Written by Charlie Schmelzer
Directed by Ella Swartz

meet the team
Charlie Schmelzer

Playwright | CHARLIE SCHMELZER*

Charlie Schmelzer is the playwright for When It Matters Most and is a second-year Mathematics and Theatre Arts major who is very excited to have a piece he wrote get produced. He only has one thing to say, “Mom and Dad, if you’re reading this, I swear I am not projecting anything from my own life. The characters I wrote are not based on personal experience, and I love you both. I swear please do not think I based the characters on any perception I have of you or myself; seriously thank you for everything you have done for me!”  

Ella Swartz

Director | ELLA SWARTZ*

Ella Swartz is a first-year Screenwriting major and is thrilled to be directing a show for the first time at the University of Iowa for the Ten-Minute Play Festival. They have previously been part of the gallery show CO/OP and are excited to be part of many more projects to come.  

Emma Kohlenberg

Sam | EMMA KOHLENBERG*

Emma Kohlenberg is a fourth-year Theatre Arts major on the Musical Theatre track. She is thrilled to be a part of her 3rd UIowa Ten-Minute Play Festival with such an amazing cast and crew. Emma has also previously been a part of Deer’s Blood, Sirens of the Field, Bigfoot Takes a Walk, and We All Were Sunflowers at the university.  

Abby Weiss

Receptionist | ABBY WEISS*

Abby Weiss is a freshman here at Iowa and is excited to be participating in her first University production and to be a part of an amazing cast and crew.  

Department Logo
Dad | BRIAN NILLES*

*Undergraduate student. UI Theatre is dedicated to providing hands-on theatre experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Meet the Creative Team