ITC Players

graphic of person in wheelchair with spotlight on them Improbable Theatre lheader

History, Participant Bios, and Lunchtime Theater Performances

In 1999, several individuals who enjoyed attending theatrical and musical performances through Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), desired to become more than spectators. They started a Readers Theater that quickly grew into the Improbable Theatre Company (ITC). Th founding members of ITC are: James Foley, Amina Donna Kruck, Carolan Quenneville, Diane Sullivan, and Kathy Tweet.

(Past & present in alphabetical order)

Michelle Y. Allen, “The Improbable Couple;” "The Visit”
After her start as the lead role in one of her employer’s industrial films, Michele has been in other films, independent movies, and a national public service announcement. Most recent - “A Sentimental 1940’s Journey” another Herberger Lunch Time Theater show.

Alvera Ampian, “Actual Lives: Candid Snapshots”
Participant in ABIL’s “Transcendent Voices” and Toastmasters International Speech craft Training. Person with diabetes and arthritis.

Laurie Ball, “Suppressed Desires;” “Not in Polite Company”

Known as the “Singing Chaplain”, Laurie received an award for Stage Management in a local college competition; she has taken course work in Stage Acting, Acting for TV & Film, Stage Fighting & Swordsmanship. Joined ITC in 2006. Laurie lives with a connective tissue disorder, sometimes using a scooter.

Larissa Brewington, “The Improbable Couple”

Writer, producer and performer. She’s toured the northeast professionally, has been a full time staffer with Touchstone Theatre of Bethleham PA. Originator of “Gray Matters Productions, Larissa has written and performed in a number of LTT shows.

Bobbie Christensen, “The Stairs;" "Summer Camp," Scott's Vision"
Bobbie is a past ABIL volunteer, a high school drama student, and a published poet. She participated in disability awareness performances to schoolchildren. Bobbi is a person with cerebral palsy, asthma, and arthritis. “Sisters” was written by Candice N. Christensen-Ossowski, Bobbi’s twin sister.

Lee Cox, “Actual Lives: Candid Snapshots”
Writer, jazz musician, and actor. ABE/GED Tutor, HIV/Aids Educator, Ryan White Planning Council, Ten Percenters Multiple Addictions 12 Step Study Group Chairperson. Person with an amputation.

Hrabina Krystyna, “Not in Polite Company”

Graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Had a design studio called “New England Designers” for 10 years before becoming chemically intolerant from the work. Krystyna uses a power chair due to injuries resulting from an auto accident. “I’m proud to be a member of the ITC Group. I have found the support I need to make my life enjoyable and whole.”

Jolene De Tiege, “The Visit”
Jolene joined ITC toward the end of 2008, and her first performance as an ITC member was in the production of "The Visit" in 2009. She is currently a Board Member and the Secretary for ITC. Jolene believes in the mission of ITC and is happy to be involved in a theatre company full of wonderful people! She has a form of Muscular Dystrophy and uses a wheelchair.

Alicia Nicole Draper, “Label You, Label Me”
Alicia joined ITC in 2006 after graduating from ASU with a degree in Public Relations/Journalism and is currently pursuing a career in Public Speaking. Alicia lives with Cerebral Palsy.

Bonnie Guzelf, “Sex, Death & Wheelchairs”
Active in community theater since 1978. Diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) in 1999.

Kristin K. Hailstone, “Sex, Death & Wheelchairs”
A seasoned member with the Childsplay acting ensemble. Lives in Phoenix with husband Michael and baby son Jack. Favorite roles (besides ‘Mom’): “Pussycat in “The Owl & the Pussycat; Mary Todd in “Lincoln’s Log”; and six wonderful years as “The Velveteen Rabbit’s” Nursery Magic Fairy.

Doug Hutton, “Actual Lives: Candid Snapshots”
Past member and speaker for “People First.” Past volunteer for Arizona Office of the ADA and ABIL. Person with a learning disability.

Erik Jensen, “Suppressed Desires;” “Not in Polite Company” Erik has performed in several shows in High School including “Arsenic & Old Lace” “Up the Down Staircase” “Fame” “Damn Yankees” etc. Studied theatre at Abilene Christian University in Texas. City of Grace Drama Team. Erik works for Arizona Bridge to Independent Living as a Work Incentives Coordinator. He lives with his wife Robbin, has Spina Bifida and uses a manual wheelchair for mobility.

La’Shel Lovejoy, “Actual Lives: Candid Snapshots;” “Actual Lives: Sex, Death & Wheelchairs”
Poet, writer, inspirational/motivational speaker. Past member Black Writers Guild. Person with post traumatic epilepsy.

Robert Malone, “Sex, Death & Wheelchairs;” “Not in Polite Company”
Thrilled to be involved in wheelchair dance. Disability Information Consultant, VOICE Advocate and ABIL Peer Mentor. Person with a learning disability; Post Traumatic Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Muscle Myopathy, & Arthritis.

picture of Carolan Quenneville Carolan Quenneville, (All of the ITC shows except “Spoon River Anthology”)
Founding member of ITC. Writer, graphic artist, poet. Toastmasters International Region III Humorous Speech Contest winner. Participated in ABIL disability awareness presentations to schoolchildren. Person with arthritis since childhood.

William Robert, “Spoon River Anthology”
A retired English teacher and native Phoenician, William appeared at Phoenix Theatre as Biff in Death of a Salesman, Richard in The Lion in Winter, and Eilert Lövborg in Hedda Gabler.

Rick (RV) Romero - “The Visit”
Performs as a violinist with the Scottsdale Community College Orchestra, and the modern folk band, Estil Wallace. Wrote, directed, and starred in his original play, “The Best Men.” Written, directed, & starred in over 75+ original episodes of the radio variety-show sitcom, “Reuben Romero’s Out & About.” Currently hosts the online television program, “The Skittles Room,” which focuses on the game, history, and advantages of playing chess.

Susan Shows, “The Improbable Couple”
You may have seen Susan as an extra in a couple of films for television or in various theater performances in the Phoenix area. A student of the arts, you will see her at ongoing theater art workshops in Phoenix and LA.

Scott Stoddard-Christensen, "Sex, Death & Wheelchairs;" The Proposal"

Scott previously volunteered with ABIL as an Arts & Craft Group leader. First time performing with ITC. Personal Assistance Services Employee. Person with developmental disability.

Char Summerfield - “The Improbable Couple;” “Suppressed Desires;” “Not in Polite Company”
Char performed with The Oxymoron’Z & Jester’Z Improv Comedy troupes, appeared in local commercials and in the movies, “Blind Eye” and Hallmark’s Hall of Fame, “Lost Child”. City of Grace Drama Team. She lives with “Arthur Itis” & her husband, Jack. She wants to thank God for his awesome blessings, her supportive family and friends, for all her artificial parts & some of the original ones.

Diane Sullivan - “Bits n’ Pieces”
Founding Member of ITC. Violinist, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. Visual artist, writer and performer. Person with Multiple Sclerosis, a vision impairment and uses a wheelchair.

Robert Swierski, “Spoon River Anthology”Robert has been both an actor and director and is also respected throughout the Valley as a Computer Graphics Scenic and Sound Designer and Technician. ITC represents, for him, innovation and introduces its special talent in professional performances.

Denise Thompson, “Actual Lives: Candid Snapshots;” “Spoon River Anthology”
Denise's stage début was in ITC’s 2003 Actual Lives performance at Lunch Time Theatre. Since then she has performed as Mrs. Clause and several other roles. Former Executive Director of the Arizona Office for Americans with Disabilities. Director, Creating Community Inclusion. Vice Chair, ArtAbility steering committee. Person with blindness.

Kathy Tweet, (All of the LTT shows except “Not In Polite Company” & “The Visit”)
ITC Founder. Writer, performer, student in the STAGES- Eight Week Workshop Actor Training Program, Herberger Theater Center. Portland (OR) Accessible Theater, ABIL disability awareness presentations to schoolchildren. Person with Spina Bifida. “It is a privilege to participate with members of the disability community in working to create quality theater experience.”

Steve Wiebe, “The Visit”
Steve began acting in high school. Since then he has been involved in several stage productions and musicals. Over the past decade, he has been a director, stage manager and actor. Steve has also done makeup, set design and set building. He sees every production he participates in as a learning experience.

Skye Ayers, Stage Manager – “The Visit”
Skye has appeared as an actor with several theater companies in the valley. Her latest show was at Theatre Artists Studio. She also stage manages and has done crew and tech work. Skye volunteers at Horses Help, a therapeutic riding program.

Cindy Brown, Director, “Actual Lives - Candid Snapshots”
Writer, Actress, Director, Filmmaker. Founder “Friendly People Productions.” Past trainer with the Arizona Office for Americans with Disabilities (ADA). Pennywhistle player! Person with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Delores D’Amore Goldsmith, Director – “The Improbable Couple” “The Visit”
Actress, writer, Co-founder of the Arizona Women’s Theater. “The Visit” is Dolores’s 2^nd time directing ITC. Theater Artists Studio. Person with a deep desire to see ITC succeed.
Wendy Myers, Director, “Not In Polite Company;” “Actual Lives - Sex, Death & Wheelchairs”
Writer, and playwright, Wendy’s plays have been produced in Phoenix and L.A. Member of ITC, Founding member of Writers Circle of Actors Theatre, an Associate Member of the Dramatists Guild and member of The Theater Artists Studio. Person with a deep desire to see ITC succeed.
Jim Newcomer, Director, “Spoon River Anthology”
Three decades of educational and professional experience, was delighted to share this gifted cast’s interpretation of Spoon River. Jim discovered that ITC embodies its closing message: “It takes life to love life.”
Julie Peterson, Stage Manager, “Actual Lives - Candid Snapshots;” “Sex, Death & Wheelchairs”
Writer, performer, director, appears with Theater Eclectic in the next Lunch Time show “The Actor’s Nightmare,” opening June 10^th. Julie will be Assistant Stage Manager for “Shakespeare Sedona in July.”
Alex Rivera, Stage Manager
Drama student, North Canyon High School Student and studying under the mentorship of Wendy Myers. Phoenix native. First time working with ITC/LTT
Anthony Runfola, Director, “Sex, Death & Wheelchairs”
Production Manager, Childsplay Theater for Young Audiences & Families
Josh Yeatts, Director “Suppressed Desires”
Studied theatre and acting at ASU and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and is excited to be working with ITC. Josh has worked professionally around the valley with organizations such as: Word of Grace, Experience Arts School, Neighborhood Ministries, The Task program, and Girl Scouts of America. Josh is the Assistant Director of Drama at Phoenix First Assembly, where he writes and directs regularly. Currently, he resides in Tempe with his son Rilo, his daughter Ruby, and his wife, Kim.

2009

“The Visit”

An adaptation of Mark Stoddard’s “A Visit with Vance.”Jack is haunted by mistakes of his past. To clear his conscience, Jack volunteers at a group home. He finds a supernatural relationship that challenges his mind and heart.

Performers: Michele Y. Allen, Carolan Quenneville, R.V. Romero, Char Summerfield, Jolene DeTiege, Steve Wiebe
Director: Delores D’Amore Goldsmith
Stage Manager: Skye Ayers

2008

“Not In Polite Company” with “Cheek to Cheek” Wheelchair Dance

In society, disabilities can be viewed as ‘impolite’ in nature. In spite of this, we dance, laugh and cry through the stages of grief on our way to acceptance. - written by Wendy Myers and ITC players from life stories of ITC members.

Performers: Laurie Ball, Krystyna Czerwinski, Erik Jensen, Robert Malone, Carolan Quenneville, Char Summerfield
Writer and Director: Wendy Myers
Stage Manager: Roxanne Ross
Assistant Stage Manager: Steve Wiebe

2007

“Label You, Label Me” & “Suppressed Desires”

ITC members work to free a person bound up by labels stuck on by society.

Performers: Alicia Draper, Robert Malone, Carolan Quenneville, Stephanie Ringler, Kathy Tweet
Director: Wendy Myers

“Suppressed Desires”

Henrietta Brewster thinks she knows how to interpret dreams. She’s read all there is on dreams and psychoanalysis and is more than eager to help her harried husband Stephen and her sister Mabel discover the “Suppressed Desires” hidden in their dreams.

Performers: Laurie Ball, Erik Jensen, Char Summerfield
Director: Josh Yeatts
Stage Manager: Alex Rivera

2006

“The Improbable Couple”

Based on “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon

Performers: Michele Y. Allen, Larissa Brewington, Carolan Quenneville, Susan Shows, Char Summerfield, Kathy Tweet,
Director: Delores D’Amore Goldsmith
Stage Manager: Becky Saunders

2005

Excerpts from “Spoon River Anthology”

Voices from the Spoon River graveyard speak of their life, times and passing. A published work by Edgar Lee Masters.

Performers: William Robert, Robert Swierski, Denise Thompson, Kathy Tweet
Director: Jim Newcomer

2004

“Actual Lives: Sex, Death & Wheelchairs”

A surprise party has been planned, but for who? A play based on the actual life wedding proposal by Scott Stoddard to Bobbi Christensen with individual vignettes written and performed by cast members. Written by Wendy Myers from actual life stories as told by cast members.

Performers: Bobbi & Scott Christensen, Bonnie Guzelf, La’Shel Lovejoy, Robert Malone, Carolan Quenneville, Denise Thompson, Kathy Tweet
Director: Anthony Runfola
Stage Manager Julie Petersen

2003

“Actual Lives: Candid Snapshots”

Vignettes of actual life events, stories and poems of cast members with a backdrop of interspersed photos.

Performers: Alvera Ampian, Lee Cox, Doug Hutton, La’Shel Lovejoy, Carolan Quenneville, Denise Thompson, Kathy Tweet
Director: Cindy Brown
Stage Manager: Julie Petersen

2002

“Bits and Pieces”

A series of five humorous and dramatic vignettes reflecting the diversity and similarities of people with and without disabilities. In conjunction with the Essential Theatre (ET) troupe.

Performers: Carolan Quenneville, Diane Sullivan, Kathy Tweet
Director: Jackie Masei

ITC

About ITC

Upcoming ITC Events

No fragrances please.

To accommodate those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities please do not smoke or wear scented products when attending ITC events. Thank you.

Copyright Improbable Theatre Company