#phantom projects

What happens in a first rehearsal? 

1. Get to know what Phantom Projects is all about

2. Some Behind-the-Scenes footage of being a teen on tour.

3. Going over rules, scheduling, etc.

4. Then a read thru of the entire script

This coming weekend the cast will be having an all day rehearsal of Q & A. a very important part to this show because our young actors will be engaging in conversation with Students. This show specifically has post show discussion with every school, so making sure all actors are ready & prepared to answer any question with confidence and ease is not easy. 

Especially with such a powerful show answers need to be thought. So we take a full day to go over a whole packet of questions students might ask but also allows our young actors to start to think about their own lives and situations they’ve gone through so they might be able to share with students... to make them not feel alone in these topics. 

Needless to say this weekend will be very important for these actors because in order to act truthfully one must understand themselves and all their emotions completely. 

SUPPORT THE ARTS!! WATCH TONIGHT! 

THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE premieres tonight June 30 at 8pm {PT}. Running through July 14th, 2020. • 

HOW TO WATCH THE PERFORMANCE:

VOTE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW

https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Voting-Now-Open-For-The-2018-BroadwayWorld-Los-Angeles-Awards-20181116

We are ecstatic to have been nominated for EIGHT Broadway World Los Angeles Awards. All three of our shows got nominated!

GATHERING BLUE

BUD, NOT BUDDY

THROUGH THESE EYES (Original play by us!) 

We need your help to win!! Please Vote! You have until December 31st. 

https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Voting-Now-Open-For-The-2018-BroadwayWorld-Los-Angeles-Awards-20181116

Phantom Projects is all about bringing motivational, inspirational, and educational theatre to our audiences and so glad that it is being recognized by Broadway World. 

Check out our nominations! 

BEST PLAY, LOCAL

THROUGH THESE EYES  (PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP AT LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPuLKYr0n_k

DIRECTOR OF A PLAY, LOCAL

Steve Cisneros,  THROUGH THESE EYES  (PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP AT LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)

FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY, LOCAL

James McFarlane, GATHERING BLUE, (PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP AT LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)

FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY, LOCAL

Alexis Curry, THROUGH THESE EYES, (PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP AT LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)

Jessa Laboisssonniere, GATHERING BLUE (PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP AT LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)

LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY, LOCAL

Devin Glass, BUD, NOT BUDDY (PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP AT LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)

LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY, LOCAL

Summer Martin, THROUGH THESE EYES (PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP AT LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)

Angie D. Watson, GATHERING BLUE (PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP AT LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS)

Fifteen year old, Veronica McFarlane is excited to be playing Mercy Lewis in AFFLICTED: DAUGHTERS OF SALEM! She's been acting and doing theatre since she was 6 years old.

"I first found my love for theater from my parents, who have also done theater and dance. I’ve always really loved to sing, dance and make people laugh, so acting was something that really stuck with me."

"One goal I have is to one day act with Meryl Streep or Julie Andrews. To be able to work with such creative minds like theirs would be amazing. Winning an award would be cool too, I guess."

What inspired you to audition for Afflicted: Daughters of Salem?

I saw the Crucible a couple years ago and I was fascinated by how real it all was. It’s also amazing how Afflicted is a true story, and I thought how cool it would be to put myself in the shoes of a strong girl who was part of the Salem witch trials.

Tell us a little bit about your character?

Mercy Lewis is a teen aged girl who has experienced tragedies that has affected her life majorly. She survived an attack of Wabanacki Indians, but her entire family did not, making her an orphan. She becomes a servant in the Putnam household, where she meets Ann Putnam. Ann introduces her to the other girls, who later become her sisters.

How did you prepare for your role?

I have done lots of research to study these characters and the Salem witch trials. It also helps that the cast is so welcoming and sweet, it’s easy to become sisters, like Ann, Abigail, Mercy, and Mary are.

What's special to you about live theatre?

I like live theater because there is a bigger challenge coming from the fact that you have one chance to not mess up. I also think it’s cool that there’s the possibility every show can be different than the last.

Are you working on any other projects that you can share?

I am doing A Christmas Carol at my school! It’s a tradition we do every year and I’m very excited.

What's your typical week look like?

I usually have rehearsal every day now that I’m doing Christmas Carol and Afflicted. But, my grades haven’t dropped yet so I’m doing pretty good.

What helps you de-stress & relax?

When I de-stress I like to usually sleep, listen to music, or watch Friends on Netflix.

What's your favorite book?

My favorite book is probably Fahrenheit 451. I recently read that and I thought it was really well written, and I liked the writing style.

Is this your first production with Phantom Projects?

When I was 12, I did a production of Number the Stars at the La Mirada Theater with Phantom. I loved the environment and the people, so I came back to do a couple years of Teens on Tour, doing Center of the Universe and also #TheWall. My favorite show is Center of the Universe. That process is just one emotional rollercoaster, one serious topic after the other, which is awesome. The shows like that one are eye-opening and beautiful.

Why do you think Arts Education is important?

Arts education is definitely a way of learning without just having a conversation. The arts can tell stories that help us understand topics with even song and dance. So many emotions are added when we see it on a stage, by an audience member and an actor. On top of that, it can help start a conversation, which makes you actually think about a piece. I see arts education as an opportunity to experience a situation or activity in the moment.

GABI JONES

Gabi is 19 years old and will be playing Abigail Williams in our production of Afflicted: Daughters of Salem this November 15th at the La Mirada Theatre of the Performing Arts. Almost 10 years of acting under her belt, Gabi grew up in a sports family (brothers played football, soccer, baseball, basketball, cross country, archery, etc.) she was always very bad at sports and loved the idea of getting to play pretend and tell stories. She found herself in theatre and never looked back!

What are your dreams and goals as an actor? 

I am currently pursuing a BFA in theatre performance and would like to get an MFA and be in a repertory company/teach. I've also considered opening my own theatre company back home in Minnesota where I would produce only genderbent shows (where all the women are played by men and all the men are played by women). Before I die, I have to do 13 the musical!

What made you want to audition for Afflicted: Daughters of Salem?

I wanted to do a show outside of school so badly and when I saw auditions for this production, I was immediately drawn to the characters and dark story-line. There's so much to play with!

Can you tell us a little bit about the character you’ll be playing?

Abigail Williams wants to break free from the constraints of 1691 Puritan society. She is eager to experience life and fall in love, and finds herself being crushed by the rules and regulations of the people around her. She is willing to do anything and everything it takes to protect herself and while I can't excuse her willingness to manipulate and hurt others, I think it stems from fear and a desire to change the way things are. I think, in a lot of ways, Abigail was ahead of her time in the way she thought.

What do you do as an actor to prepare for this role & show?

I think it's important for me not to judge Abigail. I've done a lot of research about her historically, but creating this version of Abigail Williams is a bit more playful and relies more on this script. I've been thinking of her as a wolf in a pack of wolves and am trying to play with her tactics and the success/failure of those tactics by gaging her scene partners' reactions. The rehearsal process will definitely include a lot of playing around with how to get a result.

Why do you like live theatre? 

I love the intimacy and honesty in watching someone perform something just for you. Everyone enters the theatre knowing it's a fantasy, but are willing to believe (and sometimes be convinced) that there's truth there; because there really is!

Are you working on any other projects at the moment? If so, can you share?

In the spring I will be in a production of She Kills Monsters at Chapman University.

What’s your typical week like now with rehearsals? (school, jobs, hw, classes, etc)

I am a full-time university student and have theatre and Spanish classes Monday-Thursday. I work Friday-Sunday at two different jobs; one ushering at an on-campus theatre, and one working at a princess party company. I have rehearsals scattered amidst the craziness.

What do you do to de-stress or when you have free time? (hobbies, things you like to do)

I try to meditate when I get too stressed. I also love to cook and always love to experiment with recipes. Additionally, I try to leave a little time for a rom-com movie marathon with my four roommates/best friends.

Your favorite book & why?

The Book Thief! Makes me cry every time.

Is this your first production with Phantom Projects? 

Yes! Phantom Projects provides such an accessible and unique approach to arts education. I love and appreciate the space for students to experience play and grow from the theatre.

Why do you think arts education is important?

The arts teach tolerance! I think it's so important for children to experience a safe place to experiment with their creativity and develop artistic skills which give expression to their spirit. It's the most human thing about us and arts education helps young people connect with others and the world around them.

Check out Gabi & the cast of Afflicted: Daughters of Salem November 15th at THE LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS! 

MEET THE LOVELY CAST FROM AFFLICTED: DAUGHTERS OF SALEM!!

Angela Watson

Angie is a multi-faceted actress, who has recently performed in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (Joe) and "The Crucible" (Tituba) at The Attic; “Gathering Blue” (Annabella) with Phantom Projects; “A Piece of My Heart” (Steele) at the Costa Mesa Playhouse, “A Raisin in the Sun” (Mama) at The Long Beach Playhouse, and in “Tintypes: The Musical” (Susannah) at The Mysterium Theatre. Angie especially enjoys performing musical comedy/improv and singing pop/R&B/jazz.

Gabi Jones

Born and raised in Minnesota, Gabi Jones is ecstatic to be making her California debut with Phantom Projects. Gabi is a sophomore BFA Theatre Performance major/Spanish major at Chapman University in Orange, CA where she resides with her four best friends. Although her first production away from home, Gabi began acting almost 10 years ago and has since appeared in some of Minnesota's premier theatre companies. A few of her favorite roles include Emily Webb (Our Town), Susan (Bobrauschenbergamerica), Margot Frank (The Diary of Anne Frank), Jeannie (Hair) and Ruth (Blithe Spirit)

Mia Cusianovic

This is Mia Cusianovic's first production with Phantom Projects Theatre Group. She is very excited to be working with such a stellar cast and crew! Mia has been located in Southern California for all of her life but hopes to get her B.F.A in acting in New York City. Mia's most recent venture on the east coast was her 5-week intensive training at the Stella Adler Studio of acting. Mia is a huge lover of literature and her dog, Fiora! She would like to thank her family and friends for their never-ending love and support in her artistry.

Veronica Mcfarlane

Veronica is so excited to be a part of Afflicted: Daughters of Salem! She loves Phantom Projects, and has been in some of their other shows playing Annemarie in Number the Stars, Jasmine in #TheWall and Conscience in Center of the Universe. Her favorite roles include Mary Phagan in Parade and Tobias in Sweeney Todd. She has also had roles on Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Dreamworks TV, as well as various short films at AFI and NYFA. She would like to thanks all of Phantom Projects for this amazing opportunity.

Carmina Garay

Carmina is thrilled to return to Phantom Projects and the La Mirada Theatre portraying Betty, the youngest cast member in Afflicted.  Carmina is a veteran in the entertainment world in film, television, and on stage. Carmina is a part of a performer legacy, and is actually a 3rd generation Sag-Aftra member.  She began at 8 months as a Baby Gap model and hasn’t stopped since.  She worked on her first film at 3 years old, and recently was recognized for her work in film with nominations by both the Young Artist Awards and the Young Entertainer Awards.

Some of her TV credits include “Raising Hope”, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”, “Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack”, and you can find her on the upcoming new series “Pen15” on HULU in February.

Performing on stage since she was 5, her favorite musical productions include “Joseph”, “The Music Man” and “The Little Mermaid”, where she LOVED playing the role of Flounder. In 2015, she was lucky enough to perform in L.A. Opera’s “Pagliacci” with Placido Domingo at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Carmina’s first drama production was last year’s Phantom Projects’ “The Giver”.  She is excited to work with Tim P. Thorn again and is thankful for the opportunity!  

Katia Peel

Katia Peel is a 15 year old actress, model and singer. She was born in France, and lived in Germany and Canada before relocating to L.A. Katia started in front of the camera in 2010 as a model (for several firms, including the Sony Corporation), then transferred to film, appearing in full-length productions (Nurse 3D, Drawing Home) and a dozen short films. She has appeared on television, both in network series (Transporters, The Series and Nickelodeon's Game Shakers), and on Web productions. In addition, Katia has worked in several Voice-overs for such titles as the Clint Eastwood's film American Sniper and the television series Bones. Katia has also appeared on stage in the Kelrik production of Willy Wonka the Musical, Grey Gardens, and the Los Angeles Theatre Festival.

These ladies are going to put on an amazing show at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts on November 15, 2018. The UNTOLD story of The Crucible, focusing in on the lives of these girls and Tituba. A story that demands strong actors and we are so lucky to have found these 6 women. 

To purchase your tickets click here https://cart.lamiradatheatre.com/single/SYOS.aspx?p=502