Richard is very excited to be working with Marcus Yi for a third time. He has performed and did the artwork for Marcus's shows "The Ephemeral Lightness of Dreams," "Pretty Little Mouth," and "The Procedure."  He is an accomplished painter with an extensive background in the visual arts.  He recently returned to New York City to attend the Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and to pursue his dream to act in film and theatre.

Where were you born? Where were you raised? Where did you go to school?

 I was born in New York City but grew up in Maryland. I studied theatre and film at Montgomery College and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. I studied Fashion and painting at Parsons School of Design and The Maryland Institute College of Art.

 What is your job on this show?

 My job is to portray the immigration officer, the lawyer, the flamboyant and gay creepy doctor, and a man advertising Freedom Link, the controversial procedure that is the subject of the play.  I also created and painted the postcard advertisement and helped with web-related advertisement for the play.

 
Who are your heroes?

My heroes are always changing. Sometimes my hero will be my cab driver.

 What is your Zodiac sign?

 I am on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer.

 Can theater bring about societal change? Why or why not?

 Theatre has brought about change for centuries. It is one of the key forms of art that reflects and actually tackles very important issues in society. It has inspired and allowed communities to collaborate and creatively express their personal views and experiences, which continue to influence the world.

 Would you be willing to get a microchip implanted in your eye?

 If the microchip would help change my life for the better, I might be persuaded.

 Complete this sentence: My show is the only one opening in NYC this spring that...?

 My show is the only one opening this spring where I get to play so many different characters. The wonderful experience about working with Marcus is that he always challenges me as an actor by having me portray so many different characters in one show.

A Living Room Theater production, written and directed by Sonia Nam and Marcus Yi, The Procedure will be performed on Friday 5/31/13 at 5:00pm, Tuesday 6/4/13 at 9:00pm, Saturday 6/8/13 at 12:30pm, Friday 6/14/13 at 9:00pm, Monday 6/17/13 at 4:30pm, and Thursday 6/20/13 at 5:00pm as part of the Planet Connections Theater Festivity. The Festival will take place at the Gene Frankel Theater, at 24 Bond St New York 10012. Tickets can be bought here.

An actor and improviser from Honolulu, Hawaii, Stephen Thornton moved to New York in the fall of 2006 to study acting. Graduating from the New York Film Academy’s 1-yr Acting for Film program in 2007, he has since had the privilege to work professionally as an actor in the theater and in film. He continues to study improvisation, with a strong emphasis on the teachings of Viola Spolin, and has been fortunate enough to study with truly amazing teachers such as Jeff Michalski and Hal Peller. He is currently a member of the improv group Eskimo Dance, has been a reoccurring guest with IRTE, and is formerly a member of The Red Tie Mafia. Today, he continues hone his craft, and pursue his dream of one day being able to do nothing else, but tell stories. He is grateful to be working on "The Procedure" with all the talented people involved. Some of his New York theater credits include: Mr. Calkins in Porcelain and Pink, Ronnie in Trying to Find Chinatown, Tian in Stasis, Captain Munimori in Go For Broke, Bruce in Killing Time, David inManuscript, and Dr. Neriel in Moon Vault.



Where were you born? Where were you raised? Where did you go to school?

I was born in Honolulu Hawaii, and raised in Littleton Colorado. I went to Dakota Ridge High School in Jefferson County, then came to New York to study acting.

What is your show about?


 This is a show about the a man and his struggles with self-identity and humanity. And what he's willing to sacrifice to obtain both.

Is there a particular moment in this show that you really love or look forward to? Without giving away surprises, what happens in that moment and why does it jazz you?


Yes there are a few. But I can't tell you without giving away anything. 

Would you be willing to get a microchip implanted in your eye?

Honestly, I don't know. It really would depend on the situation. But if I was the situation of Adrian in the play, I wouldn't get the chip implanted. 

If you had ten million dollars that you had to spend on theatrical endeavors, how would you use the money?

If I had 10 million dollars, I would try and buy a building to renovate it into a theater. I would try to make the space affordable to people who want to put up shows, but find it too expensive to do so in New York. Since I have the theater, I would also start a theater company, it's primary focus would be to give minorities a chance to perform against stereo-types and play roles that they might not typically get to play, and start an acting school. If there's anything left I would set up a scholarship for aspiring actors, directors, and writers.

A Living Room Theater production, written and directed by Sonia Nam and Marcus Yi, The Procedure will be performed on Friday 5/31/13 at 5:00pm, Tuesday 6/4/13 at 9:00pm, Saturday 6/8/13 at 12:30pm, Friday 6/14/13 at 9:00pm, Monday 6/17/13 at 4:30pm, and Thursday 6/20/13 at 5:00pm as part of the Planet Connections Theater Festivity. The Festival will take place at the Gene Frankel Theater, at 24 Bond St New York 10012. Tickets can be bought here.

An actor and singer from San Francisco bay area, Shubhra has been living in NYC since June of 2012, during which she had the opportunity to act on USA Network's Royal Pains, on stage in Columbia University's Vagina Monologues and sing in Brooklyn Community Theater's musical Once on this Island.  Her short film "Three Dates" was recently screened at New York Indian Film Festival 2013.  Shubhra Prakash is realizing that she likes to create her own artistic projects and is curious to see where they lead her.  She considers herself lucky to be living in NYC where she has found like minded artists and their support and collaboration in developing her ideas into new works.  She is thankful to her cast members and directors to involve her in this story.      

http://www.shubhraprakash.com 


Where were you born? Where were you raised? Where did you go to school?

I was born in Allahabad India, where three rivers meet. I was raised in Calcutta, Delhi and Fremont, CA. I went to school in India and Cali.

What is your job on this show?


My job in the show is to play Dawn. 

Who are your heroes?

My parents, sister, brother and the little prince. 

What is your Zodiac sign?

Taurus

Can theater bring about societal change? Why or why not?

Yes, because theater is the mirror, when people look at a part of the world reflected in theater, they will react, they will decide what they like and don't and do something about it, big or small.. a ripple will be created. 

This is like society checking it's make up, as artists it is our job to keep pointing the mirror to the society, and reflect both its beautiful and ugly face.  

Would you be willing to get a microchip implanted in your eye?

No I would not.  


Complete this sentence: My show is the only one opening in NYC this spring that...?

My show is the only one opening in NYC this spring that brings up Singapore, I have heard that though Singapore is small, it is quite diverse, we should hear more stories about it. 

A Living Room Theater production, written and directed by Sonia Nam and Marcus Yi, The Procedure will be performed on Friday 5/31/13 at 5:00pm, Tuesday 6/4/13 at 9:00pm, Saturday 6/8/13 at 12:30pm, Friday 6/14/13 at 9:00pm, Monday 6/17/13 at 4:30pm, and Thursday 6/20/13 at 5:00pm as part of the Planet Connections Theater Festivity. The Festival will take place at the Gene Frankel Theater, at 24 Bond St New York 10012. Tickets can be bought here.

Born in New York City, Reynaldo Rivera grew up in the Lower East Side, aka Alphabet City. In high school he landed his first acting role as Johnny Casino in Grease. Like lots of actors, this was the start of his love affair with the craft. After graduating he went on to study acting at The Lee Strasburg Theatrical Institute, H.B. Studio’s, and William Esper Studio's. Reynaldo Rivera captures his passion for life through his artistic and soulful expression on stage and screen. He cares about his craft and brings both a light touch and a deep exploration to the character that leaves the viewer and the spectator feeling inspired by his true gift. He has worked on a number of plays including God's Favorite and Hurly Burly as well as TV shows such as 24, Day Break, Dexter and One Life to Live. Easy to recognize, his talent has been shaped both through his training and life experiences, giving him access to a wide range of emotions and an infinite potential in his character development.

Where were you born? Where were you raised? Where did you go to school?

I was born in New York City and raised in the Lower East Side on Manhattan.

What is your job on this show?


I play Jacob a computer programer that is married to Adrian.

Who are your heroes?

My heroes are people who under any circumstance pursue there dreams. If you want to hear actors there are too many to choose from.

What is your Zodiac sign?

I'm a Libra, always looking for the balance.

Can theater bring about societal change? Why or why not?

Theatre has already brought about societal change and it will continue too. It's art and that what it should do.

Would you be willing to get a microchip implanted in your eye?

I will be killed before anyone implants my with any form of technology.

Complete this sentence: My show is the only one opening in NYC this spring that...?
explores the topic of immigration, gay marriage and big brother. I'm honored to be apart of such a thought provoking show.



A Living Room Theater production, written and directed by Sonia Nam and Marcus Yi, The Procedure will be performed on Friday 5/31/13 at 5:00pm, Tuesday 6/4/13 at 9:00pm, Saturday 6/8/13 at 12:30pm, Friday 6/14/13 at 9:00pm, Monday 6/17/13 at 4:30pm, and Thursday 6/20/13 at 5:00pm as part of the Planet Connections Theater Festivity. The Festival will take place at the Gene Frankel Theater, at 24 Bond St New York 10012. Tickets can be bought here.

Lauren Gralton grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Oklahoma for four years to attend Oklahoma City University. There she received a Bachelors in Performing Arts with a minor in History. While dance has always been her passion, lately she's been focused on becoming a true triple threat. She is so grateful that Marcus took a chance on her and appreciates the positive reinforcement from the cast. Acting is pushing her boundaries and it's exhilarating.

Where were you born? Where were you raised? Where did you go to school?

I was born in Milwaukee, WI and raised just 15 min west of Lake Michigan in a well-off suburban community. I went to Brookfield Central high school and then proceeded to go to Oklahoma City University for college.


What is your job on this show?


My job is to portray an immigration officer and a girl who is about to get another abortion.

Who are your heroes?

My heroes would have to be my family. My parents and my sister are the most supportive people I know. Not only do they support the career I chose, but they accept every side of me. To the point of even eating tofu cream cheese over the regular stuff because of my food allergies. I look up to each of them in a different way and try to emulate their best qualities.  

What is your Zodiac sign?

I'm on the cusp between Scorpio and Sagittarius, November 22.

Can theater bring about societal change? Why or why not?

I think that theatre can inspire social change and motivate the audience. History has proven to us that it is possible.

Would you be willing to get a microchip implanted in your eye?

I think I would get a microchip implanted. I would weigh the consequences of doing it versus not having it in my eye. Ultimately, if it put others and myself in danger to not have the chip, I would do it.

Complete this sentence: My show is the only one opening in NYC this spring that...?

My show is the only one opening in NYC this spring that asks what would have happened if Mary the blessed Mother had gotten an abortion.


The Procedure will be performed on Friday 5/31/13 at 5:00pm, Tuesday 6/4/13 at 9:00pm, Saturday 6/8/13 at 12:30pm, Friday 6/14/13 at 9:00pm, Monday 6/17/13 at 4:30pm, and Thursday 6/20/13 at 5:00pm as part of the Planet Connections Theater Festivity. The Festival will take place at the Gene Frankel Theater, at 24 Bond St New York 10012.

As the rehearsals for The Procedure are going swimmingly well, we will be featuring the wonderful performers from the show soon so check it out!!