Sanctuary City

Sanctuary City is my first-ever show debut as a director. If you asked me to do it again, I’d say yes. Being a director has taught me how to be more of a guide than anything else. Being able to guide my team in their own direction of creativity and drive, is personally how I would like to portray a director rather than a director who “teaches” you how to do it “right.” Sanctuary City has been quite a challenge for me and the team, but we concurred through hard work, communication, and lots of trial and error. This play has taught me that it’s more about what is given in the story it’s more than just about 9/11, being naturalized, or being an immigrant. It’s about finding yourself in a world full of fear, grief, loneliness, and anger. It’s about finding others like you trying to make something of themselves in this kind of world. Showing each other that you’re not alone and that it’s okay, being each other’s sanctuary. So, remember to say thank you to the people who are your Sanctuary. Thank you to my family for their support, my team, and my cast you should be so proud of your hard work, my friends I wouldn’t have done it without you, and lastly to my partner thank you so much for your understanding and always being there for me. I’m proud to present Sanctuary City I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it all together. Thank you.

Cayla Mercado (she/her “G”) is a Senior Theater And Performance major here at Suny Purchase. She’s acted in shows such as She Kills Monsters (Fall 2018), The Wiz (Spring 2019), and Love/Sick (Fall 2020) as well as a short film titled “Old Ring” in the Spring of 2023. She’s done tech for many Purchase College shows but this is her first official role in a SUNY Purchase Production and she is tremendously excited to share the story of “G” with everyone that sees the show. She would like to thank her friends and family for all the love and support in everything she does.

Gabriel Bodas is playing the role of B in Sanctuary City. Gabriel is an aspiring actor that would hopefully one day make it on the big screen. He began acting at a very young age. He has been involved in multiple productions such as Grease, Almost Maine, and many more. Gabriel went to Purchase and The Neighborhood Playhouse to receive training to improve his acting skills, so he could soon begin his acting career. Gabriel is thrilled to be part of this production and hopes that everyone watching will enjoy this amazing show.

Molly Mead (she/her) is a Senior in the BA Theatre and Performance Major here at Purchase College. She is serving as the Stage Manager and has previously worked on The Silent Observer (Spring 2022), Pinata (Fall 2022), Behind Us is Noise (Fall 2022), The Nutcracker (2019-present), Our Truth Collective(Spring 2023), Wayne(Spring 2023). She is from Danbury, CT and has been working in theatre since she was 12 years old, throughout Middle School and started stage managing in High School(2018). This is the first non-student written play that Molly has Stage Managed, and it is the smallest cast that she has worked with. The cast truly means everything to Molly and the skill and work that they have all put in over the past few months has been filled with laughs and improvement. Molly is planning to graduate in Spring 2024 and jump headfirst into the theatre job pool.

Nicholas Herring is a Sophomore Theatre and Performance Major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was last seen performing at Purchase in The Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast as Frank N. Furter. Other notable credits include Twelfth Night (Andrew), 12 Angry Jurors (Juror #3), Romeo and Juliet (Paris), and The Rocky Horror Show (Dr. Scott). When not onstage, Nick can be found working backstage as a lighting designer. Nick would like to thank the entire production team, and his wonderful castmates, Cayla and Gabe, for their support and endless kindness.

Kailee-Jade Berrios (she/they) this is their fourth year here at Purchase college. Majoring in Theatre and Performance with a concentration of Directing. Purchase credits “For colored women” (women in green) “We are Proud to Present” ( Assistant director) “Ordinary Days” (standby Deb/Claire) “Drifting” (Director). I just want to say thank you to the Purchase community, my family and friends. My mom and grandparents for being my number one supporters. This wouldn’t have happen without your help, I’m just incredibly thankful, I love you guys <3.