Cast...click here for Crew

Kathleen Purcell     Turner    Fantasy Helen    Profile	Kathleen Purcell   Turner   Helen
Matthew Holzfeind    Fantasy James    Profile	Matthew Holzfeind    James
Reneisha Jenkins   Little   Profile	Reneisha Jenkins Katie
William Rattner   Milton   Profile	William Rattner   Milton
Christina Hall   Middle   Profile	Christina Hall Sarah
Stephane Duret   Handsome Young Man   Profile	Stephane Duret   Handsome Young Man
Quinton Guyton   Sidekick   Profile	Quinton Guyton   Bruce
Heather Townsend   Tall   Profile	And many, many more... (scroll down!)

Mike Benedetto (The Drive By) is a Chicago artist who does conceptual work in various media. His work investigates the self and its relationship to identity, family, society or culture. Find him at mikeofillinois.com.

Anne Breen (The Woman in Sari)

Lena Brodersen (Sarah's Friend) is always ready to rock.  She has worked with many theaters here in Chicago including the Court, Trap Door, and Gorilla Tango Theatre. She holds a Masters degree in Education from Northwestern University and a BA in Theatre from Bard College.  She is delighted to be working with Sad Hat Productions on this exciting project!

Bill Busca (The Lifeguard) is an actor, visual artist, writer, and native Chicagoan.  A Second City graduate, he most recently appeared as Moses with n.u.f.a.n. ensemble's production of TELL ME WHY. Some of his favorite roles include Sam Nash in PLAZA SUITE at the Bangkok Community Theatre in Thailand, Pontius Pilate in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and Mortimer in THE FANTASTICKS both at Sleepy Hollow Theatre in South Haven, Michigan.

Amy Dunlap (Michelle) is currently performing in a staged version of Susan Hahn’s book of poetry THE SCARLET IBIS as part of the Words in Motion Festival with 16th Street Theatre in Berwyn, IL.  She was recently seen in 20% Theatre Company’s production of TOP GIRLS and will perform in a piece for their Snapshots festival later this summer.  Amy has also worked with Strawdog, Theatre Wit, Lifeline, Factory, Chicago Dramatists, Northlight, Stage Left, Vittum Theater, Cobalt Ensemble, Appetite Theatre and in all five ESTROGEN FESTS.  She loves new work and has had the opportunity to perform new plays by Chicago playwrights Keith Huff, Brett Neveu, Rebecca Gilman, Lisa Dillman, Mark Guarino, Mia McCullough, Hank Boland, Susan Hahn and Laura McKenzie.  She holds a BFA in acting from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts.

Stephane Duret (Handsome Young Man) is thrilled to be a part of the talented cast, crew, and production team of the new THE ROTOGRAVURE. Stephane started his training at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida. After graduating from the Musical Theatre department, he moved to Chicago to start studying at the Theatre Conservatory of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. He graduated with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre in the spring of 2007. Since graduating, Stephane has been featured in RAGTIME with Porchlight Music Theatre, ZANNA, DON’T! at the Bailiwick Theatre, A MIDNIGHT CRY, with the educational program of the Auditorium Theatre, SWEET CHARITY at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, and Lastly THE PRODUCERS at Theatre at the Center. Stephane would like to thank all of his friends, family, and mentors for all of their love and support. He would also like to thank Roell Schmidt and the Roto team for such a fun opportunity and experience.

June Eubanks (The Woman) Having recently completed writing and directing her 10-minute short entitled: The Kiddy Pool, with the 20% Theatre Company, June is very happy to participate in Rotogravure.  Film is a rather new media for her, but she is delighted to expand herself for such a creative project. Previously, June has been seen as Lady Nijo/Win in Top Girls, with 20% Theatre Company, and directed the world-premiere of Cold, Cold Feet for Diamante Productions.

Lise "Kat" Evans (The Prostitute) is a Chicago-based performer and playwright who will soon be appearing in the Chicago premiere of Cupid & Psyche: a Musical Comedy Valentine at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center. She recently played Lucy Brown in The Hypocrites production of Three Penny Opera at the Steppenwolf Garage.  Find her at lisekatevans.com

Marie Antoinette Flores (Sarah's Friend) is a graduate of the Theatre Conservatory from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.  She is originally from El Paso, Texas and comes from a very loving and large Hispanic family.  Marie Antoinette made her move up to the Midwest for college seven years ago but fell in love with the beauty of Chicago and it's artistic community, that she has made it her home...at least for now.  M.A. has most recently been involved with the Chicago's only all-Latina theater company ,Teatro Luna. Through working with Teatro Luna, M.A. has discovered her love for writing and sharing stories of growing up Latina in America.   Marie Antoinette has also been actively involved in children's theater throughout Chicagoland and is currently working  on her fist children's bilingual storybook.   Theatre credits include,The Little Mermaid (Chicago Kids Co.) Cinderella Goes Disco (Rascal Children's Theater) Major Barbara (Rogue Theater) La Posada Magica (Teatro Vista) Solo Tu (Teatro Luna).  Currently, Marie Antoinette is in "The People's History of America" with Quest Theatre Ensemble.  She is thankful for every opportunity to learn and share in the arts!

Amber Starr Friendly (Yolanda), a Chicagoland native, is happier than a puppy dog to be a part of The Rotogravure.  Amber's most recent productions include Skin in Flames at Stage Left and Medea at Dream Theatre.  Her Chicago credits also include the Chicago premiere of Chekhov’s The Wood Demon with Library Theatre, Eat the Runt with Seven over Seven Productions, Symposium '07 with Hypatia Theatre and Crime and Punishment with Empiric Theatre Works.  She would like to thank Roell for the opportunity and her great spirit.

Quinton Guyton (Sidekick / Bruce / Trumpet ) has had so much fun with the process of creating this show, and is excited to share it with an audience. A former student at Depaul's Theatre School, Quinton has performed at various theatres across Chicago. He was recently seen on this exact stage last summer as The Beadle in Night Blue Theatre's Sweeney Todd, and before that he performed a short stint in Timeline Theatre's Fiorello. Quinton is a company member and the Public Relations Director at LA Costa Theatre Company. Quinton would like to thank the Lord above for all of the blessings that been given and whats to come.

Mark Habert (The Boss) is an actor who lives in Chicago with his family, and when not performing (actually, even when performing) works as an HR reporting consultant.  Mark has had the great fortune and rare privilege of having been friends with the director for many years, and is thrilled to be a part of the production.

Christina Hall (Middle / Sarah) Chicago credits include The Merchant of Venice with Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Aladdin with Emerald City Theatre Company, and the 2007-2008 Kids’ Series at Lifeline Theatre Company, including The Dirty Cowboy. Other favorite productions include Spitfire Grill, Oliver, and Seussical at Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Pardon My English at the Main Street Theatre, and As You Like It, Twelfth Night, Richard III, A Doll’s House, Assassins, Tales of the Lost Formicans, and The House of Bernarda Alba at Southern Methodist University.

Quinn Hanzel (Tenor Saxophone) has played the oboe and sax for more years than she can count, allowing her to work in various capacities with a number of arts organizations throughout the Chicago area.  By day, she works in the international grantmaking program of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.  She is thrilled to be a part of this project, and is especially grateful to Andra for her friendship and for being the driving force behind such creative opportunities.

Michael Herschberg (Marty) is thrilled to be a part of The Rotogravure.  He has been seen on stage with Cabaret (Theo Ubique), A New Brain (LaCosta Theatre), Jekyll and Hyde (Boho Theatre), Schoolhouse Rock Live (Theatre Bam), A Merry Jewish Christmas (Bailiwick Theatre) and the Jeff Award-winning Best Musical 1776 (Signal Theatre).  He has toured the U.S. and Canada with Chamber Theatre's Encore! and Tour de Force! and as Motel in the 35th anniversary national tour of Fiddler on the Roof.  Michael has also worked with several Chicago film companies including Dreaming Tree Films and Best Girl Productions.

Edward Huelke (The Chicken Man) is the Chief Operating Officer of Corner Cooks and Jerry's restaurant in Winnetka. He is also an opera singer.

Matthew Holzfeind (James) is currently Romeo in TUTA's production of Romeo and Juliet and was recently in The Hypocrite's Three Penny Opera and as Edward Addington, in the Strange Tree Group production of The Mysterious Elephant and the Terrible Tragedy of the Unlikely Addington Twins* (*Who Kill Him).  Other recent credits include The Attempters, with The House Theatre of Chicago and Theatre on the Lake; Honus and Me, with Chicago Children's Theatre; The Frogs, with Pegasus Players, in a swimming pool; and Another Part of the Forest, with Writers' Theatre.  Other companies with which Matthew has had the pleasure of working include Eclipse, Collaboraction, Stage Left, Congo Square, The Goodman and Lookingglass.

Reneisha Jenkins (Little / Katie) recently relocated to Chicago from Peoria, Illinois.  A dance lover since childhood, Reneisha has enjoyed studying all types of movement.  Working as an instructor/choreographer in Peoria gave her the opportunity to start her own hip hop performance troupe.  Some of Reneisha's most recent credits include Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, Ginger in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. [Cornstock Theatre], and Aunt Em in The Wiz [Jedlicka Performing Arts].

"We're actors! We're the opposite of people!" - Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

Thelma Jennewein (Marilyn) is a St. Louisan who has always loved acting and has appeared in plays and on television. Her favorite character to play was Cookie in Neil Simon’s “Rumors”. Thelma is delighted to be a part of “The Rotogravure” and feels that events which introduced her to Roell would make a good story too!

Mark Kenseth (The Earnest Co-Worker) If he doesn't become the next Tina Fey, he plans on urban planning as a career someday.  He enjoys the arts as a creative outlet to supplement a regular "bringing home the bacon" marketing job.  Improv comedy and exploring the city on bike and foot is his current fix between bouts of soccer and home design projects.  He started grad school at Northeastern Illinois University for Geography and Environmental Studies.  And he's into dumpster diving, hoping to find a loft using the same method.

Dori King (The Gentlewoman Clerk) performed in the film THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS THANG which won the Best Feature Narrative Award at the International Black Film Festival of Nashville and the recently completed CHICAGO OVERCOAT.

Melissa Law (Sarah's Friend) is thrilled to be apart of The Rotogravure production! In the Chicago Area, Melissa has worked with Trap Door Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Center, and Stage Right Productions. Melissa hails from Colorado and graduated from Lawrence University in theatre and music. Thank you to her family and Anne for support.

Suzanne Nance (Brianna) studied music and communications at Syracuse University and received a Master’s degree in Voice Performance from DePaul University in Chicago. Most recently, she performed in Prague, London, Philadelphia, Chicago, New York and Bangor and Portland, ME. Favorite opera roles include Despina in Cosi fan tutte, Ottavia in L’Incoronazione di Poppea, Mimi in La Bohème and Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar Named Desire. A recipient of a 2006 CAAP Grant and a David Leibig Memorial Grant for performance and dedication to classical music, Suzanne Nance was named a finalist in the 2005 West Palm Beach National Vocal Competition. Suzanne has enjoyed performances on PBS and NPR as well as a guest appearance on Good Morning America. She is currently the Music Director for Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN).

Nina O'Keefe (The Wine Goth) received critical and audience acclaim for her performance in Collaboraction's Sketchbook 2007.  She has also performed with Eclipse Theater, Oracle Productions and Smoke and Mirror Productions.

Find her at ninaokeefe.com.

Jennifer Oldham (Sarah's Friend) recently graduated with an MBA from The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.  While she has enjoyed being a student of business for the past two years, she is also no stranger to show business.  Favorite stage roles include: Lounge Singer Tally LaGore in The Peep Hole at Donny’s Skybox Theatre and Robin in Godspell at The American Church in Paris.  Jennifer has been studying acting and film for the past five years and is delighted to be a part of this project.

F. Clementina Olugbode (The Passerby) was born in Chicago and later left for Nigeria - where she was raised - at the age of 5.  She wanted to be a doctor; however, she was greatly interested in music.  She went to a top musical organization, The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) twice to compete against other high schools in solo singing of opera music pieces.  On her second trip, she won second place in the senior high singing competition of the Italian music piece, Fairest Adored.  Currently she is a music major at UIC and she is on the edge of acquiring her bachelor degree.

Melissa Paris (The Glamourous Guest) is excited to be a part of The Rotogravure.  Favorite roles include The Little Foxes (Birdie Hubbard) at Act One Studios; Baby (Pam Sakarian) and Into the Woods (Cinderella) both at Oak Park Village Players; ‘Night Mother (Jessie Cates) with The Vagabond Players; and 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), The House of Bernarda Alba (Martirio), and A Little Night Music (Charlotte Malcolm) at Ball State University for which she received an Irene Ryan nomination.

Christopher Quinn (The Man) teaches Renaissance dancing at the University of Chicago and is making his film debut in The Rotogravure. He got his job through nepotism.

Mark Quinn (Tony) has written several musicals and songs, is a published author and theologian, and has taught at St. Xavier University and St. Lawrence High School.

William Rattner (Milton) is Executive Director of Lawyers for the Creative Arts, a nonprofit legal services organization providing free legal services to the arts. Bill practiced law in Chicago for over thirty years before joining LCA. This is Bill's first professional stage appearance, having been recruited (against his will) by Roell Schmidt. Bill has appeared in numerous plays as part of the amateur Upstagers company in Evanston.

John Henry Roberts (Marcus) is a member of Strawdog Theatre Company, where last season he played the title role in Shakespeare's Richard III and Casimir in Brian Friel's Aristocrats (Non-Equity Jeff Award nomination – Actor in a Supporting Role). Other credits include To the Green Fields Beyond at Writers' Theatre (Jeff Award nomination – Best Ensemble), Leaving Iowa at Royal George Theatre, and Measure for Measure at Next Theatre.

Gandlyn Ross (Cheryl) honed her acting skills at Victory Gardens Theater, Act One, & Chicago Actors Studio, as well as voice over at Sound Advice. She was featured in an Indie film, THE SITE as Angela.  Aside from acting, she also does volunteer work with children for The Dectric Young Foundation. This beautiful and talented young actress is destined for greatness as well as stardom.  She is currently performing in The Benchmark at Pierce Hall in the historic Chicago Temple.

Katherine Schwartz (Helen's Tipsy Friend) is a recent graduate of The Conservatory at Act One Studios. She recently appeared in a series of staged readings called Summer Re-runs with A Reasonable Facsimile Theatre Company.

Lowell Thompson (The Artist) is an artist/writer who uses his talent and experience to create a better world, starting here in the U.S.A. Although he spent most of his adult life creating ads and commercials for some of America's biggest companies, he's spent the last few years building a new career as a artist and writer. He thinks of himself as a Creative Catalyst. He instigates new ways of looking at (and solving) old problems, spending most of his time on race relations and other social causes.  In addition to his typecast role as "The Artist," four of his original paintings were commissioned especially for the Roto films. Find him at Originaals.

Heather Townsend (Tall) is currently understudying the roles of Edith and Little Edie in Northlight's production of Grey Gardens and appeared as Luisa Contini in Porchlight Music Theatre's Jeff Recommended production of Nine.  Other Chicago credits include Mother in A Christmas Story (Theatre Wit), Virilla the Amazon in The Frogs (Pegasus Players), Jill Laconda in Whirlybirds (Stage Left Leapfest), Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (Theatre Classics), The Fly in Happy End (Brown Couch) and Dinah/Trio (u/s) in The American Dream Songbook (Next Theatre).  Heather has also performed her one woman show at Davenport's and is a graduate of the Cabaret Conference at Yale University.  She is excited to be a part of Roto!

Kathleen Purcell Turner (Helen) was born in Columbus, Ohio where her dance training began at BalletMet with the distinguished April Berry and Yoko Ichino.  She continued her education at such institutions as the American Dance Festival, Juilliard, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Ohio University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Honors Tutorial College with a degree in dance. Kathleen has performed with Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theater, Azaguno, and is a guest artist with Chicago Dance Crash and the Doug Allen Band.  She has worked with artists such as Ronald K. Brown, Craig “Bopi” Patterson, Murray Louis, Shapiro and Smith, and has performed at the Kennedy Center and various venues around New York City.  She was honored to play the role of “Mary” in Karamu’s Black Nativity for its 90th Anniversary season.  Ms. Turner is currently a member of Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 2.

Laurence Weinstein (Dino) Never before has anyone other than Roell considered a big mouth, cynicism, and general surliness as castable attributes.  Laurence hopes to have done justice to the attitude of the real Dino, but aspires to producing higher quality dinners.  “I took it one line at a time, gave it a 110%, and, hopefully I contributed.”  He thanks Roell and Matthew, Karl, Chris (duh), his parents (as required), Jason, his flexible hours, and, most of all, Jon Lovitz and Phil Hartman.  The Rotogravure marks Mr. Weinstein’s third production in Chicago, but his first credit for any talent whatsoever.  We hope either Mr. Brooks or Mr. Simon are paying attention.

Nicole Woods (The Muse / Associate Producer) is reluctantly making her film debut having been dragooned by the director.  She has been involved with Roto since its staged reading in 2004.

Crew...click here for Cast

Lucinda Z. Alipio (Assistant Stage Director) is proud to be working on The Rotogravure with Miss Roell as it has been an amazing experience thus far.  Lucinda graduated with a BA in Liberal Arts from the University of Nevada, Reno.  Since moving to Chicago in 2006 she has directed with Around the Coyote Reading Series, 365 Project, Rascal Children’s Theatre, and Women’s Theatre Alliance.  Lucinda also enjoys producing and has worked with 10 to Midnight productions, Scholarship Chicago and the Chicago Improv Festival.  Her most recent work involved working with United Starts Artist where she was honored to meet Mr. Leonard Nimoy!  Thank you to Antonio for his continued support of her dreams. 

Jim Andre (Gaffer) attended Columbia College in Chicago and graduated with a bachelors degree in film and video in 1990.  For the next ten years he worked for Mc Dougal Films and created Mc Dougal Chicago, a film equipment rental company.  He spent his time working on many different types of productions, in various grip/electric roles and as Director of Photography.  In 2001 he bought and filled his own grip/electric truck and opened Film Branch.  Now he was able to concentrate more on shooting.  In 2006 he was asked to join Humble Pie Films as Cinematographer.  In June of ‘08’ he shot Humble Pie’s independent comedy/drama, FANCYPANTS.  He is currently writing a unique superhero screenplay.

Scott Animizu (Carpenter)

Hiroko Arai (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a native of Tokyo, Japan, where she was a business student while a member of a college theater production. Since moving to Chicago in 2005, she has been working in arts administration and is now just an inch from becoming a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Master’s in Arts Management. She is excited about joining The Rotogravure team again after working as a producer/lighting designer in the 2006 workshop!

Janet Arvia (Storyboard Artist / Producing Team) “Funny, fresh and very enjoyable,”are words the Chicago Screenwriters Group use to describe Janet Arvia’s feature-length screenplays including MAKING ART, which premiered live on stage in October 2008. Her short film WOMEN & MENU garnered praise from industry expert Larry Brody who states, “This is pure indie film, pure short film. I’m very entertained.” In addition to writing, directing and producing short films, Ms. Arvia is the artistic director of Best Girl Productions, a nonprofit studio that encourages female filmmakers. She has worked as both a writer and visual artist — for which she won Birmingham’s Silver Bowl Award. Her paintings have been exhibited at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Chicago’s Rainbo Room and Sotheby’s.

Zea Barker (Assistant Props Master) is a video director, designer, performer and animator newly transplanted in Chicago from the East Coast. Her production design work can be seen on online venues like Pitchfork and in rotation on MTV. Her short silent film duet BONY LIL'S CREATION + DISTRACTION premiered in New York to a live score in the fall. Her performance studies focus primarily on the disciplines of pochinko clown and butoh dance. Jack of all trades? So was Leonardo da Vinci, and I don't hear anyone giving HIM a hard time. xo  (Find her at www.bonylil.com.)

Brian Sidney Bembridge (Set Consultant), named one of nine young designers to watch by Entertainment Design Magazine in 2004, is a multi-faceted designer currently residing in Chicago. His theater work has been seen throughout the country; his art and film work have been seen internationally.  He moved to Chicago after graduating from North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Design and Production where he started ICE (Interior, Commercial and Entertainment) Designs.  Shortly after graduating, Brian designed sets for Sony/Henson’s MUPPETS FROM SPACE after which he returned to Chicago to design his first Chicago production, A CRY FOR PLAYERS, for Timeline Theatre Company, where he is an Artistic Associate, followed by the Midwest Premiere of the opera BRUNDIBAR, with Lookingglass Theatre Company where he has designed 13 productions and is a member of the company.  He has designed sets for The Jean Cocteau Repertory Theatre, Kids with Guns Theater Company and Theatre at St Clements in NYC, Virginia Opera, Opera Omaha, the Arden Theatre, as well as Chicago’s Steppenwolf, Goodman, Shakespeare, Court, Drury Lane, Second City, Teatro Vista, About Face and Writers’ theaters and Luna Negra Dance Company, among many others.  His film set design credits include Wallace Shawn’s MARIE AND BRUCE, MANFAST, STRAY DOGS, LATE FOR CHURCH and CHALK.  The Chicago Tribune has called him, “one of the busiest and best in town” and the Chicago Sun-Times named him “the finest theatrical architect in town.”  His work has been featured in Entertainment Design, Live Design, Lighting Dimensions, Stage Directions, SPIN, American Theatre Magazine, New Hampshire Magazine, Time Out Chicago, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, PerformINK and New City among others. Awards and honors include: 3 LA Drama Circle Awards, 3 Garland Awards, 2 LA Weekly Awards, 1 Ovation Award, 3 Jeff Awards, 4 Jeff Citations, 8 After Dark Awards; and he was named one of “50 Leading Players in Chicago Theater” by New City and “Best Set Design of 2005” by Time Out Chicago. Find him at briansidneybembridge.com.

Atoya Brewster (Producing Team) When Roell first told me about The Rotogravure a few years ago, I admit it – I wasn’t a believer.  In fact, I remember saying something to the effect of, “Do you know what you’re getting yourself in to? Girl, please, your show will hit the stage when… when a Black man is elected president of these here United States!”  All I can tell you now is that I prefer my crow with fava beans and a nice Chianti.  All jokes aside, I heard the passion in Roell’s voice as she spoke about Roto and knew I wanted to be involved in some way shape or form.  Even though I knew nothing about casting, directing, lighting, props, PR or costumes or anything else that goes into making something like THIS happen for that matter, Roell always made me feel a part of it all and for that, I thank her.  Roell, you have rekindled my love of the theatre.

Twania Brewster (Producing Team / Publicist ) Before meeting Roell, I was a theater-goer.  You know the type -- bought a ticket, sometimes even a season subscription, attended the performance and talked about the experience at dinner and cocktail parties.  Then I met Roell, and before I knew it, I was stuffing envelopes, papering neighborhoods with show flyers, crafting props into all hours of the night and handing out programs.  Never for pay, just the knowledge of knowing I helped to make theater happen in Chicago. Today, I call myself a theater-enthusiast.  Thanks to Roell.

Rich Bryant (Lighting Designer) University of Illinois 1997 (BFA), Roosevelt University 2004 (MA), Steppenwolf Theater (98 - 08) and Harpo Productions (07 - ). Thank you Mele for the offer, Amanda Clegg Lyon for your help and Matt and Roell for your patience with me. Thanks to Henry Rollins, Miller Roshi, Moore Sensei & Ed and Nancy Bryant.

Kirsten Sloan Casey (Editor) was an editor from a very young age, but never discovered this about herself until she was a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  At Madison, she was a film junkie, a DJ at the student radio station and also sold bubble wands at art festivals in the summer.  Kirsten's first filmmaking attempt was a documentary called LOCAL FLAVOR about the economic, environmental and community advantages of eating and buying food locally.  It has been shown at farmer's markets and college classrooms in an attempt to inform consumers of their food choices.  After studying abroad in Australia, she graduated with a Bachelor's degree and set her sights on Chicago where she climbed the latter of a local full-service post-production facility Optimus.  Starting as an intern, she quickly moved up the ranks to Assistant Editor standing.  She received a Chicago 2007 Honorable Mention from the Association for Independent Creative Editors for her trailer spoof of the film HERO.  Most recently, Kirsten has edited videos for Pitchfork Music Festival, a local soccer organization called Urban Initiatives, in addition to joining THE ROTOGRAVURE and its exciting group of creatives.

Jessica Christopher (Make-Up) recently joined forces with Kristin LeClair and Crystal Portillo to create the film, photoshoot and fashion show make up company Cirque du Face FX.  The three artists have used their creative skills to bring to life many productions, most recently CHICAGO OVERCOAT, UGLY, THE LANDLORD and LAST STOP. Find her at Cirque du Face FX.

Rick Combs (Technical Director)

Steven Delisi (Extras Editor) has made several short films since the late 1980's, after studying film and television production at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His independently produced projects include TERMINI IMERESE (1989), a short documentary made in Sicily while exploring the town of his family's ancestry; THE BITTER BLADE (1987), which is a silent experimental-narrative homage to Chicago’s early cinema; as well as other experimental shorts and music videos.  With an interest and skill for sound design, his other films include MINUTIA PARK (2000) which is an in-camera (Bolex) time-lapse movie of the construction of Millennium Park; and GARDEN STORIES(2002) which is a series of absurdist vignettes about gardening and a lonely man in flannel pajamas.  Steve is also a musician and currently a member of the pop/rock group Phenomenal Cat. He has directed the live and recorded accompaniment of his films at the Experimental Sound Studio, Kingsize Sound Labs, and music venues such as The Hideout in Chicago. Steve is an alum of The Edit Center in New York City. Currently, he is trying to make a living as a freelance motion picture editor.

Laura Dieli (Production Stage Manager) has been a freelance production manager, stage manager, and educator since her return to Chicago in 2003. She has worked with companies all over the city, including Steppenwolf, the Goodman, Northlight, Lookingglass in conjunction with Walkabout, Strawdog Theatre (where she is an emeritus ensemble member), Collaboraction, Blackbird, The Maxwell Street Foundation, Uma, Theatre on the Lake, and American Theatre Company where she was the resident PM for two and a half years. She spent the last year as the Production Manager for Blue Man Group Chicago, where she began as an electrician in 2006. In her "other life", Laura is in her 5th year on the faculty at the Children's Theatre of Western Springs where she has the pleasure of directing for and designing with her brilliant high school students. She holds a BFA in Theatre Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, with an emphasis in technical theatre and secondary education. She thanks her wonderful family and friends (especially the Husker and the Sooner) for their incredible support and sense of humor. She is quietly whispering in the balcony, making sure everything happens on time...

Richard Ditton (Executive Producer) has been slaying the dragons that have appeared along Roell's slow and steady Roto journey since 2004. As mentor, supporter and truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth teller, he has bolstered confidence, consoled anxiety and administered healthy doses of reality. In his day jobs, he has helped launch space shuttles (yep, we're talking rocket science), created the first successful online tournament system, and built from the ground up the wildly successful company Incredible Technologies. He has the most integrity of anyone Roell has ever known.

Michael DouBrava (Art Department PA) is a photographer. See his work and read his musings at Beyond the Limits of Reason on blogspot.com.

Sara Gmitter (1st Assistant Director) has stage managed 29 productions in her 10 adventurous years working with Lookingglass Theatre Company including the Lookingglass Alice tour to Princeton, New York and Philadelphia. Her play (A Long Fatal Love Chase- an adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott novel) was produced by the Powerhouse Theatre Company in New York. Her short story "Harold" has been heard on WBEZ's Stories on Stage and she is currently working on a novel about a circus girl turned assassin. She sometimes teaches stage management at Northwestern University and has also taught beginning Circus Arts for the Lookingglass Youth Ensemble.

Nathan Gregory (Key Grip) first started studying at College of DuPage in illustration, Advertising and Design. During that time he started dabbling in photography. He wanted to start painting pictures with light instead of a paint brush, and wanted to see this all work at 24 frames per second, to tell a story. So after he got his associate degree, he pursued film. He then started studying at Columbia College Chicago and during that time he has had 6 solid years of experience and training on set production as a cinematographer, gaffer, grip, best boy, electrical, assistant camera (AC 1st & 2nd), loader, camera operator, steadicam operator, and been a PA on larger Hollywood sets.  Because of this he has become an expert with lighting design, composition, and understanding how shots will work in post production for the final edit. He currently works in Chicago as a freelance filmmaker.Find him and see his work on MySpace.

Anthony Groce (Grip) is a grip and best-boy, freelance, but working for a company [Humble Pie Films] around the city of Chicago. He got a BA from SIUC in Film Production and has pursued a career in this field since. He also pursues a life in writing, a large part of his degree, but doesn't make much money of it... yet. He finds interest in most anything, is an aspiring artist and enjoys making people laugh or at least smile.

Matthew Hickey (Producer) has worked in television, theatre and film for most of the last twenty-five years.  At some point he has done just about everything there is to do in those industries.  He is happy to be a part of The Rotogravure as a jack of all trades.

Byron Johns (Producing Team) earned his Masters in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College and a Bachelors degree in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh.  He has served as Executive Director of Deeply Rooted Productions, adjunct faculty at Columbia College Chicago, and a panelist for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  For the Illinois Arts Alliance, he serves as a Peer Coaching Circles facilitator, and co-created (with Roell Schmidt) Managers as Artists: The Challenge of Finding the Balance a workshop offered at the 2007 One State Conference. He was chosen for the NEA's Fellowship Program for Arts Managers, worked as Managing Director of JUBILATION! Dance Company, Kevin Iega Jeff’s Brooklyn based company, and produced and performed his original work SOLO in New York City. He has also trained teams in production and leadership for Landmark Education Corporation.  Distinguished as one the most effective Course Managers, Landmark sent Byron to Holland, Kenya and South Africa to train teams in effective seminar production for their courses.  It is his dream to record, produce and perform his music. 

Kristen LeClair (Make Up) specializes in dramatic, theatrical, glamour and gore makeup for photoshoots, fashion shows and film. She recently joined forces with Jessica Christopher and Crystal Portillo to create the company Cirque du Face FX.  The three artists have used their creative skills to bring to life many productions, most recently CHICAGO OVERCOAT, UGLY, THE LANDLORD and LAST STOP. Find her at Cirque du Face FX and Model Mahem.

Rhodrick Magsino (Sound Recordist / Sound Supervisor) is a Columbia College graduate.  He has recently worked on a spate of zombie features and is currently working on a horror film.

Christopher M. McCray (Choreographer) is the co-founder and Artistic Director for Corpo Dance Company. Chris completed his fine arts degree from Lincoln College prior to performing with, and choreographing for, local dance companies like Chicago Moving Company, Hedwig Dances, Instruments of Movement, Valerie Alpert Dance Company, Chicago Dance Crash. Red Moon Theater, Deeply Rooted, and Circuit Mom Productions. Through Chicago’s “May I Have This Dance” program, he teaches ballroom dance at inner-city middle schools promoting social awareness, confidence, creativity, consideration for others, and teamwork to students. Chris has also volunteered his time performing during the 2006 Gay Games Opening Ceremonies and Test Positive Aware Network’s ‘Chicago Takes Off’ and ‘Aware Affair’. Chris was the 2006 recipient of the Katherine Dunham Award for Best Choreography by the Black Theatre Alliance, for his original concept of the movement play Ghost Play.

Mitch Nasser (Production Assistant ) is from Michigan and currently attends Columbia College where he is focusing on cinematography and film/video editing.  He recently worked with director Abraham Lim on the feature GOD IS D_AD. He directed and edited the film KNOCK ON WOOD.

Jonah Nemec (1st Assistant Camera / Foley Supervisor) hails from Iowa and is a writer as well as soundman, boom op, camera assistant, foley supervisor and editor.

Mele Ortiz (Art Director / Props Master) has worked in theater, film and television production all over Chicago including Court Theatre, Lookingglass - where she is a Production Affiliate, and Harpo Studios. She was the set decorator for WERE THE WORLD MINE (coming to the Music Box this month!) a feature film from Speak Productions that is a coming of age gay musical that is being shown in festivals around the world now.  Oh, and she's allergic to sunflower seeds.

David Schmidt (Caterer) has been supporting Roell's theatrical endeavors from her earliest days - from photographing (and loudly cheering) her and her brother Karl's stage debut in 1975 to typing up her and Agnes Martin's musical adaptation of The Bear Who Was Too Big for their 8th grade play to feeding 30+ cast and crew all over Chicago and Gary, Indiana locations for the month of August.  Not only is he a great cook, he is the best father imaginable and Roto wouldn't exist without his unflagging love, encouragement and unshakable confidence.

Roell Schmidt (Writer / Director) is a 2008 Ragdale resident artist alum and has been working in film, theater and arts administration in Chicago since 1994. She is the recipient of three consecutive CAAP grants (2006, 2007, 2008) and in addition to The Rotogravure has written The Whole World Is Watching in collaboration with University of Chicago Press’ Dean Blobaum. She wrote and directed the short film The Floating Canasta Game and has written the animated feature The Land of the Roses. She is a Sponsored Artist of The Field, the founder of Sad Hat Productions and the Marketing Director for The Chicago Chamber Musicians. She's allergic to mangos.

Elizabeth Schwan-Rosenwald (Associate Producer) is the Artistic Director of 20% Theatre Company Chicago. After founding the company with Abigail Boucher in September of 2003, she has directed Women and War: Stories created with co-founder Abigail Boucher, David’s RedHaired Death by Sherry Kramer, I Don’t Know Where You’re Coming From at All by Shirley Lauro as part of Re-focused, an evening of one-acts, How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel, Jane: Abortion and the Underground by Paula Kamen and Top Girls by Caryl Churchill.  She will be directing New Anatomies this coming spring. Find out more about 20% Theatre Company Chicago.

Stephanie Serine (Still Photographer) graduated from Columbia College Chicago in May 2007 with a degree in film and video. She has been supporting the independent film scene since May 2008, taking stills for films such as FANCYPANTS and HANNAH FREE. More recently, she has found herself doing work as a clapper and camera operator. In such a short time working in film, she is proud to call THE ROTOGRAVURE her second big project.

Andra Velis Simon (Composer / Music Director) has had the pleasure of working with nearly 50 arts organizations during her first decade in Chicago.  As a Music Director, Vocal Director, Arranger and Accompanist, she has worked with City Lit, Defiant (RIP), Emerald City, Hell in a Handbag, Lifeline, Open Eye, Signal, Stage Left, Strawdog, Theatre Building Chicago, Victory Gardens, and many others.  Current projects include a remount of Songs for a New World at Theater on the Lake, and the Chicago Premiere of Michael John LaChiusa’s Bernarda Alba, both with Bohemian Theatre Ensemble.  In September, Andra takes on the position of Musical Director for the Theater Department at Columbia College Chicago.  She also is an Adjunct Faculty member at Columbia, where she teaches courses for musical theatre majors.  Andra thanks Roell for this incredible piece and for her constant faith and encouragement.  Special thanks as always to Jamie. 

Terence Sims (Best Boy) is a Chicago native who now resides in Country Club Hills. Projects he has been seen on are PRISON BREAK, DARK KNIGHT, ER and SUBTLE SEDUCTION. He attended Northern Illinois University and received a degree in Political Science and History. He started his film career as an extra and now can be seen working more behind the scenes.

Laura Solomon (Script Supervisor) discovered she could have her cupcake and eat it too through the phenomena we call the “motion picture” - which eliminated the need make sacrifices between pursuing visual arts, music/sound or writing. Recently graduated from film school at Columbia College, Laura has written and directed multiple short films, and has a couple of feature-length scripts in progress... But while her cupcakes bake, she employs her obsessive-compulsive tendencies working as a Script Girl on narrative films.

Jason Thompkins (Production Assistant)

Jennifer Tillery and Alycia Barohyn (Wardrobe/Costume Designers) formed a costuming partnership over a year ago and have been going strong ever since. The two met while working on student films at Columbia College where they majored in Fashion Design and Fashion Business. Within just a year, the two have opened a costume rental shop called Concrete & Clay Costumes, completed work as costume designers on 4 feature films including HOLIDAY BAGGAGE, STREET BOSS, plus a handful of shorts, and also worked on many other features such as CHICAGO OVERCOAT, CHERRY and the films for THE ROTOGRAVURE. The stage production of Roto is their first exciting foray into costuming for theater!

Jeanne Trepanier (Pre-Production Film Producer) started her career in the Entertainment Industry in Los Angelesafter completing her Bachelors degree at Michigan State University. In LA, she worked on projects for NBC, MTV and the Discovery Channel. Craving good pizza and colorful Midwestern autumns, she relocated to Chicago in 2005 to work as a staff producer for Dreaming Tree Films. There she oversaw production on Fresh Films, the only nationwide teen filmmaking program. She left in 2007 to pursue documentary television and independent film production and earned producing credits with CNBC,America's Most Wanted and the History Channel. She is currently writing and producing Animal Witness, a new crime series for Animal Planet.

Chris Weatherspoon (2nd Assistant Director), a proud, native Hoosier, moved to Chicago after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Telecommunications and East Asian Studies. Chris has been fortunate enough to work in both television and film production in the brutal Chicago market. While he has held every position from Production Assistant to Production Manager, Chris ultimately wants to serve as Producer on projects that bring work to Chicago and the midwest. He is very thankful for having the opportunity to work on such a large and complex film production as THE ROTOGRAVURE. Chris is currently serving as Associate Producer on two upcoming short film projects and looks forward to the many opportunities that the upcoming year will have to offer. Chris likes sweet cakes, reading, dogs with funny tails, and the calming effects of taoism.

Ben Wolf (Cinematographer) After winning a Student Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his first movie, GOLD MOUNTAIN, Ben has concentrated on narrative films. Pictures such as LUSTRE (director Art Jones), THE YOUNG GIRL AND THE MONSOON (director James Ryan), and WINDOWS (director Shoja Azari) have garnered acclaim at numerous festivals including Locarno, Venice, Tribeca, and Bermuda. Recently, Ben filmed artist Shirin Neshat's commission for cellist Maya Beiser's "Almost Human" tour, which premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Location work has taken Ben from the deserts of Xinjiang and Israel to the hill stations of India, in addition to the summit of that gem of all urban locations: the West Tower of the Brooklyn Bridge. Ben's commitment to visual character studies continues with his latest features - HENRY MAY LONG (director Randall Sharp) and FAVORITE SON (director Howard Libov).

John Zdon (Archival Videographer) has worked since 1987 as a musician, audio engineer, and television engineer-- including events at Soldier Field, United Center, Wrigley Field, Cellular Field, The Park West, The Vic, The Metro as well as countless studios, festivals, and nightclubs. Currently working as a broadcast engineer for WGN-TV and FOX-TV, and as producer of the independent television series "Real Music From Chicago". He is honored to have the opportunity to play a role in the realization of Roell's vision.