Death of a Salesman Cast

Paul Kaufmann (Willy Loman) is a Fellow of the SC Arts Commission (Acting, 2019). He grew up performing at Workshop and other area theaters and was a student of Jim (and Kay) Thigpen’s at Spring Valley. After graduating from Florida State, he eventually returned to Columbia. He’s been in more than 25 plays at Trustus, almost 20 here at Workshop and has four NYC credits at LaMaMa (with Nic Ularu’s UniArt Productions). He’s performed in productions in Wales, Australia, Italy and in a national tour of Romania. His most recent film, The Gospel of Ted (title character), was released earlier this year. Paul is also a visual artist. His paintings have been purchased by CBS Television and STARZ Network for use on their sets and are also in collections throughout the US and in several other countries. He’s proud to have taught Art History and Appreciation at Midlands Technical College for several years and also to have worked as a recruiter for the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, where he attended the first summer session in 1981. Favorite Workshop productions include: Cheaper by the Dozen (1977), Joseph. . .Dreamcoat, Later Life, Love! Valour! Compassion, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Will Rogers Follies, I Am My Own Wife and A Streetcar Named Desire. Paul is a founding member of SC Shakespeare Company, where he performed as Iago opposite Greg Leevy’s Othello, among other roles.

Libby Campbell (Linda) is tickled silly to be back on the Workshop stage. This script, this role, this cast has been such a gift. Many, many thanks to Patrick, Paul, her Thruple, her L’s, and all her muses for their love and support. This is dedicated to you, Mom.

Deon Turner (Biff) is excited to be on Workshop’s stage for the first time! Turner is an actor and professional photographer from Columbia. He is a 2020 graduate of the University of South Carolina-Aiken having earned his BA in Fine Arts with a minor in Studio Art. Turner’s recent credits include Intimate Apparel and House Calls, both performed at Trustus Theatre, and also, Pipeline performed at Sumter Little Theatre. Turner is grateful for this amazing opportunity and is humbled by the continued support he receives from his family and friends.

Jon Whit McClinton (Happy) is very excited to make his Workshop Theatre debut. His most recent role was Gonzales in Composure, written and directed by Jason Stokes. He’s so thrilled to work with Patrick Michael Kelly again, and he thanks Patrick for this opportunity. He’d also like to thank the staff of Workshop Theatre, cast and crew for their hard work and dedication to this amazing production. And, of course, he’d like to thank his wife, best friend, and partner-in-crime, Abigail! Enjoy the show!

Jeff Smith (Ben) entered the world of Theatre on a high school dare when he auditioned for and was cast in the role of Herman in the musical Sweet Charity. So much for singing and since he no longer wanted to be a fireman when he grew up; drama, comedy and character development seemed the proper focus for a college education. After earning a degree in theatre from Winthrop University he naturally moved to the stage and movie capital of the east coast, Columbia, SC. He found his breakout role in his first Workshop Theatre production as Noah Curry in The Rainmaker. There was no stopping him now. During the decades of the 1990s and 2000s Jeff appeared in numerous substantial, meaningful, genuinely entertaining and thought-provoking roles under the tutelage of such wonderful directors as Jocelyn Sanders, Debra Leopard, Cynthia Gilliam and now, Patrick Michael Kelly. In 2010 Jeff attended and graduated from Culinary School and put the stage behind him for over a decade, last appearing as Charley in, you guessed it, Death of a Salesman. Upon reaching his $#!@% birthday and thinking there has to be a comeback moment ahead,” along came the imaginary, intriguing and mystical character of Ben. What a glorious and so much appreciated opportunity. This summer has not only seen Jeff’s return to the stage, but the celebration of 12 years in the food service industry, 36 ears of employment in State Government and his 40th wedding anniversary with his lovely wife Laura J. “Bravo!”

Ripley Thames (Charley) is humbled, honored. and immensely grateful to be a part of this very special production. From the first day, it was clear that this was a collaboration of an exceptional director and a smart, talented cast fully dedicated to presenting the finest play in the canon of American theatre to Columbia. He is grateful to Patrick for this opportunity and to each of his cast mates for their hard work, sacrifice and serious commitment to this important endeavor. He is also grateful to Teresa McWilliams for her continuous love and support, and to his dear friend Connie who’s recent advice and assistance has been fortifying to a life-changing degree. And ultimately he is grateful to you for your support of Workshop Theatre and of this production. Without art we are nothing, and your continued support and appreciation makes all of this possible.

Jonathan Yi (Bernard) makes his Workshop Theatre debut and first stage acting role in Death of a Salesman. Prior to exploring the stage, Jonathan has been dabbling in amateur filmmaking through the student organization 1080C Productions, sketch comedy through the student group Carolina Tonight, and Michelle Haché’s Music Theatre Workshop at the University of South Carolina. He wishes to give a sincere thanks to all of his friends, family, and mentors who have been there to support him, and he hopes that this is the first of many acting opportunities to come.

Roderick Haynes Jr (Howard Wagner & Stanley) is the son of Roderick Haynes and Christine Dixon, and was born and raised in Columbia. He is a recent graduate of the illustrious Benedict College. He is a member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity Inc. and was a part of the Theater Ensemble under the direction of Charles David Brooks III. He devoted his life to Christ at an early age, where he starred in his first play as The Little Drummer Boy. Since then Roderick has been in multiple productions from grade school all the way to college. “Even though acting is my first love, my wife and son continue to give me the motivation to keep living my dreams and to never give up”!

Emily Meadows (The Woman, Letta) is appearing in her first show with Workshop Theatre and first time performing on the Cottingham Theatre Stage. Both are quite special because her first acting class was with Workshop and she attended Columbia College’s dance program. Our past is never far away for it finds its way back to us in unexpected ways. She is beyond thrilled to work with such a talented cast and under the direction of Patrick Michael Kelly. She would like to thank Patrick for this opportunity and her friends and family for their love and support. And thank you audience members for supporting the arts. Enjoy the show!

Caroline McGee (Jenny, Miss Forsythe) is from Lexington, SC. She is a 2022 graduate from the University of South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre. She has worked in both film and theatre — recent theatre credits being You on the Moors Now (U of SC), Rumors (U of SC), and This Is Our Youth (U of SC). This is her first show with Workshop Theatre and she is very excited for you to see the show!