Meet the ArtStream Actors

Vadim Baryshev has been with ArtStream since 2007. He started performing at Imagination Stage and joined ArtStream later. Vadim loves to participate in ArtStream productions and enjoys working with ArtStream’s cast. Vadim is a member of a Public Policy Committee at Arc of Montgomery County. He is a relentless advocate for people with disabilities. He attended numerous Maryland Legislative meetings, met with Maryland’s Senators and Representatives, and attended public rallies in Washington, D.C., advocating for the rights and needs of people with disabilities. Vadim likes reading and listening to classical and contemporary music. Vadim also enjoys bowling. He hopes to one day fulfill his destiny to find an ideal companion. He loves to work with Natalie Zanin – his favorite director. “Very thankful to Natalie Zanin for being my long time tutor no matter what.”

 Becky Birch is a 40-year-old actor from Rockville, Maryland. This is her fourteenth ArtStream show!  She started acting when she was 12-years-old with Bethesda Academy for the Performing Arts, now Imagination Stage. She works at NIST, a U.S. Government agency in suburban Maryland.  She is employed by Didlake Contractors and does custodial work. She and her fiancé, Max Rubenstein, enjoy attending music/theater performances in the area. The pandemic has caused everything to stop so she looks forward to its end very soon. 

Langston Caldwell is a 27-year-old actor from Gaithersburg, MD. This is Langston’s third year performing with ArtStream! He was born in New York City, and moved to Maryland at only two months old. Langston works as an office assistant at EMMES Corp. He loves to dance, play laser tag, run track, and go to the movies with his buddies! “Congratulations to all my friends at ArtStream-you guys rock!”

Katy Donahue is a 32-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. She has been acting with ArtStream for four years. She recently graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor’s degree in studio art. Katy works as an archivist aide for the Archives of American Art. She enjoys painting, horseback riding, reading, and spending time with her cat Leo. “Special thanks to my family and friends for all their love and support.”

Eric Edwards is a 27-year-old actor from Takoma Park, Maryland. This is his fifth performance with ArtStream! Eric has also performed and assistant directed with Lumina Studio Theatre, and was an actor in the Blair High School Theatre Program. In addition to acting, Eric plays the guitar. “Thank you for your support!”

Caroline Grabow is a 23-year-old actor from Darnestown, Maryland. This is her third year acting on the ArtStream stage! Caroline previously performed in ArtStream’s Shakespeare for All class. She did Ariel’s “Three men of sin” monologue from The Tempest. In Shops and Robbers, she played the role of Suzy Fox as the head detective. Last year, she was Valerie Auteur in That’s Show Biz. Caroline is creative offstage too. She does artwork and art sketching. She enjoys cooking and often prepares meals for her family. Caroline also practices martial arts and enjoys reading. “To my friends in troupe, I’ve enjoyed our Zoom meetings this year to film A Tempest Tale.  I can’t wait to get together again next year.”

Ivy Gilat is a 21-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. This is her second year with ArtStream. Last year, she played Anna Seattle, and has previously taken classes. She acted in high school, and her favorite show is The Addams Family. This year, Ivy will graduate from Community Career Connection in Silver Spring. She likes to act, sing, dance and do whatsapp!

Zeev Gilat is a 26-year-old actor from Omaha, Nebraska. He now makes his home at the Kay House in Gaithersburg, Maryland, part of the Jewish Foundation of Group Homes. This is Zeev’s fifth year performing with ArtStream. His favorite role was playing a lion in The Great Dames Game. Zeev volunteers at The Village at Rockville. Zeev enjoys listening to classical music like “The William Tell Overture” and anything by Wagner. He also enjoys walking on the treadmill and watching science fiction on TV. “I love being part of the ArtStream company. Thanks to my mom, dad, Naomi, Ivy and everyone at Kay House for their support.”

Benjamin Glantz is a 29-year-old Rockville resident. This is his fourth year performing with ArtStream’s Silver Spring Company B. Benjamin volunteers at the Jewish Community Center and the Treatment and Learning Center. In his free time, Benjamin enjoys swimming, bowling and following national sports teams. “I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me. ArtStream and my fellow actors are the best!”

John Gould was born 75 years ago in New York City. He grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. He has lived in Silver Spring and Rockville as a client of the Arc of Montgomery County. Until he joined ArtStream in 2012, John had no experience in theater.  He has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the ArtStream group and participating in the creative process. Before the restrictions necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, John spent his days at Arc of Montgomery County’s day vocational program.  He also enjoys bowling, listening to radio, dancing, and reading. “Fond greetings to all my ArtStream friends – I appreciate your concern and caring.”

Jason Hartt is a 36-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. He joined ArtStream in 2016, this is his second performance with Silver Spring Company A. Jason works a maintenance job at Planet Fitness. He enjoys comic-cons, sports, music, and movies. “Thanks to all my family and friends for your support!”

Sean Hume is a 31-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. His first performance with ArtStream was Mission: Environment in 2008. This is Sean’s twelfth show! Sean volunteers at Habitat for Humanity and Silver Spring YMCA. He enjoys dancing with friends at Upcounty Community Resources and exercising at Spirit Club. Sean loves everything Disney! “I would like to thank my family and friends for always supporting me! A special thanks to “Miss O” for believing I could become an actor!”

 JP is a 45-year-old actor originally from New York City, living in Silver Spring, Maryland. JP started acting with ArtStream in 2007, one of the very first Inclusive Theatre Company shows! When he’s not on stage, JP is an usher at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. “Thanks to my family and friends.”

Ravi Jesrani is a 39-year-old actor from Burtonsville, Maryland. This is his eighth year acting with ArtStream! Ravi can’t wait to go back to volunteering at Hebrew Home of Greater Washington in Bethesda, Maryland. He loves to watch sports and movies from India.

Patrick Jones is a 29-year-old actor from Rockville, Maryland. He is one of the original members of Silver Spring Company B. This is his ninth year performing. Patrick works for Sodexo and is an administrative member of the Rockville VFD.  His job is to fill the vending machines for the firefighters. He has been a Special Olympic athlete for 19 years. He loves music, movies, dancing, and his nephew Jamison and he is going to be an uncle again in August! He really misses seeing all his friends and fellow workers and can’t wait to get back to work.

Jeffrey Keyser is 29-years-old and lives in Silver Spring.  He joined ArtStream in 2013. Prior to performing with ArtStream, Jeffrey was part of the Pegasus cast at Imagination Stage. Jeffrey works doing data entry and filing at a financial services company. He also works for a vending machine company. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, swimming, and taking cooking, music, and ArtStream classes. “Thank you to the ArtStream staff for making this a great show!  Thanks to my family and friends for watching the show!”

Michael Lautenberger is a 28-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. He has been with ArtStream since 2015. The ArtStream experience is Michael’s first involvement with acting; however, Michael also plays percussion instruments with the InterPlay Orchestra; they have three or four performances yearly. Since the pandemic, Michael has been going on a lot of hikes, playing monopoly, checkers, and helping to build a fence for our vegetable garden. Prior to the pandemic, Michael attended classes at Montgomery College, volunteered at the Audubon working to maintain the trails. At the Humane Society, he gave cats and dogs some special time, and at Food and Friends, he assisted in meal preparation for people in need. Michael is an accomplished sailor, he has been sailing independently for five years. Mike also enjoys both XC and Alpine skiing, hiking, horseback riding, painting, working in the yard, working on puzzles, and playing games. “Thank you ArtStream and Natalie for offering and adapting this awesome experience during this difficult time.I feel grateful to be able to continue my connections with my ArtStream friends. Thank you to my family for supporting and encouraging  me in all my activities.”

Russell LeFurgy is an actor who lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his mom and stepfather. He is a veteran of the ArtStream stage for over 10 years. He acted at Imagination Stage, Montgomery College, and in high school. During the day, he does accounting. Russell loves to cross-stitch, do jigsaw puzzles, and watch TV. “I always look forward to seeing what the ArtStream world has in store for me next year.”

Eli Lewis is a 29-year-old actor living in Shady Grove, MD. He grew up in North Chevy Chase, MD. Eli has been acting with ArtStream for ten years and served as the client representative on the ArtStream Board of Directors from 2016 to 2017. Eli also performed with Imagination Stage and at summer camp. He works at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a supply clerk. Eli enjoys collecting movie tickets and Special Olympics medals. “Thank you to mom, dad, Natalie and all my friends from ArtStream.”

 Alex Lightfoot is a 32-year-old actor from Washington, DC. He has been acting with ArtStream since 2009, playing all kinds of roles. Alex also performs with Imagination Stage and the interPLAY Orchestra, where he plays harmonica and percussion instruments.

Chris Pagonis is a 28-year-old actor from Rockville, Maryland. This is his third year acting with ArtStream. During the day, Chris is a supply clerk at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In his free time, he likes to hang out with friends, go to the movies, and play video games. He also plays in a pool league and is a huge fan of the Washington Capitals and Formula 1 racing. “To my parents and friends, thank you for all your support. I couldn’t have done it without you! And a big THANK YOU to ArtStream for making it possible for the show to go on!”

Michael Piccone is a 39-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. His first ArtStream show was The Wizard of Ooohs and Aaahs in 2013. Michael is also a musician. He plays the trumpet and the bass guitar at his church. In his spare time, he likes to play music and watch movies.

Torrence “TR” Richeson is a 33-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. This is his ninth year with ArtStream. TR performed in the productions of Tom Sawyer and The Wizard of Oz at Rock Terrace High School, Rockville, Maryland. He loves to go to the movies, especially those featuring Marvel Comics superheroes. Currently, he is making very good use of Disney Plus. TR also enjoys dancing, swimming, sports, and is a third degree Taekwondo Black Belt. He works in the Supported Employment division of CHI Centers, Inc., Silver Spring, Maryland, as a custodian on municipal, state, and federal government contracts. “Thanks to all my family and fans who come every year to see me perform.”

Bio coming soon!

Andrew is a guitarist and composer from Crownsville, Maryland. This is his fourth year with ArtStream. He enjoys eating, traveling, and performing live with his theatrical musical group, Night Watch Paradox. “I am very proud of the entire cast. You all rock!”

Christopher Sudbrink is a 21-year-old actor from Silver Spring, Maryland. Chris has been with ArtStream since 2014. Chris has taken classes at Imagination Stage, and has performed at the Ivymount School and the Katherine Thomas School. He volunteers at Locust Grove Nature Center as an Assistant Naturalist and at William Tyler Page Elementary as a Librarian Assistant. He has finished the Graduate Transition Program at Montgomery College Rockville Campus. This fall, he will be an intern with Project SEARCH. Chris enjoys running, hiking, reading, playing with LEGOs, playing board games, card games, and of course, video games. “Live long and prosper.”

Steven Wabik is an actor from Montgomery County, Maryland. This is Steven’s seventh show with ArtStream. Steven works as a computer specialist at Aquas, Inc. in Kensington, MD. He also provides computer support on a freelance basis to people in his neighborhood. In his free time, Steven enjoys working with computers, playing video games, and practicing photography. He claims to have more cameras than he can count! “I hope you enjoy this year’s play, I’ve enjoyed being a part of creating it!”

Zak Weinstein is a 34-year-old actor from Takoma Park. Zak has been in ten ArtStream plays!  When he’s not acting, he is volunteering at Sligo Genesis nursing home, working at Mark’s Kitchen Restaurant, playing softball and basketball, or playing in the InterPlay Orchestra. “I enjoy ArtStream a lot. Thanks, Natalie, and everybody!”

Thomas Vanderslice is a 29-year-old actor from Montclair, New Jersey. This is his fifth year acting with ArtStream. Thomas works as a Merchandising Execution Associate at the Home Depot in Bethesda. He starts work at 5:00am so everything is set for when the customers arrive. He enjoys traveling, exploring, practicing photography, and acting with ArtStream. “Thank you Artstream actors, director, and mentors for giving me this wonderful opportunity to act and express my true talent. I always enjoy coming to rehearsal. ArtStream has made me a happier person. Thank you to my family for all the encouragement and support you’ve given me these years. Stay happy, stay positive, and be your true self.”

Jamie Veerhoff is a 29-year-old actor from Kensington, MD. He has acted with ArtStream for nine seasons. Jamie performed on stage with St. Columba’s Players at St. Columba’s Church in Washington, DC. He also appeared in the 2017 short film Doctor Who: Village of the Daleks with J. Billian Productions. Jamie loves to read books about theatre and cinema history. He is also interested in politics and volunteers with the campaigns of his favorite candidates.

Ana Bradley is a 31-year-old actor from Bethesda, MD. She has been acting with ArtStream since 2010. She also performed with Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts (now Imagination Stage), Stages St. Louis, Metropolitan Ballet Theatre, and St. Louis Ballet School. Ana works as a Library Aid at Smithsonian Libraries. She likes to read and dance. “Thanks to my family and friends who have encouraged and inspired me.”

Suzan Basoglu is a 36-year-old actor from Clifton, Virginia. She has been with ArtStream for 13 years. Suzan also performed at George Mason University as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and as a Lion in The Lion King. Before the COVID-19 layoffs, Suzan worked at Dave and Busters as a hostess and volunteered at Fairfax City Department of Parks and Recreation. During the pandemic, she continued to participate in her book clubs, weekly exercises, and meetings with friends via Zoom. She also reads, works out, and plays video games. “All the best to my cast mates on this year’s production.”

Allison Bozniak is in her second year as a mentor with ArtStream, though has been a long-time fan of the shows and has attended many ArtStream Galas. She currently serves as the Associate Director for Corporate and Regional Communications at the international non-profit, FHI 360. She supports the organization’s global portfolio, promoting the non-profit’s work across health, education, economic livelihood, agriculture, and environmental sectors.  She is the mother of two great kids, Siena and Shaun.

Merry Jayne Casillas is a 37-year-old actor from Arlington, VA. Since joining ArtStream in 2007, Merry appeared in 14 ArtStream musicals and invited other actors to join the company, many of whom are still company members. She is happiest when the group is writing plays, rehearsing, and performing. Merry fell in love with acting while performing with the Phoenix Company at Imagination Stage. She has also appeared in church Roadshows, The Order is Love with McLean Stage, and The Music Man at Stratford High School. Merry is a graduate of The Stratford Program. She likes to write poetry, paint, make jewelry, and have fun with her 34 (soon to be 36!) nieces and nephews. “My big family and lots of friends are my cheering fans every year and I love them!”

Paige Coffey is a native of Virginia, currently living in sunny Florida. Paige has had the honor of working with ArtStream from 2008-2010. She was an active Cast Member of the Alexandria Company, Development Director, and Teacher. She is thrilled to have been asked back as a Cast Member, compliments of Zoom and her friend and mentor, Patti Woolsey. Paige’s life has been filled with Theater and the Arts as well as being Pookie Bear’s Wife and Chloe’s Mom. Her hobbies include surfing, dancing, and befriending critters like racoons and possums. Paige wants to thank the Cast for accepting her with virtual open arms.

Savannah is a senior at George Mason University pursuing a career in Special education. This her first year and performance with ArtStream’s Alexandria B and Gaithersburg A Companies. She is thankful for the ability to learn from outstanding teachers and talented actors. She looks forwards to continuing with ArtStream in the future.

Kelly DeRoy is an actor from Arlington, Virginia, and has been with ArtStream for eleven years. She has loved performing on stage since she was very young.  In a normal year, she enjoys going out with her friends at L’Arche and traveling with her parents. Her prepandemic hobbies include bowling, softball, and working on the computer. During the pandemic she has been keeping busy with online classes like art, dance, yoga, and Artstream. She looks forward to being back on the physical stage again next season and and thanks her friends and family for their continued support during this difficult year. “Your supportive emails and cards are as precious as flowers to me.”  

Christie DiPlacido is a 38-year-old actor from Arlington, Virginia. She is a graduate of the Mason LIFE Program at George Mason University. Christie started taking classes with ArtStream in 2008 and is appearing in her fifth show with the Alexandria Inclusive Theatre Company! She works at Safeway. Christie is a very creative artist. She creates paintings that are often sold at auction to benefit various charities. “Love to all my ArtStream friends and thanks to my mom for always helping me.”

Jenny Rae Goldman is a graduate student at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and is currently applying to medical school. She joined ArtStream this past September and has been loving every moment since! She has previously worked in musical theatre in high school and studied theatre while living for a year in France. She hopes to finally meet everyone in person someday very soon!

Kristhy Gutiérrez is a 25-year-old mentor who lives in México. In her country, she was part of musical theater productions, such as The Sound of Music and Fame at Anahuac Mayab University. Her passion is working with people with special needs, and she enjoys helping them to bring out their best. Kristhy´s second passion is the arts. She enjoys singing, dancing, and acting. Kristhy´s dream is starting to become real by being the director of an inclusive arts school where she can merge her two passions. This year will be her second performance with ArtStream and she cannot wait for it! “Thank you ArtStream for letting me live my dreams and for being my inclusive and musical family at distance!“

Jennifer (Jenny) Holden is a 32-year-old actress from Springfield, Virginia, who’s been in ArtStream since 2009. In 2019, she even performed a scene with ArtStream at the Kennedy Center! Jenny loves musical theater and acted in Anything Goes and The Boyfriend at Paul VI Catholic High School. She works as preschool teacher’s aide, and she volunteers for Best Buddies, writing and illustrating letters to contributors. In her free time, Jenny advocates for people with disabilities. She loves sports, drawing, reading, and getting together with friends. “Thanks to Elizabeth, the mentors, and my Mom and Dad for believing in me.”

Greg Hoppe, 30, lives in Fairfax, Virginia. Greg discovered a love of performing at age three. His first mainstage production was in 8th grade at Lake Braddock Secondary, where he received the 8th grade Outstanding Drama Student Award. At Paul VI High School, he acted in musicals all four years, earning a Cappies’ Director’s Commendation and membership in International Thespians Society, and returned for seven more musicals as a guest alumni actor. Greg took ArtStream classes on the GMU campus for several years and joined Alexandria Company B in 2013. In summer 2018, he helped launch Heart House Inclusive Productions (Woodbridge, Virginia), appearing in their first show, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Greg works at Home Goods in Fairfax and enjoys yoga, dance, biking, live theater, movies, and “Jeopardy!” He is grateful for his director, mentors, and all the people who make ArtStream his favorite night of the week. “On with the show!”

Haley Hubbard is a 23-year-old mentor, originally from the Big Island of Hawaii. She now resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with her fiancé Rye and their cat, Gretl. Haley has been involved with theatre since preschool, participating in every school play and even a few shows with the local community theatre. This is her first season with ArtStream, and she already can’t wait for the fall!

Laurie Ann is appearing in her thirteenth ArtStream musical. Her characters have ranged from being a singing “Alleycat” to a “we-are-bad” alien to a trusty sidekick, through which she brought her quiet joy to each production. Before the pandemic, weekends for Laurie Ann were frequently filled with Special Olympics practices and tournaments, in snow-shoeing, basketball, soccer, softball, and golf skills. A highlight for her and her family was being included on the Virginia Special Olympics golf team in 2010 for the Special Olympics National Games in Lincoln, NE, at which she won a silver medal in the golf skills competition. Laurie Ann attended school in Arlington, VA and can’t wait to return to her work days at MVLE in Springfield, VA.

Tammy Kiser is a 28-year-old actor from Lorton, Virginia. She has been acting with ArtStream for 11 years. She has also performed with Center Stage competition teams and continues to perform with an adult tap class. Tammy works at Kingstown Safeway, and she enjoys Special Olympics sports. “Best wishes to all my cast friends.”

Nick Kramp is a 33-year-old actor from Vienna, Virginia. Nick starred as the Big Bad Wolf in his first ArtStream play, Happily Ever After, in 2011. This performance was a real life-changer for Nick. Acting with ArtStream has become a big focus of his time each year as he concentrates on learning the lines, songs, and dances. Nick works at Wildflour Bakery during the day, and in his off-time, he enjoys seeing movies with his friends and swimming. Nick hopes the cast will have a great time this year. 

Ricky Kuron is a 29-year-old actor living in Lake Ridge, Virginia. He has been in ArtStream for 3 years, starting with ArtStream’s Improv Comedy class where he met his friends Dave and Jaxson. Other than exercising and playing video games at home, Ricky does chores, writes poetry, and spends some quality time with his family. He graduated from Tarboro High School in 2011. He moved to Virginia three years later and worked at the Fort Belvoir North Post Exchange Express. He won an award for Service Source’s Job Placement Employee of the year and volunteered at the Mount Vernon adult health day care center. At his church in Springfield, he is a Knight of Columbus doing charities for people with disabilities. Once a month on the weekends, he and his friends go to see Nova Pro Wrestling in Fairfax and Annandale.  “I want to thank ArtStream for getting aspiring actors like myself to achieve and excel in their goals and dreams. I also want to thank my family and friends for supporting me in everything I do.”

Lucy Livingston is a Brooklyn-based performer and producer. She graduated from NYU Tisch in 2015. This is her first time working with ArtStream, and has loved every minute. Thanks to all involved for the opportunity to play!

Xandra Martel is a 44-year-old who has been acting since she was 15. Xandra has been an ArtStream actor since the very beginning at Imagination Stage. This is her fifteenth show with ArtStream. During the day, she attends the Challenge Program at Montgomery College. She has a dog named Maisy, who will be 4 on August 18, two brothers, Peter and Michael, and her niece, Cecelia Jane, just turned three! Xandra is a poet and a dog-lover. “Thanks to my whole family for their support — my brothers Peter and Michael, my sister-in-law Katie, my new baby sister Rosemary, my mom and step-dad, and my dad!” 

Peter is the proud parent of actor Laurie Ann Kehoe and was thrilled to be asked to join Company B.

Richard James Martin, better known to us all as RJ, is one of the original members of the Alexandria Inclusive Theater Company. He is 41 years old and lives in Bethesda, Maryland. He attended H.B. Woodlawn. RJ is retired from working at the Arlington Central Library. The coronavirus outbreak has curtailed many of his activities. He looks forward to family visits and Special Olympics next year. Meanwhile, he enjoys playing bingo on Zoom and beating his father at the card game war. Leisure activities include listening to music, watching sports and working out at the gym. RJ is a Facebook aficionado – keeping in touch! “GOOD LUCK TO MY FELLOW ACTORS!”

This is Lukas’ tenth year performing in an ArtStream production. Lukas’ favorite musical is The Pirates of Penzance. After watching this Gilbert & Sullivan classic, Lukas knew he wanted to be a singer and dancer on the stage. He was cast in Fiddler On The Roof and Chicago when he was a student at T.C. Williams High School. With the support of his mother, Lukas is able to learn his lines, scenes, and songs. When Lukas is on stage, he feels a bit nervous, yet completely confident the show will be wonderful. Lukas would like to thank his family and friends for all their love over these years and his Cool Aspies family of friends who have come to every ArtStream performance. In the words of Captain Scuttle “Will you be serving Birch Beer with your savory pizza pie?”

Amy Merrell is a 27-year-old actor from Vienna, Virginia. This is her third season with Alexandria Company B. Amy has previously taken improv and Shakespeare classes with ArtStream. She also does ballroom dancing with the Dancing Stars of Northern Virginia. They performed at a TedTalk at the University of Maryland in College Park and at Elegant Dancing. In addition, Amy enjoys basketball, cooking, baking, and swimming.  Amy worked at Wildflour Caterers until the pandemic. During the pandemic, Amy has done lots of bike riding, hiking, reading, and cooking.  She is looking forward to going back to work once the pandemic is under control.  “Thanks to my parents and friends for their support and to my fellow ArtStream actors for their wonderful friendship.”  

Chelsea Murray is a 33-year-old actor from Great Falls, Virginia. She has been acting with the Alexandria Inclusive Theatre Company since 2010. One Small Step is her eleventh show with ArtStream. Chelsea has always loved the theatre. She loves to act, sing, dance, and listen to music. She began her career at age five with Chris Collins Dance Studio where she performed for 12 years. She acted in school plays in middle school and at Paul VI High School. Chelsea currently works at “Charming Concepts” in The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virgina. In her spare time, she spends time with her brother Brady, her cat Misty, and her dog Raffi. “Thank you ArtStream, the directors, the mentors and my fellow actors for the opportunity to live my dream.” 

Josef Newton is a funny, helpful, and smart 31-year-old. He grew up in Springfield, Virginia. This will be his seventh year performing with ArtStream. His favorite thing to do on stage is dance! Josef works at MVLE cleaning up the community, environment, and making Springfield a safer place to live! He has been described as a “Motivated Valuable Loyal Employee” by his fellow Mobile Crew 9 team members. He enjoys playing the banjo and listening to bluegrass. His biggest inspiration comes from his favorite movie, Cars. “I want to thank my friends for rehearsing and performing with me. I’d especially like to thank Barbara for rehearsing my banjo parts with me.”

Kerry O’Brien is a 29-year-old actor, born in Bethesda, Maryland. After living in California, Massachusetts, Italy, and 20 years in Annandale, Virginia, she now resides in Fairfax City, Virginia. Kerry started acting at Annandale High School and has been part of ArtStream’s Alexandria Company A since 2009. This year marks her twelfth show with ArtStream. Kerry loves her new job at Cameron’s Coffee and Chocolates in Fairfax, singing, dancing, acting, and sports. Kerry is grateful to her parents, sisters, Jules and Erin, brother-in-law Chris, soon to be brother-in-law, Brandon, her feisty niece, Annabelle, and her many family and friends across the country, for all their support in life and performing.

Audrey had the pleasure of participating in an ArtStream production in 2015, and after a college hiatus, was eager to return! Having a background in musical theatre, ArtStream was a way for her to find a community and get involved with an amazing group of people that share a similar passion for the performing arts. ArtStream rehearsal every Thursday always brightens her week!

ArtStream has changed McKenna’s life! She started working with ArtStream a little over 5 years ago and took a break to go to college. Now that she is back in the DC area working in IT consulting, she is so happy to be involved once again with such an incredible program. “ArtStream’s inclusivity and celebration of self-expression has changed my life in more ways than one!”

Laurie will be celebrating her 45th birthday in March. Her hometown is Virginia Beach, but she has lived in Arlington for many years. This is her third year as an actor with ArtStream. Laurie did some dancing and acting when she lived in Holland and Norway. During the day, Laurie works at Arlington Weaves, designing weaving creations and weaving placemats, table runners, etc.  As a member of Service Source she also makes soap, candles, and many more fabulous things. Her hobbies are photography, playing games, having fun with friends, cooking, and of course, acting! Laurie loves her family for supporting her and L’Arche who has helped a lot!

Pete Scampavia is a 32-year-old actor from Arlington, Virginia. He has acted with ArtStream since 2014 and appeared in his first show with the Alexandria Inclusive Theatre Company as Dan De Miser in Must Love Music. Pete attended George Mason University in Fairfax. He works at Safeway and lives in his own apartment. When he’s not working or acting, he likes to hang out with his friends and play with his matchbox cars. “Acting is my passion!”  

Frank Stephens lives with a thought from Mahatma Gandhi foremost in his mind, “My life is my message.” That thought is at the heart of Frank’s statement, “I am a man with Down syndrome, and my life is worth living.” Frank describes himself as an Actor, Author, and Advocate, and truly is all of those. He has appeared in feature films, work-shopped plays in New York, developed a recurring role in the Emmy-winning Born This Way, appeared in documentaries, like “The R Word” and “Upside Down”, related to intellectual disabilities, and has been a member of the ArtStream troupe since 2005. He has written op-ed pieces published all over the world. He is an articulate advocate, best known for his impassioned defense of the value of life with Down syndrome in testimony to the US House Appropriations Committee and the United Nations Committee on Human Rights. Frank logged over 70,000 miles, in 2018 alone, addressing audiences large and small, including students from middle school to Harvard Law School. All of Frank’s acting, writing, and speaking is in furtherance of the single objective of convincing a skeptical world that individuals born with Down syndrome are fully human and are capable of full, satisfying, and worthwhile lives. 

Shaun Stronach is an 8th grader at Deal Middle School in Washington, DC. This is his second season volunteering with ArtStream, but the first time with a real speaking part. Shaun enjoys movies and theater in his free time when he’s not working hard at his schoolwork. He also enjoys the Art of Gaming – not just playing, but also studying others who do. He is currently focused on video games, but has a long-standing love of chess as well.

Laura Sullivan is a 29-year-old actress from Alexandria, Virginia. She made her ArtStream debut as a time-traveling archaeologist in Oh My, An Invasion! in 2011. Laura is a summa cum laude graduate of Northern Virginia Community College with a degree in Liberal Arts. She enjoys the performing arts and she is fairly fluent in Spanish. For many years, she sang with the Arlington Children’s Chorus, including two productions with the Wolf Trap Opera Company “Thank you to everyone in the cast for making this such a wonderful experience!”

William, age 24, is a serious ArtStreamer, wanting to take everything offered. He has really enjoyed and grown theatrically in his first year with Alexandria Company B where he acted in his first role ever as Giovanni Bonarelli “Decorator to the Stars”. He is a bit shy but made great progress this season and has a lot more to give! In 2014, William was graduated from Kettle Run High School (Fauquier County) and moved back to Fairfax County to attend Davis Career Center where he was graduated in 2018. William thanks all of his teachers and mentors for their dedication to his success. William looks forward to meeting again in person with his ArtStream mates and for all the fun to come!

Tyler Brown is a 29-year-old actor from Germantown,  Maryland. He auditioned with ArtStream after graduating high school and has had the “theatre  bug” ever since. Tyler has worked at Wegmans since 2016 and enjoys his job as a grocery  assistant/stock person very much. His hobbies include Lego building, traveling, golf, and  swimming. I’d like to thank ArtStream, my friends and family for always being supportive.

Benjamin Collins is a 54-year-old actor from Rockville, Maryland.  This is his fifteenth show with ArtStream! Before ArtStream, Benjamin acted at Rock Terrace  High School and Imagination Stage. In a production of The Big Friendly Giant at Imagination  Stage, he met ArtStream co-founder Nicolette Stearns. Benjamin works as an operations  specialist at Special Olympics International in Washington, D.C. He is also a Special Olympics  athlete in bocce and powerlifting, and he loves to participate in the annual Super Polar Bear  Plunge with the organization. Benjamin has a great memory and loves trivia. “I love being with  everyone in the company. Congrats to the cast!”

Megan Cooper is a 37-year-old actor from Rockville, Maryland. She has  been acting with ArtStream since the first Inclusive Theatre Companies – this is her fifteenth  show! Megan’s love for dancing and acting blossomed through performances at Imagination  Stage many years ago. In addition to performing, Megan is also an author. She co-authored the  children’s book The Colorful Adventures of Pauline and Tiff with ArtStream co-founder Nicolette  Stearns. Megan lives independently and works at the National Capital Area YMCA. She is very  active in community activities, including Special Olympics. She competes in cross-country  skiing, sailing, swimming, basketball, and track, earning medals at the Special Olympics World  Games in China (sailing), Austria (cross-country skiing), and Idaho (cross-country skiing). “I have enjoyed the Zoom classes and rehearsals, but can’t wait to see my ArtStream friends in  person again!”

Kirsten Davidson is an ArtStream actor from Rockville,  Maryland, who has been acting with ArtStream for 15 years. She has worked for the US  Consumer Product Safety Commission for 29 years. She receives residential support services  from the Jubilee Association of Maryland and employment support services from SEEC. She is  active with Jubilee, SEEC and Spirit Club activities. Kirsten served on the ArtStream Board of  Directors as Client Liaison from 2018-2019. She enjoys Zoom Sibling meetings with ArtStream  and other Zoom activities with Jubilee and SEEC. She likes listening to music, dancing,  traveling, eating out, and spending time with family and friends. “Thanks to my parents, sisters,  and ArtStream directors and mentors for all their support. I LOVE ArtStream!”

Matt DiGilio is a 31-year-old actor  from Rockville, Maryland. He joined ArtStream in the fall of 2019, and is on his second  performance on the ArtStream stage/screen! Matt works for Montgomery County Government in  Rockville as an Administrative Aid. He plays basketball, softball, soccer, and bowling. He also  likes going to baseball games, listening to music, biking, and hanging out with friends. He is  very grateful to be a part of ArtStream and appreciates all the support from his family and  friends.

Adrian is currently leading a hangout for middle  school kids.His ambitions are to be an advocate for people with disabilities, create his own  business, and to be an actor. He graduated from the George Mason LIFE Program with  concentrations in theater and communications. At George Mason, Adrian appeared in plays,  worked backstage, and joined several student theater groups. Adrian has extensive work  experience, ranging from interning at the Smithsonian Institution with Project Search to a  Congressional internship on Capitol Hill. Adrian is a trained peer mentor with Project STIR. With  ArtStream, Adrian was a client liaison on the Board, participates in the Gaithersburg Inclusive  Theater Company A, and leads communication and community workshops.

Melanie is a 29-year-old actor who lives in Potomac, MD and works at Easter Seals Child Care Center in Silver Spring. In spring 2019, she participated in the ArtStream Musical Theater class. Prior to that, she had been active with the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts, and was in several productions, including Once on this Island and Into the Woods. Melanie also enjoyed performing in the Summer Theater Arts for Youth over two summers. Melanie also enjoys her dog Bailey and shopping and volunteering at a nonprofit bridal boutique. Melanie wants to thank her family and two very special friends named Erika and Cherrika who have supported her and been there for her throughout her theater experience.

Jessica Grossman is an ArtStream actor living in North  Bethesda, Maryland. In addition to ArtStream, Jessica has appeared onstage at Rock Terrace  High School in The Secret Garden (Mary), The Wizard of Oz (Ms. Gulch, the Wicked Witch), A  Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past), and Annie (Miss Hannigan). This is Jessica’s  seventh ArtStream show! Her experience with ArtStream has been very good. She learns a lot  about herself while having fun. “I want to thank Mom, Amy, Andrew, and Liz for their support and encouragement throughout my ArtStream experience.”

Peter Han is from Rockville, Maryland. He joined the Gaithersburg A  Inclusive Theatre Company in 2018. In addition to Peter’s ArtStream experiences, he served as  a Party Guest for four seasons in Chamberlain Performing Arts’ Nutcracker in Richardson,  Texas, plus has been thrilled to present skits in various talent shows. During the day, Peter is  proud to be working part-time at TopGolf in Germantown, and participates in the Supported  Employment program at the Kennedy Institute of Catholic Charities in Rockville. In his spare  time, he enjoys neighborhood walks, puzzles, SPIRIT Club classes, Special Olympics bowling,  and movie watch parties with his sister. Peter is excited for his third season with ArtStream’s  Inclusive Theatre Companies, and is very grateful for the support of his fellow cast members,  ArtStream staff and volunteers, plus his family and friends!

Lindsay grew up in Bethesda but now lives in Rockville. While  in Bethesda, she performed with BAPA (now Imagination Stage) and has been in ArtStream  from the beginning. She loves singing and dancing and all the friends she has made through the  years there. She went to Walter Johnson High School and then to the Vocational Independence  Program at New York Tech in Long Island. During the day, Lindsay works in the Day Care  Center at NIH. Lindsay is a huge sports fan. She is active in karate, both in taking classes and  teaching. She now has earned a blue-belt. Her two favorite sports teams are the Nationals and  the Caps.

Justin Hunsinger is a 29-year-old actor from  Rockville, Maryland. This is his fourth year with ArtStream and he loves the experience and is  very passionate about acting. Justin works at Special Olympics International in Washington,  D.C. as the Coordinator for Health Engagement. His hobbies include sports, karaoke, dancing,  and hanging out with friends. “Thank you to my parents and sisters for supporting my dreams.”

Phyllis Kay is a volunteer mentor. She spent more than 20 years  performing with community theater groups in Maryland. Now retired, Phyllis enjoys volunteering,  especially with this amazing group. “What a great group of actors and staff!!! I am so fortunate to be able to work with all of them.” 

Nader Khalaf is a 27-year-old actor from  Bethesda, Maryland. This is his fourth year acting in an ArtStream performance, and he has  participated in several ArtStream classes. Nader also performs as a member of the InterPlay  Inclusive Orchestra. He is a student at Montgomery College enrolled in Challenge Program  courses. He enjoys his volunteer position at Nourish Now and is actively looking for work. Nader  enjoys going to the gym and competes in swimming, soccer, basketball, and tennis with Special  Olympics. He is very sociable and enjoys talking about landscaping and politics. He spends a lot  of time with his cat, Marble; surfing the internet and on Facebook; caring for his yard; and  operating his outdoor equipment. “I enjoy acting and am so happy that I made new friends at  ArtStream. I want to thank my family for their support.”

Joey is a 25-year-old who attended Rock  Terrace School and lives in Olney, Maryland. He enjoys attending classes at Montgomery  college and began his experience with ArtStream in 2020. He enjoys singing and dancing and 

has been loving musical theater since he was a child. His interests include cartoon drawing,  acting (including impressions), and he has a fourth-degree black belt in taekwondo! Joey also  plays a tuba in a rock band with Upcounty Community Resources called Neurodiversity. He is  very excited about his debut performance with ArtStream!

Mike Krempasky is a 37-year-old actor from Olney,  Maryland. This is his sixth show with ArtStream. Mike attended Sherwood High School where  he sang in the chorus for three years and performed in Rock-n-Roll Revival for two. Mike  attends Community Support Services, where he receives job support and training. He loves  watching football and playing video games. Every year he plays on a basketball team. Mike also  enjoys bowling, and is a second-degree brown belt in karate. “I have enjoyed acting with  ArtStream, from the first day I started.”

Terrel Limerick is an actor from Bethesda,  Maryland. He has been acting with ArtStream since the very beginning – this is his fifteenth  show! Terrel began acting since he was 15 years old with Imagination Stage (formerly Bethesda  Academy of Performing Arts) and believes acting is a great goal to pursue! Terrel has worked at  Special Olympics International in Washington DC for 16 years. He is currently a special  assistant in the business department. In July 2015, at the Special Olympics World Games in  Long Beach, California, Terrel became a “World Champion,” winning a bronze medal for being  the first sailor from the USA to sail a boat solo at the World Games. He is also on the Special  Olympics ski and track and field teams. “Special thanks to my family, friends, counselors, sports  coaches, and ArtStream staff for always encouraging me to aim high!”

Shannon Lyons is a 41- year- old actor from Rockville, Maryland. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and moved with  her family to Olney, Maryland, in 1987. She has been an actor with ArtStream for fifteen years.  Shannon’s love of drama began at Imagination Stage (formerly Bethesda Academy of  Performing Arts) where she performed for 10 years. Shannon works as a childcare assistant at  The Children in the Shoe Child Care in Bethesda, Maryland. She has been employed there for  over 13 years. Some of Shannon’s favorite activities include karaoke, dancing, Zumba, going to  the movies, and swimming. She also enjoys arts and crafts projects, photography, and  scrapbooking. She loves to travel and spend time with her nieces and nephews. “Thanks to my  parents for supporting me through the years with my love of acting.”

Kathleen Maloney is  an actor from Rockville, Maryland. This is her fifteenth show with ArtStream. Kathleen attended  Elizabeth Seton High School, where she performed with the choir. She also attended Richard  Montgomery High School and Montgomery College. Kathleen served on the Board of Directors  at the Arc Montgomery County for several years and currently serves on their Public Policy  Committee. She enjoys playing golf with Special Olympics. Kathleen is the youngest of five  children and loves being the center of attention. She aspires to be a professional singer or actor  in Hollywood. “Shout out to my mom and dad and my Maloney family, that gave me everything  in life!

Faith McLuckie is a 25-year-old actor, born and  raised in Washington, D.C. Her previous performance experience includes the ArtStream  performance, Somewhere in Showtime, two years at Metropolitan Ballet with yearly  performances in The Nutcracker and seven years at Imagination Stage in the Pegasus  Ensemble. In addition to ArtStream, she enjoys dancing with friends at UCR and PCR events, karaoke, cheerleading, Devenio dance, ZamDance, VisArts, and Special Olympics. She thanks  all the staff, volunteers, and her fellow actors for making her second year in ArtStream as fun as  her first. She wants you to know, ArtStream is awesome. “Thank you for your support.”

Matthew McMeekin is a 42-year-old actor from Bethesda,  Maryland. He started with ArtStream as Old Green Eyes in Saving the Starlight, performed at  the Arts Barn in the 2006-2007 season. He has performed in ArtStream plays at Blackrock  Center for the Arts, Rosborough Center Theatre, the Olney Theater, and Bender JCC of Greater  Washington. Matthew starts each day with a 6 a.m. swim practice (butterfly is his favorite  stroke) and then goes on Zoom for classes at Opportunities, Inc. Matthew loves all his hobbies,  which include singing, whistling, acting, swimming, listening to music, and learning foreign  languages (he speaks French, Spanish, and German fluently, and can order a meal in Chinese).  He is anxious to do all his activities in-person rather than online. “Thanks for all the support I’ve  gotten from the ArtStream directors, mentors, and fellow actors through the years.”

Joe Myers is a 35-year-old actor from Kensington, Maryland,  currently living in Rockville, Maryland. Joe has been an actor with ArtStream since the  beginning, making this his fifteenth ArtStream show! Before that, Joe was an actor with  Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts (now Imagination Stage). Joe is the front desk  receptionist for Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (CSAAC). He enjoys  dancing Zumba at the Rendezvous Studio in Rockville.

Conor O’Shaughnessy is a 33-year-old actor  from Rockville, Maryland. This is his eleventh show with ArtStream! Conor performed in plays while attending the Harbour School in Baltimore. He also performed with Dawn Productions at the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Eubie Blake Center, and Martin’s West. Conor works delivering mail at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. His hobbies  include ballroom dancing, karaoke, guitar, hiking, fishing, and bowling. “I appreciate my family and friends for their support.”

Cecelia Ann Pauley is a 43-year-old  actor. Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Cecelia now lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. She has been  an ArtStream actor since the beginning – this is her fifteenth show with the Gaithersburg  Inclusive Theatre Company! Cecelia has been a performer since fourth grade, performing at  Cabin John Middle School, Churchill High School, Imagination Stage (formerly Bethesda  Academy of Performing Arts), and Potomac Community Theatre. Professionally, Cecelia works  with the Arc in vocational services. She enjoys singing, music, dance, theatre, and cooking.  “Thanks to my parents and family for all their support.”

Javi the superstar has been performing for almost 15 years  now! His interests include cars, trucks, motorcycles, and music, particularly punk, metal, hip  hop, and rap. He also loves to play sports, and his favorites are hockey and wrestling! “I’d like to  thank my parents, friends, family for everything they do. This would not have been possible without everyone’s support. I hope everyone is ready because it is almost show time. Break a  leg!”

Alexander (Al) Richardson has  performed with ArtStream for fifteen years. Born in Washington, DC, in 1981, Al lived in  Switzerland, Zambia, and Australia before eventually moving to Rockville, Maryland, where he  now makes his home. Al works with St. Coletta. He maintains an active life away from work that  includes music with the InterPlay Orchestra, sports with Special Olympics (Alpine skiing,  swimming, golf and tennis), fitness with Spirit Club, the Montgomery County Road Runners  (MCRRC), and social activities with UCR.

Cynthia Ring is a 52-year-old actor from Rockville, Maryland. She  originally hails from St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Rock Terrace High School. Cynthia has  acted with ArtStream since the first year of Inclusive Theatre Companies. This is her 15th show!  She is an avid Special Olympics athlete in track and bowling. She is also a proud part of the  Best Buddies program, and she goes out with ACIDD two or three times a month. Cynthia loves  attending social dances and going out with friends. She is grateful that her sister comes every  year to watch the shows. “Thank you to my sister and her husband and my nieces.”

Adam Tepper is a 32-year-old actor from Gaithersburg,  Maryland. He has performed with ArtStream since 2007. Adam also performed with the  Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts (now Imagination Stage) and in the Summer Theater  Arts for Youth Program at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington. Favorite roles include Jay  Bird in Honk and Agwe in Once on This Island. In his spare time, Adam participates in Special  Olympics in swimming (he is a gold medalist!), and basketball. Adam also enjoys watching the  Washington Capitals and Nationals. “See you all on the court!” 

Andrea Soltesz is an ArtStream actor. This is her sixth show! Andrea works at Giant. She has been there for 16 years and loves her job. Andrea is a dedicated actor.  She reads her script every day because she loves being in the play. Andrea also enjoys dancing  and Zumba. “ArtStream helps make me feel proud of myself! It’s fun to act on stage and  screen!”

Bio coming soon!