2022 Artist Testimonials

“Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival was the lift my spirit has needed for quite some time. ‍The thought and care that has been put into every aspect of this festival has been mind-blowing. I’ve been in this business for over 20 years and have NEVER felt more safe and supported. Period. It's an example of what our industry could build towards making the standard. More and more we are seeing trans, nonbinary, or gender expansive characters through the lens of cis writers and creative teams, and that is one of the many reasons Breaking the Binary Festival is important. Here our being trans is not a surprise twist; it’s simply a note in the character description. When we are guiding the narrative—or the development of that narrative—you realize how much more rich and layered the stories (and life) can be. This festival is giving many TNB2S+ people a chance to feel seen. That is what true representation looks like. Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival was the perfect serving of soul food. It IS possible to develop work in rooms where folks feel valued and thought of… IT IS POSSIBLE." - 2022 Tony Award-nominee L Morgan Lee (she/her)

"Our entire team was expressed how the ground of care felt supportive and unique by knowing our very beings were affirmed by the institution itself. What this created was a space of such freedom that experimentation was able to happen quickly while also maintaining deep roots. I wish there were more devoted organizations like this and look forward to working with BTBTF more." - Jack Ferver (they/them)

"Some of the best writing, process, and people I’ve had the honor of working with in a long time. Thank you to Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival!" - Ianne Fields Stewart (she/they)

"For an industry in which transgender and non-binary people are overlooked and underemployed, a festival that celebrates new work by and for our community is sorely needed." - Samy Nour Younes Figaredo (he/him/they/them)

"A total dream to be in the room with all Trans/Non Binary artists and collaborators. Thank you to everyone at Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival for your care and attention to detail." - b norwood (they/them/b)

"Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival serves as a radiant example for what the future of theatre could and should be like. It is so rare to feel as held and seen as I felt working at the BTBTF. These folks interrogate that question every hour they put into bringing this festival to life. If the whole of our American theatrical industry reflected and embodied the values that the BTBTF defends with such care, we would see a dramatic shift in our world, improving the quality of life of those involved in this industry and the work they produce. At no point in the process did I have to leave a piece of myself at the door. BTBTF centers sustainability, healing, pride, and the abundantly magical lives and stories of TNB2S+ artists. This work is life affirming/saving/enriching work." - Eliana Coe (they/she)

"Some moments in life are so life affirming that you can’t help but to feel you are in the right place at the right time and to be in a room that is not run by as team of cis-white men changes everything! I am hoping to be in many more of these rooms as time goes on because there was truly nothing like this. These are necessary spaces, spaces which we feel safe, free, and lifted up together." - Spencer Weidie (they/them)

"Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival is doing the work that is so desperately needed in our community: providing a safe and supportive space for storytelling, exploration and collaboration among trans theatre artists. I am excited for the future of BTBTF and the possibilities that exist for trans artists when a space is cultivated with this level of care and thoughtfulness." - Morgan Sullivan (he/they)

"The space was nourishing, fun, joyful, challenging, refreshing. I felt connected, understood, and expansive at every step. What a blast. What an honor. " - Logan Rozos (he/him)

"In all of the best ways, this process has been radically different from every professional theatrical production I have been a part of. I had no idea work could be so healing. Thank you thank you thank you." - Anonymous

"The festival holistically created and manifested an energy of community and creativity. Every detail of artist care was considered, and I felt well supported. It was excellently executed." - Anonymous

"Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival is a space where, for the first time as a Trans artist, I can focus all of my energy solely on the work and not on making sure that the room I am in understands my existence. In short, this festival affirms Trans lives. This festival saves Trans lives." - Anonymous