A Firebird Project programFirebird Youth Theater
Firebird Youth Theater
Firebird Youth Theater is the education wing of The Firebird Project — a theater company and arts education community that tells unforgettable stories with young and emerging artists in NYC. Founded in 2013.
Year-round instruction in acting, improv, playwriting, filmmaking, and roleplaying games. Programming includes regular improv showcases, staged readings, student-created short films, and summer intensive theatre camps.
Teaching Artists
Leo Lion
Artistic Director & Teaching Artist
Theatremaker and game designer who established the organization at age 13. Has directed 15+ productions and teaches improv, playwriting, and Shakespeare. Associate with Phoenix Theatre Ensemble. B.A. from Fordham University.
Sophie Falvey
An actor and devisor who’s worked with Firebird since 2023, Sophie leads young artists to find their unique voice and fill the stage with their energy.
Emerson Helmbrecht
An actor and improviser who teaches improv, acting, and Shakespeare performance, Emerson brings a love of classic text and an encouraging energy to the classroom, motivating students to find the fun in their performance.
Jadon Duquette
An improvisor and filmmaker who leads improv workshops and shoots/edits students’ short films, Jadon brings a multidisciplinary skillset to the classroom for students interested in the connection between theatre & film.
Bailey Jordan Garcia
Teaches playwriting and creative writing, with lesson plans developed through Brave Trails. Co-founder of Fresh Binder Productions; work produced by 55+ theatre companies nationwide.
Izzy Pflanz
Actor and dancer, with Firebird since 2013. Leads Playmakers Studio (ages 8–12) and contributes movement artistry to Firebird productions. BA from Oberlin College.
Zoe Senese-Grossberg
Nationally ranked playwright and professional director with Firebird since 2017. Directs and teaches acting, playwriting, and Shakespeare. MFA candidate at University of Iowa Playwriting.
Josh Brelsford
Actor, playwright, and educator with BFA from University of Minnesota and Guthrie Theater. Has toured Shakespeare productions to 52 schools and community centers.
Benny Rendell
Actor and filmmaker, with Firebird since 2015. Teaches filmmaking lab and Shakespeare study in our youth division. BA from NYU Tisch.
The Firebird Project
Firebird Youth Theater is part of The Firebird Project — a NYC theater company that also produces mainstage work, touring shows, and interactive performances.