Join us for a staged reading of Stay Calm, a new play by Randy McHaney, directed by Burak Tatar, presented as part of the Basement Theatrics Ground UP Series at HB Studio.
SYNOPSIS
In a post-collapse Texas under authoritarian rule, a fractured family clings to safety and memory within the walls of their decaying home. When a mysterious teenage girl arrives, long-held tensions erupt, forcing the family to confront loyalty, survival, and the cost of resistance.
This evening will feature a live reading, followed by a Liz Lerman feedback session where audience members and artists can engage in meaningful discussion about the work’s next steps.
THE PLAYWRIGHT
Randy McHaney is an accomplished playwright whose works explore resilience, identity, and the human condition. His plays include Fabrics, Pay for Love, Frankie, Wasteland Texas, Stay Calm, and Prairie Fire. Originally from the Texas Panhandle, Randy draws inspiration from the region’s rugged landscapes and rich cultural history. His work has been produced at venues such as Roy Arias Studios, HB Studio, and Theater for the New City. A proud member of the Dramatists Guild and K/Q Playwrights in NYC, Randy continues to create bold, innovative theater that challenges and inspires audiences.
THE GROUND UP SERIES
New work. From the ground up.
Basement Theatrics’ Ground UP Series spotlights new plays, musicals, and works-in-progress at all stages of development. Whether it’s a first table read or a developmental presentation, this series centers the process—not the polish. We invite audiences to witness the earliest sparks of creation and join us in supporting bold, risk-taking voices as they build something from scratch.
