Announcements

waiting: a queer black tragicomedy in two acts

On July 13, HB Residency Artist Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj presents waiting: a queer black tragicomedy in two acts, his project loosely and queerly inspired by Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.

HB Residency: waiting: a queer black tragicomedy in two acts

HB Residency: Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj’s waiting: a queer black tragicomedy in two acts
Sunday, July 13 at 3pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

About the Project

waiting: a queer black tragicomedy in two acts is loosely and queerly inspired by Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. In waiting, drag queens, Chi-Chi and Cornbread, are trapped on the rooftop of the small drag club “Anal,” which is partially submerged under water. The club is in St. Bernard Parish, New Orleans during the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina late August after the levees break in 2005. Surrounded by a river of dirty water with trash, dead animals, bodies, and hungry gators, the two queens wait to be rescued.

Subsequently, a duplicitous prison guard from the Orleans Parish Prison, Kash-Money, along with his silent “assistant” Blues, floats down the river and pauses to converse with Chi-Chi and Cornbread. Kash-Money has used the hurricane to kidnap and imprison Blues. Kash poses to Chi-Chi and Cornbread an impossible choice, leading to a series of events that test each character’s morality, humanity, and spirituality.

Throughout the play, Chi-Chi is confronted by her inner-child, Zion, who wants to heal Chi-Chi from past childhood traumas. So continues a vexing cycle where the two friends debate life, faith, Blackness, queerness, the storm, and when or if they will be rescued, leading to a climactic ending.

About the Artist

Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj is a multi-disciplinary American theater artist, administrator, and cultural activist who investigates the complexities of narrative, perception, identity, political, social, and community storytelling. His research-driven work explores BIPOC narratives that have been historically bypassed in the American Theatre and recuperates Black histories through documentary-based practices. He is an alumnus of the Art Equity BIPOC Leadership Circle in partnership with the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University, member of the Metropolitan Opera / American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) DEI Council, a member of the Geva Theatre Engagement Committee, and currently on the Board of Directors for the National Queer Theatre. He is the former Associate Artistic Producer at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and the former Artistic Director of New Freedom Theatre and American Stage Theatre Company. He is the former Stage Director and Artistic / Community Consultant for the inaugural Opera Theatre of St. Louis New Works Collective in partnership with the Mellon Foundation and the Edward Jones Foundation. Mr. Maharaj is the Founder and former Director of Artistic Programming for the Voices at the River Biennial Latinx and African American Playwright’s Residency Program, in partnership with Arkansas Repertory Theatre and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. He is currently the Assistant Professor of Stage Direction (Musical Theatre & Theatre) at SUNY Geneseo.

As a storyteller, Mr. Maharaj has worked on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at many of our nation’s top regional theaters, and he has been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious Woodie King Jr. Award, four AUDELCO Awards, and many more. He has also been hailed as a New York Times Critics Pick.

HB Residency Showcase: Divergentes Musical

On June 14 and 15 at HB Playwrights Theatre, HB Residency Artists Felipe Vásquez-Encamilla, Julio Vaquero, Pablo Concha, and Sonia Mera present Divergentes Musical!

HB Residency: Divergentes Musical

HB Residency: Divergentes Musical
Saturday, June 14 at 7pm
Sunday, June 15 at 7pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

About the Project

Divergentes Musical is a bold new Spanish-language musical that explores love, grief, identity, and the search for belonging within a vibrant queer Latinx community.

Set in present-day Chile, the story follows Samuel, a gay architect in search of love, belonging, and spiritual reconciliation. Alongside a close circle of friends, family, and unexpected connections, Samuel’s journey reflects the joys and tensions of queer life within a deeply traditional society. Blending heartfelt storytelling with humor and original music, Divergentes Musical celebrates the beauty and complexity of Latinx LGBTQ+ experiences. The characters are bold, tender, and deeply human – each navigating love, grief, generational divides, and self-discovery in their own way. This stage reading will feature live musical performance, and English supertitles will be provided for non-Spanish-speaking audience members.

About the Residency Artists

Felipe Vasquez Encamilla (He/Him, Book Writer & Lyricist) Is a Chilean actor, singer, playwright, director, and choreographer currently based in New York City. Felipe has developed his career in dozens of musicals, presented in Santiago (Chile) and NYC, such as JCSMan of La ManchaLes MisérablesSweeney ToddIn the Heights, among others. He recently sang with Kristin Chenoweth at the Stephen Sondheim Theater. As a writer, he has two published plays and one in development: Love Is Not FreeThe Last Journey of Saint Paul, and Divergentes Musical. Felipe is a proud alumni of NYFA’s Professional Musical Theatre Conservatory. Find Felipe on Instagram and at felipevasquezencamilla.com.

Award-winning Spanish composer Julio Vaquero (He/Him, Composer) specializes in musical theater. Some of his titles include Dumbo (Broadway World Award for Best Family Musical), Con la Boca Abierta (Broadway World Award for Best Musical), Peter Pan (Nominated for Best Score in the Spain National Musical Theater Awards), We Love Queen and Vocal Express (Winner of the International festival Vokal Total). Julio’s work has also been performed in New York, including The Future Broadway Songbook (Lincoln Center), Everest (NAAP), and Stuck (Chain One Act Festival Award). Additionally, Julio has received commissions from renowned institutions such as the Sea Theatre, the 52nd Street Project, VII Pianton International Music Festival, the XXXI Latin American Music Festival among others. Find Julio on Instagram.

Award-winning Chilean producer, actor, voice-over artist, and translator/adapter Sonia Mera (She/Her, Producer) is recognized by FUERZAfest, HOLA, and ATI. Sonia has produced several theatrical productions, favorites include The Trapped Language of Love (D2 Festival), as well as her original works Brown (NY Summerfest) and Waiting for the Subway (MicroTheater Festival). With a BA in Business Administration and MSc in Marketing, she brings strategic insight and creative leadership to every project. Her performance skills and experience on stage and screen also inform her work as a teaching artist in medical education. She thrives on meaningful storytelling, creative collaboration, and a passion for amplifying diverse voices and experiences. Find Sonia on Instagram.

Chilean educator, musician, composer, and playwright Pablo Concha (He/Him, Assistant Composer & Book Writer) has a background in acting and is based in New York City. Composer credits include QuillénDecemberNo es Gratis el Amor, and 8 Mujeres. Playwright credits include Cantuña and Incoming Call. Pablo has over 15 years of experience working, writing, and performing for adults and children in Chile and the United States. When not teaching or writing, Pablo practices Biodanza and is a certified Biodanza Facilitator. Pablo holds a BA in Music Education from Universidad Mayor (Santiago, Chile) and an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tisch. Find Pablo on Instagram and pablofconcha.com.

HB Studio Tony Awards Viewing Party

On Sunday, June 8, join HB Studio for a fun-filled viewing party of the 78th Annual Tony Awards hosted by the HB Student Committee!

HB Studio Tony Awards Viewing Party

HB Studio Tony Awards Viewing Party
Sunday, June 8, 6:30-11:30pm
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Join HB Studio Sunday, June 8 at HB Playwrights Theatre for a night celebrating Broadway as we livestream the 78th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by the HB Student Committee.

The festivities start at 6:30pm, where guests will be greeted by an HB red carpet (and photo opportunities with an HB Studio backdrop). Then, settle in with the Tony Award pre-show livestream and fill out your Tony prediction sheets. The main event begins at 8pm: a full livestream of the 78th Tony Awards Ceremony, complete with live commentary, special guests, trivia, and quick performances during the commercial breaks courtesy of HB Studio. Once the livestream ends, we’ll tally our Tony prediction sheets, and hand out a surprise prize to our winner. The event will also be BYOB.

Join us as we celebrate Broadway’s big night!

 

A Conversation with Hadi Tabbal and Reza Salazar

On Sunday, June 1, HB Studio presents a special conversation between actor and new HB instructor Hadi Tabbal and HB Studio faculty member Reza Salazar.

A Conversation with Hadi Tabbal and Reza Salazar

A Conversation with Hadi Tabbal and Reza Salazar
Sunday, June 1 at 5PM
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Hadi Tabbal, star of the Pulitzer Prize-winning and 2025 Tony Award-nominated play English and a new addition to the HB Studio faculty, sits down for an open-hearted and uncensored discussion about his career path, acting experiences, personal challenges, and advice to young actors.  The evening will be moderated by fellow HB Studio faculty member Reza Salazar, who recently performed alongside Tabbal in the Folger Shakespeare Library’s production of The Winter’s Tale.

Hadi Tabbal will also be teaching the workshop Theater to Camera this summer – register here

Singing Voice 1 with John Bowen – Spring 2025

A spring showcase of voice, artistry, and musical storytelling as students from Singing Voice 1 share their work on June 1

Singing Voice 1 with John Bowen – Spring 2025

Singing Voice 1 with John Bowen – Spring 2025
Sunday, June 1 at 2PM
HB Playwrights Theatre | 124 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

Join us for an afternoon of song as the students of Singing Voice 1 with John Bowen take the stage to share their work. Through dedicated study of vocal technique, interpretation, and performance, these emerging artists have explored the fundamentals of singing—connecting breath, tone, and emotional expression to bring songs to life.

Featuring performances by Kristen Brown, Danyal Budare, Juan Diego Correa, Valentine d’Hauteville, Claire Donnelly, Janielle Moye, Rachel Murdy, Mio Nakanishi, Toby Nguyen, Charity Nwadike, Pratiba Premkumar, Michelle Reiss, Sunday Santiago, Luis Segura, Sarah Shields, and Claire Wu, this showcase highlights their growth and artistry in vocal performance.

Under the expert guidance of John Bowen, these performers have worked to develop confidence, clarity, and authenticity in their singing. Whether you’re a friend, family member, or a lover of musical performance, come support these artists as they step into the spotlight.

Reserve your seat now and celebrate an afternoon of music and artistry!

John Bowen will also be teaching a Singing Voice 1 course this summer – register here

Acting the Song with Lorraine Serabian – Spring 2025

Where storytelling meets song – experience the power of music brought to life through performance at our Acting the Song showcase on May 30

Acting the Song with Lorraine Serabian - Spring 2025

Acting the Song with Lorraine Serabian – Spring 2025
Friday, May 30 at 3:45pm
Helen Gallagher First Floor Studio | 120 Bank Street
Pay-What-You-Wish, $30 Recommended

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 Sara Beneke, Burton Borovetz, Kim Bruno, Pat Clune, Natsumi Hashimoto, Rian Keating, Kenneth Linsley, Cierra Marco, Suzanne McAndrews, Mio Nakanishi, David Odukoya, James Park, Steve Saracino, Gaela Solo, 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 summer – register here

Behind the Studio Doors: An HB Open House

Discover what makes HB Studio a space for passionate, disciplined artists at our HB Open House on May 31

Behind the Studio Doors: An HB Open House

Behind the Studio Doors: An HB Open House
Saturday, May 31 at 2pm
HB Playwrights Theatre, 124 Bank Street
Free – RSVP Here

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.

The Open House will include excerpt performances from a variety of HB classes, including:

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, and ask questions about training at HB Studio.

Join us in person or online and discover what makes HB Studio a space for passionate, disciplined artists.

Spring Term 2025 Is Here!

Registration is still open for select Spring Term 2025 classes and workshops – browse available courses now and register before it’s too late!

Spring Term Weekly Classes – In-Person & Online:

  • Spring Term runs 10 weeks, March 24 – June 2 (no classes May 26)
    • In-person Classes and Online Classes are available
    • Most classes run for 10 weeks, while some classes are offered in two 5-week parts (Part A & Part B) which can be taken independently or together:
      • Spring Part A: March 24 – April 27
      • Spring Part B: April 28 – June 2
        • A $15 discount will apply when registering for both parts. Sign up for either Part independently (5 weeks each), or join both for the full 10-week term. You may join Part B without taking Part A.

Spring Term Workshops – In-Person & Online:

  • Browse Workshops and Register Now
  • Special-focus topics, with short & long-term options
  • Check back often; workshops updated regularly

Discounts:

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:* Get 10% OFF Spring Term Weekly Classes with code SPRING25X, valid through March 10, 2025. You are prohibited from using the Early Bird Discount code when receiving a Union Discount.

UNION DISCOUNT:* AEA, AGVA, AGMA, SAG/AFTRA, WGA, UFT, and Dramatist Guild Union Members or international equivalent receive 20% OFF Spring Term Weekly Classes through March 5 and 10% OFF thereafter. Discount will automatically apply for HB-verified Union Members. To become verified, email a copy of your active union membership card to registration@hbstudio.org. You are prohibited from using the Early Bird Discount code when receiving a Union Discount.

Descuento de NYC Latin Media: Los miembros de NYC Latin Media pueden auditar gratuitamente una clase o taller en el estudio y recibir un 20% de descuento en todas clases del estudio y talleres.** El descuento será aplicado automáticamente para miembros verificados por HB. Para convertirse en usuario verificado, debe mandar un correo electrónico a inscripciones@hbstudio.org con detalles de su membresía de NYC Latin Media.

Auditions and Prerequisites:

AUDITIONS: Interested in our upper level classes? Audition & consult with a panel of HB’s faculty. For details and sign up info, visit Auditions & Prerequisites.

REEL SUBMISSIONS: Are you a working professional seeking a place to practice? Submit your reel for placement into our studio practice classes.

*Discounts valid for weekly classes only; not valid for workshops, programs or merchandise. Discounts cannot be combined nor applied retroactively. Union discount applies for classes taken by cardholders only and cannot be used to enroll family or friends. APPLYING MULTIPLE DISCOUNTS IS PROHIBITED.

**Incluye una sesión gratuita por instructor. No se permite auditar múltiples veces la misma clase. Los descuentos son solamente válidos para clases semanales y talleres, no son válidos para programas o mercancías. Los descuentos no pueden ser combinados ni se aplicarán con efecto retroactivo. El descuento para los socios es aplicado para clases tomadas solamente por miembros de NYC Latin Media y no puede ser utilizado para inscribir familiares o amigos.

Register Now for Winter Term Classes & Workshops

Winter Term Weekly Classes & Workshops – In-Person & Online:

  • Winter Term runs 10 weeks, January 6 – March 17 (no classes Jan 20)
    • In-person Classes and Online Classes are available
    • Most classes run for 10 weeks, while some classes are offered in two 5-week parts (Part A & Part B) which can be taken independently or together:
      • Winter Part A: Jan 6 – Feb 10 (no class Jan 20)
      • Winter Part B: Feb 11 – Mar 17
        • A $15 discount will apply when registering for both parts. Sign up for either Part independently (5 weeks each), or join both for the full 10-week term. You may join Part B without taking Part A.
  • Audit Classes: HB Studio offers you the opportunity to audit any of our Online Weekly Classes, in order to observe the instructor’s teaching style and the culture of the class before making the commitment to register. Unless otherwise noted, audits are not allowed for workshops.

Winter Term Workshops – Online & In-Person*:

  • Special-focus topics, with short & long-term options
  • Check back often; workshops updated regularly
  • Browse Workshops and Register Now

Discounts:

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:** Get 10% OFF Winter Term Weekly Classes with code WINTER24W, valid through November 30, 2024. NOTE: APPLYING MULTIPLE DISCOUNT CODES IS PROHIBITED. You are prohibited from using the Early Bird Discount code when receiving a Union Discount.

UNION DISCOUNT:** AEA, AGVA, AGMA, SAG/AFTRA, WGA, UFT, and Dramatist Guild Union Members or international equivalent receive 20% OFF Winter Term Weekly Classes through November 30 and 10% OFF thereafter. Discount will automatically apply for HB-verified Union Members. To become verified, email a copy of your active union membership card to registration@hbstudio.org. NOTE: You are prohibited from using the Early Bird Discount code when receiving a Union Discount.

Descuento de NYC Latin Media: Los miembros de NYC Latin Media pueden auditar gratuitamente una clase o taller en el estudio y recibir un 20% de descuento en todas clases del estudio y talleres.*** El descuento será aplicado automáticamente para miembros verificados por HB. Para convertirse en usuario verificado, debe mandar un correo electrónico a inscripciones@hbstudio.org con detalles de su membresía de NYC Latin Media.

Auditions and Prerequisites:

AUDITIONS: Interested in our upper level classes? ****Audition & consult with a panel of HB’s faculty. For details and sign up info, visit Auditions & Prerequisites.

REEL SUBMISSIONS: Are you a working professional seeking a place to practice? Submit your reel for placement into our studio practice classes.

*Those participating in-person in onsite activity at HB Studio must abide by our requirements for taking in-person classes.

**Discounts valid for weekly classes only; not valid for workshops, programs or merchandise. Discounts cannot be combined nor applied retroactively. Union discount applies for classes taken by cardholders only and cannot be used to enroll family or friends. APPLYING MULTIPLE DISCOUNTS IS PROHIBITED.

***Incluye una sesión gratuita por instructor. No se permite auditar múltiples veces la misma clase. Los descuentos son solamente válidos para clases semanales y talleres, no son válidos para programas o mercancías. Los descuentos no pueden ser combinados ni se aplicarán con efecto retroactivo. El descuento para los socios es aplicado para clases tomadas solamente por miembros de NYC Latin Media y no puede ser utilizado para inscribir familiares o amigos.

Register Now for Fall Term Part-B Classes & Workshops

Fall Term Weekly Classes & Workshops – In-Person & Online:

  • Fall Term runs 10 weeks, Sept 16 – November 26 (no classes Oct 14 & Nov 5)
    • In-person Classes and Online Classes are available
    • Most classes run for 10 weeks, while some classes are offered in two 5-week parts (Part A & Part B) which can be taken independently or together:
      • Fall Part A: Sept 16 – Oct 21 (no class Oct 14)
      • Fall Part B: Oct 22 – Nov 26 (no classes Nov 5)
        • A $15 discount will apply when registering for both parts. Sign up for either Part independently (5 weeks each), or join both for the full 10-week term. You may join Part B without taking Part A.
  • Audit Classes: HB Studio offers you the opportunity to audit any of our Weekly Classes, in order to observe the instructor’s teaching style and the culture of the class before making the commitment to register. Unless otherwise noted, audits are not allowed for workshops.

Fall Term Workshops – Online & In-Person*:

  • Special-focus topics, with short & long-term options
  • Check back often; workshops updated regularly
  • Browse Workshops and Register Now

Discounts:

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:** Get 10% OFF Fall Term Weekly Classes with code FALL24W, valid through August 31, 2024. NOTE: APPLYING MULTIPLE DISCOUNT CODES IS PROHIBITED. You are prohibited from using the Early Bird Discount code when receiving a Union Discount.

UNION DISCOUNT:** AEA, AGVA, AGMA, SAG/AFTRA, WGA, UFT, and Dramatist Guild Union Members or international equivalent receive 20% OFF Fall Term Weekly Classes through August 31 and 10% OFF thereafter. Discount will automatically apply for HB-verified Union Members. To become verified, email a copy of your active union membership card to registration@hbstudio.org. NOTE: You are prohibited from using the Early Bird Discount code when receiving a Union Discount.

Descuento de NYC Latin Media: Los miembros de NYC Latin Media pueden auditar gratuitamente una clase o taller en el estudio y recibir un 20% de descuento en todas clases del estudio y talleres.*** El descuento será aplicado automáticamente para miembros verificados por HB. Para convertirse en usuario verificado, debe mandar un correo electrónico a inscripciones@hbstudio.org con detalles de su membresía de NYC Latin Media.

Auditions and Prerequisites:

AUDITIONS: Interested in our upper level classes? ****Audition & consult with a panel of HB’s faculty. For details and sign up info, visit Auditions & Prerequisites.

REEL SUBMISSIONS: Are you a working professional seeking a place to practice? Submit your reel for placement into our studio practice classes.

*Those participating in-person in onsite activity at HB Studio must abide by our requirements for taking in-person classes.

**Discounts valid for weekly classes only; not valid for workshops, programs or merchandise. Discounts cannot be combined nor applied retroactively. Union discount applies for classes taken by cardholders only and cannot be used to enroll family or friends. APPLYING MULTIPLE DISCOUNTS IS PROHIBITED.

***Incluye una sesión gratuita por instructor. No se permite auditar múltiples veces la misma clase. Los descuentos son solamente válidos para clases semanales y talleres, no son válidos para programas o mercancías. Los descuentos no pueden ser combinados ni se aplicarán con efecto retroactivo. El descuento para los socios es aplicado para clases tomadas solamente por miembros de NYC Latin Media y no puede ser utilizado para inscribir familiares o amigos.