The Masquerade Theatre presents its pieces through a company of actors, dedicated to exploring and creating captivating theatrical experiences. Want to join? Find out how on our Get Involved page!

Megan Knowlton Balne

Fun Home 2024 [Helen] | Almost, Maine 2023 [Waitress/Gayle/Marci]

(She/Her) Megan is the Co-Founder of Masquerade Theatre and thrilled to be realizing her dream by serving as Artistic Director. Megan graduated from Ramapo College with her degree in Theatre and a concentration in directing. Megan is normally behind the table on Masquerade Productions. Megan was mostly recently seen on stage in Almost, Maine. Favorite roles include: Titania (Midsummer/Music Haas); Ruth Condomine (Blithe Spirit/HPP); Lilly St. Regis (Annie/BToP); Veronica (God of Carnage/HPP); and Zelda Zanders (Singin' in the Rain/Footlighters). Thanks to the cast and production team for their creativity and dedication. Above all, Megan thanks her husband, and co-founder of Masquerade, Tommy, without whom none of this would be possible.

Samuel Balne

Fun Home 2024 [CHRISTIAN BECHDEL]

(He/Him) is excited to be in his first Principal Series production at Masquerade, having performed in several of their Lights Up Education productions including Madagascar, Jr (Marty), James and the Giant Peach, Jr. (James), Peter Pan, Jr.(John).  Other favorite roles include Seussical (Elephant Bird) and Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble). Sammy thanks his cast and the production team for a great experience.

Courtney Bird

Fun Home 2024 [Joan] | ALMOST, MAINE 2023 [Glory/Marvalyn/Rhonda] | Melancholy Play 2023 [JOAN]

(She/They) is back on the Masquerade stage after last being seen in Almost, Maine in December. Having received her BFA in Musical Theatre from The University of the Arts, she is the Outreach Coordinator and a Teaching Artist at Mainstage Center for the Arts, as well as a Director for the Lights Up Program here at Masquerade, and a Teaching Artist at Arts Play Theatre. As always, everything she knows she has learned from Tom Weaver, who she will continue to thank forever. <3

Courtney Bundens

Fun Home 2024 [Medium Alison] | Next to Normal 2023 [Natalie] | Proof 2022 [Catherine] | PJ’s Playbook 2022 [Maya] |WIT 2021 [Ensemble] | Great Expectations 2020 | Proof 2020 [Catherine]

(They/Them) is a long-standing troupe member of Masquerade, and delighted to be back performing in the blackbox after spending some time in the directing chair for the 23/24 season! They are ecstatic to revisit the world of Medium Allison and share this journey of self discovery. Previous credits: Alice By Heart (Caterpillar), Next to Normal (Natalie), Matilda (Children’s Entertainer), Proof (Catherine), The Who’s Tommy (Sally Simpson), To Kill A Mockingbird (Jean Louise). Upcoming: Newsies (Wiesel) at PCS Theatre May 31st - June 15th.

Jake Hufner

Fun Home 2024 [ROY / PETE/ MARK / BOBBY JEREMY] | ALMOST, MAINE 2023 [Jimmy/Randy/Phil/Dave] | Next to Normal 2023 [Gabe] | The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) 2023 | Proof 2022 [Hal] | WIT 2021 [Ensemble] | Great Expectations 2020 | Proof 2020 [Hal]

(He/Him) is an actor and theater educator originally from the South Jersey area. He holds a BA in Theater from Rutgers University-Camden, and has been a part of multiple productions with Masquerade Theatre including the inaugural, virtual presentation and in-person performance of Proof (Hal); as well as Great Expectations (Herbert Pocket/Ensemble), Wit (Ensemble), One Fifty-Four (The Sibling), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), Next to Normal (Gabe), and Almost, Maine (Jimmy/Randy/Phil/Dave). Other notable acting credits include: All Shook Up (Chad), As You Like It (Orlando), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), and The 39 Steps (Clown 2). Jake has worked on the technical side of productions as a director, house manager, stagehand, and as Props Master for PJ's Playbook with Masquerade.

Grant Knudson

Fun Home 2024 [JOHN BECHDEL]

(He/Him) is thrilled to make his Masquerade debut! Prior favorite roles include Chip in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Sonny in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Walnut Street Theatre). He also enjoys dancing ballet at The Rock School for Dance Education where he has played a Party Boy in the classic, Nutcracker. Grant is a 2nd grader and likes to sing and perform with Collingswood Sound. Love and thanks to big sister Vienna, family, friends, teachers, and the Masquerade Theatre! @gregariousgrant

Jodi Lawrence O’Connor

Fun Home 2024 [Alison]

(She/Her) is thrilled to be on stage with this amazing cast. Favorite productions include the Perry Award winning production of Billy Elliot (Mrs. Wilkinson) at the Grand,  A Chorus Line (Maggie) at Triple Threat Productions;  Nunsense (Sister Robert Anne), Baby (Lizzie), Secret Garden (Martha) at HP&P;  Falsettos (Cordelia), Young Frankenstein ( Frau Blucher) at the Ritz; Always Patsy Cline (Louise Seger), Mary Poppins (Bird Woman/ Ms. Smythe), Sweeney Todd (Lucy Barker), Damn Yankees (Gloria), Annie (Hannigan), Joseph…(Narrator) and Fiddler on the Roof (Fruma Sarah) at the Pitman Broadway Theater for which she received a Perry Award Nomination. Jodi performed at the Baby Grand in Delaware as “Ethel Merman” in the premiere of Gershwin by George.  Thanks to her family for allowing her to continue her love of the theater.

David Nikolas

Fun Home 2024 [Bruce]

(He/Him) Performance credits include: Off-Broadway/NYC – Gemini (Fran, Lion Theatre @ Theatre Row), Sweat (Stan, The Seeing Place); Regional:  God Of Carnage (Alan, Pegasus Theatre Project); Eagle Theatre – The Fantasticks (Hucklebee), Rock Of Ages (Hertz), Peter & The Starcatcher (Bill Slank/Hawking Clam); Walnut Street Theatre – Laughter On The 23rd Floor (Milt u/s), Arsenic & Old Lace (Jonathan u/s); Media Theatre – 1776 (Lyman Hall).  Directing credits include The Sunken Living Room (2018, Breaking Through The Box), The Last Five Years (2019, Breaking Through The Box), American Idiot (2021, Music Mountain Theatre).  Feature Films:  Army Of The Dead (2021), The Finders (2016), It Had To Be You (2015).  Two-day Jeopardy! champion, 2006.  Proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA  DavidNikolas.com

Gabby Prince

Fun Home 2024 [Small Alison]

Gabby is thrilled to be making her debut at Masquerade Theatre in her hometown! Gabby began acting in 2022 and has been in eleven phenomenal productions: Aladdin, Jr. (Iago); ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Charity); Music Man, Jr. (ensemble); Pirates! The Musical (Stowaway); Number the Stars (Kirsti ’23, ensemble ‘24); Junie B. Jones, Jr. (Junie B.); Seussical (Cindy Lou Who); Annie, Jr. (Annie); Into the Woods, Jr. (Little Red); and Bonnie & Clyde (Young Bonnie). She would like to thank all the directors, cast and crew for this amazing experience and to her family and friends for their endless support.

Jonathan Rose

Fun Home 2024 [PIANIST] | Next to Normal 2023 [Pianist] | The Fantasticks 2022 [Pianist]

(He/Him) Broadway:  My Fair Lady, The King & I, Carousel, Pippin, End of the Rainbow, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Les Misérables, Next to Normal, Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, South Pacific, Les Miz, West Side Story, The Color Purple (original production). Off Broadway:  The Secret Garden, Once on this Island, Miss Evers’ Boys, Little Shop of Horrors, Show Boat (NY Phil concert), Talk of the Town, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Feast in Time of Plague, Imbecile D’amour (Cabaret). Regional/Local:  A Christmas Carol (Walnut Street Theater), The Fantasticks (Masquerade Theater), Rent (Rutgers), Next to Normal (Masq), Urinetown (Rutgers).

Tommy Balne

Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Einstein] | Exit Interview 2023 [Dick Fig] | The Fantasticks 2022 [Henry]

Tommy is excited to be once again lending his creative talents on stage for this production as his presence is felt most often on the production team off the stage in every previous Masquerade production. Seen last spring on this stage as Dick Fig in the Exit Interview, Tommy has performed throughout the area for over 15 years in such roles as The Fantasticks (Henry), Black Stache (Peter and the Starcatcher), Willy Wonka (Willy Wonka), Ian (High Fidelity), Albert (Bye Bye Birdie), Schroeder (Charlie Brown), Richard Hannay (The 39 Steps), and Eddie (Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?). Ever grateful for the love and support of his partner in life, Megan, and his kids who graciously put up with their parents’ love of theater.

Tommy Foy

Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Visitor] |
Almost, Maine 2023 [East/Lendall/Man]

Thomas J. Foy - is excited to be back with Masquerade Theatre after debuting in Almost, Maine (East/Lendall/Daniel). Select previous credits include Romeo and Juliet (Benvolio at the Ritz, Mercutio at Main Stage Center for the Arts), Language of Angels (Seth), Treasure Island (Long John Silver), Spring's Awakening (Melchior). Peace, Love, and Light.

Greg Hedler

Next to Normal 2023 [Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden]

(He/Him) has been "diagnosed" with the passion for performance since he was 8 years old and has never looked back. He is fortunate to have performed in Urinetown (Hot Blades Hairy), Into the Woods (Rapunzel's Prince), Cabaret (Emcee), YAGMCB (Linus), and most recently in the role of Stage Manager/Producer for The Player's Club of Swarthmore's Matilda. It remains a privilege to share stories like Next to Normal through the craft of theatre in order to speak the truth of our humanity and the support needed to navigate life. He is grateful to Megan, Jonathan, and this stellar cast of performers for an experience long to be remembered.

Michael Hicks

Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Gaston]

Michael has been on stage, back stage, choreographer, director or set designer at any given moment. However he spends most of his time in front of the lights.  A few examples are: No Sex Please We're British (Brian Runnicles),  Rosencrans and Gildenstern Are Dead (Rosencrans), Dreamcoat (Narrator), Forum (Hysterium), Fantasticks (El Gallo), Pippin (Leading Player), City Of Angles (Stein), The Odd Couple (Felix Unger), To Kill A Mockingbird (Atticus Finch), The Drowsy Chaperone (Man In Chair), Moon Over Buffalo (George Hayes), The Hieress (Dr Slocum), Bye Bye Birdie (Mr. McAfee), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Vanya), A Christmas Carol (Ebenezer Scrooge), Proof (Robert), It’s Only A Play (James Wicker), Harvey (Elwood P Doud).  He is pleased to share the stage with old and new friends alike as he debuts here at MasqueradeTheatre, thank you Megan!  When he isn’t acting he’s cutting hair in his one man salon; MCH FOR HAIR at 25 Tanner Street in Haddonfield.

Phyllis Josephson

Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Sagot] | WIT 2021 [E.M. Ashford]

Phyllis is thrilled to return to Masquerade, having appeared in Wit during the virtual era. Some recent credits include Lend Me a Tenor (Julia), The Importance of Being Earnest (Prism), Sordid Lives (Sissy), Harvey (Veta), Driving Miss Daisy (Daisy), Noises Off (Dotty/Mrs. Clackett), Lost in Yonkers (Grandma Kurnitz), Kimberly Akimbo (Kimberly), Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider), Sister Act (Mother Superior), and ‘Night, Mother (Thelma). Phyllis is grateful to Megan for the opportunity to work with her again and be part of this outstanding cast. As always this performance is dedicated to Howard, forever her biggest fan.

Stephen Kreal

Doubt 2024 [Father Flynn]| Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Schmendiman]

Stephen Kreal is excited to be back at Masquerade Theater after having appeared in Masquerade’s recent production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Schmendiman). Other recent credits include Epic Proportions at Playmasters Theater Workshop (September 2023), Sordid Lives (2023) and The Shadow Box (2022) at Haddonfield Plays and Players, Natural History performed at BCF in 2021, and the role of Mr. Wilson in Harvey at Village Playbox (2020). He is a school teacher with two adult daughters (Abigail and Victoria) and his son-in-law, Matthew. He would also like to thank Lisa Croce for her support and encouragement. Stephen would like to encourage everyone, if you have not done so already, to talk to your doctor about a cardiologist consultation: “The life you save could be your own”.

Desiree Lara

Doubt 2024 [Mrs. Muller]

This is Desiree’s first production with The Masquerade Theatre. She most recently performed in Almost, Maine at The Blue Moon Theatre and in The Miracle Worker at Somerset Valley Players. She’s starred in various shows and theaters throughout NJ and PA, with upcoming productions in Harvey for For the Whim Productions and in Psycho Night at the Paradise Lounge for The Village Players at Hatboro. She’s extremely grateful to director Courtney Bundens for casting her in this powerful show.

Matthew Moorhead

Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Picasso] | Next to Normal 2023 [Henry]

(He/Him) is excited to be back at Masquerade doing his first non-singing play since high school. Recent credits include Young Frankenstein at the Players Club of Swarthmore (Igor), Next to Normal at Masquerade (Henry), and Assassins at Footlighters Theater in Berwyn (Charles Guiteau). He is incredibly grateful to Megan, Tommy, and the whole Masquerade crew for welcoming him back to this incredible space and for furthering his vendetta against Cole Porter. He hopes you all enjoy the show and in the words of Albert Einstein “I discovered at an early age that I am the kind of person who will always look eighty-six.”

Olivia Neiderer

Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Suzanne/Countess/Female Admirer]

Olivia is a Philadelphia based performing artist. She is a recent graduate from Temple University where she studied Theater with an Acting Concentration. Some of her favorite roles include Death in Everybody, Ella in Life Sucks, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Olivia is so pleased to be debuting at the Masquerade Theatre. When she’s not in the theatre, Olivia spends her time as a Personal and Group Trainer helping people achieve their fitness and wellness goals.”

Shawn O’Brien

Picasso at the Lapin Agile 2024 [Freddy] | The Fantasticks 2022 [El Gallo] | PJ’s Playbook 2022 [David]

Shawn was in Masquerade’s The Fantasticks and their New Works series production of PJs Playbook in 2022. Before that, he was Ebenezer Scrooge in Burlington County Footlighters production of a Christmas Carol. First & foremost he wants to send his love & overwhelming gratitude to the Balnes, especially Megan, for giving him this opportunity. He would also like to thank his family & friends for the loving & supporting way they love & support him. Lastly, he would like to sincerely thank you the patron. Without you, there is no us. Enjoy!!

Susan Paschkes

Doubt 2024 [Sister Aloysius]

Susan Jami Paschkes is an actor, a director, and a teaching artist. She is thrilled and honored to be part of Masquerade Theatre’s troupe of players, and to have the chance to work with such a talented director and ensemble in Doubt. Her favorite roles as an actor are Josie Hogan in Moon for the Misbegotten, Dotty/Mrs. Clackett in Noises Off!, Halie in Buried Child, and Joanne in Company. Her directing credits include Small Mouth Sounds, House of Blue Leaves, Lost in Yonkers, All My Sons, Pippin, Godspell and All in the Timing. As a teaching artist, Susan’s passion is in creating and delivering youth theatre arts workshops in BIPOC communities. She is most grateful to Ben for his unceasing support, and occasional push in the right direction.

Scott Reynolds

Next to Normal 2023 [Dan] | The Fantasticks 2022 [Bellomy]

Scott is very happy to be back on the Masquerade stage, having had so much fun playing Belomy in last year's The Fantasticks." He has been active in professional and community theater for almost 4 decades. Although Scott was (in his younger days) fortunate enough to have performed in several national and international tours, he now enjoys a simpler life in Barrington with his family and teaches in the Berlin Township school district. Scott would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew of Next to Normal. Working with them has been a wonderful, one-of-a-kind experience. Finally, as always, he would like to dedicate his performance to his son, Walter.

Alec Robin

Almost, Maine 2023 [Pete/Steve/Chad] | The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) 2023

(He/Him) is so happy to be back in this wonderful space for Almost, Maine! He was last seen at Masquerade in the Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Other favorite credits include Oliver (Puffs), Trip (Other Desert Cities), Gordon (Penguin Blues), and Conrad/Roger/Tony (Significant Other). Up next is Laughter on the 23rd Floor at Players Club of Swarthmore. “If you find happiness, hold onto it, because most people are bad at it”.

Rebecca Sisley

ALmost, Maine 2023 [Ginette/Sandrine/Hope] | The Fantasticks 2022 [The Mute]

Returning to the Masquerade Black Box Stage has been an amazing experience and getting to work with this amazingly talented cast and production team has been fantastic. Rebecca was last on stage at Masquerade in The Fantasticks as The Mute. She was also in Small Mouth Sounds (Alicia, Footlighters), The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily Cardew, Footlighters) and Significant Other (Kiki, Footlighters). Rebecca is grateful to the entire cast, CB, and Tommy and Megan for their love and support. A huge thanks to her husband, kids, and many friends who make it possible for her to continue to act and be on stage while caring for her family and working.

Jennifer Weir

Next to Normal 2023 [Diana]

Jennifer is thrilled to make her Masquerade Troupe debut in Next to Normal after serving as vocal director for The Fantasticks last season. She also works as vocal director for Masquerade’s Lights Up student production series. Jennifer has worked as a high school Choral Director in South Jersey for the past 16 years. Previous credits include Ragtime (Emma Goldman), The Secret Garden (Lily), Mame (Agnes Gooch), Carousel (Nettie), Hunchback of Notre Dame, Albert Herring (Lady Billows), Die Fledermaus (Adele), Le Nozze di Figaro (Cherubino). Much thanks to Megan for this amazing opportunity and to this incredible cast for their unending belief and support.