NATIVE VOICES 2024 FUTURESHOCK
ACT I
SOMETHING IS ROTTING ON THE STAGE OF GLENMARK by Ken Preuss
directed by Lara Baker
Vincent: Spencer LaBelle; Professor: Lynne Edinger
HOW TO BE A CAT by Aleister Abercrombie
directed by Chuck Dent
Emily: Hafsa Zuberi; Bianca: Jessica Womack
SMART PIZZA by Meryl Rachlin
directed by Chuck Dent
Paul: Anthony Marando; Cecilia: Jennifer Bennett Siriana: Jackie Giralt
PERCHANCE TO DREAM by David Strauss
directed by David Strauss
Amber: Olivia Rocha; Victoria: Susan Woodbury
ACT 2
A SCRUMP - DIDDLY - UMPTIOUS RANSOM by John Reid Adams
directed by Katherine Stevens
Detective: David Strauss; Mrs. Curtis: Jackie Giralt; Mr. Curtis: Rob Del Medico; Kidnapper: Spencer LaBelle
THE UPDATE by Tony Pelham
directed by Jac LeDoux
Michelle: Jennifer Bennett; AI Driver: Alexander Showe
TRANSPORTED by Tracey Jane
directed by Cheryl Cox
Everest: Jenny Valiente Wendell: Jarman Day; Deidre: Jessica Womack; Tripp: Conor Moore
PRODUCTION CREW
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Katherine Stevens
LIGHT/SOUND OPERATOR: Aaron Babcock
RUN CREW: Crews R’Us
SPECIAL THANKS
The PRT Board of Directors, the PRT Reading Committee, all at the Imagine Performing Arts Center, the very helpful staff at American Freight, everyone who donated rehearsal space and set pieces and props , Elyse Jardine and all at United Arts of Central Florida, the Jaeke Foundation, the Kitty Beautiful, Our Man in Alaska, Ed Anthony, the Brownell Family, Roger Collins, William Newkirk, Anthony Marando, the Friends of PRT, and YOU, our audience.
Our Team
Aleister Abercrombie is an Orlando based, Florida born writer whose artistic mission is to create and support female centered projects. As a proud member of Playwrights' Round Table, she's glad to return for their newest production of Native Voices.
John Reid Adams is a demented little mind who wishes to bring his love of the morbid and macabre to the Orlando stage. You can find his Shakespearean adaptation of “Silence of the Lambs” (THE REST IS SILENCE: A SHAKE- SPEAREAN THRILLER) on YouTube at his channel Narcotic Casserole. His horror podcast “WHAT’S IN THE PODCAST” can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and IHeartRadio. Meanwhile keep your eyes on Orlando Fringe 2025 because he’s about to get silly and sanguine… and not entirely in that order.
Aaron Babcock is a longtime Board member of PRT, and has teched numerous shows for us. He currently works freelance and has previously served on the Board of Theatre Downtown.
Lara Baker has worked in several PRT productions and is thrilled to be directing in Native Voices. She most recently directed "Deception" in PRT's Summer Shorts. Lara has done voice over for AAA, Starwood, and several other businesses. She also hosts live team trivia. In her free time Lara and her amazing husband Tom are avid supporters of local theater and enjoy attending productions throughout Central Florida.
Jennifer Bennett was last seen creating and directing the sold - out Florida School Board Meet- ing . This is her PRT debut. Favorite roles include Mistress Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor , Ivy in August: Osage County , Susan in The Heidi Chronicles , and the drama teacher at Markham Woods Middle School. Thanks to Chuck for the opportunity and to this lovely cast and crew.
Cheryl Cox has been telling stories for as long as she can remember - writing, dancing, acting and flying through the air. Her directing works have been seen at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, large video production shoots, new cruise ship shows, dance competitions and aerial showcases, and New Gen Theatri- cal’s Crack Open A Cold One . Cheryl is thrilled to be returning as a director with this production at PRT. Thank you to my wonderful ac- tors and incredible husband for your support!
Jarman Day has been acting on stage and in the voiceover booth for 25 years. He received his training in acting through Boston University and a study abroad program with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford - Upon - Avon, England. When not recording in the booth, you’ll find him geeking out over Star Trek and Tolkien, or watching his lovely wife play video games.
Rob Del Medico Little is known of the mysterious Mr. Del Medico. It is whispered in the shadows of Orlando that he’s done a lot of theater around town including Fringe, as well as attended more death metal concerts than mere men could dream of. He is also a professional Christmas caroller.
Chuck Dent is PRT’s president and jack - of - all trades. Occasionally he sleeps.
Lynne Edinger is delighted to perform in her first PRT production and to work with such talented individuals. Favorite roles include Gladys Overmeyer in Gladys in Wonder- land , Evil Stepmother in Trial of the Wicked Witch (Breakthrough Theatre); Karen in Applause (Osceola Center for the Arts); Lenny in Crimes of the Heart , Marta in Company , Libby Tucker in I Ought to be in Pictures (Icehouse Theatre); and Fruma - Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof (J.C.C. Theatre). Jackie Giralt performed with Playwrights’ Round Table for the first time last year after several years away from local theater. The Orlando native may be remembered as a founding member and producer of local nerdy burlesque troupe and Orlando Weekly's 2013 Best Theater Company, Skill Focus Burlesque. In her time away from the stage, Jackie has kept her performance skills fresh by playing tabletop roleplaying games and cosplaying. Sheis excited to join the cast of Native Voices 2024 for her 3rd PRT show.
Tracey Jane is grateful to the PRT and “Transported”'s capable Captain Cheryl Cox and her engaging crew originating this world - premiere play. Tracey grew up watching Star Trek reruns with her mom, who also took her to see Star Wars , an indelible 1st movie experience in 1977. Time machine to now, she’s an award winning playwright and filmmaker whose short stage comedies (together, Quick- ies by Tracey Jane) have been produced from Miami to New York, London to LA. Each of the first 5 short films she wrote, directed, and produced was honored with Best Picture for its genre and a total 32 awards by the Organization of Independent Filmmakers here in Orlando, including Men Are Dogs , Build - a - Bob , The Heartbreak , and a comedic musical she also composed called Life Is Torture . traceyjanecre- ates.com Spencer LaBelle (They/Them) is a voice actor, writer, & Improviser relatively new to the Orlando theater community. Recent credits include How the Grinch Killed Christmas at the Orlando Fringe, and roles in PRT's Summer Shorts. Prior training includes a BA in Theatre Studies from LSU, and improv training with the Groundlings School LA.
Jac LeDoux has been performing and di- recting for over 40 years throughout the Midwest and East. Jac has brought to life some memorable characters : Sonia in Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike (for which she won Best Actress in a Comedy), Grandma in Billy Elliot , Juanita in Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean , and Hannah in The Spitfire Grill . Working at Titanic the Experience Jac wrote, directed and performed for over 12 years, bringing the famous 'Molly' Brown to hundreds of fans! She directed the beautiful Gra , for which she was nominated for best direc- tor. Jac especially delights in collaborating with new writers. Special thanks to Jen and AJ for their work and commitment!!!
Anthony Marando is pleased to be returning to the PRT in this year's Native Voices series in “Smart Pizza.” On a normal work day you can find him playin' the Blues, catching ghosts or howlin' at the moon at Univer- sal Orlando. He'd like to thank his friends, parents and Danielle for their continued love and support.
Conor Moore is an actor you may have seen in many productions at Breakthrough Theatre, The Ritz Theatre, or, if you’re a traveler, in Ohio. He’d like to thank his family, friends, and Jill for their support. He can’t wait to make his debut at the PRT and hopes you all live long and prosper!
Tony Pelham is a software engineer and writer, who is entering into his second decade of creative alliance with Playwrights’ Round Table. His past works have spanned a variety of genres, from science fiction and magic realism to comedy and drama, and an occasional catastrophe (unintended). He's thrilled to be included in Native Voices 2024. As always, thanks go to the dedicated staff who comprise the PRT board and to the talented actors, directors, and crew who some- how manage to make sense of his wild ideas.
Ken Preuss is a Florida based writer/ performer who became a teacher to guarantee an audience 5 days a week. His plays have been produced in 21 countries and all 50 States. He thanks his cast and crew and PRT for their continued support.
Meryl Rachlin , originally from Boston, moved to Celebration in 2005. A visual artist all her life, Meryl began her ten minute play writing adventure in 2017 in a class at Celebration Lifelong learning. She continues to take this class twice a year enjoying the challenge of coming up with a worthy play.
Olivia Rocha is excited for the opportunity to be on stage again as she is usually found delivering babies and supporting families through birth, teaching yoga, or leading healing retreats. With all of her passions in life, her first love will always be theater. Thank you for coming to the show!
Alexander Showe is ecstatic to be making his Playwrights’ Round Table acting debut. Previous notable credits include Charlie Brown in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and James Trot- ter in James and the Giant Peach at Tavares High School. Alexander is a freshman at Valencia College and will graduate in the Spring of 2026. Alexander would like to give an immense amount of thanks to his parents for always being there to support him through his acting journey. He would also like to thank all his family members for being supportive of his dreams!
Katherine Stevens is the proud Vice President of PRT as well as the Artistic Director of “Native Voices.” She has been an actress, director and playwright in Central Florida for the last 8 years. You may have seen her performing at Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Orlando Fringe and other Central Florida locations. She is also a theater educator dedicated to making the arts accessible to children and young adults with disabilities.
David Strauss has been a part of the PRT circle for over 15 years. He has been involved in dozens of productions as a playwright, direc- tor, producer and actor. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and has had multiple short plays published and performed nationally, and two named among the Best Short Plays of the Year by Smith & Kraus. He is co - owner of The Kitty Beautiful, downtown Orlando's cat cafe.
Jenny Valiente is very grateful to be a part of the show, and is appreciative of the amazing actors and director she gets to work with. She has previously been in Reefer Madness and as Helena in Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is so grateful for theater and this community!
Jessica Womack and her nerdy heart are thrilled to be a part of the cast of “Transported.” She recently brought to life the character of Alora in the one act, ‘Hugh Make My Dreams Come True’ by Ken Preuss with Fourth Man Productions’ Acts of Love festival. Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from East Tennessee State University and for fun, moonlights as a volunteer Jedi Master with Orlando’s charity group “Saber Guild”; performing choreographed lightsaber combat for younglings. She would like to thank her partner CJ for his encouragement as she slowly comes back to the stage and as al- ways wants to dedicate her work to her Grandmother whose love and support transcends death.
Susan Woodbury is very excited to be part of this year’s Native Voices. She most recently worked with LANCE for the 2023 Orlando Renaissance Festival, and was at Orlando Fringe this year working with LANCE again in Quill and Thread’s Excellent Journey . She has been doing theater since her second grade school play wherein she played a “wicked step- sister” role. She has dabbled in most aspects of theater since. In Orlando, she has worked with Theatre Downtown, GOAT, Empty Spaces, LANCE, and others. She wants to thank her wonderful cats and amazing dog for always supporting her - no matter her mood.
Hafsa Zuberi a is a UCF alumna with a de- gree in psychology. While she loves psychology, she also has a deep passion for bringing characters to life through acting and modeling. Hafsa’s notable work includes being featured in Times Square with Disney and Ulta Beauty. Most recently, she performed in PRT’s pro- duction of Control of the Dirt . When she's not acting, she enjoys drawing, caring for her cats and plants, listening to music, traveling, or unwinding at a beach or a cozy coffee shop.
