Who Are The Abbey Players?
The Anselmian Abbey Players are a student theatre organization at Saint Anselm College who have been providing the school and surrounding community with access to quality dramatic art for over 75 years. Learn more about us below:
Director: Jesse Saywell
Jesse Saywell is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Saint Anselm College, and has worked across the country as an actor, director, playwright, and producer.
Career highlights include performances at Arena Stage, Lincoln Center, and the White House, and award-winning performances in Big River and Young Frankenstein.
Directing favorites include Cyrano de Bergerac, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, CLUE, 1776!, Guys & Dolls, and Something Rotten.
His writing credits include productions of Dignity and The Mall, and his plays have been selected for performance at the Midwest Dramatist Conference and the Valdez Theatre Conference.
Jesse previously served as the Associate Artistic Director of Actors Repertory Theatre of Simi in Simi Valley, California. He is also an accomplished vocalist, and was the 2nd Place winner in 2025’s Manchester Idol competition. When he’s not directing for the Abbey Players, he can be seen performing with his band, SLS, and in the annual “Saywell Sings” benefit concert.
Resident Music Director: Jason Coburn
Jason Coburn is an educator and pianist in the southern New Hampshire area. He earned his Bachelors of Music Education at Keene State College, and Masters of Music Education at Longy School of Music. His knowledge spans many genres, including musical theatre, jazz, classical, rock, choral, and pop. Currently he is the music director for The Abbey Players, with Sweeney Todd being his fifth show with The Abbey Players. He also is a pianist for the New Hampshire Philharmonic and Keene Jazz Orchestra.
Throughout his music path, Jason’s music performances have spanned New England and the east coast. With multiple performances in Washington D.C, Florida, New York City, and throughout the New England Area. He has performed at Capitol Center for the Arts, Colonial Theater, The Worcester Palladium, Middle East Downstairs, Tupelo Music Hall, Fete Music Hall, and many others. Jason is a true music educator that enjoys teaching and performing for all ages. Currently, Jason is a music teacher at Matthew Thornton School in Londonderry.
Director of Costumes: Molly Ahearne
Molly Ahearne is the director of costumes for the Abbey Players Board 78. Molly is junior nursing major at Saint Anselm college from Northport, Long Island. Molly is ecstatic to have received this privilege to be on the board. She joined the Abbey Players her sophomore year, and she is so thankful she did because she has gained so many new friends and created so many memories already. Molly wanted to be Director of Costumes because she absolutely loves everything clothing, hair, and makeup related, and she wants to give back to this amazing group of people who have brought her so much joy!
Director of Development: Eleanor Posanka
Ellie is a senior Biology major with minors in Theatre and Chemistry. She is from Boxford, Massachusetts and began her journey with theatre in middle school. Before becoming a board member, she found her involvement in the Abbeys gave her a place on campus that felt just right. On the board, she loves the chance to cultivate the uplifting community that has been so important to her over the years.
As Director of Development, she oversees the administrative and organizational operations of the Abbeys, particularly those related to membership. She tracks membership hours, communicates with members, and prepares materials like audition forms and playbill programs. She is involved with research in Saint A’s Department of Biological Sciences and wants to be a scientist one day.
Director of Lights: Duke Addy
Duke Addy is a senior Psychology major, minoring in Politics and Theatre, at Saint Anselm College. He hails from Farmington, Connecticut, and is currently the Director of Lights for the Abbey Players this year. Outside of the Abbey’s, Duke serves as the President of Men of Color, alongside being Events Coordinator for the Multicultural Coalition, and a Transitions mentor.
Theatre has always been a passion of his, since the first grade, where he performed in his first shows, and he’s made it a point to make it a fixture of his life wherever he goes, with Saint A’s being no different. He’s looking forward to another great year for the Abbey’s!
Director of Props: Bella Alegria Donaher
Bella is a forensic science major from San francisco California. She joined the abbey players in hopes of finding an inclusive community of people that love to do simular hobbies as her. As you may or may not have guessed she loves to make, design and organize props, as well assist in the overall running of shows, with both atmosphere, and with everything tech related. Outside of theater she enjoys skiing, playing soccer, juggling, watching movies and exploring Manchester with her friends.
Director of Public Relations: Jackie Fulmer
Jackie Fulmer is a Junior Psychology Major from York, Maine. She has always had a passion for theater and singing and has been a part of the Abbey Players since her sophomore year. Serving on the board was an exciting next step for Jackie because the Abbey Players has been such an outlet for her and has created a place that feels like home.
As the Director of Public Relations she manages social media accounts, designing posters and ads, and creates content that shares the behind the scenes promotional content. Outside of theater, Jackie enjoys the beach, nature walks and playing with her dog.
Director of Sets: Alyssa Hili
Alyssa is a junior English major with a Theater minor at Saint Anselm College, currently serving as Set Director for the Abbey Players Board ’78. She oversees the construction and organization of scenic elements for the department’s productions. In addition to scenic design, she has experience in stage management and other areas of theatrical production. She is interested in the collaborative process of bringing productions from concept to performance and hopes to continue developing her skills in scenic design while contributing to future theatrical productions.
Director of Sound: Jayden Irwin
Jayden Irwin (Class of 2027) is majoring in Computer Science. He grew up in Michigan, where his love for theatre first began. He was in his high school’s production of The Addams Family Musical.
As Director of Sound, he aims to apply his knowledge to further enhance the quality and creativity of the group’s productions. He oversees the soundboard and sound effects for productions.