“IN THE BACK / ON THE FLOOR”

by Ken Green

directed by Rachel Van

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and featuring: 

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Jorge Aguliar ........................... Carlos

Juan Conde Belmares ..............Jose

Ashley-Marie Chávez ...............Julie

Caleb Lee Jenkins* ................Foley

Loredon Krug .........................Allen

Jelani Julyus ...........................Larry

Peter Leondedis ......................Wally

Kairis Rivera .............................Wanda

Katherine Schwartz ..................Donna

 

Directed by Rachel Van

Stage Management by Dakota Allen

Dramaturgy by Jacob Shaffer

Production Management by Eric Cope

Scenic Design and Technical Director by Jonathan Berg-Einhorn

Sound Design by Jake Sorgen

Costume Design by Andrés Mota

Lighting Design by Eric Cope

Lighting Assistance by Mary Mouton

Properties Design by Rocky Kolecke

Assistant Stage Management by Carlos Lux

Understudies: Shannon Burke, Cecil Eastman, Sammie Jo Johnson,Rachel Kim, Riaz Uddin

Artistic Director - Bobbi Masters

Managing Director - David Heimann     

*Indicates Ensemble Member

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DIRECTORS NOTES

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Most of us have had “that” job at one point or another in our lives: the job here you were vastly underpaid and underappreciated for the amount of work and value you brought to your employer.  Perhaps this was because the labor was “unskilled,” which of course had no bearing on how hard you worked.  Maybe the job was entry-level or minimum wage, which employers all too often equivocate with providing minimum care for their workers despite demanding everything from them.  Or most likely it was about nothing more than the bottom line, ethics be damned.  Unfortunately, it’s simply a staple of late-stage capitalism to demand every last drop from employees while expending as little time, effort, and money on their well-being a possible.

              As a human with a decade of experience in food service and retail, the story told in this script spoke to me.  It hurt.  It made me laugh.  It was familiar.  It felt as though I was commiserating with the characters as I read it the first time.  After several month of working with this script, I still feel the same way every time I see it brought to life by these wonderfully talented actors.  My hope is that this play touches the audience similarly, whether you’ve experienced a job like this one or not.  I long for the audience to walk away with a renewed understanding of how our essential workers are actually treated in America.  Of the importance of collective bargaining in giving a voice to the voiceless.  And of the necessity of extending humanity toward those from whom we demand the most. 

 

MEET THE ARTISTS

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Jorge Aguilar (Carlos) is a Mexican-American Actor from Chicago, IL. He began his training at The Second City Training Center (Chicago) completing their Acting Lab program as well as performing and writing in several Sketch Comedy shows at The Second City. Jorge is also an Alumni of The Stella Adler Art of Acting Studio (Los Angeles) where he studied Adler technique and completed their Summer Conservatory program.

 

Shannon Burke (U/S Foley) This is Shannon’s first production for Stage Left Theatre. He previously attended the University of Central Florida for acting in 2019 and moved to Chicago in 2021. He has performed several sketch shows for Corn Productions and has done improv shows  at the Annoyance Theatre. Being no stranger to working jobs similar to the ones in this production, he is thrilled to take part in this humorous, heartfelt and inspiring piece of work.

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Juan Conde Belmares (Jose) is a Mexican/American Actor, he recently worked with Bring Your Own Theater Productions as part of their 24hr show. Juan started his acting career in Orlando Florida, his credits there include: JUNIE B JONES (Breakthrough Theater) and KING LEAR (Black Box Theater).

 

Cecil Eastman (U/S Wally) is chuffed to bits to be making his Chicago theatrical debut with Stage Left Theatre. A native of South Bend, IN, he has performed in over 50 productions in a career that began when the Earth was young. Memorable roles (well, I remember them at least) were Tom in "SKYLIGHT", Charlotte in "CASA VALENTINA", Leonato in "MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING". and Doc in "WEST SIDE STORY". Ce n'est qu'un debut!

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Ashley-Marie Chávez (Julie) is a graduate from Northern Illinois University's BFA Acting program, some of her favorite credits include Witch 1 in MACBETH with Hoosier Shakespeare Festival, Maria in TWELFTH NIGHT, and Freida in THE CASTLE.

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Caleb Lee Jenkins (Foley) is an Ensemble Member with Stage Left since 2021 and is making his debut with the company. Previous credits include: THE UGLY ONE (Trap Door Theatre) MIDSUMMER MAYHEM (Shakespeare’s Motley Crew) THE BOOK OF WILL AND THE CRUCIBLE (Edge of the Wood Theatre) MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM and HENRY V (Courtyard Shakespeare).

 

Loredon Krug (Allen) is actor, writer, and director in Chicago with numerous credits in film, tv, and commercial production. Theatre credits in Chicago include CRAZY EIGHTS with Skokie Theatre, A WORLD OF WHALES AND SISTERS with Dandelion Theatre, and WHAT IS LOVE with Gorilla Tango Theatre.

 

Jelani Julyus (Larry) recently completed training in The ACADEMY at Black Box Acting Studio, where he loved playing Peter in THE LUCKIEST, and just finished a run of THE BOOK OF WILL with the St. Sebastian Players as Crane.

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Rachel A. Kim (Wanda/Julie/Angry Customer/Young Customer 2 U/S) is making her Stage Left Theatre. Her most recent work was with Redtwist Theatre and can also be seen on FOX’s The Big Leap (TV) and ISS:Icarus (Podcast). Her education/training includes The New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts, Speiser/Sturges, and Acting Studio Chicago. Rachel is also a dancer who has worked with choreographers like Christopher Scott, Comfort Fedoke, Mandy Moore, and the Kinjaz. Instagram: @rachelakim_

 

Peter Leondedis (Wally) was most recently seen as Scrooge in WCH's A CHRISTMAS CAROL as well as Nigel, the Butler in SOMETHING'S AFOOT at the Skokie Theatre. Other favorite roles include Man in Chair in DROWSY CHAPERONE, and Howie in RABBIT HOLE.

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Kairis Rivera (Wanda) is an Indigenous Q'eqchi Guatemalan and Mexican actor born and raised in Chicago. After completing their B.A. in theatre from Connecticut College, they trained at the Atlantic Theatre Conservatory in New York. Their most recent credits include RIDE OR DIE (MPAACT Theatre), and NASTY YATRA (Pipeline Theatre).

 

Katherine Schwartz (Donna) recently performed in THE DARK with Pale Horse Playhouse, Anka in The Artistic Home's VANYA ON THE PLAINS, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: A RADIO PLAY with The Artistic Home as all the female ensemble voices, Lucrece in THE LIAR with Promethean Theatre (Broadway World nominated Best Ensemble), and Bessie in THE DROWNING GIRLS with Signal Ensemble,

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Riaz Uddin (U/S  Allen/Paul)  This is Riaz's first show with the Stage Left Theatre. He is very excited to be a part of such a talented group of artists. Riaz was last seen as Francis Nurse in the CRUCIBLE, a production of The Edge Of The Wood Theatre company. Riaz is an avid runner of Half Marathons.

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DIRECTION AND DESIGN:

 

Ken Green (Playwright) is a  is a Chicagoan currently residing in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. His plays include “July 5,” a full-length audio drama on the life of Frederick Douglass and commissioned by New York City’s Ensemble for the Romantic Century (in post-production), “The F&L at 1330,” slated to be produced for Boston’s New Works Festival in July of 2023, and “The Charles Lenox Experience,” a historical “moving play” commissioned and produced by New Repertory Theater in Watertown, Mass. in 2020. Other plays include “The Campaign,” “Your Favorite,” and “…And Then There’s Aaron Burr,” all featured at the Boston Theater Marathon. Ken is a former Chicago news and sports reporter and editor, bad slam poet, and worse standup comedian. He was co-host/co-producer of Story Club Boston, a storytelling/reading series. He has been featured on the nationally televised storytelling show, “Stories from the Stage” on PBS and has been a local Moth and Massmouth storytelling finalist.

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Rachel Van (Director) (they/she) has been an ensemble member of Stage Left for 2 ½ years and is downright honored that this long-standing pillar of the Chicago community has entrusted them with such a beautiful piece of theatre. Rachel is a Chicago-based actor, director, singer, and producer originally hailing from Arkansas. Their theatre journey started when they studied opera in undergrad and has grown into a diverse and varied career over the last 20 years. Though they started as a performer, they have been privileged to direct in Chicago for several years, including multiple short play festivals for Clock Theatre Productions and Stage Left’s Spring Fling and Off Stage Left reading series. As an actor, some favorite roles include playing Vivienne Kensington in Legally, Blonde, the Musical; Claudia Nardi in Nine, the Musical; and Silvia Pierrot in the locally written and produced play Last Laugh. Rachel is also an experienced filmmaker, producing several independent works that have screened at film festivals around the world, and a classical vocalist who loves performing with choirs around the city. They are represented by Promote Talent in Chicago.

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Dakota Allen (Stage Manager) Dakota (they/them) is a recent graduate from Indiana State University where they majored in theater with a focus in stage management. In their stage management experience, they have worked on a large variety of performances including new and devised works, musicals, and Shakespeare. Dakota spent two seasons with Crossroads Repertory Theatre where they worked on the electrics team (ROMEO AND JULIET; RING OF FIRE) and as an assistant stage manager (CLUE; I LOVED, I LOST, I MADE SPAGHETTI). Since moving to Chicago, they've worked on stage crew at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (MEASURE FOR MEASURE). Dakota is very excited for the opportunity to be apart of this show and to be working with Stage Left Theater.

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Jacob Shaffer (Dramaturg) is a dramaturg, playwright, and theatre maker based in Chicago. His most recent work was as stage manager for Midsommer Flight's annual production of "Twelfth Night" (his second year with the company) and ASM for "After The Blast" (Jeff Nominated) at Broken Nose. He has also worked with Pride Films and Plays. This is his first production with Stage Left! When not working on theatre, Jacob is a 'forever DM' playing Dungeons and Dragons and an avid cross-stitcher.

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Eric Cope (Production Manager/ Lighting Designer) is a lighting designer for theatre, dance, and corporate events.  His theatre work has been seen in New York, Florida, Texas, and Indiana.  Currently, he designs and manages a team of corporate lighting designers providing lighting for special events, trade shows, and specialty exhibits across the country.  He earned an MFA in Stage Design from Southern Methodist University.

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Jonathan Berg-Einhorn (Scenic Designer) Jonathan is a Chicago based designer and artisan. Favorite scenic design credits: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Mercury Theater),Hand to God (Paramount Theatre), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Citadel), Isaac’s Eye (Redtwist), Who Killed Joan Crawford? (Glitterati Productions), Alice in Wonderland, The ARC Trials (Mudlark Theatre); Curious George: The Golden Meatball (Hope Summer Repertory Theater); Brooke Astor’s Last Affair (Chicago Musical Theatre Festival), The Seven Deadly Sins, Endgame (Boston University). Jonathanbergeinhorn.com.​

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Andrés (Andy) Mota (Costume Designer) Andrés Mota is a Mexican costume designer now based in  Chicago. Graduated from The National School of  Theater Arts (Mexico City) B.A. degree in Theatre set design with specialization in Costume Design and Diplomas in Costumes for TV. Film and Advertising; Costume in the Clown. Some Mexican credits includes:  EL CASAMIENTO, OPCIÓN MÚLTIPLE, AURA (Opera version), TANTO RUIDO PARA NADA (National School of Fine Arts), TELEFONEMAS (Hefesto Teatro, University Theater Festival Finalists); Short films:  VERONICA, ADIOS HAMBURGO (Argos Productions) NADA CAMBIA? (SAE Institute Mexico); Dance performances: EN EL OMBLIGO DE LA LUNA (Contempo-Danza), HIBRISTOFILIA (National School of Classic and Contemporary Dance Mexico). Chicagoland credits “SOUTHERN GOTHIC” as Assistant Costume Designer/Wardrobe Coordinator, Costume Designer for BURIED CHILD (AstonRep), currently working as Costume Shop Manager at Dominica University and very proud and excited to be part of MAN OF THE PEOPLE with Stage Left Theater! 

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Rocky Kolecke (Properties Design) Rachelle “Rocky” Kolecke (Prop Designer) Thanks you for supporting the arts! Rocky has designed scenery, props and puppetry all over Chicagoland and N.Y. professionally since 2001. Her recent rentrace into Stage Management has been just as much fun. This credits her 68th production here in sweet home, Chicago. Recent Credits: WORKING, JPAC ‘23 running concurrently, THE BILLBOARD 16th St./Northwestern ‘22, LEGALLY BLONDE MPAC ‘21, ALABASTER 16th St. ‘19, X-MAS CUENTO 16th St. ‘19, EMMA Raue Center ‘19, SYLVIA Raue Center ‘18, NEVERMORE BBE ‘18, INTO THE WOODS MPAC ‘18, PETER AND STARCATCHER MPAC ‘17. Other Credits: CORALINE‘14, GEPPETTO ‘14, ENFRASCADA ‘12, THE STORY OF MY LIFE ‘10, TRESTLE AT POPE LICK CREEK ‘10, PRIVATE LIVES ‘10 , Disney’s ALADDIN ‘09, A WINTER’S TALE Chase Park ‘08, SHAKESPEARE SEASON Glimmerglass Opera ‘08, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ‘08, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ‘07, OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD ‘07. Check out her work on IG #rockypropartisan

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Bobbi Masters* (Artistic Director) Since taking the helm as Artistic Director,  Bobbi has directed the online streaming production of Crystal Skillman's OPEN and created the monthly new play reading series, Off-Stage Left. Throughout her career, she has worked in various roles in the development of countless new works. As a director, her work has been seen regionally at theatres such as Kitchen Dog Theatre (where she served as an artistic associate) to Off-Off Broadway at Theatre for the New City. She previously served as Resident Director at Coffee Black Productions and an Artistic Associate at Milk Can Theatre. Bobbi currently teaches Theatre and Speech at City Colleges of Chicago. She earned her MFA in directing at Southern Illinois University- Go Saluki's! For more information, please visit her website www.bobbimasters.com

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David Heimann (Managing Director) enjoys working in every aspect of theatrical production from performance, to direction, to producing. His last performance with Stage Left Theatre was in The Secret of the Old Queen. Over 20 years of performing and directing in Chicago has privileged David with working with numerous theatre companies including Pegasus Players, Chicago Kids Company, Theo Ubique Theatre, and Porchlight Theater. David directed the shows for the World Scout Jamboree in 2019. AMDG.

 

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Membership Program

Stage Left fans and supporters can help Stage Left through these challenging times for live performance, get access to all our public programming for the 2022-23 Season, and receive invitations to special VIP-only events, by taking advantage of our new Membership program. Annual Memberships are $115 and replace our traditional subscription programs. Memberships can be purchased on our website.

 

About Stage Left

Founded in 1982, Stage Left Theatre is committed to developing and producing plays that raise the level of debate and challenge perspectives on political and social issues. Through a full mainstage season and our new play development program Downstage Left, Stage Left strives to ask provocative social and political questions by producing a mix of new works, regional premieres and timeless classics.

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Board of Directors

President: Angelique Sallas, Ph.D.

Melissa Lindberg, Ph.D.

Carl Nyberg

Ron Schofield

Eric Cope

 

Stage Left Staff

Artistic Director: Bobbi Masters

Managing Director: David Heimann

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Artistic Ensemble: 

Kyle Aschbrenner

Caleb Jenkins

Darren Jones

Hannah Kfoury

Robert Mosby Jr.

Stephanie Murphy

Rachel Van

Christopher Wayland

Seth Wilson

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Artistic Ensemble: 

Kenneth Martin

Shawn Smith

Carina Lastimosa

Natividad Salgado

Andrews Mota

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Emeritus Ensemble 

Leigh Barrett

Kate Black-Spence

Larry Dahlke

Cat Dean

Melanie Derleth

Christine Gatto

Marguerite Hammersley

Kevin Heckman

Lisa Herceg

Jessi D. Hill

John Kohn III

Cory Krebsbach

M.E.H. Lewis

Melissa Lindberg

Mia McCullough

Brian Plocharczyk

David Rush

John Sanders

David Schmitz

Jack Short

Jacki Singleton

Vance Smith

Don Tieri

Jack Tippett

Sandra Verthein

 

Special Thank You To:

Lost Eras

Amy Peter

Eric Luchen

Amanda Herrmann

Jesse Gaffney

Ariel Madrid

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