MarilynAllard-Dugan

Madeline is so excited to be making her First Look debut in RESET and OVERLAY. Born and raised in rural Corning, NY, Madeline grew up performing in Church, School, and Community Theater plays. She came to Buffalo after High School to study Television Film Arts and Dance at SUNY Buffalo State. Since her graduation in 2018, she has worked very intently with the Dance, Theater, and Film Community in Buffalo. Theater credits include the following. For Paul Robeson Theater; NATIVE SON (Mary Dalton), and THE SIDEWALK STAGEPLAY (Becky/White Woman). For Aurora Players; DEARLY DEPARTED (Lucille), MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (Doris Walker), and AMATEURS (Mona). For Alleyway; FACTORY FOR MURDERERS (Hadassah). For 1666 Productions;  THE RAVEN (Lenore/Raven/Choreographer) and THE BLIND AUDITION (Jane). Madeline also was cast in the pro-roster of Comedy Sportz this year. For Film, she has been in a few commercials and was the main actress's stand-in for the independent film, CABRINI, last summer. When she's not on set or stage, she works as a baker for Kaylena Marie's. She would like to thank Drew, Bob, John, and Mike for this amazing opportunity. "Thank you Mom, Dad, Linda and Mike Dugan for your continued support. And thank you to my wonderful husband, Trevor. I would be nothing without you. Enjoy the show!"

Jacob Applegate

(Boy in QUIET CONNECTION, Mover in THE MEAN BOY ON MOVING DAY) As a Buffalo Native, Jacob is thrilled to be performing in his second production of First Look Buffalo Theatre’s roster of plays, the first being Alex Teagan in Samantha Marcher’s RESET. Recently graduating from College of the Holy Cross with a B.F.A. in Theatre and Acting, Jacob has performed in a variety of roles in plays and musicals such as Cliff Bradshaw in CABARET, Laurie in LITTLE WOMEN, and George Lewis in ONCE IN A LIFETIME. Having also minored in Creative Writing, Jacob loves to write poetry and fiction, as well as practice his Shakespeare, and hopes to publish his own collection of poems and short stories. Jacob would like to thank the producers of First Look Buffalo for allowing him the chance to act on the Buffalo Scene and wants them to know how much he enjoys their company (no pun intended) and passion for the Theatre and their devotion to bringing new playwrights and stories into the spotlight!

Kari Becker

(Jayana in the THE FUTURE FORMER HOME OF THE TIME TRAVEL MUSEUM, Mrs. Alexander in DO THE SPIRITS CONVEY, and The Mother in THE MEAN BOY ON MOVING DAY)– Kari is so excited to be a member of First Look Buffalo. She appeared with First Look for the debut of TO THE NEW GIRL by Samantha Macher as Alexis in 2021. Kari has a Minor in Vocal Performance from SUNY Fredonia. Some of Kari’s favorite past performances have been Guinevere in CAMELOT by Lerner & Lowe, Eliza Doolittle in MY FAIR LADY by Lerner & Lowe, Nellie Forbush in Roger & Hammerstein’s SOUTH PACIFIC, and Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS by Stephen Sondheim. While working with Niagara Regional Theatre Guild, Kari also directed MAN OF LA MANCHA by Darion & Leigh and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF by Bock & Harnick. She appeared in productions of ANYTHING GOES by Bolton & Wodehouse and GUYS AND DOLLS by Frank Loesser at the Kavinoky Theater in Buffalo. Kari wants to express her love and gratitude to her husband, Chris and her kids, Maggie and Sean for making it possible for “mom to do her acting thing”. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Jon Cesar pic

(Keller in THE FUTURE FORMER HOME OF THE TIME TRAVEL MUSEUM, Bill in DO THE SPIRITS CONVEY) is a East Side Buffalo, NY native, Actor, Comedian, and Video Mash-up producer. Jon has been acting on stage, tv and film for over 20 years . A proud Alumnus of Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, Jon also trained at iStudio Arena, Ujima Theater company, and Paul Robeson Theater. Jon later moved to Hollywood CA in 1994 where he studied with Actor Art Evans. Jon also studied Improv at the world famous Comedy Store, where he also opened for such notable names as Andrew Dice Clay, Paul Mooney and legend Don Rickles. Jon later moved to Toronto Canada to study at The Second City Toronto Improv. Jon’s first leading role was in the film THE ROMANS. This is where he met his good friend actor Stephen McKinley. Jon is set to act, produce and co-write a Biopic movie about Buffalo music Hall of famer lounge singer Lance Diamond titled WALKING IN DIAMOND SHOES.

Austin Gallego

Gallego (Harley in DO THE SPIRITS CONVEY) has done a variety of theater projects from a young age with encouragement from friends and family, with shows such as THE MOUSETRAP, YOU CAN’T TAKE WITH YOU, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, 12 ANGRY MEN, and musical theater productions such as SHREK, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and ANNIE. Graduating from SUNY Fredonia in Spring of 2020, Austin has done more film and TV work in recent years with roles in independent shows such as UNUSUAL ATTRACTION and MAELSTROM, and the feature films SLAPPED STRAIGHT, BROKEN REDEMPTION, and LEVI. Austin would like to thank his girlfriend, family and friends for always encouraging his acting ambitions throughout the years.

Shanda Gardner

(Ivy in THE MEAN BOY, Mrs. Cruikshank in ELF SPACE, Hader in THE FUTURE FORMER HOME OF THE TIME TRAVEL MUSEUM) – Shanda is happy to be making her first appearance with First Look Buffalo. She last appeared onstage in December as Pauline in a local production of RADIO T.B.S. Past roles included Dossie Lustig in GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER, Millie in PICNIC, and Elma in BUS STOP. She currently appears as the two Kreyus sisters in the TV series CAPTAIN ISOTOPE AND THE ENEMY OF SPACE (Throwback TV / Retro TV / OSI74) and as Amber Smith in UNUSUAL ATTRACTION. She will also appear in the upcoming independent films RAGDOLL ASSASSIN and SLAPPED STRAIGHT. Enjoy the show!

Becky Globus

Becky is delighted to be working with First Look Buffalo in OVERLAY. Favorite roles include Martin Goldsmith's DETOUR (Sue/Vera) with Torn Space Theater, along with many of their site-specific works and RESPONSE Theater Festival; BUFFALO QUICKIES with Alleyway Theater; THE HOMOSEXUALS (Tam) with BUA; MEDUSA UNDONE (Stheno) with Post-Industrial Productions; ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST (Inspector Pissani) and MARAT/SADE (Herald) with Subversive Theater; TONY N TINA'S WEDDING with Actors Anonymous Theatre; and many new works with Buffalo Writers' Theater. 

Anthony J Grande

(Tom in JUST SIGN, Mr. Alexander in DO THE SPIRITS CONVEY) – Anthony is happy to return to First Look Buffalo for his second performance. He last appeared onstage as Paul in COPS AND FRIENDS OF COPS and provided the video graphics for FLB's last show FUTURE WARS. Past roles included Sloane in ENTERTAINING MR. SLOANE at ICTC, Louis in ANGELS IN AMERICA PT#1 at Second Gen Theatre, and Will/Tony in SIGNIFICANT OTHER at BUA. Currently, Anthony is exploring as a playwright and is currently in production on a new western parody play titled DUKESBERRY NEEDS A SHERIFF.

Kaylie Horowitz

(Josie in OPEN HOUSE OF THE DAMNED, Girl in QUIET CONNECTION) - Kaylie is a professional actor and voice actor originally hailing from central Florida. Kaylie holds a BFA in Performance and recently obtained her Master's in Theatre and Performance Studies at The University at Buffalo. She was last seen at First Look Buffalo as the understudy for Kayla in OVERLAY. Recently, she directed 0° ALCESTIS (SUNY Buffalo), served as assistant director for TWELFTH NIGHT (SUNY Buffalo), and worked as an actor with Green Buffalo Productions on multiple projects. Florida credits include EXHIBITS IN THE ZOO (ThinkTank Theatre), MAMMA MIA (American Stage), CROSSING THE BAY (Palladium Theater), as well as roles in Christmas Town at Busch Gardens and The Florida Aquarium. Kaylie is ecstatic to be working with First Look Buffalo, as new play development is one of her main focuses in theater production. Insta and TikTok @ginger_menace

Susan King

(Hazel in JUST SIGN) is thrilled to be a member of First Look Buffalo. Susan has a long list of theatrical credits from the NY area and is now enjoying being part of the Buffalo theatre community. Recent credits include FALL FROM THE GRACE OF GOD and Artie Award nominated SOMETHING WICKED at the ART of WNY where she also served as Music Director. Other credits include SISTER ACT and THE MOUSETRAP at the Lancaster Opera House; PRESENT LAUGHTER and MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET with the Aurora Players and DIVA BY DIVA with O’Connell and Company. She recently performed her cabaret show, SEND IN THE SONDHEIM at the Bittersweet Piano Lounge. Her next project will be MERCY SEAT at ART of WNY. She is the vocalist for VINTAGE POP, singing monthly at the Bella Vista Ristorante in the Niagara Riverside Resort. Susan has studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in NYC.

Aaron Krygier

Aaron Krygier (Ross in RESET) is an actor, writer, producer, and director. His film RUST BELT DRILLER premiered last year at the prestigious Dances With Films festival and is available on demand in wide release. He has worked a numerous Buffalo stages including TOY, ART, ICTC, and RLTP.



He's thrilled to be a part of First Look from the ground up and is doing his part to make it the next powerhouse production company in Buffalo. 



As always, he thanks his cat children and Steven Seagal. Find out more at www.aaronkrygier.com.

Nicholas Lama

(Man in the Attic in THE MEAN BOY and Realtor in THE ELF SPACE) is beyond thrilled to be making his on stage debut with First Look Buffalo! Previous credits include Santa Claus in ELF THE MUSICAL with MusicalFare, Ensemble in MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES with Roadless Traveled, and Wayne in PUFFS with O’Connell and Company. Thank you to friends, family, and his wife Lena for their constant support!

Steven Maiseke

Steven  is a classically trained actor. Some of Steven’s favorite roles have been Corey Maxson in FENCES by August Wilson, Provoloney in PSYCHO BEACH PARTY by Charles Busch and Creon in ANTIGONE by Sophocles.

He received a Theater minor from SUNY College at Buffalo and continues his training under Bob Rusch. He enjoys working with the student film community and most recently completed a series of four short films which are making their rounds in local and international film festivals. One of his other most notable achievements was being selected to take part in the 2021 Shaw Festival Monologue slam.

When he is not on stage (or in front of a camera), he works as an IT specialist. He is excited to be a member of First Look Buffalo and looks forward to participating in the seasons to come.

Jessie Miller

Jessie is an actress, dancer, singer and artist and holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from SUNY University at Buffalo. Jessie was last seen with First Look Buffalo as Zoe in To The New Girl.  Recent credits also include: Peasblossom in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Shakespeare in Delaware Park), Ensemble in Damn Yankees (O’Connell and Company), Columbia/Trixie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dr. Nation Mckinley in Shock Treatment (The Francis Bacon Experiment), Angelika in All Through the Night (The Brazen Faced Varlets), and more.  Jessie continues to work with various theatre companies throughout Buffalo and also works as a teacher.  Jessie is thrilled to be part of First Look Buffalo and looks forward to seeing the amazing work from her fellow company members

Kelly Mongan

(Madisyn in DO THE SPIRITS CONVEY) Is excited to be making her first appearance with First Look Buffalo. She has had advanced training under Bob Rusch and Frank Rossi. She would like to thank the cast and crew for their dedication and her family for their support.

Matt Myers

Matt (SET DESIGN) is thrilled to be working with First Look Buffalo! Design credits include: THE ADDAMS FAMILY, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, 1776, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, NUNCRACKERS, MEMORIES & MARTINIS, AN ACT OF GOD & A FARNDALE CHRISTMAS CAROL with O’Connell & Company Productions. Matt holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Niagara University. Favorite design credits include: MAMMA MIA! (2020 Kenny Award-Winning Production), THE ADDAMS FAMILY, MEN ON BOATS, RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS, CINDERELLA & ANYTHING GOES. Matt is the resident set designer for Lewiston-Porter High School. For more of his designs: www.matthewcmyers.com

John Patrick Patti

JOHN  also recently returned home to WNY.  Prior to relocating to Hollywood and working in the world of Independent Film, John lived in New York City where he trained at the Actor's Studio, the Stella Adler Conservatory, and HB Studios.  He acted in numerous Off-Broadway and regional stage productions throughout the Northeast United States.  In Los Angeles, he studied with Joe Santos, Jeffrey Tambor,  and Milton Katselas at the Beverly Hills Playhouse and was a founding member of the Write Act Repertory Theatre Company in Hollywood where he acted, produced, and served on the original Board of Directors for several years.  John holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo where he served as the president of the Undergraduate Management Student Association.  

Kathleen Rooney

(Ms. Johnson in ELF SPACE) - Most recently, Kathleen portrayed the Immigration Officer in our premiere of OVERLAY in FUTURE WARS. Previously, she had the pleasure of playing four nasty Fraus in the Brazen-Faced Varlets’ production of ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT. Other roles include Donna/Shura in THE ANASTASIA TRIALS IN THE COURT OF WOMEN, also with the Varlets; Lucy/Lucille in SCOTCH AND MADNESS at Alleyway Theatre; Mother in Post-Industrial Productions’ AFTER THE FALL; Helga ten Dorp in the Lancaster Opera House production of DEATHTRAP; Edna in THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE with the Carriage House Players; and the title role in GRANDMA SPOKE TO ME OF SIDHE with Writers’ Theater Festival. At the New Phoenix Theatre, Kathleen played Eve in IN THE BEGINNING and Sarah in WAY BACK WHEN. She has appeared in commercials and has done voiceover work. Training includes The Neighborhood Playhouse and HB Studio.

Kayla V. Reumann

Kayla  is a Buffalo actor and director who graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Theater Performance. Kayla is a resident director with First Look Buffalo. Some of Kayla’s favorite past work includes directing Sylvia by A.R. Gurney and The Exorcism of Princess Bubblehead by Maddison Sedlor as well as playing Rose in FALL FROM THE GRACE OF GOD with A.R.T., Holly Seabe in Anton in Show Business at Niagara University and performing throughout England as Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Kayla would like to thank family, friends, and Amanda Garry.

Veronica Rozler

Veronica  is an actress out of Buffalo, New York. She has trained at The Acting Studio 716 and has starred in local films such as MOON RIVER, ONE NIGHT ONLY, and BIG BROOD. This is her first time heading costumes and is very excited to be working in a new department. In her spare time, she is a dancer as well as an aerialist. Veronica would like to thank the cast and crew of OVERLAY and RESET for their dedication and her family for their endless support.

Bob Rusch

Bob is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew and to be in his pal Adam Hahn’s terrific play. Some of his favorite theatre roles are Mountain McClintock in REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT by Rod Serling, The Driver in HELLCAB by Will Kern, The Partner in DETECTIVE PARTNER HERO VILLAIN by Brett Neveu, Bernie in SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO by David Mamet and Ross in the 2014 World Premiere of RESET by Samantha Macher (break a leg Aaron!). While working in Los Angeles, Bob worked on such classic shows as WILL AND GRACE, ER, CROSSING JORDAN and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. Bob is most known for playing Doyle McPoyle on the cult classic ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA and the recuring character of Skeeter on the huge hit SONS OF ANARCHY. He also worked on many films including SAVING MR. BANKS, CHRISTMAS IN VERMONT, THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF WOLFBOY, WIDOW’S POINT and the critically acclaimed TOM OF YOUR LIFE directed by Jeremy Sklar. He also began teaching scene study and audition technique at Acting Studio 716 which he founded in 2016 right here in Buffalo. Bob is the founder and former artistic director of SkyPilot Theatre Company in Los Angeles and is a co-founder and current artistic director for First Look Buffalo Theatre Company.

Kurt Schneiderman

Kurt  is the Founder & Artistic Director of the Subversive Theatre Collective and is happy to be doing lighting design again for the first time since Covid hit.  The winner of an Artie Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for the New Phoenix Theatre's production of METAMORPHOSIS back in 2006, Kurt has worked for a long list of area theatres including Studio Arena, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Kavinoky, New Phoenix, and the Buffalo Ensemble Theatre.  Kurt is thrilled to be working for First Look Buffalo Theatre Company, for the first time, and thrilled to see live theatre coming on strong after the pandemic.

Shawnell Tillery

(Sister in RECIPES ON USED NAPKINS, Portia in DO THE SPIRITS CONVEY) Some of Shawnell’s roles include SIMPLY SIMONE written by Robert Neblett and David Grapes, NEGRAS EROS written by April Jones, THE TRIAL OF TRAYVON MARTIN written by Gary Earl Ross, FREE FRED BROWN written by Ujima Company, Inc. Theatre and ECLIPSED written by Danai Gurira. Shawnell has also been a part of PICKERING HUMMERT CASTING since 2016, debuting in different commercials for places like ECMC, KEYBANK, and WEST HERR. Along with being a theater/film actress, she is also an aspiring model currently working with model management and development company MODAL PRODUCTIONS, LLC.
Shawnell is currently working as a certified yoga instructor and life coach through her mobile wellness service Afrochick Yoga, LLC. Regardless of what she is doing, she is consistently committed to bringing a sense of both creativity and healing through the arts.

Sarah Waechter

(Mrs. Johnson in ELF SPACE, Katie in DO THE SPIRITS CONVEY?) – Sarah is making her second appearance with First Look Buffalo. It’s been a a while since she has graced the stage (due to two very social, active, involved kids). Her favorite roles include Sylvia in SYLVIA, Ruth in GRACELAND, Eve in the DIARIES OF ADAM AND EVE and (who could forget) Mae Peterson in BYE BYE BIRDIE. You can also find her in various independent and national movies as main or background talent.

Weston Young

(Sarge in THE FUTURE FORMER HOME OF THE TIME TRAVEL MUSEUM and Sebastian in OPEN HOUSE OF THE DAMNED) received his BFA in Acting from SUNY Fredonia in 2019. His most notable theatre performances include Garry/Roger in NOISES OFF, Princeton in AVENUE Q, Tommy in THE NORMAL HEART, and Bernard in BOEING, BOEING. Weston has appeared in many film projects including Judson in GOLDENROD, Neck Kid in MY NECK, Kenny in TURN UP THE NIGHT, and Jace in PALADIN: THE BROTHERHOOD. He also works in stage combat and social media. Weston can be found on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms @the_westonyoung.