The Crew

Gian Arellano (Playwright) is an Orlando-based playwright, dramaturg, improvisor and poet. He graduated from UCF this past December with Summa Cum Laude honors, a degree in Theatre Studies, and two minors: Creative Writing as well as Literature. He credits much of his artistic growth to Project Spotlight, UCF’s developmental student-theatre RSO that he led as Artistic Director. His most recent plays include Race to Infinity, which premiered at the Dr. Phillips Center as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts ’23, and Rat House, which won him Best Script and Audience Favorite as part of Project Spotlight’s Ten-Minute Competition this past fall. He won Editor’s Choice in Poetry last year in The Cypress Dome, UCF’s student literary magazine. His poetry will be featured again this year. Insta: giancarellano

Nick Bazo (Director) is a Cuban American director, professor, teaching artist, and arts administrator originally from South Florida. He wears many hats at the Ren including coordinating Fringe at the Ren and our queertastic after parties at 54 and Vbar. Recently at the Ren he co-directed Office Holiday Party and The Late Night XXmas Extravaganza Party. Other recent directing credits include Metamorphoses (Rollins College), Make Way for Ducklings (Orlando Family Theatre), and On Your Feet! (Garden Theatre). He is also apprenticeship coordinator and producer for the William Daniel Mills Theatre Company.

Donald Rupe (Producer) is the co-founder of Renaissance Theatre Company with Chris Kampmeier (and a lot of help from their friends). An accomplished theatre-maker based in Orlando, Donald has written and helped to create a number of successful theatrical productions, including: Nosferatu; Bright Young Things; From Here (fromhere.com); Flying Lessons (critically-acclaimed at the New York Musical Festival in 2019); Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk into a Gay Bar; Once I Laughed; Lenox Ave. and others. Donald also founded a community theatre program at another company in Orlando, where for five years he ran a traditional season of productions with much success. Donald's numerous directing credits span the better part of twenty years and many wonderful companies throughout Central Florida. Rupe was also an accomplished educator, having served on the part-time faculty of Valencia College for over a decade and as an award-winning high school educator. Donald received his degrees in Theatre from New York University and Florida State University.

Jacob Lawhon (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back working with the Renaissance Theatre Company. Previous productions include: 54, Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza Show, Oscar Wilde and Jesus Christ Walk Into a Gay Bar, Nosferatu, Bright Young Things, and Flying Lessons. Much Love to Donald and the hardworking staff of The Ren.

Joey Coombs (Scenic Painting) was originally brought on as general overhire, he has been part of the main staff since March of 2022 when he took over the responsibility of the scenic charge. As many others here do, Joey wears many hats at the Ren. Other than painting he also does some carpentry work, makes all the neon signs, does some design work, and oversees the lights and photo op sets for our weekly drag show, Off The Record (Wednesdays), as well as some other special events/projects. Some of Joey's previous work includes designing the Church and VBar for Nosfera2, the Cataco(o)mbs and the Conservatory for Nosf3ratu, and the Winter Wonderland for the Winter Late Night Party Drag Exxxtravaganza Show ("who names these?"); the photo op sets for both annual fundraisers, Money, Please; and lights for the internet-breaking RENAISSANCE @ the Renaissance drag show amongst other things.
IG: @poetictoast

Nick Erickson (Sound Design) born and raised on the west coast, Nick discovered sound design for theater at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. After graduating he spent his early career freelancing in Portland OR where he worked at theaters such as Third Rail, H2M, P.E.T.E., Profile Theatre.  Nick received his MFA in Sound Design for Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University in 2018, before moving to Florida, to become the resident sound and projections designer for the Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol.  Four years later, he's here, seeking new horizons in the wilds of Orlando! When he's not doing sound, Nick can be found holding his PS4 controller too tightly, watching his cats cuddle and rearranging his music studio.

Philip Lupo (Lighting Design) 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.