PROGRAM 25
PROGRAM #25 (4TH FLOOR)
$40 by Emma Rey Dias
The Canterbury Grail by John DeBenedetto
$40
Written by Emma Rey Dias
Directed by Chloe Selavka
Synopsis: Rae is about to get engaged to her girlfriend, Elle. Rae’s best friend, Luna, knows this is a terrible idea. When the two can’t see eye-to-eye, the Universe intervenes, forcing the two confront their faults, deepest emotions, and themselves.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Vomit, loud & sudden noises, depiction of extreme distress/fear
Playwright/Producer/Sound Designer: Emma Rey Dias (she/they) is an NYC-based playwright debuting off-off Broadway at the Chain, as well as a producer, sound designer, and more. Recent credits include Who’s on Third? (Sapphest NYC), when Claudia sees god (Marymount Manhattan College), and The Swan (Rough Draft Play Festival). Their work centers the mentally ill experience and strives to push the boundaries of theatre-making. Emma thanks Chloe, for lending her resilience and bravery to this piece; Ari, who will forever be a part of her; and you, the audience, for listening. IG: @emmareydias
Director: Chloe Selavka (she/they) is a playwright, director, and artist originally from Worcester, MA, now based in NYC. She creates work about and for hopelessly romantic women who hold love to hold a grudge. She wrote and directed Synonyms for Goodbye, featured in the Chain Winter One-Act Festival earlier this year, and wrote and produced Peonies (Don’t Leave) in this festival (Program #12). Chloe would like to thank Emma Rey Dias for writing her bio. You can see more about her on her Instagram @chloverrs!
Stage Manager: Em Smith (she/they) is a dancer turned stage manager who is making her off-off Broadway debut in this festival. Em Smith graduated from Dean College with a BA in dance and has worked with choreographers from Argentina, Georgia, New Hampshire, and more. Having grown up with a deep appreciation for the dramatic arts, they are excited to join the NYC theatre scene. She would like to thank Chloe and Emma for trusting her with this role!
Rae: Mincy Barbosa (she/her) is a recent graduate from NYU Tisch School of the Arts where she trained with the Meisner Studio and the Atlantic Theatre Company. Originally from Virginia, Mincy finds great love and joy for making art that deals with the complexity and chaos of the human experience while embodying and bringing to life stories about identity, love, generational trauma, and mental illness. Mincy would like to thank the cast and crew for creating such a fun and safe environment. You can check out more of her work at @turtlesonfilm and @mincybarbosa.
Luna: Natalie Lacy (she/her is currently heading into her junior year at Marymount Manhattan College (pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre), and she is thrilled to be returning to The Chain One-Act Festival for the second time! Some of her recent previous roles include Lou in Synonyms for Goodbye (The Chain One-Act Festival Winter 2025), Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Peaseblossom/ Puck U/S in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Rebecca Gibbs in Our Town.
Elle: Kait Dieppa (she/her) is a NYC based actor who recently graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with her BFA in Musical Theatre (May of 2024). Since graduating, she performed in On/Off at Theatre Row (Downtown Urban Arts Festival) and filmed her first feature film as a lead (Timings) which will be out later this year in the film festival circuit! She’s grateful to the cast and creative team.
the canterbury grail
Written and Directed by John DeBenedetto
Synopsis: Henry II, King of England, attempts to assuage the guilt he feels about the murder of Thomas Beckett, by going barefoot on a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral
Jonathan Beebe (The Adviser) is a Manhattan based actor/singer. Some previous credits include HENRY V, THE ANNIVERSARY, and THE FIRST AND THE LAST. One of his plays was featured in the Secret Theatre Short Play Festival.Instagram: @beebe.8.
Travis Bergmann (Henry II) was recently on stage in ANGEL IN THE HEAT, SEVEN AGAINST THEBES and other plays at the American Theater of Actors as well as several theater festival productions. Off stage, he has appeared in many recent television and short film projects. Instagram @travbergs. Email: twbergmann63@gmail.com.
Max Branciforte (Second Attendant) is a NYC based singer and musician. He studied at Northwestern and Penn State before moving to NYC in 2021 where he completed a one year program at HB Studio. He was recently seen in VINO VERITAS at Manhattan Rep and P LSYING W ITH FIRE at ATA.
Jacob Rachel (First Attendant) is so excited to be part of the Chain Theater Festival. He was recently seen in SEVEN AGAINST THEBES at American Theater of Actors and the 2025 OUT/PLSY Shorts Play Festival. Previous credits include A C HORUS LINE and PIPPIN. @ jacob_rechel.
Sean Szak Prasso (Production Assistant) is a multi talented NYC playwright and director.
John DeBenedetto (playwright/director) has had his plays produced at several theaters in NY, including the American Theater of Actors, Manhattan Rep and Equity Library Theater. He has directed numerous plays at various venues including Theater for the New City, the Hudson Guild and the NY Fringe Festival. He holds an MA in Theater History and Playwriting from Hunter College.