About the Artists

Mike Newquist (Sam, all roles) is a Chicago-based actor, improvisor and cartoonist. Previously co-founder/director of communications of The Comrades (2016-2020). Theatre credits: God of Carnage (Aston Rep), Tango, Design for Living (Pride Arts), Dead Man's Cell Phone, the world premiere of Roast, In The Wake, Prelude to a Kiss, Chicago premiere of Mary-Kate Olsen is in Love (The Comrades), Chicago premiere of Nice Girl (Raven Theatre), The Brig (Mary Arrchie), Sic Transit Mundi (Jackalope Theatre), and more. Commercial: "Night Ledge" Illinois Tourism. Training: Columbia College Chicago, The Second City's Comedy Studies Program. Check out his artwork on Instagram @newqcartoons. For my Mom, Dad, and friends.

Bethany Hart (Vocal and Dialect coach) has vocal coached recently with AstonRep (The Pillowman, Language Archive, Buried Child, Equus), Dominican University (Silent Sky) and Muse of Fire (Pericles). Outside of Chicago, recent work includes Vanderbilt University (Orlando), and Heartland Theatre Company (Venus in Fur, Bloomsday, Gift of the Magi, Stella & Lou, An Alliance of Brats, Intimate Apparel), Illinois Wesleyan (Hamlet), and Vanderbilt University (Orlando). She has worked on the audiodramas Alethea and Unwell (which won the 2021 BBC Audio Drama award). Bethany directed and acted for the educational outreach program at Illinois State University, and assistant text coached and appeared onstage at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Bethany is also a voiceover artist and considers storytelling her favorite part of the job! Thank you to Derek (who always has a journey on the horizon), Mike (who brings joy wherever he goes), and Shane (whose ability to herd us all is unmatched).

Shane Hogan (Stage Manager) Fully Committed is Shane's second show with Derek, after their first experience in Chicago theater working on AstonRep’s The Pillowman. They are so grateful for the opportunity to get to know someone as kind and talented as Mike, and it's been a privilege to work with him on such a tight-knit project. Shane trained as Stage Manager at Central Michigan University, working on shows like Punk Rock, Hamlet, and Indecent. Since moving to Chicago, they have also managed The Cuckoo Clock, an original play by On the Spot Theatre and, most recently, the world premiere of The Sporting Life at the Factory Theater. They are also an avid activist, serving as a protest photographer and video producer on behalf of the Chicago Anti-War Committee. Enjoy the show!

Jeremiah Barr (Technical Director) is happy to be apart of the Fully Committed team. Some of his past credits include The Chalet and The Boar (scenic design) with Evanston Opera Company; Glassheart (scenic design), Night of the Hunter (scenic design) with City Lit; A Shadow Bright and Burning (scenic/props design) with Black Button Eyes; A Town Called Progress (scenic/props design) with Promethean Theatre Ensemble; Betrayal (scenic/props design), The Language Archive (scenic/props design) and When We Were Young and Unafraid (scenic/props design) with AstonRep Theatre Company. Recent Jeff nominee for Artistic Specialization (Puppet Design) for City Lit’s Strange Cargo: The Doom of the Demeter. A big shout out to Samantha for all her love and knowledge of cats that keeps him on his toes.

Derek Bertelsen (Producer/Director) is a Chicago-based theater kid. Previous co-founder/artistic director of The Comrades (2016-2020); member and co-artistic director for AstonRep Theatre Company (2012-2023); and a founding member / artistic associate with Pride Films & Plays (2012-2015). Recent directing credits include The Pillowman, Buried Child (Best Play Jeff nomination), Equus, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, God of Carnage, Doubt, and many more with AstonRep. With The Comrades, the world premiere of Roast, Prelude to a Kiss, Chicago premiere of Mary-Kate Olsen is in Love. Also Design for Living and The Children’s Hour with PFP. Asst. directed at Goodman Theater, Steppenwolf Garage, and Bailiwick. Training: Millikin University, Second City, Chicago Filmmakers. Regional: Festival 56 in Princeton IL; Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt Carroll IL; and Shawnee Theatre in Bloomfield IN. Recent Film: Rusty Pipe. Thanks to family and friends. derekbertelsen.com @derek_bertelsen