How Do We Cast in MTC?

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Putting together a production is like a science experiment.  We hypothsize about who best fits in each part of a production, but it is not until the end (after the show has been performed) that we know if our hypothesis was correct.  The procedure--the rehearsal process--is what leads to our results and conclusion. 

However, it is not an exact science, and often, many variables enter into the process after the show has been cast.   To help mitigate those variables, below is our casting philosophy.  In this case, casting also includes assigning students technical responsibilities.

COLOR-BLIND AND COLOR-CONSCIOUS CASTING

The Munster Theatre Company employs colorblind and color-conscious casting.  Color blind casting means that, unless the script specifically calls for it, actors are placed in roles they are best suited to play, regardless of skin color.  Color conscious casting means that, after we cast the show, we look to see if the colorblind casting will lead to unintended messages being sent to the audience.  An example of this might be having all of the weaker characters played by those with darker skin than those playing stronger characters. 

Our primary goal is to produce the BEST PRODUCTION POSSIBLE.  Casting is not a perfect science, and much relies on how well an actor prepares for the audition.  Sometimes we get to the end of a show and we know that we cast the show the best way possible with those who auditioned, and sometimes we realize that (through the production process), another actor might have been better suited to a part.  But, as with any casting situation, we have to balance scheduling conflicts, actors’ desires for parts, past experience, and ability.  We thank you very much for your understanding of the challenge that comes with casting this show.

DEPENDABILITY AND RELIABILITY

Our goal is the best possible production.  We want the strongest people in each role and technical position.  However, we also need people who are dependable and who can take coaching and constructive criticism in order to create the best production possible.  It is true that sometimes a person may be afforded an opportunity in a show because of their dependability and coachability.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Our theatre company is a welcoming, inclusive program.  We desire to give as many people the opportunity to work on productions as possible, given scheduling issues, past experiences, and of course, the audition.  Much of that depends on you, the student.  Not only what you are willing to put into your audition, but what you are willing to do to encourage others to do the same.  And, if you are selected to be a part of the production, to carry that same mentality throughout the production process.

 

So work hard, be open, and break legs!

Mr. Palasz and Ms. Matanic

 

                                

MTC Awards

For decades, the Munster Theatre Company has recognize the outstanding work its students do each season.  Below is a list of those who were recognized each year, by category.  We do know that some years are missing.  If you have that information, please forward it to Ray Palasz at rapalasz@musnter.us.

Prior to 2000, other awards were given out.  Those awards will be listed here soon as well!

Best New Staff Member

2000:  Nikki Williamson
2000:  Matthew J. Domasica
2002:  Chris Sipes
2003:  Jenna Candiano
2003:  Kirstin Bularzik
2005:  Kurt Popovich
2006:  Janelle Boudreau
2007:  Bethany Borgo
2008:  Jessica Van Wieren
2009:  Craig Popovich

2010:  Alex Chihara
2011:  Tyler Van Wieren
2012:  George Jurnicie

2013:  Daniel Cappo
2013:  Amy McDunn
2014:  Paige Mecyssine
2015:  Megan Eickleberry
2016:  Joseph Bellahcen
2017:  Mitchell Walsh
2018:  Sarah Resch
2018:  Andrew Wittkamp
2019:  Anna Babus
2020:  Josephine Mittelberger

2021:  Lucas Opiola

(title changed to "Outstanding New Technician")
2022:  Robert Brunetti 

2023:  Miranda Svarz

 

Best House Achievement

2001:  Jessica Economou
2003: Julie Kiekenapp
2005:  Nicole Parra
2005:  Saba Ahmed
2006:  Morgan Midkiff
2007:  Morgan Midkiff
2008:  Allison Newman
2009:  Britney Breger
2009:  Allison Newman
2010:  Emilie Riggs
2010:  Nirlep Kaur

2011:  Emilie Riggs
2011:  Anastasia Papadatos
2012:  Michael Banach
2013:  Chelsea Eickleberry
2015:  Jacob Levy
2016:  Jacob levy

 

Best Stage Achievement

1999:  Joe Rybarchyk
2000:  Jason Vargo

2001:  Greg Schneider
2002:  Sarah Papin
2003:  Chris Sipes

2005:  Elizabeth Van Wieren
2006:  Kirstin Bularzik
2006:  Joseph Marciniak
2007:  Mary Carp
2007:  Katie Franklin
2008:  Nicholas Van Wieren
2009:  Nicholas Van Wieren
2010:  Melissa Lee

2011:  Jessica Van Wieren
2012:  Tyler Van Wieren
2013:  Kevin Yurasovich
2104:  Kevin Yurasovich
2015:  Jake Bobeck

2016:  Daniel Cappo
2016:  Tatiana Shinkan

Best Sound Achievement

2000:  Ashley Kaufman
2001:  Ashley Kaufman

2003:  Emily Bradley
2005:  Emily Bradley
2006:  Meilssa Victor
2007:  Danielle Cacich
2008:  Kurt Popovich
2008:  Danielle Cacich

2009:  Erin Montgomery
2009:  Danielle Cacich
2010:  Erin Montgomery
2011:  Emily Scholtz
2012:  Ben Mecyssine
2013:  Ben Mecyssine
2014:  Ben Mecyssine

2015:  Paige Mecyssine
2015:  Martina Trivunovic
2016:  Paige Mecyssine

Best Lighting Achievement

2001:  Matthew J. Domasica
2003:  Dan Phillips
2005:  Eric Zyglowich

2006:  John Mihich
2007:  David Van Wieren
2007:  Kurt Popovich
2008:  Kurt Popovich
2009:  David Kiesling

2010:  Jacob Cherogan
2011:  Craig Popovich
2012:  Craig Popovich
2013:  George Jurincie
2014:  George Jurincie
2015:  George Jurincie
2016:  Matthew McCraw

Outstanding Technical Collaborator

2022:  Lucas Opiola
2023:  Robert Brunetti
 

Best Technical Achievement

2017:  Joseph Bellahcen
2018:  Ashley Glover/Aubrey Rivera
2019:  Sarah Resch
2020:  MJ Migliore
2021:  Ava Quasney
2022:  Seamus Keegan
2022:  Josh Decker
2023:  Kyle Farnell/Robert Brunetti


 

 

 

 

Outstanding Collaborator

2017:  Joseph Bellahcen
2017:  Shannon Coughlin
2017:  Ben Stiffler
2018:  Nikolai Hoogewerf
2019:  Francis Hovland

2020:  Andrew Wittkamp
2021:  Olivia Hughes

 

Outstanding Leadership

2017:  Joseph Bellahcen
2018:  Michaela Marcotte
2019:  Sarah Resch
2020:  Zachary Tucker

(Name changed to "Outstanding Technician")

2021:
2022:  Seamus Keegan
2023:  Emma Starkey


 

Outstanding Staff Member

1999:  Joe Rybarchyk
2000:  Jason Vargo

2002:  Sarah Papin
2003:  Matthew J Domasica
2005:  Emily Bradley
2006:  Kirstin Bularzik
2006:  Joseph Marciniak
2007:  David Van Wieren
2008:  Kurt Popovich
2008:  Nicholas Van Wieren

2010:  Melissa Lee
2011:  Jessica Van Wieren
2012:  Craig Popovich
2013:  Dana Owens

2014:  Kevin Yurasovich

2015:  George Jurincie
2016:  Daniel Cappo
2018:  Joseph Bellahcen
2019:  Michaela Marcotte
2020:  Sarah Resch

 

Best New Artist

2000:  Joey Manderino
2001:  Lenny Weiss
2001:  Matthew J. Domasica
2002:  Carolyn Jania
2003:  Genevieve Grdina
2005:  Eric LaMagdeleine
2005:  Molly White
2006:  Patrick Pohrte
2006:  Clare McCulloch
2007:  Clarke Remmers
2007:  Stephanie Sepiol
2007:  Jenny Eskander
2008:  Jonathan Wachala

2008:  Lyndsey Hernandez
2009:  Kurt Alberson
2009:  Haley Conger
2009:  Katie Taylor
2010:  Christian Fary
2010:  Natalie Vick
2011:  Steven Caraher
2011:  Megan Miller
2012:  David Straka
2012:  Katie Gajewski
2013:  Rohan Chatterjee
2013:  Allison Hemingway
2014:  Elliott Fus
2014:  Peyton Tinder
2014:  Judie Muhrez
2015:  Trey DeLuna
2015:  Chloe Jancosek
2016:  Nicholas Heppner-Lundin
2016:  Alex Bleza
2016:  Marshay Neely
2017:  Robert Wente
2017:  Kelly Collins
2018:  Demetrios Fotopoulos

2018:  Cali Grzybowski
2019:  Amanda Beaudouin
2021:  Delaney Craig
2021:  Joshua Decker

2022:  Ava Jordan Fefferman
2022:  James Ferguson

2023:  Wesley Harle
2023:  Lucas Opiola

 

Best Production Achievement

2002:  Sarah Papin
2003:  Karly Dytrych
2005:  Saba Ahmed
2006:  Kathryn Wadas
2006:  Mallory McShane
2007:  Hannah Kurowski
2008:  Melissa Lee
2009:  Melissa Lee
2010:  Melissa Lee
2011:  Emily Scholtz
2011:  Ryan Pohrte
2012:  Colleen Kifer
2013:  Rachel Borgo
2014:  Lane Terry
2015:  Alyssa DeJoan

2016:  Alexandria Shinkan

2017:  Lane Terry
2018:  Joseph Bellahcen
2019:  Francis Hovland
2020:  Clara Terry
2021:  Ava Quasney
2022:  Josephine Mittelberger
2023:  Josephine Mittelberger

        

Best Pit Musician

2002:  Marko Medynsky
2003:  Marko Medynsky
2005:  Neerja Prasad
2006:  Mark Webster

2006:  John Wadas
2007:  Amanda Bacoyanis
2007:  Bridget Parker
2008:  Patrick Speranza
2008:  Megan Yothment
2009:  Melissa Webber
2010:  Lindsey Moore
2011:  Marelle Cerven

2012:  Matt Blocher
2013:  Michael Peters
2014:  Clayton St. Martin
2015:  Clayton St. Martin
2016:  Jeremy Murphy
2017:  Paige Mecyssine

Best Supporting Actor

2000:  Andrew Schumacher
2001:  Kevin Cane
2002:  Marko Medynsky
2003:  Alex Grantner
2005:  Joel Schneider
2006:  Russell Gonzalez
2007:  Jordan Huckaby
2008:  Tanner Ollo
2008:  David Blumberg
2009:  Michael Goldenberg
2009:  Adam Goodwin
2010:  Michael Peters
2011:  Calvin Sanders
2012:  Tim Wittkamp
2013:  Thomas Speranza
2014:  Jonathan Neely
2015:  Elliott Fus
2016:  Yiorgo Karnezis
2018:  Andrew Wittkamp
2019:  Juan C. Salgado, Jr.
2020:  Chris Canul

      

Best Supporting Actress

2002:  Christina Bernacchi
2003:  Lindsey Ellingsen
2005:  Jessica Conger
2005:  Molly White
2006:  Jessica Conger
2007:  Kim Wiers
2008:  Alex Kouklakis
2008:  Clarissa Gosciej
2009:  Katherine Krull
2010:  Haley Conger
2011:  Jessica Banaszak
2011:  Brenda Mintz
2012:  Stephanie Pallay
2013:  Camille Jancosek
2014:  Camille Jancosek

2015:  Catherine Arndt
2016:  Shanna Klisser
2017:  Kim Giannini

2018:  Kim Giannini
2019:  Kelli Little
2020:  Amanda Beaudouin

 
 

Best Ensemble Member

2017:  Stevie McDunn
2017:  Kaitlyn McHale
2017:  Ella Speckhard
2018:  Christina Burzynski
2018:  Kalie Miles
2018:  Abigail Watts
2019:  Jamie DeJoan
2019:  Diana Ayala
2021:  Bradley Bieniak (Fall)
2021:  Kameryn Hubbard (Fall)
2021:  Ashley Nita (Fall)
2021:  Bradley Bieniak (Spring)
2021:  Delaney Craig (Spring)
2021:  Hayden Stanley (Spring)

Best Scenic Achievement

2000:  Jason Vargo
2003:  Allison Crary
2003:  Dan Phillips
2005:  Eric Zyglowich
2006:  Joseph Marciniak

2006:  John Mihich
2007:  David Van Wieren
2008:  Britney Breger

2008:  Nicholas Van Wieren
2009:  Nicholas Van Wieren
2010:  Josh Bobeck
2011:  Josh Bobeck
2011:  Jessica Van Wieren
2012:  Tyler Van Wieren
2012:  Hanna Fischer

2013:  Dana Owens
2013:  Hanna Fischer
2014:  Kevin Yurasovich
2014:  Hannah Fischer
2015:  Tatiana Shinkan
2016:  Tatiana Shinkan

Best Actor in a Drama/Comedy

2000:  Brandon Sweeney
2000:  Roman Teller
2001:  Matthew J. Domasica
2002:  Andrew Bridgman
2003:  Andrew Bridgman
2005:  Scott Goodwin
2005:  Jordan Barnes
2006:  Scott Goodwin
2007:  Patrick Pohrte
2007:  Joel Schneider
2008:  Doug Johnson

2008:  Daniel Linnear
2009:  Kenn O’Drobinak
2010:  Jonathan Wachala
2011:  Christian Fary
2012:  Steven Caraher
2013:  Rohan Chatterjee

2013:  Billy Mc Dunn
2014:  Rohan Chatterjee
2014:  Ethan Courtney
2015:  Rohan Chatterjee
2015:  Billy McDunn
2016:  Richard Caraher
2016:  Jonathan Neeley
2017:  James Sroge
2018:  Michael McDunn
2019:  Andrew Wittkamp
2020:  Joshua Korwek

Best Actress in a Drama/Comedy

2000:  Jodi Rosenthal
2002:  Matthew J. Domasica
2003:  Ashley Troumouliaris

2005:  Genevieve Grdina
2006:  Saba Ahmed
2007:  Danielle Troumouliaris
2008:  Emma Grdina
2009:  Janelle Boudreau
2009:  Stephanie Sepiol
2010:  Emma Grdina
2011:  Haley Conger

2011:  Rachel Borgo
2012:  Rachel Borgo
2013:  Allison Hemmingway
2013:  Helena Jancosek
2014:  Allison Hemingway
2015:  Anna Bilse

2016:  Peyton Tinder
2017:  Kelly Collins
2018:  Maya Radjenovich
2019:  Maya Radjenovich
2020:  Diana Ayala

Best Actress in a Drama/Comedy

2022:  Ava Jordan Fefferman
2022:  James Ferguson
2022:  Clover Sarkady
2023:  Wesley Harle
2023:  Tara Gaither
2023:  Isidora Pavlic
2023:  Clover Sarkady

Outstanding Improv Performer

2021:  Clover Sarkady
2022:  James Ferguson
2022:  Evvy Kikkert
2022:  Myanne Zachary

Best Actor in a Musical

2001:  Brandon Sweeny
2002:  Lenny Weiss
2003:  Matthew J. Domasica
2003:  Joey Manderino
2005:  Scott Vandersteen
2005:  Joel Barnes
2006:  Ryan Blanchard
2007:  Michael Konopasek
2007:  Kenn O’Drobinak
2008:  Adam Bobeck
2009:  Doug Johnson
2010:  Jonathan Wachala
2011:  Jonathan Wachala
2012:  Christian Fary
2013:  Christian Fary
2014:  Steven Caraher
2015:  Thomas Speranza
2016: Trey Luna
2017:  Robert Wente
2018:  Chloe Jancosek

2019:  Mikey McDunn
2019:  Ben Peters
2020:  Hunter Crowley

Best Performer in a Musical
2022:  Sarah Espiritu
2022:  Taylor Perez
2022:  Jaylin Turner

2023:  Diego Casas
2023:  Wesley Harle
2023:  Lucas Opiola

Best Actress in a Musical

2001:  Kaitlin Kovach
2002:  Sara Dobrinich
2003:  Sara Dobrinich
2005:  Lyndsay Langbehn
2006:  Heather Phipps
2007:  Alyssa Larimer
2007:  Katie Taylor
2008:  Madolyn Hedin
2008:  Stephanie Sepiol
2009:  Stephanie Sepiol
2010:  Katie Taylor
2011:  Katie Taylor
2012:  Megan Miller
2012:  Alexa Johnson
2013:  Rachel Borgo
2013:  Morgan Papesh
2014:  Morgan Papesh
2015:  Peyton Tinder
2015:  Allison Hemingway
2016:  Anna Bilse
2017:  Alex Bleza
2018:  Robert Wente

2019:  Cali Grzybowski
2020:  Ariel Velasco

Best Director

1999:  Joe Rybarchyk
2000:  Nicole Pellegrino
2001:  Ashley Kaufman
2002:  Matthew J. Domasica
2003:  Molly Hanson
2005:  Martin Blumberg
2005:  Erica Ranade
2006:  Kim Dooley
2007:  Danielle Troumouliaris
2007:  Joel Schneider
2008:  Kathryn Wadas
2009:  Elyse Estes
2010:  Clarke Remmers
2010:  Jelena Grozdanich
2011:  Eric Etter
2011:  Alexa Johnson

2012:  Lisa Arndt
2012:  Helena Jancosek
2013:  Christian Fary
2013:  Rachel Borgo
2014:  Morgan Papesh
2014:  Steven Caraher
2015:  Allison Hemingway
2015:  Haley Kwasnieski
2015:  Thomas Speranza
2016:  Camile Jancosek

 

Best Thespian

2003:  Lenny Weiss
2005:  Erica Ranade20
2006:  Kirstin Bularzik
2007:  Michael Konopasek
2008:  Mark Knight
2009:  Janelle Boudreau
2010:  Hunter Muckel
2011:  Haley Conger
2012:  Lisa Arndt
2013:  Ben Nichols
2014:  Tyler Van Wieren
2015:  Allison Hemingway
2016:  Claire LeMonnier
2017:  Paige Mecyssine
2018:  Kalie Miles
2019:  Maya Radjenovich
2020:  Chris Canul
2021:  Bradley Bieniak
2021:  Ian Horn
2022:  Josephine Mittelberger
2023:  James Ferguson
2023: Clover Sarkady

 

          
  

Best Choreographer

2015:  Lane Terry
2016:  Lane Terry

Troupe Spirit Award

2020:  Ashley Nita
2021:  Delaney Craig
2022:  Josephine Mittelberger
2023:  Isidora Pavlic

Best Improv Performer

2018:  Richard Caraher
2018:  Steven McDunn
2018:  Ben Peters

2019:  Joseph Bellahcen
2019:  Francis Hovland
2021:  Chloe Sarkady

Outstanding Company Member

2003:  Matthew Domasica
2005:  Martin Blumberg
2006:  Heather Phipps
2007:  Danielle Troumouliaris
2008:  Kathryn Wadas

2009:  Stephanie Sepiol
2010:  Clarke Remmers
2011:  Jonathan Wachala
2012:  Megan Miller

2013:  Rachel Borgo
2014:  Steven Caraher
2015:  Thomas Speranza
2016:  Camille Jancosek

          

Pegasus Award

2017:  Lane Terry
2018:  Chloe Jancosek

2018:  Alexandria Shinkan
2019:  Joseph Bellahcen
2020:  Camryn Hayes
2021:  Ashley Nita
2022:  Isidora Pavlic
2023:  Josephine Mittelberger
2023:  Lucas Opiola