
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM
Behind We Sail On In Darkness

Playwright, Director & Producer
Ruthie Buescher
Trained in devised and physical theater methods, Ruthie is a director, playwright, and teacher with a B.A. in English literature from Wheaton College in Illinois and an M.A. in educational theatre from NYU Steinhardt. She has worked for over ten years as a teaching artist and theater director in Pittsburgh, NYC, Boston, and San Antonio, and spent time as a playwriting artist in residence at Laity Lodge in Texas, Harrison Center for the Arts in Indiana, and Grunewald Guild in Washington.
She wrote the script for We Sail On In Darkness in the fall of 2019 while living in the Texas hill country, and has spent the last few years developing it through a series of readings. She is thrilled to be staging it at last for the people of San Antonio!

Assistant Costume Designer
Ruby Armendariz
Ruby Armendariz is debuting her first show with director Ruthie Buescher as the assistant costume designer. She recently graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) with a Bachelors of Arts in Theatre Arts and a minor in Communication Arts. She has previously designed as the costume designer for The Classic Theatre in their performance of A Doll’s House Part II, as well as assistant costume designed a for UIW’s production of Exonerated. She is thrilled to be working alongside Ruthie and lead designer Morgan Clyde for this magnificent production.

Assistant Director and Technical Intern
Reagan Carlton
Reagan Carlton is a senior in high school. She's been a part of theater for five years now, and loves working tech and being involved in shows. Her most recent productions include acting in and designing Pride and Prejudice and Into the Woods Jr. She's so excited to work on We Sail On In Darkness because of the uniqueness of the staging!

Costume Designer
Morgan Clyde
Morgan holds a BA in Theatre from Harding University where she focused in acting, stage combat, and costume design. She has costumed shows on several San Antonio stages, including big-budget spectacle shows, independent original works, and educational projects. She specializes in period and stylized costumes, and has a flair for cosplay and fantasy costumes outside of her professional work. She's very excited to be taking on such a creative and enlightening production.

Dramaturg
Dr. Amy Maxey
Amy Maxey is an Assistant Professor of Spirituality at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. Her research focuses on Christian mysticism of the late antique and medieval periods, feminist theologies, and contemporary Catholic theology. She earned her doctorate and master's in systematic theology at the University of Notre Dame and holds a a B.A. in Religious Studies from Duke University. She is trilled to be a part of bringing the stories of these amazing women from the past to new audiences.

Stage Manager
Scarlett Patiño
Scarlett Patiño is a native San Antonian and recently graduated from Trinity University with a B.A in Theater and Business. Her recent stage managerial credits include Howl-o-Scream at Seaworld, Fully Committed and Souvenir at Oldcastle Theater Company, and Company and Rocky Horror Picture Show at Trinity University. She looks forward to contributing to the San Antonio theater community and working with the team of We Sail on in the Darkness to bring this new work to life!

Choreographer
Tanesha Payne
As a movement artist based in San Antonio, TX, Tanesha Payne (she/her) performs, choreographs, educates, and advocates for all things dance. She holds a BFA in Dance Studies from Texas State University and an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University. While she values academia and the doors it has opened for her, she draws equal inspiration from her life experience that helps develop her creative processes and affective presence on and off the stage. Tanesha's affinity for new experiences has provided her with various opportunities that mirror the breadth of the dance field itself. She is passionate about the communal nature of dance and the simple fact that it allows our bodies to speak. Her appreciation for humanity fuels her passion for movement and supports her love of collaboration. Tanesha is excited to dive into the world of physical theater with We Sail On In Darkness and to share this powerful story with the community.

Producer
Anthony Platipodis
Anthony is a writer and performer who disguises himself by day as a marketer for Silicon Valley tech firms. He has been published by Hachette and featured in films released through HBO and Lions Gate; his last producing project is through the acclaimed Sea Dog Theater in Manhattan.

Lighting and Sound Designer
Harrison Tinker
Harrison Tinker is a Sophomore at Trinity University studying Russian and Computer Science. He has been involved in technical theater for six years, with a primary passion for lighting. Though from Florida, where he previously served as Technical Director of the Scott Center for the Performing Arts, he has grown to love San Antonio and all it has to offer. At Trinity, Harrison stays busy academically and professionally working in the IT Department and acting as Master Electrician for Stieren Theater, where he has orchestrated technology for Company, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Silent Retreat, and 365 Days/365 Plays, so far. His favorite musical is Bright Star, and he is ecstatic to be a part of rising productions such as We Sail On In Darkness.

Set Designer
Alfy Valdez
A California transplant, Alfy arrived in San Antonio in 2008 and worked at The Public Theater (formerly known as The San Pedro Playhouse}. He was the Technical Director and Resident Designer for many plays and musicals on the main stage and in the small Cellar Theater. His favorite set designs were Man of La Mancha, Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Funny Girl, Picnic, Red, and Time Stands Still.
He later joined The Classic Theater of San Antonio. His favorite designs were Bus Stop, Little Foxes, and Anna in the Tropics. He is currently the Technical Director for a Christian-based children’s theater, The Crystal Sea Drama Company. He is excited to design for this production of We Sail on to Darkness, and in particular is intrigued by the use of dance, song, and puppets. He welcomes the challenge.
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