Series Regulars
ELISABETH BLAKE
(Penny, Writer, Producer)
Elisabeth grew up in Honolulu. She was always a little performer, even during her very early years in Hong Kong. But she fell in love with acting, while pursuing a B.S. degree in genetic engineering at the University of Hawaii. Acting won out, and she moved to LA, after a stop in Missouri, working on a Bill Murray film, and playing softball with him. Her TV highlights are Ally McBeal, I'm in the Band, and she was excited to be back in Hawaii on the set of LOST, playing Vanessa, one of the elusive "Others." She has appeared in numerous plays, including Brilliant Traces, Tois Petite Tours, Alley Cat, Psychic Visions Theatre's original series, The Play of the Dead (paying tribute to those who have passed with stories of their lives), and was especially honored to perform Blind Date for the renowned author, himself, Horton Foote.
CHALLEN CATES
(Layla)
Television and film actress, producer and Anti-Bullying activist Challen Cates, returns to the big screen in Universal’s highly anticipated Seth McFarlane comedy A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST; set for release on May 30, 2014. Most recently, Cates starred in the horror/thriller CHASING THE DEVIL. On the small screen, Cates had a recent guest starring role on the critically acclaimed CBS series NCIS opposite Mark Harmon. Known for her role as TV’s top mom on Nickelodeon’s # 1 live-action musical-comedy BIG TIME RUSH, Cates starred as the affectionate “Jennifer Knight;” mother to the hockey-playing, reluctant boy band member Kendall, and his younger sister Katie. With a series run of over four successful seasons, in addition to several films (most notably BIG TIME MOVIE), BIG TIME RUSH remains one of the top rated shows on Nickelodeon.
Growing up in a home filled with artists, (Cates’ mother is a painter and her father is a photographer) she always had a passion for the arts which led to her to pursuing a career as an actor. She always had a fascination with acting and began taking classes as a teenager. Soon after college, Cates moved to Atlanta to further pursue her passion and it was there where she acquired her first major role on the critically acclaimed series IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT starring acclaimed actor Carroll O’Connor. She’s since held roles on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: NY, MONK. PASSIONS and Lifetime’s MISSING starring Caterina Scorsone. Additionally, Cates starred and executive produced two independent films: A FARE TO REMEMBER and THE A-LIST.
(Layla)
Television and film actress, producer and Anti-Bullying activist Challen Cates, returns to the big screen in Universal’s highly anticipated Seth McFarlane comedy A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST; set for release on May 30, 2014. Most recently, Cates starred in the horror/thriller CHASING THE DEVIL. On the small screen, Cates had a recent guest starring role on the critically acclaimed CBS series NCIS opposite Mark Harmon. Known for her role as TV’s top mom on Nickelodeon’s # 1 live-action musical-comedy BIG TIME RUSH, Cates starred as the affectionate “Jennifer Knight;” mother to the hockey-playing, reluctant boy band member Kendall, and his younger sister Katie. With a series run of over four successful seasons, in addition to several films (most notably BIG TIME MOVIE), BIG TIME RUSH remains one of the top rated shows on Nickelodeon.
Growing up in a home filled with artists, (Cates’ mother is a painter and her father is a photographer) she always had a passion for the arts which led to her to pursuing a career as an actor. She always had a fascination with acting and began taking classes as a teenager. Soon after college, Cates moved to Atlanta to further pursue her passion and it was there where she acquired her first major role on the critically acclaimed series IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT starring acclaimed actor Carroll O’Connor. She’s since held roles on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: NY, MONK. PASSIONS and Lifetime’s MISSING starring Caterina Scorsone. Additionally, Cates starred and executive produced two independent films: A FARE TO REMEMBER and THE A-LIST.
MARNIE OLSON
(Maggie, Writer, Producer)
Marnie Olson hails from Texas, but hangs her hat in L.A. She co-founded Open Window Entertainment and is an artist with Imagination Workshop. Her credits include operating Psychic Visions Theatre before it was bull-dozed and other things you’ve never heard of. She is an acclaimed actress, appearing in such films as... oh, forget it. "Acclaimed" was a gross exaggeration. She enjoys flirting shamelessly with baristas, smiling broadly at cranky old people, and challenging the patriarchy. She is editing her first novel, Grateful, juggling numerous creative projects and incessant crying jags, living out of her car and staying all over town with tolerant friends while she embraces the Hollywood Hobo Lifestyle. She is open to any and all hand-outs, especially if it's a free house. She would totally accept a free house.
(Maggie, Writer, Producer)
Marnie Olson hails from Texas, but hangs her hat in L.A. She co-founded Open Window Entertainment and is an artist with Imagination Workshop. Her credits include operating Psychic Visions Theatre before it was bull-dozed and other things you’ve never heard of. She is an acclaimed actress, appearing in such films as... oh, forget it. "Acclaimed" was a gross exaggeration. She enjoys flirting shamelessly with baristas, smiling broadly at cranky old people, and challenging the patriarchy. She is editing her first novel, Grateful, juggling numerous creative projects and incessant crying jags, living out of her car and staying all over town with tolerant friends while she embraces the Hollywood Hobo Lifestyle. She is open to any and all hand-outs, especially if it's a free house. She would totally accept a free house.
WENDY PHILLIPS
(Shirley)
In her career Wendy Phillips has appeared in dozens of films and nearly two hundred episodes of network television. She appeared in the HBO series, Big Love, and the NBC series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. She has played the female lead in seven network television series, including the Emmy Award-winning NBC series, A Year in the Life. Wendy has played principal roles in hit feature films, including Midnight Run, Bugsy, and I Am Sam, as well as in offbeat classics such as Airplane II and Fraternity Row. She starred in the primetime soap opera Falcon Crest, the acclaimed post-WWII drama Homefront, and the CBS primetime family drama Promised Land. She made an appearance this season in Showtime Television’s acclaimed dramedy Shameless. In recent years Wendy starred in the LA Drama Critics Award-winning play, The Visible Horse at The Court Theater and The 2nd Story Theater’s production of Horton Foote’s play “The Roads to Home,” and Laura Richardson’s play “Come Back, Little Horny.” She is an Adjunct Professor at both The USC Graduate and Undergraduate Schools of Cinematic Arts.
(Shirley)
In her career Wendy Phillips has appeared in dozens of films and nearly two hundred episodes of network television. She appeared in the HBO series, Big Love, and the NBC series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. She has played the female lead in seven network television series, including the Emmy Award-winning NBC series, A Year in the Life. Wendy has played principal roles in hit feature films, including Midnight Run, Bugsy, and I Am Sam, as well as in offbeat classics such as Airplane II and Fraternity Row. She starred in the primetime soap opera Falcon Crest, the acclaimed post-WWII drama Homefront, and the CBS primetime family drama Promised Land. She made an appearance this season in Showtime Television’s acclaimed dramedy Shameless. In recent years Wendy starred in the LA Drama Critics Award-winning play, The Visible Horse at The Court Theater and The 2nd Story Theater’s production of Horton Foote’s play “The Roads to Home,” and Laura Richardson’s play “Come Back, Little Horny.” She is an Adjunct Professor at both The USC Graduate and Undergraduate Schools of Cinematic Arts.
LAURA
RICHARDSON
(Janet, Writer, Producer)
Laura’s recent film credits include, The Boarder, Good-bye, Simon, Give up the Ghost, Go North, and Shattered Illusions. Her latest television roles, Monday Mornings, Criminal Minds, Law and Order L.A., The Event, Desperate Housewives, Windfall, and Jack and Bobby. A few of her favorite stage credits include the Critic’s Pick world premiere of Horton Foote’s The Roads to Home, and Harrison, Texas, at The Lost Studios, and the Critic’s Pick The Last Pitch, at NoHo Arts Center, And the Critic’s Pick Curse of the Starving Class with The Open Fist Theatre Company. As a writer, Laura’s latest play, Lady Liberty, was produced at Actors Art Theatre. Lady Liberty was also chosen for a reading at The Abington Theatre in New York City, and at The Open Fist Theatre’s First Look Festival, and was a Quarter-Finalist in the Writer’s Network Writing Contest. Laura’s theatrical play, Do Do Love, premiered at The Open Fist Theatre and received a Los Angeles Times Critic’s Choice review. Laura’s play, Come Back, Little Horny, premiered at The Lost Studios and starred Wendy Phillips and Scott Paulin and was directed by Open Fist’s, Martha Demson, and received a WOW! in StagesceneLA, and was also a Quarter Finalist in Writers Network Writing Contest. Her screenplay, Do Do Love, was a Scriptapalooza Quarter Finalist.
(Janet, Writer, Producer)
Laura’s recent film credits include, The Boarder, Good-bye, Simon, Give up the Ghost, Go North, and Shattered Illusions. Her latest television roles, Monday Mornings, Criminal Minds, Law and Order L.A., The Event, Desperate Housewives, Windfall, and Jack and Bobby. A few of her favorite stage credits include the Critic’s Pick world premiere of Horton Foote’s The Roads to Home, and Harrison, Texas, at The Lost Studios, and the Critic’s Pick The Last Pitch, at NoHo Arts Center, And the Critic’s Pick Curse of the Starving Class with The Open Fist Theatre Company. As a writer, Laura’s latest play, Lady Liberty, was produced at Actors Art Theatre. Lady Liberty was also chosen for a reading at The Abington Theatre in New York City, and at The Open Fist Theatre’s First Look Festival, and was a Quarter-Finalist in the Writer’s Network Writing Contest. Laura’s theatrical play, Do Do Love, premiered at The Open Fist Theatre and received a Los Angeles Times Critic’s Choice review. Laura’s play, Come Back, Little Horny, premiered at The Lost Studios and starred Wendy Phillips and Scott Paulin and was directed by Open Fist’s, Martha Demson, and received a WOW! in StagesceneLA, and was also a Quarter Finalist in Writers Network Writing Contest. Her screenplay, Do Do Love, was a Scriptapalooza Quarter Finalist.
Guest Stars
JORDANA BERLINER
(J-Dawg, Producer)
Jordana Berliner grew up in Petaluma, California. At age 12, she was the California state girl's bowling champion. Later, she received her B.A. in theatre and a M.A. in psychology. She trained to be a therapist, working primarily with people with dementia. She’s a member of the Open Fist Theatre. Some recent plays are The Rose Tree, Rock N Roll, Good Woman of Setzuan, Stage Door, and A Comedy of Errors. She also won best actress for the indie thriller Strange Girls at the Hoboken International Film Festival. Currently, she’s in a UPS Store commercial.
(J-Dawg, Producer)
Jordana Berliner grew up in Petaluma, California. At age 12, she was the California state girl's bowling champion. Later, she received her B.A. in theatre and a M.A. in psychology. She trained to be a therapist, working primarily with people with dementia. She’s a member of the Open Fist Theatre. Some recent plays are The Rose Tree, Rock N Roll, Good Woman of Setzuan, Stage Door, and A Comedy of Errors. She also won best actress for the indie thriller Strange Girls at the Hoboken International Film Festival. Currently, she’s in a UPS Store commercial.
MICHAEL MCGEE
(Jim)
Michael McGee recently completed a short theatrical tour of, 2 BY MCPHERSON, two solo plays: THE GOOD THIEF and ST. NICHOLAS, by the master Irish playwright Conor McPherson, directed by Scott Paulin. The tour included shows in Minneapolis at Mixed Blood, The Shelton Theatre in San Francisco and Pub shows at The Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice Beach. He appeared on televison in a new series, RAKE, on FOX with Greg Kinear directed by Jon Avnet. McGee helped produce and has a recurring role in the award winning web series, THE MOP AND LUCKY FILES, directed by Paulin and written by its stars Chloe Taylor and Jennifer Erholm. Mop and Lucky is currently gearing up for its second season. McGee had a starring role along with writer director Kevin Keresey in the award winning comedic Indie feature film, THE RAT THING, McGee was nominated twice for film festival acting awards. McGee began acting in theatre in San Francisco and has continued doing theatre wherever he goes. He was nominated in 2011 for BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE by the LA Weekly Theatre Awards for ST. NICHOLAS by Conor McPherson, directed by good friend Scott Paulin. In 2012 he won a LA Weekly Theatre Award for BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR for his role as The Red Cross Representative in Juan Mayorga's, WAY TO HEAVEN, at the Odyssey Theatre, in Los Angeles directed by Ron Sossi. McGee directed Gorky's THE LOWER DEPTHS on Skid Row, a production that included homeless poets and professional actors. He co-founded a screenwriting workshop for inmates at Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution with writer Matthew Benjamin.
(Jim)
Michael McGee recently completed a short theatrical tour of, 2 BY MCPHERSON, two solo plays: THE GOOD THIEF and ST. NICHOLAS, by the master Irish playwright Conor McPherson, directed by Scott Paulin. The tour included shows in Minneapolis at Mixed Blood, The Shelton Theatre in San Francisco and Pub shows at The Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice Beach. He appeared on televison in a new series, RAKE, on FOX with Greg Kinear directed by Jon Avnet. McGee helped produce and has a recurring role in the award winning web series, THE MOP AND LUCKY FILES, directed by Paulin and written by its stars Chloe Taylor and Jennifer Erholm. Mop and Lucky is currently gearing up for its second season. McGee had a starring role along with writer director Kevin Keresey in the award winning comedic Indie feature film, THE RAT THING, McGee was nominated twice for film festival acting awards. McGee began acting in theatre in San Francisco and has continued doing theatre wherever he goes. He was nominated in 2011 for BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE by the LA Weekly Theatre Awards for ST. NICHOLAS by Conor McPherson, directed by good friend Scott Paulin. In 2012 he won a LA Weekly Theatre Award for BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR for his role as The Red Cross Representative in Juan Mayorga's, WAY TO HEAVEN, at the Odyssey Theatre, in Los Angeles directed by Ron Sossi. McGee directed Gorky's THE LOWER DEPTHS on Skid Row, a production that included homeless poets and professional actors. He co-founded a screenwriting workshop for inmates at Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution with writer Matthew Benjamin.
"Look at all the talented people!"