RUN BEN RUN DIGITAL PROGRAM

REBECCA WRIGHT

Director/Benjamin Franklin

Rebecca Wright is a director-creator, and a founding company member of Applied Mechanics, with whom she has created over a dozen original immersive works. Other favorite projects include Indecent, The Hobbit, Wrinkle in Time, Backing Track, Pinocchio, Red Riding Hood (the Arden), Perfect Day and Spiritual Experience (The Private Theater), Always the Hour (Annie Wilson), Articles of Faith (Cynthia Hopkins), Wig Wag (Emily Bate), Head Over Heels (Theatre Horizon), Peaceable Kingdom (Orbiter 3), and her own adaptation of The Wild Duck (Quintessence Theater Group). Rebecca has worked with students at Bard College, University of the Arts, University of Minnesota, Arcadia University, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan. She has contributed writing to publications by TCG, Ecotone, Routledge, and Haymarket. She is a two-time recipient of the Independence Fellowship in the Arts and a 2024 Pew Fellow. Up Next: John Proctor is the Villain at the Arden Theatre.

BRETT ASHLEY ROBINSON

Ben Vereen

Brett Ashley Robinson is a Pew Fellow as well as a Barrymore Award-winning actor

director, theatremaker, and educator based in Philadelphia. She is the 2021 winner of the

PEN America/ Jean Stein Oral History Grant for her original work Re-Enactment. As a director, she has worked with 1812 Productions, Inis Nua, Theater Exile, The Bearded Ladies, Theater Horizon, UArts, Drexel, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the Philly Goat Project. She is a company member of Applied Mechanics, an immersive theater company based in Philadelphia, and a member of the HotHouse–the Tony award-winning Wilma Theater’s resident acting company. She loves a buck a shuck oyster and Vino Verde. So much love to David and Owen.

IZZY SAZAK

Ben Affleck

Izzy Sazak​​​​​​ (they/them) is a queer, genderful, turkish-colombian-american trans-disciplinary performer, visual artist, theater-maker, clown, and facilitator. they live, work, play and grow, on Lenni Lenape Land (philadelphia). they are a company member of Applied Mechanics, and a former assoicated artist of Delaware Shakespeare. Recent Credits include, TUZLUK Fringe 2026 writer/performer; Franklin’s Key (Pig Iron); 12th Night, O Lo Que Quieras (Delaware Shakespeare) Home for the Holidays (Delaware Theater Company); Poor Judge (Pig Iron Theater Company); Philly Baby Jam (Ninth Planet); Pinocchio (The Arden); Other Orbits (Applied Mechanics); Head Over Heels (Theater Horizon), 12th Night, O Lo Qué Quieras (Delaware Shakespeare), Geoff Sobelle’s HOME (U.S. and East Asian Tour 2019). Pig Iron/Uarts MFA Class of 2018, University of Virginia BA in Drama (2011)

MK TUOMANEN

Benjamin Lay

MK Tuomanen (they/them) has made 12 shows as a company member of Applied Mechanics. Awards include Jerome and McKnight Fellowships with the Playwright’s Center, 2025 Terrence McNally Award for their play Night Science (developed at the Wilma and Philadelphia Theater Company), the 2017 Haas Emerging Artist Award, and the 2017 Philadelphia Award for their play, Peaceable Kingdom. MK’s solo works include Hello! Sadness! (Kimmel Center, FringeArts) and Consider the Cow (Red Eye Theater). Their Barrymore Award-nominated play Marcus/Emma premiered at InterAct Theater in 2017. As a director, their work has been seen in FringeArts (Girl Doll, An American Musical by Jackie Soro and Pax Ressler), Cannonball (TUZLUK, by Izzy Sazak) Edinburgh Fringe (Violence of the Lambs, 40 Year Old Ballerino, Drunk Lion and Bortle 8 by Chris Davis) as well as UTR LaMama, the Guggenheim Works and Process and Woolly Mammoth (Rose: You Are Who You Eat by Rose Jarboe). They are an associated artist with the Bearded Ladies Cabaret and recently toured the show DICKIE DICKIE DICKY DONNIE to Philly Fringe with Minneapolis collective BETTY.  www.mkplays.com

ANTHONY MARTINEZ-BRIGGS

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny)

Anthony has a crush on fashionable sneakers, well-cultivated herbs, and sci-fi novels written by black femme authors. They are a Wilma HotHouse company member, Bearded Ladies Associate Artist, and recipient of the 2023 F. Otta Haas Award for Emerging Artist. They wear many hats including but not limited to writing, teaching, facilitating, music-making, and theater artist-type things. They are also known as “Us”: emcee and member of the award-winning band ILL DOOTS, seen on theater stages throughout 

the Philly area and in music venues nationwide. Listen to their latest album “Divine Transmission” out now. The LOVE received from the many communities that have welcomed them has remained a constant source of inspiration and gratitude. Their mission is to pay that love forward. They stand on the shoulders of many. They love their wife, Tess. Up Next: WHYY’s “We, The Pigeons”

CHRIS DAVIS

Benedict Arnold

Chris Davis is a writer and performer residing in Philadelphia, PA. His solo shows have toured throughout the United States and Europe. He is presenting his hit Christmas show One-Man Nutcracker in Center City, Philadelphia in December 2026 (onemannutcracker.com) for its 4th straight year. His show The Presented was Barrymore nominated for best original production in 2026.

Recent projects include solo shows The 40-Year-Old Ballerino (★★★★ – The List), The Presented (Barrymore Nominated), One-Man Apocalypse Now (★★★★★ – “superbly crafted” – Underdog Reviews), Juan-Winfield, Bortle 8 (“…a strikingly original writer and performer.” – The Scotsman), Drunk Lion (“A potent success” ★★★★★ – Wee Review), and Violence of the Lambs (“…absurd comedy at its very best.” ★★★★★ – The Student Newspaper ). He performed in the Edinburgh Fringe from 2014-2019, and 2026.

ALANI SKY ROSE

Stage Manager

Alani Sky Rose (she/they) is a Philly based stage manager and theater maker! Alani graduated from UArts in 2023 with a BFA in Directing, Playwriting, and Production. Recent credits include: The Private Theater’s Spiritual Experience (stage manager), Team Sunshine Performance’s The Great American Gunshow(production manager),Theater Unspeakable’s American Revolution(touring stage manager), and Eloise Bites the Hand that Holds Her(stage manager). Alani has a special interest and love for devised theater and new plays, and is super grateful to be working with Applied Mechanics! Enjoy the show!!

MARIA SHAPLIN

Lighting Designer

Maria is a Philadelphia-based lighting designer who received her MFA from Temple University. She has a BA in Anthropology and Sociology from Hampshire College. Maria is the co-founder and resident designer of Applied Mechanics. She designs for many Philadelphia-based companies including: The Arden, The Wilma, The Riot Group, Swim Pony Performing Arts, InterAct, New Paradise Laboratories, 1812, Theater Horizon, The Berserker Residents, Team Sunshine, and many more. www.mariashaplin.com

NIKKI DELHOMME

Costume Designer

Nikki has 20 years of experience designing for theatre, opera, dance, and tv/film. She brings a dramaturgical, scenography-based approach to world-building, and thrives in interdisciplinary teams. Recent Philly-area projects include A Wrinkle in Time and The Hobbit (Arden Theatre), Penelope (Theatre Horizon/PSF), Poor Judge (Pig Iron), Other Orbits (Applied Mechanics), and Spiritual Experience (The Private Theatre). She holds a BFA/Carnegie Mellon and a MFA/Yale and is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. www.nikkidelhomme.com 

MICHAEL LAMBUI

Production Manager

Michael Lambui (Production Manager) is a Philadelphia based set/lighting designer, production manager, and technical director for all forms of the performing arts. He has worked with companies such as: The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Applied Mechanics, The Private Theater, Tiny Dynamite, UPenn Theatre Arts Program, Swarthmore Theater, Headlong Dance Theater, The Savoy Company, Villanova Theatre, and Drexel Theatre Company. Currently he’s the Production/Asset Rentals Manager at the Philadelphia Ballet working closely with the Community Education and Public Programs staff, The School of Philadelphia Ballet staff and all other aspects of production. To see more of his work visit michaellambui.com

ELENA MILLIKEN

Assistant Stage Manager/Camera Operator

Elena Milliken is an aspiring creative producer and arts administrator based in Philadelphia. A recent graduate of Princeton University deeply involved in the student arts scene, her studies lived at the intersection of anthropology and theater, culminating in a thesis on care and reparative creativity in community-based theater practices (featuring Applied Mechanics!). She has interned and worked at arts organizations including The Public Theater, Ireland’s Abbey Theatre, FringeArts, and Princeton Summer Theater. With a passion for new work development and artistic support, Elena just wants to make exciting art with awesome people. Working with Applied Mechanics has been just that! 

SASHA JIN SCHWARTZ

Scenic Designer

Sasha is a theater scenic designer and artist driven by empathetic and collaborative processes. Selected Designs: A Wrinkle In Time, The Hobbit, Pinocchio (Arden Theatre Company), Liberation (Philadelphia Theatre Company), Eureka Day (City Theatre Company), The Heart Sellers (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), DANCEFLOOR (Future Ghost), Off Peak (59e59). Sasha is a 1/52 Project Grant Recipient, Prague Quadrennial Featured Emerging Designer, and Theatre Communications Group Rising Leader of Color. Her understanding of space and how and where we feel ‘at-home’ is shaped heavily by her mixed immigrant family. BFA Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama. www.sashaschwartzscenic.com

CLARE WISLAR

Props Designer and Assistant Scenic Designer

Clare (she/her) is an artist for film, theatre, and real life based in Philadelphia. Clare is a full time freelance artist and Facebook marketplace enthusiast. She has recently accompanied an award winning show to the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe Festival as their scenic and costume designer, and is a current Barrymore nominated props designer. Theatre companies she has done prop work for include: The Arden Theatre, Azuka Theatre, InterAct Theatre Company, EgoPoe Classic Theater, Theatre By Development, Theatre Ariel, and The Wolf Preforming Arts Center. TV credits include Assistant Props Master for WHYY. Clare is thrilled to be working with Applied Mechanics for the first time! 

MICHAEL LONG

Projection Designer

MICHAEL LONG does freelance film and theatre work, and is based in Philadelphia. He graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in Film and Video production. Projection design credits include: Hairspray (Broadway Sacramento), Next Stop Broadway (China tour), Rock and Roll Man (New World Stages, associate designer), La Otra (1812 Productions), Poor Judge (Pig Iron Theatre Company), This Is the Week That Is (1812 Productions), The 39 Steps (Lantern Theater Company) Urban Scuba (Brian Sander’s JUNK), The 2019 Barrymore Awards, Tommy and Me (Theatre Exile), Lifespan of a Fact (Lantern Theater Company), The Climb (InterAct Theatre Company). His media designs for Poor Judge was awarded a Barrymore Award for Outstanding Media Design. For more information, visit MichaelLongfilms.com

ELIZABETH ATKINSON 

Sound Designer/Composer

Elizabeth Atkinson (Sound Designer/Composer) is delighted to be working with Applied Mechanics again. Liz is currently based in Philadelphia, after many years in Pittsburgh where she was Resident Sound Designer at the City Theatre Company. Her freelance career includes regional theatre credits with the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Theatre Exile, Lantern Theater Company, The Wilma, Arden Theatre Company, Inis Nua Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, and Hartford Stage. She is a faculty member at Swarthmore College and has had the honor of exhibiting at the Prague Quadrennial.

NATALI MERRILL

Audio Engineer

Natali Merrill is a sound and technology designer and engineer based in Philadelphia. Selected Sound Design credits: Walden (InterAct Theatre Company), Priority Hoarding, The Layaway (Bearded Ladies Cabaret), SPORTS! (Obvious Agency), Young Americans (Theatre Horizon), Ghost Ride (Agile Rascal Bike Theatre), The Moors, Urinetown (Villanova University), Siluetas (Power Street Theatre), This Is The Week That Is, Broads (1812 Productions), Spring Awakening (Bryn Mawr College), High Noon (Ninth Planet), Shakespeare’s R&J (New Light Theatre Company), Fucking A (Swarthmore College). She has worked with Arden Theatre Company, BalletX, Theatre Exile, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. A graduate of Haverford College with a major in physics, she researched and wrote a thesis on acoustics in performance halls with RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. She is also a singer and composer. www.nmerrill.com

GRAYCE CARSON

Social Media Manager & Publicist 

Grayce Carson is a Pennsylvania native, Philadelphia-based theatre artist, producer, and publicist, and a 2016 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. She is the co-founder and Executive Producer of Paper Doll Ensemble, a feminist performance collective creating original devised work since 2017, and a company member with Archedream for Humankind. As founder of Grayce Carson Communications, she specializes in PR and marketing for Philadelphia’s arts and cultural community, working with organizations including InterAct Theatre Company, the Cannonball hub of the Fringe Festival, Curio Theatre Company, Theatre Philadelphia, and others. Both onstage and behind the scenes, Grayce is passionate about championing ambitious, unconventional work and helping independent artists find their audiences.

JACKIE SORO

Ben Vereen Understudy

Jackie Soro (she/they) is an artist and performer whose devised theater work is collaborative, immersive, and based in improvisation. She has appeared on many stages, including Ars Nova, LaMama ETC, FringeArts, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Wilma Theater and more, including DIY venues across Philadelphia. Her most recent project, GIRL DOLLS: The American Musical (written & performed in collaboration with Pax Ressler) premiered at FringeArts in 2026 and was nominated for 6 Barrymore Awards. Her previous ensemble work has garnered five Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theater (Poor Judge, Pig Iron Theater; Gay Mis, Jaffe St. Queer; Fun Home, Arden Theater Co.; Contradict This!, Bearded Ladies Cabaret). Her work has been supported by residencies at Subcircle (ME) and Resonant Motion Inc. (NYC), and she is a recipient of a 2024 Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts. Learn more at jackiesoro.com.