MultiStages

Mission: Founded in 1997 by Artistic Director Lorca Peress, MultiStages' mission is to provide a platform for playwrights and artists to collaborate, develop, and celebrate the fusion of art forms and cultures. These new works challenge audiences to examine events that impact us today and inspire conversations and actions through Script Development Series, Festivals & New Works Contests.
 
GRANTS/AWARDS (Selected): Creative Engagement Grants (LMCC, DCA), Cherry Lane Alternative Gift, N.W. Dible Foundation, A.R.T./New York Relief Fund for NYC Small Theatres, the Cultural Arts Solidarity Fund administered by the Indie Theatre Fund, and Leon Levy Foundation COVID Relief Fund, administered by A.R.T./New York,  A.R.T./New York Relief Fund for NYC Small Theatres, Cultural Arts Solidarity Fund - Indie Theatre Fund, NYMF Next Link Project; Innovative Theatre Nominations, HOLA Awards.

2026 - ReproEco: Tomorrow Is Now
(9/9-10/4, Theatre @ the 14th St. Y) Performing in repertory with Femme Collective.
Playwrights: Diane Breeser, Cindy Cooper, Alinca Hamilton, Mildred Inez Lewis, Cassandra Medley & Laura Shamas; w/JENNIFERCHINdance, Directed by Lorca Peress. Co-Produced with ReproFreedomArts.org. https://multistages.org/category/upcoming/

2025 - JANUARY
Written by Paula Cizmar, Directed by Lorca Peress at The Theater at the 14th Street Y, NYC
Performing in repertory with Femme Collective. 
JANUARY is a play about the aftermath of traumatic violence:  A child has shot and killed another child at school. Lauren, the mother of the victim, becomes the media darling; Maya, the mother of the killer is ostracized, hounded. JANUARY is a play about people. A journey toward sanity and understanding. An attempt to turn hate into communal concern and care.

2024-25 - ReproEco: Six Short Plays with Dance Development
Plays connect our reproductive health and environment. Puffin Foundation grant

2021 - SPEAKOUT: Protest Plays & More
A virtual Festival celebrating multicultural and multidisciplinary new works that highlight the times we are living in and the stories we wish to tell through plays, film, dance, poetry, music, multimedia.
   
MULTISTAGES BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Richard Appelgren, Gena Bardwell, Bruce Baumer, Lisa Cahill, Esq., Leonard Fusco, AIA, Valorie Niccore, Lorca Peress, Renee Berliner Rush, Esq. Advisors: Joel Bassin, Ph.D., Maryann Mazzacaro, Judith Pearlman; In Memorial: Gene Frankel, William H. Hickok, Sheldon Patinkin, Maurice Peress, Anita Velez Mitchell.