About the Ren!

Blake Aburn is so excited to be back onstage at the grooviest theatre in town. He was last seen as Finn Freeman in the award winning The Office Funeral Party Musical Extravaganza Show at the Orlando International Fringe Festival. Blake is a full time employee at the Ren and has been seen in multiple productions and has worked behind the scenes on many productions as well. Remember the chandelier?? You can catch him next in Nosferatu and The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show, both at the Ren. Blake also produces, curates and hosts Musical Mondays (a weekly musical theater open mic) and “The Ren Sings” (celebrating the famous artists of our time). 

Blake would like to thank the entire staff at the Ren for making this possible. It takes a village. 

Much love to his gays, his kitties, and of course Dev. “There’s blood on the floor!”

Jullien Aponte trained at the University of Central Florida. Some of Jullien’s favorite stage credits include The Cocaine Play (Pietro), Twelfth Night (Sebastian), Richard III (Buckingham), Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio), The Tempest (Ferdinand), Mojada (Jason), Water By the Spoonful (Elliot), and As It’s Written (Ethan). Check out @apontejullien on socials or JullienAponte.com for more!

Galvin Baez is very excited to be back behind the DJ booth at Renaissance Theatre Company after making his acting debut as a performer in The Funeral Office Party Musical Extravaganza Show during this year’s Fringe Festival.  He has been with the Ren for just nearly 2 years. He is one of the Ren’s content creators and is the only one qualified to wrangle all the drag queens in the building.

J.Marie Bailey didn’t give us a bio AGAIN, but we wanted to make sure you knew she does alot of stuff for the Ren, including costumes. That’s why she didn’t give us a bio; she was probably too busy.

Isabel Bernal is thrilled to be spending her summer in the world of Studio 54. She is a graduate from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Theatre Studies and a minor in Dance. Most recently she had the opportunity to be a part of The Ren Sings Dolly and Beacon Street at Renaissance Theater Company. Some roles she has had the pleasure of playing include: Sarah Sanderson in Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret, Vanessa in In the Heights (Theatre West End), Andrea Adams in Gorgeous (Renaissance Theater Company), Chorus/Magdalena in La Medéa (Renaissance Theater Company), and Nina in In the Heights (Breakthrough Theatre Company). She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous love and support.

Opulence Black is Orlando’s Ghost Host with the most and Co-Mother of Black Haüs! Host of Creature Feature & Off The Record. Opulence brings her unique punk and spooky flair to anything she does. She is grateful to Donald and the Ren staff for always raising the bar and breathing new life into Orlando’s Queer Scene. 

Marcus Boyle Originally from Pennsylvania, Marcus has graced stages across the world and been fortunate to have danced alongside notable entertainers such as Todrick Hall, Meghan Trainer, and Neil Patrick Harris. Favorite moments include joining the cast of the smash Broadway hit ‘Newsies’ for a televised event, dancing onstage with icons Mickey & Minnie Mouse at both Tokyo Disneyland in Japan and Walt Disney World in Florida, and serving as Dance Captain and Principal Performer in ‘Festival Of The Lion King’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Marcus is lucky to have traveled the world as Dance Captain for Norwegian Cruise Lines, bringing joy to audiences from countries such as Greece, Italy, Morocco and beyond.

Brian Brammer (He/Him) grew up in a small-town in Wisconsin before earning his degree in Pop Music Performance from Belmont University. Brian has spent several years traveling and performing on cruise ships both as a production cast member as well as a guest entertainer, and he now travels frequently to perform the music of Frankie Valli with several entertainment agencies. Brian moved to Orlando in 2018 and currently performs regularly at Universal Studios as well as Crush in Finding Nemo at Disney--where he first met his husband, Jeffrey. They married In November of last year and live with their two dogs, Oliver and Simon, and are beginning the process of starting a family through adoption!

Kyle Bumphus Hailing from America's finest city, San Diego and now in the City Beautiful! From hanging out down on Lenox Ave. I’m happy to be back now grooving at 54! Thankful to the Kelsay and Morales company for always trusting me and to the folks I happily call family at the Ren for bringing me back home. To my forever supportive family and friends, thank you. Love is love is love! 

@kbump88

Jazlyn Caing, born and raised from Orlando,  Florida. She works to fulfill the highest expression of herself as a human being and an artist. Jazlyn studied and competed in all genres of dance at various studios in the Orlando areas. In 2014, Jazlyn then moved to NYC to study at the The Joffrey Ballet School for their Jazz and Contemporary Trainee program as one of the top students in her division, where she experienced composition and concert work. After moving back to Florida, she started teaching and choreography for competition dancers specializing in jazz, contemporary, improv and stretch/conditioning. As well as creating and designing costume concepts. Currently, Jazlyn is in a professional dance company called VarieTEASE based in Orlando FL. She has experienced other entertainment/ choreography performance opportunities such as free lance gig work through Metropolis Productions based out of Orlando. As well as being a professional dancer, she holds the title of Dance Captain while dancing in parades and shows for major entertainment companies such as Universal Studios & SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. 

Abby Cash is a Dance Performance graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. She has had the privilege of traveling the world onboard with Norwegian Cruise line Holdings as a Production Dancer and Virgin Voyages as a Happenings cast member. After moving to Orlando, Abby immersed herself in the theme park world performing at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and Seaworld Orlando while performing with Crawford Jazz Project directed by Carrie Crawford. Abby has found a home at the Ren dancing in the opening cast of Nosferatu, The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show, and Lenox Ave. She’s excited to continue performing with the company as well as being a staff member. 

Cherry Gonzalez is so excited to be *finally* making her debut at the Ren after singing at Musical Mondays for far too long. You may have seen her 

as Lucille Frank in Parade or as the sassy salon owner, Daniela, in In The Heights over at Theater West End. Other favorite credits include: Emma Goldman/Ensemble (Assassins), Madelaine True (The Wild Party), Rosalia/Maria US (West Side Story), The Stage Manager (The Spider Queen, New York), Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music). She would like to thank Donald and the staff at the Ren for constantly making her feel welcomed and loved. 

IG: cherrynotjerry

Joey Green was born and raised in Central Florida and is always excited to contribute his talents to arts in Orlando, especially at such a fantastic space like the Ren! He is a graduate of UCF and has had an exciting career in entertainment production, while continuing to do what he is most passionate about dance. He was last seen on stage in West Side Story in Orlando and his choreography was most recently seen in Wedding Singer in Melbourne. Joey couldn’t imagine where he would be without the support of his family and Beyoncé! @whodatwhiteboi

Tyler Ham is delighted to be making his debut with Renaissance Theatre Company. Tyler studied Entertainment Management and minored in Dance at the University of Central Florida (c/o 2019) and has taken on roles such as Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, and even Dance Photographer (www.mthamphotography.com or @mthpstudio). He has trained regularly at various studios around Orlando, but most notably with Underground Movement where he focuses on Contemporary, Jazz, and their variations. Tyler wants to give a huge "THANK YOU" to his friends who encouraged him to audition for the show. Now let's get groovy!

Dakota Hemberger is very excited for his first production with Renaissance Theatre Company! You may have seen him in some parades and shows at Disney World and Universal Studios. Dakota’s favorite theatre credits include Bodyguard the Musical, Chicago, Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray, and Legally Blonde the Musical. Dakota would like to thank his family and friends for all the support. He also dedicates all his performances to his beloved best friend and brother, Ryan. 

Rhéa Hughes, pronounced ray-uh, grew up in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina where she began dancing at age four. She received her BA in Dance Education from the University of South Carolina in 2016 and moved to Orlando, FL shortly after graduation. Rhéa has since performed at Sea World, Capone’s Dinner and Show as a Dancer/Singer, and currently is performing at Universal Orlando Resort as a Dancer/Actor. Her theater credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Ensemble), Legally Blonde (Elle’s Mom/Ensemble), A Chorus Line (Judy), SpongeBob the Musical (Choreographer/Electric Skate/Ensemble), The Wild Party (Jackie U/S, Ensemble), and Young Frankenstein (Ensemble/Dance Captain). She can also be found performing with Thomas Wilkins Choreography (Nursecon at Sea) and with Drapinski Dance Company (local and touring). Rhéa is thrilled to be apart of her first Renaissance Theatre Company production and is honored to be a part of such a wildly talented cast!

AC Jenkins is an award winning ,Orlando based singer, actor, and dancer. After traveling the world performing he is thrilled to back on stage at home, and even more thrilled to be making his theatrical debut at the Ren. Thank you to the entire team and everyone involved for this opportunity! Get ready for an experience like no other!

Welcome to the Night!

Iris Johnson has been blessed with performance in the Greater Orlando area. She is not only a performer but has been a show captain and choreographer within Orlando’s performance community. Aside from that Iris is an educator and choreographer with in Central Florida. She has had the opportunity to perform at Universal Orlando, Disney Springs and many regional theaters within Central Florida. She is excited to perform/co-write for the first time with Renaissance Theatre Company.  

Meka King is a SINGER/ACTOR/RECORDING ARTIST/ARTIST ADVOCATE from Central Florida, with an accomplished 20-plus year career. She has toured the globe, sharing her gift in 6 continents. Meka has appeared, as a principal performer, in acclaimed productions for Cirque Du Soleil, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios…as well as various regional productions of Broadway Musicals including, After Midnight, Ain't Misbehavin' and Little Shop of Horrors. She has recorded 2 solo CDs and a live DVD of original music. She is the Founder and Lead Organizer of the Central Florida Entertainment Advocacy. As an advocate for racial justice in the arts and entertainment, Meka was nominated for Actor’s Equity Association’s Paul Robeson Award for outstanding humanitarian efforts. She is also the Founder of Kingdom Ministries, a non-profit community outreach organization. Meka is thrilled to be making her Ren debut.  Thanks so much to God and my amazing village! (www.mekakinglive.com, @mekaking)

Robert Laurita is thrilled to be joining the Ren for this spectacular production, having been one of the only cast members who has actually been to Studio 54. Past credits include a brief appearance in THE OFFICE FUNERAL PARTY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW (Renaissance Theatre Company), MIDDLETOWN (Orlando Fringe ArtSpace), THE GAY 90’S MUSICAL (Orlando Fringe), CABARET (Encore!), INTO THE WOODS (The Baker - BCT), ASSASSINS and THE FULL MONTY (Florida Theatrical Association). Film and TV include: BOOMERANG, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, Music Club Kids!, EXPECTING AMISH  and ZOE GONE (Lifetime).

Jax Lee is a musical theatre graduate with a minor in dance from the university of central florida. They just finished choreographing Theatre UCF Spring production of Bright Star and you can find them on HBO Max WE’RE HERE as well as past productions of Guys and Dolls and Bodyguard the Musical. This is their debut performance here at Renaissance Theatre Company and they are so thankful for this amazing opportunity to work with so many talented and beautiful humans. If you ever are looking for a gay best friend/stylist you can find them on instagram @jaxona_lee! 

David Lowe recently appeared at Renaissance Theatre Company in The Office Funeral Party Musical Extravaganza Show and in Nosferatu. He has also appeared in Assassins and Blood Brothers produced by the Florida Theatrical Association,  and Guys and Dolls at Theatre St. Lukes. In 2019 he appeared in the New York Musical Theatre Festival in the original musical Flying Lessons.  Other recent credits include Fun Home and The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Mad Cow Theatre, Billy Elliot and Ragtime at The Garden Theatre and two appearances as Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha at the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre to cover for Broadway legend Davis Gaines. He would like to thank his family and his chosen family for their support. 

Ella Mayo (“LMAO” for those who were thinking of condiments) is so excited to be a part of their first Renaissance Theatre Company production.  Prior to moving to Orlando to work at Disney World in 2017, They studied musical theatre in their hometown of Waterbury, Ct. Starting drag officially in 2021, Off the Record’s move to this beautiful space introduced them to The Ren. Since then, they have performed here countless times, on many different stages, and looks forward to making an out of drag debut here in the near future.  All of this to say, the theatre major to cast member to drag queen pipeline is still alive and well.

Myki Meeks has training in musical theatre and is working as a professional drag queen. Myki is thrilled to bring both passions and some Disco Fever to 54. Myki earned their B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at the University of Central Florida and is an alumni of Florida Repertory Theatre’s acting internship. Favorite past roles include Angel in Kinky Boots (Orlando Shakes), Solomon in Speech & Debate (Jobsite Theatre), and originating the role of David Minelli in Gorgeous (Renaissance Theatre Company). In drag, Myki is the current reigning winner of Orlando Drag Race Live as well as the current Miss Southeast Comedy Queen. You can catch Myki every week at Off The Record Wednesdays here at the beautiful Renaissance Theatre Company.  @myki.meeks

Danielle Montalvo is sending love and the utmost gratitude to Donald and the Ren team for the opportunity, this incredibly talented cast, and the people that always support her. Past credits: LA MEDEA, In the Heights,West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, La Cage Aux Folles, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, HAIR, The Rocky Horror Show. 

Gizelle Pagan, 31, born & raised in Orlando, fl. Her first professional job was being apart of the Orlando Magic Dancers from 2011-2016. Gizelle has had the pleasure to back up dance for various artists such as Daddy Yankee, Pitbull, Neyo, Jason Derulo, Justin Quiles, Yandel, & for the last four years she has toured around the US & South America for Karol G. She has also worked for multiple theme parks & has been apart of different events and gigs around the Orlando area. Currently employed by Universal Studios as a dancer, stars youth instructor, & has had the pleasure to choreograph one of the newest shows, Drive in & Dance, to the park this year. So happy & grateful to be back home & now be apart of the Ren team & the production of 54!

Tori Patrice, a Cincinnati native, grew up training and competitively dancing at Dance Etc. She continued her training at Point Park University studying Jazz Dance. She has performed at Walt Disney World in The Main Street Trolley Show and The Festival of Fantasy Parade and in Nosferatu and Nosferat2 at Renaissance Theatre Company. Tori has also trained and performed with Crawford Jazz Project. She is currently a full time performer at the Universal Orlando Resort in the Triwizard Spirit Rally as a Beauxbaton and at Magic Kingdom in Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire as an Equity dancer. Tori is so excited to live out her best disco dreams in 54!

Darian Payne studied classical ballet through high school in Virginia  where she was born and raised. She then went on to study Modern dance graduating with a B.A. in Dance from James Madison University.  Since then, she has moved to the Orlando area where she performed in shows and parades at Walt Disney World. She continues to work there now as a Maintenance Choreographer. Recently, she has performed in Lenox Ave as well as Nosferatu with Renaissance Theatre Company. She’s so excited to be back at the Ren for another project! 

Reed Rockefeller is so excited to be a part of the Renaissance Theatre Company! An accomplished dancer and choreographer, they won First Overall National Champion at Star Systems Competition in 2017, and a choreography award in 2019, respectively. They made it past the first round and were progressing in auditions for the 2020 season of So You Think You Can Dance which was ultimately canceled due to COVID. Reed was a dance instructor and choreographer for 4 years in Citrus Springs, Florida before moving to Orlando. They made their debut at the Ren shortly after dancing in Nosferatu. Reed is grateful to work full time here at the Ren and would like to thank everyone here for the opportunities, as well as their best friends Randi, Theo, and Lauren for believing in them.  Insta: reedrockefeller

Black Magix Royal is thrilled to bring you an exceptional disco fantasy this summer in 54. Magix is based in central Florida performing all over the city. She is the current reigning Miss Deland Pride 2023. You can catch Magix every Wednesday at Off The Record Wednesdays, the monthly Doll Days Brunch, Southern Nights Orlando, as well as many other Orlando venues. Known for her high energy showgirl style, Magix is sure to bring you to your feet. @Queenblackmagix 

Andy Sanchez has been dancing since she was 4 years old training in many different styles. Graduating with a BFA in dance from Kennesaw State University, she performed in shows at Six Flags and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Since moving to Orlando she has been seen performing for the Walt Disney World Company in the Mainstreet Trolley Show and the Festival of the Lion King. Andy would like to thank Renaissance Theatre Company for giving her this opportunity, and she is looking forward to grooving all summer long! 

Will Scott is an actor, vocalist and songwriter who  has held contracts as an entertainer at theme parks around the world including Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios in both Orlando and Osaka, Japan. Will also works with numerous entertainment companies singing and producing shows for corporate functions, Guest Entertaining on well-known cruise lines and traveling the globe with his top 40 party band "SoundUP" based in Orlando. In addition to his performing experience, Will is a talented director, musical director, arranger and producer. Will is so thankful to have been asked to contribute original work for 54 and is proud of the work the entire cast and crew has put in to make the show come together. 

Devin Skorupski is excited to spend this summer at Club 54. He is a full-time employee here at the Ren and is grateful to be able to split his time between the bar and the stage. He has been seen on the Ren stage in The Cocaine Play (Taylor), The Office Holiday/Funeral Party Musical Extravaganza Show (Leslie Pfister), From Here (Jacob), and Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk Into a Gay Bar (Bosie). He can regularly be seen singing with the Frog Choir in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. He runs the bar here at the Ren and hopes you enjoy your 54 themed cocktails! I put a lot of work into those, bitch. Thanks to Donald and Chris for every opportunity. All my love to my girls and gays, kitties, and Blake. @devin.s

Devin Simpson, at a young age, trained around the Washington DC area. She performed at venues from FedEx Stadium to the Kennedy Center. She briefly attended the University of the Arts before she left to travel internationally with a D.C. based company, Capitol Movement. Afterwards, she moved down to Florida to start her career with the Walt Disney Company. This is her third show with Renaissance Theatre Company and can’t wait to get groovy, baby!

Avianna Tato is blessed and honored to be a part of the cast of 54. Having the opportunity to bring new music and work to life has been incredibly fulfilling and she cannot wait for you all to witness the beauty of this production. Avianna is an FSU alum with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre. A couple of her favorite performance credits include Karen the Computer Wife in The SpongeBob Musical (Orlando Repertory Theater), Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray (FSU School of Theatre) and Ensemble (u/s Nina and Daniela) in In the Heights (Theater West End). As always, thank you to her friends and family for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show!

Casey Tregeagle is a local Dancer/actor/writer who can currently be seen performing at Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando. His work as a writer/director has been featured in theater festivals across the US. He is very excited to be back at the Ren bringing disco goodness. Enjoy the show!

Shane Loftus better known as Shané Turn Cavalli from the house of Cavalli. Has been performing since they were 4 years old. Shané grew up in NYC training at Broadway Dance Center in Manhattan. They moved to Orlando in 2018 and started performing in the shows and parades at Walt Disney World, and seasonally at Universal Studios. Shané Started drag in 2020 and has been pursuing drag since then. She continues to grow and evolve within her drag career, and is excited to see what the future holds. 

Pedro Vargas moved to Orlando in 2008 where he worked in theme park shows and parades with Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea world. Continued performing with Feld Entertainment where he toured with Disney Live and Sesame Street Live. Most recently was in White Lotus Orlando at the Orlando Fringe Festival. This is his 5th show with Renaissance Theatre Company and is always excited to be back! Let’s Party! 

Elijah Vazquez of Hammond Indiana graduated with a B.F.A. in Theatre Performance from Niagara University, along with a dance minor, philosophy major and a focus in Advance Playwriting. Some of Elijah’s roles and credits include: As You Like It (Orlando), The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster #2), Chicago (Ensemble/Dance Captain), Legally Blonde (Kyle, Grandmaster Chad), Little Shop of Horrors (Ensemble/Co-Choreographer), Holiday Inn (Ensemble), Flashdance (CC), Mamma Mia (Ensemble), Matilda (Scary Big Kid/Rudolpho), Cats (Mr. Mistoffelees), Hello Dolly! (Ensemble), Godspell (Herb), Nosferatu (Vampire) and the National Tour of The Buddy Holly Story (Ritchie Valens). He is a current performer at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando. He is also a current company member for Dance Theatre of Orlando. 

Kyle Ashe Wilkinson is thrilled to be back in his favorite place—the Ren! Recent Orlando credits: Nosferatu (Renaissance Theatre Company), The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show (Renaissance Theatre Company), Your Mom’s In My Top 8 (Orlando Fringe). You can also catch him as Melchior this July in New Gen Theatrical’s Spring Awakening Benefit Concert, proudly benefiting Planned Parenthood!  Off Broadway/NYC Credits: The Book Of Merman (Original Cast) & Manifesto: The Diaghilev Project (Staged Workshop). Other fave regional credits: Titanic, Becky’s New Car, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Rock of Ages, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan. By day, you can usually find him performing at Universal Orlando! Stoked and grateful to be here… thank you to this amazing team at the Ren, Kelsay/Morales Co, and thank you to my love Natale! Proud cat dad to 2 sweet girls, Piglet & Pickles! “It’s called a play, not a serious!” -Mark Brotherton 

Greg Wood is thrilled to be returning to the Ren in 54. Most recent credits include Serve for the Gawds (Orlando Fringe) and Nosfera2. A huge thanks to Donald, Jakob, Kelsay + Morales Company, and the entire cast and crew for such an incredible opportunity and experience.