Frank Bishop (Brucie)

Frank is grateful that his first professional credit will be for his role as Brucie in Sweat, a piece with so much significance and impact that it still resonates and is relevant to this day. Frank has a B.A. in Theatre Arts from UCLA ('23) and an Associate in Arts from Cypress College. Frank is a multi-hyphenated artist who writes poetry, has credits in voiceover work, sings, and dances (No training, I just have rhythm). As an actor, he can strike fear in you, make you laugh, cry, or soothe your soul. Family is everything to Frank, and he would like to thank them for always supporting his aspirations as an artist, especially his wife Vilay, who has always supported and pushed Frank to be the best version of himself. I love you all dearly. 

Phillip Bushell (Evan)

Philip is ecstatic to return to the Playhouse after portraying Gabriel in last year's Fences. His credits in Orange County and L.A. include RENT, Lilies of the Field, Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Caucasian Chalk Circle and A Christmas Carol, both at South Coast Repertory. He was in the Los Angeles premiere of the Broadway musical The Life, P.J. Gibson's Angel, and as Black Stache in Peter Pan and the Starcatcher. On film he can be seen in Otis, Fortune Cookie, Firefly, and on the former CBS series CSI NY. Other credits include Hair, The Amen Corner, and A Soldier's Play.

Stacy Castiglione (Tracey)

Stacy is thrilled to be making her Costa Mesa Playhouse debut with SWEAT! She is a two-time OCTG nominee who was last seen in WCP’s RUMORS. She is also the theatre director at Los Alamitos High School and has the most incredibly supportive family. Check out her film WELCOME WEEK: A COLLEGE HORROR ANTHOLOGY on Tubi and other streaming services. @stageworthy 

Bryce Johnson (Chris) 

Bryce is thrilled to be making his Costa Mesa Playhouse debut. He has mainly done musical theater and is glad to break out of it and give a shot at dramatic acting! Bryce has played Cat in the Hat in Seussical the Musical and Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Riverside City College. Bryce wants to thank his Family, God, and to all who have supported his journey in theater. 

Darri Kristin (Jessie)

Darri has been acting on the southern Salifornia stage for over twenty years. Favorite roles include Alice in You Can’t Take it With You, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Curly’s Wife in Of Mice and Men, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Rosasharn in Grapes of Wrath, Sophia in Fools, Jackie O. in The House of Yes, Katha in Maple and Vine and playing Mary Bailey every Christmas in It’s a Wonderful Life, at The Curtis Theatre. Darri is also an accomplished film actress and director, having starred in several critically-acclaimed independent films and directing The Twilight Zone for 10 years at Stages Theatre in Fullerton. 

Amberlin Morse (Cynthia)

Amberlin is a dynamic and versatile performer with a passion for both stage and screen. Her theatrical work includes standout roles such as Lady Macduff in Macbeth, Nehebka in Aida, and the title role in Venus. She’s also appeared in productions like Hair, Top Girls, The Snow Queen, and Mrs. Scrooge: The Musical, showcasing her range in everything from Shakespeare to musical theatre. Trained in theatre, dance, voice, and technical production at DePaul University, she brings a well-rounded artistry to every role. Amberlin is driven by a love of storytelling and a commitment to bringing truth and heart to the stage. 

Jose Orozco (Oscar)

Jose is ecstatic to be performing in his first show at Costa Mesa Playhouse. He has been performing in Orange County for ten years. Some of his recent credits include Dracula at the Westminster Playhouse where he played Renfield, and White Rabbit Red Rabbit a one person show produced by The Electric Company Theatre. He hopes that this beautiful theatre company will be able to continue bringing amazing and important stories to the people of Orange County. #standwithcmp 

Dylan Smith (Jason)

Dylan is excited to be a part of SWEAT! It is his first show at Costa Mesa Playhouse as well as his first dramatic role. Dylan has previously played more comedic roles such as Dogberry (Much Ado About Nothing) and Professor Plum (Clue), but as Jason he can’t wait to explore more complex themes and emotions with this character. He dedicates his performance to his Mom, Dad, and his girlfriend Alyssa as they help continue their support in his work. 

Neil Switzer (Stan)

 Neil is making his Costa Mesa Playhouse debut with Sweat. Most recently, he was in Rumors at Westminster Community Playhouse which was nominated for three Orange County Theatre Guild awards. Other recent roles include Roat in Wait Until Dark, and Claudius in Hamlet. He is grateful for the support of his family, especially his wife, P.J. Gardner, author of the Horace and Bunwinkle series. (Shameless plug) 

Brooke Aston Harper (Director)

Brooke is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton's Musical Theater program, and an alumna of The Young Americans. She began touring at the age of 16, performing in regional theater, working on cruise ships, and singing in bands. Her performance career has been dotted with opportunities to direct, write, and produce variety shows and cabaret. She has directed All Shook Up for Southgate Productions,The Wizard of Oz for Mysterium, and Collective Rage at The Wayward Artist, along with other productions, and has directed and performed in several staged readings at Chance Theater. She was Director of Programming for The Wayward Artist Wayward Voices program and served on the board. Additionally, she serves on the board of Amplify at Brea Curtis Theater and on the selection committee for the James R. Young Arts Legacy Award at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center. She is also a show director for Disney Live Entertainment. She has experience on camera as the host of a daily morning show, in web series, and participated in and produced numerous media projects for streaming, including The Wayward Artist's filmed production of the musical Ordinary Days. Her favorite cast of characters is her husband and two kids!