Artist Statement
I choose to create.
I create opportunities for artists to flourish and audiences to roar. I create spaces for communities to grapple with turbulent topics while also engaging in meaningful dialogue.
I create moments of learning through self-reflection, awareness for the underserved, and opportunities to give the voiceless, a voice. I create ensembles where diversity is celebrated and excellence thrives. I create safe environments where performers grow and take risks.
I am drawn to crafting unique theatrical experiences that push boundaries, challenge norms – whatever those are. I create productions where audiences find threads of their own humanity within the stories told before them.
Most importantly, I shape moments that leave an imprint long after the final bow.
Theatre is my way of connecting—to others, to stories, and to the world around us. It is a space where communities can confront difficult truths, reflect on shared experiences, and envision new possibilities. It is a place where artists flourish, and audiences are challenged to think, feel, and dream.
While my intentions are benevolent, I do sometimes create a mess. It is in these moments I am reminded of my imperfections and my capacity for growth. It is also in these moments, that we celebrate the flop – we laugh, sing, dance.
My theatre is paradoxical: it is perfectly imperfect and selflessly selfish, an endless journey of connection, transformation, and discovery.
As I create, I am further created.
I create opportunities for artists to flourish and audiences to roar. I create spaces for communities to grapple with turbulent topics while also engaging in meaningful dialogue.
I create moments of learning through self-reflection, awareness for the underserved, and opportunities to give the voiceless, a voice. I create ensembles where diversity is celebrated and excellence thrives. I create safe environments where performers grow and take risks.
I am drawn to crafting unique theatrical experiences that push boundaries, challenge norms – whatever those are. I create productions where audiences find threads of their own humanity within the stories told before them.
Most importantly, I shape moments that leave an imprint long after the final bow.
Theatre is my way of connecting—to others, to stories, and to the world around us. It is a space where communities can confront difficult truths, reflect on shared experiences, and envision new possibilities. It is a place where artists flourish, and audiences are challenged to think, feel, and dream.
While my intentions are benevolent, I do sometimes create a mess. It is in these moments I am reminded of my imperfections and my capacity for growth. It is also in these moments, that we celebrate the flop – we laugh, sing, dance.
My theatre is paradoxical: it is perfectly imperfect and selflessly selfish, an endless journey of connection, transformation, and discovery.
As I create, I am further created.
Awards and Recognitions
2025 The Penelope Hirsch Student Director Award:
In celebration of her life, the friends of Penny Hirsch '71, established a prize for excellence in theatrical direction by a student of Emerson College. It is in recognition of excellence in the craft of theatrical direction.
In celebration of her life, the friends of Penny Hirsch '71, established a prize for excellence in theatrical direction by a student of Emerson College. It is in recognition of excellence in the craft of theatrical direction.
EMERSON COLLEGE EVVY AWARDS:
JUNIOR THEATRE FESTIVAL:
NATIONAL YOUTH ARTS AWARDS:
- 44th Annual Evvy Award: Outstanding Direction for the Stage: (Gabi David, Rabbit Hole)
- 44th Annual Evvy Award: Outstanding Stage Play: (Rabbit Hole)
- 43rd Annual EVVY Award, Outstanding Scenic Design: (Paige Boyon and Gabi David for Tanner Maverick's Book of Sound)
- 43rd Annual EVVY Award, Outstanding Stage Musical: (Tanner Maverick's Book of Sound)
JUNIOR THEATRE FESTIVAL:
- 2021 Junior Theater Festival, Best Student Direction: (Studio Bleu Vocal and Theatre Art's production of Beauty and the Beast JR)
NATIONAL YOUTH ARTS AWARDS:
- Artist of the Year (2022): (Payton & New Play for Studio Bleu’s Behind Her Eyes, Miss Scarlet in Riverside High’s Clue, Audrey in Studio Bleu’s Little Shop of Horrors, Lady Macbeth in Infinite Arts’ Macbeth, Sophie in Studio Bleu’s Mamma Mia!, Hermia in Infinite Arts’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Fiona in Riverside High’s Shrek, Caroline in Infinite Arts’ Theory of Relativity, Direction & Set Design for Studio Bleu’s Tick, Tick…Boom)
- Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical: Gabi David as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers: The Musical (ICE Collaborative Arts) (2019)
- Outstanding Student Direction: Gabi David for The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Riverhawk Productions) (2018)
THE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY:
- Mission Citizenship Award (2021)
- Second Runner Up Students of the Year Team: Team Goldbusters (2021)
- Two Time Presidential Volunteer Service Award (GOLD), (2020 and 2021)
- Winner, Drive Safe DC Challenge (2020)
- Winner, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Anti- Vaping Contest Napol Weiss Foundation (2020)
