Saturday Church FTC Events

Take a look back at our robust line-up of For the Culture events for SATURDAY CHURCH. With over 12 community partners, 8 post-show conversations, 3 community gatherings, 1 masterclass, and countless connections made while celebrating this show, we are full of gratitude for the community that gathered over the past several weeks.

In addition to the programming offered to the public, NYTW’s Education & Engagement team also collaborated with community partners to host a variety of private events, exclusive to partners’ networks of individuals who reflect the themes of the show. Specifically, youth from the Hetrick-Martin Institute joined NYTW all throughout the month of September to celebrate Saturday Church. From joining a private screening of the film, to seeing the stage musical, to hosting their own Saturday Church-themed ball at the original Saturday Church (St. Luke in the Fields), these young people engaged deeply with the themes of the show and represent the community this story aims to uplift.

Stay tuned and join us for our programming surrounding the next show in our season, TARTUFFE.

For the Culture Events

Private Movie “Re-Premiere” of Saturday Church (2017) for Community Partners
Wednesday, Sept 3
Cinema Village (22 E 12th)

NYTW staff, friends, and community members from our partners, including St. Luke in the Fields, National Queer Theater, youth from Hetrick-Martin Institute, and more, got dressed up in their red-carpet attire for pizza, popcorn, and an evening of fun at Cinema Village, a nearby independent movie theatre. Before the film’s re-premiere viewing, Director of Education & Community Engagement Psacoya Guinn moderated a conversation with writer/director Damon Cardasis and the film’s lead actor Luka Kain reflecting on the making of the film.

 

AfterWords – Designing the World of Saturday Church
Wednesday, Sept 3 – Post-Show
New York Theatre Workshop

Following the show, join us for a conversation diving into the process of creating the ambiance, space, and designs for Saturday Church. 

 

AfterWords – Exploring Interfaith & Identity
Thursday, Sept 4 – Post-Show
New York Theatre Workshop

Following the show, join us in celebrating the themes of faith, acceptance, and community in Saturday Church with a special AfterWords featuring faith leaders from a variety of religious backgrounds and those working to support queer youth and families of all identities. Whatever your own beliefs may be, gather with us in uplifting the values and points of human connection that connect us all. 

This event is presented in collaboration with Interfaith Center of NY, Judson Memorial Church, and PFLAG NYC.

 

Kiki Scene Takeover Day Party
Sunday, Sept 7th @ 4:30-6:30PM
New York Theatre Workshop – 3rd Floor Rehearsal Studio

Are there any queens in the house?! Join us for a Kiki Scene takeover on E 4th St! Come celebrate the people, stories, and vibes of Saturday Church as we share some food, drinks, music, and photo ops with community. Get dressed up and come ready to mix & mingle after the matinee (2pm) or before the evening show (7:30pm)!  

 

Masterclass with Damon Cardasis: From Screenwriting to Stage
Monday, Sept 8 @ 5:30-7 PM
Alpha Omega Dance Studio (70 E 4th St)

Join creator and book writer Damon Cardasis for a 90-minute masterclass all about adapting stories. Writer and director of the original Saturday Church film, Damon will talk through his process of creating new work inspired by real life stories, and what changes go into bringing a film to the stage. From adapting his film to a staged musical, to producing documentaries as well as producing, writing and directing narrative films, Damon will discuss his experience of storytelling across multiple mediums and offer an inside look into his multi-faceted range of work. Ideal learning opportunity for writers, storytellers, and creatives of all backgrounds. Masterclasses are offered on a tiered pay-what-you-can model; if the options listed in the registration form pose any problem for you in participating, please reach out to us and we are happy to welcome you.

 

AfterWords – The Artistic Process of Saturday Church
Tuesday, Sept 9 – Post-Show
New York Theatre Workshop

Stay after the show for an exciting conversation with members of the creative team and learn more about the artistic process of putting Saturday Church onstage at NYTW. 

 

Community Song Circle
Friday, Sept 12 – Post-Show
New York Theatre Workshop

Join Imani Uzuri in the theatre for a special post show community song circle reflecting the healing themes of Saturday Church. All voices and experiences levels welcomed. 

 

Private Pre-Show Gathering with Hetrick-Martin Institute, Damon Cardasis, & Cast Members
Wednesday, Sept 17
New York Theatre Workshop

After having seen the film that inspired the musical, youth from Hetrick-Martin Institute came to NYTW and hung out with us in the rehearsal studio where Saturday Church was made before seeing the show. Damon Cardasis joined to answer the group’s questions about writing and adapting his work for the stage, and a few cast members even made a surprise appearance!

 

AfterWords – Cultivating Queer Youth Communities
Wednesday, Sept 17 – Post-Show
New York Theatre Workshop

Following the performance, join us for an illuminating AfterWords conversation with representatives from National Queer Theatre, Hetrick Martin Institute, The Center, The Ali Forney Center, and St. Luke in the Fields. In this meaningful panel, these organizations will highlight their work and shared mission of creating safe spaces for queer youth in New York City. 

This panel is presented in collaboration with National Queer Theater, Hetrick Martin Institute, The Ali Forney Center, The Center, and St. Luke in the Fields.

 

Black Theatre Night
Thursday, Sept 18 @ ~9PM (Post-Show)
New York Theatre Workshop – 3rd Floor Rehearsal Studio

Welcome to the Renaissance! It’s a new revolution where love heals all! Following the performance, celebrate the brilliance of Black artistry with an unforgettable post-show gathering, featuring music, dancing, and community vibes. Bring your silver and your sequins. Come ready to reflect, connect, and move, because the night doesn’t end when the curtain comes down!   

 

LGBTQ+ Mixer
Thursday, Sept 25 – 5:30-6:45PM
The Gray Mare (61 2nd Ave)

Join us for a vibrant pre-show gathering! Celebrate identity and community with food, drinks, and meaningful connections before attending Saturday Church together. It’s a night to celebrate who you are!  

 

ShopTalk
Thursday, Sept 25 – Post-Show
New York Theatre Workshop

Join us for an informal “book club” style discussion with fellow audience members, facilitated by an NYTW staff member. 

 

Private Saturday Church Ball with Hetrick-Martin Institute
Friday, Sept 26
St. Luke in the Fields

Are there any queens in the house?! To complete their full circle of engagement with Saturday Church, the Hetrick-Martin Institute community threw their own Saturday Church-themed ball at the Saturday Church which inspired it all: St. Luke in the Fields. From Saturday Church-inspired decor and categories, the youth left it all on the floor as they celebrated this show and what it means for the queer community. The production’s costume designer Qween Jean even served as a guest judge! NYTW Education & Engagement is still full of gratitude for our community partners, especially St. Luke’s, Father Andrew Ancona, Hannah Sohn, and their amazing staff and volunteers who hosted this meaningful event in their space.

 

AfterWords – Ballroom Culture as Liberation
Wednesday, Oct 8 – Post-Show
New York Theatre Workshop

Following the performance, join us for a special AfterWords featuring icon in the house and ballroom community Lee Soulja; artist, curator, public health practitioner, and leader Michael Roberson; and book writer and director of the Saturday Church film Damon Cardasis, as they discuss ballroom culture as liberation for LGBTQ+ communities.  

 

AfterWords – Safeguarding The Rights of LGBTQIA+ Youth: Housing, Education, Safety
Wednesday, Oct 15 – @~4:30PM (Post-Show)
New York Theatre Workshop

Join us for an exclusive, in-depth discussion on the vital resources shaping the future of LGBTQ+ youth. This special event features insightful conversations with Jermaine Ellis, Director of Community Engagement and Program Operations at Hetrick-Martin Institute, and Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, the groundbreaking first non-binary Executive Director of GLSEN. Moderated by Carlina Rivera, President and CEO of the New York State Association of Affordable Housing, this forward-thinking dialogue will spotlight critical issues around housing, education, and safety, while uplifting the legal rights and resilience of LGBTQ+ youth. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of a powerful conversation driving change and inclusion.

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Categories: 2025/26 Season and For The Culture. Tags: For The Culture and Saturday Church.