2025 One-Act Summer Festival

Tickets are $23 in advance online and $26 at the door

NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. NO LATE SEATING, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY AND STAY FOR THE WHOLE PERFORMANCE.

VIRTUAL TICKETS FOR THE LIVE STREAMING DATES ARE $23 (please check you are buying a virtual ticket)

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

Program #1* (3rd Floor) Primitive grace theatre ensemble

The Interlude

Written by Paul Calderón

Directed by Catherine Calderón

Synopsis: After a brutal Mixed Martial Arts match and noticing the onset of pugilistic dementia, a disillusioned trainer tries to convince his female fighter to call it quits. 

Paul Calderón (Playwright/Ray) Paul Calderon is a veteran of stage, film and TV. He’s a recipient of an OBIE and Audelco Award and is a SAG-AFTRA nominated actor. He is  co-founder of the Labyrinth Theater Company, and The Primitive Grace Ensemble.

Catherine Calderón (Director) Catherine Calderon has directed and produced plays with Labyrinth, Intar, Naked Angels, the Public Theater, and most recently Primitive Grace. She is also a documentary filmmaker. These days she spends much of her time on a little farm in North Florida, rehabbing neglected and abused horses and dogs. The prospect of creative collaboration with her husband Paul lured her back to the theater!

Emma Chart (Shannon) is a Canadian born, New York based, interdisciplinary artist/actor and teaching artist who enjoys creating zines, roller skating, painting/poetry/singing and being a part of subversive, whimsical art that seeks to disrupt the status quo. Select credits include Decennia at the 2025 Live Composition Festival with Letter of Marque Theatre, The Perseverance Project with Stella Adler’s Outside/In Ensemble as well as Extinction by C. J. Baer with Theatre East as part of Powerhouse Theater at Vassar College. Training: The Neighborhood Playhouse and Stella Adler Studio. 

Primitive Grace (Producer) The Primitive Grace Ensemble is a New York City-based theater company that focuses on work inspired by Federico García Lorca's Duende, an irrational and untamed power that moves both the artist and the audience to create an emotional and visceral experience.

Voices from the Edge

Written by Paul Calderón

Directed by Chloe Champken

Synopsis: In the America of today and an imagined America of the near future, four disparate women share their experiences with gun violence.

Paul Calderón (Playwright) Paul Calderon is a veteran of stage, film and TV. He’s a recipient of an OBIE and Audelco Award and is a SAG-AFTRA nominated actor. He is  co-founder of the Labyrinth Theater Company, and The Primitive Grace Ensemble.

Chloe Champken (Director) Born in England, Chloe was inspired by her love of reading from which storytelling quickly became her passion. After graduating from her BA at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, Chloe made the leap to New York where she attended the Stella Adler Studio of Acting 2 year conservatory. In 2023 Chloe co-founded Devious Minds theatre company with it’s first original play ‘Dreams on 81’ by Gabriel Drax and most recently she has co-founded a British Theatre Company, Crowded Space. Chloe continues to explore and witness the wonderful fusion of Actor, Director, Playwright, and Producer.

Jenyvette Vega (Actor) Jenyvette Vega is a bilingual actress, singer, dancer and VO artist born and raised in Puerto Rico. Since graduating from Circle in the Square Theatre School in 2014, she has been a working artist based in NYC. Some recent credits include: Tres Vidas(US tour); La Gringa, La Casa de Bernarda Alba and La Llamada(Repertorio Español);The Red Rose (PRTT) and Anna in the Tropics (Asolo Repertory) TV credits include: Law & Order: SVU. Proud to be a member of the Primitive Grace family! Jenyvettevega.com

Claire Martin (Actor) Claire Martin is a marketing director and actor with training from the Stella Adler Studio in NYC and earlier work in Chicago. She performs in theater and film and is a member of the Primitive Grace Theater Company. She is thrilled to collaborate on this powerful piece of theater.

Megan Tomei (Actor) Megan Tomei (she/her) is so excited to be making her return to the New York stage. She has most recently received her MFA in Acting from the University of Southern California, and previously her BFA from NYU Tisch. She has been a proud member for PG since 2019, and is endlessly inspired by the work and collaboration this company fosters. She would like to thank her parents and friends for their constant support. Connect with her on Instagram @megantomei, website www.megantomei.com. And thank you Paul, David, Cathy and Chloe for this opportunity!

Indigo Phillips (Actor) Indigo Phillips is a NYC-born actor and singer, trained at LAMDA and the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, and continues her studies at Berg Studios and the Thomas G. Waites Acting Studio. She recently made her television debut on HBO’s The Gilded Age (Season 3), and is excited to make her Equity debut here at The Chain Theatre. Off-Broadway credits include two acclaimed musicals at Theater for the New City (dir. William Electric Black), with additional performances at La MaMa ETC and the Gene Frankel Theater. Indigo has starred in five short films, including It’s Camping, a senior thesis project receiving honors at Wesleyan University. She is proudly Trinidadian-American and excited to share this work with you.

Primitive Grace (Producer) The Primitive Grace Ensemble is a New York City-based theater company that focuses on work inspired by Federico García Lorca's Duende, an irrational and untamed power that moves both the artist and the audience to create an emotional and visceral experience.

*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 #2* (3rd Floor)

Last Exit in NY

Written and Directed By Luis Reyes Cardenas

Luis Reyes Cardenas (Director/Playwright/Jake) is the Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Open Hydrant Theater Company in the Bronx. NY Credits- Fools in Love (Off-Broadway, BAM, Open Hydrant) Balm in Gilead (Barefoot Theatre Company), The Shadow Box, Durang, Durang, Regional- Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, The Drowsy Chaperone, Tommy. Film- Shakespeare High. Playwright- Visa Decline, Play the Papers for Lupe, Place of Assembly. Ain’t Gonna B EZ, Meryl Streep that Shit, The Invisible Prank. For Rosie.

Andrea Otero Andrea M. Otero joined Open Hydrant in December 2023, making their debut in Footloose The Musical. Since then, she has expanded her theatrical repertoire, appearing as an actor in Balm In Gilead and further honing their craft at RosieLou Acting Studio. A pivotal member of the Open Hydrant family, Andrea now leads the new division of Open Hydrant Films. She is also currently taking on the role of producer for Last Exit In New York, an exciting new production at the Chain Theatre Festival.

Lewis Gurgis (Co-Producer) Lewis Robert Gurgis is a proud member of Open Hydrant Theater Company and Actors’ Equity Association. Open Hydrant credits include Hairspray, Our Lady of 121st Street, In Arabia We’d All Be Kings, and Raft of the Medusa. He received his acting training from Binghamton University (SUNY)

Lonesome Dove

Written By Jeryl Brunner

Directed By Hannah Ryan

Synopsis: Lonesome Dove is a dramatic comedy about one woman’s over-researched quest for love. Justine is a fact-checker at a magazine and is so insecure about dating, she does deep dive research to better understand the men she dates and their passions. But when she matches with Lucas, a soft-spoken guy with a great affection for a certain epic cowboy novel, Justine finds herself in uncharted territory. And no amount of preparation can protect her from the messiness of real connection.

Ben McHugh* (Lucas, Daniel, Justin, Wilbur, Mitch) 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) A performer and playwright, Jeryl most recently appeared in her play Wipeout at Chain Theatre’s One Act Festival, produced by Anna Strout and Jesse Eisenberg and directed by Sara Thigpen. Other Chain Theatre Festival shows include Catch, directed by Sara Thigpen and Dill, directed by Jesse Eisenberg. Jeryl has done voice overs for books on Audible.com, appeared in Younger and Law & Order and wrote for Anika Larsen for the 24 Hour Plays. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts acting program, Jeryl performs improv throughout New York City. She is developing her full-length play, Love Justine, which was workshopped at The Hundredth Hill. Jeryl also hosts the podcast, When Lightning Strikes!, on the Broadway Podcast Network, produced by Anna Strout. Member of SAG-AFTRA.    

Extra special thanks to the Chain Theatre, Christina Perry, Kirk Gostkowski, Rick Hamilton, Anna Strout, Jesse Eisenberg, Barbara Toy, Hannah Ryan, Ben McHugh, Ellie Handel, Madelyn McHugh, Teddy Gordon, Amy Ziff, Sara Thigpen, Laura Vogel, Krista Detor, Dave Weber and the Hundredth Hill, Elizabeth Perkins, Julie Besonen, Scooter Alpert, Paige Morrow Kimball, Jenica Bergere, Patrick Boll, Jason Kravits, Chris Harcum, Courtney Laine Self, Gray Thurstone, Spencer GTitle of Your Show_Program Infoiles, Ilene Angel, Dina Zuckerberg, Sarah Elizabeth Greer, Zac Kline, Tina Reine, Andrea Kannapell, Denice Nortez, Eugene Pack, Dayle Reyfel, Karen Schaler, Bryan Bantry, Lee Zalben, Ryan Ratelle, Katie Rosin, Bonnie Brodner and Sherry Brodner. 

Amy Ziff* (Mom) In addition to being a pop icon and touring the world with the band BETTY, Amy has appeared in movies and TV, including Showtime's The L-Word, and originating the roles of Mom and Ida on the ABC series Edith Ann. Amy has also written and performed her one-woman shows, Superlatives and Accident in several festivals and theaters across the United States and Canada. She has also co-written an opera about Typhoid Mary, called A Danger to Us All.  Amy is excited to be a part of Lonesome Dove. Learn more at Hellobetty.com. P.S. Love to Kristi, Saylor and Slate.

Hannah Ryan (Director) Broadway Resident Director of Hamilton. Australian Staging Director: An American in Paris. Director: Gypsy, Love,Loss and What I Wore (Theatre Aspen) Spring Awakening (CCM) Confidence and The Speech (Theatre Row) Roe (Post Theatre Co.) All Dressed Up (Redhouse) Riot Song (Joe's Pub) Every Path (La Jolla Playhouse & Moxie Theatre) Sally: A Solo Play (Theatre Aspen & Alabama Shakespeare Festival), et al. Member of SDC, Drama League Director’s Project Fellow & Resident, SDC Foundation Denham Fellow. Adjunct professor at NYU.  Hannahmryan.com  

Ellie Handel (Associate Director) Ellie is a director, actor/stage manager, and educator based in New York City. She was the Assistant Director of the 2nd National Tour of LCT's My Fair Lady and Associate Director of White Rose the Musical at Theatre Row. Select Directing: Emily D - Star-Crossed Employee (The Tank), Aussie Song (Hudson Guild), R&H Cinderella (NYU), and Hyena in Petticoats (NYU). She is an adjunct professor at NYU, member of AEA, and an associate member of SDC. www.elliehandel.com.

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. Anna produces and books talent for When Lightning Strikes! with host Jeryl Brunner on the Broadway Podcast Network. 

Jesse Eisenberg (Producer) A writer, director, filmmaker and playwright, Jesse Eisenberg is an Academy Award–nominated actor and writer 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. Jesse made his directorial debut with the movie, When You Finish Saving the World, which he also wrote. A Real Pain, which he wrote, directed and stars in, has been listed as one of the ten best films of 2024 by the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and the National Board of Review.

Barbara Toy (Producer) Barbara Toy is the director of development for New York Stage and Film. 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. Barbara’s 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. 

*These Actors are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association. Equity approved showcase. 

What Happened Was

Written by Walter John Thompson

Directed by Austin Pendleton

Synopsis: "What Happened Was" is a poignant, darkly comedic meditation on the futility of seeking purpose in a purposeless world. Its structure defies conventional plot development in favor of emotional and philosophical exploration. The play forces both its characters and audience to confront uncomfortable questions about love, memory, identity, and whether any of it ultimately matters.

Cady McClain is a three-time Emmy© winner for her work on three different daytime serials. Recent stage work includes Off-Broadway as “Joan Plowright” in ORSON’S SHADOW by Austin Pendleton at Theater for the New City and regionally as “Shirley” in SHIRLEY VALENTINE at Cape May Stage. A veteran of film and television she is currently starring in “Beyond the Gates” on CBS and Paramount+.

Austin Pendleton has appeared in over 250 movies and TV shows. Directing accolades include winning an Obie for directing THREE SISTERS by Anton Chekov at Classic Stage Company with Maggie Gullemhaal and a Tony nomination for Best Director for the Broadway production of THE LITTLE FOXES by Lillian Hellman with Elizabeth Taylor. Recently he directed BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY by Stephen Adly Giurgis which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize.

Walter John Thompson is a New York City-based playwright and screenwriter whose work blends dark humor, existential inquiry, and raw emotional honesty. A Columbia University graduate, where he studied with Eduardo Machado and Terry Southern, and a Fordham Law School-trained civil rights attorney, Thompson draws from a life rich with experience and reinvention.

Ryan Tramont’s theater work includes ORSON’S SHADOW (25th Anniversary Off-Broadway revival), PIMM’S MISSION (59E59), 23 KNIVES, ORDER (dir. Austin Pendleton), CRAZY FOR THE DOG (NY Times Critic’s Pick), A LIFE IN THE THEATER, AMERICAN BUFFALO, HURLYBURLY, and 27 Shakespeare plays including the title role in HAMLET and Iago in OTHELLO. TV/Film: “The Hurt Locker” (dir. Kathryn Bigelow), “Narcos,” “Hack.”

Program #3* (4th Floor)

Cycles

By Shakerria Breonie

Directed by Candaceia Charles

Synopsis: Two relationships, decades apart, reveal how patterns of love and loss repeat across generations. A young woman discovers that breaking free from her parents' mistakes requires more than just recognizing them—it demands the courage to choose differently.

Shakerria Breonie Henderson* (Bianca Harris) is a NYC-based playwright and actress whose work explores themes of memory, identity, and emotional inheritance. She trained at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater and holds an AS in Theater from LaGuardia Community College. Her acting credits include The Frenchman (The Tank), A Doll's House (Sanctuary Theater Company) and Columbus Is Happening (Joe’s Pub). She is endlessly grateful to her family and the entire Cycles team for their dedication, talent, and belief in this work. Cycles marks her debut as both playwright and producer! IG:@shakerriabreonie

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

Malissa Y. Myers (Samantha Harris) is a New Jersey native who discovered her passion on stage 16 years ago at Crossroads Theater. She has starred in notable stage productions such as American Menu, Love Under Contract, Tangled Vows, and Sunset Baby. Malissa is known for her dedication, professionalism, and contagious laughter. In 2025 she won Tommy’s Best Actor of the Year Award and lives by the motto, “Stay Encouraged for the Best is Yet to Come!”  IG:@msmyers707

Skyler James Bailey (Terrell Dixon) is a New York City based actor. Born in The Bronx, NY. THEATER: Thoughts Of A Colored Man Dir. Tremane Harris (651 Arts 2025) Lions Don’t Hug Dir. Stella Sacca (Winterfest 2020, Brooklyn Art Haus Residency 2023), Black Magic Dir. Tony Jenkins (Fringe Festival Winner 2016), Serials at The Fled Dir. Crystal Sky Williams.

Colin Pieters (Cedric Harris) is a Guyanese-born actor. He was most recently seen on stage as Hamlet in Hamlet at The Collapsable Hole. He has trained continuously at HB Studio, T. Schreiber Studio, and with The Barr Hill Players. When not acting, Colin can be found behind the camera as a photographer archiving life and as a creative producer creating stories for digital platforms.

Anayah Cobbler (Young Bianca) is a dynamic young Brooklyn-based performer. At just 11 years old, she has trained at Barbizon and brings experience in theater, dance, modeling, and music. She has starred in school productions, cultural festivals, and youth media projects with CAMBA. Anayah is a joyful force in any room and a young star to watch

Candaceia Charles (Director) is a Brooklyn-based multi-hyphenate artist working across theater and film. She’s no stranger to this building, having directed Frenchman at The Tank, and has helmed projects ranging from short films to children’s theater classics like Annie and Winnie the Pooh. As a performer, she’s appeared in Addy and Uno (Theatre Row) and Columbus is Happening (Joe’s Pub). She’s also performed alongside artists like Jennifer Hudson, and Andra Day. She’s grateful to God and to her village. 

Cory Fletcher (Terrell - Stand In 7/11) is a Brooklyn-born performer and graduate of LaGuardia Community College’s Theatre program. He is a member of Truthworker Theatre Company, a hip hop social justice collective addressing mass incarceration, prison reform, and community healing through performance. Cory is grateful to the Cycles team for welcoming him aboard and creating space for reflection, forgiveness, and most of all, family.

Justice for Geetha

Written and Directed by Sunita Deshpande

Synopsis: BASED ON A TRUE STORY --- In an ugly, fluorescent-lit breakroom of a New Jersey water treatment plant, two secretaries—bold, self-aware Tabitha and sweet, sheepish, religious Chelle—find themselves trapped in the emotional fallout of a mysterious workplace tragedy. Their colleague, Geeta Angara, an accomplished Indian-American chemist and mother of three, has been found drowned in one of the plant's massive water tanks. The official story says accident. Tabitha suspects otherwise. Tabitha, a WOC, desires pure faith for the truth while Chelle retreats into fear, HER faith, and denial. What begins as idle chatter becomes an interrogation of complicity, silence, and the cost of survival in a system stacked against women—especially women of color.

Inspired by a real-life case, Justice for Geetha is a tense, darkly comic workplace thriller about corporate cover-ups, invisible labor, and the quiet courage it takes to speak up when the world is telling you to stay silent.

Sunita Deshpande is a New York–based actor and writer whose work explores silence, identity, and the tension between belonging and invisibility. Her new play, Justice for Geetha, examines the real-life drowning of Geetha Angara—an immigrant scientist whose success was met with resentment—and draws a chilling parallel to the suffocating structures of corporate America. It marks her third original play at the Chain Theatre Festival, following Princess of Tea and An Indian Wedding on a Starry Night in South Georgia Somewhere in Early November. Her award-winning short A Sari for Pallavi highlights her passion for telling untold stories with heart, depth, and bite.

Julie Priscilla Amangoua (Tabitha) is a first-generation Ivorian-American actress who's thrilled to be making her theatre debut at Chain Theatre. She's been honing her craft with her acting coach, Michael Ryan and proudly calls the Freeman Studio her artistic home. Most recently, Julie wrapped filming on the feature film "As Good as Dead". A fluent French speaker, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work. When she's not on stage, she's often found in front of her mirror singing into a hairbrush and dancing like nobody's watching, to her favorite R&B tracks. Julie is deeply grateful to her incredible support system -whose love and encouragement continue to fuel her artistic journey!

Margaret Burrus (Chelle) is a NYC-based actor who performs for the stage, in sound, and on camera. She is a series regular on the audio anthology show THE TRUTH (Radiotopia from PRX), most recently playing the role of Lake in Davy Gardner's PARIAH, a 3-part crime drama. She can be seen in THE DEBUT (Just for Laughs), MONSTERLAND (Hulu), LOVE LANGUAGES (Condé Nast Traveler) and several national commercials. Recent theater credits include Live from Chapel Hill! by senior SNL writer Bryan Tucker; Miss New Hampshire by 20-time Moth Story Slam Winner Adam Wade; and Pat Robinson's Sublease. She is represented by Take 3 Talent and a student at The Prep NYC.

Sunita Deshpande (Narrator) As an actor, Sunita is known for her emotionally grounded performances in Marvel’s Daredevil, Moonshot (HBO Max), 30 Rock, and Broad City. With a background in Meisner training and longform improv, Sunita brings visceral honesty and bold vulnerability to both the page and the stage.

Producer 

Shubhra Prakash | शुभ्रा प्रकाश is a theater artist committed to telling bold, community-driven stories. She has co-created international festivals, socially conscious comics, and short films centering women and people of color. She is proud of this team of artists who are bringing light to the untold story of Geetha Angara.

Program #4* (3rd Floor)

Dine & Date

Written & Directed by Annie Raczko

Synopsis: Years after drifting apart, two almost-college-sweethearts reunite at a Jersey diner for what seems like a nostalgic dinner—but under the surface, old feelings, new motives, and one perfectly crisp mozzarella stick threaten to derail it all.  

Annie Raczko* (Playwright/Director/Amy) Annie is a multi-hyphenate theatre maker (actor/playwright/director/teacher) and a member of Actor’s Equity. When not teaching theatre to high school students, you can find her on stage doing musical improv, rapping, or writing a play to reveal that there are no mistakes, only discoveries. Recent credits include her last play Soured Milk at The Chain Theatre festival, appearances at On The Spot Comedy Cabaret, and musical improv performances with Sotto Voce, Spill the Tea and Miss Frizzled’s Wild Ride. Fun fact: if you pause the film Chosen Family (dir. Heather Graham) at the right time, you will see her react strongly to Heather Graham and Julia Stiles fighting on stage at a yoga/wellness festival.

Dan Pavacic* (Ryan) Dan Pavacic (AEA) is a New York–based actor and model, originally from Long Island. He earned his MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University in 2020. Favorite stage credits include Mark in Mom’s: The Musical, Danny in Once We Have Wings at The Actors Studio, and Shere Khan in The Jungle Book at The Gateway Playhouse—his first artistic home. He’s currently in rehearsals for I Love Pasta, a new dramedy opening later this summer, and is a proud member of Suite 524, a new theater company whose debut production, The Generator Sessions, premiered at Theater for the New City this past spring. In addition to his theater work, Dan has modeled in campaigns for Eddie Bauer, Hims, Fanatics, Break the Love, and Walmart. He was recently cast as Billy in the upcoming horror film By The Window, directed by Case Avron.  Dan also hosts The Stoic Actor, a podcast exploring the intersection of philosophy and performance, on Spotify.  Dan is represented by Bicoastal Management and Synergy Talent Agency. Many thanks to Annie for inviting him to be part of Dine-n-Date. He is deeply grateful to his agents, family, friends, and mentors for their continued support. Instagram: @danpavacic Website: danpavacic.com Bicoastal MGMT: chrissy@bicoastalmgmt.com Synergy Talent: erin@synergytalent.net

*Equity Member appearing with permission of Actors’ 

Eclipse

Written and Directed by Oriana Ng

Synopsis: A high school student, her boyfriend and her science teacher recall troubling events that may or may not have happened during a solar eclipse.

Denny Dale Bess* - Mr Howard 

Bess is pleased to be a part of Oriana Ng’s “Eclipse”. Bess is a proud member of the Ensemble Studio Theatre.

Brynn Gauthier* - Lily 

Brynn Gauthier is an actor and writer born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Recent: Appropriate (River) at The Old Globe, Romeo+Juliet (Juliet) with Sketchbook Theatre. NYU Grad: The Moors (Huldey), The Office Plays (Lorraine/Daphne), As You Like It (Rosalind). Vassar College: Eurydice (Eurydice), The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon-Marigolds (Tillie), member of BIG K!DZ sketch comedy group. Other: Hamlet (Hamlet), The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Mag), Arcadia (Thomasina). Education: B.A. Vassar, M.F.A. NYU Grad.

Dylan Pitanza - Eddy

Dylan Pitanza is a New York Based multi-disciplinary artist working as an actor, writer, director and producer. An alumni of the Lee Strasberg Institute for Theatre and Film, despite only being 21 years of age, Dylan has been working professionally in the entertainment industry for over 10 years. Most Notable for his work on the screen on Heirs (2025), FBI (CBS), If That Mockingbird Don't Sing (2024), Skate Kitchen (2017) and on the stage in reasons to be pretty (2024), Crush (2024), Lost Angels (2019-2024), Much Ado About Nothing (2022). 

Oriana Ng - Playwright and Director

Oriana Ng is a French-Singaporean writer-director. She primarily trained as a filmmaker (NYU MFA Film 2024) but her passion for working with actors led her to become involved in theatre. She made her stage directing debut with the short play The Cocktail Bench by John Harney at the Fresh Fruit Festival 2025. Eclipse is the first play she’s written. Thank you to Jemina, Danny, Jeff, John, Peter, Odyssia, my mother and our phenomenal Eclipse team. 

Micaela Hecht - Costume Designer

Micaela Hecht is a New York based costume designer for stage and screen. She earned her MFA in Design for Stage and Film at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is passionate about storytelling and is particularly interested in stories that center women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She knows that telling these stories is more important now than ever. She is thrilled to be a part of the Eclipse team!

Dylan Desmarais - Poster Designer

Dylan Desmarais is an illustrator based in Ridgefield, Connecticut. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a BFA in Communication Design, and is now pursuing freelance illustration and design work.

*Actors Appearing Courtesy of Actors Equity

One Bowl, One Spoon, and One Knife

By Zachary Harris

Directed by Taya Fedorenko

Synopsis: Two college freshman argue about dirty dishes. Ryan is distraught he failed a paper and wants Henry’s help. Henry just wants Ryan to wash his dishes. What happens when young men try to accept responsibility for their actions.

Kalel-Zen (HENRY) Kalel-Zen is an artist, actor, filmmaker, singer, musician, and Brooklyn native. Growing up in New York City amongst the likes of millions of brilliant creative and unique individuals, Kalel’s love for the complex nature of human behavior and individuality led him to dedicate his life to art. Studying Drama at The New School in New York City, then transferring to Rose Bruford College in London to study theater performance, Kalel’s main passion is to be an actor, and at the same time, to remain as well rounded as the city that has shaped him. 

Lukas Kolega (RYAN) Lukas Kolega is a New York City based actor currently getting his BFA in Drama from NYU’s Atlantic Theater Co. Over the years, he’s trained at Neighborhood Playhouse and Yale’s Summer Conservatory for Actors. 

Taya Fedorenko (Director) Taya Fedorenko is a Ukrainian-born artist based in New York City. She’s currently earning her BFA at NYU Tisch where she studies Drama and Journalism. She serves the role of an associate artistic director at Young Playwrights Ukraine, an all-female group of young Ukrainian artists, who Taya loves deeply. Her goal as an actor, playwright, and now director, is to uplift Ukrainian voices and create socially conscious pieces. @380taya

Zachary Harris (Playwright) Zachary Harris was born and raised in New York City and writes screenplays, original pilots, and plays. He trained at Magnet Theater, T. Schreiber Studio, The Barrow Group, The New School, and Gotham Writers Workshop and received his BA in Writing from Emerson College. He’s currently a member of Cahill Writers Lab where he studies playwriting with Laura Cahill. His work has been read at Tuesdays @9 and Cahill Writers Lab. His plays have been performed at The Secret Theatre and The Chain Theatre in New York City. @wxyzach

Pink Dress

By Craig McNulty

Directed By Kelila Zechowy

Synopsis: A sister tries to get through to her alcoholic brother to clean up his life and finally gets to the bottom of his post traumatic stress disorder

Craig McNulty is an internationally acclaimed and award winning playwright whose work has been produced extensively in New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Sydney, & Singapore. As an actor, he has worked in theatre, film and television in the tri-state area for over 30 years. Craig studied theatre with Uta Hagen, Jose Quintero, Bill Hickey, Austin Pendleton, Gene Frankel, Julie McKee, and Donna De Matteo. Currently Craig is honing his skills at the weekly master class of his friend and mentor Lyle Kessler, and is a very proud member of the PDU at the Actors Studio. craigmcnulty.com under construction.

Kelila Zechowy has studied at HB Studio with Julie McKee, Austin Pendleton, Amy Wright, Jim Boerlin, and Jeanne Kaplan. There she collaborated with founding LAByrinth member David Deblinger in the creation of three original theatre projects. Her plays have been performed in New York and in London. In addition, Kelila is a member artist of Fountain House Gallery where she has shown numerous ink drawings and acrylic paintings in curated shows. @theveryspecialkz

Dana Mazzenga is an AEA, Manhattan-MFA’d, Brooklyn-based and Philly-burbs-bred actor and writer. Favorite roles have included MaryJane in JESUS HOPPED THE A TRAIN, Ginger in ROSEMARY WITH GINGER and Dolores in BLIND DATE. Most recently, Dana played muckraker Nellie Bly in Speranza Theatre Company's IN HER FOOTSTEPS. Every Monday evening, Dana enjoys workshopping material -both old and new- in Lyle Kessler’s Masterclass. When not acting, Dana is writing, wife-ing, mothering two gorgeous girls and diving into all things music and mental health at the 501(c)3 non-profit organization entitled Sounds of Saving. www.soundsofsaving.org www.danamazzenga.com

The Dance

By Anna Louise Bruner

Directed by Rick Hamilton and Mary Lauren

Synopsis: The Dance is a short play that spans 50 decades. A couple dances their way through every facet of a relationship; Young love, parenthood, complications and reunion. This 14 minute piece zips along as the couple dances their way into your hearts.

Anna Louise Bruner, (playwright), spent most of her life in Houston and now lives in Huntsville,Texas. A career classroom teacher, she mainly taught English and Theatre while later moving into educational administration. Upon retirement, she began playwriting and has enjoyed productions in Scriptwriters Houston annual 10x10 productions. Her plays have also been produced in Houston's Theatre Southwest and Theatre Suburbia. She studied with Edward Albee and Stuart Ostrow when they were adjunct professors at the University of Houston. 

*Nathaniel Rothrock (HE/Choreographer) is an actor, singer, musician, and Broadway producer.  Originally hailing from the Bay Area, California, Nathaniel has also been dancing ballroom for 16 years, training in rhythm, smooth, latin, and standard styles.  He still returns to the west coast regularly to perform with his rock cover band, Up and To the Right.  Recent theater credits include Singin’ In The Rain, Tuna Christmas, and Forever Plaid.  He is currently developing a narrative film about ballroom dance as well.  Member AEA

Rick Hamilton, (Co-Director) Managing Director of the Chain Theatre and the Chain NYC Film Festival, is an award-winning filmmaker whose short films, including “Seeing Glory,” "Choices" and "The Fear Inside" have screened around the world. He directed the critically-acclaimed A Will to Live, a one woman show based on the memoirs of Holocaust survivor Helena Weinrauch; the Off-Broadway hit Fabulous! The Queen of New Musical Comedies; the AUDELCO-nominated Gypsy; and the world premiere staging of The Orbit of the Soul, adapted from the texts of Oscar Wilde. At the Chain Theatre, he directed What Passes for Comedy and the workshop production of Georgie D., following their development in the Chain Play Writing Lab.

*Mary Lauren (SHE/Co-Director) is an AEA Actor/Singer/Dancer, Director/Choreographer, and Writer.  She has a B.F.A. from the College of Santa Fe.  She recently played (Lady Macbeth/Rosalind) in the Will-A-Thon and (Lita Encore) in Ruthless at Chenango River Theatre. Some of her favorite credits include; (Cathy) The Last 5 Years, (Louise) Gypsy, (Sarah) Sarah Was Mine at Cherry Lane Theatre, (Mary) Omotenashi Journey at Carnegie Hall, (Helena) Midsummer and (Gertrude) Hamlet.  Her written works include; My Shadow and Me (Cape May Stage) and Start With I Do  (Chain Theatre Festival.) She starred in the film, Dream of Spring. She is the Youth Artistic Director at AMT Theatre.  Insta: marylaurenw.

Program #5* (3rd Floor)

Erasing Time

Written by D-Davis

Directed by Miles Sternfield

Synopsis: In a dimly lit tattoo parlor, a woman longs to erase the branding of a painful past. The specialist, tasked with erasing her mark, becomes her unlikely guide. While emotional and physical scars are unearthed, together, they find that some marks fade but healing begins beneath the skin. Time Tunnel is a powerful exploration of the marks we bear and the courage it takes to reclaim ourselves.

Playwright: D-Davis

D-Davis’ work has been developed and/or produced at the New Ohio Theatre, Primary Stages, New York Theatre Workshop, Howl Playwrights, AMIOS, and Columbia University. She was a semi-finalist for Premier Stages, Road Theatre, and the Bronx Cultural Vision Award (Broken Thread); she received an HB Studio Residency Fellowship (Complicity), a Workshop Theater Residency (Broken Thread), American Woman Fellowship (Grrl Plays Bass) and two NEA research grants (Feminism and Philosophy). She has a BA in Theater (Bennington), an MA in History (CUNY), and MFA in playwriting (Columbia).  www.d-davis.com

Director: Miles Sternfeld

Miles Sternfeld is excited to be working with D-Davis again after directing her critically acclaimed play Broken Thread with the Femme Collective. He is the Founding Artistic Director of New City Music Theatre and has an MFA in Directing (Columbia University) under the mentorship of Anne Bogart & Brian Kulick. Credits include Songs for a New World at Radial Park with Bonnie Milligan, Into The Woods at Town Hall with Alice Ripley, Jane Eyre with John Caird & Paul Gordon (Superior Director Award, Cleveland Critics Circle), The Who’s Tommy with Adrienne Warren, Rot by Aditya Lal Chadha, Timmy by Megan Rivkin, and Next to Normal and Sweeny Todd at Columbia University. He interned with Jamie Lloyd on Sunset Blvd. and is currently assisting Lorin Latarro on Joy. www.milessternfeld.com.

The MAN: Ocean Harris

Ocean M Harris was born in Westminster, raised in South London and schooled in Kent at Beth's Grammar School for Boys; Harris would go on to study at the University of Nottingham. He began acting in 2019 and has had main cast roles in season 2 of The Capture (2022, BBC/NBC). On stage he has appeared in N89 (MPH, 2020), A Golden City (TNC, 2024) and The Escape (Chain Theater, 2025).

The WOMAN: Joanne Ryan

Joanne Ryan is a NY based actor who originally hails from Ireland. She most recently worked on ’The Artist’  a new limited series starring Mandy Patinkin, Patti LuPone and Janet McTeer, airing this fall. She loves working on both Stage & Film/TV and is thrilled to be working on this piece at the Chain Theatre's One Act Festival.  www.itsjoanneryan.com

Giselle & Lorraine: Under the Circumstances

Written and Directed by Pete Mattaliano

Synopsis: In a fancy East Side bar/restaurant, two estranged college best friends meet for the first time in five years. Back then, Lorraine, Giselle's maid of honor, had sex with Giselle's fiance, Ron, which caused the wedding to be cancelled. A short time later, Lorraine became engaged to Ron. Lorraine has contacted Giselle to try to bury the hatchet, but to also inform her that Ron has had sex with HER maid of honor, and Lorraine's wedding is now cancelled. During the meeting, fueled by too many Flying Grasshoppers and chips with El Diablo Loco salsa, past slights and resentments are brought up by the highly competitive women, leading to a somewhat tipsy, precarious, reconciliation.

PETE MATTALIANO (Writer/Director) – As an actor, was last seen in The Chain’s productions of “Simpatico” and “In The Boom Boom Room.” As a playwright/director, his plays and musicals have been produced in New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and assorted universities, winning several awards and commendations. As an acting coach, he has taught at NYU’s CAP21; The School for Film & TV; Villanova; Hofstra, as well as coaching privately, working with such actors as Jill Clayburgh, Donna Murphy, Javier Munoz, Beth Behrs, and Kara Young. As a screenwriter, his Christmas script, Present From The Past, is in pre-production.

LAURA FEDER (Giselle) – Is thrilled to be returning to the stage (thanks, Pete!), bringing to life the character of Giselle after long last. What a quick and hilarious journey this has been. Thanks to all of you who have put up with my incessant “studying” on and off set. Follow her @laurafeder to follow her acting adventures. (Most recently seen in the finale of Apple TV’s, “Your Friends and Neighbors”!) Love you awesome nerds. Thanks for laughing (I hope) with us!

VICTORIA CHERI BENNETT (Lorraine) – Makes her Chain debut in “Under The Circumstances.” She is a versatile artist who works both in front of and behind the camera, having recently appeared on Tubi in “Beverages With Bevin,” a show she created and produced. She also contributed to the immersive X-Men experience, where she was involved in both development and performance. Additionally, she discusses various fandom’s on the ViceTV show “Icons Unearthed” and hosts the Nacelle Company’s companion podcast for their Prime show, “A Toy Store Near You.” You can catch her showcasing her singing talent and geeking out over superheroes in the digital series, “ADULTish.” To learn more about Victoria, visit https://linktr.ee/victoriacheri

BRAD GEYER (Trent) – Is an actor from Brooklyn, NY. He performs music and slam poetry as Bradman,” and is a lifelong procrastinator. He likes noodles and tennis.

LISA BURRASCANO (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) – Is a 2nd AD working professionally in television and film production for the past 13 years. Most recent projects include “The Gilded Age” on HBO Max, “Dope Thieves” for Apple TV, and “72 Hours” starring Kevin Hart. This is the first time Lisa has worked as a stage manager and is honored for the experience and opportunity.

Grandma's Memory

Written and Directed By Domenick V. Danza

Synopsis: The tide turns during one of Janie's snowy day visits, as she discovers the value in Grandma's memories.

COLLEEN COSGROVE* (GRANDMA) is tickled to be back at The Chain.  Earlier this year, she performed in her own one-act Poke Along the Ohio.  Additionally, she's appeared at The Chain in two of Domenick Danza’s other one-acts, Purgatory and Exit...Stage Right, as well as Lynda Crawford's A Procession of Clouds.  Her web episode Fun with Nan: Yuppie Go Home was an official selection in The Chain's 2019 Film Festival.  (Check out all three Nan episodes on Colleen's YouTube channel.) Colleen dabbles in Improv at The Magnet Theater and in Shakespeare with The Drilling Company.  Thanks to Domenick for another chance to play.

ALEX E. HARRIS (JANIE) is delighted to be stepping back on stage and dipping her toe back into theatre with Grandma's Memory at Chain Theatre's Summer One-Act Festival '25!  Her on-camera credits include The Other Two (HBOMax), The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show (Netflix), and Crashing (HBO), as well as several commercials.  Most recently, she can be seen playing the titular role in the award-winning, independent feature, Darla in Space.  A quirky sci-fi comedy, Darla in Space was a part of Slamdance Film Festival's 2024 programming, and is now available to stream for free on Tubi.  Alex lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Eric, and her basset hound, Betty Draper.  www.alexeharris.com.

DOMENICK V. DANZA (PLAYWRIGHT/DIRECTOR) is a Mentor with the Arthur Miller Foundation.  He taught Drama with the NYC Department of Education for ten years.  Before that he was Director of Education at Chicago Dramatists, The Cleveland Play House, and Virginia Stage Company.  He earned his MFA in Creative Writing (playwriting) from Goddard College, and studied playwriting at Chicago Dramatists, Primary Stages, The Barrow Group, and The Dramatist Guild Institute.  This is his fourth time participating in The Chain Theatre One Act Festival.  His plays have also 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 New York 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. 

Huff Puff Muffin

By: Elizabeth Bays

Directed by: David Zayas Jr.

Synopsis - A grieving widow returns home from her husband’s memorial, only to be visited by a strange young woman bearing an outrageous claim! 

Elizabeth Bays (PLAYWRIGHT & DAISY) - is a New York–based actor, burlesque artist, and producer—and now playwright! Acting credits include Simpatico (Off-Broadway), Angelina Ballerina the Musical (Off-Broadway/National Tour), John Patrick Shanley’s Banshee (NY Premiere), and The Tower (HERE Arts Center). Her award-winning short film Surprise! received Best New Filmmaker at the 2021 Scared for Your LIIFE Film Festival.

She performs with Hotsy Totsy Burlesque (BroadwayWorld’s Best Burlesque in NYC) at The Slipper Room and recently opened the 2025 Reykjavik Fringe Festival with ForbHIDDEN People: An Elven Burlesque. IG: @ebays_

David Zayas Jr. (DIRECTOR) -  is a Bronx native, theater and film director, actor, and photographer. David made his  Off-Broadway directorial debut with Simpatico, at the Chain Theatre.  Prior to that he directed the Jesus Hopped the A Train staged reading starring Common, John Ortiz, and David Zayas. David also directed LABs 30th Anniversary and the Barn Series, which included three New Works in progress by Stephen Adly Gurgis. He has directed with Planet Connections, Actors Theatre of NY, NY Theater Festival, Samuel French OOB Festival, and more along with award winning films in over 20 festivals. David is a member of The Actors Studio’s Playwright/Directors Unit and LAByrinth Theater Company.  

Sachi Parker (MONA) - is an accomplished film, television, and stage actress. Her screen credits include Back to the Future, Peggy Sue Got Married, Scrooged, Welcome Home Roxy Carmichael, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Faerie Tale Theatre. Her theater work spans from Chekhov classics (The Seagull, The Cherry Orchard) to performances at the Edinburgh Festival. At the  Chain Theatre, she appeared in Matthew McLachlan’s This Goddamn House and the NY premiere of David Rabe’s By the Look of Her. She received the Kurosawa Award for bridging U.S.–Japan cultural understanding and won Best Actress for The Witch of the West is Dead. Sachi currently stars in the award-winning web series The So So You Don’t Know.

Diego Aguirre (BENEDICT) - Diego Aguirre is a NYC based actor and Marine Corps veteran. He grew up in Ecuador, where his family is from. Selected Theatre credits include: (O)n The 5:31 (Dir. David Zayas Jr.), Online Dates Are Hard To Handle (Chain Theatre, Dir. Leeanna Zayas), Occupied Territories (59e59, Dir. Mollye Maxner). Selected Film credits include: The Ballad of a Hustler (Heitor Dahlia), The Upside (Neil Burger), Sometime Other Than Now (Dylan McCormick), New Year’s Eve @ Sunny’s (Bob Giraldi), Wooly Bully (Kristen Buckels)  Selected TV: Dexter: Resurrection, FBI, Monsterland, The Punisher, It’s Bruno. 

Diego is also a frequent storyteller for The Moth and Actors Theater of NYC (ATNYC)

Matt Giroveanu (DRAMATURG) - Dramaturgical Services provided by Matt Giroveanu / Girocast, Inc. Girocast, created in 2018, started as an independent casting company has now turned into a bespoke production company, servicing clients in theatre, voiceover, television and film. The Girocast team also specializes in script analysis, consultations and dramaturgy - facilitating imagination where writers can realize the best versions of their works. www.Girocast.com

Movie Magic

Written and Directed by Allison Robbins

Synopsis:  In this magical realism comedy, two 1940s actor and a director come to LA to convince a colleague's granddaughter to give up acting.

ZOE WILSON* - CLAIRE
Zoe Fernanda Wilson (AEA/SAG AFTRA) is an award-winning actress (Best Actress East Hampton Film Festival, NY Indie Film Award) and the lead singer/songwriter otherwise known as Sapphie (twice named Rolling Stone Español’s “20 Artists You Should Know”) for her music. Zoe’s Recent work includes: playing the Montauk Music Festival 2025, Two Truths and A Lie which she wrote, starred and co-produced alongside FRIGID NYC @Under St. Marks Theatre as part of the EstroGenius Festival, and the upcoming cast album Petunia. Select professional credits include: The Opera is Always on The Table (Dir. Hanna Novak and Tina Satter), an Untitled Tina Satter Musical Workshop @Mercury Store and Sunset Studios (Directed by Tina Satter), Transport Group's Three Days to See (Dir. Jack Cummings III @NYTW), Play Like a Winner at Playwrights Horizons/Peter J Sharp for which Zoe won the 2017 NYMF Outstanding Individual Performance Award for her portrayal of Jenna and Marla Mase’s The Pill @LaMama Theatre. Thank you to Jen Rudin and Allison Robbins for this opportunity. To hear Sapphie’s music go to: https://www.sapphiemusic.comOr check out @zoewilsonofficial on Instagram. 

KEVIN DUFFY* - SANFORD

Kevin Duffy’s recent roles include Martin in Anton Goes to Heaven (?) at Theater for the New City, Warder Van Rensberg in Mandela and the title role in Scrooge, both at American Theatre of Actors, O’Brien in Bettinger's Luggage at AMT Theatre and British twins John and James in Terence Mc Nally’s Love! Valor! Compassion! in Southern California and the Adult Men in Spring Awakening at LA’s Hudson Theatre. Kevin has performed extensively at prominent New York venues including La Mama, BAM and P.S. 122.

MEGAN MCDERMOTT* - DAPHNE/INA/JOAN

OFF BROADWAY: Sweet Bird of Youth, Big Love and The Three Sisters. Select Regional: Ms Holmes and Ms Watson Apt 2B(Playhouse on Park), The Learned Ladies (Shakespeare Theatre of NJ), A Comedy of Tenors, Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Bristol Riverside), Playboy of the Western World, The Tinker’s Wedding (Quintessence Theatre), Time Stands Still, The Glass Menagerie (Delaware Theatre Company),  The Importance of Being Earnest, Crimes of the Heart  (Barnstormers) In the Next Room/Vibrator Play, The Three Sisters (PICT), It’s Only A Play, Chapter Two, Time Stands Still (Act II Playhouse), Amadeus and Shakespeare in Hollywood at the Tony-Award winning Wilma Theatre. Playwriting: Composing Clara, Le Boudoir, Siren Song and Stella for Star (2022 Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival) Love to Mama, Ulde and Scarlett! 

ADAM KASTER* - GEORGE

Adam Kaster (George) - Off-Broadway: Drama Desk-nominated The Golden Bride (Nat. Yiddish Theatre); Regional: Beauty & the Beast (Gaston) West Side Story (Tony), Heathers (Ram), Mamma Mia (Bill). Adam is also a practicing attorney and resides with his wife and two sons in New Jersey. IG: @adam_kaster

ANTHONY ‘ANT’ LOGRANDE - KINGSTON

Anthony ‘Ant’ LoGrande (he/him) is an actor-writer and pharmacy tech from Jersey.  Recent projects:  MR. BURNS, a post-electric play (Scranton Fringe Festival), THE REPUBLICANS (NYU Tisch), OUR BOYS (59E59). He is a Rockwell at Primary Stages/ESPA, where he’s developing his solo play WOLF!  Barrow Group, B.A. Wagner College Upcoming: NOCTURAMA anthonyelogrande.com

MARK HOFMAIER* - ANNOUNCER

Mark is a career actor, having performed in hundreds of plays regionally, off-Broadway, and showcase.  He did commercials and voice-overs, industrials, and scores of developmental readings.  He is also a playwright, having written several full-length plays which have received readings. He is a member of Shop-Talk, an offspring of the Workshop Theater Co., and New Ambassadors, both writers groups. Glad to be working at one of his old homes! Mark is married to actor/director Susanna Frazer, whose successful Morningside Theater Company is thriving, and together they have spawned two fine and talented actor siblings, Luke and Tess.

ALLISON ROBBINS - WRITER-DIRECTOR

THEATER:  Allison Robbins co-wrote the book of the musical Seance (The Other Palace, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s incubator London theater for new musicals.) Her play “Metropolitan Prairie” (FATE) is the recipient of six Dramalogue Awards. She is currently writing the book and lyrics for the musical “Wet.” TELEVISION: Writer-producer for 1-HR Dramatic Series for all major television networks (“Melrose Place”, “Providence”, “Strong Medicine” and others.)  FILM: Writer-director of short film “Moshulu Parkway,” (Cannes World Film Best Female Director, short film, Official Selection of Venice Shorts Film Awards, Best first short film Toronto International film festival, Best Short Berlin Film Festival).  Allison currently teaches television writing at NYU (Film school and Department of Dramatic Writing.)

CHRISTOPHER GRAY - STAGE MANAGER
CJ Gray is a BFA Stage Management student at the University of Central Florida, going into his third year. Previously he has worked on Sweeney Todd (PA) and the first ever staged production of What's In Store (ASM) at UCF. He is excited to get to work on this production of Movie Magic and wants to thank everyone involved, especially Allison Robbin’s, for giving him this amazing opportunity.

JEN RUDIN - CASTING DIRECTOR

Jen Rudin, CSA is an award-winning casting director and author of the book Confessions of a Casting Director, published by HarperCollins. She spent seven years as casting director/executive at The Walt Disney Company, casting such beloved animated feature films as The Incredibles, Chicken Little, The Princess, and the Frog, and overseeing the Broadway casting and domestic tours for The Lion King, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid and High School Musical. Some recent casting credits include the Netflix animated series Arcane and Dead End: Paranormal Park. For more info, visit www.jenrudin.com. 

STACEY GELLER - DESIGN ADVISOR

Stacey is a creative director passionate about helping mission-driven organizations develop meaningful brand identities and campaigns. As founder of American Design Language, she’s spent over two decades guiding organizations through every stage of the branding process with strategic insight and artistic vision. Her work empowers organizations to share their stories with clarity and purpose, driving connection and lasting impact.

ADAM TAYLOR - APM MUSIC 

For the last twenty-four years, Adam Taylor has served as the President/CEO of APM Music, creating and executing the strategy for APM’s continued growth and delivering on-target revenue growth in each consecutive year. Upon taking the helm, Adam immediately overhauled the company's internal systems to further optimize music monetization across licensing workflows, ingestion systems, metadata improvements, delivery mechanisms, and reporting and royalty payments. In parallel, he has also led a carefully crafted music catalog acquisition strategy, personally brokering agreements with leading collections across the globe.  

CLAIRE HALLORAN - LIGHTING DESIGN

Claire Halloran is a Chief Lighting Technician based out of Brooklyn, NY. She holds a BFA in Film from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she fell in love with the practice of painting light. She has spent the last 7 years bringing her talents to a range of projects: commercials and editorials, indie films and music videos, photoshoots and events galore. Across mediums, Claire takes pride in designing practical lighting effects to elevate the emotional texture of every scene.

Program #6* (4th Floor)

A Father's Day

Written By John Corins

Directed by John Sannuto

Synopsis: A two-hander about a deceased woman's husband and son are packing up her belongings to give to Goodwill - but everything comes to a standstill when the son finds a mysterious box stored in the attic.

JERRY FERRIS (Marty)* recently appeared as Charley in Mrs. Loman at Theatre Row. He also appeared in Memoryville by Philip Cioffari at The Chain Theatre’s 2024 Summer Festival. Other credits include Frankie in the award-winning Independent Feature Film Love in the Age of Dion and Patsy in the pilot episode of Blood & Gravy. 

FRANK MINIO (Mel) is a member of Polaris North where he appeared in stage productions of The Gin Game and Kalamazoo. He recently appeared in The Backsliders Ball at The Chain Theatre Winter Festival.

JOHN CORINS (Playwright) studied playwrighting with the late, great Gene Frankel. He’s had plays produced in regional and repertory theatres all around the country; including his last play The Backsliders Ball at The Chain Theatre’s Winter Festival.

JOHN SANNUTO (Director) has worked as an actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer in a variety of performance genres for the past fifty years. He directed John Corins’ play The Backslider’s Ball at The Chain Theatre’s 2025 Winter Festival.  He continues to teach theatre as a Full Adjunct Prof. at LIU Brooklyn. jsannuto@gmail.com

NOVA GOMEZ (Stage Manager) is a theater artist from Chicago, IL and recent graduate of Oberlin College. While Nova is primarily a performer, they’ve found immense fulfillment through stage managing A Father’s Day. IG: @novanishing

*Appearing courtesy of Actors Equity 

Hallucy

Written by Alex Emanuel 

Directed by Peter Rossi 

Produced by Alex Emanuel, Lana Ayrapetyants and Starna Productions 

Synopsis: HALLUCY is an absurdist -or my take on absurdist at least- one-act psychological memory play, based on actual events. It attempts to explore, comically, the dilemma one man faces from a traumatic past incident, one that included the use of psychedelics no less, something that has made him -and in the end perhaps the viewer as well- question what is real and what is not.

Mike Jankowitz trained with famed acting teacher Stella Adler. He has appeared in several dozen productions in New York and regionally, as well as occasional film and television appearances.  He is also a playwright; his most recent play, "Only The Dead", dealing with war crimes committed against Canadian troops during World War Two, was presented last year in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 

Alex Emanuel is an actor, musician, writer, producer, filmmaker, voiceover and visual artist. He’s acted onstage in NYC and regionally, including premieres at Oregon Shakespeare,  ZSpace in SF and Steppenwolf in CH. His TV credits include roles on Succession, 50 Central, Central, Public Morals, Blue Bloods and Law and Order, among other shows. He's acted in many features and short films, and produced, acted in and wrote original music for the award-winning indie feature comedy The Incoherents (Amazon Prime). As a writer, his full-length play "Come and Knock Down My Door" has enjoyed many successful readings, and he’s thrilled to put up “Hallucy” for the first time with this great cast and director. Presently, Alex is working on a book and documentary about his father, the late cartoonist Robert Grossman, finishing up a new album of music, and soon to embark on a short film starring his wife, Lana. Thanks Chain! alexemanuel.com @the_alexemanuel 

Lana Ayrapetyants is a bilingual theater and film actress who lives and works in New York City. Born in Uzbekistan, Lana began studying dramatic arts at the age of 17; at the age of 20 she joined the Drama Club Theatre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where her theatre credits included: The Cherry Orchard; The Lady Peasant; and The Taming of the Shrew, among others. In 2014, Lana moved to the US and studied acting in several studios based in NYC. She holds an MBA degree from Northeastern University (Boston) with her professional acting training coming mostly from HB Studio (NYC). Her recent work includes acting in the films “Apple Pie Dreams” and “Fractals”, among others. Lana is thrilled to be making her US debut at the Chain Theatre Festival and thanks her mentors at HB Studio, her fellow classmates, and, cast of “Hallucy” for such an incredible experience! @lanaayrapetyants

Peter Rossi is a NY/LA playwright, screenwriter, director, actor, musician and composer. Plays he’s written and directed include Cody Angelino is Coming, In Tune n’ Jammin’, The Wait & The Celler and soon, El Fata Mirage, and The Gilded Miss L. Films he’s directed include The Heist, The Asphalt Quartet, The Cugines & Don Vito’s Equestrian Thunder. He's written numerous screenplays and created The Cugines, a 3D Animated/hybrid comedy based on the Godfather, for Television. Currently Peter is working on two documentaries; One World Play and Protopunk, The Forgotten NY Sound. @pthomasrossi

*member Actors’ Equity

Questions I Keep Asking Myself

Written and Directed by Philip Cioffari

Synopsis:  A man on the run from the mob and in need of money goes to his former lover for help, and to make an effort to heal the heartbreak that neither of them have yet recovered from.

Philip Cioffari (writer/director) is the author of the novels: NIGHT AND ITS LONGINGS; IF ANYONE ASKS, SAY I DIED FROM THE HEARTBREAKING BLUES; THE BRONX KILL; DARK ROAD, DEAD END; JESUSVILLE; 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 short stories have been published widely in commercial and literary magazines and anthologies, including North American Review, Playboy, Michigan Quarterly Review, Northwest Review, Florida Fiction, and Southern Humanities Review. He is a playwright member of the Actors Studio. His plays have appeared Off and Off-Off Broadway. This is his fifth play in the Chain Festivals. 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 teaches fiction writing at the Gotham Writers Center in NYC.  www.philipcioffari.com  

Deirdre Hering (Reggie) is an actor from the Hudson Valley, New York. She's a longtime student of HB Studio. This is her first time on stage in New York City and she is very grateful to her friends, family and creative collaborators for their support. 

Supreet Mahanti (Nick) is an actor and writer whose recent stage work includes Blithe Apparition (Polaris North, Lefcowitz), Memoryville (Chain Theater, Cioffari), and Only the Dead (France, Jankovitz). Originally from India, Supreet performed in school and college plays before pursuing a career in advertising and humanitarian communication. Now based in New York, he works in digital advocacy and writes about climate change while training at HB Studio, a place he hasn’t left since 2022. He thanks his directors, castmates, and anyone who’s ever trusted him with their writing.

Recollection

By Jeff Checkley

Directed by Marie Eléna O’Brien

Synopsis: A wounded soldier recounts to his father the events leading to his being injured in a terror attack off base. He reveals the true gravitas of his experience and the short and long term effects it has had on his wellbeing.

WILLIAM OLIVER WATKINS* (Scott, Recollection). Recent Stage: NYC: Hamlet (Public), R+J, The Three Musketeers (TAC), Henry VI (Atlas Shakes);The Right One (New Ambassadors), Snakeskin Suit (EST); Merchant of Venice and Merry Wives of Windsor (HipToHip); Regional: The Lehman Trilogy and Sweat (Capital Rep). One Night in Miami, Jackie & Me, As You Like It, Ruined (Denver Center), Perseverance (Portland Stage), Othello, Twelfth Night (Cincinnati Shakespeare), Lombardi & Great Expectations (Cleveland Playhouse). Film/TV): 40-Year-Old Version (Sundance Award Winner); “End Game”; “Blindspot”; “The Blacklist: Redemption”; “Madam Secretary”; “Nurse Jackie”; “Law & Order; “Law & Order: SVU”; “Rescue Me”; “NY 22”; “Canterbury's Law”. Will is originally from Cincinnati, OH. 

ROBERT MAISONETT (Mark, Recollection). Robert Maisonett graduated with a B.A. in theater. He has numerous stage and film credits. Robert is a 2017 BRIO Award recipient for Narrative Film & Video in Media Arts for his work in Latin Lives. A web series, based on the play, both which he developed and created. SAG-AFTRA 

MARIE ELÉNA O'BRIEN* (Director, Recollection) Last seen onstage (Interlude, Winter 2025; A Rose By Any Other Name, Summer 2023), Marie Eléna is delighted to be back at the Chain's Short Play Festival and reuniting with playwright Jeff Checkley. Marie Eléna wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Balazs Tamoga, Avi Bonime and Brian Reilly. Other directing credits include The Designated Mourner, Irregulars (AD), Cassie Strickland Is Not Under The Bed (NATC) and In The Garden Of The Hesperides (Semi-Finalist; Secret Theatre). Marie Eléna is the Founder and Artistic Director of Jade Rabbit Theatre Company and the Conscious Creatives Circle. Learn more on IG @jade.rabbit.theatre.company  

JEFF CHECKLEY (Playwright, Recollection) 

Jeff Checkley is a contributor to New York’s Independent theatre scene. He has produced plays and festivals at such venues as West End, Kraine Theatre, Theatre Lab, Hudson Guild, TADA, Playroom Theatre and Producers Club. Checkley is a playwright, actor and model. A former physique competitor, Checkley is a founder and Executive Producer of New Ambassadors Theatre. He is thrilled to be back at the Chain Theatre with his production of Recollection.

*Appearing courtesy of Actors Equity Association.

Program # 7 (4th Floor)

Cheap Culture

By Christopher Atchison, Tristan Mesmer, and Terrell Stratton

Directed by Terrell Stratton

Synopsis: Four friends, Xavier, Leo, Brooke and Crystal, come home after celebrating the biggest night in Crystal's career. What starts as a jovial occasion quickly disintegrates into pure melodrama. The evening is filled with secrets, lust, and latent chaos.

Terrell Stratton (Director) - The team we have on this is incredible. I’m lucky for the privilege of directing them. Creation is king and life is beautiful!

Christopher Atchison, Tristan Mesmer, and Terrell Stratton (Playwrights) form Pan Dolly Tilt Productions. Founded in 2021, PDT dedicates itself to telling stories with passion and vigor. Some of those stories include short films such as: Coming Undone (2023), For Rosalind (2024), Live for This (2025) and The Dreamgirls Revue (2025). PDT is ecstatic to jump into the world of playwriting with their one act, Cheap Culture! Think it then make it! Instagram: pdt_productions

Gianni Sallese (Leo) is a Toronto born, New York based actor and writer. A recent graduate of AMDA he has performed in the city with Gallery Players, ScriptclubNYC, and Theatrelab. Stay tuned for Timeshares (coming soon) and enjoy the show!

Megan Boehmcke (Brooke) is an actor and dramaturg who recently made her Off-Broadway debut in Soho Playhouse's Killer Bois. Past productions include Minotauromachy (Marie Thérèse Walter) at the NYC Fringe, The Seagull (Nina), Richard III (Elizabeth), Crazy for You (Irene), My Three Angels (Emilie Ducotel), and Cabaret (Swing). University of Arizona Alumni. Her debut feature film Content recently premiered at IFS. @meganboehmcke

Jada Allyson (Crystal) is excited to originate her role in Cheap Culture. She is a proud alumni of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her mission is to create and collaborate with creatives, like the cast and team of this production, to give the world something to see and inspire change and encourage perspectives. Enjoy Act I because it’s only the beginning! Follow her IG: @jadaallyson_

Brock Doucette (Leo Understudy) is ecstatic to be making his debut on the stages of NYC! Since graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (2024), he’s hit the ground running with many projects both in the theatre and film worlds. He’s had the incredible opportunity to perform in projects such as “Bambino” and “Drillas”. On the producorial and creative side, he’s had the pleasure of working on two upcoming film “Troupe!” and “Benders”! Brock would like to thank PDT Productions for this beautiful opportunity! Keep creating, and most importantly: commit to the bit!

Declan Hutcheon (Xavier) is thrilled to be a part of this festival! A recent graduate of AMDA, his previous credits include Edgar and Fight Captain in “King Lear” (Theatre 2020), Sampson and Fight Captain in “Romeo and Juliet” (Gallery Players), Melchior Gabor in “Spring Awakening”, Michael in “Erlking”, Noel Gruber in “Ride the Cyclone”, and Orpheus, Poseidon, King Cinyras, Apollo and Baucis in “Metamorphoses”: all with Strathcona Theatre Co. Additional credits include Jacob in “Bonehouse”, Barfeé in "Spelling Bee", Claudio in "Much Ado About Nothing", and Ernest in "The Importance of Being Ernest". He can be found at @declan.hutcheon on instagram, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Full Moon

By Fleurette Modica

Directed by Caitlin Mayernik

Synopsis: Four eleven-year-old girls at summer camp stay up talking past curfew on the night of a full moon. When one of them returns from an encounter with a boy, the girls must rely on their limited knowledge of sex and pregnancy to make sense of the situation.

Fleurette Modica (Playwright, Molly) is a writer, performer, and composer based in New York City. She is the co-creator of the indie web series Shrews, which is streaming on YouTube. Her plays have been performed around New York City and she was a winner of the 2024 Red Bull Theater Short New Play Competition for her play daphne and laurel. She is a two-time semifinalist in the Comedy/Novelty category of the International Songwriting Competition. NYU Dramatic Writing MFA class of 2027. Find out more about her work at www.fleurettemodica.com. @fast_and_fleurious

Caitlin Mayernik (Director) is a New York-based and Detroit-raised director, writer, and arts producer. She is the founder of Mayernik Media, a contemporary production company developing new theater and film. NYC theater directing/producing credits include: The Chain One Act Festival, Green Room 42, The Tank NYC, The Brick's !?: New Works Festival, The Center at West Park, The Makers Ensemble, Paradise Factory, The Producer's Club, International Human Rights Arts Festival, and The Secret Theater's Queens Shortplay Festival (awarded for Best Play). Select Film Credits: Clubmothers (Director & Writer, We Forgot The Title!), Shrews (Web Series, Director & Producer). Caitlin holds a BFA in Theatre Arts from Point Park University. More at @caitlinmayernik and @mayernikmedia. 

Riley Liburd (Camilla) is an actress based in New York City. She is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College where she earned her BFA in Acting. There, she performed in “Athena”, “Men on Boats”, and “The Revolutionists”. Most recently, she was nominated for “Best Actress” at the New York Theater Festival for her portrayal of Fran in “Hymnal”. She has also participated in a staged reading of “M+Z” at The Tank and “Two Dime Crisis” at Playwrights Horizons Studios. Additionally, she appeared in several short films including “Trust Me, Bro”, “It’s Nice to be Nice”, and “The Sisters of Briar Glen”. @riley.liburd

Nikol Tsvetanova (Avery) is a Bulgarian-born, NYC-based artist. She is a graduate of the SUNY Purchase BFA Acting Conservatory, and her love of performance is inspired by her fascination with and curiosity about human behavior and psychology. Past credits include Henry IV Part I, Sweat, and Passage. In her spare time, she is part of the oldest traditional Bulgarian folk dance group in North America and enjoys hot yoga, cooking, and writing. @nikoltsve

Sophia Harber (JJ) is a multi-hyphenate artist based in Brooklyn. She performed in the original ten-minute version of Full Moon at the International Human Rights Art Festival in 2023, and is thrilled to be playing the role of JJ two years later! Sophia is the co-creator of Shrews, a three-part comedy web series. Most recently, Sophia performed in Rachel Suriski’s The Anecdotes of a Lesbian Princess at the Spark Emerging Artists Theater Festival. Recent directing credits include K Stanger’s Sunbeam at New York Theater Festival and Mollie Gordon’s With the Lights Out at The Rosen Studio at Playwrights Horizons. @soph.harber

LifeOptimization

Directed by Audra Zook

Synopsis: In a world run by LifeOptimization™, Ava requests to deviate from her algorithmically assigned career, remembering the one time the system was wrong. Despite warnings of measurable unhappiness, she insists on choosing her own path. Did she make the right choice? Was it ever her choice to begin with?

Nadine Hart (Employee) Nadine is an NYC based English actor and writer who has seen many a festival, Boo Festival at Players as well as Brighton Fringe in England to name her favourites, as well as making her way into voiceover. She loves to voice video games. Nadine is a lover of mashed potatoes and making people laugh.

Kevin Gonzalez (Supervisor) Kevin Gonzalez is a Brooklyn born and raised Actor/ Writer/ Director.  His most notable roles include AJ in Out of my head, Zeke in the pilot Space Truckers and numerous characters on various Comedy Central sketches. He’s excited to harness the energy of all of those characters to bring this role to life and make something that both you and his two cats can enjoy!

Audra Zook (Ava/Director/Playwright) Audra is an actor, writer, and director based in NYC. She recently appeared in I’m Afraid You’ve Got Ghosts, Out of My Head, A Fifth Dimension, Twelfth Night, Hellcab, and The Tempest, and has directed multiple plays including Looneys, The Venona Decryption and The Glass Menagerie. She is a proud member of Theatre 68, regularly writes and performs sketch comedy with the group Punchline Loading, and is a performer in the monthly improv show Joke & Dagger.

Program #8 (3RD Floor)

Aquarium

By Karie Parkinson

Directed by Jimmy Guest

Synopsis: Nat, an amateur Aquarist struggles to balance her hobby with her relationship. In a feverish haze, her pet Betta speaks to her and tells her to break up with her girlfriend. Nat must choose where her priorities truly lie and learn what it means to compromise, both with her girlfriend and her fish.

Katie Parkinson (Playwright/Nat, she/her) is a Seattle-born actor, playwright, and improviser based in NYC. She’s a graduate of the BFA Acting program at SUNY Purchase. Film credits include The History of Sound and Somebody/Anybody, an upcoming short she co-wrote and produced. Stage credits include Measure for Measure (Columbia University), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (Methexis Productions), and Twelfth Night (Purchase Rep). Katie is currently developing her next play with the One Year Lease Theatre company. 

Jimmy Guest (Director, he/him) is an NYC based director and actor. Recent work includes They are Quits at Dixon Place Theater and the Secret Theater. He's excited to be a part of this year's festival at the Chain!

Jeff Parkinson  (Neptune, he/him) is an actor and improviser originally from the Seattle area. Recent theatre credits include They Are Quits (938collective), The Munchies (The Tank), The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket (Columbia University SOA), Singing Lessons (Columbia University SOA) and The Bog Queen (Columbia University SOA). Jeff is in his third year of Columbia University’s MFA Acting program and holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Evansville. Instagram: @jeffcparkinson

Pauline Lara (Olive, she/her) is a third year MFA Acting student at Columbia University. She is extremely grateful to collaborate with wonderful creatives on this fin-tastic story. Past credits include Selkie Woman (CU SOA), The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket (CU SOA), The Munchies (The Tank), All My Sons (Tampa Rep), Talking With… (Stageworks), and Dracula (Jobsite). She would like to thank her family and friends for their uplifting support.

Divine Feminine (or the Male Validation Play)

By Kiley Gaddis

Directed by Gavin Petersen

Synopsis: On the night of a full moon, tensions rise between a group of college-aged women as the presence of a male friend interrupts their evening hangout, calling into question the friends' dynamics and the importance of male validation.

Elena Cramer (Shelby) is an actor, director, and musician originally from Wisconsin. She received her  BFA in Acting from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. She is passionate about developing new  work as well as bringing fresh perspective to classic pieces. Her previous NYC acting credits include  Sonya in Uncle Vanya (SIST), ‘92 in wounded by Sophie McIntosh (The Chain), and Mrs. Galloway/Mr.  McGully in A Perfect Map of Everything by Connor Geary (The Tank). You can learn more about her at  her website: www.elenacramer.com 

Sami DeVries (Renée) is a NY based artist who is thrilled to be a part of this show! She is from NJ and  graduated from Northwestern in 2023 where she studied Theatre and TYA. You can see more of her at  samidevries.com, or on Instagram @samigdevries! 

Joy Jaensubhakij (Caroline) is an alumnus of the University of Southern California's School of  Dramatic Arts and is so excited to be part of this amazing project! She thanks everyone for coming and  hopes you enjoy. 

Augustus Saint Glick (Jake) is stoked to reprise his role in Divine Feminine! He is an actor, writer, and  producer coming out of a little town in a little state. His favorite theatrical credits include Kallan Dana’s  new play Lobster, Antigone, Volpone, The Pillowman, and Macbeth (don’t read aloud). He is a recent  graduate of Northwestern University, and shouts out other experiences at BADA, Atlantic Theater  Company, Vassar’s Powerhouse, and Simsbury High. Big thanks to the cast, crew, his family, and  incredible sideline! 

Gavin Petersen (Director) is a Brooklyn-based queer director, They earned a BFA in directing from  Hofstra University. Recent directing projects include Not Leaving by Julianna Kantor (a finalist in the  Queens Short Play Festival), Regicide! by Jude Cramer (SoHo Playhouse Lighthouse Series) and This is  Government by Nina Kissinger (Whale Watch Reading Series). They are currently working as New Work  and Development Chair at PurpleLight Productions and are a co-founder of The Cult, a new Queer theater  collective! You can follow them @gav.peters on Instagram. 

Kiley Gaddis (Playwright) is a Brooklyn-based playwright originally from Austin, TX where she earned  a BA in Theatre Arts and Writing from St. Edward’s University. She’s a Powerhouse Theatre Training  Program at Vassar College Alumni (Playwriting) and is currently a playwright in Purple Light  Production’s Artist Palette Cohort 2024/25. Recent Credits: My Best Friend’s Fish (Epheverie Theatre  Co., The Tank), Left Behind (Masquerade Theatre), Progressive Family Play (The Tank), Hourglass,  Take Care (Secret Theatre). Upcoming: The Daily Grind at The Tank’s Lime Fest!

Last Birthday

Directed by Youlim Nam

Synopsis: Yumi is determined to host the perfect birthday dinner for her father. But as the evening unfolds, reality begins to slip—memories surface, tensions simmer, and time bends in strange, quiet ways. What begins as a simple celebration transforms into something far more haunting, as a daughter confronts the weight of love, guilt, and the need to say goodbye.

Youlim Nam (Playwright/Director/Sound Design)

Youlim Nam is a New York City-based actor, playwright, director, and producer from Seoul, Korea. Her work has been presented at Theatre Row, Chain Theatre, Gene Frankel Theatre, and more. Most recently, her work was featured in the NuWorks 2025 Festival by Pan Asian Repertory Theatre. She’s collaborated with renowned artists, including three-time Emmy® winner Cady McClain, on various creative projects. Her honors include awards from City Artist Corps, Ma-Yi Theatre, and Best Actress at the International Independent Short Awards. Youlim is a proud member of AEA, the Dramatists Guild, and Axial Theatre. youlimnam.com

Jun Kim (James)

Jun Kim is a veteran actor who has appeared in Law and Order, and many mainstream Korean movies.

Han Na Shin (Yumi)

Han Na Shin is a Korean-born actor and model from Michigan, now based in New York City. She has appeared in Vogue and Blanc magazines and has worked on commercial campaigns for brands such as Maybelline, Flamingo, and On Running. Han Na made her acting debut in the short film Gonggi, a Nicholl Fellowship Quarterfinalist, followed by Just a Yellow Cab in New York City at Theatre Row with Pan Asian Rep, written by Youlim Nam. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and studied acting at The Barrow Group.

Julius Barkley (Creative Illustrator) Julius Barkley is a New York City-based visual artist from Cleveland, Oh. His work brings deeply researched concepts to tell compelling stories about people, places, and ideas. He is inspired by folklore, afrofuturism, media, history and current events. www.juliusbarkley.com

Original Music (randolphe, assidence) by Tim Brock

On the Radio

Directed By Edward Gibbons-Brown

Synopsis:  In a timeless, weatherworn neighborhood bound by ritual, five people gather daily around a vintage radio to hear a weather report that never changes...until one day, it does. As uncertainty stirs both hope and fear, they must each decide what to believe—and what to do next.

NICOLE PONCE (Helion) Nicole Ponce (she/her) is a Peruvian-American actress raised in Florida now based in New York City. She received a B.A in Theatre Arts (Performance) and a B.S in Computer Science from Rollins College. Favorite credits include: A Halloween Carol (Marley Jacobs), Dos Familias: A Bilingual Adaptation (Julieta Capuleto), John Proctor is the Villain (Ivy), Private Lies: An Improvised Film Noir (Billy), Antlers (Amar), Unsung Morning (Maria), and Three Sisters (Irena), The Thousand and One Nights (Hakawati). Stay up to date on her Instagram: @nicooleponce

KENDRA FOSTER MCBRIDE (Jory) Kendra Foster McBride is a singer, actor, musician, dancer, composer, and lyricist, originally from London, and a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Recent performance credits include 'Broadway's The Next Generation,' (The Green Room 42), multiple performances in the recurring show, 'Broadway's Greatest Hits,' (54 Below), 'Broadway By The Season,' (Merkin Hall), Koda in The Chain Theatre Festival’s production of ‘Listen to Me,’ by Edward Gibbons Brown, U/S Kate/Swing in ‘The Wild Party,’ (Cosmo Theatre, LA), and Maureen Johnson in ‘Rent,’ (The Dovehouse Theatre, Birmingham, UK). Kendra is very happy to be returning to The Chain Theatre, and thanks Edward for the opportunity!

JACQUELINE DIMARE (Ren) is a French-born British-raised Swedish-American actress, writer, director and composer. She was extensively trained in musical theatre in London and coached by the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in LA and NY. Her film credits include the award-winning mobile short “I Let You Go”, “The Perilous Tale of Pirouetta”, “The Sunset Of Your Memory”, DiMare’s soul-provoking short “Amber Rain”, as well as her composer debut which has been reviewed “hauntingly beautiful”, DiMare’s recently praised mockumentary “The Acting Studio” and “143”, winner of the Audience Choice Award at the Norwalk Film Festival. Jacqueline made her recent Off Off Broadway debut as the leading mystical Persian fortune teller Farrah in “Constellation of Omar Khayyam” at the Jersey City Theater Center, which audiences hailed her performance “mesmerizing” and “bewitching”. Beyond acting, she is in the current production of composing a music score and a book series. Jacqueline is honored to bring Ren to life of vulnerability and strength, and grateful to perform at the Chain Theatre. 

BRAD HAYES, JR. (Merrit) is an actor who is training with The Barrow Group, an acting school in Manhattan, NY. Some of his recent and unreleased film credits include “Sentient”, “Aim To Serve”, “The Big Blind” among others which were all filmed in NYC and should be releasing in the near future. Brad is dedicated to diversifying himself as an actor to be able to connect and relate to different individuals and audiences whether on screen or on stage to leave people with memorable experiences. Brad is very thankful to be able to bring Merrit to life on stage through authenticity, depth, and presence. Brad can be found on Backstage, Actors Access, and Cast It Talent.

PAUL LUTVAK (Vennor) is an actor/voice actor and photographer based in NYC. Stage credits include “Romeo & Juliet”, “Arrivals”, “The Seagull” and the musical “A Brand New World”. TV/Film credits include “Beyond The Silent Night”,  “Plunder Quest” and “A Good Cop”. He can be heard from behind the mic in commercials, video games and podcasts and has trained at The Barrow Group, The Atlantic Acting School and with Paul Liberti and Debbie Irwin. He has been an anesthesiologist for over 20 years! Thrilled to be back on stage at The Chain!

EDWARD GIBBONS-BROWN (Writer, Director) is a passionate and dedicated multi-hyphenate creative artist with a broad variety of experience over many years. His monthly variety show FRIGID Nightcap can be seen the last Friday of every month at Under St. Marks – follow @frigidnightcap for updates. Recent and upcoming productions include: “The Neighborhood Laundromat,” NYTF, “The Interview,” SPF Boo! Fest, NYC, “Listen to Me,” “Walk It Off,” and “Over My Dead Body,” Chain Theatre One-Act Festival, NYC, "Coriolanus," Worlds Elsewhere Theatre Company, NYC/Seattle, "Miracle on 34th Street," The Henegar, Melbourne, FL., “The Three Little Pigs,” part of “Once Upon a Time in NYC,” an evening of staged readings of one-act plays setting fairy tales in modern-day New York. Edward lives in Harlem 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!

Spirit of 76

Written and Directed by Mark Melton

Synopsis: Back from break in their first year of college, close friends play their old favorite pinball machine and realize they may not be as close now as they thought.

Kori Andrea (Actor “Em”) is a narrative and documentary filmmaker and actress who seeks to bring audiences into a number of worlds. With a BFA Film degree from Purchase College, she has credits in acting, directing, editing and cinematography for various works. She is eager and collaborative with a dream of creating spaces for filmmakers of color both on and off screen. Kori is currently a Production Assistant for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

Zoe Williams (Actor “Hayley”), branching off from a more conventional route, took a drop-in improv class at The Second City a year ago and hasn’t looked back. She is one sixth of the improv team Little Darlings, and enjoys performing in many forms, whether musical, scripted, or improvised. This is her first play since High School, and she’s thrilled to be part of it!

Raja (Actor “Jordan”) is a Bronx-based New York actor. He is a recent graduate of the Hofstra University Drama BFA Performance program. He hopes you all enjoy the performances and is very thankful for the opportunity to perform! A special thanks to his family, friends, and as always the Man upstairs!

Matt Card (Actor “Linus”) first did theater when his mother secretly signed him up for a summer theater program when he was 10. He, at first, was not a fan, but quickly loved it and continued to do it for the next 5 years. Since then, he’s done any form of acting he could get his hands on, including hosting the HEAT Network’s Director’s Cut and performing in the comedy puppet special Larry Land.

Jordan McLaughlin (Casting Director) ) recently graduated from Hofstra University with a degree BFA in Drama Performance, and she is now based in New York pursuing casting. She would like to thank Mark for giving her awesome opportunities like this!

Mark Melton (Playwright/Director) is a writer, director, and performer who trains and performs at the Upright Citizens Brigade, The Second City, and the Peoples Improv Theater. He has also worked as a Production Assistant for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and can be seen performing in Hope/less  by Spencer Giles here at the Chain One Act Festival! Upcoming, he’ll be writing, performing in, and producing That’s Our Show, a sketch comedy spectacular at the Peoples Improv Theater on August 15th at 7pm. @swugmark

Program #9 (4th Floor)

FREAK Son Reunites with Estranged Father | FULL EPISODE | Dr. Phil

By Claire Abramovitz

Directed by Anya Josephs

Synopsis: Frankenstein's monster appears on daytime TV program/trauma farm Dr. Phil in the hopes of reaching out to his estranged father Dr. Victor Frankenstein. When father and son reunite will there be bloodshed (great for ratings) or reconciliation (not as fun, but will still get some clicks)?

Claire Abramovitz (Playwright): Claire Abramovitz (she/they/any) is an emerging playwright living, working, and eating a lot of cheese in New York City. Their work has been performed in Chicago, Jerusalem, Pennsylvania, and right here in NYC. They enjoy writing about folklore, Judaism, and various kinds of monsters/fish people. Their play To Rot in His Bones was a semifinalist in the 2021 Jewish Plays Project Annual Jewish Playwriting Contest and in Bay Street Theater’s Title Wave, New Works Festival 2024. In their spare time they write poetry, watch Great Lakes freighter compilation videos, keep a list of fake band names, and make soup for at least thirty.

Anya Josephs (Director): Anya Josephs (they/she) is an NYC-based director, writer, and psychotherapist. Some of Anya’s favorite past directorial credits include the world premieres of “…Therein Lie Creeping Things Innumerable,” also by Claire Abramovitz, several short plays with the Playground NYC company including a 2025 Best of the Fest winner, and reimagining of the classics, like an all-female, queer production of Much Ado About Nothing and two interactive virtual Shakespeare productions staged over the COVID-19 lockdown. Anya’s writing can be found in venues like The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, The Deadlands, and Tor.com; her novel Queen of All is available wherever books are sold. 

Willow Lautenberg (Dr. Phil): Willow Lautenberg is an actress-playwright-singer based in NYC. Her Off-Broadway credits include: What It Means to Be Free (Theatre Row) & Spare Rib (New World Stages). Her Regional/Tour credits include: Shrek The Musical, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Wizard of Oz and Les Misérables. Her playwrighting credits include: Incarcerated (NewYorkRep commission - Off Broadway reading), What It Means to Be Free (play – performed at United Solo, & screenplay – finalist at the Harlem International Film Festival). She holds a BFA in Acting & a Writing Minor from Emerson College. Love & gratitude to her parents & community. @willowthesingingtree

Sara Guilbault (Floyd): Sarah Guilbault is a performer and writer living on unceded Lenape land. A graduate of Bowdoin College who spent time studying classical acting at LAMDA, Sarah also holds a master’s in Performance studies from NYU and a stilt walking license from camp Winnarainbow. Some of their favorite stage roles include Marianne in Constellations, Paulina in Death and the Maiden, and a microbe also written by Claire Abramovitz. Offstage, Sarah can be found wrestling a Dachshund named Walter, knitting socks, and in a prone position reading absurdist political philosophy or Octavia Butler. 

Julia Crowley (Dr. Frankenstein): Julia Crowley is an actress and creator based in NYC and New England whose work can be seen across stage and screen. Julia starred as Charlotte in Thrown Stone Theater’s production of Hysterical! and as Jamie in Athena. She can be seen in the indie film Artificial (2024) which premiered at the Workers Unite Film Festival at Cinema Village and won the award of Best Narrative. She first appeared at the Chain Theater as part of Breaking and Entering Theater Collective’s PEA Fest, starring in their production of Fishbowl. Julia is a graduate of Bennington College, a company member of Playground-NY, and a performer with the Murder Mystery Company with American Immersion Theater. 

The Elevator Play

By Erin Moughon

Directed by Ria T. DiLullo

Synopsis: Rom-Coms aren't what they used to be. Lara and Cameron are rehearsing the meet-cute for the latest play directed by Ellis. However, it is interrupted by strange sounds and even stranger outbursts. As aliens appear, what is real in a nesting doll play?

Erin Moughon (Playwright) (she/her) is an award-winning playwright and teacher based in New York City. She is thrilled to be returning to the Chain Theatre with this incredible team! Her plays have been produced across the U.S. as well as in England, Canada, Australia, and France. Selected short plays can be found in editions of The Best Ten Minute Plays edited by Lawrence Harbison and Debbie Lamedman and her monologues can be found in Voices of America Vol 1, 3, & 4 edited by Mike Lesser of the Playground Experiment. Her play Prewritten won the 2024 best play award from the Loved Ones series by Broken Arts Entertainment. During the pandemic, she was commissioned by the Educational Theatre Association to write short adaptations for their design lesson plans.  Erin is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild and an Arthur Miller Fellow. @erinplaywright

Ria T. DiLullo (Director) is a director, actor, playwright, and founder of The Skeleton Rep(resents), a 10-year old indie new works development company with a mission to explore modern myth. Through TSR they have produced 12 full stage shows, 3 short play festivals, 60+ salons of new plays, countless readings, and film projects. Most recently, Ria performed in “Track Change” downtown, as well as directed “No Better News” as part of FringeNYC in this very theater. Upcoming projects include a presentation of their play “Echo the Original” as part of LimeFest at The Tank on 8/23. Keep up with Ria and TSR @dilulloria / @skeletonrep / www.dilulloria.com / www.skeletonrep.org

Larissa Adamczyk (Actor/Producer) is excited to be playing Lara, as she wishes she could be nearly as cool. She graduated the Two Year Acting Program at William Esper Studio and currently studies at the Ken Studio. She has recently been seen as Dorothy Secules and Nurse Klein, in the premier production of Sweet Lorraine, part of the 2024 Downtown Urban Arts Festival. Some of her other favorite roles include: Carrie, in the two-person play The Right Person (2022 Chain Theatre Festival), and a soldier in The Playground Experiment's Faces of America Monologue Festival, Volume 4. She has also had the honor to portray some fantastic women: Jane Wilde/Gwendolyn Fairfax/ Virginia Otis in an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's life and Bianca in a reading of Desdemona: A Play About A Handkerchief. Larissa can be seen on the internet, uncovering a mystery phenomenon In The Time Of... a story anthology on Instagram. She is in the short film Unvoiced, which received several nominations in NYC and International film festivals, and Over-Throne, which was Top 50 in AAFL 72hr Film Festival '20.

Alejandra Lorenzo-Agront (Actor/Stage Manager) is a Caribbean-born, NYC-based multidisciplinary artist from the island of Puerto Rico. Raised between colors, music, and storytelling, she began singing traditional Puerto Rican songs and painting as a child. She holds degrees in Fine Arts and Theater from the University of Puerto Rico, and trained in musical theater at Circle in the Square Theatre School in NYC. Her theater work includes regional productions of Rent, Godspell, Once on This Island, and Into the Woods. She toured the U.S. with Disney on Ice, and is now embracing new creative adventures—always carrying a piece of Puerto Rico in her heart.

Morgan Nadia Williams (Actor) (she/her) is a Baltimore-born actor with performance roots in dance. She graduated from NYU Tisch in May 2023 with a BFA in drama, where she studied with the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Stonestreet Studios. Her notable roles include acting as Agnes in She Kills Monsters (Stella Adler Studio of Acting), Ama in School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (Hangar Lab Theatre Company) and Lorraine Hansberry in Sweet Lorraine (Theatre Row). She aspires to create and partake in art that challenges both herself and her audience to laugh, think and feel more.

Jake Jervis (Actor)  is a recent grad from Ithaca College with a degree in Musical Theatre. He’s excited to be making his professional debut in NYC with The Elevator Play! He’ll be at The Rev later this summer in Bonnie and Clyde the musical. Thank you to all involved that made this festival a possibility! Special thank you to Mom, Dad, Bros, and Ava! @jakejervis

Alexander Rovang (Sound Design/Producer) has been a musician in NYC for over 25yrs.  Although his credits include Broadway shows & 50-piece orchestras, his favorite time has always been with the smallest, most intimate pieces.   Susan Marshall’s Sawdust Palace, John Mercurio’s Academy, Julianne Wick-Davis’s The Pen.  So, as excited as he is for his newest project (joining the faculty of the Berklee School of Music), he is unquestionably more delighted to be a small part of Erin Moughon’s The Elevator Play!

Uptown Express

By Kevin Cheng

Directed by Ciera Miller

Synopsis: The MTA subway train is late again. As Noah waits impatiently on the platform, an unexpected old acquaintance arrives.

Ciera Miller (Director) is a NYC based director who loves new works. Past directing credits include: Funeral for a Dog (Edinburgh Fringe, C Arts); The Dark (Miller & Harlow), CafeBlitz (In Confidence), Stuck (Curious Theatre Works); Love is a Blue Tick Hound (Curious Theatre Works), Evermore (Curious Theatre Works), Hootenanny Tonight (Off the Lane), and The Elevator (New York Theatre Festival). Assistant Directing credits include Hadestown Second National Tour, Primero Sueño (METLiveArts), and the world premiere of Stompin' at the Savoy (DTC). She is half of the theater duo Miller & Harlow, the pair were 2023 Jonathan Larson Grant Honorable Mentions and have their new folk musical, Colorado Silver in concert 9/6 at 54 Below! cieramiller.com 

Kevin Cheng (Playwright / Noah) is a Taiwanese actor and writer based in New York City. He received his training at the Neighborhood Playhouse and HB Studio. Notable theater credits include: The Seagull (HB Playwrights), It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Fiction Brooklyn), A Midsummer Night's Dream (A.R.T./New York), Dear Diary (Chain), and Sunset Diner (East Village Basement). Most recently, he starred in the feature film A Journey of Jack and Tom directed by Chin-En Gau. Kevin is deeply interested in telling stories that highlight human connections and explore how people grope their way toward a sense of equanimity in face of unexpected life events.

Maria Jose Payares (Zoe) is a New York-based actor and producer. From a young age, she's had a great passion for theater and the arts. She graduated from New York Film Academy with a BFA in acting for film and has taken multiple classes at HB Studio. She is so excited to be working on this project and very grateful to Kevin for this opportunity. She wants to thank her friends and family for all the support. Credits: Still Waiting for Lefty by Luke Bond, Reflections of Impertinent Judgements by Diego Ruiz de Velasco.

Program #10 (4th Floor)

A Test of Taste

Written and Directed by Kendra Jones

Synopsis: A Test of Taste brings together a group of New Yorkers (hired off a Craigslist ad) to taste test products together in a Manhattan office space for an AI company working to predict tasting palettes. Each day is different and unexpected.

Kendra Jones (Playwright, Director) is a writer and educator based in New York City. She completed her MFA in nonfiction writing at Columbia University. Originally from the cornfields of Pennsylvania, Kendra graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a BS in biology, a BA in professional writing, and a minor in creative writing. Kendra reviews Off and On-Broadway shows and is an NCAA Women’s Basketball Official. She is a Member Resident at Woodward Residency. A Test of Taste, inspired by personal experiences, premiered in 2024 at A.R.T. New York. IG: @kendra_jones_

Emily M. White (Co-director) is a director, dramaturg, and arts administrator. Directing credits include Dear Diary, I Hate the Dedham Mall (Chain Theatre Festival); Passover Parodies, The Box (Script Club NYC); Living Radio NYC. Dramaturgy credits include Coal Country (The Public Theater); White Rose, The Roaring Girl (Theatre Row); and more. She is currently the Editorial Manager at New York City Center and has a BA in Theatre Studies from Emerson College. She is a member of the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas, and her work has been published on HowlRound Theatre Commons.

Caleb Dunaway (Dennis) is thrilled to reprise the role of Dennis. He is a graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy, and has since worked on numerous TV shows (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Dopesick, The Gilded Age, Gossip Girl.) He is also a guest comic at the Broadway Comedy Club & The Greenwich Village Comedy Club. 

Declan Hutcheon (Corey) is thrilled to be a part of this festival! A recent graduate of AMDA, his previous credits include Edgar and Fight Captain in “King Lear (Theatre 2020), Sampson and Fight Captain in ”Romeo and Juliet” (Gallery Players), Melchior Gabor in “Spring Awakening”, Michael in “Erlking”, Noel Gruber in “Ride the Cyclone”, and Orpheus, Poseidon, King Cinyras, Apollo and Baucis in “Metamorphoses”: all with Strathcona Theatre Co. Additional credits include Jacob in “Bonehouse”, Barfeé in "Spelling Bee", Claudio in "Much Ado About Nothing", and Ernest in "The Importance of Being Ernest". He can be found at @declan.hutcheon on instagram, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kellie Williams (Jackie) is a New York-based actor and singer. Her favorite credits include singing in many cabarets at Don’t Tell Mama, acting and writing on an all-women sketch comedy team called the Industry Plants, and playing "Zuzu" in Dance Nation at Sarah Lawrence College. You can find her on Instagram @k3llie_wil.

Jennifer Analise Roberts (Amber) is thrilled to be performing at The Chain Theater Festival! Most recently she was seen in Sunset Diner at The East Village Basement. A few of her select favorite credits include A Chorus Line (Ivoryton Playhouse), Grease (Musicals At Richter) Memphis (Connecticut Theater Company), Ernst Toller’s Hoppla, We’re Alive! (La MaMa) and The Laramie Project (Mabou Mines). Education: The New School BA Theater and Dance.  IG: jennifer_analise

Kevin Cheng (Jesse) is a Taiwanese actor and writer based in New York City. Notable theater credits include: The Seagull (HB Playwrights), A Midsummer Night's Dream (A.R.T./New York), Dear Diary (Chain), and Sunset Diner (East Village Basement). Most recently, he starred in the feature film "A Journey of Jack and Tom" directed by Chin-En Gau. Kevin is interested in telling stories about how ordinary people with big unfulfilled dreams make sense of their individual lives amidst loss and confusion. 

Sara Beneke (NutmegXXX) is thrilled to be returning to the Chain Theater One Act festival in the hilarious “A Test of Tase” by Kendra Jones. She recently made her official Off-Broadway debut as Phibe Foster in “The Willie Lynch Letter”. Film: Friendly Strangers, Coming Masquerade. It’s NutmegXXX, baby!

Ashes and Curds

By Darlene Elizabeth Joiner

Directed by Lauren Winnenberg

Synopsis: Nisha returned to Indiana following the death of her stepmother, Jen, and hopes to return back to NYC tomorrow morning. Her estranged stepsister, Sarah, plans to steal her mother’s a

Lauren Winnenberg is a queer, socially engaged director, writer, actor, and producer. She holds an MA in Arts Politics from NYU Tisch, where she received the Lew & Edie Wasserman Research Grant for Arts Activism. With her company, Space Cowgirl Productions, she’s collaborated on A Real Bitch (NYTF), and directed I Can Mansplain (The Triad), Halz: A Musical Traumedy, May and June, and Just Little Women. Lauren is a member of Theatre 68, where she directed Triangle: Scenes from a Prosecution and Love or Death Inside a House, and performed in String of Pearls. Other credits include Cherry Jam (IRT), It Came from Beyond (St. Luke’s), Coming Out (NYTF), Purgatory (Manhattan Rep), Love Magic Ritual Spell (Dixon Place), and Dystress (Kimmel Galleries).

Darlene Elizabeth Joiner (she/her) the writer of “Ashes and Curds” is an actress originally from Gary, Indiana. Her short plays, The 9 or 5 Theses of Karen Sloane and Dinner with Darius was performed at the New York Theater Winter Festival and SPF’s LUV Festival earlier this year. Darlene has performed in many stage productions including as “Michelle”, in Love or Death Inside of a House, The Venona Decryption as “Meredith Gardner”, Hell Cab as “Shalita” and “Pregnant Woman” with Theatre 68 NYC Chapter. Special thanks to Chain Theatre for reading “my little Indiana play”.  Follow her on IG @darlene.elizabeth.joiner

Veronica Murphy (she/her) is an actor, writer and producer based in NYC. She studied at Providence College, where she earned a B.A. in Theatre and Film, and received the Leonard Award for Excellence in Theatre. Recently, she played Victoria Vernon in Kitchen Sink Theatre Company’s Snog Islet, and Amanda Darling in SPQR Stage Company's Derby Day. Her original plays were selected as the winning play of the week in both the SPF NYC and SPF LUV Festivals in 2024. She performed in SPF NYC as Roz in Locked Out, Karen in Married Strangers, and in SPF LUV as Daphne in Relationship Status Report. You may have seen her in Theatre 68’s NY 14th Annual One-Act Festival, or as a co-host of “Watch Party” at The Rat. She is so thankful to be part of the Chain Theatre’s One Act Festival! Follow her on Instagram: @ronnie_murph

Dime Novel

By Andrew Donnelly-Yunga

Directed by Giovanna DiSanto

Synopsis: Alone in their apartment, a writer is finishing the last chapter of their novel: a tale of revenge set in the Wild West. As the hours drag on, and pages are written and rewritten, the line between fiction and reality begins to blur.

Andrew Donnelly-Yunga (Playwright): Andrew is a playwright and dramaturg working in NYC. This will be his third time working with Chain Theatre; having premiered two short plays, The Only People Here and The Heat at previous festivals. Recent dramaturgy credits include After the Revolution (Morningside Players) and The Liar (Ithaca College). @andrewsdonnelly3

Giovanna DiSanto (Director): Giovanna is thrilled to be returning to the Chain Theatre after directing The Only People Here and The Heat in their previous festivals. Her directing credits include: The Wolves (Winner of Best Direction of a Play, BroadwayWorld Award 2024),  For A Barbarian Woman (Hangar Theatre),  Twelfth Night (Ninety Nine Cent Players), and Der Fröhliche Wanderer (Chatham Players). Giovanna is an Ithaca College alum, where she received a dual degree in Theatre Studies and Integrated Marketing Communications. Associate Member, SDC. giovannadisanto.com

Elijah Davis (Author): Elijah is a recent graduate from Montclair State University with a BFA in Acting. He is honored to be in this production (shout out to Andrew and Giovanna for giving him this opportunity). Some of his previous work have been: Evil Lives Here (Teen Lance), The Birds (Epops), Macbeth (Banquo), Outside The Frame (William), Black Snow (Yegor), and As You Like It (Guard/William).

Elian Rivera (Dalton): Elian Rivera is a recent Fordham theatre performance graduate. He is excited to make his debut at the Chain Theatre. Thanks to Andrew, Giovanna and the team! Previous credits include: Kiyawat V. God (Roberts) Thoughts On Girlcock (Carlo/Man#1), The Sins of Sor Juana (Don Silvio), Macbeth (Malcolm), My Sweetest Baby Angel Princess (Joe), La Cocina (Krystian), Night and Daedalus (Son), Picasso Presents Gernika (Multiple Roles), Space Show (Dylan Cabrera), Dream of a Burning Boy(Dane). Anyone who came to watch ENJOY THE SHOW!!! @elian__rivera

Kyle Edens (Jed): Kyle is a recent graduate from Montclair State University with a BFA in Acting and previously attended the University of the Arts prior to its closure. He is ecstatic to be making his Chain Theatre debut and is incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Previous credits include: Stupid F*cking Bird (Dev), Constellations (Marianne), Marisol (Lenny), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck), Eat the Rich, Audrey! (CEO), Hamlet (Guildenstern), and psychic investigation… (Young August). 

Waiting for Wicked

By Michael Busani

Directed by Brendan Stackhouse

Synopsis: Two friends, Bruce and Ella, attempt to win a coveted pair of lottery tickets for Wicked on Broadway. As they struggle to occupy the time while waiting, friendly banter quickly turns into passive aggression, revealing past insecurities that have the potential to permanently alter their friendship.

Joe Vayalumkal (Bruce) is a New York-based actor, writer, comedian, and singer. You can see him performing around the city in the sketch group Chimp Cocktail, the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, or monthly as Jay Gatsby in the only pop parody musical of the Great Gatsby in NYC. Congratulations to the rest of the cast!  

Medora Groff (Ella) is an actor and writer based in Brooklyn. She can typically be found performing with her sketch group Boobie Trap, or monthly as Jordan in the only pop parody musical of the Great Gatsby in NYC. medoragroff.com

Brendan Stackhouse (Director) recently finished a year and a half as the Resident Director for the national touring company of Les Miserables. He has worked on Broadway, off-Broadway, and regionally as a Director/ Choreographer and is attached to several new plays and musicals currently in development.

Michael Busani (Playwright) is an NYC-based theater artist and the former Artistic Director and current Co-Chairman of the Board for the Off-Beat Players. Previous Off-Broadway writing credits include venues including Soho Playhouse and the Players Theatre. His pride and joy, "Great Gatsby!", the only pop parody musical of the Great Gatsby in NYC, runs monthly at the PIT Loft.

Program #11 (4th Floor)

Dissolving Boundaries

By Anya/Zichen Zhang

Directed by Anya/Zichen Zhang

Synopsis: 15 years after they’ve parted ways due to a misunderstanding, 2 former stepsisters connect again trying to make amends before one of them leaves this world forever.

Anya/Zichen Zhang (They/Them) is a non-binary multilingual actor, model, visual artist, and writer from Mainland China and currently based in New York City and New Jersey. Before becoming an artist, Anya was a psychology student with a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in art therapy. Anya was trained at Stella Adler Studio of Acting and HB Studio. Their selected New York credits include: Hair (RIFFRAFF Immigrants in America Short Play Festival), The Cherry Orchard (Under St. Marks), would you set the table if I ask you to (The Tank), Teen Troubles in Dirty Jersey (short film), This Could be Heaven (short film), Peeking Through the Kaleidoscope & Wonders Through Healing @ Local Project (visual art exhibitions)

Amanda Niebuhr is an actress born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She graduated from the Anhembi Morumbi University of Sao Paulo in 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in Acting as well as Teaching Arts. She participated in plays such as "The Visit" by Friedrich Durrenmatt, "O pagador de promessas" by Dias Gomes, and a documentary/theatre adaptation of the screenplay "Dogville" by Lars Von Trier.  She graduated Stella Adler Studio of Acting in 2023 and participated in plays such as "The Blood In the Walls" by Peter McElligott and "The Wolves" by Sarah DeLappe. Since then she's been working in plays as an actress ("The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Tchekhov) and doing production work ("The Life and Death of Art" by Dennis Leroy Kangalee, "Mother in Wonderland" short film by Galia Qin, "The Rainmaker" by N. Richard Nash). She's delighted to be part of this production and work alongside her colleague and friend Anya! Obrigada!

Putting on Airs

By Kathryn Loggins

Directed by Julian Guzman Abril

Synopsis: Petunia and Alistair Sullivan are snobby South Carolinian socialite siblings stuck flying to New York Fashion Week on a commercial flight. But to make matters worse, their deadpan flight attendant has no sympathy for their “plight” of being stuck in coach. The rift between these prospective worlds widens as the siblings are faced with what matters more to them - cash or kindness.

Riley Fee (Alistair) Riley is a NYC-based actor-writer. Riley graduated from The Barrow Group’s one-year acting conservatory and has been a proud member of the 68 Cent Crew Theatre Company since 2019. Four of Riley’s most recent one-act plays that he’s written won Audience Favorite selections for the Players Theatre Short Play Festival in Downtown NYC. Riley co-wrote (with Kathryn Loggins) and starred in a full-length ensemble play, “Love or Death Inside a House,” which premiered this past October in Midtown NYC. Instagram: @rileyfee

Julian Guzman Abril (Director) Julian Guzman Abril is an actor based in New York City. He has been a member of Theatre 68 since 2019. Most recently, he acted in "Minnesota Nice," which won the Audience Favorite vote for week two of the Players Theatre's Short Play Festival. This past spring, Julian was the associate artistic director for Theatre 68's 14th Annual One Act Festival. He is excited to be working and collaborating with his talented friends in this festival.

Kathryn Loggins (Playwright, Petunia) Kathryn is a Brooklyn-based actor-writer. Her one-act plays have been a part of various festivals in NYC, including last year’s Chain Theatre Summer One-Act Festival (“Oh, Snap!”), SPF LUV 2025 (“The Way the Cookie Crumbles”) and Theatre 68’s Annual One-Act Festival 2025 (“Loads of Love”). She has been a proud member of Theatre 68 for eight years, which produced the world premiere of “Love or Death Inside a House”, the full-length ensemble play she co-wrote and with Riley Fee and starred in. She thanks you for supporting live theater! Instagram: @kmloggs

Carly Wilkins (Flight Attendant) Carly Wilkins is a NYC based actor, writer, producer, and director. She loves working both on the stage and in film; having worked extensively in both mediums. Most recently, she has produced and starred in the short series she wrote called Yellow Lines, which will be released later this year. Carly is thrilled to be back on stage performing in Putting on Airs with this incredible cast! For more about Carly visit: www.carly-wilkins.com

Showing

Written and Directed by Emily Foley

Synopsis: At a gallery opening, it's one woman's artistic debut as she's joined to celebrate by a friend from her past. The friend has played a much more significant role in the new artist’s growth than she’s aware of… possibly more than she'd like.

Actor – Amy Osika as Bennie

Amy Osika is a NYC-based actor, singer, and visual artist. She has training in contemporary and classical theater and has recently acted in several short films. She studied History and Anthropology at the New School and is currently completing the 1-Year Professional Acting Program with the Barrow Group.

Actor – Christina Reale,  July 26th show as Natalie

Christina Reale is a NYC-based actor. She has performed in several off-broadway productions including Olivia in Twelfth Night, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Linda in Savage in Limbo. She has previously studied at the William Esper Studio under Barbara Marchant and the 1-Year Professional Acting Program at the Barrow Group under Seth Barrish and Lee Brock. Christina thanks Emily and Amy for being part of this play!

Playwright, Actor, Director – Emily Foley, July 16th and 31st shows as Natalie

Emily Foley is a NYC-based actor and writer. Since leaving the corporate world, she has studied acting at The Barrow Group, acted in several short films, and written and performed in sketch comedy shows around New York. She is filled with joy every day to make creative work with other creative people, and is thrilled to have Amy and Christina bring this play to life. 

Sisters in Arms

By Riley Fee

Directed by Saturday Lawson

Synopsis:  In 1938 Manhattan, married couple Beatrice and Irving await the arrival of Beatrice's younger sister (by 11 months), Lillian, and husband, Harold. Lillian, a Hollywood starlet, is on a hiatus from work. Faced with a colorful history of sibling rivalry, Beatrice and Lillian must learn to make the best of the visit. When things get messy, the women are challenged to look past their family drama and reach inside themselves to find whatever sisterly love they can garner for each other.

Riley Fee, playwright-actor (Lillian)

Riley is a NYC-based actor-writer. Riley graduated from The Barrow Group’s one-year acting conservatory and has been a proud member of Theatre 68 since 2019. Four of Riley’s most recent one-act plays that he wrote won Audience Favorite selections for the Players Theatre Short Play Festival in Downtown NYC. Riley co-wrote (with Kathryn Loggins) and starred in a full-length ensemble play, “Love or Death Inside a House,” which premiered this past October in Midtown NYC. Instagram: @rileyfee

Saturday Lawson, director

Saturday Lawson is an NYC-based director, writer, and actor. She is so excited to be working with Riley on another project after directing “Minnesota Nice” and “Alice in Tinderland” last month. This past year, she directed “First Date Blues,” “By the Foot,” and “Out of My Head” (and wrote the script as well). “Thank you so much to the amazing cast and to everyone for coming to see the show! So proud of this fabulous and funny cast!”

Kathryn Loggins, actor (Beatrice)

Kathryn is a Brooklyn-based actor-writer. Her one-act plays have been a part of various festivals in NYC, including last year’s Chain Theatre Summer One-Act Festival (“Oh, Snap!”), SPF LUV 2025 (“The Way the Cookie Crumbles”) and Theatre 68’s Annual One-Act Festival 2025 (“Loads of Love”). She has been a proud member of Theatre 68 for eight years, which produced the world premiere of “Love or Death Inside a House”, the full-length ensemble play she co-wrote and with Riley Fee and starred in. She thanks you for supporting live theater! Instagram: @kmloggs

Julian Guzman Abril, actor (Harold)

Julian Guzman Abril is an actor based in New York City. He has been a member of Theatre 68 since 2019. Most recently, he acted in "Minnesota Nice," which won the Audience Favorite vote for week two of the Players Theatre's Short Play Festival. This past spring, Julian was the associate artistic director for Theatre 68's 14th Annual One Act Festival. He is excited to be working and collaborating with his talented friends in this festival.

Tanner Bolin, actor (Irving)

Tanner Bolin is an actor originally from Billings, Montana. He is so excited to work with this wonderful team again, having most recently directed Riley and Kathryn in the award-winning production of "August and Ashbury." He can be seen on HBO Max's “Gossip Girl.” You can give him a follow: @tanbol15

PROGRAM #12 (3RD FLOOR)

Continental Divide

by Kyle C. Mumford

David/Bowie

by Victor Pascucci

Hope/less

by Spencer Giles

Let Me Call You Sweetheart

by Diana Benigno

Peonies (Don’t Leave)

by Chloe Selavka

Program #13 (3rd Floor)

Breaking the Chain

by Howard Lempkin, Jr.

Hang It Up

by Taina Carrion-Perez

Peter Doyle's Incredible Head

by David Andrew Laws

PROGRAM #14 (4th FLOOR)

La Muñeca

by Karina Verna

Paradise

by TEN

Swifts Don’t Smile

by Carlos Silveira

PROGRAM #15 (3rd FLOOR)

Peter Doyle's Incredible Head

by David Andrew Laws

The Secret

by Judith Ruskay Rabinor

Where There's A Will

by Megan Kemple

PROGRAM #16 (3RD FLOOR)

Eve's Hollow

by Jess Senie & Maile Binion

Eye To Eye

by Taiwo Aloba

Forward

by Hope Ihaza-Walker

Phallusy

by Reese Carmen Villella

The Future is Female

by Helene Galek

PROGRAM #17 (3rd FLOOR)

catholic school girlz

by Kali Clougherty

Tape Freak

by Sebastian Hagelstein

Those Magic Changes

by Sam Carpenter + Isa Mellody

PROGRAM #18 (4TH FLOOR)

Maybe Life Will Be Better the Third Time Around

by Maeve Aurora Chapman

Spirit

by Tony Patryn

The Gap

by Joseph P Krawczyk

The Waiting Room

by Eva Gozé & Barbara Moreno & Yael Aarts

PROGRAM #19 (3rd FLOOR)

B-2

by Temima Hyman

Busted

by Annie Rasiel

Fig Mind

by Caitlin Ongley

I'm A Detective

by Janani Sreenivasan

Protection

by Zachary Downing

PROGRAM #20 (4TH FLOOR)

Meeting Marlon

by David Rich

Tahitian Ziti

by Chris Gacinski

PROGRAM #21 (4TH FLOOR)

A Little Something About My Powers

by Lenny Hort

Because of Everything

by John Paul Skocik

Dr. Silkfingers Will See You Now

by Scarlett Long

The Sound of Her

by Andrea Terrasa

PROGRAM #22 (4th FLOOR)

Linger

by Niveka Hobaichan

Sofia

by Logan Foster

Still Life

by Hazel Stevenson

Ushers

by Al Monaco

PROGRAM #23 (3RD FLOOR)

Another Bronx Love Story

by Jociel Tambone

Huff Puff Muffin

by Elizabeth Bays

O'erwatch

by Patrick Troy-Brandt, Gray Thurstone, and Harrison Tipping

Uptown Express

by Kevin Cheng

PROGRAM #24 (4TH FLOOR)

Intestinal Pulchritude

by Douglas DuBrin

The Graveyard Shift

by Selina Piros

PROGRAM #25 (4TH FLOOR)

$40

by Emma Rey Dias

The Canterbury Grail

by John DeBenedetto