You are a bad ass
A magic feather wielding bad ass
--Lucas Caleb Rooney
A magic feather wielding bad ass
--Lucas Caleb Rooney
From 2005-2014, Megan was on staff at The 52nd Street Project, most notably as the Associate Artistic Director (www.52project.org).
The 52nd Street Project (The Project) is dedicated to the creation and production of new plays for, and often by, kids between the ages of nine and eighteen that reside in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in New York City. The Project does this through a series of unique mentoring programs that match kids with professional theater artists.
The Project is about making children proud of themselves. The Project is not about teaching children to act, although they will learn to. It is not about teaching them to write plays, although they will learn that as well. What it is about is giving a kid an experience of success. It is about giving a kid an opportunity to prove that he or she has something of value to offer, something that comes from within that he or she alone possesses, something that cannot be taken away.
Past artist/volunteers have included Raul Castillo, Reg E. Cathey, Billy Crudup, Peter Dinklage, Edie Falco, Malcolm Gets, Jonathan Groff, Henry Krieger, Robert Sean Leonard, Frances McDormand, James Naughton, Oliver Platt, Martha Plimpton, Theresa Rebeck, Jose Rivera, Lili Taylor, Frank Wood and hundreds of others. Many return regularly, as they find the experience fulfilling and artistically stimulating.
The Project is about making children proud of themselves. The Project is not about teaching children to act, although they will learn to. It is not about teaching them to write plays, although they will learn that as well. What it is about is giving a kid an experience of success. It is about giving a kid an opportunity to prove that he or she has something of value to offer, something that comes from within that he or she alone possesses, something that cannot be taken away.
Past artist/volunteers have included Raul Castillo, Reg E. Cathey, Billy Crudup, Peter Dinklage, Edie Falco, Malcolm Gets, Jonathan Groff, Henry Krieger, Robert Sean Leonard, Frances McDormand, James Naughton, Oliver Platt, Martha Plimpton, Theresa Rebeck, Jose Rivera, Lili Taylor, Frank Wood and hundreds of others. Many return regularly, as they find the experience fulfilling and artistically stimulating.
My experiences at the Project have always been magical and that is in a large part due to your energy and spirit.-- Raul Castillo
Writing Samples: Original 2-Character Plays for 1 adult and 1 kid
"FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS" (2013)
"CONTROLLED CHAOS" (2011)
"SAMMY AND THE SIREN" (2010)
"GET YOUR FREAK ON" (2008)
"WRESTLING ACCOUNTANTS" (2007)
"SAY CHEESE" (2006)
"Back to Square One" Lyrics (2009)
"CONTROLLED CHAOS" (2011)
"SAMMY AND THE SIREN" (2010)
"GET YOUR FREAK ON" (2008)
"WRESTLING ACCOUNTANTS" (2007)
"SAY CHEESE" (2006)
"Back to Square One" Lyrics (2009)
Doing the Project shows has been such an amazing part of my time in New York and that is largely due to your openness, friendship, patience, honesty, amazing sense of humor, and just general awesomeness as a person. -- Awoye Timpo
2013 Teen Ensemble "Twelfth Night" Production & Canadian Tour (Calgary & Banff)
In 2013, Megan directed a full-length adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," starring 10 high school students. The production performed in New York City, followed by a North American tour to the University of Calgary and the Banff Centre in Western Canada.
I also write simply to thank you for what you do. Everyday. Day after day. The kids at the Project (if the walls of your office nook are any indication) love you so very much. To watch you work with all of us on Block Island was a gift each day. I thank you. For being a mentor, a role model, a leader and a friend to the kids at the Project (and us adults too). It is a gift to the world.-- Rachel Rusch
Past Project Productions 2005-2013
While at the Project, Megan helped over 100 kids write a play and have it performed by professional actors; created and implemented a Dancemaking program for original choreography by students; and wrote and performed in countless plays and roles. Fairies, old ladies, ninjas, monsters, princesses INSIDE of monsters.... she pretty much did it all!
I just want to say that your work at the Project and your mentorship changed my life in all the best ways and I know I'm not alone. --Joanna Gurin
Lotos Foundation grant acceptance speech, 2012
In 2012, Megan wrote and delivered an acceptance speech for a grant that funded the Project's Playmaking program.
You were the one who invited me to volunteer for the Project in the first place, and for that I am so grateful! It's truly been a blessing in my life to interact with these amazing kids and adults throughout the years at the project. Watching you work with the kids is truly awe inspiring and I have received much more than I have given to the Project and I have you to thank for that. -- Don Nguyen
WAKE FOREST MAGAZINE Article, August 2011
I want to thank you for bringing me on board for some of the most fulfilling work I've experienced in theatre. More than once, the Project gave me a sense of renewed purpose. -- Jeremy Beck
