LATEST PROJECTS
"... dependable Dobama ensures a fulfilling production, starting with director Colin Anderson, who knows his way around an intimate theater and intimate characters -- well played by an amazing ensemble led by Scott Esposito as lovelorn Jordon and Mary-Francis Miller, Kat Shy and Kat Nash as his female pals. The production design by Richard Morris, Jr., with literally spot-on lighting by Adam Ditzel, manages maximally convincing environments in minimal space." - Howard Gollop, The Chronicle
"Dobama’s production, under the clearly focused directing of Colin Anderson, is filled with fine acting, clearly-focused characterizations and well-tuned humor countered by seriousness. Significant Other is a significant contemporary play that gets an outstanding production." - Roy Berko, Cool Cleveland
Significant
Other
Significant Other | by Joshua Harmon
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I was fortunate enough to return to the Dobama Mainstage for Significant Other, a story that I care about deeply. In the post-marriage equality American landscape, a show that examines gay men's loneliness and the unique isolation of being not quite "one of the girls" and certainly not "one of the guys" feels urgent and timely.
The cast and production team were incredible partners in bringing this important story to life, which in many ways felt like the culmination of my research background. Richard Morris, Jr. designed the set, Adam Ditzel designed lights, Jim Swonger designed sound, Suwatana Rockland designed costumes, and Andy Zicari designed props. We had multiple sold-out performances and many repeat attendees.
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"Near West Theatre's The Prom is a must-see production. I laughed non-stop from start to finish. Each role is perfectly cast with remarkable talent. Near West stands out once again in how it redefines community theatre. Bravo!" - Prom Audience Member
The Prom
The Prom | book and lyrics by Bob Martin and Chad Beguilen, music by Matthew Sklar
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The first Mainstage production I directed at Near West Theatre got back to my roots in musicals and queer stories. Working with excellent collaborators including Music Director Tom Bonezzi and Asst. Director Cali Parey, this show was a popular addition to the Near West season. Many queer teens and adults that saw this production told us how much the representation meant to them in this community.
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"Dobama's treatment of The Thin Place conjures something better than the play itself ... Jeremy Paul's scenic and lighting design help give the long, narrow stage the intimate feeling the play calls for, and Richard Ingraham's sound design adds some delightful creepiness. These elements, along with Colin Anderson's purposeful direction of this production of The Thin Place create a goosebumpy vibe that envelopes the audience in an atmosphere of seance." - Sherri Gross, The News Herald
The Thin Place
The Thin Place | by Lucas Hnath
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The first Mainstage production I directed on Dobama's stage was The Thin Place, a haunting play about grief, closure, and the power of the mind. Working with Set and Lighting Designer Jeremy Paul, Costume Designer Markie Baiza, and Sound Designer Richard Ingraham, we created an immersive, subtle experience that was met with gasps (and sometimes even screams) each night.
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WINNER - Best Lighting Design, Cleveland Critics Circle 2022
I'm Alive You Bastards and I Always Will Be
I'm Alive You Bastards and
I Always Will Be | by Roxie Perkins
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In 2019, I Co-Founded Nightbloom Theatre Company with Casey Venema. Our inaugural production of I'm Alive... was self-produced and co-directed. The play explores the suppression of adolescent girlhood, particularly as it relates to queer girls, and the fact that violence (however justified) still has consequences. The play featured only body-produced sound and significant stage violence, and it employed a full production team.
The Baltimore Waltz
The Baltimore Waltz | by Paula Vogel
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As part of my honors thesis at Oberlin College about the queer character in American fiction and drama, I directed a production of The Baltimore Waltz inspired by Meyerhold's production of The Government Inspector. I added a score of music and "Lady Blues," as inspired by Fierstein, to tell the retroactive narrative of AIDS survivor's guilt and contrast the play's campy atmosphere.
Ordinary Days
Ordinary Days | by Adam Gwon
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While at Oberlin, I directed Ordinary Days for the Oberlin College Theatre Department. I was drawn to the piece for its portrayal of Warren, a gay man struggling to find his place, who chooses to carry on. Conceptually, I contrasted Astrobright and cardboard, the exceptional and the mundane, as they exist in everyday life.
Next to
Normal
Next to Normal | by Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey
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Next to Normal raises many important questions, particularly the ethics around how we treat women with mental illnesses. Directing this production at Oberlin, I partnered with several mental health organizations both on campus and in the surrounding area to provide resources and hold talkbacks about the material.