Christmas is coming early to the Greater Cleveland area with Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House Master of Fine Arts in Acting program’s spring production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Season’s Greetings—directed by Jerrold Scott, professor in the Department of Theater.
Although the holiday season is often a time for warmth, joy and togetherness, in this dark comedy mayhem and chaos take center stage and features:
- Madalyn Baker as Pattie, a pregnant mother of three;
- Brianna Miller as Phyllis, an anxious doctor’s wife who self medicates;
- Byron Johnson as Neville, an inattentive but successful businessman;
- Meredith Nelson as Belinda, a matriarch balancing multiple event plans at once; and
- Other candidates of the program’s Class of 2026.
Get to know these emerging actors as they share insights into the program and how they bring their experiences to life on stage and beyond. And, don’t miss your cue to attend this must-see performance, which will run from Wednesday, March 26, to Saturday, April 5.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Madalyn Baker
1. How has your training at CWRU and Cleveland Play House shaped your approach to acting?
CWRU encouraged me to trust in my own uniqueness and the confidence this program instilled in me definitely shapes the way I move in my acting career and with my own creative projects. The faculty members exist not only as our professors, but also as our artistic mentors. I know when I graduate I will always be able to call one of them if I need a new perspective, advice, or encouragement.
2. Can you share a memorable moment during your time in the CWRU/CPH MFA in Acting program?
Last fall, we understudied and performed as ensemble members in CPH’s Pride and Prejudice, and it was an amazing learning experience. I had never understudied before and was covering Lizzie, one of the leads. This was an interesting challenge because I had next to no rehearsal, but still had to have the lines and blocking [or choreography] down pat. On a Sunday matinee, I was called in an hour and a half before the show to fill in for the main actor. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The cast and crew all rallied around me, so I knew that if I made some small mistake, everyone around me was poised and ready to cover. The show went great and it not only boosted my confidence as a performer, but also the trust I now have in myself.
3. How would you describe the dynamic of your cohort? How have your colleagues helped shape your growth as an actor and artist?
In a cohort of eight people, we all get to know each other really well, which lends itself to a level of comfortability and trust that can be hard to come by when collaborating with others. They have been an invaluable resource in terms of having a group of people I can ask for advice, bounce ideas off of, or look to when I need encouragement. There is space in the classroom for trying, failing, and trying again.
Brianna Miller
1. How has your training at CWRU and Cleveland Play House shaped your approach to acting?
This program has taught me to trust my instincts and to be more open minded by exposing me to different script and acting styles, which have reshaped my ideas on what “good theatre” means. Our partnership with Cleveland Play House has given me the opportunity to be part of intimate workshops with actors and directors who attended some of the best schools and work at some of the best theatres in the country. Being surrounded by so many great artistic experiences and creating art with people who have been thriving in this industry for so long is an absolute dream. We make a plethora of connections during our time here that help lead to future work.
2. Can you share a memorable moment during your time in the CWRU/CPH MFA in Acting program?
One of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the program so far was when I was given the opportunity to understudy a role in CPH’s Fat Ham, an all-Black production full of joy, love, and talent. In my opinion, understudying is far scarier than actually playing a role. Knowing that at any moment I could go onstage in front of hundreds of people and perform for the first time is my nightmare. But this experience proved that I could do it and urged me to be more flexible and fearless. Because I was the only person in our cohort working on this show, I was juggling the same amount of classwork that everyone else had. So, it was a nice reminder that I can handle more than I think I can. When the show closed I felt deeply cared for, confident in my abilities and proud of the story we shared. Every person in the room made me feel valued.
3. What’s something about Season’s Greetings that you think audiences will find surprising or unique? What do you hope audiences take away from this production?
As someone who loves the holidays, I never think it’s too early to get in the spirit. Part of what makes Christmas so special is spending quality time with family and this play explores why we love our blood and chosen families, no matter how much of a headache they can be. I hope audiences laugh a lot and leave wanting to let people they care about know how much they are appreciated.
Byron Johnson
1. How has your training at CWRU and Cleveland Play House shaped your approach to acting?
Our program encourages us to be who we are, to not hide any parts of ourselves when on stage and to bring that to the role. The program taught me that I have the ability to step into roles, no matter what they are and to bring a fresh perspective that only I can. I found a deeper love of acting and the work required is a challenge I love to embrace. The partnership with Cleveland Play House has allowed me to access any play I would like to see, understudy and see other artists go through their process, which is so valuable as I learn more about this industry and craft.
2. What’s something about Season’s Greetings that you think audiences will find surprising or unique? What do you hope audiences take away from this production?
I think audiences will enjoy how fast-paced this show is. This play feels like a television sitcom and with action being all around, the audience will be constantly engaged. I hope the audience takes away how important it is to pay attention to our loved ones, young and old. We all have needs and if we neglect them, it could cause dire consequences.
3. What are your career aspirations post graduation? Are there any dream roles or productions you hope to pursue in the future?
My aspiration is to be one of the most impactful people in the world using my artistry. I really care about humanity as a whole and believe God has called me to use this art to empathize, lead, motivate and inspire; I hope to do that by moving to New York and by working all over the world throughout my career. My dream roles are Coriolanus and Henry IV by William Shakespeare, and I would love to do something as impactful to my culture as Insecure, Love Jones or Sylvie’s Love.
Meredith Nelson
1. How has your training at CWRU and Cleveland Play House shaped your approach to acting?
This program taught me that when obstacles arise, whether physical or mental, instead of viewing them as a source of anxiety and discouragement, they can be funneled into fuel for my creative fire.
During my time in this program, I launched my very own theatre company called Soft Belly Theatre and the resources afforded to me while participating in this program have been integral in its growth.
2. How would you describe the dynamic of your cohort? How have your colleagues helped shape your growth as an actor and artist?
My peers are a huge source of inspiration in my work. The beauty of us being together all the time is we get front row seats to watch each other excel at what we do well and grow in what we still have to learn. Since there are so few of us, our relationships became intimate super fast. The great thing is we still like to get together outside of school. We host each other for parties and plan outings; it’s nice to still like each other after spending every second together during the day.
3. What are your career aspirations post graduation? Are there any dream roles or productions you hope to pursue in the future?
After graduation, my husband and I plan to stay in Cleveland and continue growing Soft Belly Theatre. My dream is to continue directing and producing locally and then work as a professional actor in theaters across the U.S.