BIOS

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CRYSTYL SWANSON (QUEENIE) is a Houston native, who cut her chops in church, and given her passion for the stage, started working professionally in commercials, print work and musical theatre.  She also was a finalist in the Miss Texas and Miss Tennessee pageants, where she went on to win overall preliminary talent.  After receiving her Bachelor of Music from Oklahoma City University where she studied with the world renown Florence Birdwell (RIP), Crystyl continued to pursue her passion for theatre. Crystyl appeared in the Broadway production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Chorus) which featured Donny Osmond in the Chicago Theatre and in the off-Broadway production of the world premiere of THE MOST MISERABLE CHRISTMAS TREE (Miss Willow).  Some of her favorite credits include COMPANY (Sarah), AIDA (Amneris), BAT BOY (Meredith), DISENCHANTED (Jasmine & Belle), GATSBY (The Green Light), NINE (Luisa Contini), THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey), RENT (Maureen), NOW THAT YOU’VE SEEN ME NAKED (Dr. Hibble), WORKING (Waitress & Hooker) and XANADU (Melpomene/Medusa). Crystyl is absolutely thrilled to onstage again and sends a huge thank you to her community for their never-ending support - Team ERA, OT girls, friends, family and her husband! @cricket428

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COLTON BERRY  (BURRS)  is an East Coast native, but has called Houston home for over a decade. He has been working professionally in theater since childhood and has since performed in hundreds of plays and musicals. As a vocalist, Colton appeared in SHOWTIME! AT THE APOLLO, toured France with the FRENCH-AMERICAN GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP EXCHANGE, sang alongside Thelma Houston and The Temptations, and was a Top 24 Finalist in the Seventh Season of AMERICAN IDOL. In Houston, he has been seen on many stages including performances with TUTS and The Music Box Theatre. In addition to performing, Colton is an accomplished producer and director and is the Founding Artistic Director of Art Factory Houston. Art Factory credits include TRIASSIC PARQ ( The Velociraptor of Faith), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (George), MURDER BALLAD (Tom), RUTHLESS (Sylvia St. Croix), STRANGER SINGS: A PARODY MUSICAL (Jonathan Byers/ Steve Harrington),  INTO THE WOODS (The Baker), REEFER MADNESS (The Lecturer),  9 TO 5 (Mr. Hart),  HAIR (Claude), METAMORPHOSES (Midas and others), PIPPIN (Pippin), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Beast), XANADU (Sonny Malone), IT'S BRITNEY, B*TCH! (Britney), SWEENEY TODD (Anthony), CABARET (Emcee), COMPANY (Robert), MONSTER (Lady Gaga), GATSBY (Nick), PIPPIN (Pippin), [TITLE OF SHOW] (Hunter), URINETOWN (Bobby Strong), THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Jamie), WIZARD OF OZ (Lion), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Frank’N’Furter), GREASE (Doody/Teen Angel), TUCK EVERLASTING (Miles Tuck), HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Hedwig), MURDER BALLAD (Tom), FUNNY GIRL (Nick Arnstein), HEATHERS (J.D.), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (William Barfeé), THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Quasimodo), A NEW BRAIN (Gordon), BROOKLYN (Taylor), JEKYLL & HYDE (Jekyll/Hyde), SWEET CHARITY (Oscar), REEFER MADNESS (Ralph/Jesus), LITTLE SHOW OF HORRORS (Seymour), and SPRING AWAKENING (Moritz). Other favorite credits include JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Judas), TRIASSIC PARQ (Mime-o-saurus), THE WEDDING SINGER (Robbie), CHICAGO (Mary Sunshine), THE WILD PARTY (Burrs), AIDA (Radames), BIG RIVER (Huckleberry Finn), and BAT BOY (Bat Boy). @colberry​

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VICTORIA RITCHIE (KATE) is honored to be returning to the Art Factory stage in Andrew Lippa’s THE WILD PARTY. Victoria is a proud Houston native, but spent the last 6 years dedicating her time to studying the humanities and the arts in New York City. She recently graduated with a BA in Classics (Classical Languages) and a BFA in Creative Writing (Poetry/Playwriting) from Brooklyn College. While in New York, she studied acting with Brad Fleischer and at Stella Adler Studio of Acting with Jon Korkes. She has studied various vocal techniques with Chris Dilley, Colton Berry, and Shelley Auer. Art Factory credits include SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Dot/Marie), PIPPIN [2020] (Leading Player), GREASE (Marty), JASPER IN DEADLAND (Eurydice), HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL (Veronica), DISENCHANTED! (Snow White), 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Logainne), THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Ensemble), A NEW BRAIN [2016, 2018] (Lisa), BROOKLYN (Brooklyn), LIZZIE (Emma), JEKYLL AND HYDE (Lucy), SWEET CHARITY (Charity), REEFER MADNESS [2017] (Lecturer), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey II), and SPRING AWAKENING (Ilse). Other favorite credits include BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL (Shelley), INTO THE WOODS (Rapunzel), TRIASSIC PARQ (Kaitlyn), URINETOWN (Soupy Sue), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Mary), THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Janet), and ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Winnifred). Victoria is beyond grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and create with the most brilliant artists in Houston. She would like to extend her deepest thanks to the Art Factory creative team and THE WILD PARTY cast.​

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RAMAJ JAMAR (MR. BLACK)  is excited to return back to his first love performing on the stage. He has starred in THE COLOR PURPLE (Ol’ Mister), A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS (Smokey Robinson/ Melvin Franklin), WHERE WERE YOU IN ‘65 (Bobby), THE COLORED MUSEUM (Miss Roj/ Junie), MACBETH (Macduff), MEDEA (Jason), MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET (Shua), THE STORY (Neil), DREAMGIRLS (Wayne), and Fade to Black’s THE FLOW. Ramaj is a Princess Grace recipient for his work in theatre design. He is also a Drama League nominee for his film The Ring of Fire. Ramaj is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University and NYU Tisch.

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LUKE J. HAMILTON (OSCAR D'ARMANO / DIRECTOR / CHOREOGRAPHER) is the Founding Executive Director of Art Factory. Behind the scenes, he also is the Director for many productions at Art Factory, as well as the Resident Choreographer. Luke has appeared across many Houston stages at the Alley Theatre, TUTS, Houston Grand Opera, Masquerade Theatre, The House of Blues, The Landing Theatre Company, Stages Repertory Theatre, and several other local theaters. Recent Art Factory selected credits include THE WILD PARTY (Oscar D'armano), TRIASSIC PARQ (The Velociraptor of Innocence), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Franz), MURDER BALLAD (Michael), STRANGER SINGS (Mike), INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella's Prince), THE GLASS MENAGERIE (Tom), DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS (Jonathan Barker), HAIR (Berger), 9 TO 5 (Joe), METAMORPHOSES (Vertumnus and others), PIPPIN (Lewis / Director/ Choreographer) BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Gaston), XANADU (Terpsichore and others), HEAD OVER HEELS (Musidorous), A NEW BRAIN (Roger), SWEENEY TODD (Beadle Bamford), CABARET (Cliff Bradshaw), COMPANY (Peter), MONSTER, GATSBY (Gatsby), PIPPIN (Director / Choreographer), [title of show] (Jeff), URINETOWN (Hot Blades Harry), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Rocky), GREASE (Eugene / Director), JASPER IN DEADLAND (Loki), TUCK EVERLASTING (Hugo), I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE, MURDER BALLAD, HEATHERS (Kurt Kelly), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Leaf Coneybear), THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Clopin), JEKYLL AND HYDE (Simon Stride), REEFER MADNESS (Jimmy Harper), and SPRING AWAKENING (Hanschen). Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) credits include ALL SHOOK UP (Featured Soloist / Dancer), OLIVER (Assistant Choreographer / Featured Dancer), A CHRISTMAS STORY, and THE MUSIC MAN. Alley Theatre Credits include four years of their annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Apparition / The Ghost of Christmas Future), HUCK FINN (Tom Sawyer), and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Other favorite credits include TRIASSIC PARQ (Velociraptor of Innocence), NEXT FALL (Luke), OKLAHOMA (Will Parker), THE FANTASTICKS (Matt), GUYS AND DOLLS (Sky Masterson), TARZAN (Tarzan), DOGFIGHT (Boland), METAMORPHOSES, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Simon Zealotes), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Dentist), and THE WILD PARTY (Jackie). Luke attended the BFA Musical Theatre program at Texas State University. He received extensive musical theatre and dance training at the Houston International Ballet Academy, the Tribble School, the Royal Academy for Performing Arts, the Humphrey’s School of Musical Theatre, and he trained privately in dance, voice, and acting for over twelve years. Luke is thrilled to see Art Factory entering its 7th Season, and could not be more proud of the growth this company has made and all of the wonderful, talented, and passionate people involved. Follow him on IG: @lukejhamilton

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DIEGO COTTE (PHIL D'ARMANDO) is very excited to be making his Art Factory debut in THE WILD PARTY. This marks his return to performing after a hiatus of four years. Some of his favorite past credits include THE GLASS MENAGERIE (Tom), NEWSIES (Racetrack), NOISES OFF (Tim) and THE INSANITY OF MARY GERARD (Fury #4). Diego is a graduate from the University of Houston where he received a B.A. in English Literature. Outside of performing, he enjoys cooking, learning languages, creative writing and watching movies. He can found on Instagram @dmcotty

 

RYAN PEREZ (JACKIE) ​

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ROBBY BLACK (EDDIE) is proud to be featured in his third Art Factory production. His passion for music was first nurtured in school choirs and barbershop quartets. In 2015, he helped found Space City Sound — an award-winning barbershop chorus — and served as the bass section leader for seven years. He then began to explore musical theater — performing in musical revues paying tribute to iconic composers like Irving Berlin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and more. His theatrical credits include COMPANY (Paul) and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Soldier 1/Photographer). Robby currently sings bass in a barbershop quartet called Panda Ring. He also sings with Cantare — a chamber choir consisting primarily of local music educators.

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AMBER COSSETTE (MAE) is originally from Boston, MA, and she is so grateful to have found her theater family here at Art Factory because without this supportive and encouraging group of individuals, her transition to Texas wouldn’t have been possible. Some of Amber’s recent and top favorite Art Factory credits are MURDER BALLAD (Narrator) and THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL (Pippi). Other Art Factory credits include: INTO THE WOODS (Lucinda & Little Red u/s), HAIR (ensemble & Sheila u/s), PIPPIN (ensemble & Catherine u/s, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (ensemble & Babette u/s). Before making her Art Factory debut, some of Amber’s most treasured productions include THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL (Wednesday) and GREASE (Sandy). When Amber is not at the theater, she can be found teaching 8th grade ELA, coaching middle school soccer and cheer, competing with Jurassic Gymnastics as a satellite team member, at her local dance studio, or walking her puppy, Mocha. Amber feels incredibly lucky to have the support of her amazing husband, Connor (who truly does it all!), her family, and her Houston friends. Amber would also like to thank the whole Art Factory family for helping to shape her into a better performer and filling her life with so much joy. @amberr_coz

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SARAH BETH SIMS (MADELINE TRUE) is a native Houstonian and has been performing in theatre since she was eight years old. She attended the AMERICAN MUSIC & DRAMATIC ACADEMY in New York City and Los Angeles, where she received a Professional Conservatory Certificate in Integrated Theatre and a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. She most recently appeared as the Mime-asaurus in Art Factories' production of Triassic Parq. Some of her favorite roles she’s played are Judy Bernly in 9 TO 5, Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS, and Dustin Henderson in STRANGER SINGS.​​

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ABBI RODRIGUE (NADINE) is a Houston native and graduate of HBU with BME in music education. Her passion for performing comes through in her work as a music teacher and music director. Most recently she was seen in ArtFactory’s Sunday in the Park With George (Ensemble), Stranger Sings (Beetlejuice/Scientist), Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Mother/Snow White), and Reefer Madness (Ensemble). Other recent and favorite roles have been Dividing the Estate (Emily), R&H Cinderella (Portia), James and the Giant Peach (Ladybug), and Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel). She has also been seen music directing shows such as 2023 Holiday Follies, Frozen Jr, Shrek Jr, and both Seussical and Seussical Jr. She would like to thank her dear friends Randi and Kyra (and their dog Jodi) for their constant support, love, and laughter. @abee_not_abbi

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CHRISTINE MOMPOINT ( DELORES / KATE U/S)  is honored to be involved in THE WILD PARTY. Christine found Art Factory in August of 2022 where she was invited to perform as a featured soloist in IT’S BRITNEY B!TCH. Since then, she has performed in HOLD ME CLOSER BY CANDLELIGHT, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Silly Girl #2/Belle Understudy), PIPPIN (Leading Player), 9 to 5 THE MUSICAL (New Employee / Swing), HAIR (Dionne), INTO THE WOODS (Granny / Baker’s Wife Understudy), ON BROADWAY (Featured Soloist),  STANGER SINGS: A PARODY MUSICAL (Lucas), SOMEONE LIKE YOU: THE MUSIC OF ADELE (Featured Soloist and Director), MUDRER BALLAD (SARA AND NARATATOR U/S) and SUNDAY IN THE PARTK WITH GEORGE (Ensemble / Solider #1 Understudy*) . Christine has also supported Art Factory as the Front of House Manager since September 2022 and the Company Manager since January 2023. She thanks Luke and Colton for their coaching on the industry and looks forward to more opportunities with Art Factory.​​

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NATE MCGILVARY (SAM) is a Christian who loves to act, sing, and dance. Nate's most notable stage performances include: THE GATOR CONSPIRACY (Vladimir Putin/Tucker Carlson), COVIDIOUS (Ronald/Mr. Davis/Joe), THE WIZARD OF OZ (Tin Man) , ALICE IN WONDERLAND (The Mad Hatter), ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Sir Harry), SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE DOOM OF DEVILSMOOR (Edward Banks). Above all, Nathan would like to first thank his Lord God Jesus Christ for the wonderful people and experiences that the performing arts have blessed him with in this life because "Earth without art is just eh." Next, Nate would like to thank his mom, Rhonda, who plays cello, piano, guitar, sings alto, & always encourages him to do what brings him joy. Finally, Nate would like to thank his very talented and dedicated former directors & voice teachers because without Denise Eaton, Mark Swindler, Michael Walsh, Sammy Green, David Black, Victor Flowers, Amy Lewis, and David Landgrebe there would be no @natemcgilvray (fb/insta)

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STEPHANIE WELDER (FEATURED ENSEMBLE/ MADELINE TRUE U/S) joined the art FACTORY cast five years ago with its performance of NINE. She has continued to share the stage, supporting the ensemble in TUCK EVERLASTING, JASPER IN DEADLAND, THE WIZARD OF OZ, URINETOWN, MONSTER: The Music of Lady Gaga, and COMPANY, and loaned her wit and wisdom to her portrayal of Fraulein Schneider in CABARET. Stephanie has also performed with Galveston’s Island ETC in A TWISTED CHRISTMAS CAROL (Darla Johnson). Stephanie lives in Galveston with her husband, Duncan, their kids, Aric and Bowie, and their dogs, Al and Trevor. You can find her on Instagram @StephWelder​

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ATHENA TRY (ENESEMBLE) is new to Houston and thrilled to be in her second Art Factory performance. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2023 with a degree in Systems Engineering and spends her day working in the Pepsi supply chain department. In her first year in Texas, she has been seen in Moore Vision Entertainment’s productions of CHICAGO (Featured Dancer), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Belinda), BABY (Lizzie), and at Art Factory’s SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Ensemble). Athena would like to thank the Art Factory for taking a chance on a newcomer and helping her become a better performer. She would also like to thank the cast for being so welcoming, her friends for giving her confidence, and her boyfriend for staying home with the kitten every night.

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KARIYANNA (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to make a return at the Art Factory! You might know her from her previous work with The Art Factory in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Nurse) and her contributions at Sam Houston State University. Her SHSU credits include MATT AND BEN (Ben), GALATEA OR WHATEVER YOU BE (Phyllida), a production that was showcased at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, earning "Outstanding Achievement in the Facilitation of a Brave Rehearsal Space." Lastly, LET ME DOWN EASY (Michael Bentt and Kiersta Kurtz-Burke). Kariyana is deeply honored and eagerly anticipates collaborating with her incredibly talented co-stars to bring this beautiful production to life. Follow her on IG @kari_chante 

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NICOLE ERCAN (ENSEMBLE) is absolutely thrilled to be back with Art Factory Houston for their latest and greatest production, THE WILD PARTY! Since her debut with NINE in 2019, Nicole feels incredibly lucky to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community, and she can't wait to share this wild, unforgettable experience with all of you. Buckle up and get ready for a party you won’t soon forget. Previous roles include participation in numerous showcases, JASPER IN DEADLAND (ensemble), COMPANY (April), SWEENEY TODD (Beggar Woman), A NEW BRAIN (Mimi), RUTHLESS (Judy/Ginger), MURDER BALLAD (ensemble), and TRIASSIC PARK (Morgan Freeman/Velociraptor of Science). Nicole is honored to be a part of the Art Factory family and cannot wait to share another great show with beloved audience members.

 

NICOLE PEACH (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be back on stage at Art Factory! With a Music Education degree from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, Nicole currently teaches voice and piano lessons. Her recent credits include THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Olive Ostrovsky), NUNSENSE (Rev. Mother Superior), THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL (Morticia), and the Regional Premier of the revival of BABY THE MUSICAL (Nicki Hall) with Moore Vision Entertainment. Previously, Nicole served as a section leader and choreographer in the Houston Show Choir. Past professional performances include singing lead vocals for The Great Escape Band and countless shows at Six Flags St. Louis. Nicole would also like to thank her husband, Doug, and her friends for their endless love and support.

 

KATY MCCANTS (ENEMBLE / QUEENIE U/S)  is a lifelong performer, from shower to stage and back again, and she is once again honored to perform in this magical space. Art Factory credits include: MURDER BALLAD (Sara), STRANGER SINGS! (Nancy Wheeler), INTO THE WOODS (Baker's Wife), REEFER MADNESS (Placard Girl), HAIR (Sheila). She is originally from a small town in Georgia and travels extensively, but Houston and its beautiful people will always be home. She would like to thank her husband, Wade, along with her two children for allowing her to pursue her passions.

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ELIZABETH CHRISMAN SHURTZ (ENEMBLE / MUSIC SUPERVISOR) works as a music and choral director, performer, and voice teacher in Houston. Passionate about working with developing as well as experienced artists in musical theatre, she has choreographed, directed, and music directed for numerous productions with performers of all ages. Favorite music direction credits include: HAIR, GUYS AND DOLLS, LEGALLY BLONDE JR., LES MISÉRABLES, STRANGER SINGS!: THE PARODY MUSICAL , and XANADU JR. With extensive experience performing in the US and internationally as a choral artist and soloist, as a dancer, in musical theatre, and in opera, favorite performing experiences have included Art Factory’s recent productions of RUTHLESS! (Judy Denmark) STRANGER SINGS!: THE PARODY MUSICAL (Joyce/Will) INTO THE WOODS (Witch); as well as SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (Milly u/s); LIBERATORS: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL world premiere (Astrid); DIDO AND AENEAS (Sorceress); JOSH GROBAN ALL THAT ECHOES WORLD TOUR (Alto soloist) Houston, TX; Aaron Copeland’s IN THE BEGINNING (Mezzo Soprano Soloist) with the Houston Symphony Chamber Singers for Bachfest Leipzig; and in the premiere of Son of Man with the Houston Chamber Choir. Shurtz holds a Master of Music Education in choral music education from University of North Texas, Bachelor of Music in choral music education from University of Houston, and Associate of Arts in music from Lone Star College-Montgomery. She is grateful to God for the immeasurable gift of art, allowing all people to express our feelings, exchange ideas, and preserve our stories. She would like to thank her best friend and husband, Matthew, for his steadfast support, and the Art Factory community for the privilege of collaborating to contribute to Houston’s rich artistic legacy.