FRANCISCO SOLORZANO (actor, director, filmmaker)

Congratulations to BAREFOOT STUDIO PICTURES co-founder, Francisco Solorzano on the Official Selection of his screenplay, Consent at the 13th Annual Hollyshorts Film Festival.  His screenplay was also previously named semi-finalist at LA Cinefest and Official Selection of the Berlin International Cinefest. 

As screenwriter, Francisco's short, A Northern Star was previously a semi-finalist in the screenplay competition (2015) and later premiered at the festival the following year (2016).  A Northern Star recently won Best Short Film at the Barcelona International Film Festival. 

Francisco's debut at Hollyshorts was with Floating Sunflowers starring Anna Chlumsky (VEEP, My Girl, 30 Rock) and Lynn Cohen (Sex and the City, Spielberg's Munich) in which he directed, produced and co-starred in with fellow Barefoot Studio Pictures co-founder, Christopher Whalen.

Congratulations to the entire Hollyshorts Film Festival family and all of the participants this year!!!  We look forward to the rest of the festival and returning once again next year with several projects.

For more info on HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL: http://www.hollyshorts.com/ 

FRANCISCO SOLORZANO - Most notably, Francisco adapted, directed and acted in the critically acclaimed/sold-out Off-Broadway world premiere of DOG DAY AFTERNOON (Theatre Row Theatres).  Award winning filmmaker (several Best Director; Best Short Film awards) for his debut film Floating Sunflowers and most recently, A Northern Star (Best Short) which he also wrote.  Recently nominated for Best Director at Planet Connections Theater Festivity and first place, two weeks in a row for #Serials at The Flea Theater (featuring the Bats).  He's thrilled to be returning to The NEW Flea Theater early this coming Fall.  SELECT THEATER: Collaborated on award winning revivals, NY and World Premieres with some of the most prolific companies including: THE FLEA THEATER, LABYRINTH THEATER COMPANY, Hi-ARTS, RATTLESTICK PLAYWRIGHTS THEATER, FLORIDA STAGE, GLOUCESTER STAGE CO., EST, ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATRE, NYLON FUSION, PLANET CONNECTIONS (NOM) and many others.  Francisco has led the Barefoot Theatre Company as Producing Artistic Director / Co-Founder for the past 17 years from Off-Off Broadway to become a critically acclaimed and award winning bi-coastal (NYC&LA) ensemble.  Several films and theater projects in the works including Barefoot Theatre Company's 18th Anniversary Season.  Co-Founder of the film production company, Barefoot Studio Pictures in which he’s written and directed several award winning short films. BFA in Acting: CUNY's Brooklyn College; Recipient of the Brooklyn College, Alumnus of the Year Award. Member of Actors Studio's PDU, Actor's Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.   

HollyShorts Film Festival 

is an organization devoted to showcasing the best and brightest short films from around the globe, advancing the careers of filmmakers through screenings, networking events, and various panel and forums. The HollyShorts Film festival showcases the top short films produced 40- minutes or less. Categories include Short Animation, Short Live Action, Short Documentary, Music Video, Webisode, Commercials, Youth Film and Digital Microbudget. Click here for full list of awards.

 Recently named an Academy Awards® Qualifying Festival.

MEET SAWYER SPEILBERG (Who's Who in Extinction)

We are proud to be a part of this thrilling production at Guild Hall featuring a stellar cast.  Please take a moment to get to know our cast and get your tickets before they're all gone.  

TIX INFO: http://www.guildhall.org/events/?id=1071&mode=id

Meet our cast member, SAWYER SPIELBERG:

What's your role in this production?

 Actor.  I play Finn Buchanan. 

How did this role come to you?

I was taking the Lyle Kessler Master Class in New York City and my buddy Eric Svendsen brought this play to me. 

Tell us a little bit about your Character, Finn?  He's a good man stuck in a self destructive relationship with an old college pal. 

What's the most compelling moment about this story, without giving away any major plot points?

I have to say the moments of truth about Finn's relationship with Max that begin to prevail in this play are extremely fascinating. 

Do you remember the moment you knew you had to be a part of world of storytelling?

Story telling has been a part of my life since day one. It's in my blood. 

Do you have a favorite routine or style of preparation before rehearsals?  If so, care to share?  And does your preparation changed during performances?

I have a hot cup of coffee and get excited. Acting for me is like getting ready to go out on a Friday night to party!! 

Barefoot Theatre Company is dedicated to the collaborative process, to ensemble theater making in order to provide audiences with a compelling evening of theater.  In your words, why should audiences join us at John Drew Theater and witness Extinction?

The John Drew Theatre has never had such a raw and unforgiving play like extinction at their stage and I think its going to really shake up the east end theatre goers. Bringing something new and exciting to the stage that many will relate to is an evening I know you won't forget. 

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

When did you arrive in NYC?  And where do you call home now: Brooklyn, NY; Hollywood, CA; etc.

2010 I moved to New York. I call NY home. 

Favorite theater going experience.  

I really enjoyed Street Car Named Desire at the St. Ann's Warehouse last year with Ben Foster as Stanley. 

BIO:

Sawyer Spielberg (Finn) studied acting at the Atlantic Theater Company. Sawyer played Peter Van Daan in Bay Street Theater’s 2013 production of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK and Bay Street’s 2015 production OF MICE AND MEN playing Whit. Sawyer also performed in Guild Hall of East Hampton’s 2014 production of HAMLET playing Guildenstern and Francisco. Off Broadway Sawyer has performed at the East 4th St Theatre playing Micha in a production of the BELGRADE TRILOGY. He played Philip in a production of SAFE at the 14th St Y and Van in a production of CLOVER at La MaMa.

Guild Hall and Where Are They Going Theatre Group
in association with Barefoot Theatre Company
present EXTINCTION by Gabe McKinley

March 30 through April 16
Wednesdays – Sundays at 7pm
PLUS 2pm matinees on April 8 and April 15

Directed by Josh Gladstone
Starring Brynne Kraynak, Raye Levine, Sawyer Spielberg
and Eric Svendsen

Two college buddies’ annual outing of male-bonding and debauchery veers precipitously off course when unmet expectations spiral into a volatile showdown. A darkly funny drama exploring the evolution of friendships – and the lengths to which we go to save them from falling into extinction.

Please note that this play includes graphic language and mature subject matter.

General Admission $25 ($23 Guild Hall Members)
$15 Students under 18

Production Team:
Set Designer – Raye Levine
Lighting Designer – Sebastian Paczynski
Stage Manager – Tyler Winthrop
Producer – Sawyer Spielberg
PR – Leah Lane