At Axial Theater, a nonprofit now in its 24th season, we create bold, thought-provoking productions that invite audiences to confront their own assumptions and biases. We are committed to supporting the professional growth of playwrights and actors through staged workshops, development readings, and full productions. Join us as we explore the transformative power of theater and its ability to spark conversation, empathy, and change.
Axial Theatre is a Grant Award Winner! Thank you ArtsWestchester for selecting us for the 2026 Matching Grant!
Productions
"The SLIDE IS THE NEGATIVE represents precisely the sort of theatrical enterprise that makes Off-Broadway indispensable to the American stage." - Eduard A. Kliszus, Opening Night Reviews
Playwright Jake Shore
Director Paul Smithyman
Ryan Tramont and Brad Fryman
NOV /DEC 2025:
"The Slide is the Negative"
by Jake Shore
Directed by Paul Smithyman
“At least one critic has compared his previous work to Beckett. In my case, both Harold Pinter and the young David Mamet spring to mind... You should definitely go see this new work by Jake Shore. You will be catching a rising star."
-- Charles Kruger, Stage and Cinema (on Shore's A Groundbreaking Achievement...)
Axial Theatre and JCS Theater Company in association with the Oberon Theatre Ensemble. Michael Howard Studios and Fortify.Space present the world premiere of Jake Shore's THE SLIDE IS THE NEGATIVE at The Chain Theatre beginning previews November 29 with opening slated for December 7. THE SLIDE IS THE NEGATIVE stars three-time Emmy Award winner Cady McClain, who is thrilled to reunite with her Orson’s Shadow co-stars Brad Fryman and Ryan Tramont as well as Sophie Moshofsky. The play will be directed by Paul Smithyman, a 30-year theater veteran who has worked on over 150 plays at Lincoln Center Theater.
Following the critical success of A Groundbreaking Achievement of Outrageous Importance That People Scroll By, Barely Impacted—hailed for Jake Shore's mastery of language and "wild acrobatic riffs"—the rising star playwright returns with THE SLIDE IS THE NEGATIVE, a compelling new work exploring sex, friendship, addiction, and the cost of ambition.
When a photographer betrays her closest friend by displaying an intimate, revealing photograph in a prestigious Chelsea gallery, the fallout spirals into a deadly web of infidelity and violence. THE SLIDE IS THE NEGATIVE is a thrilling and urgent exploration of art, consent, and the price of privacy—asking whether wealth and power grant license to destroy lives without consequence.
"The visceral challenge Jake's play throws in your face has this company preparing for electricity on stage and in the seats,” notes director Paul Smithyman. “Buckle up..."
THE SLIDE IS THE NEGATIVE runs November 29 – December 21 with performances Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM with additional performances Wed 12/17 at 7:30pm & Fri 12/19 at 2pm.
The Chain Theatre is located at 312 West 36th Street 4th floor NY, NY 10018
Brad Fryman as "Barry"
Sophie Moshofsky as "Anne"
Cady McClain as "Kelly"
Ryan Tramont as "Joe"
JULY 2025:
"What Happened Was"
by Walter John Thompson
Directed by Austin Pendleton
Three-time Emmy winner Cady McClain and Tony, Obie, and Drama Desk Award winner Austin Pendleton Reunite
After the successful run of Orson’ s Shadow, the pair return with Ryan Tramont for the world
premiere of Walter John Thompson’s What Happened Was at the Chain Theatre’s 2025 Summer One Act Festival
NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- Chain Theatre Summer One Act Festival begins July 10 through August 2nd, 2025. With over 90 plays being presented, Program #2 stars Emmy winner Cady McClain (Beyond the Gates, Law and Order: SVU) in Walter John Thompson’s What Happened Was; a dark comedy exploring memory, longing, and the blurry divide between performance and reality. Directed by Obie and Drama Desk Award winning director, Austin Pendleton (Between Riverside and Crazy, Orson’ s Shadow).
“This is a beautiful little play that sneaks up on you,” says Pendleton, “I can’t think of anything more refreshing in these troubled times.”
When: Tuesday, July 22nd at 8PM, Friday, August 1st at 8PM, and Saturday, August 2nd at 8PM
Where: The Chain Theatre’s 3rd floor Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues
About the Director
An ensemble member of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Austin Pendleton has
appeared in over 250 movies and TV shows. Directing accolades include winning an Obie for
directing Three Sisters by Anton Chekov at Classic Stage Company with Maggie Gyllenhall and a Tony nomination for Best Director for the Broadway production of The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman with Elizabeth Taylor. Recently, he directed Between Riverside and Crazy by Stephen Adly Guirgis which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize.
Top Row: Playwright Walter John Thompson, Assistant Director Will DeVary. Bottom Row: Cady McClain, Austin Pendleton, Ryan Tramont
Photo by Patrick Hamilton at Michael Howard Studios
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.
Orson's Shadow
by Austin Pendleton
Crystal Field, Executive Producer at Theater for the New City, Axial Theatre, Oberon Theatre Ensemble, and Strindberg Rep collaborate with Fortify.Space, Michael Howard Studios, and Amanda Quinn Olivar.
Written by Austin Pendleton | Directed by Austin Pendleton & David Schweizer | Originally Conceived by Judith Auberjonois
In 1960, Orson Welles directed Laurence Olivier and Joan Plowright in Eugene Ionesco’s RHINOCEROS. See the sparks fly as egos clash, secrets revealed, and legends collide. Austin Pendleton’s acclaimed play returns to New York City to celebrate its 25th year in a revised version directed by the author.
ABOUT THE PLAY
“Orson’s Shadow,” based on true events, takes place on the stage of the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin and later on the stage of the Royal Court Theatre. In his declining years, Orson Welles is directing a production of Eugène Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros,” starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Plowright. Olivier is fresh from his triumphant theatrical portrayal of vaudevillian Archie Rice in John Osborne’s “The Entertainer” and is about to reprise the role in its film adaptation. He and Plowright are in the early stages of a romantic liaison and his tumultuous marriage to Vivien Leigh is all but ended. The noted critic Kenneth Tynan becomes entangled in the conflicts between Welles, Olivier, and Leigh, adding tension and complexity to their relationships and influencing their decisions and perceptions. The play debates the merits of stage versus screen, the internal struggle that theatrical performers endure when contemplating a leap to films, and the ways the studio system frustrated the careers of individual artists. It is also a study of theatrical egos, each of the protagonists living more on the stage than in real life, each one feeling insecure while jockeying for power.
Cast:
Brad Fryman, Patrick Hamilton, Luke Hofmaier, Cady McClain, Natalie Menna, and Ryan Tramont
Co-Directors: Austin Pendleton and David Schweizer
Stage Manager: Bill Carlton
Assistant Stage Manager: Quinn Warren (Axial Ensemble Member)
Lighting Design: Alexander Bartenieff
Sound Design/Composer: Nick Moore
Costume Design: Billy Little
Additionally Produced by Mark Karafin
Presented in the Johnson Theater at Theater for the New City
155 First Ave. (Between 9th & 10th St.)
New York, NY 10003
Originally mounted as an Equity showcase last March by TNC in association with Oberon Theatre Ensemble and Strindberg Rep, it was the first time Mr. Pendleton had ever directed his own work.
“This production of 'Orson's Shadow' is one of the high points of my artistic life, and I'm so happy that it just keeps rolling along,” says Austin Pendleton.
“While co-directing the spring run, it was very clear that this witty, passionate play was making an immediate and acute connection with its audiences,” adds co-Director Schweizer. “The excitement was palpable. It’s a play that deals so entertainingly with the foibles of live theater, but also probes beneath the surface for their heart-breaking consequences.”
Austin Pendleton and David Schweizer
Nov/Dec 2024:
Sept 2024:
Cactus Flowers Part 2: Short Plays
Westchester, New York – On the weekend of Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29, Axial Theatre presented at St John's Episcopal of Pleasantville, NY "The Best of Cactus Flowers: Part II," - five short plays selected by Axial Theatre Artistic Director Cady McClain from its popular Cactus Flowers new play development program. The performances were followed by a screening of Robust Admixture, a short film based on the work of Westchester Poet Laureate BK Fischer (Sleepy Hollow), featuring Axial Ensemble actors.
Constituent by Karin Diann Williams with Axial Ensemble actors Dan Walworth (South Salem) and Quinn Warren, directed by Cady McClain - ple's Choice Award & NYTVF "Best Web Series" Award) and the independent feature Jordan.
Not Like Us by Mark Harvey Levine with Axial Ensemble actors Bruce Apar (Yorktown Heights), Sandy Rooney (Dobbs Ferry) and Nicole Arcieri (Yonkers), directed by Honorary Axial Ensemble member Albi Gorn (Hastings-on-Hudson).
Like Miriam by Jacquelyn Reingold with Axial Ensemble actors Catherine Banks (Peekskill) and Marisa Lowe (Beacon), directed by Rachel Jones.
Civil Disobedience by Lori M. Myers (Nanuet) with Axial Ensemble actor Missy Flower (Ossining) and Nate Becker, directed by Nate Flower (Ossining) .
The Audition by Dominic Hoffman with Axial Ensemble actor Patrick McGuinness (Brewster) and James Leeper (Tarrytown), directed by Axial member Youlim Nam.
ABOUT BK FISCHER
B.K. Fischer is the author of Ceive, a finalist for the 2021 National Book Critics Circle Award, and four other books of poetry—Radioapocrypha, My Lover’s Discourse, St. Rage’s Vault, and Mutiny Gallery. Also the author of Museum Mediations, a critical study, Fischer has published writing in The New York Times, The Paris Review, The Nation, Kenyon Review, and elsewhere. She teaches in the MFA Writing Program at Columbia University and served as the inaugural poet laureate of Westchester County from 2021 to 2023, and was an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellow. www.bkfischer.com.
Marisa Lowe and Catherine Banks in
"Like Miriam" by Jacquelyn Reingold
March 2024:
What the Constitution Means to Me
by Heidi Schreck
Axial was proud to present a workshop production of What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck starring Cady McClain, Pat McGuinness, and Najah Imani Muhammad.
Directed by Nate Flower
Produced by Marisa Lowe
The production was called "powerful," "A+++", "genuine," with "terrific acting!"
Synopsis: Fifteen-year-old Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human show, Heidi resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.
When: March 2024
Where: Bethany Arts Community, Ossining, NY
The final performance was followed by a special talkback led by Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator Julia Schoenberg of Bethany Arts Community
Dec 2023:
Cactus Flowers Part 1 - Monologues
Axial Theatre will present a series of six monologues from its popular Cactus Flowers new play development program on December 16th at 7 PM, directed by members of Axial Theatre - including founder Howard Meyer and Founding Member Rachel Jones, Artistic Director Cady McClain and Associate Artistic Director Nathan Flower, and Honorary Axial Ensemble Members Susan Ward and Albi Gorn.
The monologues chosen are Flat Meat Society by Thomas Coash (recipient of an Edgerton Foundation National New Play Award), Pluto by Howard Meyer (three-time semi-finalist at the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference), The Interview by Steve Baluzy, Undiscovered Country by Dana Leslie Goldstein (winner of the New England New Play Competition), Days of Awe by Alice Eve Cohen (finalist for the O'Neill National Playwrights Conference), and Is Nothing Sacred? by Evelyn Mertens.
Evelyn Mertens, Dana Leslie Goldstein and Alice Eve Cohen are all members of Honor Roll! - Axial Theatre’s Arts Partner supporting female identifying playwrights 40+ and their allies.
Axial Ensemble members participating include Ryan Mallon, Pat McGuinness, Julie Griffin, Gail Greenstein, Marisa Lowe, and Donna Svennevik.
Where: St John’s Episcop
al Church, Parish Hall 8 Sunnyside Ave, Pleasantville, NY 10570
When: December 16th, 2023 at 7PM
Nov 2022:
Never the Sinner
by John Logan
Axial Theatre was proud to present a full production of "Never the Sinner" at Bethany Arts Community. Starring Pat McGuinness, Albi Gorn, Bruce Apar, Tom Ryan, Michael M. Alva, Youlim Nam, and Najah Imani Muhammad.
Directed and Produced by Cady McClain
The production was called "Brutal," "Important," "Moving," "Powerful," "Brilliantly executed," "Tightly directed," and audiences stated "the acting was suburb."
Synopsis: This exquisite off-broadway hit explored the complex relationship between two young men who longed to create a private world of fevered intellect and romantic passion. Based on a true story of Nathan Leopold Jr and Robert Lowe, two teenagers who killed fourteen-year old Bobby Franks.
When: November 2022
Where: Bethany Arts Community, Ossining, NY
Thanks to generous anonymous donations Axial was able to give a special performance for Ossining High School AP English Students, and free tickets were made available to members of the Sing Sing Family Collective and Hudson Link.
Nov 2022:
Paint Made Flesh
by Howard Meyer
Howard Meyer’s Paint Made Flesh, directed by Cady McClain, premiered at The Cell in June 2018 as an immersive theatrical production blending live performance, visual art, politics, and psychological drama. Set within the contemporary art world, the play follows Willa Benson, a gifted painter and former rising star of Columbia University’s MFA program who has retreated into a quieter academic life in Washington, D.C. As she prepares to marry Keir, an ambitious politician hiding secrets from his past, the unexpected return of her charismatic ex-lover Dylan — a celebrated performance artist — forces all three characters to confront the personal cost of ambition, deception, and emotional compromise.
Inspired by the 2009 Paint Made Flesh exhibition at the Frist Art Museum, the production incorporated live art-making, video installations, and performance art directly into the staging, creating what McClain described as a “labyrinthine world of art and artists.” The production starred Meredith Garretson, Stephen Louis Grush, and David Lanson, and was produced in collaboration with Axial Theatre, Evolutionary Media Group, Amanda Quinn Olivar, and Eva Paris Cicinyte.