Meet the artists of
Craig comes
to brunch
April Dawn Hicks | Playwright
April Dawn Hicks, born and raised in Highlands, NC, is pleased to be a part of Calliope's 3rd production of Shorts as a writer for ‘Craig Comes to Brunch.’ Hicks acted as Hazel/Rebecca in ‘Grimshaw's Post Office: A Special Delivery’ in the inaugural production of Calliope Shorts: Firsts in the fall of 2021 and wrote for ‘Bat Boy’ in Calliope Shorts: Campfire Stories. Hicks believes in Calliope’s mission to bring to bring new artistic opportunities and new theatre to the Appalachian region and is grateful for the positive impacts Calliope continues to have on her as a local artist.
DANIEL PRILLAMAN | PLAYWRIGHT
Daniel is a neurodivergent actor/writer/ginger Virginian currently based out of Northern Ohio. He has a special fondness for absurdism, folklore, and horror, but ultimately loves plays about honest people (or talking animals) in situations he hasn't seen before. His cosmic horror, IN THE SLUSH, was a Finalist for the 2023 Princess Grace Award and is published with Ghost Light Publications. Daniel is an alumnus of the University of Virginia and a member of the Dramatists Guild.
Matte O’Brien | DIRECTOR
Matte is a playwright, lyricist + director. His writing often focuses on creating and reclaiming LGBTQ+ stories. He lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with his dog, Mowgli Waffles. His plays and musicals have been seen at The Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut, The Hope Theatre in London, The Arches in Glasgow, The Royal George in Chicago, Le Petite Theatre in New Orleans, and The Rev in Auburn, New York. His musical White Noise was produced by EGOT-winner Whoopi Goldberg. And his play The Wonderful Mr. & Mrs. O’Leary was a finalist for the Eugene O’Neill and was seen at The Actor’s Company Theatre in New York City, featuring Tony Award winner Alice Ripley and Tony Award nominee Aaron Lazar.
He has an MFA in Directing Classic and Contemporary Texts from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University.
He also works as a private audition coach and dramaturg in New York City.
DAISY McGUIRE | Sam
Daisy is a 4th grader at Cullowhee Valley School. This is her debut performance with Calliope Stage. She has a passion for art, reading, cooking, and acting, bringing her vibrant creativity and enthusiasm to everything she does.
TYler SPencer | LIAM
Bio coming soon!
LUKE YOUNTS | Craig
Bio coming soon!