So Bright, the Night

Jeyman Rodriguez

The Bull
I am Jeyman Rodríguez, a Colombian actor, director, and trained drama teacher. For ten years, I led theatrical processes at Universidad Libre in Barranquilla, guiding actors through both artistic discipline and human depth. My work also includes social engagement with vulnerable communities in Colombia, where I embrace theatre as a tool for transformation. My approach blends poetic sensitivity and professional rigor, exploring body, voice, and presence as living territories. On stage, I conceive each character as a space of revelation and encounter.

Shad Cooper

Sheriff Traeger
Shad's previous Fringe credits include John Huston in The Base (2013) and Dad in Behemoth (2023) with Hey Rube.  Other notable Fringe credits include Collins in See You Next Tuesday (2010) and Sir Robert Cecil in William Shakespeare's Land of the Dead (2008) with Walking Shadow Theatre Co.

Diego Symouksavanh

Ernesto Carnal
Diego (they/he) is a Laotian and Mexican actor in the Twin Cities. Born and raised in Minnesota they have previously worked with Theatre Mu, Pillsbury House Theatre and the Chicago Avenue Project, Frank Theatre, Theatre in the Round, Orthogonal Productions, Teatro Del Pueblo, and the Minneapolis Community College.

Claudia Garcia

Maria de la Fuente
Claudia Garcia is so excited to bring Maria De La Fuente to life in this timely production, So Bright The Night. Claudia’s recent credits include The Chrysalis by Miguel Fiol, Death and the Maiden at Pangea World Theater, and Rosette at New Arab American Theater Works. She has also worked with Minnesota Opera, Teatro del Pueblo, and Exposed Brick Theatre. She earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Political Science and proudly works as an Immigration Paralegal. All power to the people.

Nina Aguilera

Paula de la Fuente
Nina Aguilera is a Costa Rican actor based in the Twin Cities. She obtained her performing arts degree from Augsburg University. This is Nina’s first time performing at the Fringe festival.

Matthew Saxe

Fritz Karza
Matt Saxe: Matt is thrilled to be returning to the Fringe to reprise his role in the original production of this show in the 2016 Fringe. Film & TV Credits: JARHEAD, PEARL HARBOR & THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL. Matt is also in SO BRIGHT THE NIGHT at this year's Fringe.  Previous Minnesota Fringe Festival Credits: 2023: Reception & Baldwin’s Last Fire (Golden Lanyard Award-Fringe With Benefits Members Winner), 2022: Orzel Rising (Winner of 2 Golden Lanyard Awards-Venue Pick & Artists Pick), 2010: Sex, Soap, Torture, Weather, 2011: Once Upon A CSI, 2012: Tales From A Twisted Universe, 2013: Theatre 101 & Grimm For Kids. 2014: The Jungle Book, 2015: Melancholy London, 2016: So Bright the Night. 2017: Waiting for Gygax & The Tragedy of Obi-Wan Kenobi, 2018: An Odyssey Backwards and In Heels & TITUS: Sweet Water:Silent Walks. 2019: The Viking and The Gazelle. He can also be seen in MUSKIE at this years Fringe. Thank you for coming to SO BRIGHT THE NIGHT.

Kirsten Stevens

Choreographer
Kirsten is a Twin Cities-based mime and physical theatre artist, a Navy Reserve officer, a flying trapeze catcher, and a huge Captain Marvel fan. Kirsten graduated from L’Ecole Internationale de Mimodrame de Marcel Marceau in Paris, France and after touring with some French guys in a VW bus, she returned to the US and moved to Minneapolis where she teamed up with Dean Hatton, a partnership which produced several hit MN Fringe shows. Kirsten has toured nationally as a solo performer and collaborations such as Elements, a physical theatre collaboration in Los Angeles. These days you can often find her hanging upside down and catching people in mid-air at Twin Cities Trapeze, but she hasn’t forgotten her roots in silent theatre.

Marcus Anthony

Writer/Director/Producer
Marcus is the creator behind several MN Fringe shows from past years including Be Your Selflie, Orzel Rising, and Yo-Ho-Hum: a Pirate's Mid-life crises. Marcus is Find out more about Marcus and his company at HeyRube.org.