Forklift Danceworks has employed a wide array of performers, and the company is committed to the idea that all people- not just trained dancers- can be presented as performers. Currently Forklift has three company members who are professional dancers- Ann Berman, Theresa Hardy, and Allison Orr. The company hires additional dancers on a project-by-project basis. Because Forklift makes dances with all kinds of people, the company's roster of performing members is long and ever evolving. Below is a roster of performers from recent company projects. Who know's- maybe you will be a member of Forklift Danceworks one day!
The Trash Project
Performing employees from the City of Austin Solid Waste Services Department included: Virginia Alexander, Don Anderson, Cedric Armstrong, Mike Carnline, Tony Dudley, Chris Guerrero, Shiron Hill, Lee Houston, Ivory Jackson, Jr., Orange Jefferson, Shonda Johnson, Tafari Johnson, Greg Karo, Benny Ochoa, Anthony Phillips, Jennifer Saucedo, Ray Showels, Jason Smith, Mark Taylor, José Tejero, George Thompson, Gregg Thompson, Adam Valdez, Gerald Watson
The Traffic Maven
Performing Austin Police Officer: Sergeant Melissa McGrath
SKATE! A Night at the Rink
Forklift company members: Ann Berman, Chell Garcia-Trias, Theresa Hardy, Allison Orr, Keri-Dawn Selinger
Community members/roller skaters: José Albuerme, Jeff "Jefé" Costant, Michael "Mr. Rollerskate" Febonio, Renee Febonio, Jay Floyd, Marilee Hartman, Michael Johnson, Leah M. Lucus, Don Mayes, Ashantee McGhee, Garrison "PROSPECT" Moore, Frank Owen, Anthony "Icon" Phillips, Nicki Pringle, Steve Rogers, Brandon Russell, Keri-Dawn Selinger, Danny Sinclair, Tarzen, Jerry Wallace, Randy Williamson, Gordon Wilson, and Belle Star, Electra Blu, Janie Gottagunn, RadioActive, Rice Rocket, Virulent Viv, and Viscious Van GoGo from the Texas Rollergirls
The Gondola Project
Performing gondoliers included: Emanuele Bognolo, Franco Busetto, Diego Cachatan, Stefano Galleta, Riccardo Galli, Marco Mingardi, Giacomo Palmarin, Davide Scarpa, Marcello Strozzi
The King & I
Forklift company members: Ann Berman, Theresa Hardy, Allison Orr
Elvis Tribute Artists: Donnie Roberts, CB Lawrence
Community performers: Kristen Gerhard, Roman Morgan, Dillar Schwartz, Emily Steinberg with local celebrities
Mayor Will Wynn, Jim Swift from KXAN News, John Kelso with The Austin American Statesman, and local singer/songwriters Michael Fracasso and Trish Murphy
Sextet
Forklift company members: Karly Dillard, Allison Orr, John Slatin with Dylan, Sozan Schellin with Zeke
Audio Describer: Celia Hughes
In Case of Fire
City of Austin firefighters: Dawn Clopton, Julie Huser, Doug Iannelli, Louise Joubert, Travis Maher, Don Murdock, Meg Pace, Randy Pierce, Mark Saldaña, Lonnie Saul, Mike Stephenson, Mike Sullivan, Stephen Truesdell
La Panchina Rosa
Choreographers: Natalie Bowers and Allison Orr
Trained dancers: Natalie Bowers, Valentina Moar, Allison Orr
Community members: Marco Cassan, Davide Rizzi, Fabio Tamburini
Transit
Forklift company members: Theresa Hardy, Allison Orr
Community members: Patricia Fiske, Sally Hengst
Dances for Dogs and People Who Walk Them
Community performers for the Austin performance included: Mishawn Jones and Gizmo, Cindi Newson and Max, Daija Efferson and Keisha, Bobby Gonzales and Maggie, Tiphany Heikkila and Sandy, Aaron Jones and Ebony, Ariana Jones and Jennie, Ava Sonleitner and Steve Sonleitner with Jennie, Rocio Balderas and Freida, Nick Chambers and Chloe, John Higgs and Lucy, Marion Holbrook and Madtee, Juanita Salinas and Cosmo, Cheryl Silver and Daisy, Marci Spivey and Lovey, Paige Trabulsi and Diego, Laura Waits and Sammy, Anne Zabolio and Teddy
Oh Mother
Commissioned Choreographers/Performers: Lesli Dworkin, Sharon Marroquín, Michelle Nance, Allison Orr, Caroline Sutton Clark, Leticia Rodriguez
Forklift company members: Andrea Comola, Jennifer Tietz-Gwen
Additional performers: Kent De Spain, Elaine Dove, Amanda Evans, Megan Knotz, Jennifer Powell, Cherami Steadman