September 2nd, Week 1
Jamale Abou Hamad
Alejandro Torres Menchaca
Timothy McNeil, Writer
Timothy McNeil is a writer, director and actor. Tim recently directed his first feature film Anything, starring John Carroll Lynch, Matt Bomer, and Maura Tierney, currently available on Amazon , etc. He will be directing his next film Purplish, which he wrote, soon. He has had over 30 of his plays produced , including the play version of Anything (Best Production of 2008 by LADCC), Isaac Babel And The Black Sea, Machu Picchu, Tx., Supernova, Los Muertos, Crane, Ms., and Margaret, among others. He has also directed over 30 plays including Hamlet, Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf, Isaac Babel And The Black Sea, and many others. Tim is also an actor and has done over 50 film and television shows including Forrest Gump, Contact, Starship Troopers, Seinfeld, and others, and over 75 plays. Tim is also a proud member of The Lab Theater and The Elephant Theater Company. He has been on the faculty of the Stella Adler Academy of Acting Los Angeles since 1999.
Maia Nikiphoroff, Crystal
Maia is originally from Paraguay. She speaks fluent Spanish, English and German. She started off as a dancer and before she studied at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theater in Los Angeles, she lived in Dubai where she worked as a flight attendant and got her BA in Marketing. Maia's debut as a writer, producer and lead is with the feature film Original Sin. The film went to Austin Film Festival among others. This is Maia's second year participating in 'A Light in Dark Places'. She is very thankful and happy to be a part of it.
Michele Tannen, Julia
Michele Tannen is delighted to perform with A Light in Dark Places and to be part of furthering its goal to save lives by reducing the stigma surrounding the topic of suicide. Michele’s recent theatre credits include the role of Gloria Steinem in Towne Street Theatre’s IN RESPONSE; Carol, the 40-year-old, pigtailed fan in DIVA at The Stella Adler Theatre LA; April, the smart-but-morally-bankrupt attorney in EVIDENCE at the Actors Workout Studio and Mrs. Jensen, the bored-wife-with-a-plan in MRS. JENSEN ISN’T HERE NOW. Michele appears in numerous roles on TV, film and in commercials. On screen, she has had the pleasure of playing a wide range of characters, including a deranged politician, a struggling single mom, a big-hearted tarot card reader and a zombie who falls in love. Michele is also a grateful wife, fierce defender of global human rights, a public relations pro and a servant to her three cats.
Fira Budiman, Director
Fira Budiman is an LA based actress from Indonesia. She started acting from a young age and played the title role in a production of Annie. Though she wanted to continue her acting pursuits after highschool, circumstances led her to take up a degree in filmmaking at the Jakarta Institute of Arts. During which she continued to act in independent short films, including the Indonesian short film, PASSO (dir. AB Kusuma) which went to win the Best Short Film Award at the Short Film Festival of Jabodetabeka in 2013. In 2015, she took her completed BFA and relocated to Los Angeles; enrolling at the Stella Adler Academy of Theatre and Film.
Her theatrical credits since then include, The Vampyr (Lady Harwood dir. Rick Peters), Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Saint Monica dir. Alex Aves), Hamlet (Polonius / Priest, dir. Tim McNeil).
Carlo Figlio, Dustin
In the difficult times of the current global crisis, I have been fortunate to have close friends to lean on for mental and emotional support. I want to take this time to thank them. Thank you for checking in, giving me space to vent, forgiving my grumpiness, the late night walks, Netflix parties, fitness challenges, cuddle sessions (this is obviously Rocky), sending me new vegan recipes, encouraging me to eat more cookies, yoga classes, and so so so much more. You know who you are and I appreciate you. It’s all about community and simple acts of kindness.
Thank you to my lovely cast and Fira for the beautiful direction!!! All the love to Kelly & ALIDP!!!
Hedy Nasser, Emma
Hedy Nasser is a Persian American actress studying in her first year at the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting in Hollywood. She has done a multitude of commercials, print jobs, short films, feature films, and a recent Netflix show. She's eager and excited to continue her acting journey.
Paul Guzman, Narrator
“Paul Guzman is a Slytherin with a Chandler sense of humor and a Liz Lemon appetite. He is a man of few words.”
September 9th, Week 2
Jamale Abou Hamad
Alejandro Torres Menchaca
Fred Perry, Writer
Bruce Katzman, Sid Heller
Bruce has been an associate of ALIDP, and on its Board of Directors since its founding by Kelly O’Malley.
As an actor, Bruce’s NY credits include: on Broadway — CABARET (revival s/b Schultz), Tony Randall’s National Actor’s Theatre (CRUCIBLE, LITTLE HOTEL), Off-Broadway: RICHARD III (NY Shakespeare Festival Central Park, Denzel Washington), OTHELLO (NYSF Central Park, Raul Julia, Christopher Walken), SYLVIA (Manhattan Theatre Club). On Los Angeles Stages Bruce has been seen in THE SPANISH PRAYERBOOK (alt. cast) at The Road Theatre, SNOW GEESE at Independent Shakespeare, ALGERNON at Deaf West, WAY TO HEAVEN at the Odyssey, STORMY WEATHER at Pasadena Playhouse, TALKING CURE at the Taper, JACOB AND JACK at The Zephyr, GROSSINGER’S at Theatre West, CHARLOTTE at The Met and A MISUNDERSTANDING at the Complex.
He has over 60 TV and Film credits including BLACK-ISH, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, THE MINDY PROJECT, LAW AND ORDER, CRIMINAL MINDS, SCANDAL, GREY’S ANATOMY, CASTLE, MIDDLE OF NOWHERE (Ava DuVernay), FIFTH OF JULY and BATTLEFIELD AMERICA. An acting teacher and coach, Bruce has taught workshops on the plays of Anton Chekhov in Oxford, England, in Denmark, and in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has taught at The Yale School of Drama, Princeton, the University of Scranton, The Actors Center of NY, Stella Adler (NYC and LA) and the British American Drama Academy (BADA).
He earned his MFA at Yale School of Drama (1988). More info: brucekatzman.com
Meagan Harris, director
Meagan Harris is a theatre and film actor, director and producer based Dallas, Texas. She earned her BFA in Acting and BA in Art History in 2018 from Southern Methodist University. She is proud to be represented by the Mary Collins Agency for film and television. She works as the Programs and Marketing Associate and Associate Producer at Shakespeare Dallas. She is so honored to be involved with A Light in Dark Places for her second year in a row: especially amongst her fellow SMU Mustangs!
Stephen Tobolowsky, Bernie Heller
Stephen Tobolowsky has appeared over 250 movies and television shows. He is best known for roles in Groundhog Day, Memento, Silicon Valley, Californication, Glee, The Goldbergs, and Norman Lear’s new One Day at a Time. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Homer in Morning’s at Seven in 2002. He directed The Miss Firecracker Contest and The Lucky Spot at the Manhattan Theater Club in New York. In Los Angeles, he wrote and directed the stage play and film of the cult hit Two Idiots in Hollywood and co-wrote True Stories with David Byrne and Beth Henley. He wrote and performed his concert films Stephen Tobolowsky’s Birthday Party and The Primary Instinct. His two books of true stories: The Dangerous Animals Club and My Adventures with God are published by Simon and Schuster. Stories from his podcast “The Tobolowsky Files” have been heard across the country on NPR and PRI radio stations, and can be heard any time at Tobolowskyfiles.com and on iTunes.
September 16th, Week 3
Jamale Hamad Abou
Joe Godfrey, Writer
Joe is a CT-based playwright, whose many published and produced plays have been seen across the US and abroad. His ROMANCE LANGUAGE was produced last fall off-Broadway in NYC at Ars Nova. Other published and plays include WIDOWS, PIG TALE, UNDERSTANDING LEAR, A QUEER CAROL, BED & BREAKFAST, CLAPTRAPP, THE MISSION, MASSAGE THERAPY, CHILD SUPPORT, etc. Member: Dramatists Guild, TOSOS, Emerging Artists Theater, Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights.
Dwight Hicks, Grandpa
Dwight Hicks began his stellar career at the University of Michigan as a defensive back for the Wolverines, where he received All Big Ten and All American honors. He signed with the San Francisco Forty Niners as a free safety and his outstanding play led him to four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Dwight played a pivotal role in Super Bowl XVI, the 49ers first championship and in 1984 he was defensive captain of the Super Bowl XIX team. After a phenomenal career on the field, Dwight is now creating a successful career in the entertainment industry. Some of his film credits include The Rock with Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage, Armageddon with Bruce Willis, a Francis F. Coppola film Jack starring Robin Williams, Sound Wave, Virginia and Cartel War. A few of his television credits include Castle, Scorpion, Body of Proof, How I Met Your Mother and The Hallmark Mystery Channel movie Holiday For Heroes . Also, Dwight has won an Emmy Award for his narration of 49ers Studios Production of ‘The Faithful ’.
Ale Fips, Director
ALE FIPS is from Guadalajara, México. Ale is an actress, singer and producer that began her career at a very young age in shows for the FIL (International Book Fair) for more than 4 years. At age 15 she starred in the musical: El Principe Rana, performing more than 300 shows as princess Nadia. She moved to Mexico City playing a role on the Spanish version of Disney’s High School Musical. She has also been part of several TV series including Código Paranormal (LATV), La Rosa de Guadalupe, Como dice el Dicho (Univision) making a name for herself in Mexico, United States and other countries. She moved to the States in 2014 and Study at the Stella Adler Academy of acting LA. Her NYC credits include: “Seucy and Boto” “Undefined Fraction”(Loco 7 company); “Judgment on a Gray Beach” (La Mama, experimental theatre).
Helena Claussen, Terry
Helena Claussen, age 12, has been acting in film, television, and internet content since she was 5 years old, winning a number of awards including Best Young Actress for her role in the pilot/short film “Easy Street”at the Eastern European Film Festival, 2019. She is interested in anime and voice-over, and is active on TikTok. Helena is gender- fluid, and sometimes goes by “Hayden” when feeling boyish.
September 23rd, Week 4
Jamale Abou Hamad
Michael P. Adams, writer
A California native, Michael P. Adams is a writer and actor living in the greater Los Angeles area. His plays have been produced in Los Angeles, Memphis, Tucson, and Spokane, among other places. Michael is a member of the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights and part of the Playground LA writers’ pool. He is a graduate of the MFA program at San Jose State University.
Devon Michaels, Ezra
Devon Michaels is thrilled to be joining A Light in Dark Places for a third time. He directed Janielle Kastner’s “Feed Me” in the festival’s inaugural production and Owen Conway’s “Good Radio” in year three.
Other LA directing highlights include "Who Made Robert DeNiro King of America?" by Jason Katims, “The Straight Bozo” by Tim McNeil, "Raised in Captivity" by Nicky Silver, and Julianne Grossman’s critically acclaimed “From Bonkers to Botox,” which was chosen to be part of HBO’s U.S. Comedy Festival in Aspen.
Now Devon is happily returning to his acting roots. He grew up in New York theater, making his Broadway debut at age 12 and going on to perform in prominent Off-Broadway venues such as The Public.
Since graduating Yale University and moving to LA, Devon’s made guest appearances on numerous TV series such as "House," “Monk,” and "Without a Trace." He is probably best known for his recurring role as Bill on the hit CW show “Gilmore Girls.” More recently he played a smug defense attorney on BET’s “Rebel,” a corrupt Assistant D.A. on “NCIS:LA” and a home caregiver on “Grace and Frankie,” appearing opposite Lily Tomlin.
Jenny O’Hara, Mom
Jenny O’Hara is a veteran of both stage and film with credits spanning five decades. Some of her recent television credits include recurring roles on The Mindy Project and Transparent, as well as guest starring roles on Perry Mason, The Good Doctor, This is Us, The Kids Are Alright, 9-1-1, The Resident, Chicago Fire and American Housewife. She has appeared on Broadway in The Odd Couple (female version), The Iceman Cometh, Promises, Promises, The Kid and Fig Leaves are Falling. She made her Broadway debut in Dylan with Alec Guiness. Film credits include: Killing Eleanor, Devil, Matchstick Men, Mystic River, Angie, Career Opportunities and Heartbeat.
Trang Le, director
Trang Le was born in Vietnam and raised in Germany. She was part of ALIDP production in 2017 as an actress. She is happy to be back and grateful to be part of the online production this year. "Thank you to the producer and team of ALIDP. Thank you for upholding hope in unprecedented challenging times and for continuing to grow a diverse and inclusive community.
Alisa Murray, Nell
Alisa Murray is a Philadelphian born, dedicated actress, and screenwriter. Her recent indie film credits include Love is her Favorite Color which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019 and The Education of a Negro which premiered at the Pembroke Taparelli International Artist Festival and the Twin Cities Festival. Alisa performed in New York City on stage in Off- Broadway shows that included The Girls of Summer an NAACP Award-Winning Play directed by Layon Gray as well as various plays at The Stella Adler Theater in Los Angeles including the world premiere of the new stage play, The Daughters of Kush by George Corbin. In addition, she serves Towne Street Theater, a predominantly African American non-profit theater company as a staff writer and performer. Her holiday comedy ‘Twas the Flight Before Christmas premiered at the Stella Adler Theater last December. Alisa Murray was recently seen on HBO’s Insecure season 4 as a reporter and works as a writers assistant on a show that will be premiering this spring on CBS All Access.
September 30th, Week 5
Jessica Moss, Writer
Jessica Moss is a performer, writer, and producer. She is the creator/performer of solo shows Modern Love, and Polly Polly. Her full-length plays include Next to Him, I Will Miss You When You’re Gone, Cam Baby, A Girl Lives Alone and others. Her work has been developed or presented at Great Plains Theatre Conference, Roundabout Theatre, Premiere Stages, Kitchen Dog Theatre, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Canadian Stage Festival of New Ideas and Creation, among others. As an actor, she has appeared in shows with Necessary Angel/Luminato, Tarragon Theatre, SummerWorks, Sudbury Theatre Centre, the NAC, and many times at the Toronto Fringe. She went to Juilliard.
Christina Blum, Director
Christina Blum is an alumna of Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre - Los Angeles. Having acted in the first year of A Light in Dark Places: Plays for Hope, she is excited to be returning this year to direct. Her favorite role to date is being godmother to Alvy, a beautiful and vibrant 5-year-old Miniature Pinscher.
Alexandra Lemus, Izzy
Alexandra Lemus is a NYC actor, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Credits include Native Gardens (Virginia Stage Company) Wolf at the Door (NJ Rep) Paloma (Kitchen Theatre Company) An Act of God (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre) Are We Human (New Ohio Theatre) Den of Thieves (Stella Adler LA) Chicanas, Cholas, y Chisme (Casa 0101) Workshops: Used to Was, Maybe Did (Center Theatre Group ) The Madres (San Diego Rep) She writes, acts and produces content with comedy sketch group In the Moment and is recurring character Señorita Mujer on the telenovela parody Hacks Del Corazon. Trained at Stella Adler, Los Angeles.
Christina Zamora, Waitress
Christina Zamora made the leap to Los Angeles from Denver 3 years ago. After a year of living in denial of wanting to start acting she followed her heart and refused to look back. When she is not working on craft you can usually find her cuddling with her dog- Sir Maximo, catching the sunrise on a hike, volunteering, or attempting her favorite quarantine activity- playing tennis. Mental health is something very important to her and she is so happy to be a part of A Light In Dark Places.
Ali Astin, Lillian
Ali Astin is a graduate of Harvard College (Magna Cum Laude '19) with studies in Theater, Dance, Media, English, and Archaeology. She is presently pursuing her masters in Dramatic Arts at Harvard as well as a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Family Literacy at Penn State. She has been acting since her film debut at age three in Lord of The Rings: Return of the King. Her credits include the first traveling cast of Disney's High School Musical on stage (2008), Ribbit (2015), Bad Kids of Crestview Academy (2016), and Manic (2019) which earned her nominations for Best Actress at Austin After Dark and Oregon Scream Week. She served with the Hyperion Shakespeare Company and performed in 20+ productions with the Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club on the American Repertory Theater's stages from 2015-2019. Ali is now living in Los Angeles, studying remotely with the Groundlings, UCB, the Lucid Body House, and the Actors Comedy Studio as she pursues her Yoga Teacher Training in her free time. A proud Stella Adler Academy alum, Ali takes every chance she can to call attention to the incredible community and catalyzing atmosphere Stella has provided her.
Ali, along with her father (Actor, Sean Astin) and grandmother (Actress, Patty Duke), have been long time advocates for mental health in Hollywood. She is honored to be a part of A Light in Dark Places and to bring love and attention to these deeply impactful stories.