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There are so many people to thank! First, I would like to thank my dedicated crew that have all gone above and beyond in helping put this show on the stage. From the beginning, I have relied and depended on wonderful board members such as those who helped at auditions: Margo Wright and Beth Heidenreich. Then there have been those who have brought their excellent sense of style and impeccable decorating skills, such as MaryBelle Tuten. Her husband, Allen Tuten, did gorgeous woodworking: building the cocoa cart and the bell tree. Monika Locke, as stage manager, has been indispensable; she has brought her ideas and energy to each rehearsal. Johnathan Baines has been a fabulous help behind the scenes with document or google issues. Mark Graham has worked tirelessly on all the set pieces, and he never complains about requested modifications—no matter the difficulty. This show would have been a struggle without the NewB RCT rehearsal space; I thank the RCT board and Mark Graham for making that possible! I am so excited to work with these experienced pit musicians, and I want to personally thank each of them for making the time to perform this work. It takes many hours to learn the part, and then being here for the rehearsals is a commitment, and I so appreciate your time. I also appreciate the help of the Louisiana Tech University School of Music for the loan of equipment and the wonderful support for this directing endeavor. I hope you enjoy the show!!
Steele Moegle is an Associate Professor of Music at Louisiana Tech University where she serves as head of piano and head of music history. She is married to Forrest Moegle, a local attorney, and they have two children, Alma and Riley Moegle. She most enjoys collaborating with musicians and directing shows for Ruston Community Theatre.
This is the 18th show Monika has gotten to be a part of with Ruston Community Theatre. She fell in love with being a part of this amazing group of people 5 years ago when she worked as a stagehand for the first time. You will never find a more loving, accepting family than right here at RCT.
Megan is excited to join the RTC community. She recently co-directed and choreographed “Annie Get Your Gun” at the Strauss Theatre. Some of her recent choreography work includes Bright Star, Sister Act, Godspell, Mamma Mia, Peter Pan, and many more. Outside of theatre, she loves exploring life and making memories with her husband Matt and their twin girls and twin babies.
A Computer Science and English double major at Louisiana Tech, the lighting designer at Trinity UMC’s contemporary service, and a novelist writing a young adult fantasy series featuring dragons, holograms, roller skating, and a revolt against an oppressive government.
Alma Moegle is the daughter of Forrest and Steele Moegle. She graduated from Ruston High School with honors in 2020, and she is currently an honors student at Louisiana Tech University studying English Literature. Alma currently serves as President of Tri Delta sorority on campus. Alma has been involved with RCT productions since she was 8 years old. Most recently, she was the production stage manager for Frozen Jr, directed by her mother.
Mark's introduction to theatre came while building sets for the youth summer musicals. His first on-stage experience was in the first production of A Christmas Carol in 2017, and has had parts in several plays over the past few years and continues to build sets for some of the plays presented by RCT. He is excited to be part of this production with his daughter, Mia. Mark serves as the current president of the RCT Board and loves helping his hometown grow while working in commercial real estate and development.
Gabrielle joined the RCT family in the fall of 2021. She loves musical theatre and being a part of a creative community that brings stories to life. There's nothing like the magic of live theatre at Christmas! She hopes that you "sing loud for all to hear" as you spread Christmas cheer with your loved ones this holiday season.
In reality, I have been costuming since I was a kid playing dress up. I have no formal training other than that passion, an ability to solve complex puzzles and the desire to serve this art form. Theatre came much later when my daughter was cast as Ramona in RCT's production of Henry and Ramona and there was no one to do the costuming. Well, 26 years and nearly 100 productions for RCT, church, schools and a few other theatres later, I still don't know enough to know what I don't know and some how, God just keeps helping me do this thing.
My RCT theatre family is as dear to me as my root family and I am blessed to be on this amazing journey. I always say I had to develop a useful skill so I could hang out with all the cool, talented people!
"I wear a lot of black, but I have a very colorful mind"
— Vera Wang
Kathy is so delighted to be a part of Ruston Community Theatre. She has been sewing and creating since the 4th grade. Kathy retired from Lincoln Parish School Board after 40 years of serving students with special needs as a teacher and administrator. Kathy believes that working with the costumes is always exciting!
Madelyn Garcia is an 8th grader at Cedar Creek where she participates on the middle school cross country, basketball, powerlifting and track teams. She has been apart of many plays including her most recent role in RCT's Frozen jr. Madeliyn has enjoyed being apart of Elf the musical. Learning the choreography has been her favorite part.
Katie Roberts has been an active member of RCT since 2018. In that time she has done eleven shows and has served various roles, whether as an actor, stage manager, or director. This will be her twelfth show. Her most notable roles have been Mayzie La Bird (Suessical Jr), Miss Honey (Matilda Jr), and her most recent, June Sanders (Smoke on the Mountain). Katie is thrilled to be back on the stage again helping put on another great show with her RCT family. She hopes you enjoy the show and wishes you a Merry Christmas!
Lainey Roberts is happy to be a part of Elf the musical! Lainey is 16 and is a homeschooled junior in high school. She joined theatre last October and instantly fell in love with the community of people and being backstage. Since then she has participated in 8 different productions doing many different jobs, backstage and in the light booth. She wishes you a very Merry Christmas!
Having been involved with RCT for almost 20 years, Marybelle has enjoyed learning about theatre operations from many different directions. Theatre is a fun way to use your talents and meet interesting new people who become friends. She started on stage with Steele Magnolias and have served in several capacities on the Board of Directors. MaryBelle and her husband Allen, who also supports RCT, have 2 daughters and 7 grandchildren.
Neal is not only happy to be working as a Stagehand, but is also a Security Guard (yes in his stereotypical role as a man in uniform). Most recently he was Admiral Boom in Mary Poppins. He has also played William Harbison, South Pacific, Officer Brogan, Murder's Bad But Monday Can Kill You! and Constable Locke, The Music Man. Neal’s thankful for Jennifer, Caden and Caleb.
Working backstage is a fun thing to do!
Robbie has been a part of Ruston Community Theater for several years and is thrilled to join the talented cast of Elf the Musical. He has played several memorable roles over his time with RCT but was last seen on stage playing Juror #10 in this fall’s production of 12 Angry Jurors.
Conner started his involvement with Ruston Community Theater by running sound to fill in for his dad. Once he started he couldn't stop. He has moved away and now travels over two hours to be involved with the shows, although now he works backstage. The RCT community just makes you want to be involved.
This is Jude’s third show with RCT. He played a Russian in Matilda Jr and was in various ensemble roles for the summer musical Mary Poppins. He excited to serve this cast as a stagehand and learn more about the inner workings of putting on a stage production. Jude is an 8th grader at AE Phillips. He plays keyboard and sings with the youth band at his church but wants to learn more about working the soundboard, computers, and in other behind the scenes roles. He hopes you laugh out loud as much as he has throughout this entertaining show.
Dusty has enjoyed being a part of RCT for 10 years now. From being on stage to running sound to directing, his love of theatre knows no end. He would like to wish his wife, Heather, a great performance!
Steele Moegle is an Associate Professor of Music at Louisiana Tech University where she serves as head of piano and head of music history. She is married to Forrest Moegle, a local attorney, and they have two children, Alma and Riley Moegle. She most enjoys collaborating with musicians and directing shows for Ruston Community Theatre.
Trevor Davis is an Associate Professor of music at Louisiana Tech University. He subs regularly in the Shreveport Symphony, the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, and the South Arkansas Symphony. Prior to earning his DMA, he performed for several years as a woodwind doubler on cruise ships and in two national touring shows, The Wizard of Oz, and A Chorus Line.
Dr. Chris P. Heidenreich began at Louisiana Tech in the fall of 2021 after serving at the University of Michigan-Flint. Prior work includes Youngstown State University as well as teaching public school in Ohio. He holds a Doctor of Music in Wind Conducting from Indiana University, an MA from The Ohio State University, and a BM from Bowling Green State University.
Dayne is a 3rd year music education student at Louisiana Tech University. He is currently Drum Major of the Band of Pride as well as President of Phi Buda ruda. He is originally from Denham Springs, LA and has played drum set for Live Oak Church. He has also played for Trinity United Methodist Church, Shreveport Symphony, and Louisiana Tech Wind Ensemble.
Jesse Webb has been passionately making music in his hometown of West Monroe, LA for nearly nine years. Now a second-year music and physics major at Louisiana Tech University, Jesse continues his love of music as a member of various student and university ensembles, including the Diggin' Dogs, Band of Pride, Ever Loyal Brass, University Jazz Ensemble, and more.
Chris Reigelman, Katherine Reigelman, Clark Reigelman, Megan Wilkins, Piper Wilkins, Meridian Wilkins
DeTorian Gipson, Marilynn Gipson, Braylen Gipson, Macyn Gipson
Emily Stogner, Audrey Stogner, Oliver Stogner, Finn Stogner
Jereme Johnson, Carmen Johnson, Jaylee Johnson, Kade Johnson, Knox Johnson
Elf-The MusicalĀ is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.mtishows.com).