Counting Down: SHOWTIME!
STRIPPED ~ a new wave ballet by Kelleia Sheerin |
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Kelleia Sheerin |
Kelleia Sheerin |
Kelleia Sheerin |
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Julie Schmid |
Sylvie Gosse Jul Kohler |
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"This is the best piece of theatre I've ever seen!"
-Marguerite Derricks (The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Austin Powers, Showgirls), 4-time Emmy Award Winning Choreographer
“That Sheerin and her cast of 30something-and-up dancers manage to tell Vivi’s story without a single spoken word is testimony to her storytelling gifts as a director/choreographer and theirs as dancers, and to a musical soundtrack that seems as if the songs that comprise STRIPPED could have been written for it and not the other way around.”
-Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
“This has to go to Broadway! Jen Hamilton is Julia Roberts, dancing!"
-Michael Rooney, World-Renowned Choreographer
“Hamilton delivers the most stunning dance performance of the year.”
-Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
If you take the legendary music of the 80s & 90s, thunder and lightning, and a steamboat, and a sunrise and a buzz saw, and mix ‘em up and put ‘em into a woman, that’s STRIPPED!
Set to iconic new wave music, STRIPPED is not merely a ballet; it is urban mythology carved in movement. A love letter to Los Angeles and Los Angelenes, STRIPPED is the heroine’s journey of Vivi, a warrior-child whose armor and starlight exist in the same space. A story about searching for one’s true self in a world that peddles counterfeit gods at every neon-lit corner, STRIPPED captures the raw electricity of transformation, the grinding beauty of a soul being stripped down to its essence, then rebuilt through the alchemy of connection, grace, music & dance. Exploring themes of family, fame, addiction & healing - the very frequencies that new wave music channeled into sound, now channeled through a choreographic vision into a poetry of movement - a dance that was always living inside the music.
Cast
Jennifer Hamilton
VIVI
Scott Hislop
Frank
Julie Schmid
Bizzy (sister)
Stephanie Michels
Jean (mama)
Paula Venise
Devious
Jade Ramirez
Lizzy Bamm Bamm
Yvette Tucker
Dr D
Amber Dupuy (Dance Captain)
Vogue
Jul Kohler
Madame 30
Sylvie Gosse
Lucky Star
Max Teboul
Faith
Victoria Taylor
Battlefield
Nicole Humphries
Nasty
Creative Team
Kelleia Sheerin
Writer-Director-Choreographer
Scott Hislop
Assistant Director / Associate Choreographer
Nikki Tuazon
Assistant Choreographer
Peter Downing
Soundtrack Editor
Last Follies Closet
Costume House
Willow Atkinson
Costume Mistress
Meet the Company
Jennifer Hamilton
VIVI
When you work with Emmy nominated choreographer Jennifer Hamilton expect a trusted industry professional with over 75 film and television projects under her belt. She was most recently the series
choreographer of Apple’s hit show PHYSICAL starring Rose Byrne, for which she received a 2024 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography. Her work will next be seen in THE ACCOUNTANT 2 with Ben Affleck.
On film, Jennifer’s choreography credits include VOYAGE OF TIME directed by Terrence Malick , THE RUNAWAYS, EASY-A, YOGI BEAR, ZOOKEEPER, and THE LAYOVER directed by William H. Macy. Her feature film experience as both a choreographer, and associate/assistant choreographer, include projects like CHARLIE’S ANGELS, the AUSTIN POWERS trilogy, MR. & MRS. SMITH, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, FAME, RUSH HOUR 3, SPIDERMAN 3, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, MEET THE FOCKERS, 13 GOING ON 30, and several others. Jennifer’s television credits include the 92nd ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS, LITTLE AMERICA, KIDDING, SAVED BY THE BELL, MY CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND, DANCING WITH THE STARS, CSI, BONES, TROPHY WIFE, and BLUNT TALK with Patrick Stewart. Her commercial credits include BONOBOS ft., Nick Kroll, Apple Music, Lexus, SunTrust, Pepsi, Skippy, Carl’s Jr., eBay, Travelzoo, Gap, Old Navy, Colgate with Luke Wilson, and music video collaborations with Lenny Kravitz and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Jennifer has developed strong and trusted work relationships with actors such as Leslie Bibb, Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Kate Bosworth, Tobey Maguire, Elizabeth Berkley, and Rose Byrne training them on multiple projects.
A Southern California native, Jennifer has been choreographing and teaching for over 25 years, and dancing since she was 4 years old. She is technically trained in jazz, ballet, modern, and other styles of dance. She continues to teach master classes nationwide and is a commercial dance Professor at PACE University’s Los Angeles campus. Jennifer has also been an educator on numerous dance conventions throughout the US and internationally. Outside of her continuous work as a choreographer and dancer, Jennifer owns and operates The Floor Dance Academy; a dance studio for kids in the heart of Los Angeles.
Scott Hislop
Frank
Scott is a multi-hyphenated, venerated pro of Los Angeles film and television. He has worked on over 140 film, television and commercial sets both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. A gifted actor and dancer, a creative producer, a skilled choreographer and a charming host personality, he has done it all. Some favorite moments in his storied career include being pantsless in a scene with Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt and being run over by a Dixie Chick riding a bike while wearing a dinosaur costume. Oh the stories. Scott is thrilled to be a part of Kelleia’s Stripped.
Julie Schmid
Bizzy (sister)
A dynamic actor and dancer known for her warmth, humor, and versatility. A Midwest native turned West Coast creative, she’s brought her unique spark to national commercials, hit films like La La Land and Palm Springs, and TV favorites including Physical and Fuller House. Whether on screen or behind the scenes, Julie brings depth, joy, and grounded authenticity to every project and is grateful to collaborate with such inspiring, talented artists.
Stephanie Michels
Jean (mama)
A graduate of New York University, Stephanie originated roles in two Tony Award-winning Broadway shows -The Life and Contact. She received a nomination for Best Dancer on Broadway for Contact, and made the cover of Dance Magazine. Her other theatre credits include Kiss Me Kate, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Almost Blue, and the West Coast premieres of Lake Anne and The Petoskey Stones. She also enjoyed her time performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Stephanie appeared in the films Centerstage, The Producers, Cop Dog, Acts of Violence, The Bellman and many more. On TV, she has been seen inCSI Cyber, CSI, Drop Dead Diva, Law & Order, NCIS and Lie To Me, Ghost Whisperer, Judging Amy and others.She produced and starred in theaward winning short film WALK, written by Pulitzer Prize Nominee Theresa Rebeck. In the Fall of 2019, Stephanie produced and starred in the West Coast premiere on Slow Food by Wendy MacLeod. Stephanie has also directed and starring in Short Films at BGB Presents and is a member of The Road Theatre. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her incredible husband Roger, their remarkable 13 year-old twins Trevor and Sydney, a puppy named Kobe some koi fish and turtles.
Paula Venise
Devious
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Paula is deeply shaped by both the grit and the beauty of the city. As she built her career as a professional dancer, she gained recognition for her remarkable freestyle skills and her distinctive ability to interpret music in a way that is uniquely her own. After a 28 year hiatus, Paula is honored and overjoyed to return to dance and continue her artistic journey.
Jade Ramirez
Lizzy Bamm Bamm
A California native, Jade is no stranger to the stage, having performed in productions including I Stand Before You Naked at The GGC. Her screen work earned her Indie Intertube Award noms & a win for Best Supporting Actress for Untitled Murder Project 2.0 (she came this close to snagging Best Villain, too). On screen credits include You Cannot Hide (Netflix), Grand Hotel (ABC), Unbelievable (Netflix), & Pink Collar Crimes (CBS). She recently starred in the indie film Sheryl & made her feature debut in Katie’s Mom. Keep an eye out for her in the latest Allstate commercial alongside Mr. Mayhem himself. Jade is especially grateful to be part of this show—it brings her back to her first love: dance. And above all, she thanks her family for their unwavering support on this wild, wonderful ride.
Yvette Tucker
Dr D
Actor, dancer, voice over artist, Yvette’s career is as diverse as the City of Angels itself: Televisions appearances in Palm Royale, Dr. Odyssey, 911 Lonestar, Welcome to Chippendales, Physical, This is Us, Huge In France, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Penny
Dreadful: City of Angels, Scrubs, Tony Bennett; An American Classic, among others. Some favorite film credits include the role of Carmen Miranda in Gangster Squad, roles in The Curious Case of Benjammin Button, Palm Trees and Power Lines, The Night Bell. Yvette appeared as a soloist and guest artist dancing with The LA Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Opera Pacifica, Palm Beach Opera and Arizona Opera. She performed at the Emmys with Tony Bennett and Christina Aguilera and at the Grammys
dancing alongside Shakira and Wyclef. Various theatrical productions include The Goodspeed Opera House, The Papermill Playhouse, South Coast Rep, and Reprise, where she was nominated for an Ovation Award for her role of Vera in On Your Toes. Best role to date is that of Mama to her two amazing daughters! Te adoro!
Amber Dupuy (Dance Captain)
Vogue
Dance Captian Extraordinaire, Amber started dancing at Encore Dance Centre in San Dimas, CA, graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, and received a B.F.A. in Modern Dance Performance from the University of the Arts. She continues to perform in the industry while choreographing for various schools, studios, and corporate entertainment companies. Stage/Live Performance: Steve Wynn’s Showstoppers, Nuit Blanche, Eddie Garcia’s Twisted Branches, Melinda Sullivan’s Gone: A Sound and Theater Project. Television/Film: Bathtubs Over Broadway, Sinatra 100 CBS Special. Music Videos: “Get Up” by TJ Stafford, “My Universe” by Ashley Chambliss, “Shakin Ain’t a Crime” by Andy Frasco. Dance Companies: Paradigm Dance Theatre, Runway Ballet, SoleVita Dance Company.
Jul Kohler
Madame 30
A trilingual performer from Berlin, Germany, with a diverse career in dancing, acting, screenwriting, filmmaking, and voiceover. She studied at The Theaterschool in Amsterdam and has danced for U.S. & EU artists, including Lou Bega, Katy Perry, Rihanna, and NKOTB. She has performed for brands such as Nike & BMW, danced in musicals, appeared in horror films and the Apple+ series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. She has produced short films, Bury Me Not & Chrysalis, both of which were showcased at various film festivals. She lives in L.A. & Berlin.
Sylvie Gosse
Lucky Star
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Sylvie has been seen on stages across Los Angeles, British Columbia, Alaska and afloat in Hawaii and the Caribbean. Selected regional theatre credits include One For My Baby, Mack and Mabel, Holiday Inn, Little Mermaid, Elf, Oliver, My Fair Lady, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Cabaret, Chicago, Assassins and she originated the role of Martha in the world premiere of South Street at the Pasadena Playhouse. Thanks to Kelleia for her incredible creativity and storytelling, Avalon Artists, her ever-supportive family and Eric.
Max Teboul
Faith
Originally from Chicago, Max Teboul is an industrial engineer turned professional dancer based in Los Angeles. He’s best known for his long, luscious locks and buns of steel, most notably showcased in Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales. He's danced in music videos for P!NK, Imagine Dragons, and JoJo Siwa, been a stand-in for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mark Tuan, and performed in a variety of live shows along the way.
Victoria Taylor
Battlefield
Victoria, originally from England, has built an international and national film, television, and live performance career. From dancing on tables in burlesque shows with the best of them. To appearances at the MTV Movie Awards, Movies Rock, Jackass 2, Walk Hard, Fuller House, The Voice, Eurovision, and MadWalk, her journey has been as dynamic as it is diverse. She has also featured in national commercials and countless music videos. Inspired by her son Brayden, she returns to the stage with gratitude.
Nicole Humphries
Nasty
A proud California native, she is grateful to be back on stage telling stories through dance. Her career spans film, television, and theater, with notable appearances in Austin Powers in Goldmember and live television’s grandest night, The Oscars. Nicole has graced the legendary stage of Radio City Music Hall, as well as the Hollywood Bowl. She is honored to be a part of this performance.
Kelleia Sheerin
Writer-Director-Choreographer
Kelleia is a Wild West-born actor, dancer, director, choreographer & filmmaker. In 2020, Kelleia founded Pink Box Productions with her husband Peter Downing. She is the co-creator/director of the gonzo sex comedy Mother F*cker! Her first short (writer/director), The Feminine Mystaque, is a dark comedic feminist horror flick which garnered awards from the Wildcat Spirit Film Festival and FirstTime FilmMaker Sessions.
From winning "Best Director" in the Hollywood Fringe Festival for I Want to Bury My Testimony to dancing as an absurd Scottish Tart in Eric Idle's live radio-play What About Dick? from portraying the savvy Burlesque Star of her time, Tempest Storm, in the film Gangster Squad to camping-it-up as a 16-year-old camp counselor in Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp; from "wishing and hoping" in the iconic opening sequence of My Best Friend's Wedding to originating the role of Billie Veruka Wynette on Broadway in Urban Cowboy (garnering her Best Mullet on Broadway) to choreographing on a myriad of shows, plays & musicals, Kelleia has built her reputation on an inherent understanding of the work, a respect for the unpredictable, the 10,000+ hours of a professional and the ability to solve anything.
Scott Hislop
Assistant Director / Associate Choreographer
Scott is a multi-hyphenated, venerated pro of Los Angeles film and television. He has worked on over 140 film, television and commercial sets both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. A gifted actor and dancer, a creative producer, a skilled choreographer and a charming host personality, he has done it all. Some favorite moments in his storied career include being pantsless in a scene with Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt and being run over by a Dixie Chick riding a bike while wearing a dinosaur costume. Oh the stories. Scott is thrilled to be a part of Kelleia’s Stripped.
Nikki Tuazon
Assistant Choreographer
Grew up Orlando, FL and has been fortunate to have a successful career dancing in numerous films, TV & award shows, commercials, music videos, and world tours for artists such as P!nk, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera, Backstreet Boys, NKOTB, & Missy Elliott. Her dance career has naturally led her to expand her creative talents as an actor. Nikki's most recent film credits include The Accountant 2, Sallywood, & Bromates and episodes of I Love That for You (Showtime), iCarly (Paramount+), S.W.A.T. (CBS), Danger Force (Nickelodeon), & Fuller House (Netflix). Dance is her first love, and she is so grateful to be a part of the creative team!
Peter Downing
Soundtrack Editor
A veteran of the Boston music & comedy scenes, Peter's first play Waiting for Pinkdot was produced at The Tamarind Theater in L.A. He is also the composer for the award winning feminist horror flick, The Feminine Mystaque. Peter co-wrote & performed the song "I'll Get By" with writer/director/star Ken Roht in the indie-darling "Perfect Cowboy", an Official Selection at Outfest 2014. Peter is a teaching artist at multiple CA correctional facilities with the non-profit Jail Guitar Doors. JGD uses the craft of songwriting to help inmates develop non-violent means of expression and to build self-esteem.
Last Follies Closet
Costume House
Costume boutique and atelier, LFC is a private collection of rare and exquisite costumes. “Put me on and I will change your life”
213-947-3366
Willow Atkinson
Costume Mistress
Photos
STRIPPED ~ a new wave ballet by Kelleia Sheerin
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Behind the Scenes
Directors Note:
Some people think they come to Los Angeles to become a dancer, actor, director, rock star. I believe people come to LA to heal. Look at the quality of the light.
This ballet is my decades-long love letter to Los Angeles—to the people and communities who have deepened my love, helped me heal, honed not only my craft but my soul and built this life with me. I love you, LA, now and forever.
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