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Puja (MFA '06)
A.C.T. MFA Alum Puja is producing the Nicholl Quarterfinalist project, Lakshmi. Puja will be attaching both Neena Gupta and Jim Carrey to this project. This project was written by Puja, and Puja will be acting, producing, and directing Lakshmi as well. We are so proud of the soul and artistry that Puja has poured into this project and we would love you to show some support! |
About Lakshmi:
Described as “a comedic love story with spiritual vibes,” the film follows Lakshmi, a recently widowed Indian woman. At 60, she is a devoted wife and mother who immigrated to Chicago for an arranged marriage. After her husband’s sudden death, Lakshmi unexpectedly finds love with Tom, a “fun, spiritual, and out-of-the-Matrix bachelor.”
The script was inspired by one of Puja’s loved ones she calls “aunty,” who was widowed at a young age and never dated again, she said. The experience prompted her to explore many “what if” scenarios in her writing.
To read more about this incredible project, check out Block Club Chicago's full article linked here.
Leslie Ishii (MFA '94, STC '87)
A.C.T. MFA Alum Leslie Ishii Named Recipient of 2024 SDCF Zelda Fichandler Award and the Actors Equity Paul Robenson Award! Leslie completed A.C.T.'s STC program in 1987, and then went on to complete the A.C.T. MFA program in 1994. We are beyond proud of Leslie's hard work and dedication to the craft. Please join us in celebrating her achievements! From Leslie's Playbill feature article: Named for the late founding artistic director of Arena Stage, the Zelda Fichandler Award recognizes directors and choreographers who have demonstrated great accomplishment with singular creativity and deep investment in a particular community or region. Ishii, who is based in the Western region, will receive an unrestricted award of $5,000. SDCF also named Snehal Desai as a finalist. Both artists will be honored in a virtual ceremony open to the public in the spring." From another Playbill feature article: "The Paul Robeson Award, given annually since the late Robeson received the first Citation in 1974, honors individuals who leverage theatre to go beyond the stage to enact their commitment to the freedom of expression and conscience. In a statement Ishii said: 'I have been a member of Equity since 1990, and I have my dear longtime friend and colleague, Mary Jo McConnell, a fellow Equity member, to thank for submitting me for this award. I have long admired the esteemed Paul Robeson for his brilliant artistry, impactful activism, and support of his family and many communities. He was truly a brilliant change-maker. I have always aspired to do the same. I am so deeply moved, humbled, and grateful to receive this prestigious Paul Robeson Award presented by the Paul Robeson Award Committee.'" |
Nicholas Yenson (STC '15)
STC Alum Nicholas Yenson has been cast as Malvolio in Folger Theatre's production of Twelfth Night directed by Mei Ann Teo. Nicholas completed the Summer Training Congress program in 2015 and has remained very active in the theater community. To follow his work, please visit his website linked here. We appreciate you showing him your support!
About the show:
Viola washes up on the shore after losing her twin brother in a shipwreck. In disguise as her twin brother, she lands in the world of Duke Orsino. Folger Theatre presents a playful interpretation of a beloved Shakespeare comedy that brings gender fluidity, mistaken identities, and what it means to move between worlds into a joyful discovery of love.
You can purchase tickets for the show here.
Click below to watch the Out of the Box reel!
Amy Grace Lam (STC '17)
STC Alum, Amy Grace Lam, is seeking collaborators for their project Out of the Box.
I'm working with director Scarlett Kim on developing my play, Out of the Box, into an immersive play-game blending live theater, Extended Reality technology, and gameplay for collective healing and transformative intelligence! We are currently looking for collaborators (scientists, designers, game makers) to join us as we explore how to integrate wisdom traditions, emotional intelligence and emergent technology for collective healing. In Out of the Box, protagonist Emily Wong, an assistant music professor, must navigate the trappings of academia. In the game, audiences play the role of spirit guides, supporting Emily’s healing while reflecting on their own journey. Each game realm offers encounters with deities, sacred geometry, plants, and animal spirits, activating wisdoms nearly made obsolete by rationalist paradigms. I started working on Out of the Box shortly after I finished STC. With amazing support from many folks, it has developed from a 5 page script (support from Min Kahng; 2019), to a Zoom reading during the pandemic (dir. M. Graham Smith; 2021), to a staged reading at Magic Theater (dir and producer Jerome Gentes; 2022) to two artistic workshops at Z Space (dir Scarlett Kim; 2024). We've received funding from TBA, SFAC and SFSU. We're now looking to test pilot this play game! A.C.T. was critical in making my journey possible. Thank you A.C.T.! Visit Amy Grace's website to learn more. |
Know an actor in training? Summer Training Congress is accepting applications for Summer 2025 now!
Visit our website here for information!
Renee/Ryan Mannequin (SFS Spring '23)
SFS Alum Renee Mannequin had a successful run starring in Oakland Theater Project's one-person production I Am My Own Wife. Renee completed the SFS program in the Spring of 2023. We are so proud of their hard work and commitment to socially impactful theater. Director of the Conservatory, Peter J. Kuo, had an incredible time watching Renee's performance, and spontaneously reuniting with both Renee and SFS alum Elio Amador!
About Renee/Ryan:
Renee/Ryan Mannequin (he/her/she/him) is a multi-talented amalgamation of all the arts set before you for your entertainment! Since flying in from Minneapolis, he's been seen as Oliver & The Fool in LCTC's Queerstory Anthology, Arden in UnVexed (2024), and she's trained his skillset through A.C.T's San Francisco Semester Program. This show has to be his greatest yet, and she hopes to do Charlotte justice and enrapture you with this beautiful piece of queer history. Danke schön!!
Instagram: @rnmannequin
About the show:
Based on a true story, and inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright over several years, I Am My Own Wife tells the gripping tale of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a trans woman who managed to survive both the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German Communist regime.
Today, as political actors continue to target trans people in their campaigns, this gripping one-person show is at once a testament to trans resilience throughout history, an indictment of our complicity in immoral systems, and a warning not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Kayla McConnell (SFS Spring '24)
SFS Alum Kayla McConnell has been cast as Fabiana Cunningham in San Francisco State University's production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Kayla completed the SFS program in the Spring of 2024 and has stayed proactive in the Bay Area theater community. She is a delight as both a performer and an artist. Congratulations Kayla! About the show: The show runs April 25–May 3. Tickets can be purchased here. |
MFA/ATP Town Hall Follow-up
FREE Zoom Event: A.C.T. Adult Programs Admissions Q&A Session
Dear A.C.T. Alumni, do you know anyone who is interested in applying for our adult intensive actor training programs? The conservatory team would love to be a resource to them and assist them in their application process! All are welcome and invited to attend our Q&A session with Director of Conservatory, Peter J. Kuo.
This event is designed to offer a low-pressure opportunity for artists interested in applying to STC or SFS to ask questions about the programs and the application process.
Event details:
When: May 4, 5–6pm PT.
Where: Fully online via Zoom
How to get the zoom link: Once you RSVP, our team will send you the Zoom link and details.
Cost: This is a FREE event!
