TheatreRats: In Production

The Crew:

By William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (Playwright)
William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" (or simply "The Bard"). His surviving works consist of 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language, and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

Alexis M. Hadsall (Director)
The past 4 years, Alexis has concentrated on producing as TheatreRats Artistic Director, but she is thrilled to be directing again. She graduated with a BA from Winthrop University with a double major; Theatre Performance/Directing & Secondary Education with a minor in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing & Shakespeare. Some of her credits include: Agrippina, Spike Heels, Getting Out, The Crucible, Fools. Much love to the cast & crew for all the hard work and talent they’ve bled all over this stage for you. Special thanks to Angie, Michael, Hunter & Rachel!

Jonathan Rivera (Technical Director)
Jonathan has been involved in a myriad of regional, off-off Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Most recently, he was the Lighting Designer and Board for the Done to Death Theatre Festival. This is his first time as Technical Director and would like to thank Alexis for the opportunity. He is the Assistant Lighting Designer for a production of Anna in the Tropics up at Lehman College and Lighting Designer for a production of The Pillow Man up at the Riverdale Y that will both premiere in May.

Josh Price (Dramaturg)
Josh is thrilled to be working along side TheatreRats once again. Previously, Josh appeared in "The Changeling." Hailing from North Carolina, Josh received his MFA in Acting from the University of Florida. Having worked extensively with Shakespeare, Josh was excited to be asked to work on this wonderful production. Many thanks to Alexis for allowing me to be a part of it all!

Duane Pagano (Lighting and Scenic Design)
Duane is pleased to be working with the "Rats.” He currently has no upcoming projects, and as such, would appreciate any leads or recommendations that you can provide. In the past, he has worked and designed with the Theatre Workshop, the Midtown International Theatre Festival and Tribeca Theatre Arts. On a serious note, he dedicates his work on this production to his mother, who passed away earlier this year.

Hunter Thore (Sound Design)
Hunter Thore is a producer/ rapper who performs under the name of Greyhound. He is thrilled to be showcasing his music in this production of Romeo and Juliet. Along with doing music he is also an actor currently studying at the William Esper Studio in Manhattan. You can check him out at myspace.com/greyhoundmusic.

Ryan Bartruff (Fight Choreography)
Ryan has been choreographing violence in and around New York City for the last several years. He received his initial stage combat training at New York University. He is a member of the Society of American Fight Directors and the United Stuntman's Association. Some of his past credits as fight choreographer include; The Two Detectives, Macbeth, Othello, P.O.V., Second Hand Smoke, Comedy of Errors, Hamlet 2050, Romeo & Juliet, and West Side Story.

Nicole Gaignat (Props Master)
Nicole studied Interior Design at Drexel University before starting a career in theatre. She has worked on props in NYC for four years, starting out as an intern at Manhattan Theatre Club. Beside theatre, Nicole also works on window displays throughout the city. She is excited to be a part of this production and to be working with TheatreRats.

Melissa Kraus (Costume Design)
Melissa Kraus is an Ohio native, trying to get into the “biz” any way she can (Just ask Alexis how they were introduced!). A graduate from Ashland University, Melissa discovered costume design late in the game, but enjoys it thoroughly where she designed Life Under Water. This is her first time with TheatreRats, and she's having a blast! Love to family and friends, break-a-leg to cast and crew.

Emily Taradash (Costume Design)
Emily is pleased to be scurrying around with TheatreRats for R&J! Taradash earned a BA in Costume Design from the University of Vermont in May of 2006. Since then, she has worked on costumes with WHAT, the New Globe Theatre, the Polish Theatre Institute, and at Triskelion for Abby Bender's Schmantz Theatre Company to name a few. Many thanks to the cast and crew, especially Melissa for her support!

Michael Ruby (PR/Marketing)
The Associate Artistic Director of TheatreRats, Michael has produced, directed and performed with the company since its conception in 2003. He is chiefly responsible, along with colleague Brad Caswell, for the company’s Annual Chester Horn Short Play Festival, named in honor of his grandfather. In addition to TheatreRats, Michael’s theatrical endeavors include writing the books for the musicals, The Greatest Holiday Musical…EVER! (sold out at Don’t Tell Mama) Ethan Frome, Love, NY and Victory At C#! (all currently in development for regional and Off-Broadway productions).

J-Roo (Graphic Designer)
J-Roo is a commercial designer who is also responsible for TheatreRats’ The House of Yes promo design. He most recently designed the limited edition vinyl toy “Bumrush,” available at www.dynomightnyc.com. Other design samples available at www.almostcolassal.com.