EPAC Digital Program Book

Bios

(listed in Alphabetical Order)

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Jess Burke (Ensemble)

Jess is thrilled to be part of her first EPAC show! She is no stranger to the stage performing with Whitney Point School Community productions since 2003. Her favorite roles have included Nancy (Oliver!), Truly Scrumptious (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), and Narrator (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). She is so excited to be sharing the stage, again, with her daughter Riley! A huge thank you to her Bryan, her husband and the one who encouraged her to audition, and their sons, Logan and Colin who calmly deal with the busy busy schedules of shows!

 

Riley Burke (Ensemble)

Riley Burke is a Junior at the Whitney Point High school and has been in several musicals including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Peter Pan Jr., Matilda Jr. (x2), Something Rotten, 110 Stories, Joseph and the Amazingly Technicolored Dreamcoat, Alice in Wonderland, and Fiddler on the Roof (x2). During the fall play, You Can’t Take It With You, she played Alice Sycamore, which has been one of her favorite roles to date, close to The Duchess from Alice In Wonderland. She has played the Euphonium since 5th grade. She enjoys learning how to play different instruments and singing along to many different genres of music. She is currently taking euphonium lessons and swims competitively during the fall and summer. She is currently in Tri-M, Select Chorus, Jazz Band, and Honors Chorus and Band. She has also been accepted into All County Chorus. She also recently got a 99 on an Alto 2 All-State NYSSMA solo. Riley thanks her parents for letting her be herself. She is also thankful for everyone that has gotten her this far.

 

Jenna Capriglione (Mrs. Tottendale)

Jenna Capriglione is honored to play Mrs. Tottendale in EPAC’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone! She has a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College. You may have seen her as Mrs. Pugh in Annie at Ti-Ahwaga and as a Circus Clown in Pagliacci at Opera Ithaca. She would like to thank you for enjoying the show tonight and would love to thank her friends and family for all of their support!

 

Nicole Carstens (Kitty) is excited to make her return to the EPAC stage in this fun production of “The Drowsy Chaperone”! Most recently she has appeared as Sister Leo, in SRO’s production of “Nunsense”, and as Little Nun in EPAC’s “House of Blue Leaves”. Nicole could also be seen in EPACs previous productions of “Chicago,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” Prior to that, some of Nicole’s favorite performances have included “The Secret Garden” (Martha), “Legally Blonde” (Serena), and “Once Upon a Mattress” (Winifred). Nicole would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her at her shows, and the EPAC community for being so welcoming.

 

Lily Cates (Underling)

This is Lily's second show EVER and she is super excited to work with this amazing cast and directors Currently she’s a pre-professional dancer in Syracuse and an upcoming senior in high school! She would like to thank all of her amazing coaches and of course, her mommy and daddy for this wonderful opportunity!

 

Samuel Debbie (Aldolpho)

Samuel is a recent graduate from SUNY New Paltz and is so grateful to be doing his second EPAC show!!! You may have seen him a few months ago as Count Leopold in EPAC’s performance of Anastasia. His most recent theatrical appearances outside of EPAC have been for the Miami theatre players as Franklin Hart Jr in 9 to 5, as Underling in the Drowsy Chaperone, in the ensemble of Sweet Charity and Mr Mayor in Seussical. He would like to thank the amazing rest of cast as well as the wonderful creative team for their incredible hard work in making this show possible.

 

Nick Hinson (Gangster #1)

Nick is so excited to return to EPAC in the cast of Drowsy Chaperone! Originally from California, Nick has had the opportunity to perform in various school and community theater productions. Some of his previous roles include: Rock of Ages (Drew), Hello Dolly (Cornelius Hackl), All Shook Up (Chad), Fiddler on the Roof (Perchik), American Idiot (Johnny), The Wizard of Oz (The Tin Man), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Chicago (Fred Casely). In addition to theater, Nick is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing guitar any chance he can get! Nick would like to thank his friends for their consistent support in his love of performing and his wonderful family for giving him the tools to make him the performer that he is today! A special thanks to his fiancée, Lexi Bryant, for her constant support and for pushing him to grow as a performer!

 

Tabitha Holland (Janet)

Tabitha is very excited to be taking on the role of Janet Van de Graaff! She has previously been seen in many EPAC shows including All Shook Up, Legally Blonde, Chicago, and Addams Family to name a few. She is currently a rising junior at RIT studying interior design and hospitality management. She is also involved in a cappella and theater at RIT, appearing in Guys and Dolls last fall. She would like to thank her friends, family, and directors for believing in her and giving her this opportunity. A special shoutout to her mamma, Sara, for supporting her from the ensemble and being her theater buddy. Enjoy the show!

 

Sara Holland (Ensemble)

Sara is excited to be appearing in the ensemble of Drowsy Chaperone. She is grateful to be sharing the stage with her daughter, Tabitha. Sara has been in numerous productions at EPAC including; Chicago, Legally Blonde, All Shook Up , and Burlesque 7-14. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support!

 

Patrick Kerley (George)

Patrick is thrilled to participate in his 20th show at the Endicott Performing Arts Center, in their production of The Drowsy Chaperone as George.. He is incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to join such a talented cast and crew in bringing this beautiful show to life. Patrick’s past theatrical experiences include a variety of memorable roles: All Shook Up (Dennis), Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), Wizard of Oz (The Cowardly Lion), Legally Blonde (Warner Huntington III), Anything Goes (Moonface Martin), Shrek the Musical (Donkey), Beauty and the Beast (Lefou), and many more. Each role has shaped his love for storytelling and solidified his belief in the power of theatre to connect and inspire. Patrick holds a deep appreciation for the Arts, recognizing how they not only provide an outlet for creativity but also serve as an invaluable educational foundation and a platform for freedom of expression. He would like to express his heartfelt thanks to director, Samantha Gurn, and everyone on the production team for their unwavering support and dedication. A huge shoutout to Lexi Bryant for her extra support on the two numbers! Without them, this experience would not have been possible. Thank you to family, friends, and audiences for their continuous encouragement. Enjoy the show!

 

Lior Libman (Superintendent)

Lior, a Binghamton University professor who teaches literature and cultural history, made her local debut this past spring as Mrs. Rosen in a student-led community production of the musical Number the Stars. Inspired by this experience, and missing her childhood community performances, she decided to jump back on stage. Lior is grateful to Sam, Alex, Lexi and the great cast for the edifying and nice work together, and to Number the Stars' assistant director (and her former student) Gefen Sagman and director (and the recent BU graduate) Cassidy Scherz for their encouragement and guidance. Many thanks, supporting family and friends here and across the ocean, and as always and for everything - thank you, Michael.

 

Melissa Shipman (Ensemble)

Melissa is excited to be working with so many friends in Drowsy. She has most recently been seen as a nun in Nunsense with SRO Productions. She has also been in SRO productions of Bridges of Madison County as Marge, Ida in Honk, and ensemble roles in Matilda and Les Misérables. Other roles include Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia and a Narrator in Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with WPSCP. Many other ensemble roles fill out her theatre experience. She has been singing since she was 5 years old, but took a detour with a few engineering degrees and raising a family before rediscovering her love for theatre in her early 30s. She hopes you enjoy this zany and crazy show!

 

Kevin Silfe (Gangster #2) is excited to return to EPAC for The Drowsy Chaperone! Kevin has performed at EPAC in Anastasia (Tsar Nicholas II/ Count Ipolitov), All Shook Up (Ensemble), and Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka). Kevin is extremely grateful to be a part of the show with so many talented cast and crew members. Kevin would like to thank the EPAC staff and all the volunteers who make it possible for the community to be able to enjoy the arts.

 

Sam Smith (Robert Martin)

Sam is excited to be making his EPAC debut for The Drowsy Chaperone! Sam has performed on a number of the stages in the area, and he is currently studying Musical Theatre at SUNY Cortland. As well as singing, he also plays clarinet and saxophone. Some notable roles include Sweeney Todd, Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde, Nigel in Something Rotten, and his first regional credit in the ensemble of Cortland Repertory Theater’s production of The Rocky Horror Show. Next semester he’ll be the assistant music director for SUNY Cortland’s Carrie the Musical.

 

Jesse Snaith (Man in Chair)

Jesse is delighted — and only mildly surprised — to find himself back on the EPAC stage. He has also been spotted performing with SRO, BLAST, Tritown, and Orpheus, should you wish to continue avoiding him. He thanks the directing team for their brilliance, his friends and family for their patience, and his wife for relentlessly pushing him toward greatness (she’s still right).

 

Jenna Vandervort (The Drowsy Chaperone)

Jenna Vandervort is so excited for this wonderfully whimsical show; The Drowsy Chaperone! This is by far the most hilarious show and role she has gotten the opportunity to present. Previous roles of this year have been Congregation in The Hunchback to Notre Dame (SRO), Grace Farrell in Annie (Tiahwaga Community Players), and trying her hand at costuming for Sweeney Todd (Also Tiahwaga). Last year she was Natalie/Ed in All Shook Up here at EPAC, and she is so happy to be returning to the theater that gave her a start in musical performance! Outside of the theater, you can find her opening up accounts and advising financially at M&T bank in Vestal! Jenna would love to thank her friends and family for coming to see this show, and a special shout out to her amazing and supportive boyfriend, Johnny! Thanks for watching Chloe during her rehearsals.

 

Jacob Weir (Mr. Feldzieg)

Jacob Weir is excited to work with this talented cast and crew. He was recently seen as Gleb in Anastasia here at EPAC. He would like to thank his family, friends and this amazing cast and crew! Enjoy the show!

 

Michelle Zebrowski (Trix) is super excited to be a part of The Drowsy Chaperone! Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in musical theater from Vermont State University Castleton. When not on the stage, you can find Michelle working at Wegmans. She would like to thank her friends, family, and boyfriend Alex for all their unconditional love and support. Previous roles include: Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, Vivienne in Legally Blonde, Lucy in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Lady Rowena/Winnifred Understudy in Once Upon A Mattress

 

Alex VanTassel (Music Director)

Alex VanTassel is a composer and multi-instrumentalist from Endicott, NY. She has served as music director for several shows at EPAC in the past, including EPAC’s Repertory Company productions of All Shook Up (2025), Legally Blonde (2024), and Kinky Boots (2023), as well as their 2023 Elton John Rock Project. In 2024, Alex directed the music and stage, as well as choreographed for EPAC’s 90s Rock Project, which also served as a fundraiser for a local inpatient rehabilitation center, Helio Health. She has performed in several EPAC Repertory Company shows, including Chicago in 2024 (Velma Kelly) and The Addams Family Musical in 2023 (Wednesday Addams). Alex also plays bass and sings in several bands, including her own original project, which performs regularly in the Westchester county and NYC area. Alex is pursuing her undergraduate education at the Purchase College Conservatory Of Music, double majoring in Studio Composition and Studio Production, with a minor in Classical Composition. She is currently directing the music for EPAC’s 2026 Kids Theater Workshop (Dare to Dream) and the 2026 Ozzy Osbourne Rock Project at EPAC, before she goes back to college in the fall.

 

Lexi Bryant (Choreographer)

Lexi is thrilled to be making her creative team debut at EPAC! A performer, director, choreographer, and music director, she has worked with schools and theaters in the area sharing her passion for the performing arts. As a performer, some of her favorite credits include American Idiot (Whatsername), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney), Peter Pan (Tiger Lily), Beauty and the Beast (Madame de La Grande Bouche), Hello, Dolly! (Minnie Fay), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Choir). Behind the scenes, Lexi has directed and choreographed productions of Newsies, Something Rotten!, Mamma Mia!, Pippin, Elf Jr., Frozen Jr., Seussical Jr., Anything Goes, and 9 to 5. This Spring she served as Music Director for Rock of Ages and Director of The Lion King Jr. at Orpheus Theatre in Oneonta. In 2025, Lexi made her Carnegie Hall debut in New York City, performing alongside outstanding singers from across the country. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education in Music Education and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Arts from Indiana University (2020), as well as a Master of Music Education from Buffalo State University (2023). This December, Lexi will direct Orpheus Theatre’s production of Frozen, bringing the beloved story to the Oneonta stage! Lexi would like to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged her throughout every adventure. She especially thanks her fiancé, Nick, for sharing countless miles on the road, enthusiastically participating in carpool karaoke, and reminding her to find laughter in every moment. She hopes you enjoy the show “as we stumble along….”

 

Sam Gurn (Director)

Sam is ecstatic to direct this wonderful production! This is Sam’s first time directing a musical and she can not thank Alex, Lexi, Bryan, and the entire cast and crew for their hard work on this production and bringing her vision to life. Sam is local to the area and she has been seen at various theaters including EPAC, Cider Mill Stage, SRO, and Tri Cities Opera. Some of her notable roles are Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists, Rhoda in A New Brain, Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Mrs. White in Clue, and Rosemary in A Good Farmer. Sam minored in theater throughout college at the University of Scranton and completed her MBA in the spring of 2023. Sam has recently been appointed as Vice President of the EPAC board and is very proud to promote the great work that EPAC does for the local community. Sam is very passionate about the arts and is truly enthralled by all of the great work that the theater does. A huge thank you to her family and friends, especially her fiance, Brandon, who is always very supportive of Sam’s love of the theater. She hopes you enjoy this show just as much as she does!

 

Special Thanks!

Charlie Blonde Antiques and The Burke Family for their hard work and countless hours on the set.

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Set Construction: Alex Bojan, Bryan Burke, Jess Burke, Riley Burke, Vanessa Burke, Brandon Curley, Sam Gurn, Sara Holland, Tabitha Holland, Michael Kelly, Kevin Silfe, Sarah Woughter