Ashlea Woodley (Philoctetes and Co-Artistic Director) she/her/hers, is a classically trained actress and mover with a profound love for new and original work. She began her training at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she received her BA in Theatre Arts and Social Philosophy. She continued working in Milwaukee post-undergrad, working specifically in original devisal and physical theatre, creating some of the most daring and visceral new work in the region. From there, she pursued and received her MFA in Acting at DePaul University’s renowned The Theatre School. Ashlea holds the belief that theatre should be as diverse as the individuals with whom she has worked in her community. In addition to her training and practice as an actor and deviser, she has taught both adults and children with disabilities as a teaching artist and as a special educator, holding a Master’s degree in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University. A fierce advocate for neurodiversity and individuals with disabilities in all performance media, she lives Picasso’s words: “There is only one way to look at things until someone shows us how to look at them with different eyes.” She is represented by Dream Team Talent. ashleawoodley.com.

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Michael Dias (Odysseus) he/him, is a Chicago-based actor and teacher. He is extremely proud to be a core company member of Proboscis Theatre Company. He teaches mask performance at DePaul University and stage combat at College of DuPage. Michael recently earned his MFA in acting from Ohio University, where he also taught mask, mime and clowning to BFA and MFA students. Recent credits include: Wolves (Wolf) with Redtwist Theatre, Sense & Sensibility (Col. Brandon) with Northern Stage, And Neither Have I Wings to Fly (Freddie) with First Folio, Little Shop of Horrors (Puppeteer and Whino) with Citadel Theatre, House of Circe (Daedalus) and Queens of Infinite Space (Prince Christian) with Proboscis Theatre, Rhinoceros (Beringer) with Tantrum Theater, The Wind in the Willows (Mr. Toad) with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Macbeth (Macbeth) and Bug (Peter) with Ohio University. Michael also produces the Mime Radio Show podcast. 

michaeldias.com

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Derek Spaldo (Neoptolemus) is an actor and musician, originally from Rutherford, NJ. Prior to moving to Chicago in 2017, Derek attended Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, and was immersed in the downtown New York experimental theatre, dance, and performance art scene. In New York, he had the pleasure of working with artists such as Paul Lazar, Christina Masciotti, Richard Maxwell/New York City Players, Hamlet Isn't Dead, and Zishan Ugurlu, at venues such as Abrons Art Center, The Brick, The Bushwick Starr, The Chocolate Factory, and La MaMa. As a musician, Derek performed as a guitarist and vocalist in the critically acclaimed band Garcia Peoples, where he had the privilege of working with artists such as P.G. Six, Chris Forsyth, and Matt Sweeney. TV: Chicago Med. MFA, The Theatre School at DePaul University. Derek is represented by Stewart Talent.

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Alexis Primus (Chorus/Soldier) she/they, is from Washington DC and is an MFA Acting candidate at The Theatre School at DePaul University. They graduated from The University of Pittsburgh in 2019 and have performed in musicals, plays, operas, films, television shows, and self-generated work since then. She is excited about the opportunity to be a part of Philoctetes and looks forward to becoming more involved in the arts community in Chicago.

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Courtney Abbott (Heracles) she/they. Recently seen as Leontes with the Back Room Shakespeare Project, Courtney directs intimacy and violence at theaters across Chicago. Upcoming: Women Beware Women (Blue in the Right Way); Lavender Men (About Face). CourtneyAbbott.com

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Eliot Hall (Captain) is from Northern California. He is in his last year at The Theater School at Depaul University and he’s thankful to all his friends and family who have come to support him.

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Jeff Mills (Director, Costume/Prop Design, Music/Sound Design) he/him, is the founder and Co-Artistic Director of Proboscis.  With Proboscis Jeff has directed Piezoelectric Love: The (half) Life of Marie Curie, La La La Strada, Strap-On, Bloody Beautiful, The Queens of Infinite Space, and Tempest.  Locally Jeff has directed A Wrinkle in TIme, As You Like It, Hedda Gabler, Henry VI pt.3, and the Cat in the Hat at TTS, and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus at Northbrook Theatre.  Jeff is a classically trained actor, movement artist, fight director and musician who has performed with companies all over the world.  He's looking forward to performing his solo show, Prospero's Black Box in Prague and Verona this summer! Jeff currently directs and teaches movement for actors at the Theatre School, DePaul University. 

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