Proof Cast and Crew

Jillian Von Gunten (Catherine) – “Proof” has been one of Jillian’s “bucket list shows” since her freshman year of college when she first read the show and performed a scene as Catherine for an acting class. She’s thrilled to have this opportunity to explore such a complex character. Much thanks to Eric, Janice and her fellow actors giving her this experience!

Jillian has participated in local theater all of her life and currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Zanesville Community Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include: Maggie in “A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” Alais in “The Lion in Winter,” Nancy in “OLIVER!” and Barbara Fordham in “August: Osage County,” all at Zanesville Community Theatre, and Stella Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and Suzy Hendrix in “Wait Until Dark,” at The Renner. Some of her favorite shows to direct were: “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” “HONK,” “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” and “Rumors.” Jillian currently serves as the Coach for Powerhouse’s SPARKS!! Improv Troupe and works in Zanesville as an attorney at Allen & Baughman, Attorneys at Law.

Sean Adam McClure (Robert) – Sean has been involved in a number of ZCT productions, most recently “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, August: Osage County, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Young Frankenstein, and Spring Awakening” He is very excited to be a part of this production not only because of the content, but mostly because of the cast. Sean remarked, “This cast is one of the most talented group of people I have had the pleasure working with.” Sean hopes that the audience enjoys the show.

Tahnee Kay (Claire) – is excited to be playing Claire in this production of Proof.

Originally from Perry County, Tahnee now lives with her husband and three cats in Zanesville. She has been in productions with New Lexington High School and Community Theatre, Hocking College and Havering College in England, and Zane Trace Players. This will be her sixth show with ZCT. Her favorite role thus far is Doralee in 9 to 5 The Musical.
Tahnee feels blessed to be surrounded by this amazing community of truly talented people and she can’t wait for another show!

Cory Roush (Hal) – – Cory began acting as a student at Maysville High School, playing roles in Annie, Into the Woods, The Music Man, Annie Get Your Gun, Big, Back to the 80s, and Beauty and the Beast. He returned to the theatre in ZCT’s 51st season with roles in Spring Awakening and 9 to 5, and earlier this year he took to the stage again as Officer Welch in Rumors. Cory is a 2012 graduate of Ohio University and has taught Elementary Language Arts, and is currently working with the school outreach program through the Muskingum County Library System.

Eric Blake (Director) – Eric is currently employed as the Director of Operations for Shrivers Oxygen and Home Medical. He has had a love of the theatre for many years and he enjoys directing as well as being on stage. It was instilled in him at an early age the importance of working behind the scenes as well as acting. Eric currently serves on the Board of Directors at Zanesville Community Theatre. Eric’s directing credits include: Spring Awakening, August, Osage County, Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, RENT, Doubt, J.B., Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and The Lion In Winter. On stage, Eric has recently appeared in The Crucible, Sweeney Todd, Death of A Salesman and Next Fall, and The Diary of Anne Frank; just to name a few.

Eric wishes to take this opportunity to thank his wife Janice for her 32 years of love and support and for helping him to make the time to be involved with theatre and the many other community activities they are involved with.

Eric hopes that you enjoy the show and thanks you for supporting Zanesville Community Theatre as they continue to strive for excellence against a backdrop of tradition.

Director’s Notes:

Welcome to Zanesville Community Theatre! I am so excited that you have chosen to join us for our production of PROOF, winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play written by David Auburn. This show has been on my bucket list of shows to direct for several years and I am so excited to share this adventure with an amazing and talented cast and crew that share my passion for this show.
 Genius and madness. How close the two are! David Auburn brilliantly examines a family in crisis brought on by mental illness. The audience is drawn into Catherine’s psyche as she struggles to come to terms with the potentially dangerous legacy of her father. Mental illness rears its ugly head in many forms and affects many who struggle in silence much like Catherine’s own inner battle and her attempt to lead a “normal” life, dealing with romance, family dynamics, and life changing events.
It is with a sincere heart that I say “Thank You” to the cast and crew of this show along with the Board of Directors of Zanesville Community Theatre for their support in bringing this amazing show to life at ZCT. I dedicate this show to all of those who struggle daily with mental illness and battle their own inner demons.
I hope you enjoy the show and thank you for supporting Zanesville Community Theatre as we continue “Striving for Excellence Against a Backdrop of Tradition”!
Eric Blake

Janice Blake (Producer) – Janice has been involved with many shows over the years at ZCT. Janice is often working behind the scenes in the roles of Producer, Assistant Stage Manager, Properties, Set Construction and Set Artistry. On a rare occasion you may see her on stage. Her biggest job is trying to keep her Director husband Eric in line! Sometime it is very interesting when there is a disagreement on a character perspective and how the character should be portrayed. All in all, Janice feels that they are a good team and produce great shows!
Janice wishes to thank you for attending the ZCT production of PROOF and hopes that you enjoy the show and continue to enjoy shows at Zanesville Community Theatre in the future.

Angel Palmer(Stage Manager) –

Phil Palmer (Assistant Stage Manager) –