Jeffery V. Thompson’s (Concept/Artistic Director) involvement at OotB has transitioned quickly from being the director of The Constant Wife in ’23, to advisory board member in ’24, and finally to his current position as OotB’s artistic director. Earlier this season he was at the helm of our widely acclaimed production of Animal Farm. Other NYC-area directing credits are Sarah Sings a Love Story (Crossroads Theatre Co.) and My Harlem ’Tis of Thee (Aaron Davis Hall), for both of which Nat Adderley Jr. was the musical director; Iced Out: Shackled and Chained (National Black Theatre), and Shot: Caught a Soul (Pulitzer Center). National directing credits include The King and Me, starring Emmy award–winner Keith David; Paul Robeson, starring Tony award–winner Chuck Cooper; The Shaneequa Chronicles, starring Stephanie Berry; Welcome Home, Marian Anderson, starring Vanessa Shaw; Gorilla, My Love (Lincoln Center Institute); Coriolanus (Take Wing and Soar); and The Souls of Black Folks: A Centennial Celebration, starring Danny Glover, Phylicia Rashad, Geoffrey Wright, Nora Cole, Peter Jay Fernandez, and Keith David. As an actor, Mr. Thompson has appeared in critically acclaimed productions On and Off-Broadway and in regional theaters across the United States. His scripts have been produced on Broadway as well as at theaters in New Jersey; Philadelphia; Washington, DC; Florida; Arkansas; and Ohio.
Halina Malinowski (Producer) Jazz ’n Jokes in June is the 20th show that Halina has produced or co-produced for OotB. As president of OotB’s board of directors, Halina is responsible for the company’s strategic direction, legal compliance, and administrative, managerial, and financial challenges. Her experience includes over 30 years’ engagement with and for nonprofits.
Stephen Cornelius (Lighting & Sound Designer) has assisted with lighting setups at Goddard Riverside Bernie Wohl Center since 2015. He is excited to work with Out of the Box again, having previously designed lighting for past shows at Goddard Riverside since 2022 including Animal Farm, Birds of a Feather, The Butter and Egg Man, and The Constant Wife, among others. He has also acted as the Master Electrician for companies including Abingdon Theatre Co., Keen Co., Ma-Yi Theater Co., Prospect Theater Co., Target Margin, Trinity School, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. He currently works as an audio-visual technician at Trinity School.
Crystal Ramirez-Neil (Stage Manager) has held various roles, both backstage and onstage, for several productions throughout New York City. She is very excited to be working with the Out of the Box Theatre team again and hopes everyone enjoys the show!
ABOUT OUT OF THE BOX THEATRE COMPANY
Out of the Box Theatre Company (OotB) was founded in 2006 by artistic director Scott Robinson. Scott’s goal for the group’s Equity Showcase productions was to feature working professionals at their peak and in their prime: seasoned actors, directors, and designers primarily past 50 years of age, to provide opportunity and freedom for artists to work outside the restrictions of age, race, sex, and disability and inside the sphere of passion. He also conceived of scoring the plays with live musical performances to enhance the mood and as between-scenes entertainment. Our mission also includes donating a portion of our tickets to local senior centers.
Scott Robinson was diagnosed with cancer in December 2010 and died April 24, 2011. We lovingly dedicate all our performances to his memory and thank our audiences and supporters for helping us keep Scott’s vision alive.
Go to www.outoftheboxtheatre.com for more information
about our history, mission, and upcoming season!
