The Quarantine Diaries
Premiere: May 9, 2020
Recorded from the live event.
Recorded from the live event.
THE WRITERS. THE ACTORS. THE DIRECTOR.
Deanna Reed-Foster is not only a director, she's also an Emmy award-winning actress and the producer and director of The Quarantine Diaries.
Some of her credits include: The First Deep Breath (Victory Gardens), Mill Fire, Marvin’s Room, Be Here Now (Shattered Globe/Ensemble Member), NINA SIMONE: Four Women (Northlight), A Christmas Memory, All Shook Up (Theatre At The Center), Marvelous Marvelettes, The Other Cinderella, Mama Said (Black Ensemble), The Watson’s Go To Birmingham (Chicago Childrens), Regional: Fences (Judy Baylor) Touring: A Piece Of My Soul (Lewis Productions), Film & TV: Last Flag Flying, Widows, Southside With You, Rollbounce, “Chicago Fire”, Chicago PD (NBC), “Sense8”, “Southside”, “Joe Pera Talks With You”. www.deannareedfoster.com Her current project is raising funds for businesses on the South and West sides of Chicago who have been disadvantaged by systemic racism and devastated by COVID-19. Catch her web campaign: https://www.facebook.com/ImTiredWebCampaign/ |
Barbara Hobart is a television writer/producer and playwright. She currently resides in Chicago, after a 27 year "stint" in Los Angeles. Of the various television scripts she wrote, she is most proud of her very first which won the AGLA Award (GLAAD) where she wrote one of the first lesbian characters portrayed in a positive light... 9 years before Ellen's coming out episode aired. When Barbara's not busy creating a virtual theatre company in the middle of a pandemic, she continues her 30-year history working with those incarcerated. She looks forward to attending the premieres of her two new plays when the pandemic is over and it is safe to return to seeing live theatre. She is a member of the WGA. She is excited to present the next episode in The Quarantine Diaries which is currently in the works.
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SHARIBA RIVERS is a Chicago-based actor who has a new love--writing. But…not so fast! She still has major insecurities about it, so don’t ask her to write too much too soon. She is an ensemble member in three companies: First Floor Theater, The New Colony, and MPAACT, where she is also the casting director. In addition to theater credits, Shariba has TV, commercial, film, web, and audio credits. She recently won an AudioVerse award for her work as Lily Harper in the audiodrama Unwell: A Midwestern Gothic Mystery. She is represented by Gray Talent Group. More at www.sharibatheactor.com.
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Sydney Charles (www.sydneycharlesexp.com) is a Chicago-based actor, activist, and art maker and creator. Selected theatre credits include: The Color Purple (Drury Lane); Nina Simone: Four Women (Northlight Theatre); Flyin' West (American Blues Theatre); Lottery Day, Father Comes Home From the Wars (Goodman Theatre). Sydney can also be seen in episodes of The Haven, The T, Shameless and The Chi. She has lended her directing eye to Steppenwolf Theatre and Red Tape Theatre. She is particularly proud to be an artistic associate with Firebrand Theater. Sydney thanks God for every opportunity she is able to experience and her circle for supporting her every step of the way. Represented by Stewart Talent. AEA/SAG-AFTRA member.
How would you describe June 2020.... or what do you hope for the future? June 2020 happened already? I don't know what day it is half of the time. Nevertheless, in the not-so near future I hope that all humans existing on this plane during this time realize that we are all one and yet all different and that appreciating and recognizing our differences only makes our Oneness more powerful...that's where the healing is. |
Kirsten Fitzgerald is a proud member of the Artistic Ensemble at A Red Orchid Theatre where she has also served as Artistic Director since 2008. At A Red Orchid, she has been fortunate to originate roles in the world premieres of Pilgrim’s Progress and Traitor by Brett Neveu and Grey House by Levi Holloway among many other performances. Other recent credits include Lettie by Boo Killebrew and Appropriate by Brandon Jacob Jenkins (Victory Gardens Theatre), Mary Page Marlow by Tracy Letts, The Qualms and Clybourn Park by Bruce Norris (Steppenwolf Theatre), Sweat and Roe (Goodman Theatre). Television credits include Proven Innocent, The Exorcist, Sirens, Chicago Med, Chicago Justice, Chicago Fire, Underemployed and ER. Film credits include Widows, Killing Eleanor and Working Man.
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Saren Nofs Snyder is an actor, director, and dialect coach who now finds herself, along with her community, in grave peril. She implores you to vigorously advocate for the arts. Vote for candidates who will defend funding and support for artists. Saren is proud to be a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of professional actors and stage managers. Black Lives Matter. “Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one.” -Stella Adler
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ANDREW GUERDAT is a film and television writer-producer whose credits include the series Archie Bunker’s Place; Mork & Mindy; Head Of The Class; Sister, Sister; Boy Meets World; Empty Nest; and Herman’s Head, which he co-created. His films include Fourth Story and Dance ‘Til Dawn. He currently writes animated television series for Disney Junior and Nickelodeon. His play, Red Remembers, starring David Garrison and directed by John Rando, premiered at the Berkshire Theater Festival.
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Alee Spadoni is an actor based in Chicago proudly represented by DDO Artists Agency. Credits include work with Shattered Globe: When the Rain Stops Falling - upcoming when theater can happen again, Theater Wit: Completeness, Oak Park Festival Theatre: Seascape, Curio Theatre: Antagonyms, Dog and Pony Theatre, Adventure Stage Chicago and The State Theatre. Film credits include: The Falls Covenant of Grace (Breaking Glass Pictures) and 624 Days (Ten Yards Media). Her voice can be heard on Onion Public Radio podcasts in The Topical and A Very Fatal Murder as well as animated feature The Romantic. Training: Gately-Poole Conservatory Program, The Actor's Movement Studio NYC, UARTS BFA in Musical Theatre.
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Tiffany Oglesby is originally from Atlanta, GA. She received her BFA in Performing Arts from The Savannah College of Art and Design and her MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. During her time in Chicago, Tiffany worked in tv, theatre, voiceover, and writing. Recent tv credits include: Empire and a national Credit Karma commercial. Recent theatre credits: Byhalia, Mississippi, Flyin' West, and The Light. Writing credits include the play Where Have They Gone? which went on to have a number of public readings throughout Chicago, as well as a list of monologues used for public artistic events and fundraising benefits. Tiffany currently resides in Los Angeles. Representation: Grosman & Jack Talent and KMR Talent Agency. Instagram: @tiffany.oglesby
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Ian Paul Custer is a Chicago actor and musician. Chicago credits: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award, Best Ensemble, Best Musical – Midsize), The Columnist, Little Shop of Horrors, and It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (American Blues Theater), Bad Jews (Theatre Wit), 33 Variations (Jeff Award– Best Production, Midsize), and To Master The Art (TimeLine Theatre), Annie Bosh is Missing (Steppenwolf Theatre), High Holidays (Goodman Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Paramount Theatre). Regional credits: Hero: The Musical (Asolo Rep Theatre), Cymbeline (Notre Dame Shakespeare), Romeo and Juliet (Cardinal Stage), Peter Pan (360 Entertainment - London, England). Television credits: APB, Empire, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD. Ian received his BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University, is an Ensemble member of American Blues Theater, and is represented with Gray Talent Group.
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Shelly Goldstein has written TV, film, stage, special material & lyrics for such artists as Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Stephen Colbert, Larry Wilmore, Sharon Stone, Tiffany Haddish, Hugh Jackman & Yoko Ono. Her one-woman shows have played across the US & UK and her YouTube videos have gotten more than 2.5 million views. During the lockdown she has performed via ZOOM around the world & eaten way too many carbs. She was thrilled to be a part of the original Quarantine Diaries – thanks to Barbara & Deanna. #BlackLivesMatter #BeKind #Vote! Contact: LACabaret@yahoo.com
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Celeste M. Cooper is an actor/producer. She is an ensemble member at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Eclipse Theatre Company. Celeste has worked at several Chicagoland theatres, has regional credits, and her TV/film credits include Range Runners, Chicago PD, Chiraq, Sense8, and more. She went to Tennessee State University and The Theatre School at DePaul University. Celeste's awards include: Most Promising Actress award- Black Theater Alliance, Best Actress- Twister Alley Film Festival, and in 2020 she was listed in the NewCity Stage Players magazine as one of the 50 people who really perform for Chicago. She is represented by Paonessa Talent.
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Malinowski is an actor, playwright and Deaf/disability activist whose 5 award-winning solo shows have been produced in venues across the county and internationally. She has is a recipient of 3Arts/UIC Arts in Disability culture and semi-Finalist for O”Neill and Blue Ink for her writing. In addition to her TV and film work (Some of it good- a lot of it bad) she has worked at the Goodman and Victory Gardens. She teaches writing and is a Resident Playwright at Chicago Dramatists. arlenemalinowski.com
I am hopeful that art will thrive after this pandemic. |
Born on the South side of Chicago, Tanikia is an actress, playwright, and multi-hyphenate creative. She is the creator of Black Owned Chicago which is a resource for the city to support Black businesses. Her work has been featured on the TLC Network, ESSENCE, and Huffington Post, just to name a few. Tanikia attended Columbia College for Theatre, but was forced to become a college dropout after one semester, due to a lack of finances. She went on to receive her B.F.A. in Media Studies from North Park University with a minor in Africana Studies. During her time at North Park she was blessed to be able to lead a group of students on a mission trip to Zambia, become editor of the campus newspaper, and become the first African American homecoming queen. Immediately after graduating she interned in Jackson, Mississippi at the Spencer Perkins Center under Dr. John Perkins and transcribed his memoir "Love is the Final Fight". Tanikia recently created The Black Monologues that features Black actors performing pieces from Black playwrights which has been in partnership with Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago. When she isn't writing or on stage, she's busy raising her 2-year-old daughter India and loving on her amazing husband, Stephen.
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Sara Sevigny is a Chicago bred actor, singer, improviser, and playwright who is best known as Edna Bunnin on EMPIRE (FOX). Sara is also half of the comedic duo, "Corri and Sara," whose YouTube series, GET IN THE CAR, is available here. Their new series, CORRI AND SARA ARE FAMOUS, shoots in 2019. Sara also starred as Grace in the film ROGERS PARK (Critic's Pick New York Times, 100% Rotten Tomatoes). Other credits include PopTv's HOT DATE, and Comedy Central's SOUTH SIDE. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actor's Equity, Sara theater credits include Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Lyric Opera, and Paramount. You can find Sara at Actor's Training Center, audition-coaching and teaching on-camera classes, or at the dog park with her pups and her hubs. Sara is repped by Gray Talent Group and Artists First. She also likes unsweetened green tea lemonade, in case you wanted to get her one. It tastes like sunshine.
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Jerre Dye is a Chicago-based opera librettist, playwright and theatre artist. He is the recipient of the Award for Dramatic Literature from the Fellowship of Southern Writers. His play, CICADA, had a Chicago premiere in 2014 with Route 66 Theatre Company (Jeff nominated). His play DISTANCE, premiered in 2016 with Strawdog Theatre Company (Jeff nominated). Opera commissions include: TAKING UP SERPENTS for Washington National Opera with composer Kamala Sankaram, WOMAN WITH EYES CLOSED, an upcoming commission for Opera Philadelphia with composer Jennifer Higdon, CHAUTAUQUA STORIES for Chautauqua Opera, OPERA 901 and A PRETTY LITTLE ROOM for Opera Memphis with composer Robert Patterson, THE TRANSFORMATION OF JANE DOE for Chicago Opera Theatre with composer Stacy Garrop, PARKSVILLE, a filmed, episodic, virtual reality opera for Opera On Tap/New York with composer Kamala Sankaram and GHOSTS OF CROSSTOWN, a opera cycle in collaboration with Opera Memphis: MOVIN’ UP IN THE WORLD with composer Zachary Redler, ABANDONED with composer Kamran Ince (featured at the Opera America Annual Conference in S.F. as part of the New Works Sampler 2014), IVONNE with composer Nathaniel Stookey (featured at the Opera America Annual Conference in D.C. as part of the New Works Sampler 2015), and MITCH AND THE MOON with composer Jack Perla. Other works for the stage include: SHORT/STORIES, THREADS, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF HANSEL AND GRETEL, WILD SWANS, LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE and an adaptation of Stravinsky’s A SOLDIER’S TALE with Iris Orchestra.
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Barbara Figgins is an ensemble member with the Irish Theatre of Chicago, Lakeside Shakespeare and also works as a film and voice over actor. Her credits include: Pipeline
(Alabama Shakespeare Festival); My Brilliant Divorce (Jeff Nomination, Best SoloPerformance), In Pigeon House, The Shadow of a Gunman, Dancing at Lughnasa, Our Father, Scenes from the Big Picture, WAR and Bold Girls (Irish Theatre of Chicago);Barbecue (Strawdog Theatre at Steppenwolf); Pam in Exit Strategy (Jackalope Theatre); Hedda Gabler (Writers Theatre); The History Boys (Timeline, Jeff Award Best Ensemble). Film & TV: “Chicago Justice”, “The Chi”. For more information visit www.barbarafiggins.com |
(she/her/they) Brianna Buckley has called Chicago home for 6 years where her love of acting, directing and teaching blossomed. A few Chicago acting projects include The One and Only Ivan Tour (Lifeline Theatre), Romeo and Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Queen of the Mist (Firebrand Theatre), Othello (Babes With Blades Theatre), and Crumbs From The Table Of Joy (Raven Theatre). Directing credits include The Color Purple (associate) and Surely Goodness and Mercy (assistant), and varies other festivals. Looking ahead, she hopes to create more work that uplifts All Black voices. Black exist in the future.
Represented by Gray Talent. |
Looking for a means to keep myself busy in retirement, I decided to try my hand at writing. It quickly evolved from busy work to passion. Since 2006, I’ve written thirteen plays. In 2006 and 2007 I attended two forty week playwright workshops at ETA Creative Arts Foundation of Chicago. At the end of the 2006 session my first effort, ‘Reverend Bass’ Closet’, was given a table reading. A dramatic version of ‘The Diversion of Barbara Jean Williams’ was given a table reading at the end of the 2007 session. From 2008 to 2012 I attended four workshops at Chicago Dramatists for play development and musical theatre writing. I was a member of the Chicago Dramatist Network Playwrights from 2009 to 2010. I became a member of the Black Ensemble Theatre’s Black Playwright’s Initiative (BPI) in the summer of 2011. I’ve been featured in stage readings at the BPI festival in 2012 (The Diversion of Barbara Jean Williams – musical version), 2013 (Savages), 2014 (The Price of Corn), 2015 (The House of Lancaster), 2016 (Hail, Hail Chuck Berry), 2017 (In the Shadow of Justice) and 2018 (Reverend Lear, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear). 2018 was climaxed with the successful production of ‘Hail, Hail Chuck, a Tribute to Chuck Berry’ at the Black Ensemble Theatre of Chicago (nominated for the Lorraine Hansberry Award for writing) and a production of ‘In the Shadow of Justice’ at the DuSable Museum of Chicago and North Eastern University of Chicago.
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