Meet the 2025 Staff for all of our theatre productions.
Brendan Ragotzy
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 all-time hit THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, PHANTOM, A FEW GOOD MEN, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, TOMMY, BIG RIVER, FOOTLOOSE, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (also playing Pontius Pilate), ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT several times, SHENANDOAH, THE CIVIL WAR, CINDERELLA, MAN OF LA MANCHA, Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, MOVE OVER, MRS. MARKHAM, AMERICAN IDIOT, ROCK OF AGES, WE WILL ROCK YOU, BONNIE & CLYDE and MAMMA MIA!, BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY, THE WIZARD OF OZ, NUNSENSE, and last season’s WOMAN IN BLACK, BOEING, BOEING, and HEARTBREAK HOTEL. He’s also directed original comedies THE WHISTLE PIG’S REVENGE, DOUBLE “0” 69, and will direct this season’s OUR AMERICAN ASSASSIN. He staged his original musicals BILLY THE KID and OLD TIMER, the latter of which received a highly successful New York reading featuring several Barnies and a title role performed by Tom Wopat. Brendan’s first feature film, “Fish Mich,” got pre-festival screenings right here at the Barn in 2009. His musical RAUNCH AND ROLL, in addition to workshop productions here at the Barn, was made into a feature film, co-produced with Friel Films. Starring Barn actress and wife Penelope Alex with Michael Pare, “Raunch And Roll” the movie had its national release in June of 2021. Having received many favorable reviews, it is available for DVD purchase and can be viewed on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms. Brendan and Penelope are proud parents to Luke, Calli, Jacob, and Melina and Grandparents to 1 year old Aria Penelope born March 2024.
Penelope Alex
School Dean, Marketing, Equity/Staff/Apprentice Coordinator
In her 39 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself as the Barn’s quintessential leading lady. Last summer’s audiences saw her as Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, in MYSTIC PIZZA as Leona, and having far too much French fun with her son Luke and friend Patrick in BOEING, BOEING as Berthe. Other favorite Barn shows include Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD, Donna in both of the Barn’s MAMMA MIA! productions, Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, (all opposite Robert Newman), Frau Blucher in MEL BROOKS’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, and Annie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Penelope has done over 125 voiceovers and jingles and has appeared in a few feature films as well, including Raunch and Roll, a vehicle written for her by husband Brendan Ragotzy, nationally released in June of ’21. Her latest film project “Bone Hill,” had its release in April and will be streaming on all platforms soon. Other film projects in post-production include “Dormant Evil,” and “The Haunting of Pine Lake” written by her son, Luke! Along with her on stage work, Penelope serves the Barn as School Dean and Publicist and coordinates the hiring and departmental placement of each season’s apprentice company. Her longest-running roles are her dearest- wife and mother to Brendan and their children Luke, Calli, Jacob and Melina and now Yiayia to Aria Penelope. She’s a proud AEA, SAG-AFTRA member and alum of San Jose State University.
Patrick Hunter
Managing Director/Equity
Patrick is elated to return to the Barn stage once again, where he has performed in 79 mainstage productions over the past 16 years. Some recent favorites include Robert in BOEING BOEING, Dr. Watson in BASKERVILLE A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY, Ned Ryerson in GROUNDHOG DAY, Patrick Star in SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS THE BROADWAY MUSICAL and Judah Ben Hur and many others in the comedic version of BEN HUR. Patrick's favorite Barn directing credits include SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, GROUNDHOG DAY, BIG: THE MUSICAL and two hit productions of DISASTER!. Additionally, Patrick's two original Farces, IN HOT WATER, and A SLIPPERY SLOPE have been performed on the Barn Stage. When he's not on the stage, Patrick is a Professor of Performing Arts and the holder of the Howard and Eloise Mulder Endowed Chair in the Arts at Louisiana State University of Alexandria. Patrick and his Barnie Bride, Melissa Cotton Hunter have two children: Christopher (10) and Cotton (8). Many thanks to Brendan and Penelope (my friend) for the opportunity to make more magic on the Barn Stage!
Luke Ragotzy
Bar Manager/Bar Show Director/Equity
Luke is so happy for the summer season to have returned! Audiences have seen Luke on the Barn stage literally all his life! Having filled many staff positions at the Barn, performing has now taken more of a focus. Attendees of last season may remember Luke as Elvis in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Tully in JIMMY BUFFETT’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, and Remnar Soady in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT. Along with being a member of the Equity company, Luke is also the Bar manager of the Rehearsal Shed, Miss Penelope’s Saloon and he also directs the Bar Shows. Some of Luke’s past favorite roles include Rocky in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Stacee Jaxx in ROCK OF AGES, Gus in GROUNDHOG DAY, Agent Willcall in DOUBLE “O” 69, and Pepper in MAMMA MIA! “Thank you all so much for coming out and supporting this place, time and time again. I truly can’t express how much it means to me!”
Troy Benton
Sound Designer
Troy has been a vital member of the Barn Theatre since 1997. Though he can primarily be found in the orchestra pit he does come up for food, water, and to make guest appearances in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge. As a composer, he has penned music and songs for Barn Productions, such as BILLY THE KID, OLD TIMER, RAUNCH AND ROLL, IN HOT WATER, and more.
Emily Boomer
Assistant Stage Manager
Emily is excited to be returning to the Barn for her third summer as an Equity Assistant Stage Manager! She started her time at the Barn assisting for THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW in 2019 and 2021, and jumped at the opportunity to work her first full summer in 2022. She studied Stage Management at Western Michigan University and continues to call Kalamazoo her home. Emily would like to thank her family and friends for their never ending love and support, her Barn family for welcoming her back with open arms, and to all of the patrons for their continued support.
John Jay Espino
Bar Show Director/Equity
This is John’s 14th season here since ’92! Barn audiences will remember him from many roles including Igor in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Plankton in SpongeBob Squarepants: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, Cogsworth in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Moonface Martin in ANYTHING GOES, 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, BLOOD BROTHERS, LEGALLY BLONDE, SOUTH PACIFIC, BIG RIVER, CHICAGO, and SPAMALOT. He will once again be musical directing our very popular nightly Rehearsal Shed bar show.
Jeannette Fischer
Costume Manager
Nettie (as she is known at the Barn) is an energetic, indispensable member of our team. As manager of our costume shop and storage, Nettie has kept that department running smoothly for over thirty years. Her favorite show was CAUGHT IN THE NET, which she designed and built herself. Often at theatres, like the Barn, costumes (like scenery) are "pulled" from a stored stock. Nettie oversees that process, conducts fittings, builds costumes, and is always there to aid those little costume emergencies that befall actors during performances. She is the Barn's angel. Nettie resides in Battle Creek with her husband Gary. She has two grown daughters and four granddaughters (Regan, 20 years old; Krista, 17 years old; and Amara,13 years old; and Laura, 12 years old!)
Melissa Cotton Hunter
Choreographer/Equity
Melissa is back for her 14th season at the Barn and is thrilled to be spending it back on the boards as actor and choreographer! Barn audiences will undoubtedly remember her recent roles as Miss Scarlet in CLUE, Woman 1 in Baskerville A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY, Millie Braden in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, Elizabeth Benning in MEL BROOKS’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Julia in THE WEDDING SINGER, Sophie in MAMMA MIA!, Shelby in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, and a three-time Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (2012, 2019, and 2021).
Matt Shabala
Musical Director
Matt is thrilled to be returning to The Barn for the 79th season! Matt spends the off season at WMU working for the musical theater department, where most recently he has music directed GREAT COMET and THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL. Matt also has enjoyed working with the students at Kalamazoo College on their recent productions of NEXT TO NORMAL and BE MORE CHILL. Past favorite credits at The Barn include THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, DISNEY'S NEWSIES, and RENT.
Jerry McAllister
Stage Manager
This is Jerry’s 12th season at the Barn, and we celebrate his many years of work 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. He is a founding member of Hope Theatre with siblings Heather and Kelly (a Barnie from season ’90), where they produced the American professional premiere of Shakespeare’s EDWARD III.
Garrylee McCormick
Hair/Wig/Make-Up Master
Garrylee has served as the hair and wig master for the Barn Theatre since 1961. In addition, he is the hair and wig master for Western Michigan University’s Theatre Department and is a freelance wig master for national tours playing at Miller Auditorium and DeVos Hall in Grand Rapids. He is a member IATSE Local 26, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. In his free time, Garrylee writes icons, is a printmaker, and photographer. He also serves on numerous city and county volunteer boards, which has included the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Central County Transportation Authority, Friends of the Library Board, and the Kalamazoo Russian Cultural Association.
Dennis McKeen
Assistant Technical Director
Dennis is very excited to return to the Barn Theatre School. He has a long history of theatre in SW Michigan, and has enjoyed being a part of the Barn family. Although he spends his time in the shop, he has directed over 150 shows, written 25 shows and performed in many many shows. Dennis wants to thank the Barn Family.
Jake Ragotzy
Grounds
Jake can’t wait to get back on stage for this season of the Barn! Known for his excellent drum box playing (with 17 years of guitar experience as a side hustle), he is excited to see all the great patrons return for yet another year. He graduated from Michigan State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies and a minor in Fiction Filmmaking. When he’s not putting on a show at the theatre, he’s working on his next screenplay “Kingslayer!”
Melina Ragotzy
Assistant
Melina has been a Barnie since birth! She’s enjoyed growing up watching productions at the Barn, and now gets to be full-time Barnie this summer before heading to her senior year at University of Valley Forge in Pennsylvania to major in Sports Management and play softball! Melina wears many hats, from souvenirs, to spotlight operator, to designated gardener. Some of her favorite shows at the Barn have been THE WEDDING SINGER, ROCK OF AGES, RENT, and ROCKY HORROR! She’s been ON the Barn stage, too. Her roles here include Little Fiona in SHREK: THE MUSICAL as well as in the Ensemble of CINDERELLA. Melina looks forward to working again this summer before getting her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management at UVF!
Alexandria Szczotka
Costume Designer
Alex is a costume designer and sewing technician from Metro Detroit. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Wayne State University and has had a lifelong love of theatre, both on and offstage. This is her first season with the Barn Theatre, and she is incredibly excited to work with the talented cast, crew, and production team during their 2025 season.
Sidra Sundberg
Costume Designer
Sidra Sundberg (she/her) is thrilled to be at The Barn this summer. She has been attending the summer seasons as an audience member since 2011! Sidra is currently a student at Emerson College studying Costume Design. Thank you to Penelope and Brendan for this incredible opportunity! (@sidrassewing, sidrasundberg.com)
Ross
Properties Master
Ross is from Huntsville, AL and is a recent graduate of Samford University with a BFA in Performance and Teaching Artistry and a minor in Studio Art. Their recent Samford credits include THE TEMPEST, FAILURE A LOVE STORY, LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, SILENT SKY, and TOMORROW THE ISLAND DIES. This is Ross’s first season with the Barn Theatre and is incredibly excited to be working behind the scenes with them this summer. They are beyond thrilled for this opportunity and can not wait for you to enjoy this production just as much as they have.
Megan Martin
Marketing Assistant
Megan is thrilled to be working at The Barn this summer! She has always been a lover of theater and the arts and has a background in band playing in high school, Michigan Tech’s Pep Band, and Michigan Tech’s Symphonic Winds. Megan can play the oboe, English Horn, clarinet, and bass clarinet, and has played in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, RAGTIME, CHILDREN OF EDEN, and THE PRODUCERS. Her roles this summer at The Barn will be working in Publicity and in the Box Office. When not at the theater, you can find Megan at the gym or at a local golf course!
Logan Rafdal
Assistant Sound Designer
Logan Rafdal got his start in sound at StageDoor Theatre in Conifer, Colorado back in 2016. Since then, he’s completed a Sound Engineering program and worked on 21 productions at StageDoor. He’s also a musician and enjoys the creativity of sound design, especially for live music. Logan is excited to be spending the summer with The Barn Theatre.
Noah Vos
Staff
Bio coming soon!
Joe Pehrson
"Pizza Joe" Back 40 Pizza
Joe was an apprentice at the Barn Theatre from 1994-1996. He appeared in many productions, his favorites being HAIR, LA CAGE…, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and the world premiere of BILLY THE KID. Joe is a native of Battle Creek and also a lifelong fan of the Barn Theatre. He is thrilled to be back at the Barn to help launch “Back Forty Pizza.” Bon Appetite!