DMITRY “DI” RATUSHNYY

Is an improviser-turned-writer, based in Amsterdam.

He trained as an improviser at Boom Chicago and Easy Laughs. And took courses on character comedy, clowning, and creative writing.

Dmitry performed as a part of the improv group "Two Minds Working as one-half" in Amsterdam and Eindhoven.

He volunteered for 2 years at the IMPRO Amsterdam festival in the role of webmaster. In July 2025, Dmitry founded a small production company named "The Redacted Bureau."

In October 2025, his first one-act play was staged and performed at the "More Play" event organized by Willem van den Brink.

From November 2025, he acts as a producer for his full-length play "The Guest List" as well as a production coordinator for a production of "Behind Closed Doors" play by Jean Paul Sartre, produced by "Glass Bead Theatre."

Fun fact: The most millennial thing about Di's approach to relationships or friendships is avoiding phone calls and ignoring unexpected doorbells.
Also, most of us are in that age where we are starting to use the "proper" name for our generation - Y.

BABETTE HINTERLEITNER

Is an artist, improviser, actress, and director based in Amsterdam.

She joined the Amsterdam stage community in 2024. Before relocating, she performed with the German improv group Improgranti and continues to be part of the international online ensemble Murder Cats. In Amsterdam, Babette performs with Cliffs of Dover and It’s a Love Story.

She began her directorial journey with The Guest List as a one-act version at Four Play in October 2025.

Her work is shaped by experimentation and her training in the Meisner technique with Leila Grey, informing a directorial approach rooted in truthful listening, emotional clarity, and strong relationships on stage. Babette is also a visual artist and regularly works as a live illustrator at Flock Theatre, sharpening her ability to quickly read scenes and moods. Her background as a trainer and facilitator in Germany informs her collaborative directing style, focused on trust, structure, and creative risk-taking.

Fun fact: The most millennial thing about Babette is that she chose a cat and an ever-growing number of houseplants as part of the family.

NIHARIKA IYENGAR

Is an actor, improviser, writer, and intimacy choreographer.

She is founder of the improv group A Welcome Distraction & the performing arts company (un)scripted Productions through which she regularly produces both scripted and improvised shows. She is a cast member of easylaughs and IMPRO Amsterdam 2026 and is excited to be the newest member of Downstage Left.

Niharika is a teacher at Boom Chicago and easylaughs. Her role as intimacy choreographer ensures that actors feel safe and comfortable while portraying realistic intimate scenes.

Fun fact: the most millennial thing about her approach to relationships and friendships is that she is terrified of talking on the phone, preferring that her friends/partners establish the phone relationship first!