CAST AND CREW BIOGRAPHIES
Sophia Bertram (Ensemble)
Sophia Bertram is thrilled to be back for her third production with The Empty Space! She’s had such a fang-tastic time in this show and can’t wait to sink her teeth into Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. Previous credits include Professor Porter & Ensemble (Tarzan), Sophie (Country House), Urchin & Ensemble (Little Shop of Horrors), Tanya [lead] and Donna [understudy] (Mamma Mia), and Director (A Christmas Chaos). When not on stage, Sophia enjoys writing songs, playing with her band, and gaming. She would like to thank her family, boyfriend, and friends for all of their love and support!
Jesus Fidel (Mina/Van Helsing)
Jesus Fidel is happy to be back on TES stage to play an exciting character and to be working with his favorite people. His recent credits include: TARZAN (Prof. Porter/Scenic Design), PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Mr. Collins/Scenic Design), ANASTASIA THE MUSICAL (Costume Design), WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE (Scenic Design) and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Sound Design). Jesus currently serves as Artistic Director of The Empty Space and is always happy to step into any position that he is needed. He would like to thank the generous patrons for always including The Empty Space as one of their go-to destinations.
Avery Gibson (Lucy)
Avery Gibson is thrilled to be back at The Empty Space Theatre, and especially excited to be tackling a comedy for the first time in quite some time! Recent credits include The Cataract House (Nancy) here at The Empty Space, where she also served as director, Legally Blonde: The Musical (Serena) at Stars Theatre, and Memphis: The Musical (Felicia) at Stars Theatre. Avery would like to thank director Ron and everyone at The Empty Space Theatre for their support and for making this production such a joy.
David Guillen (Lord Havemercy, Sea Captain, Harker U/S)
David Guillen is happy to make his acting debut at the Empty Space Theater. He would like to thank Ron for this amazing opportunity and hope to learn and grow from this exciting experience.
Marina Gradowitz (Tech Board Operator)
Marina Gradowitz is pleased to be in the booth smashing buttons once more! Recent tech credits include Sound Operator for Company at TES, Assistant Director/Sound Design of Anastasia at TES and Stage Manager of Head Over Heels. When she’s not busy blinding and deafening her gorgeous friends onstage, she’s working on her Bachelors in Accounting/Business Administration and serving as the Facilities Director at The Empty Space. She would like to thank the board of directors for providing such a silly and welcoming environment to learn in, and Alex Mitts for always running to the rescue when QLab tries to kill her. Enjoy this slutty little show!
Jeremiah Heitman (Dracula)
Jeremiah Heitman has risen from his coffin once again to perform with this fang-tastic cast and some of his favorite creatures of the night. When he’s not being a total pain in the neck, Jeremiah serves as a Director-at-Large on The Empty Space Board. Past stage appearances include The Play That Goes Wrong (Max… and yes, it did), Tarzan (Clayton… hunter by day, savage whisper by night… Gor-il-las!), and Puffs (Voldy… he who must not be named, but still looked darkly delightful doing it). Jeremiah is bloody grateful to the wonderful patrons who keep supporting the local arts and keeping them deliciously alive. Special thanks to friends and family for keeping him loved, fed, and just human enough to pass for alive. Please leave the stakes and garlic in the lobby—he’s undeathly allergic. Fangk you for coming and enjoy the show!
Dezi Lorelli (Lord Worthington, Horses, etc.)
Dexi Lorelli is thrilled to be performing again after a short break. Their most recent credits include Geeks v. Zombies (Alex) and stage managing for Pride & Prejudice and Tarzan. They currently work as a Social Media Specialist during the day and serve as a Director-At-Large for The Empty Space at night. She would like to thank Ron, the cast, and crew for all their hard work into bringing this show to life.
Alex Mitts (Jonathan Harker)
Alex Mitts has recently been sired by The Empty Space Board of Directors as the Executive Director as well as the Technical Director of Sound (talk about doubling the stakes). He is happy to haunt The Empty Space stage once again. He would like to thank his director, Ron Warren, for offering this role which, of course, Alex was eager to bite into. Some of Alex's eternally favorite TES roles include Mr. Darcy (Pride & Prejudice), Drew (Rock of Ages), and Cliff Bradshaw (Cabaret).
Tessa Ogles (Dr. Westfeldt/Renfield)
Tess Ogles is overjoyed to be playing in another comedy with her close friends! She is a Performing Arts Instructor at BGCKC, and serves as a Director-At-Large on the Empty Space Board. Some credits include: Tarzan (Kala), Steel Magnolias (Truvy), Sunday in the Park with George (Dot), and The Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra). Tessa sends her love to friends & family.
Kayleigh Peaker (Stage Manager)
Kayleigh Peaker is a local elementary educator and currently serves on The Empty Space Board of Directors as the Technical Director of Costuming. You may have most recently seen her as Mrs. Bennet in Pride & Prejudice and Mistress Quickly in Merry Wives of Windsor at The Empty Space this year. Favorite past performances include Mae (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Marcy (Dog Sees God), and A Company of Wayward Saints all also at The Empty Space. She thanks you for joining us and hopes you enjoy the show!
Joseph Raner (Ensemble)
Joseph Raner is excited to make his debut with The Empty Space in Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors! He’s had a thrilling time bringing this production to life (and maybe even the undead). Previous credits include Kerchak (Tarzan), Prince Topher (Cinderella), Sir Galahad (Spamalot), and the News Reporter (Little Shop of Horrors). When he’s not performing, Joseph enjoys playing his guitar, hanging out with friends, and gaming. He would like to thank his family, friends, and girlfriend for their endless encouragement and support!
Kristina Saldaña (Costume Designer)
Kristina Saldaña serves as the financial director at The Empty Space, where she has been involved as a board member, director, actor, playwright, and designer since 2003. She graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Administration Management from California State University Bakersfield and a degree in Culinary Arts and Foodservice Management from Bakersfield College. Kristina works as the administrative coordinator for the Department of Music & Theatre at CSUB where she enjoys connecting her students with opportunities within the local theatre, music, and art community. Recent past directing credits include Tarzan and Pride and Prejudice and she will soon be embarking on Matilda the Musical, opening in February 2026 at The Empty Space.
Ron Warren (Director)
Ron Warren returns to the director's chair after 2024's season's Steel Magnolias and The Rocky Horror Show here at TES. He is the owner of The Twisted Skein, Bakersfield's independent yarn shop, where he gives knitting and crochet lessons, hand dyes custom yarn, and takes the occasional nap in the back room. He would like to thank the Empty Space Board of Directors for being the hardest working leadership he's had the pleasure of collaborating with, and for trusting him with another madcap comedy. Special thanks to his parents Ron & Mary Warren for always going above and beyond to support our projects at TES.