Izzy Chern is a queer theatremaker born and raised in Chicago. They graduated from the University of Denver in 2021 having earned a BA in theatre with distinction in acting.

They were introduced to the world of theatre at age 8 and realized there was nothing else they would rather do. Izzy began their official theatre training at age 14 at The Chicago Academy for the arts. Since then, they have been seen onstage in over 30 productions ranging from classics to new works (The Wolves, Hedda Gabler, Kid Simple, Cymbeline, Noises Off!). Along with their work onstage, they are also well versed in directing, designing, and technical theatre.

Outreach theatre and theatre education have also been a big part of Izzy’s life. Along with three years as a kindergarten, first grade, and ECE teacher, they have assisted in arts-based family days for incarcerated folks (DU Prison Arts Initiative) as well as a three-week devised theatre workshop in Zanzibar, Tanzania (Global Empowerment Theatre). Their goal as an artist is to make people feel held, seen, and valued. 

This is Maria’s  (she/they) Denver theatre community debut and couldn’t be more stoked by who she gets to create with. They are so full of appreciation and admiration for this beautiful cast and crew. May they all know how this process is helping to heal her, as an artist and a human being. Maria wishes for audiences to leave this creative space feeling empowered, thoughtful, and not alone. She hails from Madison, Wisconsin where she earned her Photography AA— she also holds an Acting Certificate from Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Ireland. Love to Taylor and Knives.

Neil Soriano Isales, Jr. is a proud Filipino-American, born in Bulacan and raised in Denver,  and is very excited to be making his 2 Cent Lion debut in “The Tragedy of Medusa”. Recent credits include Greg McConnell in “Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical” (Shifted Lens Theatre Company) and Berowne in Timbers and Friedman’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost The Musical” (Mines Little Theatre). Neil was most recently Calico Jack in Shifted Lens’ staged reading of “The Legend of Anne Bonny” by Emy McGuire, and will be Fyedka in Performance Now’s upcoming “Fiddler on the Roof” in March of 2025. Neil graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 2020 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He now works in bridge design and construction for CDOT and sings in the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Choir. He hopes “Medusa” is cathartic for audiences and sparks conversation. As a gay "1.75-generation" immigrant, Neil wishes to provide positive representation in his art for anyone who’s ever felt on the outside looking in. Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Ben.

Tamarra Nelson (she/her) is a Denver based educator, administrator, and theatre artist. Born in Colorado, Tamarra has lived in Denver since 2014, making theatre, facilitating, and working with hundreds of young people along the way. She has been a teaching artist and arts administrator with organizations such as the Denver Center for Performing Arts, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and Mirror Image Arts. She’s also served as a full time educator, teaching 2nd and 3rd graders. Most recently, she worked as the Director of Youth Programs for the arts and social justice nonprofit, Creative Strategies for Change. She also works around the city as a theatre director and actor. This is her third collaboration with Two Cent Lion, where she most recently directed their production of The Rocky Horror Show. Her other acting credits include multiple roles in 1 Night, 6 Plays (5280 Artist Co-Op), an ensemble member in Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again. (Philomela Productions, which she also directed), and Miranda in #BESTYOU (Pipedream Productions).

Max (he/him) is thrilled the join Two Cent Lion once again in the People's Building of Aurora, having previously designed lights for Rocky Horror, Josie's Diner and Clink Clink, the latter of which won a Henry award for Outstanding Lighting Design. Max also works in collaboration with the Denver Theatre Ensemble, and is an actor at Casa Bonita. He is the Technical Director of Colorado's Elusive Ingredient, the premier Colorado shadow cast of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

BIO FORTHCOMING.

Ariana Gonzales-Troyer is a queer, Hispanic designer born and raised in Colorado. She graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2021 earning a BA in History and a minor in Industrial Design. She works in Marketing roles with LQBTQIA organizations in Denver, (Just Living Recovery, & Maria Droste Counseling Center). Ariana continues her passion for art history in her relationship with her husband and their three cats. Gustav was named after the famous painter of The Kiss. It was Gustav and their love of art history that brought the couple together in the beginning. 

Ariana has a love of queer art experienced through television, cinema and musical theater. Her love of world building & story telling developed through DND sessions and fiction novels. She joined Two Cent Lions in the production of The Tragedy of Medusa as her first designer credit. Until now, she has designed and created costumes for herself and friends in the Drag Community. 

Ariana draws inspiration from the work of Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Gustav Klimt, Frida Kahlo, and Alfons Mucha, in her regular work. While studying History and Design she spent a month in Barcelona discovering the world of Antoni Gaudi, Dali and Picasso. This trip led to her interest in Greek & Roman history, including the mythologies of the ancient cultures. The ties of history and religion greatly influenced her pursuits in education, especially regarding queer history in America. Her admiration of revolutionary artists brings her to push against antiquated beliefs and working towards a future where we are not ruled by mainstream media. 

BIO FORTHCOMING.

Alston Phu is a local actor who received a B.A in Theatre and Film Production from the University of Denver in 2020, appearing in various stage productions such as Something Wicked: Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Borrowed Parts, and 7 Stages. Most recently, he appeared as David in Two Cent Lion’s production of Josie’s Diner. Off stage, he acts in local short films and commercials—most recently starring as Alex in the grappling-focused short Now and Then and appearing in the Filipino martial art short Kali. Martial arts and action choreography has always been one of his biggest passions. When not acting, Alston enjoys traveling and indulging in different local cuisines, believing it’s a gateway into understanding different cultures and connecting with people.

Kevin Douglas (he/him) is a queer playwright, filmmaker, producer, and sound/projections designer from Denver, Colorado. He recently won a Henry Award for Sound Design (Clink Clink, co-designed by Taelor Hansen). He completed his Bachelor’s (theatre/english) and Master’s (management) degrees at the University of Denver. He recently lived in London, where he completed his Master’s (screenwriting) at Raindance Film School. His plays, films, and TV series aim to create positive queer representation by exploring the complexity (and the messiness) of human relationships.

 Learn more on his website: www.kevintdouglas.com

Gracie Jacobson is a 26-year-old artist whose passions lie in arts access and equitable arts education. They graduated from the University of Denver where they earned a BS in Finance and BA in Theatre in 2021, and are currently pursuing their master’s degree in documentary filmmaking at the University of Edinburgh. Gracie has performed and worked in theatre since they were 5 years old.

At the age of 16, Gracie co-founded, designed, and taught at Discover Theatre, a week-long theater camp for children in the foster care system. The program ran in Portland for 3 years. Other directing/assistant directing credits include Tony Kushner's Flip, Flop, Fly!, Dale Wasserman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at Sterling Correctional Facility, as well as Yesterday Today, In Loving Memory, and Josie’s Diner here at Two Cent Lion.

Gracie strives to make art more equitable and elevate queer narratives. They are incredibly excited to be along for the ride of 2¢ Lion Theatre Company with two of their closest friends. 

Chelle Love is a Wisconsin artist whose passion lies in music and teaching. They graduated from University of Colorado Denver with a degree in Music Performance and currently work as an elementary music teacher. When they’re not teaching kinder through fifth grade, they travel to teach private lessons as well.

Their journey into music started at a young age with piano lessons. This eventually evolved into voice lessons after joining their highschool choir. Chelle’s experience with music lessons propelled them to compete in solo ensemble competitions that then led to state competitions.

During highschool, Chelle was a part of different theatre productions such as “Much Ado About Nothing” as Claudio, “Cinderstein” as Cinderella, and “Snoopy! The Musical” as Marcy. Their interest in productions didn’t stop there. They were given the opportunity to work on special effects makeup and acting through horror movies created by their father.

Chelle’s ultimate goal is to create and try new things!