BriarRose is the age-old story of a fairytale Princess banished by an evil Queen, with a twist: the “Princess” is actually Briar, a young trans man just discovering his identity. With help from budding sorceress Ellen, Briar is able to magically transform into his true self, and together they make a new life for themselves deep in the enchanted woods.But when dashing Prince Alister and Lady Knight Brunhilde appear after Ellen casts a seemingly harmless charm, Briar and Ellen’s simple lives are suddenly much more complicated - and the Queen still casts a long shadow over what should be a happy ending.Join this cast of familiar characters as they explore a world where magic can unlock what lies inside your heart - for better or for worse…

BriarRose is funded in part by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.
Magpie Artists' Ensemble is Powered by Shunpike.

Briar | Director | Playwright | Sets | James T. Washburn

James T. Washburn (he/him) is a gay, trans, and disabled Storyteller-Activist based in Seattle. His work is deeply inspired by his community and experiences at the intersection of marginalized identities.
Washburn is a multi-hyphenate artist, with works spanning from the immersive epistolary novella Sealed with Honey to Achilles + Patroclus, a chamber opera commissioned by the Seattle Opera. He takes inspiration from folklore, mythology, and queer history; his work focuses on discovering queerness in traditional stories and reimagining familiar tropes and archetypes through a queer lens.
Washburn is the Founding Artistic Director of Magpie Artists’ Ensemble, an artistic collective focused on innovative cross-disciplinary storytelling.

Queen Alba | Costumes | Sets | Michelle Marais

Michelle Marais Goodwin (she/her) is a Native American (Ojibwe) actor, painter, and costume designer. Originally from the rural Midwest, she studied theater and visual art at the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley, MN, graduating in 2016. In 2020, Michelle received her BFA in Theater from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA, where she presently resides.

Prince Alister | Music Director | Jae Kinsman

Jae Kinsman (they/them) is stoked to finally bring Briar/Rose to the stage. Graduating from Cornish College of the Arts in 2020 with a BFA in musical theatre, they had to find new ways to create art in a locked down world and unfortunately cut their time with Briar/Rose The Senior Thesis Project short.
Imagine their surprise and excitement when freshly founded Magpie Artists' Ensemble was given the opportunity to finish what they started three years ago. In a time when trans stories and trans joy desperately need to be shared and heard, they thank you for joining us.

Rose/Young Briar | Reese Sigman

Reese Sigman (he/him) is a recent graduate of Central Washington University’s Musical Theatre BFA program. As his final project, he wrote, produced, and performed a full-length one-person musical in just 10 months! Reese does not recommend that you write, produce, and perform a full-length one-person musical in just 10 months. Take your time. Look out for the album version of “Reese Sigman is Lying Completely Still” on Spotify and other streaming services! Follow reese.sigman on Instagram for updates. These days, you’ll catch Reese working at the Trader Joes in Burien - Come say hi! Reese thanks you for choosing to be here and supporting the things held nearest to his heart.

Ellen & Pearl the Seer * | Katya Orlov

Katya (she/her) is ecstatic to help bring Briar/Rose to life. As a queer person herself, she is excited to be playing a gay person on stage. That kind of representation is important to her and the community. Katya studied Musical Theatre at Cornish College of the Arts and received her BFA in May 2020.
She was most recently seen in the ensemble of a production of Pool (No Water) at the University of Washington. She also just took part in Strawberry Theatre Workshop’s SJAM festival as a SFX makeup artist.
She would like to thank God and her chosen family for all the love.

* name sponsored by Kris Panchyk

Lady Brunhilde | Neena Malcom

Neena (They/She) is thrilled to be working on a show that celebrates queerness so lovingly, with a company that reflects the show proudly.
Neena plans to graduate with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in dance from PLU in Tacoma in December of 2023.
Their recent credits include Agnes in "She Kills Monsters" with Alpha Psi Omega, Rachel in "Reckless" and Ensemble in "Pippin" with PLU Theatre and Dance.
Neena would love to thank their wonderful girlfriend for sending her the audition announcement and for her constant support in everything she does. She would also like to thank her parents for always encouraging her in all of their pursuits and thank you to the cast and crew for being wonderful!

Bimples The Crow * | Flute | Skye Farrell

Skye Farrell (he/they) is an actor musician from Seattle. In addition to playing the flute, he sings, plays trombone, and occasionally attempts the trumpet. He recently graduated from the Institute of the Arts Barcelona with his BA (hons) in acting, and is excited to be performing in Seattle again!
Some of their recent credits include being an Understudy/Swing for Taproot Theatre's road company, Liseo (La Dama Boba), and Vernon (Vernon God Little) at Institute of the Arts Barcelona. They have been in many shows that James has directed over the last 7 years, including their first leading role in high school as Arthur in Camelot!

* name sponsored by Robert Frederiksen

Mothy Rumples The Guard * | Aster Knudson

Aster Knudson (he/they) is honored to be part of the Briar Rose team!
He graduated in 2022 with a BA in Theatre Arts and Art & Design from Central Washington University where he played in Central Theatre Ensemble’s Spring Awakening, the 2022 Winter Short Works Festival, and Reese Sigman is Lying Completely Still. They hope you enjoy the show!

* name sponsored by Timothy Meyer

Storyteller | Piano | Daniel Anson

Daniel Anson (he/him) is beyond excited to share this incredible story with you all! Daniel is a multidisciplinary Jack of All trades excited to be back onstage.
Recently, he has worked on THE NICETIES and THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEINS WINDOW (Intiman) and NOT/OUR TOWN, and is excited to grow with fellow artists! @daniel.new25

Director of Photography | Rowan Gallagher

Rowan Gallagher (he/they) is a local actor and director in the Seattle area.
He graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in the spring of 2021, and since then he has been involved in a number of theatre and film projects including “Jasper in Deadland” at Villiage Theatre, and Cornish’s fall production of “She Kills Monsters”.
Rowan is very excited to be creating theatre with Magpie Artists’ Ensemble, and to be helping bring new work to the Seattle arts scene.

Lighting Design | Anna Shih

BIO COMING SOON

Stage Manager | Alexandra Angelova

Alexandra Angelova (she/her) is a Bulgarian American stage manager and event coordinator based in Seattle. She has been stage managing James' crazy ideas since 2016, when she co-founded their first company, Bellevue Teen Productions.
Alexandra is a Founding Member and resident stage manager at Magpie Artists' Ensemble.

Assistant Stage Manager | Board Op | Tony Holzwarth

Originally growing up in the suburbs of the Chicago-land area, Tony Holzwarth (They/He) is a long time appreciator and seldom participant of the arts. Their acting history started off with Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Roger in Rent, and Emmet in Legally Blonde The Musical.
Recently relocated to the PNW, they are excited to explore what the local theatre scene has to offer.

Fight Choreographer | Casey Hartman

Casey (she/her) is a graduate of Cornish College of the Arts and has previously understudied for Village Theatre’s Matilda as well as played Adrian/Shipmaster in Seattle Shakespeare Company’s The Tempest. She is thrilled to be working with Magpie Artists’ Ensemble now, as a passion for LGBTQ+ representation lives close to her heart.