I had the privilege of interviewing Belfast Girls playwright Jaki McCarrick and director Kyle LoConti just before we opened our production at Irish Classical Theatre Company as a part of our Speaker Series. Listen here as Jaki and Kyle talk about their processes with this work, and what drew them to this story.
OFF ROAD Podcast Interview
I recently sat down with Peter Palmisano of Road Less Traveled Productions’ OFF ROAD podcast to talk about my journey to the Irish Classical Theatre Company and what I hope for the theatre’s future. Have a listen here or anywhere you stream podcasts.
Buffalo News Article
'Our Town' Enters Final Week at Pendragon Theatre
Photos by Burdette Parks. Tickets available here.
Irish Classical Theatre Company Artistic Director Appointment
I am thrilled to join the Irish Classical Theatre Company as Artistic Director, and to build upon the legacy of previous leaders by guiding the company’s next phases of evolution. I look forward to curating programming that contextualizes classical works within our modern landscape, examines the conversations between voices of the past and present, and explores the way Irish and American stories intersect or engage with other cultures around the world. I am particularly eager to share the high-caliber, award-winning work of the Irish Classical Theatre Company with audiences regionally, nationally and globally. I hold highly the theatre’s values of inclusion, diversity, equity and access, and look forward to serving Irish Classical Theatre Company’s existing community and expanding its network of artists and audiences.
Founded in 1985 by Dubliners Vincent and Chris O’Neill, Josephine Hogan and the late Dr. James Warde in Buffalo, NY, the Irish Classical Theatre Company performed on various rented stages before establishing a permanent home at the Calumet Arts Cafe. Now celebrating its 33rd Season, the Irish Classical Theatre Company presents outstanding live productions at The Andrews Theatre, Western New York’s only true theatre-in-the-round, where you are never more than ten feet from the stage. ICTC creatively pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining culturally relevant as an artistic leader in the Community and offering Buffalo Spree’s “Best Production of a Classic Play” for The Tempest in their 2022 Best of WNY Poll.
Casting Announced for 'Our Town' at Pendragon Theatre
Meet the people of Grover’s Corners. Population: 2,642
As we wind into tech weekend, meet the cast of Pendragon Theatre’s production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder, directed by Jesse Jou, in partnership with Pine Ridge Cemetery. I’m in very good company with this exceptional cast. Tickets available here!
The Saviour by Deirdre Kinahan
I was very pleased to have the opportunity to assist director Louise Lowe on the world premiere of Deirdre Kinahan’s The Saviour, starring Tony award winner Marie Mullen and Jamie O’Neill. This production was produced by Landmark Productions and runs at the Irish Rep in Manhattan from July 1st- August 13th, 2023. Tickets are available here.
Our Town at Pendragon Theatre this summer.
I’m thrilled be be playing Mrs. Webb in Pendragon Theatre’s production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder this summer in beautiful Saranac Lake. Tickets available here.
PLANET B234 NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON PRIME
You can now rent or buy planet b234 on Amazon Prime.
Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamill at Union College
Photos by Jorge Luna and Paul Buckowski.
Winter Reading Series at Yulman Theatre- Union College
I’m thrilled to be directing the Winter Reading Series at Union College from February 1-5th. We’ll look at two adaptations by contemporary playwrights of classic texts- Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, adapted from the medieval morality play Everyman, and Pride and Prejudice by Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen. Tickets are free, but reservations are highly encouraged. More information available here.
A Midsummer Night's Dream closes at the Yulman Theatre
Read more about the production here.
planet b234 recognized as Honorable Mention at the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival
Nominee for Best Feature Film at Aesthetica 2022
We were honored to have been nominated for Best Feature Film at the 2022 Aesthetica Short Film Festival. Thank you to Cherie Federico and the whole Aesthetica team for an incredible week in York.
A busy festival fall for planet b234
The CINE+MAS San Francisco Latino Film Festival will take place online through the Eventive platform, 7-22 October, 2022 with some additional in-person screenings.
WINNER- Best Direction of a Play
Thank you to the Stanley Awards Committee, the Shoals community and the artists who helped bring Little Women by Kate Hamill to life at the George S. Lindsey Theatre, and for sending me back north on a high note.
Official Selection for 2022 Aesthetica Film Festival in York, UK
From the bottom of our hearts, we’d like to thank Festival Director, Cherie Federico, Production Director, Dale Donley, and the entire programming team for this honour!
In their own words: “This year’s programme is world-class. For 2022, we welcome BAFTA, Oscar and BIFA-winning directors, actors and producers, who each represent prestigious organisations such as Ubisoft, BFI, Framestore, BBC, Channel 4, ICA, Guardian Documentaries, BBC Writersroom, Aardman, Film 4, Industrial Light & Magic, and more.”
The festival takes place in York, UK from 1-6 November, 2022 and 7-30 November, 2022 online.
planet b234 wins "BEST SCI-FI FEATURE" at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival
Thank you to the jury at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival for awarding planet b234 “BEST SCI-FI FEATURE” at this year’s festival!
2022 Stanley Awards Nominations
Thank you to the Stanley Awards Committee for recognizing the work of my students and colleagues on Constellations by Nick Payne, which I produced and acted in in August of 2021, and Little Women by Kate Hamill, which I directed in March of 2022. Congratulations to all the artists involved in these productions!
Advanced Linklater Technique Workshop in Orkney
Thank you to Judith Shahn and the incredible team at the Kristin Linklater Voice Centre in Orkney for the wonderful week!