Youth Forum Theatre Troupe (Ithaca, NY)

A program for 7th-12th graders to explore issues that matter in our community and create an interactive play that aims to impact that issue. ​Starts September 22, 2026.

​Exploring Belonging Through Storytelling (Virtual)

In this four-part virtual course, I’ll guide participants in exploring Jewish belonging, what it means to us, and how we can create a greater sense of belonging through storytelling, writing and movement. No prior theatrical experience is needed! Adults of all ages are welcome. Starts October 5, 2026.

Viewpoints Jam (Ithaca, NY)

Viewpoints is a physical theater methodology that offers a set of tools to explore and create together with more intentionality. Come play, learn a new skill or deepen your practice!​ September 19, 2026.

Music composed by Alec Staples
Lyrics by Becca Blackmore and Alec Staples
Book by Becca Blackmore
Conceived by Alec Staples, Sarah Plotkin, Becca Blackmore and the Fall Creek Brass Band
Directed by Sarah Plotkin

A New Family-Friendly Adventure from the Fall Creek Brass Band!

The Fall Creek Brass Band is creating an original musical. Step into the hidden world of the Brassquatch, a legendary forest-dwelling community with a sound as big as their footprints. When our young hero fails his coming-of-age ritual, he’s thrust into an unexpected journey to discover who he is, where he belongs, and what it truly means to find your voice.

Blending New Orleans-style brass, gospel, pop, and musical theatre, Brassquatch! The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical will bring a funky, joyful sound to the stage, powered by the live energy of the Fall Creek Brass Band.

The Hangar Theatre is pleased to support this concert reading presented by the Fall Creek Brass Band. It will be produced with minimal staging and scripts in hand, with a focus on the storytelling and original music.

Performances:
July 27, 2026 at 7:30 pm
August 3, 2026 at 7:30 pm

Book Adapted by Mary Hall Surface
from the stories by Ogden Nash
Music by Brad Ross
Lyrics by Danny Whitman
Directed by Sarah Plotkin
Music Directed by Kristin Zaryski

Custard is an anxious dragon whose friends–a dog, a cat, and a little gray mouse–mock his nervous nature in this charming family musical based on the work of the beloved American poet Ogden Nash. When a pirate bursts into their home, the others hide, but Custard bravely confronts the invader, revealing his true strength and showing everyone that real courage can come from the most unexpected places.

Performances: 
Friday, July 10 @ 10 am
Friday, July 10 @ Noon
Saturday, July 11 @ 10 am
Saturday, July 11 @ Noon
Sunday, July 12 @ Noon

Get a sneak peak of Fall Creek Brass Band's new original musical! We'll share a selection of scenes and songs from Brassquatch! and round out the evening with some classic Fall Creek tunes.

More about Brassquatch! The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical:
Step into the hidden world of the Brassquatch, a legendary forest-dwelling community with a sound as big as their footprints. When our young hero fails his coming-of-age ritual, he’s thrust into an unexpected journey to discover who he is, where he belongs, and what it truly means to find your voice.

Blending New Orleans-style brass, gospel, pop, and musical theatre, Brassquatch: The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical! will bring a funky, joyful sound to the stage, powered by the live energy of the Fall Creek Brass Band.

WHEN: Thursday, April 30th, 7:00pm
WHERE: Cherry Arts (102 Cherry Street, Ithaca, NY)

By: Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub
Director: Sarah Plotkin
Music Director: Enaw Elonge
Choreographer: Jessie Jones

Performance Times:

• 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 20
• 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 21
• 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 21
• 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 22

CASTING NOTICE
Brassquatch: The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical!
An original new musical by the Fall Creek Brass Band

What We’re Looking For
Actors auditioning for Brassquatch: The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical! must be able to play trumpet, trombone, or saxophone in a jazz style at a high school level or above. Performers will be expected to play their instrument as part of the production. Ability to read music strongly preferred. Strong actors, singers, and musicians who are excited to help develop a brand-new musical are encouraged to audition. Actors of all ages, races, and genders welcome to apply.

Rehearsal & Development Timeline

• March 28th - Virtual table read (timing TBD)
• April 17th - In-person read/sing at the Hangar Theatre (evening)
  • Approximately 10 hours of rehearsal prior
• April 30th (tentative date) - Performance as part of Ithaca Fringe Festival (evening)
• July 27th - Staged reading at the Hangar Theatre (evening)
  • Approximately 20 hours of rehearsal prior

About the Show
Step into the hidden world of the Brassquatch, a legendary forest-dwelling community with a sound as big as their footprints. When our young hero fails his coming-of-age ritual, he’s thrust into an unexpected journey to discover who he is, where he belongs, and what it truly means to find your voice.
Blending New Orleans-style brass, gospel, pop, and musical theatre, Brassquatch: The Fall Creek Brass Band Musical! brings a funky, joyful, danceable sound to the stage—powered by the live energy of the Fall Creek Brass Band. Learn more at fallcreekbrassband.com.

Compensation
Paid position, non-union.

How to Audition
Interested performers should submit a resume and headshot to Sarah Plotkin (director), by March 1st.
Email: sarahbplotkin@gmail.com

​Turning Back to Ourselves, a workshop led by Dalya Tamir, Kathy Lucas, and myself, explores the pain of self-abandonment, self-judgment, self-doubt, and even self-hatred that women too often experience. Drawing on Buddhist practices, the course offers women a path to turn back and embrace themselves with kindness and love. Through teachings, meditation, movement, and storytelling the participants will be guided to reconnect with their own innate wisdom, creativity, and aliveness, opening their hearts to themselves.

Thursdays from September 4th - November 13th
Registration required
​

Saviana Stanescu, Playwright
Sarah Plotkin, Direction
Samuel Buggeln, Archive research / script development

Clara is a Romanian journalism professor who broke up with Bucharest and has been traveling the world for fifteen years. In 2020, she finally gets that Cornell fellowship and comes to Ithaca — just in time to be quarantined with COVID-19. But in her empty apartment she is not alone—she lives in the old Treman mansion on Geneva Street. As fever takes over, Clara investigates the true history of the powerful Treman family who made the Mansion their home. As fever deepens in two different times, the Tremans and Clara wrestle with the politics and ethics of epidemic. 

Show Schedule:
Fri April 11th 7:30pm | Sat April 12th 7:30pm | Sun April 13th 2:00pm
Thurs April 17th 7:30pm | Fri April 18th 7:30pm | Sat April 19th 2:00pm and 7:30pm | Sun April 20th 2:00pm