MICHAEL GOMEZ (Managing Director, Performer) is a New York native and a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He last appeared in Bethesda's The Rhythm of Mourning, and before that, South Coast Repertory: Our Town, I Get Restless, and the NewSCRipts reading of The Hombres by Tony Meneses. Michael also performed the solo play I Died Today at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and created the original web series Rollups. All my love to my amazing partner Andrew, our amazing parents, family & friends who enrich our lives everyday. IG:@michaelwilliamgomez
LEA MADDA (Performer) is an actor, theatre director, and leader in theatre education. Lea currently serves as Director of Education at A Noise Within Theatre, where she is pioneering fresh theatre education initiatives that speak to a younger audience. Recent directing credits include Alice Birch's Revolt. She said. Revolt again. at the Theatre of Arts as well as Le Gallienne and Friebus' Alice in Wonderland at the Archer School. Lea has performed on stages throughout the Southern California region and is honored to be joining the Bethesda team for this one-night-only spectacular. IG: @reallyofficial.leamadda
ZOË PAPIA (Performer) is thrilled to be home for the holidays with her Bethesda Repertory family. Recently, her short film I’m Different Now—which she both starred in and produced—had its world premiere at the Calabasas Film Festival. On stage, Zoë last appeared as The Woman in Bethesda Repertory Theatre’s The Rhythm of Mourning, a production she co-wrote and choreographed. A graduate of AMDA in New York City, Zoë continued her training in Los Angeles with Anthony Meindl, Margie Haber, and Stan Kirsch. When Zoë isn’t acting, you can find her on set as a makeup artist, dancing at Playground LA and singing…mostly in her car. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season! IG:@zoe_papia
KALE SHEPHERD (Performer) is an LA based actor from Missouri, Alumnus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and frog enthusiast. He has been in many productions, some of his favorites being The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Jesus), A Midsummer Nights Dream (Demetrius), and The Motherf*cker with the Hat (Ralph D). He wants to dedicate this performance to his family, and he hopes he can add some holiday cheer to your evening.
MICHAEL THÓR (Performer) is thrilled to return as a founding company member with his third Bethesda show. Credits: King Lear, Talking to Terrorists (Harold Clurman Lab Theatre), and Waiting the Musical (Leo Rising). Michael can be seen on The Book of Boba Fett (Disney) and Grownish (ABC). His education spans his BA in Theatre from Saint Mary’s College of California, the First Year Program at the Sanford Meisner Center, and the Professional Conservatory Program at the Stella Adler Art of Acting Studio. Love and gratitude to the Lord, my wonderful fiancé Moya, the entire Galindo family, Nick, Alec, and my parents.
TIMOTHY WILLARD (Performer) is jazzed to be joining Bethesda Rep for this holiday season! He’s a UCB grad that just wrapped up acting in all five of Theatricum Botanicum’s shows including the world premiere of Bernardo Cubría’s political satire The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote. Prior to that, he had an award-winning turn in The Group Rep Theatre’s Room Service and the lead of the award-winning, best-selling 2023 Hollywood Fringe show Fatal Loins. Recently on the festival circuit in Who’s Texting the Group Chat? and in the upcoming indie features QLC and Meet the Jeff. Also a national Coke Zero commercial.
