This article appears in print in the September 2019 issue as part of the Fall Arts Preview. Click here to subscribe.
From left to right:
Rachel Guyer-Mafune
Secret power: Irrepressible exuberance, vitality and playfulness
Recent roles: Lee, The Last World Octopus Wrestling Champion (ArtsWest); #13, The Wolves (ACT)
What’s next: Martha Hatter/ensemble, Howl’s Moving Castle (Book-It Repertory Theatre; 11/29–12/29)
Lamar Legend
Secret power: Searing intensity, with a powerfully developed grasp of character
Recent roles: Multiple roles, An Octoroon (ArtsWest); Eddie, And in This Corner: Cassius Clay (Seattle Children’s Theatre)
What’s next: Frederick Douglass, Necessary Sacrifices (Taproot Theatre Company; 9/18–10/26)
Sara Porkalob
Secret power: Multi-hyphenate, prodigious scribbler of productions (7th and Jackson, The Dragon Cycle, The Lamplighter, Alex and Alix)
Recent roles: Clotho, String (Village Theatre); Regina, Rock of Ages (5th Avenue Theatre)
What’s next: Sophie, Howl’s Moving Castle (Book-It Repertory Theatre; 11/29–12/29)
Justin Huertas
Secret power: Quadruple threat as playwright and actor (Lizard Boy), composer and lyricist (Howl’s Moving Castle, The Last World Octopus Wrestling Champion)
Recent roles: God, Everybody (Strawberry Theatre Workshop); Letter Writer 3, Tiny Beautiful Things (Seattle Rep)
What’s next: Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Village Theatre; 9/12–10/20)
Aishé Keita
Secret power: Raw vulnerability, exquisite poise, wide emotional range
Recent roles: Nyasha, Familiar (Seattle Rep); Young Maya, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Book-It Repertory Theatre)
What’s next: Nina, Sunset Baby (ArtsWest; 9/26–10/20)
Sunam Ellis
Secret power: Laser-focused moods, from intensely cerebral to wildly expressive
Recent roles: Margery, Hand to God (Seattle Public Theater); Sonya, Uncle Vanya (The Seagull Project, ACT – A Contemporary Theatre)
What’s next: Elizabeth, The Christians (Pony World Theatre; 10/3–10/26); Mrs. Cratchit, A Christmas Carol (ACT; 11/29–12/28)
Dedra D. Woods
Secret power: Slow-burning, softly simmering, deep-seated characters
Recent roles: Woman, Wild Horses (Intiman); Annabella Gotchling, A Bright Room Called Day (The Williams Project)
What’s next: Mother, Corduroy (Seattle Children’s Theatre; 11/21–12/29)
Chip Sherman
Secret power: Questing roles depicting the spirited, driven and curious
Recent roles: Dorian Gray, The Picture of Dorian Gray (Book-It); Alexander the Great, Alex & Aris (ACT)
What’s next: Corduroy, Corduroy (Seattle Children’s Theater; 11/21–12/29)
