(No) Refunds began as an idea back in 2020 when I lost three jobs in one day and was terrified by my sudden and complete financial dependency on friends, family, and the state as an out-of-work artist. In the years that have followed, it has mutated and evolved from its initial remote-by-necessity format to a live gameshow experience. Inspired by what I’ve learned as an ensemble member with Candle House Collective, a Stand-Up student at Brooklyn Comedy Collective, and good ol’ fashioned American gameshows, (No) Refunds interrogates what it means to create art under capitalism, the direct responsibility of audiences to compensate artists, and what a day’s work as an entertainer really feels like for our Star Players. To quote its host, Tiffany Gold, “could YOU do this every day?”

Since (No) Refunds is an interactive play, there is only so much development that can be done on the page or in a rehearsal room. Now, boasting a team of dedicated artists facilitating the work, it is ready to be seen. This show challenges the traditional play format, tests the limits of audience interaction, and has the potential to hook audience members for life with its replayability. Still, it can only continue to develop with the participation of live audiences. We were thrilled to present the first staged workshop at Brooklyn Comedy Collective on November 19th, 2024, and are exploring opportunities to take it on the road this spring and summer to more venues in NYC and beyond.