Meet the Team behind Clerical Error Productions, Inc.
Kate Duffy
CEO
Writer, Actor
Bio
Kate Duffy is co-founder, CEO, and head writer for Clerical Error Productions. Since retiring from the IUPUI Department of English, they have sung, danced, and performed dramatic roles, stand up comedy, and storytelling in various venues in the Indianapolis area. Their favorite role is the tea-slinging Mrs. O’Boyle, housekeeper to the dissolute priests on Perpendicular Island in CEP’s Father Ned series. Kate has had six plays produced through Indy Fringe and the Harlequin Theatre in Columbus, Indiana. They draw on their Irish heritage for characters, subjects, and themes.
On comedy
“Writing farce is a little like theft and a lot like a party. There isn’t a comedy writer around who hasn’t heard a line or turn of phrase and thought, ‘I could use that in a bit about…’ It isn’t because we’re unoriginal hacks (not most of the time, anyway), but because we take such great delight in the wit and surprise of a well written line that we want to give it our own twist or take it a step further so that we can experience it again. Imagine your friend held a really great party, and you had so much fun you decided to move the party to your house, put up your own decorations, and invite more friends. You didn’t really steal the party; you just want to keep the party going and let more people join in on the fun. Writing farce is a lot like that.”
kate@clericalerrorproductions.com
David Molloy
Treasurer
Producer, Actor
Bio
A familiar face to Indy theater goers over the years, David Molloy has appeared in productions and with companies too numerous to list. He is co-founder and treasurer of Clerical Error Productions and casting coordinator for the Indiana Playwrights Circle. A resident of Brownsburg, Indiana, David spends his time off stage volunteering with feline rescue groups.
On comedy
“Some thoughts on the art of comedy. When comedy is done right, it looks effortless and achieves its goal of eliciting laughter. When it doesn’t work, it’s painful, heartbreaking, and leaves the actor feeling defeated. The work that goes into making it look effortless is considerable. Crucial elements are timing, delivery, pacing, facial expression, and posture. In addition, every audience is unique and will react in different places than you expect, or none at all. Be prepared to continue, make a mental note, and move onto the next bit. In other words, comedy is the result of hard work. It usually takes several years of practice to get comfortable and deliver comedy that works.”
Jon Lindley
Secretary
Director, Actor
I know it when I see it."
Bio
Jon Lindley, CEP secretary, appeared at Lilly Theatre at The Children’s Museum (as Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow), Indianapolis Shakespeare Festival, InterAction Theatre, Genesis Theatre Company, and in over a dozen productions at Phoenix Theatre, including Reckless, Woman in Mind, Stuff Happens, and Some Men. Jon toured the U.S. and Canada with the groundbreaking Omaha Magic Theatre. On returning to Indiana, he began his own company, Pan-Arts Theatre, where he produced and directed challenging experimental works, including Struck Dumb and Hamletmachine.
On comedy
“When it comes to directing comedy, I feel a little like the Supreme Court Justice who said, about obscenity, ‘I know it when I see it.’ We know that comedy is what makes us laugh. But we’re hard-pressed to explain what it is, exactly, about a particular scene or line or moment in the theatre that tickles our funny bone just the right way and makes us laugh out loud. What I can say for sure is that, for me, it has something to do with finding the exquisite timing a moment needs, with setting up an expectation and then shattering it, with being simultaneously attentive to the humor of the playwright in their work and to the actor in their delivery of it. It requires a willingness to forget it’s supposed to be funny and simply playing the truth of a scene, just as much as in any drama, and allowing the absurdity to take care of itself. It needs a light heart and a light touch. It needs a sense of humor. And I know that when I see it.”
James Benn
Creative Consultant
Bio
Serving as both Creative Consultant and Vaudeville Coordinator, James Benn performed in Clerical Error’s New Vaudeville Revue of 2022. He has performed in several plays with the Indiana Repertory Theatre including To Kill a Mockingbird, A Christmas Carol, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Regional credits include Dial “N” for Negress in New York City; Five Guys Named Moe at Flat Rock Playhouse, NC; and Ain’t Misbehavin at Starlight Musicals, Indianapolis. An active jazz singer, James appeared in his cabaret show Little Butchie Sings! at the 2016 IndyFringe festival, and presented his cabaret Back in Business at the District Theatre in 2021. James has worked as a stage director nationally, regionally, and locally in Indianapolis. He is a 2017-2018 recipient of the Arts Council of Indianapolis, Creative Renewal Artist Fellowship. He holds a BFA in Visual Communications from Herron School of Art and Design, IUPUI.
On Comedy
“Twain said, ‘humor is tragedy plus time.’ Steve Allen said, ‘Tragedy plus time equals comedy.’ The Lady Chablis said, ‘Two tears in a bucket, Motherf**k it!'”
Charlie Sim
Marketing Director
Business Manager
Bio
Retired from marketing efforts in private business and the not-for-profit sector, Charlie Sim is now channeling his experience into promoting local theatre. He enjoys helping organizations grow and seeing communities find their footing. He volunteers with Trusted Mentors, Community Health, the State Health Insurance Program, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and relaxes by spending time with family and pets, and visiting parks with his camera in hand.
On comedy
“Comedy contributes to a community’s quality of life. It uplifts spirits and shows us what we have in common in an otherwise adversarial world.”
info@clericalerrorproductions.com
