PROGRAM 14

(3RD FLOOR)

Banshee by John Patrick Shanley

Catch by Jeryl Brunner

Hangmen by Kyle C. Mumford

Layover at Reagan National by Kate Katcher

Soured Milk by Annie Raczko

*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.

JOHN PATRICK SHANLEY (Playwright) is from The Bronx. His plays include Prodigal Son, Outside Mullingar (Tony nomination), Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, Savage in Limbo, Italian-American Reconciliation, Welcome to the Moon, Four Dogs and a Bone, Dirty Story, Defiance, and Beggars in the House of Plenty. His theatrical work is performed extensively across the United States and around the world. For his play, Doubt, he received both the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize. In the arena of screenwriting, he has ten films to his credit, most recently Wild Mountain Thyme, with Emily Blunt, Jamie Dornan, and Christopher Walken. His film of Doubt, with Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis, which he also directed, was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Other films include Five Corners (Special Jury Prize, Barcelona Film Festival), Alive, Joe Versus the Volcano (which he also directed), and Live From Baghdad for HBO (Emmy nomination). For his script of Moonstruck he received both the Writers Guild of America Award and an Academy Award for best original screenplay. In 2009, The Writers Guild of America awarded Mr. Shanley the Lifetime Achievement In Writing.

David Zayas Jr. (Director) recently 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. A Bronx Native, theater and film Director, Actor, and Photographer, David is a member of The Actors Studio’s Playwright/Directors Unit and LAByrinth Theater Company. He has directed with Planet Connections, Actors Theatre of NY, NY Theater Festival, Samuel French OOB Festival, and Chain Theatre along with award winning films in over 20 festivals.

Erick Betancourt (Malcom) is a New York- based actor. Broadway: COST OF LIVING (dir. Jo Bonney), BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY (dir. Austin Pendleton) Off-Broadway: JESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN, dir: Mark Brokaw, OUR LADY OF 121st, dir: Phylicia Rashad. ROMEO Y JULIETA dir: Saheem Ali, JULIUS CAESAR dir: Oskar Eustis, SHAKESPEARE TRILOGY dir: Phyllida Lloyd, LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT dir: Estelle Parsons; Other theater credits: World Premiere of THE ASSIGNMENT and World Premiere of THE PRINCE OF PROVIDENCE. TV: “Special Ops: Lioness,” “Blue Bloods," “New Amsterdam," “For Life”, “Blacklist:Redemption,” “Broad City,” “Law & Order SVU,” “Master of None,” and “Sneaky Pete.” FILM: “Life After You,” “11:55,” “Missing William.” TRAINING: MFA: Actors Studio Drama School. BFA: University of Rhode Island. Erick received the 2020 Theater Hall of Fame: Emerging Artist Award. He is a Lifetime Member of the Actors Studio and proud member of the LAByrinth Theater Company.

Elizabeth Bays (Genevieve) is a New York based actor/burlesque artist/filmmaker (and she sings!)  She has a BA in theatre from College of Charleston, and trained at Esper Studio under Bill and Suzanne Esper. Theatrical credits include Simpatico (Off-Broadway), Angelina Ballerina the Musical (Off- Broadway and National Tour) the world premiere of The Tower at Obie Award winning Here Arts Center , and Persephone at the New York Fringe Festival . She has performed with Labryinth Theatre Company, Actor’s Theatre NYC, Antimatter Theatre Company, and more. Her film “Surprise!” ( a short she produced, wrote, and acted in) won the 2021 Best New Filmmaker Award at  Scared for your LIIFE Film Festival (sister festival to the Long Island International Film Expo). 

Elizabeth is part of Hotsy Totsy Burlesque (named the Best Burlesque Show in NYC by Broadwayworld) a “nerdlesque” troupe that performs monthly at the world famous Slipper Room. She has a residency at Penny Jos in Harlem where she produces her burlesque show, “Bitsy’s Bits” quarterly.  IG - @Ebays_

Jason Kravits* (Craig/Monty)

Jason has been fortunate enough to appear on stages and screens, large and small, for over 30 years. He is probably best known for his long-running role as Richard Bay on ABC’s The Practice, though he has amassed over 40 other television appearances. These include recurring roles on The Undoing, Halston, B-Positive, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Madam Secretary, Law and Order: SVU and Only Murders in the Building, as well as memorable appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Big Bang Theory, The Kominsky Method, Young Sheldon, Dr. Death, 30 Rock, Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, Everybody Loves Raymond and the final episode of Friends. Recent film credits include Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and the upcoming On Swift Horses and Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Broadway credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, Sly Fox and Relatively Speaking, (three original one-acts by Ethan Coen, Elaine May and Woody Allen). Last year, he appeared alongside John Turturro and Elizabeth Marvel in The New Group's production of Sabbath's Theater (directed by Jo Bonney). Jason's award-winning, one-man, improvised cabaret, OFF the TOP!, continues to perform regularly in New York, as well as in Los Angeles, DC, London, Adelaide and Melbourne.

Jeryl Brunner (Justine and playwright) 

Jeryl is ecstatic to return to the Chain Theatre’s One Act Festival as a performer and playwright. This past February, Jeryl performed in her play, Dill at the Chain Theatre, 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 24 Hour Plays. A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Jeryl completed the program at the Upright Citizens Brigade and performs improv throughout New York City. She is developing her full-length play, One Date Love, that was workshopped at The Hundredth Hill. Jeryl also hosts the podcast, When Lightning Strikes!, on the Broadway Podcast Network. 

So much gratitude to the Chain Theatre, Christina Perry, Kirk Gostkowski, Rick Hamilton, Sara Thigpen, Barbara Toy, Anna Strout, Jesse Eisenberg, Jason Kravits, Laura Vogel, Krista Detor and the Hundredth Hill, Elizabeth Perkins, Julie Besonen, Scooter Alpert, Paige Morrow Kimball, Jenica Bergere, Patrick Boll, Bonnie Brodner and Sherry Brodner. 

Creatives: 

Sara Thigpen (Director) 

An award-winning actor and director, Sara has devoted over two decades to nurturing new work within New York's downtown theater scene. Originally from rural North Carolina, she brought her unique perspective to the New York stage. Her work consistently explores the underrepresented feminine experience, as evidenced in her contributions to readings and workshops at Atlantic Theater Company, The Lark, New Georges, and The William Inge Festival. Sara’s artistic and directorial vision have been showcased with Boomerang Theatre Company, Gideon Productions, The Fire This Time Festival, The Chain, and most recently, Sara led the development and production of Bettye and the Jockettes Spinning Records at the Holiday Inn for Retro Productions. www.sarathigpen.com

Jesse Eisenberg (Producer)

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

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. 

Barbara Toy (Producer) 

Barbara Toy is the interim 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. 

KYLE C. MUMFORD (Playwright) - Kyle is a writer and award winning filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. He attended the School Of Visual Arts where his then thesis film, HIS NAKED MIND was an award-winning feature at SVA's Dusty Film Fest. Since graduation, Kyle has worked in the editorial and locations departments for film and TV, as well as assistant for writer/director Tom Gormican. Since then, his written works have made it to 2nd round twice at Sundance Labs, and seven times at Austin Film Festival. In 2021, his play THE VICTIMS was accepted into the Actor’s Studio Playwright and Directors Unit, where he still a proud member today. More recently, his play SHRIMP PUDDING premiered at the Chain Theatre’s One-Act Festival in 2023. IG: @kylecmumford www.kylemumford.com 

MATT GIROVEANU (Director) - Matt is an actor, director, musical improviser & award-winning voiceover artist originally from Astoria, NY. Matt majored in TV Production and double minored in Theatre Studies & Performance at Seton Hall University. This is his second collaboration with Kyle C. Mumford, after premiering “Shrimp Pudding” at the Chain Theater in 2023. For over 10 years, Matt has toured the world improvising musicals with Baby Wants Candy, Your Love, Our Musical, Broadway’s Next Hit Musical, Blank! The Musical and VERN. Television credits include Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, CBS’ God Friended Me, NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, The Deuce, Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt & SyFy’s Happy! IG: @matt_giro  www.MattGiro.com

MARK GORHAM* (Bruce) - Mark is excited to be performing in The Chain One-Act Festival. Many thanks to Kyle C. Mumford for the opportunity. Mark has performed in a number of shows in New York & Regionally. Noted favorites include SEAGULL '69 (featuring Austin Pendleton) - Theatre 54, MEN IN WHITE - Sargent Theatre, PRIMER - Hudson Guild Theater, THE CLEARING & AWAKE AND SING - Axial Theatre, and EASTERN STANDARD - John Houseman Theater. He was also thrilled to perform in an excerpt from Lyle Kessler's play, A GOLDEN CITY, recently at Theatre For The New City. He has also appeared in a number of TV and Film projects.

DAVID HARRISON PRALGO (Omar) - David is a 23-year-old actor out of Queens, New York. He’s worked under acting coaches, Lauren B Martin, Pamela Scott, and Susan Batson. His TV and film credits include NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, the feature film YOU’RE NOT THERE, and short film BY THE WINDOW. David is also a boxer and is fortunate to have learned many things from this to apply to his acting career. Being the hardest working and best actor he can has always been his goal, and is confident and ready to take on any challenges thrown his way.

Kate Katcher: Playwright, actor, director & soon to be published author when Vine Leaves Press releases her first novel, 36, in 2026. Other published works include Scarsdale in the Best Short Plays, 2021, Bread in Laughter is the Best Medicine, and Blue Sky with Approaching Storm in Ageless. Full length plays include FutureFest Finalist A Fox in the Henhouse, and an award winning stage version of 36. She debuted on Broadway with Zero Mostel in Fiddler and was privileged to be chosen and directed by Jerome Robbins in the 1980 revival.

Don Striano: Actor

Don Striano’s credits include The Sopranos, the Onion News Network with Janeane Garofalo and John Cariani on Comedy Central, and HBO with Louis CK. independent films: We Follow the Rules, the LGBTQ award winner RIvers Watch Over Me, A Nice Drive and Planning Head, with Kate Katcher and Laurie Hamill. Stage roles include Nothing to Report, directed by John Augustine written by Sam Chacon, founder of Goal, the Gay Officers Action League.

Annie Raczko *

(Writer/Director/BARBARA)

Annie is a multi-hyphenate theatre maker (actor/playwright/director/teacher) and a recent member of Actor’s Equity. When not teaching theatre to high school students, you can find her on the stage doing musical improv, rapping, or writing a play to make her mess her message. Recent credits include her last play Hunger at The Chain Theatre festival, appearances at On The Spot Comedy Cabaret, and Moms:The Musical (dir. by Victoria Rae Sook/Surrette & Hall). 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. 

Crystal Williamson (SAM) 

Crystal has an impressive and diverse acting background, spanning indie films, webisodes, and theatre productions. Her most recent credits include the recently completed horror film called "The Execution Chair,” the off-Broadway production of “Trilogy” at Gene Frankel Theatre, and an online PSA called "The Sex Talk." Crystal's dramatic training includes comprehensive acting (classic and modern) and combat instruction from HB Studio and Red Bull Theatre. Quote for today: Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.

Josh Bartosch (JAKE) 

Yep, it’s Josh Bartosch. Josh is thrilled to be a part of Soured Milk, and to be Principal of the Fightin’ Elms. He is an NYC based actor, and some of his other theater credits include Phoebus in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, It Came From Beyond, Geeks: The Musical, Aloha Say the Pretty Girls, Saturday Night Fever, and Out of Order.  Film credits include Solitarity, Mouth Breathers, The Leap, and Unfinished Works. He’d like to thank his family and friends for their support. You can find more of his work at @joshbartosch on instagram.

Olivia Whicheloe  (CINDY) 

Olivia Whicheloe is thrilled to be back at the Chain Theatre playing Cindy in SOURED MILK! This is her second time participating in the Chain Theatre Festival. Most recently, Olivia played Babs in BROKENECK GIRLS: THE MURDER BALLAD MUSICAL at The Wild Project. Other credits include A STITCH IN TIME and BALLOTS OVER BROADWAY. When she’s not acting, you can find Olivia on the beach at Coney Island, or trying out new recipes in the kitchen! Stay up to date with Olivia! Instagram: oliviawhicheloe

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