Sunday Shorts: The Series
"Hey guys...what if we made a web series?"
In November of 2015, Tara, Josh, Hannah, Luciana, Bethany, Colleen, Dan, and Lauren convened as a class of apprentices at The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan. Following the inspiration of actor and playwright Matthew Letscher, the apprentices decided to write, produce, and edit a web series in addition to their responsibilities of building sets, cleaning toilets, hanging lights, and selling tickets. With a budget of zero dollars, no professional film experience, and a camcorder borrowed from the theater, these eight artists set out on a quest to capture the humor, calamity, and absurdity of their daily lives.
In November of 2015, Tara, Josh, Hannah, Luciana, Bethany, Colleen, Dan, and Lauren convened as a class of apprentices at The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan. Following the inspiration of actor and playwright Matthew Letscher, the apprentices decided to write, produce, and edit a web series in addition to their responsibilities of building sets, cleaning toilets, hanging lights, and selling tickets. With a budget of zero dollars, no professional film experience, and a camcorder borrowed from the theater, these eight artists set out on a quest to capture the humor, calamity, and absurdity of their daily lives.
Cast and Crew
Tara Ann Althaus
Tara is a current apprentice at The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan and a Musical Theatre Performance graduate of CAP21 Conservatory in New York City. She has a passion for dancing and has spent six years as a dance instructor for young children as well as producing the 2015 Miss Monroe County Scholarship Program. When not onstage, Tara works with her not-for-profit organization Once Upon A Time - Youth Literacy and Disabilities to help children who struggle with reading.
Tara enjoys long walks with her invisible dog -Yahtzee, playing tag by herself in the local cemetery, and reading the autobiographies of The Brady Bunch family.
Tara is a current apprentice at The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan and a Musical Theatre Performance graduate of CAP21 Conservatory in New York City. She has a passion for dancing and has spent six years as a dance instructor for young children as well as producing the 2015 Miss Monroe County Scholarship Program. When not onstage, Tara works with her not-for-profit organization Once Upon A Time - Youth Literacy and Disabilities to help children who struggle with reading.
Tara enjoys long walks with her invisible dog -Yahtzee, playing tag by herself in the local cemetery, and reading the autobiographies of The Brady Bunch family.
Joshua Chamberlain
Joshua Chamberlain is a writer and artist from Dayton, Ohio, An alumnus of the University of Dayton and a proud graduate of the ArtStreet facility, Joshua is the founder of the annual White Box Theatre Festival and is currently at work on his first novel. In his free time, he enjoys drinking Red Bull, screaming at the top of his lungs, and composing poems about his current existential crisis. To learn more about Josh, visit his website at www.joshua-chamberlain.com.
Joshua Chamberlain is a writer and artist from Dayton, Ohio, An alumnus of the University of Dayton and a proud graduate of the ArtStreet facility, Joshua is the founder of the annual White Box Theatre Festival and is currently at work on his first novel. In his free time, he enjoys drinking Red Bull, screaming at the top of his lungs, and composing poems about his current existential crisis. To learn more about Josh, visit his website at www.joshua-chamberlain.com.
Hannah Foerschler
Hannah Foerschler hails from the land of Lawrence, Kansas. She grew up doing a lot of music, theater, and "nerdy activities" in and out of school. After earning her B.A. in music with a minor in mathematics (NERD) from Kenyon College, she worked in an ice cream shop for a summer. Then she jumped at the opportunity to work as an apprentice for the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan. Beyond her hopes and aspirations to be a professional theatrical sound designer, Hannah enjoys baking pies, drinking root beer, and petting dogs. She might even sing for you (if you ask nicely).
Hannah Foerschler hails from the land of Lawrence, Kansas. She grew up doing a lot of music, theater, and "nerdy activities" in and out of school. After earning her B.A. in music with a minor in mathematics (NERD) from Kenyon College, she worked in an ice cream shop for a summer. Then she jumped at the opportunity to work as an apprentice for the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan. Beyond her hopes and aspirations to be a professional theatrical sound designer, Hannah enjoys baking pies, drinking root beer, and petting dogs. She might even sing for you (if you ask nicely).
Luciana Piazza
The resident Italian of the bunch, Luciana is graduate of Oakland University's BFA Acting program and the Hydrama Classical Theatre Study Program in Greece. Along with performances and Dexter's Encore Musical Theatre Company (South Pacific), and Royal Oak's Water Works Theatre Company (Hamlet & As You Like It), she was in the original cast performance and recording of BeBop: The Musical. She has also enjoyed working as an assistant director for several productions at the Troy Theatre Ensemble. Recently, Luciana has been pursuing voice-over opportunities, and can be heard on Oakland University's virtual tour for Graduate Studies. She can be seen in the film Liberty's Secret (to be released this year). Luciana has enjoyed the opportunity to sing in a variety of venues encompassing jazz, classical, and golden age musical theatre styles. She is very thankful for the support and guidance of family, friends, and many inspiring teachers and colleagues. For more from Luciana, visit her website at: www.lucianapiazza.com.
The resident Italian of the bunch, Luciana is graduate of Oakland University's BFA Acting program and the Hydrama Classical Theatre Study Program in Greece. Along with performances and Dexter's Encore Musical Theatre Company (South Pacific), and Royal Oak's Water Works Theatre Company (Hamlet & As You Like It), she was in the original cast performance and recording of BeBop: The Musical. She has also enjoyed working as an assistant director for several productions at the Troy Theatre Ensemble. Recently, Luciana has been pursuing voice-over opportunities, and can be heard on Oakland University's virtual tour for Graduate Studies. She can be seen in the film Liberty's Secret (to be released this year). Luciana has enjoyed the opportunity to sing in a variety of venues encompassing jazz, classical, and golden age musical theatre styles. She is very thankful for the support and guidance of family, friends, and many inspiring teachers and colleagues. For more from Luciana, visit her website at: www.lucianapiazza.com.
Bethany Roberts
Bethany Roberts is a writer and actor from Texas. She graduated from Baylor in 2015 and moved up to Michigan to pursue her passions at the Purple Rose Theatre Company. She generally succeeds in making people laugh. She hopes to continue to generally succeed in making people laugh. She is thankful for the Purple Rose and the fellow apprentices for challenging her and pushing her and encouraging her.
Bethany Roberts is a writer and actor from Texas. She graduated from Baylor in 2015 and moved up to Michigan to pursue her passions at the Purple Rose Theatre Company. She generally succeeds in making people laugh. She hopes to continue to generally succeed in making people laugh. She is thankful for the Purple Rose and the fellow apprentices for challenging her and pushing her and encouraging her.
Colleen Schuldeis
Colleen Schuldeis is a budding Stage Manager, lighting designer, and amateur carpenter/welder/fabricator. She completed her Bachelor of the Arts at Kalamazoo College, double majoring in Biology and Theatre Arts. She is Chicago-bound next fall and is looking forward to a bright future in the Theatre. In addition to her dedication to the art of stage management Colleen writes, paints, and plays ultimate Frisbee. This is her first webseries, unless you count "Die Gaensemagd" for IB German class, which she does not.
Colleen Schuldeis is a budding Stage Manager, lighting designer, and amateur carpenter/welder/fabricator. She completed her Bachelor of the Arts at Kalamazoo College, double majoring in Biology and Theatre Arts. She is Chicago-bound next fall and is looking forward to a bright future in the Theatre. In addition to her dedication to the art of stage management Colleen writes, paints, and plays ultimate Frisbee. This is her first webseries, unless you count "Die Gaensemagd" for IB German class, which she does not.
Dan Shefer
Dan Shefer is a graduate from Indiana University Bloomington with a B.A. in Theatre and Drama. His acting credits include Indiana University Mainstage’s Imaginary Invalid (Thomas Daiforus) and Romeo & Juliet (Peter/Ensemble), Notre Dame Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV (Sir Hugh Evans/Sir Coleville/Ensemble), Lucrezia Borgia (Maffio Orsini), and University Players’ Honey Brown Eyes (Denis). He is a first generation American and is fluent in Russian. Currently, Dan works as an apprentice at The Purple Rose Theatre Company in hopes of becoming a well rounded thespian. In the future, he will be moving to New York City to pursue a career in acting. Dan is originally from South Bend, Indiana.
Dan Shefer is a graduate from Indiana University Bloomington with a B.A. in Theatre and Drama. His acting credits include Indiana University Mainstage’s Imaginary Invalid (Thomas Daiforus) and Romeo & Juliet (Peter/Ensemble), Notre Dame Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV (Sir Hugh Evans/Sir Coleville/Ensemble), Lucrezia Borgia (Maffio Orsini), and University Players’ Honey Brown Eyes (Denis). He is a first generation American and is fluent in Russian. Currently, Dan works as an apprentice at The Purple Rose Theatre Company in hopes of becoming a well rounded thespian. In the future, he will be moving to New York City to pursue a career in acting. Dan is originally from South Bend, Indiana.
Lauren Smith
Lauren is an actor and costume designer from Owensville, Missouri and is currently an apprentice at the Purple Rose Theatre Company. Other recent theaters include the New Harmony Theatre (wardrobe supervisor) and the Maples Repertory Theatre (costume designer, children's show performer). She is super excited to work with her friends on this web series.
Lauren is an actor and costume designer from Owensville, Missouri and is currently an apprentice at the Purple Rose Theatre Company. Other recent theaters include the New Harmony Theatre (wardrobe supervisor) and the Maples Repertory Theatre (costume designer, children's show performer). She is super excited to work with her friends on this web series.
Guest Cast
Guy Sanville -- Guy
Guy is a professional actor, director and teacher. He celebrated his 20th anniversary as Artistic Director of the Purple Rose Theatre company in May of 2015. He has directed over 50 plays for the PRTC, including over 40 world premieres. In addition, he teaches workshops and lectures at the Purple Rose and around the country. He is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority. He resides in Chelsea with his wife, Nancee, and daughter, Rose.
Guy is a professional actor, director and teacher. He celebrated his 20th anniversary as Artistic Director of the Purple Rose Theatre company in May of 2015. He has directed over 50 plays for the PRTC, including over 40 world premieres. In addition, he teaches workshops and lectures at the Purple Rose and around the country. He is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority. He resides in Chelsea with his wife, Nancee, and daughter, Rose.
Michelle Mountain -- Michelle
Michelle serves as the Apprentice Chief, Literary Manager, and Director of Educational Programming at the Purple Rose and has been a Resident Artist since 1998. Michelle’s previous Purple Rose appearances include Morning After Grace, Gaps in the Fossil Record, The Odd Couple, 2AZ, Steel Magnolias, Annapurna, The PRTC Spring Comedy Festival: Lovers, Liars, & Lunatics,Redwood Curtain, Miles and Ellie, 33 Variations, Superior Donuts, White Buffalo, Some Couples May…, Best of Friends, Boeing-Boeing, Our Town, Gravity, Wake, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Poetry of Pizza, When the Lights Come On, The Subject Was Roses, The Glass Menagerie, Norma & Wanda, Blithe Spirit, Across the Way, Born Yesterday, Orphan Train: An American Melodrama, The Hole (Detroit Free Press Best Actress Award), Marcus is Walking, and Book of Days. Her Purple Rose directing credits include The Last Romance, On Golden Pond, Growing Pretty, Hope for Corky and Morning's At Seven.
Michelle serves as the Apprentice Chief, Literary Manager, and Director of Educational Programming at the Purple Rose and has been a Resident Artist since 1998. Michelle’s previous Purple Rose appearances include Morning After Grace, Gaps in the Fossil Record, The Odd Couple, 2AZ, Steel Magnolias, Annapurna, The PRTC Spring Comedy Festival: Lovers, Liars, & Lunatics,Redwood Curtain, Miles and Ellie, 33 Variations, Superior Donuts, White Buffalo, Some Couples May…, Best of Friends, Boeing-Boeing, Our Town, Gravity, Wake, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Poetry of Pizza, When the Lights Come On, The Subject Was Roses, The Glass Menagerie, Norma & Wanda, Blithe Spirit, Across the Way, Born Yesterday, Orphan Train: An American Melodrama, The Hole (Detroit Free Press Best Actress Award), Marcus is Walking, and Book of Days. Her Purple Rose directing credits include The Last Romance, On Golden Pond, Growing Pretty, Hope for Corky and Morning's At Seven.
Gary Ciarkowski -- Gary
Gary has been working for the Purple Rose as the Master Electrician since 1996. He has since taken on the responsibilities of Technical Director, Sound Engineer, Computer Network Administrator and Webmaster. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
Gary has been working for the Purple Rose as the Master Electrician since 1996. He has since taken on the responsibilities of Technical Director, Sound Engineer, Computer Network Administrator and Webmaster. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.
Thomas Macias -- Thomas
Thomas has been working at the Purple rose for 3 years now and started as an apprentice himself. He was born in Hawaii and went to undergrad at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.
Thomas has been working at the Purple rose for 3 years now and started as an apprentice himself. He was born in Hawaii and went to undergrad at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.
Tom Whalen -- Tom
Tom Whalen is a Purple Rose Resident Artist and has appeared in shows including Morning's At Seven, The Odd Couple, Casting Session, 2AZ, The PRTC Spring Comedy Festival: Lover Liars, & Lunatics, The Vast Difference, Our Town, Escanaba, Panhandle Slim & The Oklahoma Kid, Corktown, The Glass Menagerie, The Good Doctor, Let It Be, Guys on Ice, and Orphan Train: An American Melodrama. Tom has also designed sound for numerous PRTC productions. He has performed locally at the BoarsHead Theatre, Jewish ensemble Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, Hilberry Repertory, The Gem Theatre, The Attic Theatre, and Performance Network.
Tom Whalen is a Purple Rose Resident Artist and has appeared in shows including Morning's At Seven, The Odd Couple, Casting Session, 2AZ, The PRTC Spring Comedy Festival: Lover Liars, & Lunatics, The Vast Difference, Our Town, Escanaba, Panhandle Slim & The Oklahoma Kid, Corktown, The Glass Menagerie, The Good Doctor, Let It Be, Guys on Ice, and Orphan Train: An American Melodrama. Tom has also designed sound for numerous PRTC productions. He has performed locally at the BoarsHead Theatre, Jewish ensemble Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, Hilberry Repertory, The Gem Theatre, The Attic Theatre, and Performance Network.