Luna Gale

Mentions of sexual assault, substance abuse, and suicide.

Luna Gale is recommended for mature audiences. 

In “Luna Gale,” Rebecca Gilman delves into the complex world of social work, where the lines between right and wrong blur amidst bureaucratic hurdles and moral dilemmas. Set in Iowa, the play invites us into a story where the desire to reunite a family clashes with the limitations of a flawed system.

Through the lens of Caroline, a dedicated social worker with more than 30 years of experience, we witness the weight of responsibility as she navigates the delicate balance between following protocol and advocating for what she believes is best for the families under her care.

But “Luna Gale” is more than just a story about one woman’s journey—it reflects the broader societal challenges we face in providing adequate support to those in need. It prompts us to question the efficacy of our social systems and the extent of our collective responsibility towards those who are most vulnerable.

“Luna Gale” challenges us to consider what it truly means to care for others in a world where resources are scarce and moral boundaries are constantly shifting. It reminds us that pursuing justice and compassion is not always straightforward, but it is essential nonetheless.

Thank you for joining us.

CAST BIO

Darren Kinzler is a third year BFA actor from New Jersey. Previous Purchase Rep credits include Back County Crimes (Ensemble) and Gint (Pete Gint). Other credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (Underling), Arsenic and Old Lace (Mortimer Brewster), and Deathtrap (Clifford Anderson), for which their performance garnered an NJACT Perry Award Nomination. Many thanks to the entire production team and Company 49 for all their
support.

Issa-Malik A. Bernard is a third year BFA actor from Harlem, New York. Purchase Rep credits include: Back County Crimes (Reverend Courtney/ Carter/ Sheriff) and Gint (Man/ Medicine Man). Thank you to his family and friends for showing such support . He hopes you all enjoy the show!

Karim Angulo was born and raised in Washington DC. He featured in local productions of Much Ado About Nothing, Arcadia, and The Electric Man. He would like to thank the cast, crew, and his parents (of course).

Leah Bloom

Nora O’Donnell is a third year BFA actor from Brooklyn, NY. Past Purchase credits include Back County Crimes (Mrs. Draughn, Celia Parker, Pearl Avery) and Gint (Sally Vicks). Other credits include As You Like It (Rosalind) at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Thank you to all of her family and friends that have supported her!

Oona Gladding is a third year BFA actor from NYC. Previous purchase credits include Orpheus Descending (Sister Temple) Back County Crimes (Mrs Scott/Mrs JP Simpson) and Gint (Runaway Bride/Devil Woman). She would like to thank her wonderful company and her family for their support!

CREATIVE & PRODUCTION BIOS

Ana Karen Esparza Aguilar is a fourth year BFA stage management student in theatre design/technology. Other Purchase credits include: For the People (PSM), Twelfth Night (SM), Conduct of Life (SM). Ella le quiere agradecer a su Abuelo Miguel, familia, amigues, gatos y cualquiera que apoye este sueño.

Rachel Marie is a fourth year Scenic Designer. Her credits include: How to Defend Yourself (assistant scenic designer), Orestes (assistant scenic designer), Orpheus Descending (paint charge), Waiting for Godot (props charge). She would like to say thank you to her mom for supporting her through everything over the years. She would also like to thank her friends and family for their support.

Fei Cheng

Tyler Franks

Sierra Madison (Costume Designer) is a third year BFA costume design student at Purchase College from Hyde Park, New York. She has worked on a few shows at Purchase College including: How to Defend Yourself, Twelfth Night, and Good Goods. She has also worked on Anastasia for the WPPAC. Many thanks to her family and friends who have supported her!

Olivier is a four year Lighting Designer, and she could not be more thrilled for you to come see this show! Credits: | Off-Broadway | Production Electrician for Sesame St. and Gospel According to Heather | Professional | Set Electrician for Hudson Scenic | College | Assistant LD for Conduct of Life and Serious Money.

Jeremy Burd is a fourth-year lighting designer and programmer from Long Island, NY. After graduation, Jeremy plans to start working professionally, touring worldwide with various artists. As for now some of his Purchase credits Include: How To Defend Yourself | Lighting Designer, Cyrano De Bergerac | Assistant Lighting Designer. Professional Credits Include: Sesame Street: The Musical | Lighting Designer, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show | Lighting Designer, SOFI TUKKER Tour 2023 | Associate Lighting Designer.

Sofia Olga Lavion is a fourth-year technical director/production manager. She would like to thank her parents, especially her mother, for their endless support, and all her friends. Credits include TD for Fall Festivals | Production Carpenter for Fefu and Her Friends | Lead Technical Draftsperson for Twelfth Night | Lead welder for Life Is A Dream.

Mary Goff is a fourth year BA theatre and performance and sociology double major student from Antwerp, New York. When she is not at Purchase, she works as a doula and labor support person. She would like to thank her fellow cast and crew for making her last show at Purchase such a welcoming and memorable one, and Sebastian Pray for creating such a collaborative space.

Katherine Wilkinson is a director and theatremaker based in Brooklyn.
Katherine (She/They) is a 2023 New Georges Audrey Resident, 20-22 WP Lab Member, a 2022-2023 Orchard Project Greenhouse Lab member, a recent Opera America Tobin Director-Designer Prize winner, and a Columbia University School of the Arts faculty member. Katherine has developed work with The New Ohio (Ice Factory), La Jolla Playhouse (WOW Fest), New Georges, Ars Nova, Bedlam, WP, MCC, Clubbed Thumb, Classical Theatre of Harlem, The Brick, Signature Theatre, Columbia Stages, ZAZ10TS Gallery, The Tank, Fusebox Festival, Corkscrew Festival, The Watermill Center, The VORTEX, Miami New Drama, The Oklahoma Contemporary, NOLA Fringe, Houston Fringe, among others. Katherine has directed and taught at universities nationwide, including Columbia University, Harvard, Bates College, Juilliard, UNC-Chapel Hill, Rutgers University, Arcadia University, Duke, SUNY Purchase, NYU, The University of Queensland (Australia), and St. Edward’s. MFA Directing, Columbia University. www.katherinewilkinson.com

In our teaching and art, the Conservatory values inclusiveness, equality, and excellence. Upholding all of our training is our aim to train and graduate citizen artists: multifaceted people with a strong sense of purpose in approaching an arts education.

What is a citizen artist? Citizen artists seek to discover how their unique voices can contribute to our world. They understand what it means to be an artist, and what they are here on earth to say and do and make.

The Conservatory trains future citizen artists in three degree programs:

+ BFA Actor Training. The BFA is an intensive professional training program offered to a highly select and diverse group of students. The professional training is anchored in four years of study in acting, voice, speech, and movement, complemented by offerings in dramatic literature and analysis, history of the theatre, stage combat, improvisation, mask work, acting for the camera, and the business of acting. As one of five schools in the Consortium of Professional Theatre Training Programs, Purchase is one of a handful of colleges in the world capable of training artists at this level—and of drawing a faculty from the ranks of professional theatre

+ BFA in Theatre Design/Technology. Emphasizing studio and classroom training, our professional training program in theatre design/technology gives students the guidance and support of established and theatre industry professionals. Many of our alumni are recognized at the top of their field, and have received Tony, Emmy, Obie, and Drama Desk Awards, among other honors. Quite literally, Purchase grads are working in or have worked in every theatre on Broadway, in all tristate venues, and with countless touring productions

+ BA program in Theatre and Performance. From traditional theatre to cutting-edge interdisciplinary work, the theatre and performance major encourages creativity, intellectual curiosity, social engagement, and critical thinking. The core requirements combine scholarship and practice to provide students with a strong foundation in theatre history and dramatic literature, with mandatory stagecraft/production courses. Theatre and Performance majors are encouraged to expand the scope of their education by studying abroad, as well as pursuing coursework in other programs of study within the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Purchase College.