Our Management Staff

Artistic Advisors

Kate Wilson
See Below…

Roque Berlanga
See Below…

Artistic, Production and Support Staff

Producing Artistic Director: Franklin Trapp

Franklin is thrilled to present the Forestburgh Playhouse’s 77th Season! Franklin began his theatrical career at the Forestburgh Playhouse, as a Resident Company member, appeared in a national tour of Annie! and also performed at various regional theatres, including the Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. In 2004, Franklin took a hiatus from the theatre, during which time he earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University and subsequently practiced in Atlanta, Georgia for the world’s largest law firm. When he learned that current producer Norman Duttweiler was looking to retire, Franklin could not resist the opportunity to return to Forestburgh and maintain and grow the rich cultural legacy that the Playhouse provides for Sullivan County. Franklin has a long association with the Forestburgh Playhouse beginning in 2001 as a Resident Company Member. He remained at the Playhouse every summer through 2004, earning his equity card, writing and directing children’s shows, directing cabarets and directing mainstage productions such as the Playhouse’s first production of The Sound of Music. While at the Forestburgh Playhouse, Franklin appeared in numerous productions, including, 1776, Titanic, Ragtime, My Fair Lady, Witness for the Prosecution, Catch Me If You Can, Miss Saigon, Evita, La Cage Aux Folles, and Hello Dolly!, to name a few. Franklin’s husband, John Bubb, also a Playhouse alum and a CRNA at Catskill Regional Medical Center, will share his talents as an artistic advisor. Franklin and John, and their Playhouse Pets—Lucy and Sally are excited to not only live full-time in the Sullivan County Catskills, but also to have the opportunity to be a part of a New York cultural landmark—The Forestburgh Playhouse!

Associate Producer/Casting: John Bubb

John is thrilled to be on this life adventure with Franklin Trapp. John studied classical music and theater at Carnegie Mellon University and Indiana University. After college, he moved to NYC to begin his theater career, first working on Cruise Ships, then moving to regional theaters, off-Broadway, and National/International Tours working with Tony, Emmy and Grammy winners. Some credits: Jerry Zaks’ South Pacific starring Robert Goulet, Frank Wildhorns’ The Civil War starring John Schneider, Larry Gatlin and Bebe Winans. Jesus Christ Superstar directed by Baayork Lee, and Phantom of the Opera (Switzerland and Denmark). In NYC, John was seen in Into The Woods, Irene!, and Naked Revolution. Regional: Phantom (Yeston/Kopit), and Annie Get Your Gun at the Forestburgh Playhouse. In 2005, John made the leap to go back to school and get his BS in Nursing at Belmont University in Nashville. Post degree he worked at Grady Memorial in their Level 1 Trauma Unit, Saint Joseph’s in the Coronary ICU, and Emory University CVICU taking care of heart and lung transplant patients. In 2012, John moved to Philadelphia to attend Drexel University where he received his Masters in Nursing and in Anesthesia. He is currently a Board Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with Ramapo Anesthesia and can currently be seen putting people to sleep at Catskill Regional Medical Center. In November 2016, after 13 years together, John and Franklin legally married. They are thrilled to be living in the Catskills and absolutely love having “The Miracle of the Forest” back in their lives.

Creative Development Director/Artistic Director of In the Works-In the Woods Festival:
Matt Lenz

MATT LENZ - (Director) At FBP; Buyer and Cellar, Venus in Fur, Idaho! BROADWAY:  Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Velocity of Autumn (Associate Director on original productions), Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Resident Director). OFF-BROADWAY: Pageant: The Musical (Drama Desk nomination), The Irish Curse, Idaho! The Comedy Musical, The Great Daisy Theory, Fingers and Toes, and Alan Ball’s Tense Guy. US NATIONAL TOURS include: Hairspray (current), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Sound of Music, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Cheers: Live Onstage, Catch Me If You Can and The Who’s Tommy. INTERNATIONAL: Productions in Australia, Singapore, India, UK, Germany, Canada and South Africa. REGIONAL: many plays and musicals at Paper Mill Playhouse, the MUNY, Ogunquit Playhouse, George Street Playhouse, Cape Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, Maltz Jupiter Theater, Zach Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse, Casa Manana, Gateway Playhouse, Short North Stage, La Mirada.  Matt is the Founding Artistic Director of the annual In The Works ~ In The Woods Festival at FBP.  www.mattlenzdirector.com

Artistic, Production, and Support Staff

Associate Producer: Max Tootleman

Max Tootleman is excited to be joining the Playhouse team as an associate producer this season. Max graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2021 with his B.A. in Acting and Directing and most recently assistant directed Avenue Q at the Algonquin Theatre in Manasquan, New Jersey. He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for their continued support. www.MaxTootleman.com

Production Manager/Associate Producer: Brandon Suppa

Brandon (They/them) is thrilled to be back at the Playhouse for their 13th season, This time as the Production Manager and now with moving parts. Some say its an inspiration, Brandon would say that they are tired. They would like to thank their Mom for always pestering them to do their best, Franklin for keeping me around and Kate + Roque for always believing in them!

Associate Production Manager: Ethan Perkowski

Ethan is so excited to be back for his third summer here at the Playhouse! Ethan was a Scenic Carpenter for the 2022 and 2023 seasons and is returning this summer as the Associate Production Manager as well as the Assistant Technical Director. He is an upcoming Senior at Point Park University, studying Theatre Production: Technical Design and Management. When at PPU, Ethan is heavily involved in the Props Department, some credits include: Assistant Props Manager - The Mystery of Edwin Drood / Assistant Props Manager - The Winter’s Tale / Props Manager - Lady Killers. He would like to thank everyone who has gotten him to where he is today, as well as Franklin, for bringing him back for another round of theatre in the forest! @ethan__perkowski

FBP Academy Directors:
Kate Wilson & Roque Berlanga

Roque is elated to be back at the Miracle of the Forest! A California native, Roque is a proud Latinx director, actor, teaching artist and proud Associate Member of SDC. Roque is currently the Founder and Artistic Director of Theatre [Untitled] and Actor’s Professional Theatre Conservatory (APTC) based in New York City. Theatre [Untitled] focuses on new and reinvented works and provides a platform for undiscovered artists with a focus on LGBTQ+, women, and BIPOC playwrights and artists. In 2023, APTC will celebrate its 15 year anniversary. Roque currently serves as an Artistic Advisor for the Playhouse and is the Co-Director of the Forestburgh Academy. Roque served as Artistic Director of the Allenberry Playhouse for three years in Pennsylvania and was the first Latinx to do so in the theater's over sixty year history. While in California, Roque trained with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Second City, and received his BA in Theatre from CSU Stanislaus. Past Forestburgh credits include Matilda, Pageant, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Spongebob Musical.

Company Manager: Heidi Schneider

Heidi Schneider is an American soprano and a native of Buffalo, New York. She has been praised for her "incredibly wide" range and ease of production (Brett Alan, WYRK). Heidi has recently given a daring Dissertation Recital featuring a newly composed contemporary work by Long Island composer Kyle Krause, uniquely juxtaposed by Richard Strauss’ Brentano Lieder — The program featured use of varied sound technologies, A.I. generated art, and interpretive dance by meticulously skilled dancer and mezzo-soprano: Natasha Nelson. Recent operatic roles with Stony Brook Opera include Susanna in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro (2024), Célie in Pasatieri's comedy, Signor Deluso (2023), Miss Wordsworth in Britten’s Albert Herring (2022), Cupid in Blow’s Venus and Adonis (2022), Silvia in Haydn’s L’isola Disabitata (2021), Sœur Constance in Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites, and Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (2019). Dr. Schneider’s education includes a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Fredonia State University, a Master's Degree in Vocal Performance from Stony Brook University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in Voice Performance from Stony Brook University.

Assistant to Company Management and Production:
Kelsey Draves

Kelsey Draves (she/her) is a recent graduate from The Catholic University of America's musical theatre program (Bachelor of Music). She will be starting Catholic University's Masters of Business program this fall. Kelsey has interned with Proctors Collaborative, and served this past year as CenterStage Theatre Company’s finance director. Recent performance credits include: Sally in Movers and Shakers, Sammy in The Wedding Singer, as well as ensemble roles in Carrie: The Musical and The Sound of Music on The Catholic University of America’s main stage. When not on the stage, Kelsey is songwriting and performing her original music. kelseydraves.com

Season Production Stage Manager: Patrick Lee Johnson

Patrick Lee Johnson (he/him) is thrilled to join Forestburgh Playhouse for the 2024 Season as the Season Production Stage Manager. Most recently, he has served as the Production Stage Manager for Theatre Workshop of Nantucket where he worked on Boeing-Boeing, Rock of Ages, and the world premieres of James Gallagher and Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Street. Additional PSM credits include The Agitators, Sweeney Todd, Love in Reserve (world premiere), and Heartbreakers in Hell (world premiere) with Rubber City Theatre and Tintypes at Porthouse Theatre. Patrick has also been a stage management apprentice with Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia during their 2019-20 Mainstage Season. Other credits include Head Over Heels (ASM) at Theatre Horizon, It's Only A Play (SM) and Footloose (ASM) at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. Patrick holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Stage Management from Kent State University and is also a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. For more information, visit www.patrickleejohnson.com

Production Stage Manager (How I Learned To Drive):
Joey Paradise

Forestburgh debut. Select NY Theatre: Jersey Boys, Lucky Stiff, Sugar - the original Some Like It Hot musical, Do Re Mi, Hay Fever, world premieres of Tomorrow We Love, Fragments, and Onaje. Select Live Events: Julie Halston's Broadway Belts!, NASDAQ, Barclays, Out 100. Select Drag Artists: Sutton Lee Seymour, Cacophony Daniels, and Drag Race's Bianca Del Rio, Jan Sport, Rose, Dusty Ray Bottoms, Monet X Change, and Bob the Drag Queen. Joey is a Technical Director at Don't Tell Mama! New York, Entertainment Supervisor at Albatross Astoria, and has worked at venues across the city in many areas of live entertainment with emerging talents and legends alike. Texas born and bred, NYC has been home base for 20 years. Joey is also a licensed real estate salesperson with EXP Realty and a staunch mental health advocate. Thanks and love to Framily, to Ralph for the shove toward a stage manager's call desk, and to YOU and everyone for supporting the magic of live theatre.

Assistant Stage Manager: Jamie Nickerson

JAMIE NICKERSON (she/her) is thrilled for her first season with Forestburgh Playhouse. Credits include Punctuate4: Rite of Passage. Emerson Stage: Bonnets: How Ladies of Good Breeding Are Induced to Murder, Are You Someone to Somebody? A New Devised Piece, Baltimore, Spring Awakening. Emerson College: The 42nd Annual EVVY Awards, Lord of the Flies, All Night: At a Party In the Suburbs. Jamie is a graduate of Emerson College with a BFA in Stage & Production Management. www.jamienicker.com

Stage Management Associate: Ashtyn Buckley

Ashtyn Buckley is a graduate student majoring in theater at SUNY Sullivan. He has been an assistant stage manager for NEXT TO NORMAL and IN THE HEIGHTS; he staged managed AVENUE Q, in addition to playing two leads for SUNY Sullivan in TWELFTH NIGHT and FUENTEOVEJUNA. He looks forward to helping put on fantastic shows for the community members who attend Forestburgh Playhouse's summer season of plays. Ashtyn will be continuing his support of the arts, by finishing his 4-year theater degree at Buffalo State University.

Intimacy Coordinator: Cati Brunell-Brutman

Cati Brunell-Brutman is an intimacy choreographer, immersive creator, and consultant based in the lower Hudson Valley. Favorite credits include Ritual, Noirtown, The Visitation (Witness Immersive), Best Friends, The Whale Play (Theatre Untitled), One Way, Boys Who Tricked Me (Musical Theatre Factory), Peter Pans Adventure Island (Broadway Asia), The Bad Years, My Life Among the Serial Killers (The Viewpoints Collective), and Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More. Cati has studied with Theatrical Intimacy Education & Open Intimacy Creatives and holds an MA from NYU Tisch and a BA from Marymount Manhattan College.

Musical Staff

Music Director (Forbidden Broadway, Margaritaville, Beautiful):
David Fraley

David Fraley is a pianist and music director in NYC/NJ. He works with universities, cabarets, readings, workshops, mainstage productions, basement hangouts, and living room impromptus. He specializes in Sondheim, auditions, teaching, and piano reduction. He hopes he can be your friend. Recently: MSU: Blind Injustice, Spring Awakening. Forestburgh: Spamalot, Addams Family. 54 Below: Actor's Therapy Lippa/LaChiusa. davidfraley.com

Music Director (The Prom, Rock of Ages): Erik Wakar

Erik Wakar (she/her): Music Director this season for The Prom, Rock of Ages, and four of the cabarets, Erik is grateful to the catskills community for their warm welcome for her first season at Forestburgh Playhouse! Regional credits include: Something Rotten, 9 to 5. Collegiate credits include: The Light In The Piazza, Fun Home, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Ordinary Days, The Last Five Years. Away from the stage she keeps up with an eclectic collection of hobbies and loved ones near and far.

Associate Music Director: Irene Westfall

Irene is a NYC-based music director, keyboardist and music educator. She is thrilled to be spending her first summer with Forestburgh as the Assistant MD. Recent MD credits include The Picher Project, a new docu-musical that premiered at Dixon Place in Fall 2023 (co-MD); Finding Nemo, Jr., at the New London Barn Playhouse; The Hunchback of Notre Dame at YMTC (assistant); and The Prom at Stevens Institute of Technology. Favorite pit credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Legally Blonde, Newsies, and The Addams Family. Irene is unendingly grateful to her parents, roommates, and friends for cheering her on, and to Maestra for its mentorship and community of women and nonbinary folks in musical theater.

Bassist: Stacy Joergle

Percussionist: Jake Payne

Design & Technical Staff

Technical Director: Brendon Figueras

Brendon is thrilled to be returning to the Forestburgh Playhouse for another season! He received his BFA in Technical Direction from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Soon after graduating he began his professional career here at the Forestburgh Playhouse. Although many years have passed and he currently resides in Connecticut working as the Assistant Technical Director at Goodspeed Musicals, he always makes time for his home away from home here in the Catskills. The Playhouse has always been a special place for him. He firmly believes once you experience the Miracle of the Forest that is the Forestburgh Playhouse you will not want to leave.

Assistant Technical Director: Ethan Perkowski

Ethan is so excited to be back for his third summer here at the Playhouse! Ethan was a Scenic Carpenter for the 2022 and 2023 seasons and is returning this summer as the Associate Production Manager as well as the Assistant Technical Director. He is an upcoming Senior at Point Park University, studying Theatre Production: Technical Design and Management. When at PPU, Ethan is heavily involved in the Props Department, some credits include: Assistant Props Manager - The Mystery of Edwin Drood / Assistant Props Manager - The Winter’s Tale / Props Manager - Lady Killers. He would like to thank everyone who has gotten him to where he is today, as well as Franklin, for bringing him back for another round of theatre in the forest! @ethan__perkowski

Scenic Carpenters: Trevor Fitzpatrick, Ren Krieger

Trevor Fitzpatrick is a Junior at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, majoring in performing arts and an emphasis on technical theater and design. Most recently, he was a carpenter for Iowa Stage Theater Company’s production of The Glass Menagerie and the Assistant Technical Director for Iowa State University’s productions of The Crucible, and John Proctor is the Villan. His other productions include but are not limited to being an automation technician for Head over Heels at Iowa State University and being a carpenter for all of Iowa State University's 2023-2024 theater productions season.

Ren Krieger is so excited to be spending their first summer at Forestburgh Playhouse. They are currently attending Montclair State University in the Theatre: Design, Technology and Management program. Thank you to my family and friends for always being there for me and supporting my dreams.

Scenic Carpenter and Electrician: Zachary Sharer

Zach is seeking a BA in technical theatre and a minor in Technical Direction at Stephen F. Austin State University. His credits consist of Shop Carpenter, Shop Forman, Head Electrician and Assistant Technical Director.

Lead Electrician: Kevin Kress

Kevin Kress is a Lighting Designer, technician, and graduate of Illinois State University, based in the Chicagoland area. Kevin worked at the Playhouse in 2023 as their lead electrician. He is grateful and excited to return to this position as well as lighting designer for Forestburgh's productions of Escape to Margaritaville, Willy Wonka, and Hand to God.

Assistant Electrician: Darius Evans

Darius Evans is a Sophomore lighting design major at Boston University. His previous production credits include Cendrillon and La Clemenza di Tito. He is excited to work his first summer stock job at the Forestburgh Playhouse. He would like to extend a special thanks to his family, his friends, and mentors who have helped him pursue his goals.

Sound Designer: TJ O'Leary

TJ O’Leary is an NYC based Audio/Video human. TJ has been working with the playhouse in various capacities for almost 4 years and is excited to be back this season as a sound designer.

Assistant Sound Designer/Sound Engineer A1: Tony Taylor

Tony Taylor is a Senior at Millersville University who spends time Sound Designing and Audio Engineering based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He enjoys photography, playing bass, and working on electronic equipment. His most recent work has been Audio Engineering at Prima Theatre and Servant Stage.

Sound Engineer A2: Alyssa Marrero

Alyssa Marrero (A2) is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology focused in Sound.  Some of her favorite credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (Sound Designer), The Prom (A1), Sweeney Todd (Asst. Sound Designer/QLab Programmer), and Shrek The Musical (A2). Outside of theatre, Alyssa recently finished volunteer puppy-raising a future service dog for Canine Companions.  This is her first season at Forestburgh Playhouse! Originally from South Florida, she is extremely excited to be spending her summer working in the Catskills. @alyssacmsound

Costume Shop Manager/Assistant Costume Designer:
Rylee Terry

Rylee is thrilled to be part of the creative team at Forestburgh Playhouse this season as the Costume Shop Manager. With a passion for sewing and design, she has been immersed in the world of costuming for years, but is now making her debut in the New York theatre scene! With experience that includes serving as Costume Designer for Stones in His Pockets (San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre) and Design Assistant for Broadway Sacramento’s 2022 Summer Season, Rylee is grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to the magic of theatre. She would like to thank the cast, crew, and audience for their unwavering support and enthusiasm.

Wardrobe Supervisor: Julia Loudenback

Julia Loudenback is extremely excited to return to the Forestburgh Playhouse as the Wardrobe Supervisor and costume designer for Willy Wonka and Hand to God. She graduated from Susquehanna University with a degree in French Studies and Education, and she has four years of costuming, dressing, and stage makeup experience as a member of the university theatre department. With a love for theatre and fashion that originated in elementary school, Julia now has a growing portfolio of costuming and makeup works and has served as a dresser for the national tour of the Broadway musical Waitress. Most recently, Julia spent a two years in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean teaching English to French-speaking students through musical and theatrical experiences. With the encouragement of her family and educators, she developed a passion for storytelling, leading her to pursue a career in the arts. Julia is an avid traveler, and she is currently learning Korean in preparation for the next big voyage.

Stitcher/Wardrobe: Aleigha Cheng

Aleigha Cheng is a recent graduate of Central Michigan University with a BFA in Theatre Design/Technology and a minor in art. Aleigha has filled many onstage and backstage roles as a theatre artist, primarily in the realm of costumes, wigs, and makeup. Most recently, Aleigha served as the premiere costume designer for The Last Daughter by R.L. Strayer but also had a hand in designing for University Dance concerts, Everybody, Kinky Boots, The Last of the Dragons, and numerous other projects. Apart from theatrical pursuits, Aleigha enjoys drawing, painting, sculpture, and textile crafts in her spare time. Aleigha hopes to further her artistic development as a stitcher and crew member at the Forestburgh Playhouse as well as whatever is to come in the future.

Properties Designer: Lorelei Davis

Lorelei Davis (Properties) It’s lucky number 13 for Lorelei heading up props, furnishings, and décor on the stage and in the Tavern. Many moons ago Norman and Ron decided to pick Lorelei to head this design group for the Playhouse and now she has many storage pods filled with the darndest items she has hunted and gathered. And it is very much a family affair…son Dan is not only the FP Site Manager, but also her Asst. Props Manager, specializing in fabricating specialty pieces and creating special effects. Of course, husband Steve has been in over 60 playhouse productions and does our videography and whatever else needs doing. Love also to Josh and Anna, who see lots of theatre in Philadelphia.

Properties Assistant and Property Manager: Daniel Davis

Dan Davis (Playhouse Property Manager, Asst. Props Manager) As our Forestburgh footprint grows, Dan is around to help make sure our various locations are improved and repaired throughout the year. In our own version of “FP-The Next Generation” (see Lorelei’s bio), Dan also assists with props, focusing on prop fabrication for when they need to be constructed, molded, carved, or changed by special effects. Whenever we need an additional tech on call, a set changed, or stuff to be picked up; Dan is not far away. It has been said that theater is just moving stuff from one place to another…Dan will vouch for that! 

Box Office/Front of House Associates

Box Office Manager: Hannah Powers

Assistant Box Office Manager: Hannah Veety

Staff: Kelsi Berghahn, Aidan Dusenbury-Dalto, Chloe Espeland, Lilly Espeland, Sean Espeland, Stacy Joergle, Grant Markle, Emmalise Pulsinelli, Megan Ross, Abby Straebler, Alexis Tormey, Courtney Wissman

Tavern Staff

Proprietor: Franklin Trapp

Executive Chef: Robert Silva

Assistant Chef/Pastry Chef: Alizae Ortiz

Bar Manager: Adam Cavello

Waitstaff Manager: Hannah Veety

Kitchen Staff: Annabell O'Connor, Alanna Lupi, Lacy Babcock, Allie Mohan

Bar Staff: Kevin Suppa, Gavin Rosa, Danny Sze, Hannah Veety