Esther Fishbein (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Strawdog Theatre debut.  Chicago credits include: Goodbye Marianne (Goodman Theatre), Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank (Young People’s Theatre), The World Premier of In Every Generation (Victory Gardens Theatre), Little Women, Henry V (First Folio Theatre), Ride or Die (Jeff Nomination, MPAACT) Failure: A Love Story (Oil Lamp Theatre),  Billy and the Potato Powered Time Machine (Chicago Music Theatre Festival); Child’s Play (Babes with Blades) Sapphic Switcheroo, Movie Queens (Pride Films and Plays) International Credits: Midsummer Night's Dream (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) . Television Credits: I Hate You Too (Web Series) Education: BFA, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Website: estherfishbein.com

Elizabeth is a Chicago-based actor and multi-instrumentalist who is thrilled to be making her Strawdog debut! Recent Chicago credits: The Courtship of Winifred Edwards (Two Chairs Theatre Co.), BLANK! The Musical (The Revival Improv Theater), Once, As You Like It, The Old Man and the Old Moon, Into the Woods (Loyola University Chicago). Regional: Anything Goes, The Great Big Bar Show (The Barn Theatre). Education: BA Theatre, Loyola University Chicago. Instagram: @elizabeth.k.avery. Thanks to Grandma Kathy for her accordion patronage!

Fiona Walsh Calton (she/her) is originally from Tampa, Florida and is thrilled to be working with Strawdog. She is a proud alum of The Theatre School at DePaul University. Since graduating in June, she has worked with Greatworks Theatre Company, trip productions, and A World Elsewhere Ensemble. When she is not acting, you can find her haunting the old synagogue at the top of the hill. Find more at fionawalshcalton.com.

Abbie Brenner (she/her) is very excited to be working with Strawdog again! Abbie is a graduate of Illinois State University’s School of Theatre and Dance with a dual degree in acting and theatre management. Since graduating in 2019, Abbie has worked at various Chicago theaters in administrative roles, including the Goodman Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, Theatre Wit, and Lookingglass Theatre Company. As an actor Abbie has been lucky enough to work with Shattered Globe Theatre, Young People’s Theatre of Chicago, Trapdoor Theatre, and even understudied in Strawdog’s production of Hershel last year! Abbie can’t wait to continue pursuing a career in Chicago’s vibrant theatre community. 

Linnaea groa (they/she) In Chicago, Linnaea has worked in devised, educational theater and music with Filament Theater, Bubbles Academy and Playmakers Lab, where they are also a Company Member. They moved to Chicago in 2021 from Bellingham, WA, where they were a MainStage Improviser at Ryan Stiles’ Upfront Theater, and a company member at Idiom Theater, with favorite roles including the Skriker in The Skriker and a 3-Man MacBeth. Linnaea has a B.A. in Theater from Western Washington University. 

Lydia Moss (she/her) is an actor, playwright, and dramaturg who's called Chicago home since 2020. Her recent performing credits focus on Shakespeare performance and theater education, including Celia in As You Like It (Montana Shakespeare in the Schools, 2023), and The Being in Flatland: A Multi-Dimensional Romance (ImprovPlayhouse, 2024). As a storyteller, she creates work that centers the complexities of love, loss, and existence, and how those experiences live on through our bodies in ways we may be unable to express. She is currently a finalist for the Amplify New Play Commission at Definition Theater for her full-length play, Death of Eve. She's excited to work with Strawdog and the incredible artists in this space. Thank you!

Emi Fishman (She/Her/Hers) Emi is very excited to be understudying the role of Hershel! She is originally from Michigan, but has recently moved to the wonderful city of Chicago. Some of her past favorite roles include: “Evelyn Nesbit” in Ragtime(Flint Rep), “Sally Simpson” in The Who’s Tommy(Flint Rep), and “Little Sally” in Urinetown(Oakland University). She would like to say a special thank you to her parents who support her in everything she does!

Andrew Seller (he/him) is very fortunate to be part of Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins! Previous credits include Doctor Faustus with Nonsense Productions, The Irish Curse with Wheat Ridge Theatre Company, Nightmares on Lincoln Ave 8 with Cornservatory, and midsummer mayhem. He is a graduate of The Academy at Black Box Acting and Drama Studio London. Thanks to his family!

Mary Margaret is delighted to be flexing her embouchure working with Strawdog Theatre for the first time! Recent credits include: Sally Bowles in I Am A Camera(Porchlight Music Theatre), Pearl in the World Premiere of Night of the Hunter (City Lit), Mary Hatch in It’s a Wonderful Life (Oil Lamp), Nellie in Playboy of the Western World (City Lit), Hope Langdon in Something’s Afoot (Madkap), Portia in Something Rotten! (Theater Nebula), Belle in A Christmas Carol (Metropolis). Mary studied theatre at Millikin University with a focus in vocal performance. Mary Margaret has too many hobbies and can be found sewing, painting, or making fancy cocktails. She deeply thanks her family for their love, support, and generosity. Mary Margaret is represented by Talent X Alexander. www.mccormackmarym.com

Yongwoo

is the author of over 130 books for children, including Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock and the classic Hanukkah tale, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. He is a five-time winner of the National Jewish Book Award and the Sydney Taylor Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Michael Dailey (Adapter) has been a Strawdog company member since 1997. He has appeared as an actor in 24 Strawdog productions. Writing credits include three radio plays presented as part of Radio Theatre 7, co-writer on the late-night series The Adventures of Picklebot and Lawfer and script editor for Strawdog’s productions of 1001 Afternoons in Chicago, Julius Caesar, Measure for Measure and this adaptation of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins.

As an actor, he’s enjoyed working around town with Lyric Opera, Stage Left, Steppenwolf, About Face, Shattered Globe, Eclipse and Writer’s Theatre, to name a few. He’s a graduate of Illinois State University, the Second City Conservatory and was a Steppenwolf Acting Fellowship recipient.

Jacob Combs is a writer, director, and composer based in Los Angeles. Most recently, he was part of the writers room for the Netflix comedy BLOCKBUSTER. A lifelong theater nerd, Jacob wrote music & lyrics for ‘Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins’ (based on the children’s book by Eric Kimmel), which has been produced annually since 2018 by Chicago’s Strawdog Theatre.

Previously, Jacob spent a 6-year stint at Pixar, where he wrote on an untitled feature in development and was part of the writers’ room for an upcoming, original episodic series. He also wrote several episodes of the Emmy-nominated Disney+ documentary series ‘Inside Pixar.’

Jacob has also written two live-action short films: ‘Messrs.’ and ‘Without,’ his first short as writer/director. His screenplay ‘Palisade Peaches’ was developed at the 2022 Nostos Screenwriting Retreat. This fall, he developed his screenplay ‘Max and Vivian Get Mitzvah’d’ at the Stowe Story Labs.

Noah Elman is a director, designer, and theatremaker based in Chicago. Previous directing credits include: Two Gentlemen of Verona (Shakespeare on the Lake), The Pillowman (PAC), origin/end (Fredonia Festival), Mygda (upcoming short film). His design work has been seen in Chicago at theaters including Second City, Boho Theatre, Mudlark Theatre, and MTW. He has received multiple awards for his work including the 2021 Camilla Schade Teaching Artist Award. Thank you to the Strawdog ensemble for continuing to champion the creation of Jewish theatre work and holiday traditions in Chicago and to the whole Hershel team that put their time and energy into supporting that vision.

Brady McNeil (Music Director) feels blessed to have led these fabulous musicians across Ostropol and Helm. Brady performs as much if not more than he directs. Recent credits include Dracula (Jonathan Harker; BrightSide Theatre),  Ragtime in Concert (Ensemble; Highland Park Players), Spring Awakening (Music Director; Home Creative Co.), Titanic the Musical (Harold Bride/Wallace Hartley; Wheaton Drama), and City of Angels (Stine; BrightSide Theatre).  @bradygmcneil 

Corin Wiggins (they/she/he) is an actor, director, and deviser. This is their second time working with Strawdog, having played "Gavi" in last year's production of Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. Recent Chicagoland credits include acting in Commedia Divina with The Conspirators and assistant directing the devised show Field of Flesh. They hold a B.F.A. in Physical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University and the Accademia dell'Arte in Arezzo, Italy. They extended their sincerest gratitude for the opportunity to help craft this beautiful show! Website: www.corinwiggins.com / Instagram: @corinwiggins

Ellie Levine (she/her) is a stage and movement director with a focus on devised, physical theatre and puppetry. Recent credits include The Little Prince (Improv Playhouse), The Women Who Discovered... (Measure the Universe), and Alex in Windyland (Filament SPARK Workshop). Ellie is also a Teaching Artist with Chicago Children's Theatre, and she will be teaching a class at Northwestern on Theatre for the Very Young. She received her Masters in Theatre Making from the University of Kent in England, where she conducted a practical dissertation on cultivating curiosity and joy through a body positive approach to physical theatre.

Sara Segneri is a current Senior at Loyola University Chicago, studying Theatre with a focus on Stage and Production Management. Her previous credits include Lifeline Theatre, as well as various shows throughout her time at Loyola. She would like to thank her wonderful roommates for all of their constant support, and give an extra special thanks to Morgan for letting us borrow her cricut for puppet making!

Becca Levy (she/her) is an ensemble member at Strawdog Theatre Company where she’s worked on the creative team for over a dozen productions. She is an educator, theatre artist, and stage manager currently pursuing an MFA student in Theatre for Youth & Communities at Arizona State University. Becca also worked as a teaching artist and stage manager in Chicago after earning her BFA in Stage Management from Western Michigan University. www.beccaglevy.com

Manuel Ortiz (he/him/his) is overjoyed to return to Strawdog! His journey began at DePaul's Theater School as an acting major, but soon drawn into the world of production design and fabrication. Manuel holds a deep gratitude for the experiences and joy shared both on stage and behind the scenes. His scenic design credits include Macbeth (Invictus) The Importance of Being Earnest (Strawdog), Evolution of a Sonero (Urban), Wise Guys (Factory), and The Sondheim Tribute Review (Theo Ubique). Manuel extends heartfelt thanks to his incredible family and friends for their constant love and support, with a special, resounding cheer for his amazing husband, Corey Mills, the ultimate champion by his side!

Elliot Hubiak (lighting designer) is a young Chicago professional working as both a designer and electrician throughout the city and suburbs. This is his first production with Strawdog and enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the tradition of Hanukkah. Elliot has also designed shows for Tellin’ Tales Theatre, recently finishing his second year of doing their Six Stories Up original musical and will be doing their Hands Up! series of performative monologues again in March. In between designing shows you can find him loading in and out events all over the Chicago-land area. 

Heath Hays was born and (mostly) raised in the verdant rolling hills of northeast Indiana. By middle school, he had burgeoning career portraying street urchins, in many permutations, at the local high school and community theatres.

This all changed in college. Leaving behind the limelight, he took the mantle of designer, and has been such ever since. After moving to Chicago in 2003, he has worked for too many theatre companies, collectives, ensembles, co-ops, and loose knit groups to name. And he had a good time in every show except one. 

With Strawdog, Heath has designed sound for Improbable Frequency, Big Love, and Conversations on a Homecoming among others. He has been a supporter of everything else.

(she/her) is pretty excited to celebrate Hanukkah with Hershel, the gang, and all of you! Thanks to Kamille, Kyle & Noah for so easily welcoming me back into the sandbox and to Morgan Gire for being Morgan Gire.

Karissa Murrell Myers (she/her) has been Strawdog’s Casting Director since 2019 and joined the ensemble in 2020.

She is originally from the great state of Idaho and has a MFA in Performance from University of Hawaii at Manoa, a BA in Theatre Arts from Boise State University, and is a graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. She has been working professionally in Chicago as an actor, playwright, and director since 2015.

As a performer, Karissa has worked at Goodman Theatre, Remy Bumppo, The House Theatre of Chicago, and Renaissance Theaterworks. Television work includes working on Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Electric Dreams, and The Exorcist. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Represented by Gray Talent Group.

Kamille Dawkins (she/they) moved to Chicago in 2016 after completing her nine month Emerging Professional Residency at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She has since joined the Chicago theatre community as an Actor, Musician, Singer, Writer, and Director.

She was invited to join Strawdog Theatre Company’s ensemble in 2017, shortly after performing in Strawdog’s production of Once in A Lifetime. Since then, Kamille and is now the company’s Executive Artistic Director.

Kyle Hamman (he/him) is the owner of KBH Media, a multi-media production company that specializes in visual storytelling. He has been involved in Chicago theatre as an actor, designer, director, and producer for over twenty years. He has been a Strawdog Ensemble member since 2000 and joined the board in 2020. He appeared in more than twenty Strawdog productions and many more behind the scenes.

Originally from Oklahoma, he grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating, Hamman spent a season at Actors Theatre of Louisville as an acting apprentice. He founded KBH Media in 2008, playing in the overlap between theatre and film. Hamman has worked with numerous other theatres in Chicago including: Mary-Arrchie, A Red Orchid Theatre, Northlight, Steppenwolf, Teatro Vista, Writers Theatre, and The Factory, where he directed Ren Faire! A Fistful of Ducats.

Hamman has been nominated for Jeff Citations as a Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director. He is married to fellow Strawdog Ensemble member Shannon Hoag.

Writers Theatre

The Gift Theatre