Short Film Screening and Conversation: Catalogue of Noses

'Catalogue of Noses' is a short musical comedy. It tells the story of Emily, a Jewish teen actor, on the day of her scheduled nose surgery, who faces off with her mother, a plastic surgeon, and the weight of her cultural identity. Through "Fiddler on the Roof" parody songs, we follow Emily’s emotional state as she navigates this decision and learns unsettling truths about the consequences of assimilation. Inspired byWriter/Producer Lauren Schaffel's own life story of growing up as a child actor in Hollywood and getting a nose job at sixteen.  

A post-screening Q&A will feature:

Lauren Schaffel, Writer/Producer/Actor (Adult Emily)

• Lauren Schaffel is an actor, writer, comedian, and singer and has been acting professionally since she was five years old. Her television credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Will and Grace, Still Standing, and the voice of Lucy in A Charlie Brown Valentine’s Day. In film, she has appeared in My Dead Boyfriend, Admission, and Revenge of the Green Dragons.  She’s worked at numerous theaters, most recently at the Road Theatre in North Hollywood. Lauren is a recent graduate of the Improv and Writing Lab tracks at the Groundlings School and currently studies and performs at Upright Citizens Brigade. As a filmmaker, she wrote, produced, and starred in the short, musical comedy film Catalogue of Noses. She also recently wrote and starred in two comedy shorts “Gentle Parenting” and “Steak Dinner,” incorporating her original characters created at the Groundlings. Lauren is a co-founder of the production company LMC Productions, which supports new script development focusing on amplifying female voices. She’s also on the board of Jewface Theater Company based in LA, which produced the play version of Catalogue of Noses in their inaugural short play lab development in 2023.

Jemma Handler, Actor (Emily)

• Jemma is an accomplished high school senior with a passion for acting and singing. She has been performing since the age of five and has appeared in over 25 plays and musicals, building a strong foundation in both dramatic and musical theatre. She is currently starring in the short film Catalogue of Noses, a comedic musical written by Laren Schaffel and directed by Josie Andrews. This fall, she will join the prestigious USC School of Dramatic Arts to further hone her craft.

Amanda Markowitz, Actor/Producer/Activist 

• Amanda Markowitz is an award-winning actor/producer as well as a dedicated activist for Israel and Judaism. She is the proud granddaughter of four Holocaust survivors and serves as a 3G Board Member at the Holocaust Museum LA. She frequently speaks to students and creates educational videos for social media, focusing on Holocaust education and Israel advocacy. Through her social media platforms, Amanda is deeply committed to combating antisemitism and misinformation. In her personal life, Amanda is married to her lifelong friend, who is also a grandchild of four Holocaust survivors. Together, they have three daughters - Hazel, Lily, and Izzy - the great grandchildren of eight survivors. Amanda's family owns and operates Factor's Famous Deli in Los Angeles, so she comes with a side of pastrami and matzo ball soup, although she won't be joining you, since she's, ironically, a 20-year vegetarian. 

  
  

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