I direct too!
As a creative, I value working on highly collaborative projects full of artful imperfection, risk, and joyful exploration.
My main goal is to decentralize hierarchy and practice equity and accessibility in my rehearsal spaces through consent, respect, and accountability.
firebringer
Music & Lyrics by Meredith Stephen & Mark Swiderski | Book by Matt Lang, Nick Lang, & Brian Holden | Arrangements by Clark Baxtresser & Pierce Siebers
My directing debut was Firebringer, the STARKID musical. I co-directed this chaotic show with my colleague and friend Rachel Fini for the Fall Experimental Theatre Season at James Madison University. The production ran November 12-14, 2021 and we sold out all four shows.
Here is the promotional video of the song “We Got Work To Do” from Act one, Scene one of Firebringer.
Check out @firebringerjmu on Instagram for more content.
Note: Costumes, scenic design, and other design elements are not fully realized in this video.
production photos
process photos
production team
Directors: Ava Jo Molzen & Rachel Fini
Stage Manager: Sophia Tiedt
Asst. Stage Manager: Zoe Koperna
Choreographer: Cathleen Turner
Music Director: Joshua Villa
Puppet Designers: Alison Spangenberg, Jessica Hess, Luke Freisner, & Juleanna Green
Asst. Puppet Designer: Samantha Bay
Props Manager: Cristian Bonilla Lainez
Props Asst.: Elliot Davis
Costume Designers: Ainsley Steger & Ember Redden
Scenic Designer: Kara Handy
Dramaturgy: Hannah Breen
Hair & Makeup Designer: Emily Whelen
Publicity: Eliza Snipes
Production Photographer: Domenick Fini
Rehearsal Photographer & Videographer: Alejandro Muniz-Samalot
Sound Designer: Matty Wolfson
Lighting Designer: Catherine Holcomb
Assoc. Lighting Designer: Mitch Glaes
Asst. Lighting Designer: Becca Stehle
Social Media Coordinator: Ava Jo Molzen
cast & crew
Cast:
Jemilla - Bridgette Carey
Zazzalil - Kamryn Davis
Molag - Heidi Clouse
Keeri - Kathryn Wevley
Emberly - Carrigan Young
Grunt - Nick Trusty
Schwoopsie - Megan Horgan
Ducker - Kat Sparger
Tiblyn - Emma Noel Saville
Smelly-Balls - Matthew McPherson
Chorn - Alyssa Minuto
Clark - Joshua Villa
Swings - Rae Mearns, Erin Feldman, & Izzy Scozzaro
Crew:
Jack Bell, Abel Haddish, Laura Wade, Iris Cassidy, Luke Freisner, Kate Killen, Mitch Glaes, & Kerri Hewett
