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BITh logo. A shadow of a man standing in the doorway

BITh
(Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts)

a Staged Reading
by John Van Slyke

About BITh

BITh (Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts) is a play for five adults of varying ages and genders. The audience is invited into Dee's home while Dee and three intrusive thoughts detail the physical, mental and emotional challenges of OCD and the resulting anxiety. As Dee's inner life tangles with the external, Dee fears for the relationship with their neighbor, O.  

Weaving heady issues with playful language, BITh uses music, storytelling,  shadow puppetry, and lip-syncing to navigate Dee's changing world and mind--and a battle with something known as The Shadowman. BITh is intended for preteen-adult audiences.

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This production is part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals running March 1 – June 30, 2023, presented by the Ten Chimneys Foundation. To learn more visit www.worldpremierewisconsin.com.

Show Information

The Staged Reading of BITh (Bizarre Intrusive Thoughts), written by John Van Slyke, will occur on April 22nd, 2023 at 3 PM Central Time at the Bradley Symphony Center in Milwaukee.


Tickets are currently sold out due to the limited size of the performance space. Please email us at pinkumbrellatheater@gmail.com if you are still interested in tickets as some may open up.​

Meet the Cast and Crew!

Playwright: John Van Slyke

Directors: Mitch Bultman & Giana Blazquez-Bultman

Picture of Kara - short brown hair in a bob.  She is smiling. Wearing a blue shirt

Dee: Kara Penrose

Kara is excited to be performing with Pink Umbrella for the first time. Favorite acting roles have included Juliet in ROMEO AND JULIET, Cecily in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, and Lynn in RED HERRING. Most recently Kara has been busy offstage as a fight director for Waukesha Civic Theatre, Pewaukee High School, and Concordia University.

Picture of Haley. She has long brown curly hair and an impish smile.

Intrusive Thought 1: Haley Ebinal

Haley Ebinal is a Milwaukee-based actor and musician who believes empathetic, community-building storytelling is the most effective remedy against isolation, harmful assumptions, and disappearing histories. Recent credits: Francine, THE TOTALITARIANS (Constructivists); Juliet, ROMEO AND JULIET (Green Bay’s Shakespeare in the Park); Hermia, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Voices Found Repertory); Madge Kendal, THE ELEPHANT MAN (Voices Found Repertory); Emilie, THE MOORS (Isadoora Theater). She has also performed with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (chamber violinist, Resch Center), Michael Bublé (violinist, Fiserv Forum), and Skylight Music Theatre (actor-singer-violinist, 2021 Season Announcement). She is grateful and excited to be a part of telling this story with Pink Umbrella Theater! IG: @HaleyEbinal, www.haleyebinal.com.

Picture of Alayna. She has short wavy light brown hair and her mouth is open slightly

O: Alayna Perry

Alayna is exciting to be working with Pink Umbrella Theater on BITh as part of World Premiere Wisconsin!  She was last seen at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's Youth Playwright Festival.  Recent credits include THE AMAZING LEMONADE GIRL, RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER (First Stage); THE TEMEST, THE THREE MUSKETEERS: AN ADVENTURE WITH MUSIC (Door Shakespeare); HAMLET, THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD, and THE CHILDREN’S HOUR (UW-Milwaukee). She has trained with Shakespeare & Company and has a BFA in Acting from UW-Milwaukee.

Picture of Clayton. He is looking over his shoulder and smiling at the camera. He has short brown hair

Intrusive Thought 2: Clayton Mortl

Clayton Mortl (he/him) is an autistic actor who lives and works in the Milwaukee area. He has appeared in "Shine!", as Pinot, and "Bigger Top", as Boom, with Pink Umbrella Theater Company. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Picture of Nina. She has long brown hair and her red lips are in a cute pout.

Intrusive Thought 3: Nina Ceccato

  I been involved with Pink Umbrella for a few years now. This is my first show! I couldn't feel more thrilled and blessed from God!! I always wanted to be an actress and now at 29 I'm finally getting to my destination. I already signed up for another audition. Nothing can stop me now. I want to thank all my Pink Umbrella family. I hope you enjoy our show!

Picture of Andy. He has short brown hair and a beard and mustache.

Stage Directions: Andy Moe

Andrew is a full time dad with a passion for creative endeavors. He spends most days cleaning a trail of baby debris like Sisyphus with a naptime. He's just happy to be

out of the house.

Event Resources

Read through the event's Social Narrative to know what to expect

Check out the Visual Agenda for a short overview of the event

World Premiere Wisconsin Digital Passport

Information & Instructions

WPW launched a free, mobile-exclusive digital pass that allows you to check-in at theaters, redeem optional discounts, and earn points for rewards and swag all while supporting amazing local theater!!

Download Instructions

Head to the WPW website and sign-up for a passport using an email and phone number. You will receive a link to your passport.

Check-In Instructions

When you arrive at the Bradley Symphony Center for BIT(h), open your Digital Passport. Simply click "Check-In" when prompted, or enter Pink Umbrella's unique pin: 0918

In the News

Check out these two short stories by Mike Fischer, WPW Festival Journalist, about BITh and other exciting shows that happened the same weekend!

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