Paige Pelonis

Pelonis is the P in TeamPI (Paige & Izzy) and the youngest of three daughters who were born and raised in Long Beach by two superheroes. She is a non-profit founder, a creator, a non-fiction writer, and a performance artist who loves to sing, to write and share spoken word poetry, and to participate in all things theater. After years of being away from what has been a life-long love, she is so grateful to be returning to the stage in BEHIND THE MASK.

BEHIND THE MASK

It’s incredibly defeating to feel like you can’t or shouldn’t share your own story because you believe it is unimportant and that the world will dislike who you are in that story. This experience has not only empowered me to love and respect the story of my own life, but to also appreciate deeply the role I get to play every single day as a woman still growing up in an extremely forgiving, accepting, and loving community.

Thank you, Ann and everyone who has been part of BEHIND THE MASK, for helping me to believe that my story matters, even if I don’t always have grace for the character I play in it.

Fernando Gallegos

Gallegos is a Long Beach artist, poet and musician. He’s performed throughout Southern California and is currently performing as the band “Fernando and the Sound”. He can be found on Spotify under this stage name and on social and media outlets under the handle @fernandoandthesound

BEHIND THE MASK

The show has allowed me to deal with moments during the global pandemic that I hadn’t personally addressed. The song I wrote for the show was a cathartic outlet to all of the collective anxiety and uncertainty that was hidden behind the mask of a relationship. It was great to work with Ann and the rest of the group to understand that we weren’t alone and aren’t alone during these times.

Wes Blake

Blake is a local poet and enjoys performing at poetry Open Mics in and around Long Beach and in the Greater OC/LA areas. Wes works part time as an assistant teacher in Fountain Valley School District and at the Los Altos Family YMCA in Long Beach. Outside of work and poetry, Wes enjoys reading, writing, music, movies, exercise and community.

BEHIND THE MASK

Wes is very thankful and honored to be a part of BEHIND THE MASK. Wes could not have done it without the love and support from the fantastic cast and crew who made this show possible. Wes hopes that anyone who sees this show will feel inspired, touched and blessed by the powerful storytelling and art that this show is all about.

Izzy Matos

Matos has had quite the eclectic life. From 1997-2001, he toured as the frontman for a punk band. From 2004-2013, Izzy served as a pastor in Long Beach. From 2011-2013 Izzy worked on several film projects as writer, director, producer, and actor. Now, Izzy is in social services and has dusted off his guitar and songwriting journal, re-debuting at BEHIND THE MASK.

BEHIND THE MASK

This show has given me the motivation to dust off my guitar and songwriting journal. Although I was hesitant, and even dismissive at first, I am glad that both my wife, Paige, and Director/Creator of Long Beach Community Theater, Ann, talked me into it.

Austin Nation

Nation has been doing theater since he was in junior high school. This has been his love and passion for many years, now aspiring to perform on a Broadway stage. He has written his own one-man show, “Becoming Austin Nation” which will be at the Curtis Theatre in Brea in March: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=141094

BEHIND THE MASK

Doing this kind of show has been an absolutely life-changing experience for me! One I will treasure and never forget. It has forced me to become even more vulnerable and raw when sharing my feelings about my life experiences. I have enjoyed the opportunity to interact and be a part of a show with so many other amazing artists.

Sue Gauthier-Pin

Gauthier-Pin is a writer, performer, and expressive arts therapist. By day she provides mental health counseling at her private practice in Signal Hill. By night, she is a screenplay writer, producer and documentary assistant director. In her down time, she enjoys cuddling her cats, gathering with friends, and cozying up with a cup of tea and a good period drama.

BEHIND THE MASK

This has been a cathartic opportunity for our “shadow selves” to be witnessed and held with compassion. When we come out from behind the mask – when we get vulnerable and courageous – when we are seen and supported – we begin to integrate, we begin to feel whole, we begin to love and accept ourselves (and others) just as we are.

Austin Schmidt

Schmidt is glad to be returning to the stage alongside so many exceptionally talented writers and performers. As a recent transplant to the area, he appreciates the opportunity to delve more deeply into his craft with the support of the BEHIND THE MASK cast and crew. It has been an incredible experience, and he hopes that this performance inspires you to look inward and consider the masks that you wear.

BEHIND THE MASK

BEHIND THE MASK has given me a chance to really examine where I find myself as we come out of the pandemic. I am fortunate to say that it is among a community of creatives as a person who is a little bit more myself.

Doyle Smiens

Smiens is no stranger to the Long Beach Community Theater. He has performed in several shows and is a regular at the LBCT “Speak. Easy.” He loves working with the amazing and talented director Ann.

BEHIND THE MASK

This show brings together an amazing group of artists. And each person removes a part of their mask and shares their story with the audience. It is beautiful to hear and see.

Jessica Gallion

Gallion aka YELLAWOMAN is an author and poet from Natchitoches, Louisiana, raised in Los Angeles, CA where pen and poetry became her best friends. She is the author of Can’t No Woman, Woman Like Me, published by World Stage Press in Leimert Park. Her work takes you on a journey through self discovery, affirmations, colorism, trials and over-comings all smothered in her Creole culture and Louisiana roots.

BEHIND THE MASK

This experience has been one of the mind, heart, and body! I am worth investing in and showing up for. I have gotten the opportunity to step up, reach out and lean in. Super grateful for this cast, the crew, this group of synergy. Love love love.

Chad Bishop

Bishop loves nothing more than to stand in front of a crowd and express himself. The Troy, AL native is a staple on the Long Beach music scene. When not involved with the Long Beach Community Theater, Chadwick can be found singing and playing trombone all over SoCal.

BEHIND THE MASK

BEHIND THE MASK is about pulling back the layers and getting to the essence of one’s existence. It means so much to me to witness these amazing stories and to share parts of myself that have been hidden for so long. I am honored to be a part of the production.

Derrick Engoy

Engoy is a writer, poet, pastor and financial planner who believes words are meant to bring truth and life to people, rather than being used to destroy one another. He discovered a passion for creative writing in the late 80s as a young striving hip-hop artist and launched into spoke word in the mid 90s. Derrick loves his family, serving his community, and brewing coffee.

BEHIND THE MASK

Behind the Mask is an inspirational work of art that challenges folks to embrace every part of their being, no matter how messed up they assume themselves to be. It’s an encouraging performance that emboldens others to live free.

Izze Navarrette

Navarrette is currently a junior at Long Beach City College as a Psychology major. She’s planning to pursue a career as an Expressive Arts Therapist. She finds ways to express herself through the arts by dancing, drawing, and painting.

BEHIND THE MASK

BEHIND THE MASK is a powerful performance that everyone can relate to on a deep emotional level. I’ve become more present with myself and others because of this performance.

Laura Schuchardt

Stage Manager

Ann Wellman

Director