Keimon Shook is a Queer Blasian Actor, Writer, and Director from Jacksonville, Florida. Most recently Keimon played “ Remi” in “ The Dress - Up play at Jackalope Theatre. He also directed a Stage Reading in Collaboration with Theatre L,Acadie & Pocket Theatrics . Keimon is also a screenwriter and filmmaker whose goal is to add more queer representation for people of color on and behind the camera. He most recently directed and wrote a couple of short films and some episodic pilot concepts. You can follow and check out his work on Instagram @keimonshook .As always he’d like to thank his family and friends for all their support!
Joel Willison is the Artistic Director for Pocket Theatrics; the Co-founding Artistic Producer of Freshly Brewed, inc., Chicago Artist Database, Direct Address, and The Green Room. He is also a company member of Playground Chicago and Theatre L’Acadie. In 2023, he was selected for Directors Haven 6. Recent credits include work with Jackalope Theatre, Shattered Globe Theatre (assistant director), The Goodman Theatre, Filament Theatre, Theatre L’Acadie, Definition Theatre, Refracted Theatre Company (assistant director), and The Runaways Lab Theater. Joelwillison.com
Johanna Medrano is fresh off assistant-directing The Art of Belonging at Circa Pintig, and is excited to work with them and Nothing Without a Company as a director for the play festival. She currently directs Keepin’ Tabs, a monthly news show at The Annoyance Theater, and Open Tabs, an indie sketch team. When she is not directing, she teaches improv and sketch writing at The Annoyance Theater, and Meisner Acting Technique at Gren Shirt Studio. Onstage and screen, she currently hosts BATSU! game show, performs with Trigger Happy Improv Mentalism, and is repped by Chicago Talent Network. Follow her on Instagram @jojo_in_chicago
Heather Jencks (she/her) is a Chicago-based actor, director, and Alexander Technique Teacher in Training (2nd year, IYKYK).She has directed for NWaC’s New World Play Festival and past 24-hour fests, assistant directed NWaC’s Soccer Player in the Closet, and directed short plays for Our Perspective: Asian American Plays, and Punching LaBute. As an actor, she has performed in NWaC’s original productions: Not One Batu and Down the Moonlit Path; and in Circa Pintig’s original production: Daryo’s All-American Diner. In addition, she has performed with several theatres around town, including Remy Bumppo, Jackalope Theatre, Promethean Theatre, Facility Theatre, and Prologue Theatre Co.She is thrilled that two organizations that are dear to her - NWaC and Circa Pintig – are collaborating for this fun and heart-filled event.
Scott Hanada (He/Him) is a professional actor, director, and NWAC Board member whose work is rooted in his Japanese American heritage and the multicultural spirit of Hawaiʻi. After starring in NWAC’s Not One Batu and Pakalolo Sweet, he made his directorial debut with The Kasha of Kaimukī (2023). A graduate of the iO and The Second City Conservatory, Scott is also a proud alumnus of the AAPI improv troupe Stir Friday Night. He is represented by Chicago Talent Network and can be found performing at Home Comedy Theater or on the Tales From The Singing Porch podcast. While a veteran of the NWAC stage, Scott is thrilled to be directing for the first time in the 24-Hour Play Festival.
RJ Silva (he/him/his) is the Artistic Director of CIRCA Pintig, the Filipino American theatre company and community arts organization in Chicago. Now in its 35th year, Silva has launched the acting ensemble, the Chicago Filipino American Theatre Festival, and has directed two productions EVERY BRILLIANT THING and THE ART OF BELONGING. As a playwright, his play HAIL MARY/MARIA will receive its premiere production at Theatre Wit in August, granted by the Independent Productions Initiative. Outside of theatre, Silva is a writer and director for his production company The Ampliverse, premiering its first digital web series EAT CUTE this spring, and is also the producer and co-host of the podcast “Boys Love Boys Love.” Thanks to CIRCA Pintig, NWaC, and other theatre artists that continue to create and inspire the city of Chicago. Love to Adam and Friedrich!