Board
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Alice Bishop, Chair
Anita Bruckmeir, Vice-Chair Claire Regan, Secretary/Treasurer Tina Bilcher-Murphy, Trustee Allison DiFazio, Trustee Jeannine Otis, Trustee Gaspare Randazzo, Trustee Gina Russo, Trustee Elisa Sciortino, Trustee, Fundraising Committee Chair Kenneth Silber, Trustee, Past President Shari Stein-Ballow, Trustee |
Staff
Arlene E. Sorkin, MSW, Executive Producing Director
Arlene, a Staten Island resident, has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Temple University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research. Her expertise and experience include eating disorders, perinatal and newborn health, domestic violence, LGBT topics, and dementia to name a few. While practicing clinical social work, she spent her spare time participating with community theater organizations both on stage (dancing and singing) and behind the scenes. In June 2000, Arlene became affiliated with the Minneapolis-based Illusion Theater when she produced their play, From the Beginning I Did Not Speak in Secret for the Michigan Jewish AIDS Coalition in addition to five annual benefits for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS with casts of Broadway touring companies. In 2002, she co-founded IlluminArt Productions (which became a 501(c)(3) in 2006) in Michigan with Patty Ceresnie. From February 2005 through May 2009, Arlene was the director of JCC Maccabi ArtsFest at the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America, located in Manhattan, creating and producing week-long arts festivals for teens each summer in various cities which offered workshops and performance in many different art disciplines including acting, musical theater, dance, digital media, visual arts, and vocal music to name a few. This gave her the opportunity to recruit and work with a variety of talented artists-in-residence. In June, 2009, Arlene established IlluminArt Productions in Staten Island, New York as a way to combine her love for theater and social work.
Arlene, a Staten Island resident, has a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Temple University and a Masters degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research. Her expertise and experience include eating disorders, perinatal and newborn health, domestic violence, LGBT topics, and dementia to name a few. While practicing clinical social work, she spent her spare time participating with community theater organizations both on stage (dancing and singing) and behind the scenes. In June 2000, Arlene became affiliated with the Minneapolis-based Illusion Theater when she produced their play, From the Beginning I Did Not Speak in Secret for the Michigan Jewish AIDS Coalition in addition to five annual benefits for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS with casts of Broadway touring companies. In 2002, she co-founded IlluminArt Productions (which became a 501(c)(3) in 2006) in Michigan with Patty Ceresnie. From February 2005 through May 2009, Arlene was the director of JCC Maccabi ArtsFest at the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America, located in Manhattan, creating and producing week-long arts festivals for teens each summer in various cities which offered workshops and performance in many different art disciplines including acting, musical theater, dance, digital media, visual arts, and vocal music to name a few. This gave her the opportunity to recruit and work with a variety of talented artists-in-residence. In June, 2009, Arlene established IlluminArt Productions in Staten Island, New York as a way to combine her love for theater and social work.
Randy Barrett Topper, BFA, Artistic Director, Teaching Artist
Randy studied Theatre Performance at Wayne State University in his native Detroit and currently resides in Staten Island. Randy is currently pursuing an Masters in Social Work at the College of Staten Island. He works as a freelance actor and director as well as serving as artistic director for IlluminArt Productions. In that capacity, he oversees IlluminArt's Touring Company, supervises the Write-A-Play teaching staff, directs Project TRUST peer leadership program at The Petrides School, conducts Teaching Artist training, directs IlluminArt’s plays and annual Empowering Voices Benefit Musical Revue, teaches IlluminArt’s ACTive Adults Program and Musical Theater Appreciation for senior adults, and authored the plays Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream and Truth in Excess. As an actor, Randy has toured nationally with children’s theater companies such as Theatreworks USA, National Theatre for Children, and Dandelion Productions. He also spent a season as a teaching artist at the Florida Studio Theatre. Directorial credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Arsenic and Old Lace and for IlluminArt Productions Peace Up, Ready Set Action!, What Goes Around, and Senior Moments as well as Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction, and Table Service which Randy authored. Randy has over 25 years experience (since age 15) working with children in summer camps, more recently as a camp program director. He has the ability to empower children and teens with his outgoing personality and song leading abilities.
Randy studied Theatre Performance at Wayne State University in his native Detroit and currently resides in Staten Island. Randy is currently pursuing an Masters in Social Work at the College of Staten Island. He works as a freelance actor and director as well as serving as artistic director for IlluminArt Productions. In that capacity, he oversees IlluminArt's Touring Company, supervises the Write-A-Play teaching staff, directs Project TRUST peer leadership program at The Petrides School, conducts Teaching Artist training, directs IlluminArt’s plays and annual Empowering Voices Benefit Musical Revue, teaches IlluminArt’s ACTive Adults Program and Musical Theater Appreciation for senior adults, and authored the plays Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream and Truth in Excess. As an actor, Randy has toured nationally with children’s theater companies such as Theatreworks USA, National Theatre for Children, and Dandelion Productions. He also spent a season as a teaching artist at the Florida Studio Theatre. Directorial credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Arsenic and Old Lace and for IlluminArt Productions Peace Up, Ready Set Action!, What Goes Around, and Senior Moments as well as Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction, and Table Service which Randy authored. Randy has over 25 years experience (since age 15) working with children in summer camps, more recently as a camp program director. He has the ability to empower children and teens with his outgoing personality and song leading abilities.
Holly Bonner, MSW, MPA, CASAC, Director of Education and Outreach
Before becoming IlluminArt Productions’ Director of Education and Outreach, Holly had volunteered with the organization since 2011. During that time, she wrote post performance discussion guides to aide IlluminArt’s teaching artists with answering audience questions and processing student’s feelings after each show. Using her skills and experience as a social worker, Holly was able to combine her love of theater with core educational concepts from each play genre, resulting in a well-rounded format that provides audience viewers the opportunity to learn, grow and develop. Holly has also been an integral part in creating IlluminArt’s Teaching Artist Training curriculum as well as a grant writer for the organization and co-authored Prescription for Addiction. Originally from Bayonne, NJ, Holly earned her Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree in Human Services from Audrey Cohen College. She attained her Masters degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Metropolitan College of New York. Holly also holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree from the prestigious Columbia University School of Social Work. She is a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in the State of New York as well as an Internationally Certified Alcohol Substance Abuse Counselor (ICADC). Holly is a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner (HSBCP) and a nationally certified trainer in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). Holly has over 15 years experience working with at-risk youth in a variety of clinical and community settings. Her areas of expertise include anti-bullying education, addiction counseling, juvenile justice proceedings, domestic violence and veterans’ advocacy. Having become legally blind after battling breast cancer, Holly is volunteer Peer Counselor for the American Federation For the Blind (AFB). Holly is also an advocate in the blind community educating others on disability rights and low vision awareness. She is a regularly featured writer for Vision Aware and Family Connect for the AFB and Perkins School for the Blind. A a mother of two little girls, Holly blogs about her unique parenting experiences on her website, www.blindmotherhood.com. She was named a Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement in 2017.
Before becoming IlluminArt Productions’ Director of Education and Outreach, Holly had volunteered with the organization since 2011. During that time, she wrote post performance discussion guides to aide IlluminArt’s teaching artists with answering audience questions and processing student’s feelings after each show. Using her skills and experience as a social worker, Holly was able to combine her love of theater with core educational concepts from each play genre, resulting in a well-rounded format that provides audience viewers the opportunity to learn, grow and develop. Holly has also been an integral part in creating IlluminArt’s Teaching Artist Training curriculum as well as a grant writer for the organization and co-authored Prescription for Addiction. Originally from Bayonne, NJ, Holly earned her Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degree in Human Services from Audrey Cohen College. She attained her Masters degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Metropolitan College of New York. Holly also holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree from the prestigious Columbia University School of Social Work. She is a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in the State of New York as well as an Internationally Certified Alcohol Substance Abuse Counselor (ICADC). Holly is a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner (HSBCP) and a nationally certified trainer in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). Holly has over 15 years experience working with at-risk youth in a variety of clinical and community settings. Her areas of expertise include anti-bullying education, addiction counseling, juvenile justice proceedings, domestic violence and veterans’ advocacy. Having become legally blind after battling breast cancer, Holly is volunteer Peer Counselor for the American Federation For the Blind (AFB). Holly is also an advocate in the blind community educating others on disability rights and low vision awareness. She is a regularly featured writer for Vision Aware and Family Connect for the AFB and Perkins School for the Blind. A a mother of two little girls, Holly blogs about her unique parenting experiences on her website, www.blindmotherhood.com. She was named a Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement in 2017.
Christine Zahra, BS, Program Director, Teaching Artist
Christine oversees all of IlluminArt's school residencies and is the moderator for Touring Company performances. Since joining in 2015 she has performed in Peace Up, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, What Goes Around, and Truth in Excess. She is also a Teaching Artist for Write-A-Play and ACTive Adults programs. Christine studied Dramatic Arts, with a concentration in Directing at The College Of Staten Island, where she received her Bachelor's of Science degree. Her greatest achievement and memory while studying at the college was directing American playwright and journalist, Sophie Treadwell's Machinal, alongside her incredible production team, cast and crew of solely students. She is a singer and Musical Theatre Director/Performer, and toured Italy with The Sheepshead Bay Youth Gospel Choir under the choral direction of Kenneth Brown. Christine was the Director, and Choreographer for 10 years at The Ressurection Church Community Theatre in Brooklyn, NY. She studied dance for 18 years (ballet, tap, and jazz) and was a cheerleader for 5 years. She can be seen singing on occasion performing with vocalists, Linda Marie and Nicholas John, The Songbirds, at locations in the 5 Boroughs and New Jersey. She is currently a member of CAMP TLC (Together Living A Challenge), through which she teaches music and coordinates performances for the amazing children at Saint Mary's Hospital, and other events throughout the year. Christine plans to further her education and acquire a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama Therapy in the near future. Her life mission is to use her talents and wisdom through theatre to raise awareness of todays struggles, providing education and tools that will assist our community, and most importantly, heighten the self-esteem and strength of our youth.
Christine oversees all of IlluminArt's school residencies and is the moderator for Touring Company performances. Since joining in 2015 she has performed in Peace Up, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, What Goes Around, and Truth in Excess. She is also a Teaching Artist for Write-A-Play and ACTive Adults programs. Christine studied Dramatic Arts, with a concentration in Directing at The College Of Staten Island, where she received her Bachelor's of Science degree. Her greatest achievement and memory while studying at the college was directing American playwright and journalist, Sophie Treadwell's Machinal, alongside her incredible production team, cast and crew of solely students. She is a singer and Musical Theatre Director/Performer, and toured Italy with The Sheepshead Bay Youth Gospel Choir under the choral direction of Kenneth Brown. Christine was the Director, and Choreographer for 10 years at The Ressurection Church Community Theatre in Brooklyn, NY. She studied dance for 18 years (ballet, tap, and jazz) and was a cheerleader for 5 years. She can be seen singing on occasion performing with vocalists, Linda Marie and Nicholas John, The Songbirds, at locations in the 5 Boroughs and New Jersey. She is currently a member of CAMP TLC (Together Living A Challenge), through which she teaches music and coordinates performances for the amazing children at Saint Mary's Hospital, and other events throughout the year. Christine plans to further her education and acquire a Master of Fine Arts degree in Drama Therapy in the near future. Her life mission is to use her talents and wisdom through theatre to raise awareness of todays struggles, providing education and tools that will assist our community, and most importantly, heighten the self-esteem and strength of our youth.
Victoria Venezia, Program Associate, Actor, Teaching Artist
Victoria is thrilled to be a member of IlluminArt’s Touring Company. She works with IlluminArt as a Teaching Artist for Project Spotlight, Write-A-Play with youth and senior adults. Victoria graduated with Honors from the College of Staten Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dramatic Arts. As a student she performed in numerous productions including Medea (Medea), The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek (Pace), The Skin of Our Teeth (Sabina), Doctor Faustus (Dutchess of Vanholt), The Laramie Project (Reggie Fluty and other various roles), and the student written production The Alchemy of Solitude. At the College, she also directed, produced, and acted in The Vagina Monologues, which she organized as a charity benefit that raised over $12,000 for Safe Horizon. Victoria had the privilege of studying acting under the tutelage of John Dapolito. She also studied acting and voice at HB Studio and Scott Powers Studio. Other acting credits include Ludlow Fair (Rachel), The Great Nebula in Orion (Louise), Boys’ Life (Karen), An Actor’s Nightmare (Ellen) and the original one-woman show With Milk and Four Equals which she wrote. For IlluminArt she has appeared in What Goes Around, Peace Up, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction, and Table Service. Victoria is also credited with writing two original scripts for Holy Rosary Theater Group; an interactive mystery called All The World's a Stage and a musical entitled Changes. Both were performed by middle and high school students. She has appeared in several short films and also plays the bass guitar and piano. Victoria studied Screenwriting for seven years with Award-Winning Screenwriter Jacob Krueger in his Master Class and continues to pursue her career as a writer. Victoria is incredibly grateful to finally be able to use her passion for the arts and personal experience to help mentor and empower youth and show them what a powerful outlet a creative life can be.
Victoria is thrilled to be a member of IlluminArt’s Touring Company. She works with IlluminArt as a Teaching Artist for Project Spotlight, Write-A-Play with youth and senior adults. Victoria graduated with Honors from the College of Staten Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dramatic Arts. As a student she performed in numerous productions including Medea (Medea), The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek (Pace), The Skin of Our Teeth (Sabina), Doctor Faustus (Dutchess of Vanholt), The Laramie Project (Reggie Fluty and other various roles), and the student written production The Alchemy of Solitude. At the College, she also directed, produced, and acted in The Vagina Monologues, which she organized as a charity benefit that raised over $12,000 for Safe Horizon. Victoria had the privilege of studying acting under the tutelage of John Dapolito. She also studied acting and voice at HB Studio and Scott Powers Studio. Other acting credits include Ludlow Fair (Rachel), The Great Nebula in Orion (Louise), Boys’ Life (Karen), An Actor’s Nightmare (Ellen) and the original one-woman show With Milk and Four Equals which she wrote. For IlluminArt she has appeared in What Goes Around, Peace Up, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction, and Table Service. Victoria is also credited with writing two original scripts for Holy Rosary Theater Group; an interactive mystery called All The World's a Stage and a musical entitled Changes. Both were performed by middle and high school students. She has appeared in several short films and also plays the bass guitar and piano. Victoria studied Screenwriting for seven years with Award-Winning Screenwriter Jacob Krueger in his Master Class and continues to pursue her career as a writer. Victoria is incredibly grateful to finally be able to use her passion for the arts and personal experience to help mentor and empower youth and show them what a powerful outlet a creative life can be.
Patty Ceresnie, Producing Artistic Director Emeritus, co-founded IlluminArt
Productions with Arlene Sorkin in 2002 and provides ongoing consultation. Trained at the Pasadena Playhouse, Patty has lifelong experience as a singer, dancer, and actor. Her long career in entertainment includes musical theater, night club singing, leading her own band, television commercials, industrial films and 19 years as rehearsal director for the Festival Dancers, a resident dance company at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit (where she met Arlene Sorkin). Working for the Michigan Jewish AIDS Coalition (MJAC), Patty assistant produced benefits for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS with the national Broadway touring companies of Saturday Night Fever and South Pacific in 1999 and 2000. She played a lead role in MJAC’s production of Illusion Theater’s From the Beginning I Did Not Speak in Secret. Patty directed IlluminArt’s 2003-2005 run of For Our Daughters and directed Project TRUST (Teaching and Reaching Using Students and Theater) in Michigan from 2003-2013. Student actors from four different high schools have presented bullying and violence prevention plays to over 20,000 middle and elementary school students under Patty’s direction. She currently enjoys spending her free time with her 2 beautiful grandchildren.
Productions with Arlene Sorkin in 2002 and provides ongoing consultation. Trained at the Pasadena Playhouse, Patty has lifelong experience as a singer, dancer, and actor. Her long career in entertainment includes musical theater, night club singing, leading her own band, television commercials, industrial films and 19 years as rehearsal director for the Festival Dancers, a resident dance company at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit (where she met Arlene Sorkin). Working for the Michigan Jewish AIDS Coalition (MJAC), Patty assistant produced benefits for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS with the national Broadway touring companies of Saturday Night Fever and South Pacific in 1999 and 2000. She played a lead role in MJAC’s production of Illusion Theater’s From the Beginning I Did Not Speak in Secret. Patty directed IlluminArt’s 2003-2005 run of For Our Daughters and directed Project TRUST (Teaching and Reaching Using Students and Theater) in Michigan from 2003-2013. Student actors from four different high schools have presented bullying and violence prevention plays to over 20,000 middle and elementary school students under Patty’s direction. She currently enjoys spending her free time with her 2 beautiful grandchildren.
Faculty and Touring Company
Erica DeJulio, Actor, Teaching Artist
Erica is a graduate of the College of Staten Island with a BS in Dramatic Arts and has also studied at the Stella Adler Studio in New York City. Last year she was selected as a Semi-Finalist for ABC's Make Me A Star Contest. Erica is a proud member of IlluminArt's touring company and has performed in their productions of What Goes Around, Peace Up, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service. At CSI she was featured in Machinal, The Conduct of Life, St. Joan of the Stockyards, and The Dying Gaul. She was also selected as an Irene Ryan Scholarship nominee for the role of Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was showcased at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Baltimore. Her short film credits include The Original Caped Crusader, The Life Watcher, and Headlight. Recently, she has appeared in several commercials. Currently, Erica is teaching IlluminArt's Write-A-Play program and arts enrichment classes.
Erica is a graduate of the College of Staten Island with a BS in Dramatic Arts and has also studied at the Stella Adler Studio in New York City. Last year she was selected as a Semi-Finalist for ABC's Make Me A Star Contest. Erica is a proud member of IlluminArt's touring company and has performed in their productions of What Goes Around, Peace Up, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service. At CSI she was featured in Machinal, The Conduct of Life, St. Joan of the Stockyards, and The Dying Gaul. She was also selected as an Irene Ryan Scholarship nominee for the role of Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was showcased at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Baltimore. Her short film credits include The Original Caped Crusader, The Life Watcher, and Headlight. Recently, she has appeared in several commercials. Currently, Erica is teaching IlluminArt's Write-A-Play program and arts enrichment classes.
Jeremiah Jurkiewicz, Actor, Teaching Artist
Originally from Baltimore, Jeremiah graduated with a Bachelor’s in Dramatic Arts from College of Staten Island. He is a member of Love Creek Productions and has performed in The Perfect Niche, Daze at Sea, Weightless, Playing. NYC Credits: Destination Wedding, Yellow People, My Wife, And Sometimes the Twain Shall Meet, Late Night Visitor, But Not For Love. Film: Going Up?, Coming Out, Cathy. College Credits: The Dying Gaul, St. Joan of the Stockyards, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, One Flea Spare, and All in the Timing. Jeremiah is a member of Say What? NYC Comedy Improv. He has performed in Peace Up and What Goes Around and was honored to be in the workshop/premiere cast of Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream. He is a teaching artist with IlluminArt Productions and volunteers his talents for our annual Empowering Voices musical review.
Kristiana Longinotti, Actor
Kristiana is a graduate of the Susan E. Wagner High School theater program and a Film student at the College of Staten Island. She has done many shows throughout Staten Island Island including Sweeny Todd, Brighten Beach Memoirs, and In the Heights. As a member of IlluminArt's Touring Company, Kristiana has appeared in Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Peace Up, What Goes Around, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service.
Kristiana is a graduate of the Susan E. Wagner High School theater program and a Film student at the College of Staten Island. She has done many shows throughout Staten Island Island including Sweeny Todd, Brighten Beach Memoirs, and In the Heights. As a member of IlluminArt's Touring Company, Kristiana has appeared in Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Peace Up, What Goes Around, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service.
Jessica Maldonado, Actor, Teaching Artist
Jessica Maldonado, has been studying performing arts and voice since she was 11 years old, when her passion for the stage truly began to emerge. She recently graduated from the College of Staten Island majoring in psychology and minoring in art. Jessica is thrilled to be back on stage. She has appeared in many shows throughout her school years including Beauty and The Beast (Mrs. Potts), Bang Bang, You're Dead (Emily), Lil' Red From Da Hood in a modern fairy tales production, Pippin (Grandma Berthe), and Hair (Jeannie Ryan). Jessica is also the recipient of two college scholarships, a Dramatic Arts Scholarship for Outstanding Performance as well as the M.V.P. Award of the The Academy of Fine and Dramatic Arts (AFADA) at New Dorp High School. Jessica is truly proud and excited to be a part of the IlluminArt Company where she can help to educate students on relevant issues as well as inform them about where they can go for help or support if they need it. She has appeared in IlluminArt's Truth in Excess and Peace Up and is a teaching artist. Jessica is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work at CSI.
Jessica Maldonado, has been studying performing arts and voice since she was 11 years old, when her passion for the stage truly began to emerge. She recently graduated from the College of Staten Island majoring in psychology and minoring in art. Jessica is thrilled to be back on stage. She has appeared in many shows throughout her school years including Beauty and The Beast (Mrs. Potts), Bang Bang, You're Dead (Emily), Lil' Red From Da Hood in a modern fairy tales production, Pippin (Grandma Berthe), and Hair (Jeannie Ryan). Jessica is also the recipient of two college scholarships, a Dramatic Arts Scholarship for Outstanding Performance as well as the M.V.P. Award of the The Academy of Fine and Dramatic Arts (AFADA) at New Dorp High School. Jessica is truly proud and excited to be a part of the IlluminArt Company where she can help to educate students on relevant issues as well as inform them about where they can go for help or support if they need it. She has appeared in IlluminArt's Truth in Excess and Peace Up and is a teaching artist. Jessica is currently pursuing a Masters in Social Work at CSI.
Ariel Marcus, Actor, Teaching Artist
Ariel is a member of IlluminArt's Touring Company. In addition, she has been a teaching artist for our Project Spotlight and Write-A-Play. Ariel has a BA in Theater and Graphic Design from Oswego State University of New York and has worked with the William Esper Studio Manhattan. Ariel has appeared in Peace Up, What Goes Around, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service for IlluminArt. Ariel recently directed Lysistrata for the Staten Island Shakespearean Theater. She is also a teaching artist with the company 'Speak About It' which looks to bring the language of 'sexy consent' to college students all over the country. She recently completed several months on Norwegian Cruise Line with a Nickelodeon show. Ariel is the color-guard instructor for the Monsignor Farrell Marching Band, and enjoys tossing flags in her spare time. www.arimarc.com
Ariel is a member of IlluminArt's Touring Company. In addition, she has been a teaching artist for our Project Spotlight and Write-A-Play. Ariel has a BA in Theater and Graphic Design from Oswego State University of New York and has worked with the William Esper Studio Manhattan. Ariel has appeared in Peace Up, What Goes Around, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service for IlluminArt. Ariel recently directed Lysistrata for the Staten Island Shakespearean Theater. She is also a teaching artist with the company 'Speak About It' which looks to bring the language of 'sexy consent' to college students all over the country. She recently completed several months on Norwegian Cruise Line with a Nickelodeon show. Ariel is the color-guard instructor for the Monsignor Farrell Marching Band, and enjoys tossing flags in her spare time. www.arimarc.com
Valerie Pinilla, Actor
Valerie is a member of IlluminArt's Touring Company and a recent graduate from the College of Staten Island, earning her B.S. in Psychology. She has been performing since age 14, appearing in the ensemble of many musicals such as No, No, Nannette, Once On This Island, Back to the 80's, Les Miserables, Seussical, and leading roles in Bye Bye Birdie (Mae Peterson) and The Orphan Train (Mrs. Herndon). She has also performed in plays at the College of Staten Island such as The Conduct of Life (Olympia), Duets (Alice), and Three Plays on Love (Lottie/Country Woman). Valerie just finished a tour with "Speak About It", a company that promotes healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and sexual assault prevention through theatre. Valerie has taught IlluminArt's Write-A-Play program and has appeared in What Goes Around, Peace Up, Truth in Excess, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service. She recently appeared in Lysistrata with the Staten Island Shakespearean Theater. Valerie is pursuing a Master's in Social Work.
Valerie is a member of IlluminArt's Touring Company and a recent graduate from the College of Staten Island, earning her B.S. in Psychology. She has been performing since age 14, appearing in the ensemble of many musicals such as No, No, Nannette, Once On This Island, Back to the 80's, Les Miserables, Seussical, and leading roles in Bye Bye Birdie (Mae Peterson) and The Orphan Train (Mrs. Herndon). She has also performed in plays at the College of Staten Island such as The Conduct of Life (Olympia), Duets (Alice), and Three Plays on Love (Lottie/Country Woman). Valerie just finished a tour with "Speak About It", a company that promotes healthy relationships, bystander intervention, and sexual assault prevention through theatre. Valerie has taught IlluminArt's Write-A-Play program and has appeared in What Goes Around, Peace Up, Truth in Excess, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service. She recently appeared in Lysistrata with the Staten Island Shakespearean Theater. Valerie is pursuing a Master's in Social Work.
Olivia Roldan, Actor, Teaching Artist
Olivia is a member of IlluminArt's Touring Company and teaches Write-A-Play as well as arts enrichment. She graduated from Talent Unlimited High School in Manhattan where she majored in Musical Theater. Olivia’s credits include; A Chorus Line (Connie Wong), Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie), and Jason Brown: A Review, as a solo singer. After High School, Olivia enrolled in Circle in the Square’s Summer Intensive program where she studied all aspects of Musical Theater, culminating in a solo performance at the Gershwin Theater. Olivia starred in the lead role of Leticia, in the play, The Conduct of Life, as a student at CSI. Olivia was also in the chorus of the Harbor Lights Theater Company’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors and in The King and I, as one of the King’s wives. Olivia co-starred as Princess Leela in the Off-Broadway musical The Rajahs Son and Princess Labam located at the Medicine Show theater in Manhattan. For IlluminArt, Olivia has appeared in Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, What Goes Around, Peace Up, Truth in Excess and Table Service. She recently graduated as a Musical Theater major from Marymount Manhattan College.
Olivia is a member of IlluminArt's Touring Company and teaches Write-A-Play as well as arts enrichment. She graduated from Talent Unlimited High School in Manhattan where she majored in Musical Theater. Olivia’s credits include; A Chorus Line (Connie Wong), Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie), and Jason Brown: A Review, as a solo singer. After High School, Olivia enrolled in Circle in the Square’s Summer Intensive program where she studied all aspects of Musical Theater, culminating in a solo performance at the Gershwin Theater. Olivia starred in the lead role of Leticia, in the play, The Conduct of Life, as a student at CSI. Olivia was also in the chorus of the Harbor Lights Theater Company’s production of Amahl and the Night Visitors and in The King and I, as one of the King’s wives. Olivia co-starred as Princess Leela in the Off-Broadway musical The Rajahs Son and Princess Labam located at the Medicine Show theater in Manhattan. For IlluminArt, Olivia has appeared in Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, What Goes Around, Peace Up, Truth in Excess and Table Service. She recently graduated as a Musical Theater major from Marymount Manhattan College.
Benyomin Schofield, Music Director, Actor, Teaching Artist
Ben is a graduate of the College of Staten Island with a BA in Music. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Passaic, New Jersey, Ben developed a love for music at age 11. By the time he was 17, Ben was giving private lessons and running a musical camp in his own backyard. These early experiences strengthened his love for the arts, cultivating a special affinity for the Harp. Ben began his path towards higher education as a pre-med student, eventually switching to music. Following his true passion for performing, composing and teaching, Ben has worked in a variety of educational and youth art/camping organizations including the Staten Island JCC, Camp Moshava Ba’ir (Paramus, NJ), Camp Shalom of New Jersey, Young Israel Day Camp, and Camp Chinuch (Passaic, NJ). His repertoire includes teaching Harp, Drumming, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Percussion, Music Theory, Music History, Music Appreciation, and Creative Expression. Now a father and husband, Ben believes his main purpose in life is to “inspire creativity and spread a love of music." He is IlluminArt's Music Director, teaches Write-A-Play and drumming, and ventured into acting in Peace Up, What Goes Around, Table Service, and Truth in Excess.
Ben is a graduate of the College of Staten Island with a BA in Music. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Passaic, New Jersey, Ben developed a love for music at age 11. By the time he was 17, Ben was giving private lessons and running a musical camp in his own backyard. These early experiences strengthened his love for the arts, cultivating a special affinity for the Harp. Ben began his path towards higher education as a pre-med student, eventually switching to music. Following his true passion for performing, composing and teaching, Ben has worked in a variety of educational and youth art/camping organizations including the Staten Island JCC, Camp Moshava Ba’ir (Paramus, NJ), Camp Shalom of New Jersey, Young Israel Day Camp, and Camp Chinuch (Passaic, NJ). His repertoire includes teaching Harp, Drumming, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Percussion, Music Theory, Music History, Music Appreciation, and Creative Expression. Now a father and husband, Ben believes his main purpose in life is to “inspire creativity and spread a love of music." He is IlluminArt's Music Director, teaches Write-A-Play and drumming, and ventured into acting in Peace Up, What Goes Around, Table Service, and Truth in Excess.
Nora Shvartsberg, Assistant Teaching Artist
Nora is a graduate of Pace University with a BS in Communication Sciences/Disorders and Psychology. Her interest in childhood development combined with her passion for working with youth, has provided her with a variety of professional experience including Arts & Crafts Specialist and Camp Counselor for the Staten Island Jewish Community Center's Summer Day Camp. Most recently, Nora interned with Speak Out New York in their Speech & Language Pathology Department, working with children ages 3-6. A contributing writer for Spoon University, an online food resource website, Nora has published several articles for the organization's nationwide chapter. Nora has extensive performing arts experience that includes acting courses at Pace University and over 10 years of tap and 6 years of jazz dance. An accomplished musician, she plays clarinet, piano and ukulele. Nora is a bi-lingual Teaching Artist, speaking both Russian, conversational Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Nora teaches IlluminArt's Write-A-Play program.
Nora is a graduate of Pace University with a BS in Communication Sciences/Disorders and Psychology. Her interest in childhood development combined with her passion for working with youth, has provided her with a variety of professional experience including Arts & Crafts Specialist and Camp Counselor for the Staten Island Jewish Community Center's Summer Day Camp. Most recently, Nora interned with Speak Out New York in their Speech & Language Pathology Department, working with children ages 3-6. A contributing writer for Spoon University, an online food resource website, Nora has published several articles for the organization's nationwide chapter. Nora has extensive performing arts experience that includes acting courses at Pace University and over 10 years of tap and 6 years of jazz dance. An accomplished musician, she plays clarinet, piano and ukulele. Nora is a bi-lingual Teaching Artist, speaking both Russian, conversational Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Nora teaches IlluminArt's Write-A-Play program.
Kristi Sorkin, Actor, Teaching Artist
Kristi is a member of IlluminArt’s Touring Company and has entertained audiences at IlluminArt’s annual Empowering Voices events. She has a BFA in Theatre from Wayne State University in Detroit. Kristi studied dance since age 3 (ballet, tap, jazz) and now enjoys dancing with her own amazing little girls as well as teaching arts enrichment classses. She worked professionally at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota and participated in the LBS workshop in Manhattan with choreographer John Paolillo. Kristi has also studied acting for daytime drama and sitcoms at the School For Film and Television in Manhattan and appeared in The Bully, a short film co-produced by IlluminArt. Favorite stage roles include: Lenny in Crimes of the Heart, Duckling in Our Country's Good and Maggie Antribus in The Skin of Our Teeth. As an actress she loves to bring honesty, inspiration and a whole bunch of funny to her characters. She has taught Write-A-Play at PS 57, Wagner High School and has appeared in IlluminArt's Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, What Goes Around, Peace Up, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction, and Table Service. Kristi works as a freelance hair stylist and makeup artist as well. Visit KristiSorkin.com to see the many faces of Kristi.
Kristi is a member of IlluminArt’s Touring Company and has entertained audiences at IlluminArt’s annual Empowering Voices events. She has a BFA in Theatre from Wayne State University in Detroit. Kristi studied dance since age 3 (ballet, tap, jazz) and now enjoys dancing with her own amazing little girls as well as teaching arts enrichment classses. She worked professionally at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota and participated in the LBS workshop in Manhattan with choreographer John Paolillo. Kristi has also studied acting for daytime drama and sitcoms at the School For Film and Television in Manhattan and appeared in The Bully, a short film co-produced by IlluminArt. Favorite stage roles include: Lenny in Crimes of the Heart, Duckling in Our Country's Good and Maggie Antribus in The Skin of Our Teeth. As an actress she loves to bring honesty, inspiration and a whole bunch of funny to her characters. She has taught Write-A-Play at PS 57, Wagner High School and has appeared in IlluminArt's Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, What Goes Around, Peace Up, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction, and Table Service. Kristi works as a freelance hair stylist and makeup artist as well. Visit KristiSorkin.com to see the many faces of Kristi.
Keith Gregory Taylor, Actor, Teaching Artist
Keith feels the social impact messages of IlluminArt are very personal for him. As a youth he was involved in every school and community theater production he could be but as a teen he was bullied and took to being home-schooled. Keith found solace through stage, film and song and is proud to be able to help spread the message of kindness and acceptance through the performing arts as an adult. Keith teaches IlluminArt's Write-A-Play program and arts enrichment. He has appeared in What Goes Around, Peace Up, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service. Keith was recently the Stage Manager and Assistant Director for Lysistrata for the Staten Island Shakespearean Theater for which he is also currently stage managing King Lear.
Keith feels the social impact messages of IlluminArt are very personal for him. As a youth he was involved in every school and community theater production he could be but as a teen he was bullied and took to being home-schooled. Keith found solace through stage, film and song and is proud to be able to help spread the message of kindness and acceptance through the performing arts as an adult. Keith teaches IlluminArt's Write-A-Play program and arts enrichment. He has appeared in What Goes Around, Peace Up, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, Prescription for Addiction and Table Service. Keith was recently the Stage Manager and Assistant Director for Lysistrata for the Staten Island Shakespearean Theater for which he is also currently stage managing King Lear.
Ulysses A. Torres, Actor, Assistant Teaching Artist
Uly finds motivation in mentoring youth. A graduate of the Susan E. Wagner Performing Arts Program, he feels performing is his passion. Ulysses has previous experience working at the Staten Island Jewish Community Center's (JCC) summer youth program where he cared for special needs children and facilitated various group activities fostering participant's leadership and team builidng skills. Ulysses also has previous acting experience with Casting Networks (NYC) performing in local screen work. Thrilled to be part of IlluminArt's Professional Touring Company, Uly hopes to be a catalyst for social change in the Staten Island community. He has appeared in IlluminArt's Peace Up, Prescription for Addiction, What Goes Around, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, and Table Service. Uly is currently studying voice-over acting.
Uly finds motivation in mentoring youth. A graduate of the Susan E. Wagner Performing Arts Program, he feels performing is his passion. Ulysses has previous experience working at the Staten Island Jewish Community Center's (JCC) summer youth program where he cared for special needs children and facilitated various group activities fostering participant's leadership and team builidng skills. Ulysses also has previous acting experience with Casting Networks (NYC) performing in local screen work. Thrilled to be part of IlluminArt's Professional Touring Company, Uly hopes to be a catalyst for social change in the Staten Island community. He has appeared in IlluminArt's Peace Up, Prescription for Addiction, What Goes Around, Sometimes I Just Want Ice Cream, Truth in Excess, and Table Service. Uly is currently studying voice-over acting.
