wtf.
In 2014, we set out to create a show unlike anything we’d ever seen. Our goal was to use our theatrical training and fascination with reality television to create a performance based experience that would break all the “rules” of traditional theatergoing. That means whereas most shows forbade you from eating, drinking, talking to the person next to you or using your cell phone, we required it.
We hosted our first experience September 6, 2014 in a small studio in Brooklyn. Since then, we produced over 35 events in NYC, Detroit and Washington, DC for the general public and private clients. Throughout this site you’ll find a snapshot of that work.
The world continues to be in flux so we've paused our in person programming. But we always have another trick up our sleeves. If you have a special request or want to know more, be in touch. We love to dream.
-Team Show:UP!
CAM & ABI 2014 | 8 Experiences
CAM & ABI 2014 | 8 Experiences
Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Bed Stuy, Brooklyn
Trinidad, Washington, DC
Harlem, NYC
The inaugural Best Dinner Party Ever experience centered on a couple on the cusp of an engagement or a break-up, depending on which person you asked. Over the course of three subsequent experiences, the story evolved by switching the perspective of the characters, their sexual identities and their life circumstances.
Cam - Nickolas Vaughan
Abi - Jillian Green
QUINCY & TATE 2015 | 6 Experiences
QUINCY & TATE 2015 | 6 Experiences
Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Petworth, Washington, DC
Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Our second universe centered Quincy, a feisty woman in love with her boyfriend Tate. She wants nothing more than to be a star with a hit record produced by him, but it seems he might be giving more than his best records to his protégé, the mysterious Corena Holz. These experiences were the first to include choreographed performances and music recorded expressly for the character.
Quincy - Marinda Anderson
Tate - Nickolas Vaughan
Corena Holz - Brittany N. Williams
Recorded music produced by Andre Danek.
THE FAMILY WARREN 2015 | 2 Experiences
Harlem, NYC
THE FAMILY WARREN 2015 | 2 Experiences
Harlem, NYC
Rival siblings unknowingly plan simultaneous parties at their family’s deluxe penthouse. Forced to deal with each other, they confront longstanding tensions, debate the value of generational wealth and unearth family secrets. This was the first experience to feature three hosts, and include original music written for a Show:UP! Experience.
Monet - Amber Iman
Reggie - Nickolas Vaughan
London - Brittany N. Williams
Big Reggie - G. Alvarez Reid
Original music composed by Darius M. Smith
ANGELIQUE & MALIK 2016 | 2 Experiences
ANGELIQUE & MALIK 2016 | 2 Experiences
Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn
Cousins who grew up together have to accept that they have grown apart. But as they pursue their artistic dreams, they face the big questions about “what is art” and “what is responsible”. Not to mention they each have their own grande delusions…
Angelique - Marinda Anderson
Malik - Nickolas Vaughan
Makeda Abraham
QUINCY & TREVOR 2016 | 3 Experiences
QUINCY & TREVOR 2016 | 3 Experiences
Detroit, MI
The temperamental diva-in-training from “Quincy & Tate” is back in a new storyline, with unique twists. Quincy is still seeking superstardom, but she also has to wrestle with questions of fidelity while Tate has to define, and perhaps defend, his sexual orientation. And they manage all of this while getting acclimated to The Motor City.
Quincy - Marinda
Trevor - Jude Tibeau
Special Videographer: Memphis Vaughan
AJ & KEITH 2016 | 1 Experience
AJ & KEITH 2016 | 1 Experience
Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn
AJ throws a going away party for his buddy Keith! This compact experience explored the complex relationship between straight and gay friends, as well as the unfortunate realities of unrequited love.
AJ & Keith was presented once in Brooklyn.
Creative Collaborators: Jude Tibeau & Nickolas Vaughan
CITY OF DREAMS 2017-18 | 5 Episodes
CITY OF DREAMS 2017-18 | 5 Episodes
Bed Stuy, Brooklyn
City of Dreams was an episodic series of experiences that followed a group of thirty-something New Yorkers with ever intersecting lives and dreams. Five episodes were presented during a ten-month period. The story was told in real time and audiences could follow characters on Instagram to keep up with the drama between episodes. Venues included private homes and two Black owned art galleries, The Bishop Gallery and Medium:Tings.
Main
Oni - Marinda Anderson
Rebecca - Jamie Ann Burke
Troy - Kacey Musson
Derrick - Jude Tibeau
Carlos - Darius Vines
Special Guest
Salisha - Makeda Abraham
Malika - Charity Phalo
Episode Synopses
Episode 1: November 2017
At Bishop Gallery in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
Rebecca launches her big venture and introduces her protégé. Derrick has his doubts, and Oni makes a scene with Carlos. Friendships are fractured and a romance blossoms.
Episode 2: February 2018
Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
It’s a surprise party and somebody’s not invited. Carlos and Troy’s friendship is tested when his best friend Derrick reveals a secret.
Episode 3: April 2018
At Medium Tings gallery in Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Rebecca pivots her business after another setback. Troy awaits an important result while Oni goes silent.
Episode 4: June 2018
Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn
Derrick tries to make amends when he’s confronted with someone from his past. Carlos’ love life takes off in unexpected directions.
Episode 5: August 2018
Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn
Oni and Carlos reconcile while Rebecca implodes. An unexpected turn of events raises questions about everyone’s past. And future.
Bespoke Experiences
DELORES 2018 NYC | 3 hours
DELORES 2018 NYC | 3 hours
DELORES was a durational immersive experience that transformed a NYC office into a speakeasy environment that celebrated the fictitious “Desirea Jackson” and the very real legacy of Black female bar owners. The storytelling also explored the complicated relationship between powerful, ambitious women and the men they choose to love.
MEDIA
We regularly created video content to promote our project and enhance the overall Show:UP! All videos included below were produced and created by Team Show:UP!
Trailer #1 (2015)
Kickstarter (2015)
Etiquette & Dining (2015)
Trailer #2 (2016)
PRESS
Show:UP! Has been reviewed in multiple publications and personal blogs. Below is a sample of coverage over the years.
say hi -- we won't bite.
Drop us a line if you’d like to learn more about our work or would like to dream something up together.