Full Voice
Production History
Contact us for further information on any of these Full Voice (and Full Voice-related) projects.
My So-Called Adulthood ~ Mass Romantic ~
Film Loop...topia ~ School's a Drag
~ Stalled ~ Empty Boxes
Laura's Bush ~ More Than Gravity ~ 13 Genders ~ Most Wonderful People ~ An Obvious Moment of Happiness
The Rocky Horror Show ~ The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me ~ Haunting Perpetually Dead Squirrels
Laura's Bush ~ More Than Gravity ~ 13 Genders ~ Most Wonderful People ~ An Obvious Moment of Happiness
The Rocky Horror Show ~ The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me ~ Haunting Perpetually Dead Squirrels
| MASS ROMANTIC (2008 . 112 min) mudgeonsoul productions For more information about mudgeonsoul's latest feature, go to www.mudgeonsoul.org. MASS ROMANTIC, a new independent feature by Richard Paro, follows activists and academics struggling to find love while creating political art. The film focuses on relationships, while the characters work with controversial topics such as healthcare, queer politics, abortion, transphobia, food activism and corporate control of media. Mass Romantic celebrates the everyday lives of activists, queer people and their allies, and acknowledges the importance of allies in building meaningful, enriching communities. The theme of coalition-building present in MASS ROMANTIC is reflected by the diverse group of individuals involved in the making of the film, many of whom are underrepresented in American cinema and identify as women, LGBTQ, people of color, non-native speakers and/or activists. After years of development, MASS ROMANTIC was shot in the sweltering Chicago heat of late summer in just 11 days featuring 40 actors in over 10 locations, producing 33 hours of footage. The film features 13 independent bands, including live performances by Carrie Lydon, Kate Brown, ROFO and members of Head of Femur. _________________________________________________ When you're an artist, academic or activist and known for your passion, where do you turn when it wanes? Your work? Your partner? How do you fall in love with life again? Jamie and Erin's activist theater company sets out to create a play based on PJ's book of political short stories. PJ hasn't written much in a while... or socialized much either, except for hanging out at Olson's vegan cafe. Erin's girlfriend Bel, having just moved from New York, prepares for a conference and searches for an apartment, as well as community, in Chicago. Meanwhile, Billy is void of direction even with the self-fulfillment classes, but his partner Sally is hoping his new job at Olson's cafe will help. Olson's partner Annette is working on her third quantum physics book and feeling uninspired... as are her students. Check out the first trailer for MASS ROMANTIC. Please contact us regarding screenings, production notes, images, interviews and other requests.  |  |
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SCHOOL'S A DRAG (2008)
A little drag, a little dance and a lot of humor fill this short movement piece featuring April "Lightning" Whitworth, Crystal "Esmeralda" Hartford, Cyra "Kiki" Polizzi and special guest Kate B. See School's A Drag on Friday, June 27, 2008 with 11 other fantastic acts at Cake Chicago's "Sassy & Proud" show. The show begins at 9:00pm at Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood, Chicago. |  |
| Film Loop...topia (2008 . 45 min) Full Voice Full Voice joins Looptopia with Film Loop...topia, a collection of entertaining and provocative short films, all made in Chicago or by Chicago filmmakers. The 45 minute program features comedies, animated shorts, dramas, experimental films, documentaries, music videos and, an often-overlooked genre, trailers. On Friday, May 2nd, the fourteen Film Loop...topia shorts will play on a loop from 5:00pm to midnight in the Chicago Loop at The DePaul Center (1 E. Jackson Blvd at State St). Many of the filmmakers will be in and out throughout the evening. The screening is free and open to the public, but the films are unrated, so viewer discretion is advised. Selected Films: Walking Fantasy (Jason Pratt – 3:07 - Mixed Media Animation) Combining live action and animation, Walking Fantasy looks at connection and proximity in a city setting, as the story follows a woman making her way through downtown Chicago. www.Freightmovie.com Most Wonderful People (Noah Riemer – 8:18 - Comedy) “a great ode to the silent film era… ‘Most Wonderful People’ truly is a most wonderful film” –Michael Ferraro, Film Threat. Most Wonderful People was awarded “Best of the Fest” at the Burlington Culture Festival and named in Film Threat’s Top Ten Shorts of the Year. www.mudgeonsoul.org Chuck Trasch Teaser Trailer (Justin Brewer – :59 - Animated Trailer) A bizarre teaser for the Chuck Trasch Animated Series, playing with pop culture, hype, the digital age and art. www.youtube.com/user/leobatfish Empty Boxes (Cyra K. Polizzi - 1:41 - Comedy) Tension builds between two roommates during their last night in the same apartment. www.FullVoice.org Regrets: Kid (Steve Delahoyde - 3:09 - Comedy Series) Part of the "Regrets" series, featuring Kate James of the Chicago sketch comedy group Schadenfreude. Delicate (Daniel Shaughnessy - 2:30 - Experimental) This 16mm film urges us to consider our notions of fragility and what we preconceive as “delicate.” Haunting Perpetually Dead Squirrels: Episode One (Richard Paro - 3:44 - Comedy Series) In this mockumentary series, three friends try to make some extra cash by putting together a haunted house. This is more complicated than expected. www.mudgeonsoul.org “Crazy Ass” by The Makeouts (Chris Weiher - 3:52 - Music Video) Simultaneously a satire and homage to mainstream rap music, this high energy video emphasizes the use of misogynistic language across our culture and suggests this language is fueled by fear, as the white male protagonists run through the city, fleeing from women with cameras. www.cweiher.com, www.the-make-outs.com Someplace Else Trailer (Kai-Duc Luong & Avisheh Mohsenin - 1:57 - Documentary Trailer) Part musical documentary, part personal meditation, Someplace Else is the refreshing portrait of Chicago's soul-blues-funk musician Vance Kelly through the director's film journal. "Affecting. A tender portrait. An impressionistic meditation on place, belonging, and passion" –Flavorpill. "Engagingly informal... Personal and poetic" "Fresh! an art documentary!" www.someplaceelsethemovie.com More Than Gravity (Cyra K. Polizzi - 3:10 - Drama) Questions of perception, honesty and depression surface as a woman watches her partner leave. www.FullVoice.org Chuck Trasch: Date Number One (Justin Brewer – 3:33 - Animated Series) This unusual animated comedy about an awkward diner date, pokes fun of both the animator and a culture focused on being “cool.” www.youtube.com/user/leobatfish “POP Girl (Puke on Pretty)” by Communal Death Duck (S.I.R. - 4:43 - Music Video) Shot in Boystown, this video off the Fly Exodus, Fly album, challenges us to consider different ways to “play,” as it slowly reveals the relationship between the protagonist and cameraperson. www.myspace.com/sirvitude, www.myspace.com/communaldeathduck Mass Romantic Trailer (Richard Paro – 1:15 - Narrative Trailer) Mass Romantic follows a feminist theater company and the employees of a vegan cafe as they struggle to find love and passion in their work, art and relationships. Recently, the feature premiered at Chicago’s Landmark with a sold-out crowd, screened at Women’s International Film Festival in Miami and won “Best Director” at LINK Film Fest in Olympia, WA. "A living, breathing example of what it takes to get along. Isn't that what politics should be?" -Rob Christopher, Chicagoist. www.mudgeonsoul.org Animal Instincts (Chris Gummert – 4:20 - Comedy) The relationship between a regular guy and a mysterious stranger calls into question the very nature of the food chain. Animal Instincts was recently selected for Chicago Short Comedy Film & Video Festival in July. About Looptopia: "Presented by the Chicago Loop Alliance, Looptopia is a free, all night celebration of arts, culture and the Loop. Last year's Looptopia was an amazing success, with over 200,000 participants creating and experiencing art in dozens of locations throughout the night." "Looptopia is dedicated to creating transformational experiences for our audiences by presenting unique art in unusual spaces within the Loop." | 
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STALLED (2007) Full Voice Stalled, new comedic one-act by Cyra K. Polizzi and Katie Rolnick, explores the unexpected, and sometimes unwanted, communication initiated behind the gendered doors of public restrooms. Comprised of a series of vignettes, Stalled visits a diverse group of restrooms, from a bowling alley to a gay bar, from a dorm to an art museum, each inspiring a different set of humorous interactions. Stalled runs app. 20 minutes and requires 5-6 actors and a few simple set pieces. If you are interested in inviting Full Voice to produce Stalled for your event or festival, or in producing your own production of Stalled, please contact us for more information. Past Perfomances Include: Stalled was performed as part of the 8th Annual Women's Performance Art Festival on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at 8:00pm at Links Hall in Chicago. Directed by Breahan Eve Pautsch, the production featured Crystal Hartford, Richard Paro, Cyra K. Polizzi, Scott Ian Ray and Mary Anne Rooney. Special thanks to Lucinda Alipio, Ryan Edberg, Crystal Hartford, Ryan D. Herendeen, Richard Paro, Francesca Peppiatt, Scott Ian Ray, Mary Rogers, Mary Anne Rooney and Josh Zagoren. The first draft of Stalled was developed in Stockyards Theatre Project's "Play For Keeps" program which culminated in a staged reading on May 30, 2007 at Theatre Building Chicago. The reading, directed by Breahan Eve Pautsch, featured Crystal Hartford, Ryan D. Herendeen, Jennifer L. Mickelson, Richard Paro, Cyra K. Polizzi and Katie Rolnick. |
 Photo by Richard Paro  Photos by Rob Lambert |
| EMPTY BOXES (2006 . 1 min, 41 sec)
mudgeonsoul productions Tension builds between two roommates during their last night in the same apartment. Who made it happen Director & Producer: Cyra K. Polizzi Writer: Richard Paro Cast: Richard Paro, Katie Rolnick Music: The Dresden Dolls Screenings Include: LOOPTOPIA - Chicago, IL - May 2, 2008 BLOWIN' UP A SPOT - Austin, TX - April 27-30, 2006 |  |
| LAURA'S BUSH (2004) Full Voice What are a queer librarian, a sex worker and the Clintons doing in LAURA'S BUSH? Full Voice (www.fullvoice.org) presents LAURA'S BUSH, the new controversial satire by the famously pseudonymous Jane Martin, October 22-30, 2004 in Chicago. This hilarious, smart one-act is sweeping the country before the election, evoking protests on the right and disapproving laughter on the left (www.laurasbush.com). From the first moment when a Christian “pre-lesbian” librarian enters Aphrodite Escorts, to the hyper-sexual portrayal of the First Lady, to the biting dialog about gender, religion and race politics, this somewhat absurd play offers a unique explanation for our extremely absurd political climate. In LAURA'S BUSH, Dody, a librarian with ‘lesbianistic tendencies,’ discovers Laura Bush is blinking "help me" in Morse Code during televised events. Dody convinces Desiree, an escort, to help save Laura, despite a warning from the black spirit of Bill Clinton. Over a game of strip poker, Laura divulges secrets from the White House and much more! But can they hide from Powell, Rice, Rumsfeld and Hillary Clinton? See LAURA'S BUSH live! - October 22 - 30, 2004 - Fridays & Saturdays 10:30, Sunday - Thursday 7:30 (no Wednesday show) - Spareroom (2416 W North Ave, Chicago) Who has a hand in LAURA'S BUSH? Writer - Jane Martin Director - Richard Paro Producer - Cyra K. Polizzi Associate Producers - Richard Paro - Katie Rolnick - Chris Weiher Cast - Katie Rolnick - Cyra K. Polizzi - Ellen Peace - Nicole J. Adelman - Chris Weiher A taste of LAURA'S BUSH The first scenes of the play will be performed at Pilot TV (www.pilotchicago.org) on Saturday, October 9, 2004 at 11:00am. Order a LAURA'S BUSH t-shirt! |    |
| MORE THAN GRAVITY (2004 . 3 min, 10 sec)
Full Voice MORE THAN GRAVITY is a 4 minute narrative short by Cyra K. Polizzi with Richard Paro and music by Ticklepenny Corner. In MORE THAN GRAVITY, questions of perception, honesty and depression surface as a woman watches her partner leave. Screenings Include: LOOPTOPIA -- May 2, 2008 - Chicago, IL CAFE MASTIZO FILM NIGHT -- March 29, 2006. 8:00pm - Chicago, IL BIG DAM FILM FESTIVAL -- February 25, 2006. 8:00 pm. - Quincy, IL LADYFEST BIBLEBELT -- September 30- October 3, 2004 - Denton, TX -- What is it? "A not-for profit (non-religious) feminist community building festival showcasing women in music, art, politics, and film." ESTROJAM -- Thursday, September 23, 2004. 8:00 pm. - Chicago, IL (Chicago Filmmakers) -- What is it? A "professionally produced, community-based event that showcases, celebrates and promotes the artistic, organizational and political work and talents of women. Estrojam is organized by women and open to all." BLACK POINT FILM FESTIVAL -- April 23, 2004 7:30pm (w/ Independent Spirit Award winning feature, "Funny Ha Ha") -- April 24, 2004 5:00pm - Lake Geneva, WI |  |
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13 GENDERS (2004 . 79 min) Full Voice (in association with the Yitzhak Theatre & Film Project) Who Made it Happen - - Director - Cyra K. Polizzi - Crew - Cyra K. Polizzi, Richard Paro - Thanks - Richard Paro, Barbara & Frank Polizzi, Nicholas Langholff, Anne Enke, Ben Gollmer, Video Gallery, UW-Madison, Angel Dobbs-Sciortino, Chandler Poling, Emily Pfotenhauer, Jake, Katie Knutson, Lisa, Lucas McGranahan, Marcus Peterson, Marsha, Michael Fitzsimons, Nathan Plot Summary - - In 13 GENDERS, by Cyra K. Polizzi, interviewees attempt to articulate their interactions with and attitudes toward their own gender expression, intersex and trans issues, gender in entertainment and the workplace, sexual preference and the future of gender. The interviews, woven together with music and movie clips, are sometimes funny, often contradictory and occasionally surprisingly similar. Production History - - From 2004-2007 "13 Genders" was used in classrooms across the US and Canada as a tool for starting discussions about a variety of gender issues. The film is no longer widely available. Screenings Include - SEXUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES CONFERENCE MEDIA & SEXUAL MINORITIES CONFERENCE ENGENDERING DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY CONFERENCE THE SOUTHWEST/TEXAS POPULAR CULTURE AND AMERICAN CULTURE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BISEXUALITY ROUGH CUT SCREENING | 
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MOST WONDERFUL PEOPLE (2004 . 8 min, 18 sec)
mudgeonsoul productions and Trundling Productions Who made it happen Writer/Director -- Noah Reimer Producers -- Noah Reimer, Richard Paro Associate Producer -- Nicholas Langholff DP -- Richard Paro Editors -- Ryan Alby, Noah Reimer, Richard Paro Cast -- Noah Reimer, Cyra K. Polizzi News! -- Great review in Film Threat www.filmthreat.com on September 2, 2004. -- Screened with AN OBVIOUS MOMENT OF HAPPINESS on October 20 & 23. -- Best of the Fest winner at the Burlington Culture Festival -- Named on FILM THREAT 2004 top ten list www.filmthreat.com Screening Include: - Black Point Film Festival, Lake Geneva, WI - Majestic Midway Theatre, Chicago, IL - Flickerings, Bushnell, IL - Burlington Culture Film Festival, Burlington, WI - Looptopia, Chicago, IL |  |
| AN OBVIOUS MOMENT OF HAPPINESS (2003 . 82 min) mudgeonsoul productions Robin and Nate are fighting, Sadie and Steven need to talk, Lyric published a novel & met Maggie and Cliff's just happy to be here. This comedy/drama weaves through a group of friends as they deal with the complications and exhilaration of love and success... or lack thereof. Who made it happen Written, Produced & Directed by Richard Paro Cast - Ryan Alby . Cliff - Matthew Braaten . Steven - Noel Christopher . Sadie - Nicholas Owen Langholff . Nate - Richard Paro . Lyric - Cyra K. Polizzi . Robin - Rebecca Scott . Maggie - Peter John Olsen . Ryecheck - Noah Riemer . S.M. Friend - Therese Valkenaar . Callie Assicate Producers - Ryan Alby - Nicholas Langholff - Holly Mosher DP - Holly Mosher Editors - Richard Paro - Ryan Alby Music- - Dave Maxon - Scott Paro - Ryan Alby - Home Demo Vixens - Freshwater Collins - Ticklepenny Corner Screenings Include: Majestic Midway Theater Film Series. -- October 20, 2004. 7:00pm - -- October 23, 2004. 10:30pm - -- 5722 W 63rd St, Chicago, IL Black Point Film Festival --Lake Geneva, WI |   |
| THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (2002) Yitzhak Theatre & Film Project People Who Made it Happen - - Writer - Richard O'Brien - Director - Marcus Peterson - Cast - - - Brian Dowling - Narrator - - Marsha Pauly - Usherette/Dance Captain - - Rachel Golub - Usherette - - Philip J. Doll III - Brad Majors - - Laura McClain - Janet Weiss - - Andrea Geurtsen - Riff Raff - - Nora Frankovich - Magenta - - Katie Rolnick - Columbia - - Cyra K. Polizzi - Frank N Furter - - Owen Martin - Rocky Horror - - Elizabeth Nilsson - Eddie - - Jonathan Frederick - Dr. Scott - - Elyte Salne,Chandler Poling,Garrett Fitgerald,Kiley Larson - Band - - - Clare Davis - Saxophone - - Mary Pfotenhauer - Guitar - - Brent Barkhaus - Piano - - Matthew Voell - Bass - - Liberty Salinger - Drums - Choreographer - Katie Rolnick - Costume Design - Brent Barkhaus & Carrie Rohm - Lighting Design - Eleanor Rabinowitz - Stage Manager - Lynn Grogan - Musical Director - Mary Pfotenhauer - Vocal Director - Nora Frankovich - Producers - Marcus Peterson, Cyra K. Polizzi, Katie Rolnick - Dramaturgy - Cyra K. Polizzi - Run Crew - Coleman, Brigid Harmon, Adrienne Stilp - Props - Chandler Poling - Scenic Painter - Rachel Golub - Poster Design - Andrea Geurtsen - Thanks - Norma Saldivar, Kirk Domer, Jenny Nehls, Verda Beth Heermann, Chuck Mitchell, Barry Robinson, Glo Thiesen, Associated Students of Madison, UW-Theater Department and Open Stage Program, Richard Paro, Jennifer Friedewald, Jim Greco, Erika Hughes, Sex Out Loud, A Woman's Touch, Randall Klein & cast of 'Fortinbras,' Harry Waters Jr. and cast of 'Play It Again Sam,' Wiiliam Farlow & UW-Music Department, Rayovac, Courtney Rolnick, Campus Women's Center, Hancock Hideaway, Clare Davis, Meredith Clark, Madeline Gallo, Sara Duzeski, Sara Leute, Eric Croth, Dennis Dorn Plot Summary - - An average couple fall upon the castle of a gender-blending, sexually fluid transvestite from outer-space. | 
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| THE NIGHT LARRY KRAMER KISSED ME (2001) Yitzhak Theatre & Film Project People Who Made it Happen - - Writer - David Drake - Director - Cyra K. Polizzi - Cast - Marcus Peterson - Crew - Cyra K. Polizzi, Richard Paro - Thank you - Richard Paro, Norma Saldivar, Ben Gollmer, Tom Sorensen, UW-Madison Theater Past Performances - - January 31, February 1 & 2. 7:30pm. Vilas Hall, Madison, WI |  |
| HAUNTING PERPETUALLY DEAD SQUIRRELS (1999, 2001, 2008) mudgeonsoul productions In this mockumentary series, three friends try to make some extra cash by putting together a haunted house. This is more complicated than expected. Who made it happen Cast -Steven Apple -Nicholas Langholff -Richard Paro -Noah Riemer -Liz Bartell Director -Richard Paro Writers -Richard Paro - Nicholas Langholff Producer -Nicholas Langholff DP -Holly Mosher Editor -Vanessa Fincher -Holly Mosher -Richard Paro Music -Dave Maxon Screenings Include: - Black Point Film Festival, Lake Geneva, WI - Times Cinema, Milwaukee, WI - Looptopia, Chicago, IL |   |