OUR HISTORY
In March 2020, theaters across the U.S. were suspending performances due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
By May 2020, in the throes of quarantine orders and loss nationwide, we saw that we wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon. We couldn't see a light.
So, we brought one.
One Facebook post and Zoom link later, a few 20-somethings started reading short plays and invited the playwrights in for discussion. Then, weekly, themed conversations evolved into educational workshops and festivals. Five remarkable theatre professionals came together to form the Board of Directors. Soon, we had artists joining us from all over the world. And thus, Theatre Unmasked was born.
We're so grateful you're here. Don't forget to say 'hey' to our fearless leaders before you go.
MEET THE BOARD
GISELLE MUISE FOUNDER + Artistic Director Giselle Muise is a NYC-based actor, singer/songwriter, playwright and educator. Notable credits include: Jobsite Theater’s The Threepenny Opera (Polly Peachum), TampaRep’s Stupid Fucking Bird (Nina), and FringeNYC’s Full: The Musical (Emily). Other credits include Sweet Charity (Nickie), 9 Parts of Desire (Layal) and Shruti Gupta Can Totally Deal (Shruti) at American Stage’s 21st Century Voices: New Play Festival. Most recently, as a result of live theatre’s brief hiatus, Giselle founded Theatre Unmasked—a virtual group that explores important contemporary stories and facilitates conversation around unique and marginalized voices in the theatre. Her passion lies in finding deep connection and self-actualization through theatre and music, as well as the written word. IG: @giselle_my_bell |
BRYNNE PIESCO CO-FOUNDER + Marketing Director Brynne Piesco is a Marketing professional based in Central Florida and is Theatre Unmasked’s Marketing Director. She currently runs TU's Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Spotify and Discord accounts so, if you're on our socials, say hi! While she started out as an actor, she has recently found a passion for directing. Some of her favorite directing credits include The Addams Family Musical, Shit Show, PROM, Sink Blinks, Little Pieces, and Everlasting Chocolate Therapy! She has a BA in Theatre Performance from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!), and when not participating in theatre she can be found running her Etsy shop, recording audiobooks or annoying her friends with useless movie trivia. IG: @brynneburger |
TARRYN STEYN Diversity, equity and inclusion director Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa Tarryn is an actress, singer , producer and podcast host. Tarryn graduated from The Waterfront Theatre College with her LTCL in Drama and Musical Theatre Performance,LTCL in Musical Theatre teaching and ISTD Advanced levels of dance in Modern, Jazz and Tap. Tarryn's theatre credits include Hairspray, The Night Thoreau spent in Jail, Dracula - The Rock Opera, Failure to Lunch , Boo, Face The Music and Peppa Pig to name a few. Her screen credits include Homeland, Projek Dina, Sara Se Geheim and Nothing is Real Except this One Thing. Tarryn spent 4 years working for the Walt Disney Company on board one of their cruise ships. Tarryn is currently the host of the podcast "I Hope I get It" and the founder of Citizen Femme Productions. IG: @tarrynsteyn |
NICHOLAS HIPPLE partnerships Director Nicholas Hipple is a Theatre and Labor Management professional based in New York City. Nich joined the Theatre Unmasked Board of Directors as the Partnerships Director in the fall of 2020. Prior to facilities work, Nich designed and constructed sets in Virginia. In his spare time, Nich acts in virtual productions ranging from ten minute plays to full-length productions. His professional passions lie in making theatre more financially and physically accessible for all patrons, as well as exploring new ways to lift traditionally marginalized voices in the theatre. IG: @nichhipple |
SHAYNE MCCATTY Literary Director Shayne McCatty is an actor/director based in Virginia Beach, VA. He is currently the Drama Director for Celebrate Jesus Ministries and is Theatre Unmasked’s Literary Director. As a graduate of the Visual and Performing Arts Academy and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Shayne is an avid theatre lover and supporter. Some of his favorite theatrical credits include Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods, Aslan in Narnia the Musical, Director for Hairspray, and Director of original musicals Hutchins Farm and The Big Apple. When not doing theatre, Shayne can be found running his photography business, writing and producing music, or spreading kindness wherever he goes. IG: @mrmccatty |
