SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

MEGAN CARNEY, artistic director, About Face Theatre, Chicago

Chicago is known for an incredible ecosystem of smaller theatres, and part of the beauty of the community is the way big vision and impact emerge in small spaces. I’m excited about Haven Chicago’s upcoming season, especially the winter production of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, directed by their new artistic director, Ian Damont Martin. Haven is known for creating dynamic environmental pieces, and I’m so looking forward to seeing Ian’s vision come to life around this massive play. First Floor Theatre is headed into their eighth season with a great lineup; I’m especially looking forward to Hutch Pimentel’s production of The Juniors by Noah Diaz—a teenage world turned upside down. It seems like a perfect match for Pimentel’s experimental sensibility and high craft with dark pop fantasia. And look out for Sideshow’s production of Pro-Am, written by Brynne Frauenhoffer and directed by Regina Victor. This play, set in the professional-amateur porn scene of Miami, knocked me out when I read it. It’s part exposé, part revolution. I think this team is going to be stirring up some great conversation.

ARMANDO MOLINA, artistic director, Company of Angels, Los Angeles

This year I’ve been following Lisa Loomer and José Cruz González. I’m particularly interested in theatre that speaks to our times and reflects questions and issues that aren’t seen on many American stages. José’s play will be seen at South Coast Repertory and the Goodman this fall. It’s the story of an all-female mariachi band in an all-male music world. And Lisa’s play will be seen in 2020 at the Goodman, but also at ZACH Theatre in Austin. Both plays are set in the ’70s but have dynamic relevance to today’s America. Here in Los Angeles, I’m also