Radiant Vermin

By Philip Ridley

Directed by Nora Gair

A dream home everyone is dying for.

January 29 - February 8, 2026

POST-SHOW TALKBACK SPEAKERS

A too-good-to-be-true government program offers the expectant Swifts a palatial house for free. The fine print: The dilapidated house lacks basic utilities. All renovations fall on them. All renovations must attract other homebuyers to the area. Discretion is mandatory. For the impoverished Swifts, renovating will be an uphill battle…until an accident late one night.

Morality, personhood, and greed clash in this satire, which The New York Times called “nasty and energetic fun.” BTE’s stripped down, minimalist production leaves you on the edge of your seat as you watch a performance described as “a masterclass in acting”.

Kimie Muroya, Aaron White, and Amy Rene Byrne

Talkback Series with Special Guest Speakers

The minute Radiant Vermin ends, you’ll be dying to talk about it. Stick around after select performances for a special Talkback series featuring local guest speakers!

Radiant Vermin is a show rich in religious symbolism, ethical thought experiments, and socio-political commentary. To sate your curiosity and give the script the consideration it deserves, BTE has invited experts in fields as varied as real estate and religion to help break down the show. Following a quick break after the show, they will sit down with our Resident Artists to help lead discussions and answer your questions. With each speaker specializing in something different, each Talkback will uncover a new layer to this wonderfully dynamic, haunting satire. We’d recommend not missing these unique Talkback experiences as seating for the show is on the stage and limited each night! Talkbacks are included with admission.

Talkback Speakers

Jan. 31 - Dr. William V. Hudon

Emeritus Professor of History at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and Conversations for the Common Good coordinator
William V. Hudon is a professor of history, emeritus, at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Bloomsburg, where he taught from 1989 until 2023. He earned a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago in 1987. A specialist in early modern Italian history, his most recent book is a 2023 volume, The Spiritual Life and other writings, Camilla Battista da Varano (1458-1524).

Between 2018 and 2023 Hudon coordinated Bloomsburg University’s Conversations for the Common Good, a discussion series with television productions in collaboration with WVIA, BTE, The Exchange, and other community partners.
Saturday, Jan 31st, 2026
Feb. 1 - Samantha Capita

Associate Broker, Century 21 Covered Bridges Realty
Samantha Capita is an Associate Broker with Century 21 Covered Bridges Realty and a hands-on real estate investor and landlord. Alongside her husband and business partner, Mike, she owns and manages a growing portfolio of rental properties while working with buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the area.
Together, they are passionate about housing, community, and sharing real-world insight from both the ownership and professional sides of real estate.
Sunday, Feb 1st, 2026
Feb. 6 - Joel Zeiders

Dean of North Branch Conference of the Upper Susquehanna Synod and Pastor of St. Matthews Lutheran Church, retired
Joel Zeiders retired in 2025 after 17 years as pastor of St Matthew Lutheran Church in Bloomsburg. He also served congregations in Adams, Dauphin, and Clearfield counties. Prior to answering that calling, he was a Volkswagen sales rep and a letter carrier with the USPS for 10 years. He continues to preach in area congregations on Sundays and is the Dean of the North Branch Conference of the Upper Susquehanna Synod. He lives in Bloomsburg with his wife, Ruth.
Friday, Feb 6th, 2026
Feb. 7 - Dr. Llewelyn “Lew” Lewis

Lecturer in Philosophy and Religious Studies at the Marywood University School of Humanities
Dr. Llewelyn "Lew" Lewis is a work psychology researcher and a religious scholar. Dr. Lewis currently teaches religion and philosophy at Marywood University in Scranton, PA. Lew is a published author (poetry, essays, academic writing), visual artist, and enjoys being part of the Bloomsburg community with their family.
Saturday, Feb 7th, 2026
Feb 8 - Mayor Justin Hummel

Mayor of Bloomsburg and Brewskis Coffee & Bar Co-Proprietors
Justin Hummel was recently re-elected to serve as Mayor of the Town of Bloomsburg. He and his wife Kim are the proprietors of Brewskis Coffee & Bar on Main Street. Justin appeared in two BTE productions in his youth and Kim makes sure he is a regular attendee these days.
Sunday, Feb 8th, 2026

Cast

Aaron White

BTE Resident Artist
Ollie
Kimie Muroya 室屋季美恵

BTE Resident Artist
Jill
Amy Rene Byrne

BTE Resident Artist
Miss Dee/Kay

Creative and Production Team

Nora Gair

Guest Artist
Director
Michael Fritz

Master Carpenter
Gregor Gunelson

BTE Technical Director and Scenic Shop Manager
Scenic and Props Designer
Jennifer Lippert

BTE Guest Artist
Costume Designer
Nick McGaw

BTE Guest Artist
Sound Designer
Hayley Garcia Parnell

BTE Guest Artist
Lighting Designer
Heather Rummings

BTE Guest Artist
Stage Manager
Emily Weisgerber

BTE Costume Shop Manager
Dave Yezefski

Master Electrician
Sarah Elizabeth Yorke

BTE Creative Producer