Stage and Screen ArtistsSoutheastern WI Arts Guild is proud to serve members of the local theater and film communities with a custom profile page dedicated to helping them engage and connect effectively with fans and supporters.
Metro Milwaukee's nationally-recognized theater scene features esteemed artists, high-caliber theatrical productions and performances, and imaginative performance spaces. Known also for its outstanding variety of theatrical productions, the Metro Milwaukee theater scene has something special in store for every theatergoer! Local film production is increasing in both popularity and importance in southeastern Wisconsin. Metro Milwaukee's film community - consisting of producers, directors, actors, writers, animators, digital artists and more - is wholly dedicated to producing short and feature length films for regional, national and international release. Many locally produced films are screened annually at major film festivals worldwide. SWAG is dedicated to helping local stage and screen artists, and performance venues gain the attention and support they so well deserve. Kristen Johnston, SAG-AFTRA![]() Introducing two-time Emmy Award winning actress - Kristen Johnston! In addition to her work on television, Ms. Johnston is an accomplished stage and screen actress, acting teacher (NYU), and noted author. Ms. Johnston's memoir "GUTS" is a New York Times Best-Seller.
Kristen Johnston is from Whitefishbay, Wisconsin, where much of her family still lives. Her long and varied career spans theater, film, and of course, television. Ms. Johnston won two Emmy's for her role on “3rd Rock from the Sun," but has appeared on many other TV shows, including “Ugly Betty,” “ER,” “Bored to Death,” and, perhaps most memorably, as the party girl who was shown the window on "Sex & the City." She's now back on television on TVLand's new series, “the exes.” Just a few of Johnston’s many stage credits are SO HELP ME GOD! (Drama Desk Nomination), THE WOMEN; AUNT DAN & LEMON; LOVE SONG on the West End; as well as starring in three Shakespeare in Central Park productions, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, 12TH NIGHT & THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH. Kristen Johnston is a long-time member of The Atlantic Theater Company, and roles over the years have included THE LIGHTS (drama Desk Nomination) and SCARCITY. Ms. Johnston's films include 'Austin Powers; the spy who shagged me', 'Finding Bliss', 'Bride Wars', 'Life Happens', 'Vamps', 'Strangers with Candy,' and the upcoming independent films 'Bad Parents' with Janeane Garafolo, and 'Lovesick' with Matt LeBlanc. Ms. Johnston also teaches acting at The Atlantic Theater Company's Acting School at NYU. Ms. Johnston is working to build a desperately needed sober high school in New York City - 'SLAM NYC'. Finally, her New York Times Best-Selling Memoir, GUTS - the endless follies and tiny triumphs of a giant disaster, recently came out in paperback. Visit gutsthebook.com for more info. Connect: IMBD - Kristin Johnston. |
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Jeffrey James Ircink, SAG-AFTRA![]() Meet Jeffrey James Ircink - award-winning playwright, screenwriter and actor.
Jeffrey James Ircink has worked in theatre and film in Milwaukee, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Los Angeles. Favorite roles include Tom in THE GLASS MENAGERIE, Jack in JACK AND JILL, Mickey/Narrator in BLOOD BROTHERS, Martin/The Old Man in FOOL FOR LOVE, Space Punk in STARMITES, and guest artist for A MODERN SALON/2012 at the historic Brucemore Mansion in Cedar Rapids. A To Tell the Truth jackpot winner, Jeff’s also appeared in the films Combustion, Terminal Error, Contagion and Tumbleweeds and music videos for Robbie Williams and Cypress Hill. He will appear in the role of Mawell in the upcoming short film, The Athiest, directed my Milwaukeean Anthony Presti. Jeff’s original plays have taken him to Belfast, Sydney, Manhattan, Seattle, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Dayton, Bel Air, and Milwaukee. Among his written work for the theatre: Stan’s Addiction, Chromosome 21, How To Kill A Boy, Reveille!, A Promiscuous Rape, Conor Francis Comes Home to Ballycullen, Jesus Pushed A Grocery Cart, Billy Balfoor Wants An Apology and The Bed. The short film, PASS THE SALT, PLEASE, an adaptation of Jeff's award-winning, 10-minute play, has been screened in 34 film festivals around the world. It was awarded a Jury Award Winner at the 2011 Palm Springs ShortFest, a Special Jury Prize at 2012 Cinequest Film Festival (San Jose), a Gold Remi Award at WorldFest/Houston 2012, and the Golden Horn/Audience Favorite at The Really Funny Horny Goat International Short Film Festival/2012 (Milwaukee), which Jeff created and produces. Jeff holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater but has never aspired to become a journalist. He bow hunts, makes maple syrup with his brother, enjoys antiquing/rummaging, still holds a torch for Brett Favre and lives in an “original” in Greendale, WI. |
Connect with JeffWebsite:
Jeff Ircink |
Aaron Marcus, SAG-AFTRA![]() Meet Aaron Marcus - America's Premier Acting and Modeling Career Coach, Author, Actor, Commercial Model, and Lecturer.
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor and commercial model since 1986. He is represented by 125 agents across the United States, and has been cast in 1,182 (to date) TV and radio commercials, corporate films, feature film, Television and print ads. Aaron Marcus’ modeling ads have been seen throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Netherlands and Asia. Along with his acting and modeling work, Aaron Marcus is also America’s Premier Acting and Commercial Modeling Career Coach. Aaron is the founder of HowToModel.Com. Also, he is the author of the top selling book: How to Become a Successful Model - now in its 5th edition. In addition to working as a full-time actor/model, Aaron Marcus travels throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australia offering his Becoming a Successful Actor and Commercial Model Workshop. |
Connect with AaronWebsite:
Aaron Marcus - How To Model Blog: Aaron Marcus - How To Model IMBD: Aaron Marcus Contact: Aaron Marcus |
Matthew Nichols![]() Matthew Nichols is a writer, actor, model and painter. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Matthew spent most of his childhood and teenage years pursuing professional baseball. After a successful athletic and academic career at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Matthew went on to graduate with a Bachelors of Science Degree – Elementary Education. He went on to teach elementary education in the Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin communities for 18 years.
Within Matthew’s teaching career, was a love for acting, modeling and writing. In 1994 he began his career as an actor and model in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas during his summers. Matthew has since retired from the field of teaching and is now a published author, devoting his time exclusively to his acting career and screenwriting. He is currently working on two, independent feature projects and is raising investor, equity funds to produce them. Matthew is also cast in two college thesis films for both the University of Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. |
Connect with MattBlog:
Matthew Mark Nichols Facebook: Matthew Nichols Email: [email protected] |
Mary Baird![]() Mary Baird is the Executive Promotions Director and Workshop Coordinator for ComedySportz Milwaukee, as well as Co-Founder of Smithereen Productions.
With ComedySportz, Mary handles anything from day-to-day operations to event planning and running the ComedySportz Learning Program. She works behind the scenes to ensure that the ComedySportz Experience is the best it can be! With Smithereen Productions, Mary acts as Head Producer. Smithereen hopes to provide local Milwaukee artists the opportunity and assistance they need to produce quality projects in unconventional ways, and Mary's main focus is to help bring some of Milwaukee's most talented alternative voices to the forefront. |
Connect with MaryWebsite:
Smithereen Productions Facebook: Smithereen Productions Mary Baird Email: [email protected] ComedySportz: 414-272-8888 |
Ricardo de Herrera![]() Meet Ricardo de Herrera - Film Actor.
Ricardo de Herrera is originally from Austin Texas but now resides in the Metro Milwaukee area. After working as an extra in a TV series filmed in Austin, Texas, Ricardo began to pursue acting in 2009. Since his film debut he has worked on numerous Shorts and Student Films as well as a handful of Independent Films. His acting abilities demonstrate range from dramatic and intensity to a gentle giant with great comedic timing. Ricardo continues to build a successful career appearing in a variety of independent films from a wide range of genres, including the psychological thriller Serum (in production) to the Industrial period piece of the 1930’s "Tripoli". Ricardo's other interests include Creating Art, drawing, writing, hunting & fishing and spending time with his wife and daughter. |
Connect with RicardoFacebook:
Ricardo de Herrera IMBD: Ricardo de Herrera Examples of work: VIMEO (Actors Real) YouTube ("Tripoli") Email: [email protected] |
Phil Koch![]() Phil Koch is a nationally recognized, award-winning photographer, videographer and filmmaker. Among his awards and honors, Phil was named winner of Ron Howard's Canon Imagination in 2012 (Forgotten Tale). In 2012, Phill also received the Pace Setter Award from the Milwaukee Independent Film Society. In 2009, Phil was named Best Filmmaker by the Shepard Express for the Best of Milwaukee series.
Phil Koch may be an exception to the rule that "nice guy's finish last." In this case, it's "nice guy's finish first." Phil has a reputation for stepping up to the plate to help local filmmakers and film productions achieve success. His ability to wear many hats (pun intended!) helps to improve the creative process. Some of his more recent projects include Petty Cash (2011), Yellow Hill: The Stranger's Tale (2012) and Serum (2012-2013). An article written by noted illustrative photographer Royce Bair states.... "Can a photographer create his own style and following by breaking one of the basic rules of composition? Phil Koch did." "There are three unique things about my new Flickr gallery of Phil Koch images: 1) every image was photographed by Phil in Wisconsin, 2) every image is a vertical, and 3) every image has the horizon line almost dead center -- breaking a major rule of composition." "Because of Phil's unique composition, he has created a style that is starting to get attention. Although Koch has only sold a handful of prints so far from the 'Horizons' project, its exposure has resulted in a new assignment to start traveling the country to shoot both photography and video." To date, Phil Koch has taken over 250,000 images for his 'Horizons' project. To see his body of work you can visit this site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/philkoch/ |
Contact Phil Koch |
Ross Bigley![]() Meet Ross Bigley - Film Festival Producer, Film Executive, Film Producer, Director, Editor, Writer, Consultant and Educator.
Ross Bigley has been an editorial cartoonist, photographer and gallery owner, plus he's the founder and festival director of the Milwaukee Short Film Festival. In addition, Ross serves as president on the board of directors for the Milwaukee Independent Film Society. As a filmmaker he's produced over 60 short films and is currently working on his fourth feature film. Ross has also worked as a consultant and script doctor for producers, Chris Webster (Hellraiser), Tim Lonsdale (Species) and David Streit (Species) on the project Brain Food. He has also formed a production company based in Milwaukee with Bai Ling and Glen Popple. Ross Bigley also teaches filmmaking at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Carey Borth, ESQ. |
Connect with RossWebsite:
Dirty Job Films Milwaukee Independent Film Society - Film Festival IMBD: Ross Bigley Youtube: Petty Cash Trailer (Adult Content) Funny or Die: Short Films Email: [email protected] Connect with Carey |
Carey Borth: Wisconsin born Attorney and LA Producer, Director and Writer.
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Carey Borth, a Wisconsin born Attorney, LA Producer, Director and Writer, has made a career out of helping others achieve their dreams as well as furthering her own career in many aspects of film making; be it as a writing tutor, ghostwriter (Sashay Productions), manager or providing career guidance to up and coming actors, filmmakers and musicians. As well as writing credits on an abundance of projects, she has also worked as a reader of the IFP in Westwood, CA, and managed screenwriters for 6 years in Los Angeles (Gold-Dust Entertainment). She has been a stand-in for Cameron Diaz and worked crew on Jason Alexander's, "The Whitey Show." She has been a Member of the Wisconsin State Bar since 1986 and a Real Estate Broker since 1981.
First gaining recognition as a model from the age of five and later with a certificate from Rosemary Bischoff Modeling Studio's, while still in high school, Carey's other credits include crew and/or acting in a plethora of shorts and student films at her tenure at UCLA Film School. She also wrote, shot and edited her own 16mm films and directed and produced five camera shoots at the House of Blues in Hollywood. This was just the beginning of Carey's love affair with film. Carey acquired a variety of educational qualifications with three business degrees from UW-Madison, (Real Estate, Finance and Marketing), and obtained her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine Law School where she studied for one semester at the Imperial College in Knightsbridge and one summer at UW-Madison Law School. She has obtained Professional degrees in Interior and Environmental Design, Computer Graphics, Graphic Design, and completed all the coursework for two more, sans the Internship for Culinary Arts and Cooking & Baking at UCLA Extension. She also attended Art Center College of Design Night program for two years in Pasadena, California, studying art history, photography and life drawing. Perhaps her greatest scholastic achievement is her MFA in Film & TV from UCLA, earned from 1994 to 2002. Since that time, Carey has worked for six years assisting director and actor Mark Borchardt (Northwest Productions), of "American Movie" fame, and produced, cast, acted and did camera on, "Scare Me," and a number of music video's in Los Angeles and Milwaukee, WI. Another such project includes, "The Mark and Mike Show," whereby Jeff Stilson, executive producer of "The Osbournes," followed Carey and her crew around as the subjects of a reality Comedy Central show, during the filming of "Scare Me." Carey made her professional directorial documentary debut with digital projects on racecars, motorcycles and surfing in Malibu and Elkhart Lake since the turn of the century. Her personal blog in 2004 won recognition from AOL as one of the most popular on the Internet. Carey has gathered critical acclaim as an artist and photographer (Life Masters), selling her works in galleries, private commissions and festivals. She has written a memoir of her 24 years in Hollywood and three books on architecture, art, including one on her personal experiences on traveling alone throughout Europe at age 22. As a producer, Carey has a hands-on approach will pitching multiple feature films, cable, network and pod-casts. She participates in all facets of producing; hiring crews, casting, helping with websites, publicity, and with acquiring funding. Her portfolio includes screenwriters that she has co-written scripts with, as well as her own. She has been a script doctor on at least twenty screenplays as of January of 2013. An avid traveler, Carey loves to visit Asia, Africa and all of Europe. She has visited all of the continental US states, Hawaii, and many of the Canadian provinces. This knowledge of the world helps when cherry picking the finest locations for her film making projects. |
James DeVita![]() James DeVita has been an accomplished actor in the American Theater for more than 25 years. His work in classical theatre includes Iago, Macbeth, Richard III, Benedick, Richard II, Romeo and Hamlet.
In addition to his many accomplishments in the theater, Mr. DeVita is also an award-winning author and playwright. Currently he is the resident playwright for First Stage Children's Theater in Milwaukee and has written or adapted 19 plays for young adults and children. Mr. Devita has also published two novels, The Silenced and Blue with HarperCollins Publishing. Awards include National Endowment for the Arts: Literature Fellowship for Fiction, the AATE 2007 Chorpenning Award, The Distinguished Play award from The American Alliance of Theater and Education and The Intellectual Freedom Award: Kentucky Council of Teachers of English/Language Art. Theatrical awards include the Denver Critics Circle Award for Best Season Mr. DeVita received his education at the Suffolk County Community College Theater Program (Selden, NY) and the Professional Theater Training Program (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee). He has also worked as a gas station attendant, a factory worker, a fisherman, a caterer, a cook, and has been a volunteer EMT for the past ten years. |
Connect with JamesWebsite:
James Devita |
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Connect with Zach McClain
Website: Not A Hammer Films Contact Zach McClain at Not A Hammer Films. Facebook: Zach McClain |