Playwright: Lani Gobaleza (Right)
Director: Earl Paus (Left)
Earl Paus (They/He/Siya) is a queer Pilipinx-American award-winning director and actor. Earl harnesses the magic of theatre and film to act out the truth so others can live theirs. They studied Theatre Arts for social change at SFSU and created liberating art, theatre, and film in the Bay Area for over 10 years. This year, Earl also wrote, directed, and acted in their first short film “Glimpse” which premiered at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival and won the Audience Choice Award. They are honored to have “Every Day Vanilla” be their directorial stage debut in their hometown of San Diego.
CAST (In order of appearance)
Lani Gobaleza (FRANKIE) is an actor-writer and small business owner who grew up in southeastern San Diego. She studied history and theater at UC Berkeley, where she was involved with Theater for Social Change. She continued with her studies at the Los Angeles Acting Studio SD with Connie Chiarelli and currently trains under Terry Ross. She most recently appeared in the film “The Wedding Hustler” and is excited to return to theater after a decade-long hiatus. She is also a recipient of the
William Male Foundation grant for her work on this play.
Hillary Soriano (FLORA) is an actress and producer known for her work on award-winning "Almighty Zeus," "The Wedding Hustler, and "The Master Chief" (Coming Soon). She is also the co-founder and co-CEO of Matthew 25:14 LLC. Hillary remains a radiant presence in the realms of acting and production, with a passionate mission to bring relatable Asian American stories to all. Her journey continues, both in front of and behind the camera, as she continues to act and produce captivating films that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Sasha Foo (FRANCESCA) is an actor, playwright, voice actor, podcast host and veteran broadcast journalist. Her play, "Choice Words," a collection of monologues about the fight to save reproductive rights was performed last spring at the 2023 San Diego International Fringe Festival. At a time when few Asians were represented in the news media, Sasha was the first Asian American anchor at CNN. As a reporter and anchor, she's lived and worked in nine American cities. In addition to her love of acting and writing, Sasha is a proud member of Ajumma EXP, a hip hop dance group of middle aged women who flash mob every year for International Women's Day.
sashafoo.com 
Gingerlily Lowe (AUNTIE SAM) is an actor-writer-director and has most recently appeared onstage in ASIAN STORY THEATER's -ASIAN SCARY THEATER, THE COFFEE PLAYS, NOT WORKING, THE GOLDEN RULE. Her play, BOUND was presented at the OLD GLOBE THEATER Powers New Voices Festival this year. She is a founding members of San Diego’s first Asian American theater company--the PACIFIC ASIAN ACTORS’ ENSEMBLE, the MAGIC MACHINE and ASIAN STORY THEATER, and is proud of the decades of multi-ethnic theater she has been able to help produce and participate in bringing new faces, voices, and stories to the community. Gingerlily celebrates 38+ years of marriage and theater making with her husband, writer-director-actor Kent Lee Brisby.
Anthony Erum Jongco (ANDREW/BRÛLÉE), currently trains with The FilAm Film Collective’s (TFFC) Actors Studio, gracing the screen in TFFC’s 48hr Film Festival "Fam De Ube." A former Tenor 1 with San Diego’s Gay Men Chorus for Jingle 2019, they eagerly await a post-COVID return. Their theatrical journey includes Angel in "RENT" (CYC), Lun Tha in "The King and I" (SDSCPA), and Kaibigang Pilpin@‘s Filipino Cultural Celebrations (UCSD). A truly multifaceted thespian, they’ve gone behind the scenes like set construction and sound assistance for “RENT” (Muir College) and as a pit violinist in shows like "HAIRSPRAY" (SDREP) and "RAGTIME” (CYC). Offstage, they excel as an IT Security Specialist, an SRF Devotee, and a passionate foodie. This performance is dedicated with love to their chosen family, TFFC, their sisters Ashley and Alexie, parents, and every BIPOC Queer/Trans spirit striving to find their voice and dreams to shine. May your radiant light heal the world and set it free.
Kyle Blaine Tiglao (AUBREY) is a film/theatrical actor born and raised in Chula Vista, CA. He has received Hybrid Meisner training from coaches Andrew Benne, Irene Muzzy, and Aleksander D’Avignon. When he isn’t an actor, Kyle assists the older adult population as a Home Health Doctor of Physical Therapy. His hobbies include the gym, basketball (Go Lakers!), karaoke, and dancing! He is thrilled to be a part of the EDV cast and is ready to bring Aubrey Delgado to life!
Gretchen Conrad (PRINCIPAL ALEXANDER/CHERRY CASTILLO/FREYA) is a Meisner and Chekov trained actor. She has recently played Nemasani in Anonymous by Sarah Ruhl. As well as various roles in the New Works Festival of San Diego. In film she has worked from short films to commercials. Gretchen lives in Oceanside with her fiancé, Derek, cat “Cat Cat and puppy “Ysabel.”
Kate Nguyen (JESSE) grew up in San Diego, and first started her theatre journey at Mira Mesa High School. She then attended California State University, Northridge where she acted in several student films. She now studies under coach Terry Ross, and has been enjoying the ride since. When she's not acting, she loves spending time with her puppy, and watching movies that'll make her cry. She is so excited to share the character "Jesse" with you all, and thanks each and every one of you for your support.
CREATIVE TEAM
Stage Manager: Coza Joy "CJ" Mendoza
Bio coming soon
Assistant Stage Manager: Bianca Nialani
Bio coming soon
Scenic Designers: Miki Iwasaki, Jessica Falstad (Sunset Projects)
Bio coming soon
Costume Designer: Diana Corpus
"My name is Diana Corpus. For the last few years, I’ve been working as a costume and wardrobe stylist. Since I was a child, my gateway to fantasy was through fashion. I grew up watching classic films, listening to rock ‘n’ roll music, and my adoration for fantasy, fueled into my desire to pursue a career in entertainment. I'm a member of the local 892. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish. My heritage is Mexican and Filipina. I enjoy taking roadtrips to the wilderness."
Sound Designer: Eliza Vedar
Bio coming soon
Lighting Designer: Sierra
Sierra (They/Them) is thrilled to be working on Every Day Vanilla as the lighting designer. They are a graduate from SDSU's MFA program studying lighting design. Their previous design work includes many pieces focusing on 2SLGBTQIA+ stories such as Pleasure Trials (MOXIE), Ziggy, Stardust and Me (Projections, SDSU), Long Christmas Ride Home (SDSU), and The Wolves (SDSU). Sierra is excited for the next stages of their careern having graduated earlier this month and are thrilled to be working alongside so many talented artists to telling this locally inspired, queer story.
Script Consultant: Derrick Acosta
Bio coming soon
