SYNOPSIS 

Anne (Jaclyn Bethany) is a young actress, intensely rehearsing for the title role in an edgy Off-Broadway production of Strindberg’s challenging play Miss Julie. Overwhelmed by the character, Anne is continuously disappointing herself and her rising star director. When Anne goes home to her husband—the older, charming, but struggling playwright Tate (Adam David Thompson)— she is confronted by his precocious teenage daughter, Sadie (Rileigh McDonald) and his domineering ex-wife Helen (Tina Benko), who runs a competing theatre company. 

As the world of the play and her personal life intertwine, Anne is unable to differentiate between herself and her character, the impulsive, wild Miss Julie, leading to an all-consuming confrontation with her co-star, the unpredictable and wily Adam Shaw (Alex Hurt) that makes her question not only her art, but also her life choices. 

The competitive world of the business is illuminated by the supporting cast - egotistical director Wells (James Udom), his eager to please assistant Thea (Shay Lee Abeson) and Anne’s co-star the smarter than she looks devious Naomi (Caitlin Carver).  Boundaries are crossed, talent is fierce as each character’s world is unlocked as we venture deeper into the psychologies of the theatre and its people. 

THE CAST 

Emmy Nominated**

Tate............Adam David Thompson 

Anne………………. Jaclyn Bethany 

Helen.............................Tina Benko**  

Sadie.......................Rileigh McDonald

 Adam...............................Alex Hurt** 

Naomi.........................Caitlin Carver 

Wells.............................James Udom 

Thea.........................Shay Lee Abeson 

Georgina.....................Christy Escobar 

Tamara.......................Katelyn Kapocsi 

Samantha.....................Caroline Newton

Jaclyn Bethany (Creator/Anne) Jaclyn is an actress, writer & filmmaker originally from Jackson, Mississippi. She has worked across the states & in the UK, appearing in films such as Miles (Netflix), I Saw The Light (Sony) Worry Dolls (IFC) & theatre including Anna Karenina (Arcola Theatre), Tony Kushner's A Bright Room Called Day (UK Tour)  A Map of Virtue directed by Pam MacKinnon. She will next appear in David Fincher's upcoming MANK (Netflix) as well as British indie Venice at Dawn. As a director, her AFI Thesis film The Delta Girl starring Isabelle Fuhrmann & Caitlin Carver premiered at the Oscar Qualifying Holly Shorts Film Festival & has played numerous festivals since. Jaclyn's debut feature film Indigo Valley recently sold to Giant Pictures & will be released in fall 2020. Pre-release the score of Indigo Valley by Maesa Pullman & Dalal Bruchmann was nominated for two Hollywood Music in Media Awards & the soundtrack was released by The Orchard/Sony. She recently wrapped a lead role in new indie feature Under the Lantern Lit Sky (inspired by A Streetcar Named Desire), her second feature as director, Highway One. She holds an M.F.A. in Directing from the American Film Institute, an M.A. in Screenwriting from the London Film School and a B.A. in Acting from Fordham University. 

Tina Benko (Helen) Ms. Benko most recently appeared on Broadway in The Rose Tattoo opposite Marisa Tomei, & in the upcoming season of the Hulu series “Monsterland.” New York theatre credits include: Scenes from A Marriage, The Crucible, and The Little Foxes all directed by Ivo Van Hove, John Guare’s Nantucket Sleighride, Rajiv Joseph’s Obie-award-winning Describe The Night, Julie Taymor’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Day, Elfriede Jellinek's Jackie (Lucille Lortel nominee), Toni Morrison’s Desdemona directed by Peter Sellars (London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Sydney), Daniel Fish’s Who Left This Fork Here, as well as The Cherry Orchard, Irena’s Vow, Not about Nightingales, and Top Girls on Broadway. TV and Film credits include: “Mapplethorpe,” “The Kitchen,” “The Sound of Silence,” “Hot Air,” “Can You Ever Forgive Me,” “Fair Market Value,” “The Greatest Showman,” “Life After You,” “That Awkward Moment,” “The Avengers,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Brotherhood,” “Blue Bloods,” “The Good Wife,” “NCIS New Orleans,” “Vinyl,” “Turn: Washington Spies,” and :Flesh and Bone.”

Caitlin Carver (Naomi) began her career as a professional dancer– alongside many notable recording artists’ including Beyoncé, Ne-Yo & Pitbull. In 2014 she transitioned into acting for TV/Film: “NCIS,” “Timeless,” “Heroes Reborn,” “Twisted,” “Southland,” “Stalker,” “Nashville,” “Hit the Floor,” “Parks & Recreation,” & “Glee.” Shortly after, Carver starred as Hayley Heinz in the ABC Family series, “The Fosters,” for two seasons. Carver was cast as Becca Arrington in the movie adaption of John Green’s best-selling novel “Paper Towns.” She then starred in the ABC television pilot “Model Woman,” opposite Andie McDowell, Steven Weber & Nicole Ari Parker. Carver was cast in Warren Beatty’s Golden Globe nominated “Rules Don’t Apply.” In 2017, Carver played the infamous Nancy Kerrigan alongside Margot Robbie, Alison Janney, Sebastian Stan, & Paul Walter Hauser in the Oscar award-winning film “I, Tonya.” She currently stars as Muffy Tuttle on Netflix’s “Dear White People.”  

Shay Lee Abeson (Thea) is a New York based actor. She has been seen in Jennifer Fox’s HBO film The Tale (Sundance, Tribeca 2018) opposite Laura Dern & Elizabeth Debicki, as well as Power (Starz), Girls (HBO) as well as short films The Mole and Contours.  

Alex Hurt (Adam) Can also be seen on the Netflix comedy series “Bonding,” which just finished shooting season 2. Film: Minyan (Berlin Film Festival & Outfest), Foxhole, Faraway Eyes (Cinequest), Frankie Keeps Talking (Palm Springs), The Last Line (Austin Film Festival) Cut Shoot Kill, The River Why (Tribeca). TV: “New Amsterdam,” “The Good Fight,” “Blue Bloods,” “Homeland,” “Bull,” “Law & Order SVU,” “ Elementary.” Broadway: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Off-Broadway: CONTINUITY, directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin (Manhattan Theater Club), The Climb (Cherry Lane Theatre); Cardinal (Second Stage Theater); The Whirligig (The New Group); Love, Love, Love (Roundabout Theatre Company); Dada Woof, Papa Hot (LCT); Placebo (Playwrights Horizons); Scenes From a Marriage directed by Tony winner Ivo Van Hove (NYTW); The Caucasian Chalk Circle (CSC). Regional: Huntington Theater, Alley Theater, San Francisco Playhouse, A.R.T. Alex has an MFA from NYU Tisch.

Rileigh McDonald (Sadie) is an experienced television, film, theater and voice actor who lives in New York City. Her television credits include the recurring role of Young Phoebe in USA Network’s, The Sinner and guest roles on Marvel’s, Jessica Jones, Law and Order: SVU, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and HBO’s, High Maintenance. She played the titular role of Matilda in Broadway’s, Matilda the Musical, and Frannie in The New Group’s Off-Broadway production of David Rabe’s, Good for Otto alongside industry greats Ed Harris, F. Murray Abraham, Amy Madigan and Rhea Perlman. 

Adam David Thompson (Tate) was most recently seen in M. Night Shyamalan’s Glass and in The Day Shall Come opposite Anna Kendrick. He is known for his television work having been seen opposite Jeff Daniels in Godless (Netflix), as Craig G in Mozart in The Jungle (Amazon), The Sinner (USA), Bull (CBS) and Outsiders (WGN), among others. His film credits include The Meyerwitz Stories (Dir. Noah Baumbach), Imitation Girl, Rosy, Diverge, Tribeca Award winner Here Alone, The Missing Girl, Keep in Touch, Up The River, Moon and Sun & A Walk Among the Tombstones opposite Liam Neeson. He will next be seen in Hannah Fiddell’s television adaption of her award-winning film A Teacher on FX.

James Udom (Wells) has appeared in The Rolling Stone (Lincoln Center Theatre), Off-Broadway includes Mies Julie (CSC), The Revolving Cycles Truly and Steadily Roll’d (Playwrights Realm), Macbeth (Public Theater Mobile Unit), The Winter’s Tale (Pearl Theatre Company) and Tamburlaine (TFANA). Regional includes Father Comes Home from the Wars parts 1, 2 and 3 (Yale Rep, A.C.T.; SFBACC Award); Romeo and Juliet (Elm Shakespeare Company); Julius Caesar (Shakespeare and Co.); King Lear, Of Mice and Men(Hubbard Hall); Macbeth, Twelfth Night, The Odyssey (WE Players); and Chicago, Once on this Island (Willows Theatre Company). Film: Crown Heights (Amazon/IFC Films); Gun Voyage, Guarded, Some Night, Desire of Ages, Take Me With You, Zombie Detective (independent). 2017 Princess Grace Award.

THE TEAM

Alida Rose Delaney (Producer) is an award-winning actor, producer, & interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. She is the founder of KALIDASCOPES Media, a multimedia production company sharing a collective of stories that inspires new perspectives on ourselves, on others, & the world(s) unknown. “The Mohawk Trail” co-produced by Square Medium Pictures, is set to complete later this year. In the improvised drama, Alida stars alongside Catherine Eaton (“The Sounding”), as an estranged mother & daughter finally coming to terms on their last road trip. In 2019, she produced Gethsemane Herron-Coward & Katherine Wilkinsons’ play, LORDES– about the black, lesbian poet, Audre Lorde in part with the New Ohio Theatre’s ICE Factory. Her adaptation of the Brontë’s literary works in The Art of Sisters: Tales & Letters by the Brontës, also premiered at the New York American Irish Historical Society. Selected acting credits– OFF-BROADWAY: Charles Mees’ Soot and Spit directed by Drama-desk nominee Kim Weild *NYITA Outstanding Performance Art Production/NYT Critic's Pick* (New Ohio Theatre); The Fall (SoHo Playhouse). NY/REGIONAL: The Red Shoes (NY Deaf Theatre), Michael Counts’ Ouroboros Trilogy (Beth Morrison Projects). FILM: In A Sentimental Mood (*Best Actress, MassIFF*). As an artist, Alida is an advocate for promoting inclusivity for those with dis(abilities) in the work/creative space. www.alidavisualarts.com | @kalidascopes

Irene Gomez Emilsson (Cinematographer) is a London based filmmaker born and raised in Mexico with an Icelandic background. After a BA in film studies in Paris (2006- 2009) she enrolled in the London Film School in 2011, at the LFS she specialized in cinematography and directing. She has lensed over fifteen short films including six pieces by Jaclyn Bethany. She recently shot Jaclyn's first feature Indigo Valley. She is passionate about cinematography as a way of portraying thoughts and emotions.

Mikhail Makeyev (Producer) Mikhail is a Los Angeles-based producer, born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia. His 10 years of professional experience includes work for several international TV-channels and production companies. Mikhail's work on narrative features, documentary films and news broadcasts have been awarded both domestically and internationally. He received his BA from the Russian State University of Cinematography, aka VGIK, (Russia) and MFA in producing from the AFI Conservatory (USA).

Suze Myers (Producer/1st Assistant Director) is a graphic designer and filmmaker based in New York. She received her BA in Art History from Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City, and went on to gain a postgraduate degree in design from the acclaimed University of the Arts London in the UK. Alongside Jaclyn and editor-publicist Olivia Aylmer, she co-founded and served as the art director and designer of Constellation, an online magazine highlighting emerging women and non-binary creatives, particularly in the film industry. Though she has several years of art department working with industry filmmakers, she made her producing debut in 2018 with Jetty, a short film written and directed by her close friend Logan Lanier.  As an artist, Suze’s goal is to use her creativity to foster a sense of community amongst people, especially other young women. She loved overseeing a talented cast and crew for The Rehearsal and hopes to continue promoting diversity in the independent film industry in new and progressive ways.

ADDITIONAL CREW

Nick Peciaro, CSA — Casting

Kit Sheridan — Production Designer

Alyssa Korol — Costume Designer 

Dalal Bruchmann & Jeff Franzel — Composers

Hammad Hassan — Editor 

Minjae Kang – Assistant Editor 

Odyssey Audio Post – Sound Design 

Alex Gregoris – Colorist 

THE MUSIC

The original jazz-influenced score of The Rehearsal was created by Award winning composers Dalal Bruchmann & Jeff Franzel with performances by The Jolley Brothers & Katie Newton. 

Dalal Bruchmann is a composer, recording artist and performer. Influenced by Beethoven, Prince, Kylie Minogue and Celine Dion Dalal’s music has pushed her to the forefront of up and coming Pop artists. Her Debut Single “Taste the Night” reached #5 on the Billboard Breakout Charts, #7 on the UK Club Charts and #8 on the UK Pop Commercial Charts. Apart from her Pop career, Dalal is an equally talented classical composer. 

Jeff Franzel is a multi-talented songwriter and composer with over 30 years’ experience in the music business. He began his career as a jazz pianist and toured with many groups, including big band legend Les Brown. During that time, he accompanied such artists as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Mel Tormé. Jeff has been a Yamaha artist since 2011, and recorded his CD and DVD, Mood of the Moment, in front of a live audience at the Oscar Peterson Hall in Montreal on a Yamaha CFX Piano.

Press

“There is no shortage of ideas, talent, and direction when it comes to Jaclyn Bethany… she’s an emerging filmmaker that I can’t wait to follow.” 

Cinema Femme

“The breathtaking performance of Tina Benko as Helen, whose heated and raw monologue was arguably the standout scene of the film.”

Arteviste

“Jaclyn Bethany’s pilot is brilliantly structured, not only meeting the requirements of a perfect pilot but adds that important twist/reveal at the end to entice you to watch the next episode.”

Film Threat

. . . . . .

Deadline, Emmy Nominations

Gold Derby, Emmy Nominations

No Budge

Digital Journal, Review

Digital Journal, Alex Hurt Interview

Digital Journal, Jaclyn Bethany Interview

SCREENINGS + INFO 

Awards

July 19 2020, Daytime Emmys, Tina Benko (Winner - “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Digital Drama Series”) & Alex Hurt (Nominee - “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Digital Drama Series")

June 18 2020, Indie Series Awards, “Best Ensemble”, Tina Benko (“Best Guest Actress”), Jaclyn Bethany (“Best Directing, Writing, Lead Actress”) Adam David Thompson (“Best Lead Actor”), Dalal Bruchmann & Jeff Franzel (“Best Original Score”)

–––––––

March 2020, HollyShorts Monthly Screening, Los Angeles

February 5-7 2020, Official Selection, New Ohio Theatre Indie Film Festival

October 4-6 2019, Official Selection + “I Love NY” Award, New York City Web Fest

The Rehearsal held a developmental reading of its second episode in March 2019 in New York City followed by a preview concert hosted by Broadway venue 54 Below. 

For more information on this project, or if you are interested in screening The Rehearsal, please email jaxybeth@gmail.com