Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses, Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors
“Some stories arrive like a whisper, gently unfolding. Others crash into the room, undeniable, demanding to be heard. THE RESERVOIR was both.”
“It first entered our world as a finalist for the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, a program that has long been a home for bold new voices. When we gathered in Rehearsal Hall A for its reading two years ago, something remarkable happened. The air itself seemed to shift. Words lifted off the page, weaving through the room like threads of memory, like echoes of laughter and loss. We watched as the audience — strangers only moments before — breathed in unison, bound by the story unfolding before them. By the time the final words were spoken, we knew: This was a play we would never forget.
Jake Brasch has given us something rare — a story that carries the weight of generations yet moves with the lightness of human resilience. The Reservoir is about memory — the kind we cling to and the kind that slips through our fingers. It is about addiction and its long shadow, about the past reaching for the present. And it is about love — the kind that endures even when words are lost, even when the road back to one another feels impossibly long.
Jake tells this story with the wisdom of an old soul and the sharp wit of someone who knows that humor is survival. Even in its heaviest moments, this play breathes with levity, reminding us that laughter is its own kind of grace. And, at its heart, The Reservoir holds a truth that is both personal and universal: That even when we falter, even when we forget, love has a way of remembering for us.
Bringing this play to the Alliance stage — alongside our partners at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Geffen Playhouse — is a testament to the power of new work to move, to challenge, to heal. This is why we gather in the theater. To sit together. To listen. To feel. And to leave changed.
Thank you for being here, for making space for this story, and for taking this journey with us.”
– Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses, Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors
The Reservoir will premiere on the Hertz Stage March 29 through May 4, 2025 – learn more.
Playwright Jake Brasch
Before Jake Brasch was a writer, he was a fan of theatre. “I came out of the womb a musical-theatre-obsessed, 40-year-old gay man,” the Reservoir playwright says. “There’s a home video of me in a diaper singing the entire score of Oklahoma! on a rocking horse. I would try to organize productions of My Fair Lady during recess (everyone always bailed to play soccer).”
Brasch grew up in Denver and went to a public arts magnet middle/high school, which is where they were first introduced to “serious theatre.” They performed in the Denver Center for the Performing Art’s production of A Christmas Carol at age 11 and participated in a playwriting intensive for writers under eighteen at Curious Theatre Company one summer. “That’s where I wrote my first play,” says Brasch; “an extremely self-serious drama about murder and amnesia. I’m sure it was terrible, but it changed everything for me. I’ve been writing ever since.”
When asked about what he prefers to write, Brasch explains that they “generally write comedies about things that aren’t funny. I believe in buffoonery as a gateway to engagement. I aim to create wacky, whimsical worlds that pickle into something deeper and allow folks to expand their sense of what’s possible — in themselves and in the world.” Currently, Brasch has a few “children [he’s] currently raising,” including a play about a housekeeping robot who writes a play about the family he works for (and hates), a play about a retired couple who decide to shake up their ordinary routine (coming soon to the stage, directed by Reservoir director Shelley Butler), and a play about a musical-theatre-obsessed fifth grader who develops an unlikely bond with his occupational therapist.
“I love the theatre,” Brasch says, adding that theatre will always be their “first and foremost love.” He loves the collaborative nature of theatre, saying that writing plays alone at home is his least favorite part of writing.
“I love getting to hear my plays, to receive the essential info that only actors, directors, and designers can bring to the table,” they explain. “When several brains and hearts commit to a play, it takes on a life of its own. It tells you what it wants. For my money, there’s no better experience in the world than crafting a piece of theatre with people you love.”
When writing The Reservoir, he knew he wanted to write about the year he got sober, even if it scared him. “Writing this play was terrifying,” he says. “I wasn’t sure what it would feel like to share the bleakest, most embarrassing, least flattering chapter of my life.”
The story follows young Josh, a queer, recovering alcoholic who has come home to Denver from NYU to get his life together but can’t manage to stay sober. Desperate for camaraderie, he decides to bring his four loveable grandparents on his road to recovery. He drags them to Jazzercise class at the JCC. He pressures them into playing memory games. He forces them to eat spinach by the handful. And eventually, when he can no longer help his grandparents, they begin to help him.
The play parallels Brasch’s own life. They spent a year getting sober and reconnecting with their grandparents. “I was navigating the fog of early sobriety as they were grappling with the onset of dementia,” they explain. “Somehow, we were on the same plane.”
Brasch says he “tricked himself” into writing the play when he didn’t have a pitch for The Sloan Project. The project is a partnership between the Ensemble Studio Theatre and The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, which, per Ensemble’s website, is an “initiative designed to stimulate artists to create credible and compelling work exploring the worlds of science and technology and to challenge the existing stereotypes of scientists and engineers in the popular imagination.”
“Desperate for an idea to pitch,” Brasch says, “I stumbled upon the concept of Cognitive Reserve — the theory that certain activities can help protect against the onset of dementia. I got the commission, and there was no going back. I set out to write a drama about dementia science and ended up with a semi-autobiographical comedy about recovery, family, memory, and Jazzercise. Whoops!”
It definitely worked, because the play was selected to be a staged reading at the 2022 Colorado New Play Summit, was an Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition finalist, and is now being staged as a triple partnership between the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Alliance Theatre, and Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.
The Reservoir is a kind of love letter to Brasch’s first love, theatre. “It demands the plasticity and playfulness of the stage,” they explain. “The audience is essential to the storytelling; the protagonist shares his thoughts in direct address. The grandparents function as a Greek chorus/dance troupe. There are strange and silly moments that could only be accomplished on the stage. While I could imagine a film version of The Reservoir, it would have to change in fundamental ways. This is a play that demands to be a play. I’m proud of that.”
Brasch goes on to say that staging it has been a different beast than developing it through workshops and staged readings. “Staging [Reservoir] has taught me so much about its wild, weird, and magical logic. Getting the gift of three full productions to refine it is extraordinary.”
“I’m still kind of in shock that this story is reaching so many people,” they continue. “I’m used to sharing my work with 30 people at a time in filthy garages in Brooklyn. Can somebody say ‘upgrade’?!”
Although this play tackles tough themes, Brasch is quick to emphasize that it’s a comedy. “I want folks to remember that there’s joy to be found in time of great uncertainty,” they say. “Loving an addict is hard. It’s a constant negotiation between being there for them and setting boundaries. You can’t get someone sober; they have to want it. That being said, hold out hope. Recovery is hard but not impossible. I’m so grateful to have been through what I’ve been through. There’s a lighter, healthier, wilder, funnier, and more joyous life on the other side. Believe in the possibility. The fact that this play has opened so many doors for me has reminded me that my job is to tell the truth.”
Brasch also wants the play to encourage younger people to pick up the phone and call their grandmas. “Grandma has all of your answers, I promise.”
The Reservoir will premiere on the Hertz Stage March 29 through May 4, 2025 – learn more.
During his tenure, Schleifer led the administrative and producing team on over 100 productions including four world-premiere musicals that moved to Broadway; spearheaded the renovation of the alliance’s state-of-the-art, Coca-Cola Stage; guided the Alliance through the global pandemic; and is currently leading the renovation of the Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families
The Alliance will conduct a national search to select Schleifer’s replacement
After leading Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre through two major renovation projects, a global pandemic, and more than 100 productions over 11 years, Managing Director, Mike Schleifer, will leave the Alliance at the end of the year to become the Managing Director of Lincoln Center Theater. As Managing Director of the Alliance, Schleifer oversees all operational, marketing, financial, fundraising, and shared services activities. In his new role as Managing Director of Lincoln Center Theater, Schleifer will oversee LCT’s financial and operational health and ensure long-term sustainability and growth. He will work to align strategic planning with artistic goals, manage the theater’s union relationships, lead budgeting, marketing, and capital planning efforts, and identify and develop new revenue opportunities.
“While it’s rare to find a managing director who is equally brilliant at the operational and financial part of the job, it’s simply unheard of to find one who excels on those fronts and leads with such unabashed heart, vision, and humor. For the past 11 years, we had the unfathomably good fortune to have all that & more in Mike Schleifer,” said Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses in a joint statement. “Mike’s willingness to bet on our mission and invest in the extraordinary talent of the Alliance staff allowed us to realize aspirational dreams we never would have dared to dream without his encouragement and faith. We’ll miss him daily but cannot wait to witness the joy he’ll bring to the Lincoln Center Theater.”
During his tenure with the Alliance, Schleifer led the administrative and producing teams on over 100 productions and moved four shows to Broadway including last season’s Water for Elephants and this season’s Maybe Happy Ending. He spearheaded the $36mm renovation of the award-winning Coca-Cola Stage and is currently leading the $26mm renovation of the Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families. Under his leadership the Alliance more than doubled its operating budget, tripled its endowment, and continued to lead the country in work developed for young audiences.
“It’s been a true honor and privilege to work, lead, and learn at the Alliance Theatre for the last eleven years. I’m deeply grateful to the staff, artists, and audiences of the Alliance Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center who have made this journey so rewarding,” said Schleifer. “We’ve achieved remarkable milestones — from moving productions to Broadway to completing transformative capital projects. I’m excited for what’s next, but I won’t be leaving until we cut the ribbon on the new Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families — a project that reflects the Alliance’s deep commitment to the next generation of theatergoers, both with the physical theater space and with the endowment we’re raising to make the work on that stage financially accessible for all.”
In addition to his work at the Alliance, Schleifer serves on the boards of the League of Resident Theatres and True Colors Theatre Company. In 2018 he co-founded Volute Partners, a theatre consultancy focused on capital projects and the subsequent operational support and budgets needed to sustain them.
“We are immensely grateful for Mike’s leadership and tireless dedication to the Alliance Theatre. His vision, passion, and expertise have left an indelible mark on this organization,” said Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO, Woodruff Arts Center. “We take great pride in seeing him step into this well-deserved opportunity, knowing he will make a lasting impact at Lincoln Center Theater.”
The leadership of the Woodruff Arts Center, with support from members of the Alliance Theatre Board of Directors, will conduct a national search for the Alliance’s next Managing Director led by executive search firm, Corps Team.
“On behalf of the Alliance’s Board of Directors, we want to thank Mike for more than a decade of service to the Alliance and Atlanta community. He oversaw a period of unprecedented growth with a spirit of collaboration and unwavering commitment to the theater’s artistic vision,” said Kendrick Smith, Alliance Theatre Board of Directors Chair. “As we begin the national search for his successor, we remain dedicated to the theater’s mission of expanding hearts and minds, on stage and off.”
Left to Right: Tiana Jones (Georgia State Champion) with Tonya Jones (Mother) and Andrea Unsicker (Educator), as well as representatives from Georgia Council for the Arts (Tina Lilly, Executive Director; and Emily Yewell Volin, Grants and Arts Education Program Manager) and Alliance Theatre (Liz Davis, Producer; Dacey Geary & Katie Causey Wolff, Associate Producers; and Maya Lawrence, Emcee & Coach)
The Alliance Theatre & Georgia Council for the Arts Announce 2025 Poetry Out Loud State Champion Tiana Jones
The Alliance Theatre is thrilled to announce Tiana Jones, a junior from Whitefield Academy in Cobb County as the state champion in the 2025 Poetry Out Loud Georgia contest. Miles McNeese from Atlanta Classical Academy was runner-up in the state final contest, which occurred at the Alliance Theatre on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Jones will represent the state of Georgia during the Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, D.C. from May 5-7, 2025.
In 2024, Jones was the 2nd place winner in the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, earning a $10,000 prize as well as a $500 stipend for her school to invest in poetry materials. “The competitors in regionals, state, and nationals – they’re very commending of one’s work,” Tiana shares of her experience (here). “They share the same passion in poetry and performing as I do, and just to see that being taken seriously – it’s a great experience.”
Presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country. In partnership with Georgia Council for the Arts, the Alliance Theatre administers the Georgia program, reaching 3,921 students this year.
Each participating school and community organization hosted a local contest to select a school champion, who then advanced onto a Regional Contest in February. Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, GA hosted a Regional Contest; additionally, the program includes a Virtual option at the Regional level to ensure access.
“Poetry Out Loud encourages Georgia high school students to explore new perspectives and step outside of their comfort zone,” said Tina Lilly, Executive Director of Georgia Council for the Arts. “Engaging students in this program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership, all skills that benefit them for life. We thank the Alliance Theatre for their leadership in administering this program and guiding students to refine their skills as part of a well-rounded education.”
As an integral part of the program, all participating students had access to a series of workshops and coaching opportunities to rehearse and refine the poems of their choice. Additionally, the workshops emphasized the Alliance Theatre’s commitment to building a Poetry Out Loud community in which students are encouraged to show up as their authentic, whole selves and celebrate the many unique gifts and truths that exist within this program.
Now in its 20th year, Poetry Out Loud started as a pilot program in Chicago and Washington, D.C., and has grown to involve millions of students from across the country. In the last decade, Georgia’s champions have been awarded more than $55,000 from national and state competitions. Five champions from Georgia have placed in the top three at national finals in that time, including a first-place win in 2017 and a second-place acknowledgement in 2024.
“The Alliance Theatre is honored to administer Poetry Out Loud for the state of Georgia,” said Chris Moses, Artistic Director at the Alliance Theatre. “We are incredibly grateful to the entire community that makes this work possible, including dedicated educators, supportive parents and caregivers, committed regional artistic partners and contest judges, and of course – the brave and inspiring students who take to the mic. As we look ahead to the National Finals, we are wholeheartedly cheering Tiana on as she prepares to represent our state.”
Learn more about Poetry Out Loud at alliancetheatre.org/poetry-out-loud or poetryoutloud.org.
2025 Georgia Judges
- Will Amato | Comedy Writer and Producer, Draft Horse Productions
- Dylan Bryant | Designer and Artist
- Tyra Douyon | Journalist and Educator
- Jayla Dyas | Spelman Leadership Fellow, Alliance Theatre
- Khalil Elayan, Ph.D. | Senior Lecturer of English, Kennesaw State University
- Shannon Geary | Adjunct Professor of English, Life University
- Kalima Harris | Director of Youth Programs, Deep Center
- Jeremiah Parker Hobbs | Teaching Artist, Alliance Theatre
- Bella Irias Aguilar | Education Accounting Assistant, Alliance Theatre
- Wynne Kelly | Teaching Artist, Alliance Theatre
- Yolanda “Y-O” Latimore | Poet and Founder, Poetic Peace Arts
- Kamryn Loy | Teaching Artist, Alliance Theatre
- Jennifer Holley Lux | Writer, Georgia Tech
- Ann Marie Meeker | Teaching Artist, Alliance Theatre
- Summer Rain Menkee | Teaching Artist, Alliance Theatre
- Tony Morris, Ph.D. | Writing Professor, Georgia Southern University
- Claire Nelson | Assistant Professor of English, Georgia Southern University
- Angel Fabián Rivera | Actor; Teaching Artist, Alliance Theatre
- Caity Slotnick | Teaching Artist, Alliance Theatre
- Paige Sullivan, M.F.A. | Writer and Communications Professional
- Megan Wartell-King | Teaching Artist, Alliance Theatre
- Chris Woolf | Writer
Production Team
- Liz Davis, Head of Secondary Curriculum & Partnerships, Alliance Theatre | Producer
- Dacey Geary | Associate Producer
- Maya Lawrence, Allyship Program Director & Resident Artist, Alliance Theatre | Emcee
- Katie Wolff, Institute Program Coordinator | Associate Producer
If you are interested in participating in Poetry Out Loud next year (2025-2026), please contact poetryoutloud@alliancetheatre.org.