Crossing Mountains

CROSSING MOUNTAINS
LOOKING FOR LILITH THEATRE COMPANY
7/13 - 8:00p | 7/15 – 3:00p | 7/22 - 3:00p | 7/23 - 6:00p
Eifler Theatre

Crossing Mountains, a revival of LFL’s first devised production about the beginnings and development of the first hundred years of the Hindman Settlement School in Eastern Kentucky. Told through the words of founders, teachers, students, and community members, this powerful story uplifts community and perseverance. Directed by Kathi E.B. Ellis, this production will showcase LFL co-founders and Co-Artistic Directors Shannon Woolley Allison, Trina Fischer, and Jennifer Thalman Kepler, as well as company members Sara G.B. Canary, Laura Ellis, and Karole Spangler. Canary, who lives in Illinois, rejoins the LFL stage for the first time in four years. Original production design by Christe Lunsford, reimagined by Holly Stone, original costume design Typh Hainer Merwath, and sound design by Laura Ellis.

ACTING COMPANY
Shannon Woolley Allison^, Sara G.B. Canary^, Laura Ellis^, Trina Fischer^, Jennifer Thalman Kepler^

DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Kathi E.B. Ellis^ (Director),  Christë Lunsford (Original Scenic Designer - 2010), Holly Stone^ (Scenic Designer - 2017), Typh Hainer Merwarth^ (Original Costume Designer), Karole Spangler^ (Costume Manager/Wardrobe Mistress), Laura Ellis^ (Sound Designer), Regina Harris^ (Stage Manager)

^LFL Company Member

Shannon Woolley Allison

Sara GB Canary

Laura Ellis

Trina Fischer

Jennifer Thalman Kepler

ACTING COMPANY
Shannon Woolley Allison (Ensemble) is a proud founding member and Co-Artistic Director at LFL. She holds a BFA from Southern Methodist University and an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU. She is thrilled to be reprising her roles within LFL’s inaugural production, and to celebrate 15 years of uplifting under-heard stories.

Sara GB Canary (Ensemble) is really excited to be IN this show as it was the first show she worked on with LFL 15 years ago! In her 15 years she’s worn many hats in LFL and continues to be loved and respected as a company member even though she lives in Illinois

Laura Ellis (Ensemble, Sound Designer), LFL company member, has appeared in Crossing Mountains, Much Ado, CLASS OF ‘70, Sidewinders, Getting Out and Fabric, Flames and Fervor. She performs with Pandora Productions, is resident sound designer for Pandora and Kentucky Shakespeare, and sings with Billy Goat Strut Revue and The Birdies. She is a WFPL radio producer and helms Strange Fruit, a weekly talk show focusing on race, gender & LGBT issues.

Trina Fischer (Ensemble), YPAS grad, Northwestern alum, Fulbright Scholar (Chile), and past teaching artist with NYC’s Creative Arts Team, she is an LFL co-founder and Co-Artistic Director. Fave performances: LFL’s Fabric, Flames & Fervor, What My Hands Have Touched, and Prevailing Winds (Co-Devising Director), The Laramie Project & Looking for Normal w/Pandora, Body Awareness and Legacy of Light w/LFL.

Jennifer Thalman Kepler (Ensemble, Staging Asstant) is an LFL co-founder and Co-Artistic Director for Community Outreach. Jennifer has performed in 7 LFL original productions and played Alice in Alice In Black and White. Jennifer was Devising Director for 4 LFL original productions. She also develops and manages LFL’s educational and community programming. Jennifer holds an MA in Educational Theatre from New York University.

PRODUCTION STAFF
Kathi E.B Ellis (Director, Co-Artistic Director) is delighted to be celebrating Lilith’s 15th anniversary! Particular Lilith favorites include Fabric, Flames and Fervor: Girls of the Triangle and Alice in Black and White, both produced in Louisville and NYC. Kathi has received nominations for the South Florida Regional Carbonell Theater Award. She is a member of Lincoln Center and Chicago Directors labs, and an Associate Member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

Regina Harris (Stage Manager) is thrilled to have joined the Looking for Lilith family as a company member and delighted to celebrate its 15th anniversary by participating in Crossing Mountains. LFL’s tireless work in lifting up unheard voices is always an inspiration.

Christë Lunsford (2010 Scenic Designer) has worked nationwide doing design work, production work, and university teaching. Christë is currently Student Minister at First Unitarian Church and an M.Div. student at Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago. Favorite designs include: Three Sisters, The Lover, A Perfect Ganesh, Keely and Du, Caucasian Chalk Circle, Alice in Black and White (LFL) and Orlando (LFL).

Holly Stone (2017 Scenic Designer) is a freelance artist, photographer, and graphic/web designer and works with LFL, Shakespeare Behind Bars, and Kentucky Shakespeare. As a Company Member of LFL, Holly is Co-Chair of the Communications Committee. LFL credits include Legacy of Light (Set & Props Co-Designer), Prevailing Winds (Projections Design/Research Co-Director) and Molly in the staged reading of Molly Driven.

Typh Hainer Merwarth (Costume Designer) has been a resident Costume Designer at LFL since 2002. What My Hands Have Touched (2003), Class of ’70 (2004/2013), Crossing Mountains (2010 remount), The House of Bernarda Alba (2011), Looking Forward, Looking Back (2012), Sidewinders (2015.). Typh’s original designed, handmade paper-lace dress, was featured in KMAC Couture 2015. She is a JCPS Art Teacher.

Karole Spangler (Costume Manager/Wardrobe Mistress) Crossing Mountains (2010) was her first show with LFL. The play, the characters, and the joy of working with these artists for the first of many times & years holds a special place in her heart. She feels that Shannon, Trina, & Jennifer offered their beloved ‘Ville an extraordinary gift by homing their theatrical dreams here.