Name of Respondent: Abby Palen (Director) Name of Company: John Street Theatre Company Name of Show: Staged "People really like to lie about theatre. It was definitely something I'd noticed in myself. When I've seen a bad play in the past, I've focused on the positive...

“I truly believe that the more we own our truths publicly, the better off we all will be. So owning my truth and modeling that vulnerability is actually strength seems like a good way to go.”

“It’s the assertion of many that we are on a planet in hospice. Rehearsal was about finding ways to make the news palatable.”

“Working with so many diverse talents over the last ten years has been eye opening. All the different needs, desires, and gifts that these artists have to offer!”

“We thought this true story from decades ago would provide a freshly skewed view on love and consent and the long term damage of abuse. But in a fun way.”

“We try to make our parents simultaneously proud and slightly uncomfortable. Sixteenth Night will be no exception.”

“If the only thing that can save mankind is a nervous white kid from Appalachia telling stories and jokes… the threat must not be too serious.”

“We’re comedians. Our process is: We want to write something funny. But we actually do believe what we’re talking about.”

“I have finally figured out that the best way for me to work through an obsessive challenge is to write a song about it and then perform it.”

“When in doubt, remember Anton Chekhov’s words: ‘Any idiot can survive a crisis; it is the day to day that wears on people.'”

“The poetry created from these stories, and the movement research deal with themes that are very relatable and weave a vibrant picture of the many factors that make up who we become.”

“I realized that the greatness is in the story and the presentation. It is hard to let go of my ideas of perfection, but it has made me a better storyteller and comic.”

“People live to hear positive stories of connection, and friendship and family. Most people are very good…”

“We’ve been wanting to do a “Choose your own adventure” show for some time now. Our bread and butter has been sketch comedy, but we wanted to try a new format.”

“If you’ve ever eaten at a Waffle House you should see the show. If you like Tom Waits, you should see the show.”

“My parents are very proud of me and very real and definitely exist and they are certainly not a large collection of chicken nuggets held together with Elmer’s glue and dressed up to look like the people from the American Gothic painting.”

“It is a show about love, absolute love, unconditional love.”

"Everything is changing at an increasing pace. I wanted to look at that and invite you in to witness." Responder: Virginia Broyles, Choreographer/Director Name of Company: 3 eyes Name of Show: We’re Losing Everything 1. Why should anybody see your show? If you like...

“The show showed me it was ready to be born. I’ve been listening to, and taking cues from, the show itself.”

“I have questions and am a curious person so it leads down these paths to use comedy to find an answer.”

“Our process involves a lot of nights in a produce warehouse learning breathing techniques, fight choreography, and the proper way to slice someone’s head off onstage.”

“To anyone who’s moved away from a small town, for anyone who has lost someone, for anyone who has been surprised by a secret that everyone else knew but you: I have a story for you.”