INITIATIVE World Premiere At The Public Theater; Extension Announced

The Public Theater has released new production photos for Else Went’s world premiere Initiative, now in previews and newly extended through December 7. Directed by Emma Rosa Went, the play follows seven teens coming of age between 2000 and 2004 in coastal California. Opening night is set for November 20.

The Public Theater has released production photos for the world premiere of Initiative, written by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and currently in previews. The production has been extended through December 7, and press planning to review this weekend are advised to reflect the updated closing date. Opening night remains scheduled for November 20. Production photos are by Joan Marcus.

Initiative is a bittersweet reflection on adolescence at the dawn of the new millennium, tracing the interconnected experiences of seven teenagers in “Coastal Podunk, California” from 2000 to 2004. Across four formative years, they build friendships and relationships, confront loss, and attempt to understand their futures in a landscape that both confines and shapes them. The production is directed by Emma Rosa Went.

The company features Olivia Rose Barresi as Clara, Greg Cuellar as Riley, Harrison Densmore as Ty, Carson Higgins as Lo, Andrea Lopez Alvarez as Kendall, Jamie Sanders as Tony, and Christopher Dylan White as Em. Understudies include Marisa Brau-Reyes, Brandon Burk, and Jose Useche, with Burk also appearing as Mr. Stone and additional roles.

The creative team includes scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Kindall Almond with costume design dramaturgy by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Christopher Akerlind, sound design by Angela Baughman, projection design by S. Katy Tucker, and prop management by Aisha Hamida. Fight direction is by Dan Renkin, intimacy direction by Laura Hackman, and dramaturgy by Sarah Lunnie. Janelle Caso serves as production stage manager, with Molly Foy as stage manager.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Buy Tickets to Initiative

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lighting Design - Top 3

1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys

39.3% of votes

2. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

12.2% of votes

3. Adam Honoré - CATS: The Jellicle Ball

6.9% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats