Resident Artistic Ensemble

Wes Clark

Wes Clark has been acting and directing in Chicago since 2002. Favorite roles include a murderous guitar player in Strange Tree Group’s Mr. Spacky: the Man Who Was Continuously Followed by Wolves, Iago in Othello at Dominican University, and Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet with Arts Lanes Productions. Wes has directed plays and one-acts for the Barrington Area Arts Council, Boxer Rebellion Theater, EP Theater, and most recently he co-directed The Nebraska Project for Bruised Orange Theater Company. He can also often be found playing guitar in the Strange Tree Group’s house band, The Afterlife.

Krista Hansen

Krista Hansen believes in using the power of theatre to promote understanding and the human connection, and is honored to be part of Erasing the Distance. She is an Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Dominican University, where she also resides as the Artistic Director of the Theatre Arts Lab Series. Krista acts and directs professionally nationwide, and also specializes in individualized coaching to help theatrical, academic and business professionals with optimal work performance and personal health.

Chris Hauser

Chris Hauser is a resident actor in Chicago. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Theatre Performance and Playwriting. Chris would like to dedicate these performances to his Hungarian grandmother who has suffered from schizophrenia all her life and believes Chris to be the Pope.

Jennifer Mathews

Jennifer Mathews is so proud to be a member of the Erasing the Distance ensemble. A company member with Infamous Commonwealth Theatre, she has appeared in many of their productions. She also works with Adventure Stage Chicago as their Marketing & Public Relations Manager. Thanks to Brighid for her faith, Chris for his support, Emma and Sophie for their exuberance, and YOU for bearing witness to these important stories.

Brighid O’Shaughnessy

Brighid is the Founder of Erasing the Distance. Her experience as a director, actor, teacher, and artist committed to social change has spanned the last 15 years. Her acting experience includes work at Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, Profiles Theatre,and The Griffin, among others. She graduated with a B.A. in Theatre from Santa Clara University, studied extensively with The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, has done her share of voice-over work and corporate training using theatre. She is most grateful to Kurt Naebig and the folks at the Audition Studio for introducing her to Michael Shurtleff, as his approach to acting laid the foundation for how she works AND introduced her to over 1/2 the members of this ensemble.

Meredith Siemsen

Meredith Siemsen is blessed to be a part of Erasing the Distance. She also performs for (and with) senior adults every spring in Imagination Theater's participatory 'Senior Spotlight' program. Other Chicago stage credits include: Robyn Hood at Oak Park Festival Theatre, Hamlet with Signal Ensemble, The Ruling Class with Backstage Theatre Company, The Outfit with Serendipity Theatre Collective and The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window with Infamous Commonwealth. On-camera work includes feature film The Lucky Ones, and independent films: Good People (recently screened at Chicago International Film Festival) and Hank’s Auto Repair. Meredith is also curating Envision Gallery at Flourish Studios, where she features "1" whose work depicts personal transformation and promotes dialogue around social issues.

Craig C. Thompson

Craig C. Thompson is honored to be a part of Erasing the Distance. Originally from Kansas City, MO, Craig graduated from Boston University in 1998 and has been living and performing in Chicago ever since. Craig is a member of Infamous Commonwealth Theatre company and has been seen in their previous productions including Lewis and Clark Reach the Euphrates, My Thing of Love, The Kentucky Cycle (Jeff Citation for Outstanding "1" and Outstanding Production), Savage in Limbo, and Big Dreams. Craig has also acted for Backstage Theatre in Waiting for Lefty (Jeff Nomination for Outstanding Ensemble), Foreground Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Emerald City Theatre and Real Rain Productions. Craig hopes that anyone who sees an Erasing the Distance show is affected during the performance. But more, he hopes that the audience leaves the experience with a permanent inclination to do their part to help erase the distance between those who are affected by mental illness and those who aren’t aware of just how common it is. Craig would like to thank Brighid for her commitment to ETD’s mission and for allowing him to be a part of it, and Genevieve for encouraging him to achieve his full potential.

Sarah Luse (Stage Manager)

Sarah couldn’t be happier that she and Erasing the Distance found one another. Sarah has been living and working in Chicago for almost four years after making her way here from Montana. Some of her favorite Chicago credits include The Adventures of Captain Marbles and His Acting Squad with Provision Theater, Coronado with Steep Theatre, The Lady from Dubuque with Infamous Commonwealth Theatre, and W;t with The Gift. Sarah is also a company member of Infamous Commonwealth. Thanks to Brighid and the rest of the Erasing the Distance team for making me feel like part of the family from day one.

Artists

Shana Bender What’s Behind Our Eyes

While Shana has moved to Champaign to pursue her Masters in Special Education, we still consider her a member of the ETD family!

Rhonda Marie Bynum What’s Behind Our Eyes

Rhonda Marie Bynum is honored and blessed to be a part of Erasing the Distance. Born and raised on the southeast side of Chicago, her recent theater credits include Talking Bones, Stoops and Heat (ETA Theater), Snow Queen (Victory Gardens) and Sketchbook 9 (Collaboraction). Other credits include For Colored Girls, The Vagina Monologues, Big River, and That Takes Ovaries. Rhonda is a recent graduate of the School at Steppenwolf.

Ryan Castillo Facing the Rain

A graduate of Roosevelt University, Ryan is ecstatic to be a part of the Erasing the Distance family. His recent credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Judah/Ensemble), High School Musical (Mongo), A Chorus Line (Paul), the Chicago premiere of Zanna Don’t! (Buck/Arvin), and The Chicago Children’s Theatre’s production of Dandelion Wine. He would like to thank the people who never stopped believing in him, you know you are.

Stephanie Diaz Facing the Rain

Stephanie Diaz is an actor, puppeteer and educator who relocated to Chicago from the west coast five years ago last fall. She was most recently seen in the critically-acclaimed “Kita y Fernanda” at 16th St Theatre. She has also had the good fortune to work with Kansas City Rep, Teatro Vista, Remy Bumppo, ShawChicago, First Stage Milwaukee, Drury Lane Oak Brook, Victory Gardens, Mixed Blood Theatre (Minneapolis), American Theatre Company and Teatro Luna. West coast credits include work at Seattle Rep, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, The Magic Theatre (SF), The Village Theatre (Seattle) and 5th Avenue Theatre (Seattle). She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and is delighted to join the wonderful artists of Erasing the Distance.

Amanda Eaton Facing the Rain

Amanda Eaton is very excited to be part of such a rewarding experience! Her training in Maine where she earned her B.A. in Theatre and Minor in Dance, and training with Second City, have led her to many great opportunities. She is currently an ensemble member of Imagination Theater and Artistic Associate with Chicago Danztheatre. Other companies she has worked with include, Strawdog, Quest, BoHo, and Grey Zelda. Amanda would like to thank Erasing the Distance for letting her be a part of this important production.

Amos Ellis The People I Know

Amos Ellis is a veteran stage actor, teacher, mentor and acting coach in the Chicago. He has worked with the Black Ensemble Theatre, Congo Square Theatre Company, ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Pegasus Players and the Chicago Theatre Company. He graduated with a B.A. in Communications from Northern Illinois University and his acting career is now centered around film, commercials, print, industrial training and voice-over, where he currently serves as the voice for Famous Dave’s Barbeque.

Jared Fernley Facing the Rain

Jared Fernley is thrilled to be working with Erasing the Distance for the first time. Originally from Philadelphia, Jared studied theater at UNC- Chapel Hill, and was seen most recently onstage in Infamous Commonwealth's productions of The Crucible and The Grapes of Wrath. He has also appeared in Vitalist Theatre's production of The Night Season, the New Colony's world premiere of FRAT, Old Town, with Strawdog Theater, and 13 Dead Husbands, with Sansculottes Theater Company, where he is an Artistic Associate. Jared also performs regularly at I.O. Chicago with his long-form improvisational team FireCup.

Deanna Foley Facing the Rain

Deanna Foley is absolutely ecstatic to be working on this new production for Erasing the Distance. She previously directed and acted in the college production that was brought to her school, Dominican University, and is excited for others to experience this wonderful show. She received her B.A. in Performance from Dominican University and would like to thank her family, friends, and Louie for their support over the years.

Hannah Gomez What’s Behind Our Eyes

Hannah is honored to be joining the Erasing The Distance advocacy. Since graduating from Illinois State University in Acting, Hannah has worked with such Chicago theatres as Teatro Luna, Healthworks Theatre, The Metropolis, The Apollo, and ATC. Hannah grew up in Arlington, TX where she sends back love everyday.

Lawrence Grimm What’s Behind Our Eyes

While Larry is busy with other projects currently such as performing in A Red Orchid Theatre's production of Abigail's Party as well as co-directing their youth ensemble, we still consider him a member of the ETD family.

David Hornreich What’s Behind Our Eyes

David has been a part of the Chicago theater community for nearly five years. A native of Seattle, he graduated from Western Washington University in 2004 with a B.A. in acting and directing. In addition to "Grown Up" Theater, David has been been fortunate enough to work both teaching and acting in Children's Theater and educational programs with a long list of companies - including Northlight Theater Academy, Greatworks productions, and more. David is extremely proud to be able to add Erasing the Distance to that list.

Anish Jethmalani The People I Know

Anish Jethmalani has worked in the Chicago Theatre scene for several years. Some of his stage credits include Wit and five seasons of A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre; Romeo and Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; Titus Andronicus, Mary Stuart, The Invention of Love, and Life’s A Dream at The Court Theatre; Homeland Security at Victory Gardens Theater, Citizens of the World at Steppenwolf Theatre; Sita Ram and Around the World in 80 Days at The Lookingglass Theatre; To the Greenfields Beyond at Writers’ Theatre; Omnium Gatherum, Return to Haifa, and The Millionairess at the Next Theatre; Indian Ink and The Sign of the Four at Apple Tree Theatre; Merchant on Venice at Silk Road Theatre Project; The Age of Cynicism or Karaoke Night at the Hog at Chicago Dramatists; and Orphee, The Eiffel Tower Wedding Party, The Knights of the Round Table, Watch on the Rhine, The Lark, A Woman Without A Name, Childe Byron, and Landscape of the Body all at the Eclipse Theatre Company where he is currently an ensemble member and served as their Artistic Director from 2002 to 2007. This summer, he will appear in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the First Folio Theatre. Regionally, he has worked at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival appearing in their productions of Henry VIII and Much Ado About Nothing. His film and television credits include Leverage, Early Edition, The Strip, Sugar Mountain, Betaville, and Why is God. He is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago and also attended The Oxford School of Drama in England.

Angela Johnson What’s Behind Our Eyes

Angela Johnson is very excited to be working with Erasing the Distance and this very talented ensemble. She hails originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She moved to Chicago to pursue professional acting and since that time has been in various educational productions such as A Raisin in the Sun, Sweeney Todd, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, A Crescent City Comedy of Errors all at Loyola University Chicago. Some professional credits include Chicago Black Renaissance and School Daze with the Mahdi Theater Company, Rent with Ouroboros and Big Noise Theatre Companies and A Look Through Our Eyes with Nu Xpression Theatrics. She would like to thank her family and God for all of the support, love and blessings they continue to give her.

Eddie Jordan III What’s Behind Our Eyes

Eddie Jordan III was born and raised in Hartford, CT. He is an alumni of DePaul University's Theatre School. He currently teaches children Theater performance at Daniel Hale Williams School through an organization called C.A.P.E. He is also a company member with MPAACT. Eddie has received his certificate from Second City's Conservatory.

Jocelyn Kelvin What’s Behind Our Eyes

While Jocelyn has currently moved to Los Angeles to pursue film, we still consider her part of the ETD family!

Maura Kidwell What’s Behind Our Eyes

Maura Kidwell is a graduate of Beloit College and an ensemble member of Redtwist Theatre (formerly Actors Workshop), where she appeared in their Jeff-Nominated production of Equus (Jill) and Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Mme. de Tourvel). Maura is also an artistic associate of Ouroboros Theatre Company, where she performed in the world premiere of Cyrano: Translated (Doris Cooper). Other credits include Ten Cent Night with Chicago Dramatists Theatre (Dee), Amadeus with St. Louis Shakespeare (Constanze), and Mister Paradise with Dream Engine/Indefinite Theatre (Girl). Maura can also be seen and heard in many commercials, industrial films and feature films.

Jessica Mondres Facing the Rain

Jessica got her degree in Theatre and English from Flagler College in Saint Augustine, Fl before moving to Chicago several years ago. Shortly after moving here she was introduced to devised theatre and fell in love with the art form. She has collaborated on and acted in devised plays and performances every chance she can get since then. Some of her favorite projects include a performance based on the epic poem The Third Hour of the Night by Frank Bidart for the Poetry Foundation, and an exploration of Mary Shelley and her famous novel with Upstart Theatre Group. She believes theatre is an excellent way to facilitate community dialogue and discussion about issues ranging from the political to the intensely personal, and is thrilled to have joined the staff of Erasing the Distance to actively work on promoting this type of performance and dialogue about the important topic of mental health.

Christina Nieves What’s Behind Our Eyes

Christina Nieves is thrilled to join the team at Erasing the Dstance. After graduating from The Theatre School at DePaul University, Christina has enjoyed working at Steppenwolf, The Goodman Theatre, Teatro Vista, Lifeline Theatre, Emerald City Theatre Co., Chicago Childrens Theatre, The Theatre Building, and Northlight Theatre. She will next be seen in The Sins of Sor Juana at the Goodman Theatre this summer.

Remy Ortiz Facing the Rain

Remy Ortiz is thankful to be working on such an important project! Chicago credits include: El Grito Del Bronx (Goodman Theater), Sketchbook (Collaboraction), A Big Blue Nail (Victory Gardens), A Park in Our House (Victory Gardens), The Wood Demon (The Library Theater). Remy is a founding member of The Vintage Theater Collective in Chicago. He graduated with his BFA from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater Acting Training Program.

Chris Popio The People I Know

Chris has worked as an actor, writer and photographer in Chicago since making the move from Cincinnati in the early Nineties. He has appeared on many Chicago stages, most recently with TUTA Theatre in their productions of Brecht’s The Wedding and Uncle Vanya. Other favorite roles include Gary in The Exonerated (Serendipity Theatre), John Freeman in The Fourth Sister (Trap Door Theatre), Redfield in Sons of Liberty (Breadline Theatre) and Tom, Leslie and Phyllis in Sylvia (Buffalo Theatre Ensemble). Chris has also appeared in numerous national and regional commercials, films and television shows. He helped write and create the children’s book series Edgar and Ellen in books and on television. Originally from New Jersey, he currently runs a photography studio with his amazing and talented partner, Heather (www.popiostumpf.com and www.vavoompinups.com).

Olivia Porter What’s Behind Our Eyes

Olivia began acting 10 years ago when she won improv classes at the Players Workshop at Second City in a raffle. Since then, she has trained at Act One Studios, the Chicago Actors Studio, and the British American Drama Academy at Oxford University. A former human resources executive, Olivia combined her corporate experience and performance training to star in over 30 industrial films for clients such at The Learning Tree, Motorola, Walgreens, and State Farms. She can also be seen in many regional and local commercials. Olivia is very proud to be a part of a worthwhile organization like Erasing the Distance.

Adam Poss Facing the Rain

Adam Poss has been seen in three seasons of A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre. Other Goodman credits include "Dark Play or stories for boys" for the 2006 Latino Theatre Festival, as well as "Without" by Sean Graney for the New Stages series. In Chicago, Adam appeared in the world premiere of "Antebellum" written and directed by Robert O'Hara. Regionally, Adam received a Helen Hayes nomination for Best Ensemble for his work in "The History Boys" at Studio Theatre in Washington DC. Most recently Adam has workshopped the new play "The North Pool" by Rajiv Joseph at Northlight Theatre as well as Theatre Works in Palo Alto, California. Adam holds a BFA from The Theatre School at Depaul University and is a proud member of Actor's Equity.

Dwight Sora What’s Behind Our Eyes

Dwight Sora is honored to join Erasing the Distance this year. A River Forest native, Dwight has appeared onstage with Vittum Theater (A Thousand Cranes), Theater-Hikes (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Treasure Island) and Two Roman Senators (Again). He spent three years with the Social Issues Ensemble of Imagination Theater (2003-2006), worked with the Silk Road Theatre Project in its staging of Gilgamesh for the 2008 Chicago Humanities Festival and understudied its Midwest premiere of Julia Cho’s Durango, and also understudied the Chicago premiere of Steppenwolf’s After the Quake. A second-degree black belt in aikido, Dwight has also choreographed fights for A Squared Theater Workshop (The Wind Cries Mary) and Porchlight Music Theater (Pacific Overtures) and fought onstage himself with Lyric Opera Chicago (Romeo et Juliet).

Cory Wright What’s Behind Our Eyes

Cory Andre Wright is a Chicago native. He is an alumni of DePaul University. Wright began his artist career as a dancer with Culture Shock Chicago, One World Dance Theater, and B.Fli Productions. His acting credits include Memphis Soul: The Story of Stax Records, Sounds So Good Makes You Wanna Holla, The Other Cinderella, Joe Tex, The Crooners, Message is in the Music--all at the Black Ensemble Theater. He has written and had plays produced by the Black Ensemble Theater's BPI (Black Playwright's Initiative). Wright is also a part of the Hansberry/Baldwin Ensemble. Cory would like to thank God, friends, family, and his new family, here at ETD for their continued support.