Meet our Troupe of Players
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!
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!
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 on this stage last year as Schroeder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Tommy has performed throughout the area for over 15 years in such roles as Einstein (Picasso at the Lapin Agile), Dick Fig (Exit Interview), Henry (The Fantasticks ), Black Stache (Peter and the Starcatcher), Willy Wonka (Willy Wonka), Ian (High Fidelity), Albert (Bye Bye Birdie), 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.
Carla is thrilled to return to the stage in American Son, playing this February at Masquerade Theatre in Riverside, NJ. A multidisciplinary artist, Carla’s creative life spans theatre, visual art, and writing. She brings a deep sense of empathy, emotional intelligence, and lived experience to her work, qualities that strongly inform her approach to complex, human-centered stories. Her performances are grounded, intuitive, and deeply connected to the inner lives of the characters she portrays. In addition to her work on stage, Carla is an accomplished author and visual artist whose work is represented by The Hunter Gallery in Merchantville, NJ, and a professional real estate advisor known for integrity, clarity, and relationship-driven success. Across all disciplines, her work centers on truth-telling, connection, and transformation. Carla is honored to be part of American Son, a powerful and timely work, and is grateful to Connor Twigg and the Masquerade Theatre family for the opportunity to return to the theatrical community.
As far back as Richard can remember, he always wanted to be an entertainer. With accomplishments in stage, film, and voice overs, he has also blended them with mental health advocacy through blogs, public speaking events, and a web series. With American Son marking his first theater performance since 2020, Richard continues to remind others that their version of themselves will always be more important than others who dare to take their shine.
William is honored to be telling this story with Masquerade Theatre. He has been a fan of the piece since it’s Broadway premiere, and he is so thankful to Connor and the team for brining him on board. When not pursuing his craft onstage, Will can be found working at Adventure Aquarium in Camden or balancing gig work as a theater educator in South Jersey. He has directed over 10 shows in his 4 years teaching including regional premieres of Finding Nemo, Jr. and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His other educational work includes stage managing, sound design, and being a teaching artist with DiAE (Delaware Institute for Arts in Education) and DWT (Delaware Wolf Trap). Wiil sends much love and appreciation to all of his friends and family for believing in him and supporting this 28 year-old juggling so many different aspects of life. Finally, he would like to thank his partner, Mj, the green light across the bay. He hopes all you blockheads enjoy the show! Favorite recent credits include: Beethoven (Dog Sees God), Nikko (Wizard of Oz), Deputy (Edwin Drood), Beleaguered Geek (Heathers), & Bud/Clyde Barrow u/s (Bonnie and Clyde). Insta: @the_william_reid williamreid.net
Originally from Delaware, acting in community theatre since the age of 8 years old, Colby is ready to take to the stage once more in A Dolls House here at Masquerade Theatre for the first time. His most notable roles include William Barfée in Blue Moon Theatres production of Spelling Bee, Amos Hart in Chicago at the Smyrna Opera House in Delaware and Cogsworth in the Garfield Center for the Arts’ production of Beauty and the Beast in Chestertown Maryland. This will mark his 55th show in Community Theatre. He hopes to make it a good one and wants to thank his parents as well as Jamie Sheffer for always supporting him and giving him the strength and encouragement to continue in this passion, he does it for them.
Mike is equal parts honored and excited to appear in his first production with Masquerade Theatre. Past roles include Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (Ensemble), Singin’ in the Rain (Production Tenor), All Shook Up (Jim), Cinderella (Sebastian), The Scottish Play (Porter/Seward), and The Year Without a Santa Claus (Santa). Mike is involved with RCBC's Theatre Club and has been involved as a performer in their improv comedy show series, The Comedy Factory. He loves working with actors and seeing the growth they inspire in each other. He's always grateful for the love and support from Mom, Dad, Aj, Shaun, and all other family and friends who have supported him in his growth as a person and artist and will be eternally grateful to Cooney, Geb, Dr. T, and Rob for inspiring that growth.
Allison is an NJ based performer and choreographer with training in classical ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz dance from South Jersey Ballet School. Previous acting credits include Great Expectations (Estella/Biddy), Wit (Susie Monahan), and Proof (Claire) with Masquerade Theatre, and favorite musical credits include Cinderella (Ensemble, BToP), Cabaret (Rosie/Choreographer, HPP), She Loves Me (Ensemble, Ritz Theatre), and High Fidelity (Marie LaSalle, HPP). In addition to her time spent onstage, Allison is an experienced physical therapist with specialty certifications in Women's Health/Pelvic Health and Dance/Performing Arts Rehab. Allison would like to thank her husband James for his constant love and support during the entire process, as well as thank Jake for trusting her to bring Nora to life, and the cast for their artistry and creativity during the rehearsal process.
(She/Her) is thrilled to return to Masquerade, having appeared here in On Golden Pond and Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and in Wit during the virtual era. Some recent credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Yente), Pippin (Berthe), Ripcord (Marilyn), Lend Me a Tenor (Julia), The Importance of Being Earnest (Prism), DrivingMissDaisy (Daisy), Noises Off (Dotty/Mrs. Clackett), Lost inYonkers (Grandma Kurnitz), Kimberly Akimbo (Kimberly), Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider), Sister Act (Mother Superior), and many others. Phyllis is grateful to Jake and Courtney for the opportunity to be part of this classic with an outstanding cast in this marvelous theatre. As always, this performance is dedicated to Howard, forever her biggest fan. (Déjà vu note: Phyllis played Nora several decades ago!)
Sara is so excited to finally be joining Masquerade in an onstage role! Sara received her BA in Theatre Arts from Arcadia University and she enjoys both spending her time on-stage Acting and behind-the-scenes as a Stage Manager in the Greater Philadelphia region. Some previous favorite on-stage roles include: tick, tick...boom! (Susan), The Glass Menagerie (Laura), The Diary of Anne Frank (Anne), and Legally Blonde (Kate/Chutney). Thanks to the cast and crew for welcoming her and all of their incredible work on this production.
Dan is thrilled to be making his Masquerade debut! His most recent credits include Bad Seed (Tasker), Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick), and The Comedy of Errors (Antipholus of Ephesus). Many thanks to the cast and crew for this opportunity, and to Jake for his unwavering support.
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.
Layne is thrilled to be making her Masquerade Theatre debut! Big thanks to Megan, Trisha, and Ivie for their trust and guidance on this bucket list role! Layne is a graduate of Rowan University's Vocal Music Ed Program, and performs in local theatre productions across South Jersey. Favorite credits: BToP - Into the Woods (Rapunzel), Bright Star (Lucy); HPP - Edwin Drood (Rosa Bud), HAIR (Crissy), Steel Magnolias (Annelle). Much love to Jon (#1 fan/husband), family, cast, and crew. Next up Jan 2026: Merrily We Roll Along at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman.
Julia is so excited to make her mainstage debut at Masquerade! She is a senior at Delsea Regional High School. She has previously been seen as Jane Doe (Ride the Cyclone, Masquerade Theatre), Bea (Something Rotten Jr., Cumberland Players), and Regina George (Mean Girls: High School Edition, Ready for Anything Theatricals). She is so grateful for the cast and production team of Little Women and couldn't be happier to have met and reunited with so many incredible people. She is also excited to finally join her mother (Trisha Dennis, Marmee) onstage for the first time in 8 years. She would like to thank her mom and dad for always being her biggest cheerleaders and best role models.
(She/Her) is excited to return to the Masquerade stage after appearing as Baruska in Once. Other roles include DeeDee Allen (The Prom, BCF) and Miss Shingle (Gentleman’s Guide, Ritz Theatre). She is also a music director, including shows such as Cabaret (HP&P), Rock of Ages (The Ritz) and Spring Awakening (Triple Threat Workshop). Thank you so much to Megan and Ivie for guiding through this beautiful story, and to the whole cast, especially Julia, her own Little Woman.
Amanda is thrilled to be making her Masquerade Theatre debut! Recent credits include: Freaky Friday (Grandma Helene & others), The Prom (Mrs. Greene), Damn Yankees (Meg), and Fun Home (Helen). She’d like to thank everyone who poured their creative energy into this incredible experience! Additional gratitude to Megan and Tommy for the warm welcome into the Masquerade family. Lots of love always to Matt and the kids. This one’s for you Dad.
Tony is delighted to join this amazing cast in telling this classic story under Megan, Ivie and Trisha’s direction. Prior Masquerade appearances: Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Val), Proof (Robert), Tuesdays with Morrie (Morrie Schwartz), and Great Expectations (Magwitch, Jaggers, Pumblechook). Virginia credits include historical character portrayals in Voices from Vietnam (Col. Doug Moore), The Greatest Generation Speaks (Col. Van Parker) and Shoah (Franz Suchomel). HP&P roles: Willy Wonka (Grandpa Joe), The Crucible (Francis Nurse), and A Christmas Carol (Marley’s Ghost, Ensemble). Tony is ever grateful to his sons Dan and Jack, family and friends for their love and support.
Sean is returning to Masquerade for his second theatrical performance here, having previously appeared in Once as Da and Banker. Working mainly as a Fight and Intimacy Director, recent credits include Misery with Act 2 Playhouse (2025), Thanksgiving Play with Players Club of Swarthmore (2025), and Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike with Masquerade Theatre (2025)
(She/they) is thrilled to be playing the big sister Meg March for Masquerade's production of Little Women. This is her first full production with Masquerade, though you may remember her from a few cabarets. Several past roles include: Luciana in A Comedy of Errors, Mother in Hansel and Gretel, Papagena in The Magic Flute, Louise in Murder on the Nile. Sarah is so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful community. She says a big "thank you" to her parents for their never ending support.
Connor is thankful to be back performing with Masquerade Theatre! Select performance credits include Cinderella (Topher), Bonnie and Clyde (Clyde Barrow), The Rocky Horror Show (Frank 'N' Furter), Cabaret (Bobby), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas), and The Drowsy Chaperone (Drowsy, Robert Martin). Select directing/choreography credits include CARRIE, The Wedding Singer, 9 to 5, Legally Blonde, Gypsy, and more. Up next, Connor will be directing American Son here at Masquerade! When not in a theater, he works as a massage therapist. Many thanks to his family and friends for their never ending support.
[They/them] -- is making their Masquerade Theatre debut after recently being in the ensemble in RENT at Haddonfield Plays & Players. Bryce recently moved up from Dallas, Texas! REGIONAL THEATRE: Emcee (Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre). ORIGINATED: Milo (BL!NK, SheDFW). OTHER THEATRE: Ragtime, Newsies, The Spongebob Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Plaza Theatre Company; Alice By Heart, Spring Awakening, The 25th…Spelling Bee, RENT, Bare: A Pop Opera, Melpo Theatre Company; West Side Story, Newsies, Arise Acting TX; 42nd Street, FR Theatre. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Private Acting Coach; Director/Choreographer/Educator. “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” @LBryceWelborn
Nanci is a graduate of Rutgers University where she was a member of the Cabaret Theatre. Past shows include with Arsenic and Old Lace 2019 (Burlington County Footlighters) and The Importance of Being Earnest 2022 (Burlington County Footlighters.)
Bernard is happy to be making his debut at Masquerade Theatre. Bernard has appeared in several theatres in both South Jersey and Pennsylvania. Among his favorite role are Renfield in Dracula, Nixon in Frost Nixon, Joe Alsop in The Columnist and Prospero in The Tempest. Bernard is also an experienced theatre adjudicator having served in that capacity for state, regional and national festivals. As always, he thanks Flumpy for his encouragement and patience.
For the past 30+ years, John has performed in local and regional theatre productions in Philadelphia, New York and throughout New Jersey. His recent credits include Henry Saunders in Lend Me a Tenor (Burlington Footlighters), Joe in Shadow Box (Haddonfield Plays and Players), and Lord Montague in Romeo and Juliet (Ritz Theatre Company). John is delighted to be making his Masquerade Theatre debut.
Miriam is a Philly based actor with a great joy and enthusiasm for storytelling in all its forms. Some of her recent roles include Nico in a workshop production of Morphology, Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and the Player King in Hamlet. While not on stage, Miriam can be found using her creativity as a scenic carpenter, playing piano, crocheting colorful blankets, and seeing how accurately she can mimic bird calls. She is excited to join The Birds as her first production with Masquerade Theatre!
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
Lisa is thrilled to be making her Masquerade debut. Some favorite past roles include: Burlington County Footlighters: Producers (Hold Me Touch Me), Other Desert Cities (Silda) and Disaster! The Musical (Shirley). Playmasters: I Hate Hamlet (Felicia) and Epic Proportions (Louise). Bridge Players Theatre Company: The Boys Next Door (Sheila), Tin Woman (Darla), Bye Bye Birdie (Mae Peterson), and Guys and Dolls (Big Jule). Haddonfield Plays and Players: Sordid Lives (Juanita) and The Wedding Singer (Rosie). Lisa is also a choreographer and loves tap dancing. Thank you to Courtney and Jake for this amazing opportunity to take on this challenging role. As always, this performance is dedicated to my daughter, Lana, with big thanks for the never-ending support to Mom and Steve.
Sarah continues to consider herself new to the local theatre community, since this is only her second show, but the team of people at Masquerade have made her very feel welcome, and she is thrilled to call herself a part of the troupe! She’d like to thank her future brother-in-law, Shawn (Vanya) for directing her in her only other role as Helen in Laughter on the 23rd Floor here at Masquerade, CB for believing in her abilities with a voodoo doll and casting her in this show, and Kristine (Masha) for apparently being excited to work together again – or at least doing a really excellent job acting like it! Gratitude to her two teenagers for being such good kids that she can mostly leave them to raise themselves while she’s at rehearsals. And most of all she’d like to thank her wonderful fiancé, Patrick (without whom she’d never have met Shawn) for putting up with all of this while she’s supposed to be helping to plan a wedding.
(She/Her) is a Rowan University alumni with a B.A in theatre arts, concentrations in acting and musical theatre. Since graduating she has been in productions local to NJ/PA. Her Most recent credits include #46 in The Wolves, Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Young Woman in Machinal. She is honored to be making her debut at Masquerade Theatre.
Shawn made his directorial debut with Laughter on the 23rd Floor earlier this year here at Masquerade. You may also remember him from Masquerade’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Fantasticks or 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 & has been a local actor for over 30 years. 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!!
Reese is a Ramapo College alumni with a B.A. in Theater Directing/Theater Studies. He is currently working as a Director/Playwright/Actor in the South Jersey/Philly area. This is his Masquerade debut as an actor. Previous Directing credits include: Annie, Kids (Masquerade Theater), No Exit (Ramapo College), The Coming World (Ramapo College). Previous Acting credits include: Noel Gruber (Ride The Cyclone, Ramapo College), Sandy (The Antipodes, Ramapo College), Leaf Coneybear (25th Annual...Spelling Bee, Ramapo College). He would like to thank his family for supporting his theatrical endeavors. Reesepasquarello.com
