Emma Mueller (Quinn, she/her) is an actress, writer, and teaching artist in NYC. Emma holds a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a minor in Applied Theatre. Emma has starred in several of her own works, including stage play Taboo ​(Olivia) ​and short films Antonia and Vinyasa Flow.​ Stage credits include Twelfth Night Devised (Viola & Company), Hamlet (Gravedigger), Our Lady of 121st Street (Sonia). Emma is also a co-founder of Little & Fierce Theatre Company, an educational Shakespeare theater company dedicated to bringing the Bard to people throughout NYC. emmarosemueller.com

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Lukas Baeskow (Tanner) is a German-born and New York City based musical theatre actor, musician, magician, and storyteller, who gave up his free healthcare to follow his dreams. Select credits include “Rumplestiltskin” (National Tour), “The Winter’s Tale”, “The Stream”, “A Chance Encounter Near Nowhere in Particular”, and “Keep Your Head Above Water So As Not To Sink” (Powerhouse Theatre, Poughkeepsie, NY), “HiTops! the Musical” (Theatre 315), “Urinetown” (Duke’s Eye Productions), “Judgment at Nuremberg” (Staten Island Shakespearean), “Fall in Love with the Moon” (Theater for the New City), and “The Court Martial of Almirante Montojo” (Manhattan Repertory Theatre). In his spare time, he produces his own solo and magic shows. Other interests include social justice, foreign languages, working with children, fitness, and cooking. Let’s stay in touch! @lukasbaeskow &  www.LukasBaeskow.com

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Chris Emanuel (Jorge) is an NYC based actor and alumni of The Stella Adler Summer Conservatory class of 2018. Originally from Lancaster City, PA where he developed an interest in acting during his senior year in high school, for 3 years he participated in the Fulton Theatre’s YouthTheatre summer program. He has done various works in local plays, stage readings, student and short films. Recently he appeared as The Duke of Burgundy/Doctor in The Royal Social Distancing Company’s virtual reading production of King Lear.

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Angelique Archer (Xavier) is excited to be a part of Little & Fierce Theatre Company’s CREATE: A Digital Reading Series! Originally from Miami, FL Angelique is a proud graduate of Hamilton College where she studied both Theatre and Economics. She also spent a semester in London studying with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Some of her favorite credits include Macbeth (Macbeth) with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Tour Co. and Love’s Labour’s Lost (Princess of France) with the Great River Shakespeare Company. In addition to acting, she is pursuing directing and playwriting, as well as a path of advocacy for people of color in the arts. Special thanks to her family for their continued love and support.

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Lauren Winder (Chloe) is a recent New York transplant originally from Tennessee where she studied acting and English at the University of Tennessee. She is currently a member of the Resident Acting Company of Hamlet Isn’t Dead. Instagram @winder.lauren. 

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Kevin E. Stafford, (Colton) originally from Indian Trail, NC, is a NYC based actor. Kevin’s NYC roles include Deletion in The Four Horsemen of the Internet which was part of the 2019 Secret Theatre One Act Festival, Eugenio Montojo in the reading of The Court Martial of Admiral Montojo, Me in the reading of A Therapy Session With Myself and Kyle in the Amazon Prime video, Ricardo and Trace. Some of his roles in NC include Edward McQueen/Henry Middleton in Liberty Mountain, The Revolutionary Drama and Scarecrow/Hank in The Wizard of Oz. 

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Ollie Philips (The Trashman) is a bicoastal actor currently residing in Pasadena, CA and is thrilled to be making his Zoom debut with Little & Fierce. In May 2020, he graduated with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where he trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Stonestreet Studios. During quarantine, Ollie was featured in the short film 4th of July and did voice work for the video game Vampire: The Masquerade - Swansong. NY Stage Credits include Antiochus and Simonides in Pericles (Stella Adler), Vic in Our Lady of 121st Street (Stella Adler), Hadrian in Some Comfort (C.A.S.T.), and Egeus and Snug in an abridged cut of of A Midsummer Night's Dream (NYU/Stella Adler Company Outreach Tour). Born in Portland, OR and raised in Beaverton, his Regional Credits include Maurice in Beauty & The Beast and Florindo in Carlo Goldoni's The Servant of Two Masters. He sends his love and many thanks to his family and friends, especially the cast and crew for all their work so we can end 2020 on a good note.

"Enjoy the show, for one day, we shall die." 

-Cirque de Puree guy from The Simpsons

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Caroline Cassidy (Stage Directions) is a New York City based actor and writer. In some of her most recent work, she appeared as a guest star in the Investigation Discovery series, Evil Lives Here and starred in the short film, Drugstore Lipstick, an official selection at the Maryland Film Festival, Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival and Grrl Haus Cinema in Berlin, Germany. Originally from Massachusetts, Caroline graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama, studying with the Atlantic Theatre Company, Stonestreet Studios as well as the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. Caroline is thrilled to be working with Little & Fierce Theatre Company on their reading of Aztec, or The Proper Way to Maim a Crocodile.

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Gianna Porfano (Lucie) is thrilled to be part of CREATE! She is a graduate of NYU Tisch and has performed  regionally in theatre and theme park entertainment. Favorite credits: Sherlock Holmes Returns  (Mrs. Hudson/Ensemble) and Spring Awakening (Wendla). Gianna has been part of new works  and developmental readings in NYC, her favorite being Postal: A 1940’s Rock Musical (Annice)  at The Players Theatre. She has also worked on various film projects and is currently writing her  own material. Gianna studies piano, and can usually be found teaching herself guitar and  harmonica. She thanks Little & Fierce Theatre Co. for organizing this exciting reading series and  extends her gratitude to Emma and Maiya for allowing her to be part of this important new piece. www.giannaporfano.com 

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Iris Rhian (Ianna) is an NYC-based actor passionate about classical texts, devised work, and theatrical collaboration. She is spending the quarantine riding her bike along the river, learning to play the piano, and perfecting her omelette game.

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Sarah Marksteiner (Mother)is an actor, playwright, and arts administrator from the DC area who is dedicated to uplifting original work. Favorite recent stage credits include Air Mail / Par Avion, SuperNOVA (Capital Fringe, DC); Title of Show (William & Mary, VA); Hamlet, The Tempest (Shakespeare in the Dark, VA); and improvising with improv comedy troupe IT. Sarah was a proud co-founder of the Class Act Players Theatre Company. BA William & Mary (’19).

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Naomi Cranston Haag (Ms. Toddy) is a Minneapolis based actor, writer, and photographer. She has appeared on stage with Smartmouth Comedy, The Zephyr Theatre, Fearless Comedy, EnCompass Theatre Productions, and more. Naomi has also appeared in numerous short films in the Twin Cities film community. She holds a BFA in Acting from Viterbo University. In her free time, Naomi enjoys pumping iron and eating copious amounts of chocolate. Check out her work at naomicranstonhaag.com! 

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Timothy Long (Harrison/Chester) is thrilled to be working on his first project with Little & Fierce Theatre Company. He is currently maintaining his practice in Los Angeles at Crash Acting. His favorite credits include Lawrence in the film Country Thunder and Avery in The Flick. In his free time he enjoys comics, crime stories, and whiskey. You can learn more about him by following him on Instagram @iamtimothylong.

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Amy Losi (Judy Blume) has acted in seventy plays and readings. Amy is also a director, playwright, and member of the Dramatists Guild. Four of her plays appeared in recent festivals, garnering awards for Best Costumes, Best Actress, Excellence in Directing, Best Ensemble, and the Spirit of the Hartford FringeFestival. Other credits: Broadway Comedy Club, commercials, film, web, TV (Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations; Celebrity Ghost Stories). Amy is thrilled to work with Emma for the third time and is in awe of the real Judy Blume.

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Giuliana Mancini (Infomercial Woman, Stage Directions, she/her) is an actor, and writer currently located in Rhode Island. She recently graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where she spent time at the Playwrights Horizons Studio and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Favorite credits include Sam on the Base of the Mountain (Sam), ladylike: an adaptation (Lady), &  Uncle Vanya (Uncle Vanya). You can find the fun stuff on any social media platform @giulianamanc, and the professional stuff at www.giulianamancini.com

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Ian Gill (Kevin) is very excited to be a part of a production with an incredible group of artists and friends. He is currently a Junior studying drama at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, most recently starring in Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" as Man in Chair. Ian would like to thank everyone involved in this reading and in this festival for keeping art alive in such a tumultuous year. 

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Mia Stipes Vega (Lucy) is so excited to be a part of this exhilarating show. A junior at NYU Tisch, Mia is making her online-streaming-production debut in My Love Was Stolen By A Conman. She thanks writer Kelsey Sullivan, director Siena Tipton, and the entire cast for their faith, support, and pain-inducing humor. Mia likewise feels her love was stolen by the production team and cast of this show. She urges them to please return it to her at the earliest convenience, thank you. 

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Elisa Tarquinio (Hannah) is so thrilled to be in her first originating role, as Hannah, and making her Little & Fierce Company debut. She is currently a junior at NYU Tisch studying Drama. Some of her most recent regional credits include: The Bodyguard and The Wizard of Oz. She would love to thank our writer Kelsey Sullivan and Director Siena Tipton for bringing her on this long, beautiful journey that is MLWSBACM. Also, she would like to thank her friends and family for their constant support. Instagram: elisatarquinio Email: elisatarquinio0704@gmail.com 

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Sebastian Zuniga (Bartender/Seymour) currently attends NYU and is majoring in drama with a minor in political science. Most recently, he worked on a virtual (and immersive) zoom play entitled Carla's Quince. The goal of the piece was to mobilize the Latinx youth vote around  the country. Other credits include Much Ado About Nothing (NYU), Twelfth Night (NYU), and the Drowsy Chaperone (Strasberg Institute).

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Jordan Jackson (Lucy II/Randy Jackson) is very excited to be a part of the Little & Fierce digital reading series! She is currently a junior studying drama at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She’s very grateful for digital readings like these, and their efforts to keep theater alive. She would like to extend thanks and congratulations to her fellow castmates, director, and writer Kelsey Sullivan for putting together such a great show. Jordan really hopes you enjoy Con Man, as she believes it is probably the funniest thing you will hear all month. 

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Noah Mezzacappa (Mr. Dingy/Spider) is a Tennessee-born writer and filmmaker based in New York City. In his free time, he is very passionate about hip-hop, Phoebe Bridgers, and dollar pizza. He would like to thank Kelsey Sullivan for always giving him opportunities to do stupid things for fun.

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Rachael Chau (Pheonix, she/they) is a recent graduate of NYU Tisch Drama, where she studied at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Stonestreet Studios. Quarantine credits include Meiko (Mission US, THIRTEEN/WNET), Lily (The Waning Tide), Queen Estella (The Legend of Astrophela), and Beatrice on the album Willow: A New Musical, available on all music streaming platforms. Later this month, Rachael will also be in Infernal, a new musical based on Dante's Inferno, playing the role of Eve. Thanks to the Still Born team, Emma & Danielle, and the entire Little & Fierce family! rachaelchau.com IG: @rachaelmayc  

 

Ben Dworken (Doctor Tim, Boyfriend Theo, Daddy) is a neurodiverse actor living in NYC. He is diagnosed with autism, and has spent five years building his acting career in the Big Apple. He has appeared in many productions, such as Uncle Vanya at Columbia University, The Wicked and The Wonderful for DreamStreet, SHOTZ! for AMiOS, and is a big contributor to the arts. He is also a brand ambassador for Actionplay, one of the top organizations in NYC that provides support for people with special needs. Ben is excited to be in his first reading with Little and Fierce, and would like to thank Emma Mueller for the opportunity.

 

Theodosia Arcidiacono (Nurse Jackie/Friend Dina/Mother) - Theodosia is delighted to be joining the cast of Still Born in her first production with Little & Fierce Theatre Company! A New York based actor and producer, she graduated from NYU with a BFA in Drama through the Stella Adler Studio. Select credits: Hailey in Daylight (Best Intentions), Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods (NexGen), Frannie in Taboo (New York Theater Festival) and Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (Stella Adler). @teddyxx97

 

Giacoma Bonello (Choir Nurse) is a performer living in NYC. She grew up in southernmost Brooklyn, was raised by Sicilian parents, and she owes NYU a lot of money for a piece of paper that's lying in her closet somewhere. Many thanks to: Little & Fierce Theater Company, her teachers, her family, her friends, and her therapist.

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Jennifer Elliott (Choir Nurse) is a NYC based actress originally from Asheville, NC. She graduated from Western Carolina University and William Esper Studios. She previously contributed to the Little and Fierce Shakespeare projects during covid and is grateful to be included in this series. She has recently performed in the New Short Play Festival zoom readings and is excited to continue working as a part of this production with this incredible cast!

 

Grace Santos (Little Girl, Stage Directions) is a Brazilian-Japanese performer currently studying at NYU. She is honored to be a part of telling such a beautiful story through everyone’s favorite platform, z o o m! Recent credits include: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Siobhan) and both Twelfth Night (Fabian) and Arcadia (Jellaby) with The Pop-Up Players. 

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Danielle Edmonds (Liz, she/her) is a Southern California and NYC based actor and educator. She recently received an MA in Educational Theatre from NYU Steinhardt and a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is the co-founder of Little & Fierce and is so grateful for all the incredible people participating in this festival!

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Stephanie Cha (Ethel)is very grateful to be a part of another beautiful project in the times of COVID. She hopes this will help brighten the days of everyone. She received her B.F.A. in Drama at NYU Tisch, then trained in the ballet/contemporary track at Peridance. Past credits include: Chaos/Absolute Zero (Players Theatre), Measure for Measure (Stella Adler), The Revolutionists (Stella Adler), Haircut (Hudson Guild Theater), Life (Players Theatre).

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Danielle Covington (Melody) is an NYC based actor-writer-producer from Oakland, CA.  She is a 2020 graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts where she attended Atlantic Acting School for her primary training. She was most recently seen performing in her dream roles as Romeo in  Romeo and Juliet at The Classical Studio where she finished her advanced training. Danielle is incredibly grateful for this creative team and theatre company for cultivating space for joy and storytelling during this time.

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Sarah Bitar (Payman) is a Lebanese trilingual actorvist and singer based in NYC, trained at the Stella Adler Studio. Recently, she was a guest artist at the LAByrinth Theatre Company's Summer Intensive Ensemble. Credits include Revolución (Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre),  Ful Nabit (AND Theatre), Almost, Maine, At a Crossroads (also written by Sarah), Golden Girl by the Sea, Holiday Jingles (TEAM Theatre). Short films include Like Salt (Darine Hoteit); The Balcony Screen (Monica Nassif), SMOG (Jad Sleiman). She wrote, directed and performed in the short film "Beirut Superheroes" which was screened at the LPAC: Beyond the Mask MENA Festival. She will be acting in the coming month in Salam, a piece that she wrote and got selected by Go Solo Festival (AND Theatre Company), as well as in Shelter in Love, a creative and interactive online platform created by Eclipses Group Theater. She loves Little & Fierce folks and is grateful to be part of the "I'm Happy for You" team

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Clarinda D'Cruze (Melody's Mom, she/her) is excited to be working with the excellent and talented artists at Little & Fierce Theatre Company. Clarinda acts, writes, directs, and divides her time between Atlanta and LA. During the pandemic, she has been co-hosting a live Zoom show with her friend Ava Davis (@mutualadmirationsocietysocial on IG) and is in pre-production on a new TV show about rich kids behaving badly AKA America's favorite genre.  

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Jacqueline Savageau (Liz's Mom) is very excited to be playing the role of Liz’s mom in Little & Fierce Theatre Co.’s digital production of “I’m Happy For You” by Andres Garza!  Jacqueline most recently appeared in a digital production of "Love and Information" by Caryl Churchill with the Women's Theatre Festival of North Carolina.  Jacqueline holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from Clark University in Worcester, MA and they most recently studied acting with the Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn, NY.  Jacqueline is also a singer/songwriter and is currently working on an EP of original music.  Jacqueline’s song "I am Enough" was featured on a 2019 NPR Blogpost, "Tiny Desk Contest Entries We Can't Stop Watching This Week."  NPR writes, "The performance's simplicity juxtaposed with Savageau's vocal complexity leaves a lasting impression and will be the song I turn to the next time I need inspiration."  Jacqueline would like to thank their mom and brother for their constant love and support xoxo!

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Kendall Bowden (Rebecca) is a New York City based actress. She recently graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts where she earned a BFA in Drama with a minor in Producing on a talent-based scholarship. At Tisch, she studied both at Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Stonestreet Studios. In addition to her training at NYU, she studied vocal performance at Juilliard Evening Division and Sketch and Improv at Upright Citizens Brigade. She recently was selected as finalist for Warner Brother’s Actors In Training.

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Daphne Smith (Olivia) is a recent graduate of NYU Tisch where she studied under the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, the Lee Strasberg Institute of Film and Television, and Stonestreet Studios. While at Tisch, Daphne was a part of the Tisch Student Works Production of The Love of the Nightingale as well as a few student film productions. She currently resides in her hometown of Los Angeles and hopes to continue her training and career in the film and television industry there.