Resident Artistic Ensemble

Rhonda Marie Bynum

Rhonda is honored and blessed to be a part of Erasing the Distance. Born and raised on the southeast side of Chicago, her recent theater credits include Talking Bones, Stoops and Heat (ETA Theater), Snow Queen (Victory Gardens) and Sketchbook 9 (Collaboraction). Other credits include For Colored Girls, The Vagina Monologues, Big River, and That Takes Ovaries. Rhonda is a recent graduate of the School at Steppenwolf.

Philip de Guzman

Philip is a recent graduate of Northwestern University. He was most recently seen as Ricky in Buzz22 Chicago's production of Hooters. A member of Buzz 22 Chicago, he can be seen in the film Exit 117 and in the upcoming independent film, Love's A Bitch And Then You Die.

Katie Genualdi

Katie is so delighted and proud to be part of the ensemble of Erasing the Distance. She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan in 2005 with a BFA in Theatre Arts. Since graduating she has been lucky enough to work with New Leaf, Raven, Collaboraction, Chicago Dramatists, Big Picture Group, Metropolis CPA, Tooth & Nail, The Nine, Theatre Seven, Fox Valley Rep, and her home bases: Signal Ensemble and The Gift Theatre.

Angela Alise Johnson

Angela is truly blessed to be a part of Erasing the Distance. Originally from from Kansas City, Missouri, Angela moved to Chicago to pursue professional acting. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelors of Arts in Theatre and Sociology. She has been in various educational productions such as A Raisin in the Sun, Sweeney Todd, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and A Crescent City Comedy of Errors all at Loyola University Chicago. Some professional credits include School Daze (Mahdi Theater Company), Rent (Ouroboros and Big Noise Theatre), All Shook Up (Big Noise Theatre), The Wiz (Dominican University Performing Arts Center), Church (Red Tape Theatre Company), Ribbon Around a Bomb and Tatjana in Color (Prologue Theatre Company), and Hairspray (Jedlicka Performing Arts Center). When Angela is not onstage, she works as the Office Management Associate for Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Jennifer Mathews

Jennifer is so proud to be a member of ETD's fantastic ensemble, as well as the Communications Director for Erasing the Distance. Previous ETD credits include Finding Peace in This House, Stronger Than Silence: surviving our secrets, What Not to Expect When You're Expecting, and The People I Know. A former company member with the (sadly) now-defunct Infamous Commonwealth Theatre, she appeared many of their productions, most notably The Kentucky Cycle (Jeff and After Dark Awards for Production and Ensemble), Betty's Summer Vacation (Jeff nod, Supporting Actress), My Thing of Love (2006 Chicago Reader Critics' Pick, Performance), and The Grapes of Wrath (Greatest Hits of the Decade, Newcity Stage). Jennifer is also a commercial voiceover actor with Naked Voices Talent Agency and Director of Communications for Adventure Stage Chicago. She has previously acted with Sideshow Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Steppenwolf Theatre, Pride Film & Plays, Circle Theatre, Open Eye Productions, Hi-Volt Theatre, and Will Act For Food. For more information, visit JenniferMathewsOnline.com.

Brighid O’Shaughnessy

Brighid O'Shaughnessy is the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Erasing the Distance. Since 2005, she has reached over 30,000 people with theatrical performances about mental health issues that she has acted in, directed, devised and/or produced. A sought after speaker and workshop leader, she recently presented at the Active Minds National Conference, University of Illinois Chicago, and taught a 5-month workshop in the Erasing the Distance methodology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. The Chicago School residency culminated in a sold-out performance at the Chicago Cultural Center. Brighid was granted DePaul University's prestigious David O. Justice Award for her use of theatre to educate communities about mental illness in non-traditional and creative ways. Last year she was also chosen by Extra Mile America as one of 200 heroic leaders in the United States making a difference in their communities and received a 3Arts Vision Award to support her artistic work at Erasing the Distance. Her experience as a director, actor and teacher committed to social change has spanned 15 years, including time co-directing the Thresholds Theatre Arts Project and Redmoon's Dramagirls, and devising original productions with teens in Chicago Public Schools. She taught acting at Chicago's Acting Studio (formerly known as the Audition Studio) for 5 years and has acted at such places as Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, and Profiles Theatre. She graduated with a Masters of Arts from DePaul University, a B.A. in Theatre from Santa Clara University, studied extensively with The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, trained with internationally known activist and artist Michael Rohd, and has done her share of voice-over work and corporate training using theatre.

Adam Poss

Adam has been seen in three seasons of A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre. Other Goodman credits include Dark Play or stories for boys for the 2006 Latino Theatre Festival, as well as Without by Sean Graney for the New Stages series. In Chicago, Adam appeared in the world premiere of Antebellum, written and directed by Robert O'Hara. Regionally, Adam received a Helen Hayes nomination for Best Ensemble for his work in The History Boys at Studio Theatre in Washington DC. Most recently Adam has workshopped the new play The North Pool by Rajiv Joseph at Northlight Theatre as well as Theatre Works in Palo Alto, California. Adam holds a BFA from The Theatre School at Depaul University and is a proud member of Actor's Equity.

Ron Rains

Chicago credits: Goodman Theatre - A Christmas Carol (Bob Cratchit x4), Passion Play (Ensemble), Revenge of the Space Pandas (Jester), Animal Crackers (u/s-0 performances); Chicago Theatre/Smock Alley Productions - The Quiet Man Tales (Paddy Bawn - '09 Jefferson Award nom); Steppenwolf Theatre - Ballad of Little Jo (Ensemble); Chicago Shakespeare Theatre - Romeo and Juliet (Peter), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Snout), Henry IV (Pistol u/s), Much ado About Nothing (Watch u/s); Royal George Theatre - I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (Man #2); Writers' Theatre - Incident at Vichy (Bayard); Northlight Theatre - Studs Terkel's The Good War (Ensemble), Enter the Guardsman (Wigs); Drury Lane Theatre - Big: The Musical (Paul), 1776 (George Read); Marriott Theatre - Carousel (Mr. Snow), Honk (Drake, Greylag). Summer Stock: Notre Dame Summer Shakespeare - Love's Labors Lost (Costard); Montana Shakespeare in the Parks - A Midsummer Night's Dream (Bottom), Love's Labors Lost (Costard); The Winter's Tale (Autolycus, Antigonus). Ron Rains holds a BFA from Cornish College and is a member of Actor's Equity Association.

Jennifer Shine

Jennifer is thrilled and honored to be a part of Erasing the Distance. She can be seen in the upcoming ETD production of Finding Peace in This House as Katherine. Jennifer is also very excited to serve as the Production Manager for ETD's May production Good Enough. Recent credits include My Fair Lady (Paramount Theatre), Heddatron (Sideshow Theatre Company/Steppenwolf Garage Rep), Main Travelled Roads (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre). Jennifer graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI with a degree in Theatre and Peace & Justice studies.

Craig C. Thompson

Craig is honored to be a part of Erasing the Distance. Originally from Kansas City, MO, Craig graduated from Boston University in 1998 and has been living and performing in Chicago ever since. Craig is a member of Infamous Commonwealth Theatre company and has been seen in their previous productions including Lewis and Clark Reach the Euphrates, My Thing of Love, The Kentucky Cycle (Jeff Citation for Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Production), Savage in Limbo, and Big Dreams. Craig has also acted for Backstage Theatre in Waiting for Lefty (Jeff Nomination for Outstanding Ensemble), Foreground Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Emerald City Theatre and Real Rain Productions. Craig hopes that anyone who sees an Erasing the Distance show is affected during the performance. But more, he hopes that the audience leaves the experience with a permanent inclination to do their part to help erase the distance between those who are affected by mental illness and those who aren’t aware of just how common it is. Craig would like to thank Brighid for her commitment to ETD’s mission and for allowing him to be a part of it, and Genevieve for encouraging him to achieve his full potential.

Artists

Brenda Arellano

Brenda is a theater and film artist currently residing in Chicago, IL. Recent credits include Icarus with Bohemian Theater and Las Soldaderas with Teatro Aguijon. She is also a member of the Neo-Futurists here in Chicago. Brenda enjoys goofing off with her talented friends, jet setting, and a good meal.

Kamal Angelo Bolden

Kamal earned a degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship from Bradley University, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and won multiple national championships with the school’s speech team. Kamal now works in regional theatre, commercials, and independent films. He has worked with Victory Gardens Theater, Remy Bumppo Theater, Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Tennessee Repertory Theater, and Nashville Children’s Theater to name a few. Among his national commercials credits are Budweiser, Shoe Carnival, Ruby Tuesday, and U.S. Army. And you can catch Kamal in two recently released independent films: Generational Curses and It Soothes My Soul.

Wes Clark

Wes has been working with Erasing the Distance since 2007. He is also an artistic associate with the Bruised Orange Theater Company and the Strange Tree Group. Previous roles have included Tom Joad in The Grapes of Wrath (Infamous Commonwealth), Nicolai Stavrogin in Village of K__ (BOTC), and John Hinkley in Assassins (Boxer Rebellion Theater Company). In addition to acting, Wes has directed plays and one-acts for the Barrington Area Arts Council, Boxer Rebellion Theater, EP Theater, and the Bruised Orange Theater Co. He has also worked as a fight choreographer for Bruised Orange in their productions of The Nebraska Project, Village of K__ , and Daddy Long Legs.

Stephanie Diaz-Reppen

Stephanie is an actor, puppeteer and educator who relocated to Chicago from the west coast five years ago last fall. She was most recently seen in the critically-acclaimed Kita y Fernanda at 16th St Theatre. She has also had the good fortune to work with Kansas City Rep, Teatro Vista, Remy Bumppo, ShawChicago, First Stage Milwaukee, Drury Lane Oak Brook, Victory Gardens, Mixed Blood Theatre (Minneapolis), American Theatre Company and Teatro Luna. West coast credits include work at Seattle Rep, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, The Magic Theatre (SF), The Village Theatre (Seattle) and 5th Avenue Theatre (Seattle). She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and is delighted to join the wonderful artists of Erasing the Distance.

Amanda Eaton

Amanda's training in Maine, where she earned her B.A. in Theatre and Minor in Dance, and training with Second City have led her to many great opportunities. She is an ensemble member of Imagination Theater and Artistic Associate with Chicago Danztheatre. Other companies she has worked with include Strawdog, Quest, BoHo, and Grey Zelda.

Jason Economus

Jason Economus is thrilled to be a part of ETD. Jason is an actor, writer, teacher, director and stand-up comic. Chicago credits include: Shear Madness at the Chicago Theater, J.B. in J.B. with Chicago Fusion Theatre, Oedipus in Oedpius Rex Play with Vintage Theatre Collective. Jason has worked on orignial pieces with The Building Stage, Buckeye Tree Productions, New Beast Theatre Works, and the Library Theatre. Regionally he has worked with Milwaukee Shakespeare and Door Shakespeare. Be sure to check to check out trailers and information on Jason's new short film Who is Steve Shubert at www.whoissteveshubert.com.

Amos Ellis

Amos Ellis is a veteran stage actor, teacher, mentor and acting coach in the Chicago. He has worked with the Black Ensemble Theatre, Congo Square Theatre Company, ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Pegasus Players and the Chicago Theatre Company. He graduated with a B.A. in Communications from Northern Illinois University and his acting career is now centered around film, commercials, print, industrial training and voice-over, where he currently serves as the voice for Famous Dave’s Barbeque.

Jared Fernley

Jared is thrilled to be a part of Erasing the Distance. Originally from Philadelphia, Jared studied theater at UNC- Chapel Hill, and has worked with Two Pence Shakespeare, Promethean Theatre Ensemble, Infamous Commonwealth, The New Colony, Vitalist Theater, and Strawdog Theater Company. Jared also performs regularly at Chemically Imbalanced Comedy with his long-form improvisational team, 1941.

Deanna Fiorentino

Deanna is absolutely ecstatic to be part of Erasing the Distance. She has previously directed, acted and staged managed for ETD. She received her B.A. in Performance from Dominican University.

Krista Hansen

Krista believes in using the power of theatre to promote understanding and the human connection, and is honored to be part of Erasing the Distance. She is an Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at Dominican University, where she also resides as the Artistic Director of the Theatre Arts Lab Series. Krista acts and directs professionally nationwide, and also specializes in individualized coaching to help theatrical, academic and business professionals with optimal work performance and personal health.

Chris Hauser

Chris is a resident actor in Chicago. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Theatre Performance and Playwriting.

David Hornreich

David has been a part of the Chicago theater community for nearly five years. A native of Seattle, he graduated from Western Washington University in 2004 with a B.A. in acting and directing. In addition to "Grown Up" Theater, David has been been fortunate enough to work both teaching and acting in Children's Theater and educational programs with a long list of companies - including Northlight Theater Academy, Greatworks productions, and more. David is extremely proud to be able to add Erasing the Distance to that list.

Millicent Hurley

Millicent was last seen as Agnes in A Delicate Balance and Lettice in Lettice and Lovage at Redtwist Theater with Steve Scott directing. She was Jeff Nominated for Principal Actress for the role of Lettice. Millie played Mrs. Ruddle in Lifeline’s production of Busman’s Honeymoon and before that, Constance in Lillian Hellman’s Autumn Garden at Eclipse Theatre. She has appeared many times at Raven Theatre, her last role being Paulina in The Seagull, Gloria in Grace and Glorie with the late Esther McCormick, and Maggie in Dancing at Lughnasa for which she won a Jeff Citation for Best Supporting Actress and an After Dark Award. Millie also has had the pleasure of working with Timeline Theatre, About Face Theatre, Chicago Children's Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Bare Bones Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Next Theatre, and Prop Theatre and Steppenwolf Theater. Millie pursues voice over, commercial and film work.

Anish Jethmalani

Anish has worked in the Chicago Theatre scene for several years. Some of his stage credits include Wit and five seasons of A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre; Romeo and Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; Titus Andronicus, Mary Stuart, The Invention of Love, and Life’s A Dream at The Court Theatre; Homeland Security at Victory Gardens Theater, Citizens of the World at Steppenwolf Theatre; Sita Ram and Around the World in 80 Days at The Lookingglass Theatre; To the Greenfields Beyond at Writers’ Theatre; Omnium Gatherum, Return to Haifa, and The Millionairess at the Next Theatre; Indian Ink and The Sign of the Four at Apple Tree Theatre; Merchant on Venice at Silk Road Theatre Project; The Age of Cynicism or Karaoke Night at the Hog at Chicago Dramatists; and Orphee, The Eiffel Tower Wedding Party, The Knights of the Round Table, Watch on the Rhine, The Lark, A Woman Without A Name, Childe Byron, and Landscape of the Body all at the Eclipse Theatre Company where he is currently an ensemble member and served as their Artistic Director from 2002 to 2007. This summer, he will appear in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the First Folio Theatre. Regionally, he has worked at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival appearing in their productions of Henry VIII and Much Ado About Nothing. His film and television credits include Leverage, Early Edition, The Strip, Sugar Mountain, Betaville, and Why is God. He is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago and also attended The Oxford School of Drama in England.

Jessica Kadish

Jessica Kadish is absolutely thrilled to be a part of Erasing the Distance. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is a graduate of the University of Chicago. Recent acting credits include The Americans with Coya Paz and La Pasión Según Antígona Pérez with Aguijón Theater. As a director and dramaturg, she has worked with 2nd Story, Chicago Fusion Theater, and Prop Thtr. With ETD, she has directed, translated, story-gathered, and project-coordinated for the Al Raby residency program. She dedicates her work with ETD to her parents, for educating her about mental health issues from day one.

Maura Kidwell

Maura is a graduate of Beloit College and an ensemble member of Redtwist Theatre (formerly Actors Workshop), where she appeared in their Jeff-Nominated production of Equus (Jill) and Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Mme. de Tourvel). Maura is also an artistic associate of Ouroboros Theatre Company, where she performed in the world premiere of Cyrano: Translated (Doris Cooper). Other credits include Ten Cent Night with Chicago Dramatists Theatre (Dee), Amadeus with St. Louis Shakespeare (Constanze), and Mister Paradise with Dream Engine/Indefinite Theatre (Girl). Maura can also be seen and heard in many commercials, industrial films and feature films.

Sarah Luse

Sarah couldn’t be happier that she and Erasing the Distance found one another. Sarah has been living and working in Chicago for almost four years after making her way here from Montana. Some of her favorite Chicago credits include The Adventures of Captain Marbles and His Acting Squad with Provision Theater, Coronado with Steep Theatre, The Lady from Dubuque with Infamous Commonwealth Theatre, and Wit with The Gift.

Jessica Mondres

Jessica got her degree in Theatre and English from Flagler College in Saint Augustine, FL before moving to Chicago several years ago. Shortly after moving here she was introduced to devised theatre and fell in love with the art form. She has collaborated on and acted in devised plays and performances every chance she can get since then. Some of her favorite projects include a performance based on the epic poem The Third Hour of the Night by Frank Bidart for the Poetry Foundation, and an exploration of Mary Shelley and her famous novel with Upstart Theatre Group.

Irene Patino

Irene has regional credits which include Fiddler on the Roof and Patent Leather Shoes with Philip Lynch Theatre at Lewis University. She has also been seen in The Pajama Game, Miss Saigon, Kiss Me Kate, A Chorus Line, RENT, and The Rocky Horror Show with NightBlue Performing Arts Co., Little Shop of Horrors with La Costa Theatre, El Nogalar at the 2010 Latino Theatre Festival with The Goodman Theatre/Teatro Vista and No Roosters in the Desert (Chicago Premiere) with PROP THTR. Irene is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, New York, N.Y.

Wannapa Pimtong-Eubanks

Wannapa is a Thailand native. She is a butoh performer, choreographer, actor, and the devoted mother of two children. She has performed both her own choreography and with many great artists at venues throughout Chicago, including Goodman Theatre, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Athenaeum Theatre, MCA, Columbia College Dance Theater (Dance/USA.showcase 2011), Links Hall, and Ruth Page Center for the Arts. A Movement Coach, and a Thai Dialect Coach (King & I at Stage 773 in 2011 for Porchlight Music Theatre). She has debuted her premiere Butoh Dance Theatre production COIN STORY in July, 2010 at Lincoln Square Theatre. Wannapa received her BA. in Journalism and Mass Communication (Radio and Television major) from Thailand. She thanks ETD for having her join in this important mission.

Chris Popio

Chris has worked as an actor, writer and photographer in Chicago since making the move from Cincinnati in the early Nineties. He has appeared on many Chicago stages, most recently with TUTA Theatre in their productions of Brecht’s The Wedding and Uncle Vanya. Other favorite roles include Gary in The Exonerated (Serendipity Theatre), John Freeman in The Fourth Sister (Trap Door Theatre), Redfield in Sons of Liberty (Breadline Theatre) and Tom, Leslie and Phyllis in Sylvia (Buffalo Theatre Ensemble). Chris has also appeared in numerous national and regional commercials, films and television shows. He helped write and create the children’s book series Edgar and Ellen in books and on television. Originally from New Jersey, he currently runs a photography studio with his amazing and talented partner, Heather (www.popiostumpf.com and www.vavoompinups.com).

Amira Sabbagh

Amira is thrilled to be involved with Erasing The Distance and believes wholeheartedly in the ETD mission. Amira has worked with Silk Road Theatre Project, Court Theatre, Piccolo Theatre, Vitalist Theatre, Corn Productions, and the Free Associates. Amira grew up studying several forms of dance and music and has a degree in Modern Dance from the University of Arizona.

Meredith Siemsen

Meredith is blessed to be a part of Erasing the Distance. She also performs for (and with) senior adults every spring in Imagination Theater's participatory 'Senior Spotlight' program. Other Chicago stage credits include: Robyn Hood at Oak Park Festival Theatre, Hamlet with Signal Ensemble, The Ruling Class with Backstage Theatre Company, The Outfit with Serendipity Theatre Collective and The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window with Infamous Commonwealth. On-camera work includes feature film The Lucky Ones, and independent films: Good People (recently screened at Chicago International Film Festival) and Hank’s Auto Repair. Meredith has also curated art exhibits for Flourish Studios and Erasing the Distance and enjoys creating art of her own including children's murals, greeting cards, sculpture and collages made from repurposed paper.

Dwight Sora

Dwight is honored to be part of Erasing the Distance. A River Forest native, Dwight has appeared onstage with Vittum Theater (A Thousand Cranes), Theater-Hikes (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Treasure Island) and Two Roman Senators (Again). He spent three years with the Social Issues Ensemble of Imagination Theater (2003-2006), worked with the Silk Road Theatre Project in its staging of Gilgamesh for the 2008 Chicago Humanities Festival and understudied its Midwest premiere of Julia Cho’s Durango, and also understudied the Chicago premiere of Steppenwolf’s After the Quake. A second-degree black belt in aikido, Dwight has also choreographed fights for A Squared Theater Workshop (The Wind Cries Mary) and Porchlight Music Theater (Pacific Overtures) and fought onstage himself with Lyric Opera Chicago (Romeo et Juliet).