News & Events

Don’t Miss CSP New Works Fest 2025 December 4-6 – bold Caribbean voices take the stage, presented by Conch Shell Productions in partnership with HB Studio.

CSP New Works Fest 2025
Presented by Conch Shell Productions in Partnership with HB Studio
December 4-6
Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre | 120 Bank Street
$30

Join us for the CSP New Works Fest 2025— a vibrant showcase of new plays written by Caribbean-heritage playwrights, presented as workshop performances that celebrate creativity, community, and the power of Caribbean voices on the American stage.

This year’s lineup features five powerful works exploring love, faith, legacy, and self-discovery through bold, imaginative storytelling:

PROGRAM A – THURSDAY, DEC. 4 at 7:00 pm; SATURDAY DEC. 6TH at 1:00 pm

• Petron Brown – Stand Right There and Perish, or (May I Never Lose You)
  When a son returns home seeking forgiveness, he finds his father standing on the stripped foundation of their dismantled house — and together they face the ghosts of what was lost and what cannot be rebuilt.

PROGRAM B – FRIDAY, DEC. 5th at 7:00 pm; SATURDAY DEC. 6th at 5:30pm

• Arthur W. French III – Dinner with Roxie
  A prison guard and a prisoner share their final ten minutes together before her execution — a deeply human story about friendship, faith, and staying true to conviction.
• Joshua W. Josey – Weavers
  This dark comedy opens on a mother and son who both realize that the other isn’t who they quite remember. What begins as familiar, humorous banter and reconnection soon unravels into confrontation and the uneasy acceptance that love doesn’t always mean understanding.
• Jessica Betty – The Game
  At an elite academy, Elizabeth and her robot handler Q navigate ambition, self-sabotage, and survival in a witty, thought-provoking sci-fi drama that asks: What does it mean to keep moving forward?
• Tyla Harris – Bammy an’ Buxom
  A young, second-generation Jamaican-American artist hosts a family Thanksgiving dinner that spirals into a supernatural reckoning when her great-grandmother claims a duppy has come to collect her soul.

✨ About the Festival
The CSP New Works Fest is Conch Shell Productions’ annual fundraising event dedicated to uplifting Caribbean-heritage playwrights. Each writer serves as producer of their own work, collaborating with directors, actors, and dramaturgs to bring their stories to life through a solidarity-based creative model.

️ Admission: $30
Performances: December 4–6, 2025
Location: HB Studio Theatre, 124 Bank Street, New York City

Celebrate new Caribbean voices. Experience stories that inspire empathy, laughter, and change.

CSP New Works Fest 2025 is presented in partnership with HB Studio and supported in part by our generous donors, the Flushing Town Hall GO Queens Grant, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

About Conch Shell Productions

Conch Shell Productions (CSP) is a New York–based nonprofit arts organization founded by Haitian-American actress, writer, and producer Magaly Colimon-Christopher. CSP is dedicated to developing, presenting, and producing new plays and films by Caribbean-heritage artists whose stories inspire social change.

Through programs like the CSP New Works Fest, CSP creates spaces where underrepresented voices are nurtured, celebrated, and shared with diverse audiences.

CSP operates at the intersection of art, culture, and community — amplifying Caribbean perspectives and fostering creative collaboration that strengthens the cultural fabric of New York City and beyond.

Learn more and donate to support our work by visiting www.conchshellproductions.com

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

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 II, The 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 Schmidt, Daredevil, The Blacklist, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Louie, and The Knick. Film credits include A Complete Unknown, The Imperialists Are Still Alive, See 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.

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

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

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 7pm here!

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

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
Free

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), Network, The Iceman Cometh, Clybourne Park, August: Osage County, Born Yesterday, and Hollywood Arms. His film and television work includes Joker, She Said, St. Vincent, Changeling, Dan in Real Life, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Night Of, Billions, The Blacklist, Mozart in the Jungle, Girls, The Sopranos, and Law & Order: SVU.

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

Independent Study Project Lab Showcase – Fall 2025
Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Free

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!

Exploring text, staging, and collaboration through scene work

Directing with Ralph B. Peña – Fall 2025
Sunday, November 23 at 4pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street, NY
Free

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/

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
Saturday, November 22 at 6pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street
Free

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.

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

Acting the Song with Lorraine Serabian – Fall 2025
Friday, November 21 at 3:45pm
Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre | 120 Bank Street
Free

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