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.