Cast & Crew of The Sunset Limited by Cormac McCarthy

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Michael Simmons-- Managing Artistic Director

Michael is excited to be back working on Carolina Actors Studio Theatre projects and is grateful for the opportunity to work "behind the scenes" on The Sunset Limited with this talented cast & crew. He is confident this performance will rise to the high standards CAST patrons have long come to expect with “Experiential Theatre” and is looking forward to taking our guests to New York City this time. 

Michael is pictured here at home on his farm.  

Dee Abdullah-- Director

Dee Abdullah is a seasoned Director, Acting Coach, and Writer with a rich background in the performing arts. Graduating from Southern Connecticut State University, Dee's artistic journey has spanned from her home state of Connecticut to Los Angeles, Iowa, and ultimately to Charlotte, where she has established her long-term residence. It was during this time that Dee co-founded C.A.S.T. alongside the late Ed Gilweit, contributing significantly to the local theater community. In addition, Dee has played a pivotal role in founding other various theater schools and companies, including Distant Voices in Connecticut, A Unique Perspective in Los Angeles, and Ames Few Dance and Theatre Co. in Iowa.

A true veteran of the stage, Dee has excelled as an actor, playwright, director, costume designer and educator. Dee’s extensive credits encompass showcasing the high quality of her work. However, Dee's most cherished accomplishments lie in the remarkable individuals she has nurtured and had the privilege to collaborate with throughout her career.

Zoe Matney --Marketing

Zoe is working behind the scenes on this production assisting with graphic design, video production and social media. She was June in our last production "Alabaster" at the Van Every Theatre.  She has a BA in Dramatic Arts from UNC Chapel Hill and has intensive training from Actors Group of Winston Salem. Zoe’s most recent credits include Clue with Piedmont Players, She Kills Monsters, and The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon with Lee Street Theatre. Zoe has also recently worked with UNCSA on many of their short films   You can keep up with all Zoe’s projects on her Instagram: @ms.zo.m. 

Debbie Swanson -- Community Engagement

Debbie moved to the Charlotte area in 2018 for a "day job" in corporate Marketing. Locally she worked with CAST in their last production of Alabaster as Bib, Three Bone Theatre in Ugly Lies The Bone and the Queen City New Play Initiative. 

She has a long and winding road of theatre stories...from performing, to Box Office, to Marketing, to Board Chair--the list goes on and on. Debbie makes annual trips to NYC for whirlwind theatre trips and has a passion for authentic storytelling.