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2016-2017 SEASON
LOUIS BLUVER THEATRE AT THE DRAKE PRODUCTION SPONSOR HARMELIN MEDIA
A Z U K AT H E AT R E . O R G
Kevin Glaccum Producing Artistic Director
Harmelin Media Production Sponsor
AZUKA THEATRE presents
e w W Ho N o T O G by IDRIS GOODWIN
Starring JERRICK MEDRANO KISHIA NIXON ZOE RICHARDS JAMES WHITFIELD Scenic Design SARA OUTING
Lighting Design MICHAEL LAMBUI
Costume Design SHELBY KAY
Sound Design LUCAS FINDLAY
Dramaturg RACHEL O’HANLON-RODRIGUEZ
Properties PILAR BRUYERE
Vocal Coach MATTHEW HULTGREN
Production Manager BEN LEVAN
Production Stage Manager MAYA NEVILLE
Directed by RAELLE MYRICK-HODGES AN AZUKA NEW PROFESSIONALS PRODUCTION & PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE!
September 21 - October 9, 2016 Azuka Theatre is a 501(c)(3) Not for profit organization Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)
CAST Hank........................................................ Jerrick Medrano Julian........................................................ James Whitfield Luann....................................................... Kishia Nixon Selector.................................................... Zoe Richards TIME: 1988. LOCATION: Suburban, Midwest America. There will be NO intermission. Please turn OFF all electronic devices prior to the performance. Photography or recording of this production, including cell phones, is strictly prohibited.
The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
Azuka Theatre is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (GPCA).
Azuka Theatre is a proud participant in the Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre, a program of Theatre Philadelphia.
Azuka Theatre is an Associate Member of the National New Play Network (NNPN).
Support provided in part by the William Penn Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation, The Barra Foundation, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
FROM THE DIRECTOR How We Got On takes us to place where we relive that first time we knew what we wanted to be when we grew up. Where we discovered that thing that would define us, place us in history, and help us create our own identity. For these kids, it was poetry. Their own special form of poetry. Because, if you listen to all the seminal hip hop albums that’s what it is: poetry set to a beat – to a rhythm – telling a story, their story, of what it means to be in this world at this time. Hip Hop moved like a cross-country road trip. It was born in the Bronx, raised in Los Angeles and somewhere in-between, kids from all backgrounds, participated in this renaissance of rhythm, each developing their own style and voice, and many of those kids were from the Midwest. After 40 years, hip hop is easily one of the most important music genres in the world today, the seeds of which have taken root in far-away places, in multiple countries and languages and yet it speaks to the same fundamental instinct: the need to define who we are, become someone of value, tell a story that matters. This play is one of those stories. Of three teenage kids, living in the suburbs, defining themselves through poetry and music. It’s a story that takes us back to that moment where we knew ourselves and believed that what could be – would be. And, It’s hella funny! – Raelle’s Ghost Writer.
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WHO’S WHO Jerrick Medrano (Hank) Jerrick began acting at the young age of ten years old. He was part of the Morivivi theatre group doing improv comedy as well as the Spanish, Puerto Rican play Que Suegra Lista, written and directed by Jose Martin Pacheco. Jerrick spent three years with Morivivi as well as dancing with multiple dance groups throughout Philadelphia. He was also featured on Esperanza, Inc.’s local commercial, Yo Soy La Cara. He has been an actor for one Halloween season at Easter Stat Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls. Jerrick is a Philadelphia based actor, a 2015 graduate from Esperanza Academy Charter High School where he majored in Theater, and currently a Theater major at the Community College of Philadelphia. He is a writer - his play For a Good Investment won the Philadelphia Young Playwrights New Voices playwrighting competition and was produced at Temple University he was a featured actor for PYP in their Young Voices Monologue Festival, and also worked on Marty Pottenger’s #Phillysavesearth at Painted Bride. Kishia Nixon (Luann) Kishia is more than delighted to be part of Azuka Theatre’s production of How We Got On! She has been previously seen in Venice Island Performance Art Studio’s production of Macbeth, EgoPo’s production of The Children’s Hour and Arcadia University’s production of Eurydice. She holds a BFA in acting from Arcadia University where she trained under various talented professors; including Kevin Glaccum. She would like to thank God; her Lord and savior Jesus Christ and her Dad. Every goal she achieves does not go unnoticed by her Father and she wants him to know that she appreciates everything he does for her and that she is his biggest fan. Thank you to Raelle Myrick-Hodges for casting and directing her and to Kevin for being an all-around awesome person at everything. Thank you to her family and friends for all the love and support. #Blacklivesmatter. “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities...if you want to know what a man is like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” - Albus Dumbledore Zoe Richards (Selector) Zoe is a local theater artist and graduate of the University of the Arts Acting BFA program. She is so excited to be back at Azuka where she was last seen in Speech and Debate. Her recent acting credits include: Linear Default (3 Pony Show), New Voices, New Viewpoints (Theatre Horizon), Magnus Effect (The Greenfield Collective), Shrew! (Reject Theatre Project), Damned Dirty Apes (Renegade Theatre Co). Much love and gratitude to Raelle, this ensemble, and the entire Azuka family. James Whitfield (Julian) James is a 2016 Graduate of The University of the Arts with a BFA in Acting. He is extremely honored to be part of such a visceral and Hip-hop oriented piece of theater. His recent credits include Sojourners, Love too will Ruin Us, and Race. James strives to tell each story as honestly and passionately as possible. He would like to thank his family and closest friends for providing him with enough love to do so. Lastly, he cannot touch the stage without thanking Raelle Myrick-Hodges and Kevin Glaccum for giving him this opportunity.
Idris Goodwin (Playwright) Idris is a playwright, rapper and essayist. His plays include How We Got On, Remix 38 (Actors Theater of Louisville); And In This Corner: Cassius Clay (StageOne Family Theater), This is Modern Art (Steppenwolf), Blackademics (MPAACT, Crowded Fire), Bars And Measures (NNPN Rolling World Premiere - B Street Theatre, Prop Thtr, Jungle Theatre), The Raid (Jackalope Theater) and The Realness (Merrimack Theatre). Goodwin is one of the six playwrights featured in Hands Up an anthology commissioned by The New Black Fest. Hands Up has been presented across the country. He is the recipient of Oregon Shakespeare’s American History Cycle Commission and InterAct Theater’s 20/20 Award. Goodwin has been a writer in residence at The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Berkeley Rep’s Ground Floor Program, The Lark Playwriting Center and New Harmony Project. An accomplished Hip Hop poet, his albums include Break Beat Poems and Rhyming While Black. Goodwin was featured on HBO, Sesame Street and Discovery Channel. He is the author of the pushcart nominated essay collection These Are The Breaks (Write Bloody, 2011). Idris is the co-host and contributor to Critical Karaoke, a radio show and podcast about music and culture. Idris teaches performance writing and Hip Hop aesthetics at Colorado College. Raelle Myrick-Hodges (Director) Born in North Carolina; raised in Washington, D.C. and educated internationally, Raelle is a graduate of Ealing College of Humanities London and the University of Southern California. Artistically mentored by Mr. George C. Wolfe and Joseph Haj respectfully, she is the founder of Azuka Theatre in Philadelphia (now in its 17th year). Raelle has worked with artists such as Geoffrey Arend, Meryl Streep, Jeffrey Wright, Mos Def, Tony Kushner, April Mathis, and Keith David among others. Her work as a performance art creator/curator has been seen at the DeYoung Museum, Red Poppy Art House, Feroz Gallery (Germany), Theater Minnot (Beirut, Lebanon) and Ami Gallerie (Paris). As a producer/curator, her programming ranges from regional artists to high profile internationally known ensembles and performers in music, dance and theater - including artists such as Denis O’Hare, The Rude Mechanicals, Sam Green, Double Edge Theater, Arturo Sandoval and Joey Arias among others. She will present a new collaborative work with Urban Bush Women this fall and is slated to present works for PACE University and National Black Theater in the 2016-2017 season. She is currently creating a new work with Elephant Room entitled, #BLKGRLSINGALONG to premiere January 2018. Sara Outing (Scenic Designer) Sara is a scenic designer, fabricator and puppeteer from Chapel Hill, NC. Scenic credits include Tigers Be Still (Azuka), the Young Voices Monologue Festival (2013-’16 Philly Young Playwrights), The Magnus Effect and Fifty Days at Iliam (Greenfield Collective), and A Play, A Pie & A Pint (2014 & 2016 Tiny Dynamite). Recent props work has been featured by The Renegade Company, Orbiter 3, and EgoPo Classic Theatre. Sara is a member of the Greenfield Collective, an alumna of the Apprenticeship program at InterAct Theatre Company, and a graduate of the Theatre Arts Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Michael Lambui (Lighting Designer) Michael is a freelance lighting and set designer in Philadelphia. He is thrilled to be working on his first show with Azuka Theatre. Recent works in Philadelphia include In The Clearing (LD) at Birds on a Wire Dance Theater; The Long Tides (LD) with Nicole Quenelle; The Invisible Hand (ASD) at Theatre Exile; I Am Not My Motherland (ASD/ALD) at Orbiter 3; God’s Ear (SD), This Beautiful Stupidity (LD), and Twelfth Night (SD) at UArts; and The Pirates of Penzance (SD) with the Savoy Company. Michael holds a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology from the University of the Arts.
Shelby Kay (Costume Designer) Shelby is a designer, stylist and display artist living in Philadelphia. Since graduating from the University of the Arts in 2014, Shelby has worked on a variety of film and commercial projects including Sailor Jerry Rum, Guinness, Longwood Gardens, University of the Sciences, Comcast and Bailout webseries. Additionally, she is the Flats Stylist with Urban Outfitters. Pilar Bruyere (Properties) Pilar is a theater artist living and working in the Philadelphia area. She attended the Community College of Philadelphia and Temple University, earning an A.A. and B.A. respectively in Theater. Pilar has worked on various shows for the University and as both a student and professional with a number of companies in the Philadelphia area including New Freedom Theater, Once More Theater Company, Mauckingbird Theater Comapny, and Avista Custom Theatrical LLC. She looks forward to this first show with Azuka Theatre and is excited to continue working in the Philadelphia theater community. Matthew Hultgren (Vocal Coach) Matthew is proud to be returning to Philadelphia after 6 years! Most recently, he was a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University and American Repertory Theater Institute. Recent Coaching credits: Christmas at the Ivanovs’ (Moscow Art Theater School), Hamlet (Hyperion Shakespeare/HRDC); The Pirate Princess; (American Repertory Theater), The Shipment; Much Ado About Nothing; Desdemona, A Play About A Handkerchief; Heroin/e (Keep Us Quiet); Dutchman; and Bride*Widow*Hag (ART Institute). As an actor and former AEA member, Matthew has performed with 11th Hour, Amaryllis, EgoPo, Flashpoint Theatre Co, People’s Light & Theatre Co, PGLTF, Prince Music Theatre, Media Theatre, Secret Room, Shakespeare in Clark Park, and Walnut Street Theatre. Matthew has taught Acting, Dialects, Voice, and Dance in 7 states and 3 countries for the following: American Family Theater, Dancing With The Students, Music Training Center, Northwestern, PWST Krakow, Moscow Art Theater School, Tufts University, and Walnut Street Theatre. Matthew has an MFA in Voice and Speech Pedagogy from Harvard ART/MXAT, and is a proud member of VASTA. Maya Neville (Stage Manager) Maya is ecstatic to be working with Azuka for the first time on this fabulous production! Recently graduated from Bryn Mawr College, she is thrilled to be landing in Philadelphia to jump-start her theater path. Recent work includes working as a Stage Management intern with New York Stage and Film’s Powerhouse Season, as well as stage managing Tartuffe through Commonwealth Classic Theatre Co. Special thanks to friends and family and he Philly Bryn Mawr community! Ben Levan (Production Manager) Ben is happy to be back at Azuka for another season! He is a freelance Production Manager, Master Electrician, Lighting Designer, and Playwright living in Philadelphia. Recent PM credits include: I Am Not My Motherland (Orbiter 3), Brewers Fayre (Tiny Dynamite), Local Girls (Azuka). Recent ME credits include: 36 Views (Lantern Theater Company), Invisible Hand (Theatre Exile), A Fierce Kind of Love (Temple University Institute on Disabilities.) He is also a proud new member of The Foundry, a Philadelphia based playwriting workshop. Rachel O’Hanlon-Rodriquez (Dramaturg) Rachel is currently in her second year at Villanova University where she is a Presidential Scholar and serves as Villanova Theatre’s Media & Events Coordinator. Rachel is thrilled to be joining Azuka’s team for the first time as a young dramaturg whose specialization is growing towards African American theater, following a year of research on August Wilson. In addition to her dramturgical skills, Rachel is a Philadelphia-based actress who has worked
with companies like Flashpoint Theatre Company, EgoPo Classic Theater, Simpatico Theater Project, and the Painted Bride Arts Center. She also serves as the Development Associate for Kaleid Theatre where she devises physical theater pieces. Rachel earned her BA from Rowan University where she received their Joseph Robinette Award for Excellence in Theater and Dance. Next up: come check Rachel out onstage at Villanova Theatre with Jose Rivera’s Marisol in which she will tackle the title role, under the direction of James Ijames, performance running November 8 - 20. Johanna Austin (Production Photographer) Johanna of AustinArt has had the pleasure of working with Azuka since she fell in love with them and their Nerve (April 2010 production). For 16 years Johanna has been exploring her perceptions of the world through photography. Her work is inspired by a desire to create still lifes out of performance art. She thrives on constructing images that would otherwise be forgotten, and often, not even seen at all. With her calm, unobtrusive presence, clients find her to be a joy to work with as she captures the energy and spirit of the moment.
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STAFF & CREDITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRODUCTION CREW & CREDITS
2016-2017
Technical Director Joe Daniels
Tamanya Garza – President Natalie Diener – Vice-President Andrea Sheaffer – Treasurer Roz DeKett – Secretary Mark H. Andrews Heather Evans David Fedor Kevin Glaccum Lee Porter Ross Radish
AZUKA THEATRE STAFF Producing Artistic Director Kevin Glaccum Associate Artistic Director Allison Heishman Marketing Director Mark H. Andrews Artistic Associate Emily Acker Playwrights in Residence Jacqueline Goldfinger Douglas Williams
Carpenter AJ Garrigus Electricians Erick Alfisi Lucas Nguyen Scenic Artists Danielle Ferguson David Piccinetti Photo Credits Johanna Austin / Austinart.org Graphic Design Mark H. Andrews & Derek Carnegie IT & Maintenance Andrew Nelson Website Design PIC Designs Printing Quaker Printing
Resident Dramaturg Sally Ollove PR Representative Kory Aversa, Aversa PR & Events LLC
AZUKA THEATRE
1700 Sansom Street, Suite 800 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.563.1100 AzukaTheatre.org
SPECIAL THANKS Gary Miller, John Doyle, Lantern Theater Company, Dom Chacon, Daniel Perelstein, Colin McIlvaine, Avista Custom Theatrical LLC, University of the Arts Costume Shop
SUPPORT FOUNDATION SUPPORT
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
Barra Foundation Charlotte Cushman Foundation CHG Foundation Dolfinger McMahon Samuel. S. Fels Fund Independence Foundation Lida Foundation Linback Foundation MKM Foundation Philadelphia Cultural Fund Philadelphia Foundation Producer’s Fund Puffin Foundation William Penn Foundation June & Steve Wolfson Family Foundation Wyncote Foundation
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PRODUCERS CIRCLE Honorary Producers
Ken Goldenberg Joanne & Jon Harmelin Pat & Robin Tracy Anne Vogelmann Executive Producers
Louis Bluver David Fedor Kevin Glaccum Dr. Stephen Heishman David & Karen Jones Dr. Joel Porter Andi Sheaffer Gayle & David Smith Pat & Robin Tracy Producers
Mark H. Andrews & Derek Carnegie Associate Producer
Christopher J. Baughman Natalie Diener & Michael Cosenza Maria Gasior Drs. Ken & Julie Kendall Michael Norris & Matt Varrato Lee Porter Lee & Christopher Van de Velde
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