Dancing Frog Theater Company
Company Members
Downtown Urban Arts Festival
HERE Arts Center
April 1st, 2016
HERE Arts Center
April 1st, 2016
Irene Hernandez
Irene Hernandez (playwright and director of One Size Fits All) is an actor, writer, director, producer, teaching artist and the artistic director of Dancing Frog Theater Company. Her plays, Gee, Thanks, (2014) and Outside The Box (2015), were productions she also acted and directed at HERE Arts Center. Irene is also a poet and her work will be published in the upcoming poetry anthology, Where The Mind Dwells. Currently, she is working on her comedic web series, Brand New Me, as an actor, writer, director and producer. 
Julie Kottakis
Julie Kottakis is a comedian and writer. She has performed on LaughsTV and her solo show, Does This Dress Make Me Look Alone?, was featured at the NYC International Fringe Festival 2014. Julie won New York City’s Funniest Lawyer of 2010 and NYC’s Most Incredible Comedian 2012 at Broadway Comedy Club. She performed in the Ladies of Laughter Festival 2012, the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival 2013, She-Devil Fest 2014 and the Laughing Devil Festival 2015. In addition to standup, Julie writes and performs sketch comedy. |
Ruba Mansouri
Ruba Therese Mansouri was born and raised in the Middle East where she started her training in the performing arts. Ruba continued her education in CO then finally made her move to NYC in 2009. Ever since, she has worked in tv, film, opera, voice over and theatre. A few of her favorite roles: portraying Officer Barrel in Urinetown: The Musical with the Hackensack Theatre Company & Tracey Turnblad in the Cabaret show: What I always wanted to do: the musical with Darknight Productions. www.rubatheresemansouri.com 
Simone Parker
Simone Parker is from San Francisco California. She received her Associates Degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC and was a member of the post graduate performance company. Roles include: Lady in Brown -for colored girls by Ntozake Shange Black Box Theater Ella-Taken for a loop by Margret Oakarsdortir-Flatiron Theater Teacher-Present Perfect by Robin west end theater Beth-(Original cast)The Pledge -by Victoria Norman. Millbank Hall |
3rd Annual Ex-Files
February 7th & 8th, 2014
Mia Anderson
Mia Y. Anderson is a working actress/director/writer who was born and bred in the Republic of Brooklyn. I have performed with several regional companies including Commonwealth Shakespeare, BostonTheaterWorks, Zietgeist Theater, Painted Bride Theater, Providence Black Rep, Dreamkeeper Theater and The Theater Offensive. After returning to New York, there has been a lot of focus on film/televison, working on several award-winning projects including "If You Leap", "Production" and "Sleep", among many others. Please stay in contact:http://www.miayandersonchannel.com/, tweet me @actressnoir or you can like me on FB at https://www.facebook.com/MiaYAndersonChannel
Siobhan Beasley
Siobhan is a stand up comedian, improviser, and writer. She performs nationally and in NYC clubs and theaters. Prior to comedy, Siobhan prosecuted war crimes with the United Nations, where she earned the tough nickname "Bubbles."
She's been featured in - Marvel Comics - ComedyCentral.com - Semi-finalist Laughing Devil Comedy Festival - Huffington Post "Women to Follow on Twitter" http://www.siobhancomedy.com/ Jen Bush
This is Jen’s first year performing with Dancing Frog Theater Company’s Ex-Files show. Jen is primarily a vocalist fronting numerous Rock and Roll cover bands for many years now. She also plays guitar, keyboards, bass and drums and has learned from the best in the industry including members of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. She has had the honor of performing with members of Twisted Sister, David Bowie’s band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors. She has just begun to write her own original material. She is a jam coordinator and open mic host. Her theater debut was a walk on role in Jekyll and Hyde and The Producers on Broadway for charity. Extra work includes a music video, a feature film with Adam Levine and a future appearance on Celebrity Ghost Hunters. Regionally, she is about to reprise the role of Vikta the Vampire in the show Vampe in Pennslyvania.
Irene Hernandez
Irene Hernandez is the artistic director of Dancing Frog Theater Company. She created,wrote, edited, produced, directed and acted in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Ex-Files. Currently, she is co-producing Dedicated Actors Group's Reading Series, where actors and new writers meet and read new works to get new productions off the ground. Her play, Gee, Thanks, has been accepted in the Downtown Urban Theater Festival and will be produced at HERE this spring in competition. Ms. Hernandez is the director and producer of another of Dancing Frog's productions, Baghdad Monologues. She is an actor, writer, producer, director, singer and teaching artist. Ms. Hernandez is also the co-editor and co-writer of "Valentine's Day Ex-Files", a collection of interviews, monologues, poetry and songs about the struggles of love and dating from a single's perspective.
Visit www.valentinesdayex-files.weebly.com for details. Ms. Hernandez graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Acting. 
Allison I. Hoyle, pianist, is extremely proud and excited to be joining the Dancing Frog Theater Company. Allison lives in New Jersey and has recently graduated from the New York Institute of Technology - College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a physician and former chemist, and loves astronomy, dinosaurs, and Italian motorscooters. Allison's first appearance in New York City was on stage at Carnegie Hall at the age of fifteen as winner of the Piano Teacher's Society of America Accompanist Competition. She is best-known for accompanying Miss New York City on the first anniversary of the September 11th attacks and was a working musician in New York prior to attending medical school in 2009. Allison is very excited to be back on stage and stepping into the spotlight for the first time tonight. She would like to thank her chihuahua, cat, and her other cat for their love and support. She also thanks director Irene Hernandez for allowing her to enjoy this incredible experience with such a talented cast. Allison dedicates this performance to the memory of her late grandmother, Borghild Poll, who gave Allison her first piano and instilled in her the joy of music.
Irene Kontalipos
Irene Kontalipos was born in Queens raised in Brooklyn. Her parents knew she was to be an entertainer when at a very young age she would hold court at their dinner parties both adults and children were quite amused. Her path to performance wasn't quite so clear she held a corporate job as a biological editor for many years until she decided to embark on a burlesque career and eventually made the transition to acting. Irene lives in Park Slope , Brooklyn sans the in vitro quintuplets.
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Julie Kottakis
Julie Kottakis is a single mom, lawyer, writer, and comedian. As one of New York’s comics on the rise, Julie’s unique views on dating, parenting and other mundane topics, make her act memorable and also sort of disturbing. She won New York City’s Funniest Lawyer of 2010 and NYC’s Most Incredible Comedian 2012 at Broadway Comedy Club. Julie performs at various comedy venues throughout the New York City area. She performed in the Ladies of Laughter Festival 2012 and the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival 2013. In addition to standup, Julie is the creator of the podcast, The Julie Is Alone Show and the parenting website, www.theweirdmom.com. Despite her busy schedule, Julie is always available to share her “Mommy” secrets for new parents. For example: How to differentiate your kid from all the other look-a-likes at the playground and other such concerns.
Janice McCune
Janice is a New York City based vocalist. She was born in Connecticut. She has studied with Helen Baldassare at Cabaret Performance Workshop. Currently, Janice is studying with Barbara Maier Gustern. Since 2007, she has performed in showcases at The Duplex and Don’t Tell Mama.
Lynn McCune
Lynn McCune received her Theatre degree from Mount Holyoke College, and has been acting and singing professionally ever since. She currently sings with The Stan Rubin Orchestra at Swing 46 on Wednesday nights. She also performs singing telegrams while pursuing her acting career in NYC.
lynn@lynnmccune.com http://lynnmccune.com/ Ashley Nichole Mull
This is Ashley's 3rd year performing at Dancing Frog Theater Company's Ex-Files. Ms. Mull has previously appeared in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Baghdad Monologues (Leonora). She studied at CUNY York College For Film, majoring in Producing & Directing and at Kingsborough Community College, where she majored in Theatre Arts. She is also a singer, songwriter and poet. Ashley is also a co host for a show on the BCAT channel called The Skinny NYC where she cover fashion, music, gossip and other interests.
http://www.missashleynichole.com/ Erin Parks
Erin Parks is a storyteller living in Brooklyn. Originally from Athens, GA, her work showcases Southern sensibility thrust against urban reality. Parks has also makes appearances as a performance artist at the Inspired Word with Mike Geffner, New Voices Reading Series, and The Bodega Monthly. Earning two Bachelor’s Degrees from The University of Georgia in Mass Media Arts and Sociology, she hopes to increase cultural awareness through her writing. Read the latest work from Erin Parks on herdiamondback.com. You can also follow her @herdiamondback
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Additional Artistic Contributers
Wanda Colon
Wanda Colon, Latina born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in the beautiful Island of Puerto Rico. She is an actress & fashion designer. Wanda continuously studies film and theater at The Simon Studio in New York City. Thought by Roger Hendrick Simon .A graduate and founding member of Robert Brustein's Yale Repertory Company/Wanda lives in NYC and currently is working on films and experimenting with photography. Juggles single parenthood with her career and two girls, who are also artists.
Maya Curry
Maya Curry is a freelance videographer and producer who is working her first official Dancing Frog Theater Co., production. She is currently working as an Associate Producer and Communications Assistant and has previously worked with Livestream and TEMPO Networks. Maya graduated from Montclair State University with a BA in Broadcasting.
Michael Manese
Originally from Passaic, NJ, MM studied filmmaking at Rutgers University. He is a resident of New York City where he works full time as a web designer. "I love dark, twisted humor. When I put together a project I always aim to make the themes different and unique from what I usually see." His other passion is Seido Karate which he takes up five times a week. "I'm always on the lookout for other creative types, whether to hang or collaborate with. Thanks Irene for the opportunity." For more information visit: www.angrydougfilms.com.
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Araceli Rodriguez Redsirens
Redsirens is a Mexican artist Influenced by Frida Kahlo, Tamara De Lempicka, Edgar Degas, and Salvador Dali to name a few. She is primarily a self taught with some course work. Her work consists of experimenting with different mediums, such as: water color, canvas painting, chalk, oil, sculpting, and acrylic painting, jewelry and craft work. Her artwork that stems from her strong cultural roots. She believes in sharing her Mexican traditions with the public eye so that the beauty of culture can be admired and explored. She started creating at the age of nine and has spent many years learning different Technics on her own merits.Her work has primarily been commissioned for private collections.
Her portfolio can be viewed at: http://www.redbubble.com/people/redsirens/art Susan Reinhard
Susan is a playwright and a contributing writer to Dancing Frog's Ex-Files for the past two years. Her plays have been produced in New York and New Jersey. Among her many credits, she has written The Talking God, Amour Americain, Sails on the Mountain, Son and Frenzy Witchcraft.
Shannon Updike
Shannon Updike is a contributing writer to Dancing Frog Theater Company. Trained in Theater Arts and English from Arcadia University, Shannon spent most of her undergraduate career in front of audiences on the college stage. After graduating she invested much of her time to background work on television and movies filmed in NYC. Within the past few years Shannon has turned her primary focus to her childhood passion of writing. She has submitted pieces to each of the Ex-Files shows since the theater company’s inception. In addition, she has contributed to the publication of “Valentine’s Day Ex-files” a collection of interviews, monologues, poetry and songs about the struggles of love and dating from a single's perspective.
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2nd Annual Ex-Files
February 7th & 8th, 2013
Jessica Battaglia
Bio: This is Jessica's 2nd year performing at Dancing Frog Theater Company's Ex-Files show. She is also a contributing writer for the show. Ms. Battaglia is an NYU occupational therapy student who loves to act on the side! Past favorite roles include a vixen in The Heights Players "Dracula", a dancer in Narrows Community Theater's "42nd street", Aldonza in The Performing Arts Society's "Man of la Mancha, Emily Webb in Our Town and Fraulein Kost in Cabaret.
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Ashley Nichole Mull
Bio: This is Ashley's 2nd year performing at Dancing Frog Theater Company's Ex-Files. She is also a contributing writer for the show. Ms. Mull has previously appeared in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Baghdad Monologues (Leonora). She studied at CUNY York College For Film, majoring in Producing & Directing. Ms. Mull is a student at Kingsborough Community College, majoring in Theatre Arts. She is also a singer, songwriter and poet.
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Irene Hernandez
Bio: Irene Hernandez is the artistic director of Dancing Frog Theater Company. She is the producer, editor, contributing writer and director of Dancing Frog's 2nd Annual Ex-Files. Ms. Hernandez has also produced and directed Dancing Frog's Baghdad Monologues. She created, produced, edited, directed, acted and was a contributing writer for Dancing Frog's first show, Ex-Files. Ms. Hernandez is an actor, writer, producer, director, singer and teaching artist. She is also the co-editor and co-writer of "Valentine's Day Ex-Files", a collection of interviews, monologues, poetry and songs about the struggles of love and dating from a single's perspective.
Email dancingfrogtheatercompany@gmail.com for details. Ms. Hernandez has studied at the Atlantic Theater Company and graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Acting. |
Amanda Rose Policastro
Bio: Amanda Rose Policastro has previously appeared in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Baghdad Monologues (Sarah-Jane). She graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Communications and has appeared in three independent films.
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Derrick T. Lewis
Bio: Derrick is a contributing writer for Dancing Frog Theater Company's 2nd Annual Ex-Files. He has studied under Amanda Lynch, Tracey Moore, Amy Gossels and Nadette Stasa. Since starting his acting career, Mr. Lewis has earned film credits in films such as the independent film 'Chess Boxing' directed by Rafick Khan. He's also been seen in films such as 'Herman & Shelly', 'Man On A Ledge' and a broadcast television commercial for the NFL with New York Giants Wide Receiver Victor Cruz. More info: www.DerrickTLewis.com
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Yarden Shoval
Bio: This is Yarden's (Jordan) 2nd year performing in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Ex-Files Show. Ms. Shoval has previously appeared in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Baghdad Monologues (Fatima). She is a Lee Strasberg Theater And Film Institute graduate, and has also recently appeared in Beautiful Soup Theater Company's production of Yentl. More info: http://www.jordanshoval.com
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Additional Contributing Writers
Wanda Nobles Colon
Bio: Wanda is an actress, fashion designer and experiments with photography. She continually studies at The Simon Studio in NYC, taught by Roger Hendrick Simon. Ms. Colon was a graduate and founding member of the Robert Brustein's Yale Repertory Company. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Puerto Rico, where Ms. Colon discovered her artistic talent. She currently lives in NYC as a proud single mother of two daughters, also artists.
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Susan B. Reinhard
Bio: Susan is a playwright whose works have been produced for the past 30 years. In 1976, Ms. Reinhard studied at The Philadelphia Company and Theater Center Philadelphia, which produced her one act play “Lullaby Dance”. In New York, Ms. Reinhard developed her two act comedy “Absolute Square”, receiving a Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Prize and performance at McCarter Theater, a New Jersey Foundation for the Arts Grant, and a reading for Jujamcyn Broadway Producers with Danny Aiello. In 1997, an independent company fully staged two of her one act plays, “Backing Into Hoboken” and “Toujours Seule” Off-Off Broadway. In 2010, a stage reading of Ms. Reinhard's “The Talking God” was performed at the Unitarian Church of Montclair Theater Group, where her play, “Amour Américaine”, is currently being developed.
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LeVaughn Erskine
Bio: LeVaughn is a Jamaican who has had the benefit of spending time in both Jamaica and the States while growing up, giving him the best of both worlds; a laid-back, islander sensibility and an experienced, continental lifestyle. Right now, Mr. Erskine is a New Yorker, an occasional actor, and a writer working on editing his first novel. He enjoys comics, good books, film, popular culture and living life to the fullest. As LeVaughn likes to say, "Most of all, I GO BOLD!"
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Jeff Stolzer
Bio: Jeff is an award winning playwright, television writer and screenwriter. His full length play, THE LOST TRIBE, received the Arts Club of Washington's 2009 National Playwriting Award and was a winner of the 2010 Texas Nonprofit Theaters New Play Project and the 2010 Long Beach New Works Festival. His short play, EMERGENCY ROOM, received the 2012 Upright Playwright Award from Upstage Theatre in Houston, Texas. Formally a writer for ABC's WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, Mr. Stolzer has sold four screenplays to Hollywood studios. BA: Brown University; MFA: USC School of Cinema-Television. Member, Writers Guild of America, East and Dramatist Guild.
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Baghdad Monologues
2nd Stage Reading: December 14, 15, 2012
Baghdad Monologues
Stage Reading: September 20, 2012
Ashley Nichole Mull
Bio: Ashley Nichole Mull has previously appeared in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Ex-Files. In Baghdad Monologues, Ms. Mull is playing the part of Leonora. She studied at CUNY York College For Film, majoring in Producing & Directing. Ms. Mull is a student at Kingsborough Community College, majoring in Theatre Arts.
Amanda Rose Policastro
Bio: Amanda Rose Policastro is the newest member of Dancing Frog Theater Company. In Baghdad Monologues, Ms. Policastro is playing the part of Sarah-Jane. She graduated from William Paterson University with a BA in Communications and has already appeared in three independent films.
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Yarden Shoval
Bio: Yarden (Jordan) Shoval has previously appeared in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Ex-Files. In Baghdad Monologues, Ms. Shoval is playing the part of Fatima. She is a Lee Strasberg Theater And Film Institute graduate, and has also been recently cast in Beautiful Soup Theater Company's production of Yentl. More info: http://www.jordanshoval.com
Irene Hernandez
Bio: Irene Hernandez is the artistic director of Dancing Frog Theater Company. She wrote, edited, produced, directed and acted in Dancing Frog Theater Company's Ex-Files. Ms. Hernandez is the director and producer of Baghdad Monologues. She is an actor, writer, producer, director, singer and teaching artist. Ms. Hernandez is also the co-editor and co-writer of "Valentine's Day Ex-Files", a collection of interviews, monologues, poetry and songs about the struggles of love and dating from a single's perspective.
Visit www.valentinesdayex-files.weebly.com for details. Ms. Hernandez graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Acting. |
Ex-Files
February 9, 10, 11, 2012
Jessica Battaglia
Bio: Jessica Battaglia is an NYU occupational therapy student who loves to act on the side ! Past favorite roles include a vixen in The Heights Players "Dracula", a dancer in Narrows Community Theater's "42nd street", Aldonza in The Performing Arts Society's "Man of la Mancha, Emily Webb in Our Town and Fraulein Kost in Cabaret.
Julie Beroes
Bio: Julie Beroes is currently in Theatre for the New City's "Areas of Heavy Traffic" opening at the end of February. Visit www.JulieElizabethBeroes.com for details. You can also catch Julie in this season's Superbowl commercial line-up, look out for the 'Powerade' commercial. Ms. Beroes is also a teaching Artist with Englewood NJ's Bergan Performing Arts Center. 2010 graduate of The University of the Arts. Irene Hernandez
Bio: Irene Hernandez is an actor, writer, director, producer, singer and artistic director of Dancing Frog Theater Company. She is also the co-editor and co-writer of "Valentine's Day Ex-Files", a collection of interviews, monologues, poetry and songs about the struggles of love and dating from a single's perspective.
Visit www.valentinesdayex-files.weebly.com for details. Ms. Hernandez graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Acting. Irene Kontalos
Bio: Irene Kontalos is an actress and dancer. Her credits include Pack Your Stuff (Becky), The Owl and The Pussycat (Doris), No Exit (Estelle) and After Dark (Pandora). Ms. Kontalos studied at Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, HB Studios and Dance New Amsterdam.
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Ashley Mull
Bio: Growing up with a family of singers, musicians and entertainers, Ashley Nichole Mull knew she would always be a singer and an actress. She joined the choir at her church in Brooklyn, NY at the age of 5. Ms. Mull was part of a singing group for 8 years. She studied at CUNY York College For Film, majoring in Producing & Directing. Ms. Mull is a student at Kingsborough Community College, majoring in Theatre Arts.
Yarden (Jordan) Shoval
Bio: Yarden (Jordan) Shoval was born in Israel, she moved to NYC to pursue her life long dream of acting. She is a Lee Strasberg Theater And Film Institute graduate, as is now working on a one woman show based on the monologue she has written and performed for The Ex Files production. More info: http://www.jordanshoval.com
Sarah-Suzanne Vallee
Bio: Sarah-Suzanne Vallee is an actress, model and dancer. Among her many credits, she was a featured dancer in the Beyonce video, "Best Thing I Never Had". Ms. Vallee is a student at the Lee Strasberg Theater And Film Institute and has trained at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Art.
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