Ben Wetzel – Production Manager/Technical Director
originally from Minnesota, Ben received his BFA from North Dakota State University in 2013. A professional carpenter, he spent time at American Players Theatre (Wisconsin), Maples Repertory Theatre (Missouri), and Northern Stage (Vermont) before finding his way to PTC prior to their 43rd season. Ben is grateful for his family (here and back home) and for their support. (He/Him) Ben@penobscottheatre.org
Zac Whitenack – Assistant Technical Director
hails from Northern New York and most recently from Memphis. Zac joined the Penobscot Theatre Company team in 2019. He has a BA in Anthropology and when not building sets for the stage, he can be found playing the steel drum or in used record stores looking for Zappa. He looks forward for what the season has in store! (He/Him) Zac@penobscottheatre.org
James Kuzio – Head Carpenter
grew up in Vermont and fell in love with theater in high school and graduated from Skidmore College with a B.S. in Theater with a concentration on production and design and minors in physics and music. Since graduating he has worked at Goodspeed Musicals (stage carpentry apprentice), Williams College (Theatre Technician), and Waterville Opera House (Carpenter/Theatre Technician) among others. He is excited to have landed at PTC and is looking forward to being a part of this amazing community! (He/Him) Headcarpenter@penobscottheatre.org
Heather Cochran – Carpenter
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Heather fell in love with theater at a young age. She would eventually attend Kent State University and receive a BA in Theater Production in 2020. During her time at Kent, Heather was employed as a staff carpenter for the university’s scene shop and Porthouse Theater (Kent, OH). Since graduating, she was the lead scenic technician at LEGOland Florida Resort. Heather is excited to be in the beautiful state of Maine and to work and create with PTC! (She/Her) Carpentry@penobscottheatre.org
Neil Graham – House Sound Engineer / Resident Sound Designer
Originally hired as an actor for a handful of shows at PTC starting in 2015, Neil has always been passionate about sound and its role as a storytelling tool and emotional trigger. Recently, when PTC launched “Digitus Theatrum”, Neil was tapped to create and design “Ghost Postcards from Maine” and “The Dog Operas”. He is also incredibly fortunate and appreciative of the opportunity to create and guide some of Dramatic Academy’s programming, like “Night of the Living Dead, The Radio Play”, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “Monster Lab”. It is impossible to relate how truly rewarding those experiences have been, and will continue to be. It was through these and similar projects that Neil decided to allow his heart to dictate his path, and has since devoted all his creative energy to sound production and education. As a longtime commercial radio host and current host of a nationally syndicated Rock & Roll show, Neil looks forward to bringing his passion and experience as a musician, actor, and technician to shape what you, the audience hear; and thus, bolster what you see. (He/Him) Neil@penobscottheatre.org
Jess PLoszaj – Lighting Supervisor
Jess is a Artist/ Designer/ Creative type who is excited to be working with Penobscot Theatre Company on this venture. For past work and portfolio please visit https://jessploszaj.wixsite.com/jessploszaj Enjoy the show! (They/Them) Lighting@penobscottheatre.org
Kevin Koski – Costume Department Manager / Resident Costume Designer
Kevin Jacob Koski is a Maine native and awarded graduate of the University of Maine’s 2011 Theatre Arts program. He focused on costume design and construction while also designing multiple productions and minoring in Permaculture. With a nearly 10 year tenure at Penobscot Theatre Company, he has designed many main-stage and dramatic academy productions. Some of these credits include: WIT, One Blue Tarp, Alice in Wonderland, Doctor Cerberus, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, Calendar Girls, Rock of Ages, The Full Monty, Misery, Ugly Lies the Bone, The Graduate and Gaslight. In 2012, Koski opened his own design firm and alteration shop, where he tailors garments for formal events. With his background in retail management, visual displays and stockroom coordination, he continues to work on inventorying our extensive costume stock for a future, worldwide rental program. (He/Him) Kevin@penobscottheatre.org
Emily Barker – Costume Shop Apprentice / Wardrobe Supervisor
is delighted to join PTC for its 49th season! After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Costume Design & Production, she worked as Cutter/Draper on CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, STATE FAIR, and AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ with The REV Theatre Company. She has spent most of her career working in youth & educational theatre, and is passionate about making theatre fun & accessible. Favorite past designs: CYMBELINE, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, WEST SIDE STORY, CHICAGO, and SIDEWAYS STORIES FROM WAY-SIDE SCHOOL. Outside of theater, she takes commissions, and works as a stylist for photoshoots & live concerts (most notably: dodie). Huge thank you to her loved ones & fans: Mom & Dad, Abby, Miguel. @clairvoyantandmuse(She/Her) Costumes@penobscottheatre.org
Reed Davis – Resident Stage Manager
is thrilled to be starting another season with PTC. After receiving his B.A. in Theatre from the University of Maine in 2020, Reed joined the PTC team for their digital season, Digitus Theatrum. Since then, PSM credits include BECOMING DR. RUTH (PTC), HOCKEY MOM (PTC), MAYTAG VIRGIN (PTC), and DESDEMONA, a play about
a handkerchief (Opera House Arts). (He/Him) Reed@PenobscotTheatre.org
Jenna Gripshover – Stage Management Apprentice
Jenna Gripshover joins the PTC team this season as the Stage Management Apprentice. A recent graduate from Kentucky’s Centre College, she is excited to help bring the joy of theatre to the Bangor community! Previous credits include THE WOLVES, GREEK TRAGEDY, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Centre College). She would like to thank her family, especially her niece Harper and nephew Hunter. (She/They) ASM@penobscottheatre.org