The Department of Fools has a diverse rotating company as all of our performers are working artists. We hope to have a vast network of performers that can jump into a scenario at any time!
Executive Producers and Founding Members:
MATTHEW A.J. GREGORY – Matthew is an interdisciplinary theatre artist with expertise in direction, acting, theatre history and costume design, but is interested in holistic approaches to theatre-making that transcend the boundaries of traditional disciplines. He has directed numerous productions at venues around New York including NYU, Theater for the New City, the cell, and the Culture Project. He has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Saratoga Shakespeare Company and Off-Broadway at the Mint Theater. His costume designs have been seen at the Juilliard School, the Wheeler Opera House and the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Matthew also worked as a costume artisan on various films including “X-Men”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, and “Charlie’s Angels”. He has taught at universities and studios across NYC including NYU, CUNY, and the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Currently, Matthew is on the faculty at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The New School. In addition, Matthew is the ‘Capocomico’ (captain) for the Department of Fools. For more information please visit: http://www.matthewajgregory.squarespace.com
BRANDON SALERNO -Brandon is a SAG-AFTRA actor, known for his Recurring Co-star role as Truman in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Seasons 1, 2 & 3. He is a graduate of NYU Gallatin, where he studied acting, entertainment business and educational theatre. His background is in farce, physical comedy and Commedia dell’arte. Recently, Brandon has studied Clown & Commedia with Chris Bayes (Yale) and Bouffon with Eric Davis. Other acting credits include: The Other Two (HBO Max), Nella The Princess Knight on Nick Jr. (Voice Over) and commercials for Sunoco, Kohl’s and Stainmaster. Brandon is an Acting Coach at The Prep NJ and the Assistant Director for the EHS Players Club’s Fall Comedy. Brandon is represented by BMG NY, Trillion Management, Stewart Talent and WSM Talent. www.brandonsalerno.com
Current Company:
SAMANTHA EVANS (she/her) is an actor, writer, improviser and creator. She is a teacher at The Barrow Group and has trained at the UCB, The Groundlings and Emerson College (BFA Acting). She is the creator and star of the award winning pilot, Ghost Girl, which premiered at the NYTV Festival. Sam is represented by Stein Entertainment Group and Bonafide & Emerging Artists.
ADAM RODRIGUEZ – credits include A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar (HVSF tour), Julio Down by the Schoolyard, The Beacons (INTAR), I Love You, Jesus Christ! (Dixon Place). Film credits include Juniper (Showtime). Adam is a graduate of NYU Tisch where he trained at the Atlantic Acting School. Adam studied Clown with Chris Bayes at The Funny School of Good Acting, and he looks forward to playing with The Department of Fools.
ERIC ELSON is a New York native. Credits include Hair at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Once and Assassins at the Seacoast Repertory Theater, and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at BDT Stage in Boulder, Colorado. Training: Wagner College, Orfeo Vocal Arts Academy in Dresden, Germany.
SOPHIA KENOL (she/her) is an actor and writer. Upon moving to New York City she completed William Esper Studio’s two-year program and has since trained at the Freemon Studio, The Acting Studio New York, and just completed Pandemonium Studio’s Clown summer intensive with Chris Bayes. Recently Sophia performed in the play Hair’iatge directed by Niccole Nero James, as well as in A Series of Unfortunate Folks Sketch show at the Player’s Theater in West Village. Outside of acting Sophia enjoys exploring local eats, working out and watching cheesy horror flicks.
SABRINA KALMAN – Sabrina is a proud multi hyphenated Actor, Dancer, Singer, Director/ Choreographer and Teaching Artist. She has performed and taught all across the country (and China!). Some career highlights include touring nationally and internationally with The Wizard of Oz, choreographing at John W. Engmen’s studio, and teaching dance at NYC title one schools. Outside of her work in performance and teaching, Sabrina has worked as a political activist, is a devoted Bunny mom, and has a dream of publishing a series of children’s books featuring said Bunny.
TEDDY BEST – Teddy Best is a NYC-based actor who loves fooling around with fools in foolish ways. In 2022 he graduated from Middlebury College, where he found a passion for acting, clown, and playwriting. He has studied further in acting, clown, and bouffon at the Pandemonium Studio with Chris Bayes, Eric Davis, and Gabriel Levey. Additionally, he has completed the full basics program at The Lucid Body Institute, and the CORE Program at The Freeman Studio. Recently, he appeared as Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show and as Swedish Chef in The Muppet Cabaret at Pendragon Theatre in Saranac Lake, NY. Further credits – College: Everybody (Friendship), Mr. Burns: a post-electric play (Gibson Acts 1&2, Pianist Act 3); Off-Broadway: Hot Fudge (Jerry). You’re welcome to clown-around with him anytime!