Spring 2011 Forum

WHO'S WHO IN THE SPRING 2011 WRITER/DIRECTOR FORUM

WEEK 1

ANAIS KOVISTO (AD/SM) is excited to be working with the Looking Glass Theatre for the first time. Previous directing credits include The Saint Plays (Seiche Productions), GUT Symmetries at the Huntington Light Lab, Speed Shakespeare – Hamlet, R&J (Theatre Artists’ Conspiracy), and Misreadings (SOTA). Anais holds a B.F.A. from Boston University and has studied at LAMDA and the American Conservatory Theatre.

MARY TROTTER (AD/SM) is thrilled to be working with Looking Glass Theatre for the first time! A Chicago native, Mary moved to New York after completing an M.F.A. in Acting at the University of Idaho. She is excited to be flexing the director muscles again with such talented directors. Since arriving in NYC Mary has acted with such companies as 45th Street Theatre, Original Intent Theatre, and Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. She has also directed at Ossining High School, in Ossining NY and for Meat and Bone Theatre Company here in NYC.

AMANDA ROSEN (Light Design) is a freelance lighting designer and electrician based in New York City. Recent design credits include: Songs for a New World (South Mountain TheaterWorks), The Wild Finish (Culture Project’s WCS Festival), If I Could Write You a Country Song and Wreckless (Drift In, Act Out), and Short Love (THEATRE 4the PEOPLE). Assistant credits include: Women Center Stage Festival (Culture Project), Hair (Inn One Theatrics), and Reconstruction (International WOW). In addition to her experience in design, Amanda has worked as a production assistant on The Witch of Edmonton (Red Bull Theater), The Man in 306 (59E59 Theaters), and the Ohio Theatre’s 2009 Ice Factory. Amanda holds a BA in Theatre Arts with concentrations in lighting and set design from Marymount Manhattan College.

RISK

Two lovers must decide whether to take the risk to love or become engulfed in the flames of hate.

YASMINE BEVERLY RANA (Playwright) is pleased to be working with Looking Glass again. Her book, “The War Zone is My Bed and Other Plays” will be published by Seagull Books this month. Upcoming projects include the West Coast premiere of The War Zone is My Bed at Write Act Repertory Theater in Los Angeles under the direction of Ken Cosby; a reading of Yasmine's newest play The Fallen at Nora's Playhouse in Brooklyn, and the publication of “Kalinovik” from The Fallen in the Spring issue of the literary and arts journal, Blackbird.

ASHLEY SCOLES (Director) is thrilled to be a part of the Spring Forum. Ashley has previously directed The Dixie Swim Club at the Warehouse Theatre and Bolero by David Ives. Ashley would like to thank the cast and AD/SMs of Risk for all of the hard work and laughs.

BROOKE HILLS (Woman) is a Seattle transplant thrilled to be making her debut with Looking Glass Theatre. She received her B.A in Theatre from Seattle Pacific University. Regional credits include Hope (Urinetown), Tzeitel (Fiddler on the Roof), Gospel Choir (Black Nativity at Intiman), Louka (Arms and the Man), and Silvia (Two Gentlemen of Verona). She recently made her New York debut in Sex, Relationships, and Sometimes...Love.

JONNY SCHROEDER (Man) hails from the great state of Wyoming. He was born the youngest of four children, and attended the University of Wyoming as a theatre performance major. After college Jonny moved to Denver, CO where he worked extensively, and married the love of his life. Jonny and his wife, Heather, recently moved to New York to continue their lives together. Some of Jonny’s favorite roles include: Renfield in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Horse Barn Theatre), Tyblat in Romeo and Juliet (Curtains Up Theatre), Andy in Greetings (Bas Bleu) and The Sportswriter in Honus and Me (The Aurora Fox).

DOUBLE-CROSS

Charles and Samantha are a happily married couple until the daily crossword drives a 5-letter word for "triangular tool" between them.

ANNIE BERKE (Playwright) just finished her first year as a PhD student in Film/American Studies at Yale. In 2003, she won the Brownstein Prize in Playwriting at Columbia University for an earlier draft of Double-Cross. Those who have followed her career up to this point may recall her previous success at the age of six, winning first place in the class creative writing contest for her story "The Snowman," in which a young boy encounters a magical snowman with whom he spends an equally magical winter afternoon. (Spoiler alert: It was all a dream! Or was it?) Subsequently, she is suing the producers of Inception for "idea theft." Annie may live in New Haven, but her heart belongs to New York City.

KATHERINE SOMMER (Director) is so happy to be back at Looking Glass for her third Writer/Director Forum where you may have seen her most recent project, Adam’s Angels by Jacquelyn Priskorn. Katherine is a graduate of Skidmore College where she directed various productions including Thornton Wilder: The Trivial and the Divine and John Guare’s The General of Hot Desire. She wants to thank her family and friends for their never-ending support, the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication, and Annie, for giving her such freedom and so fun a play to work with!

BENJAMIN K. GLASER (Warren) is thrilled to make his Looking Glass debut with Double-Cross! Originally from Nanuet, NY, Ben has trained at institutions including the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the American Repertory Theater, and holds a B.A in English from Harvard College. Recent credits include STARBOX (art.party), ...Sheldon and Mrs. Levine (ART Station, GA), and the national tour of Jigsaw Jones (ArtsPower). Ben thanks Katherine and the whole team for this opportunity, and wishes cast and crew a great show. He also thanks his friends and family, especially Mom, Dad, Aaron, and Juliana, for their unending love and support.

GEORGE HUTCHINSON (Charles) is pleased to collaborate with Looking Glass as an actor and intern. N.Y. native, George studied Theater at SUNY Stony Brook and appeared in Romeo and Juliet (Balthazar), Eurydice (Big Stone) and The Grapes of Wrath (multiple roles). With a background in digital film editing and passion for cinema, George enjoyed playing diverse indie film roles including a boorish jock, charming hitman, and strung-out addict. He is also a visual artist (graffiti/mixed media). George is currently involved in a staged reading of Gassner Award-winner Trina Kakacek’s About A Bird, which will be presented to the playwright honoring her achievement.

STACY ANN STRANG (Carolyn) is thrilled to be making her return to Looking Glass! She was in last year's spring forum in Leap Year directed by return director Ariel Francoeur. She has been performing in NYC for the two and a half years she has lived in the city. Stacy Ann originally hails from Portland, Maine where she earned her B.A in theatre and performed for ten years. Stacy Ann would like to send a squishy hug and kiss to her awesome hubby Dilly

HANNAH TAMMINEN (Samantha) is excited to be part of this production at Looking Glass Theatre. She made her NY theatre debut as the lead in Malfi, Inc. with the Milk Can Theatre Company and also recently played the title role in Iphigenia in Tauris at ATA. She is a recent graduate of Skidmore College where mainstage credits include The Women (Sylvia) and Richard II (Mowbray/Duchess of York). This past summer, Hannah was an Acting Apprentice at Williamstown Theatre Festival. She would like to thank Katherine for this opportunity and her family and friends for their constant support and encouragement.

IN THE CHANGELING

In high school it is all about the drama...a reimagining of the classic by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley.

MAIYA PENDLETON (Playwright), originally from Melbourne, Australia, has written one play. This one.

MELODY ERFANI (Director) is currently working on her M.F.A. at the Actors Studio Drama School. She graduated from the University of Texas with a B.F.A. in Theatre Arts during which she procured an internship with Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. Credits include: Othello, Every Young Girl’s Dream (Looking Glass Forum), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Our Town (Stagedoor Manor, NY), and various shows in the DFW and NY area. Melody is excited to be working with Looking Glass again and would like to thank Sean Welch, the cast and production team for all their help and hard work.

HEATHER BURGHER (Daphne) is an M.F.A. candidate at the Actors Studio Drama School. Favorite roles include Betty in Betty’s Summer Vacation, Enid in Blue Kettle, Sarah in The Lover and Lanie in Two Rooms. TV and Film credits include “Law & Order,” “Guiding Light,” Seven Minutes is a Lifetime in Cigarette Years and The Digcatcher’s Daughter. Heather is delighted to be working with such a talented and generous cast and director.

LASH DOOLEY(Dennis) is completing his masters degree at the Actors Studio Drama School. Recent credits include The Hunt at Where Eagles Dare Studios and Quality Time at Just Ask Productions One Night Stands. He would like to thank his family for their love and support.

ANDREW DUNN(Allan) is excited to be performing in his New York City debut. He holds a B.A. in Theater and Speech Communications from Siena Heights University and is currently obtaining an M.F.A. in Acting at The Actors Studio Drama School. Andrew has appeared previously in The Shape of Things, Macbeth, Into the Woods, and many others. He is very excited to be working with so many wonderful people and hopes that you enjoy the show!

ANDREW GELLES (Angelo) - Past credits include the films Madness of War and When Harry Tries to Marry. He has worked on the TV pilots “Slanted Monica,” “Pigeon Kickers,” and “So You Want to Be a Moviestar.” He has also done viral work for Intel and Collegehumor.com. He is excited to be back on the East Coast and back on stage.

SARAH MILES (Isadora) is thrilled to be returning to Looking Glass Theatre! She received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University in Musical Theatre and is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in acting at The Actors Studio Drama School. Her recent works include Red Light Winter (Christina), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Princess Puffer), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne), and Othello (Iago). A huge thanks to Mom, Dad, Jay, and TJM for their constant love and support!

KATHLEEN O'NEAL (Jennifer) is originally from Texas and received her B.A in theatre from the University of the Incarnate Word. She moved to New York to pursue an M.F.A. in Acting at the Actors Studio Drama School, where she recently completed her second year. Some previous acting credits include: Eleemosynary, A Christmas Carol, and Crimes of the Heart. This is her first New York production, and she is very excited to be working with this group!

ALZIE REJOUIS (Bell) is currently a Looking Glass acting intern. Despite graduating from Kean University with a Bachelor's degree in English, she decided to pursue her passion for theater. She studied with Austin Pendleton at HB studios, and worked as an extra in various New York projects. She has also done community theater including Judith Learns the Hard Way and Love Nest. In the Changeling is her first official New York Play.

CHRIS TREIBEL (Tommy)

MARIANNE VIDAL(Van Slyke) is thrilled to be a part of In the Changeling. She holds a B.A degree in Musical Theater from California State University, and is currently enrolled in The Actors Studio M.F.A. program at Pace University. Thanks to Looking Glass Theatre and Melody Erfani for the opportunity work with such a talented cast and earn her first New York credit. Big, big thanks to her girls for their constant support and willingness to share their mother with the theater. You complete me.

WEEK 2

KARYN DeYOUNG (AD/SM) is so pleased to be making her Looking Glass debut! She ventured to New York in pursuit of a directing career and is happy to have landed here as the assistant director and stage manager for both Christina and Dana. Her most recent credits include: Director of Multi-Talented at the Write Act Rep Eastside's Festival of One Acts, Director of Along Came Jill at Dalliance Theater of NY, Assistant Director to Kristin Marting on Lush Valley at HERE Arts and Assistant Director to Yana Lansdowne on Wisdom of Obscurity at Nylon Fusion. Love you Tortuga!

ELIZABETH ELLIOTT (Light Designer) is thrilled to be joining Looking Glass Theatre this year. Liz just finished her fourth year as the faculty resident lighting and sound designer at DeSales University in eastern Pennsylvania. She also designs for the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival every summer. Her design work has been seen in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and as far away as Utah. She received her M.F.A. in theatrical lighting design at the University of Cincinnati: College Conservatory of Music, and her B.F.A. from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

HOW I THOUGHT THE MILONGA WOULD SAVE ME

Close embraces, open embraces, and embellishments follow three couples through the complicated circle of dance and love.

CHRISTINA NEUBRAND (Director) is a native Texan elated to be back in New York City and working once again with Looking Glass Theatre. Last fall she came on board as Assistant Director/Stage Manager for the children’s show, Betsy is Bored… Christina is a teaching artist in the New York City public schools and is a current member of Red Thread Theatre ensemble. A founding member of The Drama Club, an experimental devising theatre group based in Dallas, Christina has had the honor of working regionally with MBS Productions, Theatre Britain, Second Thought and Theatre Three. In New York she has partnered with Brooklyn Family Theatre, Spellbound Theatre Ensemble and Untitled Theatre Company

MIKE HOLT (The Last Dance) is very happy to be returning to the stage after taking time to star in three short films. He would like to thank and congratulate all of the amazing and talented women involved to make the Writer/Director Forum possible. Mike would like to also thank all of his friends and family who are so supportive (especially his mother). Mike also enjoys writing in the third person. Thanks Karyn, Thanks Christina, Thanks Yasmine, Thanks Tess, Thanks Charlie.

TESS HOWSAM(Woman), a recent theatre graduate of Bard College, recently performed in I'm Miserable but Change Scares Me at Dixon Place and Sex, Relationships and Sometimes Love at The Producers Club. Howsam has also worked as AD on past projects at E.S.T. and The Fire Dept. She has worked with Director Daniel Fish at The Incubator Arts Project and is pleased to now be making her Looking Glass Theatre debut.

ANTHONY "AJ" PERRELLI (Man) is very excited to be a part of this project, as it is his first endeavor since moving to New York City. Before this, AJ could be seen all around Florida doing mostly musical theatre work, and then embarked on a three year International tour consisting of over 15 countries and over 150 cities throughout Asia and Europe with Disney Live as an Actor/Dancer/Puppeteer. Although his past has been committed mostly to a dance, last year AJ was accepted to the William Esper Acting Studio, and has been studying the craft of acting, preparing for a career transition into theatre, film and television.

JEFFREY WALKER (The Nice Guy) is thrilled to be performing with Looking Glass Theatre. Jeff has been performing all his life and is blessed to have his wife and family to support him. Hope you enjoy the show.

TWELFTH NIGHT

The Hollywood Remix…

DANA DOBREVA (Adapter/Director) is a New York-based director. Credits include: Odyssey, Machinal, Bird House, Buried, Arrested, Polaroid Stories, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Butterfly, and two original musicals: Soul Notes and Puppets and Shadows. Dana has studied Balinese shadow puppetry, masked-dance drama, Dervish dancing, Cham mysteries, Commedia dell’Arte, and Beijing opera as part of the Rhodopi International Theatre Laboratory. She has also taught theater in Namibia and researched Afro-Brazilian dances and tango in South America.

KEVIN BUNGE (Malvolio), a current Looking Glass acting intern, is very excited to make his debut with Looking Glass Theatre. Past theatre credits include Getting Sara Married, They’re Playing Our Song, and Books at the Red Barn Summer Theatre in Indiana as well as Twelfth Night, Tartuffe, Desire, Ros. & Guild. are Dead, and Polvadera at DePauw University. Film credits include Jealousy, Reservoir Cats, and Petunia. Kevin’s training includes: a Theater minor at DePauw University, a semester at the Eugene O’Neill Theater center’s National Theater Institute, and a summer abroad at the Moscow Art Theatre School.

MICHAEL DeSANTIS (Sebastian), originally from Sarasota, Florida, grew up with a passion for the performing arts, appearing in both community and professional theatre, with notable roles including Eugene, Brighton Beach Memoirs; Mercutio, Romeo & Juliet,; Warren, This Is Our Youth; and Gene, The Author's Voice. After moving to NYC in 2009 he joined the Brooklyn-based theatre troupe A Festival of Fools, in which he has appeared as Valet, No Exit; Clotaldo, Life is a Dream; and Prospero, Rough Magic. He would like to thank Dana, the cast and crew of Twelfth Night, and his friends and family for all of their support.

CHARLIE GORRILLA (Orsino) is excited to working at Looking Glass Theatre for the first time. He just finished a successful run of Notes From the Underground. Prior to that he was seen in Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead as Matt. Over the past year he has appeared in: Personal Appearance, Much Ado About Everything (Wings Theatre) and some others. He studied acting at The University of Minnesota, Duluth. Thank you to Dana, family, and friends for the support.

ROB KLEIN (Antonio/Captain) is very excited to be a part of this production of Twelfth Night. He most recently performed in the show Salamander Stew at the Strawberry One-Act festival. Rob is truly thrilled to be a part of the Spring Writer/Director Forum and is looking forward to seeing all the great emerging work. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support as well as the lovely Dana and the rest of the Twelfth Night cast and crew!

AMIE LYTLE (Maria) is an NYC-based actress currently pursuing her M.F.A. at the Actors Studio Drama School. Recent credits include Mademoiselle Merlot/Tricia in Theatre Du Grand Guignol at the Secret Theatre, Lorraine in Dismissing Robert Fink at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre and Rosannah in Brilliant Traces at the ASDS. She has studied verse at LAMDA, Shakespeare & Company and Muhlenberg College and has worked this spring as a verse coach for A Festival of Fools. She sends her love and gratitude to Dana and the cast and crew for this wonderful experience! More about Amie

GREG McGOON (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) is thrilled to working on this production of Twelfth Night with such a talented team! Originally from California, Greg decided to up and move to New York with nothing more than two suitcases and a T.V. in the mail, a mere two years ago. Now residing in New York, Greg has performed in various original works Off-Broadway and Off-Broadway. Prior to leaving CA, he received his degree in Psychology, as well as taught acting/movement at the Claremont School of Theatre Arts, Summer Children's program (ages 9-14). More about Greg

JACOB MONDRY (Feste) is an actor, musician, comedian, and yoga teacher from suburban Detroit. Recent acting credits include Raj in The Blue Balloon (NYTW), Judge Fitzgibbons in Three By The Sea (Looking Glass Theatre), and Enigma in the New York debut of Pick-Up Artist: The Musical. Jacob is a recent of The Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre improv training. Thank you, Dana, for this amazing opportunity. Thank you, Mom and Dad for supporting my dreams.

REBECCA NERZ (Viola) is an actor living in Brooklyn. New York credits include As I Am Fully Known (NY Fringe 2010) and Romeo and Juliet (Zephyr Rep) Regional: Ghosts, Mrs. Warren's Profession, Tobacco Road (Triad Stage) Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and Carolina Jack (Theatre 232). Educational credits include: The Rimer's of Eldritch, Private Lives, and The Revenger's Tragedy. Rebecca received her B.F.A. from the University of North Carolina.

ELLIOT WADSWORTH (Sir Toby Belch) is very happy to be performing in his Looking Glass debut of Twelfth Night. Elliot recently graduated from SUNY Fredonia with his B.A in Theatre and moved to the city to pursue his career in the big city. Some of his more recent stage credits include The Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol, The Guard in Beirut, Father/Inmate in Marat/Sade, Max in Cabaret, and Psychiatrist/Ensemble in Bang Bang, You're Dead. Elliot would like to thank the cast and crew for making this an amazing experience full of fun and laughs, and Dana for giving me this great opportunity to perform with such a great company.

JILLIAN WALKER (Olivia) is excited to be making her Looking Glass Theatre debut! Her recent New York credits include a workshop performance of the new play Things I found on Craigslist and Big Otis’ Jump Up Blues Revue. College credits include Dreamgirls (JoAnn) and The Seagull (Nina). She holds an English and Afro-American Studies degree from The University of Michigan and studied at The Studio / New York Conservatory, finishing her training in September 2010. Thanks to God, my amazing parents, Jasmine, Kasaun and Dana Dobreva for this wonderful opportunity. More about Jillian

WEEK 3

JESSY GROSSMAN (AD/SM) is thrilled to be involved with this production! Favorite directorial credits include Fireman (Access Theatre)and Saviors: A Modern Day Parable (ACTF Invited Production). Jessy enjoys working in new play development so she has directed many readings in New York City and regionally. She has also assisted on many shows including Parade and West Side Story (UCF Conservatory Theatre), It’s A Wonderful Life (Orlando Rep), and Shotgun (Orlando Shakespeare Theatre). More about Jessy

SARAH OUTHWAITE (AD/SM) is a director and choreographer who collaborates with many kinds of artists. She most recently directed Flashpan's Twelfth Night and assisted for Extant Arts Company. A graduate of Princeton University, Sarah lived in Cambodia where she worked with different performance groups and (infamously) for NagaWorld Casino. Upcoming direction includes Durang's Beyond Therapy in Princeton, and assisting for Britten's The Rape of Lucretia in 2012.

DAISY LONG (Light Design) is a New York-based lighting and scenic designer. Recent credits include Wise Blood, Floyd Collins, Utility Monster (Yale University) and Cold Turkey (Ars Nova ANTFest). She holds a degree in theater from Yale University. Upcoming: The Private Sector (Less Than Rent Theater), Who's Your Baghdaddy?; F#@KING UP EVERYTHING (New Musical Foundation). Many thanks to the cast and crew of the Looking Glass Writer/Director's Forum!

THE TRACKS ARE ELECTRIFIED

How long are you willing to wait?

JANE MILLER (playwright) is a playwright and screenwriter whose work has been produced by The Wellesley Project, Squeaky Bicycle Productions, Aporia Theatre and The Network. Last summer, her play How To Be Lost was workshopped at the Sewanee Writers Conference. Her feature film script, Entry-Level was optioned and short-listed at the Gotham Screen Competition. She is a contributing artist in the developmental group, The Pack, part of Packawallop Productions. She teaches screenwriting at the School of Visual Arts.

ABIGAIL STRANGE (Director) is excited to be returning to Looking Glass as a first time director in the Forum. She most recently served as an Assistant Director for Nobody Suspects a Butterfly featuring Anthony Rapp and Steven Walters. Some past credits include Birdhouse (Wings Theatre), 8 Minute Play Festival(Turtle Shell Productions), Panama (The Hive). Thanks to the other directors, Looking Glass, and my wonderful AD/SMs! And many thanks to my amazing cast, Bethany and Tyler, for their time, talent, and ensuring that rehearsals were always a blast!

TYLER GATTONI (Max) is always glad to take a break from Serbian cat wrangling and jump back on stage. Big thanks to Abby and Bethany.

BETHANY McNAMARA (Rosy) was last seen in Little Red Riding Hood at Manhattan Children's Theatre. Some other past credits include, Shakespeare Monologue festival (45th Street Theater) and Mythologie: A Night of One Acts (The Secret Theater). She thanks Abby for dealing with her antics once again, and sends her love out to Bron and Han.

BACK IN THE BOX

When you arrive at a fork in the road, take it. ~ Yogi Berra

MARY FLANAGAN (Playwright) received her M.F.A. in Playwriting from the Actors Studio Drama School of New School University, NYC in 2004. Previous plays done at Looking Glass include; One Wagon, One Boathouse, One Body and Angels. Mary is delighted to be part of the Spring Forum and wishes to send out special thanks to her dad for always believing in her and encouraging her to follow her dreams.

GRETCHEN FERRIS (Director) is an actor/director/casting director working out of New York City. NY directing credits include: Inside the Three-O-Nine (Looking Glass Forum), Romeo & Juliet, Chains of Dew (Zephyer Rep/Wings Theatre),Lysistrata (Phare Play Productions), Wincing at the Light (Love Creek), Denial: Time to Face the Musical (Concert Reading) and readings of Dinner at Seven (Manhattan Shakespeare Project) and Odbody (The Parachute Plays). She works with wojcik|seay casting and holds theatre degrees from Lenoir-Rhyne College, Florida State University and the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

ROBERT GETZ (Kevin) is happy to join the cast of Back In The Box. He was most recently seen in Notes from the Underground One Act Festival as Steve in Looking Again, Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet at The Wings Theatre and Trepidation Nation: A Phobic Anthology. A few favorite past credits include Hero in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Norman in Norman! Is That You?, and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. Rob was also in the cast of Wild Turkey-First Look, which recently won Best Experimental Short Film at the Litchfield Film Festival. He would like to thank his wife for her never ending support.

ELYSSA MERSDORF (Helen), a currently Looking Glass acting intern, is thrilled to be making her debut at Looking Glass Theatre! Originally from Michigan, Elyssa moved to New York to attend The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Some of her favorite past roles include: Joyce in Top Girls, Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Philaminte in The Learned Ladies, and Dawn in The Universal Language. Look for Elyssa's feature film debut this summer in the psychological thriller Evil Things (distributed by IMG). She would like to dedicate this performance to her beloved friend and teacher, Tracy Trevett. We miss you everyday! Elyssa would also like to thank her beautiful mother Ellen. “For the love, the support, and all of the rides to and from rehearsals!”

EMILIO PAUL TIRADO (Joe) is from Little Rock, Arkansas, and is a graduate of SUNY Purchase. He has been seen recently at Playwrights Horizons, The Gene Frankel Theatre, and various other Off- and Off-Off Broadway shows. He is excited to be making his debut with Looking Glass, and really hopes life doesn't imitate art on this one.

FIRE THIEF

Prometheus brings the spark of inspiration to man. Is it worth it? Come play with fire.

LAURA HIRSCHBERG (Playwright/Director) is incredibly proud to bring Fire Thief to the stage, four years after it started out as an exercise in playwriting class. This is her third directing project at the Looking Glass, where she most recently directed Clean (Best Production and Best Director Forum Awards). Other directing credits include: Swallow It (Looking Glass Forum), The Strongest (WorkShop Theater), Angels in America: Perestroika, Arcadia, and The Fantasticks (Harvard University). Thanks to Sam Marks, Michelle Gaffney, Mom, Dad, David, Daniel, the Looking Glass ladies, and the cast and crew for inspiring, nudging, listening, and philosophizing this into existence.

EMILY DALY (Ethon), a current Looking Glass acting intern, is a recent transplant to New York City after studying at the Johns Hopkins University and the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. She is excited to make her Looking Glass debut in such good company. Recent New York credits include Christine in Something Outrageous and Woman in Dirtballs in her Pockets. Other credits include Guildenstern in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Antonia in Man of La Mancha. Special thanks to Momma.

ARIELLE HADER (Eliora) is a recent graduate from NYU Tisch holding a B.F.A. in theatre. She's totally psyched to be playing the feisty fire-tending goddess in Fire Thief! Recent credits include The Death/ Memory Project (NYTW), Nijinsky in Asylum (Steps on Broadway), and the independent feature film Aboard the Carousel (Daphne, lead) hitting the film festival circuit next spring. Special thanks to Laura, for writing an incredible script and allowing me to be a part of it. To the cast for their warm welcome and smart choices. To my friends for their continuing positive energy. To my mom for her constant, tireless, astounding support.

TIMOTHY MELE (Epimetheus) has most recently studied with the Moscow Art Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has been featured in Assassination of a High School President and some of his most enjoyed New York stage performances include Mark in Kennedy's Children (SoHo Playhouse), Owen in The Melville Boys (Altered Stages), and multiple roles in Autophobia (The Gene Frankel Theatre). Tim has had the privilege to work with Ms. Hirschberg during 2010 in Are You There Zeus? It's Me, Electra (Bleecker Street Theatre) and is thrilled to revisit her creative process.

KEVIN RUSSO (Prometheus) is a B.F.A.-wielding graduate of Adelphi University since 2009. He has recently appeared as William in The Emperor's New Clothes with Broadhollow Theater Company, Salvatore in Midnight in Havana at the Jerry Orbach Theater, and Gavin in The God Particle at the Manhattan Theater Source. In addition to acting, Kevin is also a proficient reed player and an SAFD-certified Actor-Combatant. “I've never been so excited. Thank you, Laura, for creating such a brilliant piece and filling it with awesome actors. Bee's knees, all of you."

WEEK 4

REBECCA CUNNINGHAM (AD/SM) is recent graduate of Pace University in New York City with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Directing. Directing credits include: The Vagina Monologues, Out in the Open: Stories of Queer Oppression and Empowerment, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, Uncommon Women and Others, How to Build a Bomb, Freshwater, romance, and With the Lights Out. She will be producing Scottish Sperm by Jacqueline McLaren at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. This is her first time working with Looking Glass Theatre and she could not be more excited!

ESTEFANIA FADUL (AD/SM) recently relocated to New York City from Hanover, N.H. to pursue her goal of directing professionally. She is a 2010 graduate of Vassar College, where she majored in Drama and French. She is excited to be involved in her first Looking Glass production, and sends her love to her family and friends!

SARA GOSSES (Light Design)

WHO IS DAN SCHILLER?

Please turn off all electric devices, make sure that your tray tables are in the upright and locked positions, and hold onto to your sanity...

BELLA POYNTON (Playwright) is an M.F.A. Playwriting Candidate at the Iowa Playwrights Workshop. Her play Pope Joan, was produced at New World Stages in 2009, and was a national finalist at the American College Theater Festival. In 2010, Pope Joan was also nominated for the Christopher Brian Wolk Playwriting Award. Ms. Poynton was the winner of the Amelia Bassano Lanier Short Play Competition at ManhattanTheatreSource in 2009, and her plays have been produced at The Barrow Group FAB Project, The New Perspectives Theater Company, Wings Theatre, The American Globe Theater, The Midtown International Theater Festival, and many more.

ARIEL FRANCOEUR (Director) is a third-time director in the Looking Glass Forum. She previously directed Turtle Beach and Leap Year, which garnered the Best Directorial Debut and Best Production forum awards, respectively. Other favorite directing credits include Machinal, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Lysistrata, and The Grand Guignol: Tales of Horror and Fear. As an actor, she recently appeared in Rough Magic with A Festival of Fools, and in The Vagina Monologues right here at Looking Glass Theatre.

PETRA DENNISON (Reena Miller) is a graduate of Boston University's Acting program with a semester spent studying at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. Most recently, she played Gertrude in Hamlet's Apocalypse produced by the Dark Lady Players at ManhattanTheatreSource. You can also see her in two upcoming episodes of Celebrity Ghost Stories portraying Ana Gastayer and in the web series "Caleb & Renee" as Lauren (a one-night stand gone horribly wrong). Other credits include the Nurse in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Ruth Liphshitz in an original play called Sow and Weep. She would like to thank her family and friends for their unending support. More about Petra

DAVE HERIGSTAD (Pilot) is thrilled to be working with Looking Glass Theatre for the first time and with Ariel for the second time. He is so very thankful to work on this original work and hopes you enjoy it. He would like to dedicate his performance to Big Boom Baa for letting him be here.

JESSE KANE-HARTNETT (Roo/Jimmy) is an actor/director/writer living in Brooklyn. He graduated from Emerson College with a B.F.A. in acting and is currently an Associate Director for the theatre company A Festival of Fools and the Artistic Director of the soon-to-be-completed Burrow Theater in Williamsburg. Recent acting credits include Pistol in Henry V and Astolph in Life is a Dream. This winter he had the lovely experience of directing the director of Who is Dan Schiller?, Ariel Francoeur, in a production of Roberto-Aguirre Sacasa's Rough Magic in which she was nothing short of amazing. He looks forward to being on the other side of the table. More about Jesse.

SARAH KLEIN (Annie/Xavia Selfe), a current Looking Glass acting intern, is from the great state of Massachusetts. She is going into her senior year as a Drama and English major at Hofstra University. Some of her favorite roles include Andromache in Trojan Women, Stephanie in Eye of the Storm, and The White Queen in Alice in Wonderland at the Dragonfly Theater. She is very excited to be working with Looking Glass. She truly appreciates the love and support of her family.

DAN LOVLEY (Captain Ben Stokes) is excited to make his debut with Looking Glass Theatre. A graduate of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), he has appeared regionally with the Huntington Theatre in Brendan and The Cherry Orchard. Other favorite shows include Othello (Iago), and originating the lead role of Enter in The Belafontes of Animal Kingdom. Dan also starred in a TV pilot called “Res. Life,” which is available on youtube.

CLAIRE NASUTI (Brenda Schiller) is a graduate of Trinity College and the Trinity College/La Mama ETC theater program. She's an associate director of A Festival of Fools, a verse-based theater company (afestivaloffools.com) Favorite productions include Rough Magic (Linda), Life's a Dream(Rosaura), No Exit (Inez), Faustus (Good Angel), Iphigenia in Tauris (Maiden) and her one-woman show at La Mama, X-Mas. Most recently, you could have seen her in Imposter Striketh Back, an original verse play inspired by Star Wars. When not acting, Claire likes to teach children how score well on the SAT, read fantasy novels, and play the one song she knows on guitar.

DAVID O'HARA (Lou/Policeman) is a proud alumnus of the 4th Wall Actors Workshop, where he cut his teeth and met some top notch people. His favorite theater production/credit to date is While Truman Slept by Chris Mellevold, dir. Laurence Gewirtz. He is a graduate of the Atlantic Theater Company Conservatory. Love to Michele for the scrumptious Sunday breakfasts.

TOM SIMONETTI (Goo/Jacky) - Favorite roles include Betty/Gerry in Cloud 9, Dogberrg in Much Ado About Nothing, Emcee in Cabaret and Billy in Anything Goes also multiple productions at the Long Wharf Theatre and Shakespeare on the Sound. School: BA Wagner College in Theatre.

SIGN ME

When Adrian's business and love test her destiny, all she'll be screaming is... JUST GIVE ME A SIGN!

NAIMA MOFFETT-WARDEN(Director/Playwright): is a native Brooklynite; a true New Yorker! She received her B.F.A. from Adelphi University in Theater Arts. Additionally, she attended "The Actors' Studio" at New School University, on a masters' track for directing. This will be her fourth production in the Looking Glass Forum. She would like to thank her husband, Rich, her family, Allison and her amazing cast for their endless support.

ALLISON UNGAR (Playwright) is very excited to be working with Looking Glass Theatre again where she first met the talented Naima Moffet-Warden. She is graduate of the Atlantic Theater Company Conservatory and has trained in improv comedy at Second City, UCB and Magnet Theater. Proud member of AEA and SAG. She hopes everyone has as much fun watching the show as Nai and I have creating it.

RICHARD McDONALD (Rhys) - Theatre: Wings Theatre production of Romeo & Juliet (Lord Capulet); The Queens Players’ productions of A Servant of Two Masters (Truffaldino), Titus Andronicus (Saturnius), and Taming of the Shrew (Pertuchhio); 9/10: A Trilogy (Manhattan Repertory Theatre); Proteus in Two Gentlemen of Verona (Curan Rep Theatre); Jason in Medea (Stella Adler Studio); John in Fifth of July (Stella Adler); Martin in Fool for Love. Richard studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and holds a B.A in Economics from UC Davis. Richard would like to thank the amazing, brilliant, beautiful Maude, and all his family and friends.

MARGARET ODETTE (Adrian), a current Looking Glass acting intern, is thrilled to be making her debut at Looking Glass Theatre. A native New Yorker, her past credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Columbia M.F.A. productions); CoMotion (Blessed Unrest); Hair (Brown University); Game of Luv and Chance (Ruffled Feathers); Butterfly, Butterfly, Kill Kill Kill! (NY Fringe); and The Bluest Eye (Providence Black Rep), for which she won a Motif Award for best leading actress. Margaret has performed as a backup dancer for recording artist M.I.A. and studied with William Esper in NYC. Thanks to the Looking Glass team for all the wonderful tutelage and support throughout the internship process!

RYAN-ASHLEIGH REID (Alex), a current Looking Glass acting intern, is thrilled to be performing for the first time on the Looking Glass stage. She has studied theatre at SUNY Purchase college and graduated with a B.A in Drama Studies in 2010. Prior to college she was a member of TADA! Youth Theatre's Resident Ensemble program. While there, she has done a few staged readings and several of their mainstage musicals including Rabbit Sense, Sleepover and Everything About Camp (Almost). She would like to thank her parents for their incredible faith, prayer, and support and her friends for believing in her.

BINIAM TEKOLA (Lorne) is a New York based actor and has studied theatre at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has studied in Smolyan, Bulgaria at the Leon Katz' Rhodpi International Theatre Laboratory and privately studied under the direction of Bill Balzac. His favorite roles include Oberon in Midsummer Night's Dream, Antis in Odyssey, and Nobel in Mums the Word. He would like to give sincerest thanks to his family, Elizabeth Simpson, Alex Brooks, Barbara Andreadi, and all of his cast mates past, present and future.

GIN JOINT

Of all the gin joints in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into his...in a wedding dress.

GABRIELLE FOX (Playwright) has had her plays produced throughout New York City and the metropolitan region. Theatres include the American Theatre of Actors, Gene Frankel Theatre, The Robert Moss Theater, Richmond Shepard Theatre, Baruch Performing Arts Center, and the Axial Theatre. Her work has been nominated in the Strawberry One Act Festival, Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and the Writer’s Digest. Member of the Dramatists Guild. gabriellefoxwrites.com

EVA GABRIELLE SCHELBAUM (Director) is happy to be directing in the Looking Glass again. Eva's recent credits include: No Boundaries by Yvonne Delet; Three Sisters That Are Not Sisters by Serena Norr. Other credits include: From the Kaleidoscope Theater Company- Sex and Violence; Carl & Shelly, Best Friends Forever; and End of Summer. Eva can say “I like apples” in ten languages and wants to thank her cast, Looking Glass Theatre and her family for all of their kindness and support.

SHEA DAVIES (Lisa) is an actor, fairly new to NYC. She is excited to be working for the first time with Looking Glass. This Winter she starred in the one act play The Mother, a part of Life Ellipsis at the Gallery MC. Other recent projects include a guest spot for the web series "Casters," a pilot for the web series sitcom "DeBuffed," a sketch comedy pilot for CCTV, a comedic short film in CT, a dramatic short for NYU and a comedic feature film in Baltimore. She wants to thank her family, friends and her coach, Rhonda Musak, for keeping her going with all of their support.

GUS ZUCCO (Ray) is an NYC-based actor currently studying with Howard Meyer, founder of the Axial Theater Company. Recent performances include The First Supper at Philipstown Depot Theater, The Wild Party at Axial Theater, and Crossroads at Mike's at The Roy Arias Theater Off Broadway. Film credits include the independent shorts: Have You Seen My Wife, Bad Apples, and The Other Side of the Bed. In addition to acting, Gus is also a guitarist and singer, and is currently writing songs for an album of material he hopes to record in the coming months.