George Fox University Players

“And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and
Jesus was walking ahead of them…” Mark 10 :32
Perhaps doing traveling drama ministry makes us
notice how many biblical stories are stories from the
road: of refugees seeking asylum, of soldiers chasing (or
being chased by) their enemies, of merchants seeking a
profit, of exiles marching into slavery. Then there are the
others – of prophets and priests, kings and nobodies –
who risk everything to follow a promise.
Christ was no stranger to the road, nor are his
followers. The entrance to his road is unobtrusive, and
its guideposts are perceived by faith. Its milestones are
hard-won, and its stories ... well, its stories are worth
listening to.
University Players invites you to share the road as we
meditate on our life’s journey together, asking,
the
George Fox
University Players
For booking and available dates,
visit georgefox.edu/players
or contact the student tour group coordinator
503-554-2133 | [email protected]
“Where are we from?” “Where are we headed?”
“What stories has the Road told so far?”
Mark Allen Eaton
Director
Mark Allen Eaton has taught acting, playwriting and theatre ministry at George Fox
University since 2007. An award-winning
playwright, his titles include Pilate (winner
of the 1999 Christians In Theatre Arts award), King
Saul,The Hour of Night, Jeremy’s Gift, and numerous sketches
and 10-minute plays. Mark holds bachelor’s degrees in biblical
literature (Multnomah University) and theater arts (Portland
State University); he earned his MFA in script and screenwriting at Regent University, where he studied under Gillette
Elvgren. As an actor, Mark has most recently appeared with
Tapestry Theatre Company’s Christmas From Home series at
the Hollywood Theatre, and an adaptation of the musical Les
Misérables at East Hill Church.
“I am deeply honored and blessed to direct University Players again
this year. May our meditations and stories enrich your life and
encourage your walk with God.”
414 n. meridian street #6049
newberg, or 97132
972h 05.11
Makana Shimaoka
Senior
Theatre major
Hometown: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Makana has appeared in Ten!Ten!Ten!, the
24-Hour Play Festival, the New Playwright’s
Festival, the 24½-Hour Play Festival, Euripides’
Ion, John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt, and Shakespeare’s
The Taming of the Shrew. This is her second and final year with
the University Players, and she is excited for the stories to be
told. Other interests include birds, movies, traveling, listening
to good music with good friends, and chocolate-covered
gummy bears.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,“plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Alanna Archibald
Sophomore
Theatre major
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Alanna discovered when she was a wee
young lass that acting, getting laughs, and
the companionship of her cats made her truly
happy. During her first year at Fox, she participated
in 10!10!10!, 24 ½-Hour Play Festival, Imperu-ov, on light crew,
as a props assistant and wardrobe assistant, and (during her
free time) sewing in the costume shop. Other interests for her
include her marvelous cats, biking, frolicking through flowers,
baking cookies, reading, and being with nature and God. She
feels so very blessed and overjoyed for all the doors God has
flung open for her and can’t wait to see how He shapes her path.
(Proverbs 16:24)
“Today you are You, that is truer than true.There is no one alive who is
Youer than You.” - Dr Seuss.
Deanna Davis
Junior
Theatre major (acting/directing &
design/tech)
History minor
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Deanna has acted in and directed seven
Vacation Bible School musicals since she was in
sixth grade and has acted in/stage-managed three high
school productions.
At George Fox, she has worked in the tech field, acted, sewed
and designed costumes for the last seven main-stage productions
and smaller productions such as the 24½-Hour Play Festival.
Her other interests include reading mystery novels, sleeping,
drinking coffee in the sunshine, having adventures, and laughing.
She is thankful for the journeys God has brought her through and
dedicates each performance to her heavenly Papa.
Karisa Keasey
Junior
Fine Arts major
Theatre minor
Hometown: Salem, Oregon
Karisa jumped into the theatre world five
years ago and has not been able to bring
herself away since. In her two years at George Fox,
she has acted in many offstage student productions, as well
as following her passion in painting by being the scenic artist
and make-up artist for a variety of main-stage productions. In
addition to theatre and ministry, Karisa has a passion for creating
and seeking God’s beauty in the simple things. Whether it is
painting, drawing, playing piano, blowing dandelions in the
wind, or hearing a child’s laughter, it is in these little things
where God’s love shines through.
“… If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I
am nothing.” I Corinthians 13:2
Aaron Swor
Junior
Theatre major
Writing minor
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Aaron played “Buddy” in Jim Leonard Jr’s
The Diviners his freshman year, for which
he was nominated to go to KCACTF while also
earning George Fox’s Best Actor Award for the role. He also
played “Little Stone” in Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice as a freshman, and
portrayed “Ion” and other characters in Ion as a sophomore.
Aaron’s interests include traveling, photography, coffee,
climbing trees and making blanket forts.
“My dear friend Erik Naydiuk said,‘People call themselves writers,
artists, actors, musicians, poets.‘I’m not sure I’m ready to call myself
anything, save a follower of Christ. I’m not convinced anything else
matters.’ I couldn't have put it better myself.”
Tiffany Gilly
Senior
Theatre major
Hometown: Forest Grove, Oregon
Tiffany has acted in The Taming of the Shrew,
Thoroughly Modern Millie, Brilliant Traces, Sure
Thing, 2009’s and the 24-Hour Playright’s Festival.
Her techinical experience includes wardrobe manager,
sound board op, props assistant, and playwriting. She also was
an Irene Ryan Nominee for KCACTF Reno 2010 and an APO
fundraising coordinator. Tiffany’s faith in Christ, best friend,
boyfriend, family, and friends are her strongholds and foundation
that keep her going strong.
“I am not made like any of those I have seen; I venture to believe that I am
not made like any of those who are in existence. If I am not better, at least
I am different.” - J. J. Rousseau
Ben Vawter
Junior
Theatre major
Hometown: The Dalles, Oregon
Ben has been performing since the day he was
born, continuing to find joy where theatre
and life intersect. In his time at Fox, Ben has had
the privilege of being onstage for The Diviners in 2009
and has since spent much time behind the stage designing for Ion
and Doubt as well as assistant stage managing for Eurydice and The
Taming of the Shrew. His interests beyond theatre include singing
and music making, reading, writing, and serving a community of
young performance artists in his hometown.
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to
everyone, to win as many as possible.” 1 Corinthians 9:19
Timothy Fodge
Senior
Theatre major
Hometown: Newberg, Oregon
Timothy has appeared onstage in The Taming of
the Shrew, Ion,The Triumph of Love,The Diviners
and Eurydice, while also acting in the Players
2009-10 ensemble. He enjoys taking long walks
under the stars with good friends, listening to music
(White Stripes, Mumford and Sons, Muse), reading comic books,
having long conversations over a cup of coffee or tea, and romping
around in the forest breathing the fresh air and laughing with kids.
“Wherever you go there you are.”