Posts in B
Abigail Balne

ONCE 2025 [Ivonka]

Abigail is happy to be performing in a Principal Series production at Masquerade for the first time. She has been participating with the Lights Up Education series for a number of years including in Honk (Beaky), Alice in Wonderland (Flower), Finding Nemo, Madagascar and Peter Pan. When she's not doing theatre, Abby is a USAG competitive gymnast and is also a member of Philadelphia Ballet company.

Lillian Balne

ONCE 2025 [Ivonka]

Lillian is so excited to make her Principal series debut at Masquerade Theatre. She has performed with the Lights Up Education series in such shows as Honk (Fluff), Finding Nemo (Peach), Madagascar, and Peter Pan. In her spare time, Lilly is a USAG competitive gymnast and performs with the Philadelphia Ballet company, most recently in December in the Nutcracker at the Academy of Music. She's happy to be sharing the role with her twin sister, Abby!

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.

Tommy Balne

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024 (Schroeder) | 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 Einstein in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Tommy has performed throughout the area for over 15 years in such roles as Exit Interview (Dick Fig), 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.

Charley Bazz (Amy)

Little Women [Amy]

Charley is so excited to perform for the first time at Masquerade Theater as Amy in Little Woman. Charley did their first show when they were nine and has loved it ever since. Some of their favorite roles include Featured Dance Ensemble in Wizard of Oz and White Christmas at the Levoy Theater, Ensemble in the Off Broadway Show of The Little Dancer, and Ensemble in the 29 hour read of Elysan Fields at Pearl Studios. Charley is thrilled to be performing with this cast and are loving their time at Masquerade Theater.

Courtney Bird

ONCE 2025 [Girl] | Fun Home 2024 [Joan] | ALMOST, MAINE 2023 [Glory/Marvalyn/Rhonda] | Melancholy Play 2023 [JOAN]

Birdy (she/they) is overjoyed to be back on the Masquerade stage, this time fulfilling an absolute dream role. Previous Masquerade credits include: Fun Home (Joan), Almost, Maine (Glory, Marvalyn, Rhonda), Melancholy Play (Joan). Birdy has been working as a South Jersey based Children’s Theatre Teaching Artist/Director since graduating with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Songwriting from The University of the Arts (rip) in 2022. Birdy is unbelievably thrilled to be working on a show with her Aunt, Trish Aristone (Stage Manager) for the first time, as Trish has always supported and inspired her. Lastly, she’d like to extend a huge thank you to her piano teacher, Allison, and as always, to Tom Weaver for being her theatrical reason Why. :)

Andy Boettcher

Ordinary Days 2025 [Jason]

Performance credits include Les Miserables (Valjean), West Side Story (Tony), Beauty and the Beast (Beast), Titanic the Musical (Barrett), Dogfight (Eddie Birdlace), Brigadoon (Tommy), and Aida (Radames). His most recent credit is John Wilkes Booth in Sondheim's Assassins. You can also see him singing regularly with Sovereign Grace Church's worship band and A1 Entertainment's Crooner's Series. He currently holds a Master's Degree in Theater from Regent University. Love to Brittany! (Romans 12:9)

Kristine Bonaventura

Vanya and Sonia and Masha + Spike 2025 [Masha] | Laughter on the 23rd Floor 2025 [Carol]

Kristine has a BA in Acting & Directing from DeSales University. Favorite acting credits include: Emma Parker in Bonnie & Clyde, Perry-nominated (HP&P), Mrs. Mops in A Christmas Carol (Broadway Theatre of Pitman), LaVonda in Sordid Lives (HP&P), The Complete Works of Williams Shakespeare Abridged (Burlington County Footlighters), Sir Lionel in Camelot (Ritz), Beverly in The Shadow Box (HP&P), The Little Mermaid in Disenchanted (HP&P) and Berdine in Psycho Beach Party (Touch Me Philly). Kristine extends her heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew for this incredible experience, as well as her friends and family for their unwavering encouragement. A special thank you to Mike for always supporting her passions. Kbonaventura.com

Courtney Bundens

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown 2024 (Sally) | 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 24/25 season. Doubly excited to be crossing off a dream role! Previous Masquerade credits: Fun Home (Medium Allison) Next to Normal (Natalie), Proof (Catherine), PJ’s Playbook (Maya), Great Expectations (Pip).