Who’s Asking Productions supports and creates socially conscious and unconventional art. We look to cultivate the pioneering, the multi-media, the strange, and the experimental in ourselves, our projects, and our partners. Unabashedly, feminist processes and analysis is the backbone of our organization. We do not seek out projects that act as soap boxes but rather ones that challenge ourselves and our audiences to think critically. Who’s Asking believes in creating dialogue, not talking points, through progressive art. We are committed to questioning our world and supporting artistic work with that same curiosity.

 

Co-Founders, Katharine and Samantha, created Who's Asking for a multitude of reasons...

 

Katharine, a graduate of The William Esper Studio full time acting program, became increasingly frustrated throughout the audition process with the lack of substantial female roles available. This dearth of interesting roles for women is something she's long noticed and also something she's witnessed little being done to change. Through Who's Asking Productions, Katharine is pushing to create and support content that empowers her fellow female performers. She believes this will in turn empower all performers - regardless of gender or sex - and truly develop the whole artistic community.

 

Samantha, a recently returned Peace Corp Volunteer, believes in the importance of art and creativity in community development and social change. Like Katharine, she has long been frustrated by the dearth of interesting roles for women - and not only in the performing arts, but in society. She believes that through art we can challenge conventions and push boundaries, creating a more just and equal society for all, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, or religion. With Who's Asking Productions, she hopes to combine her passion for social services with her passion for theatre to produce truly unique projects that bring together individuals and strengthen communities.

 

We'd like to introduce our righthand man/frequent collaborator...

Timothy Velsor is a native Vermonter and a lifelong filmmaker. He attended New York University's Tisch School of The Arts and graduated with a BFA in film and television. He has worked as a 35mm reel to reel projectionist in Santa Fe, an inner-city truck driver in New York, and just about everything in between. Alongside his passion for the moving image Tim is a poet and a visual artist of multiple disciplines. After 8 years in NYC Tim has returned to VT in order to more actively pursue teaching and creating.

 

Who's Asking Productions was founded in New York City in 2013.

 

Katharine Maness

Co-Founder, Actor, Writer

 

Samantha Leonard

Co-Founder, Writer, Professional Feminist