Theatre Concentration

Andrew Moyer is a civil engineering student who enjoys performing theater as a hobby. This is his second show at the Backdoor Playhouse, previously playing George in their production of Carrie. He wants to thank his parents and brother for their endless support and Dr. Mullen for working around his work schedule to allow him to participate.

Talyn Mocco is new to The Backdoor Playhouse stage. She is a freshman Music Theatre and has held previous roles, including Ariel Moore in Footloose and Morticia Addams in The Addams Family. She wishes to thank Christopher Reames for his vocal help and the cast for making her first BDP experience such a special one.

Jameson Davis is making his Backdoor Playhouse debut in Into the Woods. A freshman Business major, Jameson’s favorite past roles include Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime and Willard Hewitt in Footloose. He would like to thank his family, friends, and mentors for always supporting his love of theatre (and for tolerating his constant singing around the house). 

Hannah Rockensock is thrilled to be back at the Backdoor Playhouse. Her most recent roles include Nadine in The Wild Party, Francis Flute in Something Rotten, and Sonia in Godspell. Hannah’s stoked to be lost in the woods with her evil sister (and her best friend) Emily Franklin.

Cadence Howell is excited to be a part of her first show at the Backdoor Playhouse. She is a sophomore B.S. Vocal Music major. Previous shows include Mary Poppins (Miss Andrew), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), and Frozen (Queen Iduna/Ensemble). Cadence would like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her always, and Dr. Mullen for being the best teacher and director. 

Malin Watkins is new to the Backdoor Playhouse. She is a freshman Musical Theatre and Accounting major and has previously performed as Dream Laurey/Ellen in Oklahoma, Mrs. Sowerberry in Oliver, and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her academic and musical pursuits.

Lee McGouirk is a sophomore Musical Theater major at Tennessee Tech and is thrilled to be making her third appearance at the Backdoor Playhouse. Some of her previous roles include Winnifred in Witch and Lolli in Somebody/Nobody. She is deeply grateful for her friends, her mom, her director, and her boyfriend, Ayden, for believing in her and supporting her dreams.

Zeke Eckert is a sophomore Musical Theater major. Roles at Tennessee Tech include Sir Arthur in Witch, Jeffrey in Godspell, and Joe Don in Somebody/Nobody. He has been doing shows since 6th grade. He is also a part of Chorale here at Tech. He would like to thank everyone for their support. 

Faith Manganaro (Cinderella’s Mother) is excited to be making her Backdoor Playhouse debut in Into the Woods. She is a senior vocal performance major and has held previous roles such as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Scaramouche in We Will Rock You, as well as some classical roles such as Gabriel in Haydn’s The Creation oratorio, and a featured soprano soloist in Carmina Burana. She wants to thank Dr. Pulte for always pushing her to improve and excel, her family, and God, who makes all things possible.

Gabe Tardy is sensitive, clever, well-mannered, considerate, passionate, charming, as kind as he’s handsome, but not heir to a throne. But he was Judas in Godspell, and a civil engineering master’s student, so that has to count for something, right? Anyways, he wants to thank the cast and crew for making his experience so enjoyable. (And his sister and parents as always!)

Mallory Weaver is making her acting debut at the Backdoor Playhouse, where she previously served as assistant stage manager for Godspell. She is a senior Vocal Music Education major and has performed in several musicals throughout her middle and high school years. Mallory would like to thank her parents for their love and support, her teachers for their guidance, and the Lord for giving her strength and blessing. 

Kendall Smith (Cinderella’s Prince) is new to the Backdoor Playhouse stage. He is a sophomore Vocal Music Education and Musical Theatre Major. His previous roles include Andrew in The Cabana (Storyteller House), Swing in Cats (Lipscomb University), and Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof (Cookeville Theatre Company). He wants to thank the cast and crew for all of their hard work. He also wants to thank his family for supporting him in any way possible. He hopes you enjoy the Backdoor Playhouse’s production of Into the Woods!

Austin Hurley is playing as the Steward in Into the Woods. He is a senior Voice major here at Tennessee Tech and was seen as Herb in Godspell at the Backdoor Playhouse. He would like to thank everyone for supporting the arts here at Tennessee Tech! 

Briley Dempsey (Snow White) is a senior English Major with a concentration in Theater. She has helped out at the Backdoor Playhouse since her freshman year including the recent production of Godspell as ASM. She’s thankful to the Lord, her family, her friends, and Dr. Mullen for all their support!

Dorothy Burt is new to the Backdoor Playhouse stage. She is a senior Vocal/General Music Education Major and Interdisciplinary Studies Major. Though she has not been in many large stage productions, she has enjoyed playing various roles in Tennessee Tech's Opera and Musical Theater Scenes class. She wishes to thank her mentor, Dr. Diane Pulte, for always cheering her on and encouraging her to grow as a performer. She also wishes to thank her fiancé, Ellis for being her biggest support system and her parents for encouraging her love for music from childhood.

Madeline Maas is a music education major here at Tennessee Tech. Her favorite roles include “Meg” in Leading Ladies, “Sue” in Carrie, and “Alice” in The Addams Family Musical. She would like to thank her family and her boyfriend, Owen, for their continual love and support.

Emily Franklin is a senior music major with a theatre minor. She has been in previous productions at the playhouse such as Godspell last semester as Gilmer. She wants to thank her beautiful mother and father for believing in her always. She’s so excited to bring Florinda to life for you in Into the Woods! 

Riley Keegan is excited to return to the Backdoor Playhouse for his final show! Riley is a senior at Tennessee Tech studying musical theater. Recent credits: Anastasia (CCP), Hairspray (CCP), Godspell (BDPH). Barbershop International Silver Medalist, Ordained Minister, Terrible Eyesight. Proud son, proud boyfriend (love you, Abby), proud fraternity brother. Loving others is the best way to love yourself. IG: _rileykeeganmt

Robin Houghton is thrilled to return to the Backdoor Playhouse stage alongside this inspiring cast. Her most recent credits include Joanne in “Godspell” (Backdoor Playhouse) and Maria in “9 to 5” (Cumberland County Playhouse). Robin is graduating in the spring with her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. She would like to thank her family and friends for their never-ending support.

Miranda Watkins is new to the Backdoor Playhouse stage. She is a freshman Musical Theatre Performance major and has held previous roles as Laurey in “Oklahoma!” and Sarah Brown in “Guys and Dolls”. She wishes to thank her parents for all of the love and support they have shown her throughout her life, and her high school choir director, Seth Tinsley, for always mentoring her and helping her through her performance journey

Julian Cannon (Wolf) is performing on the Backdoor Playhouse stage for the first time. He is a Freshman Musical Theater major. His favorite roles that he has played are Gomez in The Addams Family and Seaweed in Hairspray. He would like to thank his voice teacher, Dr. Pulte, for helping push him to be better every day! He would also like to thank the cast and crew for this opportunity, and for making his experience so amazing!