Production History

Founded in 2016, Step1 Theatre (formerly Step1 Theatre Project) is an NJ/NYC-based Indie theatre company whose mission is support the development of work by local artists from communities experiencing marginalization through readings, workshops, and productions.

We are seeking to be a company of #ArtistsSupportingArtists – to foster growth and inspire the next generation of theatre makers; to encourage them to present their projects fearlessly, regardless of financial and social barriers. With every artist support initiative and every story we tell, we encourage all who have a vision to start and keep moving forward, one step at a time. We'll be here to support you.

Click the links below to learn more about each season.

2020 Season

Production still from Mahogany Brown and the Case of the Disappearing Kid

2020 Roster

Mainstage Production

Mahogany Brown and the Case of the Disappearing Kid
By Gina Femia
Directed by Janelle Zapata Castellano
July 9 - 11, 2019 | The Tank NYC
February 20 - March 7, 2020 | FRIGID New York

R & D (Reading & Drinking) Sessions

Kiss in the Dream House by Ashley Lauren Rogers
Sunday, March 22, 2020 @ 6:00 PM ET | Facebook Live

2019 Season

Production still from The House in Quezon City

2019 Roster

Mainstage Productions

Mahogany Brown and the Case of the Disappearing Kid
By Gina Femia
Directed by Janelle Zapata Castellano
July 9 - 11, 2019 | The Tank NYC

The House in Quezon City (Staged Reading)
By Benjamin Ernest-Abraham
Directed by Rodney Reyes
March 25, 2019 | The Tank NYC

New Year, Who Dis? Variety Show: 4th Annual Fundraiser
January 7, 2019 | The Basement @ The Delancey


R & D (Reading & Drinking) Sessions

The Dirt is Fertile by Alisha Espinosa | November 15, 2019 | The Artist Co-Op

War Stories by Sarah Kelly | July 20, 2019 | The Artist Co-Op

Into the River I Went by Nelson Diaz-Marcano | April 26, 2019 | The Artist Co-Op

Sophie's Sweet 16 by Chima Chikazunga | February 23, 2019 | The Artist Co-Op

2018 Season

Promotional photos from The Vengeance Room

2018 Roster

Mainstage Productions

The Vengeance Room
By Michael Hagins
Directed by Janelle Zapata Castellano
February 14 - March 5, 2018 | FRIGID New York Festival at Under St. Marks and The Kraine Theater


Step it Up! Workshops

”Crowdfunding for Shows”
Facilitated by Jessica Massart of Kickstarter
December 4, 2018 | The Tesla at LMHQ


R & D (Reading & Drinking) Sessions

The House in Quezon City by Benjamin Ernest-Abraham
March 29, 2018 | SoHo Spaces

The Line and Stranger by Nicholas Vasilos Pappas
October 14, 2018 | The Tank NYC

2017 Season

Rehearsal still from Snipped/Cut/Tied: Una Noche de Magia

2017 Roster

Mainstage Productions

A Crisis Called New York
By Alisha Espinosa
Directed by Benjamin Ernest-Abraham
February 15-March 3, 2017 | FRIGID New York Festival at The Kraine Theater

Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona: A Swashbuckling Comedy
Directed by Ariel Leigh Cohen and Michael Hagins
Presented by Step1 Theatre Project and C.A.G.E. Theater
August 5-11, 2017 | Shakespeare in the Theatre Festival at The Brick

Snipped/Cut/Tied: Una Noche de Magia
Three Short Plays by Desi Moreno-Penson
Directed by Janelle Zapata Castellano
June 16-July 1, 2017 | Planet Connections Theatre Festivity | Flamboyán Theater at The Clemente

Artists United for Puerto Rico: Hurricane Relief Benefit
November 13, 2017 | The Physics Theater in the Times Square Arts Center


Step it Up! Workshops

Creating Trans & Non-Binary Narratives for Performance
Facilitated by Ashley Lauren Rogers
July 11, 2017 | LMHQ


R & D (Reading & Drinking) Sessions

The House in Quezon City by Benjamin Ernest-Abraham
March 29, 2018 | SoHo Spaces

2016 Season

Rehearsal still from Who Am I?

2016 Roster

Mainstage Productions

Who Am I
By Rodney Reyes
Directed by Janelle Zapata Castellano
June 17 - July 8, 2016 | Planet Connections Theater Festivity at
The Paradise Factory

Who Are You? A 24-Hour Pride Fest!
Benefiting the Audre Lorde Project
June 26, 2016 | Standard Toykraft

Falsehoods, Fallacies & Fairy Tales
By Ashley Lauren Rogers
December 7-12, 2016 | The Royal Theatre at The Producers Club