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
Friday, November 13, 2026
- 55th annual Carol Sing at Riley Creek UMC, Dec. 6
- Next Generation 911 announced by Hancock County
- Christine Denecker appointed to Ohio Humanities Council
- Community Electric Aggregation notices are in the mail to Bluffton customers
- Nov. 13 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup
- Letter: What a fall for our Bluffton Pirates
Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Bluffton Middle School Honor Roll for 1st Quarter, 2026-2027
- Bluffton alumni to discuss lives and vocations in ministry
- Letter: Honoring 20 years of land preservation in West Central Ohio
- Prairie restoration research program on Nov. 20
- Bluffton Lions to hear presentation on humanitarian and disaster relief
- Separate the wheat from the chaff: Multi-ingredient botanicals for cholesterol
- Bluffton Council recap: $5,000 donated for Blaze lights installation
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, November 2-8
- Veterans invited to Bluffton American Legion programs on Veterans Day
- James Raymond Harrod, Jr., 64, was a PGA professional
- Nathan Ulrey, 46, served in the Navy Seabees
- Letter: Thank you, Coach Richards
- Big Brothers Big Sisters launches 2026 year-end giving campaign
- Socktober drive collected 659 pairs for local distribution
- Jeanne Previte, 80, owned and operated Jeanne's Kitchen
- Bluffton Elementary Honor Roll for 1st Quarter 2026-2027
- Lego scarecrow earns GROB top honors from voters
- Former Blufftonite is lieutenant governor-elect of South Carolina
- University to stage costume drama that mixes emotion, humor and contemporary references
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll for 1st quarter of 2026-2027
- Nov. 13 chamber program on Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Monday, November 9, 2026
- Healing and life beyond incarceration explored at Forum
- Nov. 12 opportunity to learn Mahjong
- Door hanger craft class at Pandora library, November 17
- BPL after school movie, November 16
- Hailey's Wellness and Massage provide chair massages at Senior Center
- Bluffton area Women in Business Meeting November 19