Eugene Bazarov | LUIS AVALOS*

Luis Avalos is a first-year student at the University of Iowa from Tama, Iowa. He is double-majoring in Communication Studies and Theatre Arts on the musical theatre track. While at the University of Iowa, he has performed as the Officer/Chorus/Carlos US in Braided Sorrow and the Confectioner/Chorus in rockabye. He would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support, and the cast and production team for the journey they shared on this show.  

Arkady Kirsanov | CHARLIE DUFFY*

Charlie Duffy is a second-year student, majoring in both Theatre Arts and Psychology. This will be his first production at the University of Iowa. He is incredibly grateful for this wonderful group of individuals involved in making such a fantastic show. 

Nikolai Kirsanov | JOHAN AVILA*

Johan Avila is a fourth-year student at the University of Iowa, pursuing Computer Science and Theatre. Originally from NYC, he enjoys all forms of arts, including writing, sketching, painting, and of course, theatre, where his most recent work was the role of Sr. Fillmore in Braided Sorrow. During the summers, he works as a camp counselor teaching kids how to make all sorts of food. Inspired by Little Shop of Horrors to take on theatre, he hopes to be able to do more productions after graduation. Johan would like to thank Dajzané in particular for inspiring him to take on theatre during his third year. 

Fenichka Nikolayevna | JENNIFER HOGAN*

Jennifer Hogan is a second year acting student. She is pursuing her undergrad at the University of Iowa in Theatre Arts and English Creative Writing, with a minor in Cinema. This is her fourth production at the university, though she has been involved with projects outside of the school. Outside of theatre, Jennifer is a musician, and she loves spending time with her dog, Oscar. She wants to thank both the cast and the production team for such a wonderful show! 

Pavel Kirsanov | JASPER ROOD

Jasper Rood comes from Mount Vernon, Iowa. He has been acting since the age of three and likes to pretend he's good at it. Jasper has been working as a carpenter in the scene shop at the university and is actually good at it. He can play lots of instruments from saxophone to banjo. He would also like to dedicate this performance to Lance Erikson for knowing exactly what he did. 

Viktor Sitnikov | CHARLIE SCHMELZER*

Schmelzer is a second year Mathematics and Theatre Arts Double major. He loves the experience of working with everyone on this amazing production, and though he sometimes writes plays in his free time, he doesn't know how to write a bio very well. All he does know is that you will definitely enjoy the show.

Anna Odintsov | HOLLAND LARNED*

Holland is a second-year student at Iowa, studying Theatre, Italian, and pursuing a certificate in Social Justice and the Performing Arts. This is her third time hitting the stage at Iowa, following The Bacchae and Childish Hearts. She would like to express gratitude to the whole New Play team and everyone who supports and cherishes the arts here with us!  

Katya Odintsov | LAUREL PRESTON*

Laurel Preston is a second year Theater Arts major, but a transfer student who is new to the University of Iowa. Fathers and Sons is her first production here at the University of Iowa. Previously she had done community theatre work in Coralville, Iowa City, and Cedar Falls. She was also involved in many shows at Kirkwood Community College where she had previously studied theatre. She is very excited for you to see the show, and would like to thank the cast and crew for making her feel so welcomed here at the university. Enjoy the show! 

Vassily Bazarov | JAMES GULDEN

James Gulden has been acting since junior high. At the University of Iowa, he's pursued writing and directing as well. He hopes to be a storyteller his whole life. 

Arina Bazarov | BELLA HOHENADEL*

Bella is a first-year Theatre major on the Musical Theatre track. Bella has been a part of the arts since the age of 3 years old. Bella has been in a variety of places, most recently in Journey to the Lovely Empire by Ryan Currie, another new play. Bella is excited to continue her journey here at the Iowa. She is grateful to her friends and family for always being supportive of her following her dreams. 

Voice on the Radio | ALICE WEBSTER*

Alice Webster is a third-year English and Creative Writing and Theatre double major. Last year's New Play Festival was her first time acting in a production at the university and she's excited to participate a second time! 

Gene | ILIE SHIRIN

Ilie Shirin (she/her/hers) is an MFA candidate for Literary Translation from Germany. She holds a B.A. in German and English Linguistics and Literature. Being passionate about writing and theatre, she has recently started writing her own plays. She previously performed for the Asian American Theater Night at the University of Iowa. Ilie feels honored to be a part of the New Play Festival 2023.