MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT

Chip Decker was born and raised in the Green Mountains of Vermont and has lived in Texas, North Dakota and North Carolina. Chip joined Actor’s Theatre in 1996 and became Artistic Director in 2002. In addition to acting in our productions of DARK RAPTURE, STUMPS, ZARA SPOOK & OTHER LURES, BUG, THE REDUCED SHAKESPEARE’S “ABRIDGED” plays and RABBIT HOLE, Chip received MTA Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of Michael in ATC's multi-award winning drama, THE PILLOWMAN. Also, he received Creative Loafing’s Best Director (Comedy) Award for our production of WONDER OF THE WORLD, as well as sharing Theatre Person of the Year honors. He also directed MTA’s 2009 Outstanding Comedy SOUTHERN RAPTURE, the blood-filled comedy THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE, the popular POLISH JOKE that opened our 2005-2006 season, THE OLDEST PROFESSION, and THE SANTALAND DIARIES. Chip would like his favorite scene partner of nearly 17 years, his wife, Taffy. 

MEET THE CAST

Carrie Cranford (Woman #2) is no stranger to Actor’s Theatre, though you are probably used to seeing her sitting behind the audience, rather than in front of them. This is her fifth season as Production Manager here at ATC. She received her theatre degree from the rather conservative Gardner Webb University, so don’t tell them she’s in a show about sex. Her favorite roles of the past include Little Red in INTO THE WOODS and Stella in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. It’s been so long since Carrie has been in front of an audience that it feels like the first time all over again. Be gentle with her. 

Ryan Stamey (Man #1) is definitely not a virgin to the Charlotte stage.  He has been seen here at ATC in shows such as EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL, THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE, THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, and SLUT! THE MUSICAL. Other local shows include THE SHAKESPEARE STEALER at Children’s Theatre Charlotte, and Barebone's PSYCHO BEACH PARTY and DEBBIE DOES DALLAS: THE MUSICAL. He also has musically directed shows for several companies, including Theatre Charlotte's recent production of THE FULL MONTY. Be sure to check him out tickling the ivories at Petra's Piano Bar in Plaza-Midwood! He'd like to thank Actors Theatre for the many opportunities they have given him, and hopes that if it's your first time at ATC you enjoy the show!  

Biniam Tekola (Man #2) attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to study dramatic arts. Upon moving back to Charlotte, in February, he has performed with the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in ANIMAL TALES, and THE ICECREAM MAN, as well as provided technical (and moral) support to C.A.S.T.’s production of METAMORPHOSIS, and Machine Theatre’s production of THOM THOM. This summer he attended the Leon Katz’ Rhodopi International Theatre Laboratory in Smolyan, Bulgaria to study dramatic technique, play production, and dramaturgy. It is appropriate that Biniam’s first time with Actor’s Theatre should be in MY FIRST TIME, and he looks forward to it being a memorable experience…and expects to, at least, be treated to dinner and a movie. 

Shon Wilson (Woman #1) is making her third appearance at Actor’s Theatre.  Her most recent acting credits include “Calpurnia” in Julius Caesar for Collaborative Arts and “Tasha” in The Drama Club at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.  Before that Shon was seen as “Vixen” in the ATC production of The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, as “Helena” in Epic Arts’ A Midsummer Night’s Musical and as “Velma” in ATC’s 2006 remount of Crowns.  As a member of the NC Shakespeare Festival's touring company Shon played "Juliet", "Ophelia", "Lady Macbeth" and several other characters.  This summer she made her Charlotte-area directing debut with Snow White for Fort Mill Community Playhouse and successfully produced her first show, Summer Sketch.  Locally represented by JTA, Shon is also an accomplished film and video actress.  She thanks God, her family and her friends for her very blessed life!

Coming soon!

Coming soon!