Two generations, two plays, one evening to remember… for future reference.
English Scrimshaw Theatrical Novelties presents Future Reference, a darkly funny double feature from father and son playwrights Joshua and Aaron English Scrimshaw.
Act I: The evening begins with the premiere of Aaron English Scrimshaw's “End of the Line”, the story of Jim and what happens when he is hit by a sudden revelation at the bus stop.
Act II: Next is Joshua English Scrimshaw's “Watchbird", based on a prophetic 1953 short story by Robert Sheckley. Charlie manufactures armed drones designed to detect and detain murderers before they strike. Will this new technology usher in an age of peace and harmony… or end life on Earth as we know it?
This production is being presented under the auspices of the Actors’ Equity Association Members’ Project Code.
PREVIOUS PRAISE FOR ENGLISH SCRIMSHAW THEATRICAL NOVELTIES
“A smart and tasty departure from the expected.” - Pioneer Press
“Inventive, risky, and hilarious” - Star Tribune
“What's not to love?” - Cherry and Spoon
ABOUT THE CAST AND CREATORS
Joshua English Scrimshaw (writer, director, actor) is the co-founder of the Twin Cities-based all-ages theater company Comedy Suitcase and co-host of the weekly old-time radio podcast and performance group, The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society. Joshua has been called "a clever and inventive voice in Twin Cities comedy theater" by The Star Tribune, and "a modern day Buster Keaton" by mnartists.org. When he’s not performing, podcasting, or digging up fifteen-year-old pull quotes to use in his bio, Joshua runs multiple book clubs and tends to the endless and adorable needs of his dogs, cats, rabbit, guinea pig, and ball python. He is deeply grateful to the cast - family and friends all - for being a part of this production.
Aaron English Scrimshaw (writer, director, actor) graduated with a bachelor's degree in Theatre in 2024. He wrote and performed “End of the Line” as a staged reading for his senior project. He is delighted for the opportunity to perform it again, fully staged at the BLB! First he'd like to thank Bianca for throwing herself into this show (again!) and for all her support during college. He'd like to thank his parents for cultivating and supporting his love of the arts. And finally a huge thank you to his partner Shepard for his love, encouragement, and reminders that you're still an artist even on days when you don't make anything at all.
Adrienne English Scrimshaw (director, actor) began her dance training in Los Angeles with members of the Sadlers Wells/Royal Ballet. It was very British. She studied Horton-based modern dance and choreography at CalArts. It was very Postmodern. While at CalArts she made her first forays into collaboration, working with installation artists, filmmakers and animators. Since moving to Minneapolis in 1990, Adrienne has performed for many local choreographers and spent fifteen years as a member of John Munger's Third Rabbit Dance Ensemble. As a choreographer Adrienne has a particular love of comedy and satire. She has created work for the Scrimshaw Brothers late night comedy shows, Look Ma No Pants and The Scrimshaw Show. She has choreographed for numerous Minnesota Fringe Festival shows including Shut Your Joke Hole, To Mars with Tesla, Amateur Hour, and Smart Girls on Ice, which the Star Tribune praised as “An eye opener for people who think they don’t like dance…” But she considers performing “Smells Like Nirvana” with Weird Al Yankovic at the Minnesota State Fair as the highlight of her career.
Bianca Rose (actor, director) Bianca Rose is so excited to be working on “End of the Line”. With a bachelors in Theatre, Bianca has worked many shows performing, directing, and many things in between. She has acted in shows including Midge from The Hollow, the Cowardly Lion from Wizard of Oz, Judy from Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and many more. She has directed shows such as Wrinkle in Time, Queens, and More to Her Story. She would first like to thank Aaron for letting her partner with him on this meaningful show. She would like to thank her friends and family who have supported her, and for MayMay JB.
Natalie Rae Wass* (actor, co-producer) has known these playwrights for many moons, one of them since he was a baby, and is thrilled to collaborate with them! You may have seen her tapping into her pirate nature with Joshua and Kyra in last summer's Yo Ho Hum: A Pirate's Mid-life Crisis at the Minnesota Fringe Festival. You may have met her in a mascot costume and not even known it.
Sydney Knight (actor) graduated from North Central University in 2024 where she studied Global Studies and Theatre. Some of her favorite shows there and elsewhere have been Godspell, Pride & Prejudice, Silent Sky, and Anastasia. She lives in Champlin with her dear husband Ryan and their two insane cats. 1 Corinthians 2:2
Kyra Scanlan Duzynski (actor) is a lifelong dancer and musician. She has been a performing member of The Phipps Dance Theater since 2011 and enjoys choreographing contemporary dance pieces for local ensembles. In recent years, Kyra dipped her dance toes in the acting world via the Minnesota Fringe Festival. As the youngest child in her family, Kyra has always had a proclivity for performing. While she still enjoys doing character bits at the supper table and prancing around the living room for attention, she is grateful to the Twin Cities theater community for providing her with a broader audience.
Shepard Bruin (graphic designer) opted out of an arts major to seek an associate degree in Automated Systems, graduating in 2023. He now primarily utilizes this extended knowledge of machinery to draw cool robots. His contributions to this show include the title for “End of the Line”, playing the part of the Overseer in the initial performance of the aforementioned show, and creating the art for the pamphlet you're holding right now. He'd like to thank Mirage for her continued support.
*Member of the Actor’s Equity Association
Tickets are $16 in Advance / $20 at the Door. Doors open at 6pm. Online ticket sales end at 5pm.
Our full restaurant and bar service is available in the theater! Order from your seat and enjoy the show, we'll take care of the rest.