Core Dancers:
Cirxus Performers: Tammy Firefly, Antonio G-R, Boone Platt, Cheetah Platt, Monique Ziering
PRODUCTION CREW
Show Production:
Digital scenography Team: Al Gonzalez, Elise Spacek, Matt Boyd, Jose Pimienta, Tim Lamb
The Music of Caligari Singer: Christina Linhardt, Regan Remy, Sasha Travis, Al Gonzalez, Alex Polinsky, Jason Hicks Actors: David Wilkinson, Jason Hicks, Alex Polinsky, Christina Linhardt Players:
Roger Fojas (Dr. Caligari, The Director) - A multi-faceted creative character, Roger is a performer, choreographer, photographer, actor, dancer, writer, and clown. He has performed in several Los Angeles dance and theater troupes including CAG Theater, Hybrid Physical Theater, and the Silayan Dance Company. Roger is also highly acknowledged for his achievements in the vaudeville and circus performance worlds, where he is an active Ringmaster, character, and clown. He’s performed and choreographed with troupes including Dream Circus Theater, Your Town Follies, the Wandering Marionettes, and the Lucent Dossier Experience. Roger has performed at music/art festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza & the Electric Daisy Carnival (USA), Electric Picnic (Ireland), Boom (Portugal), and within events through the UK, Canada and Guatemala, as well touring across the country as Ringmaster/clown with the band Panic! at the Disco (2006). Roger is featured in the 2011 documentary Don’t Change the Subject, The Light of Love (2010), and the Panic! at the Disco concert DVD (2006). The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is Roger’s debut production with the Astra Dance Company and he’s honored to be working with such a diverse and creative community of talented artists. Marlon Pelayo (Francis) - Born and raised in Los Angeles and inspired by his tap dancing sister, Marlon has been dancing professionally for almost 7 years, traveling to rare spots like the Dead Sea and Afghanistan to perform for the Troops. Spending time in Greece and Israel, Marlon studied ancient Greek Dance and a new form of dance from Batsheva Dance Company called Gaga. Recently Marlon can be seen dancing behind Nicki Minaj in The Victoria Secert Fashion Show; Body Doubling Ken Marino in Adult Swims new hit Sitcom Children’s Hospital and Opening the Emmys with Jane Lynch. Marlon currently teaches at the EDGE Performing Art Center where he trained for almost 12 years. with Frank Williams, Ryan Heffington, Terri Best and Andre Fuentes. The role of Francis is Marlon’s debut as a professional actor, developing his skills in Blood Wedding (Moon), Dark Side of the Moon (John the Witch Boy), Little Shop of Horrors (Ensemble), The Madness of Pecos Bill (Pecos), Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka), The Tree (Ivy) and Willy Wonka (Willy). Marlon wishes to thank the cast for being so talented and gracious. He can’t believe a treasure like “…Calagari” has been presented and requested of his exploration. May you enjoy the inner workings of Madness, Magic and Mystery. Andrew Claus (Cesare) - Originally from Seattle, WA, grew up very active in sports and the outdoors. After graduating from Whitman College and completing a year-long post-graduate acting program at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he moved to New Your City to work as a dancer. Andrew trained at the Paul Taylor Dance School, and danced with a number of ballet and modern dance companies. His resume is filled with dance, theater, film and TV. Andrew is excited to be part of this production, with Astra Dance Company after appearing in their last production of “Eleonora” as the leading male, Pyrros, here at the El Portal. Amy Highfill (Jane Olsen) - Amy is originally from Missouri, and is a small town girl at heart! She’s been dancing since the age of 4, and hasn’t stopped since. After earning a BFA in dance, Amy moved to New York City working with many notable choreographers and companies. She studied at the Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham schools, acted Off- Broadway, and performed works by Sean Curran, Nathan Trice, and David Parsons. As a dancer, actress, and choreographer in Los Angeles, Amy has worked on national commercials, films, television, and many live shows. Hart Pulse Dance Co., Dream World Cirque, Bollywood Step, and John Gabriel Magic are a few of her recent performances. She is excited to reunite with this wonderful Astra family, and is so grateful for the opportunity to discover the emotional rollercoaster of Jane Olsen! SAG, AFTRA, AEA Kent Lowell (Dr. Olsen) - Early in his career, Kent performed and competed for several years in the US and Europe as a member of The BYU Ballroom Dance Company. He achieved Gold accreditation from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing as well as winning and placing in US Ballroom competitions and the hallowed Blackpool England world championships (1980). Kent has also performed as an improv and mime artist throughout the U.S. Kent went on to compete, perform and teach martial arts for nearly 2 decades (US Champion 1998) and pursued a career in international telecommunications. Now retired, Kent has returned to film and the stage. He competes, instructs, and choreographs in all ballroom dances and is currently completing a college degree in dance. Dr. Caligari is his second engagement with the Astra Dance Company, performing in “Astra” at the Million Dollar Theater in 2010. He is honored to share the stage with this talented cast of performers! Olivia Loren Bollfrass (Alan & Core Dancer) - Raised as a snow bunny in Minnesota, Olivia made the transition to Los Angeles to chase her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Knowing since the age of three that dance would forever be in her life, she would dedicate fifteen years to her studio; competing, traveling for nationals, summer events, and intensives. Attending Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists taught her many skills to be used throughout her career. She has been trained and educated in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and even African. Her training also includes choreographic studies and acting. Eager to continue learning, Olivia is always looking for new ways to light up the stage. Recently performing in events such as; Momentum, The Industry Voice, Carnival, “The Event” and more, has opened more doors than imagined. Olivia loves spreading passion, drive, commitment, and happiness to others through the beautiful art of dance. Monique Ziering (Core Dancer, Contortionist Circus Act, Secretary) - Ziering is a Los Angeles native. As a very physically active child she taught herself to ride a two wheel bike at the age of two and throughout her childhood she always competed against the boys. At the age of eight while watching the gymnastic Olympics Monique said, “I can do that!” Teaching herself to do the splits & cart wheels, she trained to compete as an elite Rhythmic Gymnastics ranking in the top ten Nationally. After retiring from competion, she began to study and perform dance at Santa Monica College where she fell in love with the Horton style of modern dance under the instruction of Ron Brown. She now loves to perform, explore movement, and create art at every opportunity. Kenna Wright (Core Dancer) - Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Wright was adopted at age one to a family in California. She began her dance training at 3 years old and has trained consistently in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap and ballet. She has trained at Alvin Ailey American Ballet Theater, Broadway Dance Center, the Edge, Debbie Reynolds and local studios where she grew up. She is excited to pursue her dream of being a working professional dancer, after studying dance at Loyola Marymount University. Credits include the Little Girl in the MLK Project, Clara in The Nutcracker with the Sacramento Ballet, dancer with Core Dance Collective professional dance company, and The Syringa Tree with the Sacramento Theater Company. She has worked with many LA choreographers including Lauren Gottlieb, Bobby Newberry, Brian Friedman and Doug Caldwell. She is honored to be working with the wonderful cast of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” Jarrod Tyler Paulson (Core Dancer) - Paulson decided to follow his fellow snow bunny to L.A. where he is now pursuing the life of a professional dancer. Jarrod began his dance training at the age of 10 years old at Larkin Dance studio, where he began to study many styles of dance such as: tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary. He then decided to continue his study of dance in high school while attending Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists. Since his departure from school he has done many projects, most recent include: IDA showcase, Carnival, Momentum, and Natalie’s Wish Foundation. He is looking forward to his upcoming performance for the Los Angeles Ballet Academy. In the future Jarrod hopes to become a choreographer and the owner of a dance studio along with his sweetie pie. Janelle Cruz (Core Dancer, Police) - A Guam native, Cruz made the BIG move to LA to pursue her dance career. Represented by DDO Agency, she has had the pleasure of working with artists such as Cher Lloyd, Kelly Rowland and Simple Plan. She has also danced for Glowfest at Disney’s California Adventure and does character work as “Carlos” for the Universal movie, HOP. Loving many genres of dance, Janelle is a member of Karmagraphy, a Bollywood fusion company, FLIRT, an all girl jazz funk group, as well as Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble, a contemporary and Jewish folk dance company. Janelle is excited to be a part of this amazing cast and she thanks all her friends and family for their continued support. Gaton askey (Core Dancer, The Man) - Gaton began his dancing career 11 years ago competing and taking class in the St. Louis area. While living in St. Louis he performed in many stage productions like Grease, Lez Miserable, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Seussical the Musical and Fiddler on the Roof in venues like the St. Louis Muny. While at home he traveled with the Tremaine Dance Company training and performing in major cities across America. Gaton has trained at Oklahoma City University as a Dance Performance major under the amazing Joe Rowan as well as the new St. Louis Jazz. After his last contract abroad with Jean Ann Ryan Productions, Gaton is overwhelmingly excited to performing live here in North Hollywood! Taylor Hensley (Core Dancer) - Taylor has an extensive background in dance technique and performance. She was a member of the Dancin’ Feet Performing Company in Dallas, TX and has trained at the Edge Performing Arts Center & Broadway Dance Center. During her tenure with Dancin’ Feet she was awarded over 50 “Top 10” solo awards and was awarded over 20 titles at various National dance competitions including Junior, Teen and Senior Miss Starpower! She was selected to be a part of several Dallas Cowboys halftime performances and had the opportunity to dance alongside Jessica Simpson, Beyonce, Toby Keith, and Sheryl Crow. Not long after, Taylor was chosen as one of the top 20 dancers to represent Dallas, Texas in American Dance Idol in Orlando, Florida and was a finalist at JUMP! Nationals allowing her the opportunity to dance at Radio City Music Hall in New York. As a recent graduate from California State University Long Beach, Taylor has now been signed with DDO Artists Agency and is working there part time as an agent assistant and auditioning every chance she gets! Cheetah Platt (Criminal, Tumbler, Circus Act, Asylum Inmate) - Platt is a nationally recognized and professionally touring dancer/performer with shows around the world. He is the artistic director of Aerial Revolution Entertainment (based in San Diego), as well as co-creator of the internationally touring production, “The Platt Brothers.” He has performed with Cirque du Soleil, toured with Disney, and was a featured quarter finalist on America’s Got Talent. The Platt Brothers was voted “Best Live Comedy” as well as “Best Family Entertainment” in San Diego, and has been featured on stages and television programs worldwide. He is a professional circus performer specializing in aerial arts such as Silks, Trapeze, and his specialty fire-eating act. He is also an international dance judge serving around the world and representing the US on the prestigious USASF World’s championship dance competition judging panel. Boone Platt (Police, Tumbler, Circus Act, Asylum Inmate) - Born in Ukiah, CA, Platt has pursued the performing arts since his first dance class at the age of 5. Immediately following his high school graduation, he joined his two older brothers in creating their own full-length theater show entitled “The Platt Brothers”. Their self-titled show toured theaters across the United States, was featured on America’s Got Talent, the Chabad Telethon, The Soup with Joel McHale, and headlined shows for Disney International Cruises. He has been featured on American Ninja Warrior, FOX’s Hole in the Wall, and has performed with Cirque du Soleil. Tammy Firefly (Hoop Artist, Circus Act, Inmate (Sc.31) & Flier Girl) - Tammy is an internationally acclaimed performance artist whose unique and refined style is rooted in modern dance, theatre and circus arts. Inspired by creativity and self expression, with a repertoire ranging from fire dance to aerials and acrobatics, her performances fascinate and entrance viewers with decadent magnificence. In early 2007, Tammy Firefly embarked on her first world tour and has since captivated audiences across Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Her refined and unique style has been enriched by each stop around the globe, providing new inspiration and creative progression to her diverse range of acts. In addition to performance, Tammy Firefly offers a wealth of experience in teaching technical and performance classes, from private instruction to group workshops. Antonio G-R (Stilt Artist, Circus Act & Inmate (Sc.31)) - Antonio G-R was born in Mexico and raised in the town of Tepoztlan, Morelos. He graduated from UC Santa Cruz in the field of Electrical Engineering and Robotics and worked in special effects, both practical and digital for film and commercials. He has worked on projects like The Aviator, Chronicles of Riddik, League of Extraordinary Gentelmen and others. In 2008 he became a member of Stilt Circus, became a stilt performer and began making professional stilts. Currently he resides in Los Angeles, California. He’s an active member of Lucent Dossier, Stilt Circus and also performs with the The Wandering Marionettes in Los Angeles Natalie Linthorst (Jane’s Nurse, Asylum Inmate) - At age 67 Natalie is still dancing and has been for many years. In 2009, Natalie danced as a featured dancer in an Argentine Tango show at the Alex Theater and was invited back again in January 2012 to perform at Stars Palace in Glendale, CA. Natalie is excited to be part of Astra Dance Company’s cast once again, after performing in their 2010 show “Astra” at the Million Dollar Theater as a waltz/ballroom dancer. She loved every minute of that show and is grateful for the opportunity to return to the stage. She hopes you enjoy the show. David Wilkinson (Founder, Artistic Director) - Wilkinson received the 1026-page , “The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe,” and tried to read it at a single sitting, many long years ago. Ex-private pilot, ex-skydiver, ex-paraglider, his body is now self-grounded, but his imagination still soars. In addition to founding Astra Dance Company, Wilkinson is also a UCLA professor, author of five books and fifty-odd articles and a traveler to strange destinations--Ulan Bator, Timbuktu, Titicaca… He was once diving in search of a lost and sunken city off the coast of Africa, only to be driven off by its guardian jellyfish. He is thrilled to see Dr. Caligari take to the stage. Autumn Fawn (Producer) - Fawn has spent most of her life in entertainment, beginning her career as a professional actor at the age of 9. After graduating from the Second City Conservatory as an improv artist, Ms. Fawn started her own production company, A-LIVE Interactive Productions where she wrote, directed, produced and played in original musical theater and cabarets like “A Night at the Moulin Rouge,” which played repeatedly to sold-out audiences. Autumn has also produced for The Kingston Jazz Theater Company; select shows include: “The Ice Storm,” “Not Black & White: A Tribute to Louis Armstrong,” and “The Penis Diaries” all playing to sold--out audiences at the National Arts Center. Ms. Fawn continues to produce live entertainment and with the Astra Dance Company, through whom she has produced and directed her first documentary “The Making of a Dream.” Regan Remy (Co-Creator, Composer) - Falling in love with “Fur Elise” at age 8 set Regan “High Priestess” on her course to be a composer. She achieved prominence scoring everything from film trailers (Munich, The New World, Team America, Resident Evil, Lost, The Grid, Alias, 24) to big budget erotica (“The Fashionistas”, “Paradise Lost” and “Beautiful”). She has performed all over the world including: Australia with “Love in the Circus”, Europe and Bali. State-side she’s performed at Burning Man, Labyrinth of Jareth, Faerieworlds, Comicon and as an opera-singing mermaid in cirque show, Oceania. Regan and David Wilkinson founded the Astra Dance Company in 2007 based on a mutual passion for music, dance and classical literature. Sasha travis (Director) - Travis sees art as the connector of all things, unifying all aspects of production, on the stage and off, to tell a compelling and passionate story. Travis moved to Los Angeles in 2008, assuming a directing position for Sypher Art Studios, taking on role of Lead Director for the Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball. She joined the producing team for Labyrinth of Jareth in 2009. Travis has also had the pleasure of directing shows for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and joined the Astra Dance Company as Director in 2010. Nichelle Bane (Choreographer) - As a dancer Nichelle was a member and soloist with the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo. Since moving to LA some of her credits include Friends, Clueless, Austin Powers 2 and more. She has been a guest artist with Rei Aoo’s Dance planet. Nichelle is currently on faculty at Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, and The Los Angeles Ballet Academy. She has taught all over the United States, and is an award-winning choreographer. Nichelle is the founder and artistic director of the Los Angeles based Reflections Dance Company. Recently Nichelle co-directed the 8th annual Momentum, An Evening Of Dance, at the El Portal Theater where she brought in guest artist from the Joffrey Ballet, and the Groovaloos. Erin Demos (Stage Manager) - Originally from Boulder Colorado, Erin received her BFA from California Institute of the Arts focusing in dance Stage Management. Erin’s works include Head Stage Manager for Hart Pulse Dance Company, including Stage Manager for MixMatch dance festival, and Rehearsal Stage Manager / Performance Coordinator for the Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball. Louie Lambie (Practical Set Design/Construction) - Lambie is an actor, stuntman, sailor, biker, builder, and adventurer. He has sailed across oceans and ridden across continents. He has built everything from race cars and motorcycles, to boats and houses. RJ Parsons (Practical Set Design/Construction) - Growing up in the Renaissance faires, RJ has been organizing and performing various improv, comedy and stunt shows for the past 18 years. For the last seven years, he has been designing and constructing large scale art pieces for the Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball, and stage props for various shows in the Los Angeles area. RJ enjoys working both on and off the stage utilizing as many skills as possible, to do as many different jobs as needed to create a successful show! Dani Lagomarsino (Hair & Make Up Design) - Dani’s avant garde hair & make-up designs take on a life of their own through her fantasy-based work with clients like, ‘Time of the Faeries’ and, ‘Artisan Imagery Photography’. When she isn’t creating shock and awe in the print world she serves as the personal stylist and make-up artist to bands like, ‘Alice’ and ‘Mankind is Obsolete’. Joe Pi (Artwork) - Joe Pi grew up in the clash of Mexican and American culture. He has always been drawing and studied visual narrative in Savannah, Ga. Today, he lives in Los Angeles drinking coffee and attempting to draw beyond his own imagination. Elise Spacek (Digital Scenography) - Spacek is from Bethany, Connecticut, and holds a BFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design. She enjoys many creative pursuits including book illustration, abstract painting, pencil portraits, metalsmithing, book binding, graphic design, and knitting. She has recently been published by Globe Pequot Press. Allen Clark (Lighting Designer) - Clark attended The University of Texas at Austin way too long ago, where he studied Theatrical Design under David Nancarrow. He has worked in Film, Television, and live Theater for 20+ years, designing for Santa Fe Opera, Minnesota Repertory Theatre, and numerous independent venues. He has been the Resident Designer for the Los Angeles Ballet Academy and the Los Angeles Youth Ballet for the past 6 years. When pried out of the theatre, he enjoys spending time with his family, scuba diving, and riding a bicycle for long hours (preferably without crashing and landing on his head). Eric Chauvin (Catering) - Chauvin has loved the culinary arts his entire life. Growing up in his mother’s “Cajun” kitchen, he watched and learned from her culinary graces. From there he worked under several grand chefs who taught him the skills of their trade. He is an unconventional and creative chef whose passion is making food that excites and begs to be tried again & again. SPECIAL THANKS Astra Dance Company would like to give special thanks to Tom Antonellis of Arthur Murray, Sherman Oaks; Michelle Gilstrap of the UCNH Chamber of Commerce; Jessica of the Arts Institute of California; Sheena Metal of LA Talk Radio for being such an advocate of the arts in NoHo; Allen Clark for his passion for arts and the incredible lighting design | Overview | Cast/Creative Synopsis Media News and Press Caligari Cafe 
Location The El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 91601 Schedule May 11, 2012 @ 8:00pm May 12, 2012 @ 8:00pm May 18, 2012 @ 8:00pm May 19, 2012 @ 8:00pm Information and Tickets: (818) 508-4200 Calendar Press Mailing List  |
