Silent Sky Program Playbill
Silent Sky
By Lauren Gunderson
Presented in partnership with The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida.
Directed by - Niki Salamon
- March 26-28, 2026
at 7 p.m. - March 29, 2026 at 2 p.m.
- The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium
- Seminole State College
Sanford/Lake Mary campus
Building B - Planetarium
100 Weldon Boulevard
Sanford, FL 32773
Silent Sky is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, New York, NY.
Welcome from Dean Michele Cuomo
Welcome to Seminole State College of Florida's Center for the Fine and Performing Arts production of Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Niki Salamon. We are delighted to share this remarkable story with you-one that illuminates both the vastness of our universe and the extraordinary human beings whose curiosity and persistence expanded our understanding of it.
This production is made possible through a special collaboration between our Theatre Department and the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Derek Demeter for his partnership, enthusiasm, and expertise. His contribution enriches this experience and deepens our connection to the astronomical wonder at the heart of this play.
Thank you for joining us. We hope Silent Sky inspires you to look upward with renewed curiosity-and to consider the many voices throughout history whose work continues to guide us, even if their names are not always written among the stars.
Enjoy the performance.
~ Michele Cuomo
Dean, Arts and Communication
College Shouldn't be all Work and No Plays!
Please Remember!
Be Courteous to Your Neighbor.
No Cell Phone Texting.
Video, audio recording, or photos of this production is strictly prohibited.
Directors Notes
Working on Silent Sky with this cast and crew has been an absolute joy. From the very first rehearsal, it was clear that this group brought not only tremendous talent, but also a rare sense of collaboration and curiosity. This has been one of those truly dream ensemble casts that every director hopes for—students who support one another, challenge one another, and share a genuine excitement for the story we are telling together.
What impressed me most throughout this process was the dedication each actor brought to understanding not only their character, but the world these remarkable women lived in. Their curiosity about the history, the science, and the social barriers these women faced speaks volumes about how seriously they take their work as artists. That commitment is what allows a play like Silent Sky to truly come alive.
At its heart, Silent Sky is a story about discovery—scientific discovery, yes, but also the discovery of voice, purpose, and belonging. It is about sisterhood and the power of women supporting one another in spaces where they were not always welcomed. That type of energy resonates deeply in a college environment. Theatre, much like astronomy, is collaborative by nature. Just as the women in this story built upon one another’s work to map the stars, our students build upon one another’s ideas and talents to create something larger than themselves.
Directors Notes (Continued)
A production like this also requires partnerships beyond the stage, and we are incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Derek Demeter from the Seminole State Planetarium. Derek spent countless hours creating the stunning imagery you see projected in the dome and served as our science and astronomy consultant throughout the process. His generosity with both his time and expertise has been invaluable, and he has become an incredible partner to the Theatre Department. We are deeply grateful for his work and look forward to many more collaborations to come. Thank you, Derek!
I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible designers, crew, and box office team. Theatre is never created by the actors alone. The countless behind-the-scenes hours from these students and staff are what make a production possible. From building the world on stage to welcoming audiences through our doors, their dedication is an essential part of bringing this story to life.
Finally, thank you to all of you—our audience—for continuing to support Seminole State Theatre and the work of our students. Your presence here helps give these young artists the opportunity to explore, create, and dream big. In a play about people who quite literally mapped the sky, it feels appropriate to say: thank you for encouraging our students to keep reaching for the stars.
Enjoy the show.
~ Niki Salamon, Director
Cast List
Peter Shaw: Marco Aguero
Henrietta Leavitt: Azalea Bullock
Margaret Leavitt: Zee Klem
Annie Cannon: Sahara Brown
Willamina Fleming: Tiffany Lavalliere
Production Staff
Technical Director: Josh Jacobs
Costume Designer: Cathy Cox
Stage Manager: Nico Eubanks
Assistant Stage Manager:
Jessica Rucker
Lighting Designer: Nico Eubanks
Sounds and Projections Op:
Matthew Dominguez
Light Board Op: Isebe Brownless
Assistant Costume Designer:
Ana Hulkkonen
Propmaster: Mia Ramirez
Run Crew: Stephanie Godfrey
Usher: Maya Roberts & Kaylen DeBose
Box Office Supervisor: Christine Kindell
- Setting: 1900's Harvard Observatory
- Planetarium Director, Dome Image Designer & Astronomical Consultant: Derek Demeter
- Technical Director: Josh Jacobs
- Lighting Designer: Nico Eubanks
- Costume Designer: Cathy Cox
- Stage Manager: Nico Eubanks
- Assistant Stage Manager: Jessica Rucker
Meet the Cast
Marco Aguero (Peter Shaw)
Marco is very glad to be in this production of Silent Sky. His credits include Usnavi in In the Heights and Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief. After Marco earns his A.A. at SSC, he hopes to perform in more theatres around central Florida. He would like to thank his friends and family for always supporting him and hopes that you enjoy the show!
Sahara Brown (Annie Cannon)
Sahara has previously done professional dance her whole life. She is currently working towards getting her A.A. at Seminole State, so she can transfer to UCF and get her B.F.A. in film and work towards being a professional actress. She would like to thank her mom for supporting her and Niki for giving her this opportunity. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Azalea Bullock (Henrietta Leavitt)
Azalea Miyata is so excited for her first show as a part of Seminole State College Theatre Company. Where she is currently pursuing a B.A. in Theatre. Some of her past roles include Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ann Deever (U/S) in All My Sons, as well as having directed The Yellow Boat. She would like to thank her mother for her unending support in her creative pursuits, and her friends for being there for her, no matter how many miles between them.
Zee Klem (Margaret Leavitt)
Zee (they/them) is stoked to be portraying Margaret Leavitt in this production of Silent Sky. This is Zee’s 3rd year at Seminole State, and ever since they enrolled, they had heard stories about the original production that was meant to occur, so being a part of this story means so much to them. Come back in April to see them take on Sally Bowles in Cabaret! They thank Niki for this amazing opportunity and are eternally grateful to SSC Theatre. @zeeklemofficial
Tiffany Lavalliere (Willamina Fleming)
Tiffany is an alumna of Truthful Acting Studios, where she received Meisner-based training. Her stage credits include ‘Night, Mother as Jessie, Savage in Limbo as Linda, and the faith-based production Risen, in which she portrayed Mary Magdalene. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Film and has a strong passion for storytelling rooted in truth, purpose, and human connection. Tiffany draws inspiration from her relative, playwright George Bernard Shaw, and is honored to be part of this production.
Cathy Cox (Costume Designer)
Cathy’s costume design and production experience includes theatre, theme parks, print, television, and film for 30 years. Some of her clients include Advent Health, Anheuser Busch, Chevy, Coke, Discovery Channel, Florida Lottery, Ford, Fox, Life Magazine, Mattel, Orlando Health, Park Maitland School, Sea World, Walmart and Walt Disney World. This Rollins College Theatre program graduate has been designed for Seminole State College since fall of 2015. She loves mentoring the students and is inspired by their enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Derek Demeter (Planetarium Director, Dome Image Designer & Astronomical Consultant)
Ever since Derek could remember, he has been looking to the stars. This constant fascination with astronomy gave him the inspiration he needed to soar through the many stellar journeys he experienced throughout his life. While a student finishing his degrees in Physics and Technical Education, he landed a position at the Seminole State College Planetarium in Sanford, Florida. Over much of the last decade, his passion for teaching people about the wonders of the universe has earned him accolades and recognition from the planetarium industry, his peers, and the community such as currently serving as the Executive Secretary of the International Planetarium Society. He works hard presenting programs to both the community at large and to students of all ages. Derek also promotes science beyond the planetarium with his appearances at many other venues such as the Starry Starry Night Sky Festival, National Park astronomy events, libraries across the state, serving as the observing chair of the Central Florida Astronomical Society, and simply setting up a telescope at local venues to give the public a truly “out-of-this world” experience.
Nico Eubanks (Stage Manager/Lighting Designer)
This is Nico’s eleventh show at Seminole State College! He has previously been lighting designer and assistant sound designer for Sylvia, director, lighting designer and Vladimir in the 2025 Lights Up on Students: Waiting for Godot, Lighting Designer and Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chorus member and Countess in The Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World, lighting designer and board operator for Witches of Shakespeare, props crew for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, the director, playwright, and the light board operator for the 2024 Lights Up on Students: A Loving Thought, Harold in Black Comedy, Jessie in The Freeze, and Jess in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)[revised] (again).
He is currently working for a Technical Theatre certificate. Nico would like to thank his mom, Niki Salamon, Josh Jacobs, as well as his friends for supporting him through this production!
Josh Jacobs (Technical Director)
Josh has been the Technical Director of Arts and Communication for Seminole State College since he moved to Florida in July 2018. Before moving here, Josh grew up in Texas where his love for theatre began. He triple-lettered in Theater in High School. He received his Associate’s Degree of Arts from Collin College with a focus in technical theater; his Bachelor of Arts with a focus on Technical Direction and Stage Management from the University of Texas at Arlington; and his Masters in Technical Direction from the University of Houston. While he appreciated and enjoyed every college experience and the lifelong lesson he received, the foundation he obtained from Collin College helped set the pathway to where he is today.
Josh has also been the set designer and builder for the Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts, for their shows such as Chicago, Bring It On, and A Chorus Line. He also has designed scenic elements for other theatres and performance groups outside of Seminole State.
Josh is thankful to Rachel and his daughters Thea and Eden for supporting him in his theatrical endeavors. Josh also wants to thank you for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!
Christine Kindell (Box Office Supervisor)
Christine has served as the Box Office Supervisor at Seminole State College for many years. In her all-around role, she manages both box office operations and fine arts coordination, while also leading the department’s social media presence and contributing to her talents as a graphic designer. Her dedication to students, colleagues, and the department shines through her consistent willingness to go above and beyond. Christine is also a graduate of SSC’s Leadership Academy Class of 2018-19 and currently serves on the steering committee for the ACE Leadership Network of Florida.
Jessica Rucker (Assistant Stage Manager)
This is Jess’ third show with SSC Theatre, and she’s so grateful to be part of the team! Stage management is one of her greatest passions and she’s so happy to practice here alongside such lovely actors and directors. Thank you so much and enjoy the show!
Your Experience
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Harriett Lake - Seminole State College Theatre's Benefactor
Harriett Lake’s philanthropic influence is evident throughout Central Florida. Not only was she a cheerleader for the arts, but a funder as well. Because of her support, Seminole State’s theatre program will continue to reap the benefits of her generosity for years to come.
Seminole State acknowledges with gratitude the $500,000 gift from Harriett Lake in 2015 that is now an endowed fund, honoring her legacy as reflected in the daily arts activity of the many students and patrons who attend theatre productions at the Seminole State College of Florida.
Harriett Lake grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, served in the Marines during the Second World War, and moved to Florida after the war. When she met her husband HY there, they moved to Central Florida, where Hy was a developer. They made much of their money together developing land in Central Florida. The couple jointly donated vast sums to local Jewish temples and other nonprofit organizations. HY passed away in 2010, but by then Harriett was a reigning philanthropist. There are more than 25 sites in Central Florida that bear Harriett’s name. She passed away in 2018.
“I am the keeper of the arts alive, because somebody has to do it, and I now think of myself as an occupation.” – Harriett Lake
Support-an-Actor
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