Be More Chill - Programme

BE MORE
CH LL
Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis
Book by Joe Tracz
Based on the Novel by Ned Vizzini
Be More Chill is presented through special arrangement with
ORiGiN Theatrical on behalf of R&H Theatricals www.rnh.com

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME
Be More Chill marks Waterdale's first major production since 2019. After the last few turbulent
years and a few false starts we are immensely proud to be able to perform this show. The
production team have outdone themselves with their creativeness and dedication to the cast.
Their love for the show is evident in the small details - the custom badges on costumes, nuances
in choreography and matching of vocals.
It's rewarding to see great friendships begin, strengthen and blossom. The cast, past and
present, have been a pleasure to work with and we look forward to the next time they call
Waterdale home. We're excited to be able to provide a platform for first time and seasoned
Waterdale performers to come to the stage, build and show-off their skills and have great
experiences.
Thankyou to all our volunteers and the Waterdale committee. The amount of work that goes
behind the scenes to make this possible is incredible. You are all superstars. For anyone
interested in helping out - please get in touch, we are a warm, welcoming bunch and would love
some extra woman and man power to put on bigger and more shows!
Thank you and enjoy Be More Chill!
Fiona Boyle
President
Waterdale Theatre Inc.
DIRECTOR'S WELCOME
The production you are about to watch is one showcasing the utmost resilience and dedication
of so many creative, wonderful individuals. Ever since early 2020, when Waterdale first
announced the plans to produce Be More Chill, to it finally seeing the stage in April 2022, this
production, like many others, has encountered numerous hurdles. Through the many obstacles
that Covid has given the arts over the last few years, it has ultimately brought us to here and
now; with our final cast, prod team and venue.
We consider this third time lucky for Be More Chill as production halted just prior to our first set
of auditions in 2020, then postponed again in 2021 after 8 weeks of in person and zoom
rehearsals, to finally kicking things off again and remaining strong in 2022.
Every character is so unique, yet so relatable. We manage to find a little bit of ourselves in all of
these characters and experiences as we watch them evolve. The message of this show has
certainly evolved to all of us here at Waterdale as we must all learn to understand what it means
to ‘be more chill’. For myself, I consider this message one not of individuality, but of community.
As any production requires a massive effort by so many people, we come together to create
something purely for a shared love of it. To ‘be more chill’ means to trust in yourself, find your
community and truly see and appreciate those around you for their best selves.
We have all grown and learned so much in this time and are so proud to bring you this show.
Rhi Edwards
Director

BE MORE CH LL
Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis
Book by Joe Tracz
Based on the Novel by Ned Vizzini
Be More Chill is presented through special arrangement with
ORiGiN Theatrical on behalf of R&H Theatricals www.rnh.com
The world premiere production of Be More Chill was commissioned and originally
produced by Two River Theater Company in Red Bank, NJ
John Dias, Artistic Director / Michael Hurst, Managing Director
This work was supported by a Theatre Commissioning and Production Initiative
grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation
Orchestrations and Arrangements by Charlie Rosen
Rehearsal Photography by Helsen Ryder

PRODUCTION TEAM
Rhi is thrilled to be presenting her directorial debut after several covid setbacks.
She has been involved in theatre, and creative production from a young age.
During school years, she strived to learn the inner workings of all elements of
backstage and how to bring a show to life, which she continued to use in her
volunteer theatre work after graduation. Alongside this, she spent the next few
years in the film and games industry, but has returned back to theatre to rekindle
her love for live performance. Rhi discovered Waterdale through the 2019
production of Wizard of Oz, and is happy to be back as Director and committee
member. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Rhi Edwards
Director
Gui Griffin
Choreographer & Dance Capt.
Xi Gui Griffin, or just Gui to most, has been dancing since 2006 in many styles
primarily focussing on jazz. She began her foray into musicals in year 7 when her
sister made her audition for the annual production and it has continued to be her
passion as she is currently in her second and last year of studying music theatre
at Associated Studios Australia. She has performed in various roles, even landing
a few supporting roles such as Nautica from Bring It On and Nicely-Nicely
Johnson from Guys and Dolls in high school along with Patty Simcox from Grease
and Carol Strong from Catch Me If You Can in community theatre. She has
previously co-choregraphed a junior production of The Jungle Book and this is
her first time choreographing a full length show on her own.
Olivia completed her Bachelor of Music in Composition at VCA in 2020. She is an
accomplished pianist and trumpeter. Aside from her love of all things music,
Olivia loves theatre! She recently played the Foreman in Windmill Theatre
Company’s 12 Angry Men to rave reviews, as well as participating in various
shows such as The Witches of Eastwick (Felicia Gabriel) with UMMTA and Catch
me if you Can with OCPAC. She was thrilled at the opportunity to combine her
love of music and theatre when she played in the orchestra of UMMTA’s Parade.
She has also played in theatre orchestra’s for Crazy for You, 42nd Street and Mary
Poppins. Her first experience Musical Directing has been wildly fun and engaging,
and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Olivia Sweeny
Musical Director
Fiona Boyle
Producer
Jayden Faul
Producer
Erica Moffatt
Stage Manager
Charlie Sweeney
Costumes
Tara Di Marco
Props

THE CAST
Shaun has been performing since he was 17, having the opportunity to play roles such
as: Danny in Grease, Dennis in Rock of Ages, and most recently Chad in All Shook Up
He is thrilled to be back on stage again in his first production with Waterdale!
Shaun first listened to Be More Chill in 2018 and it quickly became a favourite, having the
opportunity to play Jeremy is a dream come true.
Shaun Edrupt
Jeremy
Nabs is an accounting student by day, and a performer by night. His performing credits
include Bad Idea Bear 2 in Avenue Q (Monday Show School of Musical Theatre),
ensemble in Heathers: The Musical (UMMTA), Georg in Spring Awakening (RMIT Creative),
and ensemble in SUDDENLY: A Short New Musical (DHB Theatrical). Currently, Nabs is a
Resident Artist with Broadway Unplugged and preparing for OCPAC's production of In
The Heights as Sonny which will be playing in September.
Nabs Adnan
Michael
Kianna Bartolo
Christine
Kianna has been involved in theatre for 10 years, performing in numerous productions.
Her most notable roles being Tracy in “Hairspray Jr” (Western Arts), The Cat in the Hat in
“Seussical” (ELT), and Michaela in “House on Fire” (Loyola College). Kianna has spent 16
years training at Encore Dance Studios, as well studying advanced drama at Centrestage
since 2019. Kianna attends singing lessons Melbourne Talent Company, where she also
teaches. Christine has been a dream role of Kianna’s for some time now and she is
beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to perform the role with such an incredible cast.
So c-c-c-c’mon and enjoy the show!
Demetrius Kiriakidis
Squip
After a three-year cold streak, Demetrius is ecstatic to be returning to amateur theatre
with the unique, versatile and rewarding role of the SQUIP. Previous credits include
leading roles in VBC productions (Addams Family, Uncle Fester and All Shook Up, Chad)
as well as various featured and ensemble parts with UMMTA productions (Drowsy
Chaperone, Witches of Eastwick, Parade, Sitzprobe 2021). He would like to commend the
Be More Chill cast on their impeccable talents and hard work and especially for the
creative team's unrelenting guidance, support and for lending him a hand when he
needed it most.
Steven is ecstatic to be playing Rich in Waterdale's Be More Chill. He has loved working
alongside this spectacular cast & crew, even if it's as a morally questionable,
overconfident high-school bully. Steven would have liked to tell you all about his past
theatre experience, but Rich said it's much cooler if we just keep people guessing. They
both hope you enjoy the show and remember to be kind to one another!
Steven Pythas
Rich
Since starting theatre almost 10 years ago, Helsen has had a strong passion for the
performing arts. Juggling a double degree in music performance and entertainment
management at Collarts, Helsen passes his time doing what he loves.
Helsen's extensive list of works include modelling, screen acting and live shows. But all
his career highlights come from his experiences in theatre.
Helsen is proudly represented by Hunter Talent.
Helsen Ryder
Jake

THE CAST
After being out of action due to injury, Cedar is very excited to be doing her first show
back after many years! Growing up as a performer, Cedar has 15 years of Dance training
and extensive performance experience on her belt.
Cedar made her musical debut as Belle in Beauty and the Beast (GSC), with other
performing credits as Sandy in Grease (NYT), Dance Captain (NYT) and Sharpay in High
School Musical on Stage (NYT).
Cedar Boyd
Chloe
Maddy is so delighted to be playing the role of Brooke in Waterdale’s ‘Be More Chill’. Also
currently portraying the role of Bartley in ADS Industry’s ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’,
Maddy loves performing and craves attention from the stage. If she were writing this, she
would want to say how proud she is of everyone involved and she can’t wait for you to
see the show! :))
Maddy Crowe
Brooke
Gen is unbelievably excited to be playing Jenna in Waterdale’s Be More Chill. Not only do
they share a similar name… Jenna and Gen both love the colour purple and have a flair
for the dramatics. If Jenna was writing this bio, she would make sure you are well aware
of her past theatre experience, however Gen just wants you to know that she is super
grateful to be in this show, and she hopes you enjoy watching it!
Gen Underhill
Jenna
Ryan is an enthusiastic theatre-maker, director, and educator, having helmed several
productions: The Theatre Collective Project (GSODA), The Play of Herod (CONC), Parade
(UMMTA), The Book of Everything (GR), Green Room (UMMTA), Godspell (NTC), and
Company (ICAC). Ryan was commended by the MTGV for his role as George in Sunday in
the Park with George, and won Best Actor (UHT) for his performance as Bobby Strong in
Urinetown. He mostly enjoys wearing pants, making this role his most challenging yet.
Ryan Bentley
Jeremy's Dad
Thomas Myszka has been a strong member of the musical theatre community for the
past several years! He has done many shows spanning from small theatres to televised
events at Arenas and Voice Acting for YouTube. He is also a recent graduate of a Two
Year Diploma of Musical Theatre at Associated Studios Australia. He’s excited to perform
alongside an incredible cast in the production of Be More Chill!
Thomas Myszka
Mr Reyes/Stockboy
This is Ciara’s second show with Waterdale after The Wizard of Oz. She plays the violin
and has been a part of several shows through the Scout’s gangshow. She has wanted to
be a part of Be More Chill since seeing the show and meeting the original Off-Broadway
cast in 2018. After taking a break to focus on her studies, she is glad to be back doing
theatre, performing alongside a wonderful cast and crew.
Ciara Wilson
Ensemble

THE CAST
Em is very excited to be in Be More Chill. Em has been in theatre for almost 4 years and,
she can’t possibly be more chill about how much she loves theatre. She has had many
opportunities on the stage, including the cheshire cat in wonder in Aliceland (Eltham
Little Theatre), Miranda in Puss n Boots (Fab Nobs Theatre), and is excited to be back at
Waterdale after being an ensemble member in their production of The Wizard of Oz.
Emily Whelan
Ensemble
Originally from Tasmania, Georgia has always loved participating in musical theatre.
Georgia has been a part of many productions including Beauty and the Beast, Jesus
Christ Superstar, SPAMalot and Oklahoma!. Taking a break from the theatre scene after
moving to Melbourne in 2015, she was set to take the stage in DIY Collectives "Heathers"
as Martha in 2020, but COVID had other plans. Georgia hopes you enjoy Be More Chill as
much as she has!
Georgia Templeton
Ensemble
Be More Chill is Isabel’s musical theatre debut, although she has always been a musical
fan. Isabel did Speech & Drama as an extracurricular activity in high school, and later
joined Ring of Choir, a pop a cappella group at the University of Melbourne. She
competed with Ring of Choir at the Australian A Cappella Awards in 2018 and 2019 and is
also a member of two other Unimelb choirs - Acapollo and UMMTA Chorus.
Isabel Byrne
Ensemble
Nam was first introduced to theatre in 2018 where he played as Commander Khashoggi
in his high school production of We Will Rock You. Since then, he put aside theatre to
study Classical Saxophone at the Melbourne Conservatorium. Recently performing in
Footloose (Out of The Wings Theatre), Nam has discovered a newfound love for theatre
and he is incredibly grateful to be working with such a talented cast and crew.
Nam Hoang
Ensemble
Sarah has been a theatre aficionado for many years, but it was only recently that she
decided to take to the stage. Sarah's first production was in The Pirates of Penzance
(Therry Dramatic Society, Adelaide) in 2019. Since moving to Melbourne in 2020 she has
been searching for a musical theatre company and was delighted to discover the
Waterdale community! Like Christine in Be More Chill, Sarah too loves play rehearsal.
Sarah Dunn
Ensemble
After deferring from her Bachelor of Science at UniMelb, honoring her love for
storytelling, Zoe has taken a different direction, now studying full-time musical theatre at
Showfit. Zoe has completed various acting, singing, and dancing training through her
youth and has just finished up her time as a Triple Threat at Stage School Australia. She
has played various roles such as Grace in Annie and Munkustrap in Cats and will soon be
playing Babe in UMMTA's Sitzprobe 'Merry Christmas Babe' production.
Zoe Anastasiou
Ensemble

THE SHOW
Jeremy Heere is just an average teenager. That is, until he finds out about "The
Squip" -- a tiny supercomputer that promises to bring him everything he desires
most: a date with Christine, an invite to the raddest party of the year and a chance to
survive life in his suburban New Jersey high school. But is being the most popular
guy in school worth the risk?
ACT ONE
More Than Survive - Jeremy, Michael, Ensemble
I Love Play Rehearsal - Christine
More Than Survive (Reprise) - Jeremy, Ensemble
The Squip Song - Rich, Ensemble
Two-Player Game - Jeremy, Michael
Be More Chill (Pt. 1) - The Squip, Jeremy, Ensemble
Do You Wanna Ride? - Brooke, Chloe
Be More Chill (Pt. 2) - The Squip, Jeremy, Ensemble
A Guy That I'd Kinda Be Into - Christine, Ensemble
Upgrade - Ensemble
ACT TWO
Halloween - Ensemble
Do You Wanna Hang? - Chloe
Michael In The Bathroom - Michael
The Smartphone Hour (Rich Set a Fire) - Jenna, Brooke, Chloe, Ensemble
The Pitiful Children - The Squip, Ensemble
The Pants Song - Jeremy's Dad, Michael
The Play - Jeremy, Michael, Ensemble
Voices In My Head - Jeremy, Christine, Ensemble

THE BAND
Keys 1
Jessica Sun
Keys 2
Riccardo Estate
Trumpet
Jenny Bylund
Guitar
Kieran McNair
Bass
Maddi Si
Drums
Jayden Galbraith

THANK YOU
Stage Manager
Erica Moffat
Assistant Stage Manager
Maree Paliouras & Sophie Lyons
Set Build
Erica Moffat, Tobiah Elliott and Russel Edwards
Props
Tara Di Marco & Rhi Edwards
Costumes
Charlie Sweeney, Ellen Cherry, Matilda O'Riley, Gen Underhill
Headshots and Promo Photography
Kristopher Wardhana
Program Design
Jayden Faul
Projection Design
Rhi Edwards & Liam H Ditty
Lighting Operator
Mario Laughlin
Sound Operator
Matt Figliola
Stage Crew
Percy Jones
Toby Vasilic
Gaelan Pettit
Ryan Wilson
Followspot Operator
Sophia Kiriakidis
Fiona Boyle
Front of House Manager
Jayden Faul
Front of House
Samantha Jones
Hair & Make Up/Dresser
Hayley Hart
Matilda O'Riley
Special Thanks
Barb Scott ~ GSL Techs ~ Oxygen Youth Centre ~ Josh Bridges ~ Giles Adams ~ Clara Adams ~ Jess Barker
ocpac ~ Brent Denison ~ Matthew Tzivakis ~ Origin Theatrical

commissioned community based and issues based performances.
specially
us!
contact
Waterdale is a not for profit, volunteer based organisation that provides
opportunities for youth and young adults to develop skills through all aspects of
theatre and production in a supportive and accessible environment. Waterdale’s
performance based projects have included full-scale music theatre works, original
short plays, concert performances, showcase events, in school performances and
Waterdale is recognised and respected in the community for its youth involvement
programs and is continually looking to increase its capacity to offer opportunities
for young people. If Waterdale could do something to help your community,
Waterdale is a not-for-profit incorporated association with tax deductible gift
recipient status and is run by a committee of voluntary members.
waterdale.org.au