The Big Bank

The Big Bank is a fun, hopeful and moving musical comedy about foreclosure, greed, money, life and love that couldn't be more perfect for our time. The Big Bank is a mortgage lender in Brooklyn that is furnished wall-to-wall with the loot from repossessed estates. Their philosphy is, "We respossess and make you wish you'd never taken a loan..." One of the bankers, Stuart Stevens, falls in love with a woman whose flower shop he must foreclose on...

Emerson Theatre Collaborative Announces Production of The Big Bank

June 16, 2011, Mystic CT…Emerson Theatre Collaborative (ETC) announces the production of a new musical comedy by Jacob and Daniel Seligmann. The Big Bank, directed by Theresa Broach and produced by ETC’s Camilla Ross. Performances run from July 21- July 31, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church
in Mystic, CT. Performance information and tickets for The Big Bank can be obtained by visiting EmersonTheaterCollaborative.org. Tickets are $30 ($25 for students and seniors). Saturday Matinee’s at 2:00 pm are just $25.

Emerson Theater Collaborative’s mission is to serve youth, under-represented communities and artists with an emphasis on diversity, by producing innovative and exhilarating theater in Southeastern Connecticut. ETC explores timely themes and issues through new, original works and modern theatrical classics. The company develops and nurtures both emerging and professional artists, and collaborates with the Emerson College network of alumni and students. ETC’s goals include reaching inner city youth through educational theatrical programming and to support local communities by providing free admission to low-income families and donating profits to humanitarian causes. For more information, visit EmersonTheaterCollaborative.org.

Jacob Seligmann, (Composer, Lyricist) The first song I ever wrote, when I was five, was called "I want to go to Playland." Playland is a classic old amusement park in Rye, New York and I thought writing a song about my desire to go could help get me there. Since then, I've learned to live a life in music that isn't based on wanting to get anywhere with it, but just to be in it. I believe in music's power to move, inspire, heal, and transform people. I especially love to tell stories with music and songs. I am deeply grateful for all the music teachers I have had along the way who have given me a piece of their own special gifts and talents. I am glad to now be a link in the great chain of musical evolution as I share my knowledge, love, and truth of music with the children I am lucky to have as students. I am thankful to my daughters who have taught me how to let children guide their own journeys of learning.

Daniel Seligmann, (Bookwriter & Lyricist) Dan believes in the power of stories. He actually thinks they can make people’s lives better. As a consequence, he has spent a good chunk of his life writing them in nearly every form. For the past decade, Dan has been working in Los Angeles as a screenwriter, and now as director of development at a writer-focused production company. Dan would like to dedicate these performances to anyone who has lost his or her home to foreclosure while the big banks on Wall Street reap record profits. He also wishes to dedicate theses performances to his loving and always supportive parents, Michele and Joel.

Bob Olson, (The Boss) graduated with a BA in Theatre from the Claremont College at the end of Nixon years, and was actor, director and member of the colleges “Karma Pie” improvisational group (which boasted Robin Williams as an alumnus). Having acted in theatre groups in Missoula, Walla Walla, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and Portland, Bob returned to theatre after a hiatus during which he spent his time globetrotting in Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East for CD/DVD technology companies. He returned to theatre in Spring of 2009 as Doc in CCT’s production of Mr. Roberts, and played the apoplectic Gregory Wagner in Room Service. He appeared as The Host in Newtown Players production of Merry Wives of Windsor, and was most recently Col. Pickering in Podium Players production of My Fair Lady in the Spring of 2011. Bob also returned to directing as assistant to John Kenney in CCT’s production of Then There Were None. Bob has moved to Gales Ferry from New Haven where he served on the Ward 10 Democratic Committee, and the Cheshire Community Theatre Board of Directors. Bob continues to be amazed at the theatrical talent in CT, and looks forward to working with the Emerson Theater Collaborative.

Paul James Lang, (Stuart Stevens) is thrilled to be making his return to the Emerson Theater Collaborative with their production of The Big Bank. Paul’s previous work with ETC was as The Singer in Picasso at the Lapin Agile. His other credits include Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night, Billy in Prayer for My Enemy, and Dickon in The Secret Garden (The Boston Conservatory), Schroeder in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Hartford Children’s Theater), and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (St. Bernard High School). He would like to thank the cast for their willingness to explore and play, Pawel for all the time and energy spent teaching us music, Vic and John for getting everything done behind the scenes, Christine for her wonderful choreography, Camilla for giving life to another great piece of theater, the production crew for creating the world of The Big Bank and Theresa and Lisa for all of their diligent and passionate work directing this show. Love to Mom, Dad, Molly, and Trey!

Nichelle Rollins, (Mickey Starkes, Omar) is very excited and grateful to be making her debut with the Emerson Theater Collaborative and their production of the Big Bank, by Jacob and Daniel Seligmann. Nichelle has appeared with the Pfizer Players in their production of Finian’s Rainbow, Vital Elements of the Arts, (Hew Haven), and she has appeared in a production of Forgiven, a play by Dennis McGee. She was cast as an extra in the movie Everybody Wins in Norwich, CT and has played Mary Magdalene in a production called He is Risen for five years, as well as the Broadway Kids production of Hairspray in March 2011. Nichelle would love to continue acting and to be able to record a gospel CD. She wishes to thank her mother, who has given her invaluable support, her daughter Ciara (Mommy’s Little future Diva) and Miracle Temple Church. She says, “overcoming fear is one the best ways to fulfill your dreams.”

Tim Reilly, (Clarence Underwood) has spent much of the past six years working in regional theatres all over the country. He moved to New Haven, Connecticut in 2005 after having spent most of his adult life in Omaha, Nebraska where he earned a BFA in Theatre from Creighton University. Some favorite roles include “Terry” in Sideshow, “Brad” in The Rocky Horror Show Live!, “Gaston” in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and “Morris” in No Way to Treat a Lady. “Go Chiefs, Huskers and Royals!” Tim would like to thank his lovely wife Tara, for all that she does and is! “Love to the kittens.”

Mackenzie Ackley, (Parsley Underwood) is happy to making her debut with the Emerson Theater Collaborative. Recently, she performed the role of Annie in the Groton Regional Theater production of Annie. She has sang the National Anthem many times at Rossie field for softball, Cheerleading competitions and football games. She is in a very special singing program at school and the chorus. She also does sign language and sings in her church. Other than singing and acting, she loves swimming, cheerleading, softball and volleyball. She wishes to thank her mother, father, brother and other family and friends. She really enjoys being on the stage and in front of the camera, and hopes to be on Broadway someday.

Morgan Heller, (Parsley Underwood) With the exception of the lack of “Mother’s Love,” Morgan is thrilled to be typecast as Parsely Underwood. Finishing the 4th grade at Mystic’s S.B. Butler Elementary, Morgan, a third generation thesbian, has been doing community theater since she “caught the bug” as a kindergartener in the Coast Guard Academy’s production of Oklahoma. Since then, she’s been Sara MacAfee in the Academy’s Bye Bye Birdie, Cindy Lou Who in Stonington High’s Seussical, an Annie orphan with Groton Regional Theater and just this spring was a Munchkin at New London’s Garde Arts Center with the National Touring Company of The Wizard of Oz. She is thankful to Ms. Broach for this wonderful opportunity to make her Emerson Theater Collaborative debut.

Diane Foster, (Iris Jablonski) has been performing as long as she can remember both as an amateur and a professional, both here and abroad. A local girl, resident of Waterford, graduate of St. Bernard High School and Connecticut College, she is a math teacher at the ISAAC School in New London by day and the mother of two children. By night, some of her favorite roles have included Guinevere in Camelot, Sally in Me and My Girl, Charity in Sweet Charity, and Mistress in Evita. She is thrilled to have discovered ETC and the amazing people connected to this group.

Jane Moran, (Edith Jablonski) has enjoyed performing for nearly 40 years with musical theatre leads as Polly Peacham in The Boyfriend, Polly Brown in A Beggar’s Opera and a role in Flock Theatre’s Dark of the Moon. Favorite dramatic roles have included a role in Eugene O’Neill’s Desire Under the Elms, Ruth Condomine in Noel Coward’s A Blythe Spirit for Reno Little Theatre, Maudie Atkinson in Stonington Player’s production of To Kill a Mockingbird and Leonata in Flock Theatre’s Much Ado About Nothing. She wishes to dedicate this performance to the memory of Uncle Paolo, who truly loved the theatre, was dramatic, and possibly a diva, but never a drama queen. He will be greatly missed.

The Bankers:

Camilla Ross, (Mabel) is president and founder of the Emerson Theater Collaborative, and a proud graduate of Emerson College in Boston, MA. She comes with years of performing and producing credits from commercials to Regional Theater. Camilla continues to lead and shape the Emerson Theater Collaborative into one of the leading professional theaters in southeastern Connecticut. As an actress Camilla was last seen in the role of Hattie in local playwright Michael Bradford’s play Living In The Wind. Other productions include playing the lead role of Chessie, in Melanie Greenhouse’s play Chestina Vanessa Poulson. Previously, she was seen in John Patrick Shanley’s play Doubt playing the role of Mrs. Mueller, and as Harriet Tubman in Lisa Giordano’s one woman show Harriet Tubman’s Dream. Recently she portrayed Harriet Tubman at the Harriet Beecher Stowe 250th Celebration in Hartford. Camilla is a former board member and acting instructor for the Writer’s Block, Ink of New London, CT. and currently teaches as a part-time business faculty member of the Three Rivers Community College. As if that were not enough, she currently sits on the Emerson College Alumni Board, and is President of the CT Alumni Chapter. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support, especially her son Joe for all of his amazing talent and help. Love to her pets Cinnamon Jessica and Muffin Marie and gives praise to God for all of the blessings. Thank you to an amazing cast and crew! And all our patrons. Without you there would be no us.

Marta Rymer, (Cartwright) is thrilled to join the Emerson Theater Collaborative (ETC) for her first production with the company. She's most recently been seen in Gulford, CT as Faith in The Limeybirds, a national touring a capella singing group. Marta is from Boston and a graduate of AMDA New York with a major in musical theatre, she's been performing her whole life as a singer, dancer, violinist, and actress and loves what she does. She'd like to thank her loved ones for their continued support and wishes her castmates a wonderful run!

Christopher Lee Williams, (Campbell, Man in Flower Shop, David). Mr. Williams loves to sing and is currently working with producer Troy Oliver on a CD of R&B love songs inspired by Mr. Williams’ remarkable wife. He is an ordained minister and loves to preach the Bible, and is a teacher and loves teaching Mathematics to his students. Additionally, Mr. Williams has modeled professionally on and off for 10 years. As a sports buff and athlete, Mr. Williams played with several Canadian Football teams and also, excelled in track and field. He enjoys being a mentor to youth and motivating others to reach their full potential. He is the proud father of two children: Genesis Jewel and Valentino Christopher. Mr. Williams “hit the lottery” with his friends and family, and is living his dream.

Aziza Clayton, (Fishman) is married to her husband of 14-years, Quincy Clayton, and is a loving mother to their three-year-old daughter, Quincie-Jade Clayton. She is a long-time active member of her church, Born Again Evangelistic Outreach Ministry in Groton, CT where she sings with the praise and worship team and directs the youth choir. Aziza is a dedicated actor with Emerson Theater Collaborative and an actor and vocalist with D! Williams & the Gospel Family. Growing up in a large family of six children, Aziza loved to sing into a hairbrush in front of her mirror to entertain herself. At the young age of seven she put on “concerts” for her family and friends. At 12 she began teaching her two younger brothers and sister various songs. They took pride in performing their songs, dance routines and skits for the family’s enjoyment. Aziza’s mother always told her that she’s “quite a character”. Since then, she has sung in many groups and performed in numerous productions. Aziza’s warm, compassionate nature shines through in business, in ministry and on stage! Aziza is the president of ZoëVillage, a consulting firm specializing in Social Transformation and Resource Development. After a 12-year career in the Banking industry, Aziza’s passion for people motivated her to use her financial expertise to empower people and restore communities. She recognized that healthy individuals make healthy families; and healthy families produce healthy communities. Visit www.ZoeVillage.com for more information. ZoëVillage – “Championing Healthy, Whole, Vibrant Communities”

Mark Foster, (Franky Gescondi, Director and Archbishop) lives and works in Waterford with his wife, Diane. Mark is both a French teacher and student. He is currently writing his thesis to complete a doctorate in medieval French literature. Mark has been involved in theater for years. He's directed eight shows and has performed in more than 40, as far away as Paris, France and at the Waterford (Ireland) Light Opera Festival, at the Pocono Playhouse, the Theatre-by-the-Sea in Rhode Island, and a few dozen shows locally. He has appeared as: Felix Ungar in The Odd Couple, El Gallo in The Fantasticks, Billy in Anything Goes (and also as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh), and Anthony, the sailor, in Sweeney Todd, and Bill Snibson in Me and My Girl. He would like to thank his wife Diane, who has been by his side for 25 years, shared the stage with him for 15 shows, helped him direct six others (choreographing and directing music for four of them), and handled all the hard parts of producing two children, Bryan and Leigh. Mark thanks you for coming and hopes that you enjoy the show.

Cynthia Brayman, (Women in the Flower shop, Mover, Cameraman) makes her to the theatrical world in the Emerson Theater Collaborative’s Production of The Big Bank, by Jacob and Daniel Seligmann. She is a homegrown native of Mystic Connecticut. Cynthia is married and has three wonderful children. She has practiced cosmetology for the last 30 years, and recently assisted in hairstyling for the Fitch High School production of “Give My Regards To Broadway”

Ariana Sampeur, (Turkey Buzzard) is 12-years-old and attends ISAAC Middle School in New London. She is a very inspired singer, actor and dancer. She has been a member of the Writer’s Block, InK for five years. She is making her debut with the Emerson Theater Collaborative in The Big Bank.

Christine Thomson, (Understudy, Mabel, Cartwright, Woman in the Flower shop) is exited to be part of her fifth Emerson Theatre Collaborative production! She made her theatrical debut with ETC, in the fall 2009 production of Spinning into Butter By Rebecca Gilman. Christine is currently a student at the University of Connecticut, at the Storrs campus. She has studied acting with Karen Ryker, and has played the roles of Luellen in Final Placement and Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Christine has also worked as a freelance mosaic artist in New York City, doing installations for restaurants and hotels, such as the Mohegan Sun. Recently, she served as house manager for two ETC productions: Emerson Theater Collaborative’s New York City world Premier production of Gray Matters By Jacque Lamarre, and Chestina Vanessa Paulson. Most recently, Christine appeared in the Emerson Theater Collaborative’s fall production of Waiting for Lefty By Clifford Odets as Florence. Many thanks to her friends and family for their unwavering support, and to Camilla, Theresa, and everyone at ETC for inviting her to be part of this fantastic production.

The Crew:

Camilla Ross, (Producer) Outside of producing great theater, Ms. Ross is the current president and founder of the Emerson Theater Collaborative, and a graduate of Emerson College in Boston. Mr. Ross has produced Doubt, by John Patrick Shanley; Introducing Mr. Charles Dickens; Harriet2 (Pronounced Harriet Squared) by Lisa Giordano and Emma Palzere Rae; Picasso at The Lapin Agile by Steve Martin; Hate Mail by Bill Corbette and Kira Obolensky, Chestina Vanessa Poulson, by Melanie Greenhouse, Gray Matters, by Jacques Lamarre, and many others for the Emerson Theater Collaborative. Camilla is currently a part-time business faculty member of the Three Rivers Community College, teaching a variety of business courses. She currently sits on the Emerson Alumni Board, and is President of the CT Emerson Alumni Chapter. She wished to thank all the cast and crew for their amazing dedication to a project that has resonated in so many ways. A special thank you to Vic Panciera, for when I call he is always willing to lend ETC a hand. I am forever grateful for him and his crew (Alex McCune and Gail DeCoteau – Thank you!) Thank you Theresa, for your vision and guidance through this process.

Theresa Broach, (Director) has produced, directed and/or stage-managed over 30 theatrical productions for children and adult audiences including Camelot, Mame, Can-Can, Come Blow Your Horn, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Oliver, Cavern of the Jewels, Brigadoon, The Errols, Never Too Late, Hello Dolly!, Lend Me A Tenor, Annie, Don’t Dress for Dinner, Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Carousel, Skips in the Record, Godspell, Sweet Charity, Marco Polo, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Murder at the Crazy Whores Saloon, Always Patsy Cline, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Road to Home, Finian’s Rainbow, Hocus Pocus and Living In The Wind. Theresa has served as President and Producer for the Pfizer Players, formerly a company-sponsored musical theatre group that contributed over $250,000 to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. She has been a member of the Boards of Directors for the Connecticut Business Leadership Network, which supports the employment of people with disabilities; and the Spirit of Broadway Theatre, a semi-professional, award-winning, 74-seat theatre. She is also an active member of the North Stonington Congregational Church. Theresa is delighted to work with the Emerson Theatre Collaborative and the talented cast of The Big Bank By Jacob and Daniel Seligmann.

Pawel Jura, (Musical Director) has worked in a wide variety of capacities on the stage, including plays, musicals, and operas. He is a graduate of, and is currently pursuing his doctoral degree at the Juilliard School in Manhattan. He is also an active recitalist on both the piano and organ. Mr. Jura is the Director of Music at the Unitarian Universalist Society: East in Manchester, as well as Chorus Master for the Connecticut Lyric Opera, based in New London.

Christine Poland, (Choreographer) Christine Poland graduated with honors from Roger Williams University with a BA in Dance Performance Studies. In NYC she became a founding member and the managing director of Rocha Dance Theater. During her years with the company Christine assisted the productions of Gaining Voice, Ponder Me, Not so Soft, Painted Ladies in NYC, RI, and Boston. Christine has performed with Sonia Plumb, Works/Laura Glenn, and Joseph Albano of Hartford, CT. After moving to NYC she began performing for many small pick up companies getting exposure to the NYC dance scene. In 2005, she joined Hedi Latsky in Club Riot as “Valkeries”, this production took place at LaMama Experimental Theater. Performance credits include dancing for Monica Bill Barnes, Mary Fullam, Full Force Dance Productions, Guta Hedwig, Noel MacDuffie, Oil and Water Productions, Vanessa Paige and Angela Jones. In NY, Musical Theater productions include Shirley and the Tropicana, Fishbowl, Her Mom’s Feet, and Queen Juniper all of which were originals directed by Christine Henry. In CT, she has performed for Cornerstone Playhouse original musicals Star Spangled and Mistletoed. She has also co-choreographed STUCK with Jenny Rocha, which was presented at Dancers Responding to Aids, Dixon Place, New Dance Group and Spoke the Hub. During 2000 – 2003, Ms Poland was a guest choreographer for Creative Arts Studio in Brooklyn, NY. Her choreography has also been in a silent film short by Christian Zuccoro, Serenity. In 2005, Christine had the great pleasure of dancing as the evil seagull for Gary Shore of RI in Ode his silent dance film. She is currently working with Cornerstone Production's children’s puppet show "Luna's Sea" in Mystic, CT . Christine has taught for The Dance Extension and CT Performing Arts Program in CT and in New York at Albee’s School of Dance. She currently teaches for Kiks Dance Center and will be opening her own studio in September called Mystic Moves Dance Center. Any interest in classes please contact her at mysticmovesdance@aol.com or by phone at 860-245-5717. Thank you to ETC. for giving her this opportunity to choreograph for a wonderful group of artists.

Vic Panciera, (Stage Manager and Costume Design) comes to the Emerson Theater Collaborative with many years of experience in all areas of the theater. He is an Emerson College Alumni and this is his third show with ETC.

Lisa Giordano, (Assistant Director, Publicity Director) is a playwright and artist. She is a founding board member of the Emerson Theater Collaborative and a faculty member and board member of the Writer’s Block, Ink. Ms. Giordano has penned many plays. Ink Never Spoils, was commissioned by the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and performed at their 100th Anniversary Gala in the fall of 2010. Harriet Tubman’s Dream is continually produced by the Emerson Theater Collaborative in both theater venues and schools. Her play, True Nature of All Being, received an Honorable Mention in the Clauder Competition, the New England Playwrights Festival held in Maine, and received an Honorable Mention in the International Eco-drama Playwrights Festival in California. Locally, two of her musical plays for children, Rock Around the Sound and To Bee or Not To Bee and Other Bug Tales were performed at the Garde Arts Center in New London, CT as part of their Kids on Stage program. Ms. Giordano is a member of the Dramatist Guild.

Jon Capozzoli, (Mover and Assistant Stage Manager), Being in theater for two years I have experienced many parts of the process. I originally worked on the technical end of theater as a sound effect technician, for both Into the Woods and Our Town presented by The Stonington Broad Street Bears. Last year when the opportunity to become stage manager arouse at the Broad Street Bears I took it, and enjoyed the opportunity immensely. Through great recommendations from performers at the previous productions he was in, he learned of the position at Emerson Theater Collaborative. Working on Chestina Vanessa Poulson by Melanie Greenhouse, and then in New York City on Gray Matters By Jacques Lamarre with ETC has really given me a great opportunity. He was awarded the Midtown International Theatre Festival nomination for best lighting design. Following this he worked on ETC’s rendition of Waiting for Lefty By Clifford Odets and on The Broad Street Bears performance of Carousel. He would like to thank all of the people that have made his theatre experience an enjoyment.

Jeanette Drake, (Scene Designer) is a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut’s tech/design program. Since graduating she has been working in the arts as a commissioned artist, set designer, and costume designer. Recent set designs include; Into the Woods Jr. for the Capitol Theater Arts Academy; The Parkville Project for Bated Breath Theater; Jack and the Beanstalk; the Opera for UCONN Opera Works, and Icarus for Connecticut Repertory Theater. Along with her work in the theater world Jeanette has been working as a production designer and set designer for films since 2007. Recent films include Diamond Ruff a Young Studios production; Marathon- the Movie a Breaking Glass production; and Fog Warning a Chris Ward Independent production.

Roy Bourque, (Lighting Designer) has been lighting community and professional theater shows for over twenty years. His intro with Emerson Theater Collaborative was with “Doubt” performed at the Mystic Baptist Church. He has been the lighting designer for most of their productions. Roy has worked with Stonington Players, Chelsea Players, Three Rivers Community College, Norwich Arts Council Theater, LS Centerstage Productions, Backstage Players Company, and others. He has also been lighting designer for the Preston Community Chorus, Luis Pabon Dance Arts Center, and the Miss Connecticut Pageant. His most ambitious lighting project was an outdoor theater production “Benedict Arnold: A Brave Revenge” produced by John Basinger in the summer of 2003 at Washington Park in Groton, CT.

Justin Burgess, (Properties Master) is 17-years-old and has been in theatre for 5 years now. He was with many small time theatre groups until he joined the Writer's Block, InK. He was originally a kid on The Block and performed in their productions, and also did lighting for the “Migrations” production in the summer of 2010. Ever since, he has done lighting and sound for all of the Writer's Block productions. He is new to the Emerson Theater Collaborative (ETC) family and hopes to enjoy the experience. He attends STMHS and plans to major in computer sciences in college and minor in production. He likes to snowboard, makes music, and read in his free time.

Josephs Caruso, (Scenic Painter) enjoys art and drawing for a living. He is the proud son of the Camilla Ross - Emerson Theater Collaborative’s producer. He helped to create the playbill artistry for two of the Writer’s Block productions, and had the privilege of having one of his art renderings in the 53rd Regional Art Show at the Mystic Art Center. He has been an ongoing presence at ETC and enjoys helping when he can. His first artwork was exhibited at the Emerson Theater Collaborative’s debut production of Doubt By John Patrick Shanley. He currently attends Three Rivers Community College and hopes to major in Art.

Dan Mauro, (Set Construction) is a Connecticut native with a BS in Film from Emerson College in Boston. Out side of his acting career Dan also lends his other talent of building sets to ETC. His acting career began when a close friend pushed him onstage for an audition at what he thought was a crew meeting. This led to his being cast in Larry Shue’s “The Foreigner”. Dan spent several seasons as a member of the New Haven based, non-profit theatre group Mastermind Productions. While raising thousands of dollars for charity, he built sets and appeared in numerous shows including Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” and as Rick Steadman in Shue’s “The Nerd”. He has also appeared in New Haven Theater Company’s “The Wake of Pedro de Urdemalas” and unique “Meter Theater” bits during the New Haven Festival of Arts and Ideas. Training at the Actors Gym in Hamden, CT has recently led him to regional commercial work. Dan is excited to work with ETC again as played the leading role in ETC’s production of “Love Letters” by A .R. Gurney and is very happy to be onboard for The Big Bank. Production.

Mark Bordne, (Set Construction) chooses to remain anonymous about his many talents. He really doesn’t want anybody to know he is an engineer and that he has a great gift for set construction and built the banker’s desks for this production.

Peter Strand, (Set Construction) has created many set designs for local theater venues.
He has lent his engineering and building talents to the Emerson Theater Collaborative since its inception in 2008. Peter currently works for the Creative Packaging Paper Mill in Massachusetts. Some of Peter’s hobbies are singing opera, and building Kayaks for his company called QajaqsOfPeterStrand. His Kayaks are skin on frame Kayaks that are sold all over the world. www.qajaqsofpeters.com

Summer Interns:

Char Vereen, (Producer’s Intern/ Stage Hand) is a sociology major at Connecticut College working as a summer intern for Emerson Theater Collaborative. Though a sociology major, Vereen is no stranger to theater department and spends much of her time writing and developing scripts for stage. Currently she has written several plays: Privileged 09 (performed at Connecticut College), Church People 09', The Giddy Multitude 09', Holly the Musical 09', Bad 10' (performed at Connecticut College) developed screenplays: Beauty 10', Crowning of the Earth 10', Filth 10', and film scripts: God's Image 10', Power of Imagination 10', Trail of Bones 10', a sit-com Under-Privileged 10', and a drama series Prophetess Genise Williams 09'. Vereen is very excited to be able to assist ETC with their summer musical The Big Bank in any way possible!



D`Andre Gooden, (Marketing Intern) is a student in the Barney School of Business at the
University of Hartford expecting his Bachelors degree in Marketing in 2012. He is the summer marketing intern for the Emerson Theater Collaborative. D`Andre is no stranger to the arts. He performed in various shows with the Writers Block INK in New London, CT.