SYLVIA: Directed by Cara Sullivan

Aly Olvera (Sylvia) is an Atlanta-based film and theatre actress, dancer, and singer! She recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Young Harris College. While she has been recently concentrating on the film industry, Aly is excited to return to the stage once more! She is represented by East Coast Talent Agency. See more at alyolvera.com ! @alyolvera20 She would like to thank Cara for the opportunity to bring such a fun role to life. And as always, she would like to thank God for the blessings He provides!

Richie Watkins (Greg) As a character actor, Richie has primarily worked on independent films under the company that he co-founded with best friend Matt Kohler--Red Fist Productions.  With training in Film & TV Acting at Creative Actors in St. Louis, and Improv at Second City Chicago, Richie enjoys creating unorthodox yet believable characters for the screen and stage.  In addition to acting, Richie co-produces and scores the soundtracks for all of Red Fist's projects.  When he's not working, Richie bakes pies, plays the drums, and talks about his favorite movies, including the Terminator franchise and Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan.  Richie is excited to bring Sylvia to life, as he believes the play is spot-on in showing how people instinctively personify their dogs out of their need to have a deep, simple, and pure relationship.

Kristin Talley (Kate and Properties Designer) is currently a working Atlanta teaching artist, actor, singer and dancer and a recent member of the Aurora Theatre’s 2019-2020 Apprentice Company. In 2019, she graduated from Young Harris College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a minor in history. Some of her previous roles with the Aurora Theatre include Featured Ensemble (Christmas Canteen 2019), Judy U/S (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime), and Ensemble (On Your Feet). While working at the Aurora, Kristin was also able to start designing props. She has done props for 2 mainstage shows at the Aurora, Cat in the Hat and On Your Feet, as well as 2 shows for GGC’s theatre program, Shaking Up Shakespeare and Unplugged in the Park. After graduating college in 2019, she was cast as a principal dancer in Dolly Parton’s: Christmas on the Square on Netflix. She’d like to dedicate her performance tonight to the love and support of her grandparents who are watching tonight from heaven.

Kelley Gray (Tom/Phyllis/Leslie) is a stage and film veteran but a newcomer to the Atlanta scene. She recently played Becca in OnStage Atlanta's world premiere of Packing Up Polly and is excited to put her comedic chops to the test as Tom/Phyllis/Leslie. This will be Kelley's second AR Gurney show. The first being The Love Course when she played Sally at Young Harris College in 1992! Kelley is a single mom to 2 legged Cassidy and 4 legged Huck. She works in the Advertising field by day and enjoys taking her kids on hikes when she's not working from home or on a stage somewhere.
 

Technical Team Bios

Cara Sullivan (Director) is an Atlanta based director who has earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Young Harris College. For the past two years, she has been studying to get her MFA in Theatre Directing from the University of Essex: East 15 School of Drama. This production of Sylvia is a way for her to complete her thesis and receive her master’s degree. Some of her past credits include: Stonewater Rapture by Doug Wright, Directing Mentor for the International Play festival, and Assisting with Appropriate by Brandon Jacob Jenkins. She chose Sylvia for a couple of reasons, but the main ones are that she loves to laugh and after the year we’ve had, everyone deserves a good laugh and she love dogs. She is very proud of her cast and technical team for all of their hard work and dedication. Without them, this show would not be possible She also would like to thank everyone who got her to this point especially her parents, Charlie and Jackie Sullivan! Enjoy the show!

Kaitlin Smith (Stage Manager) has recently graduated from Young Harris College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatrical Production and Design with a minor in cinematic production. Some of her past stage managing credits include: Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl and Little Shop of Horrors. She is really excited to take on this project with the most amazing cast and director! She wants to thank Cara for giving her this opportunity and all of her friends and family who have supported her dreams.