Patchwork 2:Eclectic Boogaloo Cast

Local character Guy Wicke tried to smother a dying woman in the inaugural Patchwork. This year, he’ll smother the audience with charm. Credits include Life on Paper (Jackalope Theatre Company), Tres Bandidos (The Agency), A Murder Most Novel and The Basement Company (Death & Pretzels), Noises Off and The Mousetrap (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre), The Explorers Club and Don't Dress For Dinner (Citadel Theatre). He's huge in Greece. Don’t believe me, check out GuyWicke.com.

Emily Pfriem is an actor, dancer, choreographer, singer, and educator from Seattle, Washington. She holds a BA in theatre and a minor in dance from Western Washington University. Recent theatre credits include, Copenhagen(Margaret), Miss Julie(Julie), An American Daughter(Quincy), The Spitfire Grill, Matilda the Musical, and various devised pieces. She is currently a member of the Perceptual Motion modern dance company. Emily has also been teaching dance and theatre to children ages 3-18 since college in addition to choreographing children’s musical theatre productions and performing all over Chicago.

Rachael Proulx is excited to be a part of the Patchwork Play Festival. She is a visual and performing artist and educator with over 20 years of experience. As a company member, I love supporting new works and artists from across the globe. I'd like to thank Eclectic, The Edge Theatre, and family and friends for supporting my artistic endeavors. Shout out to my agents: Lori Lins, DeSanti Talent, Stavins, and Talent Services International. Enjoy the show!

Angie Velazquez was born and raised in Chicago and has wanted to be an actress since she was 10 years old! Having done multiple productions including The Revolutionists, Babel and Marisol at her alma mater, Northeastern, she is so excited to be spreading her wings and doing a production at a new theater! When she’s not acting, Angie loves dancing, traveling, and doing community work with her organization A Beautiful Project. She would like to thank Christ for His love and mercy and her mother for always being her #1 fan!

Dakota Pariset(he/him) is a Chicago actor, playwright and artistic director from Beaver Crossing, Nebraska. He’s thankful to the PORT team and EFCT for the opportunity to play and grow! Other acting credits include work with: The Lightbulb Factory, BYOT, Chicago Dramatists, City Lit, Unheard of Company and Collaboraction. Additional thanks to The Artistic Home and to my family - Love you to the Moon and back!

Talia Langman (she/her) is thrilled to work with Eclectic Full Contact Theatre on their Second Annual Patchwork Play Festival! Previous Chicago credits include Dante 360 (Athenaeum Center), The Flower and The Fury (Artemisia Theatre), When There Are Nine as Ruth Bader Ginsburg (PrideArts), Twice, Thrice, Frice (Silk Road Rising), Melancholy Play (Organic Theater Company), and The Revolutionists (Strawdog Theatre Company). Talia received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and is represented by Actors Talent Group.

Kelsey Lesseig just recently moved to Chicago after graduating with her BA in Acting from Stephen F. Austin State University. Her most recent credits include The Crucible at The Edge of the Wood Theatre, and Playwrights Aloud! at Chicago Dramatists.

Jo Hoch (She/Her) most recently understudied Richard in Babes with Blades's Richard III. Other credits include Onstage Foley Artist in Oil Lamp's It's a Wonderful Life, Beast in Theatre L’Acadie’s production of 70 Scenes of Halloween, and with the children's theatre company Great Works. She holds a BFA in Acting from Oklahoma City University. She can be seen this month in Love/Sick with the Parker Players in Barrington, IL.

Michael-Ellen (Mikey) Walden is an actor, writer, and musician based in Chicago who hails from Kentucky. Since graduating from Northwestern University with degrees in theatre and gender studies, they’ve enjoyed tackling projects with expansive imaginations, queer narratives, and nontraditional forms. When not onstage you may find them writing musicals (writing credits include A Bridge To The Moon and The Secret of Camp Elliot), playing with kids, or wherever the party is. IG: mikeyfairlight5000

Maiko is thrilled to join Patchwork with EFCT! Credits include - EFCT: Blithe Spirit (Ruth); Black Button Eyes: MARY ROSE (Mrs. Morland), DR. HORRIBLE’S SING-ALONG BLOG (Ensemble), NIGHTMARES & NIGHTCAPS (Alice), NEVERMORE (Player 4); Hell in a Handbag: CHRISTMAS DEAREST (Child Joan Crawford), POSEIDON! AN UPSIDEDOWN MUSICAL (Ensemble); Three Cat Productions: THE HOLIDAY RADIO SHOW: 1944 (Pearl), DIAMOND LIL (Marge); Cowardly Scarecrow: CABARET (Lulu); Pride Films & Plays: PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT! (Cynthia).

John Payne is so very pleased to be working with Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, and to be a part of the second annual Patchwork Play Festival! As a fresh member of the Chicago theatre community, they know how important it is to make ample space for new artists and new work to take the stage. They are grateful beyond belief to be collaborating and creating alongside so many who feel the same. Recently playing Leonardo Da Vinci in First Floor Theater’s production of BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE, John Payne is ready to get their hands on more new work, in the hilarious HEIST!, by Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend. Huge thanks to all involved in the making of this year’s fest!

BENNETT PETERSEN (he/him) is a Chicago-based actor, writer, musician, and director originally from Delavan, Minnesota. He graduated from Northwestern University this June with a degree in Theatre. Credits include THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (4th Cricket / u/s Buddy) at Cape Fear Regional Theatre in NC and CABIN FEVER (Aaron) at Adamson Road Theatre Company. He's very excited to be a part of HEIST!, and hopes you enjoy the show! Instagram: @bennettscottpetersen

Abbi Bryson is a new(ish) Chicago transplant from Orlando, Florida. She is excited to work with Eclectic Theatre for the first time. You can check her out giggling with her friends all over the city!

Andre Colin is an actor/comedian/podcaster based out of Chicago, IL. This is his first production with Eclectic Full Contact Theatre and he couldn’t be more excited. His recent credits include being a company member at Tiny Duck Media and Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons with Snails On a Bike. He’d like to thank his dog, Gio, for being the most shrewd acting coach.

After spending a year and a half working in the industry in Barcelona, Kelley makes her return to her to the stage in Chicago with Patchwork! Kelley has worked with many theatres in Chicago including Teatro Vista, The Artistic Home, MadKap Productions, Kor Theatre, Factory Theatre, Second City and too many sketch comedy shows to list. Thanks to everyone who makes the art of live theatre possible and enjoy the show!

Olivia Anton studied theater at Butler University and well as the Moscow Art Theater School. She is a member of The Conspiritors who engage in political, bit driven, stylized satire. She is very excited for her first time working with Eclectic Full Contact Theater!