About the show
Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic is a 2015 original play by New York–based playwright Matt Cox.
The play is a parody of the Harry Potter book series by J. K. Rowling, but from the perspective of the Puffs, who were inspired by the Hogwarts house, Hufflepuff.
The play premiered at The People's Improv Theater on December 3, 2015. It moved to the Off-Broadway theater New World Stages in 2016.
The show has been praised for its comedy and staging. It was nominated for the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for "Best Unique Theatrical Experience" in 2017.
** Thanks to Wikipedia for the synopsis
The Cast
Sinan Beskok
Sinan Beskok (Wayne) is an actor, director, and playwright graduating from Southern Methodist University with a B.F.A. in Theatre and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering this December. Recent credits include The Importance of Being Earnest at Upright Theatre Co., Lobby Hero at Rover Dramawerks, and Romeo & Juliet at Plague Mask Players. He is excited to be making his Garland Civic Theatre debut!
Caitlin Whitley
Caitlin Whitley (Megan Jones) is delighted to be on Garland Civic’s stage for the first time. Caitlin is an active member of the DFW acting community and has performed with such theatres as: Flexible Grey, Lily & Joan, Theatre Britain, MainStage Irving Las Colinas, and Runway Theatre to name a few. Her favorite past roles include: Maggie Saunders/Lend Me A Tenor, Nicold Drainer/Cherry Muffins, Hermia/A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ruth Sherwood/My Sister Eileen, Elizabeth Benning/Young Frankenstein: The Musical, Dotty/Out of Sterno, and Sybil Cliffert/Cover of Life. She wishes love to her family and friends for their continued support, as well as a heartfelt thank you to fellow Tarleton alum Matt Cox - this wouldn't be possible without your words, friend.
Josh Hensley
JOSH HENSLEY (Ernie-Mac, Sound Designer) is a column award winning designer with a BFA in Theatre from Tarleton State University. A collector of trades, Josh started his professional theatrical career as a carpenter and actor for Garland Summer Musicals. In his 12 year artistic journey he has worn the hat of Director, Designer of Scenery and Lights, Technical Director, Writer, Producer, and Teacher among many more. His recent credits include: The Odyssey (Covenant School, Kalita Humphreys), Spamalot (Repertory Company Theatre, Courtyard Theatre), Oklahoma! (Rockwall Summer Musicals), and the regional premier of The Other Josh Cohen (Circle Theatre). Joshhensley.com
Brennan Jones
Brennan Jones (J. Finch and Others)
Savannah Lloyd
SAVANNAH LLOYD, she/her (Sally Perks and Others) is thrilled to be sharing the stage with these artists. Previous credits include Lenny in Crimes of the Heart (Garland Civic Theatre), Dawn in Lobby Hero (Rover Dramawerks), Rosalind in As You Like It (Plague Mask Players), and Jackie in Packing (A Light in Dark Places). BA in Theatre from Fairleigh Dickinson University. For more, visit www.savannahlloyd.com.
Lorenzo Gapud
Lorenzo Gapud (Cedric and Mr. Voldy) is so excited and grateful to make his GCT debut! He was seen most recently at the Repertory Company Theatre in Sweeney Todd, as Charlie Dalrymple in Brigadoon, and as Ren McCormack in Footloose. By day, he proudly serves as the choir director at Trent Middle School in Frisco, TX. Lorenzo hopes this show reminds you of the heroism in small acts of kindness."
Penelope Richards
Penelope Richards (Swing) is a recent graduate of KD Conservatory for Film and Dramatic Arts. She has acted in several short films, but this is her first time working with Garland Civic Theatre, and she could not be more excited! When not acting, Penelope is an avid writer. Her work can be found in WOW- Women on Writing and Lamplit Underground.
Brendan Tetter
Brendan Tetter (Oliver Rivers) is excited to make his debut with GCT as Oliver Rivers. He moved to Texas from Minnesota in 2022 and has performed in various productions with Allen Contemporary Theatre (ACT), Repertory Company Theatre (RCT), and Rover Dramawerks. Puffs will be his tenth show since joining the community. Brendan has a financial background, and recently joined ACT’s board of directors as their Treasurer.
Andi Allen
Andi Allen (Narrator) has previously directed Nunsense, The Last Night of Ballyhoo and It’s a Wonderful Life at GCT. Garland Summer Musicals roles include Eulalie in The Music Man, Roz in 9 to 5 and Gooch in Mame. Other credits include Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd (Level Ground Arts), Charlotte in A Little Night Music (Theatre Frisco), Drood in Drood! (Theatre Three) and Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot: The Musical (Firehouse Theatre). Ms. Allen is also Theatre Frisco’s Artistic Director..
Kate Beckett
Kate Beckett (Hannah/Others) is excited to be back at Garland Civic Theatre, where it all began 17 years ago with Doctor Doolittle. She was last seen in Farndale Avenue/Felicity (Mckinney Repertory Theatre). Previous roles include Let’s Murder Marsha/Bianca (Mckinney Repertory Theatre) where she was honored with a MaRTy People’s Choice Award; Proposals/Sammii (Runway Theatre); Charley’s Aunt/Kitty (Rover Dramawerks). Love and thanks to the creative team, director Jill Lightfoot, cast and crew. She would like to dedicate this performance to those who have inspired her in her theatre journey: CA, SK, Sara Morgan Laminack, Peggy Hickey, and many others
Emma Triana
EMMA TRIANA (Leanne & others) (she/her) is so grateful to be returning to Garland Civic Theatre! Her previous work with the company includes Snapshots (Susie), Carnival! (Princess Olga and Dance Captain) and the regional premier of Something Rotten (Dance Ensemble). Emma is a pre professionally trained dancer with over 15 years of experience and has been a part of the theatre world for almost 10 years. She has various notable performing and creative credits throughout DFW. While she’s not onstage, she takes pride in her work in the visual arts, with work displayed throughout Garland. Emma would like to thank the creative team for believing in her and giving her this wonderful opportunity to be a part of this story, as she is also a real life Puff. She would also like to thank her mom, best friend, partner and cats for all of their love and support.
Elena Holt
Elena Holt (Susie Bones, Colin, Myrtle and that one boy wizard! the one who lived?) is delighted to be performing a handful of characters in Garland Civic Theatre’s production of PUFFS! I am a local actor and costumer. By day I am a part time Manager at Panera, but by night I am a murder mystery actor; when not performing in stage shows of course. I earned two degrees (Technical Design and Acting/Directing) with high honors from Texas A&M University- Commerce, and have hopes to pursue a Masters Degree after more professional experiences. I hope you enjoy this production as everyone involved gave it their all!
Jonathan Luce
Jonathan Luce (Swing) is excited to be apart of GCT’s production of Puffs, he previously appeared in GCT’s Carnival and Wait Until Dark. He attended KD Conservatory College of Film and Dramatic Arts and has been apart of the Murder Mystery Company with American Immersion Theatre. Thanks for coming out and supporting live theatre!
Jill Lightfoot
Jill Lightfoot (director) is pleased to work with the wonderful cast and crew of Puffs. As well as directing, she also choreographs and performs at various theaters in DFW. Some of her favorite productions include Don Giovanni (The Dallas Opera), Supermodel Super Spies: Mortal Compact (Margo Jones Theatre), You Can't Take It With You (The Firehouse Theatre), The Producers (Garland Summer Musicals), The Fantasticks (Theatre Three), Steel Magnolias (CORP), Bell, Book and Candle (Runway Theatre), Proprioception, and The Playmakers (Rover Dramawerks). Enjoy the show!