Axial Theatre is a Grant Award Winner! Thank you ArtsWestchester for selecting us for the Matching Grant and two program grants!
Axial Theater is an ensemble based not-for-profit theater company currently in its 24th season. We are dedicated to supporting the professional development of playwrights and actors through presenting staged workshops, development readings, and full productions.
JUNE 2025:
"The Park"
by Eric Conger
The lights may be back on in Hollywood. But thousands in the industry are still in the dark… financially… emotionally… professionally. On June 21, artists, institutions, and allies gather at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre at the Lee Strasberg Institute in West Hollywood for a one-night-only staged reading of THE PARK by Eric Conger.
This benefit raises critical funds for the Entertainment Community Fund, supporting workers across the country who keep our industry's creative engine alive.
Stagehands. Writers. Editors. Costumers. Freelancers. Assistants. Actors. Crew. The ones still struggling after shutdowns, strikes, and wildfires.
This event is about action.
Since 2020, the Entertainment Community Fund has distributed over $6 million in emergency assistance to more than 3,000 entertainment workers facing crisis. On June 21, that mission continues…
Executive produced by Axial Theatre Board Member Amanda Quinn Olivar, with Axial Theatre, Zetland Media, in collaboration with the Lee Strasberg Creative Center, and the Marilyn Monroe Theatre. The event is directed by three-time Emmy Award winner Cady McClain.
THE PARK tells the story of a small American town facing life-changing events—themes that feel more urgent now than ever. Playwright Eric Conger’s deeply personal work explores community resilience in the face of devastating change.
In March of 2023, this wonderful play received a development reading through the Axial Theatre SAFEHOUSE program under the title “Zombietown,” directed by Nathan Flower. It was then followed by a staged reading at MTC Creative Center in NYC as “The Park” directed by Axial Artistic Director Cady McClain.
MAY 2025:
"The Fundamentalist"
by Juha Jokela
Axial Theatre is proud to present a Scandinavian American Theatre Company production of The Fundamentalist directed by Jason Beckmann (Katonah), produced by Malina Mannarino, featuring John Hickok (Pleasantville) as Markus and Claudia Godi (Brooklyn) as Heidi.
This gripping, thought-provoking play challenges the audience to confront difficult questions about values, worldview, and human responsibility.
About The Fundamentalist
The Fundamentalist follows the story of Markus, a reformed minister, who is confronted byHeidi, a former student turned religiousexremist. As Heidi attempts to "save" Markus from his loss of faith, the play expires profound quests about belief, identity, and moral responsibility in a divided world. Markus (John Hickok), a reformed minister, is approached by Heidi (Claudia Godi), who has become a fervent religious extremist. Through their encounters, a spiritual battle unfolds as each seeks to change the other's worldview. Beneath the surface, however, lies a darker past - a romantic and sexual encounter that continues to haunt them both.
Winner of the Nordic Drama Award, The Fundamentalist is a two-character drama that offers a nuanced examination of fundamentalist beliefs and compels us to reflect on our values, faith, and humanity. The play delves into the complex nature of belief, self-righteousness, and the human responsibility to others, asking: What does it truly mean to believe in something?
The plot, full of unexpected twists, will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. While we won't spoil the details, be assured that the story will unfold in ways that will captivate and intrigue.
Juha Jokela (b. 1970) is an acclaimed Finnish playwright and director known for his bold storytelling and exploration of contemporary issues. He studied directing at the Theatre Academy of Finland and quickly gained recognition for his innovative work in television, theater, and film. Jokela’s writing for the 35-episode TV series Pulkkinen (1999–2001) earned him multiple awards, including the Venla Award for Best Comedy Series.
Jokela’s theatrical debut, Mobile Horror (2003), was met with unprecedented critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as one of Finland’s most innovative playwrights. The Fundamentalist (2006), his second play, continues to be his most internationally recognized work, having won the 2008 Nordic DramaAward. The play has been produced in multiple countries and remains highly relevant today, exploring themes of faith, ideology, and personal responsibility.
The English translation of The Fundamentalist is by Eva Buchwald.
When:
Thursday, May 15th at 7PM
Friday, May 16th at 8PM
Saturday May 17th at 7PM
Sunday, May 18th at 2PM
Where: St John's Episcopal Church, 8 Sunnyside Ave Pleasantville, NY 10570
Claudia Godi
John Hickok
Vaccination and Mask Policy:
Consistent with New York City and State recommendations, audience members are strongly encouraged to wear masks in theatres.
APRIL 2025:
"What We'd Really Like is to Be Together"
by Kate Benson
with post-reading moderation by Samuel Harps
SATURDAY, APRIL 19th, 2025 at 4PM join us for a workshopped reading of this exciting new play with Axial Ensemble members Anthony Barresi Jr, Marisa Lowe, Dan Walworth, Duane Rutter, Lev Harvey, Marilyn Collazo, Quinn Warren and special guest Elizabeth Narciso
Post-reading moderation by Cheryl Davis
Directed by Cady McClain
Synopsis: three couples and a guest meet for a weekend respite from the city at a well appointed home. Discussions lead to revelations and unanticipated events change lives forever.
Kate Benson is a writer and performer who lives in Brooklyn, NY. Writing includes: [Porto] (Bushwick Starr), and A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes (New Georges with Women’s Project, OBIE-winner). She has an MFA in playwriting from Brooklyn College. She is a recipient of the Creative Spirit Award (2023). Performances include: Ulysses (ERS), Seagull (ERS); [Porto] (Bushwick Starr), Variations on the Main (Jack), I’ll Never Love Again (Bushwick Starr), Tiger, Tiger (on the Nature of Violence) (Dixon Place), Fondly, Collette Richland (ERS), Running Away from the One with the Knife (the Chocolate Factory), Nomads (the Incubator), and Good Person of Szechwan (the Public & LaMama).
When: Saturday, April 19th from 4PM - 6PM
Where: St John's Episcopal Church, 8 Sunnyside Ave, Pleasantville, NY
Suggested Donation: $15 adults, $10 students
No one will be turned away who cannot pay
Vaccination and Mask Policy:
Consistent with New York City and State recommendations, audience members are strongly encouraged to wear masks in theatres.
Kate Benson
Samuel Harps
Elizabeth Narciso
Cady McClain
MARCH 2025
"A Story About a Girl" by Jacquelyn Reingold
with post-reading discussion moderated by special guest playwright and arts advocate
Cheryl Davis
SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd, 2025 at 4PM join us for a workshopped reading of this exciting new play with Axial Ensemble members Sergio Arguelles Catare, Lev Harvey, Najah Imani Muhammad, Youlim Nam, Tom Ryan, and special guest Camila Canó-Flaviá.
Post-reading moderation by Cheryl Davis
Directed by Cady McClain
Synopsis: Once upon a time there was a neurodiverse girl who had no words. She met an outcast boy who had no friends. They make their own language of love, friendship and ultimate betrayal as they journey through life with and without each other.
“This play is not only a story about a girl, it is a story about life, love, trauma, and coping. The neurodivergent characters are so beautifully scripted, so real on the page, I can imagine how wonderful the play will be onstage. A truly theatrical play with a moving story.” - Sandra de Helen
“A truly moving story of love and friendship in its perfection and imperfection along the journey of life. Well done.” - Cheryl Bear
“I was incredibly moved and captivated by A STORY ABOUT A GIRL. Jacquelyn Reingold writes with so much insight and sensitivity about love, neurodivergence, and the complexity of relationships across the lifespan. Even the stage directions read beautifully, opening the text for such imaginative staging, and the representations of water throughout connect so well to the dialogue and story. This play is also wonderfully layered with experimental elements and would be a delight to watch come alive on stage.” - John Mabey
When: Saturday, March 22nd 4PM - 6PM
Where: St John's Episcopal Church, 8 Sunnyside Ave, Pleasantville, NY
Suggested Donation: $15 adults, $10 students
No one will be turned away who cannot pay
Vaccination and Mask Policy:
Consistent with New York City and State recommendations, audience members are strongly encouraged to wear masks in theatres.
L: Jacquelyn Reingold R: Cady McClain
Cheryl Davis
Camila Canó-Flaviá
