Miss Quince for the John Lion New Plays Festival 2012, Wendy began to feel the urge to explore theatre a different way. She was an Assistant Stage Manager for Hot Nights El Callejon del Beso and Il Matrimonio Segreto, soon becoming Stage Manager of The Perfect Marriage for the John Lion New Plays Festival 2014. This summer, she had the privilege to be a Production Associate at South Coast Repertory for The Long Road Today, an original work of Jose Cruz Gonzalez. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to Stage Manage her first musical with Meredith as her director, as she looks up to her tremendously. Wendy would like to dedicate this show to her love and her parents for their undivided support and constant motivation. Jessica Morataya (Assistant Stage Manager) is a senior earning her B.A. degree in Theatre Arts and Dance with an option in Theatre. This will be Jessica’s last year at CSULA. This past summer, she had the pleasure of working on Hair at the . Following that, she worked at South Coast Repertory as Production Associate showing José Cruz Gonzalez’s original work of The Long Today. She has had an amazing time and wonderful learning experience under the mentorship of Meredith Greenburg. Stage Management credits include: The Long Road Today (Production Associate, South Coast Repertory), Hair (Production Assistant, Hollywood Bowl), Elijah (Luckman Theater), John Lion New Plays Festival (Luckman Intimate), Hold Me Tight (Schkapf), Il Matrimonio Segreto (CSULA), LA Grand Ensemble (LATC), Phaedra (CSULA), Hairspray (Sherriff’s Youth Foundation), The Winter’s Tale (CSULA), Opera Del Espacio performances as part of Meet Me @ Metro III Festival, Tearing the World Apart (Hollywood Fringe Festival, 6470 Theatre), Dog Sees God (Students4Student Theatre, CSULA). Jessica plans to make a career of stage managing and would like to thank her professors at CSULA for helping her to find her calling.

Dani Magaña (Assistant Stage Manager) is currently a senior at California State University, Los Angeles and will be receiving her B.A. in Theatre and Dance. She loves to act, dance, and sing but is more than grateful to be learning new fields in the theatre. Through her years at CSULA, she’s worked on, Far From Home (Pratna), Hair (Costume Shop Crew), and The Laramie Project (Light Board Operator). Every day is a new adventure and a lesson, and Dani is overwelmed to be learning from her family, friends, and peers here at CSULA. A big thanks to everyone who’s helped her along the way and she is excited to start her future. “… We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” –Walt Disney PRODUCTION TEAM Gerald Sternbach (Music Director), one of Los Angeles’ foremost musical directors, is happy to return as an adjunct professor and for his fifth musical at CSULA, continuing a long productive collaboration with Meredith Greenburg. He most recently was musical director/pianist for , who performed for One Night Only at the Geffen Playhouse, where he has also helmed Nightmare Alley and Carrie Fisher’s one woman show, Wishful Drinking. As resident music director for Reprise! Broadway’s Best for six seasons, he earned Ovation nominations (winning in 2006) in addition to seven Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle nominations (the organization honored him in 2007, 2008, and 2011) and three Garland Awards. Mr. Sternbach made his Los Angeles Philharmonic debut at the Hollywood Bowl in 2005 as the onstage pianist for ’s 75th birthday concert. He’s also worked in a pre-production capacity assisting John Mauceri at the Bowl for four summers. Other notable credits include serving as associate conductor for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Merlin, and The Tap Dance Kid (all on Broadway), conducting the nationaL tour of ’s Song and Dance starring Melissa . and the LA premiere production of Les Miserables. He has accompanied a wide variety of artists, from Adam Lambert, , Josh Groban and to Nancy Wilson, John Lithgow, Kelsey Grammar, Marilyn Horne, and Sarah Brightman. He also has been the musical director for a big Cabaret fundraiser for six years at the famed Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara. ( Last summer collaborating with Ms. Horne , Ms Burnett and Ms Greenburg!) As a songwriter/composer, Mr. Sternbach has written the music for Amother Musical (with Elin Hampton) contributed music to Heartbeats (with Amanda McBroom), three Ringling Brothers Circuses, ASCAP Rising Songwriter Showcases on both coasts, and Cabaret Conventions at New York’s Town Hall. One of the the many thrills of his life—his song ,”Mary” (written in collaboration with Faye Greenberg) – a paean to The Mary Tyler Moore Show – was performed during the 2003 TV Land Awards show by Eric McCormack, in the presence of the iconic sit-com’s original cast members. PRODUCTION TEAM Lauren Blair (Choreographer) has 16 years of experience as a choreographer and dance teacher (tap, jazz, modern, ballroom) working with performers of all ages in programs such as University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music Preparatory Department, LeDance Studio, The Otto M. Budig Academy of Ballet, St. Monica Catholic High School, Santa Monica College, Company, and Cal State LA. In 2008, she travelled to Shandong University of the Arts in Jinan, to perform in the university's 50th anniversary celebration and led a dance workshop with a group of their students, so she can happily say she has taught internationally. She has choreographed over 30 musicals including Spring Awakening, Beauty and the Beast (National Youth Arts Award for Outstanding Choreography), , White Christmas, The Full Monty (StageSceneLAOutstanding Choreography), Singin’ in the Rain, Thoroughly Modern Millie Outstanding Choreography), Singin’ in the Rain, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and most recently at Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica in which she also had the amazing opportunity to play Ulla. She has also choreographed pieces for Synapse Dance Theater Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Morgan-Wixson Theatre Geoffrey Awards, and Cincinnati's National Tap Dance Day Celebration. Lauren earned her M.A. in Theatre Arts and Dance from CSULA in 2013 and is thrilled for the opportunity to give back to this program!

Ken George (Scenic Designer) Is a freelance Scenic/Entertainment Designer in Southern California. He received his M.F.A in scene design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to teaching Scene Design, Scene Painting, Drafting, Introduction to Theatre Design and other related courses for LSU from 2009-2012, his academic responsibilities included designing for the Department of Theater’s Main Stage productions and Swine Palace, mentoring student designers, and serving on the department’s recruiting committee. He served as a Scenic Designer for various and schools in the mid-west in the last 15 years earning him the Wyoming Arts Council’s 2005 Performing Arts Fellowship Award documenting his work in the Wyoming Arts Registry. He is also a professional member of USITT. Some of Mr. George’s design credits include Oklahoma State University’s Department of Theater in Stillwater, OK; Casper College’s Theatre and Dance program, in Casper, WY designing over 20 plays, musicals, and dance productions; UW-Madison in Madison, WI; Madison Rep. in Madison, WI and PBS of Missouri.

Karyn Lawrence (Lighting Designer) earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Lighting Design from the University of California, Irvine. Karyn has designed for companies such as South Coast repertory, Great River Shakespeare Festival, The Wooden Floor and Sacred Fools. She was the 2012 recipient of the iSquint Student Design Competition Award, and is currently the resident designer for Breath of Fire and Sage Hill High School. Her work has also been seen in , , the and Romania. www.kdllightingdesign.com PRODUCTION TEAM G. Shizuko Herrera (Costume Designer) has been involved in technical theatre for 40 years. She has taught stagecraft and design at East Los Angeles College and Los Angeles City College. Now an Emeriti Professor at CSULA, she has served as an Associate Chair and Principal Undergraduate Theatre and Dance Advisor for the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance. She has also served the then Department of Theatre Arts and Dance as Faculty Technical Director from 1989 through 2004. She has taught courses in General Education and all the technical classes – both lower division stagecraft and upper division design. She has designed scenery, lighting, costumes, makeup, properties, and has also dabbled in directing. Outside affiliations have been with the East West Players, as a technician, stage manager, designer, technical director, and producer. Shiz has costumed a few feature films, a TV , and has been nominated for a Lester Horton Award for Excellence in Dance Lighting. With the East West Players, she received a Back Stage West Garland award for Lighting on PACIFIC OVERTURES at the David Henry Hwang Theatre and an Ovation and a LA Weekly award for Lighting on at their Silverlake theatre. Shiz has also been very involved with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. In 2009, she received an Excellence in Education award from the Design, Technology, & Management area and this past year, Region 8 honored her with the Golden Medallion of Excellence award.

Marissa Pitts (Dramaturg) ( AEA, SAG-AFTRA) graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelors Degree in Theatre Arts and is starting her Master’s in Theatre Arts at Cal State Los Angeles. She is a company member of Southern California Shakespeare Festival. Ms. Pitts is also a member of SAG-AFTRA and her other credits include independent films. Marissa Pitts has also trained at World renowned Shakespeare and Co. with Tina Packer and Dennis Krausnick. Ms. Pitts would like to thank her family, professors, and friends for always supporting her and helping her grow as an actress and as a person. Please visit her website for a more comprehensive list of credits and current projects. www.marissapitts.com. PRODUCTION TEAM

Meredith J. Greenburg (Director) is a Professor in the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance and has been the Production Manager for the Department since she arrived at CSULA in 2001. A professional Stage Manager for over 25 years, Meredith works extensively in both Theatre and Opera. She is a member of both Actors’ Equity Association (since 1993) and the American Guild of Musical Artists (since 1999), and has sat on committees and negotiating teams for both unions for over 10 years. Since 1999, Meredith has been a regular on the staff at the LA Opera, working on over 20 productions including the US premiere of David Cronenberg’s The Fly, Eugene Onegin, Don Carlo, Achim Freyer’s Damnation of Faust, and Peter Grimes. Meredith has been the Production Stage Manager for the Hollywood Bowl’s fully staged Broadway Musicals for the past 8 years including: Rent (directed by ), ’s production of Hairspray, The Producers (directed by Susan Strohman), , Hair (Directed by ), The Sound of Music, , Guys and Dolls. Other favorite theatre credits include: Baz Lurmahnn’s La Boheme at the Ahmanson, Deaf West/Mark Taper Forum’s , the 1st National tour of Caroline or Change at the Ahmanson (sub), When Pigs Fly, The Last Night of Ballyhoo (with Rhea Perlman and Harriet Harris), Always, Patsy Cline, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Masada, The Musical, and Bermuda Avenue Triangle (with Bea Arthur, Nanette Fabray, Renee Taylor and Joe Bologna). For , Meredith has had the honor of directing the Vocal fellows in Marilyn Horne’s program at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara for their Gala Cabaret production. She also produces the event surrounding the Cabaret show along with Tim Jones and in collaboration with Ms. Horne, Jerry Sternbach and the staff of the Academy. Meredith directs and produces special events for clients that have included: The Rick Weiss Humanitarian Awards, Paramount Pictures, S.T.A.G.E., Desert AIDS Project, The Actors’ Fund, The Palm Springs Film Festival, and the American Heart Association. In 2011, Meredith was invited to be a member of the National Theatre Conference, “a theatrical ‘think-tank’ that meets annually to review and confer on matters pertaining to the welfare and development of the theatre.” A very special thank you to the wonderful people who worked tirelessly (and endlessly it seems) to make this show a reality. This company is tremendous. It has been a LEAP OF FAITH that I have enjoyed immensely. ARTS & LETTERS PRODUCTIONS A&L Productions operates primarily under the auspices of the Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Dr. Peter McAllister.

Bruce Zwinge (Costume Shop Supervisor) After attaining a B.A. from CSU Fresno and a Certificate of Fashion Design from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), Bruce Zwinge has worked in the field of costume and fashion design for more than 25 years. Early years spent as a production patternmaker in the garment industry led to extensive costume work in commercials, film, television, music videos, concert tours, stage, and print advertising. Experience working with top designers Theoni V. Aldredge, Bill Whitten, Melissa Daniels, and Pamela Shaw (past president of The Costumer’s Guild) has provided Bruce with opportunities to work with recording artists Prince and David Lee Roth, and entertainment industry work in films such as The Hidden, Slam Dance and television shows like Grace Under Fire. CSULA has been his artistic and occupational home for the past 24 years. Bruce nevertheless finds time to serve as freelance patternmaker, stitcher and designer for industry client Advanced Entertainment Technology, providing him subcontract work for Universal Studios, Universal Studios Florida, , and Disneyland Tokyo and Paris. He is very proud of the long standing working relationships he has with many other local colleges and universities and has been a member of the Cerritos College costume technician certificate advisory board for the past four years. In a long and distinguished career, Bruce considers his most personally and professionally rewarding times to have been those spent at CSULA working with students, designers, and the CSULA campus community.

Tim Jones (Electrics Shop Supervisor / Master Electrician) has worked at CSULA for 15 years, principally providing audio and lighting support for the Theatre Arts and Dance. His responsibilities now include music performance venues and focus primarily on lighting and effects support for all of our facilities. His accomplishments at CSULA include major lighting upgrades and installations on the State Playhouse and Arena stages, as well as spearheading the SpiralLift orchestra pit lift installation in 2007. Professionally, beyond CSULA, Tim provides lighting, audio and event support through his production support company. Rico Garcia (Audio Engineer and Audio Systems Technician) has a BA in Ethnomusicology Jazz Studies from UCLA and Certificates in Audio Engineering and Post Production from The Musicians Institute. Before coming to Cal State LA, Rico had worked for the Getty Museum as an audio technician, for LA Opera Community Outreach Programs and Center Theater Group as a touring Audio Engineer. Rico owns and operates his own boutique recording studio and has recorded many local up and coming rock bands. His responsibilities at Cal State LA include technical maintenance of all audio systems, sound design for stage productions, and live mixing/recording of concerts and recitals. ARTS & LETTERS PRODUCTIONS (Technical Director and Shops Supervisor) As a poet and theatre artist, Elizabeth Pietrzak has been designing, building, technical directing, and storytelling through live theatre for more than 25 years. She has worked throughout Southern California with colleges and universities, churches, theme parks, local and community theaters, and spent two summers on the east coast doing summer stock theatre in New Hampshire, most notably designing and building 8 shows in 9 weeks for the oldest running summer stock theatre in the , the Barnstormers Theatre. Prior to coming to CSULA, she was the Theatre Manager and Technical Director for 17 years at the University of La Verne in their Department of Theatre Arts. While there, she also taught classes in stagecraft, scenic and lighting design, desktop publishing, creative writing, and performance art. Elizabeth earned her BA in Theatre Arts from the University of La Verne and her MFA in Creative Writing, Poetry from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Elizabeth continues to write poetry and has been published in a variety of online journals. She is fascinated by the intersection between science and poetry, the exploration of liminal spaces through performance, the fragmented and de-centered self, and the dialogic nature of identity. “I am intensely interested in poetry and writing that is multi- voiced, multi-languaged, and that presents a mutable, fluid identity.” Elizabeth also writes scripts and monologues for collaborative work with solo performance artists. She approaches her lighting design work as storytelling and calls it “writing with light.” She has studied Irish Gaelic and dabbles on the accordion. She gardens when she can, but mostly lets the plants run wild. Dramaturgical Material Jonathan Larson (February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996) Jonathan Larson was an American playwright and composer who is noted for his exploration on social issues including: multiculturalism, addiction, and homophobia. Larson was born In White Plains, New York to Jewish parents, Allan and Nanette Larson. His parents exposed him to the performing arts at an early age, especially music and theatre. Larson learned to play the trumpet, tuba, sang in his school's choir, and took formal piano lessons. He attended in Garden City, New York with a four-year scholarship as an acting Academic major. Some of Larson’s earlier work includes: Saved! - An Immoral Musical on the Moral Majority, Superbia, and tick, tick… Boom!.Along with his plays, he also wrote numerous songs, individually and for . For his early works Larson won a grant and award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, Stephen Sondheim Award, and the Gilman and Gonzalez-Falla Theatre Foundation's Commendation Award. In 1989, Playwright Billy Aronson and Jonathan Larson began to collaborate together on Aronson’s idea of a musical update of La Bohème. Aronson wanted to create "a musical inspired by 's La Bohème, in which the luscious splendor of Puccini's world would be replaced with the coarseness and noise of modern New York.” Due to creative differences, the project was shelved after only three songs were recorded. In 1991 Larson was granted full rights to move forward alone with Rent.

Larson’s interest in continuing the work on Rent was prompted by his ex- girlfriend being diagnosed with AIDS and learning that he might have contacted threatening virus. Larson waited an excruciating two weeks to find out his results; he tested negative. Larson wanted to write about his own life experience’s and the AIDS epidemic which was destroying families and communities around the world and Larson’s inner circle. A childhood friend and others had passed away from AIDS the previous year. Larson moved the setting of Rent to New York's ABC district, which was very similar to where Larson and his roommates lived in a rundown apartment. For a while, he and his roommates kept an illegal, wood- burning stove due to lack of heating in their building, and he also dated a dancer for four years who sometimes left him for other men and eventually for a woman. Rent started as a staged reading in 1993 at the New York Theatre Workshop, On January 25, 1996, after years of workshopping, Rent was finally ready to be premiered Off Broadway, at the New York Theatre Workshop. Larson however would never see his play open for the public eye. Dramaturgical Material Jonathan Larson (continued) Larson died from an undiagnosed (an aortic dissection) in the early morning of January 25, 1996. Larson was 35 years old, just 10 days shy of his 36th birthday. He had been suffering chest pains and also had nausea for several days prior to his death, but doctors at two different hospitals could not find signs of a heart attack and so misdiagnosed it either as flu or stress. New York State medical investigators concluded that if the aortic dissection had been properly diagnosed and treated, Larson would have lived. Larson's parents who had flown in for the opening, gave their blessing to open the show on schedule and Rent premiered Off Broadway on the evening of Larson’s death. The cast agreed to premier Rent sitting down and simply singing the show as a tribute to Larson but by the song “La Vie Boheme,” the energy of the cast could no longer be contained and they finished the show on their feet minus costumes and props. A little over two months after opening Off Broadway, Rent moved to Brodway. It ran at the from April 29, 1996 until it closed on September 7, 2008. It is the 9th longest running show in Broadway history. Rent has toured throughout the world and a film version was released in 2005. After his death, Larson's family and friends started the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation to provide monetary grants to artists, especially musical theatre composers and writers, to support their creative work. Jonathan's work was given to the in Washington, D.C. in December 2003. Larson was posthumously awarded for his musical Rent the ; for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score; the for Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Music, and for Outstanding Lyrics; the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical; the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical in the Off-Broadway category; and three Obie Awards for Outstanding Book, Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Music. While Larson died before he saw Rent become the socially moving and evocative piece of theatre of his time; his musical continues to change lives to this day and leaves thought provoking questions in our minds about what action we can take to promote our own ideals and aspirations for a healthier community and society. As Dramaturg on this production of Rent at CSULA, I hope that you will think on Rent not only as a socially riveting and relevant musical, but also as Jonathan’s ode to life and community. "Rent is about a community celebrating life in the face of death and AIDS at the turn of the century." -Jonathan Larson. Marissa Pitts - Dramaturg VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO…

Dr. Peter McAllister, Dean of the College of Arts & Letters Dr. Lena Chao, Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Letters Tommy Luong, Sylvia Ramirez, Aurora Hauffen, Flora Saavedra-Hernandez in the Dean’s office. Dr. John Kennedy, Chair of the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. Leticia Ramirez, Yen Hua, Jenny San in the MTD office, Ross Levinson, Steve Wight in Commercial Music and the entire Music Faculty at CSULA. Steve Rothman, Tanya Kane-Parry, Shiz Herrera, Jose Cruz Gonzalez, Paul Graham, Seonagh Odhiambo, Hae Lee, Theresa Larkin, Susan Mason. Richard Crother and Dave Ward at Cerritos College Susie Castillo, Labor Coordinator at Productin Resource Group Brian Edwards, General Manager, Production Resource Group Arthur in the Paint Shop, Bernard Kane in Reprograhics Fritz at Digital Techologies, Rick Cutler at RC Productions, INC, Gabriel Sanchez at Tinee Sound, E. Martin Gimenez Richard L. Vellucci, Facilities Warehouse Manager Patrick Brambila, Anne McMills, Ronn Goswick and most especially Barbara Donner. The Kennedy Center THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival™ 47, part of the Rubenstein Arts Access Program, is generously funded by David and Alice Rubenstein.

Additional support is provided by The Honorable Stuart Bernstein and Wilma E. Bernstein; Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; the National Committee for the Performing Arts; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; and Beatrice and Anthony Welters and the AnBryce Foundation. This production is entered in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The aims of this national theater education program are to identify and promote quality in college-level theater production. To this end, each production entered is eligible for a response by a regional KCACTF representative, and selected students and faculty are invited to participate in KCACTF programs involving scholarships, internships, grants and awards for actors, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, designers, stage managers and critics at both the regional and national levels. Productions entered on the Participating level are eligible for invitation to the KCACTF regional festival and may also be considered for national awards recognizing outstanding achievement in production, design, direction and performance. Last year more than 1,300 productions were entered in the KCACTF involving more than 200,000 students nationwide. By entering this production, our theater department is sharing in the KCACTF goals to recognize, reward, and celebrate the exemplary work produced in college and university theaters across the nation.