I have been wanting to write a blog update for weeks now, but illness, pet illness, and plain businesses have gotten in the way. I’m not 100% yet, and neither is my furry companion, but for now I have some time to post updates on what exciting things I’ve been up to and what is still to come.

We opened The Light Burns Blue (2.0) last Thursday. Same play, different cast. It’s been a fun experience to explore this piece in new ways, to take on new characters, and to revisit some old favorites. We have three more shows, this Tuesday-Thursday, all at 10am, all open to the public, tickets only $5.

For more information on this show, check out my post from March, I Do Believe In Fairies.

me as "Frances,” telling the story of the Cottingley Fairies

This past weekend we had rehearsals for the third annual Midwest Dramatist Play Conference. Playwrights from all over the country will be coming to hear their 10-minute plays receive a professional reading, and hear feedback from our panelists. For more information on our panelists and the conference, click here!

Rehearsal for Wicked Creatures produced by Confluence Theater Company will start October 1st, so stay tuned for more info on that! Until then, check out these bios and headshots of our fantastic cast!

Casey Jane as Sonia Smithson

Casey is thrilled to be playing Sonya in Emma’s excellent and unique story. She has been a presence on KC stages since 2013, with notable credits including: The Summer House (KC Fringe 2019), Elephant (Rising Tide Productions), Any Questions? (KC Fringe 2018), Chainsaw the Musical (Kokopelli), The Sarah Play (InHEIRitance Project), Tennessee Playboy (MET), Walls Suck (KC Fringe 2017), and The Death of Cupid (The Living Room theatre). Casey is the co-founder of Rising Tide Productions and works as a producer, marketer, and actor for the company. In her spare time she loves on her fella Bob, son Saxon, and furbeasts Miko & Emo.

Weiyi Zhang as Emily Clearwater

Weiyi is excited and thankful to be a part of this production of Wicked Creatures by Emma Carter. She graduated from the University of Iowa, where she studied Theatre Arts and Marketing; and moved from Iowa City to Olathe last July. She wants to thank people who's been willing to push and challenge her; her dog, Archibald, for his love; and of course her husband, Joseph, for his patience and rock-solid support. Weiyi cannot wait to start the rehearsal process and contribute to this wicked play. See you at show time!

Connor Eastman as Archibald Worthington III

Connor Eastman is thrilled to be working again with Confluence Theatre, and to be performing in the Living Room Theatre once more. He was previously at Living Room in Elephant, as John the police officer. He has also recently appeared in Scream in Blue for Confluence as part of the Fringe Festival, and as various characters in Honky with the Black Rep. Have a spooky time and remember to support local theatre!

Jamie Lin as Clara Hollowell

Jamie Lin is ecstatic to join Confluence Theatre Company for the role of Clara. Though she is often on stage in Kansas City, you might know her better by her burlesque name, Annie-Mae Allure. Jamie is the executive producer of the Kansas City Nerdlesque Festival and the Rude Revue and Burly Q, both nominated for Best of KC 2019 awards. Catch her next production at Daveys Uptown on Nov 16. When not performing or producing, she spends time with her boys (Erik, Braedon, and Matty), playing Wizards Unite, and napping.

Joshua Gleeson as Barnabas Brody

Joshua Gleeson is so humbled and honored to be a part of Wicked Creatures. You might have seen Joshua this summer in HASF's production of Shakespeare in Love. You will definitely see him this Winter in the Living Room's production of Milking Christmas. However, being able to play an original character created by the incredibly talented Emma Carter's has always been a dream of his. He would like to thank Confluence Theatre, the wonderful Amy O'Connor, and the entire, hard-working cast and crew for creating such a powerful production. Of course, nothing would ever be possible without the love and support from his marvelous wife. Thank you Kaitlynn for all that you do for all that are. I love you!