Crew List

in alphabetical order

Lilly Chaiten '25: Assistant Stage Manager  

I have been in tech crew for four Laurel productions including stage managing for The Tempest and Peter and the Starcatcher. Before becoming a stage manager I worked on tech crew for Laurel's Once Upon a Mattress and Hawken's Wizard of Oz! I love working behind the scenes and learning what it takes to put on a full-scale production of a show! Throughout Matilda, I have loved getting to know kids I don't have classes with and working with them to ensure we have an amazing show. When not working on theater I am riding horses competitively with my horse Sandy! I'd like to thank the rest of the technical and stage crew for being an amazing team to work with!

Liliana Embrescia '24: Stage Manager 

I have been interested in theater since acting in A Midsummer Night's Dream here at Laurel in 6th grade, and I discovered stage crew in 11th grade as a good opportunity to be involved in theater while not conflicting with my other activities. I ended up really enjoying it, sparking my new passion for crew during both She Kills Monsters and Once Upon a Mattress. When the two former stage managers graduated last year, I volunteered to fill the vacancy and have now been stage managing for both Peter and the Starcatcher and Matilda, which has been wonderful. I love the theatrical process because watching a show blossom from its beginning stages to the finished product is incredible to witness, and I am grateful to be a part of what brings the show together. I am also biased in that I love and appreciate all of the work, besides what the actors do, that comes together to make the whole show an amazing experience. When I am not busy with rehearsal, I love playing golf, reading, and going home at 3:30. I would like to thank Mr. Cruse and Mr. McDaniel for taking a chance on me in a new leadership role, Maggie and Lilly for being a great team, and my parents for supporting me. 

Mari Herlein ‘28:  Costume Assistant

My theater experience started during my early childhood. My family runs a theater camp that I've performed in for as long as I can remember. I am now a camp council member for our camp that is now at Laurel School. I love being a part of the theater community because I've created a family-like relationship with members of my family's camp. I am also happy to follow in the footsteps of my two older sisters, who have gone to college for theater. Apart from theater, I love to create art and fashion designs in my free time. I would like to thank, my mom, dad, Brielle, Olivia, Holly, and my new puppy, Riff.

Nixon Perry '28: Stage Crew

I've helped out with three productions in Laurel's Middle and Primary school. My acting experience started and ended with A Midsummer Night's Dream. Being backstage allows me to still be involved with theater, but not be in the spotlight. I enjoy working in the shadows and being the backbone of production. I also find all the tech and backstage stuff very interesting. When not in theater, I enjoy rock climbing, reading, and exploring the outdoors. I'd like to thank my mom and dad, my friends, and all my teachers who've supported me through my theater career.

Owen Pinhasi '24: Light Board Operator  

I've been involved in tech crew, especially lighting, in six Laurel Upper School productions, including The Hello Girls, She Kills Monsters, and Once Upon a Mattress. I was also involved in the one-time-only (unless they win a Tony) A Formal Night Evening and have helped organize tech for a few middle school productions. I have so much fun doing lighting and paying attention to all the small details that don't seem to matter until you put them all together. Plus, I get to sit back and enjoy the show! I also love getting to spend time with my friends as we bring the stories to life. Outside of theater, I enjoy reading, crocheting, rock climbing, and movie nights with friends. Thank you to everyone, especially my friends and Mr. Cruse, who encouraged me to join the theater–it's been the best decision I could've possibly made. 

Margaret Whalen '25: Stage Manager, Sound Board Operator  

I have been in theatre for nine years, and I have been in 15 productions including Matilda. For many years I was a part of the cast because I love acting and exploring new characters. But I recently fell in love with the technical side of theatre; I am a part of our stage management team, and I operate the soundboard. Theatre excites me, and I love watching the process from just reading through the script while around a long table to seeing a wonderful show with beautiful costumes, incredible scenery and light design, and detailed acting. Since I started my theatre experience with acting, I love to be included in learning music and choreography. However, being a stage manager has helped me find my love of props, lights, and scenery. Outside of theatre, I am a member of Laurel's robotics team, and I love to read new books, build Legos, and I work at Luna Cafe & Bakery. I would like to thank my parents for supporting me through this, and the directors, my fellow stage manager, and our cast and crew for helping make this production possible. 

Maija Cantwell '26

Evie Espiritu '27

Kareen Hurns '27

Kate Owen '26

August Sumlin '27