Aidan Alar

Meditation Expert & Company Member

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Aidan began his theatrical journey at The Charlotte Comedy Theater under the mentorship of Keli Semelsberger, where he discovered his passion for collaborative storytelling and ensemble work. He has since honed his craft through intensive workshops and masterclasses with renowned theater practitioners including Mick Napier, Billy Merritt, Rich Baker, Jill Bernard, Liz Allen, and Jay Sukow, among others.

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Over eight years, Aidan has developed his performance skills as a founding member of Sunday Supper, one of Charlotte's longest-running ensemble theater groups. His recent work with Pillow Talk & Cul-de-Sac, under the direction of Karla Dingle, has allowed him to explore dramatic storytelling and character development in intimate, emotionally-driven pieces.

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Aidan has performed across Charlotte's diverse theater landscape, including prestigious venues such as the Mint Museum, Blumenthal Spirit Square, The Booth Playhouse, ComedyWorx, and Stage Door Theater, as well as alternative spaces like local breweries and community centers. His festival credits include the Asheville Improv Festival and Queen City Comedy Experience.

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Theater has profoundly shaped Aidan's approach to collaboration and creative expression. The ensemble-based work has taught him to build compelling narratives through active listening, spontaneous character creation, and generous scene partnership. 

 

Beyond the stage, Aidan brings a unique perspective as a structural engineer, trained meditation facilitator through the Art of Living program, and experienced emcee for community storytelling events. This diverse background informs his thoughtful, grounded approach to character development and ensemble collaboration.

Andy Franklin

Education Asst & Company Member

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Andrew is a lifetime student of acting and dedicated to the exploration of culture and the human spirit. He has trained with the The Charlotte Film Actors Studio, The Dortch Acting Studio, and The Dingle school of drama. He holds a BFA from Southern Oregon University, an MFA from The North Carolina School of the Arts, and is a member of the International Thespian society (#2129).

 

When he is not performing he loves working on cars and the Kustom culture and has worked as a professional chef. He made pancakes for Adam Sandler twice. He believes that theater is the mirror to our souls and art is our greatest gift.

Torian Parker-McNeill

Company Member

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Torian is a passionate visual and performing artist who explores the powerful intersection of history, art, and activism. Through his work, he sparks conversations and bridges the past and present to inspire change.

With a strong foundation in both music and theater from Livingstone College and a Master's degree in education, Torian has honed his craft across multiple disciplines. He has graced the stage in notable productions such as West Side Story, The Wiz, and Dreamgirls with Techmoja Dance and Theater Company of Wilmington, NC. A highlight of his career includes a main stage performance at Carnegie Hall with the Livingstone College Concert Choir.

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Beyond the stage, Torian is an accomplished educator and community leader, dedicated to sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of artists. His commitment has been recognized through his inclusion in the 2018 Outstanding Livingstone College National Association Recent Alumni and the 2023 Gamma Cohort of the Livingstone College 40 Under Forty.

When he's not creating, Torian loves spending time at home with his husband and their two dogs, Kam and Jaxon. He believes that art is a catalyst for empathy and understanding, and he is committed to using his voice to amplify stories that need to be heard. 

Ellie Young

Make Up Artist & Company Member

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Ellie Young is an actress, makeup artist, dancer and passionate musical performer aspiring to perfect both scripted and unscripted storytelling.

 

She is actively training at Catch Theatre in Charlotte and has more than 12 years classical music training in her repertoire.

 

She enjoys crafting, watching TV and movies, spending time with her pets and her super supportive partner. She loves puns and making people smile. She believes following your dreams requires compassion, dedication, learning to fail and getting back up again! It'll all work out the way its supposed to. 

Chandler Smith

Music Director and Member

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Chandler is a musician, comedian, actor, writer, producer, and high handicap golfer. He received a bachelor’s in music performance on the French horn in 2008 and afterwards remained unemployed for some time. He began taking improv classes in 2023 and should’ve started sooner. He regularly attempts comedy at Charlotte Comedy Theater, CATCh, and on the Charlotte Comedy Network YouTube channel.

 

He can also be seen stocking shelves at a grocery store that has wholesome vibes and rhymes with Gator Toes. Chandler is not formally diagnosed as neurodivergent, but collects fountain pens. He has one daughter and one wife. Additionally, he has three cats and none of them get along. Chandler, while an unserious person, uses art to provide joy and happiness to others and foster the best version of himself.

Annette Saunders

Company Member

Drew Coleman

Company Assistant Director

Gina Jackson

Announcer & Company Member

Micky Phenephom

Tech Director & Company Member

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Micky Phenephom is an improv artist and aspiring master of ceremonies committed to helping others fall in love with the performing arts both scripted and unscripted. He’s trained with the Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte, Karla Dingle, and participated in workshops with Brooke McCarthy and various professionals. He has also performed many in house shows with CATCh and Dingle Drama; in addition with Pride Festival Charlotte (2025), Dramatic Theater Festival in Chicago (2025), and the Queen City Comedy Experience (2025).

 

Micky is also in charge of tech services within the Repertory; he is responsible for maintaining cues, lights, and sounds relevant to performances. When Micky isn’t performing, he’s off teaching the youth as a sixth grade math and science teacher. For his other hobby, you can find Micky as both a coach and competitor for olympic weightlifting. 

He believes that life is an improvised performance; the best moments in life are when you “yes and…” to whatever the world throws your way. 

Todd Burnette

Media Director & Company Member

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Todd is an Actor, Writer, Director, and Improvisor. He loves comedy, drama and musicals. Involved with several projects around Charlotte including improv with Dingle Drama, Play Cousinz, Pillow Talk Dramatic Improv and Swell Music improv.

 

Stage productions such as Puffs with Waxhaw Community Theater and Rocky Horror Show with Post Mortem players.

 

Todd enjoys developing and exploring new characters. It’s always a possibility you will hear him humming and tune or two when he’s in his own world. 

Jason Egger

Company Member

Adam Cannavo

Company Photographer

Jess Moseman

Company Member

Jim Carson

Company Member

John Bonds

Company Member

Donovan McNeill

Company Member

Karla Dingle

Repertory Artistic Director

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A passionate teacher and coach, Karla specializes in blending acting and improvisation to strengthen performance skills. Her global teaching résumé includes students from across six continents, and she has been featured as a guest instructor at international festivals and organizations including Improv Fest Ireland, Vintage Improv Festival, Highwire Improv, and the Bangalore Improv Community.

 

In 2023, she was honored as a Theater IDA Artist-in-Residence in Zurich, Switzerland. In 2025, she was named one of the International Instructors for The Improv Boost’s Sudden Impact program.