Byron Blevins ("Hamm" in The Hamlet Plays: Baloney) · Most Recent Role: "My most recent role was as 'Rudy' in the underground experimental film Pangea by Andrew H. Shirley, which screened at Anthology Film Archives." · Day Job: "Vagabond and Hobo as well as experienced Social Worker and Bartender, also as a New York sound technician." · The Road to NYC: "Born and raised in Virginia, beautiful Virginia. Attended college at Hunter College in Manhattan.   After living in New York City for five years I moved to Los Angeles. Came back screaming two months ago!" · Favorite Thing About Being An Actor: "The warm fuzzy feeling I get." · Dream Gig: "I always wanted to play Edgar (the good brother) in King Lear." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I have written a play and two screenplays and have worked in other areas of theatre production, primarily as a sound technician and engineer." · Me in Three Words: "Red - Yellow - Green" · What I Love About Theatre: "The collaborative effort and uncertainty of 'live' art." · First Gig: "Began acting at age four as a mouse. They made me wear tights. It made me feel...." · Parting Thoughts: "Glad to be here!"

Terry Berliner (Director, The Hamlet Plays: The Player King Musical) · Most Recent Gig: "This season I directed a workshop production of Bill C. Davis's play Spine at The Barrow Group; produced and directed the TheatreWorks USA 2005 Gala; directed and choreographed a production of Urinetown for UMass Dartmouth; conceived, directed and choreographed an original rock/pop show entitled East Meets West for MasterCard and the PGA on the Big Island of Hawaii, Four Seasons Hotel; directed a production of Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will? for Maui Onstage; directed a production of The Mercy Seat at the Producer's Club in New York City; and wrote a six-part Feature Article entitled 'The Game of Love and Chance' for American Theatre magazine. Currently I am working on a new play by Tom Althouse entitled The Rivers Worthmore. " · Day Job: "I'm a director. I do all freelance work." · Born, Raised, Education: "I'm originally from San Francisco. I was raised in San Francisco and the South Bay. I went to undergraduate school at the University of Colorado, Boulder and graduate school at UCLA." · Time in NYC: "I've lived in New York for 13 years. I came. I stayed. I have too many stories to tell just one here." · Dream Gig: "I'd like to direct some aspect of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics or the Super Bowl." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I also write and choreograph." · Special Skills: "I use what I need when I need it." · Me in Three Words: "Honest. Creative. Relentless." · What I Love About Theatre: "The dialogue between the audience and the performers onstage--I love the exchange." · How I Got Started: "The minute I could tell people what to do I did."

Walter Brandes ("Guildenstern" in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) • Most Recent Role: "I recently appeared in George Bernard Shaw's The Village Wooing playing "A" (leading role). This was in Oberon Theatre Ensemble's One-Act Festival where I also directed Rich Orloff's The Lion Tamer and a play I wrote, Well-Laid Desert , was produced - directed by the awesome Eric Parness." • Day Job: "I work for Centre Re as an Executive Assistant for 6 people. This is a reinsurance company. My bosses are all very nice and extremely supportive of my artistic endeavors. Without this job, it would be tough to make end's meet. The company is full of really great people." • The Journey to New York City:"I was born in Columbia, SC but spent most of my childhood and teen years in Bartlesville, OK. I went to college at Avila College in Kansas City, MO. Afterwards I bartended for 3 years. I then went to USC in Columbia for my Masters. Kinda hated that program. What was extremely beneficial, however, was a one-year internship at The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington DC. Afterwards, I tossed around the idea of remaining a guitar player with an alternative band that I got involved with in South Carolina or to go to New York to pursue acting further. I chose NYC and have been here 6 years. The city has been very kind to me." • On New York: "NYC is the theatre-mecca. That is why I stay. I also love making friends in the city. Don't even get me started on the restaurant-scene. YUM!" • Favorite Thing About Being and Actor: "Every show I get involved with either produce professional contacts or very close friends or combos of both." • Least Favorite: "The industry is very tricky and fickle. The odds are consistently against you. Rejection is a huge part of the business, but all of these have been character building and have truly tested my love for it all." • Nightmare Audition: "I once auditioned for a play that later I found out was a comedy about 9/11.   Since this was but one or two years after 9/11, the red-lights were going off inside my brain. It's a long story but to sum up = it was a horrible script, the director introduced himself and then said "So...you want to be an actor", the director had me read the part of Alice and insisted that it was a man even thought the script clearly said 3 women sitting around talking, he complimented my work--showed me a stack of headshots and went on a diatribe of how tough it is to cast a show, and I had strong suspicions that he was a bit crazy in the noggin'. I just felt unclean after that audition." • Dream Roles: " I would love to play HOTSPUR in King Henry the Fourth, BOLINGBROKE in Richard the Second, ARIEL in The Tempest, Young HENRY VIII in A Man For All Seasons, LUTHER in Luther, IAGO in Othello, MAX in Scnitzler's Anatol .....too many to list." • Plays I Love: "Plays I would love to be involved in include Alfred the Great by Israel Horovitz, The Just Assassins by Camus, The Menaechmi by Plautus, The Maid's Tragedy by Beaumont and Fletcher.....too many to list." • People I Want to Work With: "Who would I like to work with? I have already worked with great directors and fellow-actors (R&G crew included). As long as that continues, that would be phenomenal. Caliber of work means much more than just the name. I just want to make a financial living off of it all." • Other Theatrical Skills: "I direct and I am also a playwright. I have 4 one-act plays and one full-length. I am currently working on my second full-length." • Why I'm an Actor: " I think I am consistently fascinated with the human condition which is why a continuing exploration of it is growingly effecting. These include psychology, ethics, religion, literature, politics, history balanced with current events and how they compare, etc.   I also like finding out who people are - so many times our lives are touched from those we know." • Me in Three Words: "Maybe a bit too serious at times, maybe a bit too immature at times....but I certainly hope to be a spiritual, eclectic person who is surrounded by people of various individualities who also happen to be really cool."• What I Love About Theatre: "It's a constant lesson in life. The creativity of those around me are always mind-blowing to me." • First Role: "There is not a lot of theatre in Oklahoma. When I was twelve, my mom made me watch Becket with Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole. I sure as hell didn't want to watch it, but it was one of those movies where I was upset that it was over....I wanted it to go on forever. From that point on I was hooked and knew I wanted to do classical plays. The next day I bought a copy of Becket and A Midsummer Night's Dream from a used bookstore." • Favorite Production on my Resume: "What jumps out in my head is Measure For Measure at Oberon Theatre Ensemble. Eric Parness is a wonderful director. Oberon is also a fantastic company. Also a production of The Cherry Orchard directed by Steve Hart in Brooklyn. The recently closed One-Act Festival produced by Oberon that I mentioned above also falls into my fond memory pile. I am quite sure R&G R DED will be there as well." • Parting Thoughts: "Milk Can Theatre Company is rad! (I am well aware that I used a term from the 80's). Much love to Christine and my family."

John Buxton (The Hamlet Plays: Decisive) · Most Recent Role: "I was a party host for an episode of a reality tv show called 'Party Girl' on the Discovery Home Network.   It was a party planning show where 'Party Girl' Kathy threw a murder mystery party for me and my friends in honor of my recent move to New York.   It was a lot of me 'improvising' excitement!" · Day Job: "I am a server at Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard on 27th and Park.   A highlight is that I get to hear a lot of amazing jazz acts perform while working." · Road to NYC: "I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas.   I went to the University of Kansas and completed a degree in acting, then went on to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in the UK for three years.   I've been in New York City just over 6 months.   I came to pursue an acting career after 7 years of intense training.   So far I still feel like I'm just getting settled here, but I'm having a great time." · Favorite Thing About Acting: "Its unexpected nature." · Least Favorite: "Its unexpected nature." · Dream Gig: "I would love to be able to go back to London and perform.   I was in a world premier last year of a play called The People's Temple about the Jim Jones cult.   A reading of it has been done recently for Kevin Spacey, so I would love to be able to be in that if it went on to the Old Vic." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I love directing and music directing.   I play piano and am a songwriter.   I love figuring out how to use music in straight plays." · I Love Theatre Because: "I can pretend to be anything I want without the actual responsibility of being it!" · First Gig:   "When I was a kid in musicals at my church.   The production I remember most was when I was 10 and played Jesus in a pageant.   Being a member of divinity seemed to suit me."

Zack Calhoon ("The Player" in Rosencrantz and Guldenstern are Dead) • This is Zack's third production with The Milk Can Theatre Company. He was previously seen in Twelfth Night and Peace. • Most Recent Role: "I played Variation in the Boomerang Theatre Company World Premiere Giant-N-Variation.   Giant and Variation are two twin bulls that spend their time having philosophical conversations much like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, only they eat grass." · Day Job: "I'm a temp.   Enough said." · The Road to New York City: "I was born in Hopkinsville, KY.   I grew up in Salem, Oregon.   I attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts where I received a BFA in Drama.   I studied at the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School and the Classical Studio under the direction of Louis Scheeder." · On New York City: "I've been in NYC for 9 years . . . including college.   I came here because I wanted to go to NYU and I stayed because I love the city and all it has to offer an actor." · Favorite Thing About Being an Actor: "I love the power of the medium and the once in a lifetime experiences that can happen when you're in a scene with someone." · Dream Gig: "Playing Mr. Right in the World Premiere of Buzz by Susan Ferrara in an Off Broadway Venue.   I want to help Susan tell this amazing story and shed some light on a part of history that shouldn't have been forgotten." · Other Theatrical Talents: "I sing and I just finished writing my first play Krueger. " · Special Skills: "A gentleman never tells." · Me in Three Words: "Intense, funny, and dedicated" · Why I Love Theatre: "The communal experience and the rush." · First Gig: "I was 9.   I went to a performance of plays by a summer program called Childrens Educational Theatre.   I thought, 'I can do that.'   I asked my mother to get me in the program. She thought, 'Great, got child care covered.'   So the next year I participated in the program and after winning an award for playing a dog, I was hooked.   I've been treading the boards ever since." · Favorite Production on My Resume: "I got the chance to play the title role in Hamlet for the Dreamscape Theatre at Manhattan Theatre Source.   The actors never left the stage and the play was done in the round.   The whole play was created by the actors.   I believe that production helped me to truly find my voice and become more comfortable with myself as an actor." · Parting Thoughts: "Keep going." -- Sir Antony Sher

Dennis Clark (The Hamlet Plays: The Player King Musical) · Most Recent Gig: "Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain at the Venice Little Theatre in Venice, Florida.   There's nothing like dancing that title number in the rain onstage!" · Day Job: "I do freelance data entry for computers, but mostly I actually work as a professional actor.   However, it is nice to have another job that I can do on my own schedule to be able to attend auditions." · Road to NYC: "I was born and raised in New Hartford, NY which is upstate between Syracuse and Albany.   I attended SUNY Geneseo and received two degrees, one in Music (Vocal Performance) and the other in Mass Communication.   I minored in Musical Theatre.   I technically moved to NY in 2002, but how much time have I actually spent in the city?   About a total of 6 months.   I work at regional theatres outside of the city mostly.   I came here to become a professional actor.   I stay here because this is one of the major theatre industry areas." · Favorite Thing About The Biz: "My favorite thing about being an actor is getting people to feel things, whether it is happy, sad, angry or whatever.    Being a part of what others are feeling is magical." · Least favorite: "My least favorite is performing for people who don't appreciate what you are doing.   A good example of this is a friend of mine was doing a production of Ruthless in Florida and when she finished the song 'I Hate Musicals' an older lady in the front row said loudly, 'This show is for idiots!'" · Dream Gig: "I would say that a dream role would be Momma Rose in Gypsy .   Cause they wouldn't call it a dream role if it was possible right?   And they just don't write powerhouse roles like that for men!" · Other Theatrical Skills: "I also direct, and have been getting more into that lately.   It is great to get inside an actor's head, especially being one myself and helping them create characters right in front of you." · Special Skills: "I always joke about this. I have NO special skills, well, none that I would put on my resume." · Me in Three Words: "Considerate, Dependable and Passionate." · Why I Love The Theatre: "Again, it would have to be getting people to feel things, whether it is happy, sad, angry or whatever.    Being a part of what others are feeling is magical." · First Gig: "My first project was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs when I was eleven.   I played Doc, it was a great feeling to make people laugh and have a good time.   I always say I started acting because I am a middle child.   I wasn't the oldest, I wasn't the baby, I had to stand out somehow!" · Favorite Project on My Resume: "One of the best productions I have ever done was As Thousands Cheer at the New Harmony Theatre in Indiana.   It was the most perfectly rounded ensemble I have ever worked with.   From the actors, musicians to director and stage crew everyone was always at the top of their game.   My mother (also one of my toughest critics) and my aunt came and they said about the 6 person ensemble production, 'Those were 6 VERY talented people up there.'"

Tom Cleary ("Polonius" in Rosencrants and Guildenstern are Dead) · Most Recent Gig: "The most recent role I played was Spew, the long-haired, mumbling, avant-garde London artist in the Drilling Company's Revenge 2 . It was a night of short original plays based on a central theme Revenge." · Day Job: "My day job is an Admin. Asst. at a midtown law firm. Highlights include getting to choose what font suits my fancy on a particular day. Lowlights include.the same." · The Road to NYC: "I'm from Ridgefield, CT. I was born in Poughkeepsie, NY. I went to college at Villanova University. I've been in NYC for five years. I came to expand my actor training, and my horizons.   I stayed because there's no place like New York!" · My New York Story: "My 2 former roommates from Philly had moved the West Coast 7 years ago. We lost touch. One moved to Seattle, the other to Denver. I ran into them both at deli in midtown years later. They happened to be in New York for separate reasons and got together. I ran into them at a midtown deli that weekend. We were blown away." · Favorite Thing About Being an Actor: "My favorite thing about being an actor is that I can't explain how magical it is for me." · Dream Gig: "Dream gig is to play Iago at Lincoln Center opposite Andre Braugher in Othello, directed by Michael Langham. Hey, dream big!" · Me in Three Words: "Effusive, tender, generous." · What I Love About Theatre: "It holds profound personal meaning to the audience, the actor, and what we share." · First Gig: "I started in the chorus of My Fair Lady at age 12. I immersed myself. And loved singing in a cockney accent." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "Purlie was the one of the best productions I've ever worked on. The cast made it great. A multitude of love and talent and positive energy. What a group! Loved that cast."

Timothy Cole (The Hamlet Plays: Baloney) began acting when he was just 11 years old. He was originally born in Morristown, NJ. At the age of five, his parents decided to mix things up a bit and take him on tour of the east coast. As time went by, he found himself living in an array of states, which included Flordia, Pennsylvania, and finally Maine, where he spent the majority of his youth. Eventually, he relocated to good ol' New York City, where he began studying at the School for Film and Television and marketing himself as the film and television actor we see today. Although Timothy works on stage, behind the scenes, and with well known casting directors, his greatest passion is being in front of the camera. No matter where his career may take him, he believes this wonderful craft will always be a way of life.

Sharon E. Cooper (Co-Production Manager and Playwright, The Hamlet Plays: The Match) · Day Job: "How much space do you have? I'm currently directing Done to Death at the Browning School for Boys. I also teach yoga, spinning, and toning classes at the YMCA and Excelsior Club. And I tutor in English, Creative Writing, etc. And I edit a newsletter for WISTA, a women's shipping and trading association. AND--just kidding, that's it. I think." · The Road to New York: "I divide my life into Malden, Mass, Chesterfield, Virginia and New York City. Three very different parts of my life. I attended Longwood College, now Longwood University, in Farmville (yes that's the name) Virginia.   I've been in the New York area for six years this August and in New York City about five years. Directly after college, I was teaching high school English in city school and kept trying to be the students' cheerleader and convince them that they could do anything, travel anywhere, have a really big life. I knew I was a great teacher, but it wasn't my dream to be a teacher and so after two years of giving students the advice to follow their guts, I packed up my Honda Accord and left Virginia." · Favorite Part of Being a Playwright: "What I love about being a playwright is placing my ear to the floor and just listening. I love that in any emotional moment in my life, I can also look at it and laugh at the "would this make a good scene" question. I love that I wrote a play at sixteen when I had only seen a handful in my life. I love when the lights in the house go down before a show that I'm excited to see. I love being part of a theatre community." · Least Favorite: "Yeah. The play I wrote called A Year in New York has plenty of these moments--strange producers who want to do your show on the second floor of a deli, etc." · Dream Gig: "Being produced at the Public and doing something for the Jon Stewart show--I can't tell you the number of times I've watched the news in disgust and then thought, I hope the Jon Stewart show does a spoof on this. And having a movie produced by a major enough company that I have more artistic freedom and more time to create." · Special Skill: "Looking down at my cell phone and thinking--with these two trains and three block walk, I'll be there in 37 minutes--I'm usually write on the money." · Me in Three Words:   "I don't know. I guess indecisive." · Getting Into The Biz: "In elementary school, I did those 'young author' books, and wrote poetry. In middle school, I started a journal. I've written it in on and off ever since. Sometimes I'll look back and see what I was thinking in 1990 and see if I'm complaining about the same old shit or if I'm as passionate as I was then. I think I am." · Favorite Show on My Resume: "Working on the staged reading of Door of Hope was great because I had spent so much time doing research and was finally working with a hugely diverse cast on a topic I care about deeply. I've also laughed almost non-stop as a director at the Browning School. And I love the ten minute shows we do with Milk Can." · Parting Thoughts: "Whew! And Julie Balzer is the first theatre person I worked with in New York six years ago. And she still wants me around apparently. And I'd like to tell my boyfriend that when these shows are over, we'll hang out for more than a few hours at a time. I promise."

Cheryl Davis (Playwright, The Hamlet Plays: The Lamp's Lit) · Most Recent Gig: "The most recent play I wrote was a 10-minute musical in the course of one week for the Raw Impressions Music Theatre about two conwomen." · Day Job: "I'm a partner at a small midtown Manhattan law firm.   It entails much writing, talking on phones, and assisting (and occasionally comforting) clients in their time of need.   Highlights - helping and being productive.   Lowlights - dealing with opposing attorneys who engage in unnecessary posturing." · Born, Raised, Education: "Born in Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC, raised primarily in Mt. Vernon, New York (except for a few preschool years in da Bronx).   I attended Princeton University and Columbia University Schools of Law and Journalism.   In my copious spare time, I ponder having infinite time and money and pursuing a doctorate in English History/Theater.   Then I wake up." · Time in NYC: "I was here for a few days shortly after birth, then moved back again to attend Law School in 1983.   I stay because I love it and consider it the center of the known universe.   (One of) my best New York stories is:   I was in a cab with a couple of girl friends, and the cabbie was a cute, energetic young man.   He'd just fallen in love and was gushing about his new girl friend.   He was so excited, when he stopped at the next red light, he hopped out of the cab and ran to a payphone to call her (this being the days before cellphones).   We sat there in silence for a moment, until my best friend said:   'At least he could turn off the meter!'" · Favorite Thing About the Biz: "As an actor, I liked playing the funny sidekick.   As a writer, I love telling stories no one's heard before.   Got 'a' story?   I've got lots." · Least Favorite: "Least favorite thing about acting - auditioning.   Least favorite thing about writing is people rejecting my work based upon their own misperceptions, not what I actually wrote." · Dream Gig: "Dream   Gig - Being the mistress of a prominent film actor who shall remain nameless (in case this ever gets into his hands, I don't want him to think I wouldn't say 'Yes' to his marriage proposal).   Dream writing gig - writing a show of which I'm proud, having it produced on Broadway, getting rave reviews, Tony, Pulitzer, all that jazz." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I have acted in my (more) youthful past.   I have also directed but realized it doesn't float my boat and decided to leave this to those whose boat it does in fact float.   I've also sung (okay), danced (rather well) and choreographed (somewhere between 'okay' and 'rather well')." · Special Skill: "Being able to make a kissing gourami face - it sends small children wild, especially when I pull in for a smooch." · Me in Three Words: "Smart, funny and sweet.   (And you better agree, Goddammit)." · Why I Love Theatre: "The ritual and the audience.    A group of strangers gather in a room to share an experience that will never happen just that way again." · First Gig: "Acting, in grade school.   Writing, the same.   I tried to write a play for my second grade class and tried to have a role for everyone so no one would feel left out." · Favorite Project On My Resume: "Theatreworks' premiere production of my play The Color of Justice .   The set, costumes, performances, everything was just lovely and the experience itself, albeit terrifying, was great." · Parting Thoughts: "I'd like to thank the Academy . . . no wait.   I think that speech needs another rewrite."

Pat Diamond (Director, The Hamlet Plays: The Match) · Most Recent Gig: "In terms of things I've most recently directed- Bloody Mary - Part of Dread Awakening - produced by the Thursday Problem.   Also, I did Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro in February in Sarasota, and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet at the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival." · Day Job: "Directing." · Road to NYC: "I was born in Boise, ID; I grew up in Albuquerque, NM.   I went to Tufts University have a BA in Drama and African and New World Studies, and hold an MFA from Yale School of Drama.   I have lived in San Francisco, Santa Fe, Dallas, and New York at various times when not in college." · Time in NYC: "9 years.   I came here because we were living in CT, and I was working in New York.   It was easier for both of us to just move than commuting.   Stayed because, even though I am from a much more rural community, the diversity here made me feel very much at home.   It's better and easier to live here than in San Francisco." · Favorite Thing About Being a Director: "I like working with other people.   I really like seeing what other people's ideas are, and exploring how one person's interpretation can be totally different from someone else's.   Somehow, under the best circumstances, if you all pay attention and take great care, it becomes something that no one person made happen- it is completely shared, and often no one person can take ownership of an idea.   It's funny that I ended up doing this, because I was originally going to be a diplomat.   I was suffering through comparative politics of developing nations when I decided to just go for the arts instead of the politics.   Little did I know that I'd get both in the end." · Least Favorite: "I don't like it when people don't listen.   And, although as a director that can have many meanings, I mean it in the context of just not taking the time to pay attention to what is going on around them.   It happens surprisingly often, but thing that really gets to me is when the person just does not want to listen, and so does not.   In the end, the work all ends up being phoned in without any real depth or meaning.   It drives me crazy when I can't get someone to listen." · Dream Gig: "I think that the dream gig would be working on any Shakespearian comedy.   I just find them so rewarding to work on- the comedies and the romances just give you so much to work with and keep the creative juices flowing." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I first started out as an electrician at Studio Colossal and Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco and worked as a stage hand at the Santa Fe Opera.    I have a fair amount of training in scenic painting, and was put to use as an additional scenic charge at the opera." · Special Skill: "Hmm- I think belching on command." · Me in Three Words: "Goofy, thoughtful, human." · Why I Love Theatre: "It's the only thing that changes slightly night to night based on the subtle interactions of the spectator.   It is truly an art made in a community, and, if it taps into this, can change the community that creates it." · Favorite Project On My Resume: "I think the best thing I've worked on to date was a production of La Boheme that I did last year.   It was full of young, hungry performers who were willing to take risks, and it wasn't about sadness, dying, and sickness, it was about working to celebrate life.   The coolest thing about it for me, was that the singers were not afraid of the fact that making the celebration possible put a lot of the responsibility on their shoulders, because the production itself was stark and minimal, and the joie de vivre had to come from the personalities of the characters, and their imaginations.    It worked, and, I think this helped make Mimi's death very powerful at the end."

David A. Ellis ("Dusty" in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) · Most Recent Gig: "I played assorted roles in The American Dream and Other Fractured Fairy Tales . It was produced by Streetlight Productions. It is an original ensemble piece. · Day Job: "Waiter at Home restaurant in the west Village." · Born, Raised, Education: Born and raised in Washington DC. Attended Oberlin college, and got a BA in Mathematics and Theater. · Time in NYC: "I have been in NYC for about 4 years. I moved to NYC from Cleveland OH to try my hand at auditioning in NY." · Favorite Thing About Being an Actor: "It makes people think in different ways.   I was working as an actor/teacher in schools in Cleveland with Great Lakes Theater and had one kid after class come up to me a say that he was always made to feel that he was always wrong, but due to the workshop he was feeling like he could feel comfortable to   be himself." · Dream Gig: "I would love to work for Cirque Du Soleil as a clown. I have much respect for their work and feel that they are one of the better circuses out there and allow a lot of artistic exploration." · Special Skill: "Juggling. It's fun to play with gravity." · Me in Three Words: "Silly, sarcastic, and caring." · What I Love About Theatre: "I feel it is a way to connect to people. To make them think and be entertained." · First Gig: "I started acting when I was 14. I always wanted to act because I watched my brother and sister perform while they were in high school. I finally got a chance when I auditioned for Twelfth Night at my high school freshman year. After the show I knew I found what I wanted to do." · Favorite Project On My Resume: "A Piece of My Heart .   It was a show about the Vietnam War, during the run of the show we had a lot of veterans come to the show and we had talk back after the show. It was very emotional show, and it was wonderful to see the reaction from the veterans."

Nick Fondulis (Actor in The Hamlet Plays: The Match) · Most Recent Gig: "The most recent role I played was the role of Prometheus in the play Prometheus Passion.   It was with the Sturm Und Drang company.   Interesting details, hmm well it was a new take on how the Greek God Prometheus brought fire to mankind and I also was the fight choreographer for the show." · Day Job: "I am the host of the children's tour Arithmetickles, with the Children's Theater Center.   It's a one-man interactive show that tours schools all over the country and helps blend math and fun.   I mainly work in the tri-state area.   It's a fun job because I like to work with kids and the main highlight is seeing kids get high fives and mini like celebrity status after getting up on stage.   A low point was definitely when I faced my first heckler in any stage setting.   It was a little guy in probably 4th grade who hated the idea of math and fun from the get go, shouting boos and 'get off the stage' even before I got out to begin.   When I noticed that no teacher was going to reprimand him I used a sheriff character I've worked into the show to tell him to shut his trapper, which was quite effective and the other kids enjoyed it." · Born and Raised: "Born and raised in Manorville, NY, which is on Long Island.   Went to college at Syracuse University where I majored in Acting and minored in English.   I just graduated this past May." · Time in NYC: "I don't live in the city so I can't say how long I've been here, but I've been auditioning and rehearsing and all that good stuff since September 2004.   New York seemed to make the most sense for me.   I love the city, most of my friends are here and I can save money by living at home and still pursue my dream of an acting career." · Favorite Thing About Being an Actor: "My favorite thing about being an actor is getting to be and experience new things almost daily.   It might sound cheesy, but I love to explore and see and taste new sensations and meet new people, and being an actor means I get to do that on a daily basis.   It could mean finding new aspects within myself through auditioning or through playing a character, or even getting the opportunity to think a different way and experience a different time or place than I'm used to.   I also love the chance to be open minded enough that you can understand almost any point of view.   You never know when you'll have to play a part that thinks on a totally different wavelength than yourself and that has to be justifiable." · Least Favorite: "I sometimes have trouble memorizing lines.   It's frustrating because it doesn't happen all the time, only when I least expect it." · Dream Gig: "My dream role is and has always been to play Superman in some way, shape or form.   I know that it's a far-fetched dream, based on my own lack of muscles, but I'm including voicing him in a cartoon as part of this.   Since I can remember putting on my own underwear there has been a Superman symbol on them and I've been an avid reader of his comics since the 4th grade.   The character of Superman has always been able to captivate me personally and I would love to be able to do that for others by stepping into those red boots." · Other theatrical skills:   "I am a writer who is currently in the process of writing my first full length play, and also a comic book.   I am also a director and am currently directing the show Finding Wonder , which is part of the Bad Musicals Festival at the Downeast Arts Center.   I'm a certified stage combatant in Broadsword and Unarmed Combat and have choreographed the fake fights, as I like to call them, in a number of shows.   Hmm, o yea I can also work a sound board." · Special Skill: "I can do a velociraptor impersonation.   It's something I've been doing since the 9 th grade and didn't do for a bunch of years because of an instance where I bit a kid.   I've since gotten over that and because it's listed on my special skills, I have had to whip it out in auditions.   I had a request in an audition where I was asked to do my take on a one-man kitchen scene from the movie Jurassic Park and also a time when, and this was my personal favorite, I was asked to do Mercutio's Queen Mab monologue as a velociraptor. · Me in Three Words: "frank. wishful. poop." · What I Love About Theatre: "Theatre is the most intimate I can be with a room of people without the police being involved.   I also love the finality and spontaneity of it.   There's no place to call for a cut or edit, once you're up there, you're up there, and you have to deal with whatever is thrown your way." · First Gig: "I started acting at summer camp in the show You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown .   I think it was the summer before second grade, or maybe first.   I actually remember when the auditions where happening I decided I wanted to do it because it sounded like being on TV and I liked TV.   I don't remember much of the production, I just know that it felt so good that there was never any other option for me when it came to the choose our activity part of the summer.   I always chose the plays." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "I did a production of Romeo and Juliet at the Guild Hall Theater in Easthampton in which I played Romeo.   This show, its cast and especially the director, Josh Gladstone are responsible for the love I have of Shakespeare today.   There was such emphasis put on our own understanding of the Bard's words and the dualities that could be played through them that for the first time in my life I began to actually understand his strange language.   Josh instilled in us a method of breaking down the text and reforming it so effectively that I haven't faltered at the sight of it since.   It was one of those shows that when it closes, it feels as though you are leaving a family and will always be one of my fondest memories of theater."

Catherine Gowl ("Gertrude" in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) · Most Recent Gig: "'Crossbreed' in Animals that Live in the Mirror by Laura Jones-Katz, one of four plays in the Brooklyn College Adaptation Festival that performed the first two weeks of April at the 13th Street Theater and was curated by Mac Wellman. The play was an adaptation of Borges' autobiographical short story The South and follows one man's journey through injury-induced hallucination. Largely counter-textual, the piece drew language from Borges' Book of Imaginary Animals, and Arabian Nights as well as from the short story itself." · Day Job: "I am a legal assistant in a   French investment bank: Calyon. Essentially, I babysit lawyers. This means creating files, answering the phone, doing minor research, organizing everything, transcribing dictation... you get the picture. I am quite lucky, in that the gentleman I work for is truly a gentleman. He understands that my passion lies elsewhere and lets me leave for auditions and rehearsals within reason. Nothing has been 'without' reason yet." · Born, Raised, Education: "I was born and raised in Manhattan. I went to Harvard and got my degree in the History and Literature of France and America." · Time in NYC: "After college, and a three month stint writing for an adventure travel guide in Alaska, I returned to NYC. I came here because this is where you come if you want to pursue a stage career and because I know and love New York. I've spent three summers in Edinburgh and five months working on a documentary film in Taos, New Mexico. All of these were healthy and expansive departures from the world I know here, but they were beautiful precisely because they were bracketed. I knew I would come back." · Favorite Thing About Being An Actor: "Empathy. Period. I believe that acting is the never ending search for empathy. In other words, acting is about being human. After a performance of the Pitchfork Disney , a good friend approached me shaking and said that we had shown him a part of himself he previously could not name." · Least favorite: "The necessary prostitute role early in your New York career." · Dream Gig: "The woman in Tiny Dynamite, or Blackbird, or After the End . Almost anything by Shanley. I am generally drawn to shows constructed largely of tight two-person scenes. I could go on, there are many great roles out there in many worthy pieces, but at base, I'm more interested in the dream 'gig,' namely being a member of a company that collaboratively generates its own work." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I can help make things stand up." · Special Skill: "I can wiggle my lips/nose a la the woman in Bewitched . Sadly, they didn't ask me before they cast Nicole Kidman." · Me in Three Words: "Nope. Sorry." · First Gig: "When I was quite little I began writing plays for my mother and myself to perform at family reunions. My friends and I would improvise for ours for our parents whenever given the chance. However, I truly began acting because I could sing. I'd been taking voice lessons and doing recitals and the school musicals for years when in 10th grade the high school director asked me to audition for the straight play. I did, was cast in the lead, and I've been doing it ever since. I played Mike (an 11 year old boy) in Donald Marguiles' Found A Peanut . I realized that spoken theater has its own score, a greater opportunity for virtuosity and tells stories I am interested in telling more often than musicals." · Favorite Project On My Resume: "This is obviously subjective, but my favorite production was I'm Not Peter Pan by the Lift Group, performed at the Cherry Lane Theater in NYC and the Underbelly Theater in Edinburgh. One of the most talented directors of my acquaintance, who is also a great friend asked me to come work on a project about Peter Pan. He pulled four actors a playwright and a dramaturg into a room, handed us a copy of Peter Pan the novel, Peter Pan the play and some critical essays about Barrie and Pan. He told us who we were: Wendy, Hook, Tink, Pan, told us that there was something about Peter Pan that haunted him (and everyone) and that our job as a company was to find out what that was, distill it and put it on stage. For two months we did nothing but composition work. The actors went away for a week, and the playwright and director pieced together what we had created. Upon our return, the actors were surprised to find that our own words appeared verbatim in the text, that we had indeed created relationships and a world. We fine tuned for a month and performed for two months so that the show never ceased to grow and change. What made this show great? I made it, I made it with people I cared about, about a topic I cared about, and it worked. It moved people. I still think about it and how Catherine of today would deliver the closing monologue."

ML Kinney (Playwright and Director, The Hamlet Plays: Baloney) · Most Recent Gig: "Directed The Milk Can Theatre Company production of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man. An interesting journey. The one thing I adore about the Milk Can Company is that it allows you the space to succeed and fail. I truly believe as an artist that each is viable in the process. I wouldn't say that the production of Arms and the Man necessarily failed, but it missed the mark. I feel it was a strong production that took risks and definitely got people talking. Like it or hate everyone seemed to have an opinion - which is what theatre is about!" · Day Job: "I am the Membership Services Administrator for ESTA - a trade association for commercial companies involved in live entertainment technology." · Born, Raised, and Education: "Born and raised in Mass. I attended Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. Part of the Five College System - Hampshire is unique in it's approach to education   - a multidisciplinary approach that help students to learn while living. A great school!" · Time in NYC: "I have been living and working in New York City for over twenty years. After meeting and working with company members of Mabou Mines Theatre Company during my last semester at Hampshire I was invited to join the group as an intern for a year. So I packed my bags and boarded an Amtrak to the Big City - never looked back!" · Dream Gig: "I would love to play Richard the II - what a part - in fact I would love to see an all female production of the play - what a production that would be!" · Other Skills: "A jack of all trades - I have acted, written, designed, directed, managed and produced for the theatre in New York City. I have a strong background in technical theatre and administration from marketing to box office - I have used these talents wisely and thus have had continual paychecks that have prevented me from being homeless or from working in a food service field." · Me in Three Words: "Loyal, Lethal, Absurd" · What I Love About Theatre: "Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration! You are never alone in the process. En-mass we can evolve and change as a society and as individuals." · First Gig: " I grew up amidst a community theatre environment - both of my parents were heavily involved in local theatre and actually ran a community based company for most of my formable years - so as children my sisters, brother and I would do our homework in the back of the house while rehearsals were in progress - we were also employed as extras when ever we could fit into the story line - I have a picture of my first acting part - my sisters and myself as waifs with a live goat in a scene from Tea House of the August Moon - I don't remember much of the experience except that the goat smelled."

Chris Kloko ("Alfred" in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) • Most Recent Gig: "'The Wind' in Brave Irene with The Manhattan Children's Theatre.   Made great friends with the cast (we still go out almost every week) and found that children are the easiest and most rewarding audience to play to. They have no filter.   They see something funny and they laugh immediately.   They see something sad and they cry immediately.   Uninhibited emotion can be beautiful. · Day Job: Administrative Assistant at James S. Mitchell & Sons, Inc.   Details: 9-5, M-F (A small, family owned, construction management firm) Highlights: Free copying!   Yay!   Company car!   Yay!   Health Insurance!   Yay!   Fun loving group that cater to my theatre addiction!   Yay!" · Born: White Plains, NY · Raised: Ashland, MA · College: The National Theatre Institute Emmanuel College (BA in Theatre Arts) · Time in NYC: "1 ½ yrs.   Came to be with my girlfriend and gain experience in the various fields of Theatre.   NYC is a pretty cool city too.   I stay because there is so much to do! (Socially and Theatrically). · My NYC Story: I danced with Conan O'Brien once.   I've also hugged Max Weinberg.   Oh, and this one time some guy on the street tried to sell me stolen electric toothbrushes at discount prices. · Favorite Thing About Being an Actor: "I can think of no greater satisfaction than, for a fleeting moment in time, being able to make a CONNECTION with another human being, whether it's in rehearsal or performance.   There are so many questions in life that can only be answered by taking part in, presenting, and/or observing the dramatic and comedic interactions of human beings." · Least Favorite: "I don't like the business:   Marketing, competition, and the people that are in the business for the wrong reasons.   I don't like being typecast because I believe that beyond your looks and the sound of your voice there are intricacies of the self that are screaming to be explored.   Lastly, I don't like auditions.   It's impossible for someone to know the potential of a complete stranger." · Dream Gig: "There are lots, but someday I would love to direct Eugene O'Neill's The Great God Brown .   Any venue would be fine, but I'd prefer to have a fair amount of funding to hire the right designers.   I feel that O'Neill is underappreciated in the theatre world for a variety of reasons that are too numerous to list here, but this is one of his long lost gems that demands to have stage time." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I was an award winning playwright and set designer in college.   I continue to write (although I have trouble "completing" scripts), but have not done any set design since college.   I am also a director, but find the stress of NYC hinders that aspect of my career." · Special Skill: "My risk taking.   I am willing to risk and fail in the theatre inorder to get to the dramatic or comedic center of the work.   This special skill does not normally apply to my everyday life and it is the reason I know that the Theatre is where I belong." · Me in Three Words: "Creative Risk Taker." · Why I Love Theatre: "Theatre is religious for me.   It is where I go to deal with my emotions, to heal myself, and to be inspired by life.   It is made up by a community with the same intentions (hopefully) and I find that encouraging and exciting." · First Gig: "I was in a couple small school productions when I was a child mainly because I was told to do so.   I didn't start following theatre seriously until my Sophomore year of High School when I was cast as Jesus in Godspell. My father passed away a few days before opening night.   The curtain went up and I discovered that there was a place and people to go to where you could express who you were and how you were feeling and they would accept, never judge, sometimes laugh and sometimes cry with you." · Favorite Project On My Resume: "I have been in a number of productions that were all fantastic in their own way.   There is no possible way for me to discriminate." · Parting Thoughts: "I guess the hardest thing is to try to explain to people why we climb mountains.   We seek to challenge ourselves, we love the companionship, we love the environment we're in....These feelings are so rewarding that I want to experience them time and time again." - Ed Viesturs - the only American to climb Mt. Everest (multiple times) without the use of supplemental oxygen.

Bethany Larsen (Playwright, The Hamlet Plays: Maybe He's Just Not That Into You) · My NYC Story: "My best NYC story I guess is that my husband and I got married at the Top of the World Trade Center in February, 2001. It has become apparent to me how much the places, the physical buildings in this city become part of your own personal landscape and when they go away, it's sad and shocking and hard to come to terms with - like a friend you don't see any more.  And it's also been really weird to have such a personal reaction to such a monumentous world-changing event." · Why I'm in NYC: "I came to go to college and I stayed because I love being shoved, crammed, overcharged for martinis, lugging my laundry down 2 flights of stairs, train delays, rainy, windy days when I have to run a million errands and especially the smells of August.  And I only know how much I love these things when I go anyplace else for an extended period of time."

Nick Moore (Co-production Manager, Sound Designer, and Composer for both Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and The Hamlet Plays) · Most Recent Gig: "Most recent productions were of my dance piece Illuminate and Paperback.   Illuminate was a year in the making and the first time I worked on a dance piece conceived and directed by a lighting designer using illusions." · Day Job: "I teach piano at The Browning School for Boys and work on the audio crew at The Public Theatre.   The best part of working at the Public is the audio crew itself.   We always manage to have fun and still get the job done.   It is also a very interesting job, mixing off-b-way theatre with Hollywood stars and Broadway Designers.   Probably the worst part of the job is Loading in and Out of the Delacorte in the Park and inevitably kneeling in Raccoon Crap!" · Born, Raised, Education: "Born, Pittsburgh, Raised, Pittsburgh, College Pittsburgh, GO STEELERS!!!!" · Time in NYC: "I moved to NYC Aug of 2000.   I moved here to take part in the BMI Lehman Engle Musical Theatre Workshop.   I had a chance to meet Tony Award winning composer and Pittsburgh native Stephen Flarhety through a mutual teacher.   He was such a great guy and really helped me out with some great advice and a little help when I finally landed in NYC.   I stay because I really feel like it is my home, and I know of no where else on earth that I can do what I do everything I do and make money for it." · NYC Story: "My best NYC Story is a Milk Can story and ends in Kentucky...it's sappy but I met my wife on a Milk Can's first show Twelfth Night.   Sidney was the Costume Designer so by way of Sharon Cooper and Julie Balzer, I was introduced to Sidney Shannon.   We all ended up in Kentucky last June for our wedding and I cried all the way through the ceremony like a big happy baby." · What I Love About Being a Composer: "The collaboration process the first day of rehearsal and opening night.   I love being in production and working on a show that you know actors will touch and audiences will see.   It's the trip to the opening night and the reward of finally getting to a show that is frozen.   I also love that feeling when you know you have a good show or that it is the right time for a show.   It seems like nothing can stop that show from happening." · Least Favorite: "When a show you are writing just doesn't work.   And, everyone involved is just miserable." · Dream Gig: "A Show on Broadway with big flashy dance numbers and a live band on stage." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I production manage.   And, I once did all 16 of the character voices on a Children's CD I produced right out of college." · Special Skill: "I am have an uncanny ability to remember events and to am very observant.   Both of which make me an excellent gift giver and a pretty good teacher and collaborator." · Me In Three Words: "Caring, Determined, and Creative" · What I Love About Theatre: "The way it is so much like life beautiful things come of of chaos and cooperation, especially when you surround yourself with so many talented people." · First Gig: "I started writing when I was 12 years old mostly so I could be in my brothers band and get chicks.   That didn't really work out the way my preteen self planned, but I ended up finding my calling.   All in all not a bad trade.   I guess I did meet that one chick I was waiting to meet on a show, so I guess it did eventually get me the girl." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "I don't really think I have a best production. Probably the production that I had the most fun on was Twelfth Night with Milk Can, because everyone from the actors to the production team were so excited and happy to be involved.   And, it was really a great stepping stone to getting back into writing musicals after a year long hiatus." · Parting Thoughts: "I finally did a questionnaire for Milk Can!"

 

TJ Morton (Actor in The Hamlet Plays: The Lamp's Lit) • TJ lives on the Upper West Side with his dog Isis. Currently on a self-imposed hiatus from theater, The Lamp's Lit marks his first play since Violent Delights at the Public Theater in August of 2005. TJ is also a singer/songwriter, and plays bass in the band Bouva. You can see a reel of his work at www.tjmorton.com.

Tom Nondorf (Director, The Hamlet Plays: Maybe He's Just Not That Into You) · Most Recent Gig: "I played a bootlegger in a short play called Whose Moll Am I? I directed the play, and the character appeared only as a surprise scene at the end, so I cast myself, because I didn't want to have the character listed in the credits at all or the surprise would be spoiled, and I didn't know any actors who wanted to appear un-credited!" · Day Job: "I am a program editor for the most well-known playbill publisher on earth. Have you guessed it yet? I edit and lay out those things." · Born, Raised and Educated: "Born in Gary, Indiana. Raised in Crown Point, Indiana and Atlanta, Georgia. Undergrad at the University of Georgia and a MFA from Bowling Green State U in Ohio. I often don't tell people that I went to the University of Mississippi my freshman year, 'Ole Miss,' as they call it. The highlight of my time there was narrowly avoiding getting kicked out of school and prosecuted for accidentally pulling the fire alarm. It truly was an accident. The whole year was too!" · Time in NYC: "Been here 9.5 years. I came because I thought I stood a better shot getting a job with an MFA here than elsewhere. I have worked for corrupt literary agents, insane photographers, and a corrupt and insane sports publishing company. Those stories would take pages. I stay because this is 'where it's at.'" · Favorite Thing About the Biz: "I like when a play is rehearsing and running and the feeling of knowing that a specific set of people has gathered for this one goal and once that goal is achieved the chance of that same group of people coming together again in just that way is infinitesimal, but for now they are together, working on that thing that seems all-important: the show. It's bittersweet, but I like it." · Least Favorite: "Divas; people who thrive on conflict." · Dream Gig: "It would be fun to be King Arthur in Camelot with the original cast, except Richard Burton who played Arthur. We could give him a small part though. Just not Arthur, 'cause that would be me!" · Other Theatrical Skills: "I write and direct. I have helped paint sets." · Special Skill: "Comic timing." · Me in Three Words: "Mellow beyond reason." · First Gig: "My dad wrote some comic scenes for my friends and I to perform during grade-school talent shows. The Principal Goes to the Dentist , that kind of thing. We got to make fun of teachers with impunity. The next day we were like rock stars walking the halls." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "I directed a musical called Salad Days and I had such fun. I would do a lot different now, but the cool thing was bringing out this musical that nobody that I know had heard of, and actors having to learn songs from it and all because I had found the LP in a box at Footlight for a dollar and liked the cover." · Parting Thoughts: "Gee your hair smells terrific. Does anyone else remember a shampoo by that name?"

Katie Northlich (Actor in The Hamlet Plays: Maybe He's Just Not That Into You) · Most Recent Gig: "I just finished an extended run of my one woman show, Character Forum: A Thesis, at Stage Left Studio in March, 2006.   I also am the current "Manhattan Monologue Slam" champion.   Please check out www.mmslam.com for more info!   I am playing a mime in a commercial this weekend." · Day Job: "I was recently laid off from a day gig... so I now am unemployed!   Both great and scary.   Ah, the actor's life." · The Road to NYC: "I am from Northern California, about 20 minutes east of San Francisco.   Born and raised.   I attended college at the University of California, Irvine, in southern California.   I attended as a dance major but switched to theatre halfway through.   I moved to NYC one year after I graduated from college, in May of 2001.   So, I have been here five years.   Arriving here a few months before 9-11 was a little surreal.   I came because every bone in my body told me to!   I stay because... it is still 'right' for me to be here, which I also feel with every bone in my body!" · My New York Story: "Let' see... tons of NY stories.   Including couch surfing, sublets and actual leases, I have had nine different apartments in 5 years.   One of them was a miniature studio on the upper west side for way too much money.   A month after I moved in, the radiator burst and my apartment flooded.   I had to throw away my bed, computer, stereo, sheets, clothes, etc.   Of course, I had no renters insurance." · Favorite Thing About Being An Actor: "I love going out after a show/gig for a drink with the cast/fellow performers.   That fluid feeling of flowing from a show to actually celebrating the show.... it's amazing.   Every time actors do a show, they create a teeny micro family for the duration of the performances.   The bond is tight and, at times, can turn into deep friendship.   I think actors are so unique in that they exchange such intense love, admiration, and commitment in such short periods of time.   Spend one hour with an actor you have never met, and most likely you will leave hugging each other fiercely and exchanging 'I'll call you's.' Killer." · Least Favorite: "The fact that, at the end of the day, this is a business.   Underneath all that aforementioned love between people in theatre, actors can get taken advantage of because they are not keeping their eye on the prize and taking it seriously.   I am finding the deeper I get into the biz and the more opportunities I get, the business parts of all of it get more complicated.   Which is wonderful... I WANT the business... I guess it is hard to learn the business saavy as an artistic person." · Dream Gig: "My dream gig would be to have my solo show go to an off-Broadway or Broadway house.   Getting attention for a solo show is ridiculously hard, so that would be an accomplishment.   SNL is always there as a dream, of course.   Working on a show on HBO would be a privilege.   Working with Tom Hanks would be a privilege." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I am a playwright, as well, and I am currently writing a manuscript regarding NY, anxiety, the arts, and all things in between." · Special Skill: "My character work. I have always know that it is strong and I have committed to seeking out playing characters- men, women, old, young, homeless, whatever- wherever I can in this city." · Me in Three Words: "Sincere.   Friendly.   Funny." · What I Love About Theatre: "When something - words - can make an audience member forget that they are sitting in a theatre-when their emotions take over - when someone's reality is suspended for a moment because they are watching another reality unfold before them - then that, I believe, is special. That is worth looking for. That is worth fighting for in this life, for me." · First Gig: "I danced for about nine years, and I was always a really expressive dancer. But I knew I wanted to be more vocal, frankly. I just wanted to use language. So I did musicals in high school, and majored in theatre in college where I actually started to feel it and learn it and appreciate styles of writing. I am still coming in to that now." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "I did The Odd Couple a couple of years ago and played Olive with Stage East Ensemble in New Jersey. The role was just incredible and I felt so lucky to play her. When the writing is fantastic, there is nowhere to go but up with the role." · Parting Thoughts: "Thanks, as always, for the opportunity to work with Milk Can!!"

Susannah Pearse (Playwright, The Hamlet Plays:Decisive) • Susannah is from Essex, near London in England. She has lived in New York for two years. She first read Hamlet when she was 19 and she was stunned by how many quotations there were on every single page. She first performed in a play inspired by Hamlet when she was 18, worryingly (for those of you paying attention) a year before she had actually read the orignial play. She thinks she played Ophelia, but to be honest, it was so long ago, she can bearly remember. She first wrote a song about Hamlet when she was 27, a copy of which you are welcome to ask her for, if you should so desire. She has since re-read the play a few more times and she can't help noticing it is rather good. She feels a little cheeky even attempting to do anything with it but she blames Sidney and Nick Moore for coming up with such a fun idea to work with.

Derek Peith (Actor in The Hamlet Plays: The Match) · Most Recent Role: "Currently, I'm 'Billy' the bartender on One Life To Live on ABC Daytime. I can be seen on Apr.17 & 26. · Day Job: "I work at John's Pizzeria in Times Square on 44 th Street and 8th Ave as a bartender and a server. John's is an amazing place to work. The owner and managers are very understanding to many of the actors schedules who work there, and they create an enjoyable environment to work in day-in and day-out. The only downfall is that pizza is not my favorite food any more." · The Road to NYC: "I was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Fairfax, Va. with two loving parents who emigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala. I graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. and completed a 1 year post graduate acting course at Mountview Theatre School in London, England.   I have been a New Yorker for over 6 years now and have seen some of the most amazing and tragic events up close. The Blackout , the transit strike, a snow blizzard in the city, and of course 911, just to name a few. There are so many opportunities for actors in NYC and the fact that most NYC actors are not as portentous as LA actors is my reason for staying put." · Favorite Thing About Being An Actor: "The adrenaline rush of being on a set or in front of an audience and hoping for that next phone call for the next job is what keeps me going in this business." · Least Favorite: "Everyone probably has a story of being an extra on the set for 14 hours straight in the rain or snow. Mine was an AOL commercial with Carson Daly. What a nightmare!" · Dream Gig: "I think being cast in an action adventure film opposite Harrison Ford and directed by Steven Spielberg would be a dream come true. Do I really need to explain why?" · Special Skills: "I can't think of anything to say about myself without sounding cornier than I already have. I just love to have fun." · Me in Three Words: "Outgoing, Focused, and Caring." · What I Love About Theatre: "The rawness of theatre is what I find compelling. Each night or day on stage in front of an audience for ten minutes or three hours portraying someone else and making an audience believe you with only the help of your imagination and the audience's imagination is extraordinary." · First Gig: "I was 18 years old and a sophomore in college with a major in mechanical engineering when I started taking acting classes. I had always wanted to try acting out but was too scared to try. When I did, I knew that engineering was over for me. I auditioned for my first play the following year, and got cast as a parrot. After that, I got cast in the next eight consecutive plays at ODU." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "I can't name just one. I find that in every production I am involved in, I am always learning something new about my craft and/or the industry of entertainment." · Parting Thoughts: "I look forward to working with everyone involved at The Milk Can Theatre Company."

Anne Phelan (Playwright, The Hamlet Plays: The Player King Musical) · Most Recent Gig: "The most recent role I played was Marta (the one who gets to sing 'Another Hundred People Just Got off of the Train') in a concert version of Company at the St. Barts Players in 1988.   The most interesting detail was that Susan Browning (who was in the original production as April, the stewardess) was also in the St. Barts one.   She was one of those helpful actresses who loved to give her co-actors notes.   That was my entire NY career as a musical theatre actress.   The most recent play I've had produced as a writer was last season's Mushroom in Her Hands at Milk Can." · Day Job: "My day job is working for a wonderful psychiatrist in Manhattan.   And it's all confidential." · Born, Raised, Education:   "I'm from Cleveland, Ohio.   I grew up in Cleveland Heights (the next town over), graduated from Hampshire College and the Trinity Rep Conservatory.   My brush with fame there was reading stage directions for the early draft of a Paula Vogel play about imaginary children.   I later replaced her as the playwright on a monologue commissioned by the City of Providence about that famous Rhode Islander, Thomas Dorr.   I've always wanted to see her version; I remember hearing there was a gun in Paula's play.   Mine had lemonade as the major prop." · My Life in NYC: "I've been in NY since Presidents Day 1986.   I came to get out of a bad work situation; I'm the only person I know whose ulcer was cured by moving to NY.   My first job was stage managing a show my friend James Robinson was in at Theatre for the New City.   It was Title: Nietzsche written by Larry Myers, and about Nietzsche, his crazy sister, Richard Wagner, Lou-Andreas Salome, etc.   I stay because NY is my home.   My most recent NY story is I was at a Dramatists Guide/SSDC mixer thing a few weeks ago.   There was a man there who looked really familiar that I couldn't place, but he remembered me.   We had danced together at the opening night party of Brigadoon at NYC Opera the first week I lived here.   So we've made a resolution to stay in touch more than every two decades." · Favorite Playwriting Story: "My favorite playwright story is while I was a guest artist at Juilliard, my director and I were on our way out after a performance, and the security man at the door started telling us about the play he'd seen the night before (which turned out to be ours).   He said it was his favorite in all the years he'd worked there." · Least Favorite: "My least favorite thing about being a playwright happened more when I was younger, but it sure happened more than once.   It's working with insecure directors who ban you from rehearsal.   Or try to.   And I won't name names because I know at least one may read this." · Dream Gig: "More time to write is what I want most." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I write, I sew, I stuff envelopes." · Special Skill: "I used to be able to (I haven't tried lately) be able to fit my left hand in my mouth." · Me in Three Words: "Bubbly, bubbly, bubbly." · What I Love About Theatre: "It's live and now." · First Gig: "I started acting in kindergarten because my mother shoved me into it. I played Billy Goat #1 in The Three Billy Goats Gruff. It made me feel like a good child." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "Whatever I'm in the middle of."

Cynthia Rice ("Nora" in The Hamlet Plays: Maybe He's Just Not That Into You) · Most Recent Gig: "My most recent role as 'wife' in 'my household' has earned rave reviews (well at least from my husband).   Since 1999 I have taken a hiatus from the stage to concentrate on my primary objective of putting food in my mouth and paying my rent but I'm glad to be back!" · Day Job: "I am Senior Account Manger Speaker Relations for The Harry Walker Agency.   I am the liaison between our exclusive speakers and the hosts that bring them to lecture at their conferences.... Highlights - being yelled at by some of the most poplar speakers.   Lowlights - being yelled at by the unimportant speakers." · Born and Raised: "I'm a Jersey girl... I blasted on the scene on a very cold and icy January night (after I get a few in me I'll tell you my famous birthing story...that's right I have a story and it involves ice, uniformed men and 50/50 chance for survival.....) Made my debut in Rahway NJ.   My long standing run was in Edison NJ.   Toured (aka lived) in Philadelphia and Savannah." · The Road to NYC: "After living most of my life swearing I would NEVER live in NY I moved to Philly which   got me used to a city.   Then I moved to Savannah GA where I realized I NEEDED a city.....so after rocking the theatre stage in savannah I figured why not move to NY...That was 1996!" · Favorite Thing About Being an Actor: "I have no idea it's been so long but if I would have to pick one thing...it would be the roar of the crowds (even if it's only in my own head).   And glowing reviews that made my mom happy." · Least Favorite: "The vomiting that occurs right before I go on stage from fright....Only kidding." · Dream Gig: "I'm living the dream right now being a part of The Hamlet Plays." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I have been known to produce pretty impressive pieces of art... when the moon is in the seventh house and Jupiter is a lined with mars....." · Special Skill: "Balancing anything on my head and not dropping it." · Me in Three Words: "Vivacious, Loud, and Kind." · What I Love About Theatre: "Getting an instant response from the audience...it's a rush." · First Gig: "My first role was Mr. R in the letter people play in first grade... after that there was not a summer that went by that my sis and I didn't put on a play/variety show in our backyard." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "Par for Corpse in Savannah....It was the play the got me back into acting after some time off.   It renewed my love for performing."

Roya Shanks ("Gertrude" in The Hamlet Plays: The Lamp's Lit) • Roya has performed with such New York companies as Urban Stages, Looking Glass and Prospect Theater Co. Regional roles include Roxanne in Cyrano and Kate in The Miracle Worker (Texas Shakes), Eleanor in Lion in Winter (Main St. Theater, PA), Masha in Three Sisters (Yale) and Eliza in My Fair Lady (Israel). Roya is a member of New Jersey Rep and appeared on One Life to Live as vixen Jillian Masters. She holds a BA in Theatre from Yale and will graduate from Maggie Flanigan's 2-year training program in June. • Website: www.royashanks.com.

John Simmons (Stage Manager, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) · Most Recent Gig: "Prior to stage managing Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead , I was stage manager for Orphan Train , a musical directed by five-time Tony nominee Patricia Birch." · Day Job: "I am Research Associate/Project Manager for Harris Interactive, the world's 13 th largest market research company.   I am in the Healthcare Division, and my clients are the big pharmaceutical companies.   We're located in Soho, in the same building as Miramax and The Field.   Market research is a relatively new career for me.   For most of my working life, I have been a writer." · The Road to New York: "I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.   Got a BA in Journalism from Indiana University and an MFA in Motion Picture Production from the University of Miami.   My life as a writer has taken me all over the country.   For example, I have lived in Indianapolis; Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; Miami, Florida; and onto New York City." · Time in NYC: "I moved from Miami to New York City in 2000 because I was offered a job here." · Favorite Thing About the Theatre: "I love the creative process and creative people.   I am constantly amazed at the things the people I work with in theater come up with.   I respect and admire actors, who put themselves on the line for each and every performance.   When there is great chemistry among a cast - and the creativity is flowing - there is nothing quite like it!" · Least favorite: "I am very team- and goal-oriented, so the thing I dislike most is when someone (be it an actor, director, stage manager, etc.) puts himself or herself ahead of the production.   Being in the theater is to be especially human, and being human means, ultimately, to be part of a larger community." · Other Theatrical Skills: "Like most behind-the-scenes people in the theater, I also direct...and love that, too." · Most Impressive Special Skill: "Well, my Master's Degree is in motion picture production.   I drifted into theater here in New York City because the opportunities for theater are much greater here than for film.   But I guess my 'special skill' is that I am also a filmmaker." · Me in Three Words: "Caring.   Smart.   Funny." · Parting Thoughts: " I have enjoyed - very much - working on Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead .   The cast and crew have been incredible.   Thank you - Julie and Nick - for asking me along."

Jennifer Stackpole (Actor in The Hamlet Plays: Decisive) · Most Recent Gig: "Currently playing Helena in the 1950s revamp of Midsummer Night's Dream, Fools in Love, with the Millennium talent Group at the Manhattan Ensemble Theatre; a lot of running around and having a ball." · Day Job:  "Night job: barmaid, Sweetwater Restaurant, highlights- making fancy cocktails, low-lights- making fancy fancy cocktails with the chop chop." · Road to NYC: "Born on Nantucket Island, raised in Maine, BA from Bard College, PG Degree from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.   Been in NYC for about 3 years all told.   Been back and forth between here and London for the last 5 years.   Came for opportunities.   Keep coming back for the same reason.   And if you are going to live in a city...come on." · Favorite Thing About Being an Actor: "I like being other people down to the socks and that facial tick.   Once I played a Slow Loris and spent hours at the London Zoo befriending and learning the ways of this seemingly innocent nocturnal primate." · Least Favorite: "I don't like having to have a 'day job' as well and not having enough money to go see other people's shows." · Dream Gig: "I want to do Yelena in Uncle Vanya, Irina in Three Sisters, and Miss Julie, is there time for R&J? I could go on.   And they would tour from the National in London to the Public and BAM in NYC and go also to Sydney, maybe a run at the Edinburgh Festival too for fun.   Director Sam Mendes maybe (obviously not for Uncle Vanya since he did it already), Peter Hall would be interesting, but maybe someone fresh and exciting; send me your CVs and I'll make a final list.   Co-stars, again, send headshots and rez...Ralph Fiennes would steal the show so probably not him, Gary Oldman is always subtle enough, but have I seen him on stage?...girls?...There is always the film version to consider." · Other Theatrical Skills: "My mother is a period costumer so I sew buttons by default.   I've worked electrics too.   Ruined some good (albeit second hand) clothes with impromptu set painting." · Special Skill: "My favorite truly 'special' skill would be my clown (La Coq style) 'Anya.'   She is a bit crazy, bless her cotton socks." · Me in Threee Words: "Joyful, steady, open." · Why I Love Theatre: "Connecting everyone and everything, and weaving and unweaving the complexities of the world in a few hours. Ahhh theatre." · First Gig: "I played baby Jesus at 6 months, then performed Maybell/Pirates of Penzance and Annie non-stop on the stage that was our living room from the age of 4-6 when I was forced to concentrate on other things (learning ABCs and 123s).   Back on the stage in 3rd grade as a blind girl in Miracle Worker (Alice I think her name was- I had one line: 'Where is the present?') and been at it ever since (more lines now)." · Favorite Production on My Resume: "I loved doing A Weekend in the Country at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.   It was a rush to be in the festival for a month, performing everyday with a really dynamic group of actors and seeing all these other fantastic shows and pub-crawling every night. · Parting Thoughts: "I'm just so happy to be here!"

Matt Stapleton ("Hamlet" in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) • Most Recent Gig: "I played James in A Perfectly Normal Family Dinner at the Emerging Artists Theatre's SpringFest.   Let it be said that the normal dinner was anything but." · Day Job: "I'm a real estate agent (I've surprised even myself with this one) with Rent Manhattan, Inc.   I post ads for apartments online and show people apartments.   I like it actually--it's super flexible and Rent Manhattan has a really cool core group of people." · The Road to NYC: "I was born and raised upstate--the township of Venice in Cayuga County.   Usually I just tell people 'the Ithaca area.'   I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College about a year ago.   SLC is 30 minutes north of Manhattan and I live in the Bronx now, so I've been in the greater New York area for the past 5 years.   My move within the city limits just seemed like a logical transition from college.   I've met some amazing people in New York -- some I've befriended, some I've never seen again.   Here's a story: A few years back I was with some friends in Central Park; we were playing frisbee.   My friend Emily said to no one in particular, 'How exactly do you aim this thing?'  Then a man riding past on a bike stopped and replied, 'How do you aim that thing.   Well that's a good question.   I just so happen to be a professional frisbee instructor.'  He then proceeded to show us a bunch of crazy frisbee tricks before climbing back on his bike, leaving us dumbstruck....   I love this city." · Favorite Thing About Being An Actor: "My favorite thing is the sheer power that an actor can generate on a stage.   I saw a production of A Raisin in the Sun at Syracuse Stage when I was in high school and the actors just killed me.   I couldn't think of anything else for days.   You can't build a bomb more powerful than that." · Least Favorite: "My least favorite thing?   When people just assume that I wait tables.   Not that real estate is anything to write home about..." · Dream Gig: "These are tough questions for me to answer.   My dream role kind of changes every now and again.   I'm young and still learning about different theaters and different plays and different actors and directors.   I have a difficult time pinning any particular set down as my 'dream job.'  Hamlet has always been up there though and I'm very happy that Milk Can has given me the opportunity to try my hand at him in R&G ." · Other Theatrical Skills: "I like constructing sets and working with electrics a lot.   I write plays as well, although I've been focusing more on short stories for the past few years." · Special Skill: "I can produce a very loud, very high pitched whistle by blowing into an acorn cap.   Simple, yet special, right?   Sort of theatre related: I've been playing guitar since high school.   Now I'm playing traditional Irish music almost exclusively. · Me in Three Words: "Down.   To.   Earth." · What I Love About Theatre: "It's never the same way twice." · First Gig: "I started acting in 8th grade, because a teacher pressured me into joining the ensemble.   The show was a musical -- No, No, Nanette .   During one scene my buddy Brendon and I carried packages (empty boxes, really) across the stage and Brendon was supposed to toss one to me before we exited.   I wasn't ready for it one night and the box hit me square in the face.   It was embarrassing, sure, but the adrenaline rush that followed I decided I just couldn't give up.   And that's that." · Favorite Project on My Resume: "True West by Sam Shepard.   A good friend, Brody, asked me to mount a production of this play with him during college.   We did everything.   We booked the space, got funding from the school, paid for royalties, designed the set, built the set, built our own electrics system, did all the marketing, co-directed, and acted.   We packed the house every night and we still hear from people that our production was the best they'd seen at Sarah Lawrence.   We put our hearts and souls into that piece and we're very proud of it." · Parting Thoughts: "Come see Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead !!!!   It's sure to be worth your while!"

Amanda Weir (Assistant Director, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) · Most Recent Gig: "I was a visiting artist at Wheaton College, Norton, MA last spring where I directed a one act play as part of the New Plays Festival.   I particularly enjoyed this show as I find new plays most challenging." · Day Job: "I am a full time student working on an MFA at Brooklyn College in playwriting under the direction of premier experimental playwright Mac Wellman." · The Road to NYC: "I was born in Providence, RI, raised in the village of Osterville, MA on Cape Cod.   I attended Wheaton College in Norton, MA for my BA and did a semester abroad at Goldsmith's College of the University of London.   I tried to move to NYC this past June in order to get adjusted before I started grad school.   I lasted a whole week, finding Manhattan much to oppressive with the heat, smells and sounds.   I headed back to the Cape for the summer and officially moved in late August." · Favorite Thing About The Gig: "This is my first time assistant directing and what I enjoy about this role is the ability to observe and learn from our fantastic director." · Dream Gig: "I would like to see one of my plays be done at the Royal Court in London." · Other Theatrical Skills: "