FINALE NIGHT JUDGES

Want to know a little bit more about our panel of judges at last night's finale? Here are links to their work.

Michael Roderick started Small Pond Entertainment five years ago when he found that it was virtually impossible for an artist to be at their best when they also had to produce. He developed a system for the advancement of a producing organization to be the umbrella for shows that lacked producers. Over the years Small Pond has become a major name in the NYC Theatre Community having presented shows in numerous venues and with hundreds of different artists. As Artistic Director, Michael has produced over 30 shows since his arrival in NY in September 2002. He has also been the organizer of networking events that have included representatives from The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Fractured Atlas, and RWS casting and Associates. He holds a BA in Secondary Ed English and Theatre performance from Rhode Island College and an MA from NYU in Educational Theatre Colleges and Communities. Michael also teaches English at LaSalle Academy where he is the head of the drama program. He has written 15 plays and his play "I'll do it Tomorrow" will be published in the 2004- 2005 Best American Short Plays published by Applause books. He also plans on eventually publishing a book about his first year teaching called "Stage Fright", as well as a young adult novel titled "Norin's Quest: Beyond the Gates of Lavender. He also blogs daily at oneproducerinthecity.typepad.com.

Matte O'Brien is a graduate of Syracuse University. He is the producing artistic director of Rope Swing Entertainment. As a prolific playwright. His works include, "The Meaning of Life," "Morning has broken," and soon to be seen on Broadway this spring, "White Noise."

First night of performances a success!

Last night was Friday the 13th- and boy did it show on stage! Seriously though, despite some technical difficulties, last night's show was a huge success.

Here are some comments from the audience-
This show is not to be missed! There is still a chance to see the three winning shows from last night, this Sunday the 15th at 7PM. Or come see a brand new set of 6 ten minute plays TONIGHT AT 8PM-

All shows are on the 5th floor of the Roy Arias Theatre in the Times Square Art Center at 300 West 43rd Street.

Don't miss out!

"Hilarious"

"Original"

"INVENTIVE, Very Stylized."

"Screwball!"
"Awesomeness!!"
"Sick."

"Great! A 10."
"Hot"
"Took to a new level of delightful..."

"Tasteless."

"Phenomenal."

"Innovative, yet comprehensible."

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Esi Sogah

Esi Sogah is delighted to be involved with her first From the Hip Festival. She is especially thrilled to have a chance to work with Diamando and Danika again after all these years. Favorite roles include Helene in "Sweet Charity" and Susan in "Company". Born in Wilmington, DE, raised in Ithaca, NY, and currently living in New York City, Esi spends her days editing romance novels and other fiction for Avon Books.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Shara Ashley Zeiger

SHARA ASHLEY ZEIGER is thrilled to be working with From the Hip! Most recently she performed in "Wawapalooza: The Dark Roast" on The Society Hill Playhouse's Mainstage as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. In New York Shara's performed with La MaMa E.T.C., PS 122, American Globe, and more, and around the country at Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, National Theater for Arts and Education, etc. Shara's awaiting the festival premeire of indie spy thriller "Harts Ridge," and recently shot some print for GSK. You can see Shara clowning around doing various physical theatre and stand-up comedy around the city. She holds a degree in Drama from Ithaca College and is an alum of The National Theater Institute, Studio 5, and Zen of Clown. http://www.youtube.com/user/sharaashleyz

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: David Tracy

DAVID TRACY most recently appeared in the 2009 Philadelphia Fringe/Live Arts Festival production of GETTING YOUR LIFE. He has been seen in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT touring Germany, Austria (performing at the famed Vienna Opera House), and Italy. He has appeared in SWEENEY TODD, THE MUSIC MAN, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Puck), THE JUDAS KISS (Robbie), EVITA (Magaldi), THE VELVETEEN RABBIT (The Little Boy), SHE LOVES ME (Kodaly), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Frank N. Furter) and spent two seasons with The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival appearing in RICHARD III, TWELFTH NIGHT, WINNIE THE POOH, and THE FESTIVAL GREENSHOW. As a concert artist, David has performed his solo show at THE DUPLEX and DON'T TELL MAMA'S and regionally, with the Reading Symphony Orchestra (PA). He hosted NYC’s SHOTGUN THEATER FESTIVAL (Gene Frankel Theater & 45th Street Theater) and back in the day, performed onboard Spirit Cruises. He is excited to be working on this project with the LEFT HIP team although he misses Gail and her dog.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Melissa Abreu

Melissa “Meli” Abreu began studying the art of Acting after interning for Spike Lee on his movie, “Inside Man”. She joined Kimball Studio shortly thereafter and booking gigs. She’s worked on two Indie Features (Buena Gente, showing at the Queens International Film Festival) and The Day We’ve Waited for, PSA (Stick With The Plan), Theatre (Sisters and The Vagina Monologues, as the Coochie Snorcher) and music video (I Am The World); Meli’s also in pre-production for a short film inspired by Junot Diaz. She’s thrilled to be a part of the Horror Festival and thanks From the Hip, her Family, Friends and Caballeros for their support!

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Leah Dietrich

Leah is thrilled to be back for another From The Hip festival after last being seen as Fern in Intimate Strangers. She is from Clearwater Florida and graduated with a BA in theater from Florida State University. She is currently interning at Primary Stages and loving it. Leah is taking class and enjoying life in the city.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Alexa Servodidio

Alexa is excited to be a part of Left Hip Productions. This is her 3rd performance with the group. Alexa was recently seen as "Joy" in The Pursuit Of Love, written by Diamando Stratakos. Alexa has also been seen in Odd Jobs as Karen, at The Shotgun Theatre Festival, and as "Clarita" , in Menu Driven, written by Kyle Spearman and directed by Jason Surratt. Alexa's other theatrical credits in New York/NJ are 10 Minutes Early, Nuts and Bolts, and Eating Out. She has also had lead roles in independent films such as, Reverse, The Project, Return to Innocence Lost, and Beautiful. Her television credits include principal roles in It's All Geek To Me, The View, and Lucille Roberts. Alexa has a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Masters in Social Work.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Shannon Beck

SHANNON BECK is excited to return to From The Hip. As a performer and choreographer, she graduated from the University of Maryland with a BA in Dance. While at UMD, Shannon studied and performed works under Pearson/Widrig, Alyssa Clark, Alexander Gish, among others. She has performed at the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and has had her own original choreography showcased around the D.C. area. Since moving to New York, Shannon has found a new passion for improv while studying at The Upright Citizens Brigade. She also can be seen in various student and independent films, including Rainbowarrior. Her most recent performance was dancing for HanleyDance at The Merce Cunningham Studios. She would like to give her thanks to all of her fellow creators.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Jamie Rosler

Jamie Rosler received her BA in Theatre from the University of Miami, followed by an MA in Performance from Goldsmiths College, University of London. Since returning to New York she has been in various off-off-Broadway performances, and made her off-Broadway debut earlier this year in The Vagina Monologues. As a member of The Poisonous Ladies: Amir Levi Dance she performs in various venues in and around New York City. She is honored to be working with the Left Hip Productions team again, and can't wait to kick some butt in the From The Hip Horror Festival.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Director: Le-Anne Garland

LE-ANNE GARLAND completed her MFA in Acting from the University of Florida and her BA in Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University. She has performed in various regional and international tours, and has received rave reviews from NYtheatre.com for her performances off-off Broadway. Most recently performed in “Breathe...” in the NY Fringe Festival, as well as performing in two previous From The Hip festivals. TV: As The World Turns, Lipstick Jungle. You can see her in Disney’s upcoming “The Princess and The Frog: The Ultimate Disney Experience” at The Roseland Ballroom this Nov. 25th - Dec. 13th. She is also a writer for the NY theatre website Theatre Is Easy.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Playwright: Corey Williams

Corey Williams is from Rhode Island, studied at Sarah Lawrence College and has written for exiledonline.com magazine. He has served as development associate for Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and had his work read at Ensemble Studio Theater.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Rachel Kiner

Rachel is excited to participate in the festival again after being seen in "A Guide to Burning Bridges". Regional Credits include: Under Six (Florida Studio Theatre), Pure Confidence (Florida Studio Theatre), and Wit(Breathe Art Theatre Company). Rachel's latest short film "You got the job" is in post production. BFA Acting from Sryacuse University.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Artwork

From the Hip: Horror Festival: List of Participants

Festival Producers/Left Hip Productions Founders:

Diamando Stratakos
Jason Lord-Surratt
Bob Teague
Danika Wood

Friday Actors:

Shara Zeiger
Ashley Johnson
Rachel Kiner
Elisa Pupko
Leah Dietrich
Cindy Kawasaki
Jamie Rosler
Cindy Narayan
Nathalie Duenas
Meredith Sladek
Leo Mendoza
Matthew Cohn
Olivia Gilliat
Michael Morse
Nastasia Avrutin
Bailey Poteat
Kat Gordon
Michael Freeman
Jared Stanfield
Simla Civelek
Joe Fadel
Kiersten Armstrong


Saturday Actors:

David Chase
Shannon Beck
Alexa Servodidio
Esi Sogah
Suellen Romani
Megan O'Leary
Matt Bayer
Catharine Stevens
Dennelle Clark
Marcel Vignon
Monika Baskiewicz
Alexandra Frankovich
Melissa Abreu
Jayson Torres
Danika Wood
Luciana Faulhaber
Cathy Englade
Diarra Clemons
Alexis Braxton
Amanda Holland
Darlene McCullough
David Tracy

Friday Directors:

Heather Arnson
Le-Anne Garland
Matt Bayer
Bryant Lanier
Joshua Paul Johnson
David Platt

Saturday Directors:

Seth Payeur
Ben Hertzfeld
Cindy Kawasaki
Samantha Manas
Alex Carpenter
Michael Freeman

Friday Playwrights:

Betsey Shevey
Megan O'Leary
Sara McDermott
Katharine Henner
Andrew Turner
Corey Williams

Saturday Playwrights:

Megan Lohne
Andrew Rothkin
David Potashnik
Suzanne Mooney
Greg Moss
Terrence Brennan

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor/Playwright: Megan O'Leary

Megan is a New York based actor/ writer. Her writing most recently appeared in the collaboration “Women for Women” in NYC, as well as the debut of her dark comedy "Charlotte the Destroyer" in Boston and Edinburgh. She has also written a sci-fi mini series, two feature films; a web series and several quirky sitcom pilots. Her Recent stage Acting Credits include the maniac in Accidental Death of an Anarchist, The Wool Gatherer, Shining Days, and The Yellow Wallpaper. She is a founding member of MY Fair Heathen Productions and looks forward to producing again in the spring. For now so Excited to work with From the Hip! www.MeganOLeary.com

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Monika Baskiewicz

Originally from Poland, Monika Baskiewicz has been living most of her life here in New York City. During her College Years at Parsons School of Design she still pursued acting on the side. She made her own short films at Parsons while studying acting at The New York School for Film and Television and HB Studio during the Summer breaks. Recently Monika has auditioned for "One Tree Hill" and took part in a 3 Week Soap Opera Class with Tori Visgilio, Associate CD on "One Life to Live". She is a proud member of the Actor's Project NYC and is participating in their current program and showcase. This is her second time performing with The Left Hip Productions and she is excited to be working with such talented and creative team.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Director: David Platt

David J. Platt is proud to be directing in The From The Hip: Horror Festival. He directed in two Shotgun Theater Festival's this year. Recently he directed Sam Shepard's "Eyes For Consuela" at The 45Th St. Theater. David is a proud member of Theater of Note in Los Angeles where he was on their Artistic Board. Note is known for producing original plays, some of the plays David directed include "The Question", "Saturday", and "Spelling Bee".

He also was the director's assistant on the television shows "Scrubs","Miss Guided", General Hospital" and "How I Met Your Mother".

From the Hip: Horror Festival Producer: Diamando Stratakos

Diamando Stratakos is happy to be one of the founders of Left Hip Productions. In addition to the 45 ten minute plays she has co-produced with her co-workers from Left Hip, she has also produced multiple other shows in Manhattan, Queens, Ithaca (Kitchen Theatre Company), Syracuse (Up & Running Productions Co-Founder), and Athens, Greece (Theatro Argo). She received her BFA in Acting from Syracuse University. Her work on stage has most recently been seen at the Players Theatre, the Gene Frankel Theatre, and the 45th Street Theatre. Her aim is to create theatrical experiences utilizing as many forms of artistic expression as possible. She wants to create an environment where artists can thrive. She is very thankful for the opportunity to spread her creative wings.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Producer: Jason Lord-Surratt

Jason Lord- Surratt is a director, improviser and educator. He began his endeavors in improvisation in Syracuse, NY. He went on to study at Second City in Chicago, while performing in and co-conceiving independent work. He ran Warhorse, a series of improvisational workshops, creating and producing 3 shows, now under the umbrella of NewFormat Improvisation, which he founded. Long-form improv works conceived and directed by Jason include: Lady Liberty and 61 Dead Men, based on Aristotelian formulations of tragedy, as well as Subway Series and Grassroots Grazing. Selected directing credits include Brian Flowers for the Brooklyn Play Festival, and Vanities, I Stand Before You Naked, and The Heidi Chronicles in various NY theaters. Special thanks to Rebecca Lord, his loving wife!

From the Hip: Horror Festival Producer: Bob Teague

Bob Teague is at various times an actor, director, playwright, stagehand and producer -- he recently returned to New York Theater after two decades as a journalist, writer and performer in the hinterlands of the American Deep South. His most recent New York efforts include having two of his plays, "Two in the Chamber" and "Nerve Damage", performed at the first Shotgun Theater Festival at The Gene Frankle Theatre. He has also directed "Nikita", by Rosebud Ben-Oni at The Producers Club and stage managed "Try, Try Again" for Tap Monkey Productions at The 45th Street Theater. He is proud to be part of Left Hip Productions.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor/Producer: Danika Wood

Danika Wood is excited to be a founding member of Left Hip Productions. She came to this group after performing in the first Shotgun Theater Festival in both the winning play and the first runner-up. The winning play, "Monkey", was expanded by playwright Jim Tierney and produced by Diamando Stratakos and Jason Surratt at the Gene Frankel Theatre as the prize for winning the festival. It has since been re-mounted at the Producer's Club, and will be shown again at the end of August at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre. Danika has also been seen at the Flea Theater, Syracuse Stage, Hangar Theatre and Cortland Repertory Theatre. She will next be seen as The Nurse in the Queens Players upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet. She received a BFA in acting from Syracuse University.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Director: Samantha Lee Manas

Samantha Lee Manas has directed several plays in New York City including: Strangers in the Night, Orion, Invasion of the Parasites: An Inadvertant Allegory, Rodwarts World, Scenes from Othello, Scenes from Hamlet, and many more. She is the winner of best director at the Underground Theater Festival and a two time nominee for best director at the Strawberry One Act Festival. She has also assistant directed with the Kaos Theater in England where she worked on Richard III. She received her BFA in stage management from SUNY Purchase College’s Conservatory of Theater Arts and Film.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Playwright: David Potashnik

David Potashnik was born in Ukraine, but raised on the slightly mean streets of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. After the extremely mild success of his first play "Loving Susan," he was inspired to write three feature screenplays, a pet product commercial and the soon to be web sensation "Batman Vs. Spiderman with Dr. Phil mediating." His latest feature "4Chosen" is currently in pre-production. He is very excited to be working with From the Hip because "I love the theater and From the Hip is a cool name." David currently resides in New Jersey...although not by choice.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Katherine Gordon

Katherine Gordon is a young actress from San Diego, CA who has been living in NYC for about a year. She studied theatre at California State University of Northridge. This will be the 4th time she will be working with From the Hip productions. She loves working with everyone involved in the festivals. The festivals From the Hip produces are always new and exciting. Enjoy the show!

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Leo Mendoza

Leo Mendoza is a recent transplant to New York, and is in love with the idea of drop off laundry service. He's got a multitude of improv and sketch credits, most recently with the independent team Imaginary Friends in Chicago and No Substitutions in New York. Recent Chicago Theatre credits include the Artistic Home's Modigliani (u/s, Utrillo), Garland Productions' Putman Transit, and Dramatis Personae's Monster Mash. He's extremely excited to work with Left Hip Productions and has been conditioning his body with coffee and Monster energy drinks for the 24 hour fun he's about to experience.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Elisa Pupko

Elisa Pupko is excited to be performing in From the Hip Festival this year! New York credits: A Wonderland (Anonymous Ensemble/Ice Factory Festival), The Children’s Hour (Astoria Performing Arts Center), Ready, Set, Story! (The Looking Glass Theatre), Satin Dolls (Broadway Baby Cabaret), Joseph …Dreamcoat (Narrows Theatre), and Central Park - the Musical (Arthur Seelen Theatre). You may also catch Elisa in various episodes of College Humor Originals. A native of Seattle, Elisa loves coffee and hates the rain. BA in Drama from the University of Washington. Elisa sends her love and thanks to Mike for always believing and to Mom for all her support. www.elisapupko.com

From the Hip: Horror Festival Director: Heather Arnson

Heather Arnson (Director) - NYC credits: Very, Very… (dir.) 45^th Street Theatre, The Permanent Night (dir.) Barrow Street Theatre, You Stole My Script (dir.) Nagelberg Theatre , The Art of Being Psychotic (dir.) Gene Frankel Underground; Girl Meets Boy (dir.) Cherchunin Theatre – best director nominee Strawberry Festival; Your Title Goes Here (dir.) Theatre Row; 52-PickUp (dir.) Gene Frankel Theatre; Tammy (dir.) Payan Theatre; directing team of A Stone Carver, Robert Kalfin (dir) Soho Playhouse; Anais Nin (PSM) Beckett Theatre; stage management teams of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Abigail's Party (The New Group) Acorn Theatre, and In The Continuum (Primary Stages) Perry Street Theatre; Big Shot (AD) Trilogy Theatre.

Los Angeles credits include: Dario Fo's, Elizabeth: Almost By Chance A Woman (dir) Ruby Theatre @ The Complex; Steve Martin's WASP (dir) Met Theatre; The Whole Shebang (dir) Met Theatre; Menopause the Musical (P/ASM) Coronet Theatre; Eddie Izzard (PSM) Coronet Theatre; and Gatsby in Hollywood (AD/PSM) Met Theatre.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Director: Joshua Paul Johnson

Joshua Paul Johnson is a dramatist, director and actor living in NYC. This is his fourth festival with Left Hip Productions. He is a graduate of AMDA and currently studies at the New School University. He is the producer and writer of Prompt!, an new, episodic audio theater series. He is currently directing two one-act plays for Kick It short play festival. josh.kaexo.com

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Meredith Sladek

Meredith Sladek is thrilled to once again work with From the Hip in another outstanding production. Previously, she performed in Getting Over as Jonie, Nerve Damage as Amanda (as part of the Shotgun Theatre festival series), and Laurina in Scenes From the Staten Island Ferry with the Sundog Theatre Company. On November 21 and 22, she will participate in a revival of Attack of the Bedbugs at Where Eagles Dare. Other favorite roles include Andy in Out the Window, Mrs. Hale in Trifles, and Rose in Unity (1918). She would like to thank Diamando, Jason, Danika, and Bob for inspiration and inclusion, and Pete, Ruby, and Mr. Kite for love, support, and warm feet at night. Enjoy the show!

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Jared Stanfield

Jared Stanfield is originally from Charleston, SC and is excited to be performing for From The Hip Horror Festival! Jared attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and has appeared on “As The World Turns” and an “I Love New York” American express commercial.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Playwright: Sara McDermott

Sara McDermott holds a master's degree in publishing and writing from Emerson College. In addition to other writing awards, she was the recipient of the 2005 Evvy Award for Best Script, Drama for her screenplay Left. She both wrote and directed the play Lovers, Loners, and Those Who Live, and the film Beginning-of-Life Crisis. She currently works as the international marketing coordinator for the Perseus Books Group and Publishers Group Worldwide. As a free-lance script-writer, she has worked on the television shows Access Asia and Stock Rockets, and traveled to Alaska to write new tour guide scripts for the Klondike Gold Dredge. She was also co-screenwriter on the film Lincoln Green and recently published a book, Memoirs of Meanness, with her sister Melissa McDermott.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor/Director: Michael Freeman

Michael Freeman is an actor, clown, choreographer and director. He most recently performed in the off broadway horror spectacle Club Purgatorio, and at the Coney Island and Los Angeles Short Film Festivals in Jonny Von Golden’s horror film series with Ms. Horrorfest star Victoria Timm and burlesque star Gigi La Femme. He will appear in an upcoming television pilot as the demon Zeon in Vortex Cinema’s “B.R.O.O.D.” He has directed several horror themed dance and theater pieces. The Hell Festival at the Brick Theater, HERE Arts Center FUSE Festival, Mulberry Theater New Steps Series, Ralph Lee’s Metawee Theater Company, Toronto Festival of Clowns, Wilmington Delaware Fringe Festival, BAAD in the Bronx, Dixon Place and is currently working on a dance theater piece with musician Robert Jackson’s Twilight Theatre.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor/Director: Cindy Kawasaki

Cindy N. Kawasaki is an alumna of Blue Jacket and Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Acting Apprentice Company. Past productions include the Humana Festival world premiere and Fringe Festival remount of Neon Mirage, Mir Production’s How To Be A Doll and The Mary Trilogy, Madshag Peformance Group's Not Her (& Other Exiles), Matt Chesmore's Poke Until Wince, and T.A.B. at Manhattan Repertory Theatre. She's also in .05 seconds of The F-word PSA with Alan Cumming for GLAAD. She's thrilled to get to direct again, and thanks Pickup101 for the six degrees that brought her to From The Hip.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Cathy Englade

Cathy Englade:

Favorite roles include: Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet"; Kate in "Taming of the Shrew", Sarah in "Fishing", Clarissa in "The World is Round"; Mrs. Smith in "The Bald Soprano"; Sophie in "Honor"; Muriel in “Woman in Mind”; Kate in “The Twelve Pound Look” and the White Witch in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. Most recently seen in dual roles as the Principal and Secretary in the New York City Council project "From Whence I Come". BFA in Acting from Baylor University

From the Hip: Horror Festival Director: Seth Payeur

Seth Payeur is a Director and AEA Stage Manager originally from the Hudson Valley in New York State. He has directed and stage managed at regional theaters across the country. He most recently directed The Tragedy of John Wilkes Booth at Playfest, Orlando Shakespeare Theater's new play festival. Prior directing credits include work with Maples Repertory Theatre, Curan Theatre, and Lost Nation Theatre. Seth is a founding member of the Tennessee Shakespeare Company in Memphis, TN. He recently Stage Managed their second stage season's first production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Other stage management credits include work with Utah Shakespearean Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Theater, New Paltz Repertory Theater, and Maples Repertory Theater.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Playwright: Katharine Henner

Katharine Henner recently received her Masters degree in Playwriting and Screenwriting at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Recent plays performed over the pond for various UK festivals and theatre companies include: Walk in the Would, Transito, M.A.R.Z.I.P.A.N., and also a staged reading of For Your Amusement directed by BAFTA-award winning director, Kfir Yefet. Katharine currently lives and writes in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where she is often found self-learning circus skills and expanding her creative commune.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Suellen Romani

Suellen Romani is happy to be working with such great cast and crew from the Hip Horror Festival. She is a brazilian native actress who has been exposed to arts since her childhood. She began her acting training in Rio Grande do Sul graduating from Porto Alegre School of Arts. Some of her International Theater credits includes Os Brutos Tambem Amam and Ivo Televiso. She also spent three years in Europe learning languages, studying at Central Saint Martin College of Art and Design and experience different cultures to her own. She relocated to New York City two years ago to continue pursuing her career in the entertainment industry. In 2008, she graduated from New York Film Academy where she participated in various student thesis projects and showcases. She is currently studying acting craft at William Esper Studio. Suellen is also part of the production team of the World Players Inc. Theater Company.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Director: Bryant Lanier

BRYANT LANIER (Director ) - Since 1999 Bryant has been the artistic director of THE PLAY'S THE THING (TPTT) Theater Company in New York City. He has an extensive background as an actor and director of professional stage work including performing in national tours of Les Miserables, 42nd Street, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, Man of La Mancha and Camelot, to name a few.

Most recently Bryant produced and directed fully staged, Equity approved, lively and enthusiastically received readings of "Jeffrey" by Paul Rudnick at NYC's Sage Theater and a revised version of "Avow" by Bill C. Davis at NYC's Lark Theater.

He has also produced and directed full productions and staged readings of classic Broadway/Off-Broadway comedies (Crimes of the Heart, As Bees in Honey Drown, Pygmalion), dramas (The Subject Was Roses, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie), musicals (Forbidden Broadway, The Fantasticks), and original pieces (Seduction, Something's Coming, An American Melody)

Bryant Lanier's Website

From the Hip: Horror Festival Playwright: Megan Lohne

MEGAN LOHNE: Plays include WILLOUGHBY (2008 Heideman Award Finalist, 2007 Semi-Finalist American Globe 15-Minute Play Festival) OH, MOMMA (2008 Finalist Algonquin Theater’s One-Act Festival) PURGE PARTNERS (2006 Finalist Samuel French off-off Bway Festival) OPHELIA & LUCY (Semi-Finalist 2006 John Cauble Playwriting Award, Semi-Finalist 2007 Samuel French off-off Bway Festival) THE EDEN PROJECT (Nominee Cherry Lane Mentorship, 2008) THE LIFE’S GOODBYE (Semi-Finalist 2007 Samuel French off-off Bway Festival.) Her plays have been read, workshopped and produced at The New School For Drama, The American Globe Theatre’s Fifteen Minute Play Festival, The Creative Place Theatre, The Chernuchin Theatre, The American College Theatre Festival Region II, Adelphi University, The Algonquin Theatre’s One-Act Play Festival, The Sargent Theater, The Emerging Artists Theater One Woman Standing Festival, and most recently with Little Bird Productions Mix Tape One Act Series. You can catch her monthly storytelling show Off The Record at The Time Out Lounge at New World Stages that she co-hosts with Christina Andrews and Erin Goodwin: check us out http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=164965561243&ref=ts. She has a B.F.A. in acting from Adelphi University and an M.F.A. in playwriting from The New School For Drama. She was a member of the 2007 Young Writers’ Programme at The Royal Court Theatre and is a member of The Dramatists Guild.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Amanda Holland

Amanda Holland!- Amanda grew up in Cleveland, Ohio watching movies and dreaming of life in the big city and acting... She became a prominent actor in her high school drama club (playing such parts as Reverend Hale in an all female production of "The Crucible") as well as her college theatre department (Where she played her favorite part... Feste in "Twelfth Night"). After graduating from Alfred University last May with a BA in Theatre she moved to the Big Apple... Where she's been struggling ever since! Hurray for the recession! :D

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Diarra Clemons

Diarra Clemons is a rising star in acting, modeling, event management and dance. Diarra was born in Montclair, NJ and moved from NJ to Atlanta, Florida, VA and Chicago before finishing high school. By moving with her family, Diarra learned to be a chameleon with her personality and adapt to new situations quickly. Diarra used these skills to portray her emotions while acting.

Diarra began acting at a young age in school plays and in the church. She started ballet lessons at the age of 5. Diarra took voice lessons in elementary school and sang in her family's church choir growing up. Diarra played the piano, viola and clarinet in band as well. By competing in dance teams in high school and college, Diarra learned dancing would be a part of her life forever. Diarra started her modeling career with World Talent Productions in Chicago at age 16. She participated in local televised pageants and was coached in modeling and runway technique. In her junior year of college, Diarra was signed to a modeling contract with the prestigious New Faces Modeling Agency in VA. Under her agent's tutor, Diarra developed superior modeling technique and booked work with local malls and various campaigns.

Diarra strengthened her professional acting and modeling skills in independent films, television specials with National Geographic and major fashion shows in the D.C. area. These experiences made Diarra want to expand her network in entertainment and conquer a new market. After graduating from the beautiful campus of George Mason University in Virginia with a college degree in International Communications/Business Minor, Diarra Clemons took a chance and relocated to Manhattan.

With experience working at the IRS, Department of Justice and Ricci Communications while in school in a communications role, Diarra quickly jumped onto the career track within NY.
Diarra secured two contract positions with Next Level Marketing and Alloy Marketing working in communications and promotions. Showing leadership skills in both companies, she was quickly promoted to Event Manager and managed staffs in various promotional events in the NYC/Northern NJ market. Diarra has managed and worked with various events and companies including Marlboro, Nike, NY Mets, Nintendo, Hummer, International Fight League, JP & Morgan, MTV, Shop-Rite Grocery Stores, Novartis/Femara Pharmaceuticals, NJ Pure Medical Malpractice Insurance, Clairol Herbal Essences, Midori Liquor, TGV Train, Fleet Week and Alize Liquor to name a few. Diarra took her business into her own hands and started a weekly event working with Hawaiian Tropic and managing models at the trendy Grand Nightclub in Manhattan, NY. Diarra currently works as the Nightlife Market Manager for GMR Marketing's promotional campaigns. Diarra contracts new clubs, bars and lounges for GMR's promotional events in Manhattan, NY. She also oversees the entire staff of Managers and Promotional Models who work nightly promotions within Manhattan for GMR. Diarra has progressed in Event Management and is working towards successfully establishing her own business in the coming years.

Diarra is always looking to expand her horizons in the NYC entertainment world. She is currently signed to MMG - Model Management Group in NY and D2 Models in Los Angeles, CA. Diarra has been booked as a spokesmodel for the International Fight League - IFL, Remy Martin Cognac, Culture Hair Products, Flock.com, Malibu and Cointreau Noir. She is the 1st Runner-Up in the Hawaiian Tropic Bikini Pageant in DC and 3rd Runner-Up in the Ms Planet Beach Bikini Pageant at Vernon Downs Casino, NY. She has been a Top 10 finalist in the Miss Bikini USA Pageant in NY and Red Hot Pageant in Atlantic City as well. She has landed roles in MTV, ABC and NBC television productions. Diarra has also been Maxim Magazine's Hometown Hotties and Cuervo Hot 101 Finalist. Diarra has graced the pages of magazines and catalogs including Ellie Fine Hats & Accessories Catalog, Hype Hair Magazine, Picturesque Magazine, Name It! Magazine and Braids & Beauty Magazine to name a few. Diarra has walked in the fashion shows of hot upcoming NYC designers. She has also starred and acted in several films including "Cash Rules" and "Don't Blink" by Russell Simmons Productions and Warner Brothers Films. She has NY theater experience from acting in two Off-Broadway plays in the Can'Noli series at the Producers Club in NY. She is currently working on her singing career as well.

Diarra is signed with MMG - Model Management Group in NY. Please contact MMG at www.nymmg.com to use Diarra as an actress or model in your productions.

Diarra is also signed with D2 Models in Los Angeles, CA. To book her in your productions, please contact D2 Models at http://models.direct2pro.com/~model_4325 and fill out a booking inquiry.

Diarra manages events in the NY area for several marketing companies and clients. To have Diarra manage your event, please contact her in the contact link.

Any questions, comments or fan mail can be e-mailed to Info@DiarraClemons.com.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Bailey Poteat

Bailey is thrilled to be a part of the horror festival and is looking forward to mixing it up with the rest of the cast! Originally from North Carolina, Bailey has been living in New York for the last two years. Always a laughaholic, some of his favorite rolls include anything from Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Sara Lee, and Pepperidge Farm. In his spare time, he enjoys painting and is an avid archer and guitar player.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Cindy Narayan

Cindy Narayan- originally from the Caribbean (Trinidad & Tobago) and lived there until about 8 years. She grew up in Maryland/DC area with her boisterous family and occasionally goes back for family gossip and back yard picnics. She graduated from William Esper studio 2yr acting program last fall and is enjoying the fruits of her labor. She’s’ participated in several other play festivals at Producers’ Club and Turnip Theater. She recently did an NYU project called “Camping Trip” where she plays the geeky uninvited girl of the bunch. She’s is currently writing a webisode, studying belly dancing and yoga! She thanks her family & Arvind for their continued support!

From the Hip: Horror Festival Actor: Luciana Faulhaber

Luciana Faulhaber – Is thrilled to be working with the amazing cast and crew of From the Hip: Horror Festival. A native of Brazil, she has been pursuing acting in New Your City where she just completed a two- year Mesiner training with Bill Esper and the LAByrinth Theatre Master Class. Some of her theatre credits include: Tracy in Seascape with Sharks and Dancer at The Tank at 45^th Street Theatre, Jill in One at Nic’s Spoon Theatre, Tammy Hays and Friar in Romeo and Juliet Together and Alive at Last! at the Long Beach Playhouse, Ms. Scarlett in Russian Roulette as a part of the Shotgun Theatre Festival at the Gene Frankel Theatre, Happy Hour at the 45^th Street Theatre, Zombie in Halloween Nightmare Musical produced by Fordham University and Pirate in the City a Sherkalerka street theatre project. Luciana is a member of SAG and recently played a Van Hunt basketball player in the upcoming movie The Winning Season. Luciana past commercial work include a national commercial for AT&T and a print campaign for MAC Cosmetics. She is currently a member of the 13^th Street Repertory Company and The Newgrounds Theatre Collective. Luciana is also the executive producer of world players Inc. She would like to thank her mother to whom she owes everything.

From the Hip: Horror Festival Playwright: Andrew Rothkin

Andrew Rothkin last wrote and directed The Peppy Preppie and Soccer Mom 212 for John Chatterton’s Short Play Lab. Other recent theatre highlights include writer/co-producer of Bubby’s Shadow for The Midtown International Theater Festival (Winner: Outstanding Production of a New Drama Play; Nomination: Best Dramatic Play, MITF Awards, 2008) writer/director of Love Bites for The 2008 Spotlight On Halloween Variety Show, and writer/director/producer of Meredith’s Ring for The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity (Winner, Outstanding Production of a One-Act Play, Planet Connections Theatre Festivity Awards, 2009.) Andrew is also an actor and teacher/coach, and serves as Artistic Director of White Rabbit Theatre. He is currently writing and compiling his short pieces on love, sex and relationships for Love and Lust, to be performed February 12^th and 13^th at The Duplex.

Update

We at Left Hip Productions are busily working on many different developments to our programming. First we have the From the Hip Horror festival, on November 13, 14 and with a finale on the 15th held at the Roy Arias Theater Center at the Times Square Arts Center. We are excited about this festival allowing our artists to really get creative with the notion of "horror" with limited resources (like no, uh, fluids allowed. Which really should be a rule across the board.) We are also toying with the idea of using live music as an underscore to the play, music being key in setting the scene, particularly in creating a "spooky" mood. What are your thoughts on that idea?
We are beginning to contact participants, but we are still accepting submissions of actors, directors and playwrights until 10/21/09 and we are in particular need of directors. Send headshots/resumes/plays to fromthehipfestival@gmail.com!

We are co-producing with Rebecca Spiro two plays by James McClure, Laundry and Bourbon and Lone Star at the Jalopy in Red Hook, Brooklyn. It is shaping up to be an exciting production, even gaining the interest of the playwright!

Also in the works is a play development arm. One of our biggest goals is to gather theater artists together and create/develop full-length works to their utmost. To this end, we will be forming a play reading group, as well as accepting submissions from playwrights who would like to develop their work. Email your interest in the program to lefthipproductions@gmail.com and stay tuned for more, uh, developments.

Education is a vital part of our mission, and we look forward to educating people of all ages about theater and the exciting collaborations that it fosters, as well as about other issues as well. We know theater to be a powerful tool and can't wait to bring it to more people.

There are a host of other things up our sleeves; fundraisers, parties, new exciting festivals...stay tuned here and to the website to find out. And we would love feedback about what you wish we were doing, what you like, what you don't. Thanks, and happy fall!

From the Hip: HORROR FESTIVAL

Left Hip Productions is currently accepting submissions for its upcoming From the Hip festival, to be held at the Roy Arias Theatre Center at the Times Square Art Center on November 13 and 14 at 8PM and November 15 at 7PM. Tickets for November 13 and 14 are $15. Tickets for the finale night, Sunday, the 15th are $20. All tickets will be available for sale at the door.

Actors, directors, and playwrights wishing to participate should submit a headshot, resume, and sample of writing (playwrights) to fromthehipfestival@gmail.com. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 21, 2009. Participants should have availability on Wednesday, November 11 from 7:30-10PM, and on Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14 from 10AM-10:30PM, as well as Sunday, November 15 from 5PM-9:30PM.

The Crowd at From the Hip

The Grass is Always Greener...When it's Outside of Your Lungs

From the Hip in Central Park a SUCCESS! Winner announced on website!

Well, our first official From the Hip Festival went very well and was very well received by our audience. The winner of the festival, chosen by audience member ballot, is Paper Tiger, written by Greg Moss, directed by Darby Alexander and featuring Rebecca Spiro, Bobby Brower and Ryan P.A. Walsh. There was a tie for second place, and those plays were Smurfett's Wedding Special by Shareef Hadid Jenkins, directed by Dana Angelo and featuring Danika Wood, Kevin Russo, Samantha Maisano and Jeri Silverman; and The Grass is Always Greener....When it's Outside Your Lungs by Dana Angelo, directed by Shareef Hadid Jenkins and featuring Matt Bayer, Jamie Rosler, Katherine Gordon and Ashley Heiner.

From 10 am when the casts began rehearsing outside at Cedar Hill, people watched and stopped and asked what we were doing. A few people who asked what we were up to even showed up some hours later to enjoy the show. As we performed we were surrounded by people enjoying the park, which is the ambience we were going for. But two 10-year olds playing soccer felt that familiar lure of the limelight, and fancied themselves in the plays as well. They shouted, showed off some soccer moves behind and sometimes directly in front of the action onstage. It was a little distracting to be sure, but that's live theater in a park!

All the plays (all listed in previous posts) were wonderful, and all the players worked so hard, again demonstrating how thrilling spontaneous theater can be. We at Left Hip can't wait for the next one; this time it will be indoors!