To battle
cast and crew bios
Adama abramson as jo
sponsored by noble funk brewing
(she/they) - Adama is excited about her performance in To Battle. Adama is Boston native living in Louisville. Their previous performances include: As You Like It (Silvius), Enter Ghost (Ophelia), The Legend of Georgia McBride (Jo), The Cake (Macy), Common Threads (Ensemble). Gloria: A Life (Dorothy/ Ensemble) and Note (Sam).
Vic leon
as squall
Sponsored by Louisville pride center
(he/him) - Vic has played roles from Shakespeare to Sam Shepard and everything in between, working with Actors Theatre of Louisville, Houston Shakespeare Festival, and most recently with Three Witches Shakespeare as Orlando in As You Like It. He appeared as X in the staged reading premier of Variations in a Dream of X at Wake Forrest University in 2023, and as Sal in The Forest of the Flames at the 2022 Derby City Playwrights Festival. Other theatre includes A Flea in Her Ear directed by Gus Kaikkonen at the University of Houston, Mine with Theatre 502, Orlando with Looking For Lilith, and Venus in Fur with The Liminal Playhouse. Leon was also part of the short film, Querent, a queer thriller featured as an Official Selection of the New York City Horror Film Festival of 2021 and the Studio City International Film Festival of 2021. The following year, he debuted the one-man show Choose Your Own Galaxy co-written with Allie Fireel as part of the Louisville Fringe Festival. He received his MFA from the University of Houston’s PATP, and holds a BA from Bellarmine University. Leon is also a prominent Drag King in Louisville seen on stages such as Play Louisville, Le Moo Drag Brunch, and The Birdcage.
DarA Jade Tiller as NAT
sponsored by nami Louisville
(she/her) - Born and raised in Eastern Kentucky, Dara was born to be a storyteller. After studying Theatre at the University of Kentucky, she was part of the renowned Actors Theatre of Louisville Professional Training Company. Dara then worked in professional theatre and film in Chicago, New York and across the United States. She has been seen in numerous commercials, both regionally and nationally, and has many stage, film, and television credits. Recently, she played Jamie Bell's wife in the award-winning film, Donnybrook and can be seen in Midway to Love now playing on The Hallmark Channel. She was most recently seen in Dracula: a Feminist Revenge Fantasy by Kate Hamill at Actors Theatre of Louisville. She has also worked extensively on the other side of the camera and stage in production and casting. Read more at darajadetiller.com
Hannah Pruitt
as jess
(she/her) - Hannah is a proud member of the Louisville arts community as an artist, educator, administrator, and most recently - completing her training with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators Inc. towards becoming a certified Intimacy Director. For over 10 years, Hannah has been a part of the Kentucky Shakespeare team and serves as the Director of Creative Engagement. With Kentucky Shakespeare, she has served as the ID on Shakespeare’s R&J, Twelfth Night, Pride and Prejudice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Sense & Sensibility. With her alma mater, the University of Louisville, she visited as the guest ID for She Kills Monsters. Additionally, she's joined the magical three witches shakespeare as the ID for their productions of As You Like It and Gallathea this year. It has been many years since Hannah has been on stage - aside from having wonderful fun with The Bridge Theatre's Shotz! Louisville. To connect with Hannah, visit hannaheileenpruitt.weebly.com.
Winston Blake
as pat
Zac Campbell-Hoogendyk
as Randy
(he/him) - Zac Campbell-Hoogendyk couldn't say yes fast enough when presented with the opportunity to perform with so many fantastically fun and talented people. You may have seen him in various things around town (Macbeth with KY Shakes last summer? Maybe.. Number the Stars or Edward Tulane with StageOne? You definitely didn't see Ossietzky, did you?) He also helps produce Shotz with This Bridge Theatre, who have some big announcements to make very soon, so stay tuned, and maybe consider coming to the show on Sunday. Never without Kasey and Luna.
justin Jackson
as blitz
From a childhood spent yearning for superpowers and never-ending marathons of Men in Black, Justin Malik Jackson's journey has been a tapestry of passions that transcend the ordinary. His youthful fascination with the extraordinary ignited a diverse array of interests, from Escrima and throwing knives to close-up magic, eventually converging into a profound love for acting.
Justin's dedication led him to the hallowed halls of the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he honed his craft, earning a degree and gaining extensive experience in improv and Shakespearean works. The journey brought him back to his roots in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2020. What began as participation in BLM marches evolved into a poignant portrayal of Romeo in Actors Theatre of Louisville's rendition of Romeo & Juliet: Louisville 2020.
In the pursuit of authenticity, Justin's commitment extended beyond the stage as he immersed himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Escrima, and Krav Maga. Balancing his martial arts endeavors with collaborations with esteemed institutions like Kentucky Shakespeare, Actors Theatre, and Derby Dinner Playhouse, Justin has become a versatile actor. From the commanding presence of MacDuff in Macbeth to the timid Jonathan Harker in Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, and even transforming into a whimsical Penguin in Jack Frost Saves Christmas, Justin effortlessly navigates diverse roles. Notably, Justin recently brought the complex character of Edward to life in KY Shakespeare's production of Sense and Sensibility.
Yet, If the city beckons, he vanishes into the shadows, ready to emerge when needed. For Justin Malik Jackson, the stage is not just a platform for performance—it's a canvas where passion, skill, and dedication converge to create captivating narratives.
Gracie Taylor
as shooter
sponsored by the
Merryweather
(she/her) - Gracie is pumped to be back doing fight theatre once again! She’s been seen most recently pirating on the Belle of Louisville, and storytelling with Stage One. Being in this play is possible because of her supportive coworkers and bosses at The MerryWeather. Also Mom, Dad, and Sam for pushing her to dream big.
josé pérez iv
as ace
(he/him) - JOSÉ PÉREZ IV is the Resident Fight & Intimacy Director of Pittsburgh Public Theater. He has been writing and directing his fight theatre plays since 2010. Recent credits at Pittsburgh Public (BILLY STRAYHORN, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM IN HARLEM, ROBIN HOOD), Actors Theatre of Louisville (DRACULA), Cleveland Play House (FRANKENSTEIN), Vermont Stages (BREAKFALLS). Recent productions of his plays: VERY BERRY DEAD (Semifinalist 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival) Saginaw Valley State University & Pittsburgh premiere in July 2024, OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Artistic Director, Big Storm Performance Company. MFA Performance Pedagogy University of Pittsburgh, BFA Drama NYU. JosePerezIV.com
amber hurst
as sticks
(she/her) - As a lifelong performer of various talents, Amber has performed with several local theatres throughout the years. Her most recent theatre experiences are the
play All My Passions by Vin Morreale Jr. playing Juanita/Wanda and the musical Into the Woods with Redline Performing Arts where she played Cinderella’s Mother. Fun fact, Amber is also into film acting and graduated from New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, California with an Associate of Fine Arts Degree in Acting for Film this time last year! In California, Amber also took a few months of long sword fighting with Academy of Arms. She is super excited to put those skills into action as a Jackal in To Battle and to show people her warrior within!
Riley Anna
as sticks
(she/her) - This is Riley's first show in Louisville! Till now, she’s worked with the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival in Portland, Oregon, playing everyone from Cordelia to Ariel to Proteus—sometimes all in one weekend! Her play, The Misadventures of Missy Black: A Pirate Play, received honors at the 2021 Fertile Ground New Works Festival. When she’s not swinging swords, you can find Riley going to seminary or cross stitching emo lyrics. Follow her on Instagram @anextraordinarygrrl to see her next adventures or ask about her PowerPoint of rock stars as Shakespeare characters. Much love to her theater friends back home for teaching her to roll with the punches figuratively, and to the whole To Battle team for welcoming her in and teaching her to roll with the punches literally! Go Jackals!
Annie mayer
as librarian
(she/her) - Annie is a Louisville native and has worked as wardrobe head at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky Shakespeare, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Some of her recent credits include Shooter! (Workshop), As You Like It, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has also been seen onstage in Amios’ Shotz! and Louisville Fringe’s Globe Arm Wrestling (Titania). In addition to acting as a coven member with three witches shakespeare and a company member of This Bridge Theatre, Annie is the resident choreographer and costume manager at Presentation Academy. During the day, she can be found in an orange lab coat, setting off soda geysers and planning programming at the Kentucky Science Center, or hanging out in one of Louisville’s numerous coffee shops. Her next adventure will be wielding a bow as goddess of the hunt, Diana, in three witches shakespeare’s production of Gallathea.
Darrin Mosley jr.
as librarian
(he/him) - Darrin Mosley Jr is a second year MFA student/Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Louisville and graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Minor in Theatre. Darrin was most recently a lead counselor with Kentucky Shakespeare summer camp. As a performer his work spans both dance and theatre, performing with Attack Theatre in Pittsburgh Opera’s Moby Dick (2018), Black Swan Ballet Company, Weary Arts Group (2017), the Pittsburgh Musical Theatre production of Newsies (2019), South Park Theater (2019), Steel City Shakespeare (2019), the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, UofL's production of Gloria (2022), and Putnam County Spelling Bee (2023), Tajleed Hardy's original play, Unchained (2023), and Husband in UofL's production of The Old Settler (2023). Darrin would like to thank his faculty, family, cohort, and fiancé for their support in his artistic endeavors.
Daniel Jordan
barrett
as librarian
(he/him) - Daniel Jordan Barrett is thrilled to be working with such a talented group of artists on this wonderful show! He has been working as an actor mostly on the Indiana side of this area, recently getting his B.A. in Theatre from Indiana University Southeast in 2023. He is excited to be attending the University of Louisville's MFA program for Acting this fall and looks forward to working with the incredible artists in this area in the coming years. As well as acting, Daniel also works as a lighting designer/electrician and a playwright, recently premiering his original play THEREAFTER just over a year ago. His recent acting credits include; Andrew(TWELFTH NIGHT), Jason (SWEAT), Howie (RABBIT HOLE), Hal (PROOF), and others.
Sydney Lofton
as conventioner
(she/her) - Sydney H. Lofton is excited to sling steel in LouHive’s debut production! She is currently an actor and Artist Educator with Kentucky Shakespeare. Sydney is an alum of Belmont University where she assisted teaching stage combat, frequently served as a fight captain, and began her work as a choreographer. Sydney has earned Actor/Combatant status with the Society of American Fight Directors and is a recognized Consent Forward Artist by Intimacy Directors and Coordinators. Sydney is excited by how To Battle broadens Louisville’s stage combat community and who we see fighting onstage. “Go! Fight! Win!”
Jess de la rosa
director/co-producer
(she/her) - Jess holds a BA in Theatre and an MFA in Acting, both from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. In 2018, she moved to Louisville from New York City, where she developed a studio practice in devising Shakespeare, coaching a range of ages from preschool students to Broadway performers. As an actor, regional theatre credits include Actors Theatre, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Chautauqua Theater Company, Clarence Brown Theatre, Reign Or Shine, Rogue and Peasant Players, Kentucky Shakespeare, and Commonwealth Theatre Center. Also, in her beloved Louisville arts community, Jess has cherished her time playing with the three witches shakespeare, Louisville Fringe Fest and SHOTZ! As an educator and behavioral therapist,Jess has taught all ages and abilities, using art as a bridge to unite neurodiverse demographics. She also proudly serves as the facilitator and producer of WingSpace, where young actors with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities collaborate in theatrical programs, classes, and performances. Check out @delarosacoaching and @louhive502 for more magic.
Katie Krutsick
stage manager
(she/her) Katie is a recent graduate from Bellarmine University and a local director, stage manager, teaching artist, and actor! She is extremely happy to be stage managing this wickedly talented group of fighters and this process has reignited her love for fight theatre. If you'd like to catch her on stage you can see her playing Eurota in Three Witches Shakespeare upcoming production of Gallathea!
Favorite Credits: Constellations (Director); Angry Fags (Director); Bright Star (ASM)
Caroline cox
Assistant stage manager
(she/her) - Caroline Cox is a recent graduate of Bellarmine University, where she received a BA in English and Theatre. She served as the president of Alpha Psi Omega during her time at Bellarmine, and was featured in several productions. She recently performed in In Juliet's Garden with the Woman's Club of Louisville. She continues to pursue acting as well as stage, production, and wardrobe management. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and calligraphy
Lindsay krupski
lighting designer
Lindsay Krupski is a freelance lighting designer/electrician, and she is delighted to be designing with LouHive for the first time! Since moving to Louisville, she regularly works with KY Shakespeare, Stage One, and many more local theatre and dance companies. Lindsay grew up in Wisconsin and holds a B.F.A. from UW-Milwaukee. In her free time, Lindsay loves crocheting and listening to Taylor Swift.
Alex biscardi
sound designer
Alex Biscardi is a Louisville-based audio designer and editor. A graduate of the University of Louisville's Theatre Arts Department, she currently works as an Associate Producer at Louisville Public Media. When not editing podcasts, you can find her in one of our local theatres, sound designing plays. She lives with her husband and beloved furbabies in Shelby Park. After audio, she loves local food, ukulele, hiking, tennis, writing, and Overwatch, lots of Overwatch.
Jake allen miller
media designer
Jake Allen Miller, a live production Jack-of-all-trades has spent over 20 years making the impossible possible. He designed the visual media in TO BATTLE and was delighted to once again work with the inimitable Jessica De la Rosa and the fantastic TO BATTLE cast and crew. Jake thanks you, his friends, and his cat for their support and congratulates Lou Hive on no doubt the first of many exciting productions!