What The Constitution Means to Me

NINA HELLMAN (Heidi) is an Obie-winning actress best known for her work off Broadway in productions like “Greater Clements” at Lincoln Center Theater and “Trouble in Paradise,” for which she received an Obie Award. She also received a Lortel nomination for “The Internationalist” at the Vineyard Theatre. Nina is the 2025 winner of The New Dramatists Charles Bowden Award for Acting. Her television credits include roles on “The Blacklist,” “New Amsterdam,” and “Nurse Jackie”.  She appeared in both the film and Netflix series “Wet Hot American Summer.”  Nina is an associate artist with The Civilians and serves on the board of Clubbed Thumb. Nina has performed in many productions on Nantucket and she and her husband, Jeremy Shamos, along with their two teenagers, are summer residents in Sconset. BFA, NYU, Experimental Theatre Wing.

JEREMY SHAMOS (Legionnaire/Danny) was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Pulitzer Prize winning play CLYBOURNE PARK, for which he also received Lucille Lortel Award and Drama League Award nominations. His other stage appearances include 8 Broadway productions including Steve Martin’s METEOR SHOWER, Michael Frayn’s NOISES OFF, Richard Greenberg’s THE ASSEMBLED PARTIES, and David Mamet’s GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, as well as the off-Broadway productions of the original GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL, IF I FORGET (Drama Desk Award nomination), ANIMALS OUT OF PAPER (Drama Desk Award nomination), THE QUALMS, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), DINNER WITH FRIENDS (Lucille Lortel Award), and ENGAGED, for which he received the Obie Award. He appeared most recently on stage in the world premiere  of Stephen Sondheim’s final musical HERE WE ARE at The Shed in NYC. 

His work on film and television has provided the opportunity to collaborate on many acclaimed features, including MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, BAD EDUCATION, THE BIG SICK, and BIRDMAN, and many prestigious series including BETTER CALL SAUL,THE HANDMAID’S TALE, SUCCESSION, DEAD RINGERS, NURSE JACKIE, and FOSSE/VERDON. For his recurring roles as part of the ensembles of both THE GILDED AGE and ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, he earned SAG Award nominations for his work in the ensemble of both award winning series.

He is a proud resident of both Brooklyn and ‘Sconset.

DANIELLE LEWIS (Debater) Hi! I’m the Danielle Lewis, born right here on Nantucket—though no, my name isn’t on the hospital wall (you actually get a choice, and mom opted out). I’m a proud Jamaican first-generation island kid—the “American one” when I visit family back home, but still an islander either way.

I’m 16 years old, the youngest in my grade, and a rising senior at Nantucket High School. I’m a founding member of the Nantucket Debate Club (shout out to the Wailing Whalers—yes, I coined the name), and I spend most of my days in school or at my favorite spot, Lobster Trap. My favorite class is Honors Chemistry—hi, Mr. Gregorich!—and math is my favorite subject overall. When I grow up, I want to be a biomedical engineer. Outside of school, theater is where I live. I’ve performed in seven plays and been on crew for over 15 productions. I love getting to act alongside professionals. Playing the Debater in What the Constitution Means to Me is an incredible first professional experience, and I’m so grateful for it. Thanks for being here!