Weapon in Waiting is a play based on a true story about the creation of both the Women’s Flying Training Detachment and the Women Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron and how they combined to become the WASP, Women Air-force Service Pilots of WWII. The two women leading the charge, Nancy Love and the formidable Jackie Cochran both want to see the 1940's usher in a new age of aviation; an age that includes women in the cockpit. They are up against each other, the war, and society as they train as many female pilots as they can to free up men to fly in combat.
Photo / KameraShoots
Photo / KameraShoots
Photo / KameraShoots
Photo / KameraShoots
Photo / KameraShoots
Photo / KameraShoots
Tickets…
For those in NYC…
For those tuning in online…
The Play’s Journey…
This new work, Weapon in Waiting, will be getting its first look at a staged creation in NYC in Spring 2026. Writing began in 2020, quickly followed by a staged reading at the University of Utah. Since then, numerous renditions of this inspiring story have been edited and re-worked. We will now be taking the script, in collaboration with the writer, to create a piece steeped in story and narrative. As we work scene through scene, we will adapt and continue to add depth to the work through movement addition and cultivation, sound creation, and language editing. This will assist the work in taking next steps to full production.
We will work with actors to create a 90 min. play (no intermission) to present as an initial staged draft to the industry. We will use the script written and adapt it through the rehearsal process to involve blocking and the use of six actors. We will aim to start lighter, with one rehearsal a week moving to two a week February through March – leading to a final weekend of performances.
The final stage of this project will be receiving feedback from audiences in regards to the show. Seeing how they connected with the story, the way it was told, and the overall message of the piece. This information will be ideal for the creative team to receive for next steps in producing this work at a bigger level.
Creative Team
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Keira received her BFA in Acting from the Actor Training Program at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her favorite acting credits include Banquo in Macbeth, Lady Macbeth in a different production of Macbeth, and Lysander in A Midsummer Night's Dream. She says that if he had not gone into theatre, she shoulda been a cowboy. However, Keira is currently in Flight School in Corpus Christi, Texas where she is training to fly planes for the US Navy. It is important to know that Keira, in addition to flying planes, can ride a unicycle while juggling and reciting Shakespeare. Her favorite kind of pickle is the Sweet and Spicy pickles from Famous Daves BBQ.
Follow Keira: @im_keira
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Abigail received her BFA in Modern Dance at The University of Utah School of Dance in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her favorite credits are co-founding Black Box Movers, Dir./Choreo. of “Joseph…” at Cornwell Dinner Theatre & Troy Community Theatre as well as all of her dance films. Had Abigail not become a theatre artist, she would have gone into pre-law/criminal justice, and into law school. After high school, Abigail was the Idaho State FFA Secretary. She went to nationals for Land Judging (looking at the dirt). Her favorite kind of pickle is a sweet and spicy gherkin.
Follow Abigail: @abbirebekah & abigail-rebekah.com
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Diane studied at New World School for the Arts in Miami, Florida. She has been in the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as a dancer for K-Pop Demon Hunters Performance, Cornwell Dinner Theatre's Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat having played Issachar/ensemble & Dance Captain), and Company Dancer with LaHa Dance Group from 2022-2025. If Diane had not gone into the theatre, she would have probably become a doctor or a romance book author! In addition to dancing with Demon Hunters, Diane can also fit her entire fist in her mouth. Her favorite kind of pickle is a good ol’ fashioned pickle, the crunchy kind that is served next to a sandwich.
Follow Diane: @howverydianne
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Thomas studied at The Catholic University of America. His favorite credits are The Goodbye Girl and Lucky Stiff, both with J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre in NYC where he got to work with the writers of each show. Thomas LOVES cars and everything to do with them, so if had not become a costume designer, he probably would have been working in either automotive design or engineering. When Thomas was younger, he thought he was allergic to the color orange. Not the fruit, but the actual color of orange. His favorite kind of pickle is a classic dill pickle!
Follow Thomas: @thomasjcg www.thomasjcg.com
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Grace studied Stage Management at SUNY Purchase and her favorite credits are The Little Mermaid at Summer Theatre of New Cannan, Rent in Concert with AMP Worldwide's North American Tour, and Sweat SUNY Purchase. Had she not gone into theatre, Grace would have become a lawyer. It is important to note that Grace is an award winning Stop Motion Animation Artist. Unfortunately, she does not like pickled anything. So we will say that Pickle Factory Productions is her favorite pickle.
Follow Grace: @grapes_griffin
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Dan studied at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. His favorite credits are Arranger/Orchestrator for multiple new musicals including as RUBY by Nate and Michael Jacobs, CLEAVAGE by Ron Friedman and Laura Goodenow, and LEND ME A CHAINSAW by Brian Christiansen, Music Director for Anne Washburn's New Play "The Burning Cauldron of Fiery Fire" which premiered Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre in Fall 2025, and Composer for PARADISE BLUE by Dominique Morisseau (which is making its Florida premiere currently at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe). Had Dan not become a composer, he would have become an electrician stating, “We love the trades!”. Dan’s professional nickname is “Chef” because he worked as a chef before making the jump into composing full time. As a Korean-American, Dan says he is obligated to say kimchi is his favorite pickled item. And it's superior to all other pickled items. “Fight me.”
Yes, Chef! insert salute here
Follow Dan: @dwellsmusic
Cast
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Jillian studied at Belmont University, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Classical Vocal Performance and Oklahoma City University receiving a Masters of Music in Musical Theatre. Her favorite credits include Elsa Schraeder in The Sound of Music with Franklin Performing Arts Company, Off-Broadway debut as Madame DeFarge in A Tale of Two Cities with the Village Light Opera Group and originating the role of Becca in the world premier of the musical Bestie Island in NYC. Had her path led her away from theatre and music, Jillian would have become a Hair and Make-Up Artist. Jillian has a fear of flying but a list of fun facts about how safe it is that she recites to herself during take-off, landing, and any scary things that happen during a flight. Jillian LOVES fried pickles.
Follow Jillian: @JillianPaige
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Natasha received her MFA in Acting at the University of Montana. While her career has many exciting roles, her favorites have been Miss Stephanie in To Kill a Mockingbird in the Montana Rep Production that toured to China; Elle Gallo in The Fantasticks with Oro Valley Theatre Group; and Escalus in Measure for Measure at Lenfest. Had Natasha not become an actor, she would have owned a vintage clothing store and been a writer on the side. When she was younger, Natasha won the Junior State Olympics for sharpshooting—but as of today, owns no weapons. Natasha adores all pickles, but especially a cornichon or a peppadew in a dirty pickled martini.
Follow Natasha: @natashajconti
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James Kay studied Theatre at The University of Montana. His top credits are Duke/Friar Lodowick in Measure for Measure, Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night, and Leon Czolgosz in Asssassins. Had James not become an actor, he would have loved to work in the mental health field. Before becoming an actor full time, James was a Landscape Manager for a 36,000 acre resort in Montana. His favorite kind of pickle is a Vlasic Sweet Gherkins, but only when eating a meal that is primarily meat and potatoes.
Follow James: @jameskayofficial
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Chloe studied at The University of the Arts, and her favorite credits are The Caterpillar in 2nd grade production of "Alice in Wonderland", 'Millie' in high school production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," more recently, singing in the ensemble of "Hello, Dolly!" with The Transport Group this past year at Carnegie Hall. Chloe said that growing up she wanted to BE Bernadette Peters, who can blame her? When she was a child, she sang the National Anthem at a couple Seattle Mariners games. At one game, she had to play the pitch pipe to set the key for the group, which made her VERY nervous. Her favorite kind of pickle is Vlasic Kosher Dill Pickle that can be sliced and put on a hamburger.
Follow Chloe: @chloermm
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Kelly Studied at Shenandoah University and her favorite credits are Rumpleteazer in the National Tour of CATS, Anybody’s in West Side Story at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, and honestly Young Clyde in Bonnie and Clyde, where she “had a blast (in college mind you 😭)”. If Kelly had not found her way to the theatre, she probably would have done something with wildlife conservation. It is still the only thing to this day that she can realistically see herself doing and being excited to do. Kelly was born in Bethlehem, PA so she thought Jesus was born in her town until maybe 5th grade. Specifically in front of the library due to the fact that the town set up a nativity scene there every year. Her favorite kind of Pickle is the REFRIGERATED dill pickle chips from Trader Joe’s. Maison Pickle also has a really good pickled crudite plate on their menu and it's amazing.
Follow Kelly: @kelly_donah
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Olivia Studied at Institute for American Musical Theatre, where she is currently studying under Studio Mallory. Her favorite credits are One For My Baby (ensemble/principle cover), Broadway Bares, Once Upon a Mattress (Winnifred). Had Olivia not gone into the theatre as a career, she believes she would likely be in jail, so it's a good thing she is on stage instead of behind bars. Much like Fredrick from Pirates of Penzance, Olivia was born on a leap day! Her favorite kind of pickle is a spicy pickle. However, she says she would give moonshine pickles another go - she once had a whole jar and was so sick, so she never tried them again - but maybe if in moderation…
Follow Olivia: @liv.schuh
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Zoey attended San Jose State University and received a BFA in Dance Dance, she is a BDC ProSem Grad, and an American Conservatory Theatre SF Acting Congress Grad. You may have seen her across the country in the Funny Girl National Tour, My Fair Lady National Tour, or as Sophie in Mamma Mia. Had Zoey not gone into theatre, she would have been a journalist, which a career in writing makes sense as she can list every single preposition in the English language in alphabetical order. Her favorite kind of pickle is the Grillo's Hot Dill Pickles!
Follow Zoey: @zoeylytle
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Hayley graduated from the Musical Theatre Program at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Her favorite credits are Bea in Something Rotten with Phoenix Theatre company, Lucy in Dracula at The University of Utah, and she was Friends with the Evil Queen in Disneyland. Had Hayley not become an actor, she would have thrived as a photographer for National Geographic.Hayley has trained as, and worked as, a puppeteer. Her favorite kind of pickles are pickled onions.
Follow Hayley: Hayleybayy
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Sofia received a BFA in Musical Theatre at Syracuse University and has been seen as Atina/Tropical Fish/Gull/Sous Chef/Swan/Princess/Ursula u/s in Little Mermaid (thank you Alan for the mustache); Anybodys in West Side Story; Pat in Good News. Had Sofia not gone into theatre, she would have likely done something related to mental health and psychology or baking. There was a moment in time when she was obsessed with sharks and marine biology. A baking marine psychotherapist? Like an underwater baking therapist for sharks? Anyone can dream. She has had three knee surgeries (including one right before this production), so if you see her hobblin’ away, that’s why. No, it’s not a character choice. Or…is it? Her favorite kind of pickles are pickled beets. Also pickled red onions on anything. YUM!
Follow Sofia: @sofiaannika0913 sofiaswensen.com
