Plays Ben Holbrook is a Brooklyn-based (originally from NC) playwright, filmmaker, and creator of digital and live experiences whose works have been produced, developed, or commissioned by: The Brick, The High Line, The Prism Festival (Makers Ensemble and Judson Church), Theatre Untitled, The Exponential Festival, Fundamental Theater Project, Ruddy Productions, The Samuel French OOB Festival, The Mercury Store, The New York International Fringe Festival, The Memphis Fringe Festival, The Motor Company, Wildwind Performance Lab, Voices of the South (TN), Ugly Rhino(LA), Seoul Players (SK), Holiday House, Find the Light (LA), The Irish Arts Council, 45th Street Block Association, and Paper Lantern Theatre Company (NC). Films His films have been seen at the Big Apple Film Festival, The Imaginarium Convention, The Comedy of Horrors Festival, The Sickest Short Films Festival, and The Films Open Mic Festival. Fellowships/Awards Ben has been awarded the Williamstown Theatre Festival Residency, Edward Albee Foundation fellowship, the Drama League Rough Draft Residency (partnering with Sam Underwood), Fresh Ground Pepper’s Playground Playgroup Residency, The New Concepts Theatre Lab at UNC-Greensboro, Magic Time at Judson Church, he is the inaugural recipient of the Peter Shaffer Award for Excellence in Playwriting, and a winner of the 47th Samuel French OOB Short Play Festival. Facilitation and Mentoring Ben has also been a facilitator, helping other writers to develop their work, during Fresh Ground Pepper’s 2022 BRB retreat and 2024 PlayGround PlayGroup writer’s residency and has been a playwriting mentor for NYU/Playwrights Horizons theatre school (spring 2023).
Futurism and Speculation Also a budding futurist, Ben Holbrook enjoys exploring our futures from a mythological perspective in his writing, but has also worked with Extrapolation Factory, a design based research studio for participatory futures studies, to create pieces for The Ford Motor Company, Walker Art Center, and (currently) Ikea’s Space 10. Ben is the co-owner of Full Metal Workshop, an LLC that creates web based experiences, both original and for clients.
Death Avenue Posse (2024): An hour long one act, told through the lens of the West Side’s mounted signalmen in 1941, “Death Avenue Posse” explores NYC’s continual cycles of urban decadence and “renewal,”peeling up layers of modernity to show that the past is never past and that progress has many dimensions. Selected and produced by The High Line to be performed during the West Side Fest and developed by The Motor Company. “Death Avenue Posse” was performed twice on July 14th 2024 on the High Line at 30th and 10th for over 200 audience members.
Death Avenue Posse on the High Line (2024)
(The Giant Sleeps) Between Two Rivers (2024): Commissioned by The Motor Company to be their main stage show in 2024, ‘(the giant sleeps) Between Two Rivers is a playful, poetic look at the aspirations and inner fire that fuel all who’ve ever landed on New York’s shores. It follows three ambitious New Netherlanders recently arrived to the original Dutch settlement; a waterlogged newcomer washed ashore, searching for purpose and footing on this unfamiliar island; and a gaggle of competing city officials each hungry to see their needs met as they navigate the shifting tides of climate change and “urban renewal.” Based on equal parts historical research, contemporary interviews with long-term New Yorkers, and the heartfelt imagination of award-winning playwright Ben Holbrook, Between Two Rivers explores what it means to make your way in this wild city. How do we find belonging? What nourishes us on our journey? How do we build a truly sustainable future together in this city where dreams are made of?’ Commissioned and Developed by The Motor Company as their 2024 main stage show and performed at The Battery for 3 weeks. Their largest selling show to date.
“(the giant sleeps) Between Two Rivers” at The Battery (2024)
The Dastardly Thornes v the Town ofGoldhaven (2023): After the most rootinest, tootinest showdown in local history, the town of Goldhaven, Arizona has (despite its lack of infrastructure) decided to carry out due process and put the treacherous Thorne gang (a family of outlaws) on trial. The town theatre, being the largest building in town, becomes the hotspot for this legal spectacle, the only catch, per their agreement with the mayor, everything performed on their stage is liable to be scrutinized, dramatized and set to music by their artistic director. Pull up a chair, crack open a can of beans and rub shoulders with an audience full of outlaws, neer-do-wells, and horses with ill-intent, as the local acting troupe performs each testimony with gusto, slowly revealing the lascivious lies and troubling truths that led to the most violent shootout in town history. “Goldhaven,” an immersive, comedic western musical, by Ben Holbrook and Nate Weida, explores contradicting colonizing narratives and themes of toxicity, manifest destiny, beans, and the ownership of history. Developed at WildWind Performance Lab at Texas Tech and given a full production at The Brick (NYC). Goldhaven was met with great acclaim and ran for 3 fully sold out weeks. An album is in the works.
Goldhaven at The Brick (2023)
User Agreement (2021): Set in the near future. Sy and Theo, two souls, potentially soul mates, attempt to navigate their bond in a world enhanced by the wonders of technology, AI, and the occasional talking octopus. Building a relationship based on good music, deep conversation, and strong boundaries feels natural to them, but their beautiful bond finds itself struggling against a world turned upside down by the demons of human nature and the need for capital, causing them to wonder if, in a society designed to be more complex and visible than ever, it is possible for two simple souls to truly connect. Developed with The Shelter NYC and then taken down to The WildWind Performance Lab at Texas Tech for further development with their students and Kennedy Center fellows. Received public readings with both institutions. User Agreement was a 2023 O’Neill Finalist, as well as a finalist at Juilliard, Ars Nova, and Bushwick Starr. It was selected for Theatre Untitled’s 2024 reading series, where it was given a staged reading at Open Jar Studios.
Reading of “User Agreement” produced by Theatre Untitled at Open Jar Studios (2024)
The Church of the First Order of Cloud City…(2018): The citizens of Cloud City, a floating city and the peak of human ingenuity, have gathered to worship the cloud, just like every other Sunday, or so they think. Complications and hilarity ensue when the congregation of the first order of Cloud City are joined by dissatisfied citizens, dissenting robots, and a bunch of mutant ding dongs from the “Underworld”. Join our congregation as the Church of the First Order of Cloud City celebrates its inaugural unification service. An immersive science fiction musical church experience developed with Nate Weida (composer) as a part of Fresh Ground Pepper’s Playground Playgroup. Received staged readings at Fresh Ground Pepper Festival and Magic Time at Judson Church. Was then redeveloped for the 2024 Prism Festival at Judson Church as a concert style reading.
Cloud City at Judson Church for Prism Fest (2024)
“Myth Called Picnic” by Nate Weida from “…Cloud City…”
Ghost on the Black Gulf (2018): It’s 2010 on the Mississippi coast and Aenid, her son, Percy, and her adopted mother Mémé find their entire way of life disrupted by the oil spill that poisons everything it touches. Soon, the pressures on their lives increase, as insurmountable forces, both natural and supernatural, seep into their lives, in this meditation on family, greed, social structures, and subversion. Developed at UNC-Greensboro’s New Concepts Theatre Lab. Has received 1 public reading
Goddess of the Wine Dark Sea (2017): ” I’d like to tell you another tale of love and war and the struggles we mortals must suffer through. This time, it’s Achilles, the Goddess born son of the sea, rolling in the night with his lovers Patroclus and Briseis, as the Trojan War rages on outside of their camp. When the war, however, forces Achilles into the light, he and soon she, must decide for herself, her place and legacy in this vast time fluid, gender fluid, sexuality fluid world of gods and monsters.” -Tiresias Developed at the Drama League Rough Draft Residency and the Edward Albee Foundation Fellowship. Given public readings at the Dramatist Guild and NC State University.
Sinners on a Southbound Bus (2016): Set during a late night bus ride on a warm, misty Alabama night, “Sinners on a Southbound Bus” is a dramatic/comedic meditation on fear, morality, and the ghosts we leave behind. When Trudy, a quick-thinking young woman, finds herself in the presence of the rash, charismatic Morgan and his more stoic associate, Silas, she sees an opportunity to alleviate some of her boredom on the long, hot bus ride to Dothan. The pleasant conversation, however, takes an ominous turn after an encounter with the police reveals that the two men share a dark, potentially violent secret, which could place every passenger in danger. Trudy, nevertheless, still sees the good in Morgan and, through their budding friendship, finds a connection that forces him to face demons that make every mile more dangerous and every confrontation more volatile, as they head towards their inevitable destination. Developed with Ruddy Productions. 10 minute version was first produced at the Ruddy New Works Festival, later given a production at Yeolim Hall for the Seoul Players’ 10 minute play festival in Seoul, SK. The full length version was first produced at the NY International Fringe Festival and was reviewed as a “Best Bet” and a “Fringe Fave”. Later fully produced at University of Memphis and again at Voices of the South for the Memphis Fringe Festival.
The Whale and the Dog Star (2014): Henry Wilder is supposed to be suffering alone, sitting at his desk, poring over the data streaming from the massive radio telescope over his head. Henry Wilder cannot suffer alone, however, for he is surrounded by weirdos—weirdos with dreams, dysfunctions, and academic distinctions of their own. So Henry, his band of astrophysicists, and a janitor burdened with a god complex suffer together as they navigate love, loss, villainous TV dinners, depressed astronauts, star men, and a lost whale floating alone through the cosmos. What emerges is “The Whale and the Dog Star,” a piece of theater that is simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking, hilarious and thought-provoking. First public reading at the Mass Rhetoric New Works Festival, Winner of the Peter Shaffer Award, developed and fully produced by Fundamental Theater Project. Featured on New Play Exchange’s best plays about astronomy. The book version can be purchased here, or most online book retailers.
Jarielle Whitney and Jamaal Anthony in ‘Chemistry’
ONE ACTS
This is a Relic (2021): details coming soon…
Oracular Recall (2019): Join 3 divine sisters as they embody several generations, all observing this moment in time from the past, present, and future, while the audience samples dishes and herbs, which provoke their memories. Over the corse of 25 minutes, they playfully examine gentrification, climate change, and learning to love problematic loved ones in this meditation on time, community, our senses, and changing perspectives. Oracular Recall was commissioned and developed by The Motor Company and made its debut at the 2019 Communal Spaces Festival in NYC.
Jaz Astwood in Oracular Recall
Chemistry (2018): Jojo has a new job! She’s taken it upon herself to memorize and deliver messages in her cozy Brooklyn neighborhood. One message, however, finds her engaging in a fascinating conversation with Thad, which ranges from love, to sex, to chemicals, in this short one act. Chemistry was commissioned and developed by The Motor Company and made it’s debut at the 2018 Laundryfest.
THEATER PRODUCTION HISTORY
TheDeath Ave Posse (Hour Long One Act) – NYC, 2024 Selected and produced by the High Line and Commissioned by the Motor Company for West Side Fest 2024. Was given 2 performances on The High Line on the day of West Side Fest and was attended by over 200 people.
The poster for The Death Avenue Posse being presented after show.
The Church of the First Order of Cloud City’s Inaugural Unity Jamboree (full length musical)- NYC, 2024 A full length musical developed at Fresh Ground Pepper’s Playground Playgroup and produced by Prism Festival (Maker’s Ensemble and Judson Church) as a concert style reading at Judson Church.
“Cloud City” at Judson Church. Photo by Angel J. Rivas.
The Giant Sleeps Between Two Rivers (full length play) – NYC, 2024 Full length play, commissioned and produced by The Motor Company as their main stage show, in collaboration with The Battery. Given a 3 week run in spring of 2024, which resulted in it being The Motor Company’s most attended show ever.
Giovanni Naarendorp, David Hernandez, and Marvin Riggins in “the giant sleeps Between Two Rivers.”
The Dastardly Thornes v The Town of Goldhaven (full length musical)- NYC 2023 A full length musical given a full 3 week production at The Brick. After previews, the entire run sold out.
from Goldhaven Review in Hi! DramaFrom Goldhaven review in Staff Picks.
Oracular Recall Trilogy (collection of one acts) — NYC 2019, 2021, 2022
“Oracular Recall,” “This is a Relic,” and “What Grows?”. Three 30 minute, one act, immersive, multimedia theatre productions, fully commissioned and produced by the Motor Company for their Communal Spaces Festivals in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Averi Israel and Lauren T. Mack in “This is a Relic”
Sinners on a Southbound Bus (full length) — NYC, 2016, 2018
Full length one act given full production at the Kraine Theater by Ruddy Productions for the 2016 New York International Fringe Festival. Reviewed as a “Best Bet” by Theatre is Easy, extended as a “Fringe Fave” (due to having the highest sales and reviews in its venue). Additional production at the Memphis Fringe Festival in 2018 at Voices of the South. A film version is currently under option with Strange Orbit Films.
The Whale and the Dog Star (full length) — NYC, 2013, 2016, 2018
Official selection for Fundamental Theater Project’s Mass Rhetoric New Works Festival (2013). Also given a produced stage reading as a part of the Peter Shaffer Award ceremony at Symphony Space (2016). World premiere (full production) at Alchemical Theatre Lab 2018. Available for purchase.
Peter Shaffer award ceremony.
The Virtue of the French Broom (one act) – LA, 2016
One act play written for/given full production by “Find the Light”. An immersive theatre experience, focusing on experiences in mental health, performed in LA.
A Swing of the Axe (or The Consequences of Nihilism) (one act) — LA, 2015
One act play written for/performed and produced by Ugly Rhino (LA) for Tiny Rhino.
Sanctuary Park (produced reading) — NYC, 2014
One act play commissioned by the Irish Arts Council and the West 45th St Block Association. Given a produced reading at Matthews Palmer Park in Hell’s Kitchen.
The Clockwork King (one act) — NC, 2014, NYC 2017
One act play selected for Paper Lantern Theatre’s “Get Your Fright On” night of staged readings. Performed in Triad Stage’s UpStage Cabaret. Later produced for Fundamental Theater Project’s Plays, Pints & Party!: Fright Night
Alone With Friends(one act)— NYC, 2013
One act play commissioned for and given full production at the 2013 Holiday House by Fundamental Theater Project.
Land’s End(reading) — NYC, 2013
Full length play reading for Fundamental Theater Project’s Think Tank series.
Turkey (one act), Holiday House — NYC, 2012
One act play given full production at the 2012 Holiday House by Fundamental Theater Project.
Sam Underwood and Spencer Aste in “Turkey”
Nectar(one act available in English & Spanish) — NYC, 2012
One act play performed for Fundamental Theater Project’s Play n’ a Pint series.
Wind Pipe(one act) — NYC, 2011
One act play directed and produced by Bruce Ornstein at the Roy Arias Payan Theater.
Michael Coppola, Katie Healy, and Nabil Traboulsi in “Sinners on a Southbound Bus” at the NY Fringe.
Ben’s films have been seen at the Big Apple Film Festival, The Imaginarium Convention, The Comedy of Horrors Festival, The Sickest Short Films Festival, and The Films Open Mic Festival. His recent adaptation of his play “Sinners on a Southbound Bus” has been placed under option by Swedish production company Strange Orbit Films.
Over the past 2 years, Ben has been working with Ari Rubensteins’Curv productions and Strange Orbit Films to create a half hour short (or pilot) that centers around a man building a robotic version of himself so that it could replace him in his own life, citing the pressures of everyday life under late stage capitalism as justification. Starting off as a 7 minute short that Ben wrote on a whim during the pandemic, the script caught the attention of producers and VFX artists and grew into a collaboration between several companies. Unfortunately, production took a huge hit during the WGA and SAG strikes of 2023, which also hurt the VFX industry and production was halted at the tail end of the year. However, in order to preserve and showcase some of the assets created during the process, Ari Rubenstein and his team created a showcase short, also written by Ben, called “Error: Logic,” which showcases many of the digital assets which were created for “Ben|Bot”. The team still holds out hope that Ben|Bot can be made in the future. Feel free to inquire about details surrounding the production, or script. To watch “Error: Logic” click the link below and type the password: iflyhome.
When some friends asked Ben to cat sit for them over a summer weekend, Ben asked if he could shoot a short film in their apartment while they were away and was thrilled when they consented. Like his own personal 48 hour film festival, Ben asked around to see which friends would be available for a shoot and with the actors who replied “yes,” in mind, he wrote “The Actress” in an evening and shot it the next afternoon on a cheap Pentax DSLR, with just himself, a friend acting as a PA and his trio of incredible actors. As you would expect with such a rush job, the post production was very difficult, with sound being the main culprit. They had to do ADR for the entire piece in order to salvage the magic captured in the room, however the final product is still a hilarious piece of DIY micro filmmaking that everyone is proud of.
Vera needs to have her monologue ready by tomorrow, so she rehearses with every fiber of her being, much to the chagrin of her neighbor, Lawrence, who just wants to eat his dinner in peace. Is there a way for both of them to have what they want?
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Multimedia: Kepler’s Ark, Podcast (2021) Follow the saga of the ISS Life Preserver and it’s brilliant crew of space-faring weirdos, as they embark on a mission to terraform and populate new worlds. Their mission, however, is thrown off course when someone starts toying with the ship’s genetic material, creating 36 new, unique, and often intelligent species. What begins as a routine mission with the most qualified crew in the universe, transforms into a jungle of beautiful oddities, bizarre behavior, cosmic anomalies, and caterpillar assassination plots in this sci-fi comedy created by Ben Holbrook and directed by Andrew Scoville. Kepler’s Ark was originally commissioned by The Sheen Center in 2016, but was eventually bought back and released by Ben’s company, Full Metal Workshop.
Logo by Alex Griggs
Theatre Immaterial (2021) A result of quarantine, “Theatre Immaterial” is an experiment in imaginative inner theatre. Our audio play, masquerading as a guided meditation seeks to relax and stimulate its audience’s minds through vivid imagery and suggestive soundscapes. Theatre Immaterial made it’s debut at the 2021 Exponential Festival.
