Here's the cast
The cast is announced for the Bluffton High School Drama Club’s November product “Free Ice Cream,” according to Kevin Gratz, director.
Cast members:
• Derek Swartzlander, Caleb Mikesell, Arielle O’Neal, Ashley Eachus, Tayler Nowak,
• Ana Neufeld Weaver, Mara Drue Minnig, Annalise Nisly, Mack Burner, Neil Metzger,
• Kaitlynn Rieman, Sophia Gott, Allison Burghaze, Shyanne Mortimer, Amelia Mitchell,
• Lauren Conrad, Melina Meza, Mason Ault, Tanner Pinks, Hannah Yost, Seth Andreas,
• Jordyn Garmatter, Nephi Peralta, Elizabeth Swisher, Raina Runk, Justice West, Ella Miller,
• Lizzie Bourassa, Libby Frazier, Kayla VanAtta, Hannah Grace Perry, Patrick Estell, Olivia Burner, Wes Brauen, Kierra Rieman.
Special appearance by:
Sam Brauen, Jim Rieman, John George and Kara Zink.
About the production:
"Free Ice Cream," a collection of two-dozen fast-paced, humorous skits billed as family entertainment by Brett Eshlemn, will be performed at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, in the Bluffton middle school. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Here's a background of this fall's presentation:
"At the high school where Eshelman taught for many years, Free Ice Cream became an annual, student-produced and student-oriented tradition. The skits presented here are the “greatest hits” from over the years, all audience-tested for a fun-filled variety show.
Written to be performed by high school actors, yet delightfully entertaining and appropriate for a wider audience, this collection of scripts encourages improvisation and the addition of original, student-written material.
Free Ice Cream as a production is promoted with the idea that, “We’re so desperate for an audience, if you come to our show, we’ll give you free ice cream.”
Ticket information
According to Kevin Gratz, director, "While it’s true the ice cream is free, there is a cost for the show. Admission is set at $3 for adults and $1 for students.
"But, if you are so inclined or intimidated to do so, adults can roll the big fuzzy dice and pay the amount corresponding to the number of dots on the die." (i.e. roll a six and pay $6, “Thank you for your contribution.”)
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Pirate volleyball loss vs. Lincolnview
- Village of Bluffton meetings announced, Oct. 1-Nov. 2
- 100 years of being Beavers: 2026 Bluffton University Homecoming, Oct. 2-4
- September 30 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Check out October 2026 BPL Update
- Final call for for Bluffton photos contest
- Pandora-Gilboa HS crowns Homecoming King and Queen
- Bluffton Council recap: Purchase of Marsh Run acres approved
- Senior Center's October membership dinner
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Pirate volleyball sweeps Wapakoneta
- Pirate boys golf 4th at NWC tourney; Meyer places 2nd
- Pirate girls soccer shuts out Lima Central Catholic
- Pirate boys soccer shuts out Lima Central Catholic
- Pirate girls tennis blanks Kenton
- Bluffton Fall Festival overflows with family fun
- Stauber exhibit at Massillon Museum through November 1
- Arlington invites generations of alumni to all-school Homecoming
Monday, September 28, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, September 21-27
- Alan K. Yoder, O.D., 86, owned Family Eye Care Clinic of Bluffton
- I-75 lane restrictions in Hancock County, Sept. 28-Oct. 2
- Travis Michael Swank, 40, was a salesman
- NetVUE panel highlights chaplaincy, vocation and meaningful work
- Bluffton Presbyterian hosts community-wide Socktober drive