The Tale of Thanks Laura

Alex and Phil went to college together, yet they didn't really know each other - passing like two knights on a ship. 

That is - until the fateful summer of 2010. Obama was president, Katy Perry’s “California Girls” ruled the airwaves, and did we mention Obama was president? Phil and Alex both needed a place to stay in Boston and their mutual friend, the inimitable urban farmer / bread baker / poet Laura Brown-Lavoie had an idea - why don’t Phil and Alex live together?

And so it was written. The two (along with their friend Dan) had the summer of their lives - they watched Fantasia, they had a scooter stolen, and they laughed harder than they ever had before.

And it hasn’t stopped since.

Hey, thanks Laura.

Alex Dobrenko

Alex Dobrenko is an actor and writer living in Los Angeles, CA.  He created a web series called "Distance" (trailer) which has screened at SXSW Digital Domain, New York TV Fest, and Seriesfest.

He recently acted in "Krisha," which won SXSW 2015's Grand Jury and Audience Choice Awards before being purchased by A24, and the comedy-mystery "Arlo and Julie." which premiered at SXSW 2014 to rave reviews from Variety, BadAss Digest, Austin Chronicle and others including Wired Magazine calling Alex one of the "15 Most Fascinating Filmmakers and Stars at SXSW." Alex also got to play Dustin Hoffman's son in "The Program", a personal dream come true.

He loves deli meat more than the average person.  

Phil Kaye

Phil Kaye is a writer and actor living in New York City. He is one half of Thanks Laura, spending lots of time giggling with Alex.

As a writer, Phil is perhaps best known for his poetry, which has been featured in settings ranging from NPR to the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He has performed his poetry in sixteen countries, and his work has been viewed millions of times online. 

He is the co-director of Project VOICE, an organization that brings live poetry to classrooms around the world. 

Most recently, he was invited to open for His Holiness The Dalai Lama for the celebration of his 80th birthday.

When not on the road, Phil spends his time writing, using 90’s slang, and quietly wondering to himself what the dealio is.