Open Fist Theatre Company presents a new production of Starmites, the Tony-nominated sci-fi fantasy musical that’s a comic book come to life. With music and lyrics by Barry Keating; book by Stuart Ross and Keating; direction by Scott Peterman; and music direction by Jan Roper, this joyous, space-age, pop rock adventure is set to save the universe one song at a time beginning June 2 at Atwater Village Theatre, where performances continue through July 8.
The Open Fist production stars Talia Gloster as Eleanor, Bradley Sharper as Space Punk, and Rieves Bowers, Alex Hogy and Jasper Wong as The Starmites. Brendan Mulally is Shak Graa, and Cat Davis plays Diva alongside Elle Engelman, Lindsey Moore Ford, Sarah Martellaro and Sophie Oda as The Banshees. Also in the cast is Jack David Sharpe.
Choreography is by Becca Sweitzer, with fight choreography by Jacob Grigolia–Rosenbaum. Starmites features scenic and projection design by Peterman and Linda Strawberry, lighting design by Gavan Wyrick, and costume design by Linda Muggeridge. The production stage manager is John Dimitri.
The Open Fist Theatre Company stands with the BIPOC community, including the AAPI people within it. We believe it is every human being’s right to participate equally in our institutions and communities – to be treated equally, to have their voices heard, and to have access to equal justice.
We are committed to being a part of the radical change that is needed to dismantle oppressive systems for good, specifically the system of white supremacy. We take a firm anti-racist stance and will not tolerate anything less than that in our role as storytellers and theatre-makers.
We are also committed to celebrating, uplifting, and centering the voices and stories of people of color, with the understanding that the theatre arts serve an important role in the movement towards inclusivity and liberation.
OFTC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Open Fist Theatre Company believes it is every human being’s right to participate equally in our institutions and communities, to be treated equally under the Law, and to have access to equal justice. This is reflected by the company’s name, which combines the notion that an open spirit — embracing all people and ideas — is essential, with the idea that determination — signified by a fist — is necessary, if the theater is to remain a vital voice for social change and awareness. We are committed to being a part of the radical change that is needed to dismantle oppressive systems for good. Our policy is to take a firm anti-racist stance and will not tolerate anything less in our role as storytellers and theatre-makers.
Open Fist recognizes that past productions did not fully embrace or foster the diverse community we strive to create. We are addressing and correcting these inequities by becoming more deliberate in our inclusion of diverse artists and sharing these perspectives through the work we create. We continue to seek diverse voices for our Board and staff and challenge ourselves to speak to broader audiences. We have adopted a continuous learning mindset and understand that our racial equity work will evolve as we grow.
Open Fist Theatre Company remains committed to the creative empowerment of all its writers, directors, actors and designers; to sustaining a community that practices authentic inclusivity with the greatest possible diversity of age, race, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic backgrounds; and to engaging an audience of similar diversity in order to unlock the potential of imagination and storytelling to build a better world. Together, the Company and its patrons strive to nurture empathy by embracing and celebrating differences, and by affirming the value and agency of all human beings.
OFTC COVID Safety Protocols:
As Open Fist Theatre Company returns to live performances at Atwater Village Theatre, we want our patrons to know that their safety is our top priority. All of our artists and production staff have been vaccinated and the production schedule at the facility has been coordinated so that audiences will arrive at separate times.
* Proof of vaccination will be required of all patrons, and masks required throughout the performance.
* Admittance is limited to ages 12+.
* Theater ventilation systems have been upgraded to the industry standard for COVID-19 protection. (For those who want details: our HVAC system now runs with MERV 13 filters and increased outside air. Supplemental HEPA13 air purifiers backstage and in the auditorium ensure at least 6 air changes per hour)
* As long as the rate of COVID transmission in Los Angeles County remains “substantial,” household groups will be separated by six feet on all sides.