Our world’s technology is advancing at a rate unprecedented. That’s why this year’s theme focuses on
The Impact of AI.
A.I has started changing the way we live our daily lives. People have started using it for fun to create art, music, and poetry. Schools have started to teach how to use it in practical ways to help write papers and increase the cohesiveness of college applications. Some people see it as good – others fear with the future of AI could hold for humans.
Playwright
David L. Williams is a graduate of the theatre department of Cornell University, where he was a four time award winner in the Heerman’s-McCalmon Playwriting contest, and received his MFA in playwriting from the University of Nebraska. He has written more than thirty plays and musicals, and his work has been produced across the United States and internationally in Australia, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Norway, and Lithuania. His most recent productions include the world premiere of his full-length play The Starving at Barter Theatre and The Censor at Throughline Theatre. He lives in Bellefonte, PA with his wonderful wife Kathleen and his amazing son Samuel, and he works as an English instructor at Penn State. www.playwrightdavid.com
Director
Zakk Ottmers (he/him) is the Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Blank Page Theatre Co., where he has directed and produced several new works, including, The Care and Feeding of Small Animals, The Senator and His Wife Go On Retreat, Say Gay; Sisters, and Riding Lessons. He has also served as the director of several Off-Off Broadway productions, including, A Rehearsal for a Live-Action Adaptation of an Episode of “Tom and Jerry,” and Queen in the Key of D. Zakk holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Directing from The Actors Studio Drama School, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Production from Texas State University.
Instagram: @zakkottmers
Website: zakkottmers.com
Associate Director
Justin Gates is a New York City-based writer, composer, director, producer, and performer with a varied portfolio of queer-centric musical theatre and audio fiction. His notable works in musical theatre include the indie dramedy Sawyer Thompson (Selection for the Sacramento Staged Reading Series 2023, Finalist for the Florida Festival of New Musicals 2022, Semi-Finalist for the O’Neill’s National Music Theater Conference 2022), co-written with Colin Gallagher, and The Place Between, a Lovecraftian horror musical featured in Berklee’s “Curtain Up!” Festival and a Semi-Finalist for the Florida Festival of New Musicals 2023. Gates co-created the immersive horror podcast You’re the Last One with Celine Snippe and David Tatasciore, winning Best Horror Podcast at the 2023 Minnesota WebFest and earning a nomination for Best Podcast Director. His composition and production work also includes The Secret City, a bluegrass concert musical about the building of the atomic bomb, set for presentation by Arts On Site in October 2024. Additionally, Gates was a featured artist at the Verse Intro Cabaret at Soho Playhouse in April 2024. In fiction, he was the runner-up for the 2022 Edwin Church Award for his short story "Where They Come From". He holds his Bachelor's in Music from Berklee College of Music, and his Master's in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tisch.
Cast
Kelechi Udenkwo as Anthony
This is Kelechi Udenkwo’s second show with Blank Page Theatre Company and he’s grateful to be performing again with such a lovely community of artists. As an acting artist, he is dedicated to telling stories that offer an honest voice to communities who aren’t often heard or felt seen on stage, and in this pursuit, his goal is to give audiences a chance to see themselves in the characters he plays as well. He recently just had his regional theater debut at The Quintessence Theater Group, starring as Hero/Ulysses in the Suzan-Lori Parks play Father Comes Home From the Wars. He received his MFA in acting at The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. He is signed with About Artist Agency (Renee Glicker), and his management is Kreativ Arts Media (Maxx Maulion). Instagram:@kelechiudenkwo.
Amy Losi as Ellyn
Amy Losi has appeared in ninety plays, including “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little” (Miss Reardon), “Lend Me a Tenor” (Maria), and “The Merry Wives of Windsor” (Mistress Ford). Amy is also a director, playwright, and Dramatists Guild member. Her plays have been accepted into fifteen festivals, winning awards including the “Spirit of the Hartford Fringe Festival.” Her full-length plays premiered at Theater for the New City and American Theatre of Actors in NYC. She won “Best Female Screenwriter” and “Best Female Centre Film” for the filmed version of her play, No Fall My Hand. Other credits: Broadway Comedy Club, commercials, film, and TV (Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations; Celebrity Ghost Stories).@amy.losi https://www.amylosi.net/
Playwright
Jordan Rubio is an actor, writer, director and producer. Education: Fairleigh Dickinson University, BA Musical Theatre. Theatrically he has performed regionally in New York, on tour, and has helped develop new works. Additionally, he has several on-camera credits that have helped him become a versatile stage and screen actor. Jordan portrayed Matthew Cox in VH1’s My True Crime Story, the library tech in I Think I’m Sick, and as the victim in I Like Your Pants. He co-wrote the book and lyrics for Post Like Share (Broadway World Nominee for Best Musical for YA), currently in rep at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Founder of 151st Productions which includes the award winning short films: Living the Dream, Bliss & Timeless. His debut short film, Between Stops, was the recipient of several awards, including but not limited to: Audience Choice Award from CFF, Best NYC film from Transparent Film Festival, and a breakthrough director nomination. Additionally, Between Stops was adapted into a play which premiered in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, at the Laranjeiras Art Institute. As always, endless love and gratitude to Mom and Dad, and all other family, friends, and mentors who consistently make this dream possible. For Erica, always.
@Jordan__Rubio / @151stproductions
Director
Lauren Shields is a NYC based Writer, Director, and Intimacy Coordinator. As a writer, she explores theater and film, focusing on how we can begin to understand one another in a society that often discourages such connection. Lauren is ecstatic to be making her theatre writing debut this summer with BFFL. She has written two short films, Bliss (151st Productions) and Timeless (151st Productions). Lauren is a founder of Blank Page Theatre company, the founder of Audition Checkup - an acting and vocal coaching company, and a Co-Founder of 151st Productions - a film company. She received her Undergraduate degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Musical Theatre and holds a Masters in Directing from The Actors Studio Drama School at PACE University.
Check out her previous work and what’s to come on…For more of her work you can check out: laurenashields.com
Check out her previous work and what’s to come on…For more of her work you can check out: laurenashields.com
Cast
Balan as Richard
BALAN began his acting journey in theater in Manipal, India in 2007 portraying a range of characters in physical comedies by Bill Van Zandt and Jane Milmore to thrillers by Agatha Christie. He also performed in street plays, an art form performed in the streets of India to raise awareness on social issues and drive conversation and change. Balan has trained at several schools in India and NYC including the Barrow studio and NYFA, but the Stella Adler Studio is his artistic home where he continues to train today. Balan's recent work includes Fool's Gold, a short film that received positive reviews from Bob Giraldi (Director of MJ's Beat it) and a sketch comedy show called "A Sketch of New York". Balan's favorite actors include Javier Bardem, Matthew Mcconaughey and Meryl Streep. His favorite director is Christopher Nolan and his all time favorite TV show is the American Office. For more on Balan visit www.balan.actor.
Caitlin Dullahun-Bates as Claire
Caitlin Dullahun-Bates is an actor, model, and writer from NYC. She holds a BFA in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts where she studied at the Atlantic Acting School and Stonestreet Studios. As a member of spit&vigor theatre co.'s Ensemble, she has appeared in ECTOPLASM (The Players Theatre), THE BRUTES (The Players Club), and ANONYMOUS (spit&vigor's tiny baby blackbox). Her short film credits include A MAN IN A CHURCH (dir. Marley Chapman) and 90 SECONDS LATER (dir. Adio Ash). Her commercial credits include Fur, Bumble and bumble, and Charlotte Tilbury Skincare. Caitlin’s upcoming short film, of which she is both writer and director, HYACINTH GIRL, is currently in pre-production.
Rebecca Laurel Anderson as Lynn
Rebecca is thrilled to be back on stage as Lynn in Jordan Rubio’s poignant play, By The People, For The People.Rebecca is a proud alumna of The Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn. Some of her favorite past productions include Twelve Angry Women (Juror #7) at the New York Producer’s Club, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Titania with Burning Barn Theater, and David Lindsay-Abaire’s Wonder of the World (Lois) at MUCCC in Rochester, NY. In recent years, you may have seen her pop up on your screen in a commercial for Worthy.com or the Plant Caddy Shelf. She has also appeared in the web series 420 Escapades as Janet, the casting director. When not on stage or behind the camera, you can find Rebecca slinging drinks and entertaining guests at a local Brooklyn bar, running private catering events, looking after your furry family members, or getting into some community or social justice cause.
Playwright
Lauren Shields is a NYC based Writer, Director, and Intimacy Coordinator. As a writer, she explores
theater and film, focusing on how we can begin to understand one another in a society that often discourages such connection. Lauren is ecstatic to be making her theatre writing debut this summer with BFFL. She has written two short films, Bliss (151st Productions) and Timeless (151st Productions). Lauren is a founder of Blank Page Theatre company, the founder of Audition Checkup - an acting and vocal coaching company, and a Co-Founder of 151st Productions - a film company. She received her Undergraduate degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Musical Theatre and holds a Masters in Directing from The Actors Studio Drama School at PACE University.
Check out her previous work and what’s to come on…For more of her work you can check out: laurenashields.com
Check out her previous work and what’s to come on…For more of her work you can check out: laurenashields.com
Director
Zakk Ottmers (he/him) is the Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Blank Page Theatre Co., where he has directed and produced several new works, including, The Care and Feeding of Small Animals, The Senator and His Wife Go On Retreat, Say Gay; Sisters, and Riding Lessons. He has also served as the director of several Off-Off Broadway productions, including, A Rehearsal for a Live-Action Adaptation of an Episode of “Tom and Jerry,” and Queen in the Key of D. Zakk holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Directing from The Actors Studio Drama School, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Production from Texas State University.
Instagram: @zakkottmers
Website: zakkottmers.com
Cast
Margaret Sommerhof as Jojo
Margaret Sommerhof (she/her) is happy to be returning to Blank Page Theatre Company. Margaret has recently been seen in Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret (Sarah Sanderson,) American Idiot (Featured Ensemble,) and The Care and Feeding of Small Animals (Sis/Mrs. Reynolds/Girl.) Margaret is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She would like to thank Blank Page for this opportunity, her coaches and mentors for their guidance, her friends for their inspiration and her family for all their love and support. @margaretsommerhof.
Natalie Marsan as Tesa
Natalie Estelle Marsan is an actor, singer, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from
the Midwest, Natalie recently received an MFA in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Alongside her acting studies, she studies voice at Tamagini Voice Studio and is a Writer-In-Residence in Theatre East, a writers group based here in New York. Off-Broadway; The Senator and His Wife Go On Retreat (Blank Page Theater Company) and Reflection of a Shadow (New York Theater Festival). She hopes you enjoy the show!
the Midwest, Natalie recently received an MFA in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Alongside her acting studies, she studies voice at Tamagini Voice Studio and is a Writer-In-Residence in Theatre East, a writers group based here in New York. Off-Broadway; The Senator and His Wife Go On Retreat (Blank Page Theater Company) and Reflection of a Shadow (New York Theater Festival). She hopes you enjoy the show!
Zoe Bentley as Sally/Linda
Zoe Bentley is an actor and singer based in New York. Originally from Philadelphia, she graduated with a BA in acting and vocal performance from Muhlenberg College and has since enjoyed performing in the vibrant Philly and NYC theatre and film scenes. She is incredibly excited to be returning to Blank Page's New Works Festival for a second year! She has recently been seen in multiple performances at SPQR Stage Company in Somer's Point, New Jersey, and has worked on various film and TV projects. Her work was recently screened at the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival. Other select credits include Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Mary Bennet) at Old Academy Players and Crimes of the Heart (Babe Botrelle) at The Stagecrafters Theater.
Blake Brundy as Keith
Blake Brundy, A recent graduate of The Actors Studio Drama School MFA Program. His New York Credits include Shakespeare’s Richard II and Comedy of Errors with Hip to Hip Theatre Company’s Shakespeare in the Parks. “The Altruists” by Nicky Silver(Actors Studio Rep show 2024), and an upcoming New Works Premiere of an original Musical with New York’s Dream up Festival in September.
Connor McNelis as Ryan/Dan
Connor McNelis (he/him) is an actor and writer born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. His theater work includes the U.S. Premiere of All Quiet on the Western Front (Prime Stage Theatre), Steel (Pittsburgh CLO), Afters (BCTR), Stop Kiss (Murmuration Theatre Company), and Bloomsday (Little Lake Theatre). His film work includes various shorts, features, and multiple Best Film winners in the Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Project, including "The Young One-Two", which screened at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
Crew
Stage Manager
D. Williams is an NYC based Singer/Actor and also a Stage Manager. D. received a BFA in Musical Theatre and design and technical theatre from Fairleigh Dickson University, School of the Arts in Madison, NJ. His love for singing and acting lead him to pursue his career in theatre. D, has been cast in a national tour and many leading roles in shows such as Company, The Wiz, Sister Act, The Ten Commandments, Les Miserables and many more. For more about DaShaun visit dashaunwill.com
Assistant Stage Manager
Donovan Fowler is a New York City based actor and stage manager. He is overjoyed and honored to be a part of BlankPage’s third New Works Festival. Donovan was an actor in BlankPage’s first New Works Festival in 2022 as The Clown in Riding Lessons by Brett Hursey and directed by Zakk Ottmers. Donovan was born and raised in the D.C. Metro Area. He studied acting and stage management at Morgan State University and continued his acting training at American Conservatory Theatre and the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.
Lighting Designer
Eitan is a NY based lighting designer. Thanks to the Blank Page team for making him feel welcome and helping him move so many ladders! website: eitanacks.com
Photographer
Ian McQueen (he/him) is a New York-based producer and photographer. His most recent projects include the MAC award-winning series CABARET ON THE COUCH, which has welcomed over 200 performers and 22 organizations. He is the executive producer of BEETHOVEN: LIVE IN CONCERT, which premiered at The Green Room 42 with Lexi Lawson, Gabriella Pizzolo, and Michael Lee Brown; and has produced the world-premieres of BLOOD ON MY MOTHER'S APRON; LITTLE EGG, BIG WORLD; AND THE LIGHTS OF THE BOREALIS WERE SHINING.; and SNOW BIRD. Additionally, he's worked as a photographer with Signature Theater, Chelsea Table & Stage, The Triad, The Tank, EPIC Players, and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Online at ianmphotos.com and on Instagram @mcian98.
Producer
Leah Sherman is a New York-based actor and producer with a penchant for storytelling across a wide range of mediums: including digital, theater, and film. This is her second time producing with Blank Page Theatre Co, following the success of the 2024 Winter Play. In her 9-5, Leah is a producer and host for NowThis Media and previously led their original financial explainer series, "Money Bakers". Throughout her film career, she has dabbled in both branded short form for clients such as theSkimm, The Council on Foreign Relations, andThe Simons Foundation, as well as narrative shorts. She is currently working on a feature documentary spotlighting one of the survivors from the Bill Cosby scandal, focusing on her journey of healing and the evolution of the legal system. As an actor, Leah has appeared in several short films such as Blakely in Sisterly Ties, and Leah in Mirror Maiden. Her most recent stage performance was the lead role of Callie in the 25th anniversary production of Stop Kiss. She is currently represented by Metropolis Artists Agency and Dancho Models.
Social Media Manager and Projection Designer
Helen Brown is a Brooklyn based social media manger and projection designer. Originally in the advertising world, her love of the arts and theater brought her back to the stage. She'd like to thank Lauren and Zakk for the opportunity to create amazing worlds and to help build Blank Page online. Email: helenbrown923@gmail.com