🎉Introducing Our New Artistic Chairperson,
Nan McNamara!

“Theatre is a balm for the soul, an art form that illuminates life. Our hearts ache at not being able to share the power of story during this challenging time in our nation’s history. However, even though our stages are dark, we will continue to pursue our role as salt and light to our patrons and to our community at large. We can’t wait to see you, once again, in the dark.”

— Nan McNamara, Artistic Chairperson

NAN MCNAMARA has been a member of Actors Co-op since 1997.  She has served in leadership as Producing Director, Director of Publicity and as a member of the Board and Executive Committee.  She recently directed the world premiere of Lee Blessing’s A Body of Water (Ovation Recommended).  Other directing credits include Last Train to Nibroc and See Rock City, two of the The Nibroc Trilogy plays (Critic’s Choice-Los Angeles Times, Critic’s Pick-Backstage West, Recommended-LA Weekly).  The Nibroc Trilogy garnered six LA Weekly nominations (two wins) and a Garland Award Honorable Mention for her direction.  She also directed Actors Co-op’s 20th Anniversary season opener, the musical The 1940s Radio Hour  (which garnered four NAACP Theatre Award nominations) and the critically-acclaimed production of The Boys Next Door (Critic’s Choice-Los Angeles Times, Critic’s Pick-Backstage West).   She is an award-winning actress (Los Angeles Drama Critics Award, LA Weekly Award, StageRaw Award and others).  As an actor, Nan has appeared in the Ovation Award-winning 33 Variations, Wit, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, A Walk in the Woods, Steel Magnolias and many others.   Her television work includes Hawaii Five-0, Criminal Minds, Major Crimes, Switched at Birth, among others.  She enjoys a vibrant career in voiceover and has narrated over 100 audiobooks.  Nan has taught acting at The Imagined Life, Asuza Pacific University and Vanguard University.  www.NanMcNamara.com

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Introducing Our New Marketing Director,
Ivy Beech!

“I am thrilled to be stepping in as Marketing Director and I am excited to let Actors Co-op’s light shine boldly and brightly!”

— Ivy Beech, Marketing Director

IVY BEECH has beeen a member of Actors Co-op since 2014 but grew up going to Co-op shows as a child and was in her first Co-op play when she was in 5th grade! Ivy trained in London at Shakespeare’s Globe and London Internaional School of Performing Arts, and earned her BFA at the University of Minnesota Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program. Theatre: Stage Kiss (Geffen Playhouse), Pride & Prejudice (Guthrie Theater), Hidden People (Guthrie Theater), The Seagull(Nina), Constellations (Marianne), The Tempest (Ariel). Coop credits include: A Body of Water (Pulitzer Prize nominated Lee Blessing’s World Premier ending, Ovation Recommended), Steel Magnolias (Ovation Recommended), Anna Karenina, Cat’s Paw, My Children! My Africa!, Pride & Prejudice, The Diviners, The Devil’s Disciple. Film/TV: YOU (Netflix), Switched at Birth (ABC), Criminal Minds (CBS), The Last Protestor (Cannes Short Film Corner), Do Not Disturb (Austin Comedy Short Film Nominee - Best Actress), The Orchid, and many other short films and projects. She thanks God, her husband, and family and friends for their love and support! www.IvyBeech.com

Actors Co-op Members have been using our theater-making skills and our spirit of inventiveness to help the community at large by sewing MASKS! Co-op has donated 50 hand-sewn cloth masks to Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services, an organization in Los Angeles that serves 550 at-risk youth and their families everyday by providing innovative and individualized treatment, education, and support services to better their lives. This is in addition to Co-op mask donations that have been made over the last few months to hospitals and essential workers. 

We released a statement a few days ago saying that we hope to do better with our response to the racial injustice and inequality that has been brought to light the past few weeks. We recognize there is work to be done, and we have started the deep conversations needed.

As a theater company of Christian membership, we believe that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. And racism, therefore, is unacceptable, reprehensible, and contradictory to the heart of God. It is painfully clear that we as Americans have work to do to ensure Black lives are valued and that we are standing in solidarity with the Black community.

We are horrified by the acts of racial injustice that have occurred within our country most recently with the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We lament the senseless loss of these three lives, and countless other Black lives - each endowed with eternal value and dignity. We are deeply disturbed that racism, which subtly infects us all and has marred our country throughout its history, continues to exist today. 

Within Actors Co-op leadership and membership, we are discussing active ways to reflect the image of God’s fullness and walk in step with Jesus’ commandment to love the Lord our God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Our conversations within Actors Co-op will address our membership, auditions, casting, and season selection. These conversations will take time, and deserve time as we address the true issues at the heart of racial reconciliation and equality. 

We know God is working through this moment. So, we pray for bold courage in the days ahead to stand with Jesus Christ and with the oppressed and marginalized.

Thank you for being gracious with us as we learn and grow together.

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

We invite you to join us in praying for a Spirit of peace and justice for our country and our city.

He has shown you, O people, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

- Micah 6:8

While you can’t catch us on our stages, you CAN catch up on some of our recent (before Covid-19) work online!

Before Covid-19 hit, Actors Co-op Theatre Company members were were busy around town recording and shooting projects for different platforms such as Netflix, Quibi, ABC, CBS, Audible, and more!

While we wait patiently for the moment when we can perfom on the stage for our audiences again, we have compiled a list of some of the recent projects Co-op members have performed in that you can stream from the safety of your home!

Streaming Online:

Matt Gilmore on THE GOLDBERGS

Where you can watch: ABC, Hulu

Role: Jansen McChuckles, Season 7, Episode 15

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG

Nan McNamara on HAWAII FIVE-0

Where you can watch:

CBS, Season 10 , Episode 10

Role: Maura Keilana

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG

Lauren Thompson on THE FUGITIVE

Where you can watch: Quibi

Role: EMT Worker

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG-13

Ivy Beech on YOU

Where you can watch: Netflix

Role: Moira, Episode 7

Rating/Family Friendly?:

R, Not Family Friendly

Matt Gilmore on MEDICAL POLICE

Where you can watch: Netflix

Role: Agent Donald, Season 1, Episode 6 & 7

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG-13

Selah Victor & David Atkinson in ALL I WISH

Where you can watch: Netflix

Role: Producer, also played Kimmy

Rating/Family Friendly?: R, adult content

Matt Gilmore on THE STRANGER

Where you can watch: Quibi

Role: Officer Donnelly, Season 1, Episode 5

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG-13

Lauren Thompson in ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ.

Where you can watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Vudu, Youtube, or Google Play

Role: Officer Leslie Hunt

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG-13

Greg Martin in OZARK

Where you can watch: Netflix

Role: Store Owner, Season 1 Episode 2

Rating/Family Friendly?: R

Selah Victor in STAY AT HOME RAP

Where you can watch: Youtube

Role: Producer, Starring

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG

Joseph Barone in HOMELAND

Where you can watch: Showtime, Hulu, Amazon Prime

Role: Flight Engineer/ Machine Gunner, Season 8 Episode 4

Rating/Family Friendly?: R

Matt Gilmore on STALKED BY MY DOCTOR: A SLEEPWALKERS NIGHTMARE

Where you can watch: Lifetime

Role: Rik

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG-13

Vito Viscuso in ASSIMILATE

Where to watch: Netflix

Role: Larry Shepard

Rating/Family Friendly?: R, Not Family Friendly

David Atkinson in BARRY

Where you can watch: HBO, Hulu

Role: Man at the Door , Season 2 Episode 1

Rating/Family Friendly?: R

David Atkinson in 9-1-1

Where you can watch: Fox, Hulu, Youtube

Role: Farmer Rick McDouglas, Season 3 Episode 5

Rating/Family Friendly?: R, Mature Themes

David Atkinson in S.W.A.T.

Where you can watch: CBS

Role: Carlton, Season 2 Episode 21

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG-13

Audiobooks and Voiceover:

Townsend Coleman, Deborah Marlowe, Catherine Urbanek, and Selah Victor on OMEGAMAH AUDIO DRAMA PODCAST

Where you can listen: Apple Podcasts

Role: Various characters, Selah Victor produced

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG

Nan McNamara on THE HEIRLOOM GARDEN

Where to listen: Audible, Amazon.com

Role: Co-Narrator

Rating/Family Friendly?: G

Ivy Beech, Avrielle Corti, Nan McNamara, and Treva Tegtmeier on CFL BIBLE APP

Where to listen: CFL Bible App

Role: Narrators

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG

Other Information: CFL Bible App is the first audio Bible recorded entirely by women. It primarily targets incarcerated women and at risk women. Currently the app offers the New Testament & 8 books of the Old Testament. The entire Old Testament will be available July 2020

Avrielle Corti on KIPO AND THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS

Where to listen: Netflix

Role: Amy

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG

Deb Marlowe on SPECTRUM, Popeye’s Chicken, & St Louis Zoo, VO SPOTS

Where to listen: Spectrum - CA Radio, St. Louis Zoo - St. Louis TV, Popeye’s Chicken - TV

Role: Voiceover Artist

Rating/Family Friendly?: PG

Actors Co-op Theater Company has been involved in conversations with other Los Angeles non-profit intimate theaters finding ways to share knowledge and solve problems that our theater community faces during this pandemic to make sure we make it through the current Covid crisis and come out even stronger. 

“ While the doors to our theatres may be shut, our artists continue to innovate and utilize new technology to serve Los Angeles and promote the importance of theatre. Our creative work has never been limited to our stages, and the boundless creativity of Los Angeles theatre artists will ensure that our theatres will reopen with a renewed sense of purpose. Los Angeles is one of the cultural capitals of the world, and together we make sure that #LALivesOnStage. ”

Los Angeles Intimate Theatres Release
a Message of Hope and Solidarity for Their Future Los Angeles, CA (May 14, 2020)

For these two months, a growing number of Los Angeles theatres have been meeting in a roundtable to discuss some of the big issues facing our community. These meetings were spearheaded by Producing Artistic Director of The Skylight Theatre, Gary Grossman. The Los Angeles Intimate Theatres have implemented action committees for creating collaborative strategies in health and safety protocols for audiences, staff, and artists. Other areas of focus include marketing, and planning an online Intimate Theatre Festival, and planning a Live LA Theatre Festival once everyone is able to gather again. Partnering with LA Stage Alliance/onStage.LA, the group is aiming to establish a central hub for all Los Angeles theatre activities.

Stay Home. Stay Safe.
We’ll All Come Back
Together.

Dear Actors Co-op family,

As many of you may have expected, in response to COVID-19/novel coronavirus and to comply with the directive of the California Department of Public Health and a mandate from the County of Los Angeles, we are postponing MARVIN’S ROOM & A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE until further notice. It is imperative that we act on the advice of government officials, public health authorities, and medical professionals.

We will keep you updated with any future updates. Please contact boxoffice@actorsco-op.org  if you have any questions. We are monitoring in real time and responding accordingly.

Your ongoing support of Actors Co-op means so much to all of us, we look forward to when we can see you next at YOUR theater company.

Dear Actors Co-op family,

As you know, the ongoing response to COVID-19/novel coronavirus has been quickly evolving. To comply with the directive of the California Department of Public Health and a mandate from the County of Los Angeles, we are immediately canceling our three performances of A Body of Water this weekend. It is imperative that we act on the advice of government officials, public health authorities, and medical professionals.

We will keep you updated as new information becomes available. We are contacting current ticket holders via email, but please contact boxoffice@actorsco-op.org  if you have any questions. We are monitoring in real time and responding accordingly.

As of this moment these are the only shows we have cancelled. We will continue sending updates as information becomes available. If you are concerned about future performances or productions this season, we have a flexible exchange policy. We ask that you wait a few days before reaching out to the box office so we can prioritize handling immediate ticket buyers impacted by the current cancellations.

We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.  

Your ongoing support of Actors Co-op means so much to all of us, we look forward to when we can see you next at YOUR theater company.

Sincerely,

The Actors Co-op Executive Committee

Marvin’s Room Director

Thomas James O’Leary talks about his personal connection to the play and what he hopes will catch the audience by surprise

Q. How did you first become involved with Actors Co-op?

TJOL: I first discovered the Actors Co-op when I saw their lovely production of Ah, Wilderness! I reached out to them, and over the next year or so, members of their Production Committee attended a couple productions I directed before I had my first meeting with them. After that meeting, they offered me 33 Variations. I was thrilled that I got to direct one of my dream plays for my first directing job with the Co-op. I was blessed with a dream cast and design team and we even won four Ovations Awards for that production.

Q. What attracted you to direct Marvin’s Room? What is most compelling to you about this story?

TJOL: I was fortunate to see the original Off-Broadway production of Marvin's Room at the Minetta Lane Theatre in NYC back in 1992. When the Co-op reached out to me to see if I had any interest in directing it, I jumped at the opportunity. I love this play! My original connection was a personal one. In 1992, I was living a lot of what is in the play. I was in the throes of caregiving for my partner who was very ill. We had heard that Scott McPherson who wrote the play was also caregiving for his partner at the time, although he first wrote the play based on his experiences as a youngster living with older relatives. We saw the play and we were deeply affected by its surprisingly quirky humor and grace in telling our story. What I find most compelling about the story is Scott's effortless comedic tone - he's drawn to what's funny in these difficult situations. Very few writers are able to effectively put such a comic spin on this type of material, which can often get melodramatic or be overly sentimental. There's none of that in Scott's writing. He navigates the serious terrain so easily, bouncing from comedy to drama and back again, sometimes in a single breath!

Mr. O’Leary winning the 2018 Ovation Award for Best Direction for the 2017 Actors Co-op production of 33 Variations

Q. How would you describe this play to people? 

TJOL: Two long-estranged sisters, Bessie and Lee, reunite as they sort out the caregiving responsibilities for their very ill father and slightly off-kilter aunt. Lee brings along her teenage boys who have their own issues. The stressful and humorous family dynamics form the backdrop of a story about how we manage to keep on keeping on, when there might not be any happy endings. And yet, it's often crazily, humanly, improbably funny! Everyone is transformed for the better throughout the play. In the end, it's a story about how to love unconditionally.

Q. What do you want people to experience in watching this play? 

TJOL: I hope the audience will feel at home in Marvin's room and enjoy the sometimes whacky, sometimes moving, and always human ride. There is a role for everyone to relate to in this play depending on what side of the prism you're on. And the message is so inspiring.

Mr. O’Leary directed last year’s Ovation Recommended production of The Christians

Q. What makes this play an important story to tell? 

TJOL: I think the subject matter of caregiving and being cared for is one that so many people are dealing with today, as we baby boomers are either acting as caregivers or are in need of care ourselves. This play so deftly covers both sides of that coin - or every side of the prism that reflects each role in this dynamic. We need that story told and I just love that this play uses humor to say "Hey, I know what you're going through. You're not alone." We're all in Marvin's room, and we can laugh a little and love a lot along the way.

Q. What are some of the challenges in directing this play?

TJOL: We have focused a lot on getting the tone right - it's right there in the script, but it's sometimes a challenge to trust how much comedy is interwoven into some of the scenes with serious subject matter. But I'm in love with Scott's writing, so that has been a joy to work on. There are a lot of moving parts to this production, literally and figuratively, and we're all being quite ambitious with the design elements - set, lights, props, sound, music - but I am blessed to have an ace team of designers, and I can't wait to see it all come together! We've also been blessed with a fine very young actor who is playing Lee's 12-year-old son. It's my first time working with someone that young in a pretty sizeable role, so we're taking the time needed to teach him the in's and out's of stagecraft, but he is learning so fast, that he now knows the other characters' lines better than they do sometimes!

Mr. O’Leary working with actor Marek Meyers during rehearsals for Marvin’s Room

Q. What do you think we will find most surprising from this production?

TJOL: It's funny! It's grounded in a sometimes painful reality, but much of the dialogue is written as deftly as the best comic sketches from vaudeville or the best sitcoms on TV today. Scott admitted that as he wrote the play, he wrote funny until he ran out of funny, given where story needs to go, and that works beautifully. What's touching about the story reveals itself in such a natural way, and then gets us laughing again. It bounces back and forth between comedy and drama so effortlessly, just like the bouncing light in Marvin's room!

Marvin’s Room plays March 20-May 3. Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 2:30pm ; Additional Saturday Matinees

SATURDAY MATINEES: 3/28 & 4/4

Directed by Ovation Award Winner Thomas James O’Leary

Winner Of The 1991–1992 Drama Desk Award For Outstanding Play

Marvin’s Room opens March 20th in our David Schall Theater

Running March 20 through May 3

Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2:30pm| Additional Saturday Matinees 3/28 + 4/4

Tara Battani as Lee

Actors Co-op Member

Francesca Casale at Bessie

Actors Co-op Member

Kane Filbeck as Hank

Actors Co-op Member

Marek Meyers as Charlie

Guest Artist

Crystal Yvonne Jackson

Actors Co-op Member

Brian Habicht* as Dr. Wally

Actors Co-op Member

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Kimi Walker* as Dr. Charlotte

Actors Co-op Member

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, The Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Justin Bowles as Marvin/Bob

Guest Artist

You can learn more about the cast by clicking on their photos!

Now playing through March 15

A BODY OF WATER PLAYS FEBRUARY 7 THROUGH MARCH 15. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 8:00PM, SUNDAYS AT 2:30PM; ADDITIONAL SATURDAY MATINEE 2/22 AT 2:30PM

Check out our production photos featured on Broadway World Los Angeles

Don Grigware sits down with Playwright Lee Blessing and Director Nan McNamara to discuss Blessing’s new ending of A Body of Water opening February 7th!

A BODY OF WATER PLAYS FEBRUARY 7 THROUGH MARCH 15. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 8:00PM, SUNDAYS AT 2:30PM; ADDITIONAL SATURDAY MATINEES 2/15 & 2/22 AT 2:30PM

Meet The Director of A Body of Water.  We are so excited to welcome longtime Co-op member Nan McNamara to her fourth production in the role of director. She previously directed two of the three plays that comprised The Nibroc Trilogy; Boys Next Door; and the 20th Season production of The 1940’s Radio Hour

Q: What makes you excited about this project? 

Nan: Working with the playwright, Lee Blessing, is a thrill. I think he is one of our greatest American playwrights. Having performed in two of his plays in the past, I am particularly excited to be able to direct one of his plays with a newly written ending that will be a world premiere. I am also excited to be working with the design team, all of whom I have admired from other productions I have been in as an actor. And of course, the cast! It excites me to see how much they bring to the table. As an actor myself, I am in awe of their talent (and that we get to hang out together during rehearsals

Q: Why should people come see this show?

Nan: First and foremost, come and experience a play by Lee Blessing. Secondly, this play in particular explores big questions about life and our purpose here on earth. But there is a lot of humor and three very compelling relationships. Come see these actors - they will take you on a real journey.

Q: What is your favorite quote from the play?

Nan: I love Wren’s statement, “If you want to know who you are, simply look.” I feel like we live in a culture right now where the reflex can sometimes be to blame others. But perhaps what we really need to do is look inside and take responsibility, to not live in fear and to be willing to experience intimacy. This play is asking us to question what’s really important. It’s a roller coaster ride of what’s real and what’s not.

A BODY OF WATER PLAYS FEBRUARY 7 THROUGH MARCH 15. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 8:00PM, SUNDAYS AT 2:30PM; ADDITIONAL SATURDAY MATINEES 2/15 & 2/22 AT 2:30PM

Ivy Beech

as Wren

“It’s such a wild ride for all the characters while also being incredibly thought-provoking.”

Q: What is something you love about playing Wren? 

IB: “I love how Wren is direct, challenging, and has a very high BS meter. She demands unwavering honesty and she’s fearless!”

Q: Why do you think people should see A Body of Water?

IB: It’s such a wild ride for all the characters while also being incredibly thought-provoking. There are major plot twists and the storytelling is non-conventional. Everyone has different insight when they come away from this play and that’s really thrilling. And the playwright has re-written the end!! So it’s a world premiere of this new ending!

Bruce Ladd as Moss

“The story poses really interesting questions involving memory and how do we know if something we believe is true, or not.”

Q: What is something you love about playing Moss?

BL: The play has some really interesting twists and turns in it, so playing the story in such a way that those twists are surprising...even shocking...when they occur is lots of fun.

Q: Why do you think people should see A Body of Water?

BL: The story poses really interesting questions involving memory and how do we know if something we believe is true, or not. Plus Lee Blessing, the playwright, has rewritten parts of the play and it has a new ending that we are doing!

Treva Tegtmeier* as Avis

“This show takes you on a riveting journey. It is quite a ride.”

Q: What is something you love about playing Avis?

TT: She has a great sense of humor and a lovely vulnerability.

Q: Why do you think people should see A Body of Water?

TT: This show takes you on a riveting journey. It is quite a ride.

A Body of water plays February 7 through march 15. Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:30pm; Additional saturday matinees 2/15 & 2/22 at 2:30pm.

*The actors appearing in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors in the United States

It's our birthday! Join us in celebrating 28 successful seasons! Founded in 1987, Actors Co-op is celebrating 33 years of live theatrical excellence! 👏🏽🎉

Thank you, for making Actors Co-op YOUR Theatre company!

Miracle on 34th Street has added two additional Saturday Matinees!

Now playing through December 15, additional matinees 12/7 & 12/14 at 2:30pm

“It’s a true ensemble cast and they create the entire world - the music, the foley, the movement, and of course... the laughs”

— Joseph Leo Bwarie, Miracle on 34th Street Director

Miracle on 34th Street- A Live Radio Play runs through November 1- December 15, performances Friday & Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2:30pm, Additional Saturday matinees 11/9 & 11/16

“The frenetic energy of the entrances and exits creates amazing opportunities to tickle and delight the audience by quickly surprising them from moment to moment”

— The Mystery of Irma Vep Director, Carla Cackowski

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP PLAYS OCTOBER 4 THROUGH NOVEMBER 10. FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT 8:00 PM; SUNDAY MATINEES AT 2:30 PM; SATURDAY MATINEES 10/12 & 10/19 AT 2:30 PM.

We are thrilled to welcome back two of our favorite guest artists, Issac Wade and John Allee*, to kick off this campy thriller as we open our 28th season on October 4th!

We caught up with the stars of The Mystery of Irma Vep!

Pictured left to right: Isaac Wade and John Allee*

Q.  How many shows/what shows have you worked on at Actors Co-op? 

Issac: The Mystery of Irma Vep is the fifth show I’ve appeared in with the Actor’s Co-op. Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde was the first show I worked on followed by The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Around the World in 80 Days, and The Turn of the Screw. 

John: Irma Vep is my fourth show with the Co-op! I've done mostly plays with "man" in the title - The Man Who Came to Dinner, Man for All Seasons, or written by a Kauf-"man" - 33 Variations, The Man Who Came to Dinner. There may or may not be a wolf-man in Irma Vep, so maybe I'll keep my streak going. 

Q. Any favorite memories/moments/funny stories you have about working with us? 

Isaac : I think one of the most interesting things is that all five shows I’ve worked on with the Actor’s Co-op is that each one has required us all to play multiple characters and each show has been increasingly more challenging in that regard either in terms of the number of characters or the physical demands of the play. In terms of those demands one of the funniest or most ridiculous for me was the fake mustache I had to contend with in Around the World in 80 Days. I always preemptively apologize to all costume designers because in a particularly physical show (much like this one!) I sweat profusely! And during Around the World in 80 Days I had to wear a giant Hercule Poirot-esque mustache for one of the characters, but had to remove it to play another one. It was attached with spirit gum, but unfortunately, my face was so wet from the profuse sweating that in it wouldn’t stay on my face when I switched back to that character. It would stay on for a minute or two and then one side would slowly begin to wilt off my face. Every head turn would cause it to slide more and as a result, that mustache became more of the character than I did!

John: Any favorite memories of mine would have to start with performing alongside Bruce Ladd. Once as his nemesis and once as his amanuensis. Greg Martin was the best audience a fellow cast member could want. And the best scene partner I never had was Treva Tegtmeier (we were in 2 productions together and our characters never spoke a word to one another). Also, I got to watch Nan McNamara fall apart in 33 Variations every night from the wings, and I'll be damned if I didn't cry every time.

Q. What is it about the Co-op that you appreciate or find different about working with us? What does working for the Co-op mean to you?

Isaac: The thing I most appreciate about the Actors Co-op is that everyone I’ve ever worked with....actors, directors, stage managers, producers, designers....every single person I’ve ever worked with here has been so incredibly supportive. The sense of unity and of banding together to accomplish the same goal is so deep in the bloodstream at the Co-op and it makes every single rehearsal and performance not just an enjoyable experience but a joy to be a part of. I am so grateful for every experience I’ve had here!

John: I appreciate the artistic integrity, the community spirit, the support, the sense of coming together to build something that's bigger than any one of us. Also, the parking. Great parking. 

The Mystery of Irma Vep plays October 4 through November 10. Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sunday Matinees at 2:30 pm; Saturday Matinees 10/12 & 10/19 at 2:30 pm.

*The actors appearing in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors in the United States.