Meet the 2026 Staff for all of our theatre productions.
Brendan Ragotzy
Producer/Artistic 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, WOMAN IN BLACK, BOEING, BOEING, HEARTBREAK HOTEL, as well as his original works THE WHISTLE PIG’S REVENGE, DOUBLE “0” 69, and last 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 streaming platforms. Brendan and Penelope are proud parents to Luke, Calli, Jacob, and Melina and giddy Grandparents to 2 year old Aria Penelope.
Penelope Alex
School Dean, Marketing, Equity/Staff/Apprentice Coordinator
In her 40 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself as the Barn’s quintessential leading lady. Last summer’s audiences saw her as Morticia in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, as the Inspector in THE GAME’S AFOOT and as Mary Surrat in Brendan Ragotzy’s new work OUR AMERICAN ASSASSIN. 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, has its national release in 2021.
Patrick Hunter
Managing Director/Box Office Manager/Equity
Patrick is thrilled to return to the Barn stage once again, where he has performed in 83 mainstage productions over the past 18 years. Some recent favorites include Horton in SEUSSICAL, Robert in BOEING BOEING, Ned Ryerson in GROUNDHOG DAY and Father Flynn in DOUBT. Patrick's favorite Barn directing credits include SEUSSICAL, 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.
Luke Ragotzy
Bar Manager/Bar Show Director/Equity
Luke is so happy for the summer season to be here! 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. Last season’s audiences saw Luke in TWELVE ANGRY MEN, the mischievous Cat in the Hat in SEUSSICAL, and in the world premiere of OUR AMERICAN ASSASSIN as John Wilkes Booth. Patrons undoubtedly remember Luke as Elvis in one of the nation’s first productions of HEARTBREAK HOTEL, Max in THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, and Bernard in BOEING BOEING.
John Jay Espino
Bar Show Director/Equity
This is John’s 16th season here since ’92! Barn audiences will remember him from many roles including Uncle Fester in ADDAMS FAMILY , Alfred P. Doolittle in MY FAIR LADY, Igor in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, 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. John studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Emily Boomer
Assistant Stage Manager/Equity
Emily is excited to be returning to the Barn for her fifth 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 each year, and to all of the patrons for their continued support.
Matt Shabala
Musical Director
Matt is thrilled to be returning to The Barn for the 80th season! Matt spends the off season at WMU working for the Musical Theater department, where most recently he has music directed SWEENEY TODD, CATS, DREAM GIRLS, LEGALLY BLONDE, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, GREAT COMET OF 1812, ON THE TOWN, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, and HEAD OVER HEELS. 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.
Nettie 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, and has two grown daughters and four granddaughters (Regan, 21 years old; Krista, 18 years old; and Amara,14 years old; and Laura, 13 years old!)
Sidra Sundberg
Costume Designer
Sidra (she/her) is ecstatic to be returning to The Barn this summer. Sidra Sundberg is a rising junior in college studying costume design. Her previous Barn credits include HOW TO SUCCEED…, MY FAIR LADY, THE GAMES AFOOT, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, WHAT IS MURDER?, and 12 ANGRY MEN. You can find more of her work at sidrasundberg.com and @sidrassewing
Garrylee McCormick
Wig/Hair 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 of 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.
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.
Anna Quigley
Sound Design & Mixer
Anna is a rising junior at Penn State University, where she is studying sound design. Some of her credits at Penn State include THE MORRIS & ESSEX LINE, ANTIGONE, and ALICE IN WONDERLAND. She is so excited for the opportunity to spend this summer at The Barn!
Mike McShane
Lighting Designer
Mike has an MFA in Lighting Design from the University of Florida. Mike began his journey with the Barn in the 2008 season as Sound Designer. That season included regional premieres of LES MISERABLES and RENT. Winner of the Wilde Award for Best Sound/Video Design for SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. Favorite designs at the Barn include: Disney’s THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, Disney’s NEWSIES, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, HAIRSPRAY, 9 TO 5, MAMMA MIA!, THE LION IN WINTER, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, DISASTER!, QUEEN’S WE WILL ROCK YOU!, THE CIVIL WAR, BONNIE & CLYDE, THE WEDDING SINGER, EVIL DEAD, and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. Onstage at the Barn, he played Major Rathbone/Thomas Jones in Brendan Ragotzy’s OUR AMERICAN ASSASSIN. mikemcshane.weebly.com
Lucy Mulloy
Assistant Lighting Designer & Head Electrician
Lucy is so excited to be working her first summer at The Barn Theatre! She is a 3rd year BFA Design and Tech student at Penn State University and is focusing on lighting. Some of her recent credits include: ANTIGONE (Asst. LD), RHINOCEROS (Production Electrician), and THE NUTCRACKER (Spot Op.) She would like to thank her friends, family, and college community for their support and guidance. She is very grateful for the opportunity to work here and hopes you enjoy the show!
Eddie Doerr
Technical Director
Eddie is super excited to be returning for Year 3! People may remember his performances as Frank in MYSTIC PIZZA, The Grinch in SEUSSICAL and Harry in MY FAIR LADY. While not returning as an Apprentice for Year 3 Eddie has taken on the role of Technical Director, building and bringing to life all the wonderful sets you will see!
Jeremy Roach
Assistant Technical Director
Jeremy attended Mattawan High School and has been involved in carpentry for 5 years, and has volunteered in The Civic Theatre’s scene shop for 2 years. In his free time, he likes to play fighting games and fiddle on the bass.
Harper Dick
Technical Assistant
Harper (she/they) has received a BFA as a Theatre Major from Bucknell University. Harper has performed in many productions on stage and as a staff member backstage. On stage credits include playing Marcy in PUTNAM COUNTY’S 25TH ANNUAL SPELLING BEE, Seneca Howland/The Bishop in MEN ON BOATS, Max in THE ONE ACT PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, Curly in LOST GIRL, and an understudy in FUN HOME. Backstage credits include stagehand for WAIT UNTIL DARK, lighting designer for Fall ‘24 & Spring ‘25 Dance Showcase at Bucknell University, and directed the show PEOPLE DON’T CHANGE (THEY JUST CHANGE THEIR HAIR).
Megan Martin
Box Office & Marketing Assistant
Megan started working at The Barn in 2025 and is thrilled to be back again this summer! She made her Barn debut in 2025 as an ensemble member in OUR AMERICAN ASSASSIN, an original production by Brendan Ragotzy. Megan has performed with Michigan Tech’s Pep Band and Symphonic Wind Symphony, where she played oboe, English horn, clarinet, and bass clarinet. She has also been a member of pit orchestras for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CHILDREN OF EDEN, RAGTIME, THE PRODUCERS, and SWEENEY TODD. 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!
Molly Posey
Box Office & Painting Assistant
Molly is thrilled to be returning to The Barn this summer for her second year! She is a rising Junior at Oberlin College, pursuing a degree in creative writing and philosophy. Molly has been very involved in theater on and off the stage throughout high school and college. She is excited to continue growing her love of theater and art by immersing herself in the vibrant culture here at The Barn. You’ll be able to find her mostly working in the Box Office and painting sets. She is beyond excited to be a part of another season at The Barn!
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 a 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. This summer you can see her as Wolf Moon Dance in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT. Melina looks forward to working here again this summer!
Bethany Edlund
Props Master
Bethany is so excited to be back at the Barn for its 80th season! Some of her favorite roles from her past seasons (2011-2015) include Inga in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Heather in AMERICAN IDIOT, Louise in FOX ON THE FAIRWAY, Brooke Windham in LEGALLY BLONDE, Heather in HANDS ON A HARDBODY, and Columbia in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. She currently resides in NYC.
Casey Murray
Grounds
Casey has been with the Barn for a few summers now and is instrumental in beautifying the grounds. He has also been a spotlight operator, and an assistant in the shop.