Choice

This play gives a fresh perspective on bullying, the world, and the human experience. This abstract play takes the audience through the lives of relatable characters and their realities, all while examining the choices we all have. Part of American History Theater's mission is to raise awareness of social issues through the arts. This original play, written by a San Diego native, addresses the universal experience of bullying in a new and captivating way.

Creators

Hal Berry

Director

Co-founder and CEO of The American History Theater, Hal has directed shows for AHT in the past. After years of searching for the perfect play to present to the world, he was able to elicit the help of Ally Mayville to create Choice. After years of writing, Choice, will be his directing grand finale.

Alli Mayville

Creator and Stage Manager

Alli Mayville is originally from Park City, Utah but has lived in San Diego for most of her life. She is a San Diego State University graduate with a Bachelors in English. Alli began her journey with The American History Theater as a writing intern and playwright for the original production CHOICE, about the widespread issue of bullying. Since then, has been honored with the position of Vice President of Operations.

Cast

Amy Dell

Amy Dell (Tammy) is excited to be performing again with The American History Theatre, after previously appearing as Vera in the female version of The Odd Couple. She has performed at a number of local theatres, most recently in TuYo Theatre’s On Her Shoulders, Coronado Playhouse’s Clue Onstage, and Trinity Theatre’s Zoom#Drama. She also recently appeared in Vanguard Culture’s filming of The History of Joy. She has performed sketch comedy with Black Kat Theatre, does voiceover work, and is a playwright and board member of The Scripteasers. When not acting or writing, Amy is a lawyer and enjoys hiking with her husband and mutt.

Kevin O'Connor

Kevin is brand new to the American History Theater. Most recently, he was the Principal in the short film Brawls in the Stalls before previously performing in The Dinner Detective murder mystery show in San Diego. Kevin has also performed long form comedic improv with his long time buddies in The Hinges over much of the past decade. A part of the original cast of Choice, Kevin has reprised his role as the World.

Heather Armstrong

Heather Armstrong is thrilled to be making her debut with the American History Theatre in Choice. She recently graduated UC San Diego with a BA in theatre after moving back to San Diego following her whirlwind adventure preforming with Disney Cruise Line. Other San Diego theater credit include: Luisa in The Fantasticks, Eva in 10 out of 12, PB in One Slight Hitch, Teacher in Peter and the Starcatcher, and Alice in Alice in Wonderland. She would like to thank the creative team for believing in her, her family and friends for their unending support, and her dog for making her a better person. Enjoy the show!

Floyd Roger Strayer

Floyd started stand-up at 58 and acting at 60. He said his 91-year-old mother showed him through her life, you are never too old to try something new. He served 21 yrs. active-duty Marine, and as a civilian with the Navy since 99’. His most notable theater roles were Mark Twain in "Mark Twain: A Christmas Carol" written and directed by Charles Carr. Mr. Otto Frank in "The Diary of Anne Frank" directed by Melissa Malloy. He Produced and Directed a New Comedy Series “The Smartlys” soon to be released on TUBI. He also directed the Short “Life After Oblivion” for the San Diego Armed Forces Film Challenge. He stated, “Though I have stretched myself producing and directing and enjoy it, my passion lies on stage, in front of a live audience.”

Diamante Clarke

Diamante Clarke is the Marketing Director for The American History Theater, accepting the position after his graduation in May of 2020. Diamante is an aspiring actor who loves to be in front of the camera. Having been away from the stage since his senior year of high school, Diamante felt it was time to return to the stage. Diamante is esctatic to bring Freddy alive in the play of Choice.

Lauren Kogelman

Lauren Kogelman is excited to be playing the role of Glenda in the American History Theatre’s production, Choice. A San Diego native, she is currently a student in the San Diego Community College District with plans to transfer to a four-year university. Some of her favorite past roles have been Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Agnes Stevenson in Sorry, Wrong Number, and Daisy in The Great Gatsby. She most recently performed in San Diego City College’s Festival of New Plays, a collection of student-written and student-directed short plays.

Eric Peterson

Eric (middle name redacted), Peterson is 37 years old with brown hair, blue eyes, and ever-growing lower back pain. He has been in several productions in San Diego spanning over several years of time. He lives under a roof with his wonderful girlfriend and 2 feline companions George and tiny kitton. Tiny kitton is old and George is stinky. Eric also enjoys playing tennis multiple times a week at various undisclosed locations. Want to know anything else? Use your imagination;) and please please please enjoy the show!!!

Robert Michaels

Bobby is thrilled to be making his American History Theatre debut, and couldn’t be more excited to be originating the role of “Khalil” in the world premiere of “Choice”. He couldn’t be more happy to return the stage, especially after the year we just had. He was last seen on stage in a production of "Matilda" with (Fine Arts Network) in the heart of Temecula. Bobby is a musical theatre veteran to stage. He has worked with NY’s “RWS Entertainment Company” as Performer, in San Diego & New Hampshire as Actor/ Dancer. Previous Credits: John Bender in The Breakfast Club, Ben in American Idiot (Patio Playhouse), Luis in West Side Story (Temecula Valley Players, The Star Theatre), Laurie (Little Women), Maurice in (Beauty & The Beast). He feels truly humbled to be a part of this emotionally impactful story & couldn’t be honored to be telling a story that needs to be told, and hopes that audience’s walk away with the choice that there’s always more to life if we just share love & compassion, which often ways more gravity then will we know.

Tech

Al Sides

Technical Director

I am a 40 year veteran of show performances. Born and raised in New York, I worked my first show when I was 17 years old. My first exposure was as a "Roadie". I was only able to load and unload trucks and equipment. I persevered and worked my way into being a stage hand, then an assistant lighting tech. I did a few tours on the East coast and eventually went on a tour of Nigeria where I was allowed to create and perform my own light show. I moved to California in 1985. I was able to find various production companies on the West coast and finally did 5 years with PSAV. It's been a long, hard road but now volunteering is my way of "paying it forward".

Leah Sides

Technical Assistant

My name is Leah Sides, I’m 17 years old. I work with The American History Theater as a stage manager and lights/technical assistant to my father, Albert Sides, who is the technical director. I’m currently a senior at Bonita Vista High School in Chula Vista. I feel that working with the The American History Theater helps me to build character, gives us valid knowledge and information on history and helps open both young and old minds up to theater, drama and performance.

Kaileykielle Hoga