The Originating ensemble
The cast of the 2014 Premier.
DARCIE CHAMPAGNE* | THE POET
Darcie was born and raised in Manchester, NH. She moved to Boston at age 18 where she earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College. Upon graduating she moved to New York City where she lived for seven years and earned her MFA in Acting from The Actors Studio Drama School at The New School. While in New York she was a featured performer in the first production of The Town Hall Theatre’s Broadways Rising Stars and Red Bull Theatre’s Off Broadway production of Women Beware Women, among many new works throughout the city.
Darcie currently makes her home in the happy Pioneer Valley and works in the theatre worlds of Boston, New York, and across New England. She has most recently found an artistic home at The Majestic Theatre in West Springfield, where she has performed for the past two seasons, and continues to work at American Repertory Theatre, Stoneham Theatre, and various professional theatres in the region.
Throughout her career Darcie has always placed a strong importance on being involved in the development of new theatrical works and creating theatre that benefits the community and society at large. So she is beyond thrilled to be a part of The Emily Dickinson Project. The opportunity to collaborate with such fantastic artists to explore this inspirational woman within her own walls in this beautiful community is such an honor.
" The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience." –ED
* A Proud Member of The Actors Equity Association performing in this benefit under the permission of the Theatre Authority.
Darcie was born and raised in Manchester, NH. She moved to Boston at age 18 where she earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College. Upon graduating she moved to New York City where she lived for seven years and earned her MFA in Acting from The Actors Studio Drama School at The New School. While in New York she was a featured performer in the first production of The Town Hall Theatre’s Broadways Rising Stars and Red Bull Theatre’s Off Broadway production of Women Beware Women, among many new works throughout the city.
Darcie currently makes her home in the happy Pioneer Valley and works in the theatre worlds of Boston, New York, and across New England. She has most recently found an artistic home at The Majestic Theatre in West Springfield, where she has performed for the past two seasons, and continues to work at American Repertory Theatre, Stoneham Theatre, and various professional theatres in the region.
Throughout her career Darcie has always placed a strong importance on being involved in the development of new theatrical works and creating theatre that benefits the community and society at large. So she is beyond thrilled to be a part of The Emily Dickinson Project. The opportunity to collaborate with such fantastic artists to explore this inspirational woman within her own walls in this beautiful community is such an honor.
" The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience." –ED
* A Proud Member of The Actors Equity Association performing in this benefit under the permission of the Theatre Authority.
Emily Edström | The Scholar
Emily studies Theater, English, and Scandinavian Studies at UMass Amherst.
A native of the archipelago peppered east coast of Sweden, woodland folklore and
esoteric heroines are near to her heart. She has studied physical theater at the
Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy as well as completed the Summer Training
Institute at Shakespeare and Company. Theater credits include various UMass
Amherst productions, including Stop/Kiss, Suitors, Detroit, and Peter Pan. She is
also currently playing Portia in the Hampshire Shakespeare Company production of
Julius Caesar.
One of the first English books she learned to read from was about the myth of Amherst and her poems, which she found fascinatingly grammar bending, yet uncannily similar to her own sense of Emily.
Emily studies Theater, English, and Scandinavian Studies at UMass Amherst.
A native of the archipelago peppered east coast of Sweden, woodland folklore and
esoteric heroines are near to her heart. She has studied physical theater at the
Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy as well as completed the Summer Training
Institute at Shakespeare and Company. Theater credits include various UMass
Amherst productions, including Stop/Kiss, Suitors, Detroit, and Peter Pan. She is
also currently playing Portia in the Hampshire Shakespeare Company production of
Julius Caesar.
One of the first English books she learned to read from was about the myth of Amherst and her poems, which she found fascinatingly grammar bending, yet uncannily similar to her own sense of Emily.
Kate Hare | The Transcendentalist
Kate Hare's preoccupation with theater was passed down genetically by a beautiful line of compulsive actors and goofballs. Originating from New York City, she received a BA in Theater from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2011. She became the Communications Director of the All For One Theater Festival in New York, working with a wonderful team there to build the company in its inaugural years. Acting credits include The Reason for Play (Secret Theatre, NYC), By the Light of A Match, Romeo and Juliet(Snorks & Pins, NYC), My California (The Drama League, NYC), and Recent Tragic Events, Twelfth Night, The House of Bernarda Alba, Night on the Galactic Railroad, The Burial at Thebes, and an original staging of Revolutionary Road at the UMass Amherst. She has also performed several solo works at the Fresh Fruit Festival (2013, NYC), Emerging Artists Theatre (2011-2013, NYC), the Estrogenius Festival (2011, NYC), and the UMass Fine Arts Center (2012). She is very proud to be a part of The Emily Dickinson Project.
Kate Hare's preoccupation with theater was passed down genetically by a beautiful line of compulsive actors and goofballs. Originating from New York City, she received a BA in Theater from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2011. She became the Communications Director of the All For One Theater Festival in New York, working with a wonderful team there to build the company in its inaugural years. Acting credits include The Reason for Play (Secret Theatre, NYC), By the Light of A Match, Romeo and Juliet(Snorks & Pins, NYC), My California (The Drama League, NYC), and Recent Tragic Events, Twelfth Night, The House of Bernarda Alba, Night on the Galactic Railroad, The Burial at Thebes, and an original staging of Revolutionary Road at the UMass Amherst. She has also performed several solo works at the Fresh Fruit Festival (2013, NYC), Emerging Artists Theatre (2011-2013, NYC), the Estrogenius Festival (2011, NYC), and the UMass Fine Arts Center (2012). She is very proud to be a part of The Emily Dickinson Project.
Corinne Huschle | E.
A recent graduated from UMass Amherst in Theatre and Anthropology, Corinne is from Tolland, Connecticut. Raised with an appreciation for books and history, Corinne became involved with theatre at the age of 13 and immediately fell head over heels in love. Through UMass, she was given unbelievable opportunities to Produce Almost, Maine and The House of Blue Leaves; to Direct The Diary of Anne Frank; and Act inThe House of Bernarda Alba, Death of A Salesman (Linda Loman), Fruition (Snow White), Fool For Love (Mae), and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. She is so excited to be beginning this new chapter in her life with such an amazing group of women on The Emily Dickinson Project.
A recent graduated from UMass Amherst in Theatre and Anthropology, Corinne is from Tolland, Connecticut. Raised with an appreciation for books and history, Corinne became involved with theatre at the age of 13 and immediately fell head over heels in love. Through UMass, she was given unbelievable opportunities to Produce Almost, Maine and The House of Blue Leaves; to Direct The Diary of Anne Frank; and Act inThe House of Bernarda Alba, Death of A Salesman (Linda Loman), Fruition (Snow White), Fool For Love (Mae), and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. She is so excited to be beginning this new chapter in her life with such an amazing group of women on The Emily Dickinson Project.
WENDY KOHLER | THE MYTH OF AMHERST
Wendy Kohler is a long-time resident of Amherst whose primary passions include theater and Emily Dickinson. Currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts in the School of Education as well as an educational consultant in a variety of venues, Wendy spent most of her career in the Amherst Regional School District where she directed the high school musical for eleven years. Other directing experiences include five productions of the Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater. Currently a member of the Emily Dickinson Museum Board of Governors, Wendy has worked at the Museum in a variety of capacities for over thirty years. What a thrill it is to now “become” The Myth, if even for a few evenings at The Homestead!
Wendy Kohler is a long-time resident of Amherst whose primary passions include theater and Emily Dickinson. Currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Massachusetts in the School of Education as well as an educational consultant in a variety of venues, Wendy spent most of her career in the Amherst Regional School District where she directed the high school musical for eleven years. Other directing experiences include five productions of the Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater. Currently a member of the Emily Dickinson Museum Board of Governors, Wendy has worked at the Museum in a variety of capacities for over thirty years. What a thrill it is to now “become” The Myth, if even for a few evenings at The Homestead!
Erin Mabee | Young Emily
Erin is currently studying Theater at The University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was born and raised in the suburbs outside Boston but has fallen in love with the quiet beauty of the Pioneer Valley. Studying theater has helped her find two of her passions, Performing and Costume Designing. UMass Theater credits include playing the role of Tiger Lily in Peter Pan and Young Therese in Casanova. She also had the pleasure to Assistant Costume Design Elizabeth Pangburn for the production of Casanova. Last fall she was able to design the UMass Production of Detroit and looks forward to more opportunities in the future.
Emily Dickinson's poetry has been a new interest for Erin and she is excited to learn and grow with the Emily Dickinson Project.
Erin is currently studying Theater at The University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was born and raised in the suburbs outside Boston but has fallen in love with the quiet beauty of the Pioneer Valley. Studying theater has helped her find two of her passions, Performing and Costume Designing. UMass Theater credits include playing the role of Tiger Lily in Peter Pan and Young Therese in Casanova. She also had the pleasure to Assistant Costume Design Elizabeth Pangburn for the production of Casanova. Last fall she was able to design the UMass Production of Detroit and looks forward to more opportunities in the future.
Emily Dickinson's poetry has been a new interest for Erin and she is excited to learn and grow with the Emily Dickinson Project.
JULIE NELSON* | THE FAIRY QUEEN
Julie Nelson has acted Off Broadway and in regional theater, recently playing Grace in Vigil at Portland Stage Company in Portland, Maine; and Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mrs. Gardiner in Pride and Prejudice at Playmakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill, NC.
As a founding member of Shakespeare & Company, she worked and trained extensively as an actor in main stage productions, on the faculty of their month-long workshops, and as a teaching artist in schools. Her study there of theatrical clown with teacher, Merry Conway, continues to inform her work as an actor and teacher, and prompted her to further study with Philippe Gaulier, Bill Irwin and Jacques Lecoq, among others.
A long-standing member of the faculty in the Department of Theater at UMass, Amherst, she was a Teaching Artist for Lincoln Center Institute and, at the invitation of the National Arts Center of El Salvador and the U.S. State Department, taught a workshop in the actor-training program there.
A proponent of new plays and a resident of the town of Amherst, Julie is delighted to be part of The Emily Dickinson Project.
* Member of The Actors Equity Association performing in this benefit under the permission of the Theatre Authority.
Julie Nelson has acted Off Broadway and in regional theater, recently playing Grace in Vigil at Portland Stage Company in Portland, Maine; and Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Mrs. Gardiner in Pride and Prejudice at Playmakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill, NC.
As a founding member of Shakespeare & Company, she worked and trained extensively as an actor in main stage productions, on the faculty of their month-long workshops, and as a teaching artist in schools. Her study there of theatrical clown with teacher, Merry Conway, continues to inform her work as an actor and teacher, and prompted her to further study with Philippe Gaulier, Bill Irwin and Jacques Lecoq, among others.
A long-standing member of the faculty in the Department of Theater at UMass, Amherst, she was a Teaching Artist for Lincoln Center Institute and, at the invitation of the National Arts Center of El Salvador and the U.S. State Department, taught a workshop in the actor-training program there.
A proponent of new plays and a resident of the town of Amherst, Julie is delighted to be part of The Emily Dickinson Project.
* Member of The Actors Equity Association performing in this benefit under the permission of the Theatre Authority.
Elizabeth McAnulty Quilter | The Lady in the Blue Dress
Elizabeth is a recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. Earning her MA in both devising theatre and performance. Elizabeth has a strong background in physical theatre, clown, and mask work, as well as training in Shakespeare, Chekhov, and musical theatre. Aside from acting she also writes, directs, and designs her own work.
Elizabeth earned her BA in Humanities at Hampshire College. A self-designed focus on Film History and Performance, culminating with 130-page thesis on Charlie Chaplin’s theatrical influences found on the vaudeville stage. Other training includes the Tisch School of the Arts, CAP 21 (Musical Theatre) Program, the Accademia Dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy, Oxford University with the British American Drama Academy, and the Moscow Art Theatre in the summer of 2011. In 2009 Elizabeth received the Helena Rubinstein Internship at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, working exclusively for the film department’s 2009-2010 exhibition on Tim Burton.
After being abroad living the actor’s vagabond life, Elizabeth returned to the valley excited by the prospect of creating new and original work with a group of dedicated artists, and bringing the joy of theatre and live performance to audiences within the valley and beyond. Elizabeth believes theatre is a form of story telling that can both excite, entertain, and challenge an audience in ways they might not have imagined. Elizabeth’s interests extend well beyond theatre believing art to be something that brings all parts of life together, from history, to gender, to travel, to music, to family, to visual art, to fooling, to nature, to belief and finally - poetry. Elizabeth is pleased and excited to be exploring all these things and more with the creators and the ensemble of The Emily Dickinson Project.
Previous roles include; Khlestakov; The Government Inspector, Viola; Twelfth Night, Polly Peachum; Threepenny Opera, Sonya; Uncle Vanya, Mabel; The Pirates of Penzance, and Lily; Nine Days They Fell. You can also see Elizabeth this summer in the role of the two Dromios in Comedy of Errors as a part of the Hampshire Shakespeare Company’s summer program.
Elizabeth is a recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. Earning her MA in both devising theatre and performance. Elizabeth has a strong background in physical theatre, clown, and mask work, as well as training in Shakespeare, Chekhov, and musical theatre. Aside from acting she also writes, directs, and designs her own work.
Elizabeth earned her BA in Humanities at Hampshire College. A self-designed focus on Film History and Performance, culminating with 130-page thesis on Charlie Chaplin’s theatrical influences found on the vaudeville stage. Other training includes the Tisch School of the Arts, CAP 21 (Musical Theatre) Program, the Accademia Dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy, Oxford University with the British American Drama Academy, and the Moscow Art Theatre in the summer of 2011. In 2009 Elizabeth received the Helena Rubinstein Internship at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, working exclusively for the film department’s 2009-2010 exhibition on Tim Burton.
After being abroad living the actor’s vagabond life, Elizabeth returned to the valley excited by the prospect of creating new and original work with a group of dedicated artists, and bringing the joy of theatre and live performance to audiences within the valley and beyond. Elizabeth believes theatre is a form of story telling that can both excite, entertain, and challenge an audience in ways they might not have imagined. Elizabeth’s interests extend well beyond theatre believing art to be something that brings all parts of life together, from history, to gender, to travel, to music, to family, to visual art, to fooling, to nature, to belief and finally - poetry. Elizabeth is pleased and excited to be exploring all these things and more with the creators and the ensemble of The Emily Dickinson Project.
Previous roles include; Khlestakov; The Government Inspector, Viola; Twelfth Night, Polly Peachum; Threepenny Opera, Sonya; Uncle Vanya, Mabel; The Pirates of Penzance, and Lily; Nine Days They Fell. You can also see Elizabeth this summer in the role of the two Dromios in Comedy of Errors as a part of the Hampshire Shakespeare Company’s summer program.
GUEST ARTIST
JOHN BECHTOLD | LIGHTING DESIGN
John Bechtold has been teaching and making theater in the Valley for the past 15 years. Currently the department head for Performing Arts at Amherst Regional Middle and High Schools, John also directs and designs a variety of theatrical work around the area. Professional collaborations include work with Old Deerfield Productions, Double Edge Theater, Shakespeare & Company, and Punchdrunk, the creators of the award-winning immersive production Sleep No More, presently running in NYC. John is also the director of DASAC, a progressive summer visual and performing arts program at Deerfield Academy.
John Bechtold has been teaching and making theater in the Valley for the past 15 years. Currently the department head for Performing Arts at Amherst Regional Middle and High Schools, John also directs and designs a variety of theatrical work around the area. Professional collaborations include work with Old Deerfield Productions, Double Edge Theater, Shakespeare & Company, and Punchdrunk, the creators of the award-winning immersive production Sleep No More, presently running in NYC. John is also the director of DASAC, a progressive summer visual and performing arts program at Deerfield Academy.
We wish to express our gratitude to the Performers’ Unions:
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS
AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS
SAG-AFTRA
through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear on this program.
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION
AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS
AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS
SAG-AFTRA
through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear on this program.