Artistic Staff: Spring 2025
First Year Players Presents: Catch Me If You Can
DIRECTOR – Emily Wartel
The Director is responsible for all artistic elements of the production, including selecting of the show and the members of their artistic staff, casting the show, and leading rehearsals throughout the week. They work closely with the cast and the artistic staff, as well as the technical and pit directors, to put on a production embodying the vision presented in their proposal.
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​Emily Wartel (she/her) is a third year studying Media Studies and minoring in Economics and Drama.
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Contact her at director@firstyearplayers.org
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Elise Bowen
The Assistant Directors operate alongside the Director and work with cast members on anything from blocking to character development. They serve as the Director's second set of eyes, complementing the Director's notes for the cast when necessary, and take on any additional projects the Director may delegate.
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Elise Bowen (she/her) is a second year​ is a second year studying Youth & Social Innovation and Leadership & Public Policy with a minor in Child Development.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Nathan Snow
The Assistant Directors operate alongside the Director and work with cast members on anything from blocking to character development. They serve as the Director's second set of eyes, complementing the Director's notes for the cast when necessary, and take on any additional projects the Director may delegate.
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Nathan Snow (he/him) is a fourth year studying Political Philosophy, Policy, and Law and Economics and minoring in Spanish.
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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR – Lulu Wilson
The Assistant Directors operate alongside the Director and work with cast members on anything from blocking to character development. They serve as the Director's second set of eyes, complementing the Director's notes for the cast when necessary, and take on any additional projects the Director may delegate.
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Lulu Wilson (she/they) is a second year studying Computer Science and Math.
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VOCAL DIRECTOR – Nicole Burroughs
The Vocal Directors oversee all singing designated by the composer. Contrasted with the Pit Director, the Vocal Directors work with groups and individual cast members to ensure not only that the music is performed accurately, but that the vocalists learn to maintain healthy vocal strategies, take ownership of their music, and make their performances their own.
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Nicole Burroughs (she/her) is a second year styding English and Applied Statistics.
VOCAL DIRECTOR – Aidan McNerney
The Vocal Directors oversee all singing designated by the composer. Contrasted with the Pit Director, the Vocal Directors work with groups and individual cast members to ensure not only that the music is performed accurately, but that the vocalists learn to maintain healthy vocal strategies, take ownership of their music, and make their performances their own.
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​Aidan McNerny (he/him) is a second year studying Government and Music with minors in History and Statistics
CHOREOGRAPHER – Jeremiah Clyburn
The Choreographers introduce dance, stunt work, and other movement into the production. They conceive, then teach any choreography to the cast. They and the Director strive to realize the artistic vision for the show through movement, and the Choreographer ensures that every cast member both understands and feels comfortable with all choreography.
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Jeremiah Cluburn (he/him) is a third year studying Neuroscience and Drama.​​
CHOREOGRAPHER – Karina Yakubisin
The Choreographers introduce dance, stunt work, and other movement into the production. They conceive, then teach any choreography to the cast. They and the Director strive to realize the artistic vision for the show through movement, and the Choreographer ensures that every cast member both understands and feels comfortable with all choreography.
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​Karina Yakubisin (she/her) is a third year studying Computer Science and minoring in Drama.
STAGE MANAGER – Eddie Zhang
The Stage Manager attends all rehearsals, meetings, and manages the inner workings of the production. They play a crucial role in the management of props, distribution of production notes, and supervise lighting and blocking cues. The Stage Manager reports to the Director and Tech Director to make sure the production is organized and the cast is welcomed.
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​Eddie Zhang (he/him) is a third year studying Psychology and minoring in Governemtn and Data Science.​​