FESTIVAL LINEUP

RONA FORTUNAE

Rammel Chan is an actor and writer based in Chicago. He has performed at Lookingglass Theatre, Writers Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the late Victory Gardens, among others. Rammel was a 23/24 New Stages resident playwright at the Goodman Theatre, writing a musical with Matthew C. Yee. He is a recipient of a Kundiman Fellowship and his speculative fiction has appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction, Riksha Magazine, Empyrean Literary Magazine and The Tiger Moth Review. His family dramedy Tomato Tattoo received a development grant through Chicago DCASE as part of their inaugural Studio Residency program.

PORTRAIT (HOLDING A MIRROR)

Georgette Kelly is an award-winning playwright based in Chicago and New York. Her work has been featured on The Kilroys List and at The Kennedy Center, The Goodman Theatre Playwrights Unit, NNPN, 59E59, and DCASE, among others. Plays include BALLAST, NORTH STAR, IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE, I CARRY YOUR HEART, FAREWELL OPPORTUNITY (TYA), HOW TO HERO (TYA), and SMALL PLANETS (TVY). A resident of Chicago Dramatists and a member of The Dramatists Guild, she has been a finalist at the O’Neill, The Lark, The Playwrights Center, and the Alliance/Kendeda Playwriting Competition. B.A. Northwestern University, M.F.A. Hunter College. GeorgetteKelly.com.

NEXT DOOR

Hanna Kime is a Jeff-Nominated playwright and screenwriter. Her work has been developed with theatres such as the Goodman, Berkeley Rep, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, A Red Orchid, Steep, Jackalope, New Coordinates, UP, Broken Nose, Sideshow, where she was an ensemble member, and First Floor, where she previously served as Literary Manager. Recent world premieres include DOGS with Red Theater and THE BEST DAMN THING at The Understudy. Kime is a two-time O’Neill Finalist, won the OKC Rep New Voices contest, and was a semifinalist in the BAPF, ANPF, and PSPF. She is represented by UTA and managed by Curate.

PRIMARY OCCUPANT

Ashley is thrilled to be back at Bramble Theater Company, but this time as a playwright! She was previously seen on the Bramble stage in their inaugural production of Evil Perfect. Ashley is a member of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble where she has done numerous shows including Scientific Method, Cal in Camo, Alias Grace, Wrens, These Shining Lives, and more. She was most recently in The Cave at A Red Orchid Theatre where she was also in Killing Game, The Nether, and A Red Handed Otter. Other theater credits include Singularity Play with Jackalope Theater, Plano with First Floor Theatre, Eric Argyle with Steep Theatre, Men Should Weep, London Wall, and Stage Door with Griffin Theatre as well as many more. She has appeared in many films and TV episodes including The Chi, Chicago Fire, and many more. She is represented by Big Mouth talent and is a member of SAG. All my thanks to Lloyd and Ida Mae.

RIGHT; OR THE STORY OF THE TRAILER AND TABLE

David Stobbe is a Chicago based actor/writer originally hailing from Joliet, Illinois. As an actor he's worked across Chicago with Jackalope, The Story Theater, and First Floor Theater. Regionally he's worked with Nashville Children's Theater, Fulton Theater, and Paramount Theater. His writing explores themes of debt through midwestern existentialism. He likes gardening, fishing, movies with his brother, and his wife Becky.

WITH YOU ALWAYS

Victor Yang is a Chicago-based actor, writer, and director originally from Sydney, Australia. His written works span from poetry to short film scripts. This deeply personal story is Victor’s playwriting debut. The piece began as a TheatreLab reading at Arizona State University, where he obtained his B.A. in acting. Through his writing and storytelling, Victor hopes to put into words the unexplainable and perplexing feelings life inevitably inspires. Select acting credits include: Julius Caesar (Hudson Valley Shakespeare), The Matchmaker (Hudson Valley Shakespeare), Twelfth Night (TheatreSquared), Much Ado About Nothing(Utah Shakespeare Festival), Charley's Aunt(Michigan Shakespeare Festival), Henry V(Michigan Shakespeare Festival), Hamlet (Southwest Shakespeare Company).

DIRECTOR (PORTRAIT HOLDING A MIRROR)

Kelsey McGrath (she/they) is a Multi-Hyphenate Creative and has been in the Chicago theater community since 2015. She completed her Masters at Northwestern University in Leadership for Creative Enterprises and has worked as an arts & culture nonprofit consultant since 2019. As a performer, she’s studied with Stella Adler in New York, the School at Steppenwolf, and Black Box Academy. She’s acted with Northwestern University, Northlight Theatre, Steep Theatre, Red Theater, and Lifeline Theater, among others. All gratitude to mama and Bramble for this opportunity! IG: @kelseylooks, www.kelseymcgrath.com

DIRECTOR (NEXT DOOR)

AJ Schwartz is a director and producer based in Chicago. They last worked with Bramble on Zack Peercy’s Kubrickian at the 2023 Festival of Unfinished Works. They directed How You Kiss Me is Not How I Like To Be Kissed by Dan Giles for Haven Chicago's Directors Haven, and they are the producer of Here Are Some Plays I Like, where they've directed readings by Liza Birkenmeier, Zack Peercy, D.J. Hills, and C. Meaker.

DIRECTOR (RIGHT; OR THE STORY OF THE TRAILER AND TABLE)

Jonathan Shaboo is a Canadian actor, director and comedian. He appeared in the first U.S. National Tour of The Kite Runner and Evil Dead: The Musical. His regional and international stage credits include Uncle Vanya (New Theatre Project) The Band’s Visit and A Distinct Society (Writers Theatre), Layalina (Goodman Theatre), The North American premiere of Julie: After Strindberg (Untold Wants), and Greater Expectations (The Second City Toronto). Directing credits include Evil Perfect (Bramble Theatre) Ghost: The Musical and Forever Plaid (Starvox Ent.). He is a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf and a founding member of Bramble Theatre Company.

DIRECTOR (PRIMARY OCCUPANT)

Aja Singletary is grateful to return to Bramble's Festival of Unfinished Works. Her director credits include: Short-Changed by Jordan Gleaves (Redtwist), Evil Perfect by Spencer Huffman (AD, Bramble), White by James Ijames (The Walk Up), Remembrance by Ben F. Locke (Bramble's FOUW),The Whole Sheamus Thing by L.C Bernadine and Ben Auxier (Bramble's FOUW), and On the Greenbelt (AD, Strawdog). When she's not directing, Aja is also a performer, choreographer and a teacher. You'll catch Aja sharing food videos, quoting Spongebob and boxing. Training: Fordham University, School at Steppenwolf 2019. Represented by Gray Talent Group.

DIRECTOR (RONA FORTUNAE)

Elizabeth Swanson is a director and playwright specializing in rehydrating classic works and developing new plays and musicals. Recent directing credits include A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (Paramount Theatre, featured in Chicago Tribune’s “Top 10 Chicago theater of 2024), THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (co-adapted with Dusty Brown, Strawdog Theatre), HEAD OVER HEELS (Kokandy Productions), and I KNOW MY OWN HEART (North American Premiere, Pride Arts Center). They co-write the award-winning musical-in-development SAINT HILDEGARD. Elizabeth teaches in Columbia College Chicago’s Musical Theatre Program and holds an M.F.A. from the Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts at Trinity College, Dublin.

DIRECTOR (WITH YOU ALWAYS)

Dan Washelesky (they/he) is a director/dramaturg and Managing Director of Bramble Theatre Company. Credits include: Manhattan Theatre Club (Dakar 2000), Steppenwolf Theatre (Describe the Night, The Children, The Rembrandt, Lindiwe), Paramount Theatre (An Act of God), Bramble Theatre Company (Evil Perfect), Silk Road Cultural Center & Stage Center Theatre (Black Bear Island), The Passage Theatre (The Miscellany, Happy Birthday Mars Rover, Spirits to Enforce), Valiant Theatre (First Called, The Reverend Dr. Paul(i) Murray), Pride Arts Center (Dex & Abby, Afterglow), Eclectic Full Contact Theatre (Richard III), St. Louis Actors’ Studio (Blackbird), and First Run Theatre (Prometheus’ Dream, Bird’s Nest).

ASST. DIRECTOR

Maureen Azzun (she/her) a multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago. She is excited to make her Bramble debut. Recent directing credits include: Desdemona 1865 (Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre); Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery (assistant director, Pegasus Theatre); ROADS (Fat Theatre Project); mochaunicorn.93 (MagiCorps Theatre Company); On the Lawn (The Artery). Recent acting credits include: Much Ado About Nothing (Strawdog Theatre); Seven Guitars (City Lit Theater); Native Son, Annual BIPOC Adaptation Showcase (Lifeline Theatre). Maureen holds a BFA in Theatre and BS in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. She has also trained with Black Box Acting, Second City, and IDC Professionals.

ASST. DIRECTOR

Gabriela Diaz (she/her) is a Chicago-based actor, arts leader, and advocate for equitable creative spaces. As an artist, she has collaborated with companies including Teatro Vista, Steppenwolf, The Art Institute, Jackalope, Lifeline, Olde School Shakes, where she is an ensemble member and Avalanche Theatre, where she serves as the Artist Advocate. Gabriela holds a BFA from Webster Conservatory and could not be more excited to bring these works to life!

ASST. DIRECTOR

Paula Perez-Glassner is a recent graduate of Northwestern University, where she studied Voice and Opera Performance and Human Development. Outside of her studies she participated in many extracurricular theater projects as a director and performer. Some favorite credits include The Oregon Trail(Director), El Barberillo De Lavapiés(Director), Sweeney Todd(Johanna), and Rent(Ensemble). She also served as the Artistic Director for the Purple Crayon Players Theater Board and the Director of Events for The Dolphin Show. She is thrilled to be working with Bramble Theatre Company as her first professional project post-grad!

HELEN (NEXT DOOR) , BRUNETTE (PORTRAIT HOLDING A MIRROR)

Ky Rambo (professionally: Kylie Anderson) (they/them) is represented by Stewart Talent. Ky is a company member at Avalanche Theatre and a founding company member at Bramble Theatre Company but has worked with a medley of other theaters in Chicago including Redtwist, Remy Bumppo, Steppenwolf, and Lookingglass Theatre. Ky has studied at University of Oklahoma (BFA: Drama, Acting Emphasis), Stella Adler’s Studio in New York City, NY (Physical Theatre), The Actor’s Gymnasium in Evanston, IL (two years of Aerial Arts and Clown), and School at Steppenwolf (Class of 2019) in Chicago.

SHEILA (NEXT DOOR), ENSEMBLE (PORTRAIT HOLDING A MIRROR)

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, A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, and Racecar Racecar Racecar at Bramble. 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.

BRENDA (NEXT DOOR), HELGA (PRIMARY OCCUPANT), ANATOMIST (PORTRAIT HOLDING A MIRROR)

Jodi Gage is elated to be a part of Festival of Unfinished Work 2025. Theater credits include: Coronation (Refracted - Jeff Award: Best Performer-Supporting) Romeo & Juliet (Oak Park Festival); Inanimate (Theater Wit); Night Watch (Raven Theatre); The Writer (Steep Theatre); Merrily We Roll Along (Blank Theatre); Next to Normal (Dunes Summer Theater); Bust (u/s) (Goodman); Falsettos (u/s) (US Court & Timeline) Richard III (u/s), Judgment Day (u/s) (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Christmas Carol (Pittsburgh CLO); Lady Windermere's Fan (PICT Classic Theatre); As You Like It (u/s) (Milwaukee Rep). She toured internationally in Song of Home (Theatre Lumina). TV credits: Chicago Med. jodigage.com

JOANIE (RIGHT; OR THE STORY OF THE TRAILER OR TABLE), ADJUDICATOR (RONA FORTUNAE)

Suzy Krueckeberg is thrilled to act with Bramble where she is an ensemble member. She was recently in The Totality of All Things at Redtwist. Other credits include Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Sonia), Ripcord (Marilyn), Plano (U/S Mother), Twelfth Night (Toby Belch), and Rabbit Hole (Nat). Suzy is a graduate of School at Steppenwolf, Black Box Academy, and Second City’s Conservatory. She is represented by DDO Chicago. Learn more at suzyykrueckeberg.com

DAVE (RIGHT; OR THE STORY OF THE TRAILER AND TABLE)

David F Meldman holds degrees from UW-Milwaukee, Florida Atlantic University, and Mary Baldwin University. Heightened language and classical works are his primary passion. You can find him online at www.themeldman.com

DIP (PRIMARY OCCUPANT), LEBRUN (PORTRAIT HOLDING A MIRROR)

Tatiana Pavela (she/her) is an actor, writer, teacher and all-around theater maker. Chicago theater: The Cave (Bonnie u/s, A Red Orchid Theatre), DOGS (Carol, Red Theater - Jeff Nom., Best Ensemble), Hamlet (Lead Player, Red Theater), Twelfth Night (Maria, Midsommer Flight), Hurricane Diane (u/s Pam & Carol, Theater Wit). Film: Lucy Is A Loser. TV: Chicago Fire. MFA from University of Washington PATP; BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Repped by DDO Artists Agency; www.tatianapavela.com

THE MAN (PRIMARY OCCUPANT), WILL (WITH YOU ALWAYS)

Rio Ragazzone (he/him) is a Chicago based chicano actor, singer, and musician and is stoked to be joining Bramble's Festival of Unfinished work! Local credits include Ironbound (u/s, Raven Theatre Company) Mary's Wedding, 'Almost, Maine' (Oil Lamp Theatre), Babel (Redtwist Theatre), The Writer, Mosquitoes (u/s, Steep Theatre Company), Much Ado About Nothing (Oak Park Festival Theatre); Taming of the Shrew, You Can't Take It With You (u/s, OPFT); In the Canyon, Among the Dead (Jackalope Theatre Company); Rio holds his Bachelor's in Theatre Arts from New Mexico State University. All his work is dedicated to his mother, Sarita Soliz Ragazzone.

HENRY (RONA FORTUNAE)

Thomas Bao Tran is an Asian-American actor. He was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Thomas is a graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University, obtaining a BFA Acting degree and a minor in Film Production. He has starred in various productions, ranging from TV series to classical theatre. He has also taken lead roles in multiple student productions, most notably as "Elijah" in Pastel and "Alex" in ELPIS. Thomas is currently represented by Paonessa Talent.

SAM (RIGHT; OR THE STORY OF THE TRAILER AND TABLE), TOM (WITH YOU ALWAYS)

Richie Villafuerte is excited to make his Bramble debut in these two wonderful plays. He earned his BA in theatre performance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He trained locally at The School at Steppenwolf and The Blackbox Academy. His recent credits include Tommy in Ironbound at Raven Theatre and he recently was on a regional Tour with Griffin Theatre in Astronaut 7 as Gus Grissom. He is represented by Big Mouth Talent .

UNDERSTUDY

Austin Millard is extremely excited to be a part of his first project with Bramble. A Chicago based actor, Austin will be graduating in the fall with a BA in Theatre and Performance from UIC. His previous roles include Brian White in Lydia Diamond's Smart People and Helicanus in Richard Corley's rendition of Pericles by Shakespeare. He would like to thank his family for their support and for all the teachers that helped him along the way.

UNDERSTUDY

Lori Navarrete is a Mexican interdisciplinary actor based in Chicago, Illions. Her work is an exploration of identity, gender, race and sexuality that centers the experiences of women of color. Her recent acting credits include Orlando (Northwestern) Museum (The Wirtz Center), The Oregon Trail (The Wirtz Center), Mud (Northwestern), Yamel Cucuy (GHFT), Saving Salvador (Placid Productions), and Love & Death (HBO). Lori has also worked as a curator and an arts education administrator for The Smithsonian Institute, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and Women and their Work. As a producer, Lori was a founding member of the Echame un Ojo Theatre and Arts Festival in Austin, Texas. She graduated with a bachelor's in Theatre Performance and Art History from St. Edwards University, and is currently earning her MFA in Acting from Northwestern University. IG: @ohnavarrete

UNDERSTUDY

Bree Perry is an actor, playwright, and clown thriving in Chicago. Previous credits include: Women Beware Women (Blue in the Right Way), Romeo and Juliet (Shit-Faced Shakespeare), and Much Ado About Nothing (Brown Box Theatre.) She is ecstatic to be helping develop these new works and getting them on their feet! Enjoy the show!

UNDERSTUDY

William Ryder is an actor, voice and speech teacher (Patsy Rodenburg Associate) and executive coach based in Chicago, IL. Theatre: The Mousetrap (Major Metcalf), A Play About David Mamet Writing a Play About Harvey Weinstein (The Davids), The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (Julius Caesar), The Cherry Orchard (Simeonov-Pishchik), The Winter’s Tale (Archimedes, Dion), A Streetcar Named Desire (Mitch), Oedipus Rex (w/Al Pacino). Television: All My Children, One Life to Live, Guiding Light, Tough Crowd w/Colin Quinn. MFA, Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy for Classical Acting at The George Washington University. BBA, University of Notre Dame. Treasurer, Voice and Speech Trainers Association.

UNDERSTUDY

Liv J. Wilson(she/they) is a graduate of the Theatre Performance BFA Program at Ohio University. After college, they performed with Florida Studio Theatre in shows like A Beary Big Adventure and Peter Pan. Liv first made their way to Chicago to appear in Letters Home with Griffin Theatre and as Dolly the Elf in Mrs. Claus the Musical with Chicago Kids Company. After spending some time performing in Denver — including Murder at the Abbey and Bullets in the Bathtub with Jest Murder Mystery Company — Liv is excited to be back in Chicago and thrilled to be working with Bramble Theatre as an understudy.