ROM BARKHORDAR he/him (Baylor) is making his Raven Theatre debut with A Lie of the Mind. Previous Chicago area credits: White Christmas, (Marriott Theatre), The Band’s Visit, A Distinct Society, Wife of a Salesman, (Writer’s Theatre), Mosque4Mosque (About Face Theatre), Acts of God, Around the World in 80 Days (Lookingglass Theatre), Yasmina’s Necklace, Ruined (u/s) (Goodman Theatre), The Elephant Man, Homebody/Kabul (u/s) (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), The Who and the What (Victory Gardens Theatre), Mosque Alert, Night over Erzinga (Silk Road Rising), Pravda, Halcyon Days, Not About Nightingales (Timeline Theatre). Regional credits: The Band’s Visit (TheatreSquared), The Art of Burning (Huntington theatre) (Hartford Stage), Proof (Kitchen Theatre); Disgraced (Virginia Stage Co.); The Who and the What (HuntingtonTheatre) Around the World in 80 Days (Kansas City Rep.) (Centerstage Theatre). Film credits: CHHAYA, CanalStreet, Abi , Roundabout American. Television: Proven Innocent, Chicago Med, Chicago Justice, Mind Games, Chicago Fire, Boss, The Beast. Mr. Barkhordar is represented by Gray Talent Group. Thanks to Azar and everyone at Raven and Maren and the kitties for my sanity.

JOHN DREA he/him (Frankie) is excited to make his Raven Theatre debut. Chicago: Little Bear Ridge Road (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); The Sound Inside (Goodman Theatre); Little Women (Northlight Theatre); Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Solaris (Griffin Theatre, Jeff Nomination); Chagall in School (Grippo Stage Company, Jeff Nomination); Twelfth Night, Cymbeline (Midsommer Flight); American Psycho (Kokandy Productions); Whose Body? (Lifeline Theatre). Off-off Broadway: OneIronaut (The Outer Loop). Regional: Deathtrap (Constellation Stage). Television: Ashley Green, The Onion. Upcoming film: PIP! (Sacred Arthouse). He is represented by Gray Talent Group. @johndrea1998

ARASH FAKHRABADI he/him (Mike) is delighted to be performing in his first show with Raven Theatre. Arash Fakhrabadi is an Iranian-Mexican-American actor. Chicago credits include: RUST (Goodman Theatre New Stages),The Thanksgiving Play u/s (Steppenwolf Theatre Company:); Layalina (Goodman Theatre New Stages);  Anna in the Tropics (Remy Bumppo Theatre); A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre) The Leopard Play or sad songs for lost boys (Steep Theatre). Regional: Laughs in Spanish (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre). Television: Chicago Fire (NBC). Fakhrabadi is represented by Gray Talent Group.

MEIGHAN GERACHIS she/her (Lorraine) Little Bear Ridge Road, POTUS, Domesticated, Our Town, House on Mango St.(Steppenwolf ) Inherit the Wind, Roe, The Wolves, A Christmas Carol, New Stages: Blue Skies Process and Graveyard Shift (Goodman Theatre);  MOTHERHOUSE (Jeff Award -Supprting Actress), The Electric Baby, Precious Little, The Walls, Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue, Wrens (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble) The Malignant Ampersands, Small Mouth Sounds, Solstice (A Red Orchid Theater) Admissions, Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England (Theater Wit); Measure for Measure (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Regional: Charm (Mixed Blood Theatre); Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue (Stageworks)  Film/TV: Somebody Somewhere, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, At Any Price, Virginia, Chicago P.D., Crisis, Bobby & Iza, Sirens and Battleground.

JOCELYN MAHER she/her (Sally) is so grateful to be making her Raven Theatre debut with this production. Originally from Seattle, Jocelyn has worked with such theatre companies as ACT, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare Company, Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle Public Theater & The Horse in Motion. Since relocating to Chicago, she has been seen onstage at Lifeline Theatre in Cat’s Cradle (Jeff Nominated), Oil Lamp Theater in Cry It Out and at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Twelfth Night, Sense & Sensibility and Macbeth. She holds her BA in Drama: Performance from the University of Washington and her MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul, and is represented by DDO Artists Agency. Love and thanks to M,D,L & Sunny.

IAN MARYFIELD he/him (Jake) is truly honored to be making his Raven Theatre debut with such an incredible cast and crew! Some Chicago credits: The Lord of the Rings Musical – US Premiere & New Zealand Tour, SS: Romeo & Juliet, SS: Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); All Quiet on the Western Front (Red Tape Theatre); Photograph 51 u/s, The Originalist u/s (Court Theatre); Hamlet, Indoor Cats (Red Theater); Recipe for Disaster (Windy City Playhouse); The Nutcracker (The House Theatre). Regional credits: As You Like It (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks). Commercial credits: State Farm, Wisconsin Lottery, Guinness, Legendary Whitetails, and Avocados From Mexico.  Television credits: Chicago Fire (NBC).  Ian holds a BFA from Oklahoma City University. He would like to thank his mother and brother for their love and support and Meredith Ernst for being his love, his inspiration and his partner in crime. To God be the glory.

JOAN NAHID she/her (Meg) Joan Nahid is an Iranian multilingual actor, performer, and writer based in Chicago. She is thrilled to be making her debut with Raven Theatre. Chicago Credits: Medea Material, The Martyrdom of Peter Ohey, Mother Courage and Her Children, Princess Ivona, Tango, and The Locketeer (Trap Door Theatre); Man of the People (Stage Left Theatre); Antigone (Redtwist Theatre); The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe (Oak Park Festival Theatre & First Folio Theatre); Kiss (Haven Theatre). She has also collaborated with Timeline Theatre, Silk Road Rising Theatre, Waterwell Theatre Company, and others. Tehran Credits: Miss Julie, A Doll’s House, Art, and Life x 3. Joan is a proud ensemble member at Trap Door Theatre, which she considers her second home. Visit her website at: www.joannahid.com

GLORIA IMSEIH PETRELLI she/they (Beth) is a Chicagoland born and based actor, playwright, intimacy choreographer, and community organizer. She is pleased to be making her Raven debut in this iconic piece. Recent acting credits include her own SPEECHaLICIOUS, (a commision for The Story Theatre),  MOSQUE4MOSQUE (About Face Theatre), Layalina (Goodman New Stages). She is  First Floor Theatre’s current Blueprint Commissioned playwright. Find out more at www.thegloriaimseihpetrelli.com. Gloria’s art is informed and strengthened by the tenacity of her community; please consider a donation to Palestine Legal, USPCN, or Middle East Children’s Alliance.

ISABEL ALAMIN (u/s Meg) is so grateful to be a part of A Lie of the Mind! Recent favorite credits include How to Defend Yourself with Snails on a Bike Theatre, as well as feature films The Becomers (Prime and Apple TV) and Midlife. Outside of acting, she is an avid dancer and visual artist, designing marketing materials for theatre productions around Chicago.

WILL BURDIN he/him (u/s Jake) is humbled to be working for the first time with Raven. Other Chicago-area credits include: Lucy & Charlie’s Honeymoon (Lookingglass Theatre); Love Song (Remy Bumppo); In Quietness (A Red Orchid); Happy Days are Here Again (Steep); Shakespeare In Love (Chicago Shakespeare); Campaigns, Inc. (Timeline Theatre Company); The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe, Much Ado About Nothing (Oak Park Festival Theatre); The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (Northlight Theatre); The Temperamentals, Significant Other (About Face Theatre); extensive work with the Organic Theater Company, and workshops of Gloria Imseih Petrelli’s new play the live in(n) with Rivendell and Matthew C. Yee’s Lucy & Charlie’s Honeymoon with Lookingglass. Regional credits include Hamlet, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Les Liaisons Dangereuse, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (American Players Theatre). Will received his BFA in acting from Northern Illinois University, and he has studied at the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia and at Shakespeare & Co. in Lenox, Massachusetts. Will is an Actors’ Equity member candidate.

JAKE ELKINS he/him (u/s Frankie) is an actor and singer based in Chicago, and so happy to be making his Raven Debut in A Lie of the Mind. Other Chicago credits include Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Junie B. Jones the Musical (Young People’s Theater of Chicago), Musical parodies of Love Actually and The Bachelor (Right Angle Entertainment), Grease, Wizard of Oz (Marriott Theater), Mary Stuart, and Wizard of Oz (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Jake gives thanks always to his loving family, and love to his favorite House Manager Amanda. Represented by Gray Talent Group.

CHRIS HAINSWORTH he/him (u/s Baylor) Lifeline Theatre ensemble member, where he appeared in TREASURE ISLAND, NEVERWHERE, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, THE KILLER ANGELS, A TALE OF TWO CITIES, MISS HOLMES, FRANKENSTEIN and MISS HOLMES RETURNS and penned the adaptations of HUNGER, MONSTROUS REGIMENT, MIDNIGHT COWBOY and FABLE-OUS! He has also worked for Timeline Theatre, The Gift Theatre, Remmy Bumpo, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Factory, Strawdog Theatre Company, and The House Theatre of Chicago, among others.

GRAINNE ORTLIEB she/her (u/s Sally) is stoked to be in her first Raven Theatre production although she’s been a fan and a viewer for a long time. Grainne is from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. She received her BFA in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Upon graduating, Grainne worked for First Floor Theater in the production Sugar In Our Wounds (Isabel), an independent film By The Grace of… (Lizzie), and Chicago Med. During the pandemic, Grainne joined April Cleveland and fellow classmates in Santa Fe to create the Exodus Ensemble. Coming out of the pandemic, Grainne understudied a production of Fen at Court Theatre. Most recently she played Miranda in a Proboscis production of The Tempest.

MALIHA SAYED she/her (u/s Beth) is thrilled to be making her Raven debut, specifically with a piece of work and team of artists she is genuinely proud to be a part of. Recent Chicago credits include Carousel (Julie Jordan) at Music Theater Works, The Sondheim Revue (Principal) & The Secret Garden (Ayah, u/s Lily & Rose) at Theo Ubique, and Arabia, Arabia! (Narrator) with The Plagiarists. You can also catch Maliha as “Amina” in the penultimate episode of Deli Boys on Hulu soon. BFA Musical Theatre from Ithaca College. Represented by Gray Talent Group. malihasayed.com

ZAKARIA SENAN he/him (u/s Mike) is an up-and-coming Chicago-based actor taking part in his first production with Raven Theatre. Currently attending The Theatre School at DePaul for BFA Acting; as well as having recently diversified his training in Greece with Hydrama Theatre. Some recent & upcoming productions include: Metamorphosis (Gregor) *upcoming*, Little Women (Laurie), The Cherry Orchard (Lophakin), & By The Sea, By The Sea, By The Beautiful Sea (Ace). Originally from New Jersey & a first-generation American son of two incredibly hardworking parents from Egypt & Lebanon; Zakaria is thrilled to be a part of this journey & gives many thanks to his amazing cast & crew.

INDIA WHITESIDE she/her (Lorraine u/s) Chicago credits include Griffin Theater’s Marys Seacole (Merrie), Theater Wit’s Admissions (Ginnie Peters); TimeLine Theater’s Black Sunday (Ma u/s)Strawdog Theater’s On The Greenbelt (Lydia u/s); Court Theatre’s All’s Well That Ends Well (Diana); Transient Theater’s Getting Out (Arlene- Best Actress Jeff Citation nomination); Locked Up Down Shorty’s at American Blues; Folio Theatre’s As you Like It (Rosalind) and Othello (Emilia); Dirty Hands (Olga) at Mary-Arrchie Theater; The Way You Wear Your Hat (Sarah), Seanachai Theatre; American Divine (Sna. Neruda) for Dolphinback Theater and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; and staged readings at Steppenwolf Theater and The Black Ensemble Theatre. India very much enjoyed the terrifying experience of being an ensemble member of Improvised Black Mirror at the Public House Theater, and has studied at BADA in Oxford and London as well as with a variety of wonderful Chicago teachers. India is represented by the lovely folks at Big Mouth Talent.

SAM SHEPARD his/him (Playwright) had his first New York plays, COWBOYS and THE ROCK GARDEN, produced by Theatre Genesis in 1963. For several seasons, he worked with Off-Off-Broadway theatre groups including La MaMa and Caffe Cino. Eleven of his plays have won Obie Awards including CHICAGO and ICARUS’S MOTHEr (1965); RED CROSS and LA TURISTA (1966); FORENSIC AND THE NAVIGATORS and MELODRAMA PLAY (1967); THE TOOTH OF CRIME (1972); ACTION (1974); and CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS (1976). Shepard was awarded a Pulitzer Prize as well as an Obie Award for his play BURIED CHILD (1979). FOOL FOR LOVE (1982) received the Obie for Best Play as well as for Direction. A LIE OF THE MIND (1985) won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award in 1986 and the 1986 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Play. A revived BURIED CHILD under the direction of Gary Sinise opened on Broadway in April 1996 and was nominated for a Tony Award. KICKING A DEAD HORSE (2007) and AGES OF THE MOON (2009) both received their world premieres at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. KICKING A DEAD HORSE transferred to The Public Theater in New York and to the Almeida Theatre in London, and AGES OF THE MOON received its US premiere at Atlantic Theater Company in 2010. Shepard’s latest play, HEARTLESS, premiered in 2012 at Signature. Shepard wrote the screenplays for “Zabriskie Point”; Wim Wenders’ “Paris, Texas”; and Robert Altman’s “Fool for Love”, a film version of his play of the same title. As writer/director, he filmed “Far North” and “Silent Tongue” in 1988 and 1992 respectively. As an actor he has appeared in the films “Days of Heaven”, “Resurrection”, “Raggedy Man”, “The Right Stuff”, “Frances”, “Country”, “Fool for Love”, “Crimes of the Heart”, “Baby Boom”, “Steel Magnolias”,” Bright Angel”, “Defenseless”, “Voyager”, “Thunderheart”, “The Pelican Brief”, “Safe Passage”, “Hamlet” and, most recently, “Don’t Come Knocking”, also co-written with Wim Wenders. In 1986, Shepard was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 1992, he received the Gold Medal for Drama from the Academy, and in 1994, he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

AZAR KAZEMI she/her (Director) is first-generation Persian American and a freelance director and educator based in Chicago. She directs socially-charged plays where the political and personal collide. Azar most recently directed the world premiere of Happy Days Are Here (Again) by Omar Abbas Salem with Steep Theatre at the 1700 Theatre at Steppenwolf and the Jeff Award winning world premiere of Motherhouse by Tuckie White with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. Some of Azar’s other Chicago directing credits include: the U.S. premiere of dirty butterfly by debbie tucker green, the Midwest premiere of Jack’s Precious Moment by Samuel D. Hunter and Crave by Sarah Kane. She received her MFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University, where she is also on faculty and received the 2020-21 Excellence in Teaching Award. Azar has also worked at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, Victory Gardens, American Theatre Company, Chicago Dramatists, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In New York City Azar worked at The New Group where she assistant directed three Off-Broadway productions, two under the direction of her mentor Ethan Hawke. Azar is a proud member of SDC. To learn more please visit: azarkazemi.com

HANNAH ANDRUSS she/her (Makeup Design) is a Chicago based Wig Maker and Makeup Artist. With a passion for storytelling and a love for detail-oriented work, Hannah has worked extensively in theatre within the world of costumes, hair, and makeup. This work and passion has extended to working in both Film and TV. Recent theatre credits include the National Tour of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Crossroads Live), Coronation (Refracted), The Audience (Drury Lane) Is God Is (DePaul University) How to Know the Wildflowers: A Map (Northwestern University). Recent film credits include Rabbit Rabbit (KISSA/Thank You Baby ), The Solution ( 54 Script), The Conversation Project (Hulu).

JAMIE AUER he/him (Properties Design) is a Chicago-based designer and artisan originally from Southern California. His recent production credits include: Properties Designer on Hurricane Diane (UIC); Properties Designer on A View From the Bridge, FLOOD, and Jump for Shattered Globe Theatre’s 23-24 season. He also spent this past summer in Iowa as the Prop Shop Supervisor for the Des Moines Metro Opera’s Summer Festival. He is excited to be opening his first show with Raven Theatre working with this incredible team.

EMMA BURKEY she/her (Assistant Director) is a director, writer and actor from Dallas, TX and based in Chicago, IL. She is a senior at The Theatre School at DePaul University pursuing a Theatre Arts BFA and a minor in Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies. Her plays Walls and Prima were produced as part of TTS’ Wrights of Spring, and she was an assistant director on Henry IV and Witch at The Theatre School. Emma has served as Rivendell Theatre Ensemble’s intern for the past several months, and production assisted on their new works festival, Fresh Produce. She also assisted Azar Kazemi as part of this festival. Emma is passionate about devising and new work, and how theatre can be used as a tool for change. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Azar and Raven Theatre.

JEAN E. COMPTON she/her (Stage Manager) is a stage manager, collaborator and new works booster whose Chicago credits include Dear Elizabeth, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Galileo’s Daughter, Anna in the Tropics, and Passage (Remy Bumppo), The Brightest Thing in the World (About Face Theatre), Paradise Square (Pre-Broadway), Thirst (Strawdog), The Death of Gaia Divine (Momentary), 3:35PM, Candide, and Mudpie 2018 (Mudlark), You for Me for You (Sideshow), Lizzie (Firebrand Theatre), Shining Lives (Northlight), and The Miscellany, All-One! The Dr. Bronner’s Play, and Spirits to Enforce (Passage Theatre). Her regional credits include Into the Breeches! (Cleveland Play House), Birthday Candles, Cannabis Passover, Proximity, Indecent, Blood at the Root, Commedia, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, An Octoroon, and Into the Breeches! (Chautauqua Theater Company), Venus in Fur and The Whale (Rep Stage), and seasons at Two River Theater and Cleveland Play House. She is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University, an Associate Artist with Remy Bumppo, and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. www.jeanecompton.com

THOMAS DIXON he/they (Sound Design) is making his debut at Raven. He is an ensemble member at Steep Theatre Company, where his recent credits include Happy Days are Here (Again), A Case for the Existence of God, and The Writer. Other recent credits include Frida… A Self-Portrait at Writers Theatre. Thomas’ work has been heard around the country as theaters such as Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Kansas City Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Portland Center Stage, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Geva Theatre Center, Jacob’s Pillow Dance, and more. He teaches at DePaul University, and he is a member of the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association. thomasdixonsound.com

KIM DE PAULA she/her (Sticher) BF2 Costume Design The Theatre School at DePaul University. Originally from São Paulo- Brazil

SALLY DOLEMBO she/her (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be making her design debut at Raven Theatre. Sally is a Chicago-based costume designer and Head of Costume Design at DePaul University. Design credits include (Regional): The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, Kentucky Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater.  (Chicago Area): TimeLine Theatre, The Second City, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Marriott Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Court Theatre, The Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Steep Theatre, The Gift, and The Hypocrites. Sally was a 2007 Fulbright Scholar to Italy, where she researched and worked at Tirelli Costumi in Rome.  Sally received her MFA in Stage Design from Northwestern University and is a member of Local USA 829. Visit sallydolembo.com.

ANNA FINERTY (Assistant Costume) is a Chicago based costume designer who has trained in theatre and film in Chicago, London, and Rome. A Lie of The Mind is her first show at Raven Theatre, and she is so excited to be a part of the team. Anna has recently returned from London where she was training in Design for Performance at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She is graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Costume Design from the Theatre School at DePaul University alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Italian. Recent design credits include The Chronicles of The Kaleidoscope Visitors, Machinal, and The Mole Hill Stories at DePaul University.

KRISTINA FLUTY she/her (Intimacy Coordinator) Steppenwolf Theatre Company: Noises Off, Another Marriage, Describe the Night, The Children. Chicago: Black Sunday, Cardboard Piano (TimeLine); Spring Awakening (Porchlight); The Sound of Music (Marriott); The Last Match (Writer’s); Frankenstein, Top Girls (Remy Bumppo); Mies Julie, Indecent (Victory Gardens). Regional: Linda Vista (Center Theatre Group – Los Angeles). Kristina’s main creative home since 2003 is Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak, a modern dance company based in Chicago. MA in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling, Laban Movement Analyst, Movement Pattern Analyst, Spiral Body Techniques® instructor. Associate Professor of Movement – The Theatre School at DePaul University.

LIZ GOMEZ she/her (Lighting Designer) is a Chicago-based designer originally from San Antonio, Texas. She has worked with Raven most recently on Right to be Forgotten. Other recent design credits include: Love Song (Remy Bumppo), Knockout (Columbia College Dance Center), Right Here (Link’s Hall), and Wasted (Free Street Theatre). She sends love to Sophie.

MARTINE KEI GREEN-ROGERS she/her (Dramaturg) is the Dean of the Theatre School at DePaul University. Her dramaturgical credits include ITS NOT A TRIP, ITS A JOURNEY, HE BROUGHT HER HEART BACK IN A BOX and THE OHIO STATE MURDERS at Round House Theatre; WIND IN THE DOOR and LONG WAY DOWN at the Kennedy Center; THE CATASTROPHIST at Marin; TONI STONE and SWEAT at the Goodman; LION IN WINTER, KING HEDLEY II, RADIO GOLF, FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE, BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY, GEM OF THE OCEAN, WAITING FOR GODOT, IPHIGENIA AT AULIS, SEVEN GUITARS, THE MOUNTAINTOP, and HOME at Court Theatre; IT’S CHRISTMAS, CAROL!, HAIRSPRAY, THE BOOK OF WILL, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, UNISON, HANNAH AND THE DREAD GAZEBO, COMEDY OF ERRORS, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, THE AFRICAN COMPANY PRESENTS RICHARD III, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM; and FENCES at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Broadway credits include JAGGED LITTLE PILL.

CHRISTOPHER LINDQUIST he/him (Asst. Stage Manager) is thrilled to work here at Raven Theatre! Previous credits include An Act Of God, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Brighter Futures (ASM) at Paramount Theatre. He has previously worked at Drury Lane, Barrington Stage Company, and at BTE. Special thanks to his family and friends for everything!

STEPHANIE MATTOS she/her (Fight Director) is an actor, fight director and combatant in Chicago and a member of the Society of American Fight Directors. BFA in Performance Arts – Acting, Western Kentucky University. Credits include: The Prodigal Daughter (Raven Theatre), Notes from the Field (TimeLine Theatre Co.)The Duchess of Malfi (Asst. Fight Director, Babes with Blades Theatre Co.) Last Night and the Night Before(Steppenwolf Theatre Co.), Marys Seacole (Griffin Theatre Co.), Light Falls (Steep Theatre Co.). Regional: Reentry (Montana Repertory Theatre). TV: The Chi. Represented by Big Mouth Talent. Artistic Associate with Babes with Blades Theatre Company and ensemble member of Midsommer Flight. www.stephaniemattos.com. IG: asmattering.

CATHERINE MILLER they/them (Casting Director) is excited to be back at Raven Theatre, having cast Ironbound, Brother Sister Cyborg Space, The Prodigal Daughter, Night Watch, The October Storm, Right to be Forgotten, Private Lives, The Luckiest, Sundown, Yellow Moon and Hoodoo Love. They have recently cast productions for About Face Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Theatre Wit, American Musical Theatre Project, Northwestern University and Backstitch Arts, among many others. Additionally, Catherine has done dramaturgy and gender consulting work for Paramount Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville and About Face Theatre. Catherine was a 2021 3Arts Make A Wave recipient and was featured in American Theatre Magazine’s Role Call. They also were on NewCity Magazine’s 2020 + 2019 Players: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago and the Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30 list. Catherine has a BFA in Dramaturgy/Criticism from The Theatre School at DePaul and is a proud artistic associate with About Face Theatre. For more, subscribe to their substack at https://frombehindthetable.substack.com/

LAUREN M. NICHOLS she/her (Scenic Design) is a three time Jeff-nominated freelance designer native to Chicago. Credits include: Hot Wing King, Tiger Style (Writers) and A Home What Howls (Steppenwolf). She has also designed for Paramount, Marriott, Remy Bumppo, UIC, Lifeline, Rivendell, Jackalope, Harper College, Young People’s Theatre, Shattered Globe, Renaissance Theatreworks, Village Theatre in Seattle, The Gift, Firebrand, Teatro Vista, and BoHo. As an associate she has worked on dozens of productions all over the country. She currently teaches design as an adjunct professor at The Theatre School-DePaul University and Northwestern. She is the recipient of the 2024 Michael Maggio Award for Emerging Designers. MFA Northwestern.  USA829. laurenangeldesigns.com

JOAN STARKEY they/she (Assistant Dramaturg) is a dramaturg originally from Florida. DePaul Theatre School credits include Machinal, MessFest Comedy Festival, Witch, and A Wrinkle in Time. Professional credits include An Enemy of the People at Sub Rosa Theatre Collective. Thanks to Martine Green-Rogers for this opportunity. Contact at joanstarkeydtgy@gmail.com.

LUCY WHIPP she/her (Production Manager) is a Chicago-based production manager, stage manager, and a generally useful set of hands to have around. She is the production manager at Raven and A Lie of the Mind is her 6^th production while she’s been here. Recent production credits that made her smile: Production Manager on Lobby Hero (Shattered Globe), Assistant Stage Manager on Short Shakes! Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakes), Assistant Production Manager on the immersive production Port of Entry (APTP/TRP); Production Stage Manager of world premieres Gender Play: or What You Will and The Magnolia Ballet (About Face); Anna in the Tropics and Routes (Remy Bumppo); ASM for Kitty & Georgiana: Christmas at Pemberley (Northlight); Women of Soul (Mercury); Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, Who’s Holiday (Theater Wit); Plano (First Floor Theater). She is proud to be a Governing Ensemble member at The Story Theatre. She has worked with The Story since Season I, stage managing Leave Me Alone! and At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen, production managing Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes, and producing several emerging playwright workshops and festivals. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity.

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

STEPHEN H. JOHNSON

SUSAN SCHAALMAN YOUDOVIN
& CHARLIE SHULKIN

CAROL ZSOLNAY

Accessibility SPONSORS

KAREN & FRANK SCHNEIDER

take flight SPONSORS

DAVID & SHIRLEY HOLDEMAN

CORPORATE & FOUNDATION DONORS

Our corporate and foundation partners provide critical support for our operations, productions, and theatre arts education programs. Raven’s 2024- 2025 season is made possible in part by:

This project is partially supported by a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

This season is sponsored in part by a grant from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

Raven gratefully acknowledges the following individuals, whose donations of $50 or more were received between Februrary 1, 2024 through February 1, 2025: