Edgemar Center for the Arts

Michelle Danner
Founding and Artistic Director

Brian Driller
Creative Director

Mr. Drillinger, in association with Larry Moss and Michelle Danner, is a founder and the Creative Director of Edgemar Center for the Arts. He directed the show for the first Edgemar benefit event that was hosted by Jason Alexander and included; Hilary Swank, Michael Clarke Duncan, Sally Kellerman, Chad Lowe and many others. The evening raised a Quarter of a Million dollars for the center.

Mr. Drillinger directed ALMOST MAINE in Melbourne Australia THE DREAMER EXAMINES HIS PILLOW at The Complex in Los Angeles and THE HOUSE OF YES here at the Edgemar Center.

He produced FOUR-THOUGHT at the Hudson Theatre, as well as the critically acclaimed production of Tennessee Williams THE ROSE TATOO also at the Hudson. He produced the successful industry series SCENE BITES at the Tiffany Theatre and the workshop production of HOW TO GO OUT ON A DATE IN QUEENS directed by Larry Moss. Brian produced the award winning short film DOS CORAZONES. He co-wrote, produced and stars in the feature version of HOW TO GO OUT ON A DATE IN QUEENS for which he won Best Supporting Actor at the LA Indie Awards 2006. The film also stars Jason Alexander, Kimberly Williams, Rob Estes, Ron Perlman and Esai Morales.

Brian studied acting at SUNY Purchase and graduated with honors. He played Stan on Broadway, and in the film version of Neil Simons, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS and the National tour of BROADWAY BOUND. Regional credits include: THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE at the Old Globe in San Diego, the Pulitzer Prize winning play WIT at the South Coast Repertory (original production), the Seattle Repertory and the Alley Theatre in Houston, also at SCR, DEATH OF A SALESMAN and BOUNDARY WATERS, at the Hudson Theatre, SOLACE, GANGSTER APPAREL and DOVE, A SHAYNA MADEL at the Tiffany Theatre, and BRIGHT IDEAS at Edgemar Center For The Arts. His television credits include: THE AGENCY, WINGS, LIFE GOES ON, REASONABLE DOUBTS, AND GENERAL HOSPITAL. Brian starred opposite Sally Kirkland, in the indie feature STARRY NIGHT, and Janeane Garafalo in I SHOT A MAN IN VEGAS.

Alexandra Guarnieri
Managing Director

Born in Paris, Alexandra moved to the U.S. at age 11, fluently speaking 4 languages (French, Spanish, Italian, and English). She graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University with a degree in Political Science. Upon graduation, Alexandra spent several years working in television, first at CNN then MSNBC. After spending 3 years as the Managing Director of the New York Theater Company she moved to Los Angeles. Currently, Alexandra is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Edgemar Center for the Arts (ECA).

Alexandra co-produced the movie "How To Go On A Date In Queens" (Best Picture, Director, Actor, and Supporting Actor: L.A. Indie Awards). She has been the driving force behind many productions, including the widely popular French Cabaret show, "Night of the Black Cat" (Best Musical: 2006 L.A. Music Awards) and the ongoing series ‚Scene Bites‚ (Featured in Daily Variety). In 2007, Alexandra produced the critically acclaimed play by Henry Jaglom, "Always But Not Forever". Later that year she was associate producer of the world premier musical, "Mental". In addition Alexandra producing the cutting edge political comedy "You're On The Air,"The world premier, zany comedy, "Desperate Writers" and the musical tribute to Quincy Jones and his humanitarian work. She also produced Hello Herman by John Buffalo Mailer which is currently in development to become a feature film.

Alexandra is an active member in the community. She has created and shaped various outreach programs for underprivileged children, teens, and the elderly. With a passion for art, she also curates the ECA art gallery.

Deborah LaVine is an award winning director who works in theater and film. She has directed over 200 professional theatrical productions in venues far and wide including, Scotland, Alaska, Pennsylvania and California. Deborah has received many prestigious directing awards including the coveted Ovation Award, a Los Angeles Critics award, the NAACP Image Award Citation, 16 Drama Logue awards, plus many others. She has created work for Deaf West Theatre, The Strasberg Institute, The Odyssey Theater, The Road Theater Company, The Mark Taper Forum, The San Fransisco Theater Festival, Edinburgh Theater Festival, and a list of companies too numerous to list. Deborah directs in a diverse array of genres. She is an avid fan of Tennessee Williams having directed THE ROSE TATTOO and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Her productions of LEIPZIG, A SHAYNA MAIDEL, KINDERTRANSPORT and THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI, have dealt with topics relating to the WW2 era and its aftermath. Deborah has directed many world premieres, as well as established scripts from acclaimed authors such as Sam Shepard, and John Orlock. She is an experienced director of classic works from Shakespeare, (HAMLET, MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM) and Moliere, (THE MISER, THE IMAGINARY INVALID), while her staging of musicals include OLIVER, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and FOUR LOVE. In the world of film, Deborah has worked for James Forsher Productions, a documentary production company, and served as a consultant to the former Amblin Studios. Deborah is currently working with Susan Hegarty on the film adaptation of Ms. Hegarty's one woman show, WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY HEART, as well as the short film, MAX. Deborah is currently the Co-Head of The Film Directing Program at the prestigious California Institute for the Arts (CALARTS.)