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Samanta Bursich-Director/Choregrapher

Samantha Jane Bursich (Director/Choreographer) is excited to bring "Hello, Dolly!" to the stage! She has performed, directed, choreographed, composed, and stage managed over one hundred musicals, plays, and short films in the southern Illinois and St Louis area. She has worked with Artstarts in various roles for the last 6 years. Sam is a vocal/piano instructor residing in Murphysboro and a pianist at FUMC Carterville. She would like to thank her family, friends, and Robb for all their support. Special thanks to all the kids, parents, volunteers, the Artstarts board, and this amazing production team for bringing this show to life.

Lance Shimkus-Stage Manager

Lance Shimkus (Stage Manager) is a Southern Illinois local and former Artstarts alumni who is thrilled to be working to bring to life a wonderful show, "Hello, Dolly!". He is excited to be working for the first time as a Stage Manager for a production and has enjoyed the challenges and joys that this new position has brought. He is delighted to have been able to collaborate with such wonderful volunteers and crew members to put together such an amazing show. Lance would like to thank his family, friends, and partner for all their wisdom and supportive words during the production process.

Cody Acklin-Creative Coordinator

Cody Acklin (Creative Coordinator) is a native to Southern Illinois and has been participating in local theater for over a decade. Normally serving as production staff for many production, Cody has appeared on stage many times as well in productions in the area.

Cody also commonly serves as director for many productions. Some of his favorite shows he has directed are Lion King Jr. (2022), Steel Magnolias (2019), Newsies (2019), Monty Python’s Spamalot (2018), Little Shop of Horrors (2016).

Besides acting and directing, Cody also participates in many other branches of theater but more so in the scenic design that is required for this show. Hello, Dolly! is a grand scale show that requires a set of equal scale.

Cody would like to thank everyone on the production team for being such an amazing group to work with, and for being a great group of friends!

Cody hopes you enjoy this production as much as he has enjoyed working on Hello, Dolly!