Producer’s Statement
The last few months have truly been something, haven’t they? I feel as though most of us have each had our own reckoning on where the world is, what our place is in it, and what we can do to bring more goodness into it. For me, one part of being there for my community is encouraging the artists in it to continue creating, whether it is to bring insight, reckoning, humor or joy. With that in mind, we welcome you to The Lionheart festival, a curated showcase celebrating bold short scenes and one-act plays performed by a vibrant ensemble of emerging and established talent from The Cameron Watson Studio in North Hollywood. Welcome, and thank you so much for being here! - Elizabeth Mae Alan, Head Producer
Tap each title for more information on directors and actors!
Psychopathia Sexualis (excerpt)
Written by John Patrick Shanley
Directed by Sam Bianchini
Amber Steiglefest as Ellie
Ali Axelrad* as Lucille
Lucille is already anxiously anticipating her wedding day, but all other nerves are soon overshadowed when her best friend drops a shocking piece of gossip. The revelation is startling: her fiancé's psychiatrist is somehow involved in keeping his "metaphorical manhood" captive. This raises an unsettling question—why would a psychiatrist be holding something so crucial to his identity and masculinity, and what does it mean for their future together? The revelation puts Lucille's entire relationship into jeopardy, leaving her to question whether she can move forward with the wedding at all…
Written by Ellen McLaughlin
Sari Sanchez* as Lucy
Kipleigh Brown as Megan
Meghan visits Lucy in the hospital, where Lucy’s husband is being treated for alcohol-related illness. The two women navigate the awkward intimacy of shared history and long-ignored truths.
Directed by Amber Steiglefest
Written by Sam Bianchini
A true story. An invitation. A repair. A homecoming. A reclamation.
*Ten Minute Intermission
Written by John Guare
Directed by Aaron Ford
Linden Waddell* as Miss Jepson
Seth Weaver as Mr. Falanzano
In John Guare's absurd comedy "A Day For Surprises" we're treated to the zany, hilarious interaction of two librarians who work in the New York Public Library Pasting Room. It's 1970, and themes of love, longing, loss and loneliness are brought into play, set up by a very surprising event. Will Miss Jepson be able to take advantage of this surprising opportunity? Will Mr. Falanzano find comfort in seizing the day? From the award-winning author of "The House of Blue Leaves" and "Six Degrees of Separation."
The Great Nebula in Orion (excerpt)
Written by Lanford Wilson
Charlotte Hacke* as Louise
Elizabeth Mae as Carrie
A chance meeting, after many years, of two girlhood friends. One has "married well" and the other has achieved a successful career, but, for both, as is slowly revealed, there is an aching emptiness beneath the veneer of their lives.
Written by Halley Feiffer
Directed by Sam Bianchini
Noa Lev-Ari* as Dani
Christian Skinner as Henry
An unusual gift from one friend to another reveals the true nature of their relationship.
*Denotes Members of the Actors’ Equity Association.
This production is being presented under the auspices of the Actors’ Equity Association Los Angeles Self-Produced Project Code.
Head Produced by Elizabeth Mae Alan
Co-Produced By Noa Lev-Ari
Prop & Set Dec Coordination by Christian Skinner