2025: YEAR OF THE MONSTER
“The old centuries had, and have, powers of their own which mere 'modernity' cannot kill.” — Bram Stoker
What are we afraid of? When we sit in the dark, telling stories about things that frighten us, what are the shapes our fear takes? What can our ideas of what is “monstrous” reveal about how we see ourselves, our world, and the changes we are going through?
In 2025, Firebird investigates stories of the unusual and the wicked, the wretched and the misunderstood. In our mainstage productions and hands-on workshops, invite you to take a closer look at the monstrous archetypes that have both haunted and fascinated us throughout history. Our guiding myth this year is The Monster; a dark, captivating shape looming in our collective psyche; a glimpse, amid the firelight, of a terrifying truth we are unready to face; sublime and dangerous, alien but familiar.
TROUBLE FEATURE
A HORROR RPG SHOW BY LEO LION
“Do you like scary movies?”
A rotating cast of improv performers attempt to survive classic horror movie scenarios in this boozy, bawdy, bloody game show. In an innovative format inspired by roleplaying games like D&D, and fueled by a love of campy horror, our lineup of actor-writers creates an original B movie on the spot each night. Only one player can become final girl, so get a drink, grab a seat, and see who will live long enough to see the credits roll.
A pilot show played at The Chain Studio Theatre on December 4th, 2024.
The show will premiere at Caveat NYC on Jan 22/29, 2025.
FRANKENSTEIN
ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY ZOE SENESE-GROSSBERG
“Hear my tale; it is long and strange.”
Victor Frankenstein is on the run from himself. Tormented by his conflicting desires for his fiancé and best friend, and terrified of the weakness of his vessel, he resolves to build a new body: something that will surely be better, stronger, and purer than humanity.
The world premiere of this tight, erotically charged adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is performed by four actors and scored by live electric guitar
Frankenstein will perform in NYC in March/April 2025. Dates coming soon.
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
A FIReBIRD YOUTH THEATER SHOW by Leo Lion
Movement Direction by Izzy Pflanz
“Across the gulf of space, vast and cool and unsympathetic intellects regard our earth with envious eyes.” Earth is under attack! Unfathomable as it may seem, humanity’s comfortable reign over the world has come to a screeching halt with the arrival of a shuttle from Mars. The first modern alien invasion story, H.G. Wells’s classic ‘mockumentary’ tale reveals how everyone – scientists, soldiers, preachers, politicians – deal with a crisis that defies human comprehension. Firebird Youth Theater’s signature devised & ensemble-driven style puts teen actors at the helm of this story about human survival and resilience in the face of disaster. Can the next generation learn from our mistakes, and build an Earth where we can be human to one another?
The War of the Worlds will perform in NYC on May 16, 17, 18, 2025.