Director | PAUL KALINA

Directing Credits Include: University of Iowa: Big Love, Welcome to Thebes, and Smile Medicine, No Fish in the House (Iowa Repertory Theatre). Professional: Physical Comedy Director: Regional: Animal Crackers (Goodman Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Baltimore Center Stage). Physical Comedy Consultant and Choreographer: Singing in the Rain (Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre). Physical Theatre Director: Romance Cycle (Court Theatre), Endgame (Steppenwolf Theatre, clown training Ian Barford). Fight Director: Closer (Steppenwolf), Pirates (Goodman), Romeo & Juliet, Fair Maid of the West, Measure for Measure (Riverside Theatre).  Performance Credits: The 39 Steps (Drury Lane Oakbrook). Performer & Co-Creator: 500 Clown Macbeth, 500 Clown Frankenstein, 500 Clown Christmas Carol & 500 Clown and the Elephant. Founding company member: 500 Clown, the clown duo Le Pamplemousse and the critically acclaimed clown acrobatic duo, The Bumblinni Brothers. 

Paul supervised the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Unit at the University of Chicago Children's Hospital from 1999-2005. He is a Represented Artist with Cirque du Soleil. Current projects: Media Clown; a multi-modal digital and live clown piece co-created with Associate Professor Dan Fine and industry professionals. Paul is the current Head of Acting and teaches movement at the University of Iowa. He is also bald and swears a lot.

Music Director | MARK BRUCKNER

Mark Bruckner (Music Director, Arranger, Conductor, Keyboard Programmer) is a New York Innovative Theater, Audelco Award-winning composer, and Henry Hewes American Theatre Wing design nominee. Recent work: Original Music and Sound Design for Kevin Augustine and Lone Wolf Tribe’s People Vs. Nature at LaMama ETC New York City (Nov 2024); Marie Antoinette (Thayer Theatre, Fall 2024) and Men on Boats (Mabie Theatre, Fall 2023) both directed by Mary Beth Easley; Music Direction, Conductor, and Arranger for Into the Woods (directed by Stephen Thorne, Spring 2024, Mabie Theatre); Original music and music director for The Bacchae (directed by Sarah Gazdowicz, Thayer Theatre, Fall 2022); Original music and sound design for The Marriage of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein by Edward Einhorn (Jermyn Street Theatre, West End London, UK, March 2022); Original music and ambisonic sound design for Body Concert by Kevin Augustine of Lone Wolf Tribe, which received the Grand Prize for Best Music at the 17^th International Lalka Też Człowiek festival in Warsaw, Poland.  For samples of pre-2019 work visit www.markbruckner.net 

Choreographer | SHELBY ZUKIN

Shelby Zukin is wildly excited and immensely grateful to be back at Iowa as the choreographer for Side Show. Shelby graduated in May of 2020 from the UIowa theatre department with a bachelors in theatre arts and minors in dance and vocal performance. Since graduating, she has worked in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area as an actor, choreographer, vocal director, musical theatre dance teacher at Nolte Academy, touring back up dancer, and private voice teacher at "Zukin Studios." Shelby cherishes her time at Iowa and is grateful to the acting program and professors for how they helped shape the person and educator she is today. Special thank you to her family and friends for their support, and to Paul for his continued mentorship, trust, and collaborative leadership. Enjoy the Side Show and embrace your inner freak! 

Stage Manager | SAVANHA MOORE**

Savanha Moore (She/Her) is a Theatrical Artist and Stage Manager from Southern California. She is currently a third-year stage management MFA candidate at the University of Iowa. Savanha has always wanted to tell stories that serve a greater purpose, she believes that creative art has the power to change lives and is determined to use her work for that purpose. She is a recent recipient of the Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program with the Black Theatre Coalition. Thank you to the cast and crew and creative team for their incredible work throughout this process. Her recent show credits include: Regional: The Light and The Dark (The Life and Times of Artemisia Gentileschi) (Chautauqua Theatre Company), Fabulation or, The Re-Education of Undine (Chautauqua Theatre Company), Birthday Candles (Chautauqua Theatre Company), Tell Me You’re Dying (or the trial of millicent bonhomme) (Chautauqua Theatre Company), NBC Quantum Leap (SDCC 2023), (Title Pending) (Obsidian Theatre Festival), HBO House of the Dragons Activation (SDCC 2022), Untitled Baby Play (IAMA Theatre), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Geffen Playhouse); Educational: In The Red and Brown Water (UIowa Theatre), Lil G: A Gatsby Remix (World Premiere, UIowa Theatre), and Braided Sorrow (UIowa Theatre). 

Scenic Designer | JASON SIMMS

Jason is thrilled to make his University of Iowa debut! Jason joined the University of Iowa faculty this year as an assistant professor of design. Jason has designed for New York stages and companies including The Public Theater, Second Stage, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Cherry Lane, The Bushwick Starr, The Juilliard School, and many more. Regional venues include Pioneer Theatre Co., Salt Lake City; Bristol Riverside Theatre, Philadelphia; Denver Center Theatre Company; The Old Globe, San Diego; Philadelphia Theatre Company; George St. Playhouse, New Brunswick, NJ; Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge, MA; TheatreWorks, Silicon Valley, CA; Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia; and many more.  

Costume Designer | BELLA FORTUNATO**

(She/her) Bella is a second-year MFA costume designer and scenic artist here at the University of Iowa. She is beyond excited to be working with director Paul and the cast to bring to life the stories of the Side Show and the Hilton Twins. Her previous work at the university consisted primarily of new play development which helped inspire her insight into how she thinks about characters and development within a script. Some of her favorite costume design work from the past R+H Cinderella, Twelfth Night, and She Kills Monsters among many more exciting projects. Bella would additionally like to thank her family, friends, and shop workers for the support in helping make this massive show possible.   

Lighting Designer ​| JEFFREY OAKLEY**

Intimacy Director ​| CRISTINA GOYENECHE

Dramaturg | REBECCA WEAVER**

Rebecca Weaver is in their final year as an MFA candidate in the dramaturgy program at the University of Iowa. Previously, Rebecca obtained two bachelor’s degrees in English and drama (2020) at Jacksonville State University where they then received their master’s degree in English (2022). Their most recent theatre credits include dramaturging Far Away (UIowa), The Words of Ants (UIowa), American Rusałki (UIowa), In the Red and Brown Water (UIowa), and The Children’s Hour (UIowa). They are very honored to have worked with the cast and creative team of Side Show, especially the director, Paul Kalina. Enjoy the show!

Orchestra Manager ​| MADISON BRADY*

Madison Brady is an undergraduate senior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance with a minor in cinema. She has extensive experience performing in pit orchestras for productions such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Addams Family, Parade, Into the Woods, Something Rotten!, The Bacchae, String, and Carrie. In addition to her theatrical work, Brady is an active symphonic musician, having performed with the Des Moines Gamer Symphony, the University of Iowa Symphony, and the Quad City Youth Symphony. When she isn’t focused on music, you can find Brady heavily involved in the board game industry.

 Piano/Rehearsal Accompanist ​| ANNA MARINE

 Rehearsal Accompanist ​| LESLIE HYLAND

Reeds I ​| RYAN MACDONALD

Ryan MacDonald is a third-year DMA candidate in flute performance at the University of Iowa and is a student of Nicole Esposito on flute and Jorge Montilla on clarinet. Originally hailing from Maine, he has bachelor's degrees in physics and music from the University of Maine and has a master's in flute performance from the University of Minnesota. In past lives, he was a musician in the U.S. Army, toured with Fiddler on the Roof, and worked in industrial sales. When he’s not playing music, he enjoys cycling, photography, and spending time with his wife and daughter. 

Reeds II ​| NICK CARLO

Nick Carlo (Reed 2 - Flute, Clarinet, and Alto Sax) is a band director at Liberty High School in North Liberty. He holds B.M.’s in both Music Education and Clarinet Performance from the University of Northern Iowa (2015) and this past summer completed his Masters in Music Education from the University of Kansas. Nick performs regularly in the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, maintains a private clarinet lesson studio, and has performed in musical pits with Revival Theater, Cedar Falls Community Theater, and a number of local high school productions. 

Reeds III ​| FELISHA JONES

Felisha Jones holds a DMA in Double Reed Performance from the University of Georgia, as well as an MM in multiple woodwind performance from UW-Madison, and a BA degree in flute from UNI. She currently is professor of oboe and bassoon at Grinnell College. As a native and current resident of Center Point IA, she mostly stays home with her 2 young boys, as well as subbing in several local groups throughout the year.

Reeds IV ​| JOSHUA CARLO

Joshua Carlo is one of three band directors at Northwest Middle School in Coralville, where he has been since 2019. Before coming to Iowa City CSD, he taught middle school bands in the Waterloo CSD for the 2017 and 2018 school years. Mr. Carlo received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2017 and his Master of Music Education degree from the University of Kansas in 2024. 

Mr. Carlo performs regularly on woodwind instruments with numerous groups in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Quad Cities areas. He served as the double reed advisor for the Iowa Ambassadors of Music 2023 European tour and will serve in this role again for their 2025 tour. Mr. Carlo also teaches several private double reed students; students under his instruction have been selected for the Iowa All-State Band and have received Division I ratings at State Solo/Ensemble.

Trumpet I ​| ROBERT KRAUSE

Robert Krause is a professional trumpeter, clinician, and educator based in Iowa City, IA. He has performed professionally since 2014, Krause serving with the Marine Forces Reserve Band (2017-2021) and currently performing with the U.S. Army National Guard Bands. Krause has performed at renowned venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and with Carnival and Princess Cruise Lines. As a dedicated educator, he presents masterclasses and workshops nationwide and maintains a successful private studio. He has also recorded for several short film soundtracks, showcasing his versatility as both a live and studio musician. Krause holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Anderson University (SC) and is pursuing a Master's in Trumpet Performance at the University of Iowa.

Trumpet II ​| TYLER COOK

Trumpet III ​| ASHTON HEIM

French Horn ​| JONATHON HUGHES

Performing March 7–9.

French Horn ​| AMANDA STOUT

Performing March 13–15. Amanda Stout is the Assistant to Director for the University of Iowa School of Music. She teaches horn at Grinnell College, high brass at Central College, and actively performs across the state. She is also an active mural artist and has permanent art installations all over the state of Iowa.

Trombone I ​| BRADY GELL

Trombone II ​| KEEGAN CLARK

Guitar ​| ANDY PARROTT

Drums ​| SETH REZEK

Born in New York City, Seth Rezek is a well accomplished Drummer/Percussionist that grew up in the Des Moines area. Studying mainly with Aaron Williams (Principal Percussion, Des Moines Symphony), Seth was well known for his versatility. Throughout his high school years, he was an All-Stater, won the Louis Armstrong Jazz award, played drumset/percussion for productions at the Des Moines community playhouse, to name a few things. In the summer of 2023, Seth was invited to attend the NYU Broadway Percussion seminar, in which he was given the opportunity to learn from musicians like Ben Perowsky (Drums, Hadestown) and Sean McDaniel (Drums, Some Like it Hot). This past summer, Seth took on a position to march snare drum with the River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps, and helped lead them to their most successful season in history. Currently, Seth is furthering his education with Dr. Michael D’Angelo at the University of Iowa, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Jazz Percussion Performance. You can find Seth performing in various musical situations around central Iowa, as well as his Instagram, @sethdoesperc, where he documents his musical journey.

Bass ​| ZACK KENYON

Percussion ​| SHAUN EVERSON

Synethesizer ​| JOEL HERRING

Assistant Stage Manager ​| BONNIE RUBLE**

Bonnie Ruble is a Midwest based stage manager and professional theatre artist from Cedar Rapids, IA. They are a first-year stage management MFA candidate at the University of Iowa. Bonnie is also a properties and paints artisan and most recently worked as the Assistant Properties' Supervisor at Peninsula Players in Summer 2024. They enjoy being a leader around the performing arts and helping others to fit all the puzzle pieces to see the production come together. Their recent credits include Dance Gala: Agile (Hancher Auditorium, UIowa Dance), E/Merge (Space Place Theater, UIowa Dance), Little Bathhouse on the Prairie (Space Place Theater, UIowa Dance), Blood at the Root (University of Northern Iowa), Elephant and Piggie’s: We are in a Play (Waterloo Playhouse), Bright Star (Theatre Cedar Rapids). Before coming to the University of Iowa, they were the Production Manager of the Waterloo Playhouse. They hope you enjoy the show and thank you all for coming to experience the side show. 

Assistant Stage Manager ​| CHLOE ANCELL*

Chloe Ancell is an undergraduate senior at the University of Iowa. She is one of two assistant stage managers for this production. She is a theatre arts major with an emphasis in stage management, and a religious studies minor. Chloe has also worked on the stage management team for Fathers and Sons, Brother Brother, Dance Nation, Razor Creek: A folk-rock sci-fi musical, and Così fan tutte. She was also the scenic designer for Reflections and Day Fades Into Night. Chloe wants to thank her family for all their love & support throughout her theatre journey thus far! She hopes you enjoy the freak show! 

Assistant Scenic Designer ​| NAZANIN VAKILI**

(She/Her) is a scenic designer from Isfahan, Iran. She is thrilled to be assisting on Side Show as part of her MFA scenic design studies at the University of Iowa. With a background in architecture, she is passionate about creating immersive spaces that enhance storytelling. She is grateful to the cast, crew, and creative team for their dedication and collaboration throughout this process.  

Assistant Costume Designer ​| Ryan Lim*

Assistant Costume Designer ​| Abby Paul*