TJC Theatre to perform Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” with featured alumna
Tyler, Texas — The TJC Theatre Department presents “The Tempest,” Nov. 18-21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Jean Browne Theatre. Widely celebrated as Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage, the production will feature original music composed and arranged by C.C. Weatherly and TJC student Jamie Luna. Professional actress and TJC alumna Christa Kimlicko Jones will appear in the leading role.
This tale of usurped power, sudden romance, and the ultimate test of choosing forgiveness over vengeance focuses on an exiled sorcerer, Prospero. While trapped on a remote, magical island, he orchestrates a storm to shipwreck his betrayers.
Christa Kimlicko Jones performs with the TJC Theatre Department courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
“This has provided an opportunity for our current students to work with an accomplished theatre practitioner,” says Lara Smith, head of the TJC Theatre Department. “It has also given TJC Theatre the chance to showcase the work of someone who began their educational journey on this stage. We are thankful for her time and hard work to create such a memorable show for our 100th anniversary season!”
Cast and Student Production Team
Cast:
Prospero – Christa Kimlicko Jones
Ariel – Lola Guerrero of Forney
Nymphs – Abby Newsom of Longview
Christiana Carlyle of Diana
Daytona Vaughn of Union Grove
Jamie Luna of Ferris
Lyric Wolfe of Kaufman
Vivian Stewart of Kaufman
Ship-Master – Justin Chrones of Livingston
Boatswain – Laila Davis of Tyler
Alonso – Rylan Barr of Victoria
Sebastian – Jay Graves of Lindale
Antonio – Cody Huntsman of Carrollton
Ferdinand – Koby Rozelle of Seagoville
Gonzalo – Colton Mott of Point
Miranda – Hermione Leslie of Van
Caliban – A.J. Soto-Colocho of Emory
Trinculo – Dylan Neve of Sunnyvale
Stephano – Triston Bowser of Tyler
PRODUCTION STAFF
Direction/Costume Design/Scenic Design – Denise Weatherly-Green
Lighting Design/Sound Design – Jacob L. Davis
Scenic Construction/Prop Design – Ryan Stewart
Theatre Management/Props/Dramaturgy – Shawna Lynch
Scenic Artist – Katie Weatherly
Costume Construction Assistant – Jackson Holmes
Director of Theatre Facilities – Ethan Texas Beam
Chair of Theatre Department – Lara Smith
STUDENT PRODUCTION STAFF
Assistant Directors – Nathaniel Franklin of Troup, and Amaryllis Tennison of Palestine
Stage Manager – Kenedee Fischer of Forney
Assistant Stage Manager – Jackson Wood-Lindale
Master Carpenters – Justin Chrones of Livingston and Merage Thomas of Terrell
Master Electrician/Light Board Operator – Joshua Cota of Overton
Costume Master – Haley Bragg of Frankston
Assistant Costume Master – Denim Eldridge of Houston
Makeup Design – Nick Besherse of Point
Assistant Makeup/Hair – Kabron Pierce of Palmdale, CA
Sound/Projection Operator – Neidelin Aranda Ramirez of Kemp
Property Master – Parker Turner of Tyler
Paint Charge – Emma Hammerbacher of Arp
Dramaturgy – Laila Davis of Tyler and Kaige Welch of Mineola
Theatre Management – Lonestar Morris of Tyler
Head Usher – Nadia Graham of Lancaster
Tickets can be purchased beginning Nov. 11 for “The Tempest” at the box office in the Wise Cultural Arts Building, open Monday through Friday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 903-510-2212 or visit TJC.edu/TheatreTickets.
About TJC
Tyler Junior College is a comprehensive public community college located in East Texas. It was founded in 1926 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary, offering a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. TJC offers more than 140 programs of study in areas including arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology and trades, and it helps both traditional students and adult learners.
TJC serves almost 23,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with more than 19,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC strives to provide an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.
Throughout its 145-acre central campus and multiple sites, TJC features rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, along with organizations and clubs that promote student engagement and diversity.
For more information visit: TJC.edu.