Kristofer Wilson (Playwright) is currently training towards his BFA in Acting at NYU through the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Kris is excited to step into the role as playwright. A new venture for him, he is inspired most by his hometown and places like it: small towns and simple people. Interested in the stories of the everyday man and how the surreal can be used to explore those walks of life, Kris is excited to present this new work. Thanks to God, the staff of Coaches back home, and all the people who helped create this piece. (He/Him)

Ares Harper (Director) is a director/theatre-maker from Columbus, OH. His work explores the process of “meaning-making” in both artistic and cultural ecosystems. Passionate about engaging with young and emerging artists, he aims for theatre to be a classroom, playground, and laboratory. He is currently completing an MFA in Directing at Columbia University under the tutelage of Anne Bogart and Brian Kulick. Ares is a founding member of Imperium Theatre Company: “a collective of trouble-makers exploring the depths of artistic merit through our dedication to cultural education, civic engagement, and social change.” (He/They)

Nick Breen (Eugene) is a second-year drama student at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He is proudly represented by Stein Entertainment Group and is so excited to be a part of the development of Smoke Break! (He/Him)

Madison Broadway (Jenna) is so excited to perform in her first staged reading. She is a student at New York University, majoring in Drama at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Madison wants to thank the show’s incredible producer Meg Araneo and director Ares Harper, and to extend a special thanks to the show's playwright Kris Wilson, who has always been an incredible supporter and a constant inspiration. (She/Her)

Mia Cusianovic (Narrator)) is an actor and vocalist. She has a passion for new and developing works— some other favorites she’s collaborated on include Joan in Moonshiner (Columbia MFA), Margot in Sleep/Wake (Echo Theatre Company), and Sam in Cervus Canadensis (Off-Stage Works). Thank you Citizen Arts for giving voice to this story. Big Love! (She/Her)

Eli Spring (JP) was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is a second-year Tisch Drama student training at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. He is ecstatic to be part of Kris Wilson's first staged reading of Smoke Break. (He/Him)

Chance Wilson (Otto) is a North Carolina native, graduating from AMDA in New York. He’s done an SNL segment and modeled for Levi’s. He’s very grateful for all the opportunities he’s had and those to come. (He/Him)

Barry-Suzanne Collins (Stage Manager) is a New York City based theatre maker currently training at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting through NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Barry-Suzanne would like to thank her family for their love and constant support of any and all of her creative endeavors, as well as Kris Wilson, Meg Araneo, Ares Harper, and the entire cast and creative team of Smoke Break. Enjoy the reading! (She/Her)

Sophie Massey (Sound Designer) is a drama student, sound designer, and composer at NYU studying at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Most recently you could hear her sounds in Island Rumble 3: Triple Threat! at Playwrights Horizons. Other sound credits include: Eden (Playwrights Horizons) and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (NHS). They have been with this project since the initial devising and drafting process and are so proud of everyone involved and how far it’s come. Thank you for supporting this piece! (She/They)

Special thanks to Alfredo Colon and Steve Williams
for their music this evening.