LAUREN GUNDERSON (Playwright) is a playwright, screenwriter and short story author from Atlanta, GA. She received her BA in English/Creative Writing at Emory University, and her MFA in Dramatic Writing at NYU Tisch, where she was also a Reynolds Fellow in Social Entrepreneurship. She was named the most produced playwright in America by American Theatre Magazine in 2017 and 2019.

MARGOT MELCON (Playwright) is a theatre artist, administrator, and writer, including co-authorship of Miss Bennet: Christmas a Pemberley. She was the Director of New Play Development at Marin Theatre Company for seven years, where she dramaturged over 30 productions (including seven world premieres) and administered the company’s two annual new play prizes and commissioning program. She has developed plays with TheatreWorks, Bay Area Playwrights Festival, Crowded Fire Theater, Shotgun Players, Berkeley Rep’s Ground Floor, the Kennedy Center, the New Harmony Project, and the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis. She is currently the Program Executive for Promoting Culture at the Zellerbach Family Foundation. Margot is a graduate of California State University, Chico.

ELIZABETH HELMAN (Director) earned her BA in Theatre and English (Creative Writing) at Santa Clara University and her MA and Ph.D. in Theatre Arts at University of Oregon in 2006. She is the Theatre Arts Area Coordinator and University Theatre Artistic Director at Oregon State University and teaches courses in history, literature, performance, directing, and playwriting. Elizabeth has directed A Christmas Carol, The Great Gatsby, Silent Sky, Revolutionists!, Successful Strategies, and the first two installments of the Christmas at Pemberley trilogy at OCT. She is merry with holiday glee to be bring this delightful series to its climax with so many talented artists and familiar collaborators. With over 20 years as a working theatre artist and educator, she has directed over 60 plays. Some of her favorite varied theatrical projects include devising The Blazing World Inside, commissioned by the Margaret Cavendish Society; playing Rachel Corie in My Name is Rachel Corie; and directing Suzan-Lori Park’s Topdog/Underdog for the St. Louis Actors’ Studio. Other favorite directing credits include Arcadia, The Importance of Being Earnest, Comedy of Errors, A Bright Room Called Day, Twelfth Night, Three Sisters, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Diary of Anne Frank, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Much Ado About Nothing, A Thread in the Dark, The Tempest, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. She is the Associate Artistic Director for Theatre 33 where she has directed a number of new works. Thank you to our wonderful cast (even Andrew), the talented production team, and to the whole OCT staff – it’s always a pleasure to play! Lots of love to Matty, my own Mr. Bingley, I couldn’t ask for a better partner.

ABRIANNA (AB) AYDEE (Mary/Margaret) is ecstatic to be debuting this season at the Oregon Contemporary Theatre. She has been previously seen as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing (OSU), Viola in Twelfth Night (OSU), and Miss Blumenblatt from On the Razzle (OSU). She has also been seen in readings for Tale of Two (Theatre 33) and Lightkeepers (OSU & Theatre 33). When she is not acting, Abrianna can be found pursuing her playwriting career with works such as They Shall be The Sea (OSU) and Life & Their Star ( 45th Parallel Playwrights). When Abrianna is not in the theater she is busy preparing her Grad School applications for Drama Therapy Programs.

ANDREW BECK (Fitzwilliam Darcy) is an Oregon native who earned his undergraduate degree in Theatre from the University of Oregon. He went on to receive his MFA at The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. From there he spent four years as a company member at The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville where he acted, MC’ed, wrote, and/or directed in numerous productions (He also played a seagull…it’s TRUE!). After that he moved back to Oregon where he has played Jay Gatsby, Mr. Darcy and a self-involved Movie Star in The Understudy at OCT. He thanks OCT for their exquisite choices in casting. He was also a Seven-year member of the acting company at Bag&Baggage Productions, and currently teaches Acting at Oregon State University. He has also performed in England and Russia, and even some other places in America. He’s so excited to be back at OCT for his final turn as Mr. Darcy and thanks his family, friends and his more talented wife for putting up with him.

KATIE WORLEY BECK (Lizzie) is excited to once again be back at Oregon Contemporary Theatre. Originally from California,  she now lives in Corvallis Oregon. After graduating from the Pacific Conservatory Theatre in 2006, she spent the next few years working for the Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville in California as an actor, MC, director, writer, choreographer and most recently the Interim Artistic Director. TGAM was also the theater where she met her husband, Andrew. Past OCT productions includes Jordan in The Great Gatsby and Deb in Ordinary Days. Some regional credits include: Judy in 9-5 The Musical and The Women in 39 Steps (Oregon Cabaret Theatre); Sister Amnesia in Nunsense and Elvira Condomine in Blithe Spirit (SLO REP); Emily in Our Town and Hero in Much Ado About Nothing (PCPA). Thank you to this wonderful cast and crew as well as her loving friends and family. A special thank you to her extremely handsome and talented husband.

MADELINE BRAUN (Georgiana) is a senior at Oregon State University pursuing a BA in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance. This is her first role with Oregon Contemporary Theater. Recent favorite roles include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (Bard in the Quad) and Rosalinda in J. Strauss’ Die Fledermaus (OSU Lyric). After Christmas at Pemberley, Madeline will be playing the role of Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg in Ride the Cyclone at OCT. She is excited to finish her undergraduate studies and looks forward to the next chapter of performing and life. Madeline is extremely grateful for her family, friends, professors, and collaborative artists, as they are constant sources of joy, guidance, and support.

QUAYE DYDASCO (Jane/Emily) is excited to be making her acting debut at Oregon Contemporary Theatre! Currently, Quaye is a senior at the University of Oregon studying Theatre Arts and Economics. Her acting credits include #7 in The Wolves, Lilith/Lily in She Kills Monsters, #8 in 12 Angry Jurors and presenting Princess Pocahontas and the Blue Spots at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Quaye wants to give the cast and crew of Christmas at Pemberley a big THANK YOU for being so kind and hilarious! Also, special thanks to the University of Oregon Theatre Department for their support and encouragement in her education.

NOAH J FOX (Thomas) is ecstatic to debut as a professional actor at the Oregon Contemporary Theatre. He is currently studying Theatre Arts at Oregon State University and will graduate in the Spring of 2024. Noah will be applying University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) and other graduate programs to get his Master's in Acting. He has been seen in various shows for the Oregon State Theatre program with roles such as: Benedict (Much Ado About Nothing), Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Twelfth Night), George Bailey (It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play), and Richard Burbage (Shakespeare in Love). Most recently, Noah read for the role of Morgan (A Tale of Two) at Theatre 33 in Salem. Noah hails from the small town of York, Maine, and is incredibly grateful for his supportive family. Without their support, Noah would have been unable to pursue his dreams.

SAMANTHA HOLDEN (Lydia/Sarah) is ecstatic to be back at OCT for another Pemberley Christmas! This will be Sam’s second production with OCT, last seen as Lydia in The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley. She has also been a part of multiple Bard in the Quad productions at OSU, Albany Civic Theatre’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Sibella), and OSU’s Kiss Me Kate (Bianca). Sam hopes to continue her theatre education with a Masters degree. Sam wants to thank you all for being here; especially her friends, family, and spouse Jakob. Thank you all for your undying love and support.

EVE Q (Henry) performance owes itself entirely to many teachers; engineers of culture within our community: Elizabeth Helman, Michael Watkins, Kari Welch, Amanda Ferguson, Keri Davis, Kory Weimer, Jesse Breeden, Craig Willis, Inga Wilson, Stanley Coleman, Darlene Rhoden, Tara Wibrew, Rhonda Turnquist, Susan Goes, Janet & Tony Rust, Russell Dyball, Bil Morrill, Jim Roberts, & Joe Zingo. In no way have these artisans been adequately compensated for maintaining the artistic health of our community: In a world where cultural care has taken a backseat owing to unfettered individualism, it is your express duty as a member of our deteriorating community to donate to local arts organizations. Without your necessary aid, theatre in Eugene has no hope of a secure future. Ecclesiates 9:10.

JESSICA JAE UNKER (Kitty) is thrilled to be making her OCT debut with this amazing ensemble! Favorite regional theatre credits include the Off-Broadway premiere of Port Out, Starboard Home (LaMama ETC/foolsFURY Theatre), Ground to Cloud (Overall Excellence Award-NYC Fringe/RedCat Theatre), And Then They Came for Me (Georgia Ensemble Theatre), Krampus Christmas, Activation, Curious Encounters (7 Stages Theatre), Master and Margarita (Double Edge Theatre) and Dracula (Wanderlust Theatre Company). Jae has also played Peter Pan five times in five different productions! Education: University of the Arts. Founding Company Member of Wanderlust Theatre Company in Southern Oregon. Next, Jae will be choreographing Heathers: The Musical at Lane Community College! Special thanks to Craig, Liz, Riley, and Cast! Love to my wife, Kate.

BRADLEY BRANAM (Sound/Projections Designer) is an Associate Professor and the Technical Director and Media Designer for the University of Oregon Theatre Arts Department. He has served as the Resident Designer and Technical Director for the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, and also worked with the Ash Lawn Opera Festival as the Production Manager and Technical Director. He has worked with the Denver Center Theatre Company, Kansas City Repertory Theatre Company, Commonweal Theatre Company, Oregon Contemporary Theatre and The Old Creamery Theatre Company. He received his BA in theatre from Luther College, in Decorah, IA, and his MFA from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.

JEFFREY COOK (Scenic Designer) is a Washington native, living in Seattle and working throughout the Northwest since 1990. For Oregon Contemporary Theater: Wickham's Christmas at Pemberley, Colonialism/Pho, Marjorie Prime, Last Five Years, Good People, Clybourne Park, Next to Normal, Assassins. Seattle design work includes: The Seattle Children's Theatre (The Best Summer Ever!, The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi , Naked Mole Rat), The 5th Avenue Theater (Forum, Cinderella), Village Theater (The Gypsy King), and designs for Harlequin Productions, Book-It, Tacoma Actors Guild, and Profile Theatre in Portland (Pinter season). He has designed the official City of Seattle Winterfest experience at Seattle Center since 2008. National Work: Three years at the Denver Center Theatre design and production shops, and Thomas the Train Live on Stage. Website: JeffreyDesigns.net BFA Washington State University 1991, MFA University of Oregon 1995.

JEANETTE DEJONG (Costume Designer) designs for OCT include the rest of the Christmas at Pemberly plays, as well as The Great Gatsby, A Christmas Carol, Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolfe, The Revolutionists, Venus In Fur , and August: Osage County. She has designed costumes for theatres including Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, and Eugene Opera. Jeanette is the author of the A WORKING COSTUME DESIGNER’S GUIDE series, including books on Color and Fit for Costumes. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829, New York, NY.

DELOS L. ERICKSON (Music Director) returns for his next project with Oregon Contemporary Theatre, previously serving as in-house composer and musician for Jen Silverman’s Witch and musical director for Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He is currently studying for his Masters in Jazz Studies, having already received his BA in Performance and Composition. Delos is making strides in the local scene as one of the premier musicians in the area, regularly performing original music and teaching. With vast musical experience under his belt, he thoroughly enjoys bringing his hard work to the awesome audiences at OCT. Delos hopes to provoke thought and joy with every note!

STEEN V. MITCHELL (Props Designer) appreciates having this opportunity to work with a talented production team at OCT. She designed and built props for last year’s Pemberley show at OCT and is glad to be back for this one. Steen usually designs scenery for OCT, including: Something Clean, The Thanksgiving Play, Successful Strategies, Melancholy Play, Silent Sky, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, The Great Gatsby, West Moon Street, and Mother Courage. She worked as a visiting designer at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and also designed for: Oregon State University, Eugene Ballet (puppets), Eugene Opera (props), and Lane Summer Musical Theatre (sets, including Singin’ in the Rain). She gives very special thanks to Janet Rose for mentoring theatre students, and to her partner Sue Dockstader for her love and support.

TOM MOSEMAN (Dialect Coach) is excited to be helping OCT with this fun holiday production! Recently arrived in Eugene, Tom just worked with the Eugene Symphony Orchestra in the October production of PREFONTAINE. He has worked in theatres in New York City, Maryland, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Minnesota, Montana and Utah. A graduate of Indiana University, Tom holds an MFA from the University of Iowa. All of this wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of his wonderful partner, Lori.

MICHAEL A. PETERSON (Lighting Designer) Michael is excited to return to Oregon Contemporary Theatre to design this show as part of the 2023/24 season. Previously he has designed the lighting for; Something Clean, The Roommate, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Thanksgiving Play, The Cake, Good People, Damascus, The Understudy, Hand to God, Buried Child, The Flick, Marjorie Prime, Venus in Fur, Blue Door, Melancholy Play, The 39 Steps, The Big Meal, Silent Sky, The Last Five Years, A Christmas Carol, The Great Gatsby and Next to Normal. Other companies that Michael has designed for include; American Players Theatre, National Tour of City of Angels as a lighting design assistant, Valley Music Festival - Solvang, CA (David Crosby & CPR, Michael McDonald & Christopher Cross), Solvang Country Music Festival (Suzy Boggus, Desert Rose Band, Zaca Creek), Eugene Ballet, Eugene Concert Choir, Eugene Opera, Eugene Symphony, New Hope Christian College, Northwest Christian University, Oregon Bach Festival, PCPA Theaterfest, Skylight Opera, U of O – School of Music/Opera Department, Willamette Repertory Theatre, Willamette University, Diablo Valley College, Allan Hancock College Dance Department, The Music Academy of the West, San Jose Rep, and S.B.C.L.O.

AUDREY SULLIVAN (Stage Crew) is a graduate of Churchill High School and has been volunteering in theater tech since sixth grade. She has worked with Upstart Crow, Very Little Theatre Co., Cottage Theatre, and the Churchill Thespians, and is excited to help with her first show Oregon Contemporary Theatre.