JOHN WAYLAND SOMERS (Artistic Director/Director) Originally from the Northern Virginia/DC area, John is thrilled to be directing this production of The Fantasticks. Recent local directing credits include: Big Fish (Enter Stage Left), Wizard of Oz (New Players Theatre Guild), and The Mystery of Edwin Drood (New Players Theatre Guild). He was awarded ‘Most Innovative Director’ at the Maryland State One-Act Play Festival for Port Tobacco Theatre’s production of Sure Thing. John is a founding member of Human Experience Theatre, an interactive theatre-based training model that dramatizes sensitive subject matters for universities, corporate, and non-profit organizations in the United States. John received his MFA in Acting from The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.
LYNDSEY HAWKES (Assistant Director) Lyndsey is excited to be starting her professional theatre career with Studio Theatre Worcester after recently graduating from Clark University with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. She recently appeared in Clark Musical Theatre's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood (The Princess Puffer) and was an Assistant Director for their Fall 2018 production of Avenue Q. This November, she will be directing two student-written plays at Clark as part of a biennial Playfest. Shoutout to Gramps for all his sage wisdom. Instagram: @lyndseyhawkes
KRIS LAYTON (Music Director) Kris is a classically trained pianist, church organist, and itinerant singer of songs. She has worked with community theaters and high schools throughout central Massachusetts as either Music Director or Rehearsal Pianist. Recent productions include: The Mystery of Edwin Drood; Next to Normal; Big River; Legally Blonde; Les Misérables; Evita; George M. Cohan Tonight; Alice in Wonderland; and The Addams Family. Kris is a singing member of both the Assabet Valley Mastersingers and Chambersingers she likes to add a bit of drama to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Clinton, MA, where she is the choir director and organist.
KIMBERLY BOURASSA (Choreographer) Kim is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based out of Central Massachusetts. She has over 23 years of dance experience and nine years of teaching under her belt. Her teaching and choreography extend out of dance studios and into weddings, local pop artists, and companies. She is currently the rehearsal director of ECHO Dance Collaborative and is ecstatic to branch out of her comfort zone and choreograph The Fantasticks! She wants to thank the amazing dance network that has led her to this wonderful opportunity.
DAVID N. FARREH (Technical Director) David has been involved with theatre since his junior year of high school. Past credits include: 42nd Street, Grease, Music Man, and The Secret Garden. David is excited to be designing again for Studio Theatre Worcester. He is one of the owners of LazerSound Inc., working with his great crew providing sound, light, and stage work for local communities and schools throughout Massachusetts. David thanks his supportive mother and wonderful wife and occasional boss, Sarah.
LISA BUMPUS (Stage Manager) Currently a senior at Clark University with a double major in Theatre Arts and Psychology, Lisa works as the Stage Manager for the Visual and Performing Arts Department and is the Co-President of Clark University Players Society (CUPS). Past credits include: Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Stage Manager; The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts), In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play (Stage Manager), Avenue Q (Stage Manager), and The Little Mermaid (Costume/Wardrobe Assistant). She is incredibly grateful to Studio Theatre Worcester for trusting her with this unforgettable production and to her family and dogs for supporting her choice to pursue the arts.
