The village of Guildermere blames the dragon who lives upon the downs for their dying crops and sour milk. But this dragon is a peace-loving, poetry-spouting fellow who would much prefer a cup of tea to a battle. When Saint George arrives, the dragon and his young friend, Glaston, face quite a challenge indeed. While true to the spirit and language of the charming original, this adaptation embraces the dramatic power of what happens when misunderstanding escalates into prejudice and violence.
~ Courtesy Dramatic Publishing
Production Staff
Director - Ryan Dever
Producer - Ellie Haenick
Board Representative - Jason Phillips
Stage Manager - Arizona Hamm
Scenic Designer - Travis Williams
Lighting Designer - West Gorenz
Sound Designer - Shannon Daly
Properties Designer - Jaimee Levitt
Costume Designer - Amy Groseclose
Cast
Glaston - Hayden Rawlings
The Dragon - Kate France
St. George - Mark Tomsic
Darby - Natalie Keller Pariano
Woolchester - Stephen Woosley
Kendal - Bridget Schafer
Morpeth - Logan Fondriest
Grimsby - Mark Steinbacher
Thank You
Aethereal Jest Arts Council would like to extend a special "Thank You" to the following groups and individuals:
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Geoffrey Martin
Jordan Sauer
Bram Fullk
Company
Shannon Daly
Sound Designer
Coming Soon!
Ryan Dever
Director
Ryan served as director for tonight's performance. This is his fourth production with AJAC and his first time directing. Past credits include: Algernon Moncrieff in “The Importance of Being Earnest” [Aethereal Jest Arts Council], Jon Sutton in “Holier Than Thou” [Aethereal Jest Arts Council], and Johnny Bubbles in “The Psychic” [Little Theatre Off Broadway]. Ryan would like to thank Aethereal Jest, his supportive friends and family, and his cat Luca.
Logan Fondriest
Morpeth
Logan will be portraying the role of Morpeth in tonight's performance. This is Logan’s first performance with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Outside of the theater he is a Writer/Director and is currently planning a feature film production based off his screenplay here in Columbus, OH. His favorite role he’s played is the role of Duncan in Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies”. Logan would like to thank his friends, family, and all of his English Teachers for inspiring a curiosity in stories, creating, and the performing arts.
Kate France
The Dragon
Kate will be portraying the role of The Dragon in tonight’s performance. This is the fourth production that she has done with the Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Most recently, she played Sharon Kettering in “Holier Than Thou.” Some of her other recent productions include: Rachel Lynde in “Anne of Green Gables,” DJ in “Normies” [MadLab Theatre], and Willie Lovelace in “Blazing Guns at Roaring Gulch” [Weathervane Playhouse]. She would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their enduring support and willingness to watch her be silly on stage.
West Gorenz
Lighting Designer
Coming Soon!
Amy Groseclose
Costume Designer
Coming Soon!
Ellie Haenick
Producer
Ellie served as the producer for “The Reluctant Dragon” and is excited to be a part of bringing this show to life! Ellie is currently on staff as the Performing Arts Coordinator for Aethereal Jest Arts Council and has worked here onstage and off. Previous favorite roles include Cheryl in “Evil Dead the Musical” [JB3 Entertainment/Ivory Mazur Productions] and Amy March in “Little Women of Orchard House” [Aethereal Jest Arts Council]. When she is not working at the theater, Ellie is a full-time computer science student at The Ohio State University. She would like to thank the cast and crew of “The Reluctant Dragon” for making this experience possible, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Arizona Hamm
Stage Manager
Arizona served as the stage manager for this production. This is the second production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She has a diverse background in theatre, with experience in acting, technical design, and stage management. One of her favorite productions she has been involved in was "The Importance of Being Earnest" in which she portrayed Lady Bracknell and designed the lighting! More recently, she was the stage manager for "The Curious Savage" [The Lancaster Playhouse]. In addition to her theatre work, Arizona is a poet and spoken word artist, having performed her pieces at various events, most notably at the Lancaster Festival Art Walk in 2021.
Jaimee Levitt
Properties Designer
Coming Soon!
Natalie Keller Pariano
Darby
Natalie is delighted to be part of “The Reluctant Dragon.” Offstage she is the lettering artist, educator, and sprinkler of positivity confetti at NatterDoodle (@natterdoodles) where she creates stationery and lifestyle goods with her original designs and teaches art workshops. Her favorite roles include Virginia Hickory in “Holier Than Thou,” Tessie Hutchison in “The Lottery,” and Mrs. Potts in “Beauty & the Beast.” Natalie wishes to thank the entire AJAC team, cast, and crew for the memories and magic!
Jason Phillips
Board Representative
Coming Soon!
Hayden Rawlings
Glaston
Hayden will be portraying the role of Glaston in tonight’s performance. This is the first production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include: Mama Bear [Duxberry Park Arts Impact School], Kai [CATCO], and Witch McCulkunney [The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio]. Hayden would like to thank her Mom, her Dad, and her 3rd grade Theatre teacher.
Bridget Schafer
Kendal
Bridget will be portraying the role of Kendal in tonight’s performance. This is the first production that they have done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include Improvisational Comedian with Crazy Monkeys Improv Comedy. Bridget would like to thank their family, friends, and partner for supporting them in their first professional theatre production.
Mark Steinbacher
Grimsby
Mark will be portraying the role of Grimsby in tonight’s performance. This is the first production that he has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include Mr. Sowerberry and Mr. Brownlow in Worthington Community Theater’s production of “Oliver” this past summer – after returning to the stage from an extended hiatus. Mark would like to especially thank his spouse Janet as well as all his family and friends who provide him continual support and encouragement.
Mark Tomsic
St. George
Mark is excited to make his debut with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Mark’s favorite roles include Cinderella’s Prince in “Into the Woods,” Tony in “You Can’t Take it With You,” George in “Our Town,” Duke Slade in “In Search of a Prince,” and Rhys in “Moonshine Monster” (his second full length show he wrote and produced). When Mark isn’t slaying dragons, he is a social worker working with at-risk youth. He thanks his partner and the cast for making weekdays hilariously enjoyable!
Travis Williams
Scenic Designer
Coming Soon!
Stephen Woosley
Woolchester
Stephen will be portraying Woolchester in tonight's performance. This is the third production that he has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. He played everybody's favorite, Matthew Cuthbert, in Anne of Green Gables last year. He is the president of the O.G.P. theatre company, a member of the Fake Bacon improv troupe, and co-host of the “It's All Been Trekked Before” podcast. He has 2 cats, Chloe and Hermy.
Board of Directors
Megan Mateer, Chair
Jason Phillips, Vice Chair
Randi Honkonen, Treasurer
Veronica Heer, Secretary
Chris Makar, Ex Officio Director
Brian A. Palmer, Ex Officio Director