Director Notes

Marty Isaacs Wayman is a Board Member and Director for ActOut Theatre Group and is so excited to directing 5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE during PRIDE MONTH!  It has been nothing but fun for everyone involved.  Previous shows directed for ActOut include BIRDS OF A FEATHER, and last season’s THE NORMAL HEART. Marty has been active with most of the theatre companies in Central Kentucky, and among recent shows directed are Nunsense, Leading Ladies, A Tuna Christmas, and often has taken part in the delightful 10 Minute Play Festival. Educated at Wittenberg University, and Northwestern University, Marty has an MFA with a focus on directing.  If she was going to do it all over again, she would get major in lighting design! The mother of three sons, she is the widow of beloved Lexington/Frankfort/ Versailles area actor Rick Wayman.  She’s 66 years old, and no longer cares who knows it :-) Marty thanks her cast, crew, friends, and family for being loving and supporting!  She dedicated this production to her late friend Mike Thomas, who knew from funny!! 

 Kris Ratliff majored in theatre at Transylvania University. She has been part of various shows in Lexington throughout the years. Kris also performs frequently with “Bluegrass Mystery Theatre”. She is excited to be working with ActOut Theatre Group. 

Carmen Wampler-Collins (she/her/hers) is delighted to make her ActOut Theatre Group debut, as well as her Lexington theater debut as Lulie Stanwyck in 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche. Carmen was a theater major at Smith College some years ago, but has had a long break from the stage, staying busy in nonprofit development and leadership, LGBTQIA+ activism, and raising a family. You may know Carmen as the Executive Director of the Lexington Pride Center and Festival. As a lesbian herself, Carmen was enticed to audition for this show because of its humor and its focus on the bonds between women. Carmen says, “Good lesbian representation in stories is so important and often hard to find. I wanted to be a part of this show that puts us front and center, but that is also hysterical regardless of your gender or sexual identity! As much as this is a quirky, somewhat absurd show, it has some genuine moments of joy, and I think our world and community really need that right now. I’m so happy to be a part of it.” Carmen shares her life with her spouse of 28 years, Shannon Wampler-Collins, their adult sons Evan and Jesse, and their 3 cats. 

Suraya Shalash (Dale) is thrilled to work alongside such a talented cast and crew in her debut with ActOut Theatre. She has performed with Studio Players, Actors Guild of Lexington, BCTC Theatre, Antagonist Productions, and Balagula Theatre. Her favorite roles include Matilde in The Clean House and Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show (Actor's Guild). She'll be onstage in July with Pioneer Playhouse in Danville. Special thanks to her husband Tommy for minding the child and household while she plays! 

Susan has had the good fortune to work with many successful theatre companies across Central Kentucky: Woodford Theatre, Jessamine County Arts + Community Theatre, Adventure Theatre, East Jessamine High School Theatre, Leeds Center for the Arts and now ActOut Theatre Group, Inc. her most notable roles include; The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; Rosie in Mamma Mia; Miss Hannigan in Annie and she was last seen as clown 1 in Woodford Theatre’s production of 39 Steps. Susan would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support throughout her theatre adventures and she would like to give a special thank you to Lindsey Sovkoplas for introducing her to this amazing world! 

Jules Clarke is ecstatic to be making her ActOut debut! Her recent credits include Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche (Vern), and Everybody (Death), amongst others. Previously, she loved laughing with her Improv Troupe, working as a performer at Disney World, and creating guerrilla projects with her dear friends. Jules would like to dedicate this performance to every fellow queer person past, present, and future. And to her uncle, Lige Clarke.

Lige Clarke Foundation

https://www.appalachianky.org/celebrating-kentuckian-and-queer-activist-lige-clarke/

The foundation’s purpose is to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth and leaders have the tools and resources they need to build a more just, diverse, and vibrant Appalachia—where everyone can have a seat at the table regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

BerNadette is Excited about her first production with  the ActOut Theatre 

Group.  BerNadette has also performed with other local theatre groups in, "12 Angry Jurors," "Love, Loss & Wha I Wore," "Last Call," "I Come From," "Outside Our Doors," "Don't Tell Me Who Done It (Inspector Horton)," "A Raisin in the Sun," "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Always and Forever," and others.  BerNadette is an American Culinary Federation certified Chef, owns and operates Aunt B's Catering and has tourned with Cirque Du Soleil on the Allegria show.

Rachel Jewell is returning to stage performance after many years away.  Previously, she's performed in musicals, as a wedding singer, and on social media.  Rachel loves spending time with her three daughters; writing humor, children's stories, and fiction; and exploring philosophy, psychology, and the metaphysical.

 Robin Kunkel is a freelance stage manager and seamstress. She is excited for her 2nd production with ActOut and has also worked with the Lexington Ballet Company, Bluegrass Opera, Kentucky Conservatory Theatre, Studio Players, and Actors Guild of Lexington. Recent credits include the courtroom reality show Relative Justice and an aerial production of The Nutcracker with Sora Aerial Arts. When not working in theater or film, she is organizing for environmental justice and decarceration, and volunteering as a photographer or event medic.