THEATRE DAEDALUS ANNOUNCES ACTING ENSEMBLE
Eleven actors join company in ensemble's inaugural launch
COLUMBUS, OHIO (August 21, 2009)—Theatre Daedalus announced the creation of its acting ensemble in preparation for its second season of theatrical productions.
"We are excited and proud to welcome our core actors to the company," Artistic Director Jaclyn Villano said. "These eleven men and women will lend their talent and input to Theatre Daedalus. We're honored to have them join us."
Joining Theatre Daedalus as ensemble members: Randy Benge, Tim Browning, Dale Bush, Stefan Langer, Christina McQuade, Jane Mowder, Kim Sanders, Charlie Sloin, Sonda Staley-Lewis, Rachel Wengrow, and Marla Williams.
Each new member is a central Ohio theater veteran, save McQuade, who lives in New York. McQuade appeared with Theatre Daedalus in their January 2009 production Triple Play, as well as this summer's Project 10.
As a company founded by writers, Theatre Daedalus' focus is on generating new works for the stage. Having an ensemble allows the writers (including Villano, Managing Director Jeremy Sony, and Playwright-in-Residence Michael Parsons) to tailor projects to the strengths of their members. "We are now able to develop scripts with certain actors in mind. It allows us longer preparation time with all of our shows," Sony said. "That's a huge advantage in terms of staging a strong production."
Being in Theatre Daedalus' ensemble does not prevent the actors from taking roles in other theaters, nor will they be the only thespians on the Daedalus stage, according to Villano. "Our ensemble actors will continue to act with other companies, and we will hold open auditions as necessary to bring in new talent," she said. Villano stated that the ensemble will be a key component of their productions and development of new works. "They will have a voice in planning our future, working with the writers on script selection and development—we want Theatre Daedalus to be truly collaborative in nature, and having our ensemble on board is a big step in that direction."
As one of Daedalus' three founding writers, Parsons is excited to begin collaborating with the actors. "Each of our ensemble members has extensive experience and embodies the qualities we look for in a performer for our shows," Parsons said. "I'm thrilled to be able to write for a group like this. It's easier to generate a show when you can hear the actor or actress in your head, giving the lines."
All of the ensemble members worked with Theatre Daedalus in its first season. This group may be the first actors to join the company, but they will not be the last. "The ensemble is the core of a group that we aim to grow and develop," Parsons said.
The second season is being formed now, said Villano. One production, Villano's original piece, Unanswered, We Ride, has been chosen and is slated for a mid-November premiere. In addition to original work from the company's playwrights, Theatre Daedalus plans on presenting new productions from both local and nationally known writers, as well as staging established plays each season.
For more information about Theatre Daedalus or the ensemble, please write to info@theatredaedalus.com.
