DIGITAL SHOW CARD
FAG-GODS .... Scenes and settings
Setting/Time: Present Day/ Mt Olympus and Athens, ... Georgia
ACT 1
SCENE 1 The stage at Ganymede's Grotto, a drag club in Athens, GA
SCENE 2 Mt. Olympus
SCENE 3 The alley behind Ganymede's Grotto and also the stage of the club
SCENE 4 The dressing room of Ganymede's Grotto
SCENE 5 The alley behind Ganymede's Grotto
SCENE 6 Zeus's penthouse in Atlanta
SCENE 7 Daytime in Ganymede's Grotto during a rehearsal
Intermission
Approximately 15 minutes, please enjoy your refreshments in the lobby
SCENE 8 Zeus's penthouse in Atlanta
SCENE 9 The stage at Ganymede's Grotto
SCENE 10 Half the scene in the penthouse and half in the closed club
SCENE 11 The stage at Ganymede's Grotto during the show
SCENE 12 The stage at Ganymede's Grotto after the show
Run Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes including intermission
Setting/Time: Present Day/ Mt Olympus and Athens, ... Georgia
ACT 1
SCENE 1 The stage at Ganymede's Grotto, a drag club in Athens, GA
SCENE 2 Mt. Olympus
SCENE 3 The alley behind Ganymede's Grotto and also the stage of the club
SCENE 4 The dressing room of Ganymede's Grotto
SCENE 5 The alley behind Ganymede's Grotto
SCENE 6 Zeus's penthouse in Atlanta
SCENE 7 Daytime in Ganymede's Grotto during a rehearsal
Intermission
Approximately 15 minutes, please enjoy your refreshments in the lobby
SCENE 8 Zeus's penthouse in Atlanta
SCENE 9 The stage at Ganymede's Grotto
SCENE 10 Half the scene in the penthouse and half in the closed club
SCENE 11 The stage at Ganymede's Grotto during the show
SCENE 12 The stage at Ganymede's Grotto after the show
Run Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes including intermission
Cast & Creative Team
Cast (in order of appearance)
Creative Team
Cast (in order of appearance)
- Sissy Fuss . . . . . TaVon Vinson
- Aphrodite/Daddy Luss . . . . . Alexander Velasco
- Apollo/Peggy Sis . . . . . Austin Bennett
- Athena/Sir Bearus . . . . . Louisa Davis
- Hermes/Anne Brozia . . . . . Mica Weiss
- Zeus . . . . . Joseph "Jae" Jones
- Zeus (U/S and Matinee performances) . . . . . Eric Roberts
Creative Team
- Director . . . . . Timoth David Copney
- Stage Manager . . . . . Kateri
- Assistant Stage Manager... Jeffery "Jay" Crook
- Intimacy Coordinator . . . . .
- Choreographer . . . . . Timoth David Copney
- Set Design/Construction/Scenic Art . . . . . Alan Zemla
- Costume Design . . . . . April Forer
- Lighting Design . . . . . Jen Sizer
- Properties Manager . . . . . Jeffery "Jay" Crook
- Sound Design . . . . . Jen Sizer
- Run Crew... Eric Roberts, Jeffery "Jay" Crook, Jen Sizer
Cast & Crew Bios
John Bavoso (Playwright) (he/him) is a DC-based playwright, marketer, and aspiring wrangler of unicorns. He mostly writes plays about women and queer people who are awkwardly attempting (and generally failing) to engage with serious subject matter using only dry wit and impeccably timed combative taunts. John is the author of 15 10-minute plays and several full-length works including Over Her Dead Body: A Bluegrass Benediction (Best Musical and Best Overall Show, 2016 Capital Fringe Audience Awards), BLIGHT (Next Stage Press), and MLM is for Murder (Or, Your Side Hustle is Killing Us) (AACT NewPlayFest 2022 Winner; Dramatic Publishing). His plays have been presented in 30 states around the country as well as Canada, Japan, South Korea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and the UK. John wishes to thank Timoth, Spots, and the BPF for believing so much in this campy, divine little farce! More at John-Bavoso.com
Austin Bennett (Peggy Sis/Apollo) is a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and performer, and is thrilled to be getting back on the theatrical stage for Fag Gods! Fag Gods is Austin’s Baltimore stage debut, after a brief hiatus from acting. Some of their favorite roles include Jesus in Godspell, Shrek in Shrek The Musical (if you can believe it), and work in various ensembles at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. In addition to their stage work, their debut EP is forthcoming this fall. Follow along their journey at @austinbennettmusic!
Timoth David Copney (Director/Choreographer) is delighted to return to Spotlighters. He directed the acclaimed production of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living In Paris for Spots, and choreographed The Tempest, Songs For The New World, and Man of La Mancha. For Spots, he was in The Wiz (The Wiz), and in Beehive, The Musical. Equity shows: Annie Get Your Gun, My Fair Lady, Music Man, Applause, and Sophisticated Ladies. Other choreography and/or directing in Baltimore: The Wiz, Dreamgirls, Carousel, Ragtime, Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly, Drowsy Chaperone, Addams Family, and Oliver. Favorite roles as an actor are Belize in Angels In America, Bobby in A Chorus Lines’, The Wiz in The Wiz, and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Thanks to the wonderful cast and crew and to his husband Robert, who feeds the crowds at most of Spots opening nights!
Jeffery Crook (Assistant Stage Manager/Director’s Assistant) - aka “Jay” or The Artist J3ff3ry is extremely grateful for the opportunity given to him by his friend, Timoth David Copney, to be a part of the crew for Fag Gods at Spotlighters Theater. Jeffery’s last theatrical experience, some 25 years ago, was during his college’s production of a Shakespearean play. Which one? He can not remember. But he does remember the standing ovation he received. Jeffery would like to dedicate his performance in Fag Gods to his 103-year old grandmother, Hattie Burgess-Cook, and his family and friends who continual support all of his creative projects and dreams.
Louisa Davis (Athena/Sir Bearus) is so excited to be making their Spotlighters Theatre debut! Louisa recently graduated with a B.A. in musical theatre and minor in psychology at Birmingham-Southern College. Some performance highlights include; Chef Louis (The Little Mermaid), Emma (Emma! A Pop Musical), Williamina Fleming (Silent Sky), Bridget Sullivan (Lizzie the Musical), Dametas (Head Over Heels) Kimber Davies (Stick Fly), and Anna (Lipstick! A Queer Farce). Thank you for coming out to see the show! I hope you have something walking out that you didn’t have when you walked in. Enjoy all the gay chaos!
April Forrer (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be costuming for Fag Gods at Spotlighters! Designing for over 16 years, some of her favorites shows she costumed are, Rocky Horror Show, She Kills Monsters, The Merchant of Venice and Peter Pan. She would like to thank her three wonderful children, Ethan, Quintin, and Lilly for their support.
Tracey L. Jenkins (Drag Coordinator/Make-up Artist) is a published make-up artist whose work has been seen on stage, fashion runways and film. She is also an accomplished seamstress. Her focus is bridal and event glam and she finds inspiration in mismatched patterns, loud colors and helping everyone be their most beautiful selves.
Joseph Jones, Jr. (Zeus) is an actor, writer, music producer and tour guide. His Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising coupled with additional training in advanced communications prepared him for his career in theater. Also known as Jae, he was a professional DJ and sound engineer for more than 15 years. A recent starring role in the Sisters Freehold production of the ‘Codeswitch’ honed his skills as an on-stage performer. An avid consumer of story from local theater, museum exhibits, movies, city archives, black history and fiction, Jae is the owner and operator of Black History Tours Baltimore. Via all of Jae’s creative pursuits he is building a track record of excellent performances as an actor, professional entertainer and storyteller.
Kateri (Stage Manager) is excited to be back at Spotlighters for their second show. Recent credits include Vanya, Sonia, Masha, and Spike (Intimacy Choreographer, Spotlighters), The Code Switch (Associate Director, Sisters Freehold), The Lights Went Out Because of a Problem (Stage Manager, The Acme Corporation), and Love & ROAR! (Director, Baltimore Rock Opera Society). They are a member of the contemporary musical theatre company StillPointe Theatre, a volunteer reader for the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, and sometimes fancy themselves a theatre critic reviewing for The Maryland Theatre Guide. Kateri holds an MA with distinction in Theatre Directing from the University of London Royal Holloway, with a dissertation focused on the devising of Queer Camp Cabaret. Kateri could not resist the siren song of her hometown of Charm City and has returned to be a part of the renaissance of new, exciting theatrical experiences being developed. Kateri dedicates their performance to all the queer babies who got lost in mythology only to find themselves in the process.
Eric Roberts (Understudy Zeus) is thrilled to make his debut performance on the Spotlighters stage. He was seen recently in Ragtime with Maryland Theatre Collective. Eric would like to thank his cast and production team for being incredibly dedicated, talented, and inclusive during this process. He would also like to thank his family for always showing up! Eric appreciates you reading his bio and welcomes your feedback. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Jen Sizer (Lighting & Sound Designer) is back in the booth, after her recent performance as Sarah in Laughing Stock here at Spotlighters. Her previous design work here includes Lighting for A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Outward Bound, What Was Done, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; Sound for [title of show], and Co-Director of Scharf’s Shorts. She performs and directs at many area theatres and performed for several years as a Drag King with the D.C Kings Troupe. Dedicating this design to this fabulous cast of humans…watching you all be so confidently *you* has been an honor.
Alexander Elias Velasco Suro (Aphrodite/Daddy Luss) is a latine multi-disciplinary artist local to Baltimore. Alex’s favorite prior credits include Our Town (Baltimore Center Stage), 10X10X10 and Maricela De La Luz Lights the World (Fells Point Corner Theatre). When not acting, Alex is a drag king, a poet, a zine maker, and visual artist. Alexander focuses on creating and uplifting artistic work centered on trans joy, queer liberation, and decolonizing intimacy. Alex would like to say I love you to all the Lads. (they/them)
Ta’Von Vinson (Sissy Fuss) is revved up and ready for his debut in a Spotlighters production. Ta’Von is the owner of Theater Coven Productions, LLC where he writes/directs for the horror and dark comedy lovers. Ta’Von is a playwright himself and has had the pleasure of doing two tours with his stage plays What We’re Taught and What We’re Taught II: The Next Lesson, respectively. He’s had an extensive history in theatre throughout the years. He plans to only stop when the voices in his head can finally agree on one decision. When he’s not acting, he can be found hunting vampires or sitting with an energy drink while typing in a coffee shop. Ta’Von would like to thank the cast and production for all the hard work that has gone into the show. Please enjoy the show and in the words of Elvira “Unpleasant Dreams...”
Mica Weiss (Hermes/Anne Brosia) has been immensely enjoying their return to the Spotlighters’ stage and is ecstatic to have been blessed with the opportunity to perform for y'all in a cute little wig and some suuuuuper sexy boots. Returning supporters of Spotlighters Theatre may remember them as Arvin in Zanna Don't! Other favorite past roles include: Chip Tolentino (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Perch Perkins (SpongeBob SquarePants), Ghost Percussionist (Hamlet: Replayed) Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors), Aldolpho (Drowsy Chaperone), and as the Costume Designer in multiple theatrical productions in the Baltimore/DC region. It is an absolute blessing to be able to participate in creating queer art, and none of this would be possible without gorgeous audience members such as yourself. Mmmm that's right, I'm talking about you. Yes, you! You are absolutely gorgeous: mind, body, and soul. Thank you for supporting local theatre!!!
Alan Zemla (Set Designer/Set Construction/Scenic Artist) was the Resident Set Designer from 2012 – May 2023 and has designed, built, and painted 59 productions at Spotlighters since designing his first show, Hello, Dolly! in 2012. He has come out of retirement as a favor to Timoth and would like to thank him for the opportunity. Alan’s sore back, knees, and shoulder, however, curse the day he was born and are looking forward to going back into retirement. Enjoy the show and tell a friend about Spotlighters!
John Bavoso (Playwright) (he/him) is a DC-based playwright, marketer, and aspiring wrangler of unicorns. He mostly writes plays about women and queer people who are awkwardly attempting (and generally failing) to engage with serious subject matter using only dry wit and impeccably timed combative taunts. John is the author of 15 10-minute plays and several full-length works including Over Her Dead Body: A Bluegrass Benediction (Best Musical and Best Overall Show, 2016 Capital Fringe Audience Awards), BLIGHT (Next Stage Press), and MLM is for Murder (Or, Your Side Hustle is Killing Us) (AACT NewPlayFest 2022 Winner; Dramatic Publishing). His plays have been presented in 30 states around the country as well as Canada, Japan, South Korea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and the UK. John wishes to thank Timoth, Spots, and the BPF for believing so much in this campy, divine little farce! More at John-Bavoso.com
Austin Bennett (Peggy Sis/Apollo) is a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and performer, and is thrilled to be getting back on the theatrical stage for Fag Gods! Fag Gods is Austin’s Baltimore stage debut, after a brief hiatus from acting. Some of their favorite roles include Jesus in Godspell, Shrek in Shrek The Musical (if you can believe it), and work in various ensembles at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. In addition to their stage work, their debut EP is forthcoming this fall. Follow along their journey at @austinbennettmusic!
Timoth David Copney (Director/Choreographer) is delighted to return to Spotlighters. He directed the acclaimed production of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living In Paris for Spots, and choreographed The Tempest, Songs For The New World, and Man of La Mancha. For Spots, he was in The Wiz (The Wiz), and in Beehive, The Musical. Equity shows: Annie Get Your Gun, My Fair Lady, Music Man, Applause, and Sophisticated Ladies. Other choreography and/or directing in Baltimore: The Wiz, Dreamgirls, Carousel, Ragtime, Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly, Drowsy Chaperone, Addams Family, and Oliver. Favorite roles as an actor are Belize in Angels In America, Bobby in A Chorus Lines’, The Wiz in The Wiz, and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Thanks to the wonderful cast and crew and to his husband Robert, who feeds the crowds at most of Spots opening nights!
Jeffery Crook (Assistant Stage Manager/Director’s Assistant) - aka “Jay” or The Artist J3ff3ry is extremely grateful for the opportunity given to him by his friend, Timoth David Copney, to be a part of the crew for Fag Gods at Spotlighters Theater. Jeffery’s last theatrical experience, some 25 years ago, was during his college’s production of a Shakespearean play. Which one? He can not remember. But he does remember the standing ovation he received. Jeffery would like to dedicate his performance in Fag Gods to his 103-year old grandmother, Hattie Burgess-Cook, and his family and friends who continual support all of his creative projects and dreams.
Louisa Davis (Athena/Sir Bearus) is so excited to be making their Spotlighters Theatre debut! Louisa recently graduated with a B.A. in musical theatre and minor in psychology at Birmingham-Southern College. Some performance highlights include; Chef Louis (The Little Mermaid), Emma (Emma! A Pop Musical), Williamina Fleming (Silent Sky), Bridget Sullivan (Lizzie the Musical), Dametas (Head Over Heels) Kimber Davies (Stick Fly), and Anna (Lipstick! A Queer Farce). Thank you for coming out to see the show! I hope you have something walking out that you didn’t have when you walked in. Enjoy all the gay chaos!
April Forrer (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be costuming for Fag Gods at Spotlighters! Designing for over 16 years, some of her favorites shows she costumed are, Rocky Horror Show, She Kills Monsters, The Merchant of Venice and Peter Pan. She would like to thank her three wonderful children, Ethan, Quintin, and Lilly for their support.
Tracey L. Jenkins (Drag Coordinator/Make-up Artist) is a published make-up artist whose work has been seen on stage, fashion runways and film. She is also an accomplished seamstress. Her focus is bridal and event glam and she finds inspiration in mismatched patterns, loud colors and helping everyone be their most beautiful selves.
Joseph Jones, Jr. (Zeus) is an actor, writer, music producer and tour guide. His Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising coupled with additional training in advanced communications prepared him for his career in theater. Also known as Jae, he was a professional DJ and sound engineer for more than 15 years. A recent starring role in the Sisters Freehold production of the ‘Codeswitch’ honed his skills as an on-stage performer. An avid consumer of story from local theater, museum exhibits, movies, city archives, black history and fiction, Jae is the owner and operator of Black History Tours Baltimore. Via all of Jae’s creative pursuits he is building a track record of excellent performances as an actor, professional entertainer and storyteller.
Kateri (Stage Manager) is excited to be back at Spotlighters for their second show. Recent credits include Vanya, Sonia, Masha, and Spike (Intimacy Choreographer, Spotlighters), The Code Switch (Associate Director, Sisters Freehold), The Lights Went Out Because of a Problem (Stage Manager, The Acme Corporation), and Love & ROAR! (Director, Baltimore Rock Opera Society). They are a member of the contemporary musical theatre company StillPointe Theatre, a volunteer reader for the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, and sometimes fancy themselves a theatre critic reviewing for The Maryland Theatre Guide. Kateri holds an MA with distinction in Theatre Directing from the University of London Royal Holloway, with a dissertation focused on the devising of Queer Camp Cabaret. Kateri could not resist the siren song of her hometown of Charm City and has returned to be a part of the renaissance of new, exciting theatrical experiences being developed. Kateri dedicates their performance to all the queer babies who got lost in mythology only to find themselves in the process.
Eric Roberts (Understudy Zeus) is thrilled to make his debut performance on the Spotlighters stage. He was seen recently in Ragtime with Maryland Theatre Collective. Eric would like to thank his cast and production team for being incredibly dedicated, talented, and inclusive during this process. He would also like to thank his family for always showing up! Eric appreciates you reading his bio and welcomes your feedback. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Jen Sizer (Lighting & Sound Designer) is back in the booth, after her recent performance as Sarah in Laughing Stock here at Spotlighters. Her previous design work here includes Lighting for A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, Outward Bound, What Was Done, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike; Sound for [title of show], and Co-Director of Scharf’s Shorts. She performs and directs at many area theatres and performed for several years as a Drag King with the D.C Kings Troupe. Dedicating this design to this fabulous cast of humans…watching you all be so confidently *you* has been an honor.
Alexander Elias Velasco Suro (Aphrodite/Daddy Luss) is a latine multi-disciplinary artist local to Baltimore. Alex’s favorite prior credits include Our Town (Baltimore Center Stage), 10X10X10 and Maricela De La Luz Lights the World (Fells Point Corner Theatre). When not acting, Alex is a drag king, a poet, a zine maker, and visual artist. Alexander focuses on creating and uplifting artistic work centered on trans joy, queer liberation, and decolonizing intimacy. Alex would like to say I love you to all the Lads. (they/them)
Ta’Von Vinson (Sissy Fuss) is revved up and ready for his debut in a Spotlighters production. Ta’Von is the owner of Theater Coven Productions, LLC where he writes/directs for the horror and dark comedy lovers. Ta’Von is a playwright himself and has had the pleasure of doing two tours with his stage plays What We’re Taught and What We’re Taught II: The Next Lesson, respectively. He’s had an extensive history in theatre throughout the years. He plans to only stop when the voices in his head can finally agree on one decision. When he’s not acting, he can be found hunting vampires or sitting with an energy drink while typing in a coffee shop. Ta’Von would like to thank the cast and production for all the hard work that has gone into the show. Please enjoy the show and in the words of Elvira “Unpleasant Dreams...”
Mica Weiss (Hermes/Anne Brosia) has been immensely enjoying their return to the Spotlighters’ stage and is ecstatic to have been blessed with the opportunity to perform for y'all in a cute little wig and some suuuuuper sexy boots. Returning supporters of Spotlighters Theatre may remember them as Arvin in Zanna Don't! Other favorite past roles include: Chip Tolentino (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Perch Perkins (SpongeBob SquarePants), Ghost Percussionist (Hamlet: Replayed) Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors), Aldolpho (Drowsy Chaperone), and as the Costume Designer in multiple theatrical productions in the Baltimore/DC region. It is an absolute blessing to be able to participate in creating queer art, and none of this would be possible without gorgeous audience members such as yourself. Mmmm that's right, I'm talking about you. Yes, you! You are absolutely gorgeous: mind, body, and soul. Thank you for supporting local theatre!!!
Alan Zemla (Set Designer/Set Construction/Scenic Artist) was the Resident Set Designer from 2012 – May 2023 and has designed, built, and painted 59 productions at Spotlighters since designing his first show, Hello, Dolly! in 2012. He has come out of retirement as a favor to Timoth and would like to thank him for the opportunity. Alan’s sore back, knees, and shoulder, however, curse the day he was born and are looking forward to going back into retirement. Enjoy the show and tell a friend about Spotlighters!
Director’s Comments . . .
When I first read the script of Fag Gods which had been submitted to the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, I giggled and outright guffawed at page after page of some of the best play writing I had read in quite some time but was also touched by the relationships between these characters. I was also intrigued by the possibility of the flipped gender bending possibilities. Given a reading as the highest rated submission of that season, the powers that be at Spotlighters also saw the potential and gave us a spot on the regular season for Spring 2024.
This incredibly talented cast was chosen for their skills on stage, but also for their testaments to their lives. Spanning the gender spectrum and presenting this work as representative of the individuals who comprise the gender world today has become a specific goal for me, and the privilege of directing these talented actors and allowing them to present themselves in their truest colors was a goal I truly wanted to honor.
While this show is a hilarious farce – come on, it’s about gods and drag queens – it is also an opportunity to share sides of humanity that are at best under represented and at worst ignored and maligned. I’ve learned so much working with these people, these lovely creations, who have chosen to share their talents with me, and now you, and I thank the writer, the brilliant John Bavoso, our esteemed producer Fuzz Roark and Spots, the cast and crew of Fag Gods, the generous support of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, and you people who have chosen to spend a couple of hours with us. Now settle down and enjoy some fabulosity!
. . . . Timoth David Copney, Director
When I first read the script of Fag Gods which had been submitted to the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, I giggled and outright guffawed at page after page of some of the best play writing I had read in quite some time but was also touched by the relationships between these characters. I was also intrigued by the possibility of the flipped gender bending possibilities. Given a reading as the highest rated submission of that season, the powers that be at Spotlighters also saw the potential and gave us a spot on the regular season for Spring 2024.
This incredibly talented cast was chosen for their skills on stage, but also for their testaments to their lives. Spanning the gender spectrum and presenting this work as representative of the individuals who comprise the gender world today has become a specific goal for me, and the privilege of directing these talented actors and allowing them to present themselves in their truest colors was a goal I truly wanted to honor.
While this show is a hilarious farce – come on, it’s about gods and drag queens – it is also an opportunity to share sides of humanity that are at best under represented and at worst ignored and maligned. I’ve learned so much working with these people, these lovely creations, who have chosen to share their talents with me, and now you, and I thank the writer, the brilliant John Bavoso, our esteemed producer Fuzz Roark and Spots, the cast and crew of Fag Gods, the generous support of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival, and you people who have chosen to spend a couple of hours with us. Now settle down and enjoy some fabulosity!
. . . . Timoth David Copney, Director
