The Makers' Ensemble Retreat began as a concept inspired by conversations with Founding Artistic Director, Dante Green, and The Makers’ Ensemble as we were navigating the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. The concept was born and continues to exist to provide safe and accessible theatre not only for the performer but for the audience member as well. This project brings together artists of different ages and artistic backgrounds, in a COVID-friendly, peaceful-natured setting.  

Year One, Retreat was a truly homegrown experience, with The Makers’ Ensemble filming two original plays, one by former Makers’ Member Claire Tumey, and one by Founding Artistic Director Dante Green,  as well as two Shakespearean works. Year Two, we expanded our Retreat by producing our first published work Passage by Christopher Chen, as well as commissioning the dynamic duo Ta-Nia to create a piece in collaboration with The Makers. This year, for Year Three, we are continuing our commitment to original works with Associate Artistic Director Cami Pileggi’s feature film premiere of their newest play Fresh Air, as well as beginning development on an ensemble-devised original musical. 

While we have created original works together as a pre-pandemic company, The Ensemble is eager to learn more about who we are today, and what stories we are interested in telling as an ensemble in this new era of creation. This musical will be created from scratch, helmed by Founding Artistic Director Dante Green, and devised and developed with the RETREAT ensemble. The 7-day workshop will culminate in a work-in-progress showing which we would love to invite you to! 

Our work-in-process showing of our Untitled Original Devised Musical will happen on Sunday, May 7th at 12:00pm at Little Pond Arts Retreat in Nazareth, PA. Free to attend. RSVP strongly encouraged.