HB Studio utilizes its rich history to transform decades of theater into something new, running May 30 through June 5. “The Light We Carry Festival” will bring a full week of performances, panels, and workshops to New York City.
Saturday, May 30
A series of events begins at 6 p.m., including a ritual walk from West 16th Street to Bank Street. The weeklong event kicks off with a ritual walk that reflects the energy that has carried HB Studio through decades of theater, bringing together memory, community, and craft. The walk begins at 6:15 p.m. from West 16th Street, with participants invited to follow the route to Bank Street or join at 124 Bank Street for a toast and live performance at HB Playwrights Theatre.
At 7 p.m., HB Studio’s Hagen Core Ensemble will present All in the Timing by David Ives at HB Playwrights Theatre (124 Bank Street), showcasing the studio’s training through the playwright’s character-driven one-act pieces. Tickets are priced at $25. The ensemble brings Uta Hagen’s teachings into the present through the performance. Additionally, through his one-act anthology, David Ives provides a framework for the ensemble to explore stage performance.
The evening concludes at 8:45 p.m. with the festival’s opening night party at HB Studio’s Helen Gallagher Studio (120 Bank Street), a free event open to the public and sponsored by Dalla Terra Wine and Spirits.
Sunday, May 31
HB Studio continues the festival with performances of All in the Timing by David Ives at HB Playwrights Theatre (124 Bank Street). Performances take place at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. with tickets priced at $25.
Monday, June 1
“Light & Memory: An Exhibition” will be on view from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in HB Studio’s lobby (120 Bank Street), free and open to the public. Drawing from the archives of founder Herbert Berghof, the estate of Uta Hagen, and collections from HB teaching artists and alumni, the exhibition presents materials that highlight the studio’s lasting impact on American theater.
At 2 p.m., HB Studio will host a screening of While We Are Here: When Theater Becomes Refuge at HB Playwrights Theatre (124 Bank Street), free and open to the public. Filmed by Sara Velasco, the documentary brings together voices from across the HB community. This offers audiences a view of actors and artists committed to their craft.
At 4 p.m., HB Studio will host “In Memoriam: Remembering Friends Who Have Passed” at HB Playwrights Theatre (124 Bank Street), free and open to the public. The event honors members of the HB community who have passed, with a focus on those lost since 2020.
At 7 p.m., HB Studio and the Lucille Lortel Theatre will present “In Conversation: Respect for Acting” at 121 Christopher Street, with tickets priced at $25. The discussion features Jessica Hecht, Mercedes Ruehl, Marsha Mason, and Peter Francis James. The event will explore the lasting impact of Uta Hagen’s Respect for Acting on their craft.
Tuesday, June 2
“Light & Memory: An Exhibition” returns from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in HB Studio’s lobby (120 Bank Street), free and open to the public.
At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., HB Studio will host “A Taste of HB: Participatory Masterclasses” at 120 and 124 Bank Street, free and open to the public. Led by HB teaching artists, the sessions introduce participants to foundational techniques. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at least 20 minutes early to secure a spot.
At 3 p.m., HB Studio will host “Behind the Studio Doors: An Introduction to HB Studio” at HB Playwrights Theatre (124 Bank Street), free and open to the public. The tour offers insight into HB Studio’s classrooms while providing historical context and its role in shaping generations of actors.
At 7 p.m., HB Studio will present “In Performance: An Evening of Scenes by Donna deMatteo and her Long-Time Students” at HB Playwrights Theatre (124 Bank Street), with tickets priced at $10. Featuring work by Donna deMatteo and her long-time students, the performance highlights her influence as both a striking playwright and a meaningful mentor.
Wednesday, June 3
“Light & Memory: An Exhibition” continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in HB Studio’s lobby (120 Bank Street), free and open to the public.
At 1 p.m., HB Studio will present a special screening of Cleopatra at the IFC Center (323 Sixth Avenue), with tickets priced at $15. Featuring Herbert Berghof in Cleopatra, the screening reflects his impact as both an actor and the founder of HB Studio.
Thursday, June 4
“Light & Memory: An Exhibition” continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in HB Studio’s lobby (120 Bank Street), free and open to the public.
At 11 a.m., HB Studio will host “The Future of Actor Training: An Open Conversation” at New York University Tisch School of the Arts (721 Broadway), free and open to the public. Led by Linsey Bostwick, the conversation brings together leaders from top training institutions to explore current acting and the future landscape of the craft. Representatives from The Neighborhood Playhouse, The Barrow Group, T. Schreiber Studio and Theatre, and Terry Knickerbocker Studio will join the discussion.
From 4:30 to 6 p.m., HB Studio will host “To the Future, From Here: A Participatory Ritual of Gratitude for HB Studio” at the Helen Gallagher Studio Theatre, inviting attendees to reflect on what the studio has done and where it will go.
Friday, June 5
At 11 a.m., HB Studio will host “Breath and The Inner Voice: A Well-Being Workshop,” free and open to the public. Led by Ilse Pfeifer, the session focuses on breath and bodywork as tools for clarity and release. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 10:45 a.m. to prepare for the session.
Tickets and additional information are available on HB Studio’s website.
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