Robert is thrilled to return to the Director’s chair for the first time since 2019’s Avenue Q.  A founder and the executive director of Farmers Alley Theatre, Rob has previously helmed our productions of [title of show], The Toxic Avenger, Fully Committed, All in the Timing (with his brother, Adam), and A Grand Night for Singing.  His favorite shows onstage include roles in Urinetown, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and The Full Monty.  Rob would like to send immense gratitude to the entire Spelling Bee and Farmers Alley team for all their hard work and dedication, to the Farmers Alley Theatre Board of directors for their guidance, to his mother, Laurel, for being his directing mentor, to all his loved one who supported him on this journey, and to a twin pack of the best pre-teen spellers he knows – Norah and Phoebe.

Eclecticism has been the hallmark of music director and pianist Chris Gray’s career. He started in the arts as a young actor in community/local theater and musical theater productions before pursuing the music aspect full time, music directing his first show (ANNIE) at the age of 17. In addition to his theater appearances, Chris is active as a music coach and pianist at WMU, and maintains a local piano studio. Chris is thrilled to be back at Farmers Alley for another show, he was last seen as the music director for SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, WORKING, A MUSICAL; A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER; and our fabulous 15th anniversary fundraiser BRIGHT STARS: A BENEFIT CONCERT EVENT.

Melissa is happy to be back with Farmers Alley Theatre after previously choreographing Working, A Musical, RENT, She Loves Me, Cabaret, Gypsy, and Bridges of Madison County. Melissa has taught, directed, choreographed, and music directed throughout Kalamazoo County for schools such as Portage Central High School and theatres such as the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. Melissa is an English teacher and Director/Choreographer for Vicksburg Community Schools' International Thespian Society and theater program.

Roger is excited to be in his 11th season as Farmers Alley Theatre's Equity Stage Manager. Roger started his theatre journey in second grade and has been traveling that road ever since. As an actor and technician Roger has graced many stages and has been at Farmers Alley since season two. Some of his favorites in recent years are NEXT TO NORMAL, THE PRODUCERS, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MURDER FOR TWO, and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT…. Roger would like to thank his family and educators who got him hooked on live theatre. There is nothing quite like experiencing a live production with a live audience. Proud member of Actors Equity Association.

Sam graduated in 2016 with a BFA in Technical Theatre & Design from Western Michigan University with a focus in scenic design. Since graduating Snow has worked for various companies and schools in the community including The Barn Theatre, Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, Face Off Theatre Company and Portage Central Theatre. Some highlights include Rent (2017 & 2023), Anastasia (2022),  Big Fish (Sutton Foster Ovation Award- Best Scenic Design) and Bonnie & Clyde (Wilde Award Nominated). Snow is currently the Gull Lake Center for the Fine Arts manager and technical director for Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers.

Grace is a Kalamazoo native currently based in Baltimore, and thrilled to join the Farmers Alley team for the summer. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2018 with a BFA in Theatre Design and Production and a Minor in History of Art. Previous credits include The Cherry Orchard (Johns Hopkins University) Macbeth (Chesapeake Shakespeare Company), Kiss Me, Mr. Musk (Single Carrot Theatre), Glory Denied (Urban Arias). For more information, please visit gracesantamariadesign.com.

A Kalamazoo native, Savannah has spent the bulk of her career working as a freelance designer, stage manager and technician throughout Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Prior to freelancing, she was the Stage Management Associate for the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre and Props Designer/SM for Millbrook Playhouse. With a multitude of shows under her belt she prides herself in her fake food, antiquing skills and her ability to paint wood to look like different wood.

Lanny is thrilled to be working with this incredibly talented team! Lanny’s work includes 5 Michigan Wilde Awards (“best of” in lighting design) for Farmers Alley productions of GYPSY, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, CAMELOT, and BRIGHT STAR; a national lighting award for FUN HOME from the John F. Kennedy Center, multiple regional design awards (Atlanta, Detroit, Lansing), and two Governor’s Commendations (Georgia and Michigan). He is a member of the Farmers Alley Theatre Board and provides event production design work internationally. Lanny would like to thank his family for allowing him to pursue his passions.

Mike is returning as Farmers Alley Theatre’s full time Technical Director. Mike has previously served as the audio engineer at Chenery Auditorium, a stagehand at Miller Auditorium, and the TD for the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. Specializing in taking things apart – but not necessarily putting them back together again – Mike is ready to keep taking on the unique challenges and opportunities at Farmers Alley Theatre.