Cast announced for IN THE BACK / ON THE FLOOR
Stage Left Theatre announces the cast for the upcoming production of IN THE BACK / ON THE FLOOR - a world premiere by playwright Ken Green and directed by Rachel Van. The new play examines the issues that minimum wage workers face through the lives of employees at a big-box retail store. Performances take place at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642. Press opening is Friday, April 28, 2023. The show runs through May 28th.
THE CAST
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.
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).
ASHLEY-MARIE CHAVEZ (Julie) is a graduate from Nort
hern 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.
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 UG
LY 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.
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.
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,
THE CREATIVES:
The cast is supported by an extraordinary creative team of directors and designers, including Ken Green – Playwright, Rachel Van – Director, Dakota Allen - Stage Manager, Eric Cope - Production Manager and Lighting Designer, David Heimann - Managing Director, Jonathan Berg-Einhorn - Scenic Designer and Technical Director, Jake Sorgen - Sound Designer. Andrés (Andy) Mota - Costume Designer, Rocky Kolecke - Props Designer, Carlos Lux - Asst. Stage M
anager. Kenneth Martin - Covid Compliance Officer. Stage Left Theatre’s ensemble and creative team for IN THE BACK / ON THE FLOOR are led by Artistic Director, Bobbi Masters.
THE PLAY
IN THE BACK/ON THE FLOOR examines the issues that minimum wage workers face through the lives of several employees at a big-box retail store. Though paid the least, these workers are asked to bear the heaviest burden for the good of profit. They are often seen as easily replaceable parts, but also expected to believe they are members of a "family." When one worker with ambition sees his dreams of advancement within the organization stunted, the situation raises the forbidden word - "union."
“Even as our country is fresh off the heels of proclaiming the heroic nature of essential workers, many struggle with working conditions, long hours, and stilted hope. IN THE BACK/ ON THE FLOOR is for anyone who knows the grind of the workforce is out of sync with the smile on the packaging.” says Artistic Director Bobbi Masters. “Stage Left Theatre is very excited to present this relevant new play at this critical time in the rewriting of America post-pandemic.”
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