Theatre Archives - York365.com - York County's Guide to Arts & Culture

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Kate Brennan

Literary Arts; Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Music, Storytelling, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Performance Art, Performers and Writers; composer, lyricist, poet

Our times demand a revolution in engagement, in radical presence, in unapologetic vulnerability, and in community. My work is about connection: connection to self, connection to text, connection to others. I am interested in the deep dive into what it means to be human, to be in community and to be present, challenging creators to be more available to the art present within themselves, performers to be more available to the audience, and the audience to be more available to art as a catalyst for transformation in their own lives. For over a decade, I have been developing work that fuses Linklater Voice, Yoga, Thai Bodywork, Mindfulness and Devising called Brennan Check-In. BCI invites its participants to be more willing, present and collaborative humans who are agents of their own well-being. This philosophy has seeded all of my work, – the YA musical cycle The Infinity Trilogy, the illustrated poetry/score collaboration elevated thoughts, the Tofte Lake Center Artist Creativity Journal, my female-centric playwriting with Speranza Writers Circle, and more. The performance art is not only the product of this process, it is the process itself. It is a deep dive into what it means to be present, access a fully creative self and bring that self to the collaborative process in a sustainable, healthy, and generous way. What would it mean for us to bring more of our selves to the theatre — and what would it mean for our theatre to reveal more of the art within ourselves?

Elijah Cross

Performing Arts: Music, Theatre

I’m a musician, comic, magician, and voice actor. Born in California, I attended San Diego’s School of Creative and Performing Arts. I survived child abuse that triggered mental illnesses and homelessness; I now use my talents to help prevent others from experiencing the same thing. In 2017, I told my story via music, magic, and comedy in the show RISE. Put on at the Pullo Center, it raised $2,500 for our chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). In 2018 I was in the Seattle International Comedy Competition. Last year I was chosen for a songwriters’ retreat hosted by Ben Folds. This year, I announced on my social media pages that until further notice, 10% of all money I earn as a performer will go to Voices of Children, which is helping kids living through the war in Ukraine. My current project is an EP of original songs performed by my duo West & Ward. Two of the songs focus on mental health issues; our plan after recording the song is to partner with other artists/organizations in and around our area in an effort to lead a conversation that fights the stigma surrounding these issues, especially in the Black community, where research has shown a disproportionally high rate of resistance to mental health treatment/services. As a Black artist living with depression and anxiety, I aim to lead by example, showing nothing is wrong with expressing a need for help when it comes to one’s mental health. I also write nostalgic NES-styled music as CipherKid.

Mother Crowe

Literary Arts; Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Dance, Music, Radio/Television, Storytelling, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Constructions/Collage, Crafts, Film, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Performance Art, Performers and Writers

Welcome to my little corner of the world. Many types of art collide here to create my incredibly unique view of our reality on this planet that we call home… and beyond.

Jeannine Dabb

Literary Arts; Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Storytelling, Theatre; Visual Arts: Architectural Illustration, Ceramics, Earthworks, Illustration, Jewelry, Media and Visual Communications, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper; collage

Jeannine Dabb (Artist Bio) Jeannine Dabb Is an artist residing in York, PA. After twenty-two years of owning a small business in the medical aesthetics industry, she recently returned to college to study painting. She graduated from York College of Pennsylvania, in December 2020 with honors and received her bachelor of fine arts with a minor in art history. After graduation, Jeannine became the 10th Appel Fellow and is now the Artist in Residence at Marketview Arts in York, PA, a part of York College of Pennsylvania, and specifically the Center For Community Engagement. She has her studio space located with the Artists Underground at Marketview Arts. Jeannine’s art has been purchased and commissioned by three hospitals, including Penn State Hampden Hospital, and Penn State Lancaster Hospital, and Women’s and Babies University Health Systems of San Antonio Texas. She has consistently gotten into local and international juried shows and has won numerous awards, most recently receiving a grant from the Cultural Alliance of York, to help get her 5th solo show,” High Tides” to Hood College in Frederick Md. and her sixth show @ the Outdoor Country Club of York/ and Creative York, ” A Little Dabb of This and That” This spring she is attending Mt. Gretna School Of Arts, followed by Wilson College to complete her MFA graduate studies due to graduate 2025.

Gregory DeCandia

Performing Arts: Storytelling, Theatre

COMMUNITY DRAMATURG: I have worked in many facets of the arts —an Equity actor, teaching artist, designer, playwright, deviser, high school teacher, college professor, podcast-creator and more. But in everything I do, I dive into the community, providing time and space to share their stories and then turn it into art. During a tumultuous childhood, I found solace in the therapeutic nature of theatre. It provided critical skills, a mode of expression, and a safe community at a time when I needed it. I aim to provide and curate similar opportunities for area creatives to learn more about their community and ultimately themselves. When I was hired to be Artistic Director of DreamWrights, it was imperative to learn about the community I was charged to serve so I devised the IF YOU KNEW YORK project. To immediately immerse myself in the community I conducted 100 interviews throughout the city. Next I engaged York College Chair, Suzanne Delle, to direct the premiere production in August ’23. This is one of several docudramas I have created: SILHOUETTES OF SERVICE at UNC Chapel Hill, BOYSPEAK with Mike Wiley at Bucks County Playhouse. With Boys Latin Charter School of Philadelphia we created the pieces KILLADELPHIA and PHLash: A MOB STORY. My creative work is a practice in collaborative artistry, innovation, and forging community at the times we need it most. I hope to provide the haven that artistry provided for me to create a more just, vibrant and empathetic world.

Suzanne Delle

Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Theatre; I co-host a theatre based podcast called Traumaturgy.

Currently a tenured Associate Professor of Theatre at York College in Pennsylvania, I’ve worked in some capacity in the theatre arts my whole life. With both a Masters in Fine Arts in Directing and Masters in Arts in Arts Administration, I approach every project from both a creative and management angle. My projects include book chapters and podcasts alongside acting and directing. I helped to reopen the Casino Theatre in Newport, RI in 2011, updated the curriculum at York College of PA and host and produce two podcasts: Traumaturgy and Theatre For Your Ears. I’ve developed a new play festival with open submissions and a PA-writer focus that is sponsored by JL Smith and I’m scheduled to direct a new play as an audio play in May 2023 in LA and the new work “If You Knew York” for DreamWrights Community Theatre in November 2022. Currently I am the Regional Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and am planning a week-long conference at West Chester University for January 2023 for theatre programs in PA, MD, DE, NJ, OH, WVA, and parts of VA and NY. Section of “The Agitators” as audio play, directed and featuring as Susan B Anthony, October 2020 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IFXwoOUfVQi71D_cgEA6lKlGk_3MFHTY/view Podcast about intersection theatre and trauma, June 2020 – present https://www.traumaturgypodcast.com/ Produced and directed 10-minute audio plays during pandemic shutdown

D Ford

Performing Arts: Dance, Storytelling, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Painting, Performance Art; Drag

D Ford is a 20 year old artist who has been performing in York since the age of 12. D’s art throughout the years has changed and evolved as they have and had eventually led to the artistic career they have today as a resident performer, drag artist, painter here in the Royal Square district.

Angela Gonzalez

Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Storytelling, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Photography

Angela Gonzalez (She/Her/Hers), also known as Angela of York, is a photographer and performer currently based in New York City. With her photography work, she specializes in live performances and portraits. Her work has been awarded within the YorkFest Fine Arts Festival, presented through an exhibit at The Parliament Arts Organization, featured on York City Bus Stops, and graced El Periodico Vip’s cover. Angela is also working toward her BFA in The Performing Arts: Music Theatre at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Her most notable on-stage roles have been Daniela in “In The Heights”, for which her company was awarded Best Original/Creative Performance, and Marta in “Company”, for which she was nominated for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical.

Luz Marrero

Graphic Arts; Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Storytelling, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Graphic Arts, Illustration, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper; body painting

I was born of very creative Puerto Rican parents in Reading Pa 1983, I have 4 younger sisters. My father was hired for a metal fabricating factory in York Pa on W. Philadelphia Street…and in 1993 we moved to York Pa. I attended Phineas Davis Elementary School, Hannah Penn, and William Penn H.S. graduate of 2002. After graduating I acquired several positions locally in the Non Profit world. As life unraveled before me so quickly I had also experienced becoming a mother of 3 sons, tried and failed at marriage and a few other hiccups in life. 2013 I took a leap of faith, and with my newborn child I embarked on an emprenueral adventure in the world of face painting. Between talent, personality, and social media, I gained major leads within the community events to keep me afloat, but face painting wasn’t enough for me, I learned the craft of henna tattooing and began experimenting painting on my drawings. After selling several pieces, I decided to add both henna tattooing and painting parties/workshops to my business. I am now going on 10 years of business, here in York Pa. I was a former artist in residence at The Parliament arts organization, I very recently have moved from there to a residence above a local vintage shop. I am still learning and growing but sharing the joy and love of art along the way. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about ME. For a closer look at my work go to www.artistrydeluz.com

Christina Myers

Literary Arts; Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Music, Radio/Television, Storytelling, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Film, Performers and Writers; set, prop, costume design

I’m a performer, writer, teaching artist, and founder of Cobblestone Players, a theatre company based in York County, PA. Over the years I’ve worked with people from diverse backgrounds, ages 3-98. Connecting through theatrical play is powerful. In Summer 2023, I produced and directed my slapstick musical adaptation, “The Odyssey, a Greek Comedy in One Act.” Mel Brooks and Monty Python are my spirit animals. Summer 2023, I led two, One-Day Improv Comedy Intensives for ages 9-12 & 13-18 at the Appell Center. Highlight: Young improvisers got to perform for a live audience on The Capitol stage. In Fall 2023, I’ll rollout my online sales of original scripts, scores, lesson plans, and more on CobblestonePlayers.com. I was the piano accompanist for the Lancaster Academy of the Performing Arts 2022-23 Orchestra Season. Highlight: Charlie Brown’s Linus and Lucy solos. I created ChemProv, Improv Theatre infused with learning about the Periodic Table of the Elements. My “PA Sampler” show shares local PA history through folk stories and songs at area libraries and festivals. As an educator at York Hospital, I use theatre skills to help improve caregiver-patient rapport. Artistically, I believe that everything, everyone, and every moment is viable, workable, usable, valid and potentially brilliant. There is potential for beauty in the perfect and perfectly imperfect. Comedy is funnier when it comes from a place of love- when it connects rather than divides. I believe in making things happen.

Brian Shea

Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Theatre; Improv Comedy

I am an improv actor and teacher based in Hanover, Pa. I have been performing improv since 2015, primarily in the Baltimore area. I am the founder of Snacktown Improv in Hanover and a co-founder of Highwire Improv in Baltimore. I also perform with Lancaster Improv Players. I am able to teach improv classes for all ages and levels, including business or corporate training. I also can arrange entertainment for events with other improvisers.

Randi Sitler

Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Dance, Theatre; Visual Arts: Performers and Writers; Performance Arts Instructor

I’ve been a professional dance instructor and performer for 15 years and my relationship with the creative process has kindly begun a congruous refinement. A lifetime spent with mentors, behind a pen, motivating an instrument, sweating the practice, and walking into the woods for the muse to find she’s the deepest lure- intimate communication. I covet the poet within me first and find the diversity of my artistic expression springing from that well. Raised in a family of classically trained, farm raised musicians, my parents met studying Jazz and performed in Baroque period dress, my grandparents in colonial re-enactments, and the rest of the lot were educators, engineers, and craftsmen building unnecessary furniture, like harpsichords. Everything was fair play and play I did. I wouldn’t say that I was or am naturally talented, I’ve tried for everything. I discovered a purpose in my artistic leanings shortly into the teaching journey. On more than several occasions I was confronted by individuals who were dismantling in front of my eyes; it was their date night lesson hinging on divorce, or they were really hoping to find their body one they could love, or they were wrestling the way corporate had drained their ability to dream. The stakes were high, and I couldn’t feel irrelevant, I was the only possible doctor present. I had to believe that creating together was the answer. Turns out it was, and fondly always has been. That was my medium turning point and motivation.

Christopher Strange

Performing Arts: Storytelling, Theatre; Magician, hypnotist, sideshow

Christopher Strange, Witch Doctor – Presenting unique and original psychological illusions, hypnotic influence, and turning imagination into reality. Christopher has studied the mysterious and bizarre for decades and now brings that knowledge onto the stage. Using modern science and psychology, he shows how ancient cultures may have achieved the feats we now think are pure fantasy and legend.

Charity Stump

Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Radio/Television, Theatre

My bio.

Krystal Younglove

Performing Arts: Dance, Theatre; Visual Arts: Performance Art, Performers and Writers; Sideshow Artist, Circus Performer, Aerial Acrobat, Aerial Instructor, Vaudevillian Producer

“Ladies, Gentlemen, and my majestic They. My name is Krystal Younglove The Indestructible Lady – presenting classic circus Sideshow to strike to your very core. High flying aerial acrobatics to dazzle you. Sparkling Stilt Walking Diva. Fire artistry to amaze your eyes and mind! York’s Circus Sweetheart.” In this era of high expectations, Krystal aspires to break the mold. As a performing Strong Woman, her efforts have been promoting strength and body positivity, not only to woman, but to all marginalized groups. She has worked to create game changers through show scripting, accessibility in her aerial classes, and involvement in alternative events. She has pursued many options that gives a connective voice to audiences. In April, she contributed to The Dark Parlour as entertainment director, MC, and performer for Fang Around. The event that took Royal Square by storm. Striving to provide a safe space to gather for community engagement and involvement. Heavily focused on various arts, culture, history/education and entertainment. In August, at Poe’s Magic Conference, Krystal was the first woman recipient of the Andruzzi Award for her contributions to the Bizarre Magic community. Krystal has joined the Appell Center Teaching Artists Program to improve her teaching and connection abilities. Additionally, looking forward to contributing insight to the instruction methods that have helped her connect with her students. During 2022, these are some of Krystal’s favorite achievements.

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