Audience Choice #2

7 Minutes on Earth by Carlos Joy

Three Characters Figure It Out by Matthew McLachlan

A Showing in Tribeca by Francis Bogan

Written by Carlos Joy 

Directed by David Zayas Jr 

Starring: 

Anaís Torres Colls (Jordan) 

Carlos Joy (Andi) 

Herb Benjamin (Will) 

Carlos Joy (they/them) is a storyteller from Ponce, Puerto Rico. Carlos started their drama studies at the age of fifteen at the Escuela Especializada de Bellas Artes in Ponce. They then went on to pursue a BA in Theatre from the University of West Georgia. After graduation Carlos moved to New York where they attended the 2 year conservatory at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Carlos is also a proud alumni of the LAByrinth Theater intensive ensemble program. Recent credits include: What Ifs & What Is (Chain Theatre, New York Theatre Festival), Lies We Tell Ourselves in the Dark (LAByrinth Theatre Barn Series), Y Tú, Y Tú, Y Tú (Artists in Residence), Henry & Lucy (Little & Fierce Theatre Company), Just A B’day Dinner (The Secret Theatre), The Christmas Carol: a Queer Fantasia (Tier5 Theatre Company). Follow Carlos on Instagram: @itscarlosjoy 

David Zayas Jr. is a Director, Actor, Photographer. Originally from the Bronx, NY. Growing up around theater and film, he started becoming more involved, starting with photography. He later joined a theater company, and produced and directed 14 short films with them. Then directed “ The Head Hunter” by Mark Borkowski for a theater festival which got him a nomination for best director. He then joined the director program at the Actors Studio. Now he’s directing his own written short films among others that are in festivals right now such as “Santa Force” by Peter Collier And “ Uptown Dave” by himself which won him best actor in a super short with the Chain Film Festival. Instagram: @dzcs4u 

Anaís Torres Colls is a trained actress and dancer born and raised in Puerto Rico, January 28th, 1991. Her first encounter with the Artistic world was a Dancer, at the age of 7, in her hometown of Ponce, at Ballet Señorial Dance Company. There she worked as a Professional Dancer in the Company for 15+ years, as well as an Instructor, and Choreographer. She earned her BFA in Theater-Acting from the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. After finishing college, she moved to NYC in 2016, to continue pursuing her Artistic Career, were she completed a Physical Theater Intensive, Summer 2016, and later that Fall, got accepted into the Three-Year Conservatory Program at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC, Class of 19'. As a passionate lover of the Artistic world, Movement, Body Awareness & Wellness, after she finished her Acting Training, she decided to embark on her Pilates journey. She is currently a Certified Pilates lnstructor at New York Pilates in Manhattan. Finding Mind, Body & Soul connections through the Arts and Movement is a fundamental part of her ongoing Artistic Journey, and she hopes to keep spreading her love, passion, and movement knowledge with the world. Follow her on IG @anaistorrescolls to keep an eye on her next ventures. 

Herb Benjamin (He/Him) is a storytelling enthusiast. As a Co-Founder/Artistic Director of Unworldly Ensemble, he’s been able to step behind the curtain directing and producing numerous shows like JESUS HOPPED THE A TRAIN. Recently, Herb’s directorial feature film debut, The Medea, was released. Herb is a proud native of New Orleans and a firm believer in community. Training: Stella Adler Studio Of Acting.

Cast & Crew Bios:

Matthew McLachlan - Playwright:

Matthew McLachlan is a Dramatist Guild Member and current Artist in Residence with Abingdon Theatre Company. He was born in Scotland, raised in Florida, and currently survives in New York City. He is a two-time ScreenCraft Stage Play Finalist and is the resident playwright for The Midnight Factory, a Pulse Ensemble Theatre member, and a Wynn Handman playwright in observance. His plays include: The Demand of Avarice, This God Damn House, Jack & Melissa, Orion, and The Place We Are Meant to Be, among others. His plays have been presented by Abingdon Theatre Company, Nylon Fusion, The Chain Theatre, The NOW Collective, The Farm Theater, The PIT, Thespis Theater Festival, The Midnight Factory, and performed regionally in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, New Jersey, & Florida. Other credits include: Nominated for Best Writer of a Web-Series (ADULTish), The Roast of Michael Musto (Head-Writer), & his published works A Collection of One-Acts & Other Things You May or May Not Enjoy and full-length play Orion are available now at The Drama Bookshop and on Amazon. Matthewmclachlan.com

David Zayas, Jr. - Director:

David Zayas Jr. is a Director, Actor, Photographer. Originally from the Bronx, NY. Growing up around theater and film, he started becoming more involved, starting with photography. He later joined a theater company, and produced and directed 14 short films with them. Then directed “ The Head Hunter” by Mark Borkowski for a theater festival which got him a nomination for best director. He then joined the director program at the Actors Studio. Now he’s directing his own written short films among others that are in festivals right now such as “Santa Force” by Peter Collier. And “ Uptown Dave” by himself which won him best actor in a super short with the Chain Film Festival.

Caroline Orlando - Stage Directions:

Caroline is beyond excited to be a part of this hilarious play and wonderful One Act Festival here at the Chain Theatre. Previous credits: Beth (Chasing the River World Premiere), Guilia (White Knuckle). Thank you to Matt, DJ, Sunita, Carlos, and Kirk for letting me join in on the fun of this show. As always, huge thanks to the Chain Theatre fam.

Sunita Deshpande - Character 1:

Sunita Deshpande is a writer, actor, and improvisor living in NYC (and LA when NYC gets too cold.) You can catch her this year in HBO Max’s Moonshot in late March that stars Cole Sprouse, Lana Condor, and Michelle Buteau & Sunita in supporting roles. If you’re a Marvel fan Sunita appeared in 8 episodes of Daredevil S3 as Seema Nadeem.

Carlos Joy - Character 2:

Carlos Joy (they/them) is a storyteller from Ponce, Puerto Rico. Carlos started their drama studies at the age of fifteen at the Escuela Especializada de Bellas Artes in Ponce. They went on to pursue a BA in Theatre from the University of West Georgia. After graduation Carlos moved to New York where they attended the 2 year conservatory at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Carlos is also a proud alumni of the LAByrinth Theater intensive ensemble program. Recent credits include: What Ifs & What Is (Chain Theatre, New York Theatre Festival), Lies We Tell Ourselves in the Dark (LAByrinth Theatre Barn Series), Y Tú, Y Tú, Y Tú (Artists in Residence), Henry & Lucy (Little & Fierce Theatre Company), Just A B’day Dinner (The Secret Theatre), The Christmas Carol: a Queer Fantasia (Tier5 Theatre Company).

Kirk Kocsanowski - Character 3:

Kirk Koczanowski is so pleased to be back performing on the Chain Theatre mainstage after appearing in Matthew McLachlan's "Toxic Norse-Culinity," A crowd favorite from the Chain Theatre One Act Festival this past summer. Some of Kirk's recent career highlights have been filming the lead role in the exciting new tv sitcom pilot “The Big Time”/Leaving Normal Productions, opposite Maitland Ward (Boy Meets World) and Brett Azar (Young Rock, Terminator); "No Witnesses" a fast paced dark comedy from Vanguard Studios and "Nice Guy" a harsh exploration of hook-up/consent culture in our current social climate from writer/director Lily Yasuda. Next Up: You can see Kirk as a movement artist in "Songs For People Who Have Trouble Breathing," An 8-Part Concert Film Series from the band @PairOfSloths, as well as co-hosting the 8 episode companion podcast "The Pair of Sloths Podcast," and the self-help comedy podcast @MenofDoozy. He would like to thank Kirk Gostkowski and Christine Elise Perry for continuing to garner such a positive space for theatre professionals to play and perform during this crazy time we live in. Lastly, thank you to McLachlan for his continued trust in him to bring characters from his work to life year after year. imdb.me/kirkkoczanowski

ABOUT THE CAST 

(in order of appearance) 

Francis Bogan (Dave/Writer/Director): is a writer based in Brooklyn, NY. He also contributes headlines to ClickHole 

Martha Epstein (Ruth/Associate director) is an actor born and raised in New York City. She played Miss Julie in the Antigravity Performance Project’s production of Miss Julie (in this very same theater!). She played Ruth in a workshop of A Showing in Tribeca in December and is thrilled to be back doing it again.

Haley Wong (Leah) is an actor born and raised in Hong Kong and a recent graduate of the Brown University department of theatre. Some favorite credits include The Wolves (#14), Antony + Cleopatra (Cleopatra), and Mary Gets Hers (Mary). 

Kent Coleman (Arthur) is pleased to be performing in a live theatre space again. Prior credits include: SweatPant (Eris), Three Generations (The Sheen Center), Bergen (Broadway Bound Theatre Festival), and numerous productions at Connecticut Repertory Theatre. Shouts to deBaba; MiLohYa. 

Karl Knapp (Ryan Hough) is excited to be working with the Chain Theatre for the second time. A graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Acting here in NYC, he enjoys acting both in theater and film. Some previous credits include Corpus Christi (also at The Chain), Drones, and Christ Detained, all written and directed by Anthony P. Pennino. He has also played John Proctor in The Crucible. He wishes to extend a thank you to everyone at today’s performance. 

Thank you to Ellie Gravitte for her directorial help. Her guidance helped the cast better understand their characters' stories and intentions and made this a stronger, more entertaining, and funnier play.