Pheromone

Director’s Notes

In response to the global pandemic, the Department of Performing Arts has responded with a reimagined 2020-21 production season full of creative innovation, collaboration and new technology.

With our first production, we’re focusing on new play development by announcing an exciting new award and launching a new partnership. Pheromone, by Rachel Graf Evans, is the inaugural winner of the Elon University Acting Program’s New Play Award in cooperation and partnership with the Hollins University MFA Playwriting Program. We are extremely excited to begin this new partnership with Hollins’ esteemed program and explore the educational synergies between us.

As this play is a fresh, new work in development, the playwright has been very involved in the production process, participating in casting, attending rehearsals, and tweaking the script for the digital medium – even writing a brand-new character for our production! The students have responded brilliantly to the challenge of being involved in a production that is continually evolving.

The characters of the play are in search of romance, affirmation, fulfillment and adoration; allowing attraction to guide them. Their fundamental need for connection and intimacy drives the play. So how does one stage theatrical intimacy and establish sincere connection when using a purely digital format? Can physical attraction and chemistry be portrayed over Zoom?

In our efforts to answer these questions, after months of caution, quarantining and social distancing, we became more keenly aware of how vital the ability to connect, human-to-human, really is.

We relate to the character’s yearning with our own yearning for the days when we could hug a friend, shake hands or see one another’s faces at the local store. Such connection, intimacy, touch and physical proximity seem like an absolute luxury now.

With a firm goal of safeguarding student health and learning, we undertook the pioneering of creating an all-virtual live production. This process has been full of new challenges around every corner as we’ve sought to take our existing knowledge and experience as theatre makers into a digital realm. It has required creativity, bravery, commitment and extreme innovation on the part of all involved to bring you what you will see here tonight.

As I remind students in class, “limitation breeds creativity.” This case has been no different. Our department has partnered with School of Communications to harness new software and technology to bring you this live performance. The actors have learned to adapt their performances for the camera, while designers and technicians have undertaken new responsibilities, learned new skills and sought creative solutions to challenges met at every phase of the process.

The behind-the-scenes peek at our process reveals untold hours on Zoom, moments of frustration followed by jubilant breakthroughs, continual flexibility, patience and lots and lots and lots of deep breaths.

We hope that you enjoy this truly one-of-a-kind performance!

Sincerely,
Kevin Hoffmann

Special Thanks

Max Negin, Rachel Graf Evans, Todd Ristau, Fred Rubeck, Angie Roppo, Lauren Kearns, and Kimberly Rippy

Bios

Rachel Graf Evans

Kevin Hoffmann

Max Negin

Jack A. Smith

Andrew Altmann

Naiya Banks

Mari Blake

Markley Bortz

David McGraw

Angelina Cerami

Kendra Chideya

Kelly Belarmino

Sydney Dye

Monique Fogg

Emily George

Kenny Harvey

Zoe Healey

Jordan Kulick

Brynn Lackey

Lauren Memery

Alex Nemfakos

Peyton Otis

Haley Richey

Daniela Rodrigo

Jack Morrill

Jules Schwartz

Zion Middleton

Carenna Slotkoff

Allyson Vogel

Jared Wise

Alec Wilson

Rachel Graf Evans

(Playwright) Rachel Graf Evans (she/her) is Philadelphia-based writer and theatre artist. Currently a dual MFA Candidate, RGE is a member of the inaugural George and Joy Abbott Cohort for Musical Theatre Collaboration at Temple University, as well as a playwright in the Hollins University Playwright’s Lab. Recent writing credits include: Randi and Roxanne (2020 Hollins Playwright’s Lab Reading); Quartet (2019 Nayyar Kapur New Play Festival); Built to Float (2018 Essential Theatre Award for Georgia Playwrights). Proud member of Working Title Playwrights, New Play Exchange, and the Dramatists Guild. B.A. with High Honors: Theatre/Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies (Oberlin College). An abundance of gratitude to everyone who helped grow this play. Stay tuned at www.rachelgrafevans.com

Kevin Hoffmann

(Director) Kevin is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Elon where he teaches Acting, Dialects, Shakespeare, Michael Chekhov Technique and more. Professional acting highlights include Twelfth Night and Whisper House (world premiere Duncan Sheik musical) at The Old Globe, Proof at Virginia Rep and The Taming of the Shrew at Delaware Shakespeare Festival. He holds certifications in Michael Chekhov Technique from the Great Lakes Michael Chekhov Consortium and the Michael Chekhov Association and is currently pursuing his teaching certification in Alexander Technique. He holds a BFA in Acting from Elon University and an MFA in Acting from The Old Globe/USD. www.kevinhoffmann.com.

Max Negin

(Video Advisor) Assistant Professor of Cinema and Television Arts, Max Negin, a four-time Emmy award winner, has worked as an editor, writer and producer for various broadcast and cable outlets including NBC, ABC, FOX, ESPN, HBO and Comcast SportsNet, video coordinator for three seasons for Philadelphia Phillies TV and associate producer and broadcast coordinator for two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. Has worked for NBC Sports Olympics as a digital media manager six times: Beijing (2008), Vancouver (2010), London (2012), Socci (2014), and Rio (2016), and Pyeonchang (2018). Faculty director of Elon Sports Vision.

Jack A. Smith

Jack is an Associate Professor of Performing Arts. He has worked at many regional theaters from The Orlando Shakespeare Theater to The Actor’s Theater of Louisville. He spends most of his summers either working at a small theater in Missouri (City of Maples Rep) or traveling the world looking at textiles, antique garments, or cultural wonders. His passions include antique textiles (specifically American Women’s Costume from the 19th century and the politics of 18th-century French fashions) and his dog, Neha!

Andrew Altmann

Andrew Altmann is a 21 year old senior at Elon University. He is very grateful to have had the chance to work with the amazing cast of Medea and perform for Elon this last time before graduation. He was last seen on McCrary Stage in Twelfth Night but was more recently seen in the Zoom production of Pheromone as Jim. He’d like to thank his family and friends for always supporting him.

Naiya Banks

This is Naiya's junior year in the BFA program and she is so happy to add Medea to her list of productions here at Elon! She'd like to thank her amazing family, the wonderful production team, and every one of her friends that have pushed her to be the best. Instagram: @naiya.alexis

Mari Blake

Mari Blake is a senior BFA Acting and BA Creative Writing major from New Jersey. Mari is so grateful to be working on this incredible production with such an amazing team. Past Elon credits include Pheromone, Trojan Barbie, The School for Wives and APO's production of Dog Sees God. Lots of love to Mom and Wyatt for their endless support.

Markley Bortz

Markley Bortz (she/her) is a senior acting major at Elon University. She is excited to be returning to the Elon mainstage in The Inferior Sex. Previous Elon productions include The Cherry Orchard, Pheromone, Macbeth, and Clown Bar. Instagram @markleysara_b

David McGraw

Prof. McGraw serves as the Program Coordinator for Arts Administration and the Front-of-House Supervisor for Performing Arts. Field research: Stage Manager Survey (2006-2021, www.smsurvey.info), Research Fellow for the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (2021, www.snaaparts.org), South African Creative Industries Technical Staff Survey (2019, www.sacits.com), SM2030 Project (2020-2022, www.smsurvey.info), and Return to the Stage (2020-2021, www.returntothestage.com). His most recent professional credit has been stage manager for Rebellious at Triad Stage. www.davidjmcgraw.com

Angelina Cerami

Angelina Cerami is a Junior BFA Acting Major from New York and is so excited to be a part of The Inferior Sex. Recent credits at Elon include Sense and Sensibility (Gossip), Medea (U/S Chorus) and Pheromone (U/S Shelby). Some of her favorite credits are The Last Five Years (Cathy), Twelve Angry Jurors (Juror #3), The Drowsy Chaperone (Drowsy Chaperone) and Spelling Bee (Logainne).

Kendra Chideya

Kendra Chideya is a senior BFA Acting major at Elon University. Kendra has been acting in theatre since the age of eleven and has acted in films for about four years now. Besides acting, she also enjoys directing, producing, and writing work within the entertainment industry and will continue to have these pursuits within her future career endeavors. Kendra is extremely grateful to her phenomenal and devoted family who are some of the most selfless humans she has ever known. She's eternal thankful to have them in her life and for the amazing opportunity to be in this production.

Kelly Belarmino

Kelly Belarmino is a Senior Music Theatre Major at Elon University. She was most recently seen at Forestburgh Playhouse as Alice in Alice In Wonderland, Ali in Mamma Mia! and in the ensembles of Something Rotten and Kinky Boots. Her favorite Elon credit is Little Red in Into The Woods. She would like to thank her friends and family for being constants in her life.

Sydney Dye

Sydney Dye is a current senior studying Theatrical Design & Technology and Communication Design. This year, Sydney is very excited to be producing her Lumen project #silenced, with the help of many fellow Performing Arts students. She was a video design intern at The Muny in 2019, and returned as a production editor for The Muny Summer Variety Hour series in 2020. Her select Elon credits include, We Will Rock You (projection designer), Trojan Barbie (projection designer), The Wolves (stage manager) and Bent (stage manager). Sydney would like to thank her friends and family for their constant support.

Monique Fogg

Monique Fogg is a sophomore Acting Major from Durham, NC. She is ecstatic to be apart of this cast! Some of her favorite roles include, Caroline (I and You), Spirit (Bright Star), and Chorus U/S (Medea).

Emily George

Emily is a senior Theatrical Design and Technology major and is thrilled to be working as the Scenic Charge on the mainstage Spring productions this year! All my love to the TDT department (past & present). You make this worth it. <3

Kenny Harvey

Kenny is thrilled to be making his Senior bow as John Willoughby, John Dashwood, and a Gossip. Previous Elon credits include Pheromone: An Olfactory Inquiry as Kyle, Molly Sweeney as Dr. Rice. IG: @_kenny_harvey_

Zoe Healey

Zoe is a freshman Acting major from Hartford Connecticut who is excited to be understudying in her first Elon Production. She is a recent graduate of the UNCSA high school drama program and her past credits include Abigail in The Crucible, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Lilith in She Kills Monsters, and more.

Jordan Kulick

Jordan Kulick is incredibly excited to be playing Alice in The Inferior Sex this January Term. She is a Senior BFA Acting Major and plans to move to New York City post grad. Past Elon credits include: Sense and Sensibility (Margaret) Pheromone (Ella), The Wolves (u/s #14), and Medea (u/s Son’s/Guards). She is so grateful to be telling this important story alongside such a remarkable team. @jordankulick

Brynn Lackey

Brynn is thrilled to be making her mainstage debut in Clue! Recent credits include She Kills Monsters (Agnes), Sense and Sensibility (Elinor U/S), and Oklahoma! (Ado Annie). Brynn recently studied at the Theatre Academy of London where she received her certification in rapier and dagger from the British Academy of Dramatic Combat. Special thanks to the Lackey fam, Meredith, Jennifer, MK, Toby, Fred, and the incredible cast and crew. instagram-@brynnxemily

Lauren Memery

Lauren Memery is a writer and comedian from Sumter, South Carolina. She has written several full length plays and is currently developing an original TV pilot titled, "They Told Us We Were Girls." She has directed several shows, including Effect's The Vagina Monologues and APO's Dog Sees God. She is an alumni of Second City's Comedy Studies program and plans to relocate back to Chicago after graduation where she can pursue a profession in comedic writing, direction, and performance.

Alex Nemfakos

Alex is a Senior TDT major with a concentration in lighting and stage management. This year she is the lighting designer on Heart of Shrapnel, Sense and Sensibilities, and The Cherry Orchard. Additionally, she is one of several lighting designers on the Fall Dance Concert and an assistant lighting designer on 42nd Street.

Peyton Otis

Peyton Otis is so grateful to be Stage Managing her third mainstage production at Elon University! A Senior Theatrical Design and Technology Major with a concentration in Stage Management, she wishes to thank the incredible cast, crew, and design team, as well as everyone in Elon Performing Arts for making this show possible. Past Elon credits include We Will Rock You (Assistant Stage Manager), Pheromone (Assistant Stage Manager), Medea (Stage Manager), and Heart of Shrapnel (Stage Manager).

Haley Richey

Haley Richey is a senior Theatrical Design and Technology Major with a concentration in Props and Makeup. She wants to thank the cast, production team, her family, and friends for their support of this production. Her previous credits include 42nd Street as the Props Manger, Pheromone as the Props Manager, and Trojan Barbie as the Makeup Designer.

Daniela Rodrigo

Daniela is a proud member of Elon's Music Theatre Class of 2021 and is thrilled to be playing the role of Barrett in this production of Fugitive Songs. Past Elon credits include Pheromone (Lourdes), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), and Once on this Island (Andrea understudy/Ensemble). She would like to thank her friends and family for their constant love and support!

Jack Morrill

Jack is a senior BFA Acting and BA Arts Administration double major from San Diego, California. Past Elon credits include: Sense and Sensibility (Mrs. Dashwood/Anne Steele), Beast Mode Champion (Mr. Bergman/Others), and Spelling Bee (William Barfée). Jack is a Lumen Scholar exploring Queer Theory and Arts Administrative Practices. IG: @jack.morr | @queering.the.stage

Jules Schwartz

(Assistant Stage Manager) Elon shows: Assistant Stage Manager for Violet, Assistant Stage Manager for Pheromone.

Zion Middleton

Zion Middleton is a junior BFA Music Theatre major from McDonough, Ga. His passion for social justice and change in today’s society is what drives his need to perform. Outside of performing he enjoys directing, playing soccer, and working at the Boys and Girl’s Club of Alamance County. Other theatre credits include: Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, Judas in Godspell. Lucas in Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, and Fortinbras in Hamlet. Special thanks to his mother, grandmother and brother!

Carenna Slotkoff

Carenna, a Senior BFA Acting major, is so happy to be a part of The Inferior Sex and she cannot think of a better experience to serve as her final Elon MainStage. Her past Elon acting credits include Anya in The Cherry Orchard, Voice in Pheromone, #46 u/s in The Wolves, and Ophelia u/s and Court Attendant in Hamlet. She is so grateful for her time with this company, and would like to thank the cast, creative team, and crew along with Sarah and Jacqueline for harboring such an inspiring rehearsal environment!

Allyson Vogel

Allyson Vogel is a senior majoring in Biology and Theatrical Design and Technology with a focus in stage management. She is excited to assistant technical direction and lead the crew for Clue! Her recent shows include Head Over Heels (assistant lighting designer) and 42nd Street (stage manager). She is so proud of all the hard work put into this show, and she looks forward to the rest of her senior year.

Jared Wise

Jared Wise is thrilled to have been given his first opportunity in a show at Elon! He would like to thank his loving parents for their support in his endeavor for a BFA.

Alec Wilson

Alec is a Junior Acting and Computer Science double major at Elon University. He is excited to be a part of the Clue cast. His previous works at Elon include Heart of Shrapnel (X, Y, Voice of Killer), Macbeth (Macbeth u/s), and Pheromone (Kyle u/s). He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support, and the professors at Elon for helping him become the actor he is today.