Romeo & Juliette

"Radiant in voice and striking in stage presence" (The Washington Post) Verdi soprano Lori Lind has won top prizes and career grants from The Annapolis Opera, Violetta DuPont, Albanese-Puccini, Liederkranz, Gerda Lissner, Schuyler-Bender and Tucker Foundations. She has been lauded as "riveting" (Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte - The Cleveland Plain Dealer), "astonishing" (Aida - The Houston Chronicle) and "dazzling…impress(ing) mightily..." (Violetta in La Traviata - Raleigh News Observer). More recently, her theatrical and musical arrangements, stage directing, and conducting have also been highly praised. Dr. Lind serves as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Thomas Epsicopal Church in McLean, Virginia, whose congregation graciously hosts Shakespeare Opera Theatre. She also maintains a private voice and music studio, judges competitions, and gives master classes throughout the region. She founded Shakespeare Opera Theatre in 2015 and has served as Managing Director ever since. A native Floridian, she now lives in Haymarket, Virginia with her dogs, Quimby and Romeo, where they love enjoying the four seasons of the Mid-Atlantic together.

Dr. Bloy has been with Shakespeare Opera Theatre as a pianist, vocal coach, and conductor since SOT’s 2016 production of Falstaff. In 2018, she became the Associate Artistic Director of the company. She is a vocal coach at George Mason University and has been on the faculties at Pennsylvania State University, Olivet College, and Blue Lake Fine Arts. Dr. Bloy has also served as music director at Atlantic Music Festival in Maine and Bethesda Music Festival in Maryland. In addition, she is an active recitalist in the Washington, D.C. area. Dr. Bloy holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, Pennsylvania State University, and Michigan State University. She resides in Haymarket, Virginia with her husband and two children.

Andrew Kraus, lauded by Elke Walters in the Fankische Andezeiting writing that “Kraus proved to be like a sensitive piano whisperer with his highly sensitive interpretive art”, is delighted to work with Dr. Lind and the wonderfully talented, skilled and committed cast and crew, as Musical Director for this seasons’ performances of Shakespeare Opera Theatres production of Romeo and Juliet. Previously on the faculties at James Madison University, Meredith College and University of Mary Washington, Kraus now freelances around DMV. In addition to regular concert performances, Kraus is known for his #Respite recordings. He teaches and coaches in person and over the internet at his Rockville studio, where as collaborator, he has a long history of helping aspiring artists produce award winning results. He lives in Rockville with his wife, Christine and his comfort animal, Max, a 114 pound Great Pyrenees mix.

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Gene Allen (Lord Capulet). Prized for his strong bass voice, Mr. Allen has performed with SOT since 2018, portraying King Duncan and Old Siward in Macbeth (2024), Lodovico in Othello (2022), King Claudius in Hamlet (2020), Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (2019), and covering Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors (2018 and 2022). Since 2020, he has served as an Executive Producer with SOT. Gene retired from federal government contracting in September, 2024, and lives in Ashburn, Virginia.

Soprano Donnette Rimmer is delighted to return to SOT for her second production. (She appeared as Lady Lennox in Macbeth in 2024). Originally from California, she has lived in the Washington DC area for most of her adult life. She has served as a soloist and section leader at several churches in DC and N. VA and performs regularly with local early music ensembles. Also a violinist and aspiring celtic harper, her musical opportunities have taken her to choral and instrumental ensembles in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, Rome, the Loire Valley, and the Scottish Highlands. A retired attorney, Donnette specialised in international trade and intellectual property rights for the federal government.

Melissa Jean Chávez has been acclaimed by the Washington Post for her “voluptuous voice” and “coolly exemplary production”. Upcoming performances include appearances with Opera on Tap, Bay Atlantic Symphony, and the Accord Symphony Orchestra. When not on the stage, she can be found hiking and paddling with her dogs, trying out a new recipe or planning her next adventure. A graduate of Penn State and Shenandoah Conservatory, she also teaches on the faculty of Shenandoah Conservatory and the Washington Waldorf School. www.melissajeanchavez.com

Known for her “crystalline voice,” soprano Ashlyn Rock makes her SOT debut as Juliet. After completing her Masters and Artist Diploma in Opera at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Rock recently moved back to the DMV area and since has performed locally with Trinity Chamber Orchestra, Bel Cantanti Opera, Washington Concert Opera, and Wolf Trap Opera. She made her debut at Carnegie Hall last April with the Gerda Lissner Foundation. Her performances include Marie Celeste/Duchess Christina in Philip Glass’ Galileo Galilei; Sister Constance de St. Denis (Dialogues des Carmélites); Miss Lightfoot (Fellow Travelers), Micaëla (Carmen), Isabela (La hija de Rappaccini), and soloist in John Mackey's Songs from the End of the World for soprano and wind symphony. When she is not studying music, Ashlyn spends time caring for her adorable pet rabbit, Reginald. She also enjoys practicing yoga, hiking and camping, biking, writing poems, reading, and working on publishing her own book.

Chelsea Alexandra is thrilled to make her first appearance with Shakespeare Opera Theatre, debuting with the role of Juliet. Raised on the island of Oahu, Chelsea is now a Utah-based soprano who recently graduated with her Masters from the University of Utah. Her latest roles have been Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen with Lyrical Opera Theater where she debuted the previous year with the role of Mimì from Puccini’s La Bohème. Her fondness for Puccini grew in Novafeltria, Italy, where she first performed the role of Mimì overseas. Since then, she has portrayed the titular role in Massenet’s Cendrillon, The Mother in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Fiordiligi from Mozart’s Così fan tutte and Violetta from Verdi’s La traviata. Outside of performing, Chelsea loves to scuba dive and is passionate about empowering women through holistic approaches to sexual health and healing.

Joseph McBrayer, originally from Dallas, Georgia, praised by critics for his “polished lyric tenor,” is pleased to be making his role and company debut as Romeo with Shakespeare Opera Theatre. In the 2022-23 season, Mr. McBrayer began his residency as a studio artist with Florida Grand Opera, where he stayed through the 23-24 season and performed the roles of Beppe (Pagliacci), Gastone (La Traviata), Paolino (El Matrimonio Secreto), and Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi), before traveling to Santa Fe to create the role of The Mayor of Santa Fe in Joe Illick’s new opera, Zozobra’s Revenge. Mr. McBrayer has also worked with Vero Beach Opera, Capitol City Opera, and The Atlanta opera, among others. He studied voice at Kennesaw State University, then on to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. He is currently based out of Milwaukee with his wife Hayley, herself an accomplished soprano.

Nickolas James is an American tenor lauded for his uniquely bright timbre and charismatic performances. He has performed a multitude of principle roles across a wide range of styles including Lurcanio (Ariodante), Male Chorus (Lucretia), White Rabbit (A.L.I.C.E.), and many more. He has had the pleasure of working with and learning from prominent artists and educators including Dr. Arnold Rawls, Dr. Kathryn Leemhuis (Boyer College of Music and Dance), Reggie Smith, Ben Robinson (Anchorage Opera), and Dr. Chuck Chandler (DePaul University). A Dallas, Texas native, Nickolas earned his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Boyer College of Music and Dance in 2024 and is currently residing in Philadelphia with the best dog that ever lived, Whiskey. This production is Nickolas’ Shakespeare Opera Theater debut and he is so excited to take part in presenting this brilliant production of a timeless classic.

Mezzo-soprano Louise Anderson is thrilled to return to Shakespeare Opera Theatre as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, having previously performed with the company as Third Witch and Young Siward in Macbeth. Louise made her operatic debut at the age of nine in the children’s chorus of Macbeth at the Royal Swedish Opera, and has since appeared with companies including Norwegian National Opera, Danish National Opera, Opera San José, PASS Artist Residency New York, and Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island. She holds a Master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Professor Mark Schnaible, and previously trained at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts. As an actor, she has also trained at Stella Adler Art of Acting Studio in Los Angeles and T. Schreiber Studio in New York. Louise is a prizewinner in the Alan M. and Joan Taub Ades Vocal Competition and the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Upcoming: Young Artist at Confidencen (summer 2025) and a feature film premiere (One of the Girls) in September 2025 where she plays one of the leads.

Catie Brooks is ecstatic to make her debut with Shakespeare Opera Theater as Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. Catie is a vocalist, voice teacher, and actor currently based in Washington, D.C, and come fall she’ll be attending New York University for her Master of Music Degree in Vocal Pedagogy. Previous credits include Deb in Ordinary Days and Jacqueline in Muse: The Women of Picasso with Chameleon Theater Collective, Lucille in Monsieur et Madame Denise with Chicago Summer Opera, Phyllis in Iolanthe, and Despina in Cosi Fan Tutte to name a few. Later this summer Catie will be singing in the chorus of Carmina Burana with the National Symphony Orchestra at Wolf Trap. Catie holds a dual Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Music Theatre from James Madison University and currently studies with Danielle Talamantes. Despite her busy musical schedule, Catie still finds ample time to brag about her adorable rescue pitbull, Mango.

Justin Ramm-Damron, Bass-Baritone, has been described as a “Poised and characterful bass- baritone” (Opera Today) and known to give “a menacing performance” (KDHX). He is very excited to return to SOT for their production of Roméo et Juliette. Last summer with SOT he made his debut as Banco in Verdi’s Macbeth. Justin has performed roles with several reputable opera companies throughout the United States including Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, Shreveport Opera, Teatro Grattacielo, Bronx Opera, Tundi Productions inc., Opera Magnifico, New Jersey Lyric Opera, and St Petersburg Opera. He is currently based in Waco, Texas and got his education at Northwestern University. When he is not performing he enjoys spending time with his beautiful girlfriend Olivia Currier (Gertrude).

Olivia Currier is a mezzo-soprano originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Following her tenure as an Apprentice Artist at the Sarasota Opera, she made her Shakespeare Opera Theatre debut as Béatrice in Béatrice et Bénédict/Much Ado About Nothing. Since then, Currier has been an SOT favorite, covering Gertrude and The Gingerbread Witch in Hansel and Gretel, and performing as a a soloist on the Jim Galloway Memorial Concert. This summer, she will cover the roles of Roßweiße in Die Walküre and Zweite Norn in Götterdämmerung at TUNDI Productions' Wagner in Vermont Festival, and will travel to Berlin, Germany as a Frank Nemhauser Vocal Apprentice with Berkshire Choral International. Olivia holds a degree from Texas Tech University and currently resides in Waco, Texas. She is now in her graduate studies at Baylor University. When not on stage, Olivia loves to travel, write, and spend time with her amazing partner, Justin Ramm-Damron!

Jason Guerrero is glad to be returning to SOT as Benvolio and Friar Jean/Romeo Cover. Jason is a Junior Vocal Performance major and Music Composition minor. He uses his musical background to better serve God and his community as a cantor to the Archdiocese of Washington, regularly singing at Annunciation Church, Saint Dominics, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. As an artist in Opera, Jason recently made his Kennedy Center Debut on the Millennium Stage, as a soloist, singing for selections from La Traviata as Alfredo Nadir in the famous Pearl fishers duet. Before that Jason played Rodolfo in CUA's 2025 production of La Boheme. He appeared as Donald in the Loudoun Lyric Opera's production of Gallantry. Jason is also composer and song writer, having performed original music at such venues and festivals as Flowjam Festival, Annmarie Sculture Gardens Artsfest, and Día De los Muertos DC. Jason has worked with local nonprofit organizations like David’s Tent, Youth With a Mission DC, and One More Plate.

Based in Washington, DC, and lauded for “standing out with his confident baritone”, Vincent Fung makes his Shakespearean role debut as Paris and as cover for Friar Lawrence/Prince. He first appeared with Shakespeare Opera Theatre earlier this season as Schaunard in La Vie de Bohème. Recent engagements have taken him from Philadelphia to Prague, performing the roles of Vodník (Rusalka), Sarastro (Die Zauberflöte), Dulcamara (L’elisir d’amore), and Bartolo (Le nozze di Figaro). Enjoying a versatile classical music career, Vincent sings with Washington National Opera and Washington Concert Opera, has performed with Washington Opera Society, and has been a soloist and chorister for various ensembles. Originally from San Francisco, he holds an Artist Diploma and a Master of Music from the Catholic University of America and studies voice with Rick Christman. Offstage, you might find Vincent strategizing over a board game, engrossed in a thrift or antique store, or trapped in an escape room near you!

Julie Silva is ecstatic to return to Shakespeare Opera Theatre as the swashbuckling Stephano! A devoted trouser role enthusiast, credits include Hansel (Hansel and Gretel with SOT), the Page (Rigoletto with Austin Opera & Opera San Antonio), Orfeo (Orfeo ed Euridice with Opera McGill), Annio (La clemenza di Tito with LOLA), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro with LAHSOW), and the Boy in The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Robot (One Ounce Opera). A multi-genre artist based in NYC, Julie is thrilled to call the DMV an additional artistic home. Upcoming DMV performances include work with the Wolf Trap Opera chorus (Carmen) and the Washington National Opera chorus (Aida). A special shoutout to her partner, A, and her Virginia family, the 4 A’s, for all their support on her SOT operatic adventure!

Praised for his “Deeply human Marcello” (La bohème) by Opera Codebar (Paris, France), JP Gorski returns to SOT as Gregorio for Romeo & Juliet. Audiences will recognize JP from numerous roles such as Iago (Othello), Peter (Hansel & Gretel), the title role of Macbeth, and from Much Ado About Nothing where he portrayed the dual roles of Berlioz's Somarone and Shakespeare's Dogberry. After graduating from James Madison University, JP studied at Bel Canto in Tuscany (Tuscany, Italy) where he performed as Figaro (The Barber of Seville), and the title role of Rigoletto. JP has performed with numerous companies including Charlottesville Opera (Virginia), Sarasota Opera (Florida), and Annapolis Opera (Maryland) where he appeared as Second Armored Man in The Magic Flute (November 2023) and The Commissioner in La traviata (March 2025). JP currently works as a Branch Coordinator for ABC, an Apria company, and a data entry clerk for Reaching Potentials VA, LLC.

Gene Allen (Lord Capulet). Prized for his strong bass voice, Mr. Allen has performed with SOT since 2018, portraying King Duncan and Old Siward in Macbeth (2024), Lodovico in Othello (2022), King Claudius in Hamlet (2020), Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (2019), and covering Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors (2018 and 2022). Since 2020, he has served as an Executive Producer with SOT. Gene retired from federal government contracting in September, 2024, and lives in Ashburn, Virginia.

Soprano Donnette Rimmer is delighted to return to SOT for her second production. (She appeared as Lady Lennox in Macbeth in 2024). Originally from California, she has lived in the Washington DC area for most of her adult life. She has served as a soloist and section leader at several churches in DC and N. VA and performs regularly with local early music ensembles. Also a violinist and aspiring celtic harper, her musical opportunities have taken her to choral and instrumental ensembles in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, Rome, the Loire Valley, and the Scottish Highlands. A retired attorney, Donnette specialised in international trade and intellectual property rights for the federal government.

Nickolas James is an American tenor lauded for his uniquely bright timbre and charismatic performances. He has performed a multitude of principle roles across a wide range of styles including Lurcanio (Ariodante), Male Chorus (Lucretia), White Rabbit (A.L.I.C.E.), and many more. He has had the pleasure of working with and learning from prominent artists and educators including Dr. Arnold Rawls, Dr. Kathryn Leemhuis (Boyer College of Music and Dance), Reggie Smith, Ben Robinson (Anchorage Opera), and Dr. Chuck Chandler (DePaul University). A Dallas, Texas native, Nickolas earned his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Boyer College of Music and Dance in 2024 and is currently residing in Philadelphia with the best dog that ever lived, Whiskey. This production is Nickolas’ Shakespeare Opera Theater debut and he is so excited to take part in presenting this brilliant production of a timeless classic.

Sommer Schaap (Assistant Stage Manager, Choreographer, Sampson) is an emerging theatre artist in the DMV, making her debut with Shakespeare Opera Theatre. She was a John Cauble Short Play Finalist through the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023 for her one act, Almost Lifelong. Sommer is currently a Teaching Artist with The Keegan Theatre and will teach drama at Bancroft Elementary in the upcoming school year. She is from southwest Minnesota and has a BA in Theatre Arts, with an emphasis in Acting and Directing from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, baking cakes, and playing with her cat, Bob.

Mikayla Talbert (Stage Manager, Abraham Cover) is a freelance stage manager in the DC area enjoying her debut with SOT and her on stage debut! Her previous work includes stage managing Ethiopia (INSeries Opera) and directing A Midsummer Night's Dream at Nothwestern High School while teaching Drama as well. Mikayla Graduated from Shenandoah University with her BFA in Theatre Design and Production in December of 2023. After this she went on to the Disney College Program, working the Magic Kingdom Firework Dessert Party. You can catch Mikayla Production Stage Managing with INSeries Opera for the 2025-26 season!

Melissa holds a Master's degree in Music from Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance, a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Shenandoah Conservatory of Music where she received the Wind Ensemble Award in 2012, and in 2021 she completed her certification in k-12 music education from Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she received the honor of becoming a member of Kappa Delta Pi. She has studied voice with Kathryn Green, Jennifer Cherest-Flory, and Bree Nichols, and studied clarinet with Garrick Zoeter and Sam Caviezel. She currently performs with the Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg and has performed with companies throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia, such as Bel Cantanti Opera Chorus, Opera Camerata Chorus, Teatro Lirico Chorus, Stafford Opera Troupe where she starred as Cinderella in their 2019 production of Cendrillon, Southern Maryland Light Opera Company Chorus for Naughty Marietta and The Mikado, and starred as Gretel in their 2008 production of Hansel and Gretel, played the role of Mother in the College of Southern Maryland’s production of Ragtime in 2018, and was Puck in Capitol Hill Arts Workshop’s 2017 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Melissa has been teaching privately for 13 years and is currently a General Music and Choir director with Charles County Public Schools. She resides in VA with her husband Norman and their daughter Willow.

Antoinette Katsas (Ensemble) is excited to be making her SOT debut! She is a high schooler based in Falls Church, VA, and loves to perform. Her past opera credits include Jungle Book, (Washington National Opera, children's chorus), and Turandot (WNO, children's chorus). She also enjoys musical theater, and has been in various shows. Along with theater, she plays piano, harp, tenor guitar, and softball. She would like to thank her family, friends, and her voice teacher, Wesley Diener, for their support.

Praised for his “Deeply human Marcello” (La bohème) by Opera Codebar (Paris, France), JP Gorski returns to SOT as Gregorio for Romeo & Juliet. Audiences will recognize JP from numerous roles such as Iago (Othello), Peter (Hansel & Gretel), the title role of Macbeth, and from Much Ado About Nothing where he portrayed the dual roles of Berlioz's Somarone and Shakespeare's Dogberry. After graduating from James Madison University, JP studied at Bel Canto in Tuscany (Tuscany, Italy) where he performed as Figaro (The Barber of Seville), and the title role of Rigoletto. JP has performed with numerous companies including Charlottesville Opera (Virginia), Sarasota Opera (Florida), and Annapolis Opera (Maryland) where he appeared as Second Armored Man in The Magic Flute (November 2023) and The Commissioner in La traviata (March 2025). JP currently works as a Branch Coordinator for ABC, an Apria company, and a data entry clerk for Reaching Potentials VA, LLC.

Nickolas James is an American tenor lauded for his uniquely bright timbre and charismatic performances. He has performed a multitude of principle roles across a wide range of styles including Lurcanio (Ariodante), Male Chorus (Lucretia), White Rabbit (A.L.I.C.E.), and many more. He has had the pleasure of working with and learning from prominent artists and educators including Dr. Arnold Rawls, Dr. Kathryn Leemhuis (Boyer College of Music and Dance), Reggie Smith, Ben Robinson (Anchorage Opera), and Dr. Chuck Chandler (DePaul University). A Dallas, Texas native, Nickolas earned his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Boyer College of Music and Dance in 2024 and is currently residing in Philadelphia with the best dog that ever lived, Whiskey. This production is Nickolas’ Shakespeare Opera Theater debut and he is so excited to take part in presenting this brilliant production of a timeless classic.

Based in Washington, DC, and lauded for “standing out with his confident baritone”, Vincent Fung makes his Shakespearean role debut as Paris and as cover for Friar Lawrence/Prince. He first appeared with Shakespeare Opera Theatre earlier this season as Schaunard in La Vie de Bohème. Recent engagements have taken him from Philadelphia to Prague, performing the roles of Vodník (Rusalka), Sarastro (Die Zauberflöte), Dulcamara (L’elisir d’amore), and Bartolo (Le nozze di Figaro). Enjoying a versatile classical music career, Vincent sings with Washington National Opera and Washington Concert Opera, has performed with Washington Opera Society, and has been a soloist and chorister for various ensembles. Originally from San Francisco, he holds an Artist Diploma and a Master of Music from the Catholic University of America and studies voice with Rick Christman. Offstage, you might find Vincent strategizing over a board game, engrossed in a thrift or antique store, or trapped in an escape room near you!

"Radiant in voice and striking in stage presence" (The Washington Post) Verdi soprano Lori Lind has won top prizes and career grants from The Annapolis Opera, Violetta DuPont, Albanese-Puccini, Liederkranz, Gerda Lissner, Schuyler-Bender and Tucker Foundations. She has been lauded as "riveting" (Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte - The Cleveland Plain Dealer), "astonishing" (Aida - The Houston Chronicle) and "dazzling…impress(ing) mightily..." (Violetta in La Traviata - Raleigh News Observer). More recently, her theatrical and musical arrangements, stage directing, and conducting have also been highly praised. Dr. Lind serves as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Thomas Epsicopal Church in McLean, Virginia, whose congregation graciously hosts Shakespeare Opera Theatre. She also maintains a private voice and music studio, judges competitions, and gives master classes throughout the region. She founded Shakespeare Opera Theatre in 2015 and has served as Managing Director ever since. A native Floridian, she now lives in Haymarket, Virginia with her dogs, Quimby and Romeo, where they love enjoying the four seasons of the Mid-Atlantic together.

Casey Kaleba founded and runs Tooth & Claw. He has coordinated violence for opera, television, music videos, and more than 400 theatrical productions. That work includes arranging fights at the Guthrie Theatre, Spoleto Festival, Folger Theatre, Signature Theatre, Round House Theatre, Keegan Theatre, Wolf Trap Opera, Avant Bard, Hub Theatre, Washington National Opera, Source Festival, Olney Theatre Center, and Constellation Theatre. A company member with Rorschach Theatre and Brave Spirits Theatre, Casey has staged fights for knights, musketeers, princesses, zombies, wolves, pirates, ninjas, and at least one alien tentacle. Casey has trained with movement artists from across the globe, including Fight Directors Canada, the Society of Australian Fight Directors, British Academy of Stage and Screen Combat, Dueling Arts International, Dell'Arte, Combat Circus, Rapier Wit, and the British Academy of Dramatic Combat. Recently he has served as the audition choreographer for Marvel Universe Live. He holds an MA in Theatre History from the University of Maryland.
A Certified Teacher and Fight Director with the Society of American Fight Directors, Casey has taught theatrical combat workshops and courses for a wide range of programs. He has taught at the University of Maryland, Catholic University, University of Mary Washington, Old Dominion University, Chesapeake College, Davidson College, James Madison University, Montgomery College, University of South Carolina, the Virginia Governor's School, and Virginia Theatre Association, as well as scores of high schools, festivals, professional development workshops, libraries, and camps. He has served as a teaching artist for the Shakespeare Theatre, Round House Theatre, English Speaking Union, and Folger Library. Casey has been a guest instructor for Fight Directors Canada and the Nordic Stagefight Society, and an instructor at the Paddy Crean Workshop - the largest international stage combat workshop. Casey is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

Nickolas James is an American tenor lauded for his uniquely bright timbre and charismatic performances. He has performed a multitude of principle roles across a wide range of styles including Lurcanio (Ariodante), Male Chorus (Lucretia), White Rabbit (A.L.I.C.E.), and many more. He has had the pleasure of working with and learning from prominent artists and educators including Dr. Arnold Rawls, Dr. Kathryn Leemhuis (Boyer College of Music and Dance), Reggie Smith, Ben Robinson (Anchorage Opera), and Dr. Chuck Chandler (DePaul University). A Dallas, Texas native, Nickolas earned his Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Boyer College of Music and Dance in 2024 and is currently residing in Philadelphia with the best dog that ever lived, Whiskey. This production is Nickolas’ Shakespeare Opera Theater debut and he is so excited to take part in presenting this brilliant production of a timeless classic.

Sommer Schaap (Assistant Stage Manager, Choreographer, Sampson) is an emerging theatre artist in the DMV, making her debut with Shakespeare Opera Theatre. She was a John Cauble Short Play Finalist through the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023 for her one act, Almost Lifelong. Sommer is currently a Teaching Artist with The Keegan Theatre and will teach drama at Bancroft Elementary in the upcoming school year. She is from southwest Minnesota and has a BA in Theatre Arts, with an emphasis in Acting and Directing from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, baking cakes, and playing with her cat, Bob.

Mikayla Talbert (Stage Manager, Abraham Cover) is a freelance stage manager in the DC area enjoying her debut with SOT and her on stage debut! Her previous work includes stage managing Ethiopia (INSeries Opera) and directing A Midsummer Night's Dream at Nothwestern High School while teaching Drama as well. Mikayla Graduated from Shenandoah University with her BFA in Theatre Design and Production in December of 2023. After this she went on to the Disney College Program, working the Magic Kingdom Firework Dessert Party. You can catch Mikayla Production Stage Managing with INSeries Opera for the 2025-26 season!