Robby Simms (Bernardo) is excited to make his Garfield Shakespeare Company debut. He was born in Chicago, IL, raised in Indianapolis, IN, and graduated from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI with a BFA in film. Their work can be found on YouTube at Robby Simms FM. Off stage, you will most likely find them playing guitar, watching cult classic movies, or reading comic books. Robby would like to thank his incredible family and friends for all the love and support they have shown throughout the years.

What do you enjoy about the rehearsal process?

I’ve really enjoyed the collaborative nature of the rehearsal process.

What is your approach to inhabiting a character?

I like to start with moments my character learns something new. Starting there helps me identify moments of growth and help create a foundation in which I better understand the characters journey. 

What are your thoughts on the Gothic approach to Hamlet?

I love how it highlights the stakes and emphasizes the relationships between characters. It creates a heightened sense of vulnerability.

What is something you hope the audience takes away from the show?

I hope the audience sees themselves. At least a reflection of common emotions in uncommon situations.

What do you enjoy most about being on stage?

Who are we kidding? The attention! 

What are your dream roles?

Othello- Othello, Ebenezer Scrooge- A Christmas Carol, Tom Collins- Rent

What drew you to theatre?

My elementary school librarian- Mrs. Bloomfield- she inspired my love for storytelling.

Key is thrilled to be returning to the stage after a 7-year hiatus, and to be making their Garfield Shakespeare Company debut with their long-time favorite piece. Their previous roles include Miss Casewell in Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, and Main Cast in Greg Allan’s Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. Key studied Theatre at University of Indianapolis with a focus in directing and performance. In their free time, Key enjoys experimenting with different art forms, most currently chainmail and linocutting. They would like to thank their partner Jihae and their cats (Boba and Milk Tea) for their unending support.

As a recent transplant to Indianapolis, Will Wreggelsworth is elated to be making his Garfield Shakespeare Company debut. He was last on stage over 10 years ago, in a production of Bleacher Bums, a play set at Wrigley Field, shortly before the Cubs won the World Series. He's been told repeatedly) that correlation does not equal causation. He would like to thank his family and friends for their unending support, as well and the cast and crew for being so welcoming and making this journey one of his favorites in recent memory.

This is Isabel's first play with Garfield Shakepeare Company. Most recently seen as Lady Plymdale in Lady Windemere's Fan and Wuthering Heights as Francine, both with Fourth Wall Players. When not on stage she can be found purposely wandering in the woods. 

Hans Cummings (he/him) is a 100% organic Indianapolis-based actor often cast as the reasonable authority figure. With a lifelong interest in performing and creative arts, and a background in science, creative writing, and corporate publishing, he brings myriad experiences to his acting and creative projects. He has narrated thousands of videos for YouTube content creators, performed in audio dramas such as Tales from the Janitor, True Vault Escapades, Feminist Fairytales, and is a cast member on I Should Roll, a fan-produced expanded universe Mass Effect actual play podcast.

Tess Smith is honored to once again join the Garfield Shakespeare Company stage. She has enjoyed previous roles with GSC such as Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night, Gwendolyn in The Importance of Being Earnest, Harker in Dracula, Richmond in Richard II, and Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. A long time fan of gothic horror and Shakespeare, she has enjoyed getting to bring to life the much changéd Prince of Denmark, Hamlet, and his journey of grief and ruin. She would like to thank her friends and family for their endless encouragement of her pursuit of the arts, and show special gratitude to her partner Zack— thank you for your ever-endless support and the many delicious meals after late rehearsals. She could not have done it without you. She hopes audiences adore the show, and that each and every audience member might find something to carry away with them tonight; after all— ghosts are not the only thing that may haunt us long after their end. 

The rest is silence. 

Siren Current has been acting on stage since they were 13 years old, but they have loved imaginary play for as long as they can remember. Some of his first memories are pretending to be mice, or pirates, or castaways with his siblings. Siren always feels most like themself when they’re on stage. This is Siren’s first show with Garfield Shakespeare Company. And, through this show, he has now fallen in love with the art of Shakespeare. When not on stage, you can find Siren playing Tchaikovsky on the piano, cuddling their cat named Checkers, and watching weird psychological horror films. Siren would like to thank their 13 year old self for being as brave as they possibly could be and taking that first step onto a stage to perform. He owes everything to that version of him.

Benjamin Mathis has acted with the Garfield Shakespeare Company for ten years and is excited to play a new role in his third production of Hamlet. His previous roles with the company include Duke Orsino (Twelfth Night), Mark Antony (Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra), John of Gaunt (Richard II), Ned Poins (Henry IV, Part I & II), Duke Frederick (As You Like It), Will Dearth (Dear Brutus), Courtesan (The Comedy of Errors), King Alonso (The Tempest), Poseidon (Trojan Women), Antonio (Twelfth Night), and Gremio (understudy, The Taming of the Shrew). He also directed the GSC productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Importance of Being Earnest. Benjamin deeply appreciates the support of his daughter and husband and their shared love of theatre.

After a recent move to Indy, Miranda Manier is thrilled to be continuing her lifelong love affair with Shakespeare alongside GSC. Favorite credits by ole Billy over the years include co-directing the immersive production of "HAUNTED: A Macbeth Experience" (Shades of Orange), as well as playing the infatuated Olivia in "Twelfth Night" (South Bend Civic Theatre) and the little-but-fierce Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (SBCT). Forever thanks to her parents for their much-needed wisdom, and Audrey for her unending support.

Sabrina (Rosencrantz) is happy to be back onstage in this production of Hamlet. She has performed in over 60 shows across Indiana, previously working with Garfield Shakespeare Company as Viola (Twelfth Night), Juliet (Romeo & Juliet), and Helen of Troy (Trojan Women) among others. When not onstage she works as a pilot, and does other performing gigs in her spare time. Thanks to Chris for including her in this show and his vision, and to the cast & crew for making it such an enjoyable experience! 

Grant Mueller is a scientist turned engineer who recently relocated to Indiana from the east coast. He is honored to join the Garfield Shakespeare Company for his first performance. He has previously acted in several Shakespeare productions including the role of Duke Senior in As You Like It, Antonio in Much Ado About Nothing, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and other productions including Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers. Since moving to Indy, he has also been a part of the Indianapolis Fringe Festival, playing the role of Mark in The Loup Garou Revenge Plot, as part of the Morrigan Theater Company’s production of Hoosier Holidays. He is delighted to bring to life the role of the player Lucianus, as he always enjoys being a villain. He would like to thank his friends and loved ones who have supported his pursuit of the arts.

Avery Logan is excited to perform in his very first theater production. A local Indiana artist, Avery is used to showing his talents in art shows, such as Garfield Parks art centers own Encounter: A Scifi and Fantasy exhibition.

Jo Bennett (They/Them) is an actor, burlesque artist, & VO artist from Indianapolis, IN. They graduated with honors from Butler University with B.A. in Theater. Jo was most recently seen as Petruchio in Garfield Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, Bessie in Westfield Playhouse's The Drowning Girls, Geoffrey in Southbank Theater Company's A Lion in Winter, Baloo in Cincinnati Children's Theater's The Jungle Book, & various supporting roles with Indianapolis Shakespeare Company/Indyshakes' Traveling Troupe and Indy BardFest. Jo dedicates this performance to their partners James Bennett & Cambria York. "Cherish forever what makes you unique, 'cuz you're really a yawn if it goes." - Bette Midler

Cambria York (she/they) is a multidisciplinary performing artist, folkways musician, voice actor, storyteller, writer, community organizer, and theatrical technician based out of Indianapolis, IN. She received a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of West Florida in her hometown, Pensacola, FL, with specialization in historically-informed performance and chamber music. She was most recently heard in the audiobook of Socialist Reconstruction: A Better Future for the United States published by 1804 Books, and seen in GSC’s Taming of the Shrew in the role of Hortensia. Cambria is a Journeyman of IATSE 30, where she specializes in theatrical lighting design, scenic carpentry, and audio engineering. Cambria dedicates this performance to her partners; Martin, Jo, and Scarlett.

Stephen Moore (he/him) is excited to be part of his first GSC production! Locally, he's worked with Noblesville Shakespeare in the Park and is a current company member with Candlelight Theatre at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Steve received his BFA (Directing) from Millikin University. He lives in Community Heights with his family.

Hamlet is Cheri's 17th show with Garfield Shakespeare Company. She regularly switches between stage management and performing onstage, or in this case, does both! This is her 3rd time starting a show as a stage manager and ending up going on as a cast member when all is said and done. She’s thinking of adding it as a special skill to her resume. She hopes you all enjoy the show!