THORNTON WILDER (Playwright, 1897–1975) was a pivotal figure in the lit­erary history of the twentieth-century. He is the only writer to win Pulitzer Prizes for both fiction and drama. He received the Pulitzer for his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1927) and the play The Skin of Our Teeth (1942) in addition to Our Town. His other best-selling nov­els include The Cabala, The Woman of Andros, Heaven’s My Destination, The Ides of March, The Eighth Day and Theophilus North. His other major dramas include The Matchmaker (adapted as the musical Hello, Dolly!) and The Alcestiad. The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden, Pullman Car Hiawatha and The Long Christmas Dinner are among his well-known shorter plays.

Brian Haimbach (Co-Director) Brian earned a Ph.D. in Theatre with a specialization in directing and new play development from the University of Georgia. His performance credits include Mark in Art, Dan in Next to Normal, and Bruce in Fun Home at Oregon Contemporary Theatre and Harvey Milk in the oratorio I Am Harvey Milk with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus and his solo show “How to be a Sissy,” which he has toured around the West and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He is the proud head of Theatre at Lane in Eugene, Oregon.

Craig Willis (Co-Director) has been at the helm of Oregon Contemporary Theatre since 2003. Craig has an MFA in Directing and a PhD in Dramatic Literature/Theory from the University of Oregon. In 2008, he received an Oregon Arts Commission fellowship to train with Anne Bogart and SITI Company. Craig’s OCT directing credits include: Heidi Schreck's What The Constitution Means To Me, John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Jonathan Tolins’ Buyer & Cellar, Jen Silverman’s The Roommate, Edward Albee's At Home at the Zoo, Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori's Fun Home, David Ives's Venus in Fur, Steve Yockey's Blackberry Winter, Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years, Aaron Posner's Stupid Fucking Bird, Nathan Alan Davis's Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea, Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Lauren Gunderson’s I And You, Bruce Norris’ Clybourne Park, Nina Raine’s Tribes, Adam Gwon's Ordinary Days, Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt’s Next To Normal, Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty’s Avenue Q, Geoffrey Nauffts’ Next Fall, Itamar Moses’s The Four of Us, Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, Joe Calarco’s Shakespeare’s R & J, Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman, Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage, Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Assassins, Edward Albee’s The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?, David Auburn’s Proof, and Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth. His scenic designs for OCT include: The Flick, Becky’s New Car, Ordinary Days, The Seagull and I Am My Own Wife.

Inga Wilson (Co-Director) is excited to share this co-directing adventure of Our Town with audiences. Other recent projects at OCT include directing Predictor, Something Clean, and Tiny Beautiful Things and performing in Snow Fever and What the Constitution Means to Me. Originally from Minnesota, she received a BFA in Theatre Performance from Drake University and went on to study at the O’Neill National Theater Institute and Chautauqua Theater Conservatory (where she played Emily in Our Town a long, long time ago). Thank you for coming and supporting the arts!

Pablo Alemán (Wally Webb) is thrilled to be a part of Our Town! He is a sophomore at Teach-Northwest charter school and this is his first performance with Oregon Contemporary Theatre. He started performing at the age of 10 in The Little Mermaid with UCYT. Since then he has performed in a variety of local theatre productions. Some of his favorite credits include Oliver! and Hello, Dolly! with the Shedd. You can see him in the upcoming season of Shedd shows. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him in this wonderful experience. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Akash Dhruva (Howie Newsome) is thrilled to be performing in Our Town. He was last seen as Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein: Playing with Fire and as Kurt the Candy Man in Let the Right One In, both produced at the University of Oregon. Akash is a third-year student at UO, studying Cinema and Theatre Arts. Outside of acting, he enjoys writing music and reading. After seeing many shows at Oregon Contemporary Theatre over the years, he is excited to be making his OCT debut and is grateful to be sharing the stage with such a talented cast. He would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for making this such a rewarding experience, and sends love to his friends and family for their endless support.

Zayne Clayton (Emily Webb) is in her senior year at UO, majoring in Classics. She has starred in several student short films and theater productions, most recently as Molly Ralston in the Very Little Theater’s production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and as Margaret in University Theater’s production of POTUS. This is her first production at Oregon Contemporary Theater! In her free time, she enjoys writing, reading horror novels, walks with her two dogs, Lorelai and Maliketh, and spending time with friends and family, who she’d like to thank for their continued support.

Vanessa Greenway (Mrs Webb) is delighted to return to the OCT stage, where she’s performed in The Thin Place, and  A Doll's House, Part 2. She sings regularly at The Shedd Institute, most recently in her one-woman show Let Me Off Uptown: The Best Of Anita O'Day and as Dolly in Hello, Dolly (also based on a Thornton Wilder play)! Vanessa enjoyed a long career in Chicago, where highlights include being honored with Joseph Jefferson awards for The Constant Wife (Jeff Award-Best Actress, Griffin Theatre), and Vitalist Theatre’s The Night Season (Jeff Award-Best Supporting Actress). She was a company member of the Griffin Theatre and performed with American Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare, Timeline Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, the Hypocrites, City Lit, Eclipse Theatre and Porchlight Theatre, among others. She holds a BFA in Acting from The Theatre School, DePaul University and was a movement educator on their MFA program’s adjunct faculty.

Alexander Holmes (Simon Stimson) is, as always, delighted to be a part of an OCT production. You may have seen him on stage recently as Legionnaire/Mike What the Constitution Means to Me or as John in one of last year’s NW10 shorts (Cue). He has also choreographed for many previous OCT productions including: Ride the Cyclone, The Great Gatsby, The Last Five Years, and Fun Home. He would like to thank Inga, Brian, and Craig for casting him in a role he has coveted for years, the beautiful and gracious cast of actors in Our Town, Kristy & Amanda for Portia-sitting, and he sends loving gratitude to his family/friends for their unwavering support.

Jessica Jae Unker (Professor Willard) is delighted to return to OCT after playing Kitty Bennet in Christmas at Pemberley! Off-Broadway: Port Out, Starboard Home (LaMama ETC/foolsFURY Theatre), Ground to Cloud (Overall Excellence Award-NYC Fringe/RedCat Theatre). Favorite Regional shows include And Then They Came for Me (Georgia Ensemble Theatre), Krampus Christmas (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 BFA. Special Thanks to the directors, Riley, Laura, and the entire cast for inviting me to be a part of the magic! Love to Kate.

Scott Machado (Dr. Gibbs) is most pleased to be back on the OCT stage in this classic work, right after making his directorial debut with The Fabulists for the NW10 festival. You may also have seen him at OCT as Wickham in The Wickhams - Christmas At Pemberly, Sam in The Flick, and as Walter in Marjorie Prime. Other notable roles around town include Barry Champlain in Talk Radio (VLT), Dr. Frederick Fronkonsteen in Young Frankenstein (Pegasus Playhouse), Caldwell B. Caldwell in Urinetown (ACE), the voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors (VLT), and the brave Sir Robin in Spamalot. Scott is also a proud alumnus of the world famous Jungle Cruise.

Henry Mainwaring (Joe Crowell Jr.) is excited to be making his Oregon Contemporary Theatre debut. Henry is a senior at the University of Oregon, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Theatre Arts and Economics. Previous acting credits include Malvolio in Twelfth Night (University Theatre), Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (University Theatre), and Morty in After the Revolution (Pocket Playhouse). Henry has also directed Christopher Durang’s surrealist comedy The Actor’s Nightmare at the Pocket Playhouse, and has served as Treasurer and Co-Chair on the Pocket Playhouse board. He would like to thank Our Town’s amazing cast and crew, as well as his family. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Zoey Mayhew (Rebecca Gibbs) is so excited to be making her professional debut at OCT! Most recently she could of been seen in Oregon State University Theatre's productions of Vinegar Tom (Goody) and Learned Ladies (Henriette). Zoey is so thankful for her family, friends, and theatre family at OSU for always supporting her through her theatrical endeavors. She's also so grateful for the opportunity to work with such an incredible cast and is thrilled for everyone to see this beautiful show!

Ben Minnis (Mr. Webb) is excited for the opportunity to work on Our Town again. After playing George as a teenager in college, it has been a lot of fun exploring the role of Editor Webb now that he's the father of a teenager (love you, Violet!). He was last seen in last spring's production of Predictor at OCT. Some of his other favorite roles include Mozart in VLT's production of Amadeus and Banjo in The Man Who Came to Dinner at the Huron Playhouse in Ohio. Ben received his BFA in Acting from Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Tom Moseman (Constable Warren) is returning to theatre after a 30+ year business career in New York. He has previously worked in theatres in New York City, Maryland, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Minnesota, Montana and Utah. Recently arrived in Eugene, Tom is excited that Our Town marks his OCT stage debut. 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.

Amy Robbins (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back on the OCT stage after having way too much fun in 2024’s NW10. Locally, you may have seen her in ACE’s 2023 production of RENT (Mimi) or in the Eugene Vocal Arts Ensemble. Favorite shows from back home in Michigan include Love’s Labour’s Lost (Rosaline) and Miss Saigon (Kim). In “real life”, Dr. Amy is rare disease scientist – making the opportunity to study the art of storytelling a welcome shift in perspective. Much love and appreciation to the cast, crew, and most of all to her home pack who make the daily life, wonderful.

Josh Simpson (Stage Manager) holds a BFA from Southern Oregon University (2012) and was a company member at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for the 2012–2013 season. Locally, he serves as both a board and company member with Free Shakespeare in the Park. He’s thrilled to return to close out this season with Our Town after opening it as Max/Arthur the Gardener in The Play That Goes Wrong. He was also seen most recently in the 17th annual Northwest10 Play Festival as Pete in the Fabulists. Deeply grateful to be part of this vibrant theatre community, Josh celebrates the chance to help tell another story on this OCT stage.

Teddy Skyler (Si Crowell) is grateful for the opportunity to work with Oregon Contemporary Theatre again. Most recently, he was seen as Zan in OCT's Dorothy's Dictionary. Last year, Teddy was seen in UO's Antigone, Let the Right One In, or the Phantom Tollbooth.

Sharon Sless (Mrs. Soames) is very happy to be back on stage once again. She appeared last season at OCT in Predictor. Prior to that she appeared at OCT in The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, Middletown, Silent Sky, and several seasons of the Northwest Ten festival. Over the years, she has performed in many productions at the former Lord Leebrick location including Eurydice, Suddenly Last Summer, As You Like It, and Kimberly Akimbo. She also performed in Follies,”“A Little Night Music and Picasso at the Lapin Agile (VLT) and Twelfth Night (Willamette Rep), to name only a few of her favorites. Many thanks to her theatre family/friends for their continued support and encouragement.

Erica Towe (Mrs. Gibbs) is an actor, director, and educator based in Eugene/Springfield. She holds an M.Ed. and BA in Theatre and Communication. Erica teaches theatre at Lane Community College and facilitates corporate and creativity improvisation workshops. She also has been serving as a producer of the Northwest 10-minute play festival and is a company member with Theatre 33 in Salem. Notable roles at OCT include The Thin Place (Hilda), The Revolutionists (Olympe de Gouge), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Honey), and Successful Strategies (Misty). Erica is passionate about making theatre and supporting theatre artists throughout the creative process.

Steve Wehmeier (Joe Stoddard) has had a good year in Eugene theatre. The Major in VLT's The Mousetrap, Fitz in OCT's Snow Fever, Beverly in VLT's August Osage County, and now Joe Stoddard in Our Town. His wish is just to be a useful actor in this wonderful community.

RILEY ALLEN (Production Stage Manager) graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelors in Theatre Design and Production, with the tag "jack of all trades" (independent fact checkers have rated this statement "mostly true"). Recently, Riley's scenic design work was seen in OCT's production of Dorothy's Dictionary. Make sure to SMASH that subscribe button for a chance to win a free iPod Nano!

EMILY K BOLIVAR (Lighting Designer/Production Assistant) is a lighting designer in Eugene, OR. Currently, you can find her instructing and working events at Lane Community College's in addition to her freelance lighting work. Emily is a proud member of IATSE Local 675. Recent design credits include: Ride the Cyclone (Oregon Contemporary Theatre, 2024), Sunday in the Park with George, (Oregon State University, 2024), and Acis and Galatea (Eugene Opera, 2023).

CHAD KUSHUBA (Sound Designer) is graduated from Oakland University in Rochester, MI, with a BA-Performing Arts-Theatre in the late 1900s. Artistic Director of The Abreact Theater, a 50 seat loft theater in downtown Detroit, MI (2000-2007) producing dozens of contemporary and local original plays like the award winning Cancer! The Musical which went on to tour regional Glida’s Club and other Cancer support centers in Michigan. Chad is also a playwright and songwriter and has recorded several albums both solo and with the bands shoe. and The Fozzys. He composed music and wrote lyrics to Night of the Living the Dead: The Musical and served as Musical Director for Detroit and NYC productions (2002-2007). Chad also enjoyed a successful run of his play DudeMan at The Abreact and received a Reader’s Choice Wilde award for his play 8 produced by Planet Ant Theater (2006). Moving to Eugene, OR in 2008, Chad also plays music with The Service Call, and his own “group” simply called “Kushuba!”

LAURA TUFFLI (Costume Designer/Production Assistant) is excited to be working on this lovely show. They have spent their time in theatre focusing on costumes and stage management. Costuming credits; Birds Flying Through, James and The Giant Peach, Wunderkammer (LCC); Man and Moon, What The Constitution Means To Me, Every Brilliant Thing, The Play That Goes Wrong (OCT); Rigoletto (Eugene Opera); Wigs for Hedwig And The Angry Inch and The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (OCT); and stage manager for The Thin Place, Every Brilliant Thing, NW10 (OCT). Laura also appeared onstage last season as Jane Doe in Ride The Cyclone, and currently teaches costuming & makeup at Lane Community College. Thank you all for being here!