Directing
Turning Krasniqi
A non-binary play written by 2020 Parity Commission Winner Jonathan Alexandratos
Turning Krasniqi: A Non-Binary Play by 2020 Commission Winner Jonathan Alexandratos will receive a developmental workshop at Off-Broadway's AMT Theater, NYC. Mika Kauffman (The Civility of Albert Cashier, Safeword) will direct four free performances of the work, presented by Parity Productions, November 3, 5, and 6, 2022.
The play follows the story of Hannah Krasniqi, a Kentucky high schooler "who transitions to become a burrnesha, a gender in his ancestral homeland of Albania." But, Hannah is faced with a transphobic principal, few friends, and no personal connections to anyone who can relate. With these challenges and a set of ancient rules that set how to come out in the burrnesha tradition, Hannah takes a journey which explores how old traditions can speak to modern truths.
For more information, visit Parity Productions’ webpage.
The Civility of Albert Cashier
by Jay Paul Deratany, Coyote Joe Stevens, and Keaton Wooden
Trans Entertainment Guild presents a concert version of The Civility of Albert Cashier, featuring an all-Trans cast and creative team, May 5–June 5 2022 at Off-Broadway's Players Theatre, NYC.
The folk/Americana musical captures the life of Civil War soldier Albert DJ Cashier, who fought for the Union in over 40 engagements. When Albert retires to the Soldiers and Sailors home in Saunemin, Illinois, a life-long secret is discovered: Albert was born Jennifer Hodgers. Causing an uproar in his small Midwestern town, Albert is put on trial for impersonating a soldier, requiring his fellow brothers in arms to return after sixty years to recount their years of service and heroism.
Follow the journey of COAC with Trans Entertainment Guild on Instagram and Facebook.
OPPY: A Mars Rover Theatrical Experience
by Andi Lee Carter and Henco Espag
OPPY, a spunky new robotic space exploration rover, lands on Mars with the directive to find signs of previous life, but this little rover has a secret mission: to find her twin sister Spirit who has touched down on the other side of the fourth rock from the sun. Through incidental music, dance and visual design, we watch as OPPY’s objective to send NASA important data lasts long past her projected life span of 90 martian days and she continues to wander the dusty red planet for nearly 15 years searching diligently for her star-crossed sister.
Premiering March 2021 at Judson Church, NYC.
10 Days in a Madhouse
Written by MandaLeigh Blunt
10 Days in a Madhouse is a new musical recounting the real life events surrounding Nellie Bly, an investigative reporter in the 1890's who went undercover in an insane asylum. She starts on a mission to prove her capabilities as a journalist and finds passion in being a "voice for the voiceless," risking her life to reveal the injustices the women of the asylum faced. The stories of these women have historically fallen on deaf ears and today, we are demanding their stories be heard. Nellie Bly is a testament of a woman's determination to spark a movement, casting an eye on how women and those who suffer from mental health issues and stigmas still face many of the same struggles as those over a hundred years ago.
Premiering February 2021 at Theatrelab, NYC.
#adulting, a millennial opera
Written by John Ervin Brooks and Natalie Elder, with additional libretto and music by Stefan Melnyk and Austin Nuckols
Imagine the Millennial version of Seinfeld. Now imagine it set to classical music. #ADULTING is a series of operatic sketch comedies about four 20-something roommates trying to figure out how to be grown-ups.
Premiering April 2019 at St. Luke’s Theater, NYC.
the great cat massacre
Written by Greg Moss & Casey O'Neil
The Great Cat Massacre is a tale about classism, sexism, and what happens when rich Parisians choose to believe alternative facts with eager hysteria. Set in the 1700's, this show follows two apprentice printers who convince their neighbors that their beloved cats are possessed by demons. The resulting slaughter is the worst event of feline history. With inventive staging, catchy songs, and outrageous humor, THE GREAT CAT MASSACRE is a rollicking trunk show in which the status quo is turned upside down as cats are turned inside out!
Premiering March 2019 at St. Luke’s Theater, NYC.