NewYorkRep and Darren Lee Colepresent

Production Stage ManagerChristal Vassilyadi

Directed byMarkus Potter

THE PLAYERS THEATRE115 MacDougal Street New York, NY

September 29th 2pm, October 1st 8pm, October 6th 7pm, October 11th 9pm, October 15th 8pm

The use of camera and other recording devices in this Theatre is prohibited by law.

Sound DesignJacob Subotnick

Scenic & Lighting DesignDavid S. Goldstein

Costume DesignSarafina Bush

Fight Choreography byDavid Don Miller & Gonzalo Trigueros

NewYorkRep's mission is to foster and produce in-novative new works, unearthing the next genera-tion of great playwrights. Our goal is to inspire and challenge our artists and audiences by continually examining how we live our lives. We aim to create a more conscious and compassionate community by telling stories that educate, inform, enhance, and create a public service. We look for stories that have a social, ethical and political relevance. We are un-apologetic in our belief that theatre changes peo-ple’s lives. We approach our work with optimism, earnestness, open hearts, and remain unafraid to address tough issues, looking at the darker side of the human experience.

www.NewYorkRep.orgwww.Facebook.com/NewYorkRepwww.Twitter.com/MarkusPotter

WHY YOU BEASTING?

Author’s Note

When I began teaching a playwriting class in a Bronx high school, I thought to myself, if I’m going to ask these students to write one-act plays, I better write one myself as a model. As they were a group of brash and dynamic personalities, I set my play in our school, based my characters on myself and them, and used our relationships and various situations that might arise in our school to guide the action.

The students’ enthusiasm to read and stage this short version of Why You Beasting? gave me great confidence in its potential, and even then I had ideas about how to expand it into the play before you. All it took was a chance meeting with Markus Potter, whose mission to pro-duce new and vital works with social relevance intersected perfectly with the content of my play. His encouragement and passion fueled the play’s completion, and since then I have been thinking deeply about what kind of messages the play might deploy.

Though some of the characters and their language grew out of reality, the overarching story is a fiction. That fiction is based on a se-quence of “what ifs.” Although these “what ifs” are sometimes hyperbol-ic, sometimes operatic, and sometimes farcical, they are all grounded in reality. That reality is wrought by a confluence of factors that contribute to what we keep calling “the system.” Indeed the play exposes a multitude of social and institutional ills, but it does not pretend to hold the solu-tion.

I think Why You Beasting? asks more questions than it answers, and if put on the spot with the question, “What is the play about?” I’d say “It’s about how a particular group of students and faculty members handle conflicts in their school.” No one escapes culpability in this story. But it’s just one story. To compare and contrast is valuable discourse. To generalize is dangerous folly.

David Don Miller

Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 48,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theater as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of bene-fits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of per-forming arts unions. The Equity emblem is our

mark of excellence.

www.actorsequity.org

WHY YOU BEASTING?

Paulina Ruiz Gonzalo Trigueros Desiree Rodriguez

Nicolette Ellis

Ann-Kathryne Mills

Jon E. Taylor Carter-Jones Megan Merrick

María PietraneraJay HortonCamille St. James

Doug TrappFletcher Shepley-McTaggart

Dennis Williams

Shane Zeigler

Andre Montgomery Paulina Ruiz Gonzalo Trigueros Desiree Rodriguez

Nicolette EllisCorwin Tuggles

Ann-Kathryne Mills

Jon E. Taylor Carter-Jones Megan Merrick

María PietraneraJay HortonCamille St. James

Doug TrappFletcher Shepley-McTaggart

Dennis Williams

WHY YOU BEASTING?

CastMr. Rudy Donovan ............................................................................. Shane ZeiglerDr. Rogelio Rubio .................................................................. Andre Montgomery*Maria Elena Rivera ...............................................................................Paulina RuizCarlos Ortiz ................................................................................ Gonzalo TriguerosRoberta Gonzalez/ Señora Esperanza Encarnacion ............Desiree Rodriguez*Tyrone Marshall Jones III ............................................................ Corwin Tuggles*Blanca Hernandez ..............................................................................Nicolette EllisMr. Tom Wallace ...................................................... Fletcher Shepley-McTaggart*Mr. Schwartz/Dr. Crouch ................................................................... Doug Trapp*Ms. Luann Jackson .......................................................................Camille St. JamesChilds ........................................................................................................ Jay HortonYgnacia Ramirez ........................................................................... María PietraneraTonisha Margarita Davis ....................................................... Ann-Kathryne MillsG.W. ....................................................................................................................Jon E.Thug .................................................................................................Dennis WilliamsEnsemble ...................................................................................Taylor Carter-Jones Ensemble ..........................................................................................Megan Merrick

*appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association

Act 1Scene 1: Principal’s Office

Scene 2: Mr. Donovan’s ClassroomScene 3: Teachers’ Lounge

Scene 4: Mr. Donovan’s ClassroomScene 5: Teachers’ Lounge

Scene 6: Faculty Meeting/School AuditoriumScene 7: Mr. Donovan’s Classroom

Scene 8: Teachers’ LoungeScene 9: Mr. Donovan’s Classroom

Scene 10: Teachers’ LoungeScene 11: Faculty Meeting/School Auditorium

Act 2Scene 1: Neighborhood Bar

Scene 2: Mr. Donovan’s Classroom / Principal’s Office / Neighborhood BarScene 3: Teachers’ Lounge

Scene 4: Mr. Donovan’s ClassroomScene 5: Faculty Meeting/School AuditoriumScene 6: School Assembly/School Auditorium

Scene 7: Neighborhood BarScene 8: Principal’s Office

Scene 9: Faculty Meeting/School Auditorium

EpilogueThe show is 2 hours and 15 minutes with 1 strict 10-minute intermission.

WHY YOU BEASTING?

Who’s Who in the CastShane Zeigler (Mr. Rudy Donovan) Originally from Albuquerque, NM he received his training at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill under the guide of the artists from Playmakers Repertory Company. There he also received a degree in Mathematical Sciences. NYC Theatre credits include: Clown Bar (NY Times CRITICS PICK), Fat Kids On Fire (Wings Theatre), Giant Killer Slugs (Theatre for the New City). He recently wrapped two short films and a feature: Bare, Bowes Academy, and Janie Charismanic. TV Credits include: White Collar, One Life To Live, and EMPIRE: The Series (web series featuring Tina Sloan). Find out more: www.ShaneZeigler.com

Andre Montgomery (Dr. Rogelio Rubio) A native of Toledo, he has lived in NYC for the last 27 years. NY: No Frills Revue, The Blitzstein Project, Blessing In Disguise, Move It And Its Yours, Disgustingly Rich and The Next To The Last Revue. Regional: The Full Monty, Five Guys Named Moe, Polk County, Smokey Joe’s Café, Blues in the Night, Three Penny Opera, Ain’t MisBehavin, Dreamgirls, Prelude to A Kiss, Sophisticated Ladies, and Baby. Andre is proud to be a founding member of Hearts and Voices; a group of 1500 performers and volunteers who perform in different AIDS wards in NYC.

Paulina Ruiz (Maria Elena Rivera) Paulina Ruiz started her stage career in her home town Mexico City. She toured to China, Korea(DIMF) and NYC (NYMF) with the pop opera “Anjou: A Tale of Horror” as Princess Margot. She recently graduated from AMDA in NYC . She’s excited to be a part of this project. She thanks her family and friends for the support.

Gonzalo Trigueros (Carlos Ortiz) Gonzalo is thrilled to be able to bring life to Carlos. He was most recently seen as Hamlet in in the much raved Elsinore County on Theatre Row. He can be seen as Romero in the upcoming Julian & Romero. Recent credits include: The Letter, Flea in Her Ear, Loose Ends, and a Few Good Men. Film: Hamlet, Bohemian Lights. He would like to thank Markus and Dave for this wonderful opportunity, The cast and crew for all their work. Much love to his Family, Friends, Katherine, and Air-Conditioning. www.GonzaloTrigueros.com

Desiree Rodriguez (Roberta Gonzalez/ Señora Esperanza Encarnacion) Off Broadway: Elizabeth in Tricks The Devil Taught Me. National Tours: Kennedy Cen-ter’s Barrio Grrl! (Ana), Tres Vidas (Frida Kahlo, Rufina Amaya and Alfonsina Storni). Regional credits: Lourdes in This One Girl’s Story (Abingdon Theatre). Marisa in the East Coast Premiere of Kingdom, Lucille Frank in Parade, and Maria in Twelfth Night. She can also be heard singing in the film Black Nativity, out this November. She is a proud member of the Broadway Inspirational Voices directed by Michael McElroy. She received her BFA in Acting from Montclair State University.

Corwin Tuggles (Tyrone Marshall Jones III) Corwin Tuggles was born and raised in Harlem, NY. In 2003 at the age of 12, Corwin made his television debut as the singing voice of Tyrone, on the hit TV show “The Backyardgins”. Not long after that he took his talents to a different venue and appeared as Joe Thibodeaux in the Broad-way cast of Tony Kushner’s, “Caroline Or change”. He also performed in the Broadway production of the musical version of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”. Corwin has been in numerous of commercials ranging from Mercedez Benz, Tostino’s Pizza Rolls, Target, NBA and more. Special Thanks to God, his family and his agents at FBI (John and Heather).

WHY YOU BEASTING?

Who’s Who in the CastNicolette Ellis (Blanca Hernandez) Nicolette Ellis hails from Columbia, MD. Ms. Ellis has demonstrated experience playing leading roles in her high school plays. Her most noted achievement was playing the lead role of Florence in The Odd Couple, The Female Version. Ms. Ellis received rave reviews for her performance which led to a directoral role in the musical Urinetown. She is currently attending the American Musi-cal and Dramatic Academy in New York City majoring in Acting, where she has worked with Ray Virta, Jason Chaet, Markus Potter, Dr. Roxana Stuart, and Dan Daily.

Fletcher Shepley-McTaggart (Mr. Tom Wallace) Broadway: Leap Of Faith. Off -Broadway: Rose Rage (The Duke), Biography (Pearl Theatre) Home front (La Mama), American Dreams (The Acting Company). Tours: As You Like It,(Acting Co.), Macbeth (Utah Shakespeare). Regional: The Crucible, (Barrington Stage Co.), Contact (Asolo Rep.), Dial M for Murder (Pioneer Theatre), Rocket City (Alabama Shakespeare), A Midsummer Nights Dream (Lake Tahoe Shakespeare). Film: The Heat, dir. Paul Feig. Television: As the world turns, Law and Order, Six Degree’s. BFA: Ithaca College, MFA: George Washington University.

Doug Trapp (Mr. Michael Schwartz/Dr. Corban Carrington-Crouch) Doug comes to “Why You Beasting” following the World Premiere of ‘Heartbreaker: Two Months with Judy Garland’ at the Adirondack TheatreFestival opposite Tony nom-inee Christine Andreas. Film: Labor Day, Temps. TV: 30 Rock, Onion News Network, Angelo Rules. National Tour: Annie, directed by Martin Charnin. Off-Broadway: Si-lence! The Musical (Hannibal Lecter), Saratoga Trunk Songs (Brian), Sherlock Holmes: The Early Years (Taggart), The New Yorkers. Regional favorites: The Divine Sister (Jeremy) - Stageworks Hudson, ...Putnam County Spelling Bee (Panch) - Northern Stage, The Producers (Leo Bloom)- Theater By The Sea, Urinetown (McQueen) - Gate-way Playhouse, Smoke on the Mountain, (Mervin Ogelthorpe) - Flat Rock Playhouse, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Schroeder)- Ordway, Forever Plaid (Frankie)- Chanhassen Theatres. Numerous VO for TV and radio. Doug is also an award-winning advertising art director. www.dougtrapp.com.

Camille St. James (Ms. Luann Jackson) Camille St. James has been active in the New York acting world for nearly seven years - working in theater, film and television. Camille has a Bachelors of Fine Arts from New York University’s Tisch Drama study-ing at Atlantic Acting School and Stonestreet Studios of Film and Television. Some of Camille’s most notable credits have been Fox’s Hit TV Show “The Following”, ABC’s “What Would You Do?”, Atlantic For Kids stage production of “Jackie and Me” and Two Kids with a Camera’s pilot for a new series, “The Pudding Club.” Camille thanks God for the ability and opportunity. And, as always, the best Mom and Dad in the world for unconditional support on this crazy journey. www.CamilleStJames.com

WHY YOU BEASTING?

Who’s Who in the CastJay Horton (Childs) Jay was born and raised in Tuscumbia, Alabama. He moved to NYC after an enlistment in the United States Navy to pursue a career in drama. Jay believes training and conditioning are central to success. Profusely studying the Meth-od, specifically that of Lee Strasberg and his sensory work, Jay boasts a large amount of various courses studied in New York from schools like The Upright Citizens Brigade, HB Studio and an ongoing study with coach and mentor Anthony Abeson, a student of Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler. Jay is a fan of literally all music, he plays the guitar and is an adept hip hop dancer who likes to write rap music as well. He also has a passion for comedy and has performed with Improv teams at UCB and The Peoples Improv theater. In his free time he likes to longboard/skateboard, surf, read self improvement books, swim, or hike.

María Pietranera (Ygnacia Ramirez) Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina Maria came to New York to pursue a career in Musical Theatre. She recently graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and is thrilled to be making her New York debut in ‘Why you beasting?’ She is very excited to be working with such a talented group of people and for being part of an amazing and creative new play. Thank you to my family and friends that have supported me through this incredible journey.

Ann-Kathryne Mills (Tonisha Margarita Davis) Native Nashvillian Ann-Kathryne Mills is thankful for the opportunity to creatively address this pressing community issue. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree at Columbia Uni-versity, where she is an active member of the Black Theatre Ensemble. She also studies at HB Studio. Thank you to my incredible support system and to the entire Why You Beasting? team.

Jon E. (G.W.) makes his debut in NY theatre. He is a recent graduate of AMDA Col-lege and Conservatory. He is so excited to be apart of this production and to work with such an amazing cast. He would like to thank the whole cast and crew of WHY YOU BEASTING? and hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Dennis Williams (Thug) A native New Yorker, Dennis has always shared a genuine love, interest and passion for the performing arts. He is a graduate of AMDA (alumnus 2007). Favorite credits include: West Side Story (TONY), Grease (ROGER), Smokey Joe’s Café (KEN/SWING) , Let My People Come (Choir Director). The newest addition to his life\career: ICONS for the past 2 years in Provincetown and OFF-Broad-way in New York. He is the Founder and Talent of “The Destiny Devine Experience. Dennis is truly grateful for this opportunity to work in his first Fringe Festival, and feels truly blessed to work with such an amazing cast, director and producers of Why You Beasting?.

Taylor Carter-Jones (Ensemble/Production Team Intern) Taylor Car-ter-Jones, originally from Matawan, New Jersey, is excited for her Fringe debut. Not only did she have the privilege of working with production, but she also gets to be a part of the ensemble. Taylor recently graduated from the American Musical and Dra-matic Academy of New York and has since been featured in YouTube short, “The One” and NYU short film “Hypnic Freak”.

WHY YOU BEASTING?

Who’s Who in the CastMegan Merrick (Ensemble/Production Team Intern) is excited to make her Fringe debut with Why You Beasting? Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, she recently graduated from AMDA’s Studio Acting Program. She was most recently seen as Corin and Jaques du Boys in The Oxford Shakespeare Company’s London and Stratford tour of As You Like It. Past New York credits include Le Beau/Hymen/Audrey (As You Like It), Annette (Parallel Lives), Gwendolyn (Girls Gone Wilde), Katie (The New Chili), Lily (Shiny Things) and Woman (Vegetarians in Lust). Up next for her is Pumpkin Soup on Staten Island, a local tour of As You Like It, and a future production of Much Ado About Nothing and the Untitled: Ramon Navarro Project. www.MeMerrick.wix.com/megan

David Don Miller (Playwright/Fight Choreographer) makes his FringeNYC debut with his first play, Why You Beasting? He is currently working on a novel entitled Incident at the El Zorro. Acting credits include Public Theater/NYSF, Theatre for a New Audience, and CenterStage Baltimore. MFA, NYU Graduate Acting. Mr. Miller would like to thank Sandra Creter and Susanna Guzmán for Spanish translations. He would also like to thank his students and colleagues, past and present, without whom this play would not exist. Special thanks to Markus Potter, without whom this play would certainly not exist. Deepest thanks to Lauren Miller, without whom this man would not exist.

Markus Potter (Director) Artistic Director of NewYorkRep (NewYorkRep.org).Mr. Potter is honored to be directing the world premiere of David Don Miller’s WHY YOU BEASTING?! His next project will be the world premiere of STALKING THE BO-GEYMAN at the North Carolina Stage company. The same production will open with an open-ended run off-Broadway in the spring of 2014. Markus has worked as an actor and director around the country at the Denver Center, Guthrie Theatre, Long Wharf, Studio Theatre DC, Berkeley Rep, The American Conservatory Theatre, Cal Shakes and the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. Come hang out with us on Facebook and our website: Facebook.com/NewYorkRep and NewYorkRep.org. Markus is also a professor of acting, teaching at AMDA and Adelphi University’s BFA program. Twitter: @MarkusPotter

NewYorkRep (Producer) NewYorkRep’s mission is to foster and produce inno-vative new works, unearthing the next generation of great playwrights. Our goal is to inspire and challenge our artists and audiences by continually examining how we live our lives. We aim to create a more conscious and compassionate community by telling stories that educate, inform, enhance, and create a public service. We look for stories that have a social, ethical and political relevance. We are unapologetic in our belief that theatre changes people’s lives. We approach our work with optimism, earnestness, open hearts, and remain unafraid to address tough issues, looking at the darker side of the human experience. www.NewYorkRep.org

WHY YOU BEASTING?

Who’s Who in the CastDan Irwin (Producer) Dan works in New York as a General Manager, Company Manager, and Box Office Treasurer. Working on WHY YOU BEASTING? has been a fulfilling and exciting experience. Special thanks to Markus, Perry, and Megan for their hard work, to Dave for writing such an amazing play, the cast and crew for their out-standing performances, and most of all to everyone at FringeNYC for all of their hard work! Select NYC credits include Potted Potter, Fuerza Bruta, Classic Stage Company, Lincoln Center Festival 2011, Lark Play Development Center, and The Public Theater. Love to my Mom, Stepdad, and everyone who made me who I am today. www.DanIrwin.net

Perry Poussard, Jr. (Producer) Perry is an actor/singer/agent/producer who has performed with the Walt Disney Company, Royal Caribbean Productions, Celine Dion, and countless others. Favorite projects include HAIR (Regional; Tribe/Woof u/s) and the currently running Let the Memories Begin national Disney commercial. Perry re-ceived his BGS from Louisiana State University and now owns a multitude of creatively based businesses, specializing in professional IT and Audio-Visual conversion services, Social Media Marketing/Document Design, and Character Performance talent place-ment. Thanks to my fiancée, Henry, for all his love & support. www.PerryPoussardJr.com

Christal Vassilyadi (Production Stage Manager) Christal is very excited to make her Fringe debut in Why You Beasting? As stage manager extraordinaire, intern-ing with agents, and aspiring casting director; Christal plans to take over the theatre world (muahaha). She moved to NYC from Ottawa, Canada to attend AMDA’s acting program. She was also a wench at a renaissance faire (Oh my gosh; she’s an actor too. What can she not do? #takingover). Much love to friends, family, Megan Merrick, awesome Markus Potter, and the talented Beasting cast. Huzzah!

David S. Goldstein (Scenic/Light Design) NYMF: Pirates of Finance, 2013. STUCK, 2012. Ghostlight, 2011. The Most Ridiculous Thing You’ve Ever Hoid, 2010. NYC: Wearing Black, Kraine Theatre. MISS K!M, 45th Street Theatre. Jack and the Beanstalk, New Acting Co. Apollo and Daphne, Riverside Church. Assisted David Korins (BWY: Pee Wee Herman Show, Chinglish, Godspell) REGIONAL: Cohoes Music Hall (Hello Dolly, Five Guys NamedMoe, My One and Only), West Virginia Public Theatre (9 to 5, Anything Goes, All Shook Up), Allenberry Playhouse (Smokey Joes Café, The 39 Steps) LA: West Side Story, ELEVATOR (Hudson Theatre) Boomermania!, Silent Roar (El Portal Theatre). Its Top Secret!, Noho Arts Center. The Playground, MET Theatre. Rocky Horror Show, Underground Theatre. Batboy, Whitefire Theatre. Frankie and Johnny, Santa Monica Playhouse. www.DavidGoldsteinDesigns.com.

Jacob Subotnick (Sound Design) Selected NYC theatre: Any Given Monday (59E59); Body Language, The Violet Hour, Bridgeboy, Magnetic North, Romance/Romance, Two Rooms (The Active Theater); The Picture of Dorian Gray (MTWorks); Dreamgirls, History Boys, Lend Me a Tenor, Macbeth, A Raisin in the Sun, Othel-lo (The Gallery Players); The Empress of Sex (Planet Connections Theater Festivity 2012); Tulpa or Anne and Me (PCTF 2011); The Picture of Dorian Gray (PCTF 2010); Venus Observed, Endless Summer Nights, Uncle Vanya (Boomerang Theatre); Nesting (TokenCollective. Regional: Hair, Damn Yankees, Hairspray (Mt. Washington Valley Theatre); Recovery (Minnesota Fringe 2011). Jacob received his Bachelor of Music from NYU. www.JacobSubotnick.com

WHY YOU BEASTING?

Who’s Who in the CastSarafina Bush (Costume Design) Sarafina Bush is a central Brooklyn born and raised costume designer. Previous design credits include Choke (If/Then Dance), as well as various productions at her alma mater, Adelphi University. However, she has also worked with the designers of Off-Broadway productions such as Reasons to be Happy (MCC), King Lear (Public), Into the Woods (Public), Rent, and Hair. She is thrilled to be part of this creative team! Much love to her fail-proof support system, her parents, Chris, and her family.

Alex Aug (Intern) Alexandra Aug is going into her sophomore year at Adelphi University where she is studying for a B.F.A. in Acting. Previous credits there include The White Devil (Vittoria Corombona), In The Next Room (Annie), and The Goblin’s Plot to Murder God (Teller), as well as sound board operator for the school’s student run cabaret. She is also a Connecticut High School Musical Theatre Awards nominee for best actress in 2012. Alex is thrilled to be working on such a great show. Thanks to Markus Potter for the opportunity, as well as the rest of the cast and crew for all their hard work!

Special ThanksDarren Lee Cole, Ron Lasko, Mark Karafin, Tony, Emma,

FringeNYC ENCORES Staff/Interns/Volunteers, The Players Theatre Staff/Volunteers, Nicole, Tennessee & Juliet Potter,

Sylvia Irwin & Ray Burke,Henry Farnam,

Steve Miller, Steve Durham, Valley Central High School, Evan Zes, Fletcher Shep-ley-McTaggart, Jeremy Moore, Lauren, John, Dean, Don and Stella Miller

The true story by David Holthouse, was featured on THIS AMERICAN LIFE in 2012, and has now been adapted as a new play.

STALKING THE BOGEYMAN tells the story of an Investigative journalist who plots the murder of the man who raped him when he was seven years old. After 25 years of burying the past, David can no longer remain silent when he learns that the man who destroyed his childhood

has moved into his new neighborhood. With key ties to the leader of an Arizona gang and other illicit connections, David meticulously plans the demise of the Bogeyman. A story of transfor-

mation, forgiveness, and ultimately coming to grips with life.

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STALKING THE BOGEYMANWill premiere Off-Broadway

for a commercial, open-ended run in 2014.