2022 Equity Actors

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Penelope Alex

In her 36th season, Penelope has more than established herself as the Barn’s quintessential leading lady. Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling performances. Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD, Donna in MAMMA MIA! Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Mona in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, (all opposite Robert Newman), and opposite Tom Wopat as Annie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.

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Nicholas Biddle

Nicholas is a newly graduated Acting/Musical Theatre student from Carnegie Mellon University and one of the Barn’s newest Actors’ Equity members! He is so excited to be spending his summer at the Barn Theatre in his state of birth, Michigan.

Last season’s audience will undoubtedly remember his hysterical portrayal of Squidward and his wonderful work in many shows. Nicholas enjoys playing guitar and writing music in his free time, as well as playing with any dog he is allowed to. He wants to send his love to his parents as well as everyone who has helped him get to where he is now.

Assistant Stage Manager Emily Boomer

Emily Boomer

Emily is excited to be joining the Barn this summer for her first full season! She is not a stranger though, as she has been the Assistant Stage Manager for the ROCKY HORROR SHOW in 2019 and 2021.

Emily majored in Stage Management at Western Michigan University...

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Steven Lee Burright

Sixteen seasons and still going strong and loving it at The Barn Theatre.

Steven’s thirty-four-year career has reached a lifelong high following his nomination and subsequent installation into The Barn Theatre Wall of Fame! This is an honor that fills him with immense pride and Joy. Eternal thanks to the Ragotzy Family for the Honor and the overall mentorship of those Barnies who came before.  Special thanks to Dusty Reeds/Associate Producer Emeritus, for her unwavering support and Mentorship. “ I owe my friend Dusty, my Career”.

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Aaron Czarnecki

Aaron is thrilled to be returning to The Barn for his fourth season and his first as a member of Actors’ Equity Association! Aaron has been on the Barn stage in many shows and has appeared in the Christmas Cabaret. He most recently appeared on The Barn's stage in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, THE WEDDING SINGER, and MAMMA MIA! Aaron would like to thank his family and his girlfriend for their undying support and encouragement.

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John Jay Espino

This is John’s 12th season here since ’92! Barn audiences will remember him from many roles including Plankton in SpongeBob Squarepants, Cogsworth in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Julian Marx in BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, Herod in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the Narrator in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Sancho in MAN OF LA MANCHA. John has also served as the Barn’s musical director for SUNSET BLVD, MAN OF LA MANCHA, BLOOD BROTHERS, SOUTH PACIFIC, BIG RIVER, CHICAGO, and SPAMALOT.

He will once again be musical directing our very popular nightly Rehearsal Shed bar show.

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Melissa Cotton Hunter

Melissa is celebrating her eleven-year Barniversary this year and thrilled to be spending it back on the Main Stage as actor and choreographer! Barn audiences will undoubtedly remember her recent roles as Julia in THE WEDDING SINGER, Sophie in MAMMA MIA!, Shelby in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, and the first three-time Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (2012, 2019, and 2021).

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Patrick Hunter

Patrick returns this summer for his eleventh season on the Barn stage. Favorite Barn roles include Beadle Bamford in SWEENEY TODD, Judah Ben Hur (and many others) in BEN HUR, The Preacher in BONNIE AND CLYDE, Warner Purcell in BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, and Nicely Nicely in GUYS AND DOLLS, for which he won the Wilde Award. Patrick's directing credits include two productions of DISASTER!, 9 to 5 and 2019's BIG THE MUSICAL, for which he was recognized as outstanding director at the Wilde Awards.

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Charlie King

Charlie is grateful to be with his extended Barn Family this summer. He apprenticed from (91-94). Some of his favorite roles here include The Big Bopper in BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, Clem Rogers in Will Rogers FOLLIES, Brad/Dr Scott in ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Nick Valenti in BULLETS OVER BROADWAY and Eugene Krabs in SPONGEBOB. Dirty Dave Rudabaugh in BILLY THE KID and Kenny in both SLIPPERY SLOPE and IN HOT WATER.

Jerry McAllister

Jerry McAllister

This is Jerry’s 9th season at the Barn, and we are ecstatic to have him back with us! Jerry has served as stage manager at 3 Below Theatre and The Retro Dome in San Jose, CA as well as production managing. He has also stage managed at the Brava Theatre in San Francisco, CA, Theatreworks USA and Kraine Theatre, in New York City.

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Luke Ragotzy

Luke is so excited to see you all this summer! Along with being a member of the Equity company, Luke is the Bar manager of the Rehearsal Shed, Miss Penelope’s Saloon and will be directing Bar Shows this summer.

Luke has appeared on stage many times here at the Barn - most recently as Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW...

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Brendan Ragotzy

Our Producer / Director

Brendan literally grew up in the business, from his walk-on debut in 1966's OLIVER! to his work as a stagehand, spot operator, stage manager, actor, director, assistant producer, and now Producer/Director.

Combining his parents' attributes with his own practical expertise, the Barn has an ideal leader for its second generation of Ragotzy ownership.

In 1989 he made his directorial debut with HAIR, followed by our soon-to-be all-time hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW...

The Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theatre Training promotes the concept that theatre artists, performers, designers, technicians, stage managers, directors, and art managers should have broadly based theatre exposure and experience. The school believes the exposure and experience gained as an Apprentice are the heart of an appreciative and creative relationship and comprise the core disciplines of any theatrical endeavor.

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