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.