Cory Cunningham (Malvolio, Thorton) received a BFA degree in acting from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2006.  Regional credits include George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Noodler in Peter Pan, and Tutor in Medea (Playhouse on Square in Memphis, TN); and Duke Dodo in Ferdinand the Bull, Simon in The Third Wish, and Lafe/ Counselor Robinson in Big River (Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke, VA).  Other favorite roles include Claude in “Hair”, Joe in “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”, and Don John in Much Ado About Nothing.  Cory is recognized in single sword and quarterstaff by the SAFD. 

David Frankenberger, jr. (Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Francois) is a Graduate of Goucher College in Maryland, having earned a BFA in Theatre, and is a proud to be a member of the National Players family.  He recently completed a US tour with National Theatre for Arts and Education and a Summer Theatre Series with McDaniel College.  Favorite roles include Rudolpho in La Boheme, Touchstone in As You Like It, Dennis Shepard in Laramie Project, and the Witch in Hansel and Gretel.  Thank you Mom, Dad, and my Grandmas for all your love and support.  To my friends who see this – you’re the best. 

Sarah M. Johnson (Viola, White Fang/Mercedes) grew up in Lewisburg, WV, a small town with a big focus on the arts.  She was fortunate to be involved with greenbrier Valley Theatre, acting and crewing for many seasons.  With that background, it seemed natural to pursue a career in theatre.  She spent four satisfy years majoring in acting at West Virginia University.  Her love both theatre and travel made the National Players seem like a natural fit.  Eventually she hopes to go from being an actor to directing them.

Benjamin S. Kingsland (Curio, et al, Wheedon) was last on tour with the Maryland Shakespeare Festival in Hamlet (Polonius, Horatio).  Other credits include The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Adam), Baltimore Shakespeare Festival; Into The Woods (Jack), The Adding Machine (Mr. Zero), Blithe Spirit (Mme. Arcati), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom), The Secret Garden (Dickon) and ‘Art’ (Marc) at Johns Hopkins University.  His play Whitehill and several of his one-acts have been produced.  He received his BA from Hopkins in Writing and Psychology. 
 

Jeremy Larson (Feste, Spitz) is very excited to be joining National Players this season.  He graduated with a BFA in Acting at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, and just finished playing Pompey in Measure for Measure at the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival.  College roles include Alonso Del Castillo in Authur Kopit’s new play Discovery of America, Nick in Sight Unseen, multiple characters in Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, and Dr. McSharry in The Cripple of Inishmaan.  In addition, he performs improve regularly and enjoys writing and directing for the stage.  

Branda Lock (Gentlewoman, Queenie/She-wolf/ Straggletooth) is very excited to be joining National Players for their 59^th touring season.  Having recently graduated from Susquehanna University with her BA in Theatre and her BS in Economics, Branda has enjoyed performing academically in such shows as Enchanted April, Hello Dolly, A Dybluk, Street Scene, The Winters Tale, and The Mikado among many others.  Most recent credits include Seussical the Musical (Gertrude McFuzz) with the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre and Oliver (Nancy) with Theatre on the Hill.  She thanks her family and friends for their constant support, strength, and inspiration.    

Ryan Mitchell (Sir Toby Belch) received his BA in Theatre Performance from the College of Charleston.  Most recently he directed Tracy Lett’s Bug for C of C Center Stage.  Previous acting credits include: Pinglet in Hotel Paradiso, Albany in King Lear, Ferdinand in The Tempest, Dr. Caius in The Marry Wives of Windsor, Greg in Sylvia, Schmediman in Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Andrew Cerres in Oklahoma!.  He is grateful for the opportunity to work with the National Players and wants to thank them for saving him from his two other passions: Milkshakes and Lethargy.

Madeleine Russell (Olivia, Pup) hails from Ames, Iowa.  She has a BFA with special distinction from the University of Oklahoma School of Drama.  Her favorite roles there include Mrs. Truett in The Rimers of Eldritch, Mrs. Wickett in Texarkana Waltz, Rossignol in Marat/Sade, Poppy in Nosies Off, Henrietta Iscariot in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and Maggie in Dancing at Lugnasa.  She could not be more excited to be on tour with The National Players!

Kieran Welsh-Phillips (Maria, Touring Musical Director) Kieran is a recent graduate of the College of Wooster with a BA in theater. Past favorite roles include Goneril in King Lear, Ann Deever in All My Sons, and Arlene in Getting Out. Special thanks to her family and Patrick for their love and support.

Dan Van Why (Antonio, et al, Johnnyboy/Lord Alfred) received his BA in Theatre Arts from Wilkes University in 2006.  Some of his favorite roles include Orgon in Tartuffe, Haemon in Antigone, Henrik in A little Night Music, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Stephen Kodaly in She Loves Me, and Tyler Rayburn in Light Up the Sky.  He is thrilled to be a part of the 59^th annual tour and would like to thank his family and friends for their support.  A special thanks to the National Players for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of a great theatrical tradition.  Break legs! 

Scott Zenreich (Sebastian, Blackjack Davey) is a recent graduate of Emerson College with a BFA in Musical Theatre.  As an undergraduate his credits include Undiscovered Country, Grease, Assassins, and Lift as well as roles with the Texas Shakespeare Festival, College Light Opera Company, and Harvard University.  At Emerson, Scott has directed Art, The Adding Machine, and The Storyteller.  Scott has most recently worked professionally with Director’s Lab West at the Pasadena Playhouse and the New Century Theatre.  He has also been a card magician for almost ten years.