"VIOLATION" -  USC Short Film                          back to top

Directed by EmilyManthei

An Evening of One-Acts-Play                                 back to top

*****AN EVENING OF ONE-ACTS*****  July 22,23,29 & 30th @ 8:00pm
The Tamarind Theatre * 5919 Franklin Ave. Hollywood, CA * Tickets $10.00 *  Valet Parking Available

Talking to Gertrude - Play                                   back to top

In fall of 2000, Brooke was cast in an original play called, Talking to Gertrude.  Written and produced by Jolene Rice (a San Francisco-based playwright and screenwriter), the play marked three firsts for Brooke: 1.It was her L.A. stage debut (except for some dinner theatre, which, as we all know, doesn’t count). 2.She played a pregnant woman (8 months pregnant, to be exact), and 3.She played a lesbian.  Talking to Gertrude featured an ensemble cast of (mostly) wonderful women, and was directed by the fabulous Sheri Shapiro-Levy at the St. Genesius theatre in West Hollywood.  Brooke played Grace, an earthy teacher/social worker.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, Brooke also had to step into the larger role of Diane, the straight best friend of the lead character.  In spite of the fact that she had only five days to prepare, Brooke was well received in the new role.  She also got to keep her pregnancy suit, which has already come in handy!    

Bite - Film                                                        back to top

In August of last year, Brooke traveled to Tucson, Arizona to play the role of Holly in this independent short film written by and starring Caroline Duncan. Director Victoria Garza (a New York - based film-maker with a background in documentary) { place link here to Vic’s website}. uses unconventional shooting techniques to convey the story of how two radically different women come to terms with loss.

This was a challenging and expanding experience for Brooke, because it was her first real movie.  Also, due to the style of the film and its director, more than the usual number of takes was required for every scene.  Improv was encouraged, as well.  And, as if that weren’t enough, Brooke made the acquaintance of what are sure to be lifelong friends among the cast and crew.  The result: a truly liberating and magical experience.   Bite is currently being edited, and is due out later this year.

Les Parents Terribles - Play                                   back to top

After returning from the location shoot of Bite in Tucson, Arizona, Brooke immediately began tackling a French accent, and the stage role of Leo in Les Parents Terribles, a play by Jean Cocteau.  Set in Paris in 1930, Les Parents Terribles, is the story of a highly dysfunctional, and consummately French family.  Sex, love (the obsessive as well as the unrequited varieties), and lies were rife in this successful production, which was directed and produced by the husband and wife team of David and Suzan Fairchild at Actor’s Repertory Theatre in Rolling Hills Estates. {place link here to Actor’s Rep website.}  The stellar cast included Suzanne Dean, Elias McCabe, Evan McNamara, and Marianne Jeff.  Happily, Brooke has remained in touch with these wonderful people, and has had the opportunity to work with several of them again.

Photos CLICK HERE

A Coupla White Chicks Sittin’ Around Talkin - Play  back to top

In February of this year, Brooke was cast as Maude Mix in John Ford Noonan’s, A Coupla White Chicks Sittin’ Around Talkin’.  This quirky comedy is the story of two lonely women (an uptight, Westchester housewife, and a sassy Texas ex-cheerleader) with two worthless husbands, and two radically different ways of coping with their problems.  Above all, this is a play about friendship, which is apt, as Brooke was re-teamed with pal, Suzanne Dean.

Produced and directed Lisa Coffi, this was a very exciting project, as it was the premier play in the Little Fish Theatre space.  Little Fish was founded to bring contemporary theatre to the city of San Pedro, and is a division of Shakespeare By the Sea, www.shakespearebythesea.org, of which Lisa Coffi is producer/ artistic director. Fun was had by all, especially Brooke, who had the delightful experience of being cast against type.  Snappy dialogue, lightning fast costume changes, and jazzy music all contributed to making this play a huge hit.  In fact, due to popular demand, the original run was extended by three sell - out performances!

Promo Pictures Click Here

Honda/Acura - Industrial                                     back to top

In the spring of this year, Brooke was asked to play a “soccer mom” in an industrial video for Honda/Acura.  Produced by Suzan Fairchild, this video was intended to demonstrate the ease with which it is now possible to purchase cars on the Internet.  Also, the video was intended to promote a service called “owner link”, which is a wonderful way to electronically keep detailed records on said new car.  Both the studio and location shoots were lots of fun, as Brooke was able to bring actor friends, Eric Hailey, and James Smith onto the project.  In addition to the video, Brooke was the subject of a series of print ads for Acura.  Due to her soccer mom costuming, Brooke has come to be known as “pink sweater girl” in and around Honda Corporation.  Unfortunately, they were unable to compensate her with a new Acura of her choice.  She was forced to accept money instead.