A Midsummer Night's Dream Cast

Zachary Grizzle (Theseus) is thrilled to revisit the role of Theseus after previously performing the role in Gwinnett Classic Theatre's 2019 production of A Midsummer Nights Dream. Zachary graduated from Piedmont College in 2018, and has also performed roles including Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night, Joe in the Shadow Box, and Arvide Abernathy in Guys and Dolls among others. Outside of theater, Zachary performs stand up comedy here and there, and can be heard as a traffic reporter on 95.5 WSB: Atlanta's News and Talk.

Haley Skinner (Hippolyta) is making her debut with Contemporary Classics in A Midsummer Night's Dream as Queen of the Amazons and resident Gym Teacher, Hippolyta. Haley graduated from Columbus State University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Performing Arts in 2018. She moved on to work an entertainment internship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, working with the loveable characters. She now actively works in the theatre and film community of the greater Atlanta area and is a member of the Board of Directors at CenterStage North Theatre. She is also currently cast as Mrs. Brill in Southside Theatre Guild's production of Mary Poppins, so don't miss her! A lover of storytelling in all forms, Haley cannot wait for you to experience this new twist on a personal favorite tale!

Sharon Wilson (Egeus) is thrilled and honored to be a part of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Contemporary Classics. While waiting for the perfect stage role, Sharon has kept busy doing film and commercial work with the help of her amazing agent at The Avenue Model and Talent Agency. When she’s not reading scripts, she’s writing, and is currently working on the second book in her young adult fantasy series. Sharon wants to thank her husband, Jeff, for his unfailing support.

Emi Mastey (Hermia) is thrilled to be a part of this talented cast in her first Shakespeare show ever! She was most recently seen as Guenevere in Camelot at the Cumming Playhouse. Off-Off-Broadway: A Sketch of New York and Mother Truckers. Favorite previous roles include Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Fiona in Shrek, Lily in The Secret Garden, Val in A Chorus Line, Amnesia in Nunsense, Tzeitel in Fiddler, and ensemble (and u/s lead) roles in both Candide and Pirates of Penzance. She’s also appeared with OnStage Atlanta, sung with Americolor Opera, and danced with the The Atlanta Opera. @EmiPerforms

Born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, Eduardo José Paco Mateo (Lysander) got his first taste of acting in a school production of Cinderella at the age of 12, as one of her evil sisters. It wasn't until he moved to Atlanta 11 years ago that he started pursuing it as a career. He's performed in theaters all over the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Credits include Bardolph/Rambures in Henry V with NFDC, Steve Heidebrecht in August: Osage County with The Marietta Players, and Emcee in Cabaret with LAT. Happy to be back on stage for a night of Shakespeare and 50's tunes after a long break from theater to focus on film and television. An avid cook and bicycle rider, he spends his days with his husband, dog and two cats in their house in Atlanta.

Nicholas Gilomen (Lysander) is a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies Major with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. At KSU Nicholas has been involved in dramaturgy, directing, playwrighting, and performance with recent credits including The SpongeBob Musical as an Electric Skate/Ensemble, The Spitfire Grill as Sheriff Joe, Ticket or Talk Playwright, and Water by the Spoonful as an Assistant Director. He has also worked as a teacher and director at various theatre/education companies in Georgia.

Alyssa Aldridge (Helena) is thrilled to back on stage after almost 3 years away. After studying theatre in high school & college, she moved to the Atlanta area and got to perform in some of her favorite shows—some credits include The Wedding Singer (Ensemble), Hairspray (Tracy Turnblad), and Steel Magnolias (Truvy), which earned her a nomination for a Metropolitan Atlanta Theater Award. She would like to thank her family, her wonderful husband for his support, and her dad for introducing her to the world of Shakespeare.

Linda Marie Johnson (Peter Quince) is delighted to be appearing in the Contemporary Classics (formerly Gwinnett Classic Theatre) production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Peter Quince. Ms. Johnson made her Contemporary Classics debut as Kent in King Lear. Most recently Ms. Johnson appeared as Henry Albertson (as Henrietta) in Merely Players Presents production of The Fantasticks. She has also performed with Live Arts Theatre, Lionheart Theatre, Staged Right Theatre, and Players Guild at Sugar Hill. In addition, Ms. Johnson has film credits with Dean Film Works, Tulane University, and Emory University. Ms. Johnson is dedicating her performance in A Midsummer Night’s Dream to her biggest fans, her beloved late parents Warren and Alvine Johnson.

Allen Cox (Nick Bottom) is delighted to return to Athens High and this delightful show. He previously performed the role of Lysander with Seattle Shakespeare Company under the direction of Arne Zaslove. Recently, Allen has been seen as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire with Lionheart Theatre. Other Atlanta area shows include: Romeo and Juliet (Friar Lawrence) with Suwanee Performing Arts, Titus Andronicus (Saturninus) with Live Arts Theatre and King Lear (Cornwall) with Gwinnett Classic Theatre. Allen is also excited to be involved in the upcoming Hamlet 2020 later this year (mark your calendars). Some favorite past performances include: Cats, A Chorus Line, Man of La Mancha, The Producers, Biloxi Blues. Thank you for your support for this exciting new company. As always, Allen sends his love, gratitude and a wink to Melody.

Upon receiving his BA in Theatre Performance from the University of Northern Iowa, Tad Klenske (Francis Flute) moved to Georgia and has performed with the Candybox Revue and the Georgia Renaissance Festival. He was recently seen in ‘Romeo and Juliet’, where he got to cross off a dream role by playing Tybalt. He looks forward to embracing his more comedic side with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet 2020 this year.

Sam Wilson (Starvling) is very excited to be a part of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Contemporary Classics. Sam is a professional actor represented by The Avenue Model and Talent Agency, and he has also written and directed several short films. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre at Georgia College and State University, and plays guitar in a comedic punk rock band. He would like to thank his parents Jeff and Sharon— the latter of which he is sharing the stage with— for supporting him in his very unpredictable career path.

Ibrahim Sedebeh (Tom Snout) is a recent graduate from Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the arts since then Ibrahim has been pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. A MidSummer Nights Dream is Ibrahim's theatrical debut and he is extremely proud to be in the cast. While Ibrahim is not acting he works as an educational facilitator, teaching kids different stories of history with a theatrical finesse. He is profoundly grateful for director Susanna WIlson and her faith in him, as well as the cast and crew for working hard for the performance.

Dani Ramos (Puck) is a Theatre and Performance Studies major at Kennesaw State University. She is so thrilled to be playing Puck as her first ever Shakespearean role! She’s done theatre since she was very young, playing various roles in shows like Lucky Stiff at Marietta Theatre Company, Dogfight at Woodstock Arts, Godspell, The Triumph of Love, and Is He Dead at Theatre Arts Guild. She thanks her family, friends, and sorority sisters for their endless support and hopes everyone has a rockin' good time! IG: @ooflookitsdani

Inyoni Nkosi (Oberon) got their start in performance at a very young age. A musician primarily, they started acting in musicals in middle school and high school. After receiving their degree in Music with a minor in Japanese, they went to Japan to teach English. While there, they got to perform as a member of the Tokai Wind Ensemble. Inyoni moved to Georgia in 2014, and joined the Georgia Renaissance Festival in the spring of 2015. They spent two years performing as a Satyr named Brio, and another as a Fairy named Larkin Herald. An avid lover of all things fantasy, Inyoni is beyond thrilled at this opportunity to bring their passion for performance to this collaboration of artists.

Madison Montgomery (Titania) is a seasoned performer, having stepped onto her first stage at age 3 and never looking back. She has experience in musical and straight theatre, both in New York and Atlanta. In addition to performing, directing, and choreographing in the theatre, she now pursues the screens - both big and small - as well as voice acting, in Atlanta where she is repped by Stewart Talent. There, she works, studies, and continues to chase her dream of playing Marilyn Monroe.

Katherine Smith (Mustardseed) previously performed under the direction of Susanna Wilson in ‘King Lear’ (Cordelia/Fool) and ‘Romeo & Juliet’ (Lady Capulet). Since receiving her BA in Theatre Performance at the University of Northern Iowa, she was an actor apprentice at Horizon Theatre where she performed in 'The Santaland Diaries' amongst others. Some of her other favorite credits include 'Young Frankenstein: The Musical' (Elizabeth Benning), 'Hello, Dolly!' (Irene Molloy), ‘Lysistrata’ (Calonice), and ‘Twelfth Night’ (Clown). She is looking forward to performing in Contemporary Classics’ production of ‘Hamlet 2020’ later this year. She thanks you for supporting local theatre and hopes you enjoy the show!

Hannah Wynelle Studdard (Peaseblossom) is a Theatre Arts alum of UGA, this is Hannah Wynelle's debut with Contemporary Classics. Since graduating in 2017, Hannah Wynelle has performed with the Georgia Renaissance Festival, Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, and Renegade Theatre Ensemble. You can also hear her voice in the VR video game Vertical Shift. She joined Emory University's Community Choir this year. Hannah Wynelle currently works for the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta as the Assistant to the Executive and Finance Directors.

Jazlynn Dunn (Cobweb) is excited for you to see her perform in her second Shakespeare play! Her first one being Romeo and Juliet, she played as Paris. You may have seen her in other shows like Pirates of Penzance as The Modern Major General, Elf Jr as the Macy's Manager, and in the summer of 2022 she will play Deloris from Sisters Act Jr for BiP! She is very excited for you all to watch the show and hope you enjoy!

Ellie Mayfield (Moth) is 15 years old and from Atlanta! She grew up performing in dance shows and school plays through the Lovett School. However, in 2021, she began auditioning for productions outside of school. Since then, she has taken part in multiple productions, both virtual and in-person. She would like her family, her theatre family, and the Fine Arts department at Lovett for their encouragement! She is very excited to be taking part in this production!