2022 One-Act Winter Festival

PROGRAM 1

A Place for Us

Written and Directed by Anthony M. Laura

Synopsis: A family struggling through hard times is shocked and forever changed by the arrival of an uninvited guest.

BIOS

Emerson A. Buchholz (Vincent Patanella Originally from the West Coast, Emerson moved to NYC in late 2019 to restart his acting career after a 20+ year hiatus from performing… just in time for the pandemic. He made use of “the lockdown” by practicing voice and acting with T. Schreiber Studio via Zoom, which connected him with creative people around the world and kept him from climbing apartment walls. 2021 theatrical credits include As You Like It (Adam/Martext), Arizona(George), Grey Spectrum (Thomas), and Mangos or Peaches: But More Importantly Should They Be Canned (Leslie). Recent film credits include Mister Sister (Clayton), Elite Match (Jonathon), Not Like the Other Girls (Jack Morgan), Here for Now (Syd Louben), Right to Exit (Troy), and RxCall (Group Counselor).  He loves animals, history, and Betty White memes. Emerson wishes to give high praise and thanks to David, Darlene, Ted, Rock, and John for their support and encouragement.  Instagram: @emersonabuchholzactor 

Madison Murrah (Hannah Patanella) is a theatre and film actress based in New York City, originally from Dallas, Texas. She developed her craft at Yale Drama and Atlantic Acting School, and holds a BA in Performance Studies from Texas A&M. Her career highlights thus far include “The Wolves” (#25), “Playboy of the Western World” (Pegeen Mike), and her New York debut “Andromache, Princess of Troy” (Hermione). Madison is honored to join the Face to Face ensemble, as she believes strongly in the importance of telling female driven and queer stories. When offstage, Madison works as a costumer and content creator.

Raina Silver (Natalie) Raina is thrilled to again be working with Face to Face Films! Off Broadway credits include Ectoplasm, A Christmas Carol, and Murder on the Links. Her pcoming show is Beauty and the Beast at The Players Theatre. Thank you to Anthony for being the best. She received her BFA at NYU. Website: RainaSilver.com

Donna L. White (Judith Patanella) is thrilled to be working with the director and cast of "A Place for Us". Favorite roles include The Therapist (The Big Dream directed by Jay Michaels), Lady Macbeth  (Macbeth - FORALL Theatre, Peekskill, NY), Cindy Hammond (Diminished Capacity - YCP Theatreworks), Becca (Rabbit Hole - YCP Theatreworks) and Sonia (Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike - Carriage House / Wilton Playhouse, CT). Donna was recognized for an outstanding performance at TANYS 2019. She was recently nominated for a Broadway World Best Performance in a Streaming Production for her role in Eat the Rich (Phoenix Theatre & Arts) EIEA

CREW

Anthony M. Laura (Writer/Director) is the Artistic Director at Face To Face Films.  He is a published playwright with “The Girl with the Red Hair,” which returns to the stage in 2022, featuring Raina Silver as Azura and Cortney.  During the pandemic, he established Theater, Interrupted, where each month he would direct a classic or original work for a virtual audience.  His films “Korinne,” “Sycamore,” “The Girl & Mrs. Blake,” “Penelope & Kennedy” and “Azure” all premiered at the Chain Film Festival.  His short film “Swingers” garnered him the awards for Best Director and Best Super Short in 2013.  For this production he wishes to thank Kirk and Christina for their support, Lily-Claire Harvey and Ally McQuade for their incredible assitance and the beautiful cast who put this play together in a remarkably short period of time and smiled the whole way through.  This play changed because of their energy and there aren’t enough thank yous in the world for that.  This play is dedicated to Julia Patantella. www.facetofacefilms.net

Ally McQuade (Stage Manager) Ally McQuade is a New York based actress who trained at the New York Film Academy. She made her Off- Broadway debut this year as Marthe Daubreuil in “Murder on the Links” at The Players Theatre. Ally has worked with The Evening Crane Theatre Company for two years, acting in various film and stage productions.

Philip Lauto (Composer) Music has always been a part of Philip’s life but it wasn’t until he was eight years old when he started playing the flute that it became an extension of himself. Flute is still a major part of his life but he turned to composing during high school when he realized he wanted to write the messages behind the music instead of just playing it. He is a graduate from Adelphi University where he studied composition under Sidney Boquiren, Christopher Lyndon-Gee, and Paul Moravec. He then continued his education at New York University where he completed his composition masters degree with a concentration in film scoring and multimedia. Philip hopes that his music can create positive impacts in the lives of those who listen to it and is attracted to the idea of writing music for film and multimedia because it is a great venue to reach as many people as possible. Through Face to Face, Philip is able to add his music to the impactful stories that he has always wanted to help create.

For My Very Own 

by Emma Lefkowitz

Synopsis: What if Anne could shed her white privilege forever? In the satire, FOR MY VERY OWN, it turns out it’s possible! All you have to do is adopt a homeless person - and Anne is all in. Watch as Anne tackles every obstacle - - a moral critic, a rival leader, a wary media and the ruthless social media public - - on her path to ultimate progressive glory.

Emma Lefkowitz playwright

Sarah De Baets director

Tahyira Savanna assistant director

Maya Kate Frueh Anne

Hadas Brown Nora

Hannah Deale Ines

Brian Mendoza The Reporter

BIOS:

Emma Lefkowitz is an emerging playwright based outside of Philadelphia whose writing explores what happens when we confront the seductive safety of ideology in our emotional lives. Emma has written: DOOR TO DOOR (unproduced), a comedy about a shrinking synagogue in suburbia; EACH OTHER (produced by The Open-Door Podcast, 2021), a 10-minute play about perfectionism; and FOR MY VERY OWN (self-produced at The Chain Theatre’s Winter One-Act Festival, 2022), an absurd comedy about white woman who wants to save the world. Emma is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and Washington University in St. Louis.  She is so grateful to the cast and crew for taking on this project - and to her family and friends for their loving support.

Sarah De Baets is a French director/actor based in NYC. Her most recent work includes LOVE, LA FAMILIA, a full length-play, performed at the Vino Theater, that explores the themes of immigration, young love and family loyalty, and HOODWINKED, a workshop production at the AMDA. Sarah is very excited to take on more comedic projects such as FOR MY VERY OWN. Her hobbies include binge watching stand ups and hanging out with dogs. She would like to thank Emma for the opportunity and trust to direct FOR MY VERY OWN and her family and friends for their constant love and support. 

Tahyira Savanna is an actor, producer, screenwriter, and lyricist from Brooklyn, NY.  She creates and performs her music underneath the moniker ‘Tee Slaves’.  Tahyira has been working in tv and film for over ten years.  She started as a talent manager back in 2011 in New York City, after earning a MS/BA in Criminal Justice from LIU Post.  She produced her first feature length documentary entitled New Minds In New York in 2012.  In 2017 she moved to Hollywood garnering credits with CBS, ABC, E! News, and more.  While appearing on an episode of Let’s Make a Deal, producers told her “she had something special”.  In 2021, she portrayed Tanasia, a pansexual woman in love with a trans woman performing at the Episcopal Actors Guild.  She was casted as a performing storyteller in TMI Project’s Stories for Choice season 2.  As of 2022, she is preparing to pitch 3 pilots packages and 2 spec scripts which she wrote and produced.  Her passions include performing arts, activism, and having fun.  Her Instagram is @iletthegoodtimesroll and she owns that handle with pride.  

Maya Kate Frueh is a New York City based actor originally from Boulder County, Colorado. She is a recent graduate of the AMDA Studio program, a stage combat specialist and a Third Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. She is very excited to be playing the role of Anne in For My Very Own! Her recent work includes All is Fair Part 2: War, a workshopped Shakespeare production with Quest Players in October 2021. 

Brian Mendoza is excited to be a part of For My Very Own. His recent works include productions of The Comedy of Errors and The Rover with Stag & Lion Theatre, as well as an original piece, 40th Street...A Story of a Life, at the Chain Theatre. Brian received his education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he played roles such as Brutus in Julius Caesar and Winston Smith in an adaptation of 1984. He would like to thank his loved ones for all their support.

Hadas Brown returned to New York in 2021, after a career as a broadcast news reporter that took her to Florida and Mississippi. She recently trained with Atlantic Theater Company, and currently is studying film acting technique with ARG Studios. She is thrilled to join the cast of For My Very Own!

Hannah Deale is very grateful to be a part of For My Very Own at The Chain Theatre Festival. Her recent TV and film credits include the indie film Becoming Green and HBO's Westworld. Hannah studied at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy where she received a certificate in Conservatory Studio Acting. 

 Play website (with Chain info): https://www.formyveryowntheplay.com/

PROGRAM 2

Amorality Play

Written by Laura Clare Browne and Lauren Dietzel

Synopsis:

In a modern take on a medieval theatrical staple, SomeDude is given the choice between two fates. Does this 21st century Everyman deserve the pearly gates or will he be chilling by the firey poolside of hell? Meet the personifications of Conscience, Vice, Charity, Sloth, even Death in this hilarious exploration of the duality of man! Your college professors would be so proud.

CAST/CREATIVE

Laura Clare Browne (Writer/Death) is an actor, writer, and comedian hailing from Eastchester, New York. Past credits include: Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Squealer in Animal Farm, and Mabel in The Queer Witch Conspiracy (The Seeing Place). She's thrilled to be back on stage exploring fun and silly characters with such a fantastic cast and crew! Instagram: @swaggiebrowne

Lauren Dietzel (Writer) is an LA-born, NYC based comedy writer, actress and one half of Thanks, Mom! Comedy. She was last seen co- writing at The Chain’s Summer One Act Festival and NYTF’s Summerfest. Thank you to The Chain for once again allowing us to continue with these shenanigans. Instagram @thanksmomcomedy (or @laurendeetz)  Website: ThanksMomComedy.org (or LaurenDietzel.com)

Samantha Mushin (Director) is a director and producer, currently working for dell’Arte Opera Ensemble on their administrative side, and preparing to assistant direct for their upcoming production of “Juana”. A big thanks to “Thanks, Mom! Comedy” and all the cast for making the show happen! Instagram: @smushin18

Seann Morgan (Some Dude) is a writer/performer who’s very happy to continue getting chances to act during these (still) unprecedented times! Seann’s hobbies include binging old movies and rewatching It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Seann would like to thank his castmates, friends, and family for their support. Enjoy the show! Instagram: @morganseann

Anna Rudegair (Conscience) is a New York based actor and writer. She spends her time performing comedic sketches on TikTok and waiting in line at Trader Joe’s. Thank you, Mom and thank you, “Thanks, Mom!” TikTok & Instagram: @annaredhair_

Ethan Marble (Vice) is an actor from North Kingstown, RI. He graduated from Hofstra university in 2019, and has since performed in various locations throughout New England, such as The Old Man and the Old Moon (Merrimack College) and How the Other Half Loves (Cannon Theatre). He currently resides in Brooklyn. Ethan is thrilled to be sharing the stage with his fiends once again, and he is thankful for the opportunity.  Instagram: @emarble1

Kaitlyn Rose Rabocse (Virtues & Sins) recent graduate of Hofstra University’s BFA Acting program, Kaitlyn has performed in sketch comedy to Shakespeare and everything in-between. You can catch her in the limited series “No Joke” streaming on Amazon Prime this winter. A big “thank you” to Thanks, Mom! Comedy for inviting her to join this fun project! Website: www.kaitlynroserabocse.com

Every Other Weekend

by Joseph Sexton

Synopsis: Melissa is ready to get away for the weekend and party. Rick is prepared to declare his love and sacrifice himself to marriage. Ellen, an almost 40 year old adjunct professor is pregnant and just wants to end it. This is the story of two women’s long drive through the regulations and restrictions on women’s health care to a place where Ellen can have her choice and ultimately they find the true meaning of friendship and what love really is. 

Directed by Joseph Sexton 

Ellen - Sarah Denison

Melissa - Johnette Janney

BIOS: 

Joseph Sexton - My plays have been produced by Love Creek productions, The Players Theater and From the Couch in NYC and also workshopped by Rising Sun Performance company as part of their summer Laboratorium series. I have been acting, directing and writing in NYC since 2011. I studied fine art and economics at the University of Washington and obtained a masters degree in fine arts from Long Island University. I currently reside in Brooklyn, NY.  Want more? Check out my page at the New Play Exchange - https://newplayexchange.org/users/21682/joseph-sexton

Sarah B. Denison (she/her/hers) Originally from the Spokane Indian Reservation (Spokane Tribe); received her BA in theatre from Eastern Washington University. Recent credits include: Kilawna in Kamloopa (WAM Theatre, Lenox MA); Dora in Soledad (Amerian Indian Community House & Carnegie Hall, NYC). Other NYC theatrical credits include performances with: Theatre For The New City, The New Short Play Festival (NSPF), LoveCreek Productions, and others. She has studied sketch writing with UCB (NYC); improv at the PIT (NYC); She is a co-founder, actor, writer, and director with From the Couch Theatre (NYC).Film/ TV credits: Snowflake, and Discovery ID's Grave Mysteries. She is a fierce animal rights advocate (Go Vegan!) and really, really, really loves goats and dogs and pigs. IG: @sarahbdenison.actor; YouTube: SarahBDenison http://www.sarahbdenison.com

Johnette Janney (Melissa) is a NYC based actor who is happy to return to the stage inEvery Other Weekend. Her favorite credits include (Dorothea) inA Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur at the Sargent Theater and (Mrs Prism) Importance of Being Earnest, Beckman Theater.Johnette would like to thank her sister Davida Janney for her support and her late mother, Elisa Janney, for her example of courage and resilience. www.johnettejanney.com

PROGRAM 3

Emily

by Cayson Miles

Synopsis:

Emily tells the story of a young girl who wishes to go to her high school prom, however, there is one major obstacle she must overcome—she must tell her mother that she is transgender. Emily explores the topic of young transgender teens and their desire to have a regular high school experience while remaining true to their identities and sense of self. 

CREATIVE 

CAYSON MILES……………..PLAYWRIGHT/CO-PRODUCER 

EMMA DENSON…………….DIRECTOR/CO-PRODUCER 

LUKE LUTZ…………………..DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT/CO-PRODUCER 

CAST 

J.L. PERKEL…………………EMILY 

NATE CLEVELAND…………TROY 

MARISSA PARNESS………..LAURA 

YASMIN PASCALL…………..NADIA 

DAVID SHAKOPI…………….MR. JONES 

CAST AND CREW BIOS 

CAYSON MILES (PLAYWRIGHT/CO-PRODUCER) 

Cayson Miles (they/them) is a playwright based in Mississippi. They have a degree in Theatre from the University of Southern Mississippi, and have been a member of the Powerhouse Theatre Training Company and the Kennedy Center Playwriting Intensive. Their work includes full-lengths, one acts, and ten minute plays. 

EMMA DENSON (DIRECTOR/CO-PRODUCER) 

Emma Denson moved to New York in 2020 after graduating with a theatre degree from Mississippi State University. She currently assists director Colm Summers on his work in Dublin and NYC, most recently a playwriting workshop at Columbia University. Recent: Wednesday: A Documentary (Production Assistant, Dir. by Raja Feather Kelly), Grudges ( Assistant Director, Knowledge Workings Theatre Co.). Upcoming: Top Hate (Director, Knowledge Workings Theatre Co.), When David Buckel Saved the World (Assistant Director, Dir. by Colm Summers), A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Assistant Director, Dir. by Colm Summers).

LUKE LUTZ (DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT/CO-PRODUCER) 

Luke Lutz graduated from Mississippi State in 2019 where he directed and produced over a dozen improv shows and open mics throughout the south east. He moved to Los Angeles after graduation where he currently produces open mic shows as well as collaborating with Emma Denson to develop original works. 

ALVIN CHRISTMAS (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) 

Alvin Christmas is a student of the Stella Adler Professional Acting Conservatory and a graduate of the theatre program at Mississippi State University. His most recent work has been as a Guest Star on the TV show Evil Lives Here on Discovery ID and Justin's Side at the Black Motherhood and Parenting New Play Festival 

J.L. PERKEL (EMILY) 

J.L. Perkel (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of such a special show. As a trans actress, authentically portraying roles that reflect her experience are still far and few between, but she’s ready to change the narrative. A graduate from the University of Houston, she has been in shows such as The Whale, Tea and Sympathy, and Sixty Miles to Silver Lake (nominated by BWW for Best Supporting Actor in a Play). She was last seen producing her cabaret Butterfly: The Farewell Concert (nominated by BWW Cabaret for Best Special Event, Solo). 

NATE CLEVELAND (TROY) 

Nate Cleveland moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue acting after graduating from Mississippi State University with a theatre degree in 2020. He recently signed on with a talent agency based out of Los Angeles and is working towards a career in film. Nate is thrilled to be part of such a meaningful and special story. 

MARISSA PARNESS (LAURA) 

Marissa is honored to be a part of this important show, and very grateful to Cayson, Emma and Luke for this opportunity. A graduate of Circle in the Square, Marissa is an actor, singer and voice over artist based in New York City. Most notably, Marissa has narrated over 85 titles on Audible and lent her voice to video game animation. Select favorite theatrical productions include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Theatre for the New City), A Brief History of the Soviet Union (Dorothy Strelsin Theatre) and Hansel and Gretel (Actor’s Playhouse). You might catch her in shows on TV such as Mysteries of the Unknown, Evil Lives Here, Redrum and Celebrity Ghost Stories. For Joe, always. 

YASMIN PASCALL (NADIA) 

Yasmin Pascall (she/they) is an actor and creative based in NYC. She was born in California, but spent a large part of their life traveling whilst they grew up in Chennai, India. These experiences have deeply influenced her love for people and their stories. Yasmin loves devising and the art of physical storytelling through movement and dance. They are especially passionate about queer and immigrant stories, as well as exploring the political and provocative nature of art. They are honored to be a part of Cayson Miles’ Emily! UNCSA Drama ’21.

DAVID SHAKOPI (MR. JONES) 

Theater: Night Watch, Heights Players; Stranger Than a Rhino, FringeNYC; Much Ado About Nothing, Soho Playhouse; A Walk on the Beach, Theater for a New City; A Man For All Seasons, Heights Players. Film/TV: Shattered; Diabolical; Evil Lives Here; 6 Degrees of Murder. VO: Meet Cute; LO3 Energy; Restoration Row, Kognito. For M&K. 

Julie, Paul and Jack

by Thomas Moore

Synopsis: Julie, Paul, & Jack is a dark comedy that follows Jack, a therapist who’s great at helping his patients find intimacy, but struggles with it himself. With their budding relationship on the line, Paul and Julie turn to Jack to help them reach a shared understanding and, well, a shared reality too.

Cast:

Julie: Caitlyn Marr

Jack: Garrett Hendricks

Paul: Joey Rotter

Creative Team:

Writer/Producer:  Thomas Moore

Director/Producer: Daniela Schrier Kafshi

Producer: Tiffany Bartok

Producer: Jayce Bartok

Social Media: Madison Rae Lutz

Bios:

Thomas Moore (Writer/Producer): Tom is a creator, writer, producer, and occasional actor.  His creative work has won many awards including Brooklyn’s WILLiFEST Outstanding Achievement in Short Screenwriting and LA’s CineStory Foundation’s Best Short Screenplay to name a few. His short films have been official selections in over a dozen indie festivals, including The Chain Short Film Festival, and his plays have been invited into The NYC Fringe Festival. Tom is also a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Manhattan and in the spring of 2020, he created The Calm Collection, a series of 3-minute original videos to help frontline healthcare staff cope with stress they’re experiencing during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Daniela Schrier-Kafshi (Director): Daniela is a writer and director. Her work includes The Showdown, which premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the satirical series Sisters and Misters. In 2017, she was a participant in the BlackList x Women in Film screenwriters lab where she honed her skills alongside leading female creators. Daniela is also the mother of two sons, a native New Yorker and the founder of Silverose Productions, a full-service creative content agency.  

Tiffany Bartok (Producer): Tiffany received her BFA in Musical Theater from University of the Arts in Philadelphia and currently resides in Brooklyn. She is a documentary film director (Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story), and narrative film producer (Fall to Rise, Sunburn, Jack and Paul). She is excited to bring Jack, Paul and Julie to the theatre for the CHAIN Festival.

Jayce Bartok (Producer): Jayce began his journey as a filmmaker acting in numerous films and television shows, most notably Richard Linklater's Suburbia, Sam Rami's Spiderman, and most recently, Ava Duvernay's When They See Us. Jayce's first screenplay, The Cake Eaters became a critically acclaimed film directed by Mary Stuart Masterson, which he starred in alongside Kristen Stewart and Bruce Dern. Most recently, Jayce stepped into the role of producer on the award-winning documentary, Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story The LA Times called the film "a rich deeply dimensional documentary.”

Caitlyn Marr (Julie): Caitlyn Meagher is a Miami native and has a BA from Middlebury College. Recent credits include Vinegar Tom (Potomac Theater Project), The Wolves (Zoetic Stage), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Toms River Shakespeare), and Macbeth (Endless River Productions). She would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support.

Garrett Hendricks (Jack): Garrett Lee Hendricks has been seen on TV in Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, The Americans, Nurse Jackie. Onscreen he's been in Cafe with Jennifer Love Hewitt, Uncaged, and The Stranger now playing on Amazon Prime. Represented by Donnalyn Carfi of Harvest Talent and Shirley Faison of Adunni Rose Talent.

Joey Rotter (Paul): Joey is an actor, writer and as of the recent apocalypse, a puppeteer.   He is an ensemble member at The Greenhouse Ensemble, where he has acted in film theater and film productions such as The Unspeakable Passion of Mitch Devoe, Cross From Rome and will be debuting his superhero parody play Captain Placeholder and the Adventures of We'll Figure it Out Later in the spring 2022.  He's thrilled to be joining the cast of Julie, Paul and Jack, contributing to the long awaited return of live theater.  Amid the pandemic, Joey began writing and filming his own puppet films from the safety of his home, all are available on his website JoeyRotter.com

Candle Magic

by Colin Murphy

Synopsis:

Before River and MJ can open their serodiscordant relationship they need to unpack some stuff. Literally. After finding an old box in the closet containing a seemingly harmless candle, they are tasked to remember why it was never lit in the first place. By way of a simple spell, a love for plants, and Sandra Bullock films, two partners navigate how to move forward by finding the love and magic in living with HIV.

Cast:

Ben Groh as MJ

Colin Murphy as RIVER

Director:

Hilary Krishnan

BIOS

Hilary Krishnan (She/ Her) (Director) After nearly an eight year hiatus, Hilary is returning to her theater roots. She earned her MFA in Performance and Interactive Media Arts from Brooklyn College in 2014, and then transitioned into the world of experiential marketing—producing events, brand launches, media stunts, and projection ad creative. Prior to her career switch, she worked with The Public Theater's Under the Radar Festival, Rattlestick Playrights Theater, Pig Iron Theatre Company, and Shakespeare & Company. She is elated that her return to directing is alongside dear friends, Colin Murphy and Ben Groh.

Ben Groh (He/ Him) (MJ) is an actor and comedian based out of New York City. He has studied at Susan Batson studio, as well as UCB. He is featured in the upcoming film Gods Time, and is so excited and grateful to be working with the talented Colin and Hilary!

Colin Murphy (He/ They) (Playwright / RIVER) is an actor and playwright thriving in Brooklyn. He earned a BFA in acting from Adelphi University where he also studied playwriting under Anton Dudley. He is a 2008 recipient of the Don Axinn Playwriting Award for his one-act, Edgar’s Smile, and a proud founding member of Rapidfire Bootleg Theater, a developing theater company which produced more than twenty shows in its four years of operations. Colin has been a resident playwright for Adelphi Alumni Playwright’s Group since they originated in the summer of 2020 (www.adelphialumniplaywrightsgroup.com), and is was one of twelve playwrights invited to participate in the 2021 Write It Out! workshop conceived and instructed by Donja R. Love for playwrights living with HIV. He is thankful to both Hilary and Ben who are quite literally magic, and to the Chain Theatre for this meaningful opportunity. Colin is a member of the Dramatists Guild. Learn more about Colin and why he writes here: www.colinwritesplays.com.

PROGRAM 4

Baki Fari

by Taiwo Aloba

Synopsis:

Sade is a university graduate about to embark on a mandatory National Service in Northern Nigeria—an area plagued by inter-ethnic conflicts and banditry. In need of a Hausa language tutor, Sade recruits Madam Zainab, her straight-talking Hausa Neighbor from their intercommunal neighborhood in Lagos. The two women develop a common bond while confronting insecurity and danger in an era of ethnic and religious crisis.

CREATIVE TEAM 

Taiwo Aloba (Playwright & Director)

Jenna Kole (Set Designer)

Kenneth Watson (Photographer)

CREW BIO

Taiwo Aloba (Playwright and Director) is a New York-based writer and director originally  from Nigeria. She was educated at Lagos State University in Lagos, New York Film Academy in  New York, and Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. She has  sung in an ensemble, written books, and ran a marathon in Coney Island.  

Jenna Kole (Set Designer) is a printmaker by trade. Jenna has worked with artists such as Lady  Aiko and the late Robert Indiana in printmaking and has traveled to places like Dubai and  Copenhagen to make art. When she isn’t traveling, she is usually cooking something for friends  and family at her home in Bellmore, Long Island.  

CAST BIO 

Wendy Odour (Madam Zainab): Wendy Oduor is the current Miss Kenya USA. Wendy holds  degrees. In Psychology and Fashion Design. Along with working in the fashion industry and  various creative projects, Wendy simultaneously uses her Miss Kenya platform to spread  awareness about mental health. There is power in the mind and to see everyone freed mentally, is  Wendy’s fuel in all she does.  

Mariama Conde (Sade): Mariama Condé is a 21 year old acting student currently studying drama at NYU in the Atlantic Studio. She has been performing since the age of 11. She was most recently in the film ‘Free Guy’. Performing arts has always been a huge part in her life—her father working closely with Les Ballets Africains and Nimbaya, she always attended festivals and was constantly surrounded by the lively art. Condé is extremely grateful to have grown up with the knowledge of the beauty and art that is woven in the fabric of her West African culture.

Daughters of Miriam

by Molly Levine

Synopsis: High up in the Uinta Mountains just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, a last hoorah of a camping trip slowly turns into an exploration of identity, Judaism, and growing up. Annie, Sam, and Jessa are spirited and outspoken best friends who are days away from leaving each other for college. Cradled by the mountains and nature that raised them, they reckon with what their Jewish sisterhood means to them. Maybe it’s all a coincidence… Or maybe they are products of tradition. 

Cast 

Molly Levine Jessa

Chloe Friedman Sam

Julia Thau Annie

Creative Team 

Molly Levine: Playwright

Haley Self: Director

Karina Singh: Assistant Director

Cait Gagnon: Production Manager/Artist

Mary Barbaria: Stage Manager

Cast/Creative Team Bios 

Molly Levine (Jessa/Playwright): 

Molly Levine (she/her) is a comedian, actor, writer, and performance artist who will graduate with a BFA in Acting & Playwriting from Marymount Manhattan College this spring. Molly frequently writes for herself and her friends, primarily sketches for her sketch team and one-woman shows for her school. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she grew up under a culture that caused her to be fundamentally anti, which obviously informs much of her work. Molly has dreams and goals of changing American theater, particularly fueled by a rejection of the classics and a yearning to push real and new voices to the front, with the help of Haley Self, Molly’s “artistic wife” and collaborator. Molly could not be happier with or more grateful for this experience of working on Daughters of Miriam, as the entire cast and crew are some of her best friends in the entire world, which is her entire ethos as an artist – making art with/by/& for her friends. Molly would like to thank everyone for their love and support, with a special shout out to Kenny Finkle. Molly dedicates this show to her best friend and muse, her mother, who’s Hebrew name is Miriam (which she only found out after the fact of writing the play). To her sweet father, who was raised by strong Jewish women and went on to raise his own. To the real “Jew Crew” of SLC along with its goyim followers who surely make up a lot of this as well. And a special thanks to her other half, Sam Walker. And finally, this play is truly dedicated to the long tradition of misbehaved, spirited Jewish women – may we all continue to dance the whole night long. Find out what it's all about at themollylevine.com 

Haley Self (Director):

Haley Self (she/her) is a multi-media creative interested in telling stories with her friends. Haley and Molly are amidst a life long collaboration to make theatre cool again. Together they have co directed The Vagina Monologues at Marymount Manhattan College and Molly’s one woman show Love, Loss, and Who I Swore At. As a graduating senior, she is excited to work on projects that reflect, interrogate, and create the culture of today. She is deeply grateful for the cast and creative team for inspiring her every move, and gives extra love to Ethan, Brady, Cassie, and Bryan for helping her spread her wings. 

Cait Gagnon (Production Manager/Artist): Cait Gagnon (they/them) is an illustrator and theater artist graduating from Marymount Manhattan College in the spring. This is their second project collaborating with Molly & Haley and certainly not their last. Cait is thrilled to be a part of this production and loves this show very dearly. Special thanks to their friends, family, & partner. 

Karina Singh (Assistant Director): 

Karina Singh (she/her) is a current Junior, BFA Acting major at Marymount Manhattan College. She is so ecstatic to have such a brilliant and joyful show be her first AD experience! Big love to everyone involved! 

Mary Barbaria (Stage Manager): 

Mary Barbaria (she/her) is a NY based stage manager and director. She is currently a sophomore at Marymount Manhattan College in the BFA Stage Management and BA Directing programs. Some of Mary’s most recent credits include Marymount Manhattan’s productions of She Kills Monsters (Assistant Director), Turncoat (ProductionStage Manager), and Daughters of Miriam (Production Stage Manager), as well as Girl Power Sex Positive Joy Ride (Production Stage Manager) at SheNYC arts, and Ivories (Production Stage Manager) at the Tank NYC. Mary is thrilled to be working with the Daughters of Miriam team again, and hopes you enjoy the show! 

Julia Thau (Annie): 

Julia Thau (she/her) is a current freshman BFA Musical Theatre student at Marymount Manhattan College. She is so thrilled to be a part of this amazing piece and opportunity! Julia would like to give a big thank you to the entire cast, creative team, her family and friends for always being the best! 

Chloe Friedman (Sam): 

Chloe Friedman (she/her) is excited to be returning to the story of Daughters Of Miriam. Chloe is a senior at Marymount Manhattan College, pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. She has recently been in Musical of Musicals The Musical, Daughters Of Miriam, and The Theory of Relativity. Chloe would like to thank the entire creative team, her fellow actors, and her friends and family for their support!

Dust Bunnies*

by Jack Rushton

Synopsis:

Lizzie finds a mysterious black cammy in Ralph's room. She gets to the bottom of it.

BIOS

JACK RUSHTON, Playwright

40 pf Jack’s short plays have been produced at more than 150 Festivals around the country, including his George’s Radio, The Andaluz Award winner at The Fusion Theater’s The Seven in 2017 and his Mistranslations, a Finalist for the National Award, Short Play Writing, City Theater-Miami, 2019. Jack is thrilled that this fabulous cast is premiering Dust Bunnies at The Chain One Act Festival. Big thanks, Stephanie and Larry! For more about Jack’s work: http://www.jack-rushton.com

STEPHANIE HAZARD (Lizzie)

A Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre Company. Stephanie co-produced and performed in GTC's inaugural production God of Carnage and co-produced and directed several one-acts for GTC's collection of short plays, Seven Easy Pieces, written by Jack Rushton. Stephanie has also produced a variety of short play festivals at Theater Artists Workshop in CT and as a past Board President has been a driving force for new programming and sold-out public performances.  She has performed in a variety stage productions in CT and starred in Jack Rushton’s Beekeeper, The Players Theater-NYC SEX FESTIVAL  2018 Winner. Her TV and film work include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Money Monster and The Greatest Showman. Stephanie continues to hone her craft at the Sally Batson Studio in NYC. 

LARRY REINA (Ralph)

Select roles in New York City include King Lear (title role), Hamlet (Claudius), Three Sisters (Tuzenbach), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom); Twelfth Night (Malvolio) with Red Monkey Theater Group; Regional theater include  Seven Easy Pieces by Jack Rushton (Greenwich Theater Co.); Judge/Old Soldier, Parade (White Plains Performing Arts Centre); Oberon/Theseus,  A Midsummer Night’s Queen (Lawn Chair Theatre, Westchester Co.); Charles, Blithe Spirit (M&M Productions, Tarrytown); Laramie Project (Clocktower, Irvington); Jacques Brel (Darien Arts Ctr); Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Trained in Atlantic Theater Company’s program. More info: https://www.backstage.com/u/LarryReina/

PROGRAM 5

Maybelle... Unfiltered

by Horace Turnbull

Synopsis:

A new One-act musical set in NYC 1977. Fans from all walks of life eagerly tune in nightly to Maybelle’s late night FM radio talk show “Late Night Love”. They call for advice, support, and sometimes just to hear another voice. Through a mosaic of stories and characters, not only does Maybelle inspire others with her edgy and honest approach, but there are moments where she too reflects on her own life.

BIOS

Trena B. Real (Maybelle) is an emerging actress and comedienne originating from Port Arthur, Texas. Through troubling life experiences, Trena found herself and her life’s path. A SAG-AFTRA actress, Trena lives by her motto “Forever living out your dreams dedicated to dreamers who stopped dreaming.” Through her faith and charismatic attitude, Trena has reached high levels in the entertainment industry. The past host of her own radio show on WTJZ 1270, Trena is an artistic threat that continues to bloom. Part of her experience in the industry is working for Willis Broadcasting, the first African American gospel radio station in Norfolk, Virginia. Currently, Trena B. Real is playing Detective Grant in comedy Traffic Lane, and pastor Crawford in mini-series “Touched,” both written & produced by producer/director Jermaine Smith. Her innate talent is blossoming to what it is today and Trena aims to captivate people with it. Trena B. Real is set to cement herself in the entertainment industry for years to come.

Scout Ford (The Man) is a singer-songwriter  and actor from Brooklyn, N. Y. His musical style shows influence of various musical genres including Classic Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop, R&B, Doo Wop, Blues, and Rock. He formed his first group a quartet Called U-Turn that changed its name and became a trio called In-Vest.  It was a member of that group (and the help of group member Bryant Smith) that he learned the basic of harmony and music on the streets of NYC. During an event that Ground Stone was performing in, he was approached to audition for the Trans Siberian Orchestra.  This group that has a Progressive rock & Symphonic Rock sound thought that he had a voice that would be perfect for their show.  Exposed to the country on his largest stage yet he wowed the audiences with his passionate renditions of "Christmas Nights In Blue" and "Proud Mary” literally jumping across the stage!  As a result of this he toured with this production with them from 2007-2010. He took off from touring to help take care of his family as they needed him but he’s returned back and he's stepping up to share his love of performing with the world.

Aja Downing (The Woman) is extremely pleased and excited to be apart of this project and ready for all the projects to come.Aja graduated from The American  Musical Arts Academy in 2016. Some of Aja's previous roles were Annette in TjLovesSally4eva, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Jojo in Cher Chez Le Femme , Cassandra in Alex and Eugene , Christine Daè in The Phantom of the Opera, Aida in Aida and Ella Baker in Bayard: a new musical. Aja would like to thank her Mom and dad for all they’re support and love! And also thank the incredible cast and crew of this project !

Horace Turnbull (Creator/Lyrics/Composer) Theatrically he has assisted Tony Award Nominee Chris Chadman from the Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls serving as dance supervisor for the Broadway show Face Value, directed by Tony award winner Jerry Zaks. He also had the pleasure of teaching the young boys (including Savion Glover) in the Broadway show The Tap Dance Kid. He was also pre-production assistant to Tony Award winner Danny Daniels on the National Tour of The Tap Dance Kid. Other choreographic credits include the National Tour of Funny Girl, choreographer for Cork at the Actor's Collective, and choreographer for Manhattan Serenade at the AMAS Repertory Theatre. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Musical Theatre from New York University (NYU.

Stuck

Book and Lyrics by Danielle Koenig

Music by Julio Vaquero

Synopsis: Every day for Paul Small is the same: wake up, go to work, pull a lever, go home, wake up, go to work, pull a lever, go home, wake up, go to work, pull a lever, go home. Until - in a flash of light - two alternate reality versions of Paul appear, urging Paul to change the course of their life. This musical absurdist comedy asks the question: if you had to save the world or save yourself, which would you choose? 

Cast/Creative Team List: 

Paul - Sara James 

Mad Max Paul - Madison Wechsler 

Unlucky Paul - Jamie Shapiro

Director - Irvin Mason 

Music Director/Composer - Julio Vaquero 

Librettist - Danielle Koenig 

Choreographer - Haleyann Hart 

Stage Manager - Agnes Scotti 

Producer - Mary Alex Daniels 

Scenic Designer - Miranda Holliday 

Props Designer - Abbie Goldberg 

Bios: 

Sara James (Paul) (they/she) is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of such a killer cast and crew and a wildly fun story. A 2019 graduate of UCLA, some favorite past credits include Fiona (Shrek the Musical), Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), Dawn (Waitress), and Maxi in the soon-to-be-released Spotify/Apple Music podcast Lone Stranger. Sara would like to give the biggest of thanks to Dani, Julio, Irvin, Agnes, and Haleyann for creating and holding this crazy ride together, and you for coming to see it! If you want to say hi online, you can find them on Instagram and TikTok (@sara_jamss/@sarajamss, respectively), although as an Unlucky Paul once said, "Technology is hard." 

Madison Wechsler (Mad Max Paul) (she/they) is supremely pumped to be a part of this project. She's currently finishing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Pace University and is extremely excited and simultaneously terrified to graduate! Madison's favorite roles and projects include Cherry Valance (The Outsiders), pre-pro of Evita at NYCC (Eva u/s), and Martha Dunnstock (Heathers). She wants to thank her family, the cast and team, and her therapist for their love and support! ( IG: @madisonwechsler) 

Jamie Shapiro (Unlucky Paul) (she/they) is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of Drama. She has originated roles in many new works, notably in The Undertow written by Claire Rothrock and Ryann Weir, directed by Andrew Neisler, as well as in Michael Mahler's new musical Painted Alice. She fancies herself an actress, writer, director and producer (as well as professional Couch PotatoTM). Most recently, she Associate Produced National Lampoon’s “Radio Hour Podcast” and founded the production group Executive Witches. Jamie is also mesmerized by manatees. 

Danielle Koenig (Librettist/Producer) is a writer, actor, and comedian based in NYC and Los Angeles. She is a soon-to-be-graduate of NYU Tisch’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program and an alumnus of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television. Her first original musical,Camp Song, debuted in Fall of 2019 on UCLA Theater’s Mainstage and was selected as a finalist for the New York Musical Festival. Her work has been featured at 54 Below in a series of shows dedicated to up & coming musical theater writers (and many other 54 Below one-offs) and, after winning Playdate Theatre Company’s Holiday Special, her song My Half Brother, The Saintwas professionally recorded by TikTok star JJ Niemann for Spotify release and performed at the famous Duplex Theatre. In January of 2020, she was hired at Saturday Night Live as a Writer’s intern. She has since completed Upright Citizen’s Brigade training in both sketch and improv. Her sketch comedy videos have been viewed over 1.5 million times on Youtube. For more information check out daniellekoenig.com. 

Haleyann Hart (Choreographer) is a performer, choreographer, and teacher focused on making accessible and inclusive artistic opportunities for all. In 2020 she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Theater from UCLA where she choreographed Little Shop of Horrorsand Camp Song (written by Danielle Koenig), both directed by Irvin Mason Jr. She's so thrilled to be working with them again as well as everyone else involved in Stuck and at The Chain! 

Julio Vaquero (Composer/Music Director) is an award-winning Spanish composer currently living in New York. Despite having a classical education, Julio has developed his career as a writer for the stage. His musicals have been performed in the major theaters of Madrid and three of his musicals, The Sleeping Beauty (2016), Peter Pan (2018) and Dumbo (2019) have been nominated for the Broadway World Spain Awards, with Dumbo (2019) winning for best family musical. Peter Pan and Dumbo were also nominated for the best score and musical for the Spanish National Musical Theatre Awards.He studied music composition in the Royal Music School of Madrid (Spain) and in the Chopin University in Warsaw (Poland), furthering his studies in Great Britain with Malcolm Singer and in Italy with Salvatore Sciarrino. He is presently working towards an MFA at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Mary Alex Daniels (Producer) recently graduated cum laude from UCLA’s School of Theatre, Film, and Television with a degree in theater and entrepreneurship. She has worked for many theaters across Los Angeles including Center Theatre Group, Antaeus Theatre Company, and A Noise Within. Since moving to New York City, she has interned with Jujamcyn Theaters in their Theater Ops Department, signed on to produce 2 new shows Off-Off Broadway, and is preparing to start a Press Internship with Boneau/Bryan-Brown this spring. Increasing accessibility to the arts is at the heart of all of Mary Alex’s work, and she aspires to become a leading creative producer in the theater industry. When she isn't at the theater, Mary Alex runs her own website design agency, MAD Web Design, where her mission is to help artists and creatives develop an authentic digital presence. She also loves reading at home with her cat Patsy (yes, after Patsy Cline). 

Irvin Mason Jr. (Director) is a director, actor, and spoken word artist born and raised in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Some of his recent/favorite directing credits include: Ain’t Misbehavin with Gallery Players Theatre, Once on this Island and Little Shop of Horrors with the Color Box Production Company, and Camp Song, a new musical developed for UCLA’s main stage season. He received his degree in theater with an emphasis in directing from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television.The best role Irvin has played is being a current middle school science teacher at Neighborhood Charter School in Harlem. 

Agnes Scotti (Stage Manager) graduated from Ithaca College in May of 2021 with two Bachelors of Arts in Theatre Studies and Politics. Past credits include, Stage Manager of Buried, a new work at the 2019 New York Musical Festival, and a production assistant on Between the Sea and Sky the 2018 pick for Best Musical at the New York Musical Festival. In 2021 she directed a production of Proof for the Ithaca College Theatre Arts Festival. She wants to thank Danielle and the rest of the Stuck production team, as well as her family and friends. 

PROGRAM 6

7 Minutes on Earth

Written by Carlos Joy 

Directed by David Zayas Jr 

Synopsis: On New year's eve, Andi gets an unexpected visit from Will. Their deceased boyfriend. But the catch is they only have seven minutes together.

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.

Three Characters Figure It Out

by Matthew McLachlan

Synopsis: While trying to figure out how to proceed with the play they are in, 3 characters are forced to act out the most random, nonsensical acts, much to the enjoyment of Stage Directions. When things get a bit too ridiculous, tensions rise and the point of the whole thing is questioned.

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

In Here and Out There

by Ethan Edwards

Synopsis:  

A debate over what to do on Friday night turns sour for a newlywed couple in East Village in 1976.  

Bios: 

Ethan Edwards is a playwright and filmmaker living in New York City. He was a semi-finalist in the 2021  SOOP Theatre Short-Play Festival and has been published in the Corvus Review. He would like to thank  the Chain Theatre on behalf of our entire team! 

Zach Blair is an NYC based actor and illustrator. He has studied at UALR and Rose Bruford College  (London). He’s recently toured with Chamber Theatre Productions and other companies.  

Jessie Jennison is an NYC-based actor, producer and filmmaker. Recent credits include Gloria at Virginia  Repertory Theatre/Cadence and numerous national commercials. Jessie is currently in pre-production  for a film titled Three Ways Out that she is producing and starring in. She is a proud Northwestern  graduate.  

Picture Day

by Ashley Siflinger

Synopsis: Jess, Maria, Franklin and Carmen are four coworkers at a large modern day factory. Over their lunch break they gossip about coworkers, commiserate miserable working conditions, exchange sexual fantasies, and generally, talk shit. The threat of automation looms as it would force individuals to work twelve hour shifts alone with a robot instead of with each other. It sends the crew into a tailspin of panic and misery as they try to conceive of this job without the one thing that makes it bearable, each other. Picture day is a mediation on the working conditions in modern day factories and a celebration of the kinds of relationships that those conditions threaten.

Lorena Monagas (Carmen, She/Her/Hers) is a multi-disciplinary artist from Puerto Rico currently based in New York. Some of her on stage work includes classical and contemporary plays. She's also worked in numerous film, multimedia, and voice-over projects. Lorena has an MFA from The Academy for Classical Acting at the Shakespeare Theatre and George Washington University. Lorena has also trained at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox Massachusetts, The William Esper Studio in New York City, The Barrow Group in New York City, and Casa Cruz de la Luna in San Germán, Puerto Rico. www.lorenamonagas.com

Valeria Nacer (Maria, she/her) is very excited to be a part of Picture Day at The Chain Theater. She played Tessa in an adaptation of “Five Women Wearing The Same Dress” in Mexico City. Valeria is a theater alumni of Interlochen Arts Academy. She practices yoga, pole dance and acro-yoga. She’s the podcast host of Vida y Limones where she interviews people about their relationship with their bodies and the context they live in. Special thanks to all the Picture Day production and The Chain Theater! 

Unique Jenkins (Franklin she/they) is excited to be joining the cast and crew of Picture day. She was last seen on stage playing Tee in Shared Sentences on Theater row. Along with playing Jasmine in the AFI short film "Work", you can catch "Work" at Sundance.org and Innocent boy on Amazon prime where she played the role of Penny. When Unique is not acting or modeling their skateboarding, riding their bike or geeking out over motorcycles, kittens and chocolate cake. Unique is an alumni at LACC theater academy. This is Unique's 3rd year of living in New York City and they're proud to call it their home

Renee Gagner (Jess) is an actor originally from Toronto. She has worked on stage in plays, musicals, cabarets, and concerts in New York and regionally around the US, as well as in various independent films. Renee is a founding member of The Dead End Kids, a theater company that mounts simple and intimate stagings of classics, contemporary pieces, and new works that aim to nourish the human soul. She is a graduate of CAP21 Conservatory where she trained in Musical Theater, and holds a degree in Liberal Arts from The New School, which she earned jointly at the University of Toronto. Renee-Gagner.com

Ashley Siflinger (Playwright, She/Her) is a playwright and performer living in NYC. Her full-length plays include Date Play (Semi-Finalist SheNYC Summer Theater Festival '22, Semi-Finalist Chain Theater Playwriting Lab '22), Shiva, and The Guys. She received her BFA in Drama from Tisch School of the Arts and has spent most of her adult life hanging around theaters. She's really happy you're here. Big thanks to Sam, Chris and Jen!

Jennifer Beck (Assistant Producer, She/Her) is a playwright and producer living in NYC. She has produced events and shows at StandUP NY, The Pit, UCB, and The Tank. Her one act, Bear with Me, was featured during The Tank’s LadyFest. Jennifer is an alum of the National Theater Institute. Thanks to Chris, Ashley, and Sam. Thanks to all who came / are virtually watching.

Christopher Diercksen (Director, He/They) is the Artistic Director of Team Awesome Robot, a New York City based theater company focusing on the dramaturgical development of new plays and advocacy of the people who make them. Directing credits include: Rush by Callie Kimball, That True Phoenix by Daniel John Kelley, Let's Do That Hockey by Madhuri Shekar, and Break by Sam Walsh. Christopher is an alum of the National Theater Institute and Albright College; thanks to Sam and Ashley.

Georgina Woo (Sound Designer) is a sophomore at Hunter College, studying Theatre and Computer Science. She received her diploma in Arts and Theatre Management, specializing in Technical Theatre, in Singapore (2019). She has worked professionally as a stage manager, lighting designer, and production technician, and her past projects include designing visual elements such as lighting, set pieces, puppets, and props for sensory theatre shows for children. She currently tutors aspiring programmers, which mostly involves turning things off and on again. Georgina is a trained pianist and harpist and dances Argentine tango in her free time. www.behance.net/georginawooxy

PROGRAM 7

There Be Monsters Here

by Anthony Pennino

Synopsis: Christopher Marlowe – playwright, spy, adventurer – is a remarkable man in a remarkable age, but not even he can direct the wants of the human heart, including his own.

BIOS

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

Anthony P. Pennino (playwright, co-director) is excited to be returning to The Chain where he presented “Corpus Christi” as part of the Summer ’21 one-act festival. He is the author of numerous plays including Chokehold, Of Privilege and Property, and Christ Detained. He was twice awarded a fellowship from the New Jersey Council on the Arts. A professor of literature, he also authored a monograph on the British theatre in the 1980s, which was published by Palgrave Macmillan UK. He holds an MFA from Columbia and a PhD from the University of London.

Michael Saunders (Tom, co-director) is thrilled to be back on the stage after an extended hiatus due to Covid. His looks forward to bringing to life another of Anthony Pennino’s works, with Tony’s last piece- The Nuclear Plays - being Michael’s New York debut back in 2018. Michael wants to send out a special thank you to his friends, family, and roommates for constantly supporting and pushing him, especially over these past two years.

Still Life On Campus

By Wayne L. Firestone

Directed by Marcus Gualberto

Synopsis: Still Life on Campus, explores a hostile conversation that starts on campus between a Millennial art student and a statue of Christopher Columbus who can speak but cannot smell anything.  The student visibly ages as the play proceeds into the distant future but the statue does not. The interaction reveals that more than one generation needs to assess visible and invisible scars from the past and revisit how to heal.

Starring

Robert Maisonett as Chris

Sara Minisquiero as Stacy

Anita Daswani as Voice

Marcus Gualberto (Director)

Born in Manila, Philippines, Marcus Gualberto is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion and intersectionality for theatre artists on and off stage. A Co-Founder of Regeneration Theatre, Marcus directed Michael Cristofer's Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play The Shadow Box at The Gene Frankel Theatre. For the company, he has also directed William M. Hoffman’s As Is (Workshop Theater) and co-directed Tennessee Williams’ Small Craft Warnings (13th Street Rep). Other NY credits include: Wayne L. Firestone's Fallen Man (Players Theatre); Richard Curtis's Quiet Enjoyment (world premiere, Playroom Theater) and Dead Zone & Lunch with Your Editor (NY Lives Festival @ Producer’s Club); and the workshop production of ETHER: The Strange Afterlife of Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle by Susan Weinstein (IRT Theater). For four consecutive summer seasons with Actors Conservatory Ensemble / TreePeople, he produced and directed An Alfred Hitchcock Radio Play Double Feature (Rebecca and Shadow of a Doubt starring Academy Award nominee Robert Forster; Lifeboat and Strangers on a Train; The Thirty Nine Steps and Suspicion; Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Notorious featuring Hans Tester) at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Amphitheatre, Los Angeles. He currently serves as Deputy Director for the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD!) whose programming serves women, POCs and the LGBTQ+ community.

Sara Minisquero (Stacy)

Formerly a stage critter of multiple talents – acting, crooning, crafting, stage management, and production design – they put on every hat plus the community Contessa apron for over 15 years. Pandemic catastrophe halted a very promising start to Marshmallow Minxes Presents: a performance art production company founded with their counterpart Celia Foxglove and “Boodoir”: A monthly variety show. Since then Sara has ported their talents on the web, hosting at www.SongsofSaranalia.com . Many thanks to Marcus for the support and connections through the years. Miraculous 2021 projects included “Love the One You’re With” directed by Joan Kane, “The Big Dream” directed by Jay Michaels and will be appearing in the film “Modest Male Exposure” by Jed Ryan premiering soon.

Robert Maisonett (Chris)

In 2021, Robert Maisonett starred in Wayne L. Firestone's FALLEN MAN, part of The Rogue Theater Festival. He is honored to be working on Wayne once again. Other theatre credits include: THE SHADOW BOX (Regeneration Theatre), AS IS (Regeneration Theatre), SONNETS FOR AN OLD CENTURY (Bank Street Theatre), YOUR FAITHFUL READER (Muriel Schulman Theater); SEX, LIES, ADAM & EVE (Nuyorican Poets Café);  CLOUD 9 (Atrium Theater); SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW (Union Square Theater). Film and TV credits include: Alma Perdida; Miguel, Ma Belle; La Promesa; Collision; A Day at the Beach; Behind the Walls; Episode 50; Twin Primes; and “Taxi Brooklyn” (recurring).Robert was a 2017 BRIO Award recipient for Narrative Film & Video in Media Arts for his work in Latin Lives, a web series which he developed and created. SAG-AFTRA 

Anita Daswani (Voice)

Anita Daswani is an NYC-based actress with performance experience ranging from Off-off-Broadway plays to TV and film. She made her Big Apple debut in 2018 with an originally written piece called The Suicide Journals, which shed light on suicide awareness and prevention. Since then she has starred in other original works such as Loving Japamala, and Flowers: A Thorny Romance Story. She also appeared in the well-renowned Moisés Kaufman play, The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later.  In 2020, Anita played Agnes in the Indie-theatre-hit, The Shadow Box by Michael Cristofer and directed by Marcus Gualberto. After over a year of only being able to perform virtually, Anita returned to the stage in Wayne L. Firestone’s Fallen Man for the Rogue Theater Festival. She is ecstatic to extend her talents again and contribute to Wayne’s latest play Still life on Campus. Anita also continues to develop her own projects, one of the most recent being a short dramatic film entitled "The Missed"—which she wrote, produced and starred in last fall (2021). The short is currently in the post-production phase and being primed for festivals.

Wayne L. Firestone Bio (playwright)

Wayne is a non-profit leader, activist and provocateur. An alumnus of three Kennedy Center Playwriting Intensive cohorts, his plays have appeared in festivals in NY, the United Kingdom, and on Zoom.  A member of the Dramatists Guild of America, he founded Plays2Gather to celebrate diversity and educate about “the other,” and is a judge for the Jewish Plays Project.  Among his recent plays selected for production: Rogue Theatre Festival “Rise Esperanto,” One-Act, December 2020; Urban Stages Acronym Plays, “JLS,” August 2020; Take Ten Festival-Between Us Productions at the Secret Theatre “Madame Magician,” April 2020 (postponed) and Queans Theatre Festival, UK (digital) August 2020; and Fifth Avenue Theatre Festival, NY (December 2020); Loud Voices Silent Streets Festival, UK (February 2021) Monologue, “Shana the She-Pirate;” “Fallen Man,” Rogue Theatre Festival- Players Theatre, NY July 2021; “Fallen Man,” Players Theatre Shorts Festival, NY June, 2021.

A Showing in Tribeca

Written and Directed by Francis Bogan

Synopsis:  

While preparing for their most significant exhibition to date, the staff of a small lower Manhattan art gallery descends into chaos when the owner discovers a valuable painting was stolen... and suspects her employees.

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.

PROGRAM 8

wounded

by Sophie McIntosh

Synopsis: Structured in conversation with the five stages of grief, wounded illuminates the lives of five femicide victims murdered in the same park over the course of half a century. When another girl is killed on a cold spring night, the women who came before her gather to share their stories and soothe her passage into the next life.

BIOS

’01 — Aurèléa (she/her) is an Australian film & theatrical actor based in NYC. She is a graduate of the Acting program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and the Howard Fine Acting Studio. Her most recent work in theatre includes an extended run of Macbeth with the Stag & Lion Theatre Company & 40th St…A Story of a Life, a new play at the Chain Theatre. Aurèléa is delighted to be a part of wounded and would like to thank her family and friends back home for all of their love & support!

’92 — Elena Cramer is honored to be a part of a show that deals with issues so close to her heart. She received her BFA in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and moved to NYC this past fall. She will be playing Sonya in Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Co.’s upcoming production of Uncle Vanya in March. “Thank you to all my friends and family who have always been so supportive!” elenacramer.com

’57 — Sofía Figueroa is Venezuelan NYU alum that has performed in Obie Award and Drama Desk Award winning theaters in New York. She was most recently the lead Monterey in That Drive Thru Monterey, the winning production in Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2020 competition at El Repertorio Español. In the summer, Sofía played the lead role, Fefu, in Fefu And Her Friends, featured in PlayBill and Al Día News. Additionally, her dance performance at the Little Island NYC FREE Festival was in The New York Times, Playbill, and Time Out. Moreover, she is also the Director and Creator of HOME Art Expo published in Cosmopolitan, Elle and People's Magazine. Her interests are far reaching and explorative, allowing her to approach projects with an open mind.

’74 — Nicole Marie Hunt is an Esper Studio trained actor and activist who has recently returned to New York after several years away working in activist politics and regional theatre. In 2008 she left New York to work with the Obama campaign/administration and Progressive organizations like the NAACP, SEIU, OFA, and Repower America. In 2015, Nicole left politics and Washington D.C. to be closer to her family in Detroit. While living in Michigan, she performed on over 15 regional stages in 20+ productions, in 5 independent feature films and several shorts. After experiencing a major loss due to Covid 19, Nicole was reminded of how important it is to make the most out of every. single. day. So, in order to better serve her soul and self, and to continue to grow as an artist, Nicole re-relocated to New York City in Spring of 2021 where she has performed on the stages of, and with, several New York theatres and theatre companies including New Perspectives, Triad, and Falconworks. A complete list of theatre/tv/film credits and more can be seen at www.nicolemhunt.com. Nicole is proud to be represented by Kimberly Merritt at Serendipity Entertainment.

Director — Cassidy Kepp is a global theatre collaborator who uses new work and reimagined classics to tell stories that question society's view of gender and sexuality. She is thrilled to be directing wounded again and in person for the first time. Cassidy can also be seen working on directing projects with companies such as: Exit 11 (The Bacchae & 2084), The Green House Ensemble (Angela Kay Harbanks) and Imaginiarium Theatre Company (Six Evacuations & wounded). To learn more about her work please visit her website, www.cassidykepp.com. 

Playwright — Sophie McIntosh is a Brooklyn-based playwright, dramaturg, and theatremaker whose work has been performed at the Boston Theater Marathon, Imaginarium Theatre Company, and the Region III American College Theatre Festival. She enjoys using her writing to give voice to women’s experiences, celebrate queer communities, and offer honest, empathetic perspectives on living with mental illness. Sophie is a proud recipient of a BA in drama from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

’19 — Amanda Spencer (she/her) is so excited to be back on stage performing in Sophie McIntosh's original play wounded. Amanda is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, receiving her BFA in Musical Theater and minor in Dance. Some of her most recent theater credits include performing in the ensemble of Young Frankenstein at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse and as a Puppeteer in Petunia's Big Day at the New Ohio Theater, which centered around teaching self-care techniques to kids. When she's not on stage, Amanda loves to share her love of theater and movement expression with others, working as a dance instructor and theater educator. Amanda aspires to be a fiercely dedicated collaborator and is especially interested in using theater as a tool for social change. Website: https://www.amandaspenceractor.com 

Content warning for domestic violence, drug use, hate crimes, and femicide. If you or a loved one needs support after this performance, please feel free to contact one of the following resources:

 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1 (800) 656-4673

Domestic Violence Support: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/domestic-violence-support.page

Mental Health Resources: https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov

Copy and Paste

Written by Matthew J. Kaplan

Directed by Mary Lauren

Synopsis:

Annabelle is lonely and can no longer carry the grief left behind by her late husband. She persuades Skip, the mailman, to assist her with computer issues, and to stay for a cup of coffee. Skip wants to leave as quickly as possible so he can finish his route. Maybe there's something about that coffee that will change his mind...

Constance Cooper as “Annabelle”

David Michael Kirby as “Skip”

Matthew J. Kaplan (Writer)

Matthew J. Kaplan is a writer, filmmaker, musician and actor. His dark comedic, award-winning short film IT'S TIME FOR TEA has screened throughout the world and is now available for online viewing. He is a co-creator of the web series DISTURBANCES. Matthew was a house team member at The People’s Improv Theater and a writer/actor with Gotham City Improv. His songwriting and bass playing can be found on the 2021 release “Broken Bat Singles” by indie-rock band THE BRIGHT SPOTS. He is a mentor with the YOUNG FILMMAKERS PROGRAM/KID'S CORNER, in collaboration with Queensworld Film Festival and PS 69 in Jackson Heights, Queens. Matthew is thrilled to debut his play COPY AND PASTE at The Chain Theatre Winter One-Act Festival. He lives in Brooklyn with two mischievous cats and a well-behaved girlfriend.

Mary Lauren (Director)

Mary Lauren is a Multihyphenate artist who loves to tell stories. She is the artistic director of Heart String Theatrical, whose cabarets have raised money for artists and organizations including the NAACP and ACLU. She is the Youth Artistic Director at AMT Theatre. Her work has been seen Off-Broadway and regionally as a Director, Writer, Performer, Producer and Choreographer. She is a proud member of AEA, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Written works include; My Shadow and Me (Cape May Stage) and Start With I Do (Act One One Act Festival). She choreographed and was the lead dancer in the film, Dream of Spring which has been featured in festivals all over the world. Recent acting credits include: Louise, Gypsy (The Secret) Donna, Believers (The Workshop Theatre) Sarah, Sarah Was Mine (Cherry Lane) and Gertrude, Hamlet (Compass Rose). Directing/choreography credits include; Start With I Do (Chain Theatre) Fabulous The Musical (Times Square Arts Center), Hair (The Secret Theatre), Seussical (The Secret Theatre) Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Music Room), and My Shadow and Me (Cape May Stage). Find Mary on IG @ MaryLaurenw and MaryLaurenonline.com.

Constance Cooper (Actor, Role of “Annabelle”)

I am happy to return to The Chain, where I played in “Georgie D.” last summer. Right after that, I was a glum bartender who knows all in my first feature film, “Playland”. Just pre-pandemic, I had the title role in the 3-episode “Senior Correspondent” for VICE Media. Next month brings me to a new musical, “Father Divine”, in which I play two historical roles: Eleanor Roosevelt and. . . J. Edgar Hoover, yes, truly. In September I go to Ljubjana for a music-improvisation residency and a few concerts. constance-cooper.com

David Michael Kirby (Actor, Role of “Skip”)

David Michael Kirby is a graduate of the Atlantic Theater Company conservatory program. He is a versatile actor, singer, director, and writer. His most recent play "Ephemory Lane" premiered at New Ambassadors' Blurring Boundaries Festival in 2021. Numerous NYC appearances include A Little Princess (US premiere-Signature); The Spoon River Project (NYC premiere-Greenwood Cemetery); Carnival Round the Central Figure (NYC premiere-IRT). Select film: Zero Issue; WARFIELD; The Lion’s Den. Web series: Mythos (ITVFest award-winner). David is a founding member of New Ambassadors Theatre Company, and was recently re-elected to its Board.

What Makes a Hero

by Hope Weiner

Synopsis:  

Jenny Chowdry tells the story of her heroes, Falgudi Halmud and her mom.

BIOS

Hope Weiner- playwright for What Makes a Hero- writer (and runner) based in New York City- Hope is thrilled to be a part of the revival of live theatre! Many thanks to everyone who is making this happen. 

Victoria Freedman- playing Jenny in What Makes a Hero is a trained New York City actress who loves working with new plays, playwrights and bringing words to life on stage and film.

Jenifer Margaret Kelly-director for What Makes a Hero is an MFA playwright and director from just about everywhere! Film school-UCLA MFA -University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) is thrilled to be back again in the magic of live theatre! Thank you to Hope and Victoria and for the magic and the Chain Theatre for creating the space for art and live theatre!

PROGRAM 9

Invisible Ties

by Amanda DeLalla

Synopsis: Star-crossed lovers. Kabuki theatre. A childless Baker and his Wife. Autism? In Invisible Ties, a young woman on the spectrum dissects her past, present, and future. The world is perplexing, the relationships are complicated, and she may need a little help from the late Stephen Sondheim just to survive it all.

Amanda DeLalla is a NY based writer and actress who currently works at Broadway Licensing. She is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. Onstage roles include Mother (The Oldest Boy), Gilmer (Godspell), and Kiki (Significant Other). As a writer, she is the lyricist and librettist for a musical as well as four full-length dramas and two solo shows. Her work has been presented in a variety of venues, including Lincoln Center, The Tank, Dixon Place, All for One Theater, Snug Harbor, and now the Chain Theatre! “As long as one person remembers you, it isn’t over,” which means that Steve will live forever- enjoy the show!

Black Card

By Marcus Scott

Two Olympian fencers—one from North America, one from Africa—meet for a late-night spar session the night before they are to square off on the world stage for the gold medal. Eventually the session spirals into a heated duel between two black men and the matter of representation.

Cast and Crew

Pierre - LJ Brodie

Tariq - Austin Sasser

Sabrina - Lindsay Fabes

Playwright - Marcus Scott

Director - Justin Schwartz

Fight Choreography - Lindsay Fabes

LJ Brodie (he/him): NYC debut! LJ is currently a student at the Atlantic Acting School and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and Dance Theatre from Abilene Christian University. He would like to thank everyone who’ve supported him along this crazy ride called life! Especially the pupper Santiago!

Lindsay Fabes - is thrilled to be a part of Black Card! NYC/Regional: Lady Solhar/Asst. Fight choreographer at SNJRF, Fight Captain in Il Trovatore (Regina Opera), Allana in Grand Larceny (Lincoln Center), Aerosol in Cherry Bomb (MTF), Lea in Double Rainbow (Secret Theatre),Tribes (Sylvia u/s) at Barrington Stage. Concerts: As Thousands Cheer and Wild Young Hearts at 54 Below. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her, and Justin and Marcus for always thinking of her. www.lindsayfabes.com 

Austin Sasser - has been acting since his freshman year of high school, starting with his debut performance in the musical Hairspray. He is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in Theatre: Acting & Directing. He now attends the Atlantic Acting School in Chelsea. He has been in many shows including Ragtime; To Kill a Mockingbird; Almost, Maine, and many more. His goal is to pursue a career in acting through several different mediums including stage & screen. He can’t wait for you to see the show and loves all your ongoing support!

Marcus Scott is a playwright, musical theatre writer & journalist. His work includes "Tumbleweed" (finalist for the Bay Area Playwrights Festival & Festival of New American Plays at Austin Playhouse; semi-finalist for the New Dramatists Princess Grace Fellowship Award), "Sibling Rivalries" (finalist for the Seven Devils Playwrights Conference & the ATHE-KCACTF Judith Royer Excellence In Playwriting Award; semi-finalist for the Blue Ink Playwriting Award & the New Dramatists Princess Grace Fellowship Award) and "Cherry Bomb" (New York Theatre Barn New Works Series; recipient of the Drama League First Stage Artist-In-Residence). He was commissioned by Heartbeat Opera to adapt Beethoven’s “Fidelio” (Libretto; Baruch Performing Arts Center, The Met Museum, Mondavi Center, The Broad Stage, Scottsdale Center for The Performing Arts; called "poignant" by NY Times). Residencies & retreats: Prospect Musical Theater Lab, María Irene Fornés Playwriting Workshop, JACK Governor's Island Artist Residency, Catwalk Artist Residency, The Center at West Park Virtual Performance Residency, Gingold Theatre Group Speaker's Corner Writer, Liberation Theatre Company's Playwriting Residency Fellowship, Athena Theatre Company's Athena Writes Playwriting Fellowship, the inaugural LIT Council at the Tank, Fresh Ground Pepper Artist-In-Residence BRB Retreat, One Co. Writers' Residency at Little Farm & Goodspeed Opera House Retreat. Scott is a 2021 NYSAF Founders’ Award finalist and a 2021 Doric Wilson Independent Playwright Award semi-finalist. His articles appeared in Architectural Digest, Time Out New York, American Theatre Magazine, Playbill, Elle, Out, Essence, The Brooklyn Rail, among others. MFA: NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Justin Schwartz is a writer and director of plays, musicals, and concerts. Directing credits include As Thousands Cheer and Wild Young Hearts (54 Below), Tumbleweed (Dixon Place), Blood Orange (Theatre 80 St. Marks), Call-And-Response (Secret Theatre), Double Rainbow (Wild Project/Nuyorican Poets Cafe), Malaise (Cherry Lane Studio), and Connected (Sound Bites at Signature Center). Writing credits include Fever Dreams (Ferguson Center at CNU and NYPL/Lincoln Center), Handsome Weeping Boy (NYPL/Lincoln Center), Clean-Shaven (Secret Theatre), Love to Infinity and iKhaya (NYU), an adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s A Clean, Well-Lighted Place (Kennedy Center) and an improvisational dance solo, Scarbo, (Accademia dell’Arte). Film/TV credits include director of the sci-fi musical VECTIR (APAC-NY/YouTube) and line producer for Jordan Roth’s The Birds and the BS (YouTube). Originally from South Florida, Justin is now based in Brooklyn.  BA: Muhlenberg College. MFA: NYU Tisch School of the Arts. SDC Associate and Dramatists Guild Member.