Dawn DeBenedetto Maurer (Countess) is originally from San Jose, California, and grew up performing in the children’s productions of San Jose Civic Light Opera and San Jose Children’s Musical Theater. At San Jose State, she majored in acting and earned a B.A. in Creative Arts, as well as a teaching credential, which enabled her to be a classroom teacher for almost 30 years. Professionally, Dawn was a member of the Fun City Show Company, a story-theater troupe for young audiences, and a cast member of the long-running musical revue, “Ain’t No Spring Chickens --- and a Couple of Hot Chicks,” at the Big Oak Theater in Chatsworth, CA. In Los Angeles, she became a studio teacher, and worked on the sets of numerous Nickelodeon shows, TV movies, and feature films. She continues to be a studio teacher, and recently taught and toured with the young actors in the National Touring Comany of the Gloria Estefan musical, “On Your Feet.” Theatre in the Heights audiences may remember her as Dolly Biddle in The Kitchen Witches, and may have seen her as Mama Rose in Gypsy (with Blake Flores as her Herbie) and as General Cartwright in Guys and Dolls, both at the Sutter Street Theater in Folsom. Other favorite roles through the years include Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense III, Lizzie in Baby, and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof. Besides teaching, directing, and performing, she also is a licensed insurance professional. If that weren’t enough, she is very active in her synagogue Sisterhood. Dawn’s family includes two grown daughters, her fiancé Brian, his grown daughters, and his three adorable grandsons. This is her first time tackling Shakespeare on the stage, and she, indeed, has been thoroughly challenged by the role. However, it’s a lot like being in the center of one’s own soap opera! She hopes you enjoy the show.