Stage Left Theatre Presents the World Premiere of
Written by Ken Green
directed by Rachel Van
April 28 - May 28, 2023
IN THE BACK /
ON THE FLOOR
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IN THE BACK/ON THE FLOOR examines the issues that minimum wage workers face through the lives of several employees at a big-box retail store. Though paid the least, these workers are asked to bear the heaviest burden for the good of profit. They are often seen as easily replaceable parts, but also expected to believe they are members of a "family." When one worker with ambition sees his dreams of advancement within the organization stunted, the situation raises the forbidden word - "union."
April 28 through May 28, 2023
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays @8pm; Sundays @2pm
All performances at Chicago Dramatists - 1105 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago.
Featuring

Jacob is a dramaturg, playwright, and theatre maker based in Chicago. His most recent work was as stage manager for Midsommer Flight's annual production of "Twelfth Night" (his second year with the company) and ASM for "After The Blast" (Jeff Nominated) at Broken Nose. He has also worked with Pride Films and Plays. This is his first production with Stage Left! When not working on theatre, Jacob is a 'forever DM' playing Dungeons and Dragons and an avid cross-stitcher.

Juan Conde Belmares (He/Him/His) is happy to work with Stage Left Theater for the first time! , he is a Mexican/American Actor, he recently worked with Bring Your Own Theater Productions as part of their 24hr show. Juan started his acting career in Orlando Florida, his credits there include: Junie B Jones (Breakthrough Theater) and King Lear (Black Box Theater), in 2020 he relocated to Chicago where he continues with his acting career.

Ashley-Marie is excited to make their Chicago debut with Stage Left Theatre. A graduate from Northern Illinois University's BFA Acting program, some of her favorite credits include Witch 1 in Macbeth with Hoosier Shakespeare Festival, Maria in Twelfth Night, and Freida in The Castle. As always para Maria y Walter con amor.

Caleb has been an Ensemble Member with Stage Left since 2021 and is making his debut with the company. Previous credits include: The Ugly One (Trap Door Theatre) Midsummer Mayhem (Shakespeare’s Motley Crew) The Book of Will and The Crucible (Edge of the Wood Theatre) Midsummer Nights Dream and Henry V (Courtyard Shakespeare). Love to Mom, Dad, Sam, Grant, Zack, Carlie, and always, Dan. www.calebleejenkins.net

Loredan is beyond excited to be a part of the amazing cast and production of IN THE BACK / ON THE FLOOR. This is his first performance with Stage Left and is amazed by the passion and dedication of everyone involved. He would like to thank Rachel for giving him the opportunity to be a part of this production and dedicates his performance to the love of his life.

Jelani Julyus is grateful to make his debut with Stage Left Theater. Recently Jelani completed training in The ACADEMY at Black Box Acting Studio, where he loved playing Peter in The Luckiest, and just finished a run of “The Book of Will” with the St. Sebastian Players as Crane. Jelani believes in the power of story to transform society and possesses a unique ability to find the hope nestled at the heart of any story.

Peter G Leondedis was most recently seen as Scrooge in WCH's A Christmas Carol as well as Nigel, the Butler in Something's Afoot at the Skokie Theatre. Other favorite roles include Man in Chair in Drowsy Chaperone, Howie in Rabbit Hole, and as Dad to two sons Alex and George.

Kairis (They/Ella) is an Indigenous Q'eqchi Guatemalan and Mexican actor born and raised in Chicago. They aim to foster stories that are heartfelt and engage with resilient voices. After completing their B.A. in theatre from Connecticut College, they trained at the Atlantic Theatre Conservatory in New York. Their most recent credits include Ride or Die (MPAACT Theatre), and Nasty Yatra (Pipeline Theatre).

Katherine is thrilled to be making her Stage Left Theatre debut playing Donna in "In the Back/On the Floor." Recent credits include Minnie in "The Dark" with Pale Horse Playhouse, Anka in The Artistic Home's "Vanya on the Plains," “Miracle on 34th Street: A Radio Play” with The Artistic Home as all the female ensemble voices, Lucrece in “The Liar" with Promethean Theatre (Broadway World nominated Best Ensemble), and Bessie in "The Drowning Girls" with Signal Ensemble,
Understudies:
Cecil Eastman
Production Team
Stage Manager: Dakota Allen
Lighting Designer & Production Manager:
Eric Cope
Costume Designer: Andrés Mota†
COVID Compliance: Kenneth Martin†
Sound Designer: Jake Sorgen
Technical Director / Scenic Designer:
Jonathan Berg-Einhorn†
Dramaturg: Jacob Schaffer
Artistic Director: Bobbi Masters*^
*Ensemble Member †Stage Left Artistic Associate ^Stage Left Staff