Photo credit: Michael Ensminger

As the Associate Director for Stonewall, I assisted dir. Neil Truglio in both a devising and directing capacity. I also served as the DEIA Deputy on the production. This show was incredibly beautiful to be a part of and I am so grateful for this experience.

In a directing capacity: I substituted for Neil when he was unable to run rehearsals, facilitating his vision in the room in a collaborative capacity. Because of Neil’s highly collaborative approach to the piece, I was able to make significant contributions to the production’s vision, ensemble development, and staging.

In a devising capacity: I created, distributed, and facilitated the development of several compositions by writing prompts with various ingredients in the style of SITI Company’s process. These compositions, generated by the ensemble with the guidance of the prompts and the “exquisite pressure” of a time limit, created scenes that were incorporated into the script by the writing team.

In a DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and access) capacity, I created dramaturgical language one-sheets for both language used in 1969 New York City leading up to and during the riots, as well as alternative language that should be used in the room for accuracy and inclusion. I also helped resolve any conflicts or tensions that arose under the umbrella of DEIA within the ensemble. With such a diverse ensemble in terms of race, disability, age, sexuality, and gender, it was challenging yet rewarding to help facilitate an environment of safety and accountability with a focus on mutual respect in order for the ensemble to enthusiastically contribute to the piece.