A Raisin in the Sun

Board of Directors
David Bass
Fred Deni
Susan Hayden
Dylan McDermott
Carole Middleton
Rachel Pollack
John Ruskin
Barbara Schroeder
Linda Sullivan
Michael Visbal
JR Wurster
Kevin Wyrauch
Honorary Board
Ed Asner
Judi Barker
Patricia Dougherty
Eve Ensler
Rita Franciosa
Robert Myers
Artistic Director
John Ruskin
Managing Director
Mikey Myers
In Memorium
Karen Landry
Anthony Franciosa
Wendy Brenninkmeijer
A Raisin in the Sun
WRITTEN BY
LORRAINE HANSBERRY
DIRECTED BY
LITA GAITHERS OWENS
PRODUCER
JOHN RUSKIN
PRODUCTION
MANAGER
MIKE REILLY
STAGE
MANAGER
NICOLE MILLAR
ASSISTANT
STAGE MANAGER
SAMMY ANDERSON
SOUND
DESIGN
CHIP BOLCIK
BUILDER / SET
DRESSER / PROPS
ERIC BARRON
CREW / PROPS
GINA WILLIAMSON
KATE KELLY
LIGHTING
DESIGNER
MIKE REILLY
SET BUILDER
RYAN WILSON
COSTUMES
SARAH FIGOTEN
WILSON
GRAPHIC DESIGN
ALEXIS BOOZER
STERLING
CASTING
PAUL
RUDDY
PUBLICITY
JUDITH
BORNE
LITA GAITHERS OWENS (Director) is a singer/songwriter and a Tony
Award nominated playwright and co-author of the Broadway musical, “It
Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues,” which opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre in
Lincoln Center, and was nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Musical of 1999. Now licensed by Samuel French, the musical has been produced
by several theatre companies nationally, including the Terrace Theatre at the
Kennedy Center, and such theatre companies as: The Geffen Playhouse, Seattle
Repertory Theatre, Arizona Repertory Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival,
Portland Center Stage, Theatre Works in Palo Alto, Virginia Sanford Theatre,
Cumberland County Playhouse in Tennessee, and the New Stage Theatre in
Mississippi. She penned the song, “Please Don’t Stop Him” for the musical,
which was in honor of the female blues pioneer, Memphis Minnie.
Ms. Owens trained at the Los Angeles Music Center’s location of the American Center for Musical Theatre, under artistic director, Paul G. Gleason. In
addition, she had the privilege of studying with legendary jazz musician, Phil
Moore, at his jazz vocalist conservatory in West Hollywood.
After completing her studies, Lita went on to perform on legitimate stages
in featured and leading roles at the Mark Taper Forum, Pasadena Playhouse,
Cleveland Playhouse, Denver Center Theatre, The Arena Stage in Washington,
D.C., and more. She was co-founder/director of the multi-racial, “Friendship
Choir” that performed with Celine Dion, Dianne Reeves, Luther Vandross,
Gloria Estefan, Michael Bolton, Nelson Mandela, and for former President
Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy. At the personal request of Bill Cosby, the
choir also had the privilege of appearing in the “Story Teller” episode of “The
Cosby Show” with Mavis Staples.
Gospel music being her first love, Lita wrote music and lyrics for her gospel EP entitled, “In the Beauty of Holiness/The Naomi Project”, which has
become an international success, reaching listeners on radio stations in more
than 30 countries.
Most recently, Lita is a contributing author for the book, “Soul Sisters”, by Dr.
Suzan Johnson Cook. Dr. Cook served during President Barack Obama’s administration, as the 3rd U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious
Freedom. The book consists of uplifting personal stories and prayers designed
to encourage the reader during life experiences that are challenging.
Lita is married to Elder Oscar Owens, Jr., who is the Director of Christian
Education and the President of the West Angeles Bible College at West Angeles
Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, where Bishop Charles E. Blake is the
Senior Pastor.
CAST
*denonotes membership to
*Starletta DuPois (Mama Lena Younger) A gifted
veteran character actress, Starletta DuPois has breathed
life into a bevy of memorable roles on both stage and
Screen.
From cult classics such as "Friday After Next," with Ice
Cube and Mike Epps, and "Big Momma's House with
Martin Lawrence to Oliver Stone's "South Central," she
has shared the screen with legends such as James Earl
Jones, Cicely Tyson, Jack Nicholson, Lou Gossett Jr.,
Robert Duvall, David Alan Grier, Gena Rowlands, Anthony Anderson, Steve
Harvey, Denzel Washington, and the late James Garner. In independent film
circles, DuPois appeared in the Pan African Film Festival's top prize-winning film
"Ties That Bind," with Marla Gibbs.
Many simply recognize her for playing Whitney Houston's mother in "Waiting to Exhale." On television, DuPois has been no stranger. Highlights include
"Lost," "Cold Case," "Any Day Now," and "Strapped." She recently appeared on
"Scream Queens" and "Black Jesus."
Her theatre roots run deep. They include dozens of award winning performances
which include the St. Louis Black Rep's "Intimate Apparel," "King Hedley II,"
"Before It Hits Home," where she received the "Woodie" (Woodie King, Jr.)
Award for Best Actress. She also received a Tony nomination for Richard Wesley's
"The Mighty Gents," as well as NAACP nomination for "Miss Evers Boys." She
originated the role of Bernice in the August Wilson play "The Piano Lesson,"
directed by Lloyd Richards.
The span of her career has allowed her to play all three Younger women in Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun." She received an NAACP Image Award
for the landmark PBS production opposite Danny Glover and played Lena Younger at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, England garnering another Best Actress
Award. Starletta received the Eternity Award from the LA Women's Theater
Festival and the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival.
A Philadelphia native, she holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and an M.F.A. in Theatre Arts from UCLA graduating magna
cum laude. A philanthropist, that proudly mentors aspiring artists, Ms. DuPois
served as an adjunct professor in Theatre at USC. Not only has she successfully toured her solo play "Order My Steps", she is currently preparing her first
autobiographical solo play. She will next be seen in the screen adaptation of Terri
Woods "True To The Game" and the faith based film, "Mosaic".
Ms. DuPois resides in Los Angeles, California and is the proud mother of incredible young man named Deandre.
Redaric Williams (Walter Lee Younger) is an
American television, theatre, and film actor based in
Los Angeles, CA. He lived and trained in London, UK
before moving to New York City, and he also spent time
in South Africa, between both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Williams was under contract with CBS/Sony
Pictures Television from 2012 until 2014, during which
time he relocated to Los Angeles and was nominated as
an outstanding actor in a daytime drama series in 2014
by the NAACP Image Awards. Currently, you can catch
Redaric on Fox’s Lucifer, TV One's Chasing Waterfalls, and BET's upcoming
project The Yard.
Redaric was born in Michigan, however constantly moving as a youth he was
raised throughout the states. After finishing highschool in Detroit, MI he went on
to Major in business at the University of North Texas. Williams went to college
on an athletic scholarship for football as well as track & field, and received a 4.0
grade point average his freshman year before leaving college to move abroad.
Charlotte Williams (Beneatha Younger) is thrilled
to be making her debut at the Ruskin Group Theatre.
She was blessed to play Beneatha early this year and feels
utter gratitude to portray this character again. A CSU
Fullerton alum, Charlotte has performed at several playhouses in LA. Some of her past credits include portraying Beneatha in A Raisin in the Sun at the Westchester
Playhouse, Louka in Arms in the Man at the Long Beach
Playhouse and Teresa in Short Sighted with the Company of Angels. She recently became a company member
of LA’s Premiere African-American Theatre Company, Towne Street Theatre. She
is overjoyed to be part of this cast and she hopes you enjoy her portrayal of the
illustrious Beneatha.
Angelle Brooks (Ruth Younger) is a native of Los
Angeles, CA. She has appeared in various TV shows,
indie films and stage productions since the 90's. She is
extremely grateful for the opportunity to be in this production and dedicates every single show to her brother
Blair; her hero, her inspiration, and a man of valor like
no other. Psalms 23.
Jaden Martin (Travis Younger) is a young American actor and model who resides in Los Angeles,
California where he moved to pursue his dreams in
2010. After arriving, Jaden almost immediately started
booking modeling jobs for several companies like Chase
Bank, Target, Disney, Nivea, Wrangler, Tilly’s, Crocs,
Pottery Barn, Front Gate and many more.
As a rising young actor, Jaden first appeared on the
day time soap “All My Children” in a 2010 episode as
Simon. He also had a spread in Hudson Magazine (OctNov 2011) and appeared in a feature for Kohl’s. Jaden received his next break
when he booked his first commercial in January 2012 for Pillsbury’s Cinnabon.
In March of 2012, Jaden embarked on his biggest accomplishment yet when he
was cast in the major motion picture After Earth. Starring alongside Will and
Jaden Smith, Martin plays the character of Young Kitai. Directed by mastermind
M. Night Shyamalan, After Earth hit the theatres on June 7, 2013.
Jaden can also seen in Reach Me (2014) as ‘Lil Dominic’ along with a cast that
includes such names as Sylvester Stallone, Terry Crews, Lauren Cohan and Cary
Elwes. Jaden has gone on to book Guest Star role on Disney Jessie (2015) as
Martin and the same year he booked A History of Radness (2015) as Roop. Jaden
latest project to date Battle of Skyark which hits theatres in 2016 where he plays
Spindle.
These roles are sure to place the rising young actor in the spotlight and watch for
more roles to follow as he becomes established. Look for him now in the latest
Enterprise Commercial The Ride Home. The spotlight continues to shine on this
talented young man.
Kristian Kordula (George) originally from Northern New Jersey, has studied under Larry Moss, Marjorie
Ballentine, Alan Gordon and voice coach Adele Cabot.
Film credits include College Road Trip opposite Martin
Lawrence, Raven Symone, and The Weekend. TV Credits include Tyler Perry's The Haves And The Have Nots,
The Mindy Project, Law & Order: SVU, and New Girl.
He is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this legendary
play and wishes to thank his wife Nina, his family, and
his fellow cast mates and crew.
Mohirah Hall (Joseph Asagai) is delighted to be
making his debut with the Ruskin Theatre Company.
Recent credits include “At the End of the World” at the
Berubian Theatre. He recently graduated from the Two
Year Meisner Program at the Ruskin school and previously trained at the Eric Morris Acting Workshop. He
is a member of SAG/AFTRA. He is also a “Betterment
Guru”, creating proprietary weight loss products for
high performance minded individuals sold online.
Josh Drennen ( Karl Lindner) was born and raised
in Denver, Colorado to a West Virginia lawyer and a
teacher from Chicago. Having lived in Rome, Guatemala, Dallas, and West Virginia he makes his home for
most of the year in Los Angeles. Recent credits include:
“CSI:Cyber” and “The Last Ship” on the small screen and
“The Assistant” and “Hollywood Adventures” on the big
screen. Other Ruskin credits include: Race, Down the
Road, Mutiny of Port Chicago and All My Sons.
Jarard Kings (Bobo) is honored to be performing
in his first Ruskin Group Theatre production. A proud
Chicago-native funny man, his talent and training,
larger-than-life personality, and steadfast work ethic
have recently lead him to book roles in television, film,
commercials, and theater.
*Jewel Tompkins (Mama Lena Younger / Understudy) has performed throughout the USA and
Europe and is thrilled to be making her debut at The
Ruskin Theatre with the talented cast of "A Raisin in
the Sun". She recently appeared as Marva in the Charlotte "Sista C" Ferrell film ,"Sister's Out of the Box",
and as Connie in Sista C's IFFCA award winning film
“One Score and 17 Nights”. Additionally, she appeared
as Miss Petty in the film "Bedford Springs", "Two Blind
Mice". Recent stage credits include; Theatre Perception Consortium's NAACP
award winning play "Howlin’ Blues and Dirty Dogs” in the lead role of Big Mama
Thornton and as the Spirit of Fannie Lou Hamer in their production “Sick and
Tired, the Freedom Journey of Fanny Lou Hamer". Additional stage credits include, "It Ain't Nothin' but the Blues", "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Blues in the Night",
"Leader of the Pack", "Blackbirds of Broadway", "Ragtime", "Abyssinia", "Black
Nativity", "The Gospel Truth", "The Power of Prayer", "Confusion in High
Places" and more. She has also appeared on television most recently in a Toyota
national commercial and has appeared on various programs including the Tonight
Show with David Letterman, the PBS Special, "The Making of Ragtime", with
Reba Mac Entire, on the "Escape" episode of "China Beach" and as a reoccurring
guest on the television show "E' Lui Avere" in Florence, Italy.
Aaron Braxton (Walter Lee Younger / Understudy) Multi-faceted career spans the genres of theatre, television, and film. As a writer and performer,
his critically acclaimed solo play, "Did You Do Your
Homework?"garnered several national and international awards including a NAACP Image Award and an
International Romanian Gala Star.
Hailing from Roxbury, MA, he currently makes his
residence in Los Angeles. A graduate of San Diego State
University and a Masters graduate of USC, he has authored several books, plays,
narratives, articles, webisodes, and screenplays. Most recently having written and
directed the successful solo show "Belafonte Unauthorized," a one-man show
about artist and activist Harry Belafonte.
In addition Aaron has managed to star, guest star, or co-star in numerous film,
television, theatrical productions including: Scorpion, Bad Judge, CSI:Miami,
General Hospital, Days Of Our Lives, ER, The X-Files, Beverly Hills 90210, The
Secret Life of Jeffrey Dahmer, Killer Cop, Hoover Park, The Colored Museum,
Dreamgirls, and Hair.
Current writing projects include the feature film A CONDITION OF FAITH,
the 10 part television series ANYWHERE U.S.D., the stage play BROKEN, and
the novel JESSE AND THE CATERPILLAR WHO GOT ITS WINGS.
Raquel Rosser (Beneatha Younger / Understudy) A Virginia native, Raquel discovered her passion
early at the age of 14 after performing in the musical
"The Wiz."Subsequently the stage became her second
home. A graduate of George Mason University, Raquel
continued pursuing the arts after graduation in the
Washington DC and surrounding areas performing in
an array of film and theatre projects. After a few years,
she and a supportive friend gassed up her car and drove
cross country to Los Angeles.Since her arrival, Raquel
has performed in notable theater, web and film productions which have cumulatively garnered festival attention, a tour, TV network broadcast and award nominations. She co produced and starred in a film entitled “In Defense of Another”
which screened at the Pan African Film Festival, had a recurring role in the web
series turned BET Broadcast show RoomieLoverFriends produced by Black and
Sexy TV and recently co starred on ABC’s hit show Scandal.
*Tarina Pouncy (Ruth Younger / Understudy)
is a versatile producer, writer, director and actor who
hails from Detroit. Credits include: (TV) The Mindy
Project, New Girl, The League; (Film) Larry Crowne,
Something Like a Business; (Theatre) Steel Magnolias,
Lock & Loaded, Valentine Triage and the Old Settler for
which she received an NAACP theatre award for Best
Supporting Actress. As an award-winning producer, her
films have successfully screened on television and in
festivals worldwide. She is humbled to be a part of this
production.
possible.
Claude Sharpe (Travis Younger / Understudy)
nine years old, attends The Franklin Elementary French
Magnet Program, (he speaks French fluently). He will
be starting the 4th grade in the fall. “A Raisin in the Sun”
is Claude’s professional stage debut and he is extremely
proud. Though he’s young, his resume
is already filling up with notable projects such as “Mad
Dogs” and “Gilmore Girls”. Keep your eye on this rising
star. Claude is thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic
cast and would like to thank his family, his representation and The Ruskin Theatre Group for making this
Tommy Ruff (Joseph Asagai / Understudy) is
thrilled to be making his debut on stage in his favorite
play, A Raisin in the Sun. He also just finished shooting
his first feature, a lead role in the upcoming Syfy thriller,
"Shadows of the Dead." He is currently training at the
Ruskin School of Acting. He'd like to give thanks Amy
and John Ruskin, Paul Ruddy, Lita Gaithers, Nicole Millar, Jeff Alan-Lee, Lea Floden, and Sherry Tschernisch.
He'd also like to thank his Mama, and all his friends and family that have supported him. Also Sophie Schwarz, Romie Drori, And Dana Murphy for introducing
him to theatre, Chidera Offokansi for helping him with the Nigerian accent and
helping him dive into the the African culture.
Garrett Michael Green (Bobo / Understudy) is
proud to be apart of the Ruskin Theatre. A native Southern Californian, he started his journey into the world of
acting through voiceover work. After taking classes and
workshops from directors and established actors like
Tony Oliver and Bob Bergen, he has worked with Bang
Zoom! Entertainment doing background voices and
walla work. He than came to the Ruskin Acting School
where he completed his two year course and taking part
in their Cafe Plays. He would like to thank his family for
their continued support.
A.J. Davis (George) recently relocated to Los Angeles to work as an actor shortly after graduating from
the University of Kentucky. Although his hometown of
Paducah, Kentucky is quite far from his new home, A.J.
continues to enjoy watching basketball, travelling, and
most importantly, catching up with his family.
A.J. grew up entertaining in front of an audience. He
enjoyed performing in various church productions
throughout his childhood. While pursuing his degree in
Communications in Lexington, Kentucky A.J. also sang
with a musical group. He and the three other members enjoyed delivering energetic performances. Together, they were fortunate to open for many well-known
artists such as Robin Thicke, Ludacris, Ciara, Bobby Valentino, and Lloyd. A.J.
still enjoys music though he now focuses mainly on acting. He hopes to continue
to expand his knowledge and experience as an actor for many years to come.
A.J. would like to thank all who have guided and supported him over the years.
Without these amazing people his achievements wouldn’t be possible.
Kevin Ragsdale (Karl Lindner / Understudy) is a
student in The Ruskin School and is proud to be performing in his first production with The Ruskin Theater.
He has previously studied with both Caren Adorni and
Sharon Chatten and appeared in Fool For Love as The
Old Man. Kevin is a member of SAG and has a production company, KNR Productions, with his brother, Rich.
As a producer he has helped bring to life several movies
including Edmond, The Heart Is Deceitful, Phantom
Love, Big River Man, Vamps and will release his next
film Ghost House later this year. www.knr-productions.com
PRODUCTION TEAM
John Ruskin (Artistic Director & Producer) After graduating from the
University of Colorado in Boulder, John continued his studies with The Yale
School of Drama and The British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England.
John then attended The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and studied with Sanford Meisner and Richard Pinter. John then joined the acting faculty
of The Neighborhood Playhouse at the request of Sanford Meisner and became
his teaching apprentice.Years later, John moved to Los Angeles where he founded
his school of acting to continue to teach Meisner’s work and then this professional theatre company.
The Ruskin Group Theatre Company provides outreach programs to children
in need with the Healing Through the Arts program. Presently, we are taking our
actors into Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA to work with and entertain the
children. John wants to thank everyone who volunteers, comes to support this
theatre, and keeps the dream of theatre alive. John is honored to work each day
with every one of the amazing artists at the school and theatre. He is most grateful to his wife Amy and his two sons, Bodhi and Cooper for their constant love
and support.
John fell in love with this play many years ago and is honored to be putting it on
with such a beautiful cast. Thank you to each of you and to Lorraine Hansberry
for the gift of her words!
Michael Myers (Managing Director) has produced more than 70 projects
since 2002. He recently directed the world premiere of Digging Up Dad and
the critically acclaimed production of Faithful at RGT. Mike is a co-creator of
the Ruskin Group Theatre’s well attended CAFÉ PLAYS, the monthly offering
of one-acts that are done in 10 1/2 hours from conception to staging. He has
served as chair of the Santa Monica Arts Commission since 2010. Mike recently
produced the world premiere hit production of Rex Pickett “Sideways, The Play”
& “Paradise” A Blue Grass Musical. His developed and directed, “Sneaky Ole
Time”, the music of Paul Overstreet” to smash reviews and it is currently in preproduction for a regional run. In May of 2016 “Sideways, The Play” had its West
End premiere. He would like to thank his parents for their love and continued
support. None of what he has done would be possible without them.
Mike Reilly (Production Manager/Lighting Designer ) has over 20
years of experience as a theatre artist with credits in directing, producing and
lighting design. For the past few years he has been an integral part of the Ruskin
Group Theatre’s producing team. Directorial credits with the noted theatre company have included The Lonesome West, Cowboy Mouth, Lobby hero, and Brilliant Traces. Lighting credits include A Memory of Two Mondays and The Lonesome West. Michael was also the lighting designer for the critically acclaimed
show Sideways.
Sarah Figoten Wilson (Costume Design) Costume design work includes
El Grande de Coca Cola Circus (Colony & Skylight Theatres), Sneaky Ole Time
(Ruskin Group Theatre), Niagara Falls (Theatre of NOTE), El Grande de Coca
Cola (RGT- LA Weekly Nomination), Paradise: a Divine Bluegrass Musical,
Cyrano De Bergerac and Mutiny at Port Chicago (NAACP nomination). Directing credits include Mary Poppins (MTOC) She Loves Me (Chance Theater- LA
Times Critics’ Pick), The Face in the Reeds (RGT), Jacques Brel Is Alive and
Well… (Costa Mesa Playhouse). Asst Dir. on Death of a Salesman and The..Hat
at South Coast Repertory & as well as assisting on the pre-Broadway work sessions of David Mamet’s China Doll starring Al Pacino. www.sarahfwilson.com
Gayla Belay-Iyamu (Celebrity Hairstylist) Gayla is an innovative hairstylist, philanthropist and beauty entrepreneur whose creative technical avant-garde
versatility and creative ability have made her a very high demand worldwide
renowned celebrity hairstylist and image maker. Gayla is a worldwide renowned
celebrity hair stylist and image maker, she has worked in films, televisions,
theatres, videos and prints, with her easy friendly personality Gayla approaches her
work with a refreshing sense of originality, she impresses her clientele with good
work ethic and the ability to work with others to achieve a common goal.
A native of Houston ,Texas now resides in Los Angeles, California, Gayla is very
passionate about her work and clientele; she specializes in all types of hair, with an
impressive list of celebrity clients.
Gayla's reputation grew as a hairstylist and image maker, because she has pursued her
passion for making women beautiful in print, media and commercial work. Currently she remains committed to deliver timeless relevant styles to her many clients
from around the world.
Gayla is a freelance hairstylist and offers private services to clients.
Nicole Millar (Stage Manager) Nicole is a graduate of the Meisner two year
program at the Ruskin School of Acting and continues her craft in Graduate Master
Class. She also studied level one UCB LA (2015) Comedia d’el Arte with Danny
Passer (2004). She graduated with a diploma from West London College in “Performing Arts & Media” (1991) England. She then moved to the states to continue her
acting career which now, also includes working in Stage Production. Nicole would
like to thank her family here at Ruskin John, Mikey & Mike R. There is no place like
the theatre.
World Premiere productions at the Ruskin Group Theatre include: US Premiere; A
Gambler’s Guide to Dying, by Gary McNair. The World Premiere of; Sneaky Ole
Time, By Steve Mazur & Lyrics by Paul Overstreet; The Face In The Reeds, by Robin
Russin; Talhotblonde, by Kathrine Bates; Paradise, a Bluegrass Musical, by Bill Robertson, Tom Sage & Music by Cliff Wagner; Sideway’s, the Play, by Rex Pickett; The
Tragedy of the Commons, by Stephen Metcalf; and Come Sundown, by Tony Cronin.
The revival of El Grande de Coca-Cola, by Alan Shearman & Ron House; West Coast
Premiere productions include: Green Eyes, by Tennessee Williams and The Housing Room, by Conrad Bromberg. Other credits include: Leaving Home, by David
French; The Lonesome West, by Martin McDonagh; Siddown...Conversation’s with
the Mob, by Sam Kass; and Ovation Award recommended A Memory of Two Monday’s, by Arthur Miller.
It has been a pleasure to have worked with the talent’s of director Lita and having an
incredible talented cast. I want to thank my ASM and crew for everything you do….
Enjoy the show!
Sammy Anderson (Assistant Stage Manager) is currently in his first year at
the Ruskin School of Acting, and is excited to be working as Assistant Stage Manager
on his first professional production. He would like to thank the cast and crew for
their graciousness, and for their tireless work throughout to portray such a lovely and
important story with honesty.
Kate Kelly (Crew) has appeared as Mary Mercer in “Leaving Home” and in several
L.A. Café Plays at the Ruskin Group Theatre. Appearing in commercials and music
videos prepared her for roles in television including “Diagnosis: Dead or Alive” and
“Killer Kids.” She has trained with Howard Fine at the Howard Fine Acting Studio,
Stuart K. Robinson, and most recently with several extremely talented individuals at
The Ruskin School of Acting. Ms. Kelly is delighted to return and work with Nicole
Millar and crew at The Ruskin Group Theatre Co. She would like to thank husband
Phil for his complete support, her family, and the Ruskin Group Theatre.
Thank You RGT Supporters!
SAINTS $15,000 And Up
Carole & Fred Middleton, Wendy & Titus Brenninkmeijer,
Robert M. Myers & Linda Sullivan, anonymous donor, Patricia
Dougherty, Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, Fred Deni, Kevin &
Geric Frost, Chez & Roseanne Di Gregorio, Robert & Susan Ruskin
Benefactors $10,000-14,999
Deena Bosnak & Family, Glad Foundation, Stable Foundation,
Jennifer Field, Christine & Jordan Kaplan, David Bass
Angels $5,000-9,999
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Dylan McDermott, Monia Joblin, Barbara Schroeder, Michael Visbal, Helene Shaw, Kevin Wyrauch,
David and Vickie McFarland, Kenneth P. Lombino, City of Santa Monica,
Rachel Pollack, donna & thomas
ANGELS of the Arts $1,000-4,999
Dan & Diana Attias, Attias Family Foundation, Eve Ensler, Rita Franciosa & Family, Susan Hayden, Martin Sosin Foundation, Stanley & Betty Sheinbaum, Patricia
Stark, Thomas Prosser, Ryan DeMesa, David & Katie Soroko, Michael Nicklin, A
New York Minute, Valarie Vanaman, Olivia Lua, Jimmy Tang, Maurice Lamarche,
Robin Russin, Newman Aaronson & Vanaman, Donna & Thomas Ruskin, Grace Shen,
Sheri Levy, Tony Bill, Aubrey & Amelia Anderson, Alan & Diane Childs, Donna Patrick, Boeing Corporation, Robert R. McGinley, Sheri Levy, Grace Shen, Kathy & Ed
O'Neill, Ron & kelly meyer, joseph oliva,
jimmy & marie gilbert
Lovers of The Stage $500-999
Billie Bernhard, John Finn, Dante & Marcella Spinotti, Robin & Sarah Russin, Amanda
Keidan, Chris Mulkey & Karen Landry, Rita & Joe Corrigan, William Joseph, Joe Russin,
Hugh & Melissa Arian, Christian Jarry, Barry Siegal & Lisa Looby, peter shane
Great Friends of the Theatre $250-499
Judi Barker, Gail Meyer, Howard J. Morris, Greg and Terisa Myers, Todd Simon,
Romaine McCoy, Vinny Thadhani, Stephan McIlvaine, Susan Millmann, Steve Clare,
Trinka Soloway, Joe Russin
Friends of the Theatre $25-249
Lee & Juanita Armen, Christina Olson Garcia, Dr. Samuel & Diane Waingrow, Judy Goldstein,
Steve Haskell & Michelle Haner, Frederick & Paula Kuhns, Barry Levitt, Marilyn & Donald
Gralla, Steven & Nancy Mindel, James Rebhorn, Bob & Robin Eatman, William Rothbard, Samuel
M. Surloff, Peter & Kedren Werner, Gwynne & Linda Jassim, Ed Horowitz, David Brooks, Jim
Maldonado, Diane Sherry, Sharon Girdner, Stuart, M. Chanadler, Chris & Susie Piolarski, Judith
Bourne, Eddie jauregui, Gina Peterman, Jules Haimovitz, Katie Garland Noble, Ted & Carol
Sattler, Ray & Veronica Reisler, Ratna Jones, Amaury Arce, Arthur Toretzky, Vik Chattergee,
Michael Seplow, Eitan Gonen, Robert Pine, Daniel Taylor, Audrey Hazekamp, Wes Merchant, Raul
Dourado, Aubrey Anderson, Mario Didonato, Charles Sterling, Harutune Hamassian, Happy
L Garacochea, Nicole Cannon, Kaylee Quilling, David Comperatore, Louis Erskine, Patricia
Stark, David Bosnak, Peter Krasny, Kevin Hudnell, Amity M Janow, Anna Lobell, Kelly Gullett,
Christina Byron, Ann and Virgil Shields, Bernie and Linda Fox, Don Girard, Michelle Hokr, Richard & Jennifer Steets, Asuka Hisa,
Chip Bolcik, Joe Olivia, Bram Barouh, billy & christine ruskin
Great spot to eat before and after the show!