Cast & Crew

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Allison Howard (writer, producer, director, editor and playing Cara Brennan) is a Washington, D.C. native who is thrilled to have such wonderful people to work with on "The ABCs of Online Dating". After studying French and Biology at Indiana University, she began her career in film and has worked on many short films, commercials, and voice-over projects. Allison is also the producer and host of the Arlington, VA based talk show “Lights, Camera, Action!” . You can keep up to date on Allison’s acting endeavors by visiting her website: www.allisonjhoward.com .

copyright Susan Shacter

Ariana Almajan (playing Ava Harper) is so excited to be a part of "The ABCs of Online Dating", especially since she has previously worked with Allison and Melissa! She is active in theater, independent film, webseries, television, industrials and commercials. You can see her currently in the fantasy webseries, "The Broken Continent" (www.getbroken.tv), and she just filmed a role for the upcoming season of the Western webseries, "Thurston" (www.thurston-series.com). For more on what she has done and is currently up to, check out www.ariana-almajan.com.

Melissa Temme (playing Bree Pendergast) is a DC-based actress working in film, television and your occasional less-sexy-but-pays-the-bills corporate training video and government PSA. Her recent work includes roles in Pantelion/Lionsgate's "Instructions Not Included," Opening Act's "The Rise of the Fellowship," and the short film, "As Is," runner-up for Best Film at DC's 48 HR film project and winner of Best Ensemble Cast. Melissa also hosts Audi of America's internal news show, Audi Progress. She has a degree in Psychology from Indiana University, which she quasi-uses as an actor (or so she tells her mom). Melissa is married to saxophonist, Steve Temme, and together, they have two little girls who keep life sweet (and hilarious). You can follow her work at www.melissatemme.com.

Edwin Torres (playing Tim) didn't come from an athletic background however within the last two years he found a new passion for Parkour and obstacle training. Edwin decided to open up Marylands first Parkour gym with his brother called Alternate Routes 1 year ago. After experiencing what it took to build and run their own business for the very first time, Edwin felt like he could pursue all of my other passions including his biggest one, acting. Edwin found a new confidence in himself from starting the gym that helped him in taking on roles that he would never have thought of taking if he had started acting beforehand. His attitude in life now is so positive and open minded. There's nothing stopping you from doing what you want to do as long as you are willing to work hard for it. Success doesn't come to you, you have to go to IT.

Marta Kotzian (playing Moira) was born and raised in Iowa. Named after one of the children in the “The Sound of Music”, it came as no surprise to her musical theatre loving parents, when she declared she wanted to be an actor. Marta has performed around the country from Seattle to Chicago to New York, and most recently D.C. With a degree from Northwestern College, in theatre, she can most often be seen on stage, where some of her favorite roles include Estelle in “No Exit” and Betty in “Vinegar Tom”.

Lisa Johnson (playing Mrs. Jones) is an actress in the Northern Virginia area havingworked on several independent films and stage productions. She plays “Mrs. Jones” in “The ABCs of Online Dating” web series. Other recent projects include Glory Streams Production’s “Treasure in Heaven”,where she portrayed the wife of the antagonist, she appeared in Happy Home, a 2012 48 Hour Film Project, as a Suffragette Singer at theSBA 20th Anniversary Live Event stage performance and just completed two Liberty University student short films.She has also worked behind the camera as an associate producer on the documentary “Oscar’s Cuba”, as well as crew on other productions.Lisa combines her love of the arts and history into portraying period characters shebrings to life, as well as modern day roles ignited with the same passion.

Gina Grinkemeyer (playing Barbara) has been a working actor in the DC metro area since May of 2011. She has worked in over 40 productions, including feature films, television, Web series, industrials, PSAs, commercials and print. "The ABCs of Online Dating" is her first venture into comedy and she is ecstatic about it. She relishes her role as the colorful and sometimes caustic Barbara and plans to bring the laughter as she brings the character to life.

Kelly Schwartz (playing Olivia) grew up in Dallas, Texas and has always loved acting from a very young age. After college, Kelly took a break from performing and moved to the East Coast where she earned her MBA and became a management consultant. However, she found herself constantly daydreaming about acting and decided to once again pursue her dream. Since then, Kelly has landed roles in various commercials, tv shows, movies, and commercial print. For more about Kelly and her work you can visit her website: www.kellyrschwartz.com.

Megan Caulfield (playing Alexandra) is an aspiring American actress based on the East Coast. She recently made her debut appearing in the HBO Series "VEEP" and has since been featured in several productions including the short film "Murky" as well as a campaign for the Transportation Security Administration. In 2013 she was the lead role in more than 10 productions, including 2 nationally broadcasted television shows. She is currently in line for a lead role in a new HBO Series premiering next year, and is also working on a next generation web series set in the heart of our nations capital. Born in Connecticut, but having spent most of her life in the Washington DC area, with a short stay in Southern California during middle and high school, Ms. Caulfield attended James Madison University and was the first woman to receive an engineering degree from the JMU School of Integrated Science and Technology. Thereafter, she established a very successful financial advisory practice, having passed her Series 7 and 66 exams to become a certified financial planner. She speaks fluent English, Spanish, Italian and French and has worked abroad for a large U.S. Corporation and traveled extensively in Europe. Keep up to date with what Megan is doing at: www.megancaulfield.com.

Hayden Livesay (playing Brian) is an actor from Potomac MD. He graduated from Saint Michael's college in 2010 with his bachelors degree in political science and religious studies. Hayden has been training in mixed martial arts since he was five years old, loves alpine skiing, and he is a die hard Washington Redskins fan. Sons of anarchy and breaking bad are two of his favorite tv shows. Some of the recent projects he has been in are Toyota commercials, a Baltimore Gas and electric commercial, and the TV movie Capturing Oswald. Keep up to date on what Hayden is doing by visiting his website: http://www.haydenlivesay.com/

Stephen Klagholz (playing Steve) is an Associate Investigator at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. He studied biochemistry and psychology at Virginia Tech and is currently pursuing a Master's of Public Health. Stephen grew up in Great Falls, Virginia and enjoys staying active with hiking, soccer, and playing with his golden retriever. He always enjoyed making movies with friends and developed his playfully sarcastic sense of humor primarily with his older brother, Jeff.

Jarreau Williams (playing Jared) is blessed to be a part of this project with an amazing cast and crew! The Alexandria, VA native is an actor, singer, songwriter, educator, motivational speaker, and proud member of Actor's Equity Association. He has been featured on TV (Investigation Discovery, HBO's VEEP), stage (Shear Madness, Hairspray), film (Shenanigans, White Lies, Echoes), commercials, industrials, and more. His musical talents have allowed him the distinct honor of performing with 3-time Grammy Award winner Michael Buble, gospel recording artist Bev Johnson, and singing for President Barack Obama and the First Family. All honor to God, family, and friends! www.jarreauwilliams.com @JarREAUyourBOAT

Nic Detorie (playing Collin) is a professional actor and model with experience consisting in local, regional and national commercials & print advertisements, television shows & films, industrials, and live events. Nic reside's in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, but will travel anywhere for projects.

Sam Phillips (playing Stuart) is a film and theater actor based in the Washington, DC area. Recent theater credits include “Suite Surrender” at 1st Stage and “Jinshin Jinko” at the Source Festival. He regularly appears in the screen and web projects of Mirandum Pictures, including their 2011 web series, “Fruitcake.” Sam teaches Latin and History at an all-boys school prep school in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where he also assists with the school’s various dramatic productions.

Joe Feldman (playing John) is a bilingual (Spanish) film/television and theatre actor (SAGAFTRA-E, EMC). Film/TV credits include lead roles in several pilots and crime recreations, a number of independent films, and most notably commercial work for Amerigroup, Yeungling, Norfolk International Airport, and the US Army. On stage, he was most recently seen as Jamie in Virus Attacks Heart(Venus Theatre) and Antonio in Tweflth Night(Theater Prometheus). He graduated from the College of William and Mary and the Studio Theatre Conservatory program and is pumped to have been a part of the ABCs!

Erik Harrison (playing Scott) is really obscure. You probably haven't heard of him. He breaks up his acting career with occasional bouts of writing and directing, mostly to remind him that he really just loves the acting part. He co-founded the DC theater troupe The Coil Project, and you can find him online, but you'll have to look yourself. He's a cat person and a Gryffindor.

Jesse Robinson (play one of the gentlemen in our commercial) is an actor in the DMV area and a senior at George Mason University. He is studying Communications and Theatre, and is heavily involved on-campus. Jesse is the Program Director of WGMU Radio, Mason's on-campus radio station, and a member of the Mason Improv Association. Jesse previously worked with this show's mastermind, Allison Howard, on a short film called The Pharmacist, released in 2012. Jesse has been featured on several TV shows on networks such as Discovery ID, History Channel, The Weather Channel and Comedy Central. He hopes to further pursue acting and sports broadcasting upon graduation! Thanks to all for their great work on this awesome show!

Steve Ray (playing Dr. Noah William McGraw) is a 30+ year veteran of radio, television & film from the DC area, who spent 20 years in Los Angeles appearing in films like San Raimi's "Darkman" and Dan Aykroyd's "Nothing But Trouble" as well as working behind the scenes as a 1st Asst. Director. Most recently he has appeared in the feature films "The Nextnik" & "Geographically Desirable" with the ever popular Allison Howard, but in the Washington/Baltimore area he is best known as the TV & Radio Promotional Voice of the Washington Nationals. On-the-Air as a Network News Anchor and Talk Show Host he has interviewed congressional leaders and newsmakers from every point in the political spectrum. His work in radio & as a interviewer has literally taken him around the world interviewing artists such as Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Sting, Phil Collins & Mariah Carey as an Music Editor for the International Editions of Playboy and National Program Director for English language stations in China & Taiwan.

Marcus Ellison Jr (playing one of the gentlemen in our commercial) is a 25 year old up and coming actor from Beltsville, Maryland. Growing up with a deep love for film, it evolved into a passion in later years and in college decided to make a go at it with his main focus being acting. In his time as an active actor he's had the privilege of working on a feature film (his first acting gig), a few shorts/web videos, a small stage play and several days of extra work for House Of Cards & VEEP. During this time his love for the art form and fervor to succeed in the realm have only grown stronger. As he moves forward into the future he hopes to continue to grow as an actor while also getting more into direction along the way.

Victoria Anastasi (playing Kristi) developed the passion for acting at a young age while growing up in the little town of La Plata, Maryland. Her mother told her that she was related to actress Katherine Hepburn, and Victoria knew immediately that she was in it for the long haul. She has taken numerous acting classes, has participated in many theater productions, and has been working her way through the film industry on the East Coast. She is currently earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism. So far, Victoria has appeared in multiple films, television shows, commercials, and industrials. You can see what Victoria’s been doing by visiting her site.

Kevin Leigh (playing Tim) is a native Washingtonian who has been acting for 9 years. Since childhood, he loved re-enacting scenes from his favorite films. Once reaching college, he decided acting is what he wanted to do and took several theater courses. Kevin’s approach towards not taking stereotypical roles has made him a rather unique individual in the acting community. His body of work consists of several short films, appearing in shows like House of Cards and National Geographic, commercial print modeling, and running his film company- Farmer Pig Productions.

Sean O'Grady (who plays a bridal shower patron and our resident audio engineer) is a Washington D.C. based videographer, filmmaker, photographer, journalist and "actor". He contributes regularly to the blog Brightest Young Things, and his videos/films have been shown on major networks around the world. His work can be seen at his website - and can be followed on Twitter/Instagram @SeannieCameras.

Kyle McGruther (playing William) is thrilled to be a part of ABCs' talented cast. He has a degree in Music (Composition. Voice focus) and a background full of performance. After his heavy metal rockstar aspirations faded, Kyle spent a decade abroad as a teacher, translator (Japanese, French, Italian, etc.), organic farmer and builder. Kyle is now a DC-based professional actor (with periodic fits of stagehanding/scenic carpentry) primarily working and training in classical and contemporary theater. Summer 2014 signaled a focus shift towards on-camera work, hinging on his role in ABCs alongside the lead in independent feature Finding Alyce. He has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in short films Game of Chance and Hit Town, starred in the award-winning short In Joe We Trust, appeared on House of Cards, VEEP as well as productions for Fairfax Network, Travel Channel, Discovery ID and FOX News. Kyle anticipates an exciting and challenging 2015, beginning with a film adaptation of King Lear and a new original web series about time travel and Jane Austen. For more: kylemcgruther.com, facebook & twitter.

Dominique Collier (playing Isabel) Is an officer in the Army and a spokesmodel for fitness for the National Guard. Attended The Ohio State University. Has been featured in Shape, Runner's World and Essence magazine. Is a model, actress, and fitness model and played football for Baltimore charm LFL. Has been featured in over 30 productions, including feature films, tv shows, web series, industrials, PSAs, commercials, magazines, fashion shows, print work and billboards. Will be featured on MTVs new game show "Broke Ass Game Show" premiering on Feb. 5th. Follow me here.

Jenny Taylor (playing Erin) is thrilled to be a part of the ABCs of Online Dating after admiring season one from a far. A Williamsburg, VA native, Jenny has spent the past two plus years immersing herself in the DMV film scene. Other works include the short film Sloane, the upcoming feature film Last Night, and the soon to be wrapped All the Luck.

Catalina (playing one of the ladies in the online dating commercial) is an actress, model and Spanish voice talent originally from Colombia, South America. She lives in the DC area. She has appeared in numerous TV commercials, corporate videos, print ads, and a few films and TV shows including the Netflix series House of Cards. You can find more information about her at www.800casting.com/29893

Cory Cunningham (playing Eric) is an actor, director, and producer based in the DC area. Originally from Mississippi, Cory has worked and toured with various companies across the country. Locally he has worked with known theatres such as The Kennedy Center, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Folger Theatre, and more. Last year he co-founded Naked Theatre Company with the goal of experimenting and exploring new ways of sharing the artistic process with the public using the technology of today. You can also find Cory on TV, usually gawking at the Luray Caverns or investigating a murder on the ID Network. To find out more, feel free to visit his website. Cory is also a proud member of Actors' Equity Association.

David Pratt (playing one of our gentlemen in our commercial) is a transplant to D.C. after spending a life moving all over the country and deciding he liked here the most. He is a graduate of Hofstra University School of Law, and has appeared in television, commercials, and print ads in between pursuing a legal career. He has most recently appeared in Flying V Theatre Company's "Batman: The Long Halloween" and cannot wait to see the upcoming season of the ABC's of Online Dating.

Jeff Klagholz (playing Jason) was born and raised in Great Falls, VA and currently works out of Washington, DC. He studied business entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech and is currently finishing up his MBA at George Washington University. This is Jeff’s first foray into the acting word and absolutely enjoyed the experience. He has his brother, Steve, to thank for the introduction to the crew of "The ABCs of Online Dating”.

Justin McLachlan (playing Finn) is a writer, director and actor living in Washington, D.C. His first short film, "The Closet," was produced as part of the 48 Hour Film Project and selected as one of the Best of DC 2013. His second short, "Roommates," recently premiered at the Arizona International Film Festival and was also screened at the Dragon*Con International Film Festival in 2014 and the inaugural Otherworlds Austin. Justin is also the creator and star of EOS 10, a science fiction radio play and podcast.

Originally from Mars, Pennsylvania, Stacy Mathison (playing one of the ladies in our commercial) has lived in the DC Metro area for 5 years. She has been studying at the Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory for a little over 2 years and is just beginning to spread her wings! You can see her next in an episode of House of Horrors: Kidnapped Season 2 out this spring. When she isn't acting or running around to auditions, you can find her slinging drinks at the 9:30 Club!

Attey Harper (playing Jennifer) is a rising entertainment force due to her larger than life personality, creativity, and respect for life’s journey. At a young age, her parents noticed her admiration for entertainment. As a result, Attey enrolled in dance classes and began singing in school choirs. Life’s transitions took her down a different path causing her to pursue other interests, but after earning multiple degrees and still feeling unfulfilled, Attey did some soul searching and decided to be true to herself. Attey began challenging herself to attend auditions that would assist her in becoming better at what she loved to do. Keep your eyes and your ears open for Attey Harper.

Michael Tolosa (playing Jeremiah) is a writer and independent filmmaker with 25 years of experience shooting and editing video. He has a Bachelor's degree in Film & Media Studies from George Mason University and a Master's degree in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. He has produced several web series, including "Inside AOL" and "DC Derby," and has produced or executive produced several short films, including "Settled," "Abound" and "Rules for Small Groups." His writing credits include the award-winning short film "As Is" and "Rules for Small Groups." He recently founded the NoVA Christian Film networking group, which seeks to connect, equip and encourage Christian filmmakers in northern Virginia. He lives with his wife Megan in northern Virginia.

Rachael Murray (playing Katherine) is a DC-area performer, director, and teaching artist. Her DC-area credits include: The Amazing Birth (Rainey, Speakeasy Shorts/DC Dogs); No Exit (Director, Highwood Theatre); The Seven Year Itch (Miss Morris, The American Century Theater; Bitch: A Play About Antigone (Producer, Naked Theatre Company, Capital Fringe 2014); tick, tick....BOOM! (Assistant Director, Quackensteele Theatre Company); Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Storyteller, Highwood Theatre); R.U.R. (Director/Producer, Naked Theatre Company, Capital Fringe 2013), [title of show] (Director, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre), Arsenic and Old Lace (Director, VpStart Crow Productions), Cyanocitta/Collider (Jay-Jay/Prius, Source Festival) Six Degrees of Separation (Assistant Director, VpStart Crow Productions), The Mousetrap (Mollie Ralston, VpStart Crow Productions), and A Prom to Die For! (Tiffany, Mystery Dinner Playhouse). Additionally, Rachael is an actor at the National Children’s Museum, a performer for Kids Rock!, and a teaching artist with Adventure Theatre-MTC. Education: Virginia Tech, B. A. in English and Theatre Arts. Founding company member, Naked Theatre Company.

Alexandria Benford (playing one of the ladies in the commercial) is a Baltimore native and a recent graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park. Receiving a degrees in both Broadcast Journalism and Italian Studies, her love for photography, videography and la bella lingua di Italiano (the beautiful Italian language) continues to grow. With her vivacious personality and passion for creativity and adventure, Alexandria hopes to return to Europe and backpack throughout various countries using her camera as her witness. Alexandria's most recent film work can be seen in the upcoming season of Investigation Discovery's "House of Horrors." When Alexandria is not working, you can catch her sporadically breaking out into performances of any genre of music at any given time- now whether or not she can actually sing...well, she makes no promises :)

Igor (playing Vlad) was born in Leningrad, Russia. His family escaped the Soviet Union in 1989, shortly before its collapse. The cause of the collapse? According to Igor, it is unambiguously the result of a backward and uninspiring dating scene. Nothing short of a complete restructuring of society would do. Since those dark and lonely days, Igor discovered, and became an avid connoisseur of, the American online dating scene. He is now an evangelical for the miracle of the free enterprise system.

His brief, yet memorable, appearance in the “ABC’s of Online Dating” continues a long tradition of almost making it. He’s become famous for his other brief appearance in the web series CapSouth, as well as a few other obscure videos that even he can’t recall the name of.

In between acting and his entrepreneurial ventures, Igor enjoys long nature hikes to reflect on the accelerating pace of change in our post-industrial, post-modern, transhumanist world. And chess.

Anastasia Brunk (playing Diana) is a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a degree in Musical Theater, and has enjoyed making her way in the professional world of acting for the past couple years. While she has been performing onstage ever since she was a child, her film career only began about a year ago, and has quickly blossomed, including leads in an episode of "A Haunting" and several short films in the DC/VA/MD area. She recently relocated to Richmond, and has already gotten involved in the local stage and film industries as both cast and crew, including acting in her first feature film, “Master Plan." In her spare time, she pursues her interests in dance, singing, and various forms of stage combat.

Travis Edwards (our AMAZING Director of Photography) puts to good use his Bachelor of Arts in Film, working with a wide array of clients, shooting everything from commercials and television shows, to documentaries, webseries, and feature films. Travis has worked on projects for HGTV, Comedy Central, CNN, Spike TV, and the Discovery Channel, along with three feature length documentaries as a cinematographer and editor. In addition to his commercial work, her has developed and shot his own award-winning shorts and documentary work.