PROGRAM 19

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

Temima Hyman (Director and Playwright)- Temima Hyman is a director, playwright, and actor based in New York City. She is the writer and director of B‑2, which marks her professional directorial debut at The Chain Theatre’s Summer One‑Act Festival. A recent recipient of the Scanlan Award for Excellence in Performance, Temima is passionate about creating work that explores the nuances of mental health and human connection. Her artistic practice is informed by her background in theater, personal storytelling, and Jewish identity.

Hudy Weiss (Stage Manager)- Hudy Weiss is stepping into her first-ever role as stage manager for B‑2, bringing enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the team. She is earning a B.S. in Science Learning and Public Engagement from The City College of New York and previously studied Environmental Science at Rockland Community College. Based in the New York metro area, Hudy combines strong organizational skills with a collaborative spirit to keep the production running smoothly. Her passion for theater has been evident behind the scenes- this is her debut, and she couldn’t be more excited to support Temima Hyman and the cast in bringing B‑2 to life.

Stephanie Jusino (Tahari) - Stephanie Jusino is a proud Afro-Puerto Rican female from the Bronx, who started developing her theatre passions in 2022. Her training as a young actress includes working under the city-wide EPIC Theatre Ensemble and the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp. She is currently interning at The Museum of the City of New York, under the S Jay Levy Fellowship at her university, and she also works as a dog walker for her lovely, furry clients. Stephanie is a junior Theater Major at CUNY City College, and she's honored to be performing for Chain Theatre's One Act Festival in "B-2"!

Jociel Tambone (Dylan) - Jociel Tambone is an Afro-Latino playwright/actor/director/producer currently studying at City College for a BA in Theater. Jociel Tambone has written short plays such as “Doors Are a Hammer's Bestfriend” and “Another Bronx Love Story”. As an actor he has portrayed roles such as Willard Hewitt in “Footloose” at Open Hydrant Theater Company, Mercutio in “Shakespeare Clearly: Romeo and Juliet” at City College in Aaron Davis, and is set to be apart of “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You” by Christpoher Durang as Aloysius Benheim at City College directed by Marina Viskovic. Jociel would like to thank Open Hydrant Theater Company and City College for giving him a platform to cultivate his artistry.

Reginald Jackson (Richard) - Mr. Jackson, in 1994,  was named a National Shakespeare Pioneer for his play: HOUSE OF LEAR. In 1997, Mr. Jackson was commissioned to write and direct a musical on the life of Aretha Franklin, “ARETHA: Queen of Soul” by the St. Pauli Theater of Hamburg, Germany, and a musical based on 70’s R&B group, The Emotions:  BIGGER THAN BUBBLE GUM, for Lincoln Center. His play, LOVESICKNESS, has been used as a teaching tool at New York University. ARETHA: Queen Of Soul made its American debut in Gainesville, Florida at the Star Center Theatre in 2023. His play DEE’S DILEMMA was produced in Houston, TX by the FADE TO BLACK FESTIVAL in June 2024. His plays BLACK IN THE FIRST DEGREE AND  KINDRED SPIRITS were both given a staged reading by Tiger’s Heart Players in December 2024. His play BLACK IN THE FIRST DEGREE  will be produced Off-Broadway by the Downtown Urban Arts Festival in June 2025. DEE’s DILEMMA has been chosen as the Best of the Best short plays from 2024 and  will be produced again in Houston, Texas, this June 2025. His short play THE BURNING BED will also be produced by the Smoked Apple Productions this  Fall 2025.

Mike Marcou (Dennis)- Mike Marcou is an Equity‐stage actor based in Astoria, NY, originally from Wisconsin, known for his versatility across Shakespearean classics and contemporary comedies. His screen credits include a notable performance in the short film Nothing Will Ever Be the Same. Mike is an avid woodworker and gardener, and channels his creative energy into building community through his craft. 

Cassandra Guglielmo (Dawn) Cassandra Guglielmo is a Manhattan‑based actor and teaching artist. She has appeared in regional Shakespeare productions—including Bergen County’s Shakespeare in the Park—and was featured in Black Box PAC’s Fuddy Meers. On screen, she earned a credit in the 2025 indie film Cookies. Cassandra brings passionate energy, strong classical training, and a warm presence to her roles. She is excited to portray Dawn in B‑2, bringing depth and authenticity to the stage.

Raven Torres (Amy) - Raven Torres is a Senior at The City College of New York studying to receive a B.A in theater. Raven has been performing in theater since 2015, starting in Hairspray Jr as Tracy Turnblad. Last year, you may have seen her as "Mrs.Van Buren" in "Intimate Apparel" by Lynn Nottage, Directed By Bridget Kelso Anthony. As well as being the soprano in the musical "Two Gentlemen of Verona," Directed by Chan Harris, and most recently playing Catherine in the musical Pippin. She has many upcoming projects she’s looking forward to performing in very soon. Raven has been devoted to theatre for years and never expects to stop. Instagram: Raven___Jade

Sasha Smith (Nurse Sunny)- Sasha Smith is an aspiring actress and director currently studying at the City College of New York, majoring in Theater and Anthropology. This is one of her first theatrical productions, and she is thrilled to be part of the cast of “B-2” by Temima Hyman at the Chain Theater One Act Festival. When not on stage, Sasha enjoys working on productions as a director and videographer, and has a passion for storytelling in all its forms.

Alex Flythe (Nurse Angel)- Alex Flythe is a newly graduated actor, aspiring director, and author. Previously directed Beyond Therapy at CCNY, Alex Flythe has been cast as an ensemble member for Pippin and a Henchman for Ooze Monster. They are super excited to participate in the role of Nurse Angel.

Leonardo Tavera (The Aid) - Leonardo Tavera (He/Him) is a budding young actor and playwright, who is currently improving his craft as a Theatre major at the City College of New York. He is ecstatic to mark his debut at The Tank in this summer’s Chain Theatre One-Act Festival as part of Temima Hyman’s “B-2”. Some highlights from his acting resumé include Dr. Stuart Framingham in “Beyond Therapy” and the dual roles of Maximilian Von Oster/Brad Donovan in “By The Way, Meet Vera Stark”. This fall, Leonardo will be stepping behind the scenes as a Set Designer for “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You” at the City College of New York.

Isaiah Saltos (The Old Man)- Isiah Saltos is a New York–based actor playing the Old Man in B‑2. He previously appeared in Ooze Monster at CCNY, where he brought an intensity to the stage. Isiah approaches each role with purposefulness, and he’s excited to help bring this story to life.

Annie Rasiel (Playwright) writes and produces movies and plays, sometimes with her husband, Harry, who’s a really good director. She also taught middle school English and drama for a decade. Her play about pre-teens, You Need Help, will premiere at The Tank in August. Busted is for Dr. Newman, who died for real in 2023, and who told me I was a writer long before I started writing. annierasiel.com

Katy Early (Director) makes politically relevant and personally resonant theater that endeavors to shift our communities away from violence towards care. Working in New York, New England, and beyond, her recent directing credits include Dance Nation (Brooklyn College 2024) and Bryce McClendon’s new play with opera The Smallest Sound, in the Smallest Space (The Why Collective at the cell theater, 2023). She currently teaches directing and acting at Oberlin College where she and Annie met back in the day as literal teenagers. What fun to work on an Annie Rasiel original all these years later with this wonderful team. 

Dana D'Ascoli (Dr. Greenfield) has lived and acted in NYC for almost two decades! She loves live theatre and is thrilled to be a part of Chain Theatre's One Act Festival. A big thank you to Annie, Katy, Maggie, and Lucy for being such a great team to work with! 

Lucy Livingston (Ruby) is a performance artist based in New York and Paris. She loves unicorns and processing her trauma through her work. // www.lucylivingston.com // Free Palestine! :) 

Maggie Tully (Costume Designer) candlestick designer at West Elm. 

Caitlin Ongley (Playwright/Director/CAT ) is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut, where she is  pursuing a degree in English with a minor in Dramatic Arts. Her work, informed by poetics and  absurdism, seeks to distill the essence of language, embracing a curious and entreating approach  toward its usage. Most recently, she worked as a dresser in The Ridgefield Theater Barn’s  (Ridgefield, CT) production of Moon Over Buffalo.  

Melissa Ongley (OCD) has been involved in theater productions doing improvisation and other onstage  work since 2020. She is currently an undergraduate student at Sacred Heart University, where  she is pursuing a degree in the Performing Arts.  

Emily Finch (MOM) is an undergraduate at the University of Connecticut studying English and “Creating  and Educating for the Stage and Screen,” and is thrilled to be a part of Fig Mind! She has  previously appeared in eight shows with Elm Shakespeare Company’s Teen Troupe in New  Haven, CT, and now works as a teaching artist at their Player’s Camp. Thanks to family and  friends! 

Savannah Joseph (WOMAN) is an undergraduate student at Pennsylvania State University with a double  major in Communications and Global and International Studies. She has been involved in musical theater for 4 years in featured dancer roles. She currently works as a choreographer for a  Children’s Production of The Lion King, continuing to choreograph and perform in numerous  college musicals and a show choir. 

Daniel Incao (UNDERSTUDY/MAN) is an enthusiastic comedic performer who studied the performing arts as an  undergraduate student.  

Caroline Egan (CUE CARD HOLDERS/CREW) is an undergraduate student at the City College of New York, studying  Anthropology and Earth Science.  

Ava Keogh is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut, where she is pursuing a  degree in Marketing and Journalism. She has worked as a crew member and a set and prop  designer for productions at Wilton High School (Wilton, CT). She continues to create fine art in  fields such as photography, woodcarving, painting, and drawing. 

Rachel Stuller (she/her) (Stage Manager) has been involved in theatre productions since 2015, doing backstage  work and onstage roles. Recently, Rachel has graduated Northeastern University with a degree in  Theatre. Her most recent credits include Props Director for The 25th Annual Putnam County  Spelling Bee, and Director of “Best Served Cold,” a Musical Revue about revenge. 

Gwendolyn Niles (Costumes) is a recent graduate from Hampshire College with a degree in costuming for  theater. During her time at Hampshire, she designed costumes for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,  A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Almost, Maine, among other productions. She has also  worked as the assistant costume designer and wardrobe supervisor for productions with Valley  Shakespeare Festival, the Children’s Circus of Middletown, and UMass Amherst.

Janani Sreenivasan (playwright/performer) is a director, composer, musician, and occasional actor who got started performing midnight sketch comedy at the University of Iowa's No Shame Theatre; she has been seen onstage at The Tank’s Rule of 7x7, Manhattan Repertory, WOW Cafe Theater, Living Room Theater, and Under St. Marks. For FRIGID New York, Janani directed and produced The Importance of Being Earnest, Much Ado About Nothing, and an Indian-dance-driven Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as one-acts for prior Chain Theatre festivals and Rule of 7x7. I'm a Detective, her longest play thus far, has evolved with the help of frequent collaborator Sunita Deshpande (writer/director of "Justice for Geetha," Program #3), Shubhra Prakash, Zachary Sherry, Emma Tattenbaum-Fine, Camille Van Putten, Cyndi Perczek, Wendy MacIver, and (unknowingly) Joaquin Phoenix himself. Previously, the Bechdel Group staged and published Janani’s short play "Get Leo," which depicted her yearning for Leonardo DiCaprio to portray her onstage. Big shout to the titans of Program #19, to all former, present and future detectives, and to Venmo (and Zelle). // @jennyvasan jananisreenivasan.art 

Wendy MacIver (sound designer) is a director, designer, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY, originally coming from Durham, North Carolina. She received her BA in Directing from Pace University’s International Performance Ensemble c/o 2024, and completed additional studies at the Institute of the Arts Barcelona (IAB). Recent credits: The Lacy Project (The Makers Ensemble), We Are Not The Change (The Tank: Moonlight Series), Holier Than Thou (Soho Playhouse: Lighthouse Series), Persephone Palmer Steps Out (Theater for the New City), Girls Online (The Tank). She is also a founding member of Girl Dirty Theatre Company (@girldirtytheatre). In her free time, MacIver writes for her blog "the strawberry festival is over" at http://wendymaciver.substack.com, an exploratory exercise in public secret (and the occasional movie recommendation). She struggles with brevity, but thinks that it’s for the birds, anyways. // @wendymaciver http://wendymaciver.com

MIKE ELLISON (Actor/Codirector) is a Long Island based comedian.  He spent most of his life delivering pizzas until he started delivering laughs at Governors and all over Long Island and NYC.  When he’s not telling jokes, he’s hanging out with his dysfunctional friends and family screaming about the NY Jets.  Check him out on Instagram at MikeEllisonComedy.

ZACHARY DOWNING (Playwright/Codirector) is an Amazon best-selling author from Long Island, NY.  His first novel, “Flounder,” is a coming-of-age novel about a college Freshman who stops going to class, but keeps going to parties.  His second novel, “Manhattan to Montauk,” is a coming-of-age, age-gap, romantic novel set in 1995.  Zach is excited to enter New York theatre, writing and developing original plays.  Check him out on Instagram at Zachary_Downing_writes.