Hearts Like Fists at Austin Community College Drama Department

Hannah Cohen

Hannah Cohen is from Brazil and is an ACC Drama Musical Theater major. She last appeared on-stage as Iris in ACC Drama's production of Fiend's Folio and also played the part of Harper in a scene from Angels in America as part of Curtain Fall 2023. Hannah has also work on backstage wardrobe crew for ACC Drama's productions of The Mad Ones and Bat Boy the Musical. She plans to take a couple months to travel around the world and make good memories. After that, she is going to move to NYC and enroll in school to pursue acting. She would like to thank all her friends and family who have supported her so far. She also would like to thank all her ACC Drama Department professors who encourage and inspire her.

Christian Huey

Christian Huey is an Austin native and graduate of ACC, UT, and Texas State University, where he earned a Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism. He’s been active in the Central Texas theatre and independent film scene for over 20 years. Much of Christian’s training comes from the improv world, in comedy schools in Austin, San Diego, and Seattle. Most recently Christian could be seen playing Robert Burleson in Georgetown Palace’s production of You Can’t Do That, Dan Moody, Ryan Reznick’s film Climate Bros., and the Frontera Fest entry “Dispatch.” Christian is finishing rewrites on a feature film where he is set (once again) to play the lead villain. Christian moonlights as a singer-songwriter and cartoonist and produces a podcast about the long-running pop duo Sparks. Christian thanks his amazing wife Summer and his family for their unwavering support and tolerance.

Ariana Melendez

Ariana Melendez was born and raised in Austin TX and is currently a part of the Technical Theater - Makeup Artistry and Costume Technology Specialization here at ACC. She has been a part of many theater productions such as playing the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz at Vandegrift Theatre Co. She Directed two plays An Absolutely True Story and Dead to the Last Drop at Vandegrift Theatre Co. And recently played Miranda in Fiends Folio at ACC. She plans on pursuing acting in film/theater and traveling around the world. She would like to thank her incredible family and friends who have supported her endlessly since day one!

Hannah Olsen

Hannah Olsen is from Dripping Springs, TX and is an ACC Drama major. Past roles include Velma in Chicago (Dripping Springs High School), Yevgenia in Woyzeck (UIL One Act Play), Mary in The Sacrifice ( a short film by Malaina Maritinez) and Bonnie in Hoax ( a short film by Araceli Rangel). After ACC, she plans to aspire as an actor in theater and film in and out of the Austin area. Special thanks to the team of ACC Drama for teaching and helping her grow more as an actor.

Samantha Plumb

Samantha Plumb is from Farmington, New Mexico and is a Creative Writing major with a focus on Screenwriting at SNHU online. They were last seen on stage as Abby in Now and Then (Way Off Broadway Players), Elizabeth in Nick Dear's Frankenstein (Gaslight Baker Theatre) and Rita in Prelude to a Kiss (Bastrop Opera House). They would like to keep growing as an actress in and around Austin, water some plants, and take it all one day at a time. Special thanks to their Dad for Saturday Morning cartoons, sharing his love of comic books, and always encouraging the little superhero in them.

Marcus McQuirter

Marcus McQuirter is a faculty member in the Drama Department at ACC where he teaches Voice, Acting, and Theater Appreciation. He would like to thank the cast & production team for their work on this production.

Chloe Nichols

Chloe Nichols is a student/soon-to-be graduate within the Drama Department at ACC and is very excited to be assistant-directing her first fully staged production! Previous acting experience includes The Sightless, Iphigenia in Aulis, and Fiend's Folio with ACC, as well as Playhouse Creatures at Sam Bass Theatre and Sons of Atreus with FronteraFest. Other experience at ACC includes stage managing Red, assistant stage managing for Bat Boy: The Musical, playwright for The Seer of Troy, and director for My Neighbor Teddy Roosevelt. She would like to thank the ACC Drama Department for being a wonderful home to her this past year, Merrick for always supporting her goals, as well as her cat and bird for making her smile.

Insha Iqbal

Insha Iqbal is a multidisciplinary theatre artist who is excited to be working on her first production at ACC! Her recent credits include being the show caller for the USIA National Arts Festival, co-designing props and costumes for 14/48 at Ground Floor Theatre, and assistant directing A Christmas Carol, Noises Off, and The Inheritance at Zach Theatre. She received a BFA in Performance and Production from Texas State University and works outside of the theatre world as a Creative Writing Teacher and Krav Maga Instructor. Next, you can find her stage managing Sunny Days and being a dramaturg for Funny, Like an Abortion, both at The Vortex. She would like to thank Chloe, Merrick, Toph, and Dani for taking in a poor stage manager who lost power and needed a place to type out rehearsal reports during tech week!

Cynthia Gage

Cynthia Gage is the administrative assistant for the Drama, Dance, and Creative Writing departments at Austin Community College. Cynthia received a BA in Radio/Television/Film Production and a BA in History from the University of North Texas. They also hold a MA in History from Baylor University. She loves being a part of bringing the arts and education together. She is always grateful for opportunities to help create!

Carrie Kaplan

Carrie Kaplan is the Literary Manager/Dramaturg for ACC Drama as well as an Adjunct Professor and Instructor of Introduction to Theater. She is a graduate of Dartmouth College (B.A.), CUNY Queens College (M.S.Ed.) and The University of Texas at Austin (M.A., Ph.D. ABD). She is also a fellow of the Mellon School of Theater and Performance Research at Harvard University. In addition to serving as a dramaturg in academic institutions such as ACC and UT, she has worked as a production and new play dramaturg for Salvage Vanguard (TX), PlayPenn (PA), New York Theater Workshop (NYC), New Dramatists (NYC), Portland Stage Company (ME), Book-it Rep (WA). and PCPA Theatrefest (CA) among other producing institutions. One of these days, she is going to go back and finish her Nancy Drew one woman show.

Noah Sanchez

Noah Sanchez is a current student at ACC where he is studying costume design and make-up artistry. His work as a costume designer has been seen in The Lightning Thief and Men On Boats, both with Speedrun Studios, a local company focused on creating theatre by and for young adults. He would like to thank his ACC professors for their expertise and mentorship and for the opportunity to be a part of a fantastic show.

Desiree Humphries

Desiree Humphries is an Austin native costume designer who’s recent credits include The Mad Ones (ACC) and Black Feminist Guide To The Body (The Vortex) She is a former ACC student who holds a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology from Texas State University and works at the University of Texas at Austin as the costume stock supervisor and costume production manager. She is excited to be part of the return of live theatre and would like to thank ACC for inviting her to create!

Jessi Edwards

Jessi Edwards is making her debut with Austin Community College Theatre. She is a student in Technical Theatre at Austin Community College. Her favorite superhero is Gambit.

Rachel Atkinson

Rachel Atkinson is a multi-disciplinary collaborative artist with a particular focus on designing theater for young audiences, immersive theater design, and design for devised theater. She is a faculty and staff member at Austin Community College. Rachel holds an MFA in Theatre Design from The University of Texas at Austin.

Malia Felipe

Malia Felipe is a homeschooled high school dual-credit student studying Technical Theater here at ACC. Although a former youth actor, this is her first time working as a part of the technical production team for a show. Her dream is to become an Actress, as well as a Set and Lighting Designer for Sight & Sound Productions. She is very grateful and excited about all the skills she is learning here at ACC. All in all, she hopes you enjoy the production.

Miguel De Hoyos

Sam Coldiron

Samuel Coldiorn Is a student within the Drama Department At ACC. He is a native Austinite, who is very excited to be working on production in his hometown. Has done costuming and makeup artistry for ACC, scenes from The Tempest and MacBeth. Has worked for historic stages such as Esther's Follies and Capital City Comedy Club. He plans to continue his education at ACC. Special thanks to all of those that have believed and encouraged me to be myself.

Andrew Heinrich

Andrew Heinrich is an Assistant Professor of Drama at ACC, and has been working as a Violence Designer for the better part of 20 years. In addition to this work, he also directs (Fiend's Folio, Number 6, No Exit) and acts. Andrew is also an award-winning playwright with an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Texas State University.

Cassie Nordgren

Cassie Nordgren (she/her) is an Adjunct Professor of Drama at ACC. As a director, choreographer, and intimacy choreographer, Cassie specializes in crafting and composing stories through movement. Her work has been featured Off-Broadway, in regional theatres, and at universities across the country. This is Cassie’s fifth production as an intimacy choreographer since she began her training with Theatrical Intimacy Education in 2021. She joined ACC in Spring 2024 and is excited to be bringing this work to an ACC production for the first time in Hearts Like Fists! Big thanks to Marcus for making it happen! www.cassienordgren.com

Tomas Salas

Tomas Salas has more than thirty years working as a professional theatre technician. He is a master scenic carpenter and lighting tech. His experience includes working in California as; the technical director for Luis Valdez’ El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista, Master Electrician for the Mark Taper Forum and Japan America Theatre in Los Angeles. In Austin Tomas has worked as a freelance tech with just about every local theatre and dance company and in most performance spaces including the Paramount Theatre, State Theatre, ESB Mexican American Cultural Center, Carver Cultural Center, Zach Scott, Planet/Vortex, and others. He is very happy to be a part of the ACC Drama Dept. Team.

Joe Kelley

Joe Kelley is an Austin resident with a passion for collaboration and storytelling. Whether it’s the set, props, paints, plants, or puppets he’s so excited and grateful to work with Marcus, Channing, Tomas and the entire production team to bring life and love to every show. Joe has been active in the Austin theatre community on and off of the stage in many different productions with many wonderful groups such as: The Archive Theatre, Pollyanna Theatre Co., Summer Stock Austin, Penfold Theatre Co., Expatriate Theatre, and his home: ACC Drama. As always, much love to Remy and Tomas for their patience and support during the whole process.

Gavin Kenter

Gavin Kenter Is a technical theater student at ACC, Gavin Kenter is honored to have been chosen to ME this production. Recent credits include: LD for “RED” at ACC and "Radio :30" with Hyde Park Theater and, as well as Master Electrician for Austin Shakespeare's rendition of “El Cid” in the Rollins.

Christina Montgomery

Christina Montgomery received a BFA in Technical Theatre, Theatre Design, and Technology from the University of Kansas and has over 15 years of experience working in professional theatre. Her costume designs for (The Odyssey) were sent to represent KU in the RITU 24 International Theatre Festival in Liege, Belgium. After graduation, Christina worked with the Kansas City Ballet and Opera (Kansas City, MO) and the Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 810. She moved to Austin, Texas, in 2013, where she was Wardrobe Supervisor at Zach Theatre for seven years. Costume Designs (Zach Theatre, Austin TX) include: (Every Brilliant Thing, Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch, Notes from the Field, Goodnight Moon, Elephant and Piggie, Winnie the Pooh, and Frog and Toad). She is excited to be part of the ACC Drama Department and would like to thank everyone for their hard work and suppor

Deya Macias

A recent ACC graduate with a Certificate in Costume Technology, Deya’s primary job is costume construction and alterations. They love helping realise the designer’s vision, as well as working backstage with wardrobe crew to ensure a successful run. They’ve worked in most ACC productions in the costume and wardrobe department since 2016, and even helped ASM for ScriptWorks shows outside of ACC since 2022. One of Deya’s favourite villains is Debbie Jellinksy from The Addams Family Values… Or Dr. Octopus & Venom from Spider-Man :)

Pheonix Schmitt

Coming from Round Rock, Phoenix’s major is actually in Game Design. Their pursuit of costuming in technical theater comes from a desire to fulfill creative enrichment when such pursuits are at the backend of game development. Has attended ACC since 2021 and recently made the qualifications for costume design certification. They hope to have a successful career in game development

Channing Schreyer

Channing Schreyer is a faculty and staff member at Austin Community College and is grateful to be a member of both the Dance and Drama departments. Channing received their BA in Production Design and Studio Art from Pepperdine University.

Jamie Rogers

Jamie Rogers holds an MFA in Arts Administration from Texas Tech University, and an MFA in Acting from The Actors Studio Drama School. He has worked as an actor and director in New York City, Los Angeles, and the Chicagoland area. As an administrator, his primary areas of focus have been in production management, fundraising, grant writing, and marketing. Jamie is an Associate Professor in the Drama Department.