projects created/creating
inc. co-producer/founder
Previously called Pocket Playfest and now partnered with Theatre L’acadie, produce an annual incubation festival for 6 early career playwright/director pairings. Each pair creates a new work over 3 months, culminating in a 2-week festival filmed with live audience and released through VR.
co-founder and artistic producer of Freshly Brewed
In the spirit of The Understudy’s commitment to collaboration, community, and discovery, Freshly Brewed is the monthly new play reading series. Featuring the work of emerging Chicago area playwrights and directors. Each artist contributing– playwrights, directors, and actors– receives a stipend for their work.
If you want to participate as an actor, playwright, or director, click the link below to fill out an interest form.
Freshly Brewed producing credits*
Everything Devoured Written by Katherine Gwynn Directed by Mikael Burke
Service Written by Makeda Declet Directed by Regina Victor
Island of Love Written by Felicia Oduh Directed by Allie Woodson
Crush(ed) Written by Maria Arreola Directed by Karina Patel
Austin’s Home Written by Jesse Robkin Directed by Bryar Barborka and Adam Crawford
*all credits are readings
founding artistic director of Pocket Theatre VR.
Joel Willison founded Pocket Theatre Virtual Reality (PTVR) in his senior year at Knox College in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. PTVR can be best described as a theatre company designed for the Metaverse. The company is engaged in research and exploration to find a novel way for both the audience and theatremakers to create and enjoy theatre in a safe manner, unaffected by COVID-19.
It employs virtual reality to transport the audience into the realm of the theatre. Joel envisions PTVR as a platform that will break down geographical and physical barriers, enabling wider access to the world of theatre.
Pocket Theatre VR producing credits
A Bit Tuary - prod. Written by Dena Igusti Directed by Karina Patel
Innocence - work. Written by Genevieve Swanson Directed by Bridgett Martinez
You Must Be the Mom - work. Written by Steven San Luis Directed by Alexis Vaselopulos
The Memory Monologue - work. Written by Lily Be Directed by Joel Willison
the wish: a manual for a last… - work. Written by The Wish Collective Directed by Genevieve Swanson
Wilcox Prom - prod. Written by Cris Eli Blak Directed by Willow Smith
Octo and Cleo - prod. Written by Maria Arreola Directed by Joel Willison
W.W.M.M.D.S.F - prod. Written by Hank Kimmel Directed by Joel Willison
Firm Strong Soft Warm - prod. Written by Dalyla McGee Directed by Francesca Downs
Epinicion - prod. Written by Cianja Bone Directed by Marion Frank
Tiles - prod Written by Phanesia Pharel Directed by Alexanra Haddad
Class Educational web-series
Pocket Explanations Educational web-series
pocket playfest (now named inc.)
Produce an annual Incubation festival for 4 early career playwright/director pairings. Each pair creates a new work over 2 months, culminating in a 3 day festival filmed with live audience and released through VR.
Pocket Playfest producing credits*
She Can Declare a Hurricane Written by Melanie Coffey Directed by Rashaad Bond
Recess Written by Mikayla De Guzman Directed by Erin Sheets
Dirt Girls Written by Grace Reasoner Directed by Oskar Westbridge
Crossing Written by Morris Mclennan Directed by Tyler Struble
Cozy Written by Daphne Gussler Directed by Patrick Starner
Red Devil Written by Andrea Berting Directed by Allie Robinson
Witchcraft, Bitchcraft Written by Emma Durbin Directed by Ben F. Locke
Crush(ed) Written by Maria Arreola Directed by Jo JB Schafer
Petunia Written by Genevieve Swanson Directed by Karina Patel
You Must Be The Mom Written by Steven San Luis Directed by Alexis Vaselopulos
*all credits are readings