We’re working at a distance this year! Join us on YouTube or at monstershere.org on August 29 at 8 PM CST for the livestream.
| THE RIGHT TIME written by Nina Di Leo, directed by Kyle Nichols Magical creatures prepare for a big reveal. BIGFOOT: Randy Wachtel UNI: Debra Chronister JOYCE THE MERMAID: Jill Blucher FLY (PURPLE PEOPLE EATER): Sam Hankins FAIRY: Amanda Heinold  This was my first time working with this amazing group of thespians and theatre practitioners. With the state of the world as it is, I didn’t think artistic, truthful, and accessible theatre was achievable. However, after working with these talented actors, playwright, and technical wizards, I can firmly and honestly say that it is not only achievable, but vital to the continuation of our art during these tough and uncertain times. I tip my hat to these actors and the playwright for commenting on these unusual times through the voices of these unique and fantastical characters. Essentially, I am extremely proud to have met and worked with these talented theatre practitioners. –KYLE NICHOLS, director |
| CORONAMOON written and directed by Nina Di Leo Consultations with the moon. MOONGAZER: Brandon Horn  I’d never worked with Brandon before, and I’m amazed at the things he’s finding in CORONAMOON. This piece is just four minutes long, and it’s SO HARD to shape such a short piece! We found a key bit of information one day in rehearsal that really unlocked the whole thing for Brandon, and he ran with it. — NINA DI LEO, director |
| RESTLESS written by Amanda Heinold, directed by Sam Hankins A woman wrestles with insomnia. SLEEPER: Meaghan MacKenzie-Rolfe VOICES: Lisa Devries and Jill Blucher  RESTLESS stood out to me when I saw it in the 2017 show “Slumber.” The piece is especially relevant today; it’s been reported that people all over the world are having trouble sleeping because of the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. I was nervous to direct my first scene this year, but Meaghan, Lisa, and Jill have been great to work with, and I’ve enjoyed being able to develop this piece together with such a talented cast. –SAM HANKINS, director |
| BRAVE ARE THE LONELY written by Nina Di Leo, directed by Amanda Heinold and Randy Wachtel Actors consider a life without stages. ANNA: Amanda Heinold JIM: Randy Wachtel  I wrote BRAVE ARE THE LONELY for Mandy and Randy because somehow we hardly ever cast them together. They’re doing an amazing job with the roles, and are essentially directing themselves. It’s a bit of a lonely piece, but the understanding and affection that stem from the actors’ own long-time friendship makes it very real. — NINA DI LEO, writer |
| THE MADELEINE MOMENT written and directed by Nina Di Leo A woman reflects on food and memory. HOST: Meaghan MacKenzie-Rolfe PROUST: Calder Meis  Revisiting THE MADELEINE MOMENT with Meaghan has been wonderful. She has such an open, welcoming presence and delivers this monologue so beautifully. We’ve made a few changes to the staged version from 2018 to adapt it to this online format, but we’ll still invite an audience guest on to enjoy a cup of tea! — NINA DI LEO, director |
| SPINE SOUP written by Nina Di Leo, directed by Amanda Heinold Spine Lady searches for the recipe for making something out of nothing. SPINE LADY: Nina Di Leo TRAVELER: Randy Wachtel  Spine Soup is one of my favorite pieces of Nina’s. When we first workshopped it in 2018, we tackled the question “What happens to individuals in a relationship when they are cut off from the rest of the world?” This year, we decided to take the same script and flip it a bit. We wanted to ask the question: “How do individuals cope with loneliness and isolation when they lose human interaction?” I love working with Nina and Randy because they challenge me as an artist, push me to try things I would not think of and are both simply fabulous. You don’t want to miss their performances!! — AMANDA HEINOLD, director |
| PEOPLE INTO NUMBERS directed by Randy Watchel Texans consider life at a distance. PROFESSOR – written by Nina Di Leo, performed by David Schneider TEENAGER – written and performed by Isabelle Wachtel FAITHFUL – written by Nina Di Leo, performed by Ann Kapp DOMESTIC SAFETY – written and performed by Hunter Mitchell FITNESS INSTRUCTOR – Meaghan MacKenzie-Rolfe WE MUST WAIT – written by Sam Hankins, performed by Debra Chronister YOUNG BOY – Duncan Wachtel HANDSHAKE- written and performed by Sam Hankins NURSE – written and performed by Lori Z. Cordova As we all wait to see and understand what life after COVID-19 looks like, it’s important to take a moment and realize that anyone can be affected. Regardless of one’s faith, age, race, politics, education, profession and so on…we are all human beings and every voice counts. Especially those who end up as data…as numbers. These are just a few voices and faces that represent people now considered numbers. –RANDY WACHTEL, director |
| RUSSELL FOWLER — Livestream Producer, Video Design, Audio Design NICK JOSLYN — Stage Manager |