Leo Lion is a director, teaching artist, and improv/RPG storyteller, and the founding Artistic Director of The Firebird Project. With a background in adapting classics and myths for the stage, Leo brings a narrative-focused approach to teaching, encouraging students to find their own creative voice by exploring well-known stories in experimental ways. Leo has directed twelve youth productions with Firebird Youth Theater, and leads the improv branch of our education programs. Leo also works as a performing arts teacher at the International School of Brooklyn in their Middle School division, directing their Spring Musical and leading advanced improv training for 8th grade.

Zoe Senese-Grossberg is a director, playwright and teaching artist who has been directing with Firebird since 2017, and serves as our Associate Artistic Director. She is a National Jewish Playwrights finalist, a National Playwrights Conference semi-finalist, and she’s worked at renowned theater companies such as Rattlestick and the Workshop Theater. Zoe has a great passion for encouraging students to find their voice through text exploration and collaborative storytelling. Zoe has been a teaching artist and associate director of seven Firebird youth productions, and leads the playwriting branch of our education programs.

"Since working with Firebird my confidence on and offstage has improved greatly.”

“It really changed my life for the better -- it taught me to write how I wanted to, to perform how I wanted to, and really shaped how my art is now. I hope other kids can experience this as well - it's something I feel everyone deserves to have."

“At Firebird, my voice mattered!”

“This is a place where teens can grow not only their acting and scriptwriting ability, but their relationship to the world around them, their confidence, and find wonderful mentors.”