Biographies

Nancy Taylor Porter, PhD (Stage Director)

A veteran of training programs at Shakespeare and Company, Actors Movement Studio, The Second City, and iO (formerly improv Olympic), Nancy has also studied acting and directing at Guilford College, Boston University, and Tufts University, where she earned her PhD in Theatre Studies. A director of over 30 productions, some of her favorites have been Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Garden, Richard III, Bonnie & Clyde, Angels in America, and She Kills Monsters. She teaches a wide range of courses from Acting, to Shakespeare’s Theatre, to Directing, a variety she enjoys, and she also coaches the IC improv troupes. Creating theatre with talented actors is one of her favorite things to do in life. Both her books, Women Direct Shakespeare in America: Productions from the 1990s (2005) and Violent Women in Contemporary Theatres: Staging Resistance (2017) are available through Amazon.com.

Craig Steenerson, MFA (Scenic Designer, Technical Director)

Craig holds a master’s degree in technical theatre from Utah State University and is the professor of technical theatre who teaches stagecraft and design courses in scenery, lighting, and sound. His recent designs include The Robber Bridegroom, Playboy of the Western World, Terminal Café, and Richard III. Professionally, Craig recently designed scenery for Cabaret at the Springfield Muni, and Snow White for Junior University in southern California (which was nominated for an Inland Theatre League Award). He took a sabbatical in 2015 and worked as a technical director for The Little Mermaid in Las Vegas working with Foy (the flying company). Craig has worked professionally the last two summers with the Redlands Theatre Festival as the production manager and lighting designer for Quilters and scenic designer for Sweeney Todd. Craig has worked tirelessly on numerous academic, summer stock, opera, and community theatre productions, and has prepared venues for incoming professional Broadway touring shows like Anything Goes, Guys and Dolls, and Crystal Gayle. Craig is a member of the RTP Committee, serves as the faculty advisor to the quidditch team, is a board member of the Fine Arts Series, Athletics Committee, and is the creator of the ICEBOX theatre located in Kirby. 

Laurabeth Allyn, MS in Apparel & Product Development (Costume Designer)

Laurabeth is a costume designer who has worked on productions at Illinois College, Jacksonville Theater Guild, and Theater in the Park. Laurabeth received her liberal arts degree from Texas Christian University and later a Master of Science in apparel and product technology from Florida State University.  Laurabeth has been designing and making clothes since high school, but it was not until she moved to Jacksonville over 5 years ago that she started costuming.... and she has yet to stop.  Since then Laurabeth has worked on many productions but has especially enjoyed All the King’s Women, Bonnie and Clyde, Richard III, Frankenstein and The Robber Bridegroom. Laurabeth loves costumes, especially when it comes to historical context. She feels the closer the dress is to the time period and characters of the play, the more connected the actors are with their roles. As always, she wants to thank her family for understanding when she disappears into the world of theatre, her best friend for all his ideas, support and help, and Aasne, Nancy and Craig for allowing her to create these worlds and help bring characters to life. She absolutely love working with them!

Sally Hixson (Stage Manager)

Sally (‘20) received her BA in business administration and a minor in theatre at IC. She has participated in many productions at IC both onstage and off. Sally is currently finishing up her MBA at UIS and is thankful for the opportunity to stage-manage again. Enjoy the show!

Aniya Pallera (Assistant Stage Manager) 

Aniya is a first-year at IC. As a freshman in her first production, she has learned through a trial by fire. She's still growing accustomed to time management and tables in Google Docs.

Abby Garrett (Sound Design)

Abby is a senior majoring in music performance and minoring in history and interfaith studies. She has been involved with many productions at IC, including She Kills Monsters, The Tempest, The Mountaintop, and one-acts. They hope you enjoy the show!

Squire Prince (Lighting Design)

Squire is excited to come out of retirement to light one final IC show. Squire has been grateful to have designed lights for several IC seasonal shows, including She Kills Monsters, Against the Tide, 12-Hr Life, and Once Upon a Midnight Dreary, amongst many others. Squire sends his thanks to Stanley, Craig, and Nancy, his family, and most importantly his loving Abba. Grace and Peace!