We are taking what resources we have to get back to an activity we love: theatre. Each episode is a
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Six Characters in Search of an Author: Part 2 is finally premiering on YouTube this Sunday at 7pm!! Refresh your memory by listening to Part 1 anywhere you find podcasts, and stay tuned for Part 2 to hear what happens to our mysterious characters 🤔🎧
Part two of Six Characters in Search of an Author released yesterday 🎙
Haven't listened to part one yet? Head to the link in our bio to catch up 🎧
Today is the day! Part one of Six Characters in Search of an Author comes out tonight at 7pm EST 🎙
Stay tuned for the release of part two TOMORROW April 28th 🎧
Soren DeNiz (they/them) | Director & Sound Designer
Soren is excited to be both directing their first Play On Words Podcast episode, as well as sound designing it! Even though they founded the podcast as well as its producing company Glass Fox Productions, Soren is newer to directing. They previously directed "Spring Band Concert" written by local Pittsburgh playwright Sean Lenhart for the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. Soren is also a graphic design student at CCAC and a musician releasing music under the band name Paladin. "Six Characters in Search of an Author" has been such an adventure to interpret alongside the actors, and Soren is beyond proud of what the group has created.
Travis Barkefelt (he/him) | Stage Manager
Travis is very excited for all to see Play on Words production of "Six Characters in Search of an Author." Not only has he served as Stage Manager for this production, but also adapted the original script to make it more "radio friendly." Though about 90% faithful to the original, he hopes audiences enjoy the changes and additions unique to this version of the show. Past work with Play on Words includes acting in the Pittsburgh Monologue Project and writing the pilot episode "Scooge is Sus: A 2020 Christmas Carol. (It aged better than you might think ;) ) Outside of POW, Travis has worked extensively with the Duquesne Red Masquers at pretty much every level of production and has done tech work with Gemini Children's Theater.
🎙RELEASE UPDATE 🎙
Play On Words Podcast Presents: Six Characters in Search of an Author
Written by Luigi Pirandello
Adapted for audio by Travis Barkefelt
Directed by Soren DeNiz
Coming to your ears in two parts - April 27th and 28th at 7pm EST 🎧
Melissa Black (she/they) | Audio Editor
Melissa is a current student at Duquesne University, where she is pursuing a BA in Music with a focus on broadcast audio engineering. She also serves as Student Director of the Mary Pappert School of Music’s internet radio station, the IEMMA Broadcast Network, and as secretary of the university’s chapter of the Audio Engineering Society. “Six Characters in Search of an Author” is Melissa’s first experience with podcast theater, and she is excited and honored to work alongside this talented cast and crew!
Phillip Fry (he/him) as The Father
Phillip Fry graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2017 with a BS in Mathematics and a Minor in Theater Performance. When not rehearsing, Phil enjoys playing video games, reading, discovering new breweries in the area, and visiting family and friends. His previous works include, Stage: Or Forever Hold Your Peace, Portals on Penn, Say that to my Face (Big Storm Performance Collaborative); Film: Tributaries (Crazy Pants Productions); Voice Over: No Exit, Cave of the Green Light (Play on Words Podcast), Richard III (Food for Groundlings) I would like to thank my fiancée and my family for pushing me to keep doing theater and to my cats that keep us company during the down time.
Jon Hartwell (he/him) as The Manager
Jon Hartwell is a broadcaster, improviser, puppeteer, and voice talent. Jon was last seen in R-ACT's production of Dracula, as well as the shadow play, Wee Beasties, with Uncumber Theatrics. In addition, Jon has written and directed short plays featured in the Glitter box's 10 Minute Play Festival, WRCT PA Pandemonium, and Arcade Comedy’s Sketch Comedy Lab.
Karlee Mihailov (she/her) as The Step-Daughter
Karlee is thrilled to be in her first production for Play On Words. She began performing on stage at a young age with a love for theater and has since branched out to camera acting. Her most recent films include “We Never stood a Chance”, “Anatomy of a Woman”, and “SIGIL”, which most recently made its debut at the Eerie Horror Fest. Karlee feels most fulfilled through her creative endeavors, writing poetry and music when she’s not acting or busy being a full-time cat mom. She hopes you enjoy these off the wall characters and the extraordinary story of their passionate search for an author.
“After working on independent films for the last few years, it’s been a nice change of pace trying my hand at voice acting. It has been such a treasure bringing the step-daughter to life. I am very thankful for Soren, my fellow cast members, and all POW team members. Play on words is incredible because it’s so accessible, bringing the delightful magic of performance into the comfort of your own home!”
AJ Wittman (he/they) as The Son
AJ Wittman is grateful for this opportunity to work with Play On Words for this unique show. Acting since age 14, AJ has only recently begun exploring voice over work—and he loves it! AJ has previously acted in a variety of stage plays and musicals as well as television and film. One of his favorite roles was Arthur Parker in The Haunting of Hill House (StageWarp Productions). Also a writer, AJ has several scripts in the works and is eager to see them on the stage and screen.
🎙RELEASE UPDATE 🎙
Play On Words Podcast Presents: Six Characters in Search of an Author
Written by Luigi Pirandello
Adapted for audio by Travis Barkefelt
Directed by Soren DeNiz
Coming to your ears in two parts - April 20th and 27th at 7pm EST 🎧
Shauna Fahad (she/her) as The Narrator
Shauna has been a part of the theatrical community for 20+ years. In that time frame, she has been a part of many different productions in many different capacities. From the role of the Mad Hatter, to directing a student written one-act, Shauna has worn many different hats (quite literally so in a Commedia Dell’Arte production!) while still relatively new to the world of Voice Acting, she has found great joy in the new skills and challenges she has faced as a result, and looks forward to create more voice content in the future.
Amari Shakir (she/her/they) as The Mother
Amari Shakir is a local Black femme artist, who likes to wear multiple hats, she is a recent graduate from Point Park University earning her BFA In Theatre Arts, Credits Are: "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe"- Aslan.
"I and You" By Lauren Gunderson - Director
"Phenomenal Woman: To Maya Angelou"- Director/Ensemble
"Springtime" By Maria Irene Fornes- Greta
She would like to thank Soren for this wonderful opportunity to try on another hat, as well as her chosen loved ones for all the support.
Linda Stayer (she/her) as Madame Pace & Actor
Linda Stayer has been a fixture in Pittsburgh’s Eastern suburban area theaters for 35 years. Some of her favorite roles have been: AGNES OF GOD (Mother Miriam Ruth), GYPSY (Rose), INTO THE WOODS (Jack's Mother), SOMETHING'S AFOOT (Miss Tweed), LOST IN YONKERS (Grandma Kurnitz), DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (Mrs. Van Daan), LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (Sra. Naccarelli), CABARET (Fraulein Schneider)and most recently KING RICHARD III (Queen Margaret), Audio version, produced by Food For Groundlings. She is delighted to be part of this novel, creative project with this lovely cast. Thanks to Soren for bringing me on board, and many thanks to my husband, Jeff, for muting the TV and juggling dinner plans!
Leah Stauber (she/her) as Leading Lady
Leah Stauber is an actor and writer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Recent and upcoming credits include Wire, Q***r Club, Languish, Our Porch, and Odd Wonky Mutation. She has trained with Daina Griffith for 3+ years.
Grant Jones (he/him) as Leading Man
Grant is excited to be working with Play On Words once again, having previously directed No Exit and starred in Scrooge is Sus. Away from the radio, Grant graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in Music Education in 2019 and has since appeared in local productions of Crazy for You, Rock of Ages, Dogfight, Cabaret, The Book of Will, and more! Grant is active as a local musician and producer in Pittsburgh under the name monxhood. He hopes all will enjoy this crazy, absurdist play and hopes to continue working with POW in the future!
Tracy Lynch (she/her) as Stagehand
Tracy Lynch is from Morgantown, WV, and is an avid participant at her local community theatre, M.T. Pockets Theatre Company, and recently joined a local Shakespeare troupe, The Rustic Mechanicals. She has mostly done acting and directing, but she also dabbles in writing, costume design, light design, photography, and stand-up comedy. Tracy has also been one of the coordinators of the One Act Festival for several years at M.T. Pockets. Basically, she's a Jenny of all Trades, and now she gets to add voice acting to her list! Some of her acting credits include: Clown/Bianca in Shakespeare's "Othello", Ophelia in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", Hoops in "Carry Me Back to West Virginia", Door in "Neverwhere", Felicity in "Why Torture is Wrong And The People Who Love Them", Vera in "And Then There Were None." Tracy has been involved in quite a few "zoom theatre" productions through the years of the pandemic, but this is her first stab at a podcast and voice acting and it is very exciting for her! When she's not doing theatre, Tracy does lots of nerdy things such as playing video/board games and watching media with her husband, and serenading her cat.
Play On Words Podcast Presents: Six Characters in Search of an Author
Written by Luigi Pirandello
Adapted for audio by Travis Barkefelt
Directed by Soren DeNiz
Coming to your ears in two parts - April 6th and 13th at 7pm EST 🎙
Meet the Six Characters in Search of an Author team!
Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting about each of our cast and crew members as we gear up for the release - announcement coming soon!
This year, like every year we are looking for 5 local TLGBQIA artist to hit the stage with our visiting Headliner. This is a PAID gig, and opportunity expand your portfolio during Pride month❤️🏳️⚧️🌈 This year we are hosting Pride in Wilkinsburg and if you haven’t heard this year our sis will be hosting 👑🏳️⚧️💕 Stay tuned to for headliner news👂🏽👀💋
Selected artists are paid $1000.00 to perform at Peoples Pride and we pride ourselves in providing this support and in tandem extremely thankful for our local talents, TALENT!!
Registration closes April 1st 2024 12:00am EST
https://docs.google.com/forms/u/2/d/1t3HwwYP7qZjjB2zJYU1Wzf-qckCH5Vpm-yrwuysrn-w/viewform?pli=1&pli=1&edit_requested=true
Play On Words Podcast Presents: The Proposal
Written by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Amy Rose Scoggins
Coming to your ears February 24th, 7pm EST.
Betcha didn't know that blanket forts are a great way to record 🎙
Amy Rose Scoggins | Director
Amy Rose Scoggins ( ) is a junior theater arts major with a minor in technical theater at Point Park University. Her past directing credits include Assistant Director for …Putnam County Spelling Bee with Bridges Theater Company, Director for Brilliant Traces with Pinnacle Productions, and most recently, she had the honor of assistant directing Almost Equal To for Point Park’s mainstage season. In January she will be helping remount the show for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival visiting Pittsburgh, and participating in the festival’s directing workshop. She would like to thank the Play on Words Podcast team for their kindness, support, and the wonderful opportunity to learn all new things audio theater!
Emma Moore (she/her) | Sound Designer
Emma Moore ( ) is a senior theater major at Duquesne University! She is an active member and serves as the sound chair for the Red Masquers. This is her first production with Play on Words. She is very active in the theater community, from sound designing to stage management. Emma has also worked as the sound technician for the Pittsburgh New Works Festival for the past two seasons! She has worked as an ASM with Prime Stage Productions and will be Assistant Directing for the upcoming Red Masquers production of Ruthless! The Musical.
Mackenzie L. Martin (she/they) | Sound Editor
Mackenzie ( ) is the Director of Production at Play On Words: A Theatrical Podcast, and has been a member of the team since day one. She is honored as always to be working with a wonderful team for The Proposal. "There is something incredible about watching performers find themselves again in a new medium, like our audio performances," she said. "It means a lot to me to watch the performance team paly around and learn the craft and create something beautiful." Mackenzie has worked on numerous performances with Play On Words, most recently as a sound editor for the production of Hamlet, and will be featured as a performer in an upcoming production of The Yellow Wallpaper, which she is very excited about.
Ella Mizera (she/her) | Stage Manager
Ella Mizera ( .mizera ) is excited to work with Play on Words again! She has worked with PoW since 2020's No Exit (Inez), and most recently on 2023's Spring Band Concert (Stage Manager) with Pittsburgh New Works Festival. She is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, where she studies theater and nonprofit management. She is also a co-founder of the Youth Shakespeare Society of Pittsburgh and a member of the Society of American Fight Directors. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Luna Lindstrom (she/her) | Assistant Stage Manager
Luna Lindstrom ( ) is a current student at the University of Pittsburgh, studying Theatre Arts with minors in LGBTQ+ and Critical Sexualities Studies and History. She is excited to be working on her first podcast, and can't wait to see this amazing cast shine. Some of her recent work includes Assistant Stage Managing for Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Park's Cleopatra and Antony, running sound for Youth Shakespeare Society's Much Ado about Nothing, and running Sound and Lights for Gemini Children's Theater's Original Production, A Special Toy.
Jackie Mishol (she/her) as Natalya Stepanovna
Jackie () is a professional classical actor recently relocated to Pittsburgh. She is grateful to have shared her heart and spirit on stages across the country! Credits include: ‘The Tempest’ (Miranda), ‘The Crucible’ (Abigail Williams), and the national premiere of 'Forbidden Frontier’ (The Tycoon’s Daughter) [original], ‘The Last Days of Judas Iscariot’ (Fabiana Aziza Cunningham), and ‘Proof’ (Catherine). As a voice actor, Jackie’s also lent her voice to projects for The Walt Disney Company, as well as Coca-Cola®, Dunkin Donuts®, Project Sandbox: Rocket Science for Preschoolers, and Construct Studios. Newly Faculty at CLO Academy. And although you may not hear the fourth voice on this recording (though she tried mightily), acknowledgement and many treats go out to Jackie’s dear little feline guardian Prim, who “has a good voice if you might let her try recording” she says, and notes “she was present for every session;” but hey, she’s not an Equity cat, nor am I...yet. Thanks to all, including the listeners! buff.ly/4bhsxdo
Nicole Brady (she/her) as Stepan Stepanovitch Chubukov
Nicole ( .__.brady ) is currently a student at Point Park University pursuing a BFA in Theatre Arts. Last year she made her directorial debut with her original work "I Love You, You Love Me" a dance theatre experience about a day in the life of a lonely clown. Her work has also been featured in Fresh Words Magazine Horror Anthology 'SHHH! BREATHE SLOW!' and at Vigilance Theater Group's Campfire Stories. She hopes you enjoy this lovely little comedy.
Pittsburgh, PA
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💥 2023-2024 Season 💥 The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman November 2023 Directed by Elysse Dalzell The Proposal by Anton Chekov February 2024 Directed by Amy Scoggins Six Character in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello April 2024 Directed by Soren DeNiz R.U.R. by Karel Čapek May 2024 Directed by Olivia LeSuer
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