Grappling with the Truth

S. Hunter LaRocca 

Director & Author

Hunter finished his Theatre Arts major by beginning his own theatre company. As a founding member of Plain View Theatre Company, he co-produced seven plays in San Diego. He then made a decision unprecedented by other actors, and moved to New York City. As expected, within a year he had already became homeless and insane. He decided to cement his mental derangement by attending a two-year acting conservatory studying the Meisner Technique at William Esper Studio.

Believer's Theatre was founded in 2021 alongside Ryan Balfour, with the stated goals of using theatre as a vehicle to effect social change, and creating a reproducible & sustainable employee-owned non-profit theatre business model. Last year, Hunter directed and produced The Visitor at the Denver Fringe Festival, and is extremely grateful to be invited back again. It would not be possible without the grace of God and the Love and support of his family and friends. This play is dedicated to his mother, Parivash.

Ryan Balfour 

Producer & Assistant Director

After studying at Palomar College, Ryan produced several plays as a founding member of Plain View Theatre Co. Ryan has just done theatre when and wherever possible, and from San Diego, California to Pocatello, Idaho, “let’s just do a show!” has always been his mantra.

"A natural leading man with keen artistic instincts," Ryno has lit up stages and cameras with his signature wit, style, and charm. After writing and acting and producing 'The Visitor,' an original play at the 2022 Denver Fringe, Ryan is excited to return to the Festival once again! 

CAST

Kaylee Hawkins

Kaylee is excited to be working with Believer's Theatre again this year, after acting in their piece for the Denver Fringe Fest last year. Kaylee graduated with her BFA in Acting/Directing in 2019, and moved to Denver to pursue her acting career in 2022. She is excited to continue her work in the Denver community in 2023 and beyond. 

Andrea Alfano

Andrea graduated from Adams State University in 2019 with her BA in Theatre and has been performing in the Denver area ever since. Most recently, she was in Clue with Stagedoor Theatre.  Andrea is so grateful to be part of this cast and part of Denver Fringe this year. A big thank you to the audience for coming to support live theatre! 

William Riley Holmes

Wm. Riley Holmes has been acting in the Denver area for 4 years, and is incredibly excited to be making his Denver Fringe Festival debut with Believer's Theatre. You may have seen him in Robin Hood (Miner's Alley Playhouse), The Drowsy Chaperone (Performance Now), Meet Me in St. Louis, The Wedding Singer (Town Hall Arts Center), Addams Family: The Musical (Vintage Theatre), or aboard The Polar Express at the Colorado Railroad Museum. He holds a BFA in Music Theatre, and would like to thank his family, friends, and fiancé for their constant love and support.

Ryan Wade

Ryan is a recent transfer student to Regis University. Although pursuing a degree in applied psychology, his true passion is to entertain others. Also an accomplished musician, Ryan strives to bring entertainment and joy to audiences and those he meets. "It is a privilege to captivate an audience. I love being able to provide an escape for those watching while helping to tell someone else's story."

Ryan has been a part of many theatrical productions over his career including renditions of Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Li'l Abner. He recently lent his talents to the Colorado Film School assisting in several student projects. "It feels great helping out up-and-coming artists and film makers. It is always incredible to use something that I love to do to help another get to the next level."

Ryan is ecstatic to be working with Hunter and Believer's Theater for the first time. From his first read with Hunter, he knew he was about to be a part of something special. "These guys are working hard and making it happen. These are the type of people I want surround myself with." Ryan is excited to perform at the Denver Fringe Festival for the first time and hopes you love the production.

OUR SPONSORS Thank You For Supporting Local Art!

Herb's Hideout Denver's Premier Live Music Hot Spot Herb's is a musician owned and run venue with a passion for great live music! Located at 2057 Larimer Street in the Heart of Lodo.

• Website: www.believerstheatre.org/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/believerstheatre/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/believerstheatre/

Mercury Cafe 2199 California St, Denver, CO 80205

Entrance: The main entrance for both the Ballroom and the Jungle Room venues is on the southeast side of the building off of California St. 

Parking: There is a large paid parking lot just across California St. and street parking

Accessibility: If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please reach out to us at info@denverfringe.org

Admission: You must show your ticket confirmation or purchase a ticket at the venue; all seating is general admission, audiences will wait in a queue before entry to the show