Adam Kilgore

Education
Wright State University - BA Theatre Studies - 2011
Muse Machine - Youth Arts Training - 2003-2008
The Human Race Theatre Company - Various Conservatory Programs - Mid 00’s
Special Skills
Dance (Ballet and Jazz), Piano, Concert and Baritone Ukulele, Guitar, Bass Guitar, SFX Makeup, Slapstick.
Languages: French (Beginner), Gaidhlig (Intermediate). Accents: Geordie, Scottish, Irish, Cockney, RP, Australian
(General), some American, French (Not Good), Russian (Horrible). Impressions probably

Alyssa Grace Adams

Alyssa Grace Adams is an actor, artist, writer, model, and singer based in Buffalo, NY. Alyssa Grace has performed in several plays and films locally. With First Look, she was the costume assistant for Future Wars, and acted in the staged readings Cassandra Triumphant and The Mash Up. Recent theatre credits include roles in Rehearsal for Murder (Lancaster Opera House), Anne of Green Gables (Theatre of Youth), An Inspector Calls, and Come Blow Your Horn (Desiderio's Dinner Theatre). Recent film credits include leading roles in Slasher Days of Summer and Ouroboros. Alyssa Grace is looking forward to working more with First Look Buffalo!

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!"

Christopher Briggs

Born and raised in WNY, I found my love for acting as a young child but was too shy to pursue it. I dabbled a little bit while in middle school, high school, and college but really started to take acting more seriously in 2013 when I started taking professional acting classes. Since then, I have continued my class with a variety of teachers throughout WNY and had the chance to participate in a summer intensive in Vermont. I have been part of numerous productions as an extra, but my very theatre credit was in Prelude to a Kiss as Uncle Fred/Waiter through Bellissima Productions. I am very blessed and extremely proud to be part of First Look Buffalo Theatre Company.

Andrew J. Brown

Andrew is Western New York based Actor, Singer, and Director. He holds an A.S in Theatre Arts from Niagara County Community College. He was last seen with First Look Buffalo in the HELLOWEEN short play festival. Local credits include “Brad” in “BRACE FOR IMPACT” with BELLISSIMA PRODUCTIONS, “Private Perry/ Major Davis” in “SECRET SOLDIERS” with THEATRE OF YOUTH, “Nick” in “FURSONA NON GRATA” with FIRST LOOK BUFFALO, “Ensemble” in “HELLO, DOLLY” with STARRING BUFFALO, “Peter/ Drax-Rylen” in “HELLOWEEN” with FIRST LOOK BUFFALO, and has recently joined the cast of ALLEYWAY THEATRE’s annual holiday production of “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” as “Fred”. His most recent directorial credit is with his alma mater at Niagara County Community College as Assistant Director for “ALMOST, MAINE”. He can also be seen in many local film/ commercial projects in the WNY region. Andrew is thrilled to be a part of new play development right here in his hometown.

Danielle Burning

Danielle Burning (she/her) developed a passion for performing at a young age in the ensemble of The Lancaster Youth Bureau's production of OLIVER! She took a hiatus from acting while pursuing higher education and a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science, but now has a decade of experience with local community theaters. Favorite credits include: PROOF (Catherine/Aurora Players), BRIGHT STAR (Alice Murphy/Aurora Players), CHARLOTTE’S WEB (Charlotte/Rocking Horse Productions), and 9 TO 5 (Roz Keith/Niagara Regional Theater Guild). She has also worked with American Repertory Theater of WNY, Bellissima Productions, Inclusive Theater of WNY, and Starring Buffalo. She recently completed an 8-week long acting internship with Road Less Traveled Productions as a part of their Bridge Program. When not on stage, she can be found working as a Collection Development Librarian for the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library or with her nose stuck in a book.

Emrald Ja’ceil

Emrald Ja’ceil is a Buffalo, NY native and started her acting career taking workshops at ACTING
STUDIO 716.
Emrald has done both theatre and film. Some projects include: YOU AND ME, THE HUNTER
RETURNS, YOU KNOW THE DRILL, IT’S COMPLICATED, SPLIT WIT, GOOD PEOPLE, WITHIN
HIMSELF and TWO LOVE BIRDS.
Emrald looks forward to growing as an actor and expanding her skill set.

John DellaContrada

John is a local actor, musician, writer, and director with a passion for exciting and forward-thinking theatre. Onstage, he recently performed THE CAT IN THE HAT at the NACC as the title role, as well as Lord Sebastian in RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA and Llyod Dallas in NOISES OFF, both at the University at Buffalo, where he recently graduated with a BFA in Theatre Performance just this May. As a director, John made his debut at UB’s Katherine Cornell Theatre with GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES and then served as Assistant to the Director for Irish Classical Theatre’s BETRAYAL. He is currently co-writing a new musical, A CRACK IN THE EGG, with fellow First Look ensemble member Jeremy Meyers, set to debut in February 2025 at the University at Buffalo. Outside of theater, John is an avid singer and songwriter, and served as Music Director for The Buffalo Chips acapella group, leading them to a third-place semifinal finish at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. John is eager to stretch his acting chops to their limits with the new, groundbreaking work at First Look Buffalo.

Sarah Emmerling

Sarah Emmerling (she/her) is an actor based in Buffalo, NY with a BFA in Theatre Performance from Niagara University. Recent acting credits include: Guildenstern in HAMLET and Friederike in ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT (Brazen-Faced Varlets); Sister Three in LONDON CALLING, Mrs. Cratchit in WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE, Sylvia in RUST & REDEMPTION, and Joan/Vicky in FALL FROM THE GRACE OF GOD (American Repertory Theatre of WNY); Ben in AMERICAN IDIOT (Bellissima Productions); Miss Casewell in THE MOUSETRAP (HARP Productions); Catherine in PROOF (Carriage House Players); and Elissa in TO THE NEW GIRL (First Look Buffalo Stage Productions). Some of her favorite college roles include Helen Hammon in MOTHER HICKS, George Young Bradley in MEN ON BOATS, Melly Alba in THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA, and Claudio in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, which she performed with the Live Literature Company while studying abroad in London. In addition to performing on stage, Sarah enjoys working with children and is a character performer at Enchanting Birthdays of WNY. She is also an aerialist training at the Bird's Nest Circus Arts.

Jason Francey

Jason is a remote MFA candidate at the University of Idaho in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Directing and Pedagogy. He earned his BA in Theatre from SUNY Potsdam. As a director and educator Jason believes in the power of collaboration and inviting people to the table. Everything is an invitation and never a demand. Before moving back to Buffalo in January of 2022 Jason was an adjunct lecturer in theatre at Utica University where he taught acting and select topics. As an actor he is trained in Uta Hagen. Since moving back to Buffalo Jason has worked with Alleyway Theatre, Lancaster Opera House, O’Connell & Company, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, and First Look Buffalo.

Austin Gallego

Austin Gallego is an emerging actor from Buffalo, NY who has worked in a variety of film, TV, stage, and commercials throughout the last few years. Some of his recent stage work includes playing Christopher Wren in THE MOUSETRAP, as well as Harley in First Look Buffalo’s LET’S PLAY HOUSE. On the film side he has recently acted in the upcoming UNUSUAL ATTRACTION, INHUMAN RESOURCES, SLAPPED STRAIGHT, LEVI, and the short film WANKSTA. Austin loves acting and being creative in all different types and is excited to be a part of First Look Buffalo.

Katelyn Gard

Katelyn Gard is a rising actor, singer, voice-actor, and stage combatant from Fredonia, NY. She is
thrilled to be joining First Look Buffalo Theatre Company following her recent graduation from Silver
Creek High School. She is an avid dancer and stage combat enthusiast with SAFD certifications in
single sword, broadsword, unarmed, quarterstaff, rapier and dagger, and knife. Katelyn is a proud
member of Main Street Studios in Fredonia, where she has participated in numerous theatrical
productions. She has also worked with Springville Center for the Arts on numerous occasions. Some
of her favorite theatre credits include Texas in CABARET, Hannah in GIRL. by Megan Mostyn-Brown,
Ghost of Christmas Present in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Goldie in TWO BY TWO, and Little Red in
INTO THE WOODS. Katelyn also works closely with the rising ALC Acting Studio for Film and
Television where she recently appeared in a short film, ALC AFTER DARK. When she is not on stage,
on set, or auditioning, Katelyn works as a voiceover editor. In her free time, she enjoys bingeing
Bridgerton and snuggling with her pit bull Moony.

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. 

Brooke Bartell Goergen

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.

Donna Hoke

Donna’s work has been seen in 48 states and on five continents, including at Barrington Stage, Barrow Group, Celebration Theatre, Gulfshore Theatre, Queens Theatre, Lake Dillon Theatre Company, Theatre Aspen, The Road, Phoenix Theatre, Atlantic Stage, Purple Rose, Skylight, Pride Films and Plays, New Jersey Rep, Hens and Chickens (London), The Galway Fringe Festival, and Actors Repertory Theatre of Luxembourg. Plays include BRILLIANT WORKS OF ART (Kilroys List), ELEVATOR GIRL (O’Neill, Princess Grace, and Austin Film Festival finalist), SAFE (winner of the Todd McNerney, Naatak, and Great Gay Play and Musical Contests), and TEACH (Gulfshore New Works, O'Neill semifinalist). She has been nominated for the Primus, Blackburn, and Laura Pels prizes, and is a three-time winner of the Emanuel Fried Award for Outstanding New Play (SEEDS, SONS & LOVERS, ONCE IN MY LIFETIME). She has also twice received Individual Artist Awards from the New York State Council on the Arts to develop HEARTS OF STONE and CANALSIDE, and, in its final three years, Artvoice named her Buffalo's Best Writer—the only woman to ever receive the designation.

Donna also has been serving the Dramatists Guild in various capacities since 2012, is an ensemble playwright at Road Less Traveled Productions, blogger, former moderator of the 13,500+-member Official Playwrights of Facebook, New York Times-published crossword puzzle constructor; children's and trivia book author; and founder/co-curator of BUA Takes 10: GLBT Short Stories. Speaking engagements include Citywrights, Kenyon Playwrights Conference, Dramatists Guild National Conference, Chicago Dramatists, Austin Film Festival, and two live Dramatists Guild webinars. Her commentary has been seen on #2amt, howlround, The Dramatist, the Official Playwrights of Facebook, Workshopping the New Play (Applause, 2017), and at donnahoke.com.

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

Susan is a proud member of the First Look Buffalo Theatre Company. She orchestrated
and performed in the “Barbie Girls Cabaret” fundraiser event and was part of
HELLOWEEN one acts this past season. She was seen last season as the unhinged
Grandma in Jeff Goode’s hilarious play, FURSONA NON GRATA. Susan played the
crazy anti-cat lady in last year’s one act festival, LET’S PLAY HOUSE. She has a long
list of credits from the NYC area and is now enjoying being part of the Buffalo theatre
community. Recent credits include the role of Ouiser Boudreaux in STEEL MAGNOLIAS
at the Historic Lockport Palace Theatre. Susan’s other local credits include MERCY
SEAT; FALL FROM THE GRACE OF GOD and Artie Award nominated SOMETHING
WICKED at the American Repertory Theatre of WNY where she also served as musical
director. She performed in SISTER ACT and THE MOUSETRAP at the Lancaster
Opera House, and DIVA BY DIVA with O’Connell and Company. As vocalist with
“Vintage Pop” she has appeared at the Bittersweet Lounge, Music on Main and Curtain
up. Susan has studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in NYC.

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

Jeremy Meyers

Jeremy Ephraim Meyers is a local actor, writer, and director. As he prepares for his senior year
at the University at Buffalo he is excited to start sharing his work and passion for theatre. His
recent credits include Dwayne/Bob Enright/Cop in 9 to 5 the musical at the Myers Dinner
Theater, Fred in Oklahoma at O’Connell and Company, and Stephen in Outrage at The Drama
Theatre at the University at Buffalo. He is going to be directing the original musical he is writing,
alongside fellow First Look Buffalo ensemble member John DellaContrada, A Crack In The Egg.
The show will premiere at the Katherine Cornell Theatre at the University at Buffalo. He is also
excited to step into the role of music director for the Buffalo Chips, the lower voices a cappella
group at the University at Buffalo. Jeremy is excited to participate in and help develop new
works as part of the ensemble at First Look Buffalo.

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

Ryan Norton

Ryan Adam Norton - Ryan is an actor, playwright, and poet thrilled to be joining First Look
Buffalo! Ryan graduated with a BA in English and Philsophy from Fredonia in 2017. Some of
Ryan’s favorite roles have been Brandon Harrison in THE FOLKS AT HOME at Alleyway
Theatre, Will in AMERICAN IDIOT at Bellissima Productions, Hardy in GUIDEBOOK and Fred in
HELLCAT both with First Look Buffalo, and Herr Zeller in THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Lancaster
Opera House. Ryan's plays have been produced locally by Mercurie Studios (STANDARD OF
CARE and WRONG WAY!) as well as Inclusive Theater of WNY (PEACE IN THE MIST). Ryan's
poetry has been published thrice by Marias at Sampaguitas and The Trident.

DanettePawlowski

Danette is a Buffalo based actor, singer, and improviser. She has been seen in American Repertory
Theater of WNY’s WHEN WORLD’S COLLIDE (Ghost of Past), LONDON CALLING (MJ) and MERCY SEAT
(Acacia), Starring Buffalo’s HELLO DOLLY (choir) and Titanic (choir), and the Brazen Faced Varlet’s
HAMLET (Player King/Bernardo). Her favorite role was with the Brazen Faced Varlet’s as Titus Andronicus
in TITUS XX (a punk musical). She is also a regular Pro Roster player and referee with BUFFALO
COMEDYSPORTZ and has performed with improv groups such as A TOTALLY MADE-UP MUSICAL,
TWISTED SISTER ACT, IT’S NOT THE HUMIDITY: HOT ONES INSPIRED IMPROV and BUT…MAKE IT DRUNK
with DRUNK THEATER BUFFALO