COMPASS ROSE THEATER AND AACC JOIN FORCES FOR “RENT”  

Unique Initiative Offers Students a Professional Theater Experience

Compass Rose Theater, a critically acclaimed professional theater and educational nonprofit in Annapolis, and Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) are producing the Tony Award-winning musical Rent by Jonathan Larson, Feb. 6 – March 8, 2026.  The unique project reflects Compass Rose’s educational mission and its commitment to providing students with opportunities to work alongside professionals, both on stage and behind the scenes.  AACC students were invited to assist with lighting, sound, costuming, ushering, and set building, and an opportunity to experience a professional audition to practice their acting and auditioning skills.  A live 4-piece band will provide the musical backdrop to the award-winning show celebrating its 25th anniversary.  

AACC’s Dean of Liberal Arts, Alicia Morse, says, “We are thrilled to begin 2026 with this new collaboration between AACC’s Theater Department and Compass Rose Theater. This provides an exceptional opportunity for AACC students to gain hands-on experience working alongside professional artists in a full-scale production of Rent. It strengthens our connection with the community by bringing powerful, live theater to local audiences.  Thank you to AACC’s Theater Department Chair, Professor Sean Urbantke, and Executive Director of Compass Rose Theater, Barbara Webber, for bringing this vision to reality.”  

The cast includes: DeMario Adams-Holiday (Tom Collins). Ryan Alexander (Roger Davis),

Alexandra Baca (Maureen Johnson), J.C. Bost (Ensemble), Olivia Cholewczyski (Ensemble),

Sydney Forrester Wilson (Ensemble), Christian Gonzalez (Angel Duman Schunard), Cameren Evans (Joanne Jefferson), Willie Hadnot, Jr. (Benny Coffin III), Azaria Oglesby (Mimi Marquez), Otega Okurume (Ensemble), Sam Slottow (Mark Cohen), Tyler M. White (Ensemble).

The artistic team includes Producer Barbara Webber, Director Stephen Emery, Musical Director Paige Rammelkamp, Set Designer Sean Urbantke, Lighting Designer Kerry Brandon, Choreographer/Intimacy Coordinator Elda Trombley, Costume Designer Ilana Mongilio, Stage Manager Amanda Matousek, AACC student Props Designer Kendra Reese, and AACC Alum Sound Designer Steph Condon.

“It’s been 30 years since Rent premiered Off-Broadway at the New York Theater Workshop and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical, “says Barbara Webber, Executive Director of Compass Rose Theater. ”This production takes a modern look at the musical, with a live band, and a young, professional team that includes 3 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees (Sam Slottow, Azaria Olglesby, and Paige Rammelkamp) and a contestant from John Legend’s Team on NBC’s “The Voice” (Demario Adams-Holiday).” 

Rent performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30-9:30 pm; and Sundays at 2 – 4 pm, Feb. 6 – March 8, in the Humanities Little Theater at AACC, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012.

Since its founding in 2011, Compass Rose Theater has produced more than 50 professional shows and earned eight Helen Hayes Award nominations and multiple Helen Hayes Award recommendations. Known for its powerful storytelling and commitment to education, Compass Rose serves students of all ages from across the DMV region.

TICKETS: Tickets are $10—$55, available until showtime while supplies last. Reduced prices are offered for students, seniors, military/veterans, and groups of 12 or more. Purchase tickets at www.compassrosetheater.org, through InstantSeats, or by calling 410-980-6662. Doors open 20 minutes before the show, with open seating. Free parking, Lot B.

Photos below are more available, by request. Reach out to barbara@compassrosetheater.org

Publicity Photos (credit: Joshua Hubbell for Compass Rose Theater)

Link to additional Images (available 2/9/2026)

The Compass Rose Theater’s Cast of “Rent” at Anne Arundel Community College, Feb. 6 – March 8, 2026  

Back Row (L-R)  Christian Gonzalez, Cameren Evans 

Middle Row: Willie Hadnot, Jr., Azaria Oglesby, Ryan Alexander, DeMario Adams-Holiday

Front Row: Tyler M. White, J.C. Bost, Olivia Cholewczyski, Sam Slottow, Alexandra Baca

(Missing: Sydney Forrester Wilson, Otega Okurume)