The Talent

the talent

A showcase of the incredible talent featured in Deaf Broadway.

KAILYN AARON-LOZANO (Emmett Forrest in LEGALLY BLONDE) A Jill-of-All-Trades type of artist, LA-born native Kailyn graduated from CSUN with a degree in history. However, she has a passion for ASL translation with music and has worked on the set of DPAN’s Reverse Polarity, ATT’s “Different Colors,” and more. While she's currently undertaking her Masters at Gallaudet, deep in research about Deaf/ASL music, she hopes to continue improv training and is excited to be a part of Deaf Broadway to expand her skills. For more information, you can reach her at k.aaronlozano.asl@gmail.com. Twitter: @k_aaaronlozano. Instagram: @k.aaronlozano.

BETH APPLEBAUM (Little Red in INTO THE WOODS) Thrilled to be partaking in Deaf Broadway, Beth's credits include her Off Broadway Debut in I WAS MOST ALIVE WITH YOU (Shadow Astrid); Regional: THE DUSK CAGES (Betty), Performance at the Pub/Public Works’ SHANIA TAUB, NYC SIGN AND SING, New York Deaf Theatre’s TITUS (Lavinia), ASL ROCKY HORROR (Janet Weiss), and National Theatre of the Deaf Tour (2015-16). She is an RIT Alumni (’10) with BFA in Film/Animation/Stage; and an alumni of Mercer County Performing Arts High School Dance Major (’05).

MICHELLE BANKS (Ensemble in LES MISERABLES) A native of Washington, DC, Michelle is an award-winning actress, writer, director, producer, choreographer, motivational speaker, and teacher. Former Artistic Director of Onyx Theatre Company for over 11 years in NYC. Her other achievements include the 2017 recipient of Gallaudet University’s Laurent Clerc Award, the 2002 recipient of the Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship, an Individual Achievement Award from the National Council on Communicative Disorders, and a featured article in the February 1998 issue of ESSENCE magazine. Michelle’s most recent producing/directing credits: Gallaudet University’s A RAISIN IN THE SUN, LOOK THROUGH MY EYES, SILENT SCREAM, Z: A CHRISTMAS STORY, WHAT IT’S LIKE? (One Man Show) and IN SIGHT AND SOUND: DE(A)F POETRY I, II, & III. Her acting appearances include SOLE (TV Pilot), THE C.A. LYONS PROJECT (Alliance Theatre), SOUL FOOD (Showtime), STRONG MEDICINE (Lifetime), GIRLFRIENDS (UPN), COMPENSATION (Independent Film), FOR GIRLS WHO CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN RAINBOW IS ENUF (NY & LA), and BIG RIVER (Deaf West Theatre, Mark Taper Forum &Ford Theater). Currently, Michelle Banks is the Artistic Director of
VOCA - Visionaries of the Creative Arts, Inc. - www.visionariesofthecreativearts.org .

MILES BARBEE (Bishop/Grantaire/Combeferre in LES MISERABLES) Beginning his journey as a professional actor by debuting on Broadway in SPRING AWAKENING as Otto, Miles then jumped to TV on Freeform’s Switched At Birth as Kevin. He was time-warped into the 70’s as Steve in the short film, This Is Ed. That didn’t stop him from jumping back into 2018 onstage as Billy in TRIBES in St. Louis. Recently, he portrayed the famous deaf baseball player, Dummy Hoy, in the feature film The Silent Natural. Miles sends big thanks to his parents who cherished and raised him to be who he is today.

FRED MICHAEL BEAM (Javert in LES MISERABLES) Outreach Coordinator for Sunshine 2.0., Fred has worked as acclaimed professional dancer, actor, director, choreographer, ASL Director and playwright for numerous dance concerts and theater nationally and internationally. He has performed around the globe including Africa, Australia, Egypt, England, and France among others. He was a member of “I Didn’t Hear That Color,” the first black deaf play ever produced. His television and film credits include “If You Could Hear My Own Tune,” “The West Wing,” “Secret Dream,” “Little Lonely Monster, and “The New Captain Kangaroo, “ for which he won the 2000 Media Access Award. He has served as the director of Invisible Hands, Inc., which promotes deaf awareness through performing arts. He was a founding member of the Wild Zappers, an all deaf male dance company. He also established Theatre Arts Leadership Training for Deaf People of Color at Gallaudet University.

JOSHUA CASTILLE (Jack in INTO THE WOODS, Marius in LES MISERABLES, Jack/Steward in INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER) A Deaf performance artist based out of Los Angeles, California, Josh strives to form meaningful collaborations that explore the boundaries of art. He has worked on various projects in different roles including ASL master, director, actor, set designer, and more. His charming ability to communicate and deliver performance art to both hearing and Deaf audiences allows him to connect to people in a way that is unique and entertaining. He is very excited about this collaboration with Deaf Broadway because it is uniting #deaftalent and providing access to musicals shows. These are shows that every theatre nerd engrains into their heart but excluded the deaf community, due to lack of access. Thank you to the team for making this happen.

JAMES (JOEY) CAVERLY (Pirelli in in SWEENEY TODD, Baker in INTO THE WOODS, Lips in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW; Director of Artistic Sign Language (DASL) for LES MISERABLES and INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER, Co-DASL for ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW) James Caverly is a renowned stage director, actor, Director of Artistic Sign Language (DASL), and writer. After studying Theatre Arts at Gallaudet University, he became a member of the National Theatre of the Deaf, touring nationally and was the lead in A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES at the Ivoryton Playhouse. He has performed at Speakeasy Stage Company, Studio Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Huntington Theatre Company, Dog & Pony DC, and Kitchen Theatre Company. He was a cast member in the Broadway production of CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD. On film, he was in Season 4 of Chicago Med and won a World Deaf Cinema Festival award for his work in Red Line. As a director, he has worked at Gallaudet University, Mosaic Theatre Company, Community College of Baltimore County, Kent State University, and New York Deaf Theatre. His work as a DASL spans 15 different productions in Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. This fall, you will find him directing Police Deaf Near Far at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. www.joeycaverly.com

BRIAN CHESLIK (Ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE) Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Brian has been involved in theatre for the past 20 years and has performed every function in the theatrical hierarchy. He is the high school theatre teacher at Texas School for the Deaf, and the coordinator for the TSD Performing Arts Program. Brian is the artistic director of Deaf Austin Theatre, and recently co-directed a Deaf/hearing collaborative production of Next to Normal. He services the Austin theatre community by educating theaters on how to make their productions accessible to Deaf audiences and promoting inclusion of Deaf and hard of hearing actors, in addition to training theatrical ASL interpreters. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature with a minor in theatre from Gallaudet University ’14, a master’s in Deaf studies & Deaf education from Lamar University ’16, and is currently working on his doctorate in Deaf studies & Deaf education from Lamar University ’21.

JULES DAMERON (Madame Thenardier in LES MISERABLES, Brad in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW) An actor, writer & director, Jules is known for her many talents, she performed as the fierce Capulet in Romeo & Juliet as well as the addictive Sarah for Company, a musical workshop for Deaf West. The latest is Defloria from Middle 8, a musical dramedy at the Stella Adler theatre in Hollywood. Jules is also a loyal company member of The Deaf Gang & Loft Ensemble. In addition to acting in theatre & film, she’s directed plays such as Maple & Vine for New York Deaf Theatre, Aimee Chou’s Humanly Possible & Joey Caverly’s Civil Engagement for Deaf Spotlight. Jules has received training such as Uprights Citizens Brigade, workshops in Munich (Julia von Juni) and performing in Carmen in Toledo (Carlos Vasquez). Jules is an award-winning film director, having directed the Norwegian television series, Møkkakaffe aired on NRK nationally in Norway. Jules is thrilled to be part of the Deaf Broadway family.

HAROLD FOXX (Thenardier in LES MISERABLES, Eddie in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW) An American theatre, film, television actor and comedian who happens to be deaf, Harold launched “The Harold Foxx Show”, an online entertainment brand featuring comedy skits, which has gained over 80,000 followers on various social media platforms and is best known for his stand-up comedy, which he has performed across the nation in D.C., Maryland, Michigan, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Jamaica and most notably at Busboys & Poets, the National Black Deaf Advocates conference, Theatre of Note (Hollywood) and the National Association of the Deaf. Harold has been involved in numerous film, television, and stage production as “The Actor Whisperer,” “For My Woman,” “Audism Unveiled,” Deaf West Theatre and Pasadena Playhouse’s “Our Town”, Playwrights Horizons’ “I Was Most Alive With You” (NYC Off Broadway Production) and more. Currently, Harold is training with The Groundlings, the improvisation and sketch comedy theatre & school based in Los Angeles. Please visit haroldfoxx.com.

SANDRA MAE FRANK (April in COMPANY, Cosette in LES MISERABLES, DIrector of Artistic Sign Language (DASL) for LEGALLY BLONDE) A trained stage and film actress, Sandra is best known for her role as Wendla from Deaf West’s Spring Awakening on Broadway. REGIONAL THEATRE: Next to Normal and Fun Home at Ground Floor Theatre; Fun Home and Fiddler on the Roof at Lyric Theatre; Our Town at Pasadena Playhouse; At Home at the Zoo (Assistant Director) at Wallis/Deaf West Theatre; Richard III at NextStop Theatre Company. FILM: Season of Love, Entangled, Soul to Keep, and The Sound of Fear. TELEVISION: NBC's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, NBC's Prism (Pilot) Netflix's Daybreak, and Freeform’s Switched at Birth. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: 2015 Breakthrough Matlin Impact Award, 2015 BroadwayWorld LA Award’s Best Leading Actress in a Musical, B.A in Production/Performance from Gallaudet University, Theatre Arts Program. Instagram and Twitter: @sandy21mae

SHIRA GRABELSKY (Ensemble in LES MISERABLES) Originally from New York, Shira has performed, produced, and directed shows nationally and internationally, in both community theatres and professionally. She made her professional theatre debut as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker at Washington, DC’s Arena Stage and most recently directed and performed in Kid Simple at the University of Berkeley. When not on stage, she often works as ASL Consultant and in an outreach capacity, working with the production interpreting and administrative teams. She has had the pleasure of working with Arena Stage, colleges and universities in the greater Boston area, Boston’s Huntington Theatre and Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

JW GUIDO (Steward in INTO THE WOODS) An Equity actor, director, and Artistic Director for New York Deaf Theatre (NYDT), JW is a proud Buffalo native. Since joining NYDT in 2012, JW has been focused on creating opportunities for Deaf artists through productions, play development, and other performance/community events. In addition to leading the artistic direction of NYDT, JW is committed to providing accessible performances for both Deaf and hearing audiences. Other than the theatre world, he has been teaching American Sign Language in various locations and published Learn American Sign Language. Also, JW is currently a doctoral student in the Program in Educational Theatre at New York University. THEATRE: Twelfth Night (Public Work), Every Brilliant Thing, Soot and Spit (NY Innovative Theatre award), and Big River (Perry Award nomination) TV: What Would You Do? (ABC). Big love and thanks to his family! IG: theorangedude www.newyorkdeaftheatre.org

SHELLY GUY (Stepmother in INTO THE WOODS & Cinderella/Granny in INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER) A teacher at Sign Language Center for over eight years, Shelly is originally from Haifa, Israel and is fluent in Israel Sign Language (ISL), Hebrew, ASL, and English. She has a bachelors degree in social work and a masters degree in Deaf education from the University Of Northern Colorado. Shelly's passion for teaching American Sign Language began at The University of Anchorage in Alaska. Her goal here in New York is to expand and enrich her approach to teaching ASL and to spread awareness within the hearing community. Outside of working as an ASL teacher, Shelly has worked as an actor and ASL consultant/co-producer for numerous theatrical companies and productions. She has served on staff for the New York Deaf Theatre and worked as an actor in collaboration with the New York Deaf Theatre and The Public Theater/Shakespeare in the Park. You may also recognize her from her Digital Ham4Ham collaboration with Hamilton, in which she acted as Alexander Hamilton in the song “Cabinet Battle #2." She is a creative artist, painter, and proud Aunt.

DICKIE HEARTS (Rapunzel's Prince in INTO THE WOODS, Kyle/Ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE, Rapunzel's Prince/Florinda in INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER) A Deaf, openly queer actor and 3x national film contest winner, Dickie (he/him) is currently based in New York City. He once won the AT&T Create-A-Thon with his short film that he wrote, directed, edited, and co-starred in: The Deaf vs The Dead, and took home the grand prize of $20,000 in 2017. His latest TV credits include a recurring role as Mateo on Netflix’s Tales of the City (2019) and a supporting role as Alexi on HBO’s High Maintenance (2020). Stage credits include Roger/Omar in New York Deaf Theater’s MAPLE & VINE and Prince Luca in IRT’s STEPCHILD. Zoom credits include: Deaf Night Live! Improv and Deaf Broadway, which Dickie is grateful for the latter to be involved with and work with all #DeafTalent. Headshot by Ambe J. Photography. Instagram: @DickieHearts

MONIQUE HOLT (Giant in INTO THE WOODS) One of the first Deaf POC actresses to break the barrier in the entertainment industry, Monique was the first Asian Kate in an NYU show: TAMING OF THE SHREW, directed by Bill Cain, Teeny Bop on a National 'Kellogg’s Corn Flakes’ TV commercial, Emily Webb in OUR TOWN with a mixed cast of Deaf and hearing, for Milwaukee Repertory Theater, directed by John Dillon. She is probably one of the few Deaf actors who holds a BFA in Acting from NYU and MFA in Theater from Towson University. She had taught acting and translating at NYU: Playwrights Horizons Studio & Experimental Theatre Wing in Paris, FR, Rutgers University Theater Summer Program, and Gallaudet University Theater Arts Program. She is well known for her lecture: Translating Shakespearean Text into Artistic Sign Language. Currently, she is working on several projects for 2021 and 2022. She can be reached at gekijoo@mac.com.

APRIL JACKSON (Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Cinderella's Mother in INTO THE WOODS, Ensemble in LES MISERABLES) April Jackson-Woodard is a Missouri native who now calls Maryland home. She has been acting since age 3. She launched two children storybooks on an app called “The Baobab” in February 2013 and “The Blue Lobster” in September 2014 with Visual Language and Visual Learning department at Gallaudet University. She currently works as an actor for Quest Visual Theatre where she recently toured to China and Austria.
April works for the government in Washington, DC. During her special moments, April loves to spend a lot of time with her two children.

ELBERT JOSEPH (Ensemble in LES MISERABLES) Also known as EJ, Elbert is thrilled to be a part of Deaf Braadway. He wishes to thank Joey Caverly and Garrett Zuercher. He is a professional actor, ASL coach, ASL Theatrical Interpreter and Inclusion activist. His most recent acting was the role of Chorus in Antigone (Flat Earth Theatre), for which he earned an IRNE nomination for Outstanding Supporting actor and past winter, he was in Parade with Moonbox Productions as Newt Lee. He was nominated by the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) for Best Supporting Actor for the performance as Louis in The Trumpet of the Swan at Wheelock Family Theatre and Special Recognition for his performance as Yeffim in Uncle Vanya at American Repertory Theater. In 2012, he was part of the IRNE recognition of Best Ensemble for The Arabian Nights at central Square Theater. In 2016, he was honored by the IRNE’s with a Special Recognition for his performance as Tuc in Suzan Zeder’s Ware Trilogy: Mother Hicks, The Taste of Sunrise and The Edge of Peace; performed over a three month period and produced on three separate stages by Emerson Stage, Wheelock Family Theatre, and Central Square Theatre. He also co directed with Betsy Goldman, new work for Moonbox Productions last year, Turning the Tide.

JUBIL KHAN (Ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE) A native of Philadelphia, She received her BFA in dance at Temple University. She has also studied at an array of schools and companies pursuing African, Hip-Hop, Modern and Ballet dance techniques. Among her TV/Film credits are Law & Order, Deaf roles in two multiple award-winning independent films, The Shattered Mind as Imani and Paralax as Melanie Bardo, and Sofie, directed by award-winning director Ella Jane. Theatre credits include ALMOST MAINE, FETES DE LA NUIT. She was an understudy in FOR COLORED GIRLS at the Public Theatre. She is proud to be a part of the all-Deaf reading of LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL for Deaf Broadway. Currently, She is grooming her careers in other outlets to create a brand name as an entrepreneur as well as a platform to inspire young Deaf women of color to never give up striving.

TROY KOTSUR (Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES) acting and directing for over 25 years, Troy has earned multiple awards for his work on stage. Deaf since birth, he was raised in Mesa, Arizona. Troy graduated from Westwood High School and attended Gallaudet University, where he played basketball from 1987 to 1989. In 1990, he left to become a professional actor with the National Theatre of the Deaf and in 1994, Troy moved to Los Angeles and joined Deaf West Theatre, where he has performed for the past 25 years in countless productions. Troy’s successful acting career encompasses TV, film, and stage. His television guest-starring roles include Criminal Minds, a sign language consultant for various characters in Star Wars, a Tuskin Raider Scout in Star Wars: the Mandalorian, and a recurring role on Sue Thomas F.B. Eye. In film, he has had notable supporting roles in The Number 23 with Jim Carrey, Universal Signs, and Father’s Day Breakfast, Troy starred in an independent film, Wild Prairie Rose. He also directed the independent film, No Ordinary Hero: The Superdeafy Movie and co-starred in the upcoming new movie, CODA with Marlee Matlin. Troy’s stage credits include a successful Tony Award-honored run of BIG RIVER on Broadway (directed by Jeff Calhoun). He has also starred in Deaf West Theatre's productions CYRANO (Fountain Theater - LA Ovation Award, Nominee – Lead Actor in a Play and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, including Best Actor), A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (LA Weekly Award, and LA Drama Critics Award), and OF MICE AND MEN (Best Actor, LA Weekly). He thanks his lovely wife, Deanne and precious daughter, Kyra for their unstoppable support!

SAMUEL LANGSHTEYN (Ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE) Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Samuel has literally been dancing his way from middle school into his high school theatre club where he was involved in all productions there as a dancer, actor, and stage crew. My stint during high school motivated him to pursue film production major at Rochester Institute of Technology and did some theatre work there too.Since then, He was an assistant stage manager on a workshop, was a dancer in a dance production, and transformed into the role of Maurice in RIT's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST & Lesgate /Swann in RIT’s DIAL M FOR MURDER. He plans to be involved and perform in more productions in the future!

GREGOR LOPES (Marta/PJ in COMPANY) Born in Brazil and raised in Florida, Gregor recently moved to NYC to pursue acting and performing while attending medical school. He was recently seen in Deaf West’s collaboration with Kelly Clarkson on the ASL cover of her recently released song, I Dare You. He has also appeared in music videos for Vardaan Arora’s Feel Good Song and The Pulse’s Chivalry is Dead. He has appeared in commercials for Ancestry, Jeenie and ZVRS’ LinkNYC. He frequently performs in ASL SLAM and BroadwaySIGNS ASL. He also is a YouTuber and ASL Influencer on Instagram. He also manages an online ASL tutoring business, TEACH ME ASL NYC, www.teachmeaslnyc.com IG: @coolbabyblue Email: glopesfire@gmail.com

NORAH MATTHEWS (Ensemble in LEGALLY BLONDE, Columbia in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW) Affectionally called a lighthouse because she is usually found not on stage but rather above it operating the follow spot. So, even though the light on the actors is off, Norah remains up there, part of the production alongside the actors. She has done follow spot work in the Washington DC metropolitan area, most recently MISS YOU LIKE HELL at the Olney Theater Center. Not only a backstage theater technician with aspirations to learn how to play with fire and water - safely, mind you - Norah also does light design, acting, ASL translation, and advocates for accessibility in technical theater. She started refining her theater skills at Gallaudet University where she got her BA in Theater Production/Performance in 2011, continuing to work in the industry since. She is thrilled and humbled by this opportunity. Twitter/Instagram: Norah_With_AH www.norahmatthews.com

JOHN MCGINTY (Cinderella's Prince in INTO THE WOODS, Warner in LEGALLY BLONDE, Cinderella's Prince/Wolf/Lucinda INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER) Broadway: CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, KING LEAR. NY: FÊTES DE LA NUIT, World Premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s THE HEALING, VERITAS, MOVEMENT OF THE SOUL. Regional: LEVITY (WMPAC), THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Sacramento Music Circus and La Mirada Theatre), TRIBES (Guthrie Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre), PIPPIN (CTG, Deaf West). Film: Wonderstruck, Sign, The First Purge. TV: This Close, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, High Maintenance, Don’t Shoot the Messenger. He also works for Actors Equity Association. @TheJohnMcGinty

LEWIS MERKIN (Larry in COMPANY) Actor: Broadway-CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD (original cast); Off-Broadway: NY Live Arts, Dance Theatre Workshop, Lincoln Center Theatre; Regional: Mark Taper Forum & Hippodrome Theatre; National Tours: National Theatre of the Deaf, EQUUS (UK). Playwright: LANGUAGE OF ONE: NY Deaf Theatre, Alice B. Theatre & Australia Theatre of the Deaf; DASL- Broadway, Playwrights Horizons & Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Lewis is also an RID Certified Deaf Interpreter.

ANDREW MORRILL (Ensemble in LES MISERABLES) MFA Acting Candidate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He spent his time in Washington D.C. doing various workshops and projects included Quid Pro Quo (Mosaic Theatre Company), Seven Stages (dog & pony DC) & The Music Man (Olney Theatre Center). Recent Off-Off Browady credit includes Dancing Girl (sheNYCArts). His favorite credits include Titus Andronicus (Illinois Theatre), Hit the Wall (Illinois Theatre), & Cloud Nine (Gallaudet Theatre).

ANTHONY NATALE (Professor Callahan in LEGALLY BLONDE) An actor, ASL master, and Interpreting Training Educator, Anthony has been involved with Deaf West productions in various ways; acting, translating, and consulting on Broadway’s SPRING AWAKENING, BIG RIVER, Center Theatre Group’s SLEEPING BEAUTY WAKES and PIPPIN. His other theatre credits include Off Broadway: I WAS MOST ALIVE WITH YOU, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, WEST SIDE STORY, GODSPELL, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and OLIVER! He is known to moviegoers as Cole in Mr. Holland’s Opus and signing “You complete me” in Jerry Maguire. He was recently seen on CW’s Nancy Drew, Freeform’s Switched at Birth, and Curb your Enthusiasm. He was also seen in CSI, Any Day Now, Once and Again, 7th Heaven, The Ellen Show, His Bodyguard, Beauty and the Beast, Pacific Blue, and Rude Awakening. He was honored to work with Michael Jackson’s London tour teaching ASL to the dancers. Anthony attended California State University, Northridge where he obtained a BA in film production with a minor in theatre arts.

NATASHA OFILI (Rapunzel in INTO THE WOODS) 2020 is a year of continuing to BE BRAVE for Natasha and expanding her growth as an actress. 2020 started with her starring as Eurydice in “Orphée,” a Deaf West spring production. In 2019, Natasha Ofili debuted in two TV series, both currently streaming: Netflix’s “The Politician” as Principal Vaugh and Amazon Prime’s “Undone” as a Deaf Teacher. She had a wonderful opportunity to be part of a workshop and musical lab series: as Cathy in “The Last Five Years” at the Center Theatre Group Annex and Andromeda in “Medusa” at the Getty Villa. Natasha is currently writing another play. Natasha thanks her mother for teaching her how to be a positive driving force to achieve the impossible. Her middle name, Ifeanyi, meaning “Nothing is Impossible,” fuels her drive to break down barriers for Deaf & Hard of Hearing actors.

MALIK PARIS (Jared/Jenny in COMPANY, Janet in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, Baker in INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER) A Deaf actor and artist based in the heart of Philadelphia, Malik enjoys a range of work done in theater, from Young Audience performances to Fringe Festival creations. He made his debut performance in the Youth Choir for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade musical production from a young age. He has been a performer and member of the ASL poetry performance troupe Dangerous Signs since 2010. His college productions at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): Guys & Dolls, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Arsenic & Old Lace. His performance work in Godspell, Pippin and Little Shop of Horrors at Rochester’s Equity Theater, GEVA and also AGENCY by Raymond Luczak and August Wilson’s Fences at RIT. New York Deaf Theatre (NYDT) production included: TITUS, Rocky Horror Picture Show and associated with Public Works production’s Twelfth Night at the Delacorte Theater. His latest performance: Man of La Mancha and IRT Theater’s YOVO.

ANJEL PIÑERO (Lucinda in INTO THE WOODS, Eponine in LES MISERABLES, Little Red/Rapunzel in INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER) With several films and theatre productions to her name, you may have seen Anjel in Nickelodeon, the Camp Mark Seven short film: Deep Water (2016), Off-the-grid missions, a student organization, Latinx student union on social media platforms, and she has been involved in theatre production such as ANNIE, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST, and INTO THE WOODS. She is a native Nuyorican, a full-time student at Gallaudet University, dancer, and soon to be a dog mama carrying an artistic family last name into the acting world. She can be reached at anjelpinero.nyc@gmail.com.

MERVIN PRIMEAUX-O'BRYANT (Ensemble in LES MISERABLES, Dr. Frank-N-Furter in ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW) Deaf and a native of Lafayette, LA, Mervin graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia with an Associate of Arts degree in Dance Performance and Choreography. He has attained outstanding credentials and is world-renowned as an actor, director, co-director, choreographer, International Deaf Performer, and Artist and assistant director for Quest Visual Theatre for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and occasional American Sign Language consultation in theatre, music videos, ASL Coach, mentor, deaf rights, LGBTQ rights, and advocates and traveling the world. He has performed in Senegal, Puerto Rico, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Romania, Vienna (third) Guangzhou (twice), Kulangsu Island (South China).

JACKIE ROTH (Joanne in COMPANY) An actor, producer, diversity coach, and a real estate broker, Jackie is a woman with an eclectic career following her first professional acting job with CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, the 1980 Broadway version, touring with the national and international companies. Born to deaf parents and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she is a generation that saw New York transform post the Civil Rights movement to the bustling city it is today. Her passion for NYC increased when she was among the residents that bounced back from events including 9/11. According to her, there’s no other place anywhere where you actually live side by side with people from all over the world. Jackie’s acting credentials include guest starring roles in primetime television and commercials. She was Artistic Director for the New York Deaf Theater, producer and director of numerous theater productions, and was a key producer for the Oscar-nominated documentary, Sound and Fury. She is happy to be making a re-entry to the world of entertainment and currently has a handful of things in development.

HOWIE SEAGO (Judge Turpin in SWEENEY TODD, Mysterious Man in INTO THE WOODS) Professional credits include acting, directing, producing, and teaching for over 40 years. Howie's film appearances include Beyond Silence (1998 Oscar nom.); Wonderstruck (dir. Todd Haynes); His television credits include Star Trek: the Next Generation, Hunter, The Equalizer, and Rainbow's End. Howie has performed at the Kennedy Center, Public Theatre (NYC), La Jolla Playhouse, Off Broadway, Intiman, Seattle Childrens Theatre, and international tours. He performed leading roles in Peter Sellars' productions of AJAX and THE PERSIANS, and with the National Theatre of the Deaf. He worked with Robert Woodruff, Bill Rauch, Robert Wilson, David Byrne, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Stephen Adly Guirgis. He appeared in multiple roles in fourteen plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival over seven years. He received the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actor; Dramalogue Award; and Joe Velez Memorial Award. He has directed several plays for the Deaf community in Seattle. He co-produced Rainbow’s End, an Emmy award winning PBS television series. In Washington state, he founded: the Deaf Youth Drama Program at Seattle Children's Theatre; Deaf Moose Theatre, The Shared Reading Video Outreach Project, an award winning literacy outreach program; and the Deaf Teen Leadership camp. He is featured in: ACTORS’ LIVES - On and Off The American Stage (Theatre Communications Group); CHRONICLES OF COURAGE: Very Special Artists, Jean Kennedy Smith/George Plimpton (Random House); LIVING LEGENDS: Six Stories About Successful Deaf People (Butte Publications) His article, "In An Alien World of Sound" was published in Theaterschrift, an international theatre magazine.

Gabriel Silva (Ensemble in SWEENEY TODD, Peter in COMPANY, Narrator/Mysterious Man in INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER)

NEIL SPROUSE (Beadle in SWEENEY TODD, David in COMPANY) Director of ASL (DASL) for Open Circle Theatre’s The Who’s TOMMY, PLAY Conservatory's CHILDREN OF EDEN, NYDT’s CAPTIVE AUDIENCE, Neil has also assisted on MOVEMENTS OF THE SOUL and Deaf West's SPRING AWAKENING (LA). He also acted in Faction of Fools’ A COMMEDIA CHRISTMAS CAROL, Gallaudet’s HAMLET, and CORPUS CHRISTI. He directed KRAPP’S LAST TAPE at Gallaudet. www.neilsprouse.wix.com/neilsprouse

CHRISTOPHER TESTER (Anthony Hope in SWEENEY TODD, Jamie/Amy in COMPANY) Having appeared in several theatre productions in the United States, Christopher most recently took on the leading role as John Singer in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (Arkansas Rep) and as Perchik in The Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Theatre) along with Sandra Mae Frank. His acting credits include several leading roles with the New York Deaf Theatre productions (Captive Audience and Beyond Therapy). He works as a consultant and interpreter for different theatre companies. ASL consultant (Broadway’s Next to Normal, and NYDT’s Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde), British Sign Language consultant for the US premiere of Constellations with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson and as an American Sign Language interpreter (Off-Broadway’s Melissa Arctic, Ain’t Misbehavin’; Broadway’s How to Succeed in Business Without Trying). He is also a co-founder of ASL Cabaret NYC, which is a platform for Deaf and hearing actors to experiment in performing musicals together. He recently relocated to Edinburgh, Scotland to pursue his PhD to enhance his consulting and interpreting research work.

ANNE TOMASETTI (Jack's Mother in INTO THE WOODS, Narrator in LES MISERABLES, Jack's Mother/Stepmother in INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER; Guest Editor for ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW) Anne is an actor, TV/Film/Stage Director of ASL (DASL), a nationally Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI), an Interpreting for the Theater teaching artist, and a video editing dabbler. A Gallaudet University Theatre Arts graduate, Anne performed and toured with the National Theatre of the Deaf. A 19-year Theatre ASL Interpreter Director/Advisor/Interpreter with Hands On, a NYC nonprofit organization providing Access to the Arts for Deaf/Hard of Hearing audiences, Anne's work spans across 90+ Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, 30+ Shakespeare in the Park/The Public's summer Delacorte productions, and partnerships with The Public, Roundabout Theatre, Signature Theatre and others. She is also a DASL/ASL Master/Consultant for stage/TV/films, most recently for CODA (Sundance 2021 Grand Jury Prize/Audience Award winner/now streaming on AppleTV+) and Crip Camp (Sundance 2020 Audience Award Winner). @AnneTomasetti

HEBA TOULAN (Ensemble in LES MISERABLES & ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, Co-Director of American Sign Language (Co-DASL) for ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW) Hailing from the Washington, D.C. area, Heba's credits include Hecate for Macbeth at the Woodlands Arts in the Park and Shakespeare in the Shade, Improv Night, Talent Show, and The Vagina Monologues. She recently contributed to the DeafCon as a moderator, and in Bailey's Voice and The Love Language. She travelled to Cairo, Egypt with the Gallaudet Dance Group in 1989. She can be found behind a book, or practicing her Hecate monologue. Her web site is www.hebatoulan.com.

SARAH TUBERT (Brooke Wyndham in LEGALLY BLONDE) Credits include productions with Anteaus Theatre Company, Deaf West, Medusa in the workshop production of MEDUSA: THE MUSICAL, and The Group Rep. TV: Switched at Birth and most recently a guest-starring role on Claws. Additional credits include Sand Angels and Seasons of Love. On YouTube, her ASL versions of “Alexander Hamilton” and “This Is Me” have over one million hits. Sarah has also worked with Disney signing “How Far I’ll Go” from the film Moana on their 19-million subscriber YouTube page. Sarah has film and TV projects in development and enjoys a career as a motivational speaker, emcee and ASL consultant. Sarah is currently the Setter and Captain of the US National Deaf Women’s Volleyball Team.

ALEXANDRIA WAILES (Witch in INTO THE WOODS & INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER) A Lucille Lortel nominee last year for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE/WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF at The Public, Alexandria was also in The Public’s production of MOTHER COURAGE. Broadway: Deaf West’s SPRING AWAKENING and BIG RIVER (Tony Honoree for Ensemble). Off Broadway: Playwright's Horizons I WAS MOST ALIVE WITH YOU, A KIND OF ALASKA. Regional: GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES, LOVE PERSON, SLEEPING BEAUTY WAKES (LA Ovation nominee), Pasadena Playhouse’s OUR TOWN. Film: The Hyperglot, Scenes from the Underground. TV: Law & Order: Criminal Intent, High Maintenance, Little America, and Nurse Jackie. Web: Don’t Shoot the Messenger. www.alexandriawailes.com Twitter:@ajkwailes IG: alexandriawailesofficial

GARRETT ZUERCHER (Tobias in SWEENEY TODD, Narrator in INTO THE WOODS, Robert/Bobby in COMPANY; Director of LES MISERABLES & INTO THE WOODS: LIVE AT LINCOLN CENTER) A proud member of Actors’ Equity, SAG-AFTRA, and the Dramatists Guild, Garrett is also one of the founders of Deaf Broadway. Notable acting roles include the lead of Huckleberry Finn in Deaf West’s BIG RIVER and the villain on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, as well as many other films, television shows, and stage productions. His latest film, The Witnesses, recently won a competition and will be featured at the Seattle Deaf Film Festival. Flirting, with Possibilities, which he wrote, as well as directed and stars in alongside several other Broadway actors, is currently in post-production. A magna cum laude graduate of the theater and writing programs at Marquette University in Milwaukee, he is currently in the second and final year of his MFA in playwriting at Hunter College in New York City. For more, please visit garrettzuercher.com.