Beyond the Barracks 2026 Program

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE EDUC ATION & CO M M UNITY ENGAGE MENT PRESENTS

BEYOND THE

BARRACKS AN EVENING OF ORIGINAL MONOLOGUES WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY VETERANS TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026

COVER PHOTO AND ABOVE IMAGE BY ISAAK BERLINER.

WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Welcome to the Gil Cates Theater for the culminating performance of the 2026 Geffen Playhouse Veterans Workshop.

This summer, nine Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces came together to do something courageous: give voice to their stories. Guided by Geffen Playhouse Teaching Artists, this ensemble engaged in a rigorous creative process for ten weeks, putting pen to paper, and ultimately finding the courage to bring their stories to life on stage. In doing so, they built meaningful connections with one another that extended well beyond the work itself. Each original monologue you will hear tonight was written by the performer and inspired by an object of personal significance, one that reveals something essential about who they are and the journey that brought them here.

The Geffen Playhouse Veterans Workshop was launched in 2014 by Jennifer Zakkai, former Director of Education, and April Fitzsimmons, an Air Force veteran and artist, with a shared vision of amplifying veteran voices through the power of storytelling and performance. This year’s program is made possible through the generous support of the City of Los Angeles and The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation. We also recognize and thank every veteran who has walked through our doors over the years and whose stories, creativity, and courage have helped shape this program into what it is today.

On behalf of everyone at Geffen Playhouse, thank you for being here and for supporting this remarkable cohort. Tonight, these nine artists take the stage and invite you to witness the result of their transformative journey together. These powerful stories are shaped by experiences both during and beyond their time in uniform.

Please enjoy this evening of what happens Beyond the Barracks.

Brian Allman Director of Education & Community Engagement

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE EDUC ATION & CO M M UNITY ENGAGE MENT PRESENTS

BEYOND THE BARRACKS

AN EVENING OF MONOLOGUES WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY LOCAL MILITARY VETERANS

THE MONOLOGUES (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

“SHADOW PLAY”

HASSANEN ATTABI

“THE CERTIFICATE & THE DOG TAGS”

ERICK REVOLORIO

“THE OAK” “PLACE” “IN THE MARGINS”

DESIREE AMORETTE ELAINE LITTLE DAVID SMITH

INTERMISSION “PERSEVERANCE”

DARCY ALEXANDER VERNIER

“REMEMBER THE TRACTOR PULL”

SARAH CARROLL

“THE GIRL IN THE DENIM DRESS”

RUBY DOVE

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION & DESSERT RECEPTION We invite you to stay after the performance for a 15-minute moderated discussion with the artists, followed by a dessert reception in the lobby.

The Ensemble wishes to recognize and thank fellow workshop participants Fred Hirz, Corky Loupe, Jomarla Melancon and Ken Tran whose contributions to this process were invaluable even though they are unable to be with us on stage tonight.

BIOGRAPHIES

THE ENSEMBLE (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

ty of his lived experience-as both a veteran and an Iraqi immigrant. With every role, he aims to challenge narratives, expand representation, and bring raw authenticity to the Hollywood landscape.

DESIREE AMORET TE (she/her) Performer, Writer / U.S. Army Desiree Amorette is a combat veteran, actor, writer, and storyteller. Raised in a military family with more than 300 years of combined Navy service, she grew up immersed in theater, opera, symphony, ballet, literature and film. Before pursuing acting seriously, Desiree deployed to Mosul, Iraq, where she served alongside Deuce Four—1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment—an experience that continues to shape her artistic voice. Desiree has trained with Anthony Meindl and Howard Fine, starred in Ca$h Out, an award-winning independent film series and was in the Veteran Writing Program at the Writers Guild Foundation. She is honored to be a part of Geffen Playhouse’s Beyond the Barracks and thankful to all of her mentors shaping her voice. Instagram: @Desiree_Amorette Website: www.desireeamorette.me

HASSANEN AT TABI (he/him) Performer, Writer / U.S. Marine Corps Hassanen Attabi is an Iraqi-American actor, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and award-winning cinematographer dedicated to bringing bold, underrepresented stories to the screen. Born in Baghdad before the Iraq War, he immigrated to Chicago, where his journey from immigrant to U.S. Marine helped shape the grounded, intelligent presence he brings to every role. He is represented by Hero Talent Agency and is committed to portraying characters that reflect the complexi-

SAR AH CARROLL (she/her) Performer, Writer / U.S. Marine Corps Sarah Carroll is an L.A. based storyteller whose path has taken her from the U.S. Marine Corps to creative work both in front of and behind the lens. She has worked across film and television as an actor, photographer, veteran technical advisor and intimacy coordinator and is a member of SAG-AFTRA. Raised mostly in Nashville, where storytelling is woven into the culture, she developed an early fascination with the ways people make meaning through stories. She would like to extend gratitude to the amazing directors at the Geffen Playhouse and this wonderful cohort. Special thanks to Ryan and Sophie for their love and support. Instagram: @thesarahcarrolll

RUBY DOVE (she/her) Performer, Writer / U.S. Army Ruby is an actor, filmmaker and founder of TribeRu Media whose work ranges from workplace comedy to emotionally grounded dramas inspired by her experiences as a Soldier and mother. Her acting credits include Hulu’s Grand Crew, national commercials for State Farm, and PSAs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. She recently wrote & directed the web series WERK, which can be found on the TribeRu Media YouTube Channel and is developing a drama inspired by her expe-

BIOGRAPHIES rience balancing military service & motherhood.

this exciting experience, and to all the Geffen staff

Special thanks to God, Alex, Chloe, Elijah, and her

for their collaboration, dedication, and inspiration

Mom & Dad for their love and support.

over the course of this workshop project.

EL AINE LIT TLE (she/her)

DAVID SMITH (he/him)

Performer, Writer / U.S. Army

Performer, Writer / US Navy Hospital Corpsman

Army Veteran Elaine Little’s short stories and

A Purple Heart recipient and former combat

essays have been published in literary journals to

medic, he has built a nursing career in trauma,

include “Proud to Be”, “The Warhorse”, and “Con-

infectious disease, and oncology. Shaped by mil-

sequence Forum”. Her essay “Bitter Tea” was

itary service, more than 20 years in healthcare,

performed by actor, Sharon Stone at Hollywood’s

and a growing commitment to advocacy, activism,

Post 43 for Honor In Their Words, commemo-

and education, he draws on hard-earned lessons

rating the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Vietnam

about identity, purpose, resilience, and the stories

withdrawal. She’s a screenwriter who partici-

that connect us. His writing explores how adversi-

pated in ArtsUpLA’s Veteran’s film project and

ty, service, loss, and redemption shape the human

recently completed the 2025-2026 Writer’s Guild

experience. Through stories that entertain and ed-

of America Veteran’s Writing project. Special

ucate, he encourages audiences to examine their

thanks to the instructors & mentors for their guid-

beliefs, challenge assumptions, and find common

ance and support throughout this experience, and

ground in our shared humanity.

to the cohort for their collaboration, dedication, and inspiration over the past ten weeks.

Instagram: @e_kay_little

DARCY ALEX ANDER VERNIER (he/him) Performer, Writer / U.S. Marine Corps ERICK REVOLORIO (he/him) Performer, Writer / U.S Navy

Darcy is a writer/actor/ former Marine (not that any Marine is ever “former”). American University with a BA in PoliSci & a MFA in creative writing

Erick S. Revolorio is an actor and Navy Veteran.

from Emerson College, 30 years between). Mem-

After a deployment to the Persian Gulf in 1993, he

ber SAG-AFTRA. He flew helicopters in Vietnam

continued his education and graduated from Cal-

& was awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses

ifornia State University, Northridge, with a degree

and 50air medals. He has published two novels,

in Theater Arts. He currently trains with Warriors

The Second Wagon Driver about helicopter com-

for Peace Theater. Most recently, he was part of a

bat operations in Vietnam, & Lokichogio-Sudan

USC Graduate Student short film project The Bro-

about flying for the UN in the African bush. He

ken Cycle. Special thanks to Brian, Aja, Sean Mi-

was in Saudi Arabia on 911. “Working with these

chael, BJ and Paula for their guidance throughout

talented veterans has been a thrill.”

BIOGRAPHIES

THE CREATIVE TEAM

pia Faculty, Geffen Playhouse Teaching Artist, and is honored to be Geffen’s Veterans Show Co-Director for a fifth year.

BRIAN ALLMAN (he/him) Co-Director / Director of Education Brian Allman is the Director of Education & Community Engagement at Geffen Playhouse.

Brian has worked extensively in the field of Arts Education for over three decades. He served as Artistic Director for the award-winning Defiance Theater Company and has taught, performed, or directed for Playboy, NBC, Minecraft, Coca-Cola, MLB (Brewers), UCLA, ComedySportz, and Universal Studios. In 2016, Brian was elected to the North Hollywood Neighborhood Council, serving as Secretary and Chair of the Arts & Cultures Committee. He currently serves on the Board of Reading is Fundamental of Southern California, serving as Board Secretary.

A JA HOUSTON (she/her) Co-Director / Lead Teaching Artist Aja is a nomadic, award-winning writer, actor, and educator from Everywhere, USA, due to her army-brat-adjacent childhood. Her writing draws on passion, politics, and magical realism to build off-kilter, uncanny worlds that tell nuanced, monolith-breaking Black stories. Starting her career as an actress in London, Aja relocated to LA to focus on writing and received her MFA in Dramatic Writing from USC. Her thesis play, Journey to Alice, was an O’Neill Theatre Conference Semi-Finalist. Other plays have been developed at IAMA, The Road Theatre, and Ammunition Theatre. In a full-circle moment, Aja returned to acting, starring in the short film Missing Rhythms, which she wrote. It won “Outstanding Thriller/Horror” at the Micheaux Theatre Festival. Instagram: @ajaoneandonly Website: ajahouston.com

SEAN MICHAEL BOOZER (he/him) Co-Director / Teaching Artist Sean Michael Boozer director, writer, actor, improviser, Second City Directing Graduate.

Directed shows at Company of Angels, Second City, iOWest, The Pack, UCB, Ruskin Theatre, USC School of Dramatic Arts, had long-running MainStage shows at The Second City and iOWest. Film/TV includes The Dropout, The Politician, Station 19, Teachers, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Shield, General Hospital. Currently workshopping POPS!, play based on Louis Armstrong’s Life, with creative partner, Reno Wilson, in titular role, SMB Directing. SMB is Pack Theatre and Improv Uto-

B. J. L ANGE (he/him) Co-Director / Teaching Artist U.S. Air Force Medic (Ret.) BJ Lange is an actor, writer, producer, dedicated to bridging military service and the entertainment industry. A member of SAG-AFTRA, AEA, and AICE, he serves as co-chair of the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Military Committee and is a leadership fellow with Veterans in Media & Entertainment. BJ is a

BIOGRAPHIES graduate and instructor at The Second City and an

her last tour. Both during the Navy & in civil

alumnus of improvOlympic and Upright Citizens

service, Paula worked as a certified substance

Brigade. He also serves as the applied improv

abuse counselor & clinical supervisor, instruc-

coach for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program.

tor for Navy Drug & Alcohol Counselor School

His screen credits include MTV, Jimmy Kimmel

(NDACS) & as a mental health therapist. She

Live, The Rookie, Prank Panel, General Hospital. BJ

received her BA in Psychology, magna cum

is honored to return for his fifth year co-directing

laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu

Beyond the Barracks. @bjcomedy bjlange.com

while on active duty & received her MSW, with honors from USC. Prior to her military service, she managed the executive dining facilities for Times Mirror and The Los Angeles Times. Since her retirement in 2022, Paula has been remodeling her forever home, working with Beyond the Barracks, and is writing a musical about Veterans. Additionally, she is a breast cancer survivor.

GREG MUELLER (they/them) Stage Manager Greg is a civilian with family ties to both the Army and Marines. Trained in stage management and theatrical carpentry, they are currently working as Stage Ops at Geffen Playhouse. Their favorite theatre credits include Titus Andronicus as the assistant stage manager, The Hope Theory as the stage supervisor, and a community theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a member of the chorus. They are honored to be working on Beyond the Barracks for a fourth consecutive year and looks forward to continuing this meaningful work in the future.

PAUL A JO WOLD (she/her) Mental Health Coach / BTB Alum U.S. Navy (Ret.) Paula’s varied career in the Navy included flying as an avionics technician on the P3-C Orion anti-submarine warfare platform, & an intelligence specialist. She is the first female combat aircrewman in the Navy and was designated the Command Leading Chief Petty Officer on

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Veterans Writing & Performance Workshop is made possible, in part, by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and contributions from The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation.

EDUC ATION & CO M M UNITY ENGAGE MENT AT THE GEFFEN PL AYHOUSE A LSO DEEPLY APPRECIATES T H E G U I D A N C E A N D S U P P O R T O F: Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors Mary Ann Cloyd Board Chair Tarell Alvin McCraney Artistic Director Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director / CEO Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director Sam Abney Director of Development & Strategic Growth Sarah Sturdivant Chief Financial Officer Special thanks to Jeni Pearsons, Brian Dunning, Mel Yonzon & the Front of House Staff, Elizabeth Kegley, the Geffen Marketing Dept., Rob Mersola, Chloe Shi, Dionn Richardson, Lexy McAvinchey, Geffen Playhouse Box Office, Zack Hamra, Alyssa Tyson, Veterans in Media & Entertainment, and Chaplain DOV Cohen—Chairman of the Board for the Los Angeles National Cemetery Foundation.

We would also like to thank the entire Geffen Playhouse staff for their help and hard work in bringing this performance to the Gil Cates Theater.

P R O J E C T & P R O D U C T I O N C R E D I T S: Brian Allman Director of Education & Community Engagement BJ Lange Teaching Artist Sean Michael Boozer Teaching Artist Aja Houston Teaching Artist Greg Mueller Stage Manager Colleen Danaher Production Assistant Matt Sweeney Director of Production Melissa Hartman Technical Director Liz Brohm Hanrahan Associate Production Manager Spencer Doughtie Lighting & Projection Designer Spencer Doughtie Lighting Programmer & Lightboard Operator James Grabowski House Sound Supervisor/Microphone Technician Bob Gilmartin Audio Mixer Rich Gilles Properties Master & Set Decorator Isaak Berliner Photographer Ramon Garcia Videographer Mark J Chaitin Program and Photographer Geffen Playhouse is proudly affiliated with