Community

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. 

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.

Sunday, September 7th @ 4:30-6:30PM
New York Theatre Workshop – 3rd Floor Rehearsal Studio
Register here!

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)!  

Please note that the 3rd Floor Rehearsal Room is accessed by climbing three flights of stairs. Unfortunately, the building is not equipped with an elevator.

Monday, September 8 @ 5:30-7 PM
Alpha Omega Dance Studio (70 E 4th St)
Register here!

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 education@nytw.org and we are happy to welcome you.

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DAMON CARDASIS is an Emmy and WGA Award nominated writer, director and producer of film, television and theatre. In 2017, Cardasis wrote and directed his critically acclaimed feature debut, Saturday Church, which won multiple festival awards around the world and was nominated for a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film, Limited Release. He is currently co-writing a musical adaptation of Saturday Church, alongside James Ijames (Fat Ham), with music & lyrics by global pop superstar Sia, additional music by trailblazing DJ Honey Dijon and directed by Whitney White (JaJa’s African Hair Braiding). The musical will receive its World Premiere at New York Theatre Workshop. Previously, Cardasis produced Rebecca Miller’s She Came to Me, starring Peter Dinklage, Anne Hathaway, and Marisa Tomei, which was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song by Bruce Springsteen, and was chosen as the opening night of the 2023 Berlin Film Festival. Cardasis also produced Miller’s Maggie’s Plan starring Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke, Julianne Moore, Bill Hader, and Maya Rudolph, which screened at the Toronto, New York, Sundance and Berlin film festivals. For television, Cardasis was nominated for an Emmy for producing the HBO documentary “Arthur Miller: Writer,” which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. On Broadway, Cardasis produced The Arthur Miller Centennial–a one-night-only benefit starring Bradley Cooper, Jake Gyllenhaal, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Barkin, Laurence Fishburne, Tony Kushner, John Turturro, and Peter Sarsagaard. Cardasis was profiled in Out Magazine’s annual Tastemaker issue and was also chosen to be part of Out Magazine’s annual OUT 100. In 2009, he co-founded The Lower East Side Film Festival, which continues to showcase low-budget films from around the world.

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. 

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. 

Wednesday, September 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. 

Thursday, September 18 @ ~9PM (Post-Show)
New York Theatre Workshop – 3rd Floor Rehearsal Studio
Register here!

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!   

Please note that the 3rd Floor Rehearsal Room is accessed by climbing three flights of stairs. Unfortunately, the building is not equipped with an elevator.

Thursday, September 25 – 5:30-6:45PM
The Gray Mare (61 2nd Ave)
Register here!

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!  

Thursday, September 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. 

Wednesday, October 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.