Meet the Company!
Kristen Leger (Katherine)
Kristen Leger is a 23 year old actor hailing from Bricktown, New Jersey, currently living in Astoria, Queens. Some of her credits include: a leading role in Lone Star Theater Company's "The Capitol Plays", headlining at Gotham Comedy Club, and receiving the International Thespian Society's award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Scene.
Kristen Leger is a 23 year old actor hailing from Bricktown, New Jersey, currently living in Astoria, Queens. Some of her credits include: a leading role in Lone Star Theater Company's "The Capitol Plays", headlining at Gotham Comedy Club, and receiving the International Thespian Society's award for Best Actress in a Dramatic Scene.
Derick James Sherrier Jr. (James)
Derick James Sherrier Jr. is a proud of member of: The Actors Project NYC, One On One, The Talent Express and Generation Tv. In addition to his BA in theater that he achieved (in Winterfell aka Buffalo) at Buffalo State University, he has been taking classes in camera, voice and dance while here in the city to hone his instrument. Derick is also in the midst of co-writing a play and he makes up 1/2 of a Spoken-Word duo called P.O.W. (Play On Words) that performs around the city. Derick is excited to serve as the vessel for James’ story and is honored to be apart of this production.
Derick James Sherrier Jr. is a proud of member of: The Actors Project NYC, One On One, The Talent Express and Generation Tv. In addition to his BA in theater that he achieved (in Winterfell aka Buffalo) at Buffalo State University, he has been taking classes in camera, voice and dance while here in the city to hone his instrument. Derick is also in the midst of co-writing a play and he makes up 1/2 of a Spoken-Word duo called P.O.W. (Play On Words) that performs around the city. Derick is excited to serve as the vessel for James’ story and is honored to be apart of this production.
Margaux Buccianti (Sofia)
Margaux Buccianti, born in New Jersey and raised in Africa. Her love of theatre developed in high school through plays, at The American School of Kinshasa. She returned to the United States to attend Saint Peters University. While attending university, Margaux realized her passion lay in the arts and soon after graduation, she studied at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. She chose the school because she realized she wanted to pursue acting fulfilling the principles of the Method. Margaux is very grateful to Darcy and Madeline for the opportunity to be a part of the premiere of Hearts Afire.
Margaux Buccianti, born in New Jersey and raised in Africa. Her love of theatre developed in high school through plays, at The American School of Kinshasa. She returned to the United States to attend Saint Peters University. While attending university, Margaux realized her passion lay in the arts and soon after graduation, she studied at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. She chose the school because she realized she wanted to pursue acting fulfilling the principles of the Method. Margaux is very grateful to Darcy and Madeline for the opportunity to be a part of the premiere of Hearts Afire.
Jonathan Duran (Raja)
Jonathan Duran is a dynamic actor who first started out in his father's independent projects. He studied film for a time in college where he developed many long lasting friendships with talented individuals. In 2011, he was brought on as host and writer by Alex Montanez, who founded a short film screening venue in the West Village called Sunday Night Screenings. Here is where Jonathan gained valuable hosting experience. Although mostly experienced in film acting, Jonathan would like to master his craft on the stage.
Jonathan Duran is a dynamic actor who first started out in his father's independent projects. He studied film for a time in college where he developed many long lasting friendships with talented individuals. In 2011, he was brought on as host and writer by Alex Montanez, who founded a short film screening venue in the West Village called Sunday Night Screenings. Here is where Jonathan gained valuable hosting experience. Although mostly experienced in film acting, Jonathan would like to master his craft on the stage.
Kalista Tazlin (Ming)
A newcomer to the acting world, Kalista Tazlin is exhilarated to play the role of "Ming" in Hearts Afire. It has been an inimitable experience to work with Madeline Brennan who is making magic out of the wonderful words of Darcy Sternberg. This will be her first ever play. Be gentle.
A newcomer to the acting world, Kalista Tazlin is exhilarated to play the role of "Ming" in Hearts Afire. It has been an inimitable experience to work with Madeline Brennan who is making magic out of the wonderful words of Darcy Sternberg. This will be her first ever play. Be gentle.
Madeline Brennan (Director)
Madeline started performing as an actress/singer at age 10, and began directing as an undergraduate at SUNY Binghamton. As a former high school teacher in both public and private schools, she taught theatre/acting classes as well as directed productions ranging from well-known musicals such as Godspell and (the lesser known) Dames at Sea to profound dramas including Bertolt Brecht’s The Good Woman of Setzuan (in mask) and Elie Wiesel’s The Trial of God. While completing her 2-year tour of duty as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya (1986-1988), she co-wrote and directed an original play called The Good Life. Subsequently, Madeline lived for many years in Louisville, KY, where she taught and directed at the Youth Performing Arts High School; and also founded, directed, and performed in her company Hands-On Theatre which presented participatory versions of world folktales in mask to audiences of adults and children. Madeline has an MS in Clinical Psychology and an MA in Theatre Arts, and by day works with adults with autism spectrum disorders. She is most excited to be having her NYC directorial debut with Hearts Afire.
Madeline started performing as an actress/singer at age 10, and began directing as an undergraduate at SUNY Binghamton. As a former high school teacher in both public and private schools, she taught theatre/acting classes as well as directed productions ranging from well-known musicals such as Godspell and (the lesser known) Dames at Sea to profound dramas including Bertolt Brecht’s The Good Woman of Setzuan (in mask) and Elie Wiesel’s The Trial of God. While completing her 2-year tour of duty as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya (1986-1988), she co-wrote and directed an original play called The Good Life. Subsequently, Madeline lived for many years in Louisville, KY, where she taught and directed at the Youth Performing Arts High School; and also founded, directed, and performed in her company Hands-On Theatre which presented participatory versions of world folktales in mask to audiences of adults and children. Madeline has an MS in Clinical Psychology and an MA in Theatre Arts, and by day works with adults with autism spectrum disorders. She is most excited to be having her NYC directorial debut with Hearts Afire.
Lindsey Gradwohl (Stage Manager)
Lindsey Gradwohl (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be on the team for Hearts Afire. She is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a BA in Theatre and Music. Lindsey has enjoyed success in various roles, as both a stage manager and a singer. Credits include: Telling (Fresh Fruit Festival 2015), Noises Off (Baldwin Wallace University), A Nightmare of Crime (Brecksville Theatre), and Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade (Walt Disney World Resort). Lindsey would like to thank Jordan for all his support. www.lmgradwohl.com
Lindsey Gradwohl (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be on the team for Hearts Afire. She is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a BA in Theatre and Music. Lindsey has enjoyed success in various roles, as both a stage manager and a singer. Credits include: Telling (Fresh Fruit Festival 2015), Noises Off (Baldwin Wallace University), A Nightmare of Crime (Brecksville Theatre), and Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade (Walt Disney World Resort). Lindsey would like to thank Jordan for all his support. www.lmgradwohl.com
Lauren Wright (Assistant Stage Manager)
Lauren is from a small town in Vermont, she graduated from Castleton State University with a degree in Theatre Arts. There she focused on Stage Managing and worked on over 12 productions. two of which she was nominated for KCACTF awards. After college she relocated to Las Vegas. There she realized that her passions still lied in Theatre. She took the plunge and made the move back to the east coast just a few months ago. This is her first production in New York and is excited to be jumping in head first.
Lauren is from a small town in Vermont, she graduated from Castleton State University with a degree in Theatre Arts. There she focused on Stage Managing and worked on over 12 productions. two of which she was nominated for KCACTF awards. After college she relocated to Las Vegas. There she realized that her passions still lied in Theatre. She took the plunge and made the move back to the east coast just a few months ago. This is her first production in New York and is excited to be jumping in head first.
Taylor Lane Ross (Company Manager)
Taylor Lane Ross is thrilled to be working on this incredible show. This is her fourth year with FringeNYC. Previously, she has interned for The Nederlander Producing Company (marketing), Boneau-Bryan Brown (press), and IRT Theater (company management). Last year, she had the pleasure of performing in the sold out FringeNYC show Fatty Fatty No Friends! Regional and other credits include Urinetown (Little Sally), Bat Boy: The Musical (Ruthie Taylor/Ned), Hairspray (Tracy Turnblad), A Flea in Her Ear (Nanette/Perrier), Les Miserables (Eponine), and An American Tragedy by Charles Strouse (Mary/Hester). Nominated for several Broadwayworld.com awards including Person to Watch and Best Actress Under 25. She studied at Italy’s Accademia dell' Arte and graduated from Muhlenberg College with a degree in theater and music. www.taylorlaneross.com
Taylor Lane Ross is thrilled to be working on this incredible show. This is her fourth year with FringeNYC. Previously, she has interned for The Nederlander Producing Company (marketing), Boneau-Bryan Brown (press), and IRT Theater (company management). Last year, she had the pleasure of performing in the sold out FringeNYC show Fatty Fatty No Friends! Regional and other credits include Urinetown (Little Sally), Bat Boy: The Musical (Ruthie Taylor/Ned), Hairspray (Tracy Turnblad), A Flea in Her Ear (Nanette/Perrier), Les Miserables (Eponine), and An American Tragedy by Charles Strouse (Mary/Hester). Nominated for several Broadwayworld.com awards including Person to Watch and Best Actress Under 25. She studied at Italy’s Accademia dell' Arte and graduated from Muhlenberg College with a degree in theater and music. www.taylorlaneross.com
Leslie Smith (Lighting Designer)
Lighting Supervisor for Heidi Latsky Dance; Metamorphoses (dir. Greg Taubman, Long Island University); Ships and Salsa (ch. Chuck Wilt, UNA Projects); Bat Boy: The Musical (dir. Woody Howard, Horace Mann School); Resident Lighting Designer/Supervisor for Second Ave. Dance Co. (NYU Tisch 2012 - 2014); Dark Matters excerpt (ch. Crystal Pite, NYU Tisch); Puppet Titus Andronicus (dir. Ryan Rinkel, Theatre Row); The Dwarfs, Footfalls, and Rockaby (dir. JoAnne Akalaitis, NYU Tisch); Meantime (dir. Stephen Fried, NYU Tisch). B.A. in English, Lewis and Clark College; M.F.A. in Lighting Design, NYU Tisch Design for Stage and Film; J.S. Seidman Award (2014).
Lighting Supervisor for Heidi Latsky Dance; Metamorphoses (dir. Greg Taubman, Long Island University); Ships and Salsa (ch. Chuck Wilt, UNA Projects); Bat Boy: The Musical (dir. Woody Howard, Horace Mann School); Resident Lighting Designer/Supervisor for Second Ave. Dance Co. (NYU Tisch 2012 - 2014); Dark Matters excerpt (ch. Crystal Pite, NYU Tisch); Puppet Titus Andronicus (dir. Ryan Rinkel, Theatre Row); The Dwarfs, Footfalls, and Rockaby (dir. JoAnne Akalaitis, NYU Tisch); Meantime (dir. Stephen Fried, NYU Tisch). B.A. in English, Lewis and Clark College; M.F.A. in Lighting Design, NYU Tisch Design for Stage and Film; J.S. Seidman Award (2014).