Ashley Coia (Alison Bechdel) recently moved from NYC to South Bend with her partner, Mariah, and is thrilled to be making her Art 4 debut! Ashley received her BFA from New York University’s Tisch Department of Drama. Previous theatre credits include: The Cave: A Folk Opera (Off-Broadway), After Burn (NYC Fringe Festival), & The Bipartisan (NYC Thespis Festival). Forever grateful for her friends and family for their endless support.

Erin Joines (Medium Alison) is so excited to return to the Art 4 stage! She has previously understudied for the Art 4 productions of Next to Normal (Natalie) and Ghost Quartet (Rose). Erin has been performing in the greater South Bend area since she was 9 years old. Some of her favorite previous works include Annie in Annie (SBCT), Maureen in Rent (Clay HS), Sandra in Big Fish (Clay High School), and Margo in Bright Star (Elkhart Civic). She is so grateful to be working with Mark and Aaron again, and would like to thank her family for all their love, and the incredible cast and team for coming together in an amazing show!

Sarah Hungerman (Small Alison) is 12 years old and in sixth grade at Schmucker Middle School (Go Spartans!). She is thrilled to be back with Art 4 after playing Jojo in Seussical the Musical. Other past credits include Les Misérables School Edition (Claquesous/Ensemble), Matilda the Musical (Matilda), and The Jungle Book (Tabaqui). Sarah loves being outdoors, drawing, and reading. She would like to thank the UYT team for inspiring her love of theater and the Art 4 team for giving her the opportunity to be part of such a profound show. She would also like to thank her cats—Simon, Baxter, and Merlin—as well as her human family.

Jess Alexander (Bruce Bechdel) is happy to return to Art 4 after appearing previously in Seussical. Born down the street in Elkhart, Jess has returned to the Michiana area after time spent in NYC and Chicago performing and writing at iO, Second City, and The Annoyance theaters. He is thankful to Mark, Aaron, his cast and crewmates, and all those who have been a help to him in this return to Theatre. Look for him this summer in the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival. Finally, Jess would like to say: If you have suffered from depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation as I have, there is help. The National suicide helpline: (800) 273-8255

Tessa Pauls (Helen Bechdel) is thrilled to return to Art 4 for this production of Fun Home! Performing in theater productions from a very young age, she has always held a deep interest in music and performing arts, quickly falling in love with classical and opera music in particular. You may have seen her in South Bend Lyric Opera's productions of Die Fledermaus, Rigoletto, Cavelleria Rusticana, and most recently La Traviata in collaboration with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. She also has enjoyed being on the administrative and production teams for other productions for SBLO, as well as Art 4 and Musical Arts Indiana. Tessa holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share Helen's story with this amazing cast, and would like to thank her family, friends, and her boyfriend Mark for all of their love, support, and encouragement.

Laurel Blankenship (Joan) is thrilled to work with Art 4 again! Most recently she was seen as a Bird Girl/Dance Captain in Seussical and Mark’s Mom and others in RENT. Some of her favorite roles have been Mrs. Wormwood/Dance Captain in Matilda, Featured Dance Ensemble/Dance Captain in Elf the Musical, Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors, and Fiona in Shrek the Musical. In her free time you can find her singing, dancing, or being Elsa for birthday parties! She is an adult finalist for Hoosier Star 2022, come see her September 17th at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium! She would like to thank the cast and crew of Fun Home, and her mother for her endless love and support!

Pierre Cooks (Roy, Pete, Bobby Jeremy, & Mark) is a Michiana actor, who enjoys telling stories that incite change for the better of one’s heart. Two of his most notable and favorite credits are SBCT In The Heights in the role of Benny and Art 4’s Rent where he played Tom Collins. He is extremely honored to play a part in telling the story of Fun Home. It’s Pierre’s 3rd production with Art 4, and he can say with pride that being a part of this community has held such a special place in his heart. He extends great appreciation to Mark and Aaron for not building this community, but allowing me a place in it.

Tegegn Drake (Christian Bechdel) is a fifth grader at Swanson Traditional School. His previous acting experience includes roles in Matilda, The Lion King, and The Grunch. In his free time, Tegegn enjoys playing soccer, reading, and dominating in foursquare. Tegegn would like to thank his parents for motivating him to try new things.

Ezra Carrico (John Bechdel) is 10 years old and in the fourth grade at Bittersweet Elementary. Ezra is thrilled to be joining the cast and crew for his Art 4 theatrical debut. Prior to working with Art 4, his most recent performance was as Les in Newsies. He also participated in Frozen Jr. (Pabbie), The SpongeBob Musical (Plankton), as well as Lion King Jr., and Moana Jr. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his three brothers and his dog, Kylo. Ezra would like to thank his Civic Theatre family for their encouragement and for introducing him to his love of theatre and Mark and Aaron for a warm welcome to Art 4.

Emma Kopec (Understudy/Swing) is thrilled to be back on stage with Art 4. You may have seen her as Evelyn Nesbit in their virtual production of Ragtime or as Mayzie La Bird in Seussical the Musical. Some of her favorite roles over the years include Cinderella (Charlotte), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive), Bright Star (Lucy), and most recently Carrie the Musical (Carrie). Emma is a senior at Clay High School and has been a member of their dance department since freshman year. After graduation, she will attend Wright State University for a BFA in Musical Theatre. During the past four years, she has been part of The Lark Comedy Institute’s teen performance troupe here in South Bend. She would like to thank her teacher, Kelli McBride, and her troupe for all of the love and laughs. She would also like to thank her family and friends for being her support system throughout all her career endeavors. She is incredibly grateful for everything she has learned and all the friendships she has made during her time with Art 4. Instagram: @emma_kopec