Yvonne Hernandez presents

QUEER MONOLOGUES

stories of the LGBTQ

Written & Directed by Yvonne Hernandez 

QUEER MONOLOGUES brings real life stories and readings of the LGBTQ to the stage. Come and enjoy an evening of entertaining, poignant and fun stories that will pull ast your heartstrings and will have you laughing and crying the night away. 

CAST:  
Dorian Alex Grey, Dujuana Neville, Gene Gardino, Ginger Kipps, Isaac Boorstin, Jody Doo, Julia Lomba, Kate Dogileva, Liliane Wolf, Mae Cutrona, Phoenix Ximenez, Samantha Algieri & Walter McDermott

FRI – JAN 8 
SAT – JAN 9
Both performances at 8PM

JAN 8 – JAN 9, 2016

THE OPTIC TRILOGY

by Alfian Sa'at

​[THREE STORIES, THREE FIRST ENCOUNTERS: A TOURIST AND A RENT BOY, A PHOTOGRAPHER AND HIS BLIND SUBJECT, A WOMAN AND HER INTERNET DATE. POEM AND MEDITATION, LYRIC AND PUNCHLINE, ALFIAN SA'AT'S MEDITATION ON METROPOLITAN LONELINESS PROBES INTO THE TANGLED WEB OF SINGAPOREAN (POST)MODERNITY AND LAYS BARE THE TRICKS OF MEMORY, LIGHT, AND CHANCE.] 

MAN PLAYED BY: NISHAD MORE

WOMAN PLAYED BY: SIM YAN YING

​

DIRECTED BY: KAI SUNDERMANN

DRAMATURGY BY: RUTH TANG

LIGHTING DESIGN BY CATI KALINOWSKI

MAY 4 – 5, 2018

​The Chameleon Fools Theatre Troupe presents

WHAT I.F.

a workshop production

The Chameleon Fools Theatre Troupe presents a pay-what-you-can workshop performance of What I.F., a modern retelling of the classic tales of Alice in Wonderland. Inspired from the original novels, this production sets out to answer the question, where do you turn when the whole world is mad? Told through text, music, movement, dance, and puppetry, this tale is certain to capture your childhood imagination.

This workshop is the first step in the journey of this beautiful piece. Admission is pay-what-you-can at the door and all payment will be put toward the artists' stipends and future productions. 

Contributing artists:
Christina Ashby – Shelley Franklin – Kayla Prestel – Charlotte Vaughn Raines – Thomas David Burns Scully – Samantha E Turlington

APR 22, 2018

AN INCIDENT AT PENIEL

a play by Daniel Beller

Directed by Jennifer Tuttle
Dramaturge: Kathleen Potts

​

An Equity Approved Showcase

Featuring: Lynn Blackburn* – Atticus Cain* – Jim DiMunno* – Andrea Fleming – Joseph Hamel* – Andrew LeMieux – Peter Levine* – Katie Lugo – Herman Petras* – Jordan Schroeder – Jacqueline Sydney* – Lynne Taylor* – Erika Vetter – Maria Wolf*

Stage Managed by Rick V. Moreno*

*denotes Member of Actors' Equity Association

APR 12 – 14, 2018

​Precariat Productions presents

THE SPARK | THE WALL | THE ESCAPE

three solo theater pieces

Precariat Productions presents excerpts from:
"Inside A Pocket, Behind A Wall" – written & performed by Raphael Eilenberg – a gripping, heartwarming and imaginative new theater experience. It explores the danger of indifference, the resilience of the oppressed, and the strength of human faith. Told with fierce, lighthearted, and diverse characterizations using traditional Balinese Masks, Inside a Pocket, Behind a Wall is an immediate, demanding and imaginative new theater experience.

"Skin Deep, Skin Tight" – written by Kymbali Craig & performed by Samuel Encarnación – examines how racism, the demise of the Civil Rights Movement, the conditions of economic inequality and the destruction of Hip Hop affects poor urban communities- primarily Black American Males. It’s an epic, poetic depiction of how the painful reality of racism tightly confines some Black and Latinos into spaces that leave them with little or no room to breathe.

​

"Empanada for a Dream" – written & performed by Juan Francisco Villa – a poignant and entertaining portrait of family and neighborhood – set against the secret that destroys it all.  It’s a haunting tale about growing up by getting out. And coming back -- to one boy’s Lower East Side.

APR 8, 2018

INDEPENDENCE by Lee Blessing

a play

Lee Blessing’s INDEPENDENCE is an exciting women-led production that dives into the world of a mother, her three daughters, and all the misconnections that occur between them.

Co-Directed by: Tony Award and Drama Desk-nominated actress Elizabeth A. Davis, and Srđa Vasiljević (Bway: Deaf West’s Spring Awakening, Mothers & Sons).

Featuring: Susan Ferrara* as EVELYN, Erica Knight* as KESS, Teryn Gray as JO, and Paige Felger as SHERRY

Produced by Erica Knight, Teryn Gray, and Paige Felger. Associate Produced by Maggie Snyder. 

Assistant Director: Chelsea Drumel
Production Stage Manager: Lizzy Emanuel*
Assistant Stage Manager: Myra Lamphier

Welcome to Independence, Iowa - the lifelong home of Evelyn Briggs, and generations' worth of familial misconnections. Evelyn's oldest daughter, Kess, a university professor, has long since decided to cut her family ties, but has come home at the sudden request of her sister; Jo, an incurable romantic, is unexpectedly pregnant and has become increasingly worried about Evelyn's mental health; while Sherry, salty-tongued and proudly amoral, wants only to finish high school so she can leave home for good. The sisters struggle to meet the expectations of their demanding mother, while the fight to pursue their individual aspirations for life and love test the bounds of family loyalty.

INDEPENDENCE is an Equity Approved Showcase. 
*Denotes member of Actor’s Equity

MAR 16 – 26, 2018

Cantanti Project presents

EURIDICE BY CACCINI

Cantanti Project presents the oldest surviving opera, Euridice telling of the story of Orfeo, who journeys into the Underworld to find his beloved Euridice. Conducted by Dylan Sauerwald. Directed by Brittany Goodwin.

FEB 23 – 25, 2018

​Random Access Music presents

SOLO EXPOSITIONS - violin/guitar/piano

a concert

Random Access Music is excited to announce this Solo Exhibitions concert. RAM Players Maya Bennardo (violin), Nadav Lev (guitar), and new to our roster, pianist Tristan McKay, perform virtuosic and poignant solo works. Nadav takes on David Fetherolf’s “Parar la Oreja” and Tristan Murail’s “Tellur,” Maya will deliver Guy Barash’s Talkback II and Kirsten Broberg’s “Opening”, and Tristan serves a new work, Three Preludes by Frances White and tackles Berio’s Sequenza IV. Performance at 3PM.

JAN 28, 2018

Schuyler Quinn presents

UNSATISFACTORY

a solo show

Unsatisfactory is actor/ producer Schuyler Quinn's first written attempt at a solo show. With a "colorful" school transcript in tow, and she embarks on the quest of college acceptance. With grades as horrific as hers and several violent incidents under her belt, the interview portion of her application process is her only hope of getting in. 

Will she be able to charm her interviewer with tales of growing up in the New York City school system and make the case that getting kicked out of 5 schools was not, in fact, her fault?
 

Showtime 7:30PM, runs 75 minutes

JAN 24 – 26, 2018

​Leg Up On Life presents

SPOKEN WORD GALA

Leg Up On Life presents an evening of choreography works set to spoken word and poetry.

Showtimes: 6:30p and 8:30p
Run time: 1 hour

Leg Up On Life... is an organization dedicated to bringing an inclusive and affordable platform to artists while raising money for causes that give back to our communities.

JAN 22, 2018

Roxy + Company presents

EMBODIED SPACES

a choreography festival

Join producer, curator, and choreographer Roxanne Gordon for the inaugural season of the festival, embodied spaces. Roxy + Company (Gordon and her collaborators, musicians Ethan Primason and Dexter Dine) are joined each evening by a different innovative emerging choreographer: Thomas Tyger Moore, Maddie Schimmel in collaboration with Sarah Allwine, Justin Faircloth, and Breeanah Tre'Chelle Breeden. embodied spaces celebrates the collaborative impulse and creative work that subverts assumptions.

Each evening’s show is anchored by Roxy + Company’s new work “Embody”, a duet that attempts to dismantle the illusion of female identity by subverting the assumptions made about the bodies that are presented. On Wednesday (Jan. 10) Thomas Tyger Moore performs “Memory Study II: Boots”, a solo inspired by the artist (a young, gay, black man) and his relationship with his father. On Thursday (Jan. 11), Maddie Schimmel performs a new solo, “Frame Face”, created in collaboration with ceramicist Sarah Allwine, that animates objects and bodies. On Friday (Jan. 12), Justin Faircloth performs “Headlo torsess”, a solo work that examines the ways we adhere and relate to the role of the Performer. On Saturday (Jan. 13), Bree Breeden’s new duet, “Zion”, investigates parallels within the structures of religion and technology.

JAN 10 – 13, 2018

The Catastrophists present

MIDDLE CLASS ANXIETY

Four 19th century comedies that could have been written yesterday

The Catastrophists bring you four 19th century comedies that could have been written yesterday: "A Tragedian in Spite of Himself" by Anton Chekhov; "The Stronger" by August Strindberg; "Half Past Two" & "The Overpowered Person" by Arthur Schnitzler. Each in a new contemporary adaptation. 
Click here for trailer! 

DEC 11-13, 2017

The Joust Theatre Company presents

BOOK OF ESTHER

by Gina Stevensen

Within the confines of an Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn, a new generation of women is pushing the boundaries. Esther grew up in a loving and religious family, but she is seventeen now and can feel a larger world outside her own. Will her questioning take her too far to come home?

The Joust Theatre Company is proud to present Gina Stevensen's Book of Esther, directed by Lauren Z. Adleman.

FEATURING:
Brooke Shilling (Esther)
Allie Wing (Avigail)
Meredith Jones (Mother)
Mark Singer (Tateh/Mr. Freundel)
Xandra Clark (Queen Esther/Activist)
Chris Ogren (Hipster)

Book of Esther marks the fourth and final installment of The Joust Theatre Company's Workshop Series 2017: An Examination of Identity. An Examination of Identity is a workshop series of four new plays that explore identity, belonging, and the responsibility we have to raise our unique voices amidst adversity. Previous installments are "q u e r e n c i a: an imagined autobiography about forbidden fruits" by Benjamin Benne, "Incorruptible: The Tragical Historie of Maximilien Robespierre" by Jacob Marx Rice, and "Naked: What Women and Their Bodies Represent to America" by Clinnesha Dillon Sibley. 

The Joust Theatre Company is an artistic ensemble determined to produce relevant, sensitive, and fearless work that captivates audiences by capturing the spirit of facing challenges great and small. For more information, visit www.jousttheatre.org.

DEC 8 – 9, 2017

The Russian Arts Theater and Studio presents

THE RISE AND FALL OF MACONDO: CELEBRATING GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ

a winter benefit

The Russian Arts Theater and Studio cordially invites you to a winter benefit party, celebrating the magical and sleepless world of Gabriel García Márquez. The evening includes a cocktail reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres paired with live music, followed by a theatrical performance featuring The Russian Arts Theater and Studio ensemble. Directed by Artistic Director Aleksey Burago, actors will perform a series of improvisations based on Márquez's magnum opus One Hundred Years of Solitude. Embark upon a sensual journey in South America and see the birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendía family.
 

*One Night Only. Performed in English.*

Directed by Aleksey Burago

Featuring: Charles Anderson, Reanna Armellino, Boris Brownstein, Hazen Cuyler, Michael Donaldson, Roman Freud, Luisa Menzen, Ariel Polanco, Tom Schubert, Kseniya Yershova and Di Zhu.

DEC 10, 2017

PLAYGROUND LESSONS

directed by Abi Lieff & Mackian Bauman

directed by Abi Lieff & Mackian Bauman
We live in a tumultuous time: every headline, tweet, and Facebook post invites conversation that, while sometimes helpful, usually only serves to reaffirm our preexisting views. Labels are thrown around—some worn with pride, some without—further dividing us into different categories and pitting us against one another.

The LGBTQ+ community stands within a grey area amidst the chaos. They exist as the product of labels, putting names to identities that, for so many years, they were unable to express. But now, in a time where we feel the need to categorize everything, the queer community is fighting a different battle: to dismantle those categories altogether. After all, at our core, every one of us is nothing more than a tiny body on a slightly-less-tiny rock hurtling through space, looking for love, connection, and acceptance.

But there are always questions. As a group of queer artists in a time of severe cultural division, we long for self-expression in the face of societal pressures to be "normal." But how far can we take that expression without alienating the very people we need to lift us up? Is simply being a queer person in 2017 an act of rebellion—and if it is, how can we do that while remaining unified with everyone else around us?

At its core, this can all be condensed into a single question...can you see yourself in me? Playground Lessons is a show about all of this and more, using a series of physical, movement-based vignettes as a method of exploration. It's fun, sexy, a little wild—but most of all, unafraid to push the limits of what we can do onstage. 

With Maxwell Murray, Margaret Remboski, Taylor Turner, Nate Shinners, Buchanan Highhouse, Mackian Bauman and Chris Tse.

They will be donating proceeds from the show to two incredible organizations, Live Out Loud and The Trevor Project. These organizations both support members of the LGBTQIA+ community and aim to unify and strengthen them, which is exactly what we want to do with our show. 

DEC 7 – 9, 2017

Epstein & Hassan present

WHAT YOU CAN & CANNOT SAY DURING INTERRACIAL SEX

an evening of comedy

The Black and The Jew Comedy Hour are back! Married for 27 years and making people laugh for just as long, performers and real-life interracial couple Epstein and Hassan, known as "The Black and The Jew," have shared their hilarious and provocative thoughts on race, sex, politics and relationships in award-winning stage productions ("She's Black, He's Jewish, They're Married, Oy Vey!") and through an acclaimed podcast. 

Now, they present their newest show, "What You Can & Cannot Say During Interracial Sex," the funniest and most outrageous distillation yet of their personal-yet-surprisingly-universal insights. Laugh and learn as the secrets to a happy relationship are revealed by this duo beloved by such comedy icons as Joan Rivers, Jerry Stiller and Dan Aykroyd. SATURDAYS – OCT 7, 14, 21 / NOV 4, 11, 18 / DEC 2, 29 / JAN 13, 20, 27– Stay Tuned for more dates (ongoing) All performances at 7:30PM – Tickets available for $15 cash at the door. Seats for all!

OCT 7 – DEC 29, 2017

Hope Salas presents

WOMEN RISING!

One VERY SPECIAL night of incredibly talented women theater artists performing music & song, dance & storytelling. Hosted by Scotia Daugherty.

This fundraiser/performance event is held to raise the remaining funding needed to mount the Fall 2018 World Premier of Hope Salas' one-woman show entitled HOPE.

Performers & Artists:

Racquel Borromeo | Scotia Daugherty | Kim Dillon | Alvin Ailey | Alicia Archer | Katherine Williams | Margi Sharp Douglas | Rachel Murdy | Laurie Deziel | Erika Iverson | Karen Cellini | Renee Gerardo | Erika Latta | Adina Taubman | Danielle Faitelson | Emily Gleeson | Hope Salas

NOV 28, 2017

A SELF-HELP GUIDE TO KILLING YOUR BOSS

a staged reading

Staged reading of a new satirical, dark comedy musical about the Hollywood self-help industry and the nutters who run it. 

The show follows Rose, an assistant for the charismatic, manipulative Guy Martin – a self-proclaimed “productivity master and self-help guru” in the Hollywood Hills. When she tries to quit her demanding job full of sycophantic “yes Bros”, Guy’s blackmail of her past forces Rose to extreme measures. While planning Guy’s next big party, Rose finds a rare opportunity when she and her old college friend/socialite drug lord, Becky, scheme together to get rid of Guy at the biggest Hollywood Ayahuasca party ever been thrown. 

Last the Hollywood debut of the musical was a sold-out, standing room only event. The positive reviews were overwhelming, a few dubbing Killing Your Boss the “Millennial’s Musical.” The show garnered enough support for a second run in Downtown LA to more rave reviews, and is now in its early stages in NYC. 

Killing Your Boss started as a collaboration among friends who lived in the same apartment complex in Studio City, when they decided to work together coming from collective experience on stage and screen. Co-written by Justin Small and Caroline Dunaway, this musical was inspired by their real-life experiences being assistants in both the entertainment and self-help industry. Music and lyrics by Chris Brochu and Sam Neagley.

RSVP for your seat at the reading!! Entry is FREE (donations optional for a spring production) but seating is limited. Email killingyourboss@gmail.com with your name and the number of seats you'd like! 

NOV 11, 2017

No Man's Land Theatre Company presents

OTHELLO, an all-female production

by William Shakespeare

No Man's Land Theatre Company presents Othello, an all-female production by William Shakespeare

As war rages between Venice and Turkey, Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, is determined to lead her soldiers to victory with her trusted ensign, Iago. But, after being passed up for a promotion, Iago has plans of her own. Using the general’s wife, Desdemona, as a pawn, Iago spins an elaborate web of deception. 

Othello tells a story of jealousy, passion, mistrust, and revenge.

Directed by Emily Messana
Dramaturgy by Missy Hamblet 

Starring Gebriella Hailemariam, Sophia Rizzuto, Taylor Cozort, Missy Hamblet, Madison Chu, Alessandra Cronin, Grace Wess, Evelyn Rivera-Cardenas, Jasmine R. Howard, Rocío Christensen Garrido, Madeleine Fisher, Belissa Escobedo, and Izzy Hanson-Johnston
Stage Manager: Bonnie Christilaw 

NOV 4 – 5, 2017

Toes for Dance presents

INCEPTION TO EXHIBITION

Toes for Dance presents ITE Dance Space Grant recipients Kristen Carcone and David Norsworthy present an in-studio showing of their works in progress. Friday October 20th in The Lab. 

OCT 20, 2017

DEMONSTRATION OF A DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT

a play

Demonstration of a Drunk Driving Accident centers on a group of high school seniors attempting to stage a mock car crash to spread awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving in anticipation of their prom.

Written by Jacob Grover and directed by Joel Kirk. Featuring: Kendall Dupre, Chapman Hyatt, Michelle Davis, John DiMino & Stephanie Wurster 

SEP 21 – 24, 2017

Young Productions presents

A NIGHT OF STRANGE LOVE

Young Productions presents a collection of short plays written by Matt Foley and Spencer Bang, with a reprieve of poetry and song written by other local New York artists. Featuring Jerrod Everett, Jonathon Downey and more!

SEP 8, 2017

Spirit Fox Productions presents

IPHIGENIA AT AULIS

a Euripides tragedy

Spirit Fox Productions presents a Euripides tragedy directed by Ryan Ortega. The Greek classic retold through a New York lens.

Starring:
Ariel Francoeur
Liz Livingston
Tyler Linke
John Kilberg
Walker Snow Harrison
KarenThorla
Kim Hicks 
Lauren Cusker 
Emily Coleman 

Costume Design by: John-Ross WInter
AD/Vocal Coach: Emily Coleman

AUG 31 – SEP 1, 2017

VILLAGE WOOING

by George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw's classic comedy about a village girl pursuing the man of her dreams half way round the world and the man of her dreams, who doesn't know what hit him!

Starring Paula Migueles Berwanger as the Vigorous Village Girl "Z," and Cameron Addicott as 'A,' her Unwitting Gentleman. Follow them into the Starry Heavens in this comic of tale of gender role reversal, feminism, and everything that is good in this world.

AUG 26 – SEP 3, 2017

Epstein & Hassan present

WHAT YOU CAN & CANNOT SAY DURING INTERRACIAL SEX

an evening of comedy

The Black and The Jew Comedy Hour are back! Married for 27 years and making people laugh for just as long, performers and real-life interracial couple Epstein and Hassan, known as "The Black and The Jew," have shared their hilarious and provocative thoughts on race, sex, politics and relationships in award-winning stage productions ("She's Black, He's Jewish, They're Married, Oy Vey!") and through an acclaimed podcast. 

Now, they present their newest show, "What You Can & Cannot Say During Interracial Sex," the funniest and most outrageous distillation yet of their personal-yet-surprisingly-universal insights. Laugh and learn as the secrets to a happy relationship are revealed by this duo beloved by such comedy icons as Joan Rivers, Jerry Stiller and Dan Aykroyd. 

JUL 29 – SEP 23, 2017

CONSTELLARIUM

a one man show written and performed by Arif Silverman

Directed by Susanna Wolk.

Constellarium deals with the nature of progress in a highly volatile political environment, including themes of diversity, history and power. For thousands of years, the planet Constellarium has served as a sanctuary planet for people whose worlds have been destroyed. Now, after Earth's destruction, humankind finds themselves on Constellarium, having been rescued by President Falco, Constellarium's ninth president. There, the people of Earth must come to terms with the circumstances of their new world: the other races with whom they share the planet; the untapped powers of the planet's leaders, and their volatile history of determining how to use their power; what they can do differently to make sure they don't make the same mistakes that brought them here.

JUL 31 – AUG 1, 2017

Classics on the Rocks presents

TWELFTH NIGHT

A shipwreck, mistaken identities, women dressed as men, and a "most wonderful" love triangle. Does it get any more Shakespearean? Join us for this quintessential love story. 

Cast:  Victor Albaum* – Andi Bohs – Lev Harvey – Ray Huth – Anna Lewein – Sam O'Sullivan – Rachel Purcell – Jake Rivet – John St. Croix – Patrick Taaffe – Robert Whiston – Matthew Dean Wood

William Downes DeBeauchamp, Director
Sam Ryel, Stage Manager
Victoria Gomez, Production Manager
Sharon Stevens DeBeauchamp, Managing Director

Twelfth Night is an Equity approved Showcase. Actors indicated with a * are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.

For cast bios and more please visit www.classicsontherocks.org

JUL 14 – 23, 2017

Double Feature – 2 dates only

FARRAH + CALIFORNIA GIRL: BEING MICHELLE PFEIFFER

directed by Austin Pendleton & Jen Danby

FARRAH It’s 1979 and America’s sweetheart Farrah Fawcett, "Jill Munroe” of the '76 TV hit “Charlie’s Angels,” is at the Factory with Andy Warhol shooting Polaroids. She’s quit Charlie and left the Six Million Dollar Man for her reformed Lothario true love.

Directed by Austin Pendleton.

CALIFORNIA GIRL: BEING MICHELLE PFEIFFER dives into this mega
star’s demons and dreams that propelled her from Von’s supermarket checkout girl to tenacious A-List Hollywood actress. Not bad for someone who is afraid of comedy and thinks she looks like Howard the Duck.

Directed by Jen Danby.

JUL 8 – 15, 2017

Creator Tjasa Ferme presents

THE FEMALE ROLE MODEL PROJECT

directed by Anna Margineanu

A scientifically enhanced multimedia devised theatre piece built by an ensemble of female-identified artists about recreating modern female role models in the world of cataclysmic climate change, cataclysmic political change and possibility of reprogramming our brains.

JUL 7 – 8, 2017

Jaliisa Williams Entertainment presents

THE GIRLFRIEND ZONE

The Girlfriend Zone stageplay is about three couples going to relationship counseling to deal with the issues they're facing in each relationship. All the couples have been together for a significant amount of time and the girlfriend zone isn't where you want to be for so long. So will these couples survive relationship counseling and move on to the next step of engagement then marriage? Or are some of their problems so far deep that the relationships can't be saved. Come find out 

JUN 24, 2017

Extra Dry Martinis Productions presents

WAR STORIES

a staged reading - by Sarah Kelly

The lives and loves of four thirty-somethings intersect in messy and disastrous ways, proving that when it comes to affairs of the heart, "every lover is a soldier."

After two successful Los Angeles productions (Broadway World called it “compelling,” “nuanced” and “beautiful work done with conscious attention to detail,” and BuzzFeed named it one of “the best three shows” at Hollywood Fringe Festival), my play "War Stories" is getting its first staged reading in New York!

Admission is free but seating is limited, so please RSVP to warstoriestheplay@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Featuring: Katherine Castellaw, Scotty Crowe, Michael Seth Huntsman and Sarah Kelly

Written by: Sarah Kelly

Directed by: Walter F. Rodriguez 

Produced by: Sarah Kelly and Walter F. Rodriguez

JUN 17, 2017

Epstein & Hassan present

THE BLACK & THE JEW GO BUDDHIST

an evening of comedy

The Black and The Jew Comedy Hour are back! Married for 27 years and making people laugh for just as long, performers and real-life interracial couple Epstein and Hassan, known as "The Black and The Jew," have shared their hilarious and provocative thoughts on race, sex, politics and relationships in award-winning stage productions ("She's Black, He's Jewish, They're Married, Oy Vey!") and through an acclaimed podcast. 

Now, they present their newest show, "The Black and The Jew Go Buddhist," the funniest and most outrageous distillation yet of their personal-yet-surprisingly-universal insights. Laugh and learn as the secrets to a happy relationship are revealed by this duo beloved by such comedy icons as Joan Rivers, Jerry Stiller and Dan Aykroyd. 

JUN 10 – JUL 15, 2017

Spolin-Ist Players presents

IMPROVISATION SHOW

an evening of Spolin theater games

Join us for a fun night of Spolin Theater Games featuring Spolin-Ist Players and sidecoach/director Ege Maltepe. 
"Viola Spolin changed theater for generations." Alan Alda

Viola Spolin was an actress, educator, director, author, and the creator of theater games, a system of actor training that uses games she devised to organically teach the formal rules of the theater. Her groundbreaking book Improvisation for the Theater transformed American theater and revolutionized the way acting is taught. Originally published in 1963 by Northwestern University Press, it remains an essential theater text. She developed her methods while working as a drama supervisor in Chicago for the WPA, at her Young Actors Company in Hollywood, and as Director of Workshops at The Second City. Her son, director Paul Sills, who is credited with popularizing her work, used her theater games when he co-founded Compass, Playwrights Theatre Club, The Second City, and created Story Theater. The modern improvisational theater movement is a direct outgrowth of Spolin’s methods, discoveries, and writings. Read more about this genius woman and her legacy ; http://www.violaspolin.org/bio

Spolin-Ist is led by Ege Maltepe who is the Turkish translator of Spolin’s seminal book; Improvisation for The Theater. Maltepe started her company SPOLIN-IST in 2009 in Istanbul after her graduation from New Actors Workshop – an acting conservatory in New York founded by Mike Nichols (Oscar award winner director who started his career as an improviser), George Morrison and Paul Sills (Viola Spolin’s son and the co-founder of Second City). Maltepe often travels to her home country, Turkey to lead workshops, in the meantime she’s gathering a performance group in New York.

Maltepe worked as an assistant teacher in New Actors Workshop for Movement Improvisation classes, and was the Stage Manager for the director Carol B. Sills, the editor of Spolin books, for the Story Theater Production of The Tao of Chuang Chou in 2010.

JUNE 9–30, 2017

Katelyn Halpern & Dancers present

JUICE

a world premiere

JUICE
[evening length, original, premiere, sunglasses, modern dance, palm tree (inflatable)] 

Featuring company dancers: Arianna Dunmire, Julia Galanski, Myssi Robinson

Katelyn Halpern & Dancers is a freshly minted modern dance company based in New York. JUICE is their first major work. They want you to see it + like it.

JUN 9 – 10, 2017

Rough & Ready presents

COME TOGETHER

new work series

Join Rough&Ready for a jolly evening of new fiction, comedy, drama, music, and more! 

Doors open at 7. Rough&Ready is a monthly salon series showcasing bright new voices, and old familiar ones, too. We're a vibrant community of writers and performers and we welcome y'all to check out what we do, and to submit your material for future shows.

Submissions & info: idemandanaudience@gmail.com

JUN 5, 2017

RAHMELL'S INFERNO

by Rahmell Peebles

Rahmell's INFERNO is an autobiographical play written and performed by Rahmell Peebles. When Rahmell was sixteen years old he brought a key chain pocket knife to school. For this, he was given a year of probation and a year-and-a-half school suspension. At that time, Rahmell was also a special education student. Many would have categorized him as an at-risk youth destined for the prison system. Six years later he graduated from the prestigious Morehouse College with an honors degree in Philosophy. His journey from special ed criminal to a special kind of king serves as the core story of Rahmell's INFERNO.

Many African Americans can relate to this impactful tale of educational suppression, systemic oppression, and teenage guilt, fear, and anger. Peebles is shockingly bold in his honesty as he reveals his inner most personal truths while exposing the American system of its intentional flaws, fLaws that essentially sign the black youth up for prison years before a first arrest. However, this play is not merely a vent of one's radical notions, but one instead might call it a new age prophesy.

For like the character "Jesus" in the bible, the character "Rahmell" is often revealing new truths given to him by a higher power. He is also highlighting the psychological damage that has been done by the American religion for over four hundred and fifty years. Interestingly enough, all of these truths and revelations are expressed in solitude while he is trapped in solitary confinement. Members of the audience (angels of the jury) watch and enjoy as Rahmell finds himself in purgatory on judgment day after being confronted by what he believes to be "God" watching over his cell. He will plead his case, and hope that you the jury will do what's necessary at the conclusion of this trial.

Warning: One must take caution in coming to experience this play, for one must be willing to step inside the mind (or cell) of another human being. Previously people have left the theater with severe cases of self confrontation and spiritual activation.

JUN 4, 2017

The New Collectives presents

THE OCCASION OF EXISTENCE

based on the novel Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman

Created by Giverny Petitmermet, Brad Landers, & Molly McGrath
 

A 60 minute piece combining dance, theatre & live music to explore the nature of time & our human connection to it.

Featuring: Gabriela Alvarado, Shawn Brush, Don Burroughs, Sara Crayne-Dedrick, Kate Gunther, Colin Holbrook, & Elysia Roscoe

Directed by Giverny Petitmermet; Choreographed by Brad Landers & Molly McGrath
Original Music Composed by Joseph DiGiovanna 
Lighting Design by Robert Eberle Designs

JUN 2 – 3, 2017

Primitive Grace Theatre Ensemble presents

QUOTIDIAN

directed by Bruce Baek

Creator and director Bruce Baek developed Quotidian to illustrate the psychological warfare between the passing of time and identity. Through 12 original stories, interwoven with sight and soundscapes, and crafted by the ensemble about some of the most defining and pivotal moments of their lives, Quotidian invites the audience to examine their own lives with simple questions - How do you define your identity? How is your present influenced by your past? How are you cultivating your soul to step into a better tomorrow? Whether its the past, present or future, the stories presented have occurred, are occurring and will occur, everyday...  they are Quotidian.

MAY 19 – 21, 2017

TWO OF A MIND

a night of solo shows

Two of a Mind is an evening of solo performance exploring the restlessness of the human mind and shedding light on mental illness that lies beneath the surface. Featuring The Insomniac’s Almanac by Austin Crowley and Journey to the Center of a Black Hole by Paige Goodloe and with support from Project UROK. 

**Note: Strobing light effects will be used. This production contains discussion of mental illness, self-harm, and suicide. For the health, safety, and well-being of our audience, viewer discretion is encouraged.

What’s on your mind before you fall asleep at night?
“What was I thinking when I said that?”
“Does he feel the same way about me?”
“How long have I been laying here?”

The Insomniac’s Almanac brings us inside the bedroom and the mind of Teddy, an insomniac, as he battles with his sleeplessness and questions his own sanity. Luckily, Teddy has his trusty almanac to aid him in his quest for sleep. Plumbing the depths of a sleepless mind, we search for the root cause of a disease that affects nearly 60 million Americans every year. You’ll never look at sleep the same way again after you crack open The Insomniac’s Almanac.

Journey to the Center of a Black Hole follows the spiral in and down, both in space and in the human mind, of warps in spacetime so intense that nothing can escape, not even light. Through interactive astrophysics demonstrations, Powerpoints, and personal anecdotes, we explore the darkness that hides all around us, finding tools to understand the black holes we know in our own lives and map the astronomical landscapes of our communities. Come learn to be an astronomer of the human spirit as we take our journey to the very center of a black hole.

About Project UROK: Project UROK was founded in 2014 by writer and comedian Jenny Jaffe (Disney, MTV, VH1) to combat the isolation and stigmatization surrounding mental illness. Did you know that 46.3% of 13-18 year olds have a diagnosable mental illness (NIMH)? Their mission is to create funny, meaningful videos for teenagers struggling with mental health issues, made by people who have been there before. In addition to their original content, they also encourage teens to make their own videos and share their own stories! In doing so, they provide not only practical assistance, but also a sense of belonging, a sense of comfort, and a sense of hope. Donations can be made HERE.

The Insomniac’s Almanac
Writer and Performer - Austin Crowley
Director - TJ Weaver

Journey to the Center of a Black Hole
Writer and Performer - Paige Goodloe
Director - Lauren Adleman

Assistant Director & Stage Manager - Lila Elias
Producers - Austin Crowley, Ned Cloonan & Brenna Ross
Scenic Designer - Michael Lebron

MAY 12 – 14, 2017

Yangtze Repertory Theatre of America presents

TWIN RESTAURANTS

an original bilingual experimental play

Directed by Tony Wang and written by Jiang Shan. 

Two robbers entered an Italian restaurant in NYC on a snowy night; at the same time, a white girl stepped into a traditional Chinese restaurant at noon. The two unrelated restaurants witnessed a funny but thought-provoking story. Here is the production by Yangtze Theater, an original comedic play, "Twin Restaurants."

The production will be performed in English and Chinese, with English & Chinese "subtitles."

Stage Designer – KK Wong 
Stage Manager – Yiru Chen 
Production Manager – Wayne Chang

CAST: Peiyuan Huang, Grace Jin, Yi Liu, Darius McCall, Justin Moy, Laura Przybilla, Marija Skangale, Randy Ta, and Yi-Jun Zhao. 

MAY 6 – 7, 2017

Outlet Ensemble presents

UNCLE VANYA

a new adaptation

A brand new adaptation of Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya in collaboration with Kevin Gay & directed by Dunya J. Karam.
 

Sonya (Bailie DeLacy) and her uncle, Vanya (Kevin Gay), along with her grandmother (Marie Lenzi), neighbor, and nanny (Rew Starr), take on her city dwelling father Alexander (Joel Austin) and his new wife (Dana Kaufman) as they attempt to make her farm their home. 

This modern adaptation takes a minimalist and dreamlike approach, encompassing the struggle between the sober reality of work vs the drunken dream of leisure. The humor is ever-present, and the grounded relationships between each of the characters shine through. 
 

SUNDAY'S MATINEE INCLUDES A SILENT AUCTION FEATURING PIECES AND ART INTEGRATED IN THE SHOW AND MORE!!

MAY 4 – 7, 2017

Girl Be Heard presents

GIRL POWER: THE NEXT STOP

end-of-year show: Sunday workshops

Girl Be Heards 2016-2017 Company Members debut the sixth annual production of GirlPower, featuring personal narratives tackling issues such as family, sexuality, relationships, racism, sexism and what it means to be a girl in this day and age.

Our Promise to Girls: If a girl can change her own life, she can change the lives of girls everywhere.

Girl Be Heard creates a world for young women to find strength, realize their potential, and rise above their circumstances and society’s expectations of them. They use theater as their vehicle to empower young women to become brave, confident, socially conscious leaders and explore their own challenging circumstances.
 

6 out of 10 girls growing up in the U.S. will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. 34% of girls become pregnant before age 20. For too many girls in this country, the threat of being trafficked is all too real. It’s important for girls to tell their stories and encourage others to do the same. Girl Be Heard uses theater to lead young girls to find their strength and realize their potential by helping them express their anger, fears, hopes, and dreams so that they can channel those emotions into maturity and empowerment.
 

These stories are developed into ensemble performances to raise awareness about domestic and global issues affecting women and girls.
 

Girl Be Heard has performed at the White House, State Department, United Nations, TED Conferences, off Broadway, and on national tours.

Girl Be Heard shows, workshops and education curriculum are also brought to public schools, universities, community centers and conferences to raise awareness about human rights issues affecting women and girls.

APR 29 – 30, 2017

The Amoralists Theatre Company presents

'WRIGHT NIGHT: HOW I LEARNED TO PILE-DRIVE

new one-act plays in "dangerously staged" readings

At 'Wright Night, two authors present new one-act plays in "dangerously staged" readings. Then they sit down for our patented Amoralists "anti-talkback" -- an electrifying conversation about how the sausage is made. It's a one-of-a-kind playmaking experience, packed with flavor. Doors open at 7pm, show at 7:30 sharp.

April 17th, 'Wright Club gets down and dirty with...

ACT I : Playwright Lawrence Dial with Director James Fauvell
featuring the martial acting skills of: Aaron Costaganis and Jerry Matz

ACT II : Playwright Becca Schlossberg with Director Kel Haney
featuring the lethal acting talent of: Becca Schlossberg herself.

ACT III : The 'Wright Club debates the merrits of their efforts in a moderated smackdown like no other. This is the "anti-talkback" that gives writers and audiences a new perspective on craft.

APR 17, 2017