Nathaniel Shaw, Artistic Director

Nathaniel Shaw is honored to be the Artistic Director of such a fine group of artists and friends.  This opportunity is a daydream fulfilled.  As an actor Nathaniel has been seen opposite Company Member Stephanie Youell as Curly in Oklahoma, opposite Company Member Amy Miller Brennan in Footloose, and alongside Company Member James Bullard in Damn Yankees.  In New York he has been seen as Pale in Burn This, as well as Alex in Serenading Louie alongside Company Member Raissa Dorff and under the direction of Glory Bowen.  Huge thanks to everyone who got me this far... Hang on tight.

Raissa Dorff is thrilled to be a founding member and the Associate Artistic Director for The Active Theater Company. Raissa received her Bachelor’s Degree in Voice with a concentration in Acting at The Catholic University of America. NYC credits include Martha in La Voix Humaine at Wings Theater and Mary in Serenading Louie at the Stella Adler Blackbox Theater.  Others: Agnes Gooch in the National Tour of MAME with Morgan Brittany, lead singer and the Actress in Enter the Guardsman on board the QE11, lead singer in IN THE MOOD LIVE ( National Tour), Christine (Phantom) and Amalia (She Loves Me).  Raissa has taught acting and dramatic song interpretation for five years at the Washington Opera Institute for Young Singers and has taught acting and public speaking privately and on board the QE11.   Favorite accomplishment?  Dining with the (then) “soon to be” President of the United States!!  (youtube – LunchWithBarack)

Jose Luaces, Secretary

Jose Luaces is Super Duper Proud to be a member of such a talented group of artists. Jose graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre. Jose was recently spotted as a dancing dog at Madison Square Garden in 101 Dalmatian’s. Last year he travelled to Beijing to workshop Race For Love with Lynne Taylor- Corbett. He will be reprising his role at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer under the new title Reel to Real. Regionally He has been seen at Actor’s Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Seaside Music Theatre, Caldwell Theatre, and Theatre by the Sea. Favorite roles include Juan in Altar Boys, Arpad in She Loves Me, Chino in West Side Story and Aladdin in Disney’s Aladdin. Thank you mami y papi.  www.JoseLuaces.com

David Ojala, Production Manager

David Ojala is very excited to be on the front lines during the start up of the Active Theatre Company acting as technical director. Emigrating to New York from sunny Arizona; David trained as an actor at Arizona State University with Marshall W. Mason and was active with the Prism Theatre company serving as technical Director for three years. Most recently he was seen as Joey in Florida Studio Theatre's The Lieutenent of Inishmore, and Favorite roles include Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Buff in Suburbia, Steve in The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.  Thanks to all who have made this dream a reality.

David Tracy, Marketing and Publicity

David Tracy most recently starred in the workshop of Vamped!, a new musical for Left Hip Productions.  He appeared in the Philadelphia Fringe/Live Arts Festival production of Getting Your Life and has been seen in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Music of the Night touring Germany, Italy, and Austria (performing at the famed Vienna Opera House). He has appeared in Sweeney Todd, The Music Man, A Midsummer Night's Dream (Puck), The Judas Kiss (Robbie), Evita (Magaldi), The Velveteen Rabbit (The Little Boy), She Loves Me (Kodaly), The Rocky Horror Show (Frank N. Furter) and spent two seasons with The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival appearing in Richard III, Twelfth Night, Winnie the Pooh, and The Festival Greenshow.  David graduated from DeSales University with a B.A. in Theater and a minor in Marketing.  His thrilled to be a part of The Active Theater and put both of these skill sets to use with such an amazing team of artists! Visit him at DavidTracy.net

Sarah is thrilled to be a part of the exciting new company! Credits include Les Misérables (Eponine - Houston TUTS), Little Women ("Jo" - Syracuse Stage), OKLAHOMA! (“Ado Annie” – Revival National Tour & Fulton Opera House), Picnic at Hanging Rock (Lincoln Center & The O’Neill Theater Center), Married Alive! and Magnetic North (Act 2 Playhouse), Oedipus at Colonus (Handcart Ensemble), Stephen Schwartz’s Snapshots (“Susie”). TV: Guiding Light (CBS), The Band (NYTVF). As a director, Sarah has assisted Bud Martin, Gabriel Barre, and Scott C. Embler on several projects in NYC and Philadelaphia. In 2005, Sarah started her own website design company, Saranya Designs, which includes this very website! She is also an animal lover and NYU Tisch graduate. www.sarahshahinian.com.

Heather Lee Harper, Head of Play Development

Heather Lee Harper is humbled and elated to bring The Active Theater to life.  Favorite Regional credits: Dial M for Murder (Margot), The Tempest (Miranda), Sexual Perversity in Chicago (Deborah), Tomas and the Library Lady (Library Lady), A Clockwork Orange (Ensemble of 10), and Wait Until Dark (Susy).  Here in NYC, Ms. Harper has had the pleasure of working with End Times Productions and Blue Roses Productions.  A graduate from Arizona State University (BA Theatre Arts) where she studied under Marshall W. Mason and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Hollywood, Ms. Harper is a proud member of the EMC Program.

Virginia Logan, House Manager

Virginia Logan is really excited to be a part of the Active Theater family!  Originally from Arizona, she completed her MFA in Acting and Movement at The Ohio State University last spring before moving to this strange and wonderful city.  She has studied with Marshall W. Mason (Acting), Victoria Holloway (Directing), Jeanine Thompson (Laban and Mime), John Giffin (Creating New Work), and Anne Bogart and the SITI Company (Suzuki, Viewpoints, Composition).  Here in New York, she has been seen as Olga in Chekhov’s The Three Sisters and as a dancer in Look Away, an original piece based on the life of Franz Kafka, both at Columbia University.  Other roles she has enjoyed the heck out of include Andromache in Charles Mee’s Trojan Women 2.0, Karen Wright in The Children’s Hour, and Her in her one-woman show Shafted: Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and Other Love Stories.  www.virginialogan.weebly.com

John Simmons, General Manager

By day, John is a senior researcher for a large market research firm in Soho.  John works in the Media, Entertainment and Technology Division where he manages local and international teams, million dollar budgets, and projects for such household names as Microsoft, Verizon, MTV, Google and the Discovery Channel.  By night, John is using his business acumen  to help The Active Theater quickly become New York’s most up-and-coming, most talked-about theater company.  Working for Active has given John the chance to combine his vocation with his avocation... for which John is forever grateful.  John has been an Associate Producer, Director, Stage Manager and (sometimes) actor in the city for the past six years.  NYC credits include Orphan Train (with five-time Tony nominee Patricia Birch), Shining Days, Flowers:  A Thorny Romance,  A Death in the Family, Telling Dad, Return Engagement, The Diet Monologues, Social Insecurity and The Best Little Crackhouse in Philly, among others.  As always, love to Nekko.

Gareth Lake

Gareth lives and works in Manhattan, but originally hails from the UK. He has lived in London, Tokyo and New York as his financial career has taken him around the world. He is an Investment Banker for Citi where he helps to originate US and International business for the capital markets team. He has a first class degree in History from Cambridge University. Although the last drama that he participated in was at college, he retains a strong interest in watching and supporting the Arts.

Gregg Passin is a Principal with Mercer in New York City, where he counsels public and private companies on global compensation and corporate governance issues relating to senior executives, boards of directors, and professional services firm partner and professional populations. A compensation professional for 20 years, Gregg has spoken at the Conference Board’s Executive Compensation Roundtable, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Law Firm Global Management and Marketing Forum, and the European Institute’s Asset Management Conference, and has been published or quoted in such CEO Journal, WWD, and Base and Bonus Journal.

Gregg joined the board of the New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center in 2000 and served as board co-chair in 2001. He rejoined the board in 2004 after spending two years in London, and was reelected board co-chair in 2005, in which capacity he continues to serve. He also serves as chair of the Center’s Strategic Planning Committee and Nominating Committee.

Lisa Dozier is a theatrical producer and general manager. Current: How to be a Good Italian Daughter (Off Broadway/Cherry Lane), The Duchess of Malfi (Off Broadway/Red Bull Theatre). Recent credits include: F#cking up Everything (NYMF), My Illustrious Wasteland (NYMF), Into the Hazard (Henry 5) (Walkerspace), In Security (3LD), Stormy Weather (Pasadena Playhouse: assistant director), The Rise and Fall of Annie Hall (Off Broadway, Theatre Row/Stage 13), To Paint the Earth (NYMF), I Come For Love (NYMF 2008), SA KA LA (45 Bleecker/Oslo Elsewhere), Jeffrey Hatcher's Murderers (Emelin), The Piper (NYMF), Surface to Air (dir. by Jim Naughton/Off Broadway/Symphony Space), The Polish Play (Walkerspace), Character (Prospect), Warrior (NYMF), Behind the Limelight (NYMF), Hot and Sweet (NYMF), Oslo Elsewhere at 59E59: Rosmersholm and deathvariations,  Manhattan Madcaps of 1924, Jeff Daniels' Apartment 3A, The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde (NYMF). Previously, she was the associate producer at Symphony Space and on the artistic staff at Manhattan Theatre Club (Doubt, Reckless, Rabbit Hole, Brooklyn Boy, etc.). She has also worked at the New 42nd Street, American Repertory Theatre and New York Stage and Film. Lisa is the Midtown International Theatre Festival's artistic director of plays, and the general manager for National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals.  www.lisadozierproductions.com

Angelica-Lee Aspiras

Angelica-Lee Aspiras (Actress/Singer/Dancer)  is so proud to join the Active Theater company this year! Broadway, 1st national tour & L.A Premiere: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Understudy for Rona Lisa Peretti & Marcy Park). National Tour: Miss Saigon (Ensemble). Off Broadway: Imelda ( Ulli/Muse 1). Independent Theatre: Two Rooms* by Lee Blessing (Lanie Wells). Workshop: Take Flight a new musical* (Amelia Earhart * workshop reading at F.S.U. with creators Richard Maltby Jr. & David Shire). Regional: Miss Saigon (Gigi) at Theatre Under the Stars.  West Side Story (Anita), Urban Cowboy (Debbie D. Dallas) & The Wedding Singer (Ensemble) all with W.V.P.T. Also Aida (Ensemble) & Miss Saigon (Gigi) with V.M.T. Angelica earned a Bachelors Degree in Music from F.S.U. She is a proud AEA member.

James E. Bullard

James E. Bullard, Alabama native LOUD AND PROUD, is excited to serve as the Assistant Artistic Director for The Active Theater Company.  James’ favorite roles include Jamie Wellerstein in The Last Five Years, Peachy Weil in The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Jinx in Forever Plaid and uncle to Mckinley and Wesley.  James is a proud member of Actors’ Equity.  ROLL TIDE!  www.JamesEBullard.com PFY

Christian Campbell

Best known for his roles in the films Trick and Reefer Madness, Christian has had a career that has spanned more than 20 years and seen him performing around the world in stage, film and television.  He feels blessed to not have had to serve coffee or beer since since he was 19.  He also feels blessed to be married to America Olivo... (Campbell now mwah hahahahah!).

Michael Andrew Daly

Michael is proud to be joining such a brilliantly talented group of artists. Hailing from Salisbury, MD, Michael moved to NYC after getting his undergrad training at Elon University. Past favorite productions include, Pirates! at Papermill Playhouse, Oklahoma! at Fulton Opera House, Ragtime and Jekyll and Hyde, both at North Carolina Theatre, Tom Jones, The Music Man, Return to the Forbidden Planet, and most recently Body Language with the Active Theatre, where he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination from the Midtown International Theatre Festival. Much love to Mom and Dad.

Amy Miller Brennan

Amy Miller Brennan is proud to be part of The Active Theater. Amy is also the founder of Rizing Stars Children’s Theatre Camp. As a performer, favorite roles include Ariel in Footloose, Amalia in She Loves Me, Faith in Respect a Musical Journey of Women, and leading roles in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Putting it Together. Amy received her MFA from Actors Studio Drama School at New School University and her BA in Musical Theatre from Birmingham Southern College. Oh….and James: WAR EAGLE! Proud member of Actors Equity.

Hillary Parker

New York: Bedroom Farce (Kate) at the T.Schreiber Studio, A Doll's House (Kristine Linde) at the Gene Frankel Theatre. Regional Credits, Connecticut Repertory Theatre- The Threepenny Opera (Jenny Diver), Mary Zimmerman's The Arabian Nights (Sympathy the Learned/The Jester's Wife), Amy Freed's Restoration Comedy (Amanda) both directed by Dale AJ Rose, Macbeth directed by Paul Barnes and Love's Labours Lost, directed by Gabriel Barre. Peterborough Players-Our Town with James Whitmore and Mary Beth Hurt. Hope Summer Repertory Theatre- She Loves Me (Amalia), Dames at Sea (Mona Kent), A Midsummer Nights Dream (Titania/Hippolyta). She holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Connecticut and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University.

Eric Percival is thrilled to be a part of this terrific, talented group.  Eric has performed on stages in New York, London, and throughout Europe and the US.  He was awarded Outstanding Lead Actor in the 2008 MITF Awards for his performance in Bubby's Shadow (Midtown International Theatre Festival).  Other recent NYC leading roles include Rosencrantz in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (T. Schreiber Studio), Lee Krebs in A New Theory of Vision (Sanctuary Playwrights Theatre), Joseph Campbell in Jean and Joe (BAX), and Carl in Serenading Louie (Stella Adler Black Box).  London credits include Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night (Natural Perspectives Theatre Co.), Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (LAMDA), and Paris in Romeo and Juliet (LAMDA). He toured nationally in The Story of Anne Frank (National Theatre for the Performing Arts). Training: London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (London), T. Schreiber Studio (NY).  Website: www.ericpercival.com

Molly Sorohan

Molly Sorohan is thrilled to be part of the Active Theatre Company.  National tours: 101 Dalmatians (understudy/swing).  Regional:  The Human Comedy (Barrington Stage Company), Cabaret (Pennsyvlania Centerstage), On the Town (Gateway Playhouse), Jekyll and Hyde (West Virginia Public).  New York:  Merrily We Roll Along (Gallery Players, JV Mercanti, dir.)  BFA Carnegie Mellon University.  Much love to Andre.

Andrew Start

Andrew Start loves the Active Theater! This December, Andrew will be featured in A Tale of Two Cities: In Performance on PBS and the forthcoming concert cast recording. National Tours: Evita (Tango/Sloucho), Wonderful Town. Regional Favorites: Evita, Arvada Center (Migaldi u/s); Oklahoma!, The Fulton; White Christmas (Phil), Surflight; A Chorus Line (Greg); Hair (Claude); Ithaka (Phemious), Pittsburgh Playhouse. Dance: Pittsburgh Opera; Lourenco Homem. Choreography: Coeur d'Alene Summer Theater (Best Choreographer "the Spokies" 2008); On The Boards; Movement Research; Balance Dance Company. BA The Evergreen State College in Experimental Performance. He studies acting in NYC with Susan Pilar.

Bryant Sullivan

Bryant Sullivan can be seen in various independent films and theatre in NYC.  Most recent projects include the films All Hallows Eve, and My Name is Linda, and on stage in Out of the Blue at the Abington and The Many Adventures of Trixie Tickles and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. He can also be seen as a member of the Long-form improv team Badass Swimteam. He trained in imorov at UCB under Curtis Gwinn, Gavin Speiller, Silvija Ozols, and Kevin Hines.   www.bryantsullivan.com

Jason Watson is in awe of such a talented and driven group of emerging artists. Being somewhere on the ground floor of an amazing company like The Active Theater is a rare and exciting opportunity. Hailing from both Colorado and Arizona, Jason has used NYC as a home base for the past ten years while performing and traveling all over the world. Most recently, Jason returns to us from a sunny summer spent at Laguna Playhouse paying tribute to Old Blue Eyes in "My Way". Some favorite roles include Chess (Anatoly), West Side Story (Tony), JCS (Judas), Evita (Che), Forever Plaid (Jinx), and the title role(s) in Jekyll & Hyde. Photography is also a great passion of Jason's and he's honored to have the distinction of Company Photographer. "We have so many amazing moments ahead of us. I promise to try and capture as many of them as possible." Remember... Be Active! www.jasonwatson.net & www.watsonphotonyc.com

Stephanie Youell Binetti is thrilled to be a part of the Active Theater from its inception.  She has also served on the staff of the Playgroup Theater in Westchester County.  Theatrical credits include: Curtains (Broadway; Nikki u/s); Mamma Mia! (National Tour; Sophie u/s); Christine Colgate in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Cape Playhouse); Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain (St. Louis MUNY); Amneris in Aida (Westchester Broadway); Jellylorum in Cats (Houston TUTS); Woman 2 in Putting it Together (Syracuse Stage); Laurey in Oklahoma! (Fulton Opera House); Pitti-Sing in The Hot Mikado (Westchester Broadway and Fulton); Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof (Pittsburgh CLO); Dorothy in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Westchester Broadway).  She has been a soloist with the Tokyo, Cincinnati, Seattle, and Portland symphonies.  TV appearances include Late Night With Conan O'Brien and PBS Pops. Stephanie graduated with a BFA in Musical Theater from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).