FESTIVAL LINEUP

GRAPE LEAVES

Alexander Attea is a playwright, actor, musician, and the artistic director of Avalanche Theatre. His work is centered around championing new plays and playwrights in the Chicago theatre community, so he’s thrilled to be joining Bramble again after performing in the 2023 Festival of Unfinished Work. More at AlexanderAttea.com.

NEW OLEANNA

Zach Barr (they/them) is a nonbinary multidisciplinary theatre artist based in Chicago. They are a member of the Three Brothers Theatre Playwrights Residency and the PlayGround-Chicago Writers’ Pool. Zach's plays have received readings at Red Theater, Fat Theatre Project, Chicago Dramatists, and Valdez Theatre Conference. Their new play ENDURING JEST will debut at the Waukegan Theatre Festival in August 2024. Additionally, Zach is the creator of the theatre history video essay series "And Now They Sing" on YouTube. Find them on NPX.

TOP GIRL, OR THE CHEERLEADER PLAY

Evalena Lakin (née Friedman) is a Chicago-based writer, educator, and bookworm. As a playwright, she has had the pleasure of working with the Great Plains Theatre Commons, Prop Thtr, Curious Theatre Branch, The Annoyance, Strawdog Theatre Company, Chicago Dramatists, Dandelion Theatre, The Jewish Theatre Alliance, and NoMads Art Collective. Evalena has also performed original stories with the live lit series You’re Being Ridiculous at various venues around Chicago, including Steppenwolf Theatre as part of their LookOut series. She is proud to be a teaching artist with Lifeline Theatre and the Library Assistant at the Poetry Foundation.

REMEMBRANCE

Ben F. Locke (He/She/They) is a Black, Queer and Nonbinary Writer, Actor, Director, Casting Director and Producer. They have worked with theatres such as Steppenwolf, Court Theatre, Drury Lane, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and more. Ben is currently at Boston University getting their graduate degree in TV/Film Writing. They are eternally grateful for the support of friends, family and their Bramble home.

BLOOD OF MY MOTHER’S

Karissa Murrell Myers (she/her) is a Chicago-based Filipino American theatre maker. Her work has been developed and/or produced at Goodman Theatre, Strawdog Theatre, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, A Red Orchid Theatre, American Blues Theatre, The Gift Theatre, Silk Road Rising, Boise Contemporary Theatre, Oregon Contemporary Theatre, City Theatre, Broken Nose Theatre, and Bramble Theatre Company, where she serves as Artistic Director. She is an O’Neill Finalist and received an "Outstanding New Work" Jeff Awards nomination for her play On the Greenbelt. MFA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. Member of SAG-AFTRA and The Dramatist Guild. www.kmurrellmyers.com

THEY BROKE UP

Skyler Tarnas is a Michigan-born-and-raised writer with a love for Shakespeare, hats, true crime, and fake crime. He obtained his MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage from Northwestern University, Class of 2021. He’s been a part of Theatre Nova's Michigan Playwrights Festival, Bramble Theatre's previous Festival of Unfinished Work and Fall Reading Series, and Murmuration Theatre's First Flight Showcase. Skyler's plays explore queerness, worlds ending, and our capacities for both love and cruelty - but, you know, like in a fun way.

DIRECTOR (NEW OLEANNA)

Spencer Huffman is a playwright, director, and actor based in Chicago. Most recently, his play THE SHAPE OF THE BONES was translated into Hungarian and workshopped at FreeSZFE in Budapest. He has been a fellow at Millay Arts, The Marble House Project, and the Kerouac Project of Orlando. His directing work includes site-specific productions of FAR AWAY by Caryl Churchill, JERUSALEM by Jez Butterworth, and BUG by Tracy Letts. Spencer is a Fulbright Scholar, a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf, and an ensemble member at Bramble Theatre Co.

DIRECTOR (TOP GIRL, OR THE CHEERLEADER PLAY)

Lauren Katz is a director, teaching artist, and arts administrator. Favorite directing credits include: Mary's Wedding (Oil Lamp Theatre), Tick Tick Boom and A Grand Night for Singing (Dunes Summer Theatre), Grease and Legally Blonde the Musical (Beverly Theatre Guild), Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (Strawdog Theatre), This is a Chair (Haven Theatre), and Women of 4G (Babes with Blades Theatre Company). Other collaborations include: About Face Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Theater Wit, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theatre, Writers Theatre, and Windy City Playhouse. Lauren served as the 2016/2017 Artistic Apprentice at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and as a 2018/2019 Directors Inclusion Initiative Fellow at Victory Gardens Theatre.

DIRECTOR (BLOOD MY MOTHER’S)

Azar Kazemi is first-generation Persian American and a freelance director and educator based in Chicago. Most recently directing the Jeff award winning world premiere of MOTHERHOUSE by Tuckie White at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. She received her MFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University, where she is also on faculty and received the 2020-21 Excellence in Teaching Award. Azar directs socially-charged plays where the political and personal collide. To learn more please visit: azarkazemi.com

DIRECTOR (THEY BROKE UP)

Ben F. Locke (He/She/They) is a Black, Queer and Nonbinary Writer, Actor, Director, Casting Director and Producer. They have worked with theatres such as Steppenwolf, Court Theatre, Drury Lane, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and more. Ben is currently at Boston University getting their graduate degree in TV/Film Writing. They are eternally grateful for the support of friends, family and their Bramble home.

DIRECTOR (REMEMBRANCE)

Aja Singletary is an actor, dancer and choreographer. Recent credits include: Nacirema Society (Goodman), Is God Is (Red Orchid), Factotum (Lyric), Athena (Writers Theatre), Relentless (Timeline), Dance Nation (Steppenwolf), and Eclipsed (Pegasus).Education: Fordham University and School of Steppenwolf (2019). Represented by Gray Talent Group. She's excited to assist direct Bramble's first production of Evil Perfect coming this fall. Offstage, you'll catch Aja quoting Spongebob, liking food videos and teaching!

DIRECTOR (GRAPE LEAVES)

Dan Washelesky (they/he) is a Chicago-based director/dramaturg, playwright, teaching artist, and theatre administrator. They completed their M.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. Dan is the Managing Director of Bramble Theatre Company and previously served as Managing Director at The Passage Theatre. He has also worked with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Avalanche Theatre, St. Louis Actors’ Studio, Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, and (remotely) Seattle-based Dacha Theatre.

ASST. DIRECTOR (GRAPE LEAVES)

Haley Bolithon is a Bramble ensemble member. Chicago theatre credits include Revolution (u/s), Grey House, and The Haven Place at A Red Orchid Theatre, Henry V, The Nutcracker and Hatfield & McCoy at The House Theatre, Herland (u/s) at Redtwist Theatre, Pinocchio at Chicago Children’s Theatre, Spring Awakening at Blank Theatre Company, and A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre. TV and film include Knives and Skin (Chicago Film Project), Work In Progress (Showtime Network), and Somebody Somewhere (HBO). Haley is an alumnus of School at Steppenwolf and a company member at Proboscis Theatre.

ASST. DIRECTOR (TOP GIRL, OR THE CHEERLEADER PLAY)

Noe is over the moon to be part of this year's Festival of Unfinished Works! She graduated from UIC and recently studied at The University of Galway, which inspired her to write, direct, and star in a one-woman show: Slumberland. She looks forward to debuting as a scenic designer with Forest Park Theater's production of Pericles, running in August. Noe plans on spending her Summer either in rehearsals or playing with her newly adopted cats - Zanzibar Jones and Yumyan Hammerpaw. She wishes you a happy festival - Enjoy the show!

ASST. DIRECTOR (BLOOD OF MY MOTHER’S, NEW OLEANNA)

Danny Breslin is a proud graduate of the School at Steppenwolf & ensemble member at Bramble Theatre. Upon graduating from USC (BFA Acting), Danny has worked as an actor in both Los Angeles & Chicago. See Danny in Bramble Theatre's upcoming production of Evil Perfect! TV/Film: ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING; CHICAGO PD; LIFE / Theatre: THE LION IN WINTER (Court Theatre - u/s); FAR AWAY (dir: Spencer Huffman); MARABELLA (A Noise Within - s/r) / VO: ON THE NIGHT TRAIN (The Merry Beggars).

ASST. DIRECTOR (REMEMBRANCE, THEY BROKE UP)

Andrew (they/them) returns to Bramble after working on their telephonic hit The Ministry of Mundane Mysteries. They have worked as a director and actor in Chicago for over a decade. Recent Assistant projects include Music Theater Works’ Avenue Q and Kokandy Production’s acclaimed Sweeney Todd. Andrew is also a writer, specializing in micro theater for an audience of one. Their show Anywhere But Here was the winner of Producer’s Choice at the Borderlight Fringe Festival. Other Chicago credits include Mercury Theater Chicago, Porchlight Music Theater, The House, Definition Theater, (re)discover theatre and Northlight Theater, among others.

HARPER (TOP GIRL, OR THE CHEERLEADER PLAY)

Kylie (Ky) Anderson (they/them) is a EMC physical actor, acrobat, and model represented by Stewart Talent, located in Chicago, IL. They have BFA in Drama with an emphasis in Acting from the University of Oklahoma. Ky is a founding company member at Bramble Theatre Company, but has worked with a medley of other theaters in Chicago including Remy Bumppo, Steppenwolf, and Lookingglass. Ky has trained at Stella Adler’s Studio in New York City for physical theatre and was in the School at Steppenwolf class of 2019. Ky has also trained at The Actor’s Gymnasium Theatre and Circus School in the Professional Training Program class of 2021. Ky is currently back at The Actors Gym for the Second Year Professional Training Program!

AMY (THEY BROKE UP), CARRIE (REMEMBRANCE)

Haley Bolithon is a Bramble ensemble member. Chicago theatre credits include Revolution (u/s), Grey House, and The Haven Place at A Red Orchid Theatre, Henry V, The Nutcracker and Hatfield & McCoy at The House Theatre, Herland (u/s) at Redtwist Theatre, Pinocchio at Chicago Children’s Theatre, Spring Awakening at Blank Theatre Company, and A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre. TV and film include Knives and Skin (Chicago Film Project), Work In Progress (Showtime Network), and Somebody Somewhere (HBO). Haley is an alumnus of School at Steppenwolf and a company member at Proboscis Theatre.

NONA (NEW OLEANNA)

Chicago native and Bramble Ensemble member Rasheeda Denise is eternally grateful to be a part of Cancelina. She earned her BFA in Acting from the University of Illinois at Chicago and further honed her craft at The School of Steppenwolf in 2019. Rasheeda's theatrical journey is a testament to her passion for storytelling and dedication to her art. She has had the privilege of working in various Chicago productions such as "Valiant Theater's: New Works Festival," "Dance Little Sister," "The Finer Things," and has participated in multiple runs of "The Vagina Monologues." Some of her film credits include "Sweet Nothings," "Kismet," and "The Real Untruth."

DYLAN (THEY BROKE UP), TAUFIQ (REMEMBRANCE)

Dylan J. Fleming CHICAGO: Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). REGIONAL: A Raisin in the Sun, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Utah Shakespeare Festival) Kill Move Paradise (Rep Stage); Squeakers and Mr. Gumdrop (Arts on the Horizon); Day of Absence, The Raid (Theater Alliance); The Member of the Wedding (1st Stage); Macbeth (We Happy Few Productions); The Crucible (Olney Theatre Center); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing (Prince George’s Shakespeare in the Park). EDUCATION: BA Jackson State University; MFA Catholic University. Instagram: dylan.j.fleming

ANGEL (REMEMBRANCE), CJ (TOP GIRL, OR THE CHEERLEADER PLAY)

Luke Halpern (They He/She) Is excited to be apart of the unfinished works festival again! Previous Credits include: LAVENDER MEN (About Face Theatre) u/s Taffeta; TICK TICK… BOOM (Boho Theatre) Susan; CHILDREN OF EDEN (Broadway in Chicago) Ensemble; KINKY BOOTS (Paramount) Swing/ensemble; NEWSIES (Paramount) Swing/ensemble; A CHORUS LINE (Porchlight) Tom u/s Paul, Al, Don; MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Chicago Shakes) Moth. Much love to their friends and family for the unwavering support!

LACEY-MAY (TOP GIRL, OR THE CHEERLEADER PLAY)

Carmia Imani (She/Her) is a Chicago-based theatre artist who is passionate about integrating anti-racist theatre practices into her artistry and work. Her regional credits include: brother sister cyborg space (u/s) (Raven Theatre), Skeleton Crew, Death of a Salesman (The Black Rep), and Much Ado About Nothing (u/s) (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). She is grateful for the opportunity to work with Bramble Theatre on their Festival of Unfinished Work. Carmia is a Producing Fellow with PlayGround-Chicago and a proud graduate of Ball State University where she holds a BFA in Acting with a minor in New Works for the Stage.

ROSIE (GRAPE LEAVES)

Iman Kamel is a Chicago-based actor and graduate student. Most recently she could be seen in Golden Thread Production’s staged reading of Alaa: A Family Trilogy, About Face Theatre’s Mosque4Mosque, and Arabia! Arabia! with the Plagiarists. Iman can also be seen later this summer in an upcoming Tubi Original movie. This June she completed her Masters of Literature at Northwestern University where she wrote her thesis on Decolonizing French language Maghrebian literature in the twentieth century. A big thank you to her family, Evan, and most of all to Emma, who gave her the courage to continue creating, serving, and listening.

HUDSON (NEW OLEANNA)

Ben F. Locke (He/She/They) is a Black, Queer and Nonbinary Writer, Actor, Director, Casting Director and Producer. They have worked with theatres such as Steppenwolf, Court Theatre, Drury Lane, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and more. Ben is currently at Boston University getting their graduate degree in TV/Film Writing. They are eternally grateful for the support of friends, family and their Bramble home.

RICHARD (BLOOD OF MY MOTHER’S), COACH (TOP GIRL, OR THE CHEERLEADER PLAY)

Matthew Lunt is the proud co-founder of Bramble Theatre Co. He is thrilled to be onstage with his friends and hopes you enjoy this truly wild new play. Thank you for your support of Chicago Theatre.

HUSBAND BILL (GRAPE LEAVES)

Shane is very excited to be working with Bramble again. Past credits include: Cymbeline (midsommar flight), Campaigns Inc (Timeline), Stop Kiss (Arc theatre), Southern Gothic (Windy City Playhouse), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Drury Lane). Shane has also worked with Redtwist, Strawdog, The New Coordinates, Broken Nose and many more. Shane received his MFA from the Theatre School at DePaul University and is repped by Grossman and Jack

GRIFFIN (REMEMBRANCE)

Alex Benito Rodriguez is thrilled to be part of Bramble Theatre’s Festival of Unfinished Work! CHICAGO: Short Shakespeare! Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) The Lifespan of a Fact (TimeLine Theatre Company); Anna in the Tropics (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company); Botticelli in the Fire (First Floor Theater, Jeff Award Nominee - Performer in a Principal Role); Dory Fantasmagory (Young People’s Theatre of Chicago). REGIONAL: The Crucible, Noises Off, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Our Town (Asolo Repertory) TELEVISION: Chicago Fire (NBC) EDUCATION: BFA in Acting, University of IL at Chicago; MFA in Acting, FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.

MARCUS (GRAPE LEAVES)

Jordan is absolutely THRILLED to make their Bramble debut! They were previously seen in Writers Theater's regional premier of The Band's Visit and Chicago Children's Theatre's world premier of Mesmerized. They're committed to highlighting and championing MENASA voices in any way possible! All the love to friends and family for their never ending support<333

DERBY (THEY BROKE UP)

Joshua David Thomas, an Illinois State University graduate, excels in commercials while cherishing a deep-rooted love for theatre. Represented by Big Mouth Talent Agency and Now Talent Agency, he brings versatility and passion to every performance, captivating audiences with his dynamic energy and commitment to storytelling.

NAOMI (GRAPE LEAVES)

Hilary is a super proud ensemble member of Bramble. As an actor she has worked with companies such as Rivendell Ensemble, Steep Theatre, BackRoom Shakespeare, The Hypocrites, and Northlight. She teaches sexual assault prevention with Catharsis Productions and is a certified death doula. Her new fiction podcast, "World Gone Wrong," is out on all those places you get your podcasts. Take a listen! She is represented by Shirley Hamilton. To find out more about her, check out hilwill.com.

BLAKE (TOP GIRL, OR THE CHEERLEADER PLAY)

Austin Winter is a Chicago-based actor, educator, and designer. Past performance credits Include Little Women (Seattle Repertory Theater) 1919 (Steppenwolf Theater Company) She Loves Me (Blank Theater Company) Hedwig, A Christmas Carol, West Side Story, (Milwaukee Rep) Matilda, Romeo And Juliet, And A Midnight Cry (First Stage) Legally Blonde (Theater West) The Wiz, Godspell (Hope Summer Repertory Theater) and Chicago (Broadway Theater Project). Austin holds their MM in Music Theater Pedagogy from Carthage College. Love and thanks to Mom and Dad. www.austinwinter.com @austwintermint

MARINA (BLOOD OF MY MOTHER’S), KC (THEY BROKE UP)

Emily Zhang (she/her) is a Chicago based actor and is so excited to be working with Bramble Theatre Company again! Some favorite Chicago credits include The Mall The Mall The Mall at Greenhouse Theater Center, Woo Girls at The Factory Theater, The Red Fortune Cookie with Bramble Theatre Company, Flush with Campfire Repertory, and Among the Dead (u/s) at Jackalope Theatre. She has a B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University and is represented by Gray Talent Group.

UNDERSTUDY

Katie Bevil (they/it) is delighted to be working with Bramble for the first time! Most recently, they were seen onstage in the Plagiarists' production of When You Awake You Will Remember Everything. You can also find them playing the role of Front of House Manager at TimeLine Theatre. Katie is an avid Dungeons and Dragons player, and lives in Uptown with its cryptozoological cats, Jelly and Toast.

UNDERSTUDY

Rashaad moved to Chicago from Albuquerque, New Mexico in the summer of 2019. In Albuquerque, Rashaad founded and served as the artistic director for Middle Ground Theatre Company, a company dedicated to giving opportunities to those in the community that were often neglected. He holds a BA in Theatre from the University of New Mexico. His studies allowed him to develop skills in directing, producing, acting, lighting design, and scenic carpentry. Since moving to Chicago, Rashaad has had the opportunity to work with organizations such as Black Ensemble Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, The League of Chicago Theatres, The Artistic Home, Redtwist Theater, Theatre Above the Law, Ghostlight Ensemble, Perceptions Theatre, Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, Haven Chicago, and Possibilities Theatre.

UNDERSTUDY

Juliet Kang Huneke (she/they) is an actor, playwright, and teaching artist who is passionate about theatre that is larger than life. Chicago acting credits include: Arviragus in CYMBELINE (Midsommer Flight), Joan 3 in JOAN AND THE FIRE (Trap Door Theatre), Fanny in THE UGLY ONE (Trap Door Theatre), Rose/Snake/Puppeteer in THE LITTLE PRINCE (Improv Playhouse TYA), and WHEN THE SUN MELTS AWAY (Token Theatre). Northwestern 2022!

UNDERSTUDY

Travis Shanahan is thrilled to be working with Bramble for the first time! Previous credits include "Hay Fever" (Simon Bliss), "Twelfth Night" (Andrew Aguecheek), and "Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story" (Buddy Holly). When not acting, he's catching up on movies his parents forgot to show him growing up and watching the Minnesota Timberwolves play basketball. Travis is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent.