Puffs Cast

Blake has been performing on stage in Birmingham for several years. His most recent performance was in "The Ice Front" right here at BFT, and he is looking forward to many more. Being an avid fan of magical based intellectual property, Blake jumped at the chance to play this role. After all this may not be the boy wizard that he dreamed of playing, but it is absolutely the boy wizard that he was born to play! Ever a consummate professional, and consistent deliverer of "good enough" performances, Blake knows that you will find him to be perfectly...Adequate. Third or nothing!

Carlton V Bell II, (they/them) is. curator of culture & community liberation through—-art, intimacy, & divinity. Honored to be back on the BFT Stage. Ase’ www.carltonvbell.com www.thebbrtc.com

Catherine thanks Kelsey for the opportunity to be a part of such a fun play and wonderful experience. She also thanks her husband for his continued support and patience.

Jared Funderburg is a Birmingham based actor that has been active for about 7 years. He has performed on many of the prominent stages here in town and has been behind the scenes as a board member of Theatre Downtown. Jared also is an independent filmmaker with his wife Karen Marie Black. Jared would like to thank Karen for giving him love and confidence and occasional ego boost.

Jesse Byron, Rev., a cum laude BFA graduate from the University of Montevallo, is a theatre artist focused on the physicality of storytelling through movement and stage combat. Recently finishing a contract in North Carolina at The Lost Colony, Jesse is excited to be performing and moment making again in Birmingham with such a wonderful community. Perge!

Jonathan Sweatt was last seen on the BFT stage as Einstein in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Other recent roles include Rosencrantz in Rosencrants and Guildenstern are Dead, Mr. Di Penna in You Can’t Take It with You, and Happy in Clown Bar. He also directed Small Mouth Sounds last year. Jonathan would like to thank Kelsey, Josh, and YOU for supporting local theatre!

Karen Marie Black is just glad to be here.

Mark A Nelson is delighted to be returning to the BFT stage. Some highlights from his past work include roles in The Ice Front (Heinrich), Inspecting Carol (Phil), Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play (Matt), Clown Bar (Dusty), Fun Home (Roy/Pete/Mark/Bobby Jeremy), Southern Baptist Sissies (Benny/Iona Traylor), Spring Awakening (Moritz), Avenue Q (Rod), Clybourne Park (Karl), Crimes of the Heart (Barnette), Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf Coneybear). Mark would like to thank his director, stage manager, and castmates for being such a delightful group of people to work with.

Rachael Upton is thrilled to be back on stage at BFT! She last performed on this stage in Tea and Sympathy and the acclaimed showing of The Diviners. Most recently, Rachael and a production of The Gulf were awarded at both ACT and SETC (state and regional level), winning Best in Show and Acting accolades. That same production also received the award for Best Ensemble of the Decade for the Birmingham Region from BroadwayWorld. Rachael can often be found performing, directing, and teaching at theatres all around the Birmingham metro, and is so happy that theatre is BACK. She is forever grateful for the support from her friends and family (especially Catherine Gail); this one's for her mom. Enjoy the show; Badgers Unite!

Rhonda is elated to return as an actor on BFT's stage. Outside of serving as BFT’s President, you might have seen Rhonda acting and directing all over the Magic City, as head of production during the Sidewalk Film Festival, or delivering baked goods from her Sweets to the Sweet bakery. She would like to thank all the deities for providing her with a partner that not only supports all of her many endeavors, but also rolls up his sleeves alongside her. This one's for you honeybee.

Sara James is overjoyed to be back at BFT, where you last saw her as Emily in OUR TOWN, or perhaps as Woman 2 in SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, broken leg and all. Sara spends her paid time in Development for non-profit animal welfare and as a professional vocalist. She spends her unpaid time playing make believe with her friends, and serving as the board President at Theatre Downtown. Support local theatre! Spay and neuter your pets!