First Kiss Theatre Presents: Bad Boyfriend

On the brink of heartache and pain, a wise person once said "it's not you, it's me." As breakups continue around the world, people can't stop seeking for the true reason their relationship failed. Who really is the one to blame? Or is there anyone to blame at all? Come see Ben Locke search for the answer in First Kiss Theatre's production of Bad Boyfriend.

From the Creator: "I created "Bad Boyfriend" as a coping mechanism to get over my ex. It was one of the first times that I really channeled all of my emotions into my art rather than keeping it bottled up or running to social media to vent all my woes. It was an interesting process to write as it was happening, so I never really knew what the story would be or how it would end up. It was very experimental and therapeutic for me, which was great because I was really going through it. What I love so much about this show is that it's very honest. I don't try to paint myself as a good guy or my ex as a bad guy. I simply just speak my truth and let the audience decide for themselves. I hope that this show can shed light on how hard it is to go through a break up. It's messy and non-linear and it's sometimes hard to decipher what you need in the moment as our needs seem to constantly change and evolve. This is a very vulnerable show for me, even though there is a lot of comedy mixed in, but I hope that it speaks to people and resonates with anyone going through a hard time. I also hope this show holds up a mirror to ourselves so that we can acknowledge our own flaws and mistakes in our relationships, whether romantic or not, and be better." 

CAST & CREW

Ben F. Locke (Writer & Actor: he/she/they) is a Chicago-based actor, director, writer and teacher. He graduated from Millikin University with a double degree in Theatre and Human Services. He attended the School at Steppenwolf in 2019. He has worked with several companies in the city such as Steppenwolf, Court, Broken Nose, Ardent Dance Company and more. Ben truly believes that theatre and art have the power to change the world. His plays can be found at the New Play Exchange. "What we do matters. Who sees us matters. If we died today, did we horde ourselves away? Did we keep our resources for ourselves or did we invest in others to take over and grow without us?"

Rebecca Rose Schilsky (Producer & Editor: she/her/hers) is a multidisciplinary artist with emphasis in directing and stage management based in Chicago. Raised in a Puerto Rican, Italian, & Jewish household in Westchester, New York, Rebecca has cultivated the art of storytelling, the skill to organize large gatherings, and a knack for finding her way around the kitchen. Her theatrical passions include creating inclusive spaces both onstage and backstage– bridging the gap between her two worlds of theater– as well as generating productions that strive to entertain audiences of ages 0-101! Currently, Rebecca is a Creative Producer & Artistic Resident at First Kiss Theatre. Select credits include Snow White by Marjorie Sokoloff (Director), Cabaret by Kander & Ebb (SM), Maybe Tomorrow, Maybe Next Year (World premier— as SM) & The Pill by Marla Mase (SM). Rebecca has also worked with Boomerang Theatre Company & the New Ohio Theater. Education: Skidmore College– Bachelor of Science in Theater (Honors) with Education Minor.