
Featuring plays for both young people and adults. We’re investing in developing the plays of tomorrow, and you’re invited to join us to participate in the new play development process.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Featuring plays for both young people and adults. We’re investing in developing the plays of tomorrow, and you’re invited to join us to participate in the new play development process.
PRESENTING SPONSOR:

HOW IT WORKS
The Festival will consist of three plays – one for young audiences and two for general audiences. Each play will go through a one-week workshop process, followed by a public reading on Saturday. Each weekend during the Festival, the Saturday performance will be followed by a talkback, allowing audience members to provide feedback about the play.
HOW IT WORKS
The Festival will consist of three plays – one for young audiences and two for general audiences. Each play will go through a one-week workshop process, followed by a public reading on Saturday. Each weekend during the Festival, the Saturday performance will be followed by a talkback, allowing audience members to provide feedback about the play.
THE PLAYS

Saturday, January 30 | 1 pm
When a war sends George and his sister, Ginny, to the countryside, they discover a world of mysterious relatives and secret passageways. Sometimes you have to battle a dragon to face your fears and stand up for yourself.
READING DETAILS →
GEORGE AND THE HIDDEN DRAGON
by Ashley Cambers
directed by Leda Hoffmann
Saturday, January 30 | 1 pm
When a war sends George and his sister, Ginny, to the countryside, they discover a world of mysterious relatives and secret passageways. Sometimes you have to battle a dragon to face your fears and stand up for yourself.
Ages: 6+ | Runtime: ∿60 minutes
CATCO Connections Blog | Playwright Prospective: Ashley Cambers’ reading in the New Works Festival
CAST & CREW:
Rowan Winterwood
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.
Rowan Winterwood
Casting CoordinatorCaroline Dittamo
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
Caroline Dittamo
Interim Production ManagerKaylee Yaw
Kaylee Yaw is an eager, enthusiastic teen actress, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and YouTuber originating from Columbus, Ohio. She can’t live a day without expressing herself creatively! She also wants to go vegetarian, loves to travel and try new food, and volunteers in her community! She has been cast in live theater productions across theaters in Ohio, including the Cleveland Public Theater, The Abbey Theater of Dublin, and Trinity Theater Company, among others. She has been trained on-camera and onstage and has individually studied acting techniques from Stanislavski, Strasburg, Meisner, and currently Hagen.
Kaylee Yaw
ColinSimone Dean
Simone Dean is thrilled to have the privilege of playing Ginny in George and the Hidden Dragon. She has performed in CATCO is Kids productions of The Water Gun Song (Sam), Annie Jr., (Tessie), Alice in Wonderland Jr., (March Hare), and Madagascar Jr., (Zookeeper Zelda). Simone has always called Columbus home and attends Columbus School for Girls, loves dancing at BalletMet and singing with the Columbus Children’s Choir. She also enjoys creative writing, drawing, playing the piano & French horn, and spending time with her Havapoo dog, Anya. She has plans to have a Grand Dane as her next dog.
Simone Dean
GinnyKerri Garrett
Kerri Garrett is an interdisciplinary artist from Columbus, Ohio, based out of Atlanta, Georgia. A Clark Atlanta University alumnus, she intertwines the art forms of dance, acting, and film to create compelling narratives about the black experience. Some of Kerri’s theatrical credits include: 360 Degrees of Blackness (directed by Melissa Alexander), Salt City: An Afro-futuristic Choreopoem (directed by Aku Kadogo), and Hand’s Up (directed by Keith Arthur Bolden). A trained dancer, Kerri has studied at Theatre Street Dance Academy, Spelman Dance Theatre, and Staib Dance. She has worked with choreographers such as Victor Rojas, T Lang, Dacia James, and George Staib. In 2020, Kerri received Fulton County’s Virtual Arts Initiative Grant for her project, Longshot: Atlanta. She executive produced, directed, and co-choreographed the five-part dance visual series. Currently, Kerri is developing numerous projects with her production company and artist collective, House of Productions.
Kerri Garrett
MomJackie Seijo
Jackie Seijo is thrilled to be joining CATCO during their New Works Festival! Ohio born and raised, Jackie currently resides in Chicago, IL and works as a professional actor in the city. Last seen on television on Chicago P.D. episode “White Knuckle” and is currently in the second workshop for the development of a new play with The New Colony in Chicago. Jackie is happily represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent, Inc.
Jackie Seijo
Alice/Mysterious WomanLeda Hoffmann
Leda Hoffmann (Artistic Director) became CATCO’s Artistic Director in August 2020. Previously, Leda was Artistic Director at Strawdog Theatre Company in Chicago. Before that, Leda served on Milwaukee Rep’s artistic staff for seven years, working in the Education and Literary departments and founding Milwaukee Rep’s Community Engagement Department. Also in Milwaukee, as the Artistic Director of Luminous Theatre, Leda produced and directed site-specific productions of Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play and The Penelopiad. Leda’s work as a director has been seen across the country at Milwaukee Rep, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, University of Miami, Door Shakespeare, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Northbrook Theatre, The Alchemist Theatre, Max and Louie Productions, and Riverside Theater Iowa City. Leda has also been a teaching artist for over ten years, directing youth and teaching with Hartford Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Mudlark Theater, Northbrook Park District, and Skyline Studios. Leda is a proud graduate of Grinnell College, a former Milwaukee Rep directing resident, Hartford Stage apprentice, SDCF Observer and a member of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.
Leda Hoffmann
DirectorBenetta Hartman
Benetta Hartman is so excited to be performing her first role with CATCO! Benetta, a freshman in homeschool high school, has appeared in a number of other local productions, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Peter/Wendy, and loves performing of all kinds. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support.
Benetta Hartman
DrakonOwen White
Owen (13) is excited to be playing the role of George in his first role at CATCO! He has appeared in several productions including Matilda the Musical (Bruce) and Christmas Story the Musical (Ralphie) at the Weathervane Playhouse, near his home in Granville, OH. Most recently, he appeared in Quarantine with the Clauses through Short North Stage. In addition to hobbies related to musical theatre (such as tap dancing), Owen enjoys chess, robotics, card tricks, golf, and playing the violin. He is grateful to his friends, family, and dogs for their support!
Owen White
GeorgeAshley Cambers
Ashley Cambers (SAG-AFTRA and Dramatists Guild) is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she focused on performance and cultural studies, and New York University, where she recently completed her MA in educational theatre in colleges and communities. As a multi-passionate creative, Ashley believes in the importance of the arts and enjoys working with children in theatre. Over the last few years, she has directed Madagascar Jr. for the Perrysburg Youth Summer Theatre as well as The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever and The Grunch for Perrysburg Musical Theatre. Her plays can be found on New Play Exchange.
Ashley Cambers
Author, George and the Hidden Dragon
Saturday, February 6 | 7 pm
Opera star Irene Adler adventures across Europe, leaving intrigue in her wake. Inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story, A Scandal in Bohemia, Prima Donna explores the costs of revenge and deftly deconstructs the difference between a person and their persona.
READING DETAILS →
PRIMA DONNA
by Chris Leyva
directed by Laura Gordon
Saturday, February 6 | 7 pm
Opera star Irene Adler adventures across Europe, leaving intrigue in her wake. Inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story, A Scandal in Bohemia, Prima Donna explores the costs of revenge and deftly deconstructs the difference between a person and their persona.
Ages: 15+ | Runtime: ∿120 minutes (with intermission)
CAST & CREW:
Thomas Russell
Thomas Russell is a Chicago-based actor and fight choreographer. While attending Illinois State University, he appeared in shows like Eurydice, Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play, and She Kills Monsters. His interest in movement and martial arts led him to study fight choreography, and he’s choreographed violence for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Victory Gardens, and TimeLine Theatre Company. He’s grateful to the team at CATCO for bringing him onto this project, and to his family and friends for the unending support!
Thomas Russell
Godfrey NortonRowan Winterwood
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.
Rowan Winterwood
Casting CoordinatorCaroline Dittamo
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
Caroline Dittamo
Interim Production ManagerCassandra Bissell
Cassandra Bissell is excited to play at CATCO for the first time. Regional (LORT) credits: Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Arizona Theatre Company, Cleveland Play House, Court Theatre, Great Lakes Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory, Milwaukee Repertory, Northern Stage, Northlight Theatre, People’s Light, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Chicago (CAT) credits: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, First Folio, Rivendell Theatre and Steppenwolf. Small Professional Theatre (SPT) credits: Company of Fools (Hailey, ID), freeFall Theatre (St. Petersburg, FL), Next Act Theatre and Renaissance Theaterworks (Milwaukee, WI.) Cassandra holds a BA in Gender Studies from the University of Chicago.
Cassandra Bissell
Pamela ProctorCarolyn Demanelis
Originally from Northeast Ohio, Carolyn Demanelis moved to Columbus in September 2018. Central Ohio credits include Grounded, The Eight, In The Next Room (Red Herring Productions), The Vultures, The View Upstairs (Evolution Theatre Company), Chamber Music (ad hoc theatre), Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail (Catco is Kids), Mamma Mia (Renaissance Theatre). Other regional credits of note: Alma in Summer & Smoke (Virginia Repertory Theatre), Lucy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Heritage Theatre Festival), Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (The Wit Theatre Company), and Stage Manager in Our Town (University of Virginia). All her love to Zach, Tiernan, and Ladybird.
Carolyn Demanelis
Irene AdlerJosh Krause
Josh Krause most recently appeared in “W.N.S.S.” and “The Gardens” by Gaetano Marangelli, two one man shows performed for audiences of 1 or 2 people. Regional theater credits include “She Stoops to Conquer” (Tony Lumpkin), “Man of Destiny” (Lieutenant), and “Book of Will” (Boy Hamlet) with American Players Theater; “Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me” (Adam) with Two Crows Theater; “A Christmas Carol” (Mr. C/Narrator) with Children’s Theater of Madison; “Jeeves at Sea” (Crumpet), “Miracle on South Division Street” (Jimmy) and “Great Expectations” (Pip) with Milwaukee Chamber Theater; “Equivocation” (Sharpe/Wintour/James) with Next Act; and “Visiting Mr. Green” (Ross) and “Jeeves at Sea” (Crumpet) with Artists’ Ensemble in Rockford, IL. Josh lives in Menomonee Falls, WI with his wife, Rachel, and their two cats, Tweak and Brioche.
Josh Krause
John WatsonChris Vizurraga
Christopher is originally from Athens, Georgia and has been working on stages in Chicago for the last eight years. Selected Credits: Illinois Shakespeare Festival (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I <3 Juliet), Chicago Shakespeare Theater (Q Brothers’ Christmas Carol), First Folio Theater (Captain Blood, Women in Jeopardy), Lifeline Theatre (Miss Buncle’s Book, Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters, Lyle Lyle Crocodile), Remy Bumppo (Pirandello’s Henry IV), and Haven Theatre (Titus Andronicus)
Chris Vizurraga
Sherlock HolmesChris Leyva
Chris Leyva writes and directs plays and is a frequent collaborator with CATCO, CLIMB Theatre, and Hixon Dance. Chris also works in graphic design and video editing. He received an MFA from the Playwrights Workshop at The University of Iowa, a BA in directing from Coe College, and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.
Chris Leyva
Author, Prima Donna
Saturday, February 13 | 7 pm
A provocative and timely discussion of societal upheaval and social justice around the world, 20K Leagues Under the Sea transforms Jules Verne’s famous text with dynamic music, movement, and imagery.
READING DETAILS →
20K LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
adapted for our time
from the novel by Jules Verne
by Alexandria Rayford West, Carlos Washington, and Matt Foss
Saturday, February 13 | 7 pm
A provocative and timely discussion of societal upheaval and social justice around the world, 20K Leagues Under the Sea transforms Jules Verne’s famous text with dynamic music, movement, and imagery.
Ages: 13+ | Runtime: ∿60 minutes
CAST & CREW:
Rowan Winterwood
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.
Rowan Winterwood
Casting CoordinatorCaroline Dittamo
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
Caroline Dittamo
Interim Production ManagerNadja Simmonds
Nadja, a Milwaukee based actor, is excited to be back in her home state of Ohio! After receiving degrees in theater and digital media from Marquette University, she acted in regional theaters around Wisconsin including Forward Theater, First Stage Children’s Theater, The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Northern Sky Theater, Summit Players Theatre, and the Children’s Theater of Madison. Recently, she proudly participated in the inaugural Milwaukee Black Theater Festival and is now excited to celebrate the holiday season with this wonderful team. Lots of love goes to her family and those continuously fighting for justice and equality. Black Lives Matter.
Nadja Simmonds
WorldbuilderChristopher Austin
Christopher majored in Theatre at Otterbein University and has worked in voice over, film, and stage productions. He has received awards for his stage performances of Othello and The Whipping Man. Christopher has worked with local artists this year to raise anti-racism awareness with virtual performances of Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or The Bullet” and also as the character Shylock from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. He is very excited to tell the story of The Water Gun Song to create an anti-racist tomorrow.
Christopher Austin
WorldbuilderErnaisja Curry
Ernaisja Curry is excited and blessed to be making her CATCO debut! Since completing Cincinnati Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Acting Internship, the Florida native has performed on stages across Cincinnati/Northern KY and signed with Heyman Talent Agency. When not on stage or screen, she is teaching, directing, and choreographing students as a Teaching Artist. Her favorite recent credits include The Ballad of the Dying Body from Missing Front Plate Productions, Skeleton Crew at Ensemble Theatre, and Lawbreakers at StageOne Theatre. She is eternally grateful to her family, friends, and mentors for their continuous love, faith, and support.
Ernaisja Curry
Captain NemoJasmine Jackson
Jasmine Jackson is an Atlanta, GA native who discovered her love for the arts and their power of expression at an early age. Regional Credits: Pearl in Miss You Like Hell (Aurora Fox Arts Center); Mabel in Crowns (Vintage Theatre); A Christmas Carol, Elf-The Musical, and Mamma Mia! (Arvada Center); The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Belhaven Opera); Dance Credits: DAMAGEDANCE Company; Love, Ruth (Soul2Sole); Kinetic Etchings Artist; BREAK OUT! (Amalgamate Dance Company). Training: B.A. in Dance; Belhaven University. Awards: Marlowe Award for Best Ensemble and Vintage Award for Outstanding Ensemble – Crowns; BU People’s Choice Award – Original Screendance.
Jasmine Jackson
AronnaxKenneth Brown
Kenneth Brown is a Columbus-based renaissance artist with acting, singing, dancing, writing, choreography, and directing credits. He has recently had the opportunity to be involved locally in many aspects of performance art including as an actor, singer, dancer, assistant choreographer for “Renaissance Magic”, actor, singer, dancer and choreographer in several productions with Thiossance West African Dance Institute, a dancer for Onyx Productions’ “The Colored Section”, and a Theatre Roundtable “Excellence In Choreography” award-winning turn as choreographer for State of The Arts Productions’ “The Color Purple.” While he has always had a passion for art that speaks to the injustices in our political, ethnic, and socioeconomic climate, during the current pandemic and time of civil unrest he has become dedicated to anti-racist artistic endeavors including a collaboration with New Vision Dance Company, “Forward”, his own filmed spoken word piece “Round 1”, and three short plays with Theater For All People for the HeART of Protest.
Kenneth Brown
DirectorVero Maynez
Vero (she/they) is a queer, Mexican-American, Chicago-based actor and a recent MFA Acting Graduate at The Theatre School at DePaul University. Regional credits include the The Mathematics of Love (Brava Theatre), The Christians (SF Playhouse), and October Playlets (Stage West). Vero has also performed in The Carnaval of New Latinx Work, Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Breaking the Binary, and Broken Nose Theatre’s Bechdel Fest — a part of Steppenwolf’s LookOut series. Vero holds a BA in Theater & Performance Studies and minor in Spanish from UC Berkeley, and has additional training from American Conservatory Theater. She is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency and Manager Tim Angle of Shelter Entertainment.
Vero Maynez
Ned LandMatt Foss
Matt Foss is an associate professor of theatre at the University of Toledo. He received his MFA in acting from Chicago’s Roosevelt University and PhD in theatre studies and directing from Wayne State University in Detroit. Recent professional credits include Red Tape Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Oracle Theatre, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, American Blues Theatre, The Jewish Ensemble Theatre, and Tipping Point Theatre. In 2016, his touring production of The Glass
Matt Foss
Co-Author, 20K Leagues Under the SeaCarlos Washington
Carlos Washington is in his fourth and final year as a theatre major at the University of Toledo. He has performed in the award-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, as well as Annie Baker’s The Flick as Avery Sharp. Recently he was a part of the writing and directing team on 20K Leagues Under the Sea and performed as Professor Arronax and puppeteer for Ned Land. Carlos also will be studying at the Moscow Art Theatre through UToledo’s Study Abroad program in the near future.
Carlos Washington
Co-Author, 20K Leagues Under the SeaAlexandria Rayford-West
Alexandria Rayford-West is a senior performance theatre major at the University of Toledo. Since being at UToledo, Alexandria has had the pleasure of portraying Muller in All Quiet on the Western Front, Ona in The Jungle, Matt in Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play, Rose in the student written play, The Binding, and in UToledo’s first year getting to present at the Tennessee Williams Festival in Clarksdale, Alexandria performed in a piece titled ‘Poems For Rose.’ In the 2020 UToledo adaption of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, that Alexandria co-wrote, co-directed, and choreographed, she also portrayed Captain Nemo. The piece speaks to her value of theatre being a mirror to the world, and her job as an actor being to portray the world in all its states of being. She is excited to get more acting experiences under her belt and hopes to further her education so she can teach theatre at a college level.
Alexandria Rayford-West
Co-Author, 20K Leagues Under the SeaTHE PLAYS

Saturday, January 30 | 1 pm
When a war sends George and his sister, Ginny, to the countryside, they discover a world of mysterious relatives and secret passageways. Sometimes you have to battle a dragon to face your fears and stand up for yourself.
READING DETAILS →
GEORGE AND THE HIDDEN DRAGON
by Ashley Cambers
directed by Leda Hoffmann
Saturday, January 30 | 1 pm
When a war sends George and his sister, Ginny, to the countryside, they discover a world of mysterious relatives and secret passageways. Sometimes you have to battle a dragon to face your fears and stand up for yourself.
Ages: 6+ | Runtime: ∿60 minutes
CAST & CREW:
Rowan Winterwood
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.
Rowan Winterwood
Casting CoordinatorCaroline Dittamo
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
Caroline Dittamo
Interim Production ManagerKaylee Yaw
Kaylee Yaw is an eager, enthusiastic teen actress, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and YouTuber originating from Columbus, Ohio. She can’t live a day without expressing herself creatively! She also wants to go vegetarian, loves to travel and try new food, and volunteers in her community! She has been cast in live theater productions across theaters in Ohio, including the Cleveland Public Theater, The Abbey Theater of Dublin, and Trinity Theater Company, among others. She has been trained on-camera and onstage and has individually studied acting techniques from Stanislavski, Strasburg, Meisner, and currently Hagen.
Kaylee Yaw
ColinSimone Dean
Simone Dean is thrilled to have the privilege of playing Ginny in George and the Hidden Dragon. She has performed in CATCO is Kids productions of The Water Gun Song (Sam), Annie Jr., (Tessie), Alice in Wonderland Jr., (March Hare), and Madagascar Jr., (Zookeeper Zelda). Simone has always called Columbus home and attends Columbus School for Girls, loves dancing at BalletMet and singing with the Columbus Children’s Choir. She also enjoys creative writing, drawing, playing the piano & French horn, and spending time with her Havapoo dog, Anya. She has plans to have a Grand Dane as her next dog.
Simone Dean
GinnyKerri Garrett
Kerri Garrett is an interdisciplinary artist from Columbus, Ohio, based out of Atlanta, Georgia. A Clark Atlanta University alumnus, she intertwines the art forms of dance, acting, and film to create compelling narratives about the black experience. Some of Kerri’s theatrical credits include: 360 Degrees of Blackness (directed by Melissa Alexander), Salt City: An Afro-futuristic Choreopoem (directed by Aku Kadogo), and Hand’s Up (directed by Keith Arthur Bolden). A trained dancer, Kerri has studied at Theatre Street Dance Academy, Spelman Dance Theatre, and Staib Dance. She has worked with choreographers such as Victor Rojas, T Lang, Dacia James, and George Staib. In 2020, Kerri received Fulton County’s Virtual Arts Initiative Grant for her project, Longshot: Atlanta. She executive produced, directed, and co-choreographed the five-part dance visual series. Currently, Kerri is developing numerous projects with her production company and artist collective, House of Productions.
Kerri Garrett
MomJackie Seijo
Jackie Seijo is thrilled to be joining CATCO during their New Works Festival! Ohio born and raised, Jackie currently resides in Chicago, IL and works as a professional actor in the city. Last seen on television on Chicago P.D. episode “White Knuckle” and is currently in the second workshop for the development of a new play with The New Colony in Chicago. Jackie is happily represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent, Inc.
Jackie Seijo
Alice/Mysterious WomanLeda Hoffmann
Leda Hoffmann (Artistic Director) became CATCO’s Artistic Director in August 2020. Previously, Leda was Artistic Director at Strawdog Theatre Company in Chicago. Before that, Leda served on Milwaukee Rep’s artistic staff for seven years, working in the Education and Literary departments and founding Milwaukee Rep’s Community Engagement Department. Also in Milwaukee, as the Artistic Director of Luminous Theatre, Leda produced and directed site-specific productions of Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play and The Penelopiad. Leda’s work as a director has been seen across the country at Milwaukee Rep, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, University of Miami, Door Shakespeare, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Northbrook Theatre, The Alchemist Theatre, Max and Louie Productions, and Riverside Theater Iowa City. Leda has also been a teaching artist for over ten years, directing youth and teaching with Hartford Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Mudlark Theater, Northbrook Park District, and Skyline Studios. Leda is a proud graduate of Grinnell College, a former Milwaukee Rep directing resident, Hartford Stage apprentice, SDCF Observer and a member of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.
Leda Hoffmann
DirectorBenetta Hartman
Benetta Hartman is so excited to be performing her first role with CATCO! Benetta, a freshman in homeschool high school, has appeared in a number of other local productions, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Peter/Wendy, and loves performing of all kinds. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support.
Benetta Hartman
DrakonOwen White
Owen (13) is excited to be playing the role of George in his first role at CATCO! He has appeared in several productions including Matilda the Musical (Bruce) and Christmas Story the Musical (Ralphie) at the Weathervane Playhouse, near his home in Granville, OH. Most recently, he appeared in Quarantine with the Clauses through Short North Stage. In addition to hobbies related to musical theatre (such as tap dancing), Owen enjoys chess, robotics, card tricks, golf, and playing the violin. He is grateful to his friends, family, and dogs for their support!
Owen White
GeorgeAshley Cambers
Ashley Cambers (SAG-AFTRA and Dramatists Guild) is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she focused on performance and cultural studies, and New York University, where she recently completed her MA in educational theatre in colleges and communities. As a multi-passionate creative, Ashley believes in the importance of the arts and enjoys working with children in theatre. Over the last few years, she has directed Madagascar Jr. for the Perrysburg Youth Summer Theatre as well as The Most Epic Birthday Party Ever and The Grunch for Perrysburg Musical Theatre. Her plays can be found on New Play Exchange.
Ashley Cambers
Author, George and the Hidden Dragon
Saturday, February 6 | 7 pm
Opera star Irene Adler adventures across Europe, leaving intrigue in her wake. Inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story, A Scandal in Bohemia, Prima Donna explores the costs of revenge and deftly deconstructs the difference between a person and their persona.
READING DETAILS →
PRIMA DONNA
by Chris Leyva
directed by Laura Gordon
Saturday, February 6 | 7 pm
Opera star Irene Adler adventures across Europe, leaving intrigue in her wake. Inspired by a Sherlock Holmes story, A Scandal in Bohemia, Prima Donna explores the costs of revenge and deftly deconstructs the difference between a person and their persona.
Ages: 15+ | Runtime: ∿120 minutes (with intermission)
CAST & CREW:
Thomas Russell
Thomas Russell is a Chicago-based actor and fight choreographer. While attending Illinois State University, he appeared in shows like Eurydice, Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play, and She Kills Monsters. His interest in movement and martial arts led him to study fight choreography, and he’s choreographed violence for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Victory Gardens, and TimeLine Theatre Company. He’s grateful to the team at CATCO for bringing him onto this project, and to his family and friends for the unending support!
Thomas Russell
Godfrey NortonRowan Winterwood
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.
Rowan Winterwood
Casting CoordinatorCaroline Dittamo
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
Caroline Dittamo
Interim Production ManagerCassandra Bissell
Cassandra Bissell is excited to play at CATCO for the first time. Regional (LORT) credits: Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Arizona Theatre Company, Cleveland Play House, Court Theatre, Great Lakes Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory, Milwaukee Repertory, Northern Stage, Northlight Theatre, People’s Light, and the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Chicago (CAT) credits: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, First Folio, Rivendell Theatre and Steppenwolf. Small Professional Theatre (SPT) credits: Company of Fools (Hailey, ID), freeFall Theatre (St. Petersburg, FL), Next Act Theatre and Renaissance Theaterworks (Milwaukee, WI.) Cassandra holds a BA in Gender Studies from the University of Chicago.
Cassandra Bissell
Pamela ProctorCarolyn Demanelis
Originally from Northeast Ohio, Carolyn Demanelis moved to Columbus in September 2018. Central Ohio credits include Grounded, The Eight, In The Next Room (Red Herring Productions), The Vultures, The View Upstairs (Evolution Theatre Company), Chamber Music (ad hoc theatre), Winnie-The-Pooh Christmas Tail (Catco is Kids), Mamma Mia (Renaissance Theatre). Other regional credits of note: Alma in Summer & Smoke (Virginia Repertory Theatre), Lucy in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Heritage Theatre Festival), Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (The Wit Theatre Company), and Stage Manager in Our Town (University of Virginia). All her love to Zach, Tiernan, and Ladybird.
Carolyn Demanelis
Irene AdlerJosh Krause
Josh Krause most recently appeared in “W.N.S.S.” and “The Gardens” by Gaetano Marangelli, two one man shows performed for audiences of 1 or 2 people. Regional theater credits include “She Stoops to Conquer” (Tony Lumpkin), “Man of Destiny” (Lieutenant), and “Book of Will” (Boy Hamlet) with American Players Theater; “Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me” (Adam) with Two Crows Theater; “A Christmas Carol” (Mr. C/Narrator) with Children’s Theater of Madison; “Jeeves at Sea” (Crumpet), “Miracle on South Division Street” (Jimmy) and “Great Expectations” (Pip) with Milwaukee Chamber Theater; “Equivocation” (Sharpe/Wintour/James) with Next Act; and “Visiting Mr. Green” (Ross) and “Jeeves at Sea” (Crumpet) with Artists’ Ensemble in Rockford, IL. Josh lives in Menomonee Falls, WI with his wife, Rachel, and their two cats, Tweak and Brioche.
Josh Krause
John WatsonChris Vizurraga
Christopher is originally from Athens, Georgia and has been working on stages in Chicago for the last eight years. Selected Credits: Illinois Shakespeare Festival (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I <3 Juliet), Chicago Shakespeare Theater (Q Brothers’ Christmas Carol), First Folio Theater (Captain Blood, Women in Jeopardy), Lifeline Theatre (Miss Buncle’s Book, Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters, Lyle Lyle Crocodile), Remy Bumppo (Pirandello’s Henry IV), and Haven Theatre (Titus Andronicus)
Chris Vizurraga
Sherlock HolmesChris Leyva
Chris Leyva writes and directs plays and is a frequent collaborator with CATCO, CLIMB Theatre, and Hixon Dance. Chris also works in graphic design and video editing. He received an MFA from the Playwrights Workshop at The University of Iowa, a BA in directing from Coe College, and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.
Chris Leyva
Author, Prima Donna
Saturday, February 13 | 7 pm
A provocative and timely discussion of societal upheaval and social justice around the world, 20K Leagues Under the Sea transforms Jules Verne’s famous text with dynamic music, movement, and imagery.
READING DETAILS →
20K LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
adapted for our time
from the novel by Jules Verne
by Alexandria Rayford West, Carlos Washington, and Matt Foss
Saturday, February 13 | 7 pm
A provocative and timely discussion of societal upheaval and social justice around the world, 20K Leagues Under the Sea transforms Jules Verne’s famous text with dynamic music, movement, and imagery.
Ages: 13+ | Runtime: ∿60 minutes
CAST & CREW:
Rowan Winterwood
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.
Rowan Winterwood
Casting CoordinatorCaroline Dittamo
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
Caroline Dittamo
Interim Production ManagerNadja Simmonds
Nadja, a Milwaukee based actor, is excited to be back in her home state of Ohio! After receiving degrees in theater and digital media from Marquette University, she acted in regional theaters around Wisconsin including Forward Theater, First Stage Children’s Theater, The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Northern Sky Theater, Summit Players Theatre, and the Children’s Theater of Madison. Recently, she proudly participated in the inaugural Milwaukee Black Theater Festival and is now excited to celebrate the holiday season with this wonderful team. Lots of love goes to her family and those continuously fighting for justice and equality. Black Lives Matter.
Nadja Simmonds
WorldbuilderChristopher Austin
Christopher majored in Theatre at Otterbein University and has worked in voice over, film, and stage productions. He has received awards for his stage performances of Othello and The Whipping Man. Christopher has worked with local artists this year to raise anti-racism awareness with virtual performances of Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or The Bullet” and also as the character Shylock from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. He is very excited to tell the story of The Water Gun Song to create an anti-racist tomorrow.
Christopher Austin
WorldbuilderErnaisja Curry
Ernaisja Curry is excited and blessed to be making her CATCO debut! Since completing Cincinnati Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Acting Internship, the Florida native has performed on stages across Cincinnati/Northern KY and signed with Heyman Talent Agency. When not on stage or screen, she is teaching, directing, and choreographing students as a Teaching Artist. Her favorite recent credits include The Ballad of the Dying Body from Missing Front Plate Productions, Skeleton Crew at Ensemble Theatre, and Lawbreakers at StageOne Theatre. She is eternally grateful to her family, friends, and mentors for their continuous love, faith, and support.
Ernaisja Curry
Captain NemoJasmine Jackson
Jasmine Jackson is an Atlanta, GA native who discovered her love for the arts and their power of expression at an early age. Regional Credits: Pearl in Miss You Like Hell (Aurora Fox Arts Center); Mabel in Crowns (Vintage Theatre); A Christmas Carol, Elf-The Musical, and Mamma Mia! (Arvada Center); The Pied Piper of Hamelin (Belhaven Opera); Dance Credits: DAMAGEDANCE Company; Love, Ruth (Soul2Sole); Kinetic Etchings Artist; BREAK OUT! (Amalgamate Dance Company). Training: B.A. in Dance; Belhaven University. Awards: Marlowe Award for Best Ensemble and Vintage Award for Outstanding Ensemble – Crowns; BU People’s Choice Award – Original Screendance.
Jasmine Jackson
AronnaxKenneth Brown
Kenneth Brown is a Columbus-based renaissance artist with acting, singing, dancing, writing, choreography, and directing credits. He has recently had the opportunity to be involved locally in many aspects of performance art including as an actor, singer, dancer, assistant choreographer for “Renaissance Magic”, actor, singer, dancer and choreographer in several productions with Thiossance West African Dance Institute, a dancer for Onyx Productions’ “The Colored Section”, and a Theatre Roundtable “Excellence In Choreography” award-winning turn as choreographer for State of The Arts Productions’ “The Color Purple.” While he has always had a passion for art that speaks to the injustices in our political, ethnic, and socioeconomic climate, during the current pandemic and time of civil unrest he has become dedicated to anti-racist artistic endeavors including a collaboration with New Vision Dance Company, “Forward”, his own filmed spoken word piece “Round 1”, and three short plays with Theater For All People for the HeART of Protest.
Kenneth Brown
DirectorVero Maynez
Vero (she/they) is a queer, Mexican-American, Chicago-based actor and a recent MFA Acting Graduate at The Theatre School at DePaul University. Regional credits include the The Mathematics of Love (Brava Theatre), The Christians (SF Playhouse), and October Playlets (Stage West). Vero has also performed in The Carnaval of New Latinx Work, Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Breaking the Binary, and Broken Nose Theatre’s Bechdel Fest — a part of Steppenwolf’s LookOut series. Vero holds a BA in Theater & Performance Studies and minor in Spanish from UC Berkeley, and has additional training from American Conservatory Theater. She is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency and Manager Tim Angle of Shelter Entertainment.
Vero Maynez
Ned LandMatt Foss
Matt Foss is an associate professor of theatre at the University of Toledo. He received his MFA in acting from Chicago’s Roosevelt University and PhD in theatre studies and directing from Wayne State University in Detroit. Recent professional credits include Red Tape Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Oracle Theatre, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, American Blues Theatre, The Jewish Ensemble Theatre, and Tipping Point Theatre. In 2016, his touring production of The Glass
Matt Foss
Co-Author, 20K Leagues Under the SeaCarlos Washington
Carlos Washington is in his fourth and final year as a theatre major at the University of Toledo. He has performed in the award-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, as well as Annie Baker’s The Flick as Avery Sharp. Recently he was a part of the writing and directing team on 20K Leagues Under the Sea and performed as Professor Arronax and puppeteer for Ned Land. Carlos also will be studying at the Moscow Art Theatre through UToledo’s Study Abroad program in the near future.
Carlos Washington
Co-Author, 20K Leagues Under the SeaAlexandria Rayford-West
Alexandria Rayford-West is a senior performance theatre major at the University of Toledo. Since being at UToledo, Alexandria has had the pleasure of portraying Muller in All Quiet on the Western Front, Ona in The Jungle, Matt in Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play, Rose in the student written play, The Binding, and in UToledo’s first year getting to present at the Tennessee Williams Festival in Clarksdale, Alexandria performed in a piece titled ‘Poems For Rose.’ In the 2020 UToledo adaption of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, that Alexandria co-wrote, co-directed, and choreographed, she also portrayed Captain Nemo. The piece speaks to her value of theatre being a mirror to the world, and her job as an actor being to portray the world in all its states of being. She is excited to get more acting experiences under her belt and hopes to further her education so she can teach theatre at a college level.
Alexandria Rayford-West
Co-Author, 20K Leagues Under the SeaKEEP EXPLORING
Playwright Prospective: Ashley Cambers’ reading in the New Works Festival
CATCO Connections Blog | January 19, 2021Playwright Prospective: Chris Leyva’s reading in the New Works Festival
CATCO Connections Blog | January 28, 2021

“I have always been captivated by the character of Irene Adler, and Chris Leyva has brought joy, charm, and modernity to this story. His storytelling abilities revive this tale and he brings a great deal of creativity, playfulness, and intrigue to this play.”

“Acting is always so much fun for me and to be able to do it with a bunch of other talented kids and adults is something I’m so grateful for. The message of this story is also something we need to be reminded of, especially during these crazy times!”

“I look forward to the challenge of virtually conveying the emotions of George, as he goes from self-doubt to confidence through interactions with a metaphorical dragon. I’m also really excited to help with a new play and meet other people through this opportunity at CATCO!”

“I love working on pieces that lend themselves to devising and multi-media madness. Yes to three co-authors! Yes to centering BIPOC narrative! Yes to the delightfully crazy idea of making theatre over the internet! Very excited to be making my CATCO debut with this piece.”

“I’m excited to get this experience! I’ve been in other plays and love acting, but haven’t had the chance to act in a CATCO production yet.”
KEEP EXPLORING
Playwright Prospective: Ashley Cambers' reading in the New Works Festival
CATCO Connections Blog | January 19, 2021Playwright Prospective: Chris Leyva's reading in the New Works Festival
CATCO Connections Blog | January 28, 2021

“I look forward to the challenge of virtually conveying the emotions of George, as he goes from self-doubt to confidence through interactions with a metaphorical dragon. I’m also really excited to help with a new play and meet other people through this opportunity at CATCO!”

“I’m excited to get this experience! I’ve been in other plays and love acting, but haven’t had the chance to act in a CATCO production yet.”

“I have always been captivated by the character of Irene Adler, and Chris Leyva has brought joy, charm, and modernity to this story. His storytelling abilities revive this tale and he brings a great deal of creativity, playfulness, and intrigue to this play.”

“I love working on pieces that lend themselves to devising and multi-media madness. Yes to three co-authors! Yes to centering BIPOC narrative! Yes to the delightfully crazy idea of making theatre over the internet! Very excited to be making my CATCO debut with this piece.”

“Acting is always so much fun for me and to be able to do it with a bunch of other talented kids and adults is something I’m so grateful for. The message of this story is also something we need to be reminded of, especially during these crazy times!”
AUDITIONS
CATCO is seeking Equity and non-Equity actors for their upcoming New Works Festival. We strongly encourage performers of all ethnicities, ages, sizes, genders, and abilities to submit. Actors over 18 will be paid.
All rehearsals will be conducted virtually, and performances will be pre-recorded and streamed. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings.
AUDITIONS
CATCO is seeking Equity and non-Equity actors for their upcoming New Works Festival. We strongly encourage performers of all ethnicities, ages, sizes, genders, and abilities to submit. Actors over 18 will be paid.
All rehearsals will be conducted virtually, and performances will be pre-recorded and streamed. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings.