Performances & Events

A Conversation with Brian Quijada & Reza Salazar

A conversation on the creative process and developing new work for today’s stage

A Conversation with Brian Quijada & Reza Salazar

A Conversation with Brian Quijada & Reza Salazar
Monday, December 8 at 7pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
$7 (Student) // $20 // $30

Join us for a special public conversation between HB Studio faculty member Reza Salazar and playwright, actor, and composer Brian Quijada.

Brian recently co-created and performed in the new musical MEXODUS, which played to sold-out audiences at Baltimore Center Stage, Mosaic Theater in Washington, DC, Berkeley Rep, and Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre. Together, they’ll discuss the creative process, experiences in the rehearsal room, and the journey of bringing new work to life.

About Brian Quijada

Brian Quijada is a playwright, actor, and composer. Quijada has spent most of his career acting in Off-Broadway and regional theaters including The Public Theater, Roundabout Theatre Company, Playwrights Realm, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Victory Gardens, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. He is also a member of the Lucille Lortel Award–winning group The Pack.

As a playwright and composer, his works have been developed at Pittsburgh CLO’s Spark Festival, Victory Gardens’ Ignition Festival, Ars Nova’s Ant Fest, New York Stage and Film’s Powerhouse Festival, The Kennedy Center’s Page-to-Stage, and The O’Neill’s National Musical Theatre Conference.

His live-looped hip-hop solo show Where Did We Sit on the Bus? has been produced across the country, earning a Jeff Award and nominations from the Drama Desk and Drama League. His musical Somewhere Over the Border garnered six Jeff Award nominations, including Best New Work and Best Musical. Most recently, his live-looped hip-hop musical MEXODUS played to sold-out audiences at Baltimore Center Stage, Mosaic Theater (DC), Berkeley Rep, and Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre. Brian is a proud member of Ensemble Studio Theatre.

About Reza Salazar

Reza Salazar is an actor, writer, and director who began his career as a child in South America, performing with his mother as a clown duo. He originated the role of Rafael in the Tony-nominated play Clyde’s by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, and also appeared on Broadway in Sweat (Studio 54).

Off-Broadway credits include Richard IIThe Tempest (Mobile Unit), and Oedipus El Rey (The Public Theater), as well as My Mañana Comes (Playwrights Realm). Regionally, he has performed at major theaters across the country including the Mark Taper Forum, Goodman Theatre, Guthrie Theater, and Arena Stage.

On screen, Reza’s work includes Elsbeth (CBS), Inside Amy Schumer (Paramount+), The Accidental Wolf (Topic), Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtDaredevilThe BlacklistLaw & OrderLaw & Order: Criminal IntentLouie, and The Knick. Film credits include A Complete UnknownThe Imperialists Are Still AliveSee Girl Run, and The Inquisition of Camilo Sanz.

As a director, he adapted and directed Missing Them with journalist Anjali Tsui and created Tejido de Historias (Woven Stories), performed by an ensemble of community members, immigrants, and workers at the Whitney Museum.

Behind the Studio Doors: An HB Open House

Discover what makes HB Studio a space for passionate, disciplined artists.

Behind the Studio Doors: An HB Open House

Behind the Studio Doors: An HB Open House
Monday, December 8 at 5pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Free to Attend

Curious about HB Studio? Step inside the room where artists train, grow, and connect. Join us for a free-to-attend special event featuring conversations with HB Studio’s distinguished faculty and current students. Hosted by Francesca Ferrara, HB Studio’s new Co-Executive Director of Programs, the afternoon features excerpt performances from a variety of HB classes, including:

  • In-process student work from HB’s advanced acting training from Acting 2 with Francesca Ferrara
  • A live demonstration of training in movement, physical storytelling, and onstage safety from Stage Combat class with Christian Kelly-Sordelet (with students David Rodriguez and Angelo Aon)

Whether you’re considering enrolling in classes or want to better understand the HB philosophy, this is an easy, no-cost opportunity to engage with faculty, hear from students, ask questions about training at HB Studio. Join us and learn more about HB Studio’s mission: cultivating process-based training rooted in artistic freedom, professional discipline, and the legacy of Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof!

Additionally, join us for refreshments and a Public Conversation with Brian Quijada and Reza Salazar at 7 pm here!

Open Class: In Search of Chekhov’s Three Sisters with Frank Wood

Experience Chekhov in rehearsal: discovery, depth, and ensemble.

Open Class: In Search of Chekhov's Three Sisters  with Frank Wood

Open Class: In Search of Chekhov’s Three Sisters with Frank Wood
Monday, December 1 at 6:30pm
Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre | 120 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

In this workshop, award-winning actor and HB faculty member Frank Wood invites audiences into the rehearsal process as students explore Chekhov’s classic through scene study, ensemble work, and truthful listening. This culminating class shares the discoveries made throughout the term as participants investigate the psychological depth, humor, and humanity in Three Sisters—one of the most enduring plays in the modern repertoire.

Come witness the craft in action and celebrate HB’s ongoing commitment to fostering artistry through practice and exploration.

About Frank Wood

Frank Wood is a Tony and Drama League Award–winning actor and longtime HB Studio faculty member. His extensive stage credits include Side Man (Tony Award), NetworkThe Iceman ComethClybourne ParkAugust: Osage CountyBorn Yesterday, and Hollywood Arms. His film and television work includes JokerShe SaidSt. VincentChangelingDan in Real LifeThe Royal TenenbaumsThe Night OfBillionsThe BlacklistMozart in the JungleGirlsThe Sopranos, and Law & Order: SVU.

Independent Study Project Lab Showcase – Fall 2025

An evening of bold new works-in-progress, where emerging artists bring their creative visions to life.

Independent Study Project Lab Showcase - Fall 2025

Independent Study Project Lab Showcase – Fall 2025
Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Join us for an evening of original works-in-progress developed in the Independent Study Project Lab under the guidance of educator Snezhana Chernova. This showcase highlights emerging artists as they experiment, refine, and present their independent projects—offering a glimpse into their creative processes.

Featuring performances by Yasmine Addouche, Berta Bosch, Anna Delova, Natalie Kasper, Haiba Khan, Sara Velasco, Juan José Mojica, and Hana Roh, the evening promises a dynamic range of theatrical explorations.

Be part of this inspiring night of artistry, discovery, and innovation. Reserve your seat and support these artists as they bring their visions to life!

Directing with Ralph B. Peña – Fall 2025

Exploring text, staging, and collaboration through scene work

Directing with Ralph B.  Peña -  Fall 2025

Directing with Ralph B. Peña – Fall 2025
Sunday, November 23 at 4pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Join us for an evening of scene presentations from HB Studio’s Directing class, taught by Obie and Drama Desk Award–winning director Ralph B. Peña, founding Artistic Director of Ma-Yi Theater Company. This informal showing highlights the work developed throughout the term as directors practice staging, text analysis, and collaboration with actors in the rehearsal room.

About the Class

HB Studio’s ten-week directing course, led by Ralph B. Peña, teaches practical skills for bringing scripts to life on stage. Students work weekly on scenes from contemporary American plays, exploring:

  • Script breakdown and text analysis
  • Staging and visual composition
  • Storytelling structure and shaping beats
  • Working with actors to build truthful, dynamic moments
  • Developing long-term directing practices and tools

Throughout the term, participants apply these techniques directly by rehearsing and presenting scenes, gaining real-world experience in the craft of directing.

Learn more about the course:
https://www.hbstudio.org/classes/directing/directing/

Singing Voice 1 with John Bowen – Fall 2025

A celebration of voice, artistry, and musical storytelling.
Singing Voice 1 with John Bowen – Fall 2025
Sunday, November 23 at 2pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Join us for an afternoon of song as the students of Singing Voice 1 with John Bowen take the stage to share their work. Through dedicated study of vocal technique, interpretation, and performance, these emerging artists have explored the fundamentals of singing—connecting breath, tone, and emotional expression to bring songs to life.

Featuring Singing Voice student performances, this showcase highlights their growth and artistry in vocal performance.

Under the expert guidance of John Bowen, these performers have worked to develop confidence, clarity, and authenticity in their singing. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or a lover of musical performance, come support these artists as they step into the spotlight.

Reserve your seat now and celebrate an afternoon of music and artistry!

The People’s OPEN MIC of Destruction, Reconstruction and Transformation

On Saturday, join HB Studio and Fall of Freedom for The People’s Open Mic – a national activation of artists uniting in defiance of rising authoritarianism.

The People’s OPEN MIC of destruction, reconstruction and transformation

The People’s OPEN MIC of Destruction, Reconstruction and Transformation
Saturday, November 22 at 8:15pm

HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Our Democracy is under attack. Threats to free expression are rising. Dissent is being criminalized. Arts and truth are under siege.

Go. Speak. Sing. Scream. Whisper. Remember. Tell the truth.

Join HB Studio for an evening of open mic performance and musical collaboration as part of the nationwide Fall of Freedom movement—a weekend of creative resistance spanning galleries, libraries, theaters, and community spaces across the country.

Hosted by David Deblinger & Reza Salazar. Featuring an opening jam and Rap of Resistance by Reza Salazar & Brian Quijada, followed by an open mic for anyone moved to share work about freedom, truth, and transformation.

Sign up to go up! Sign-ups open in person at 7:45 PM. Each slot 3–5 minutes.

Please no video playback requiring tech support. Visual art is welcome in the space.

Refreshments available ($8 suggested donation per drink)

Accessibility: The theatre is wheelchair accessible. For access requests, contact production@hbstudio.org.

Part of the nationwide Fall of Freedom movement for creative resistance. Learn more at FallOfFreedom.com.

From Classroom to Screen: On Camera One Showcase – Fall 2025

A Screening of Scenes from Magaly Colimon-Christopher’s On Camera One Classes at HB Studio

From Classroom to Screen: On Camera One Showcase - Fall 2025

From Classroom to Screen: On Camera One Showcase – Fall 2025
Saturday, November 22 at 6pm

HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Join us for a special screening of On Camera One Presentations — featuring pre-recorded film and TV scenes directed by Magaly Colimon-Christopher and filmed in her On Camera One classes at HB Studio.

These scenes highlight the creativity, discipline, and teamwork of our student actors as they explore both original scripts and reimagined excerpts from existing film and television works. Each performance captures a unique on-camera journey—merging technical skill, emotional truth, and spontaneous storytelling.

Behind the Scenes:

  • Director: Magaly Colimon-Christopher
  • Assistant Director & Director of Photography: Horacio Rojas
  • Script Supervisors & Production Coordinators: Lauren Fabio and Anna De Lova
  • Production Assistants: Members of the On Camera One ensemble

Featuring Performances By:
Mara Brashem • Anna DeLova • Andreas Ernest • Skye Gao • Kylie Garcia • Emily Gerges • Lonniel Lovell • Amir Nazemi • Charles Nieves • Aakarsh Sharma • Colin White • Max Bamberry • Edward Barbini • Julia Callies • Aida Carrasco Vivan • Mark Cristofanilli • Lauren Fabio • Arthur Goady • Joseph Hoover • Jessie Keogh • Trevania Layne • Jennifer Lyu • Brooke Nagel • Anna Nelson • Sophie Popa • Stephanie Rodriguez • Vienna Skye • Jackson Supan • Aki Uehara • Or Zeevi

What You’ll Experience:

  • Screenings of scenes filmed in class at HB Studio
  • Fresh takes on both familiar and original scenes from on-camera scripts
  • A celebration of collaboration, growth, and creative courage

Come experience the artistry and dedication of this talented ensemble — and see how on-camera storytelling comes to life at HB Studio!

Stay tuned for updates on featured scripts.

Acting the Song with Lorraine Serabian – Fall 2025

Where storytelling meets song—experience the power of music brought to life through performance.

Acting the Song with Lorraine Serabian - Fall 2025

Acting the Song with Lorraine Serabian – Fall 2025
Friday, November 21 at 3:45pm
Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre | 120 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Join us for a captivating afternoon of musical storytelling, featuring the talented students of Acting the Song under the direction of the esteemed Lorraine Serabian. This performance is the culmination of their intensive work, showcasing the fusion of song and acting to bring lyrics to life with depth, nuance, and authenticity.

Performers include Brittani Arkin, Jonathan Florez, Rian Keating, Kenneth Linsley, Suzanne McAndrews, Mio Nakanishi, David Odukoya, James Park, Devki Patel, Scott Rogers, Hana Roh, Besanya Santiago, Jack Spallas, Tracey Toth, Susan Vobejda, and Laura Zarama.

Experience an afternoon of powerful performances as these artists interpret and embody songs through character-driven storytelling. Whether you are a friend, family member, or a theater lover, this event offers a rare glimpse into the process of merging song with deep, emotional truth.

Reserve your seat now and celebrate the artistry of these performers!

Lorraine Serabian will also be teaching Acting the Song courses this winter – register here

Celebrating the Life of Jesse Feiler

HB Studio invites the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Jesse Feiler at HB Playwrights Theatre on Sunday, October 26.

Celebrating the Life of Jesse Feiler

Celebrating the Life of Jesse Feiler
Sunday, October 26 at 3PM
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Free

HB Studio invites the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Jesse Isaac Feiler (1947–2025)—playwright, technologist, publisher, and civic leader whose creativity bridged art and innovation. Born in Washington, D.C., Jesse passed away in Plattsburgh, New York on February 24, 2025.

Jesse studied playwriting with Herbert Berghof and went on to become one of the earliest directors of the HB Playwrights Foundation, writing the very first play produced in the HB Playwrights Theatre, directed by Berghof himself. A dedicated supporter of artists and institutions, he later served on HB Studio’s Board of Directors and as Trustee for the Hagen Estate, helping to preserve and advance the legacy of Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof.

Beyond HB, Jesse led an extraordinary life of civic engagement and creative curiosity. He served as Chief of Special Projects in Systems Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he helped pioneer early digital systems. In the nonprofit world, he was founder of Friends of the Saranac River Trail and a leader on multiple civic boards, including the City of Plattsburgh Planning Board and the Village of Philmont Zoning Board of Appeals. He co-authored The Nonprofit Risk Book (DeGruyter) and wrote numerous publications on technology and community development.

Through his publishing company Champlain Arts, Jesse helped bring seminal works to new generations, including Josef Albers’s Interaction of Color for the Albers Foundation, Uta Hagen’s memoir Sources, and The Studio Story. He also served as editor of the expanded edition of Hagen’s Respect for Acting, ensuring her influence endures for artists around the world.

He leaves behind an extended family and countless colleagues and friends who remember his humor, intellect, and steadfast generosity.

This gathering is an opportunity to honor Jesse’s many contributions—as an artist, teacher, innovator, and friend—and to celebrate the curiosity and compassion that defined his life.