Shelley caught the drama bug early, playing the top left incisor in the hit musical Poor Old Molar in third grade. In the last few years, she played crabby Rosemary in Flight Before Xmas (Macha Theatre), Gonzolo in The Tempest (Public Works), Aunt Em in a workshop of a new musical, Emerald City (Public Works), and a Zebra, Rosie the Riveter, and a few other parts in Skin of Our Teeth (Seattle Rep). Shelley double-majored in Theatre and English in college, received her MA in English at Purdue and her Ph.D. in Theatre from the University of Oregon. She has been teaching at Seattle Central since 2003. She is grateful for her sister, Dad, and friends, her local family for their support, and her amazing students, who never give up. She also thanks Steve and Darrell, who make everything at school better; the Intiman Theatre folx, who are delightful cohabitators and collaborators; and the AHSS office staff and deans, who explain and support with good humor and patience. Thanks to all of you for coming to the production and supporting our program. Shelley dedicates this production to Jim Korf, her friend and mentor for longer than we’re telling.

Andrew is a multidisciplinary artist who is honored to be the Assistant Director for Seattle Central’s production of The Illusion. He has appeared on stage previously in Love & Information, on screen in the Turkish independent film, Yolculuk, and performed with the live-stream cast in Annex Theatre’s immersive Halloween show, Leave Only Footprints. He has released four poetry collections — most recently, surrealist poetry, vol. 1 — and is working on a novel. His debut album of solo piano compositions, borrowed glass, can be found on all major platforms. Prior to moving to Seattle in 2021, Andrew spent five years co-founding the not-for-profit journalist collective, FORTHE Media, and he is now a proud member-volunteer with both Annex Theatre and the Pike Place Constituency. Andrew has just graduated from Seattle Central, and is a hopeful attendee of the University of Washington this fall.

Vrindha is not only a model, dancer, and actor in our production, last year she was also our marketing director. However, with her multiple resources, this year she has added a new role as our Assistant Producer. She has had a variety of marketing experience and has worked with notable brands as their marketing team including Red Bull, where she had organized multiple events. Now she hopes that her marketing tactics for this event pay off and bring you here, to enjoy every bit of our production.

Jonah is thrilled to be working on his second show at Seattle Central! He discovered technical theater three years ago at UW, and is currently studying theatre tech at Seattle Central and works as a stagehand with IATSE Local 15.

Kiefer was raised across the world as the son of a U.S. Army Special Forces sniper (traumatizing) and a Filipino immigrant. He attended the U.S. Military Academy and served in the Army as an officer for five years, achieving the rank of Captain. After completing his service obligation, Kiefer worked as a software engineer at Zillow for 3 years. He quit his job to address his mental health and pursue a career in the realm of psychology. He is currently exploring the arts as a means of therapy in Capitol Hill, Seattle.

Nguyen has loved plays and musical since 2018 and has specious worked on "Love and Information" as a student in SCC, now she returned hoping to contribute the new knowledge she had for the stage play as part of the creative team. She thanked the actors and everyone that was involved in the production, who have been all amazing to work with, and who they are doing their best in rehearsals, to build the finished production.

Evelyn is super thrilled to be working with all these amazing people for her third show with Shelley, and her second year with Intiman Theater and the Technical Theater for Social Justice Program, and will be finally graduating this year!! She has not only been acting for most of her life but has also been sewing/designing and dreamed of being a costume designer since she was 5 years old. Outside of theater she enjoys crocheting, sewing fantasy inspired costumes and cosplays, drawing, picnics with friends, and anything that requires romanticizing life! She is incredibly grateful to be designing for this fun and expressive show and hopes to fulfill her aspiring career in the present and near future! Enjoy the show!! <3

Adrian is honored to be the musical director for Seattle Central's production of The Illusion. After writing their first original song for theater in last year's Love & Information, they are excited to once again contribute to the world of theater through music. Collaborating closely with fellow students, Adrian is helping to shape the soundscape of The Illusion, composing original music. Adrian is deeply grateful to work under the direction of Shelley Douma and alongside a passionate cast and crew whose creativity and dedication bring this production to life.

Jaylin found theater by sheer luck in High School, because her advisor put her in Stage Tech classes as an elective for her 1st year on a whim. She fell in love with it, specifically when it came to lighting—her passion for learning all things crew carried through graduation and to the Intiman program at Seattle Central College. Her past Theater experience was working various crew roles for several Peninsula Dance Theater Nutcracker performances, and several productions at her High School. It was not uncommon to find Jaylin in the High School Catwalks running followspot, on a ladder changing out gels, or trying to keep grounded on the fly rail. Jaylin is thrilled to be part of this production as a Lighting Designer and looks forward to more.

Lily has been involved in theater for 5 years as is very excited to be involved in her first show at Seattle Central! She ran spotlight for RSP at the 5th avenue, taught tech classes at her high school and has been involved in countless productions.

Lee has been a part of the community theatre for over 25 years. This is his third attempt as Head Carpenter. He has built stages for "Clue: The Stage Adaptation", "Disney's: Frozen Junor", and "The Little Shop of Horrors", and many more. He looks forward to seeing how "The Illusion" will look after the hard work of all the crew has done, Lee wants to thank each of them for all of their hard work, putting this show together. Lee also wants to thank his wife Janine for her never-ending support! And all of you for coming to watch!

Saoirse Levit is new to theatre tech, though she has significant experience with film, having done Texas only film program that produced student films as part of its curriculum. They have worked on prop making and costuming for Live Action Role Play, for which she also writes plots for. They are currently in the TTSJ program, and she wishes to use their skills and knowledge to build props and sets for local LARPS and production.

Cameron Blair is a former professional actor turned amateur historical martial arts practitioner. He specializes in 14th century longsword and studies various other weapons and traditions as a part of Lonin League here in Seattle. He is overjoyed to have provided historical context to the combat featured in the play and worked with the actors to move and fight like sword fighters instead of actors.

Jairo is a student at Seattle Central Community College. He is not a cast member or an understudy, but he wants to become an actor someday after college, to support others. He would like to thank his family, Dr. Douma, and his friends, for taking him this far.

She is in her first year of college and pursues acting on the side. During high school, she participated in two opera productions: The Threepenny Opera and The Magic Flute. For The Threepenny Opera, she also took on the roles of costume designer and choreographer. She currently takes acting courses through a talent agency to continue developing her craft.

Ella loves K-pop/K-drama. She loves film in general, but those are her favorite. Ella loves musicals. She could spend hours watching Disney / Barbie. Ella loves dancing. She used to be a traditional dancer for a decade before she stopped and came to America. Ella loves to make friends and she thinks people with talents are awesome. This is Ella's first time in a play. She hopes everyone will be nice to her.

Hi, I'm Ariana and this is my first time being in a play, but I'm no stranger to drama! I'm so excited to finally be dramatic around people who get it. I'm looking forward to growing, learning, and bringing all the theatrics to life on stage!

Hallie has been involved in technical theatre for nearly seven years, and has been sewing her whole life. She is in her first year of the Theatre Tech and Social Justice program here at Seattle Central College, and is enjoying her learning experience and the community of technicians she's getting to work with. In addition to costuming and wardrobe in theatre, she is passionate about music, makeup, and direction, and has been writing original stories since the age of two. She wants to thank her parents for their endless support, and her cohort in the TTSJ program for their encouragement and enthusiasm. She also works at a drama teacher for summer camps and after-school programs. Enjoy the show!

Antonyo was in Love & Information last year, and it was his first play experience. He wants to know more about theater and possibly be an actor in the future. He want to thank his family and friends for pushing him to break out of his shell.

Nova has been in involved in theatre since they were eight years old. They began their work in theatrical combat five years ago as Tilly in She kills Monsters, and have been performing with the Seattle Knights for almost two years. Nova is thrilled to be apart of this production and hopes you enjoy the show!

Gustavo is new to theater, having taken Acting 121 at Seattle Central College in the fall and winter quarters. He looks forward to working on the play and is honored to be part of the team.

Lev has no theatre experience, but has some drawing and writing capability. He has an interest in character design and therefore costume design. This is his first time being involved in theatre, but he is also interested in anything tech-related.

Hi there! This is not Ali speaking — but let me tell you a bit about Ali. Ali is a passionate content creator who’s active on YouTube, TikTok, and pretty much every platform out there. He’s driven by a deep love for acting and is fully committed to turning that passion into a lifelong career. Whether it’s learning new techniques, studying the craft, or performing on camera, Ali is constantly pushing himself to grow and improve — aiming to become one of the greatest actors of his generation. Make sure to subscribe and follow the journey on YouTube: AliOnAirr

Violet is a college student in Seattle with a passion for all things artsy and weird. She loves to act and adores her peers, striving to support them in starting their acting careers while building up to achieving one of her own!