PROGRAM – The Book Women | Looking for Lilith Theatre Company

Shannon Woolley Allison (she/her)

Producer | Multiple Roles - Route 1

Despite stints working, performing, and teaching in Chicago, Denver, and New York City, Shannon is Louisville, KY born and bred! She attended YPAS, earned a BFA at SMU, and a Master’s at NYU. In 2001, Shannon co-founded LFL, and serves as Co-Artistic Director to this day. Recent performances include Grey in Erin Fitzgerald’s BAGGAGE CLAIM, Dr. Anna Lawrence in FROM BARDSTOWN TO BROADWAY: THE ROAD TO VOTES FOR WOMEN/THE SUFFRAGE DRIVING & WALKING TOUR, and Jules in Allie Fireel’s NOTE. Recent directing credits include co-directing LFL’s original DEFINING INFINITY with Ebony Jordan, Diana Grisanti’s THE PATRON SAINT OF LOSING SLEEP, Erin Fitzgerald’s GOOD GRIEF and Clarity Hagan’s THE MOTH AND THE MASKED MAN. She is proud to be a roster artist for the KY Arts Council, a board member of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, and a member of Alternate ROOTS, The Network of Ensemble Theatres, The Alliance for Theatre in Education, and The Louisville Theatre Community.

Ellie Archer (she/they)

Stage Manager - Full Production

Ellie is excited to be returning for her ninth production with Looking for Lilith. She is a company member with LFL and has worked with several other theatre companies and institutions in Louisville, including Actors Theatre, Pandora Productions, three witches shakespeare, the Louisville Fringe Festival, Bunbury Theatre, Untitled Louisville Theatre Company, and the Belle of Louisville. She was most recently seen as Macduff in three witches shakespeare’s production of MACBETH in April, and before that as Marla in LFL’s production of Clarity Hagan’s JUST CAUSE in March.

Alex Biscardi (she/her)

Sound Designer

Alex is a Louisville-based freelance audio designer and editor. A graduate of the University of Louisville's Theatre Arts Department, she currently works as a Technical Producer at Louisville Public Media. When not at the radio station, you can find her in one of our local theatres, sound designing and/or engineering plays. Some of the companies that she has worked with are Actors Theatre, Stage One, Kentucky Shakespeare, and Looking for Lilith. She lives with her husband and pets in Shelby Park. After audio, she loves local food, ukulele, field recording nature, tennis, writing, and Overwatch, lots of Overwatch.

Hannah Brooks (they/them)

Tour Manager

Hannah is a local costume and props designer who occasionally dabbles in non-traditional set design. Hannah has been designing around town since summer of 2017. They have worked with Bunbury Theatre Company, The Kentucky Opera, StageOne, and Commonwealth Theatre Center. Their performances with LFL include THE SUFFRAGE DRIVING & WALKING TOUR and COMMON THREADS. They have been a Looking for Lilith company member since 2023. When not working on a show, Hannah enjoys drawing and making stickers. Thanks to Colt for your never-ending support. For KM.

Dawn Campbell (she/her)

Josephine - Route 2

Dawn holds an MA in Theatre Studies (Fontbonne University, MO) and a BS in Theatre Performance (University of Evansville, IN). A Kentucky native, but recently moving back home from Las Vegas, she is a full-time arts educator and side-gig Choreographer/Director/Movement Coach. She is a returning LFL Company Member and can’t wait to pick up her work again with this amazing theatre ensemble. Favorite show credits (onstage and off) include: INTO THE WOODS; URINETOWN! THE MUSICAL; THE YELLOW BOAT; FABRIC, FLAMES AND FERVOR: GIRLS OF THE TRIANGLE; BEYOND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS; THE TEMPEST; BECOMING MOTHERS; and PETER PAN. Thank you to her loving, supportive family – especially the little MnMs that fill her heart (and drive her crazy) every day.

Sara GB Canary (she/her)

Director - Route 2

Sara is thrilled to finally add Director to her theatre credentials! Though this will be Sara’s first directing gig, she is no stranger to LFL. Sara has acted, stage managed, produced and devised with LFL since 2002, after graduating from YPAS. Favorite productions include. . . . In UNHEARD/OUTLOUD, LFL’s 15th Anniversary Festival, Sara was honored to portray May Stone in CROSSING MOUNTAINS. In 2021 Sara wrote, filmed, acted and edited the short piece CLEANING CLOSETS AND FINDING MYSELF as part of COMMON THREADS: INTERWOVEN PORTRAITS OF A PANDEMIC. She also acted in the film for HIGH SCHOOL REUNION: PANDEMIC STYLE and was in the audio cast for FILLING IN THE HOLES. Last season, she was in the staged reading of THE HELPERS. The beginning of this season Sara was excited to help bring the ANCESTORS PROJECT to life by telling many stories collected from various communities over the last few seasons. Sara is currently serving as the Board Chair for LFL.

Meg Caudill (she/her)

Erma - Route 3

Meg hails from Appalachia, but moved to Louisville in 2007 to join Kentucky Shakespeare as a teaching artist/tour actor. Since then, she has been fortunate to work with several local theatre companies, including Pandora Productions, Walden Theatre/CTC, StageOne, Company Outcast, This Bridge Theatre, three witches shakespeare, and LFL. Meg most recently appeared in three witches Shakespeare's production of MACBETH (Lady Macbeth). When she isn’t teaching or directing in the Walden Conservatory or visiting schools with StageOne workshops, she can be found at the zoo during special events (Halloween and Christmas), making special appearances as Queen Elizabeth I, or helping Santa check his list twice. Meg is a company member with Looking for Lilith and a proud alumna of the KY Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP).

Justice Barnett Chenault (they/them)

Mr. Arnett, Thomas Carroll, Pastor Bridges - Route 3

Justice graduated from Goldsmith Elementary School, and is a rising theatre major at Western Middle. They have been in the Louisville Leopards Percussionists since 2nd grade and picked up the saxophone in the school band this past year. Justice enjoys being outdoors and playing Roblox with their friends, when they are not making music or performing. They would like to thank their friends and family for their support and hope to see you at their next performance!

Sabrina Dudgeon (she/her)

Josephine, Sue Ashley, Lonnie - Route 1

Sabrina has been a member of the LFL community since 1st grade, participating in LFL’s afterschool programs and, more recently, in GirlSpeak summer programs, so she is especially excited to make her professional debut in this production with LFL. Her past credits include PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Daughter) and acting and devising of GirlSpeak’s NOT SO PICTURE PERFECT and THROUGH THE WINDOWSILL. An active player in the Noe Middle Theatre program, she has acted, overseen sound/tech, and digitally designed playbills. When she has any spare time, you’ll find her between the pages of books, covered in paint, or on the softball diamond. She is looking forward to another summer with LFL and then her final year at Noe. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support!

Jill Marie Guelda (she/her)

Set Designer

Jill Marie is a multimedia artist, designer, and proud Louisville native. Since 2006, she’s tackled nearly every backstage role theatre has to offer—except hanging lights (heights still aren’t her thing). For THE BOOK WOMEN, Jill drew inspiration from the rugged beauty of Eastern Kentucky and is so grateful to promote the fierce determination of the Pack Horse Librarians with a set that brings their journey vividly to life. She specializes in set design, prop design, and event/production management, and currently serves as Director of Audience Engagement for LFL. This season, she has had the opportunity to work with Highview Arts Center and Bunbury Theatre on multiple shows, to create watercolor commissions through MoonJilly Magic, as well as to experience the vast and vibrant arts community here in Louisville. Jill is grateful for the continued support of her husband and family and is honored to help tell this powerful story of resilience, literacy, and women’s strength.

Evie Hassler (she/her)

Erma, Betty, Gene/Jean - Route 1

Evie began working with LFL in elementary school, both in afterschool and summer classes. Evie loves all things art. She was selected to perform in the State honor choir in Lexington this year, but has chosen to focus on performing arts for the remainder of her years at Noe Middle School. Evie is also very musically inclined, and is currently working on developing her skill with piano. In her free time, she loves reading, cooking and drawing.

June Apple Hopkins (she/her)

Sissy Mae - Route 2

June Apple is a Choir major at Western Middle and a rising Choir major at YPAS — because just one choir will never be enough! She’s performed with RPA, StageOne, Shooting Stars Theater, LPAS, and WMSA, and is in her seventh year with the Louisville Leopard Percussionists as a performer, ambassador, and camp counselor (yes, she can carry a marimba and a conversation). Though this is her first full show with LFL, her story here began 10 years ago with a flamenco class — and she hasn’t stopped performing since. June Apple is thrilled to bring this story to the stage with such an amazing cast and crew. She sends love and thanks to her family, Diane, Ella, Pete, and the cast and crew of THE BOOK WOMEN. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she loves performing in it!

Ebony Jordan (she/her)

Director - Route 3

Ebony is a Louisville-based actor and teaching artist whose theatrical home is Looking for Lilith, where she’s also a company member. She has worked for other companies such as StageOne Theatre, Kentucky Shakespeare, Commonwealth Theatre Center, Josephine Sculpture Park, Theatre [502], and Faith Works Studios. Past acting credits include FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF (Faith Works), LAWBREAKERS (StageOne), THE PATRON SAINT OF LOSING SLEEP (LFL), CLASS OF ‘70 (LFL) and the 2019 production of DEFINING INFINITY (LFL). Recent directing credits include co-directing LFL’s LIFECYCLE OF A BLACKBERRY and DEFINING INFINITY.

Jennifer Thalman Kepler (she/her)

Project Director | Director - Route 1

LFL Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director, Jennifer is an actor, director, devising director and teaching artist for LFL and has participated in various ways in most LFL productions and programs. Performances include: COMMON THREADS; CAREFULLY TAUGHT; PREVAILING WINDS; LUZ; ALICE IN BLACK AND WHITE; 10 YEARS, 7 STORIES; BEYOND THE BLUE MOUNTAINS; FABRIC, FLAMES AND FERVOR; CLASS OF ’70; WHAT MY HANDS HAVE TOUCHED and CROSSING MOUNTAINS. Jennifer has also served as the devising director for several LFL projects including: WHAT MY HANDS HAVE TOUCHED, WE ARE HERE, KY SUFFRAGE PROJECT: FROM BARDSTOWN TO BROADWAY and CHOICES. Jennifer has also been creating curriculum and teaching in LFL After-School Drama and YOUTHSPEAK/GIRLSPEAK programs, as well as heading up the Faith Stories Project in Guatemala.

Jojo Kepler (she/her)

Cora - Route 3

Jojo recently graduated from Hawthorne Elementary School and will be attending Western Middle School for the Arts as a theater major next year. She was featured in an episode of LFL’s FROM BARDSTOWN TO BROADWAY. Jojo has participated in LFL’s afterschool drama and summer camps since preschool. She especially loves LFL’s GirlSpeak program, where she can work with others to devise their own play. She has also attended camps at StageOne. Additionally, she’s in the Rising Star Performing Arts Troupe at Diane Moore Dance Academy, where she has studied jazz, tap, musical theater, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, and singing. She also sings in the Westminster Choir at Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church and learned to play the viola in her school's orchestra program. She just began piano lessons. She would like to thank her family for their support during her acting journey. Jojo is overjoyed to have the opportunity to share this wonderful story.

Drew Lloyd (she/her)

Willa, “Sissy” Mae –Route 1

As a fresh face to the acting realm, Drew Lloyd will be making her professional acting debut with this production of THE BOOK WOMEN. Drew was bitten by the acting bug while participating in a Drama Club at her elementary school, Brandeis Elementary, sponsored by LFL. This April completed the 9 year old’s 4th year participating in these LFL Drama Clubs. Along with her love for the Theatre Arts, Drew also has been studying and honing the art of Dance with the Lanita Rocknettes School of Dance Company and learning the electric guitar with AMPED.

Lucinda “Lucie” McGarity (she/her)

Reg, June Carroll - Route 3

Lucie has been acting with LFL since 2019, in their afterschool program and summer drama camps. She has performed in six seasons with the Louisville Academy of Fine Arts production of THE NUTCRACKER. Most recently she was cast as “Cassie” in Western Middle School for the Arts production of THE AUDITION. In addition to acting, Lucie has been a Lakeside Quarry Gator Swim Team member, competing the last five years. Lucie loves animals, crafting, and traveling. She is excited about the opportunity to participate in THE BOOK WOMEN.

Rachel Meadors (she/they)

Stage Manager - Route 3

Rachel is a local stage manager, actor, and teaching artist. She is delighted to be returning to work with Looking for Lilith. They have previously worked with LFL as an in-school drama teaching artist and stage managed the STAGED READING SERIES and DEFINING INFINITY. Most recently, she stage managed Kentucky Shakespeare’s fall show, UNTIMELY RIPP’D, and spring tour, MACBETH. Other local credits include MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (three witches shakespeare, ASM), OVER MY DEAD BODY (This Bridge Theatre, SM), AS YOU LIKE IT (three witches shakespeare, Denis/Corin), and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Highview Arts Center, Algernon). Rachel would like to thank LFL for all the opportunities, and their partner Max for being along for the ride.

Soleil Merwarth (she/her)

Della - Route 1

Soleil has been a part of LFL all of her life, beginning in their After-School Drama program, and currently making her debut with the professional company. Soleil is currently in her second year at the Youth Performing Arts School, where she has a focus in Theatre. She will be attending the Governor's School for the Arts for Theatre this summer. Credits include her role as Donkey in IF YOU GIVE A HORSE A HIGHSCHOOL, and Riley in THE IMPORTANCE. She has also done work behind the stage, acting as Assistant Stage Manager for ASKING TODDLERS TO DO ALGEBRA and ROOM 1214 at the Kentucky Center for the Arts, and as Stage Manager for THIS IS NOT A TEEN MOVIE at the Youth Performing Arts School.

Victor Runge (he/him)

Ollie, Milton - Route 3

Victor is a rising 6th grader and Theatre major at Western Middle School for the Arts, and is thrilled to be making his LFL debut! Vic’s most recent performance was with StageOne as Charlie Bradley in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Other recent appearances include the role of Eeyore in WINNIE THE POOH KIDS and performing as an acrobatic globe-walker and clown in the 2025 Turner’s Circus. A head-stand enthusiast and shark aficionado, Vic also enjoys cross country running, and participating in the LFL After-School Drama Club program for the past several years. You can also catch Victor on stage this summer in THE WIZARD OF OZ.

Elsa Sorenson (she/they)

Hubert, Mr. Ashley, Joe - Route 1

Elsa is a Voice major at Western Middle School for the Arts. There, she starred as the title role of Beetlejuice in BEETLEJUICE JR the MUSICAL. She has also played the Headmaster and Ghost Friar in their production of PUFFS, and was Gary the Snail and Sea Anemone in SPONGEBOB JR. the musical. She played Aunt Barbara in GirlSpeak, Melody in NOT YOUR ORDINARY SLEEPOVER, Niles in THE NOBLEMAN’S BRIDE, Christina in METAMORPHOSIS, and Catherine Howard in PLUCKY WIVES with LFL. Elsa has also been a featured soloist with Canto Vocal Programs as Gretl in SOUND OF MUSIC and the Bambino Solista in LA BOHEME at U of L. She takes piano lessons and also takes voice lessons with Louisville Voice Lessons.

Karole Spangler (she/her)

Mrs. Wilkins, Mr. Young, Ms. Sutter - Route 1

Though Karole has acted in, directed, or stage-managed a lifetime of shows in lots of places, she’s always mindful of her great good fortune in working with almost every theatre company in Louisville over the years - nowhere more so, or with more love and gratitude, than with LFL, where she’s a proud company member! Louisville audiences have seen her most recently as Sister Aloysius in DOUBT, Rose Adele in SIRENS, Margaret in THE INHERITANCE, La Poncia in THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA, and a bunch of Shakespeare characters, including Richard III, in ICONS. She prizes her MFA from the University of Wisconsin and every student she’s ever had the privilege of teaching. Thank you for your support of hometown theatres and artists - we know we’re all in this together, working to make a positive difference in our world.

Finn Sparger (they/them)

LFL Summer Intern

Finn is from Floyd, Virginia, where they have been teaching and acting at the Junebug Center for the Arts, New River Theatre Guild, and Blue Mountain School. They have a BA in Theatre Education Teaching Artistry from James Madison University. Finn is also a master's student at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London studying Applied Theatre. They have the privilege of being able to come to LFL for their program, in order to get hands-on experience in the field. As an avid follower of LFL's work, Finn cannot wait to provide creative support for THE BOOK WOMEN.

Sydni Sumerall (she/her)

Della “Star” Harlow & Frances - Route 2

Sydni started with LFL in the 3rd grade at Lowe Elementary. She also attends LFL’s GirlSpeak summer program, where she developed a love for the tech scene. She was a set designer for her first major play, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. She is excited to debut her acting skills in front of a larger crowd. She uses her creative abilities to recreate various themes and scenes in her bedroom and on her YouTube channel in her spare time. She is excited to be a part of this professional ensemble.

Symone Sumerall (she/her)

Erma Frey, Betty Farris, Mrs. Ella Letton - Route 2

Symone loves acting and declared she will be “in the lights”. She entered the acting scene during her afterschool program with LFL, starting in 3rd grade at Lowe Elementary. She also attended LFL’s GirlSpeak summer program. Symone performed in her first major play, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, and another play, EERIE ACADEMY, at Grace James Academy. You can find her immersed in a book or acting silly on her YouTube channel in her spare time, with her twin sister. She is dedicated to her acting craft and super excited to have the opportunity for a professional debut.

Emily Vicars (she/her)

Stage Manager - Route 2

Emily began her stage management journey over a decade ago. She graduated with a BFA in Stage Management from NKU and, over the course of her career, Emily has had the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of nonprofits, including Cincinnati Ballet, LFL, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Lexington Children's Theatre. Outside of her stage management work, she has also found a home in healthcare, working in administration for Hosparus Health and Mental Health Louisville. She is passionate about singing, teaching meditation, and studying Tibetan Buddhism. She is excited to share this story & hopes to assist in the future!

Morgan M. Younge

Costume & Props Designer

Morgan is an LFL company member and an active member of the Louisville theatre community. Her craft includes costume designing, acting, writing, directing and teaching artistry. After committing to becoming a full time teaching artist, she has taught with several local companies including StageOne Family Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, LFL, Redline Performing Arts and Drama by George. Recently, Morgan was awarded a grant from the Fund for the Arts to produce a summer camp of her original script Hip Hop Herc (October 2023). In addition to her Teaching Artistry, Morgan's acting credits include: Aunt Franny in DON’T TELL ME I CAN’T FLY (StageOne); Truvy in STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Faith Works Studios) A Sista in SAY HER NAME: BREONNA TAYLOR (Berea College); Maybelle in BEFORE IT HITS HOME (The Griot Project); and June in GOOD GRIEF (LFL), and her dynamic powerful one-woman show LIFECYCLE OF A BLACKBERRY, created with Looking for Lilith and based on the writing of Crystal E. Wilkinson. Morgan is grateful to be able to share her gifts with such a group of such dynamic people. morganMYounge.com