A Midsummer Evening's Daydream
The title of this post may be a little misleading. I am not working on a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, but considering we are at the midsummer mark I couldn't resist the play on words. (I know it's not a funny joke, just let me have this one ok?)
Anyway a lot has happened since I last posted in June! Back on June 20th I was able to make my way back to New Dramatists for their After Seven Festival. This building is quickly becoming my home base in New York City and it's such a comfort knowing I have a place to go to whenever I need some quiet time and a cup of coffee. This year the After Seven festival featured works by Barbara Hammond, Lucas Hnath, Mia Chung, Stefanie Zadravec, Kristoffer Diaz, Joshua Allen and David Weiner. Each piece was exquisite and I'm so glad that I could support these incredible playwrights as their time at New Dramatists came to a close.
The next day I was able to assist Barbara Hammond and Marc Chan in their industry reading of their new musical, You and Me. The show explores the magic of a city like New York, the effect of time and distance on our relationships, as well as the power of female friendships. Marc and Barbara started working on this piece when they were paired together during the Composer/Librettist Studio at New Dramatists. While at New Dramatists I was able to watch them develop the piece from one song into a few scenes into a full fledged musical. The last day of my internship was actually the day they finished writing! It was at that point that they asked me to house manage their reading and I'm so incredibly grateful I was able to be a part of it. Barbara and Marc are truly the sweetest people I have ever met and it was an honor to help them out. The show, by the way, is one of the most beautiful pieces of theater I've ever witnessed. It made me cry from beginning to end and, in an entertainment world focused largely on romantic relationships, it reminded me of the power and importance of platonic, (specifically female) friendships.
My dear friend and fellow former New Dramatists Intern, Jenny King, is one of the founders of the Barrington Collective. This past March I was able to direct a piece in their holiday reading series and they graciously invited me back to direct for their 4th of July show, Unalienable (Play)Rights. The night of short pieces centered around a theme of "freedom" and all the benefits went to RAICES family reunification fund. It was really wonderful to collaborate with this group of artists again as we raised money for a cause that was close to our hearts.
Since early July I've been stage managing a piece written by yet another former New Dramatists Intern, Andres Osorio. Lucian/Lucien follows the story of Lucian, the leader of the alt-right gay movement after he gets the literal gay ripped out of his body by Lucien. A fascinating piece that explores the concept of identity, it's effect on our politics and the impact our words have on others, Lucian/Lucien was featured as part of HOTFEST! at Dixon place. We only had one performance BUT we sold out the entire house! Legitimately, the entire house. It was standing room only with people standing directly behind me even as I called the show! Every collaborator on this production was truly incredible to work with and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this show. through a lot of late nights and even some early mornings we were able to share laughter, joy and even painful times together. And honestly, if that isn't the point of making theater, what is ? If you're interested head over to the Lucian/Lucian gallery in my work page to see some PHENOMENAL production photos by Juan HQ, you won't be disappointed :)
I think that's a complete update, at least on my theatrical life! No need to worry about me though(as if you were) this summer hasn't been all business! I've been able to escape NYC a couple of times to see the Dave Matthews Band (!!!!) with some dear family and friends, go to the lake with my family, and visit Columbus to go to my friend's bachelorette party! Post grad life has been treating me well so far and I'm looking forward to what the future brings.
Enjoy these photos, one is from the reading of You and Me and one is the marketing photo for Unalienable (Play)Rights.
