
THE AMERICAN CANDY
SERIES OF ORIGINALLY PRODUCED SHORT COMEDIC FILMS, HOSTED BY HOLLIE HARPER
The AMERICAN CANDY is a Brooklyn based sketch comedy show created by Hollie Harper. Along with a multicultural team of writers The AMERICAN CANDY uses humor to tell the stories of some of the most pressing topics and current events of the world but is also rooted in good storytelling with strong comedic timing. The AMERICAN CANDY has built a strong following through its stage performances over the past 6 years the show has now been adapted into a live television sketch comedy show. The AMERICAN CANDY is produced as a studio audience show shot at the Manhattan Center in NYC. Each episode presents a live in studio sketch, two remote sketches and a comedic musical act. Musical comedy is a formidable feature of the show, think SNL’s lonely Island Crew. Each episode is 30 minutes in length, shot on HD ENG cameras and switched live, while the remotes are shot sitcom style. The appeal of The AMERICAN CANDY is rooted in the use of humor to explain and understand the differences in humanity it pokes fun at politics and pop culture like nothing else. The AMERICAN CANDY does not just make fun of a subject, it exposes why fun should be made of it. Through comedy it answers questions that we all have or want to ask but don’t have the balls to. All subjects are fair game no matter how sweet or sour that is The American Candy.
Hollie Harper created the powerhouse sketch comedy show THE AMERICAN CANDY in 2009, a comedian/actress and writer from Cape May New Jersey, Her creative genius which combines the sass and edge of “In Living Color” with the intelligence and heart of “The Carol Burnett Show” Since 2009 the show has maintained a strong Brooklyn following, regularly selling out shows. As the first musical comedy to play at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music in 6 years THE AMERICAN CANDY produced to sold out standing room only performances.
Stephanie Bok is a writer/Producer for THE AMERICAN CANDY since 2009. Hailing from Dover Delaware, Stephanie holds a theatrical degree from the University of Southern California. Stephanie was a teaching artist for 10 years with White Bird productions and facilitator of the “Griot’s Ink” Playwriting Lab. Stephanie’s work has been produced by White Bird Production, American Theatre of Harlem, JustAsk Productions, New York City Rep, ActNow Foundation, the DUMBO Arts Festival and Modern Day Griot Theatre Company.
Megan O’Leary is a double threat actor and writer for THE AMERICAN CANDY, a graduate of Northeastern University, The William Esper Studio, The Actors Movement studio and UCB, Megan is well equipped to deliver in front of and behind the camera. Her work has been produced throughout NYC and in Print in MAD Magazine. Her original stage play “Charlotte The Destroyer” won Best New Play at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With film and television appearances to her credit Megan is poised to continue her success with THE AMERICAN CANDY
Chicago native E. George Perry has numerous print, commercial, film and theatrical projects to his credit. Currently working on several film shorts and web series. E. George Perry has been a member of THE AMERICAN CANDY since (when?) Always grateful to God and thankful to his family and friends for their continued support. Follow his journey on social media as E George Perry
As one of the original members of THE AMERICAN CANDY Nina Ashe has an extensive background in sketch comedy; improv; and comedy delle’arte. A graduate of the H.S. of performing arts and The William Esper Studio, Nina has appeared in numerous stage plays and can be seen in the feature film Homecoming, on Netflix, Amazon and iTunes. Nina brings the experience and creativity that helps to make THE AMERICAN CANDY successful.
Wilkie Cornelius is a writer/director and producer in the film and theatrical medium. He has written and directed two plays “The longer tail” and “Single Hills”, as part of his show “The Wa Wa Wa Wilkie show” he has written and directed numerous short plays and comedy sketches which were originally presented at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. His latest production “15 Hours" is a political documentary (about what?), he also directed and produced the film version of his stage play “Single Hills”
A Brooklyn native, Xavier Rodney received a BFA from SUNY Stony Brook University where he minored in Theatre and Digital Arts. He's been a member of AMERICAN CANDY since 2013. He is the Artistic Director & a company member of "Stories of Substance‟, which uses the arts to educate students about Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs (ATOD). Mr. Rodney is currently in production of his web series, “Going Nowhere”, which he writes and directs.
Dumeha V. Thompson, Actor, writer, director/performance artist, theatre maker cultural curator, teaching artist and facilitator, Dumeha is captivated by a compelling story, and creating that story along with her many other talents is what she brings to THE AMERICAN CANDY
Myriam Moss, brooklyn native, actor, dancer, singer, all around entertainer. Myriam has been a member of THE AMERICAN CANDY since 2009, she is also the face of Shape-Up NYC 2014.
Born and raised in Brooklyn Stephen Coifed Jr. is a 6’3" model/actor that has various credits ranging from primetime network television shows, commercials for brands such as Microsoft and Reebok and print work for And1 and Dutch Master. Stephen adds the authentic Brooklyn Flavor to THE AMERICAN CANDY
Hailing from Boston, Gretchen Knapp studied Philosophy at Boston University. She is a musician that plays bass, and she is a member of Boston’s infamous drag- theater company, “The Gold Dust Orphans.Gretchen is a theatrical designer and curator, and a member of the Playhouse Creatures Theater Company, and now a member of THE AMERICAN CANDY
Martin Balaguer is an actor and director from Argentina. He appeared in the major motion picture There Be Dragons directed by Roland Joffé and performed in numerous Shakespearean productions in an English theater company in Buenos Aires. In New York, he most recently performed in a play for the NY International Fringe Festival 2015. Martin has been a member of American Candy for over three years.
Alexis Braxton has been an ensemble member of THE AMERICAN CANDY for 3 seasons. Alexis is a diverse performer, actress and musician. Alexis is a member of the musical theatre company Bizarre Noir, she is currently taking improv classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Her goal is to create a one-woman show full of singing, dancing, and a huge dose of comedy.
Saleema K. Josey has been a member of THE AMERICAN CANDY since 2013. As a performing artist she has participated in live shows, musical performances and special events. Prior to joining THE AMERICAN CANDY Saleema participated in several community musical theater productions throughout NYC. A staten Island native and graduate of the Talent Unlimited High School on the Upper East Side, Saleema is passionate about education and historical research.
Rich Wisneski is a born and raised NYC actor. An avid performer, Rich has performed in multiple festivals, including Planet Connections, Theatre Festivity and The NYC and Chicago Fringe Festivals. As a founding member of Cupcake Lady Productions, head writer for Cupcake Lady Wrestling and a member of the Spontaneous Shakespeare Players, Rich has won “Best Sound Design” and “Best Supporting Actor from Planet Connections Theater Festivity. Rich is a published playwright whose work has been presented at the PCTF and the Bronx Zoo and he also performs with the leave a Lasting Mark Concert Series at the NYC Bitter
Raised in Brooklyn by way of L.A., Franck M. Juste actor/writer was nominated for Best Actor in a Short NYCIFF 2016. Franck has been seen on screen in the Dark Knight Rises, Gigahoes, and Loyal to the Game. A graduate of the Atlantic Acting Conservatory, Franck has been a member of THE AMERICAN CANDY since 2010
Okema T. Moore is a multi-faceted actress cultivating quite a life of experiences. She has performed in the OFF-Broadway adaptation of Dream Girls and Once Upon a Pastime. Her body of work includes television and film performances including her own self produced projects. Since joining THE AMERICAN CANDY, her comedic timing has sharpened and the overall experience has had a positive impact on her as an artist.