SkyAngel Films presents "DRAG QUEEN HEIST"

	*DRAG QUEEN HEIST* Cast & Crew Bios
J.T. Tepnapa: *Writer, Director, Producer, "Bobby"* J.T. Tepnapa has worked as an actor since he was fifteen years old. He was born in Long Beach, California and moved to Illinois at 13 years of age. After he graduated high school, he returned to California and received a bachelor's degree in Acting at the University of California, Irvine. He has appeared in many award winning plays, features, shorts and commercials. J.T. was awarded The Ticketholder Award for “Best-Supporting Actor” in Spinning into Butter in 2003. In 2001 he directed and starred in his first short film Sunflowers, which appeared at that year's Austin Gay & Lesbian Film festival and Tuscon's Outwest 2001. He also co-produced and starred in the short film Tit-Torture, which screened at OUTFEST 2001: The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. The creation of Sunflowers also marked the birth of SkyAngel Films, J.T.'s own independent production company. In early 2002, J.T. teamed up with longtime friend Charlie Gage to create SkyAngel Films' second production, MASTURBATION: Putting the Fun Into Self-Loving. Reunited with many of same crew from Sunflowers, a few talented newcomers, and the gentile aide of executive producer Bill Warren, this team quickly churned out one of the funniest short films in years. MASTURBATION went on to be a smash screening in countless film festivals in 6 countries world-wide, and received seven awards. J.T., Bill and Charlie join forces again to bring you the new film DRAG QUEEN HEIST. Bill Warren: Producer, Unit Production Manager Bill Warren began his show business career as a teenage chorus boy on the New York stage, appearing in such Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals as Paint Your Wagon and Oklahoma until interrupted by the Korean War in which he served as a U.S. Marine. Following the war, Bill graduated from Columbia University where he completed his master’s and PHD work. It was not until many years later, after raising a family, counseling, and going into the real estate and antique businesses that he once again found himself involved in the entertainment field. Two years ago his best friend, J.T. Tepnapa, encouraged him to join him in producing a short film. The rest is history, and Bill is once again back with his first love and his second film, DRAG QUEEN HEIST. Charles Gage: *Producer, Assistant Director* Charlie Gage has had a long-standing involvement in the entertainment industry. In high school he was a founding partner of GMG Productions, a multi-media event services company. He later moved into writing, directing and producing several local cable television programs in Orange County, California. His 1992 production Pacific Edge was awarded the Cable Access Producers Award (CAPA) for “Best Production of the Year,” and “Best Magazine Format.” Overall his local cable work earned him a total of six CAPA nominations in three years. Charlie soon after attended California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Television & Film. There he joined the independent production company Mayan Pictures, where he produced the short suspense/ horror film Pandora’s Other Box, which Charlie wrote, directed and produced. After recently finishing a two-year stint as the editor of the national gay youth publication JOEY Magazine, Charlie joined SkyAngel Films in early 2002 to co-create and produce MASTURBATION: Putting the Fun Into Self-Loving, with his longtime friend J.T. Tepnapa. The short film went on to be a smash screening in countless film festivals in 6 countries world-wide, and received seven awards. Charlie, J.T. and Bill join forces again to bring you the new film DRAG QUEEN HEIST. Tony Donaldson: Director of Photography Tony is a successful advertising and editorial photographer who has served as a director of photography on many short film projects, commercials, and sports videos. His background in still photography gives a strong background in lighting and composition, and he loves being a part of the whole creative process, working closely with directors to help them achieve their vision. Dennis Garcia: *"Jared"* Dennis Garcia began his acting career in Chicago, well sort of. While preparing himself for a career in advertising at Columbia College he decided to intern at the 37th Chicago International Film Festival. Unaware this decision would serve as a pre-cursor to his future in film and theater. As an intern he met a little known French filmmaker, Mama Kieta, who's film, The 11th Commandment garnered no awards, but Dennis' critical enthusiasm and praise. Three earth shattering nights, Dennis grilled the young filmmaker to relinquish his secrets of film making. He asked every conceivable question, until the young filmmaker laid helpless in a taco stand on the north side of Chicago. "Den-ease all I have to say to you is, you must go out and see for yourself, life is too damn short as you Americans say. And that's that." Dennis would like to thank the whole crew and cast of DRAG QUEEN HEIST for giving him his first leading role. And That's that. Avner Garbi: "Storeowner" Avner Garbi been acting the past 30 years in theatre, film,and tv he's just finished a movie with Danny Glover titled Saw soon to be released. Recently he has played the leads in the Cornerstone production of You Can't Take It With You and The American Muslim Remix. Mary Presby: *"Granny #1"* Mary Presby joined Actor's Equity in San Francisco when cast in the New York Company of A View From the Bridge. Moved to L.A. and did two more Equity plays. Then had a baby and left acting for a long time. Returned two years ago. Acted in five Independent films. Studying at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Essie Carlitz:"Granny #2" Essie Carlitz was in five Hollywood films shot in her native Philadelphia. She is a former model, fashion coordinator and commentator for European and South American designers in the United States, Puerto Rico and on board Cruise Ships. Essie is a lecturer, writer and columnist, and a published essayist and poet. At age 75 she was graduated with honors from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Arts and Science. Marita de Lara: *"News Reporter"* Marita de Lara is so happy to be a part of Drag Queen Heist. She spent 3yrs. playing JT's Penobscot Indian sister in Laguna Playhouse's The Sign of the Beaver. Favorite credits include: One LIfe to Live, Port Charles, The Shield and Miss Saigon. She originated the role of Pocahontas in Disney/ MGM's live stage version of Pocahontas. BFA Musical Theatre-Syracuse University . Marita is also a certified Pilates teacher. Robert McEvilly: *"Detective"* Robert McEvilly is a professional drummer and vocalist, as well as a talented character actor who is currently writing a screenplay in his 'spare' time. He began his career in high school in the role of Luntha in The King & I, which played at the Garden State Arts Center in New Jersey; where he sang two of the featured songs in front of a 96 piece orchestra. He has appeared in over 50 commercials, the latest of which are for the Las Vegas & Laughlin tourism boards and the Luxor hotel & casino. Watch for him as a priest in the upcoming films Death - Can I Buy You A Drink? and The Heart of Summer starring Hillary Duff and John Corbett.