GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRESENTS
BEYOND THE BARRACKS
AN EVENING OF ORIGINAL MONOLOGUES WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY VETERANS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026
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
COVER PHOTO AND ABOVE IMAGE BY ISAAK BERLINER.
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRESENTS
BEYOND THE BARRACKS
AN EVENING OF MONOLOGUES WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY LOCAL MILITARY VETERANS
THE MONOLOGUES (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)
“SHADOW PLAY”
“THE CERTIFICATE & THE DOG TAGS”
“THE OAK” “PLACE”
“IN THE MARGINS” “PERSEVERANCE”
HASSANEN ATTABI
ERICK REVOLORIO
DESIREE AMORETTE
ELAINE LITTLE
DAVID SMITH
INTERMISSION
DARCY ALEXANDER VERNIER
“REMEMBER THE TRACTOR PULL”
“THE GIRL IN THE DENIM DRESS”
SARAH CARROLL
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.
THE ENSEMBLE (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
DESIREE AMORETTE (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 ATTABI (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-
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.
SARAH 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 -
rience balancing military service & motherhood. Special thanks to God, Alex, Chloe, Elijah, and her Mom & Dad for their love and support.
ELAINE LITTLE (she/her)
Performer, Writer / U.S. Army
Army Veteran Elaine Little’s short stories and essays have been published in literary journals to include “Proud to Be”, “The Warhorse”, and “Consequence Forum”. Her essay “Bitter Tea” was performed by actor, Sharon Stone at Hollywood’s Post 43 for Honor In Their Words, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Vietnam withdrawal. She’s a screenwriter who participated in ArtsUpLA’s Veteran’s film project and recently completed the 2025-2026 Writer’s Guild of America Veteran’s Writing project. Special thanks to the instructors & mentors for their guidance and support throughout this experience, and to the cohort for their collaboration, dedication, and inspiration over the past ten weeks. Instagram: @e_kay_little
ERICK REVOLORIO (he/him)
Performer, Writer / U.S Navy
Erick S. Revolorio is an actor and Navy Veteran. After a deployment to the Persian Gulf in 1993, he continued his education and graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a degree in Theater Arts. He currently trains with Warriors for Peace Theater. Most recently, he was part of a USC Graduate Student short film project The Broken Cycle. Special thanks to Brian, Aja, Sean Michael, BJ and Paula for their guidance throughout
this exciting experience, and to all the Geffen staff for their collaboration, dedication, and inspiration over the course of this workshop project.
DAVID SMITH (he/him)
Performer, Writer / US Navy Hospital Corpsman
A Purple Heart recipient and former combat medic, he has built a nursing career in trauma, infectious disease, and oncology. Shaped by military service, more than 20 years in healthcare, and a growing commitment to advocacy, activism, and education, he draws on hard-earned lessons about identity, purpose, resilience, and the stories that connect us. His writing explores how adversity, service, loss, and redemption shape the human experience. Through stories that entertain and educate, he encourages audiences to examine their beliefs, challenge assumptions, and find common ground in our shared humanity.
DARCY ALEXANDER VERNIER (he/him)
Performer, Writer / U.S. Marine Corps
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 from Emerson College, 30 years between). Member SAG-AFTRA. He flew helicopters in Vietnam & was awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 50air medals. He has published two novels, The Second Wagon Driver about helicopter combat operations in Vietnam, & Lokichogio-Sudan about flying for the UN in the African bush. He was in Saudi Arabia on 911. “Working with these talented veterans has been a thrill.”
THE CREATIVE TEAM
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.
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 -
pia Faculty, Geffen Playhouse Teaching Artist, and is honored to be Geffen’s Veterans Show Co-Director for a fifth year.
AJA 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
B.J. LANGE (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
graduate and instructor at The Second City and an alumnus of improvOlympic and Upright Citizens Brigade. He also serves as the applied improv coach for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. His screen credits include MTV, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Rookie, Prank Panel, General Hospital. BJ is honored to return for his fifth year co-directing Beyond the Barracks. @bjcomedy bjlange.com
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.
PAULA 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
her last tour. Both during the Navy & in civil service, Paula worked as a certified substance abuse counselor & clinical supervisor, instructor for Navy Drug & Alcohol Counselor School (NDACS) & as a mental health therapist. She received her BA in Psychology, magna cum laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu 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.
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.
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE ALSO DEEPLY APPRECIATES THE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT OF:
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.
PROJECT & PRODUCTION CREDITS:
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
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