A: An Emotional Theatre Immersive
Welcome to the world of A. Meet the cast and creative team, discover the heart behind this immersive experience, and explore the journey that transforms strangers into a shared human story. This digital playbill is your guide.
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
I want to truly thank you for being here and taking part in the world of “A: An Emotional Immersive” Your presence means more than you know. This performance, this movement, this message — it exists because of people like you who show up and care.
Fifteen years. That’s how long it’s taken for “A” to become what you see tonight — after countless changes in name, tone, and form. This version exists to educate, connect, and break the stigma around mental health and addiction. Fifteen years ago, I didn’t understand self-care. Like Ryan, I was a people pleaser, chasing approval to fill a void. I hurt people who cared for me and turned to alcohol and sex - just to feel something. I mistook the absence of love as proof I didn’t deserve it.
There’s a piece of real experience in every character you’ll meet tonight. Scenes 10 and 11 are inspired by two very real moments in my life, and the heartbeat of the scene is captured by using the words of my own suicide notes that I wrote in fall 2013 and winter 2018. Those words now live between two characters, because I believe there’s a little of each of them in all of us. Hearing them nightly reminds me I’ve learned to face my past, to live in the present, and look forward to the future. You see, on both occasions, I called one of my best friends — my Brother in Christ — someone I rarely reach. Somehow, both times, he answered. I called to say goodbye, but instead he simply told me, “Strength doesn’t come from winning. Your struggles develop your strength”. To this day, I never admitted to him my real intent with these calls. To anyone I hurt during my darker times — I’m sorry. While it doesn’t excuse anything, it’s part of my healing to acknowledge it openly.
I’ve fallen far enough to know I don't want to get near rock bottom ever again. My wife, who I met in January of 2018, shows me nothing but agape love, and unlimited patience, both contributing factors why I’m here and able to write this Director’s note to you. And that’s why tonight, I ask to please scan or click the QR code below and help keep this movement alive. Not just for this show, but for the lives it might reach next.
After more than 15 years, I finally have a dream again — a big one. I want “A” to matter. To reach those who think they’re alone and remind them they’re not. To help people manage their “A’s” before their “A’s” manage them. Because when we stay connected — when we really listen — we rise. Together. So one last time: Scan. Donate. Share. Help us keep the movement of “A” going — one story, one voice, one act of courage at a time.
With ultimate gratitude,
NOELLE CASTRO as Michelle
Noelle Castro is a founding member of the “A” immersive, and a member of the Rise Above Performing Artists. Noelle is a Actor/Artist who works in many mediums, her favorite being live theater. She has performed at San Francisco City Hall, Malcolm X Jazz Festival in Oakland, as well as various other productions in Northern California. She is a member of Belonging Resident Company, as well as Skywatchers, which are both performing arts collectives. She feels strongly that art heals. The creator and the one experiencing it. Noelle is a habitual line stepper. Between worlds, ideologies, and systems and uses the art of story to convey her lived truth. That the only definition that really matters is the one you give yourself.
EMILY KIYOMI GORIN as Emile
Emily Kiyomi Gorin is from Los Angeles, California and is a rising Senior at Syracuse University pursuing her BFA in Acting. She is thrilled to be a part of A’s journey to Edinburgh and work alongside such charismatic and passionate people who are all about change and shifting perspectives. A special thank you to Ethan Lang for bringing her onto this project and to Kenne for believing in her. And of course, a huge thank you to her Mom and her endless support, her Booba, Danny, her brother Ethan, and her friends across the pond. Emily hopes you can walk away with something from “A”!
VALERIE GUILLORY as Miracle
Val is an actress originally from Chicago. Her personal mission is simple: to encourage and inspire others through storytelling. She's a published author under the pen name Ana Guil, creating books that help people choose courage over discouragement, including adult coloring books, journals, and other uplifting resources -find them available and support small business at www.com-vee-cozie.com Val hopes A reminds you that none of us are alone, and that hope and help are always within reach. With all her heart, and much love, Val would like to thank her incredible husband... Kenne (sorry... the Director 😉), for allowing her to be part of such a powerful immersive. And because science is everywhere, be sure to follow McKenzie for fun, fascinating science content that makes the world a little more amazing.
ETHAN Z LANG as Ryan
Ethan Z Lang is thrilled to be making his Edinburgh Fringe debut as Ryan in A. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Ethan is in his final year of earning a B.F.A. in Acting at Syracuse University's Department of Drama. Ethan is honored to help tell a story that explores vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of being truly seen. He thanks the entire cast, especially two of his best friends, Connor and Emily, for their time and energy in helping propel this production to where it is today. Most of all, Ethan would not be where he is today without the endless support and enthusiasm of all four of his parents, his sister, Vivian, and his girlfriend, Mallika. Enjoy the show!
CONNOR MOZART TELL as Chester
Connor plays Chester in What is: A. He is about to graduate with a BFA in Acting at Syracuse University. He was recently in the educational short film spiral which was just nominated for two New York Regional Emmy’s. He has also performed as Orsino in Twelfth Night at SU and Oberon in Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Shakespeare Globe Theater. Connor is also a stand up and improv comedian and will be performing at the Home bar Basement, venue 106 for Comedy Against Humanity. In the New Year he’ll be moving back to LA to seek representation for theatrical, commercial, and print work, as well as continuing his work creating and performing in projects for the production company New Productions.
KENNE GUILLORY director, writer, and founder
For 15 years, “A” has been my heartbeat. Workshopped across the world, it picked up multiple “Pick of Fringe” awards. To stand here now, coming full circle from our first workshop to the international premiere - right here in Edinburgh, Scotland, is nothing short of a dream realized. I’ve been blessed with honors along the way—Outstanding Director (Southern California Theatre Association) and two NAACP Image Awards, including Director of the Year—but the truest award is this cast. Thank you my “A” family for your grit, your heart, and your willingness to dive deep. And yes, I’m that director—the one who swears “this version’s final” and it never is, you know the one. I’m the one that everybody hated starting in week three, but maybe still have respect for, and glad you are part of this, from the bottom of my heart, Thank you. First and foremost: my wife, Lady VAG. Thank you for your love, your patience, and for never saying no—even when you should. To my father Mil, my sister Theresa, and my brother Mike—thank you for your love and support from afar. Thank you mom and a heavenly hello for all your support the last 8 years. Hope your proud MOM, I wish you could be here for this. Finally, to anyone who I have ever hurt, or crossed paths with my own “A’s” along the way—thank you for your understanding, your forgiveness, and for reminding me that growth never stops. Hope we can bring “A” to wherever your hometown is in the coming years!
Thanks & acknowledgements
Thank you for being part of A. If tonight reminded you that these conversations matter, we hope you'll consider becoming a future supporter and helping us reach the next audience who needs this story.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made 'A' possible. From each and everyone of our generous donors to our supportive families and enthusiastic audience members, your contributions are invaluable.
A huge thank you to our very special audience member who made an unexpected cameo in today's performance! We couldn't have illustrated DARVO any better if we'd scripted it. Thank you for reminding us why conversations like these matter, and for becoming part of today's story... whether you meant to or not.
Music has always been more than background in "A." It is another character in the story, giving a voice to emotions that words alone often cannot express. Throughout the experience, each song was intentionally chosen to reflect a character's journey through anxiety, addiction, healing, hope, and self-discovery. In many ways, the music says what the heart is still trying to find the courage to admit. Artists like Imagine Dragons, P!NK, and so many others who have chosen to use their platforms to write honestly about mental health, trauma, resilience, and hope. Their willingness to be vulnerable has created conversations that reach millions, reminding people everywhere that they are not alone. In many ways, they're doing the very thing we're striving to do here: turning art into connection, empathy, and a reason to keep going. As you leave tonight, we hope one of these songs stays with you. If a lyric reminds you of someone who may be struggling, reach out. If it reminds you of yourself, know that your story isn't over.
Thank You to Derek Douglas, and the rest of the Brawn Venues staff for believing in the project, and hosting the immersive
To my incredible A Family, thank you for believing in this story and giving it your whole hearts. Thank you for your unwavering commitment through personal funding, never-ending fundraising, and the countless sacrifices that made this immersive possible. A exists because each of you chose to believe in something bigger than yourselves.
Thank you to Fin Ross and Island productions, for helping on the producer (non-financial side) and advise to make the most of "A"'s first Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Thank You to Edinburgh & Beyond for helping spread the news about the premiere of "A", here in Edinburgh.
John J. Nichol for designing the incredible branding for "A: What Is A?" here at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
hank you to Stephen Walker and Theresa Hart, for being our "Voices in the Sky", without the narration wouldn't have been as exciting.