Week 6: May 8–11
By Moisés Kaufman and members of Tectonic Theater Project
Directed by Lindsey Alterman
25 years ago, Matthew Shepard was severely beaten and left to die in an empty field. The men who targeted him did so because he was gay. In the proceeding months, nationwide attention was cast on hate, culminating in a movement that would lead to landmark anti-hate crime legislation in America. In November of that year, the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project travelled to Laramie, Wyoming to interview the people of the town where the murder occurred. This play is a collection of those interviews, as well as other found texts, that examines the thoughts and beliefs of the community before, during, and after the crime against Matthew.
The Laramie Project
by Moisés Kaufman
and the Members of Tectonic Theater Project
The US West World Premiere produced by
The Denver Center Theatre Company
Donovan Marley, Artistic Director
in association with
Tectonic Theater Project
Moisés Kaufman, Artistic Director.
Originally produced in New York City at the Union Square Theatre
by Roy Gabay and Tectonic Theater Project
in association with Gayle Francis and the Araca Group
Associate Producers: Mara Isaacs and Hart Sharp Entertainment
The Laramie Project was developed in part with the support of
The Sundance Theatre Laboratory.
Cast
- Donovan Fowler
- Jesse Kinstler
- Parker Jenkins
- Alexa Rose Passante
- Justin Schulsohn
- Nicole Stewart
Actors
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Donovan Fowler is a New York City based actor. Born and raised in the Washington D.C. area, he began acting for the stage and screen at age three. In 2003, Donovan became a member of the Screen Actors Guild/the American Federation of Television and Radio (SAG-AFTRA). Some of his screen credits include The Wonder Pets, An Invisible Sign, and several national commercials. He has trained at Morgan State University, American Conservatory Theatre, and the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Some of his favorite roles include Lumière (Beauty & the Beast), Serge (Art), and Emory (MilkMilkLemonade). He is so grateful that his family for their continued love, support, and encouragement. Follow Donovan on Instagram.
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Jesse Kinstler is a New York City based actor/singer/dancer hailing from Ellicott City, Maryland. Performing since age nine, he graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania with a BA in Theatre (acting concentration) and a minor in Dance and learned the importance of self care and routinely doing laundry. He made the decision to return to his education, choosing to pursue his MFA in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Most recently, he earned the award for “Best Actor” for his performance in the new play Reflection of a Shadow from the New York Theatre Festival. Other credits include What we Choose to Breathe (The Tank), OH-EM-Gee (film), Preparatory (film), and regionally Bring It On: The Musical, Beauty and the Beast,and My Fair Lady among many others. He offers a huge thanks to his mom, dad, and Ethan. Find out more on Jesse's website or follow Jesse on Instagram.
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Parker Jenkins (he/him) is a New York based actor and playwright. Originally from North Carolina, he studied dramatic art and neuropsychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before moving to New York to pursue his master’s in acting at The Actors Studio Drama School. Recently, he has appeared in Flaccid with The Tank’s Love, Science, and Magic: New Plays from Emerging Playwrights, The Informer with The Actor’s Studio Drama School, and Thirteenth Night with New York Theatre Festival. As a playwright, his recent credits include The Edge of Tonight with Equity Library Theater of New York, for which he won “Best Play,” and What We Choose To Breathe with The Tank’s Love, Science, and Magic: New Plays from Emerging Playwrights. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting his journey from North Carolina to New York! Check out their work at Parker's website and follow Parker on Instagram.
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Alexa Rose Passante (she/her) is a ‘native New Yorker’, born and raised in Staten Island. Alexa is an actor, singer, dancer, entertainer, and teacher. She is currently earning her MFA degree in Acting at The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University and studying voice privately with instructor, John Zupan. She was an honors student at the University at Albany and earned a BA in Theatre with a double concentration in Musical Theater and Psychology. Recent NYC credits include An Offer You Can’t Refuse (New York Theatre Winter Festival 2023 at Teatro LATEA), Edge of Tonight (Winner of Best Play at Equity Library Theater of NY Summer 2023), What We Choose to Breathe (The Tank), and Daddy Long Legs (Actors Studio Drama School Festival). Alexa has also been a performer in various entertainment shows such as Snake River Expedition (Cedar Point Live E!), Spooktacular Dance Party (Frightfest at Six Flags Great Adventure), Poinsettia Princess (Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure), and IcePops: Dancing Duo Elves (Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure). Big thanks to loved ones who have been there for Alexa and have encouraged her to keep reaching for the stars, and utmost gratitude for the professors and the administration at ASDS who have changed her life. Follow her work on Alexa's website and on follow Alexa on Instagram.
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Justin Schulsohn (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of the 2024 Actors Studio Drama School’s Repertory Season. A native New York City actor and singer, he is a graduate of the University of Southern California having received a BA in Acting and is an alum of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. Recent credits include Daddy Long Legs (ASDS), Art (ASDS), The Cohens in Covid (New York Theater Festival), Trouble in Mind (USC), Secret Garden (USC), and Avenue Q (USC). He is extremely grateful to his friends and family for supporting his dream of passion.
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Nicole Stewart is a Mexican-American New York City based actor. Before pursuing her MFA at The Actors Studio Drama School, she earned a degree in Marketing at ITESM in Mexico City. Her favorite roles include Jo March (Little Women), Alma Winemiller (Summer and Smoke), and Corie Bratter (Barefoot in the Park). She is extremely thankful to her family for their unconditional support, los amo. Follow Nicole on Instagram.
Director
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Lindsey Alterman is a New York based director. Recent productions include Reflection of a Shadow (NYTF), The Edge of Tonight (Equity Library Play Festival), and a staged reading of What Killed the Dinosaurs, written by ASDS' own Grayson May. As part of her MFA training Lindsey has been privileged to direct a range of genres, from classic works (A Doll House) to musical theatre (Daddy Long Legs). She has also assistant directed off-Broadway, including the recent award-winning production Love Quirks at the AMT theatre. She is honored to be included in the 2024 ASDS Repertory Season. See more of her work on her website or follow her on Instagram @lindseyaline512.
Stage Managers
- Production Stage Manager (Weeks B, D, F): Allison Raynes*
- Assistant Stage Manager (Weeks B, D, F): Matthew Palmer*
*Denotes member of Actors Equity Association