Both in and outside the theatre, the alumni of Greasepaint Youtheatre continue to take the spotlight throughout the Valley
and across the country!
Click on any alumnus to read their current bio.
Rebecca Caswell
Rebecca Caswell
Rebecca Caswell is attending AMDA (American Musical Dramatic Academy) working on her BFA in acting. Her Greasepaint acting credits include Jungle Book (2011), School House Rock Live! (2011), Aladdin Jr. (2011), Cinderella (2012), and Sweeney Todd (2012).
She also participated as a techy for Les Miserables (2012), 13 the musical (2012), Little Mermaid(2013) and was a member of Greasepaint Live. Her credits outside Greasepaint include Rapunzel (NYA Nominee) and The Princess and the Pea (NYA Recipient) at Valley Youth Theatre.
One day Rebecca hopes to play the younger sister on a popular sitcom.
Becca Bauer
Becca Bauer
Becca is currently attending the University of Iowa, is a member of the University Honors Program, and is studying Nursing with an emphasis in Pediatric Oncology and a minor in American Sign Language. Her love for people and bringing them joy began long before deciding her college and career choice. For her, it began the moment she auditioned at Greasepaint for the first time.
After running across an audition announcement online, Becca decided to try it out. She sang “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from the Disney classic, Cinderella. Not expecting to get a role at all, she still longed for the opportunity to be in a show at Greasepaint. To her surprise, Becca was cast as a Butterfly/Young Storyteller in her first Greasepaint production, Children of Eden (2008).
From there her love for the stage only grew. In her time at Greasepaint Becca was not only a part of Greasepaint LIVE!, but was cast in over 10 productions from Children of Eden in 2008 to Sound of Plaid in 2010 (Corrine), Sweeney Todd in 2012 (ensemble), Legally Blonde in 2013 (Enid Hoops), Heathers in 2016 (Mrs. Fleming), and perhaps the most life changing of all, Into the Woods in 2014 (Baker’s Wife). Not only did Becca receive her first Zoni nomination for her portrayal of Baker’s Wife, but she was given the opportunity to study with one of the best vocal coaches in the valley, Stephen Crawford.
Ever since her final bow at Greasepaint, she has been overcome with great sorrow, pride, and love for the place that made her life have more meaning than she ever thought was possible.
“My biggest thanks goes to Maureen; my theatre mom, the woman who constantly put the needs of the actors above her own. You were one of the hardest people to say goodbye to. I have been constantly encouraged and loved by you and I am a better person because of you and because of Greasepaint. The dream I sang about in that first audition at Greasepaint came true every day I was able to perform on that stage. I learned more than I ever thought possible at Greasepaint, and it will forever be home.”
Jacob Shore
Jacob Shore
Jacob has been performing in shows as long as he can remember. Most of his favorite memories come from the stage. After his childhood theatre closed due to finances, Jacob found Greasepaint Youtheatre. Since then, Greasepaint became a home for Jacob.
You may have seen him as Bud Frump in How To Succeed In Business, or more notably as The Baker in Into The Woods (NYA Award). He not only helped put together the alumni page you are currently reading, he also has worked backstage during shows and has interned during summer camps.
Jacob currently attends Whittier College in Southern California, pursuing a dual major in Theatre (Performance Emphasis) and Business Management (Marketing Emphasis). He hopes to one day make a living in the world he loves, on stage or off.
Danny Epstein
Danny Epstein
Danny performed in 6 shows at Greasepaint, his first in 2003. Of the productions he worked in, his role as The Man in RENT remains his favorite!
Danny lives in NY where he is in his third year as a drama major at NYU. “No day but today!”
Ali Getz
Ali Getz
Ali is a theatre major at the University of Southern California with minors in Spanish and education. She is hoping to incorporate all three of her passions into one by becoming a full time educator of both language and the arts. She is currently portraying Heather Chandler in USCs production of Heathers, which she originally saw at Greasepaint.
Her favorite roles at greasepaint include Brooke Wyndham from Legally Blonde (2013) and Velma Von Tussle from Hairspray (2014).
Lizzie Baggleman
Lizzie Baggleman
Lizzie first performed on the GP stage in 2008. Of the many shows she worked on, her favorite was Into The Woods where she played Jack’s Mom.
Lizzie teaches now full time at Arizona School for the Arts and has her BA in theatre from ASU!
“The best of times is now.”
Cameron Benton
Cameron Benton
Cameron spent three amazing years on the Greasepaint stage! Greasepaint credits include: Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), Narrator (Into The Woods), Mayzie (Seussical – NYA Nomination for Best Supporting Actress), Velma (Hairspray), Ulla (The Producers – NYA for Best Supporting Actress) and Heather Chandler (Heathers – NYA for Best Supporting Actress).
Tyler J. Gasper
Tyler J. Gasper
Tyler currently resides in New York City! Since his time at Greasepaint, he has graduated with a B.M. In Musical Theatre from Arizona State University, appeared in numerous professional productions, and has begun the process of joining Actors Equity, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
He recently returned from a successful run of West Side Story in New Jersey, and is now preparing for audition season! If you wanna stalk him, visit www.tylerjgasper.com!
Bailey Smith
Bailey Smith
Bailey is currently attending Hofstra University in pursuit of her BA in Theatre Performance with a minor in English and an emphasis on Shakespeare.
Her time at Greasepaint Youtheatre began when she was ten years old in The Jungle Book as a Monkey. From there she grew with the guidance and inspiration of the directors, musical directors, and staff at Greasepaint to play such roles as the Witch in Into the Woods, Mrs. Fleming in Heathers: The Musical, and her personal favorite – Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing.
Through her work at Greasepaint, she found herself incredibly prepared to enter the field and the college setting. The expectations at Greasepaint held young actors to a higher standard and required them to maintain professionalism at all times. She gained skills by the hands-on experiences she had available to her through Greasepaint, such as acting as an assistant stage manager, running sound and lights and even getting the opportunity to direct Twelfth Night in her senior year through the Bare Bones Acting Company.
Greasepaint will always be home to Bailey. It inspired her passion for theatre and gave her the motivation and skills she needed pursue her dreams. She will always be grateful to everyone who gave their time and talent to inspire her and her peers.
Breagh Watson
Breagh Watson
Breagh Watson is so grateful to call Greaspaint Youtheatre a second home. Her time at Greasepaint began at the age of six, when she played a princess in The King and I. Over the next 13 years, she performed in 13 mainstage shows, as well as several summer camp shows, annual Galas, and Greasepaint LIVE.
Some of her favorite credits include Heathers (Martha Dunnstock), Oliver! (Nancy), Hairspray (Tracy Turnblad), 13! The Musical (Patrice) and Les Miserables.
She is a graduate of Xavier College Preparatory, where she performed, was in the Great Books Program, and ran the school newspaper. She won an NYA in 2016 for her performance as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family Musical with Brophy/Xavier Theatre.
She is a current freshman at the University of Arizona, where she is an Honors Student pursuing both Theatre Arts and Communication degrees.
Jennie Rhiner
Jennie Rhiner
Jennie appeared in a bunch of shows at Greasepaint, her last role was her favorite as the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd! Now a senior at ASU, she will graduate with a BM in Musical Theatre Performance in the spring.
“Greasepaint was a wonderful place to meet and create friendships in the valley theatre community. This theatre helped me to discover and dive into who I was as an artist!”
Tony Julian
Tony Julian
Tony could not be more thankful for the impact Greasepaint had on his life. He played The Wolf in Into The Woods at GP in which he was nominated for an NYA. He also helped out with many shows after that behind the scenes as a technician.
Tony will be attending The University of Arizona to obtain a BFA in Acting with a double major in Film Production. In the future, he wishes to be on or behind the film set as he has had a passion for cinema his entire life.
He wants to thank Maureen and everyone else he has worked with at Greasepaint for they taught him more than he could imagine.
Brett Moellenberg
Brett Moellenberg
Brett is a proud Greasepaint alum, having been in numerous GP shows in the early and mid-2000s, including: Footloose, Once on This Island, Into the Woods, and several others.
He is a graduate of Ithaca College with a BFA in Acting and is currently the Managing Director of St. Thomas Playhouse in the gorgeous resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho. He is also a co-founder and managing member of The Spot, a new performing arts space in Sun Valley, where he produces, acts, directs, and teaches.
He also spent some time in LA in an attempt to launch a film career before realizing that being his own boss and making his own art in one of the most beautiful areas of the country would be far superior. For now.
Elysha Nemeth
Elysha Nemeth
Elysha Nemeth graduated from Webster College in the spring of 2016 with a degree in Public Relations. Elysha was also VP of recruitment in her sorority and President of Commuter Council Club.
She performed onstage at Greasepaint in 2011. “It was always so much fun walking into this theatre! There was so much to learn form the Directors, Choreographers, Music Directors and fellow actors! Greasepaint changed my life!”
Kelsey Casselbury
Kelsey Casselbury
Kelsey Casselbury (nee Collins) started her acting career with Greasepaint in 1999 at a summer camp production of King Midas. In the early 2000s, she went on to perform in a dozen productions, work tech for many more, and work as a summer camp counselor.
She performed as the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2000), The Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (2002), and Captain Smolsky in Bugsy Malone (2002-AriZoni nomination) among many other performances. She was also a member of the original Greasepaint Live! in 2000-2001.
After graduating from Desert Mountain High School, Kelsey attended Pennsylvania State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Currently, Kelsey lives in Maryland with her husband, David, and son, Alexander, and works in communications for a nonprofit association. She also serves on the board of directors for the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis as the chair of publicity.
Rachel Redleaf
Rachel Redleaf
Rachel is a proud Alum of Greasepaint Youtheatre where she formed deep friendships and was nurtured by great mentors. She has acted in community theater since age 4. Favorite roles include Paulette in Legally Blonde, Gertrude in Seussical, Ursula in Little Mermaid, Stepmother in Cinderella, Anne Frank, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz and her first role as a munchkin in the same show 14 years ago.
Honors include 4 National Youth Arts Awards, including 2014 Artist of the Year. Rachel was also involved in the award-winning Step On Stage and Show Divas show choirs at Horizon HS. She is currently studying Screen Acting, Theatre and Music at Chapman University in California and is represented by Abrams Artists Agency. “Thank you Maureen for all your guidance and much love to all my directors, choreographers, tech crews and fellow actors!”
Jennifer Deye
Jennifer Deye
Jennifer Deye was first onstage in 1999 and performed in many shows! Both her mom and dad were very active at the theatre as well.
She has since taught and directed for Greasepaint Camps and is a 2nd grade teacher where she implemented a theatre program for her students! In one word? Greasepaint is “family.”
Hannah Zieser
Hannah Zieser
Hannah grew up in Phoenix, and she is currently attending The Boston Conservatory to earn her BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, Wednesday in The Addams Family, and Kira/Clio in Xanadu.
While at Greasepaint, Hannah was the Fairy Godmother in Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella(National Youth Award), and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Zoni Award). In her spare time, Hannah likes to do yoga and cook!
Josh Kirkorsky
Josh Kirkorsky
Josh Kirkorsky is currently attending Tulane University in New Orleans as a pre-medical student where he is involved in the Undergraduate Student Government, School of Science and Engineering Student Government, Phi Sigma Pi (the National Honor Fraternity), and Alpha Phi Omega, (the National Service Fraternity).
His time at Greasepaint began at the young age of 5 in the production of Oz! The Musical. Josh has performed in over 16 productions at Greasepaint along with multiple annual galas and Greasepaint LIVE!
His favorite credits include: Legally Blonde (Emmett Forrest), Cinderella (the Herald), Les Miserables(Combeferre), The Wiz, The Sound of Plaid (Frankie), Oliver!, The Music Man, and Once on this Island.
In addition to his time on stage Josh was involved in various technical aspects at Greasepaint, operating sound and designing lighting for various productions.
Jack Rose
Jack Rose
Jack Rose is planning to move to Chicago in 2017 to continue with his collegiate studies.
Jack is “perpetually killing it”! “I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick a$$….and I’m all out of bubblegum.”
At Greasepaint, Jack was Edna in Hairspray, Bialystock in The Producers, Danny in Grease and Kurt’s Dad in Heathers: The Musical! While all great roles, Bialystock will always be his fave!
Caitlin Stegemoller
Caitlin Stegemoller
Caitlin Stegemoller performed in her first GP show in 2006 and of the seven shows, her favorite role was Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods. Caitlyn graduated from the University of Arizona with a BFA in musical theatre and now lives and works as an actor, singer, and teaching artist in Los Angeles!
“I became a professional actor because of Greasepaint. It was my second home.”
Marissa Chin
Marissa Chin
Marissa Chin (Mills-Chandler) did her first Greasepaint show in 1999! Of the many shows she performed in, Oklahoma! remains her favorite.
She is now a Pre-School teacher and lives in Tempe with her family. She has a Bachelors in Musical Theatre and her Masters in Education from ASU.
“Greasepaint was the first place I felt like I really belonged. It became my home away from home!” She sends her best to all of the other alums out there, and to Wendy Leonard who began Greasepaint some 30 years ago.
Mike Heslin
Mike Heslin
Mike started acting at Greasepaint when he was only 6 years old and appeared in over 15 productions! Mike is a New York-based actor and model who has appeared in Film, Stage, TV, Web, Commercials, Voiceovers and Print. Theater: War Horse (The National), The Donkey Show (Diane Paulus/American Rep Theater). Film: I Dream Too Much (Richard Linklater/77 Films). TV: Younger (TV Land), I Love You… but I Lied (Lifetime).
Paul Michael Thomson
Paul Michael Thomson
Paul Michael is so grateful to have participated in Greasepaint Youtheatre where he feels his love for the craft was truly shaped by artists like D. Scott Withers, Maren Maclean, and Alan J. Plado.
Greasepaint credits include High School Musical (Jack Scott), Narnia (Edmund), Into the Woods(Narrator), RENT (Mark), The Laramie Project (Matt Galloway, etc.), and The Wiz (The Wiz).
Paul Michael graduated summa cum laude from the Honors College at the University of Arizona with a BFA in Acting, a BA in Africana Studies, and minors in Spanish and Art History. After graduating as the Outstanding Senior of the College of Fine Arts and receiving the Dean’s Award of Excellence from the Honors College, Paul Michael moved to Chicago where he currently works as an actor.
He is an Equity Membership Candidate and is currently represented by Actors Talent Group, Inc. He feels incredibly lucky to have been a part of Greasepaint Youtheatre, because it taught him about artistry, ensemble, and working to create something worthwhile. paulmichaelthomson.com.
Tami Simmons
Tami Simmons
Tami Simmons (Babendure) performed with GP for 10 years from 1982-1992!!! Her favorites, among the many shows she participated in, are The Wizard of Oz and Bye Bye Birdie.
She has her MA in Education and lives and works in Cave Creek. Her own kids now do theatre!
“The best friends of my life I met here – still are!”
TroyElan Richardson
TroyElan Richardson
TroyElan is a proud alumni of Greasepaint Youth Theatre. She has performed in Greasepaint Youtheatre’s Legally Blonde (2013) as the Judge/Ensemble and as a Dynamite in Hairspray (2014).
Throughout high school she performed in many other shows, such as Hairspray as Little Inez at Peachtree Ridge High School, Helen Robinson in To Kill A Mockingbird (for which she was nominated “Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play” by the NYA), Ashley in a one-act production of Controlling Interest, Jan in Grease (for which she won “Best Actress in a Musical” by the ASA theatre department), Stacy in One Act, and Josephine Strong in Urinetown all at Arizona School for The Arts.
At Valley Youth Theatre she also performed in the production They Chose Me as Eve Eden. She has recently graduated from Arizona School for the Arts and her strong passion for performing arts has brought her to pursue theatre in college.
TroyElan will be attending New York University (NYU), Tisch School of the Arts in New York City. She will pursue a BFA degree in Dramatic Arts. Her future goal is to establish a career in film and/or theatre acting. She is so thankful to Greasepaint for all the wonderful experiences, opportunities, and friendships.
Betty Weinberger
Betty Weinberger
After graduating with a degree from the dance school at Oklahoma City University (other alum include Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara), Betty has worked on an original musical with Stephen Schwartz titled Magic To Do aboard Princess Cruises, completed a contract performing in Singin’ In The Rain at the Fireside Theatre, and is now about to make her national tour debut with Elf the Musical, which originally debuted on Broadway.
Now based out of New York City, she enjoys living her passion and getting paid to do what she loves!
Jacob Stovall
Jacob Stovall
Some of Jacob’s fondest memories of high school were acting in shows at Greasepaint. He was a part of the Les Mis ensemble, Bert Brat in How to Succeed In Business, and Jafar in Aladdin Jr. (for which he was nominated for an NYA award).
He is currently going to ASU for Computer Science, but hopes to one day get back into acting as a hobby. He enjoyed his time at Greasepaint from the rehearsals to the nights of the show, and he really had a blast being a part of the occasional improv workshops.
He wants to thank Greasepaint for the opportunities they’ve given him and wants to say that he wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.
Bethany Baca
Bethany Baca
Bethany just graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. While at Westmont College, some of her credits included The Pirates of Penzance as Ensemble, Dido & Aeneas as Second Woman, and Dido: Queen of Carthage as Juno.
She has moved back to Phoenix, AZ and can not be more grateful for the many theatre, as well as TV, productions I have been in so far. My favorite ones include Get a Clue or Die! as Miss Scarlett and “Paranormal Witness” as a Featured Extra (Season 5, Ep. 10).
Bethany is currently in rehearsals for The Music Man at Mesa Encore Theatre that will be at the Mesa Arts Center Nov. 4-20, 2016. She recently signed with Dani’s Agency and plans to gain more on camera experience as well as becoming more involved within the theatre community here in Phoenix. Her Greasepaint credits include Aladdin Jr. and Les Misérables: School Edition.
Connor Baker
Connor Baker
“When you’re ten years old performing as a Fagin’s boy you would never imagine 7 years later you would be performing as Fagin himself on the same exact stage! I thank Greasepaint for giving me a playground to grow both as a performer and an individual.”
Connor just started his collegiate studies at Loyola University of Chicago.