Smoke wins Outstanding Independent Production of a Play

Almost exactly a year ago, we were wrapping up one of the most special theatre projects I’ve ever been in. I’m talking about Smoke - a play exploring consent, trauma, and gender, further amplified by the double-casting of a cis-woman and cis-man in the role of Jordan to allow for a heterosexual and queer relationship on alternating nights. And last night at the 35th annual Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Awards, Smoke took home the award for Outstanding Independent Production of a Play!

To say this show left a mark on me would be a huge understatement, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been trusted with the role of Aiden. Smoke was “the little play that could” - from multiple stoppages due to the pandemic to MacGyvering onstage effects, we made it through and created a work we all were (and still are) truly proud of. I’m overjoyed to have the efforts of the entire team recognized by the Sterling jurors, and it speaks to the culture of respect and love that Tiny Bear Jaws theatre company created for us to all be celebrating each other and feeling this win so deeply, even a year later. Who knows - there could be a remount in our future!

“Here’s a dramatic concept to wrap your wits around: a play that’s built on reactions to a sexual assault that’s not about sexual assault. In a life incinerated by trauma, can you start all over again, from the ground up? Is the scorched earth policy the way to go? "Smoke" wonders about that; it stays in your lungs.”

Check out Tiny Bear Jaws on their website, Instagram, and Facebook!

Read Liz Nicholls’ recap of the awards here!