Krista Schafer (Shelley) is the founding Artistic Director of Open Book. She earned her degree in theatre from Northwestern University and has additional training from Arden Theatre Company, SITI company, Fringe Benefits and Augusto Boal. Krista has performed on professional stages large and small across the country. Krista won the Wilde Award for best performance by a lead actress for her title role in Emilie as well as the Best Director award for both The Watson Intelligence and This Random World. She is humbled and grateful beyond measure for the love and support of her wonderful family and friends. Krista is extraordinarily proud of this wonderful theatre that YOU have helped create and grow, and thanks you for being here. Now Begin.
Allison Megroet (Emma) previously appeared in Picasso and the Lapin Agile and Who Am I This Time with Open Book. She has been acting in Michigan for nearly 20 years with a focus on theatre, branching out into commercial and film. She played Squeaky Fromme in Assassins at the Ringwald, and has also recently acted with Theatre Nova, Penny Seats, Tipping Point, and Williamston Theatre companies. She is currently in Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s touring company. This summer, she looks forward to returning as AD for the Shakespeare Royal Oak teen ensemble.
James Abbott (Oscar) is an experienced actor and skilled puppeteer with over 15 years of captivating audiences. Trained at Wayne State University, James has left his mark on stages along the Eastern Coast. His performances blend authenticity and charisma, creating unforgettable experiences. Notable for his transformative roles, James portrayed Sizwe Bansi with the Matrix Art Theater, showcasing his depth and commitment. His portrayal of Musa in “Salt City” at Bronx’s Apollo Theater garnered acclaim. More than an actor, James is a storyteller delving into the human experience. His dedication and passion shine through every performance. With an impressive portfolio, James Abbott II continues to inspire and captivate, connecting deeply with audiences.
Henry Ballesteros (Frog): This is Henry’s first show with Open Book and he couldn’t be more excited! Attended Southern Utah University (B.F.A. in Classical Acting.), Henry has had the pleasure of working with The Michigan Shakespeare Education Tour(MiSFITS), The Utah Shakespeare Festival (Twelfth Night 2014) and with the SimonFest Theatre Co.(2015-2019). Recently performed in Return To The Forbidden Planet (Penny Seats). I couldn’t do any of this without the love and support of my family. For B, R & A.
Kez Settle (Director, Sound Designer) is thrilled to be back at Open Book Theatre Company where she was last seen as Wendy in For Peter Pan On Her 70th Birthday. Kez has appeared in many productions around Southeast Michigan, and some of her notable credits are Beth in This Random World (Open Book Theatre Company), Anabella Byron in Ada and the Engine (Open Book Theatre Company), Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher (Open Book Theatre Company), Marlafaye in The DIO’s production of The Savannah Sipping Society, Detective O’Dell in the Wild Award Critic’s Choice Award winning production of TheInterference (Matrix Theatre Company), and Annie in Kayak (Matrix Theatre Company) which garnered her a Wilde Award Nomination for Best Lead Actress. When not on stage, Kez has been spending her time directing; most recently right here at Open Book Theatre for the season eight production of The Lifespan of A Fact. She is a proud graduate of The School at Steppenwolf in Chicago. Chase your dreams. It’s good cardio!
Rachel Marengere (Stage Manager) has been involved in theater for the past 20 years. Since the age of eight, Rachel has either been acting onstage or behind the scenes working on lights, sound, moving scenery, or stage managing. Rachel obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Production from Point Park University. Some of Rachel’s favorite shows she has worked on are, Next to Normal (Tibbits Opera House), Lottery Day (Goodman Theatre), Woody’s Order! (The REP at The Pittsburgh Playhouse), It Shoulda Been You (The Players Guild of Dearborn), Encore! (The Players Guild of Dearborn).
Gwen Lindsay (Scenic Designer) is a local area designer and technician and is excited to be working with Open Book again after designing for The Taming last fall. She is the inhouse Stage manager/ lighting designer for the Detroit Institute of Art’s Detroit Film Theater. Gwen is an Adjunct Professor at Madonna University, the scenic painter at Meadowbrook theatre, and a freelance exhibit designer. She is an avid lover of the outdoors and when she’s not working can usually not be found as she’s gone hiking and is hiding in the trees.
Gordon Mosley(Scenic Carpenter) joined the Players Guild of Dearborn in 1986 and has been involved in theatrical productions ever since. Over the years he has also worked with Southgate Community Players, Downriver Actors Guild, Lincoln Park High School and Detroit Public Theatre. In 2012 Gordon was inducted into the Dearborn Theater Hall of Fame. Among his more notable construction projects were The Car for I Remember Mama based on a 1908 Cadillac, The Gazebo for Do You Wanna Dance?, The Sewer for Guys and Dolls and The Mid-Century Furniture for Promises, Promises. Gordon enjoys the unique challenges of building sets for a black box theater. He continues to upgrade set design and construction methods with his unique style of building and the use of 3D modeling software.
Cheryl Zemke (Costume Designer) is a Multi Award winning Fashion Designer, Artist, and Owner of C. Creations Custom Sewing & Design. Her store, Cheryl Zemke Boutique, is located at 2934 Biddle Ave. in downtown Wyandotte. The boutique sells her handmade fashion and art, as well as “Artfully Chosen” fashion and gift items. She also does custom sewing and alterations on site. Zemke was born and raised in southern Michigan, received a B.S.B.A. from Lawrence Technological University, and earned an Associate Degree in Merchandising at the International Academy of Merchandising and Design, graduating as class Valedictorian. Zemke has been a part of the Open Book team since 2017, this show will mark her 13th as a costume designer. She particularly enjoys costuming, saying it “allows me to use many of the skills that I have acquired from classes in Fashion History.” Contact Cheryl Zemke via her email czcreations@hotmail.com, website www.cherylzemke.com, Facebook or Instagram @cherylzemkeboutique.
Harley Miah (Lighting Designer) is a freelance artist for theatres, nightclubs, concerts and festivals across the country, as lighting designer for IKO Global Productions. He has been Open Book’s resident lighting designer since its inception, earning Wilde Awards for Best Design – Lights for Open Book’s production of Red in 2014, and This Random World in 2022. Harley’s work has recently been seen at The Ringwald, Tipping Point, Detroit Public Theatre and the newly opened Inspired Acting Company in Walled Lake. Harley also designs lights for “Detroit Presents: Live from Marygrove” on Detroit Public TV, which airs Wednesdays at 7:30 on WTVS and St George’s Academy in NYC. Harley spends spare his time with his loving partner Reyna spoiling their cats, traveling, and seeing as many shows as they can in this great theatre community we have in Southeast Michigan. He hopes you do the same.
Samantha Silva (Prop Designer) is positively delighted to be returning Open Book for her third season! She started here as a Stage Manager and has had wonderful experiences each and every time. Last season was her first foray into Properties Management with How I Learned to Drive and she looks forward to expanding her skills and enjoying the hunt for the perfect piece! She would like to thank the Open Book family for creating such a welcoming, inclusive and collaborative environment and community. She is proud to work with such talented and dedicated artists. Thanks also to her bosses, family and friends for their support and tolerance of this crazy schedule; to her husband for encouraging her to chase what brings her joy; and to her son, who inspires and surprises us every day.
Andrew Papa (dialect coach) is honored to finally get a chance to work with the Open Book Theatre Company as a dialect coach. He last dialect coached (and performed in) Pride and Prejudice with the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC). Andrew has also worked with the Tipping Point Theatre, Matrix Theatre Company, Shakespeare Royal Oak, the Ringwald Theatre, and the Williamston Theatre, among others. He is a proud graduate of Central Michigan University and Wayne State University. In addition to acting, directing, and dialect coaching, Andrew teaches at the University of Detroit Mercy. He would like to thank his lovely wife Emily, his spirited children (Ivy and Elliot), and his family and friends for their continued love and support.