2024 One-Act Winter Festival

Tickets are $22 in advance online and $25 at the door

No refunds or exchanges.

VIRTUAL TICKETS FOR THE LIVE STREAMING DATES ARE $22 (please check you are buying a virtual ticket)

There will be no rewind or fast forward during the live presentation.

Program #1 (3rd Floor)

Honor

by T. J. Elliott

A well-appointed conference room with a glass door stage right. Center stage, a long table thrusts diagonally. Seated on its stage left side behind a brace of water bottles is RONNEE EMERSON, Associate General Counsel of the corporation, with a small plastic Tupperware container. Also at the table is LUDWIG CADE, the firm’s General Counsel. There is an empty chair across from RONNEE. A large whiteboard hangs behind LUDWIG with a package of different colored dry erase markers angled on its sill. They await DON TROY, former Vice President now ‘Special Agent’ in Research and Development at the company.

Alinca Hamilton (RONNEE EMERSON) Alinca is a born and bred New York actor, writer, and creator. Select acting credits include Edges and Freedom in To All the Black Girl’s Who’ve Waited (Ars Nova AntFest); Leticia in Clyde’s (Alabama Shakes); Calphurnia in Julius Caesar (Classic Stage Company); Philly in Someone Dies at the End (59E59 / Edinburgh Fringe Festival) produced by Squeaky Wheelz Productions, a theatre company she co-founded; and the title character in the short film Melody June Cooper: Actress* for Hire, which she starred, conceived, and produced. MFA Columbia University. alincahamilton.com

John Blaylock (LUDWIG CADE) recently played Victor Frankenstein in The Articulate Theater production of Doctor Frankenstein by George Allison & directed by Cat Parker. With Knowledge Workings, he was privileged to appear as Matthew in Grudges & Gunnar in Keeping Right. Other roles include Fr. Tommy DiCamilo in Holy Child by Joe Lauinger, Disraeli Levering in Both Your Houses at Metropolitan Playhouse, Jack Mullen in The Weir at Gallery Players, & part of the ensemble cast of Daniel Damiano’s award-winning play, The Dishonorable Discharge of Private Pitts.

Ed Altman (DON TROY) Ed was last seen in “Atlantic Pharmaceuticals,” The Tank International Human Rights One Act Festival; “The Oracle,” Theater for the New City. Upcoming film, “The Dummy Detective” and Joe Queenan’s “Top Hate.” Ed also serves as a valued Associate Producer for Knowledge Workings Theater LLC.

T.J. Elliott (PLAYWRIGHT & DIRECTOR) wrote with Joe Queenan the OOB plays Alms and The Oracle; directing the latter as well in May of 2022 at THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY. They were also the co-playwrights of Genealogy; which at Broom Street Theater in Madison, Wisconsin in 2021, and Grudges, a 2020 sold-out Zoom pandemic sensation. Elliott’s 2023 solo work, The Jester’s Wife, premiered at The Chain Theater. His other solo playwrighting work, Keeping Right, enjoyed a sold-out run via Zoom in December 2020. In 1981 and 1982, T.J. wrote and directed the successful Captive Audiences revues, which were followed by his 35-year hiatus from Off-Broadway.  In those lost years, he produced, directed, & performed among casts of thousands a mélange of corporate telenovelas & tragicomic, melodramatic, & absurd organizational performance art.

Gifford Elliott (TECHNICAL & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) Giff worked most recently as Tech and Artistic Director for The Jester’s Wife at The Chain Theater in Fall of 2023. In the last several years besides his side work as an associate producer for Knowledge Workings Theater LLC, he served as a postproduction coordinator on such hit series as Bupkis (the Pete Davidson comedy), The Best Man — The Final Chapters, Queen’s Gambit, and Divorce (Season 3). Prior to those assignments, he served as a manager at LightIron, one of the premier firms in the movie and television industry specializing in post-production workflows. Gifford is a graduate of the Cal Arts acting program and a director of a variety of theatrical events including Srivia, the weekly fun trivia extravaganza at Singers in Brooklyn.

Marjorie Phillips Elliott (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) A co-founder of Knowledge Workings Theater, Marjorie’s work there arises from deep roots in the arts. Having studied theater at Skidmore College and photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Marjorie brings to her role at Knowledge Workings a wide array of talents and experiences including her work with NewLine Cinema in the 1980s. Her support of our productions ranges from strategy to prop design to script doctoring to publicity consultation and beyond. Marjorie is also the Chair of the Board of Chamiza Foundation, a nonprofit helping to ensure the continuity & living preservation of Pueblo Indian culture and traditions, and on the Members Committee of the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC

N.B.

This play, HONOR, is a work of fiction. All of the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this play are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Knowledge Workings Theater LLC

Gifford Elliott, Technical & Artistic Director

Marjorie Phillips Elliott, Co-Founder & Executive Producer

T.J. Elliott Co-Founder & Managing Director

Joe Queenan, Co-Founder

Patrick O’Shea, Script Consultant

Irene Elliott, Audience Development Director

The Dandiest Duo

Written and Directed by Marcus Harmon

Set in an alternative reality where Donald Trump is King and racism is the norm, two brothers come face to face with their morals and dignity while on the Broadway Stage.

Marcus Harmon
Marcus Harmon is a playwright, actor, and singer from Columbus, Ohio, now based in Brooklyn, New York. He has had multiple award-winning plays staged in New York. Chain Theater (20th Anniversary, One-Act), NY Theater Festival (Edin. Full-Length), the Off-Broadway Downtown Urban Arts Festival (2022- 20th Anniversary / 2023 The Dandiest Duo 3rd place finalist), 2023 Queens Play Festival, 2023 Think Fast Theater Festival Finalist, 2023 Two Dogs Theater, Best Play Winner (The Dandiest Duo). His new One- Act play, Good Grief has been accepted into the 2024 Abingdon Off-Broadway Festival.

Jonathan Tyler Peck,

A New York-based actor and a graduate from the William Esper Studio class of 2017. He's produced 3 theatre productions always striving to create meaningful content for the artistic community. He's done a number of Off-Broadway theatre productions. Before attending Willam Esper, he attended SUNY University at Albany; attaining his BFA in Philosophy and Theatre

Michael Antwi

Michael plays the role of Micah. He is an American actor born in the Bronx, NY. His television debut was in legal analyst Rikki Klieman Investigation Discovery special “In The Line Of Fire” (2016) playing the lead, Jason Levia. Michael is a lover of music and film and enjoys collecting vintage vinyls in his free time.

Hartley Erickson

Hartley is from Sandy Spring, Maryland. He has studied at the William Esper Studio here in Manhattan. He has had multiple stage performances on Off-Broadway and recently won Best Actor for the 2023 Think Fast Theater Festival. This will be his 8th festival with Marcus Harmon

Program #2 (4th Floor)

Doc Burns and Mrs. Teter

by Fred Pezzulli

Directed by Tom Herman

Time: The past

Scene: The action takes place in the office of a small-town country doctor.

CHARLES E. GERBER* (Doc Burns) is entering his 53rd year as a working professional in All Media. He's appeared numerous times on Broadway, as well as scores of other New York productions. He starred in the National Tours of "TORCH SONG TRILOGY", “DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST", and is among the Founders of The Workshop Theater.  Starred, wrote, and composed for the EMMY winning "THE MAGIC DOOR" in Chicago (CBS).  More at: YouTube/Charles E. Gerber

TOM HERMAN (Director) has worked both in New York City and regionally.  Off Broadway: AN EVENING AT THE CARLYLE by Al Tapper (proclaimed “the surprise Off-Broadway hit of the summer theatre season” by United Press International) and MARK TWAIN’S BLUES: A PLAY WITH SONGS by Walt Stepp.  Off-Off Broadway shows include Sam Shepard’s BURIED CHILD (a production acclaimed by The New York Times as “exciting… powerful… a tragic opera”), as well as his critically applauded productions of Kenneth Lonergan’s LOBBY HERO and Caryl Churchill’s CLOUD NINE at Brooklyn’s Gallery Players.  Member, Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.  www.TomHermanDirector.com

LUCY MCMICHAEL* (Mrs. Teter): New York City theater credits include: Primary Stages, Ensemble Studio Theater, Urban Stages, Theater for the New City, the Workshop Theater Company, Abingdon Theatre Company.  Select film: “Dare” (Sundance), “Knife Point” (Sundance), “The Christening of William Trumbull,” and currently on the festival circuit: “Overdue,” “What If I Were You,” and “The Choice.” Lucy’s reel is available on IMDB, Backstage, and Actors Access. AEA/SAG-AFTRA

FRED PEZZULLI (Playwright)  Poet, Physician, Scholar, Husband, Father, Grandfather (8/16/32-11/23/21).  Among many other accomplishments, Fred was among the The Founders of The Workshop Theater (1994-Present).  His memory was celebrated last August at The AMT Theater on 45th St with selections from his plays and poems.

KIMBERLEY WINDBIEL (Costume Designer) has been a rocker and chanteuse. She has costumed many shows including for Workshop, UP and Pied Piper Children’s Theaters. Fave shows are a Victorian circus look for “The Astonishing Times of Timothy Crachit” and a biker-punk Macbeth.

EQUITY APPROVED SHOWCASE

*Equity Member appearing with permission of Actors’ Equity Association without benefit of an Equity contract in this Off-Off Broadway production.

Jailbirds

by Sheldon Shaw

Directed by Karen Marulanda

Sheldon Shaw (He/Him) Playwright/Director is a versatile artist based in New York City, with experience as a screenwriter, playwright, and actor. Sheldon has written several plays that have received critical acclaim. Sheldon has an MA in theater from Villanova University. He studied playwriting at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. And acting at the William Esper Studio in NYC. Sheldon is ecstatic to present Jailbirds with these fantastic actors at the helm. I would like to give a special thanks to Jenny Choi, Virginia Crespo, Ted Snowdon, and Dr. Hugh Paul Gabriel (RIP) and all my friends and family for their support, wisdom, and encouragement; none of this would be possible without them.

Hassiem Muhammad (Paul) has had the opportunity to work on projects across the film, television, theater, and commercial industries. His most recent accolade came performing in The Tempest at Round House Theatre, for which he received a 2023 Helen Hayes Award nomination. Other regional credits include: SWEAT at The Pioneer Theatre, The Three Musketeers at Cleveland Playhouse, and Shoebox Picnic: Route 1 at Alabama Shakespeare Festival. He has also had the pleasure of participating in festivals and workshops in NYC at Emerging Artists Theater, Corkscrew Theater Festival, The New School, and Play On Shakespeare. Making his rounds on the CBS network, Hassiem has appeared on Madam Secretary, Blue Bloods, and FBI. He also had the opportunity to work on an indie feature, The Drummer, starring Danny Glover, and in 2022, worked on General Motors’s Super Bowl LVI commercial starring the infamous evil villains of the Austin Powers franchise.

Marcus Edghill (Shalomi) is a proud Gemini. Previous roles include GZA in the Off- Broadway Alliance nominated Pharma Bro: An American Douchical, Twelfth Night (Antonio & Feste), Company (Bobby), The Rivals (Sir Anthony Absolute), and Curse of the Starving Class (Taylor). Love you, mom!

Crys Clemente (It/They) Stage Manager is a performing arts producer, technician, and performer. Its previous stage management experience includes the 2023 Cannonball Festival, CURTAINS (Villanova Theatre Department), COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI (Hedgerow Theatre Company), and THE WEST PHILLY MEETING (Theatre in the X). In addition to a BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Crys graduated this May from Villanova University with an MA in Theatre and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management.

Program #3 (4th Floor)

Tourist Trap

by Elijah Guo

Directed by Dylin Taylor

Marsha Yuan

Marsha Yuan is an American born Chinese actress who studied musical theater at The American Musical And Dramatic Academy in New York City. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Hong Kong where she had a career as an actress, singer, and dancer. Just before the pandemic, she fell in love and got married, and later she gave birth to their beautiful boy. Her family of four (which includes their little dog) decided to leave HK in 2022 to be closer to family in the US, where Marsha is excited to return to her roots: the NY stage.

Eureka Nakano Grimes

Eureka Nakano Grimes @eurekanakanogrimes most recently worked on hit TV series HBO Max Succession as a co-star role opposite Jeremy Strong. She starred as the lead role in short film ‘The Lottery’ by Giuseppe de Lauri filmed in Rome, Italy. She has also worked with Glenn Close and Wynton Marsalis as assistant choreographer in production ‘Transformations’ at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Other TV/film works such as ‘The Show About The Show’ BRIC TV, 'I Wish I Could Give You An Answer' Netflix, ‘Not Approved for Cancer Treatment’ featured in Chelsea Film Festival. Theater performances such as ‘1 in 4’ Headwall Theater, ‘Autopsy of a Night at a Bar’ at The Tank‘, Not Approved for Cancer Treatment’ at Teatro Latea, ‘Untitled Monologues’ at The Players Theatre.

Misako Yamagishi

Misako Yamagishi is thrilled to join the “Tourist Trap” Production. As a NYC based actor/singer, she appeared in commercials, films, cabaret shows and theater productions, including The Sketch of New York, The Sketch of New York – Holiday Edition, Urbanstages Winter Rhythms - Celebrating 100 Years of Disney Magic,   \as Namgal (We, the Invisibles) with The Barrow Group, Missy Hart (9 to 5: The Musical) with AfterWork Theater, and Robin (Something Rotten!) with AfterWork Theater.  She thanks her friends and family for their support.   

Anthony Naranjo

Anthony is a New York Native who was most recently seen in The Carpet by Jeryl Brunner, right here at the Chain’s Summer One Act Festival. He studied Theatre with the New Group and then at Elmira College before returning home and hitting the pavement. In his free time, Anthony takes long walks through Central Park and avoids Times Square like the plague.

Elijah Guo (Playwright)

Elijah Guo is a NY/LA-based writer/actor who loves to explore the absurdity within us all. Selected playwriting credits: Button Lake Band Camp (Clubbed Thumb Winterworks), The Class (Broadway For All), Tourist Trap (Cellunova Reading), Time and Materials (collaboration with Poet Laureate Robert Hass). Selected screenwriting credits: My Friend Will (Tribeca, Roku Channel), Stand-Ins (Emmys-sponsored Catalyst Story Institute). Other accolades: Alum of Clubbed Thumb Early Career Writers' Group and Harvardwood TV Writers Program; Finalist of Emmys Foundation Screenwriting Fellowship and David Nathan Meyerson Prize for Fiction; Winner of Sundance Collab Screenwriting Challenge and David Mamet Playwriting Contest (American Conservatory Theater). Selected acting credits: High Maintenance (HBO), Law & Order: SVU (NBC), Patriots Day (CBS Films / Lionsgate).

Dylin Taylor (Director)

Dylin Taylor (she/her) is a director, artist, and writer based in NYC. She is interested in work that challenges the expectations of what ideas, emotions, and stories the physical body can carry. Theater directing credits include the workshop reading of Tourist Trap at Theaterlab, Little Heaven, Agoraphobic/Claustrophobic, and the short film Dark Mornings. Dylin has also created and shown work at The Asian American International Film Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, La Mama's CultureHub, Onboard XR Theatre Festival, and Playwrights Horizons Theater School. She is a recent graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Qingan Zhang (Producer)

Qingan Zhang is a multidisciplinary designer, theatre maker, and producer based in New York. Qingan recently co-founded the non-profit interdisciplinary theatre company Cellunova Productions. Her scenic design works have been staged at Boston Center for the Arts, Chain Theatre, Central Square Theater, etc. Her co-devising puppetry pieces have been showcased at New Ohio Theatre Ice Factory, Dumbo Six Foot Platform, Rattlestick Theater GFTF, HERE Arts Center SUBLETSERIES: CO-OP! and The Center at West Park Object Movement Festival. Qingan received her MFA degree in interior design from Pratt Institute and graduated from Boston College with dual BA degrees in Theatre and Psychology.

Melvin Ningyao Yen (Stage Manager)

Melvin Ningyao Yen (all pronouns!), a theater producer/director/writer/administrator, is renowned for her original production AWAKE, a testament to her diverse talents in the theater world. Her rich experience includes stints at Playwrights Horizons, Broadway's TBD Theatricals, and Taiwan's U Theatre.  Melvin is the creative force behind A Stage Theatre, bringing innovative Mandarin stories to life. Discover her journey and creations on Instagram: @melvinfgood.

Trade-In Value

Written and Directed by Domenick Danza

Buck is hanging out in the basement of the Quick Copy Center after work, while Bobby tries to finish up with orders and go home.  Benny has a fear of the basement because the store is across the street from a cemetery.  Millie shows up with four tickets to the hottest concert in town, and offers to take them all.  She has a secret romantic interest in Bobby, and is unaware of the crush Benny has on her.  When Benny purposefully misplaces the tickets, Buck’s violent nature is exposed, and the evening is a total turnaround. 

Cast:

BOBBY JAYE BISS

BUCK ADAM HUFF*

BENNY JOSH BLOOM

MILLIE ANWEN DARCY*

Stage Manager:  SAMANTHA DIBARI

Fight Director:  MARCUS WATSON

Props:  JAMES CUNNINGHAM

Marketing & Logo Design:  JENNIFER DEROSA

JAYE BISS (BOBBY) is a proud Wagner College Theatre graduate from Central Jersey. Jaye was last seen in the debut ensemble of Staten Island the Musical at The Tank. Favorite productions include Evita (Che) and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Comic Relief). Much love to Mom, Paul and the rest of the family for their unwavering support! 

JOSH BLOOM (BENNY) is thrilled to be part of the Chain Theatre One Act Festival. He is an actor, butoh dancer, and community organizer from NY. He is currently studying at the Atlantic Acting School. Favorite past roles include Kevin from Heroes of the Fourth Turning, Astrov from Uncle Vanya, and Matt from Red Light Winter.

ANWEN DARCY* (MILLIE) has played Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Beatrice on Much Ado About Nothing (NYT Critics Pick) and Mercutio (NYIT Nomination) in Romeo and Juliet with Shakespeare at Bryant Park. Other work includes the world premiere of Hindsight (Drilling Company) and regional premiere of Henry Darger Is (Theatre for a New City) Regional credits include PICT Theatre’s House and Garden (Sally Platt) and An Ideal Husband (Mabel), and Monomoy Theatre’s You Can’t Take it with You (Alice Sycamore) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hermia). Miss Darcy  can also be seen in the award winning short film Puddle.  

ADAM HUFF* (BUCK) is a stage, voice, and film actor based in Brooklyn, NYC by way of Pittsburgh, PA. He specializes in classical and devised ensemble theatre, improv, and video game/animation character voices. His stage work was previously featured in the NY Times for his performance with Letter of Marque Theater Company’s production of Double Falsehood. Most recently, he was featured in the dark fantasy audio drama, Visionaries, and through an ongoing collaboration with Forteller Games - voicing around 30 characters across 6 projects. He is also a huge tabletop games and video gaming nerd, mixology mastermind, and amateur game and graphic designer. You can find more of his media at www.adamphuff.com. 

DOMENICK V. DANZA (PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR) teaches Drama with the NYC Department of Education. Before that he was Director of Education at Chicago Dramatists, The Cleveland Play House, and Virginia Stage Company. He studied playwriting at Chicago Dramatists, Primary Stages, The Barrow Group, and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College. This is his third time participating in The Chain Theatre One Act Festival. His plays also have been a part of Chicago Dramatists Ten-Minute Workshops, Circle Theater’s New Works Festivals, The Second City Training Center, Voice Theatre’s 10-Minute Play Festival, and The NY Theatre Festival. His short works have been published in Canyon Voices, Crawdad, Goddard College’s Pitkin Review, and Dramatic Publishing’s 35 in 10, and his play I Am Macbeth is available through Next Stage Press. Read his latest theatre adventures on www.morethantheplay.blogspot.com. 

SAMANTHA DIBARI (STAGE MANAGER) is a junior theater major with a concentration in stage management at Ramapo College of New Jersey. This is her second show working at the Chain Theater! Her most recent credit was as the stage manager for Ramapo College's musical production of Ride The Cyclone by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. Previous credits from stage management at Ramapo include The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (ASM), DNA by Dennis Kelly (SM), Marisol by Jose Rivera (SM), and Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco (ASM). She would like to thank Domenick for inviting her back to work at Chain with him as well as her family, friends, and professors for their support!  

*Shows in this block include Equity Members appearing with permission of Actor’s Equity Association without benefit of an Equity contract in this off-off Broadway production.

Program #4 (3rd Floor)

Dill (or The Pickle Guy)

by Jeryl Brunner

Cast: 

Ben McHugh (Bobby) *

Ben McHugh has appeared in the Broadway production of Mamma Mia!, the off-Broadway immersive smash Sleep No More and many other theatrical productions across the globe. His short-films Big Bear, Gregory and Riley have won both critical and festival acclaim, garnering many awards including Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Concept and Best Short. www.benmchugh.com

Jeryl Brunner (Justine and playwright) 

Jeryl received her BFA in acting at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and studied improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade. She currently performs improv throughout New York City, has done voiceovers for books on Audible.com and appeared in Younger and Law & Order. Jeryl is working on her full-length play, One Date Love, workshopped at The Hundredth Hill. She also has a podcast, When Lightning Strikes!, on the Broadway Podcast Network. 

So much gratitude to The Chain Theatre, Christina Perry, Katie Rosin, Kirk Gostkowski, Rick Hamilton, Barbara Toy, Anna Strout, Jesse Eisenberg, Ben McHugh, Krista Detor and the Hundredth Hill, Elizabeth Perkins, Julie Besonen, Scooter Alpert, Bonnie Brodner and Sherry Brodner. 

Creatives: 

Jesse Eisenberg (Director)

A writer, director, filmmaker and playwright, Jesse Eisenberg is an Academy Award–nominated actor who has appeared in more than 40 films and TV shows. Additionally, he has written plays, essays for the New Yorker and McSweeney's and is a cast member with Theater of War, a performing arts non-profit that presents readings of Sophocles and Philoctetes to communities throughout the United States and Europe. He made his directorial debut with the A24 movie, When You Finish Saving the World, which he also wrote. Look for Jesse's newest film, A Real Pain, which he wrote, directed and stars in. A Real Pain also stars Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Daniel Oreskes, Jennifer Grey and Kurt Egyiawan. 

Barbara Toy (Producer) 

Barbara Toy is the Director of Development for Atlantic Theater Company. She has extensive fundraising experience for both non-profit arts organizations/social service agencies and commercial enterprises, centering on fund raising for and management of the arts, culture and education. Her focus is on giving a voice to a new generation of artists: work that is reflective of the diversity of backgrounds and experiences in the New York community. 

Anna Strout (Producer) 

Anna Strout produces and casts programs, as well as serves as an educator for Voices of a People's History and their many partner organizations from high schools to universities, unions to performing arts centers; and develops new programs, community collaborations, and artist engagement models. 

Over the years, Anna has consulted on numerous socio-historical documentaries, multi-media DVDs and world music releases, animated and fiction film productions, and museum exhibits. She also is an advisor for The Hundreth Hill artist residency and a volunteer with Middle Way House, an organization that works to end domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through an empowerment model. Strout  currently produces and books talent for When Lightning Strikes! with host Jeryl Brunner on the Broadway Podcast Network. 

Graveyard Shift

Written by and Starring Emma McGill

Directed by Sam Lane

Emma McGill (writer/performer) is an actor, writer and visual artist. TV: “Damages,” “BlackBox” and “the Equalizer.” Theater credits include Kiss (ArtsEmerson) and Much Ado About Nothing (Brown Box Theater Project.) She graduated from Emerson College with a BFA in Acting, where she created her solo performance Isabella Stewart Gardner is Back From Hell! Instagram: @women_in_STEMma.

Sam Lane (director) is a Brooklyn based artist that loves cooking, Carrie Bradshaw's insane outfits, and their morning cup of coffee.

Love to Emma for the trust and the laughter!

Ten Minutes Please

Written and Directed by Gus Kaikkonen 

Costume Design, Anthony Paul-Cavaretta

CAST (in order of appearance)

Du-Wight……..Cornelius Davis

Cheryl………….Alycia Kuncle

Charlotte……..Lisa Bostnar

Lisa Bostnar, (Charlotte) Off Broadway, critically acclaimed performances in The Lonely Way, Brothers Berg, The Voysey Inheritance, and Far and Wide among others.  Lisa has Guest Starred on Law & Order, Conviction, Blacklist, Blindspot, FBI Most Wanted and more.  It’s a joy to be working with Mr. Kaikkonen and Co.

Cornelius Davis, (Du-Wight) NYC Theatre/ Tours: Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Aladdin. Regional (Select): Broadway At Music Circus (Beautiful), FST (Something Rotten, Nigel), The Rev (Smokey Joe's Cafe), Arkansas Rep. (The Little Mermaid, Sebastian), Maltz Jupiter Theatre (Les Miserables). University of Central Florida, BFA in Musical Theatre. 

Alycia Kuncle, (Cheryl) Alycia Kunkle is delighted to be bringing new work to the stage.  Credits include The 39 Steps (Mile Square Theatre), Steel Magnolias, Charley’s Aunt (Peterborough Players), A Child’s Christmas in Wales (Shakespeare Theatre of NJ), Becky Shaw (Centenary Stage Co.). She can also be heard in commercials on tv, radio, and online. Proud AEA, SAG-AFTRA. MFA Acting Ohio University. @AlyciaIsThatGingerGirl

Anthony Paul-Cavaretta (Costume Design) is a New York Based Designer, Originally From Oyster Bay, New York. Design Credits Include: Two Jews, Talking (Theatre At St. Clements), Fire Island The Musical (Theatre Row 42nd Street), L’Amour A Passy (A.R.T.), The Sea Lady (Metropolitan Playhouse), Tour: Julius Caesar (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival), An Inspector Calls *New Hampshire Theatre Award Best Costume Design In A Professional Production, (Peterborough Players); The Tell-Tale Heart: A Musicabre (Short 2019)*Cinema World Fest Best Costumes, South Film And Arts Academy Festival Best Costume Design In A Feature Film; M.F.A. Purdue University

Gus Kaikkonen (Playwright/Director) Plays produced at Playwrights Horizons, Westbank, the Production Company, Actors Theatre of Louisville, the BoarsHead and Peterborough Players (NH Best New Play 2002).  Translations at the Mint (Dr. Knock, Donogoo) and NJPAC (Lelio with the NJ Symphony).  He directed Hindle Wakes for the Mint Theater (Drama Desk, OOBA Nominee for Best Revival 2018, Newsweek 10 Best)  

Program # 5 (4th Floor)

Second Chance

by Anthony Fusco

Directed by Paulina “pau” Tobar

Anthony Fusco (Playwright) Anthony has been writing plays since 2006. He is a two time Best Director winner for The Strawberry One Act Festival and the 10 minute play festival in NYC. He is thrilled to be a part of the Chain Theater's 2024 Winter One Act Festival and wants to thank everyone involved especially Paulina "pau" Tobar for taking on the director role. His credits include, Crossing Verrazano, Sole-Mates, Arch Enemies, A Night At Stonewall, Stoned To The Wall, Rush Hour Madness, Psychic Cafe, Reawakening, Fixation (one of the top 4 plays at the SOAF).

Paulina “pau” Tobar (Director) is making her stage directing debut! “Thank you, Anthony Fusco for trusting in me.” Originally from Santiago, Chile and based in NYC, pau is a Performing Artist, Stage Manager, and now Director graduated from The AMDA’s Integrated Program and obtained her BFA in Musical Theatre at The New School, NY. Some of her credits: Stage Management: OFF BROADWAY: Brilliance (The Players Theatre); REGIONAL: Your Name Means Dream (CATF, WV); NYC: Buggy (APAC) Theatre: NYC: Pat in Proud (RSPC); CHILE: Janet in Rocky Horror Show (Teatro Petulante); IG: @pautobarmusic

Nicky Neto (Corey) is a queer, Brazilian American artist as well as a recent graduate from Point Park University’s Conservatory for Performing Arts, Class of 2023. THEATRE: Angels in America: Millennium Approaches  (Prior Walter), Everybody (Everybody), Alice Lost in Wonderland, Original World Premier (Campbell/Mock Turtle) The Secret Garden (Colin Craven); FILM/TV: TRUE DETECTIVE (HBO MAX), Fresh Off the Boat (Freeform), Star Haven (LuaSol Productions), Love Is All You Need? (Directed by Kim Rocco Shields), GOO (Directed by Jean Pflum), Convenient GOD (Directed by Sofia Lujan), A Man Called Otto (Sony Pictures), love you mom! @nicooneto .

Neil Friedlander (Bryan) is an actor and singer-songwriter based in Brooklyn. He completed his Meisner acting training at Terry Knickerbocker studio in Brooklyn, and most recently could be seen as Norman in Mr. Electric at the Tank Theater. He is currently working on his third independent studio album. “You will do foolish things but do them with enthusiasm.” (Colette)

Angelina Adam (Angela) is a native New Yorker, is an American actress of Puerto Rican and Haitian descent. She returned to her acting career after a hiatus, during which she raised her daughter and became an attorney. She most recently performed at the Heights Players in Water by the Spoonful (Odessa). Other theatre credits include: Love, La Familia (Maggie), Pegao (Doña Lina), The Last Hurricane (Tia), The Crucible (Martha). She is also a SAG/AFTRA member with lead and supporting roles in short and independent feature films. She has trained at Atlantic Theatre School and Penny Templeton Studios. She is so thrilled to be pursuing the career of her dreams again!

Connor Creagan (Trevor) is an actor, comedian, and writer based in New York. Connor graduated from the Esper Studio in 2023 and is thrilled to be a part of the Second Chance cast. He is also co-host and co-producer of the new comedy show "Live Snakes," premiering February 29 at The Gutter in Brooklyn. Instagram: @connorcreagan

Sean Anthony Bryant (Christopher) is an actor, model, writer, and poet, hails from Westchester, NY, & currently calls Inwood, NY home. A proud graduate of Swarthmore College, Sean has graced the stage in productions such as "Samantha & The Glass Ceiling" & “An American Worker” at Theatre for the New City. Notably, his presence extends to the digital realm with roles in "The Little David Show" (YouTube Web Series) and the upcoming "Slightly PerpLEX’d" set to debut in Spring 2024. Connect with Sean on Instagram @SeanAnthonyOnTheGram to follow his artistic & creative journey.

Stocked

by Serena Norr

Directed by Karen Marulanda

Eric Berger (Mac): Eric is thrilled to be joining this wonderful team of artists and bringing such a poignant piece to life. Eric is a film, theater, and voiceover actor born and raised in NYC. He is also currently touring the country in a one-man play entitled Heschel’s Passover Eve, where he plays the extraordinary Rabbi and activist Abraham Joshua Heschel. Recent theater credits include She’s Got Harlem on Her Mind @ Metropolitan Playhouse, Serials @ The Flea Theater, My Man the Wolf @ Open Hydrant Theater Co. Recent film credits include Movie Night, Brilliant Traces, and The Gambit (nominated for Best Actor at Montreal International Wreath Awards Film Festival). Big thanks to his parents, brother, and friends for always supporting the dream, and Karen for bringing him on board! 

Michael Ortiz (Ben) is an actor, director, producer, and cryptid hailing from the state of Florida. He is a co-founder of The Fled Collective, an artist in residence with Breaking & Entering Theater Collective, and he currently produces and hosts SERIALS, an episodic late-night short play competition series. Michael is passionate about the cultivation of new work and creating opportunities for underrepresented artists. He is an avid gamer, a home cook, and lover of all things spooky. Hit him up if you ever want to talk D&D or learn to play the spoons!

Nikki Cannon (Betty) is an actor, singer, and dancer from Gainesville, FL. Recent credits include Serials by The Fled Collective (The Flea Theatre),GIRLHOOD (The Tank), and Julius Caesar (Arachne Theatre). In addition to performing, Nikki is a vintage clothing collector and dog enthusiast. 

Kayla Zanakis (Persons 1) is a DominiGreek actor, born and raised in Miami, and currently based in NYC. An INTAR UNIT52 member, and member of The Fled Collective. Past Credits: Aztec Pirates (Chain Theatre), SWAY (The Flea Theatre in co-production with The Fled Collective), No Mercy (DR2 Theatre), Poe’s Children (The Tank), and Richard III (Shanghai Theatre Institute Winter Festival). Past Workshops: Quantum (Primary Stages) Yo-Ho, Legume (Artist Co-op), Command Center (Who What Where Productions), this old haunt (Fort Salem Theatre, Broadway World Best New Musical nomination) SWAY(Broadway DNA), and Their Great Magic (Boomerang Theatre). BFA: NYU Tisch.

William Vonada (Persons 2) is a NY-based theatre actor, director, and administrator who has primarily worked with Breaking & Entering Theatre Collective and The Fled Collective. He enjoys pursuing developmental work and helping “dumb” projects get traction. 

Karen Marulanda (Director) is a proud Colombian/Nicaraguan actor, writer and director currently based in NYC. She most recently directed two episodes of Serials, a late-night short play series at both SoHo Playhouse and The Flea. Recent acting credits include: Luchadora! (Orlando Repertory Theatre) and SWAY (The Fled Collective). Karen was a Semifinalist actor in NBC’s Nosotros Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam 2022. Connect with her on Instagram: @karenmarulanda.

Serena Norr (Playwright) is a writer, screenwriter, playwright, and founder of Let’s Make a Play, a playwriting program for kids and adults. Her plays have been performed at the Omaha Fringe Festival, White Plains Performing Arts Center, the New Deal Creative Arts Center, Westchester Collaborative Theater, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, The Players Theater with the Rogue Theater Festival and the NYC Short Play Festival, The Tank, The Flea, the University of Alabama as well as various productions over Zoom.

Program #6 (4th Floor)

Playing Twins

by Jonathon Ward

Directed by Tish Brandt

Darnell Hutchins (Will) is an actor from New Jersey. After earning his BA in theater at Rutgers University, he advanced his training by completing The Acting Program at the Actors Studio. While he has a passion for theater, his credits also extend to film. He played the role of Darel in the film Bully and portrayed Isaac in the short film Beneath Cracked Pavement. Outside of acting he enjoys writing and has plans to produce his own work.

Taze Wilson (Brad) is an actor and writer currently based in New York City. He is currently finishing his studies at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study where he will receive a degree in Interdisciplinary Arts.  He’s taken advantage of New York, studying at a number of schools including: The Acting Studio with James Price, The Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research with George Olesky, and the Fiasco Theatre Company with Ben Steinfeld.  He moved to New York from Bettendorf, Iowa where he developed a love for music, movies, and improv comedy. 

Sharai Dottin (Stage Manager) (she/her) is an actor, playwright and musical theater writer who is passionate about Black femme storytelling. Recent credits include the role of Amara in the original musical Bloom at SheNYC Arts, Third Woman in Fusion Theatre Company’s production of Medea and the role of Faith in the staged reading of her original musical Blackgirltopia at Emerging Artists’ Theatre's New Works Festival. Sharai is an alumna of The Acting Studio Fall 2023 Conservatory, New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts Summer Musical Theater Intensive, Blueprint Collective Performance Intensive and NYU’s Master’s Program for Experimental Humanities & Social Engagement. She is currently a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop as a book writer/librettist.

Joshwald Martinez (Actor) (he/him) is a New York raised-and-based actor and poet.  Joshwald loves working on new plays -- cold reads, longer developmental periods, and dramaturgical nerd-outs. Find him on IG: @joshwaldmp

Tish Brandt  (Director) is a NYC based actor and director. Member of Chelsea Rep; ReGroup Theatre; Adjunct Faculty at The Acting Studio - New York; Dialect coach for international actors, singers, directors; Regional: Zach Theatre, Austin: B. Iden Payne Award nominee-Best Featured Actress/Drama in The Exonerated; AEA and SAG-AFTRA.

Jonathon Ward (Playwright) has had his plays produced, presented, and read at theatres such as FringeNYC, Metropolitan Playhouse, Birdhouse Theatre, Theatre Conspiracy, ATHE Conference, Little Funky Theatre, William Inge Festival, Barter Theater, InspiraTO, New Circle Theatre Company, Chelsea Rep, Abrons Arts Center, Little Victory Players, Community Free Theatre, Urban Youth Theatre, University of Chicago and others.  He has received four NYSCA commissions, as well as grants from New York University, and private foundations.  

The Funeral

Written and Directed by Brandi Robinson

Brandi Robinson - Playwright/Director

Brandi Robinson is a multidisciplinary artist who earned acclaim for her performance as "Leah" in the award-winning film, The Anxiety of Laughing. As a playwright, her work has been produced by UCR Theatre and Ophelia’s Jump Theatre. Brandi can be heard as “Emi” on the fantasy-western audio drama Radio: Outcast. 

Brett Nicol - Actor

Brett is a passionate TV, film and theater actor with bicoastal experience and training. He can be seen in tv shows such as Betrayed and the multi award winning web series Figuring It Out. He has studied with the likes of Howard Fine, Sean Rose and got his BFA in Theatre Arts at East Carolina University under the instruction of Greg Funaro and John Shearin.

Qianna Brooks - Actor

Qianna Brooks enjoys life as a stage, screen and voice actor. Credits include The Golden Cockerel with American Ballet Theatre along with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and the premiere of Doug Devita’s Nell Dash, both at The Heights Players Theatre. Her approach to life is inspired by the Zulu Proverb “Ubuntu - I am a person through other people. My humanity is tied to yours.

The Waffle Home

by Caitland Winsett

Directed by Graydon Gund

Caitland “Caky”  Winsett (Playwright, she/her) Caky is so excited to be working with the Chain Theatre again! Previous works here include “The Adventures of the Dragons Den” and “It’s (Not) a Musical” All the love to everyone who makes theater happen. Follow @pigeontheaterco on Instagram to see what’s next!

GRAYDON GUND (Director, he/him) Directing credits include: A Nantucket Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life (White Heron Theatre), Nantucket the MusACKal!  (Deep End/ SHiP), Oh God! I'm Liquid..., and The Sound Beneath the Sound among many others (Theater Breaking Through Barriers), Misterman (Room 15), Good Grief (Athena Theatre), Plan G (Randomly Specific), Transfiguration (United Solo Award Winner), Golden Boy (Room15), Must Win (Broadway Bound Fest), Ginny (Sam French Fest). Readings and workshops include Caitland's Sisterhood, as well as Whitewashed and Where They're Going (When They Go) (both by Kirt Shineman). Assisting includes: About Alice (dir. Leonard Foglia, TFANA), Fireflies, Most Beautiful Room..,Endgame (Long Wharf Theatre), A Wonderful Life, La Cage aux Folles (Goodspeed Musicals). Clybourne Park (Chautauqua). Also co-creator of Standby for Places: A Radio Play Podcast, for which he has directed Woyzeck, Leonce and Lena, and Miss Julie along with many originals. GraydonGund.com

Maeghan Mary Suzik (Gemma, she/her) is a NYC based actor, published poet and recent grad from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Some of her favorite credits include: Men on Boats (Goodman), Waiting for Lefty (Florence), Evoking Him (directed by Jonathan McCrory). Maeghansuzik.com

Maggie Winslow (Martha, she/her) is an actor from Pittsfeild, MA and has studied performance at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and The Barrow Group. She is thrilled to be involved in the Chain Theatre Festival again, having previously performed in Caitland’s It’s (Not) a Musical. You can catch her sitting, standing, or walking in the background of various tv shows, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Emmarose Campbell (Jane, she/her) is a NYC-based performer, teacher, and prop designer. Recent credits include The Wizard of Oz at Palace Theatre (Toto Puppeteer), On Your Feet! 2022-23 Nat’l Tour (Prop Designer), and A Charlie Brown Christmas Live!  2021/22 Nat’l Tours (Prop Designer). This is her second time participating in the Chain One Act Festival. @emmarosegcampbell,  www.emmarosegcampbell.com

Thy Neighbor

Written and Directed by Grace O'Rourke

Grace O’Rourke (Playwright/Director)

Grace O’Rourke (they/them) is a playwright often, and a director/screenwriter/actor occasionally, based in Brooklyn, New York. They recently graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a double major in English and Film, Media, & Theater, and studied at the National Theater Institute as part of the Advanced Playwrights Spring '22 cohort. Their work has been performed with the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Melancholics Anonymous, and Cypress Productions. They are grateful to be working with long-time friends and collaborators Maverik and Stella on the project, and hope that they can all enjoy some cabbage soup together after the show.

Maverik Leslie (Jude)

Maverik Leslie (they/he) is a performance artist, songcrafter, and crossword enthusiast based in Brooklyn, NY. He recently graduated from Mount Holyoke College where he studied dance accompaniment and received a Bachelor of Arts in music and French language. Their recent credits include composing and dancing in Sammie Murray’s “Fashioned Creature” as part of the spring 2023 Spark Theatre Festival, and audio engineering for “Antonio!” by Butch Mermaid Productions at The Tank Theatre. Maverik is thrilled to be working alongside Stella Wunder and Grace O’Rourke.

Stella Wunder (Cole)

Stella Wunder (they/she/he) is a 22 year old multidisciplinary artist based out of Brooklyn, New York, focusing on theatre, film, television, and music. Recent credits include The Diana Society (Phoebe Miho), executive produced by Julie Pacino, and The Threepenny Opera (Lucy Brown) directed by Ash Tata - NYU Tisch Mainstage. Since their recent graduation from NYU Tisch with a BFA in Drama, they have been working to tell original stories that focus on queerness, diversity, and coming of age. They have been working with the playwright Grace for over 10 years and is incredibly grateful to perform in Thy Neighbor with Maverik, and hopes to continue to explore Cole and Jude in the future.

Program # 7 (3rd Floor)

Chickadee

by Leon Lone

Directed by Caitlyn Marr

Caitlyn Marr (Director) is a New-York based director and actor from Miami, Florida. Directorial credits include “300 Bones” and “The Den of the Spectacled Bear” at Chain Theatre Festivals in 2023. Co-artistic director of PAUL @we_are_paul. All the gratitude goes to Lana and the cast for their brilliant work. Instagram: @caitlynmarr22

Leon Lone (Playwright) is a New York-based playwright originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her plays, including those presented under another name, have previously been featured at the Chain Theatre; PTP/NYC: After Dark and Pittsburgh City Theatre. She is a co-artistic director of PAUL (wearepaul.org; @we_are_paul), and the founder of The Dovecote, a monthly reading series for new works. Special thanks to the cast, the Chain Theatre, Ben Hoffman, Eva Hoffman, and Marcel Dzama – and, as always, Caitlyn Marr. 

Murphy Baker (Eckersley) is an actress, singer, and improviser currently based in Brooklyn. Originally from Houston, TX, she graduated in May of 2021 with her BFA in Musical Theater from Colorado Mesa University. Currently, you can find her performing around the 5 boroughs with her indie improv troupe Pie Town, as well as performing in The People’s Sketch Revue at the People’s Improv Theater. 

Natasha Jain (Alberts) is a British actor and voiceover artist, who recently made her New York debut in ‘Hoyt St’ at Theatre Row. Credits include; ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘The Craft’ and the world premiere of ‘The Butcher’ by Andrew Biss.Natasha has directed four stage plays in prominent Hong Kong theatres. She is also an educator whose work has included designing and delivering syllabi for a prestigious Hong Kong University for its ‘Acting for the Global Screen’ degree. When she is not performing on stage, Natasha works as a corporate role-player and facilitator for theatre-led learning companies.

Emily Ma (Opal) is an Asian American actor born and raised in New York City. Her theater credits include 300 Bones by Leon Lone (Chain Theatre), Middle C by Erin Mallon (A.R.T./NY Theatre) and One Flea Spare by Naomi Wallace (Middlebury College). Last summer, she acted as the lead of her first feature film titled All for One directed by Paul Chau. You can also see her on the original student web-series The Deli People on Youtube. Emily graduated from Middlebury College with a joint major in Theatre and Political Science. She is thrilled to be returning to the Chain Theatre and working with a stellar cast and crew!

Wynn McClenahan (Trask) (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of the Chain Theatre Winter One-Act Festival. Most recently, she performed in the Westport Country Playhouse “Script in Hand” reading of 100 Saints You Should Know directed by Maria Dizzia. Wynn was also just seen in a new play entitled The Dust of the World at the HB Playwrights Theatre. Credits include SEX, GRIFT, and Death (Potomac Theatre Project), 7th Annual Women in Theatre Festival (Project Y Theatre), Tiny Barn Theatre Festival (Project Y Theatre), and Julius Caesar (PTP/NYC).  Middlebury College, BA Theatre.  www.wynnmcclenahan.com Instagram: @wynnmcc

Chase Naylor (Chet) is a classically trained actor who graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He is currently a New York based actor and founding member of the New Ambassadors Theatre Company. He recently played Nick in the fil 'The Nurse' and he just originated the role of Shawn in Tight Five during their in-rep performances at the Hudson Guild. He is excited to be a part of the one-act festival and more excited to share the stage with such amazing artists. You can keep up with Chase's acting exploits  by following him on  instagram: @chasenaylor or email him for updates at chasenaylor@gmail.com.

Farewell to Blammerton

Written and Directed by Robert Cantillon

Robert Cantillon - Playwright + Director

Robert Cantillon is a playwright and musician from Southington, Connecticut, living and working in New York City. Having previously brought his short play Push-Ups to the Chain Theatre (Summer ‘22), Robert is thrilled to be returning to this winter’s festival with Farewell to Blammerton. Additional recent productions of his work include Gracious Host (Secret Theatre), Midnight at the West Haven Train Station (SooP Theatre), Last Long Night in Hell (Teatro Latea), and Raw Sewage; or, an alternative to/blatant misuse of Bayesian Statistics (Secret Theatre). His band, The Pocket 10s, performs his original music at venues around New York City.

https://www.robertcantillon.com

Atiana Skokan - Valerie

Atiana Skokan is delighted to be a part of this project. She is an actress and fine artist based in New York and San Francisco. She recently graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she completed her acting training at the Meisner Studio and at the Stonestreet Residency. 

Dorothea Miller - NatashaDorothea is a writer and actor based in NYC. She recently graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she double majored in Dramatic Writing and Drama. Dorothea’s favorite production thus far has been in collaboration with 2024 Sundance Nominee– Dylan Guerra– on the world premiere of Lisa at the Marilyn Monroe Theater.  Currently, Dorothea is in pre-production for her original play entitled, “That Big Voice Inside My Head,” premiering at the New York Theater Festival in June 2024. 

https://www.dorothealmiller.com/ 

Aidan Hall Moore - Reid

Aidan is thrilled to be collaborating with Rob Cantillon for the second time after performing in his play Gracious Host this past summer at the Secret Theatre! Aidan is an actor based in NY & LA who will receive his B.F.A in Drama this spring from NYU Tisch (Stella Adler Studio, Stonestreet Studios). He also trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, UK. Recent Credits: King Lear (Lear) @ RADA; The Violet Hour (Denis McCleary), Metamorphoses (Midas/Hermes/etc.) @ Stella Adler; The Lower Depths (Alyoshka) @ NYU Tisch Drama Stage; Romeo & Juliet (Paris) @ VINO Theater; Richard II (Duke of York) @ NYU SITS; Sganarelle (Lélie) @ NYU-PHTS. For Isa! https://aidanhmoore.wixsite.com/actor   

Cade Koch - Merp

Cade (he/they) is an actor, director, and fight choreographer establishing themselves in NYC after graduating from NYU in 2023, where they completed all of their acting training with the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. @cako0518 on Instagram will be documenting the upcoming projects and shenanigans.

Revolution 10

by Annie Brown

Directed by Jackson Bradshaw

ANNIE BROWN (Playwright & Media Designer)

 (She/Her) is a New York City based and Edmond, Oklahoma raised playwright, composer, and producer. As a new work enthusiast, Annie deeply enjoys switching narratives to create theatrical work that offers differing perspectives and empowers often silenced voices. Recent works of her’s include Remembering Morgan (DUAF @ Playwrights Horizons), Hillary Loves Me (The Tank), Myles To Go (Players Theatre), and various other works with 54 Below (Heard It From a Birdie, I Can Do That, & “Do Not Sing List” series). Annie studies Playwriting and Theatre & New Media at Marymount Manhattan College with a goal of continuing to expand the type of theatre she can help create.

“Use art to put good in the world.”

AnnieMaeBrown.com | Instagram @anniebrwn

JACKSON BRADSHAW (Director)

(he/they) is a New York City based director. Recent credits include Noise by Rae Covey (SWATCH @ Producers Club Theatres,) I Want to See the Sun Again by Bram Hartman (PlaygroundNY,) Heard It From a Birdie by Annie Brown and Josh Neighbors (Purple Light Productions,) Remembering Morgan by Annie Brown (DUAF @ Playwrights Horizons,) and Apartment on Yucca by Stephen Jared (Premiere the Play.) Film credits include their internationally screened multi award winning short film, Untitled Self Portrait. Jackson is a graduate of The Dobbins Conservatory with his BFA in Theatre and BS in TV/Film. @jacksonbradshawofficial on Instagram and Tiktok.

ASHLEY RIBOUL (Dalia) 

(she/her) is a New York based actor and dancer hailing from Newburgh, NY. Whether on or off stage, Ashley is very passionate about telling stories, being a part of new works, devising and collaborating with fellow artists, and overall playing pretend. She is a graduate of Hofstra University with a BFA in Drama Performance, and is excited to make her NYC debut. Recent college credits include Cymbeline (Cornelia), The Revolutionists (Marianne Angelle), and Barbecue (Black Lillie Anne). She would like to thank her family and friends for the love and support, and Jackson and Annie for this amazing opportunity. @ashleyriboulll on Instagram.

PAIGE FLOTTMAN (Cal)

(She/her) is a New York-based and Missouri-raised actor, singer, and dancer. Paige is especially interested in new works development and new interpretations of classical pieces. Recent credits include The Oresteia at The Gallery Players, Remembering Morgan at Downtown Urban Arts Festival, and productions at the Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance, where she received her BFA in Musical Theater. Many thanks to all of the wonderful people she’s collaborated with in the last year who have helped her reach this point.

Adam Schween (Max)

(He/Him) is a New York based actor, singer and dancer. Adam has appeared in multiple original works in the New York area including An American Hero at NYMF (Thomas O’Brien) (which he won an outstanding performance award for) and Heard it from a Birdie (Coby). He appreciates each and every one of you for coming and experiencing this show! @AdamSchween 

Chyna Jackson (Mason)

(Any) is a graduate from LIU Brooklyn with a BFA in Theater, Film, and Television and a graduate from Stella Adler Studio of Acting. She was a dancer at Mark Morris Dance Center and Dancewave. Her previous credits include Outside In, Remembering Morgan, Twelfth Night, and Ellipses. She believes that it is always a pleasure to work on new and innovative projects.

Kris Russell (Costume & Prop Designer) 

(she/her) is a longtime theater lover from New York who after a lifetime of being the most dramatic person she knows, is bringing her talents to the stage via costume styling! In addition to being a person who enjoys many crafts like embroidery, felt flower making and more, she truly finds joy in helping others to reflect exactly what they feel on the inside through their clothing and make up! The art of costuming brings so much to a production and she’s so proud to be able to practice that art. 

Sophie Falvey (Bet) 

(they(them) is a New York-based stage and film actor originally from Takoma Park, MD. Selected New York theater includes The Seagull (Firebird Players), R.U.R (Firebird Players), Horsegirls (Homemade Jean Shorts), and Comedy of Errors (Gallery Players). Oberlin College theater credits include The Moors, At the End of the World, Hamlet, and Orlando.

Program #8 (4th Floor)

Want a Ride?

by Peter Del Re

CAST:

Joey D’Amore (Arturo): Joey D'Amore is thankful to come back to The Chain to tell a rich, new story grounded in the cultural boom of mid-60's Brooklyn. 

Joey has recently performed in The Fresh Fruit Festival, The Musical Theater Writers Collective, and in various commercials. A big thanks to his friends and family for their unwavering support. Keep up with his new projects on Instagram @Joey_damore :)

Luis Navaro (Raúl): Born & raised in Los Angeles, CA, Luis was initially a painter working towards his BFA at the California Institute of the Arts. But then, as fate would have it, at 22 years old he traded the brushes for the stage when he was thrown into a production of “Leveling Up” at the Hudson Theater in Hollywood, CA. Now living as an actor in New York City, he’s grateful to be a part of “Want A Ride?,” where he gets to bring “Raúl” to life. He became an actor pretty much by accident, and he hasn’t looked back.

Gloria Jung (Lucretia): Gloria Jung was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and spent her summers "by the beach all day,” at Coney Island. Jung had her start in The Everyman Co, and continued her acting education at Hb Studio and The Neighborhood Playhouse. Her last performance in Theater was at The Bocca Arts Center playing Lydia Morolla in Capriccio Radio By Larry Rinkel.

Georgina Saldaña Wonchee (Camila): Georgina Saldaña Wonchee is a Mexican actor and co-founder of “Espejo Escénico,” a Theater company based in Oaxaca, Mexico. "Las Ocho Joyas de Igu” was one of the plays created in collaboration with the company "Idiotas Teatro" from Mexico City, and was part of the 41st National Theater Festival of the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature. In 2022, she moved to NY where she is currently touring with a musical monologue "Cruzando Ensueños" honoring immigrants who have lost their lives in their journey to the United States. She has trained at the Atlantic Acting School in NYC.

CREATIVE:

Peter Del Re (Playwright & Producer): Born and raised in New York City, Peter is a new playwright, with Want a Ride? being his first ever play to be staged. He is a recent graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts Directing as well as Cinema, Television, and Emerging Media. It was at Marymount that he directed an excerpted production of Jennifer Haley’s Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom as well as a production of a new play titled 2015 Fantasy by Spencer Senzon. He also directed a production of Brianna Pennella’s Fresh Arrangements for the New York Theatre Festival in the Spring of 2023 and, in high school, directed a production of Qui Nguyen’s She Kills Monsters. Peter is passionate about showcasing the existence and persistence of queer people in every era through his work.

Elena Maldonado-Dunn (Director): Elena Maldonado-Dunn is a Brooklyn-based writer and director with a passion for queer storytelling. Past credits include Star Lake (The Chain); The Comedy of Errors and Richard II (Hip to Hip Theater Company); and Achilles and Patroclus (Marymount Manhattan College). They are grateful for the opportunity to bring you this beautiful story!

Celina Feng (Stage Manager): Celina Feng (she/they) is the stage manager for Want a Ride? She is currently under a fellowship provided by Roundabout Theatre Company studying to become a theater technician. They’ve also studied in City College of New York where she was an assistant stage manager for their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare and a lighting designer for Constellations by Nick Payne. 

Julia Gaudioso (Intimacy Director: Julia Gaudioso (she/her) is a recent graduate of  Marymount Manhattan College, where she earned a double majoring in a BA Theatre Arts with a concentration in directing, and a BA in History. Julia has directed various shows regarding queerness across history. Most recently, she directed Connor Spaulding's "I'm Not Leaving" in the Chain's Summer One Act Play Festival and Annie Brown's "Myles To Go" in the Short play festival at The Players Theatre. Also at The Players Theatre, Julia worked on the directing team of "Like Father Like Salt" written by Mark McKnight. Julia is thrilled to work on "Want a Ride" with this incredible cast and crew!

Set Designer: Edwin Gutierrez

Program # 9 (4th Floor)

Bittersweet

by Niveka Hobaichan

Directed by Scout Cook

Annie Kefalas (she/her) has worked in Chicago, Savannah, London, and New York as a personal trainer, actor, and director. Her acting credits include The Amish Project (a one woman show) (Between Us Theatre Co), E.G.G. (Between Us Theater Co), Love Labors Lost (Arachne Theater), Stages (The Chain Theater), The Tempest (Arachne Theater), King Lear (LAMDA), Dry Land (Chicago Loop Players), and Number the Stars (GreatWorks Theatre Co). Her directing credits include The Six Stages of a Breakup (The Pen Theater London, Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Access Denied (The Chain Theater), Feedback (Theater Row), A Christmas Carol (Arachne Theater), Something is Far Away (The Brick Theater), and Bodies (The Chain Theater Chicago). Annie would be nowhere without her incredible parents, sisters, and friends by her side. She sends so much love and gratitude to Niv and Scout and thanks them for letting her perform in this wonderful piece. If you’re suffering from self harm, call 1-800-366-8288, never be afraid to reach out for help. @annievivkefalas

Scout Cook (they/them) is thrilled to be part of yet another Niveka Hobaichan masterpiece, this time as a director rather than an actor. Besides making their way through their playwright’s works, Scout recently helped kick off LAByrinth Theater Company’s 31st season in The Odyssey of Hope by Kristina Poe.  Their favorite Friends episode is “The One With The Videotape”. For all LGBTQ Youth struggling with their mental health, reach out to The Trevor Project  1-866-488-7386. 

Niveka Hobaichan (they/she) dedicates their performance to their brother and grandmother. If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t suffer alone. Reach out to a friend or dial 988 for help. 

Candy

by Matthew Moore

Directed by David J. Baldwin

David J. Baldwin (Director/Matthew) is a NYC-based Singer/Actor and Voice Teacher, on faculty at NYU Steinhardt. In 2023 he made his directing debut at MCS Theatre with his monthly Queer Play Reading Series. He is grateful for the love and support of Ian and Percy. @davidjosephbaldwin 

Jamie Tincher (Jessica) is an NYC based actor/writer/recovering Floridian. She studied improv comedy at the UCB theater and Meisner technique under Ted Wold at Ted Wold Studio. She was most recently seen as Maxine in Ted Wold Studio’s/Tessa Faye Talent’s production of Zayd Dorhn’s Sick at the Mark O’Donnell theater. @jamtea

Matthew Moore (Playwright) is a playwright and poet from New England. Their work has appeared in Octillo, Wireworm, Stonecoast, and Esoteria.

Gun Play

by Lillian Mottern

Lillian Mottern (she/her) is a New York City-based playwright and director originally from Eastside Los Angeles. She graduated with a degree in English Lit from UCLA and is currently pursuing her MFA in Playwriting at Columbia University. She’s thrilled to be working with Shea and Jack on this play! She can be found online @lillianmottern. 

Shea Sprague (she/they) is a Brooklyn-based artist & caregiver. Shea graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 2022 with a BA in psychology & performing-arts and attended the National Theatre Institute in the spring of 2021. She loves helping friends with creative projects, and most recently acted in "Goblin Mode," a short film written by Dan Smythe-Temple and directed by Evan Ray Suzuki. Shea is also interested in visual art, sound design, & dance, and has a passion for connecting with queer elders at the Stonewall House in Fort Greene. They met Lillian & Jack in 2019 while working on a one-acts festival at the North Hollywood Actor's Studio in California, and are excited to be reunited for "Gun Play."

Jack Forrest Ventimilia (He/Him) is an actor, writer, and director based in New York City, originally hailing from Los Angeles. Currently, he is finishing his undergraduate degree at NYU Tisch’s Department of Dramatic Writing, concentrating in playwriting. Recent acting credits include Sir Steven Scroop in Shakespeare in the Square’s production of King Richard II, Henry in Tides, presented in The Tank’s 2023 Pride Fest, and Episode Two of the Executable Society’s podcast The Scenes on WNYU. He’s thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on Lillian Mottern’s sharp and poignant Gun Play for the Chain Theater’s One Act Festival. He hopes you enjoy the show! For more information, he can be found on Instagram at @jackventimilia. 

Program #10 (4th Floor)

Fettuccine

by Queen-Tiye Akamefula

Directed by Ava Elizabeth Novak

STARRING:

KEYANA HEMPHILL

CHARLES MAYHEW MILLER

ACTOR:

Charles Mayhew Miller (They/Them) is a queer artist residing in NYC! Recent credits include: Cabaret (Barrington Stage Company), A Map To Nowhere (Soho Rep), and Mamma Mia (Lake Tahoe Shakespeare). Charles is so excited to bring Miss Gigi to life and can't wait to share her joy with the audience. Peace & Blessings! @Chuckiemillz 

Keyana Hemphill (she/her) is a New York-based actor and stage manager. She is incredibly grateful to be back at The Chain Theater with this dream team! Most recently, she ASM’d nichi douglas’ pray at Ars Nova Theater. BFA: NYU Tisch ‘17. Theatre: Anna in I was unbecoming then (Ars Nova); Ensemble in I Love You Jesus Christ (The Tank); Ensemble / Self in Untitled 1-5 (The Shed); Florinda in Into the Woods (Off Brand Opera Co.); Karyl Singers in The End of Incorporated Filth (Breaking & Entering Theatre Co.); Liv in Antarabhava (The Brick/Columbia University); Duke Frederick/Duke Senior in As You Like It (BETHCo); Our House Is Haunted (Dixon Place); Louis XVI in Incorruptible (Joust Theatre Co.); King of France/Countess in All’s Well That Ends Well (The Brick). Web: Too Far Web Series (YouTube). 

PLAYWRIGHT:

Queen-Tiye Akamefula (she/her) is a black/filipino Actor/Playwright based in Brooklyn. Originally from Brookline, Massachusetts, she graduated from NYU: Tisch in 2019 after studying at the Playwrights Horizons Theater School and the Experimental Theater Wing. She’s had the pleasure of working with theaters such as Ars Nova, Joe’s Pub, The Oberon @ ART, Here Arts Center, JACK, and others.  Her one woman show, “NIGHTSWIMMING”, was previously a part of Ars Nova ANTFest. She recently won an award for her play, FETTUCCINE, at All Out Arts  “Fresh Fruit Festival”. Thank you to my beautiful team, and all those who I love. 

DIRECTOR:

Ava Elizabeth Novak is a live performance and filmmaker dedicated to creating images that pull together black spiritual epistemology with mundane afro-futurism in the convergence of the now. They believe time is not a line but a closed shape and seek to explore tensions between tradition and generational trauma. Notable works include: Director- CAPE (co-created with Lamb, The Kitchen x Montez Press Radio), Salty Clowns (writ. Kristen Cato, 48 Hours in Harlem), Wetlands (writ. AriDy Nox Workshop, Live & In Color), PARK (Exponential Festival). Video - In Light (nicHi douglas, BRIC), Lost Footage of Blk Future (Ta-Nia , Contemporary Arts London

Halfway Through the Wood

by Amy Losi

Amanda Cannon (Jessica) holds a BA in Theatre from Southern Arkansas University. Credits include “Medea” (Chorus), “The Merry Wives of Windsor” (Mistress Page), “Six Degrees of Separation” (Tess), “Lend Me a Tenor” (Maria), and “Abdication!” (Sophia, Lady in Red). She is also a member of Wednesday Repertory Company, which focuses on creating and producing original work.

Amy Losi (Playwright/Marian) is an actor, playwright, director, and member of the Dramatists Guild. Her plays have been accepted into fourteen festivals, winning awards for Best Costumes, Best Actress, Excellence in Directing, Best Ensemble, and the Spirit of the Hartford Fringe Festival. Amy won “Best Female Screenwriter” and “Best Female Centre Film” for the filmed version of her play, “No Fall My Hand.” She has had two full-length plays produced at Theater for the New City (“Verse DiVerse,” 2022) and American Theatre of Actors (“To Feed the Roses,” 2023). As an actor, Amy has appeared in nearly ninety plays, as well as the Broadway Comedy Club, commercials, film, and TV.  www.amylosi.net/

Laurie Rae Waugh (Director/Rose) has been working as a theatre artist in NY since 1980 and as a Director since 2001. Laurie has received the ATA Award for Best Dramatic Director for “Mirrors,” ATA Best Director Award, Drama, for “A Spanish Harlem Story,” and a Jean Dalrymple Best Director Award for “Code Name Daniel,” all from American Theatre of Actors. Laurie was nominated for Outstanding Director (Short Subjects) for “ELLEN and TROY and ELOISE” from The Midtown International Theatre Festival. She has also worked with Ripple Effect Artists, Legacy Stage Ensemble, EndTime Productions, TSI/Playtime Series, and VertaMirandance. 

Program #12 (3rd Floor)

Leaving

Written and Directed by Kat Tobits

Kat Tobits (she/her, playwright/director) is delighted to be making her professional writer/directorial debut with Leaving. She is currently studying theatre directing at Purchase College, where she has held various roles in theatre productions, including How to Defend Yourself (AD), Kill the Man! (Director/Playwright), and Erica Schmidt’s Mac Beth (Banquo). Eternal love to her family and friends!

Aidan D. Lally (DJ) is a writer, actor and model based in New York City. He has recently graduated from the Screenwriting and Playwriting program at Purchase College. He has performed in various plays and films while attending Purchase including Life After Cali, and Pretending. Aidan also enjoys performing stand-up comedy and playing piano. He thanks you for your time and attention. 

Jackson Sorice (he/him, Sal) is thrilled to be a part of the cast of Leaving! Past credits include How Defend Yourself (Eggo), As You Like It (Silvius), and The Play That Goes Wrong (Jonathan). Jackson is in his second year at Purchase College where he is studying Theatre and Performance. Many thanks to his mom, dad, and Ryder for their continued support. 

Gawain Mosher (he/him, DJ/Sal swing) is a senior Literature/Anthropology major at SUNY Purchase College. He has performed in many theatrical productions in New York and Connecticut, most recently As You Like It (Charles/Phebe) and Pippin (Leading Player). He would like to thank his friends and family for their endless support.

Lovejoy on Lovejoy

Written and Performed by Richard Lovejoy

Directed by Shaun Bennet Fauntleroy

Content warning: This play contains a graphic description of a lynching.

The Team

Paige Blansfield - Producer

Shaun Bennet Fauntleroy - Director

Richard Lovejoy – Playwright/Performer

The Bios

Shaun Bennet Fauntleroy (Director) is an actress, playwright, director, intimacy choreographer, and teaching artist. Shaun is a recipient of the Theatre Hall of Fame’s 2017 Emerging Theatre Artist Award and a 2019/20 Sheen Center Fellow grant. She was selected as a co-director of the Amoralists 2020/2021 ‘Wright Club, and was one of Gingold Theatrical Group’s 2018/2019 Speakers’ Corner playwrights and teaches at Stella Adler (Acting) and at NYU | Tisch School of the Arts (Acting, Directing). AEA, DGA  www.shaunbfauntleroy.com

Richard Lovejoy (Playwright/Performer) is a prolific actor and writer. He wrote and starred in the short film Push Up and the 2015 feature film The Widowers, which won Best Narrative Feature at the 2nd Chain Film Festival. Richard appears in the monthly soap opera for the stage It's Getting Tired Mildred and is a co-host on the podcast Gamers with Jobs Conference Call. www.richardlovejoy.com www.gamerswithjobs.com 

Full dramaturgy is available at https://richard-lovejoy.squarespace.com/lovejoy-on-lovejoy

The Community that Made It Possible

Special Thanks: Paige Blansfield, Amanda Goertzen, Kent Meister, Ben Beckley, The Assembly, The Chain Theatre

Blanket

by Bui Ngoc Hieu

Director- Grace Zhang

Stage Manager- Jack Kneessy

Playwright: Bùi Ngọc Hiếu

Dramaturg: Josh Feye

Players- Lennox T. Duong as Thao, Trí Lê as Ne, and Jueun Kang as Blanket

Bùi Ngọc Hiếu A three-peat appearance at the Chain Theatre One Act Festival, Hieu Bui is a multidisciplinary storyteller in his 1st year at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale pursuing his MFA in Acting. He is committed to sharing the stories of his family and exploring the roots of his Vietnamese heritage. He would like to thank his family: Ba Tuan, Anh No, Anh Ne, and Chi Thao.

Grace Zhang (they/them) is a filmmaker from New York, and co-founder of the production company Ozu Was Right. Their short films DOG STORY and SNAKESKIN have screened internationally, and they believe in artmaking as a way to break binaries and imagine more equitable futures for queer and trans people of color. They are elated to work with this team to bring BLANKET to life!

Trí Lê (he/him) is a Vietnamese/American actor committed to uplifting diverse stories and narratives. Training: Columbia MFA. Thank you for coming!

Lennox T. Duong is from Fresno, CA. She graduated from The Juilliard School with her MFA in 2022. Amongst her favorite roles are Imogen in CYMBELINE, Masha in THREE SISTERS, Amina in DANCE NATION, and Mulan in MULAN AND THE BATTLE ON BLACK MOUNTAIN. She's recently worked on a new musical, HELLO KITTY MUST DIE, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2023. She's workshopped new plays with La Jolla Theater Company, Durango Playfest, Local Theater Company, and NAATCO. lennox.t.duong

Jueun Kang (she/they) is a Korean performer and multidisciplinary artist. She planted her first seed as an actor, honing her horizon of human nature. She has been expanding these roots through her creative process, from delving with superficial elements to synesthesia experiences, venturing into the world of performance from a multidimensional angle. Her work often seeks out the most wildlife force between surrealism and fantastical escapism, taking inspiration from traditional Korean rituals, folklore, circus dynamism, and wonders of natural environments. Jueun has performed at venues such as Soho Playhouse, The Cell Theatre, Artroom Blue(Seoul), Sungkyun Theater(Seoul), The Brick Theater, Playwrights Downtown and has also been part of Monika Weiss's public monument project, Nirbhaya. 

Jack Kneessy Jack is excited to be making his NYC theatre debut at the Chain Theatre One Act Festival with BLANKET. Originally from Kansas City, Jack is a multidisciplinary theatre artist based in New York City. He would like to thank Hieu and Josh. Insta: jackkneessy

Josh Feye Josh is a dramaturg and drama critic based in Brooklyn, New York. Some previous dramaturgy credits include THE INHERITANCE at Unicorn Theatre, ME, MYSELF, AND DREW at Chain Theatre Summer One Act Festival, and DOG SEES GOD at UMKC Theatre. His drama criticism is published on his Substack called THE DIONYSIAN DREAM. All the love and gratitude to Hieu, Grace, Jack, the cast of BLANKET, family, and friends.

Program #13 (3rd Floor)

Le Petit Bateau

Written and Directed by Chris Gacinski

Chris Gacinski is a drummer/playwright/poet/actor based in Massapequa, NY. He was the resident drummer for Measure for Measure Theatre, a theatre company based in South Florida. He has played drums for shows like In the Heights and Next to Normal. His play Three Hours Until Departure was featured at Secret Theatre’s Act One One Act Festival, as well as performing in roles such as King Sextimus (Once Upon a Mattress), Michael (A Dog’s House) and Beethoven (Dog Sees God.) Chris would like to thank his friends and family, his girlfriend Allie, and his cat Magic for all the support, Christina, Kirk, and Rick of the Chain Theatre for the opportunity to have this script performed, and a special shoutout to his friends Lucas Doytier and Mackenzie Anderson for writing the intro and outro music for the show. 

Titan Carlman (Jacques) was previously seen in The Promise with The Texas Amphitheater, SpongeBob the Musical with NTPA, and Spring Awakening with Lisa Devine. Titan has a BFA in Theatre with an Emphasis in Performance at UNT. Fun facts about Titan are that he has flown airplanes and scuba dives. He would like to thank his late Mother, his Father, and Little Brothers for supporting him through everything, and always pushing me towards my dream.

Luis Feliciano (Francois) is an actor who focuses on clowning. He is currently an apprentice for Christopher Bayes and can be found every Tuesday at Clown Gym working as Studio Manager. He is happy to be back at The Chain One-Act Festival after performing as Peter in What Happened to Peter’s Peter? in Summer 2021 and as SON in American Fruit in Winter 2023. Training: Philippe Gaulier (Le Jeu/Clown), Christopher Bayes (Clown/Commedia), Giovanni Fusetti (Bouffon), Benjamin Moore (Linklater/Stanislavski/Meisner), Emmanuelle Delpech (Lecoq Pedagogy). Theatre credits include: The Trash Garden (Atlas), Hispanic Whiteboy (Oscar), Sonnets for an Old Century (Boy), Rhinoceros (Berenger), Hamlet (Polonius), The Sex Myth: A Devised Play (Ensemble Director) 

Shadow of War

Written and Directed by Taiwo Aloba

“Shadow of War” is set during the height of the Nigerian Civil War. Amidst the backdrop of a war-torn nation, tension fills the air as military officers navigate the intricate web of loyalties, personal sacrifices, and animosities. The play explores themes of sacrifice, honor, and humanity’s shared aspirations for peace. 

BIOS

Ramsden Madeus (Colonel Joseph) is thrilled to play the role of Colonel Joseph in "Shadow of War." A proud alumnus of Atlantic Acting School, Ramsden is an actor based in New York.

Fedly Daniel (Colonel John) is a Haitian American actor, writer, and artist based in New York City. His works in the theater include Diffractions Theater’s “The Bald Soprano,” The White Listed Theatre Company’s “Lost in Space,” Concrete Timbre’s “Un Liue de Vie,” “Keys,” and “Voyage de Ouf,” as well as Under lord's “Bloodshot.”

Kingsley Yeboah (Lt. Colonel James) is a Ghanaian actor and filmmaker in New York. He is excited to play the role of Lt. Colonel James in “Shadow of War.”

Sean Coffey (British Agent) is an actor based in Westchester, NY. He studied at Fordham University and has performed locally throughout the Tri-state area. Recent favorite theater credits include Dear Brutus (Mr. Lob, Alpha NYC Theater Company), Hedda Gabler (George Tesman, Red Monkey Theater Group), Cabaret (Ernst Ludwig, Sherman Playhouse) & A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom, Arachne Theater). 

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 is a member of the Dramatist Guild. www.TaiwoAloba.com

The Place Where You Stand

by Barbara Bornmann

Scene: The play takes place in O’Connells pub in midtown Manhattan, NYC

Cast in order of appearance

Chris Carlson (Bobby) Other roles include Eilert Lovborg “Hedda Gabler”, Claudio “Much Ado About Nothing”, Officer Lockstock “Urinetown”, Wilbur Turnblad “Hairspray”, Martin “Fool for Love”, Edmond Tyronne “Long Day’s Journey Into Night”, Narrator/Mysterious Man “Into the Woods”.  Chris is also the Artistic Director of Brooklyn Players.  Thanks to Liz, Barbara and Junie.

Junie B. Hart (Ibu) I started taking acting classes in the Fall of 2021, learning from my acting coach Mr. Etienne Navarre, and watching pre-recorded videos from the MasterClass app. Since my training, I have done many stage productions from “The Sunset Limited” to “True West” and most recently Ralph D in “The MotherF**KER With The Hat”. I take on the leading role as Bobi, a troubled boxer in a short film titled “Jab”. I’m also the lead in a series titled “I Got Now” where I play a rapper from which I’ve been awarded “Best Acting Debut” at the Oniros Film Festival.

Sivan Raz (White Hand) is a magnetic actor, singer and director. A nuanced and imaginative performer, their credits include: Queen/Gerald/Wooer/ Dance Captain “Two Noble Kinsmen”, Didi “Waiting for Samuel”, Poins/Vernon “Henry IV Part 1”, Juliet/Abhorson “Measure For Measure”, Ensemble “In The Heights”, and u/s Steward and Bailey “The Polar Express”. As an Audio Verse Award winning director, they create unique sensory experiences with works such as “Cyrano De Bergerac”, Andrew Lippa's “The Wild Party” and “God of Carnage”.

Michael Braudy (Music) is a violinist who specializes in Western, North Indian, and Celtic music, and collaborates with vocalists, storytellers, and poets.  He has performed in the US and England, Scotland, and India.  He also gives Sound and Health through Music workshops and private sessions, which use music and silence to increase awareness of body, breath, emotions and mind. His recordings include a series of Indian ragas for health.

Elizabeth Bove (Director, The Place Where You Stand) directing credits include “Proof”, “A Man For All Seasons”, “Uncle Vanya”, “Still Life”, five Black Box plays for The Gallery Players, and over 40 short plays and public readings.

Barbara Bornmann (playwright), RDT/BCT, LCAT is a professional drama therapist currently working with Correctional Health Services in New York City. Previous plays include: “The Terminal Wildlife Diner” 1992, Center School in Manhattan; “Mime-Time.” 1996, John Jay College of Criminal Justice - North American Drama Therapy Association national conference; “The Place Where You Stand.” 2024, Chain Theatre. As a drama therapist she assisted a patient at Rikers Island to write his play “23 Years Later”, 2023, broadcasting on Bloomberg Connect. Drama Therapy research available on www.ResearchGate.net

Special Thanks to Garnett, Renee, and Wendy at the First Unitarian Congregational Society of Brooklyn and Chain Theatre for providing rehearsal space

Program #14 (3rd Floor)

Buddies

by Francis Bogan

Frank’s in a funk again. Can his pal Declan figure out why? Will the reason ruin Declan’s life? Probably not, but it seems pretty intense.

Declan - Zeke St. John

Frank - Joshua Danielson 

Ana* - Gabby Laurendine

Writer/Director - Francis Bogan

*Recorded

Zeke St. John is an actor from New York City. His theater credits include The Campaign that Failed at the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Cloud 9 at New York Theater Lab, and Where We’re Born at the Flea. You can follow Zeke on Instagram @freaksandzekes

Joshua Danielson is an actor and comedian based in Brooklyn. He is a graduate of Brown University and has a background in stand-up and improv comedy. He's originally from La Habra, California. 

Francis Bogan is a writer based in Brooklyn, New York. He writes plays and satire.

Night Becomes Morning

by Diane Davis

Directed by Leslie Kincaid Burby

PLAYWRIGHT:

Diane Davis (She/Her) is a playwright living in NYC, a member of the Actor's Studio Playwright Director’s Unit, and a writer-in-residence at Theater East. She is the founding Artistic Director of Eden Theater Company. Her work has been produced or developed at the New Ohio Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Primary Stages, Howl Playwrights, AMIOS, Barrow Group, HB Studios, Goddard College, and Columbia University. She has a BA in Theater at Bennington College and MFA Columbia University (2025 cohort).

DIRECTOR:

Leslie Kincaid Burby (She/Her) is an award-winning director, dramaturge, and performer. Her independent film, Robin Hood, recently won multiple awards in the Hudson International Film Festival. New York Innovative Theatre outstanding director award for Drama Desk nominated The Navigator by Eddie Antar (New York Times Critic Pick). New York International Fringe Festival Overall Excellence Award for her direction of Sean-Patrick O'Brien's Zamboni. Associate Artistic Director at The Workshop Theater, member SDC.

ACTORS:

Grace Kiley (She/Her) won the Best Actress Award for the comedy film, Daddy Issues, 2023. She also won Best One Woman Show, Longing for Grace Kelly, United Solo and tour. She teaches/coaches acting in NYC and film directing at NYU and is the Artistic Director of Kiley Ensemble. She is also a Therapeutic Counselor and Mentor for creatives.

Henry Dwyer is a multi-disciplined actor who honed his craft at Mason Gross School of the Arts and Shakespeare's Globe in London, marking a solid foundation in both modern and classical theater. His versatile talent has led him to a successful career in the film industry, where he continues to expand his craft within the working world. A true New Yorker at heart, Dwyer brings the authenticity and resilience of the city to every role he embodies, making him a relatable and versatile figure in the entertainment world.

Requiem For A Bench

by Helene Galek

BIOS

WRITER- HELENE GALEK

Helene is thrilled to be a part of the wonderful festival! She is also an actor, casting director and producer and sometimes does all of them simultaneously! Many thanks to her incredible director, Perryn, who directed her in a one act festival with New Ambassador Theater Company. Additional thanks my marvelous cast, Anne Fizzard for her graphic work, Shoptalk and PGE! Now to finish that book!

DIRECTOR- PERRYN POMATTO

Perryn is thrilled to be working with Helene again. Their first collaboration was “Wednesday in the Park With Blake” by Nancy Hamada for the New Ambassador Theater Company's Blurring Boundaries Festival, 2023. Perryn is also returning to the Chain Theatre, having directed A Rose By Any Other Name by Debra Green in their Summer Short Play Festival, 2023. 

CAST

DAVID MICHAEL KIRBY (GEORGE)

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. Noteable 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.

​STEPHEN CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL (AL)

TV-Orange is the New Black, Blacklist, GodFather of Harlem seasons 1,2

FILM-Steal This Movie,The Whole Wide World, The Velocity of Gary.

Theatre-Orphans, The Dumb Waiter, The Indian Wants the Bronx, A Soldier's Play, The Homecoming, A View From the Bridge, Gem of the Ocean, In the Red and Brown Water, The Wedding Band, When the Rain Stops Falling, Forty Deuce.

Unison

by Jessica Gómez López

Directed by Jasmine K. Bernard

Jessica Gómez López (Actress/Playwright) is an actress, writer, and filmmaker. She graduated as a filmmaker at Miami Dade College in 2018. She started her acting career in 2019 at Stella Adler Studio. Subsequently, she attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she completed the conservatory program in May of 2022. Jessica made her theatrical debut as “Madre” in Bodas De Sangre at the Gene Frankel Theater in 2022. She’s performed characters such as “Becca” in Rabbit Hole, “Allison” in Look Back In Anger, “Sister James” in Doubt, and recently “Allister” in Earth To Venus. She’s written several shorts, feature films, and screenplays. She self-published her first book called “… And Why Not?” via Amazon KDP and Barnes & Nobles Press in December 2022. Her second book is coming in the Spring of 2024.

Vaughn M. Winton (Actor) is a native New Yorker who grew up in the Lower East Side. He attended Tony Bennett’s performing arts high school for drama while also spending 4 years with American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in their JKO school. After, he attended 2 years at American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) before joining the Academy’s Theater Company. His most recent work was a performance at La MaMa of A Winter's Tale (dir.Orson Cox).

Jasmine K Bernard (Director) is your quintessential therapist and theatre artist. She was last seen directing Earth to Venus, a play very near and dear to their heart and life purpose. Upcoming she will be directing her friend Kaila Galinat’s one person show okay, bye! at United Solo, the world’s largest solo theatre festival! Directing Unison has been an absolute honor. Please follow her Instagram for updates about upcoming projects (@jasmine.k.bernard) and check out more about their art at jasminekbernard.com.

Christine Treuhold (Stage Manager) is an actor/producer/stage manager and spreadsheet enthusiast based in NYC. Graduate of the Atlantic Acting School, she is a founding and lead member of Root 22 Collective and co-artistic director for Couraj Productions. Credits: okay, bye! (SM), Earth to Venus (SM), Little Women (Production SM), Atlantic Throughline Festival (Tech). B.A. Theater from Wesleyan University, with roles onstage and off as a dedicated staff member of Second Stage, Wesleyan’s student-run theater.

Wronged

Written and Directed by Daniel Yaiullo

Emily Bradshaw (Emma) NY Theater credits include The Importance of Being Earnestly LGBTQ+ (Off-Broadway), Love's Labour's Lost (Hudson Classical Theater Co.), and Matt & Ben (The Alpha NYC). TV credits include The Food That Built America (History Channel) and Mysteries at the Museum (Travel Channel). Emily's improv team performed at HBO's Women in Comedy Festival and won UCB Cage Match. Emily is originally from Long Island and a graduate of NYU. Visit www.EmilyMBradshaw.com

Michael Gardiner (Ryan) is an actor, director, writer, teaching artist, as well as Co-Managing Director of The Black Box of Englewood, NJ. With The Black Box, he has acted in/helped develop new or under-produced work by artists including John Patrick Shanley, Paul Schrader, Beth Henley, the Estates of Edward Albee and Sam Shepard, and others. Notably, he played Carl (alongside Daniel Yaiullo) in Eric Bogosian’s new play 1+1 in NJ, at The Chain, and at The SoHo Playhouse. www.michael-gardiner.com IG: gardinlord1

Leah Getz [She/They] (Alex) is a recent graduate from Fordham University, receiving her B.A. in Theatre Performance. Past credits include: Williamstown Theatre Festival, Chapters of a Floating Life (Stage Directions), 2nd Stage Theater, Chinese Republicans (Stage Directions), Fordham Theatre, La Cocina (Helen), and Tartuffe (Elmire). IG: @leahhgetz www.leahgetz.com Rep: Candice Mercedes CSP

KoDee Martin (Jules) is thrilled to be making his Chain Theatre Winter One Act Festival Debut! He is grateful for the opportunity to help bring this original work to life in Wronged.  Some previous credits include A Midsummer Hour (Lysander, Flute/Thisbe), Pride and Prejudice (Mr. Bingley), Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick), and Twelfth Night (Duke Orsino).  Other favorite credits include Next to Normal, Allegiance, 1776, Les Misérables, and Dead Accounts.  Thank you to Linda for loving and supporting me, to Dan for the chance to play again on stage, and I hope you all enjoy the show!

Daniel Yaiullo (writer, director, Steven) played Phil in Eric Bogosian’s 1+1 (alongside Michael Gardiner) in NJ, here at the Chain, and at SoHo Playhouse. He stars in the comedy series Events at Hemlock Manor and recently acted in Gothic Slayers, a feature film set to premiere this year. Other highlights include Kenneth Branagh's Macbeth at Park Avenue Armory, Hurlyburly (dir. Robert O'Hara), Dress of Fire with Austin Pendleton, and Fourteen Little Red Huts, which performed in Voronezh, Russia. He is an NYU Tisch graduate and has studied in Oxford at the British American Drama Academy. He also wrote a full-length play about SantaCon. IG: @dyaiullo www.danielyaiullo.com

Program #15 (3rd Floor)

Another Minute

Written and Directed by Jordan Richards

Jordan Richards (Writer & Director) is an Actor/Writer/Director originally from Broward County, Florida. He graduated with his BFA in Acting from Florida State University, where he fully produced several of his plays as well as directed/devised a new piece for FSU's mainstage season. He has had his work performed in several universities/professional theatres all across the country. He is really excited to be making his New York City playwriting debut, as well as to be directing this amazing cast! Many thanks to Hallie, Paxton, Olivia, Andrew, Cameron, and especially to YOU for being here to see his work! Check out more of his work at www.jordanrichardsactorwriter.com 

Olivia Fairless (Nina) is an actor and model from Ann Arbor, MI and London, England. She is mystified by the light and darkness of the human experience, and grounds herself presently to live fully through the joys and disarrays of living. Her purpose is to free humanity from the shackles of shame; to raise human consciousness through honesty and art and show the world how beautiful it is to be here now. She is grateful for her family, friends, music, and her cat Elfo for being incredible expressions of love.

Paxton Deforest (Sam) (he/him) is a New Orleans native who has proudly called NYC home for almost a decade. He is so delighted to be taking part of the Chain Theatre Winter One Act Festival for the first time! So many thanks to Jordan, for this opportunity, and to Conner, for her constant support.

Andrew Bourne (Waiter) is a NYC-based actor and filmmaker. Andrew graduated from Florida State’s film school, and enjoys comic acting in both films and TV. He performs sketch comedy and improv in venues throughout the city. 

Cameron Kay (Choreographer) is a New York based dancer and choreographer. Her most recent work, “Interface”, was showcased as a part of the 42nd Annual Battery Dance Festival. Recent graduate of Florida State University, Cameron had the privilege of both performing in and creating original works for the School of Dance. She choreographed three original evening-length works performed in concert at Florida State and presented choreography in the American College Dance Association's Regional Conference. Cameron has extensive dance training in both concert and commercial dance and values emphasizing both within her performance and choreography.

Hallie Bond (Assistant Director) is thrilled to be making her Assistant Directing debut at the Chain Theatre! Hallie is a recent graduate of the Institute for American Musical Theatre and has performed in numerous professional productions in NYC. You can find more of her work at www.halliebond.com 

Celebrity Crush

by Sarah Hoogenraad

Directed by Rebecca Wilson

Rebecca Wilson (Director)  is a NY based theatre artist. She returns to the Chain One Act Festival after directing 1900's Women Bonding last year. Other recent credits: The Wizard of Oz (Narrows Community Theater),  Dancing in the Moonshine (The Tank, Rule of 7x7),  Significant Other (Spectrum Players),  and Powerline Road (Assistant Director, Theatre Now NY). Instagram: @_reabz

Sarah Hoogenraad (Playwright/Producer/Amy) is an NYC-Based theatre person. She has performed all over the world for places including Universal Studios Beijing, Dollywood, The Drama League, and many more. She wrote this play on the train and hopes you’ll have a silly goofy time. Thank you to my co-producer and love, Chandler. She has a BFA in Acting from Hofstra University. Instagram: @SarahHoogenraad. Website: sarahhoogenraad.com

Lizzie Nguyen (Shannon) is a proud Vietnamese-American actor from the Midwest. She graduated from the BFA acting program at Ball State University and is excited to do her first theatre project in the city. Credits include Everybody (BSU), This Girl Laughs… (BSU), and The Children’s Hour (BSU). Instagram: @lizzie.nguyen Website: www.lizzie-nguyen.com

Miciah Wallace (Taylor/Kyle) is a young artist making his way in NYC. Originally from the Midwest, Miciah has embarked on a journey to build his career as a performer primarily in Theatre. Credits include work with TheatreNow, National Black Theatre, New Light Theatre Project, Rock Rising and OCTC. Miciah is thrilled to be joining and contributing to this body of work.

Matthew Sheaffer (he/him, Brian/Darren) is thrilled to be part of this production of Celebrity Crush! A recent graduate from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, he’s so excited to be a part of The Chain’s festival. Off-Broadway: Allerleirauh (Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre) #Friendsgiving (Uproar Theatre)  Regional: Sunday in the Park with George (Emily Parrish Theatre) Oh, What a Night! (Theatre Raleigh) Bring It On (North Carolina Theatre) Educational: Six Degrees of Separation, Spring Awakening, Measure for Measure (NYU). Special thanks to mom, dad, my amazing friends, and all the cast and crew for their support! @matty_sheaf Matthewsheaffer.com

Mickey Estrella (she/her, Costume Coordinator) is so excited to work with such a talented group of artists. She is currently a Production BFA student at Hofstra University and an employee of the Walt Disney Company. She loves theatre, creating, and adventure. Thank you to Sarah Hoogenraad for this fantastic opportunity and experience working alongside you, and thank you to my supportive family and friends for being my cheerleaders. Instagram: @mickey.estrella

Girls’ Night

by Jackie Jorgenson

Directed by Jordan Gamaehlich

Jackie Jorgenson

Playwright & Actor (Lex)

With comedy and classical training, Jackie Jorgenson’s characters range from the headstrong woman of principle to the anxious, excitable girl next door. Her short film performances have been screened at festivals internationally and have won her five acting awards.

Jordan Gemaehlich 

Director

Jordan is a director and co-organizer of the script reading and development collective, Script Club. in 2023 Script Club produced its first show, a live radio show production of It's a Wonderful Life, directed by Gemaehlich.

Meredith H. Murray

Actor (Kate)

As an actor and artist, Meredith has showcased her skills in dramatic short films, quirky voiceovers, comedic theatre, and compelling solo performances. After nearly a decade working in Chicago, she is now in New York, where she completed her training at Circle in the Square Theatre School. She is also a self-taught portrait artist, and you can find her work at Rafpopartwork.etsy.com.

B. Connor Flynn

Actor (Hugo)

With a passion for storytelling, B. Connor Flynn brings characters to life with depth and authenticity. His versatile range and commitment to the craft makes him a captivating presence on both stage and screen, leaving a lasting impression in every role he undertakes.

Hannahjo Anderson

Actor (Understudy)

Hannahjo is a non binary, New York based actor/director/writer/producer. After graduating from AMDA, they decided to embark on a journey creating their own work, and working with others to get their work out there as well! Hannahjo has been writing and directing for Party Line Productions, which continues to bring them joy and new perspectives on the arts. 

The Muse

by Meagan J. Meehan

Directed by Sharon Haley

Meagan J. Meehan (Playwright) is a published author, poet, cartoonist, playwright and screenwriter. As a freelance journalist, she covers Arts & Entertainment and Lifestyle & Leisure. She is also an award-winning abstract artist. Meagan holds a Bachelors in English Literature from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), a Masters in Communication from Marist College, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning at University at Buffalo (SUNY). She is the founder of the “Conscious Perceptionalism” art movement. www.meaganjmeehan.com   

Sharon Haley (Director) has directed and choreographed over 150 shows in New York and regionally all over the United States. She has choreographed for Great performances on PBS – New Moon and Showboat - for CBS series The Chisloms and internationally in Germany, England, Canada and Mexico. Most recently she has directed shows for the New York theater company of Love Creek and for the Chain Festival twice. She is happy to return to the Chain Festival with this great quirky and fun one act -The Muse.

Katherine Mullis (Actor—The Muse) has played in venues across the New York metropolitan area. Notable theatre credits include the new play Girls Who Walked on Glass by Tony Award-winning playwright Gordon Farrell, Hedda Gabler (Hedda), Proof (Catherine), The Girl with Her Hands in the Sand, The Values of Gold, Silver, and Bronze, A Doll’s House (Nora), Chamber Music (Gertrude Stein), The Power & the Glory, Vanities, Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), The Bar in a Tokyo Hotel (Miriam), Sunday on the Rocks (Elly), and many others. Film credits include Leading Lady, That Is the Question, Cheaters, Brain Hunter, and several currently in production, including She & He by Jacques Zanetti (Lea’s Soliloquy). Katherine trained under Joe Paradise.

Jess Appel (Actor--Davy, February 18): Select Credits: Heartbreak In Tompkins Square Park (Theatre Row), Star and Guardian (The Secret Theater), Mi Abuela Queen of Nightmares (The Gene Frankel Theater and Arts On Site), Hashtag Mountain Girl (Broadway and Greenwich Village Comedy Clubs), Group Therapy (Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center). BFA, Syracuse University. JessAppel.com @realdealjessappeal  

Jacob Maximillian Baron (Actor—Davy, February 25 and March 2) is a sometimes actor/sometimes filmmaker/constant pain in the neck based out of New York, NY. He has played stoners, loners, glad men and mad men, and thus can always pull from personal experience. His film work has played at numerous festivals throughout the world, including depressing experimental films he made in college and even more depressing comedies he's made since college. For a good time call +1 (203) 451-7005 - ask for Debbie.

James D. King (Composer) creates original and complicated instrumental scores that run the gambit between rock and easy listening. James was born and raised on Long Island. He attended college for Studio Recording Technology.

Program #16 (4th Floor)

Laundry

by Gloria Craig

Directed by Ken Wolf

Gloria Craig (Playwright) “Laundry” is part of her collection of short plays called “The Nine Noisettes”. The collection is said to be a depiction of the human state, with each play being a delicious and rich morsel. Gloria Craig is an accomplished playwright with thirteen dramas and two musicals under her belt. She has studied playwriting with Ken Wolf at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, and at HB Studios and with Charles Maryan. She is a member of the Dramatist’s Guild, and the Episcopal Actor’s Guild. Gloria thanks Ken Wolf, Theresa Della Valle and Danny McWilliams for their wonderful work.  

Theresa Della Valle (Gladys) has been doing theater in and around New York for many years.  She can be seen at The Secret Room in the longest-running Interactive Comedy Murder Mystery, Murdered by the Mob. Her stage credits include:  Rawshock (Chain Theater) Life is Short (Michael Chekhov Theatre), For Whom the Southern Bell Tolls (the Acting Studio), Merry Wives of Windsor (Blackfriars Theater Company) and The Dining Room (the Krane). TV credits include: Law & Order and QVC.  Film credits include: Mambo Café and La Mastas. Theresa would like to thank Ken for his guidance, kindness, and wonderful direction.  She is also so grateful to Bob and Isabelle for their continued love and support.   

Danny McWilliams (Walt) has performed in numerous one-act plays and full-length plays produced by Manhattan Repertory Theatre. He also is an actor at The Gallery Players in Park Slope, Brooklyn and The Heights Players in Brooklyn Heights.

Ken Wolf (Director) is the Artistic Director of Manhattan Rep, where with his partner, Jennifer Pierro, they have produced over 1000 full-length plays and 6000 short plays. Ken has directed over 100 plays and written over 20 plays, all produced in Manhattan. He is a playwriting coach, and the author of The 10 Principles of Playwriting, How to Write a Fantastic Play in 28 Days, and How to Write a Fantastic 10 Minute Play in 2 Hours and Release Your Fear, all can be found on Amazon.com. Special thanks to this awesome team: Gloria, Theresa, and Danny, and to Jen and Roma, the Wonder Dog.

Not My Circus

Written and Directed by Duncan Pflaster

Mila Besson (Carlotta): Mila is a French and Italian actress based in the Big Apple. She recently performed for the PhysFest and shot her first long feature alongside with Dean Edwards. She will be a part of the upcoming play Mad Mystic for the Labyrinth Theater Company. She loves food. @mila_besson

Peter Bryan (Giuseppe) is thrilled to be making his debut at the Chain Theater. He’s always dreamed of running away to join the circus. This is probably the closest he’ll ever get to doing it. He is also very excited to shave once this show is over.

Nick Cincera (Lorenzo): One of the first costumes that Nick ever had made by his mother was a fabulous clown outfit worn for Halloween in the 3rd Grade. Though he is not fulfilling his youth's dream of circus clowning, acrobatics will have to do! It must! He is grateful for the talent and attention of this team, and sends his regards to his family back West.

Heather Lee Rogers (Madeline) can most often be seen as Nurse Constance in the serial-theatre soap opera It's Getting Tired Mildred, and doing classical theatre with Stag & Lion where she is a proud company member.  Other collaborations with Duncan Pflaster have included playing neurotic protagonists in his full length plays: The Douchegirl Play (better name pending), and Sweeter Dreams. She also does voice overs and film. www.heatherogers.com

Amy Overman (Costume Designer) is a theater artist and costumer.  She is excited to be working with Duncan again, having previously designed costumes for Nothing But Thunder.  You can see more of her historical sewing & costumes on Instagram @overmama

Olivia Kormos (she/her) Intimacy Direction: Olivia  is a NYC-based intimacy professional working across theater and film. She’s thrilled to be working with Duncan again after working with him on Harmony Hall at Frigid Fringe last year. Additional credits include: The Importance of Being Earnest (Under St. Marks), Tell Your Mom I Miss Her! (The Tank), SENDER (Playwrights Horizons Theater School), Heathers (Broad Street Players); Film: "Chapped Lips", "Heartstrings", "Ludus in Ashes", "My Best Friend's Boyfriend is a Vampire".

Duncan Pflaster (Playwright/Director): Duncan is a multi-award-winning New York indie playwright. He is best known for his Beckettian romp The Underpants Godot. Two of his plays are published by Next Stage Press. He has written around 40 full-length plays and a plethora of one-acts, which have been produced all over. His gay heist comedy Strapped for Danger films are available streaming. www.duncanpflaster.com or look him up on New Play Exchange for more.

Monologues performed by Nick Cincera and Mila Besson

Spin

by James Zebooker

Synopsis: Ed and Ava used to be married. Now they’re engaged to other people. They meet again this morning, when Ed’s boss and Ava’s political adversary will announce her candidacy for the presidency. One thing is for certain; they will get caught up in the Spin. 

James Zebooker Film: “The After Party” (Netflix). Off-Broadway: "Merrily We Roll Along" (Roundabout, Fiasco Theater Staged Reading), "Held Momentarily" (NYMF). Assistant Director: “Merrily We Roll Along” (Roundabout); Director: “Only The Dead Know Brooklyn" (The Bushwick Starr). Training: Fiasco Theater FTI; LaGuardia Arts, Drama. Red Bull Short Play Finalist for “Spin.” jameszebooker.com

Kelsey Puttrich is a writer/actor/singer, who can be seen in Law and Order, Birdman, and Person of Interest. She previously played “Ava” in Spin when it won The Secret Theatre’s One Act Fest. As a writer, her plays and monologues have been performed at various theatres in and around NYC, and her poetry was recently published in Fresh Words Magazine.

Program #17 (3rd Floor)

Death Keeps His Court

by Connor Wilson

Directed by Ananyaa Dave and Kgosi Maleka

Eisley Constantine - Death - Eisley Constantine is a Lee Strasburg trained actor with experience in all aspects of performance and has appeared in television shows such as Blue Bloods, American Horror Story and Walking Dead: Summit.

Stephen Carlsen - Bartender - Stephen Carlsen got his start in acting at the Blue Room Theater in Chico, CA playing Alex in a stage adaptation of A Clockwork Orange. Feeling the bug of theater, he eventually moved to New York City where he has been performing as a dynamic character actor in many plays across the city. He was trained at the William Esper Studio, completing the 2 year program in 2016.

Sandra Rocha - Daughter - Sandra Rocha, dancer, actress AND now, producer born and raised in magical Mexico City, about to graduate from the 2nd Conservatory Year in Acting at NYFA and "embark" on the eventful working life of an artist. She's played roles like Diana Morales (A Chorus Line), Annie (Chicago), Nickie (Sweet Charity) and a lot of crying roles, and we mean A LOT. Her loves in life include her family, her little chihuahua Lola, psychology, spirituality, and a good cold IPA year around.

Isaiah Garcia - Son - Isaiah Garcia is an actor and stand up comedian from Sheboygan Wisconsin. Making his debut at age 6, Isaiah has continued to work in different productions across film and theater while performing at comedy clubs all over New York City. He thanks you for coming and hopes you enjoy Death Keeps His Court!

Donald McManus - Tycoon  - Don McManus has been in over 100 productions. In NYC he’s performed at Stag & Lion Theater, Secret Theater, Theater of New City, Teatro Theater, Beekman Theater and the  The Producers  Club. He also has two sons, Tristan and Devon and a daughter in law, Leanne, in Asheville, NC. 

Jeremy Hendrick - Cowboy - Jeremy Hendrik is a graduate of Circle in the Square Theatre School. Credits include GERTRUDE AND CLAUDIUS, A FIRE IN A DARK HOUSE, ROMEO AND JULIET and AMORPHOUS. Jeremy is excited to be making his debut with GroupSee Theatre company.

Ben Heineman - Young Boy - Ben Heineman is an actor based in the NYC area. In TV, Ben has Guest Starred on “Law and Order: Organized Crime”, and recently appeared in the films Mean Girls (2024) and No Hard Feelings. Ben is currently studying acting at the Barrow Group and MN Studio.

Lucas LeBlanc - Preacher - Lucas LeBlanc is a stage actor hailing from New Hampshire with a passion and penchant for cheesy fantasy novels and historical theater. With acting/directing degree in hand from the University of New Hampshire, Lucas has been seen in roles such as Berowne in Love Labour's Lost, Young Scrooge in the national touring production of A Christmas Carol, Guy in Imaginary Invalid, and featured roles in several other Shakespearean and period pieces. Lucas is excited to work on his first NYC stage production with this wonderful and talented crew!

Matthew Smith - Husband - Matthew Phillips is appearing in his first production with GroupSee Theater Company. Past roles include Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, Captain Brice in Arcadia, and the Viking, Halvar, in the original work Danelaw. Originally from Iowa, he obtained Degrees in Theatre Arts and Cinema from the University of Iowa. Matthew wants to thank his family and friends for their support and pushing him to be all he can be. 

Danielle Connor - Wife - Danielle is an Irish actor, based in New York. Growing up with artist parents, and spending most of her youth involved in stage school and ‘feisanna’, she has always had a connection to the performing arts. After studying at Bow Street Academy, the national screen acting school of Ireland, and graduating from university, Danielle moved to the U.S. to begin her acting career by training at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Since graduating, Danielle has continued her study of the craft through both practical and theory based experience and is so excited to continue this journey with ‘Death Keeps His Court’.

Phil Green - Sheriff - Phil Green is a full fledged New Yorker actor with a variety of credits spanning indie films, theater and television. Credits include The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Lola Kent and Practice What You Preach.

Connor Wilson - Outlaw - Native Alaskan, Connor Wilson, is delighted to be a fully-fledged New Yorker. As an African American he is now one of 19% of 20,201,249 people as opposed to one of 19% of 22,720—he finds this comforting. He completed the one-year Acting for Film program at the New York Film Academy. He loves and participates exceedingly well in a great many athletic endeavors (see "Special Skills"). He also loves gaming and will kick your ass at Monopoly anytime. Comedy, Improvisation and Magic are his passions and Chick-Fil-a

Ananyaa Dave - Director - Ananyaa Dave is an Indian Producer and Director who loves the flower Chrysanthemmumumm, which she can't even spell but thrives on tackling tasks that challenges her. Her constant quest for relatability and purpose shines through in her visuals, ensuring audiences feel the realism in her stories. Her cultural roots take center stage in this storytelling journey, and she cordially invites you along to join her world where every scene is a work of art.

Kgosi Maleka - Co-Director - South African multi disciplinary artist with entry-level experience in the film industry bringing an unwavering determination and a deep love for the craft to every project he undertakes.

Connor Wilson - Playwright - Native Alaskan, Connor Wilson, is delighted to be a fully-fledged New Yorker. As an African American he is now one of 19% of 20,201,249 people as opposed to one of 19% of 22,720—he finds this comforting. He completed the one-year Acting for Film program at the New York Film Academy. He loves and participates exceedingly well in a great many athletic endeavors (see "Special Skills"). He also loves gaming and will kick your ass at Monopoly anytime. Comedy, Improvisation and Magic are his passions and Chick-Fil-a

Death Runs An Ice Cream Parlor

Produced by The Dyon Collective

Written & Directed by Maeve Aurora Chapman & Liam Corley

Quinn Lattimore as Death

Miranda Shaughnessy as Girl

The Dyon Collective 

The Dyon Collective LLC was founded in 2020 by Maeve Aurora Chapman, Producing Director, under the promise of possibility. Maeve and Liam Corley, Director of Production, run the collective of artists who are dedicated to what makes theatre so vital: connection and humanity that is at the core of every theatre piece. Of course, the Dyon Collective isn’t bound to traditional forms of theatre, but will always keep what we consider the roots of theatre in all our work. The Dyon Collective is made by artists for artists.

Maeve Aurora Chapman (writer & director)

Maeve Aurora Chapman is an emerging stage and screen director, writer, and producer with a BFA from Emerson College. Recently, she has directed Ever, Oscar (Writer, The Kitchen Sink Theatre Company), Ari + Dee (The Dyon Collective), Home's Kitchen (Writer, Industry Read, Broadway DNA), A Woman of No Importance (Writer, Central Square Theater Cambridge), and Vera, or the Nihilists (Emerson College.) Her film credits include Mr. Roys' Bicycle Repair Shop (Director, Producer), Blue (creator, actor), and Coda (Actor, Oscar Winning Best Picture). Her next project is the world premiere of Home’s Kitchen at NOCCA in New Orleans June 2024. Maeve's work focuses on LGBTQ+ rights, the meaning of home, and emotional abuse. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Dyon Collective. Maeve is a current member of the Director’s Unit at The Actor’s Studio and an Associate Member of The Stage Directors and Choreographer’s Union and the Dramatists Guild and a member of The Director’s Unit at The Actor’s Studio. Special thanks to my co-director, Liam. 

Quinn Lattimore (Death)

Quinn is delighted to be joining Death Owns an Ice Cream Parlor in the role of Death. Previous roles: Apricity (Mercury); Interior of the Artist Without Her Sister (Duncan); 

Men on Boats (Goodman). Special thanks to Maeve and Liam. Enjoy the show!

Miranda Shaunghnessy (Girl)

Miranda Shaughnessy is an Actor, Dancer, and Singer originally from Minnesota. Some of her stage credits include Marie in the MN Dance Collaborative’s HoliDaydream, Alice in Collide Theatrical’s Alice in Wonderland and many more. Miranda has worked on the ABC Network, MAX, and been in multiple feature films. She is a graduate of the Saint Paul Conservatory for performing Artists and is a current student at Pace University for a BFA in Film, Television, Commercial, and Voice Over as well as a minor in Commercial Dance. Miranda is thrilled to be performing with the Dyon Collective in the first production of Death Owns an Ice Cream Parlor!

Program #18 (3rd Floor)

A Wedding Story

by Sean O'Leary

Directed by Mario Corry

Chelsea LeSage (Claire) is thrilled to be working with Sean, Jen, Mario and Joe again after Sean’s award-winning production of “Boo”. Favorite Off-Broadway/New York theatre: Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice) at Stag & Lion, Girls Who Walked On Glass (Katrina) at Alchemical, Macbeth (Lady Macbeth) at Stag & Lion. Regional/International favorites: Into The Woods (Witch) at Barrington Stage Company, Hamlet (title role) at Minvera Arts Center, Henry V (title role) at Rotations Theatre (Germany). Film/TV: 21st Century Demon Hunter, The Following, The Virginia B*tches, Bishop’s Cove, Macbeth: A Cursed Film. www.chelsealesage.com

Joe Naimoli (Matt) began his comedy and acting career training with coaches from UCB and Caroline's on Broadway. During the pandemic, his comedic impression of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo garnered over a million views receiving praise from NY1 as well as multiple New York radio stations. Before his comedy album on SiriusXM, he co-starred in the Off-Broadway production of Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon. He created a cooking instagram entitled Joemakemecook where he showcases his recipes and has garnered the attention of multiple cooking shows. He can currently be seen on The Disastrous Dating Life of Diane Damone available on Amazon Prime Video and season 3 of Next Level Chef on Fox.

Mario Corry (Director) award winning director with Sean O’Leary’s “Reservations for Dinner” and “The Sample”. Director of best play “Something Like Penguins” written by Levi Wilson. As a character actor, “Bridge of Spies” directed by Steven Spielberg, “The Irishman” and “Wolf of Wall Street” directed by Martin Scorsese. “The Parents” directed by Darren Aronofsky plus multiple cable and network TV roles.

Sean O’Leary (Playwright) was the 2022 Week Three winner of the Short Play Festival’s 11th Annual Boo Festival with the play “Boo”.  His play “Reservations for Dinner” appeared in Strawberry Festival at Symphony Space in 2020 in New York City. Prior to that, three of his plays (“The Empty Space”, “The Sample”, and “Reservations for Dinner”) appeared in the Green Lit Showcase at Teatro Circulo.  Other plays have been performed at the New York Theater’s Summerfest, Riant Theater’s Strawberry Festival, where “Reservations for Dinner” was nominated for best play, and at the Secret Theater’s One Act Festival.

Jennifer O’Leary (Producer) has been producing operas and plays in NYC for over fifteen years. She has directed “Le Nozze Di Figaro”, “The Magic Flute” (Mozart), “Christopher Columbus” (Offenbach), and “The Sorcerer” (Gilbert and Sullivan), and the premier of Sean O’Leary’s “The Return” at the Secret Theater. As a vocalist, she has performed the roles of Monica (The Medium), Laetitia (Old Maid and the Thief), and Rose Maybud (Ruddigore) along with several cabarets and recitals throughout New York. 

CareFull

by Talie Melnyk

Directed by Adrienne D Williams 

Starring Talie Melnyk & Chynna Holder

Synopsis:  When a young woman arrives at Planned Parenthood in Brooklyn for mifepristone, a frightening surprise awaits her.

Talie Melnyk (Playwright) (Meredith) Originally from Calgary, AB, Talie is a Brooklyn based actor, screenwriter, playwright and producer.  Adapted from her award-winning screenplay of the same name, CareFull marks Talie’s first production with Chain Theatre.  She is over the moon to be a part of this festival and perform the role of Meredith.  

Adrienne D Williams (Director) is a New York based director and actor.  Credits include: Paris, Luck Of The Irish, Uncle Vanya, Sweat, and Legacy, The Musical.

Chynna Holder (Gen) Repped by Eris Talent Agency, Chynna is an actress, dancer, singer and gymnast.  She is a most recent NYU Tisch School of the Arts graduate and has trained in studios such as Stella Adler, New Studio on Broadway and Stone Street for film and television.  Chynna is also coached by world renowned teacher, Sheila Gray.  She is ecstatic to take on the role of Gen in this play. 

Special thanks to Brian Hurley for his contribution and support.

Forget Me Not

Written and Directed by Katrina Mattson

Katrina Mattson (writer/director) makes her directorial debut at the Chain Winter One Act Festival. She has written numerous pieces of work and never had the courage to share them, so  she thanks you for coming along on this wild ghost ride. Much love to the folk stories of  Scandinavia and the exploration of the creative team and the Chain Theatre!  

Iryna Scarola, (Anna) NYC resident, known for "Terror Trips" (2022), “Last Straw” (2023) and a  couple of short films. Fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian. Juilliard Extension Program  graduate, currently studying with The Barrow Group. Recently acted in two plays with  Genoveva Production. Very grateful to work with all the talented people on this project. 

Kate Anderson-Song, (Mila) is a mixed-race Korean American performer originally from MA.  She is a graduate of NYU Tisch and recent credits include Swim Before You Drown (NY  Winterfest) & Rent (The Secret Theater). You can find further info at www.KateAndersonSong.com and her art on Instagram @TheK8Pages. 

Kristin Cantwell (Claire) has appeared on The Path (Hulu), and most recently  performed in Archipelago at HB Studio Playwrights Theatre. She's currently recurring in Season  2 of the award-winning web series, Demon Doctor. She studies at Kimball Studio and has a BA  in Theatre from the University of Mary Washington. You can go to www.kristincantwell.com for  more information and to see a picture of her cat. 

Juliana Conte (she/they) (the Myling) is so excited to share this story at the Chain's Winter  Festival! She is a Vermont native and graduate of CAP21/Molloy College's BFA musical theater  program. Some of her favorite roles include Wendla in Spring Awakening, SB in Experience  Marianas, and Katie Weiner in Triangle: Scenes from a Prosecution. She strongly believes in the  power of adults skipping (like frolicking). @julihuli_

S.O.F.T Care

by Jordyn Stoessel

Produced By Brooklyn Garza and Personal Pizza Party

Actor Bios: 

Linda Vega (Carmen) recently appeared in St Barts Players’ production of 45 Seconds From Broadway (Zelda), and at the Brooklyn Heights Players in Act One (Frieda Fishbein), Dinner At Eight (Carlotta Vance) and Harvey (Ethel Chauvenet). She has also appeared at the Gallery Players in The Tree, Women Underground, and The Piece. Other favorite roles include Harriet Stanley in The Man who Came To Dinner at St Jeans and Costanza in Enchanted April at FAPC.

Annabelle Duffy (Kyra) recently moved to Brooklyn after graduating from Carnegie Mellon's BFA Drama program this past May and is thrilled to be a part of S.O.F.T. Care! Recently: Godspell (Learn Your Lessons Well) and Hamlet (Ophelia) both at CMU. She thanks Sarah and Addie for thinking of her for this opportunity and hope you enjoy the show!

Director Bios: 

Sarah Margaret Stowell (she/her) is a New York based theatre director.

For the past several years, Sarah has been working regionally as an associate / assistant director under a variety of notable directors. Her credits include multiple productions at the Tony Award® winning Utah Shakespeare Festival, Tuacahn Center for the Arts, and NewYorkRep, where she was selected as an inaugural Education Fellow in 2019.

During this time, Sarah also received her BFA from the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama John Wells Directing Program. 

Addie Saltz (she/her/hers) is currently studying Directing within the prestigious John Wells Directing Program in the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University. Most recently, Addie served as the Directing Intern for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s 2023 production of King Lear.  

Playwright Bio: 

Jordyn Stoessel (she/her/hers) is a Brooklyn based theater artist with a flair for brash, unruly art. Since graduating from Boston University School of Theater in 2021, Jordyn's written work has been featured in the SheNYC 2022 New Play Festival, 3P’s Short Play Reading Series, Naked Angels’ T@9, and Tigers’ Heart Players New Work Lab. She has been selected as a finalist for the 2022 Moxie Arts Incubator cohort, and a semi-finalist for the 2023 NAPSeries Festival. She is extremely grateful to The Chain for platforming the small but mighty story you are about to watch! Jordynstoessel.com, @jordynstoessel

Sunday Night At The Torchlight Lounge

Written and Directed by Philip Cioffari

Playwright/Director Philip Cioffari is the author of the novels: NIGHT AND ITS LONGINGS; IF ANYONE ASKS, SAY I DIED FROM THE HEARTBREAKING BLUES; THE BRONX KILL; JESUSVILLE; DARK ROAD, DEAD END; and CATHOLIC BOYS; and the short story collection, A HISTORY OF THINGS LOST OR BROKEN, which won the Tartt Fiction Prize, and the D. H. Lawrence award for fiction. His Indie feature film, which he wrote and directed, LOVE IN THE AGE OF DION, has won numerous awards, including Best Feature Film at the Long Island Int’l Film Expo, and Best Director at the NY Independent Film & Video Festival. He is a playwright member of the Actors Studio. He teaches fiction writing at the Gotham Writers Center in NYC.  www.philipcioffari.com  

Sara Beneke/Actor

Sara Beneke is an actress and model, born and raised in Minnesota. There, she discovered her love of acting through local theater productions and was a trained dancer for 16 years. Since moving to New York, she’s had the opportunity to work in commercials and film while studying at HB Studio. Sara is excited to be performing Philip Cioffari's work in this year's One Act Showcase.  

Sangita Baruah/Actor

Sangita Baruah has studied Acting at HB Studio, and has recently been in several commercials and short films.  She writes a blog about spirituality and positive thinking, and is a member of the NYC A.R.E Dream group.  She was an English teacher for many years, working with such programs as Lincoln Center Open Stages, National Theatre, TDF Stage Doors, and Broadway Bridges.  Sangita is thrilled to be a part of the Chain Theater play festival!

Program #19 (4th Floor)

Look How Far You’ve Come

Written and Directed by Ziyan Yang

Ziyan Yang (Playwright, Director) is a composer originally from Yunnan, this is his first play. Notable composition credits include new musical The Song of The Earth (Eugene O’Neill Semi-Finalist), operetta Ti’Mon (Obsidian Theatre Festival Winner), short opera The Tell-Tale Heart. Works featuring his music have been performed at Loewe Theatre at CUNY, Joe's Pub at the Public Theatre, Kaufman Music Center and The Theatre for the New City in New York. He is an alumnus of NYU Tisch's Musical Theatre Writing Program. 

Andy Law (Li) is an actor from Hong Kong and now based in New York City. Most recently he played Li in Look How Far You’ve Come by Ziyan Yang at the New York Theatre Festival. He made his debut on stage in NYC at a show called The Northbound Train - a playwright graduate showcase in Columbia University. Besides, he has appeared in various reenactment shows on NHK and FujiTV during his stay in Tokyo, on various films that’s yet to be published. He speaks fluent Cantonese, Mandarin, English, okay-Japanese and broken Spanish. HB Studio is where he’s continuing his actor training at. 

Natalie Choo (Amy) is an actor and singer based in NewYork City. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nataliewas a 2022 graduate of Harvard College, where she was Co-President of the Harvard College OperaSociety. She has played a wide range of stage roles,including the Queen of the Night (The Magic Flute),Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), and Hero (Much AdoAbout Nothing). She also performed in the original reading of Shimcheong: A Folktale, later retitledDive, by Julia Riew. Most recently, Natalie completed the One-Year Professional ActingProgram at the Barrow Group and has performed in concerts at 54 Below.

Stephanie Jeane Toussaint (Chan)is thrilled to reprise her role in Look How Far You’ve Come and take part in Chain Theatre’s One Act Winter Festival. Her recent credits include New York Theatre Festival, Two Takes (Frederick Loewe Theatre), Just Us (Gene Frankel Theatre), The Witching Hour (The Kraine Theatre), Dogeaters (Two River Theater). Film: How Crouching Tiger, Should’ve Ended, The Snoozefest, Delivery, Crimson Harvest, Ava. MFA Columbia. stephaniejeane.com

Then And Now

by Jessica Carmona

Jennica Carmona (Griselda Cabrera) was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and raised in Rochester, NY, she is a graduate of the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. She is a proud co-founder of Si Se Puede Productions, a theatre and film production company that creates material with social justice themes. (www.sisepuedeproductions.org) Favorite theatre roles include Marela in “Anna in the Tropics”(Hippodrome Theatre) Female Storyteller in “Mi Casa Tu Casa”, (Luna Stage), and Elvira in “Elvira-The Immigration Play. She is excited to be a part of this production! jennicacarmona.com

Alexander Peña (Joseph Cabrera) is a creative artist who believes in connecting with the audience emotions and psyche through his craft. Multifaceted, Alexander has been in many forms of art and continues to sharpen his skills to enhance the development of his abilities. He is known for roles like Warbucks in Annie, Rod in Avenue Q, Juror #11 in 12 Angry Jurors, and Howie in Rabbit Hole, Ernst in Spring Awakening, and Emilio in Redemption. He likes to thank all the people that believed in him to get this far and for the teachers and mentors that pushed him to greatness along the way. Now learning and exploring within his own methods, he hopes to entertain and open your mind into curiosity and enlightenment!

Ali Weekes Shinall (Fiona O’Hara) Recently, Ali returned to the stage post-pandemic playing Nellie Ewell in Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke (Voice Theatre, NY). Previously, Ali was performing in the UK, appearing on stage as Beulah Binnings in Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending (Stockwell Playhouse, London), Jaques in an open-air production of As You Like It (YAOW Theatre, Windsor), and Cornelia in the debut of a wonderful play called Spitfire Sisters (The Space, London). Select other theatre includes: The Gellar Girls (True Colors Theatre), The Taming of the Shrew (Georgia Shakespeare Festival), Macbeth (Georgia Shakespeare Festival), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Kellet Theatre), Amber Brown (National Tour), and Fall (Synchronicity Playhouse). Ali has received formal training in Boston, London, and NYC. She is excited to bring Fiona to life for Si Se Puede Productions! 

Instagram: @weekes | www.winter-maker.com

Jessica Carmona (Director) is a Latina Actress, Playwright Librettist and lyricist based in Brooklyn, NY. She is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is current member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Special thanks to Red Monkey Theatre Group for commissioning this play and for their support. She thanks her family for their unconditional support. Instagram: @jesscarmonaactress | www.jessicacarmona.com 

Gabrielle Rodríguez (Production Stage Manager/ Marketing Director) is a multidisciplinary artist from Yonkers, NY.  She is grateful to work on Then and Now! She recently graduated from Iona University with a BA in Arts Leadership (Concentration in Theater). Currently, she is an Arts Administration Intern at Pentacle (DanceWorks, Inc.). She recently was the Production Stage Manager for Midnight Cowboy Radio at The Tank earlier this month and was a Marketing Intern at the Theater Center. Past New York Credits: Assistant Stage Manager for Nyad’s Dream (Stage Jewels NYC), Production Assistant for Richard II and Jane Austen's Emma (Hudson Classical Theater Company). She is also a Stage Management Association member. She would like to thank everyone on the team for being amazing! Enjoy the show !

 @serimaluna on IG  | https://gabyrodriguezrivera.wixsite.com/gabriellerodriguez

Program #20 (4th Floor)

I Am Here

by Lindsay Ross

Directed by Alvin Christmas

Lindsay Ross is excited to make her NYC debut as both actress and writer with her show I AM HERE! She hails from Ohio and holds a BFA in theatre from Cleveland State. She has been both onstage and behind the scenes. She has been in plays like, Check Please, Anything Goes, and selections from The Invisible Man. She would like to thank her many friends and family, and especially those who inspire her every day. She wants to thank you for coming and hope that you enjoy the show! IG:  @linds_ross28

Alvin Christmas is excited to make his NYC directorial debut at the Chain Theatre with I AM HERE. Alvin is an Equity actor and graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and the theatre program at Mississippi State University. Recent theatre credits include LIKE FATHER, LIKE SALT at the Players Theatre, THE BRUTES with Spit&Vigor, and ANGEL/LEGEND, with Screwdriver Productions. IG: @alvinchristmas

Rager

by Willie Johnson

Niray Almonte (Liz): Niray is an actor, director, writer, and mover from Buffalo, NY. They just finished their BFA at New York University Tisch School for the Arts. Niray has had a blast on this show! JVL <3 U 4ever

Lal Ensari (Sue): Lal is a playful and innovative artist who aims to bring a sense of curiosity to her work in acting, directing, playwriting, movement, documentary filmmaking, and poetry. Ensari, who recently graduated from NYU Tisch Drama, intends to remain dedicated to her growth through continuing her training and honing her craft with every project. She seeks liberating performances that dive deep into the unknown.

Willie Johnson (writer, director): Willie is a playwright based in New York City. Works include Set Our Feet in Glory (Oxford House, London); The Funny Thing (LaBute New Theater Festival, St. Louis); Hephaestus (Rough Draft Festival 2020, New York); The Followers (Access Theater, New York); Age of Extinction (Verso Loft, Brooklyn); and Ice Cream Man (Audience Favorite, 2015 Chain Theatre One-Act Festival). His poetry and fiction have appeared in Underwater New York, The Oleander Review, Litro NY, The Dovetail Collective, and Modern Haiku.

Program #21 (3rd Floor)

Pajama Talks

by Sofia Tarczy-Hornoch

Directed by Brelynn Mellen and Sebastian Zuniga

Sofia Tarczy-Hornoch- they/them (Playwright, Abby) is thrilled to be making their Chain Theatre debut! They are a recent graduate from NYU Tisch, having studied at the Meisner Studio and the Experimental Theatre Wing. When not acting or writing, they spend their time playing guitar, watching horror movies, and trying to keep their cat from eating hair ties. They’d like to extend a huge thank you to their ETW family for making this show happen the first time, and to their real family, for always picking up the phone. @sofiatarcz

BreLynn Mellen- She/her(Director) Howdy! I am thrilled to be making my professional directorial debut with Pajama Talks. I am a director, actor, mover, and a good friend. Most days of the week you can find me teaching gymnastics to the youths of Brooklyn. I really do love those kids, and I admire the way they see the world. I hope you enjoy the show! :) Tisch Drama (2023) IG: @callmebrelynn 

Sebastian Zuniga - He/him (Director) Sebastian Zuniga is so excited to make his Off-Broadway directing debut. He is an actor, director, and educator. Past collaborations include: The Tank, Intar, NYTF, The Sol Project, The Drama Desk Nominated Voting Project ensemble, and The Working Theater. Instagram: @sebastianzuniga_

Sylvie Tamar- any pronouns (Young Nina)

is a multi-hyphenate actor, choreographer, photographer, juggler, and more. Since graduating from the Fordham University Theatre Program, they have performed at venues around the city and acted in several short films, winning the Excellence in Acting award at Bucks Fever Filmfest It Isn't Easy (dir. Daisy Friedman). Sylvie refuses to pick a niche, follow along with their journey of having too many passions @sylvietamar

Ariana Perez - She/Her (Nina) Ariana Pérez hopes to make the lonely moments we feel less lonely through art. She graduated with a BFA in Drama from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts in December of 2022. At Tisch Drama she trained in Musical Theatre at the New Studio on Broadway, and spent the Spring 2022 semester training in the Shakespeare in Performance course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Some past credits include Orange Is the New Black (Netflix), Divorce (HBO), Supermarket 86 (performed at the New York Theater Festival), Richard III (Soho Shakespeare Company), Aura (a staged reading at New York Theatre Workshop), and the films Nena, Canary, Don’t Fall From Grace, and Stealing Cars. She is training to become a Yoga teacher, and is a lover of groovy tunes, movement, & fashion. Todo es para mi familia, siempre. @arianaperezzz

Kira Mahealani Stone-She/Her (Young Abby) is a recent graduate of Tisch Drama (‘23) and is honored to return to this beautiful project. She is from Kaneohe, Hawai’i and as been in several regional productions there including A chorus line, The wolves,  She is extremely proud of Sofia (her first acting partner!) and cannot wait to be in pajama pants and snuggle penguins with this cast! @kiras44

The Dead Arm

by Pierce Bunch

Directed by Maggie O’Brien

Starring Amanda Talero

Crew bios:

Pierce Bunch (Playwright/Producer): Pierce Bunch (he/him) is a writer, director, and stage actor with professional credits ranging from classical dramas to contemporary farces. The Dead Arm marks his fourth time producing an original script, and he hopes the story moves you even a fraction as much as it moves him. Feel free to contact Pierce via email (wbunch121@gmail.com) or on Instagram (@pierce_bunch).

Maggie O’Brien (Director): Maggie O’Brien is an artist from Long Island, New York. She is currently finishing her degrees in Theatre and Psychology at CCNY. Maggie is passionate about exploring the psyche through art, and she couldn’t be more honored and excited to help bring this brilliant show to life. Maggie wants to thank her incredible family and friends for always igniting her creativity and hope. When she’s not working on theatre or photography, catch her on the dance floor!

Emily Burstyn (Stage Manager): Emily Burstyn (she/her) is a NYC based Stage Manager! Recent credits include: I Can Get It For You Wholesale (CSC: PA/Sub ASM), Mean Girls (Applause Theatre: PSM). She is super thankful for the opportunity to work with amazing people on a wonderful project!

Cast bios: 

Amanda Talero (Lily): Amanda Talero was born and raised in Queens, New York. Theatrical credits include Perfect Wedding (Rachel), Dry Land (Ester) and film credits include Part-Time (Polly), The Thursday Night Club (Jesse). She couldn’t be more grateful and honored to work on such a beautiful piece with such a brilliant team. She would also like to extend a special thanks to her family and friends who have always believed in her—especially her father, Albert, who gave her the courage to attend her first ever audition.

Program #22 (3rd Floor)

As the World Caves In

Written and Directed by Aladen Gulmohamad

ALADEN GULMOHAMAD (Writer/Director) is a New York playwright and a graduate of SUNY Purchase. His credits include: Act One One Act Festival (As the World Caves In/Writer and Director), Act One One Act Festival (Goodnight I Love You/Writer and Director), New York Theater Festival (Attack/Writer and Director), Make It Plays (The Walker Kings/Writer and Actor), and Westchester Collaborative Theater’s New Voices (Goodnight I Love You/Writer)

JAMES MCCALUM (Trevor) is a Writer, Actor, Director, and SUNY Purchase graduate. He’s participated in both screen and stage. This is his second time playing the role of Trevor in As the World Caves In and the third project collaboration with its director Aladen Gulmohamad.

CLAIRE IRENE GIEGERICH (Shauna) is a recent graduate of Purchase College with a degree in Screenwriting/Playwriting. Her written work has gained recognition in festivals such as the New Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) and Barnstorm Festival.  She is currently attending HB Studios to continue her love of acting that began as a child. Claire is thrilled to reprise her role as Shauna and work with Aladen and the incredible cast of "As the World Caves In " again. 

ERYN HARRIS (Assistant Director/Pierce) has directed plays in NYC such as Thank You Mrs.Pike (New York Theatre Festival), A Black Play? (SUNY Purchase College). She has also performed in plays such as Wayne (SUNY Purchase College), What To Send Up When It Goes Down (SUNY Purchase College). She thanks Aladen for this opportunity. 

Bases, Balls, and Battleaxes

by Jackson Aaron Harris

Directed by Lachlan Boyle

Lachlan Boyle - Director: Lachlan Boyle is a director,  actor, and writer based in Hartsdale, New York. He recently graduated with his BFA in Acting from Boston University. Some of his directing credits include Almost, Maine by John Cariani; Clue by Sandy Rustin; and The Outsiders by SE Hinton, adapted by Christopher Sergel and produced by The Hudson Repertory Theatre. He is so excited to be a part of Bases, Balls, and Battleaxes and cannot wait for people to see it!

Jackson Aaron Harris - Playwright: (he/him) Jackson is a playwright from Music City and recently arrived in NYC, happy to make the Chain One-Act Festival his New York Theatre debut. His first play The Golden Kettle was produced at Belmont University of which he is a recent graduate.

Henry Sirota - Manfred: Henry Sirota (he/him) is a NYC-based Actor. Born and raised on the Upper West Side, Henry received his BFA in Acting from Boston University with Classical training from LAMDA. He most recently took to the stage in the premier of The Beholden at the Chain Theater. Find him on IG @henry.sirota

David Cagan - Selig: David Cagan recently appeared on stage in Bloody Finntown at the Players Theater as well as Trap Game at the Tank and The Beholden at the Chain Theater. He’ll also be appearing in an episode of The Food That Built America airing next month on the History Channel. David is excited to be working with Jackson Harris for the first time and reuniting with the very talented Laughlin Boyle, Lucy Buchanan, Henry Sirota, Camryn Graves, and Jackie McCarthy.

Jacqueline McCarthy - Executive 1: Jackie McCarthy is a New York based actor and is so excited to join this team! She has various credits in both theater and TV/Film, including The Beholden (Chain Theatre), How to Live (14th Street Y) and Alabama Story (Cape May Stage). Recent TV credits: American Dynasty (Roku Channel), Playboy Murders (Investigation Discovery), Forbidden (ShortsTV). For more info, check out her website JackieMcCarthyActor.com. @jackiemccarthyy

Lucy Buchanan - Executive 2: (she/her) Lucy is a born and raised Kentucky actor now living in NYC. Recent NYC credits include Samantha (The Beholden; Trapezoid Theatre Co.), Franny Ornstein (Franny Ornstein…Secret Agent; Queens Short Play Festival), among others. Find her on IG at @lucy_buchanan

Sydney Schulte - Executive 3: Originally from Georgia, Sydney Schulte is a recent graduate of Marymount Manhattan College. Her most recent credits include Carrie as Ms.Gardner, and as well as a swing for Fugitive Songs. So much love to all of her supportive teachers, friends and family who have given her the confidence to keep going. Instagram is @sydneykerilynn

Camryn Graves - Reporter: Camryn Graves (she/her) is a NYC based actor, dancer, singer and educator from Laguna Niguel, CA. She graduated from Hofstra University with a BFA in Theatre Arts: Performance and a minor in Musical Theatre. Since then, Camryn has performed with PMT Dance Company, Six Flags Great Adventure, and appeared in a halftime show for the WNBA while also acting in various independent theatre projects in the city. Some favorite credits include Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), Summer and Smoke (Alma Winemiller), The Beholden (Liz). @camrynsummer camryngraves.com

Mike O’Donnell - Jho’Kar: Michael O’Donnell is a filmmaker from New York and has been directing & producing for the past ten years. Over the years he has worked on many projects from action & adventure, to Norse Mythology to Hemingway. He is excited to return to acting for the stage as theater is where he got his start and fell in love with the process.

Joseph D’Amore - Intern: Joey D'Amore is thankful to come back to The Chain to showcase another exciting new one-act play! Joey has recently performed in The Fresh Fruit Festival, The Musical Theater Writers Collective, and in various commercials. A big thanks to his friends and family for their unwavering support. Keep up with his new projects on Instagram @Joey_damore :)

Nuclear Play

Written and Directed by Robert Spiker

Writer, Director, IVANOV - Robert Spiker is a New York City based actor, and is increasingly wearing other hats in the pursuit of theatre making. Robert is proud to present an original work in the city of his birth, which he considers to be the center of the universe (the city, not his birth), of which he is especially proud. Robert is a graduate of the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, and the City College of New York. If you’d like to contact him you should @bikersreport. 

PETROV: Andrew Spiker has been in theatrical productions since he was 8 years old and has been acting ever since. After appearing on stage in Europe, he came to New York which he calls home. Andrew continues to work on stage and added TV, film and voiceover to his credits. Andrew is also involved with improvisational technique, sketch writing and singing in musical improv and is a member of Ghost Girl, a regular comedy sketch team at the Magnet Theater.

Walk It Off

Written and Directed by Edward Gibbons-Brown

Starring Carlo Marks

Carlo Marks (Spence) Carlo Marks isn’t sure what he’s doing here. He’s from the west coast of Canada.  He’s unashamedly appeared on your mother’s television sets most Christmases on the Hallmark Channel.  He hasn’t appeared on stage since before the pandemic but is excited to ease back into it with director/writer Edward Gibbons-Brown.  If you still know how to watch network television you can see him guest star this week on Marsha Gay Harden’s new show on CBS (So Help Me Todd). He’d like to thank the beautiful Shivani and the always present always charming Serena Sound for making the world a better place.

Edward Gibbons-Brown (Writer/Director) is a passionate and dedicated multi-hyphenate creative artist with a broad variety of experience over many years. Recent productions include: "Coriolanus," Worlds Elsewhere Theatre Company, NYC/Seattle, "Miracle on 34th Street," The Henegar, Melbourne, FL. Edward lives in Brooklyn and can be reached via his website at edwardgibbonsbrown.wixsite.com/director or follow him on Instagram at @edwardgibbonsbrown. He is available and willing to travel for exciting creative work…so hire him for stuff!

Will You Be My Arch Nemesis

Written and Directed by Joseph Mann

Joseph Mann (Writer, Director, Actor) is a New York based artist and graduate of The Stella Adler Conservatory. He moved to New York when he was 18 to pursue a career in the performing arts after Tom Holland stole the role of Spider-Man from him.  Even after Joseph sent Marvel a strongly worded letter they still didn’t listen. He debuted in his first feature film as the lead, Charlie, in the Lifetime movie In Bed With A Killer.

Lolita Joy (Actor) is a Brooklyn based multi-disciplinary performance artist. IG: @itslolitajoy