Biographies

Franca Vercelloni — Writer, Performer

Franca Vercelloni is an actor, pianist, singer and songwriter. After studying piano performance at The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, she moved back to New York City to act. For a while, she did a lot of improv, stand up and sketch comedy. Acting credits include The Hampton Playhouse, The Berkshire Theatre Festival, Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding off-Broadway, and commercials for Dunkin' Donuts and Commerce Bank. Films include the lead in Ishai Setton's award-winning short musical comedy The Butcher and the Housewife. Franca makes a living playing in piano bars (The Duplex, Marie's Crisis), teaching piano and voice, and working as a plus size model. In 2009, Franca was a finalist for the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre writing workshop. She plays the accordion with the all-female, all-accordion Main Squeeze Orchestra.

Myrna E. Duarte — Director

Myrna E. Duarte is a designer, producer, and writer for theater, special events and tradeshows. Design credits include the Obie Award-winning Summer Street Theater at Theater for the New City, Nuyorican Poets' Café, and member of the design team for the Broadway production of Rent. She produced the original New York and Los Angeles productions of the award-winning one-man show, Behind the Counter With Mussolini. Teaching credits include set design at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and set design and mask making for bilingual at-risk teens at the Diego de Clement Youth Center. As Director of Events and Tradeshows for Chuck Klein Productions, Myrna conceptualized, designed and coordinated production of nationwide campaigns for several entertainment industry clients. Myrna is a member of the Board of Directors for Theater for the New City and is currently Director, Income Development at The American Cancer Society. Education: City University of New York and School of Visual Arts.

John David West — Director

John David West received an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School and BS in Business Administration and Theater from Indiana State University. Before moving to New York, David spent two years in Frankfurt, Germany, where he appeared in Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding. While in Germany, he taught theater classes and improvisation workshops at the Frankfurt International School and also performed in various plays, commercials, and print ads. David later moved to New York City, where he was the owner and director of Center Stage, NY, an off-off Broadway theater where he produced and acted in numerous productions and served on the boards of several not-for-profit theater companies. David also served as the Administration Program Coordinator at the Actors Studio Drama School at The New School University.