DONALD RUPE and CHRIS KAMPMEIER
co-founders and producers
present
casting
RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY
choreographer
ABBY CASH
music
GALT MACDERMOT
book & lyrics
JAMES RADO
GEROME RAGNI
director
ADONIS PEREZ-ESCOBAR
sound design
ZAY JARRETT
lighting designer
PHILIP LUPO
costume design
J MARIE BAILEY
stage manager
JACOB LAWHON
scenic designer
BRYAN DE SOUZA
musical director
ALEX LAPLANTE
THE CAST
ABOUT
THE REN
Founded in 2021, Renaissance Theatre Company is a new non-profit theatre company dedicated to creating and developing original theatrical experiences in Orlando and beyond, with intentional focus on fair pay for artists, highlighting diverse perspectives, environmental sustainability, and creating Theatre in new and innovative ways.
Our commitments (the t about us)
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At the Ren, we believe in platforming new and original works in Central Florida and beyond!
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We’re committed to paying a living wage, and honor that by raising our minimum wage every year by 1 dollar.
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No single-use plastic!
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We strive to amplify diverse voices and drive social change through art and creativity, embodying what all theatre spaces should strive for.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REN
Support Renaissance Theatre Company as we bring New Works to a New World.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
A NOTE FROM
OUR FOUNDER
Hey y'all!
Welcome back to the Ren! Thanks for coming to HAIR! I hope you love it. The Ren typically produces original and unique work so I’m excited for you to see the Ren’s approach to a classic book musical, and I hope you'll come and see more shows.
Also, if you haven't, come and check out our weekly events (Musical Mondays is a weekly cabaret and OTR Wednesdays is a weekly late night show featuring the #art of drag and a celebration of queer culture).
Enjoy the show!
Donald Rupe
donald@rentheatre.com
EVERY WEEK AT THE REN
What does it mean to be an American?
I came to this country when I was five. A flannel shirt on and a red book bag on my shoulders I ran to the wrong man at the airport believing he was my father. My actual father scooped me up, laughing, before I could reach the other man. Then came my mother’s embrace. It was the first time I met my parents. That I could remember, at least. They left my home country when I was only a year or two in search of a better life for me, a better future in America, with a promise that we would be reunited again. I stayed behind as they began to build a little life where they could offer me the opportunities they never could have. They stayed true to their promise. And they brought me here. And they offered me a dream… my dream… their dream.
Some say the American dream is broken.
My entire life, I’ve watched my parents fight tooth and nail to provide me a life better than theirs. I recognize that I stand where I do today because of the sacrifices they made. They have given their blood, sweat, and tears in exchange for my education. In exchange for my freedom. In exchange for all the hope this country promised.
To some people, I‘m not an American, even if America is all I can remember. Red, white, and blue don't run through my veins like theirs. I wasn’t born here. My native language isn’t the same as theirs. I’m not one of them.
In many ways, I see my parents – and myself – in this deeply American story. Fighting the system, striving for a better future, searching for peace, and freedom, and liberation. Seeking truth. Seeking shelter. Seeking to be heard and listened to and looked at. Seeking refuge from a nation that turns its back on them. This deeply American story serves as a reminder that freedom can’t exist without love. It can't exist without rebellion. And it can’t exist without hope. Much like my parent’s existence.
Some say the American dream is dead.
My parents would disagree. To them, the American dream is very much alive and running through my veins. To them, I am the American dream. Their greatest act of protest and proudest achievement was being able to provide me with a life where I could be an artist. I do this for them.
Adonis Perez-Escobar
THE CREW
Producer: Donald Rupe
Director: Adonis Perez-Escobar
Stage Manager: Jacob Lawhon
Musical Director: Alexander LaPlante
Scenic Design: Bryan DeSouza & Joey Coombs
Lead Carpenter/Construction: John Rawlins
Assistant Carpenter: Bryan De Souza
Scenic Construction: John Rawlins, Bryan DeSouza, & Larry Kinsey
Sound Design: Zay Jarrett
Sound Team: Zay Jarrett
Production Manager: Philip Lupo
Lighting Designer: Philip Lupo
Associate Lighting Designer: Kelsey Forero
Lighting Programmer: Reyann Epps
Production Electrician: Kashime Joseph
Costume Design: J.Marie Bailey
Paint Lead: Joey Coombs
Paint Team: Joey Coombs, Reed Rockefeller, & Randi Skorupski
Graphic Design/Content Creator: Brandon Muñoz-Dominguez
Program Design: Galvin Baez
Promotional Photos: Isaac Yi
Production Photos: Jake Pearce
Bar Staff: Kendall Leamy, Kenzie Cormican, Wyatt Lindsey, Jullien Aponte
Security Team: Alex Lofton, Alex Zabrocki
Front Of House Team: Cherry Gonzalez, Erin McNellis, Nick Bazo, Justin Jimenez
Renaissance Theatre Company Staff
(we don’t really do titles)
The One In Charge: Donald Rupe
The One Who Does A Lot of Admin/Computer/Owner of the Building/Misc.: Chris Kampmeier
The Box Office/RENtals/House Manager Lady: Rebekah Lugo
The Musical Mondays/Resident Actor: Blake Aburn
The Lighting King: Philip Lupo
The Set Guy: John Rawlins
The Paint Guy: Joey Coombs
The Sound Guys: Bryce Hayes
The Drag Bassador/Content Creator/Website Assistant/Personality Hire: Galvin Baez
The Assistant Queen Wrangler: Michael Reichert
The Social Media/Marketing Wonder: Abby Cash
The Costume & Set Dressing Lady: J. Marie Bailey
The Fringe And Afterparty Guy: Nick Bazo
The Assistant Set Guy: Bryan De Souza
The Guy Who Keeps the Lights Turning On: Kashime Joseph
The Fundraiser Actor Writer Guy: Adonis Perez Escobar
The Payroll Person, Travel Agent & Miscellaneous Task Lady: Erin McNellis
The Bar Guy: Devin Skorupski
The Assistant Bar Gal: Isabel Bernal
The Money & Whatever Needs Done Woman: Kendall Leamy
The One Who Cleans and Paints Things: Reed Rockefeller
The Graphic Design & Video Guy: Brandon Munoz Dominguez
The Administrative Slut: Cherry Gonzalez
Renaissance Theatre Company Board of Directors
Debbie Fahmie, Chris Kampmeier, Rebekah Lugo, Donald Rupe, Jake Teixeira, Madison Gomez Teixeira, Angelica Jones, Landon St. Gordon
THANK YOU TO
OUR DONORS!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
CLICK HERE to see how your business can join our growing list of sponsors
A Very Special Thanks
(you know what you did for us, and so do we)
Thank You to our Grant Sponsors!
WHO’S WHO
Blake Aburn is so pumped to be spending a summer of love with these wonderful creators. Blake was recently in The Faith and Finn Variety Musical Extravaganza Show at Orlando Fringe. You can catch him next in Nosferatu Season 5! Last summer Blake made his Off-Broadway debut as Daniel in From Here, produced by Renaissance Theatre Company at the Pershing Square Signature Center. Blake continues to be grateful for people like Chris Kampmeier and Donald Rupe for their support. All my love to Dev, the kitties and my Orlando Chosen Fam! We’re all from here. Still.
Lizzy Allen is a singer, songwriter and actress currently based in Orlando FL. A New Jersey Native, she’s a former member of Papermill’s award winning Broadway Showchoir. Some favorite credits include: Squirt in Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond! (Walt Disney Entertainment), Belle in Beauty and the Beast (Orlando Shakes), Sandy Cheeks in The SpongeBob Musical (Orlando Family Stage), and most recently, Seaweed Sam in Symphony Overboard (Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra). When she is not performing, you can find her reading, doodling and making collages. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their love and support. @lizzyallens and @lizzyallenart on Instagram.
Taty Arroyo is so beyond thrilled to be making their debut at The Renaissance Theatre! Previous credits include Grandma in The Addams Family (New Generation Theatrical) and Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors (The Straz Center) they’ve also been a performer at Universal Orlando and Legoland Florida. Taty would like to thank the entire creative staff for making this process so beautiful and safe and sacred, the entire tribe for all their love and connection and to their friends, family and their amazing wonderful partner Brayaunna.
Isabel Bernal (Sheila) is so excited to be a part of this summer of love. You may have seen her recently in Gorgeous! (Andrea Adams), Laughs in Spanish (Caro), and Boots here at the Renaissance Theatre. Other past credits include Mimi Marquez in Rent (Athens Theatre),Lucille/ Elf Ellen in Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (Orlando Family Stage), 54 at The Renaissance Theatre, and Vanessa in In the Heights (Theatre West End). She would like to thank her family, friends, and her boyfriend Bryan for all of their continuous love and support.
Lauren Cole (Crissy) is a Texas-born, Orlando-based singer/dancer who’s stoked to let her natural state—hairy, happy, and slightly high—shine on stage. She’s performed at over five theme parks (including Dollywood—yeehaw!) and on cruise ships, but nothing compares to frolicking with this tribe. Lauren is proud to finally play a role where forgetting to shave counts as method acting, and she sincerely hopes Frank Mills is doing okay, wherever he is.
Bryan De Souza (Berger) can’t wait to trip out, vibe out, and especially rock out with his tribe! An Orlando native with Brazilian roots and curly hair to prove it. You may have also seen him as Santa in Office Holiday Party at the Renaissance Theatre Company, Mark in RENT at Theatre West End, Michael in Tick Tick BOOM, and you may have seen him sing a few songs as Burr in Musical Mondays sings Hamilton. The list doesn’t stop at performing, he’s had the honor of designing the Subway room in the 4th installment of Nosferatu at the Renaissance Theatre Company as well as co-designing the BOOTS space (the room you’re in right now). Much gratitude to his family, friends, tribe and his beautiful girlfriend Isa. Keep up with what’s going on with him on IG @b_rizzle98
Lana Gallo always thought that HAIR would be the most fun show to perform in ever and can confirm that’s true!! She is also grateful for the platform to protest for the human rights issues highlighted in this piece from 1968 that we are still fighting for today. Lana has been performing professionally in Orlando for the past 10 years. She love love loves the Ren and is honored to make her debut with such a fabulous cast and crew!
Leigh Green is excited to return to the Renaissance Theatre Company with a show that feels very close to her heart. Credits at the Ren include The Office Holiday Party Trilogy (or Office Holiday Party/Office Funeral Party/Faith & Finn’s Variety Musical Extravaganza show as Sheila Goldstein) and performing in/hosting numerous Musical Mondays. Leigh is an MFA TYA candidate at UCF (c/o 2026), where she also received her undergraduate degree (BFA Musical Theatre c/o 2016). Currently, Leigh works in entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort and as the Marketing/Social Media Associate at Theater West End. She would like to thank her friends and family for the support in always pursuing her dreams and rarely ever sleeping! Thank you to Adonis for his stunning directorial vision, to Blake and Donald for bringing this important and relevant piece to the REN, and all her love to Jose who is simply the best. It’s the summer of love BABY! @leigh.shani.green
Alyssa Renèe is a senior BFA Musical Theatre student at the University of Central Florida. Alyssa is super excited to be doing her first production at the Renaissance Theatre. Her most recent credits include: Theatre UCF’s production of Fiddler On The Roof at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center playing the role of Chava, Little Shop of Horrors at the Garden Theatre (Chiffon), and many other Theatre UCF productions such as The Prom ( Emma Nolan), Rent (Featured Ensemble), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barbet of Fleet Street (Ensemble), and Bright Star (Swing)
Eduardo A. Rivera has been an actor in Central Florida for a long time. You may have seen him as Donkey in Shrek the musical, Quasimodo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame or maybe Horse in The Full Monty? He's done that one a few times. Most recently he was Felix in Cinco. This is his first time performing at The Renaissance since a random Musical Monday in 2023. He hopes to come back many times in the future!
Jose [Rivera] is an actor! And a Ren Bartender! and a Ren Carpenter! And a photographer! A few favorites credits include Sonny in In the Heights (McCoy-Rigby Entertainment Los Angeles), Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol), Clyde in Bonnie and Clyde, Anatole in Great Comet of 1812 (Theater West End) and Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief (Orlando Family Stages). Also swinging Nos4atu was a trip. Love u Leigh <3
@chejoserivera
Jaxon Ryan is a Junior at UCF in the BFA Musical Theatre Program. This is Jaxon’s first work at The Ren and is super excited to be a part of HAIR! You may have seen them in Theatre UCF’s production of Fiddler On The Roof at the Dr. Phillips Arts Center. Instagram: jaxonryan.88
Devin Skorupski (Tribe, U/S Woof) Previous Ren credits include Oscar Wilde & Jesus Christ Walk Into a Gay Bar (Bosie), The Cocaine Play (Taylor), Gorgeous (Ethan), and all of the shows in the Office Party universe (Leslie Pfister). He recently made his Off-Broadway debut as Jacob in From Here at the Pershing Square Signature Center. Highlights include From Here: In Concert at 54 Below, Jeremy Heere in the Florida premiere of Be More Chill, and regularly singing with the Hogwarts Frog Choir at Universal Studios. By day he is the full-time bar manager here at The Ren. Thanks to mom, Blake, kitties (Peach & Stella), the fam, chosen fam, and the tribe. @devin.s
Randi Skorupski (Tribe, U/S Crissy) is so excited to be back on stage at The Ren! Some of her recent credits include "24" at Renaissance Theatre Company and Olive in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Titusville Playhouse. She also works at The Ren as a scenic artist. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support! She is so excited for the summer of love! @randiskorupski
Greg Wood is a Sagittarius Sun, Aries Moon and Virgo Rising, and has no idea what that means. Greg has also been seen at the Ren in 54 and Nosferatu, and is thrilled to be performing in his first musical since middle school! He enjoys singing, smoking weed, dancing, laughing, kissing boys and taking naps. 86 47. Peace now! Freedom now!
Alexander LaPlante (Piano/Keys) is ecstatic to be Music Directing the Ren’s production of HAIR! Previous credits include American Idiot (Valencia College), Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Orlando Family Stage), Charlie Brown Christmas (Gershwin Entertainment), Pump Boys and Dinettes (The Depot Theater, NY). He most recently opened a brand new musical with Matthew Lynxwiler that they co-wrote at The Orlando Fringe Festival entitled Fear and Loathing: The Savage Journey. He is sincerely honored to be amongst this production team and hopes you enjoy the work! HAIR, to him, is about change in the face of adversity, so let the sunshine in! IG - Alexander.laplante2539
Just as there are people who carry on the will of those before them, soon enough someone will carry on in our name as well. You may try to destroy their spirit, but you will never extinguish their flame. So it has been, and so it shall continue to be until the very end of time. And one day in the future, when we’re all dead and gone, someone will arise, carrying generations upon generations of history on their shoulders. Then they’ll throw down the gauntlet in front of the entire world. You at the top know what’s coming: a war that will embroil the land and seas, far and wide, that’s why you are so afraid. Though nothing you will do will stop it. I’ve no interest in myself, but someday, that treasure will turn the whole world upside down. The revolution will not be televised, but it will be streamed live on your peabrain head in the face ass mobile device, alright!
Bryce Hayes (Drums)
Andre Agac-ac (Saxophone) is an actively gigging musician and educator in Orlando. He collaborates with multiple groups, including VZN Band, Evolution Motown, The Fly Casuals, Reverie Child, Intersection Big Band, & The Maitland Stage Band. Andre has performed at Disney’s EPCOT Eat To The Beat Concert Series, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Winter Park Arts Festival, College Park Jazz Festival, and Immerse Arts Festival. Andre has also played various musicals at St Luke’s and Lake Highland Preparatory, playing and doubling on woodwinds. Andre is dedicated to passing on his musical knowledge to aspiring musicians. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Music from Rollins College in Winter Park and certification in woodwind repair. He is also the Assistant Band Director at Lake Highland Preparatory. He has become a respected mentor and instructor for saxophone, clarinet, and flute in his private studio and the community. Andre’s influence reaches far beyond the stage. As a performer and dedicated educator, he continues contributing to Orlando's musical diversity.
A native of Westchester, New York, Philip Washington (Drums) is an active performer and educator living in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to performing with local jazz, blues and ska bands, Philip has performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, the Gainesville Orchestra, and the Savannah Symphony. Past teachers include Ed Thigpen, Roger Schupp, Chris McGinnis and Mark Foster.
CREW BIOS
Adonis Perez-Escobar (Director) is an actor, playwright, and newfound director based in Orlando, Florida. He is making his official directing debut with Hair. Writing credits include The Cocaine Play and ‘24, both produced at the Ren. Creative Directing for some of the Ren after-parties include Renburn, The Afters, and Bloom. Recent acting credits include The Pitchforks, Nosferatu, ‘24, The Cocaine Play (Renaissance Theatre Company), Comedy of Errors, The Complete Works… Abridged, The Tempest, The Book of Will (Illinois Shakespeare Festival), Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Charley’s Aunt (Michigan Shakespeare Festival), Henry IV, Henry VI Part 1, and Much Ado About Nothing (Orlando Shakes). He received his BFA in Acting from UCF. @adonisperezescobar
Cherry Gonzalez (Stage Manager) is ecstatic to be backstage at the Ren once again! You may recognize Cherry as a performer around Orlando, most recently in VBar, ‘24 and 54 as a singer here at Renaissance Theatre Co. Other credits include: Lucille Frank (Garden Theatre, Parade), Daniela (In The Heights, Theater West End), Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music, Theatre South), Rosalia/Maria US (West Side Story, Celebration Theatre Co.), Madelaine True (The Wild Party, Titusville Playhouse)
Joey Coombs (Scenic Charge) has been the scenic charge at the Ren since the spring of '22, but started in the fall of '21 after a year in the Theatre Design & Tech program at the University of Central Florida. During his time at the Ren he has made all the neon signs seen in various productions and events, designed and constructed photo ops for both Ren pop-up events and the weekly drag show, Off The Record (OTR), designed and programmed lights for OTR and other Ren drag shows, designed sets, and painted the mural on the side of the Ren's building. Credits include: scenic design for the Church (Nosferatu '22); Conservatory (Nos '23); Meatlocker, Prison, and Red Room (Nos'24); Quickies; BOOTS (upcoming); and lighting design for OTR: Club brat, OT-R U the One?, and Renburn. ig: @poetic_toast
Stephen Jones (Sound Design) is excited to return to the Ren after a couple of years away! Stephen is originally from Arkansas, where he was a company member at the former Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre for four seasons after graduating from NYU with a degree in film production. After moving to Orlando, he served as the resident sound designer at the Ren for its inaugural year. Stephen most recently worked at Orlando Family Stage as the Production Technology Manager.
Ben Lowe is a lighting and video designer based in Orlando with experience in themed entertainment, theatrical productions, touring, opera, and ballet. Recently with the Ren, Ben has been on the Lighting Team for 54, Nosferatu, V Bar, and last year’s Office Holiday Party! He is also a member of the lighting and video/projection teams with Universal Creative working on an upcoming experience! BFA in Theatrical Lighting and Video Design from University of Central Florida. benloweportfolio.com
Philip Lupo (Scenic & Lighting) is a regional Lighting, Sound, and Video Designer whose previous work at Renaissance includes Nosferatu and Office Holiday Party. Other design credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Orlando Shakes), Monster Stomp (SeaWorld Orlando), and Into the Woods (DreamCatcher Theatre). His non-theatrical lighting projects can be seen in television stations from Palm Beach to Las Vegas. Philip also serves as the Production Manager and Technical Director for Florida State Junior Thespians, helping develop the performers and designers of tomorrow. He could not be more excited to be working with Renaissance to bring this exciting work to Central Florida audiences. Get in touch at www.philiplupo.com.
John Rawlins (Lead Carpenter) joined The Ren in 2022, having previously worked with Donald at CFCArts Theater. As Lead Carpenter, John helps to create unique sets for each production, converting all the different spaces of the Ren into new worlds. John leads the construction team in planning and executing Donald, Philip, and Joey’s crazy ideas.