The Fears

Written by Emma Sheanshang and directed by Dan Algrant, The Fears premiered Off-Broadway in spring 2023 at The Irene Diamond Stage, bringing together a remarkable ensemble of stage and screen talent. Set in a Buddhist center in New York City, the play explores the humor and heartbreak of modern anxiety through the lens of group meditation—offering a poignant, sharply observed look at our need for connection.

Scenic design by Jo Winiarski created a minimal but deeply evocative space—a circle of chairs, carefully chosen textures, and subtle architectural framing invited both realism and reflection. As Assistant Scenic Designer, I contributed research, drafting, and model support throughout pre-production and tech, working closely with the scenic team to maintain aesthetic clarity while integrating technical solutions for the Diamond Stage’s spatial demands.

The ensemble cast featured Maddie Corman, Kerry Bishé, Natalie Woolams-Torres, and Jess Gabor, with additional performances by Mehran Khaghani, Carl Hendrick Louis, Robyn Peterson, and others. The production featured costumes by David C. Robinson, lighting by Tony Award winner Jeff Croiter, and sound by Jane Shaw.

Produced by Sightline Productions and managed by DR Theatrical Management, The Fears opened on May 18, 2023, for a limited engagement. The play’s balance of comedy, vulnerability, and social commentary was matched by a design approach that foregrounded intimacy and stillness in a city defined by its chaos.