Inherit the Wind

Katie Lupica (Director) is the Associate Artistic Director of Clarence Brown Theatre, where she also directed last season’s Anon(ymous). She directs plays, old and new, that bring communities together, ask difficult questions in new ways, expand our sense of interconnectedness, and invigorate the human spirit. Katie grew up in Phoenix, AZ, and joined CBT in 2023, after working primarily in Chicago and New York City. She has directed and apprenticed in New York and Chicago as well as at regional theatres in Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and upstate NY. As an assistant, she has worked on Broadway (with the 2011 revival of Godspell), Off-Broadway, and regionally. Katie has also worked in artistic and literary management with Samuel French play publishers and Signature Theatre Company (NY). She is a Drama League Directing Fellow, a Sir John Gielgud Fellow, and an Associate Member of SDC directors’ union. At UT, Katie teaches Directing, Play Analysis, and Collaboration, and she has been honored as an Accessibility Champion by Student Disability Services. She earned her MFA in Directing from Northwestern University and her BA in History and Theatre from Columbia University. You can learn more at her website www.katielupica.com.

Terry D. Alford (Musical Director) Terry is a Teaching Professor in Theatre and teaches Musical Theatre Performance and Honors Introduction to the Theatre and Acting. Prior to joining the UT faculty, Mr. Alford held the positions of Director of Musical Theatre at The University of Tulsa, and Director of Musical Theatre at The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. He has worked professionally as a performer, director, musical director, and composer at theaters across the country, including the California Theatre Center, Madison Repertory, Omaha Playhouse, Augusta Barn, Fireside Theatre, Light Opera of Oklahoma, and the Clarence Brown Theatre. Terry has directed or musically directed numerous productions and has created the scores for four original musicals and a variety of chamber and vocal music pieces. He is a member of the Clarence Brown Professional Company and regularly directs and musically directs for the Clarence Brown Theatre. Terry is the director of the CBT Summer Acting Workshop and serves as co-facilitator of Outreach and Education hosting Theatre Tours and Talk Backs.

Michaela Lochen (Scenic Designer) is a third-year Scenic Design MFA candidate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, and received a BFA in Scenic Design and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2020. Recent credits include scenic designs for The Giver at the Clarence Brown Theatre; Newsies at Artistry Theater and Visual Arts in Bloomington, MN; It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at River & Rail in Knoxville, TN; The Servant of Two Masters at Lyric Arts in Anoka, MN; and Million Dollar Quartet at Peninsula Players Theatre in Fish Creek, WI. More of her work can be found at michaelalochen.com.

Kaelyn Marie (Costume Designer) is a third-year MFA candidate in Costume Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her recent design credits include Men on Boats in the Lab Theatre, Cato: A Tragedy, produced in collaboration with the English Department, and Kinky Boots on the Clarence Brown Theatre’s main stage. Kaelyn is passionate about using costume design to bring characters and stories to life and is excited to continue her creative journey at the Texas Shakespeare Festival this summer where she will be designing Steel Magnolias and Kiss Me Kate.

Mitch Wilson (Lighting Designer) Mitch is the third-year Lighting Design MFA candidate for the UT Theatre Department. He would like to thank his fiancé Kiera Blackwell for her constant love and support.

Amoirie Perteet (Sound Designer/Composer) is originally from Chicago, Illinois and currently a third-year MFA candidate in Sound & Media Design. She graduated from UT in 2022 with a BA in Music Production & Business. Recent credits with the Clarence Brown Theatre include: Blood at the Root, Trouble in Mind, Hair, The Moors, Anon(ymous), and Kinky Boots. She is saddened, but excited that Inherit the Wind is her final sound design in residence with the Clarence Brown Theatre. To keep up with her, you can check out her website at amoirie.com.  

Sophie Smrcka (Projection Designer) was born and raised in Colorado, and graduated from the University of Denver in 2022, with B.A.s in Theatre and Communications. She is now an MFA candidate in Scenic and Digital Media Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Sophie’s work has been seen on the CBT stage previously in A Christmas Carol (2024), and has been seen on the Lab stage in Anon(ymous), The Moors, and Men on Boats. More of her work can be found at @smrckadesigns on instagram or at www.smrckadesigns.com. Thank you for supporting the arts!

Gina M. Di Salvo (Dramaturg) is Associate Professor of Theatre History and Dramaturgy at the University of Tennessee. At the Clarence Brown Theatre, she has dramaturged The Giver, HAIR, She Kills Monsters, People Where They Are, and The Dream of the Burning Boy. As a dramaturg, Gina has worked with Plan-B Theatre Company in Salt Lake City as well as Sideshow, Rivendell, The Gift, and Strawdog theatre companies in Chicago. PhD: Northwestern.

Gwendolyn Schwinke (Voice and Text Director) is Resident Vocal Coach at PlayMakers Repertory Company and teaches in the MFA Acting Program at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has coached for international and US theatres including Shakespeare & Company (seven seasons), Prague Shakespeare Company, Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble, Tennessee Shakespeare Company, Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Frank Theatre, and looks forward to coaching for Utah Shakespeare Festival this summer. As an actor, she has appeared with Carlyle Brown & Company, Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Frank Theatre, Red Eye Collaboration, Minnesota Shakespeare Project, Pulse Ensemble Theatre, Atlantic Stage, Old Creamery Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and more. Her plays have been developed and/or produced by Seattle Repertory Company, off-Broadway’s Cherry Lane Theatre, The Playwrights’ Center, Red Eye Collaboration, Judith Shakespeare Company, and The Jungle Theatre. Gwendolyn is a Designated Linklater Voice Teacher and Linklater Teacher Trainer, a Guild-certified Feldenkrais Teacher, Certified Teacher of the Colaianni Approach to Speech and Accents, and a proud member of Actors’ Equity.

Emily Batsford (Puppet Director) (they/them) is an NYC-based puppeteer and theater maker. Their artistry prioritizes inclusion & accessibility, and takes inspiration from immersive and physical theater practices, puppetry, and experimental forms. International Puppetry: Book of Mountains and Seas (Basil Twist), Song of the North (Hamid Rahmanian / Two Chairs Productions), PACKRAT (Concrete Temple Theatre), Unfolding (Margarita Blush Productions). New York Puppetry: Ernie’s Secret Life (Concrete Temple Theater), The Eye Which We Do Not Have (HERE Arts), Set in Stone (Sara Stern), End of the World (Center at West Park). New York Theater: Stop Motion (Theater for a New City), Touch (w/ Katrina Lenk, 59E59), and The Brightness of Heaven (Cherry Lane). @efcbatsford

Madison M. Mansouri (Choreographer) is delighted to be back at the Clarence Brown Theatre. She is a recent graduate of University of Tennessee with a BA in Theatre and English. Credits include: Mean Girls Jr. (Director, KCT), Sandbags (Director, TSC), Romeo & Juliet (Co-Director, TSC), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Co-Director/Choreographer, TSC), Kinky Boots (Asst. Director, CBT), Fat Ham (Asst. Director/PSM, River & Rail), and The Wolves (Director, UTK). A special thanks to her family and friends for their unwavering support. @madiofthelamp | madisonmansouri.com

Mayson Knipp (Stage Manager) is a senior at UT, and is getting a BA in Theatre. Previous credits at the Clarence Brown Theatre include The Moors  (Stage Manager), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Deck Crew), Always…Patsy Cline (Assistant Stage Manager), Murder on the Orient Express (Assistant Stage Manager), and Hair (Assistant Stage Manager). She has also worked at the Darkhorse Theatre on Assassins (Assistant Stage Manager). She would like to thank Patrick Lanczki for being a wonderful mentor and teaching her how to be a successful stage manager. She would also like to thank her family for believing in her every step of the way. Finally, she would like to give a special thank you to her little sister, and best friend for pushing her to follow her passion for theatre.

Kenneth Martin (Department Head, Artistic Director) Ken comes from the University of Missouri, at Kansas City, where he was the Patricia Mcllrath Endowed Professor and Chair of the Theatre Division. His 26-year career in academia also included nearly 18 years serving as chair of the theater departments of Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina and Ashland University in Ohio. Tremendously successful as an administrator at both institutions, Martin navigated curricular revisions and development, managed resources effectively and efficiently, created innovative collaborations, cultivated significant enrollment growth, and forged international partnerships. A member of United Scenic Artists, his designs have been seen at theatres across the country including Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, New Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, Cleveland Ensemble Theatre, Ocean State Theatre and many others. He has also designed shows for many colleges and universities including Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Coastal Carolina University, Cuyahoga Community College, and The Ohio State University. Martin has actively served his profession as a respondent for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, as a consultant for several regional theaters and through active participation in organizations like the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Educational Theatre Association and the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

Tom Cervone (Managing Director) Tom is grateful and honored to serve the Clarence Brown Theatre as Managing Director. Cervone has also served as executive director for both Dogwood Arts and the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, but the CBT/UTK Theatre Department is Tom’s administrative and artistic home. Cervone arrived in Knoxville in 1989 as an MFA candidate in acting and was hired in May of 1993 as the company manager, then promoted to managing director in 1995. And for his brief foray downtown, Tom has been in this chair, blissfully, ever since. Tom is and has been very active within the UTK community, having served as Exempt Staff Council chair for many years, co-chair of the LGBT Commission, a member of the Diversity Council and many other UTK organizations. Cervone is a long-time board member of the WordPlayers and continues to evangelize on behalf of the art and culture community locally and nationally. Tom received the Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to the University in 2010. Cervone holds his undergraduate degree in Speech and English Education with an emphasis in Theatre from West Liberty University in West Virginia and a Master of Fine Arts and an MBA from UT. He is a graduate of and was selected as the Class Representative of the Leadership Knoxville class of 2011, the best class ever. Cervone was inducted into his undergraduate alma mater’s class of 2015 Wall of Honor and was appointed by the Governor of WV in 2021 to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of WLU.

Susan L. McMillan (Production Manager) is in her eleventh year as Production Manager at the CBT and UT Department of Theatre. In addition, she teaches Stage Management. Prior, Susan was the Production Manager and Stage Management Instructor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, for 6 years. Susan is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, and was a Stage Manager at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for 18 years. Additionally, she has stage managed at the Guthrie Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Portland Center Stage, PCPA, Rogue Valley Opera, Portland Civic Theatre, and has toured to the Kennedy Center. Through science (B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Biology from Oregon State University) and music (cellist), Susan found her way into theatre (Minor in Theatre from OSU). She is incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and adventures along the way, inspirational mentors, artistic and talented colleagues, amazing students, and the love and support of her family and friends. And very grateful for Molly – woof! This season is fully dedicated to her beloved, beautiful, and deeply missed mother, Grace – a shining light forever.

Jackson Ahern (Elijah / Juror / U/S Judge) is a senior Theatre major graduating in May. He has done many shows at the Clarence Brown Theatre including She Kills Monsters, The Moors, and Kinky Boots. Jackson has uncovered a newfound passion for Opera and plans on pursuing a graduate degree in vocal performance. He most recently performed in Knoxville Opera’s Pirates of Penzance and his next opera is UTOT’s Dialogues of the Carmelites. He is excited for what the future brings. He would like to thank his many mentors in life that have brought him to be who he is today.

James Burnett (Photographer / Juror / U/S Dunlap / Puppeteer) is a sophomore Theatre major with an acting concentration at UT. He is thrilled to make his on-stage debut at the Clarence Brown Theatre after working behind the scenes on productions such as A Christmas Carol, The Giver, and more. After over a year away from acting, James is excited to return to the stage. He also serves as the Social Media Director for All Campus Theatre, UT’s student-run theatre organization. James extends his heartfelt thanks to the UT Theatre community and his peers for their support and encouragement.

Jeb Burris (E. K. Hornbeck) is thrilled to be making his Clarence Brown stage debut. He is new to Knoxville and UT as an Assistant Professor of Movement. Jeb is an Actor, Fight Director, Intimacy Director, Movement Director, and Director who has worked on over 75 professional productions. When not teaching, he is the Director of Movement at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. His work has been seen around the country in places like Portland Center Stage, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, American Players Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theatre, and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Company, to name a few.  Jeb holds an M.F.A From Illinois State University and trained with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company in the U.K.

Cole Clemmons (Phil / Juror / U/S Howard) is a first-year Economics student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This will be his Clarence Brown Theatre debut! Most recently, Cole has played Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and ensemble in Grease. He is extremely grateful for the opportunity to take part in this incredible show!

Kevin D. Collins, PhD, (Judge), is a performer, writer, researcher deeply rooted in east Tennessee. He’s performed locally with Tennessee Stage Company, Foothills Players, Moving Theater, Tigre Lily Theater, Kings Players, 70/30 Creatives, Word Players, and Pellissippi State Theater. He’s a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with the Peaceabilities folk band and does activist megapuppetry with the Catalystica Players as creative director.

Greg Congleton (Goodfellow / Juror / U/S Drummond) is delighted to once again be part of Inherit the Wind. He played the character of Hornbeck at the Bijou in 1985. Greg has performed with many local companies such as: Tennessee Stage, Shakespeare on the Square, Flying Anvil, Oak Ridge Playhouse, Actors Coop, Pellissippi State, the Word Players, and Theatre Knoxville Downtown. Favorite roles include King Lear, Prospero, Dogberry, Puck, Henry in The Lion in Winter, McLeavey in Loot, Norman in On Golden Pond, Vizier in Arabian Nights, Gustave in Heroes, White in Sunset Limited, Jack in The Weir, and the Marquis de Sade in Marat/Sade. Thanks to Mitzi.

Clay Cooper (Bert Cates) is so excited to be back on the CBT stage for Inherit the Wind! You might have seen Clay recently in the CBT production of A Christmas Carol as Bob Cratchit, Knoxville as Andrew Lynch, Kinky Boots as Harry/Crispin, The Giver or as Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol last season. He holds a B.A in theatre education from Appalachian State University and previous stage credits include: Bright Star! (Jimmy Ray), The Moors (The Mastiff) and The {W}right Sister (Oriville Wright). In his free time he enjoys hiking, cooking and serenading his dog Sophie on guitar. To see what he is working on next follow his instagram @claycooper11.

David Crawford (Mayor / U/S Brady) is thrilled to return to the CBT stage in the role of the Mayor. He was last seen at CBT as George in Kinky Boots. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA he has spent the last 20 years mainly as an opera singer, singing at major opera houses such as The Metropolitan Opera, Atlanta Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Nashville Opera, Knoxville Opera and many more. David is currently on Faculty here at UT and serves as the Voice (Singing) teacher for the Theatre department. Love you “Tiny Family” and “Here We Go!”

Lillian Wells Crawford (Hawker / Ensemble / U/S Puppeteer) is currently a 7th grader at Vine Middle School and is very excited to be making her CBT mainstage debut. Past credits include Grace in Junie B. Jones, Ms. Honey in Matilda Jr, The Narrator in Beauty and the Beast Jr, Christian Bechdel in Fun Home, Jovie in Elf Jr, Dragon in Shrek Jr, and Scar in Lion King Jr. Her parents, Laura Beth Wells and David Crawford, are both full time performers and members of the Theatre faculty at UT. When she isn’t onstage she enjoys gouache painting and ballet. She would like to thank her 2 best friends and her family for always supporting her. 

Denzel Dejournette (Tom Davenport) A man living out his wildest dreams through storytelling www.denzeldejournette.com

Jed Diamond (Henry Drummond) has taught acting and the Alexander Technique at UTK since 2005. He has appeared in many roles at the CBT, including Ebenezer Scrooge 8 times. He has also acted at Wheelhouse Theatre Co; The New York Shakespeare Festival; Roundabout Theatre; The Acting Company; Signature Theatre; Arena Stage; Syracuse Stage; etc. Prior to UT, he was founding faculty of the New York Shakespeare Festival Shakespeare Lab and of the Actors Center in NY. He taught at NYU Tisch School of the Arts; Stella Adler Studio; Playwright’s Horizons Theatre School; Fordham University, etc. He is an AmSAT* certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, trained in New York and London. He taught as a guest artist at Chautauqua Theatre Company, Yale School of Drama, Playmaker’s Repertory Theatre, and Great River Shakespeare Festival. He has an MFA from the NYU Graduate Acting Program. *American Society of the Alexander Technique

Tyler T. Glover (Hot Dog Man / Juror / U/S Davenport) is a senior undergrad student at UTK and is very excited to be returning to the Clarence Brown Theatre in this year’s production of Inherit the Wind. Tyler’s previous CBT credits include Murder on the Orient Express (‘22 & ‘23), A Christmas Carol (‘22), Hair the Musical, and Anon(ymous). Other theatre credits of his include Tennessee Stage Company’s Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Taming of the Shrew; The University of Tennessee’s Twelfth Night; and The Wordplayers’ A Doll’s House, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and Hello Dolly!

Jordan Goskowicz (Cooper / Juror / U/S Sillers / Bollinger / Hot Dog Man) Jordan doesn’t have many words for you this time around. He thanks everyone for coming and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

GG Grigsby (Puppeteer / Reporter / Scientist) is a Theatre major with an acting concentration at UTK. She began her journey in the arts with her debut role as Kanine Krunchy in 101 Dalmatians. Her recent performances include portraying Rosie in Sandbags with TSC and Nikki in How To Defend Yourself.  GG is inspired by her mother, Felicia, and father, Reggie, who have both been involved in acting. Beyond her passion for performance, she enjoys rollerblading and finding joy in viewing the world from others’ perspectives. 

Mia Inez Hayes (Ensemble / U/S Mrs. Blair / Mrs. McClain) is delighted to be joining the cast of Inherit the Wind for her second production this year with the Clarence Brown Theatre. She could be seen in A Christmas Carol as Fan (’23) and Mercy Miggot (’24) as well as Kinky Boots (Pat). As a Tennessee native and a child of the public education system (teacher mom, you get it), she is thrilled to be recounting a story so important to the history of education in the United States. Be sure to catch her as a member of the Cornley Drama Society in The Play That Goes Wrong later this spring! IG: @mia.inez012

Connor Hosford (Juror / Ensemble) is a senior working on his Bachelor of Theatre degree. This is his first production here at the CBT and he couldn’t be more excited! Connor would like to thank his friends and family for always supporting him.

Doug James (Meeker) is thrilled to be returning to the Clarence Brown Theatre. After Doug received his undergraduate degree from UT, he went onto get his MFA in Acting Performance, and his Doctorate in Educational Administration.  You may have seen him on the CBT stage in productions of Peter and the Starcatcher, A Christmas Carol, Tartuffe, among others, or on community theatre productions of 9 to 5, Beauty and the Beast, Rabbit Hole, God of Carnage, or Romeo and Juliet to name a few. He would like to thank the entire production team for this incredible opportunity!  

Deepika “Develyn” Jayan (Rachel Brown) is a second-year MFA acting student here at UTK. She was previously seen on the Clarence Brown stage in A Christmas Carol (2024 & 23), Cry it Out (Lab- 2024) and The Giver (2024). Her latest short film, Hell is High School Theatre (Dir. Leigh Shields) recently premiered at the Knox Film Fest. Develyn is an Indian classical dancer, a yogi and a martial artist. She’s grateful to the Clarence Brown Theatre for supporting her in her journey.

Ava Jensen (Howard) is ecstatic to join the cast of Inherit the Wind for her first show with Clarence Brown Theatre! 

Madeline Joyner (Mrs. McClain / Ensemble) is beyond excited to be apart of Inherit the Wind! She is a junior at UT and is studying Public Relations and minoring in Journalism and Theatre. Her love for dance grew into a love for acting in middle school, where she starred in her first show in 2017. Madeline has been a part of countless productions such as Steel Magnolias and The Insanity of Mary Girard. This is her first production with the Clarence Brown Theatre and she cannot wait for you to see the show!

Mary Elliott Kelly (Melinda) is 11 years old and has been acting for five years. Some of the plays she has been in are Fairy Tale Network as a blind mouse; Tangled as a townsperson/baker and so many more! Her hobbies include art, crafts, singing, dancing and acting. She is so thankful for all her family’s support and she hopes that you enjoy the show!!!!

Jeni Lamm (Mrs. Sarah Brady) is thrilled to be on the CBT stage once again. The only other time was in 1998 when she played Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and her oldest son played Tiny Tim! Jeni has been a freelance actor since receiving her BA in Theatre from UNC-Chapel Hill over 40 years ago. She loves creating interesting characters and being part of telling a good story on stage or screen. In the early 1980’s, she met another struggling actor in NYC by the name of Terry Weber and she married him! Together, in the mid 1990’s, along with other like-minded theatre artists, they founded The WordPlayers, a faith-based theatre company in Knoxville. Jeni served as its Managing Director until her retirement two years ago. In addition to acting, Jeni enjoys singing, volunteering for her church and other non-profits, hiking, and traveling.

Aliah Mahalati (Radio (Harry Y. Esterbrook) / Ensemble / U/S Rachel) is a senior at the University of Tennessee studying Theatre and Political Science. She has been active in theatre in Knoxville since 2020, through All Campus Theatre, the Clarence Brown Theatre, and Tennessee Stage Company. Some of her favorite roles in the past few years have been Jeanie and a Tribe member in Hair, #7 in The Wolves, Nasreen and Belen in Anon(ymous), and Sally (performed as an understudy) in Knoxville. Aliah is very grateful for the opportunity to perform in this production and is so happy for the chance to work with the director, Katie Lupica, again! She is grateful to the cast, crew, and everyone else involved for the opportunity to grow through collaboration, and she is grateful to her friends and family for their support of her. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Chip Morris (Bollinger / Juror / U/S Hornbeck and Brown) is a Chattanooga native, and graduate of UT. Prior CBT work includes Kinky Boots, Sweeney Todd, two productions of A Christmas Carol (most recently as Fezziwig), Man of La Mancha, and as John Hinckley in Assassins. Other local credits include Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, Tom Snout in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and a New Play Festival company member for the Tennessee Stage Company, and Chief McClelland in Night of the Living Dead Live for Theatre Knoxville Downtown. It’s good to be home.

Sherleen Mwaura (Mrs. Loomis / Reporter / Ensemble / U/S Radio Man) is a junior at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Music Business Administration with a minor in Africana Studies. On campus, she serves as President of Black Students for Artistic Expression, Director of Membership for the Music Industry Club, and a Student DJ for WUTK 90.3 The Rock. She is thrilled to make her debut in a Clarence Brown Theatre production and to be part of Inherit the Wind. Recent performances include the Nativity Pageant of Knoxville and the Wordplayers’ production of Footloose. Sherleen extends her heartfelt gratitude to her friends and family for their unwavering support and encouragement.

Jackson Neilson (Organ grinder / Puppeteer / Reporter / Scientist) is delighted to be in Inherit the Wind! He is currently enrolled as a sophomore Theatre major at the University of Tennessee, and is pursuing an Acting concentration. Prior credits include CBT’s A Christmas Carol ’24 (Peter Cratchit / Dick Wilkins / Ensemble / U/S Young Scrooge / Topper); A Christmas Carol ’23 (Young Scrooge, Topper, Businessman 3, U/S Christmas Future), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Judah), and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sweeney Todd). Jackson is beyond thrilled to be back with the CBT once again!

Christian Pence (Juror / U/S Cooper / Phil / Goodfellow) is from Gettysburg, PA. He is a senior majoring in Theatre. This is Christian’s second show at the CBT. He has been in Oklahoma (Jud Fry), Jekyll and Hyde (John Utterson), Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie) and Kinky Boots (Mutt). Christian would like to thank his high school music teacher for helping him get to where he is. He would also like to thank his mom and sisters. Love you all!! 

Brooke Premo (Mrs. Blair / Ensemble) is thrilled to join the cast of Inherit the Wind! She was recently seen in the CBT productions of Kinky Boots and A Christmas Carol. Brooke would like to thank Katie Lupica, the talented cast, and crew for making this experience truly unforgettable. Also, to her friends and family for their constant love and support.

Margy Ragsdale (Mrs. Krebs / Ensemble / U/S Mrs. Brady) is an actor, writer, director and designer from Knoxville, Tennessee. Margy has written many short plays which have been produced in Knoxville, Pittsburgh, Seattle and North Carolina. Margy has enjoyed working with various theatre groups in Knoxville, including Theatre Knoxville Downtown, Tennessee Stage Company, Flying Anvil Theatre, Silver Stage Players, and Theater 23. Margy’s previous Clarence Brown Company appearance was in the 1994 production of The Royal Hunt of the Sun.

Gideon Rainey (Bannister / Ensemble / U/S Mayor) is an undergraduate Actor/Assistant Stage Manager here at the University of Tennessee. Gideon is a former U.S. Navy veteran who is pursuing his lifelong passion for Acting. Previously, Gideon has helped the Clarence Brown Theatre by volunteering as an Assistant Stage Manager for Kinky Boots and Knoxville earlier on in 2024. To close out the previous year, he made his debut on stage as Mudd in A Christmas Carol. Now, Gideon is exhilarated to return once again to the CBT as Bannister in this production of Inherit the Wind.

Mia Riccardi (Timmy / Ensemble / U/S Melinda) is a vibrant 12-year-old performer who lights up the stage with her passion and charisma. She discovered her love for performing as a way to let go of all her anxieties and embrace her truest self. Whether playing the eccentric Willy Wonka (Willy Wonka Jr.), the fearless Princess Fiona (Shrek Jr.), or this year’s wise and spirited Rafiki in The Lion King JR/Kids, Mia captivates audiences with her energy and heart. A determined young artist, Mia dreams of becoming a singer who inspires the next generation through music. Recognized for her talent and dedication, she earned a full scholarship to the Bijou Boot Camp and thrives on mentoring younger performers. With her drive and love for storytelling, Mia is a rising star who’s just getting started!

Brian Robinson (Reverend Jeremiah Brown) is humbled and thrilled to be making his CBT debut helping tell this story that is literally part of his DNA. A Dayton TN native, his childhood was filled with stories of the Scopes Trial, including how his grandfather had witnessed the events firsthand that sweltering July 1925. Brian’s father even portrayed Reverend Jeremiah Brown in a production of Inherit the Wind staged 46 years ago in the courtroom of the Rhea County Courthouse where the real-life drama unfolded. A NC-based actor, Brian has worked regionally throughout the Eastern US. Credits include My Fair Lady (Higgins), Something Rotten (Nick), The Music Man (Harold Hill), 1776 (John Adams and Rutledge), The Christians (Pastor Paul), Midsummer (Demetrius), A Few Good Men (Kaffee), Doubt (Father Flynn), Falsettos (Marvin), A Man for All Seasons (Henry VIII), The Merchant of Venice (Gratiano), Lend Me A Tenor (Max), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Einstein), The Little Dog Laughed (Mitchell), Take Me Out (Kippy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon), Shear Madness (Eddie Lawrence), Leading Ladies (Leo), Legally Blonde (Callahan), The Pirates of Penzance (Major General), and The Pillowman (Tupolski). TRAINING: BA, University of Virginia; MFA, Professional Actors Training Program, UNC-Chapel Hill.

Sophia Scott (Puppeteer / Reporter / Scientist) is very excited to be starting out in the CBT as a freshman at UT! She is honored to be a part of this production and would like to thank everyone in the production team for giving her this opportunity, as well as her family for their support. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Everett Sego (Dunlap / Ensemble / U/S Meeker) Inherit the Wind is Everett Sego’s first production at the college level, and he is very thankful for the opportunity. He is also grateful for the support of his family and loved ones.

Kerstin Kilgo Sisco (Ensemble / U/S Mrs. Krebs) is thrilled to be back on the stage after 40 years! Her theatre credits began with several roles at Actors Theatre of Louisville — where she initially apprenticed after her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama (BFA, Theatre). Other credits include roles at Circle in the Square and the Ensemble Studio Theatre in NYC; the Geva Theatre in Rochester, NY; and The Green Mountain Guild in Stowe, Vermont. Kerstin later obtained her Master’s degree from Emory University (MLS, Library Science) and retired after 20 years as a Children’s Librarian with Knox County Schools. She has lived in Knoxville for 35 years with her husband where they raised their daughter and twin sons — all proud graduates of the University of Tennessee!

Wyatt Skillen (Reuters Man / Juror / U/S Elijah) is thrilled to be a part of the Clarence Brown Theatre’s production of Inherit The Wind during his third year at the University of Tennessee as a Theater major. Previously, he has been a part of CBT’s annual production of A Christmas Carol in 2024, as well as an understudy in 2023’s The Moors. Wyatt would like to thank his family, friends, and professors for their continued support.

Donte Tolson (Sillers / Ensemble / U/S Reuters Man) is excited for his first show here at the Clarence Brown Theatre! Donte is a transfer student at UT and is excited to begin his journey here! Donte is a United States Air Force veteran and is happy to be back home in Knoxville! Donte would like to thank his family and friends for all their support! I would also like to thank God because without him I would not have this opportunity!!

Hogan Wayland (U/S Cates) Hogan is thrilled to be a part of this production! This is his fifth show at the Clarence Brown, previously in HAIR (Woof) and A Christmas Carol 2023 & 2024 (Scadger). This will be his last production on the main stage as an undergrad but you can catch him in the Lab Theatre this March in Failure: A Love Story. He is very grateful for his director Katie Lupica, and for his wonderful family and friends for always supporting him!

Terry Weber (Matthew Harrison Brady) is Professor Emeritus of Theatre at UT (retired in 2021 after 31 years ). He also retired from the staff of The WordPlayers in 2024 and now serves as the President of their Board. He holds a BFA from the University of Washington and an MFA from the University of Alabama. Terry’s acting and text coaching career has taken him to theatres in New York, Seattle, Milwaukee, Louisville, Chicago, Kansas City, Montgomery, Knoxville, Toronto, Orlando, Charleston, Asheville, Cincinnati, Chapel Hill, Washington, DC, Winona, MN, Cedar City, UT, Normal, IL, and Avignon (France).  Selected roles at the Clarence Brown Theatre include Ratchett in Murder on the Orient Express, Chairman in Madwoman of Chaillot, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Larry Morrow in Dream of the Burning Boy, Mrs. Bumbrake/Teacher in Peter and the Starcatcher, Sir Jealous Traffick in The Busy Body, Rev. Parris in The Crucible, Marcus in Titus Andronicus, Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Captain Keller in The Miracle Worker.