The Grippe
A play with music by James P. Mirrione
Set during the 1918 influenza pandemic, The Grippe is a sweeping theatrical reckoning with music about truth, denial, public spectacle, and the people who saw disaster coming before the country was willing to listen.
Who Is It For?
This opportunity is intended for serious Houston-area high school performers with a commitment to professional theatre and a desire to work in a conservatory-style environment.
Acting
Students deepen their craft through challenging scenes and ensemble work, learning to make bold choices, listen actively, and bring emotionally honest performances to the stage.
Direction
Students work under James P. Mirrione, a New York playwright, director, and educator whose work spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, and international theatre education.
Singing
Students strengthen their vocal technique in a rehearsal setting, learning how to tell the story of a song, blend with an ensemble, and sustain confident singing through a full production under the guidance of Broadway-experienced Music Director Eugene Gwozdz.
Commitment
Students experience the discipline of a real rehearsal process—showing up prepared, supporting their castmates, and seeing how consistent commitment leads to a polished, professional-level performance.
Ensemble
Students learn what it means to be part of an ensemble: building trust, responding to each other onstage, and understanding how every role contributes to the story the audience sees.
Experience
Work in a fully staged, professional-style production led by Broadway-experienced artists, including our music director, Eugene Gwozdz. Students get a real rehearsal process, industry-level expectations, and mentorship from working theatre professionals.
Company of 25–30
Jan 25 – Feb 27 2027
Rehearsals occur Jan 25 – Feb 27, 2027, throughout the entire period.
- Rehearsal days and times will be announced with the audition materials.
- Performance Schedule: Friday, Feb 26 at 7pm | Saturday, Feb 27 at 2pm | Saturday, Feb 27 at 7pm.
Venue: The Music Hall at historic Lambert Hall, Houston
Show Schedule
Creative Leadership
James P. Mirrione
James P. Mirrione is a New York playwright, director, educator, and theatre-maker whose work has moved across professional theatre, international theatre education, and new-play development. His writing and theatre work have been associated with Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, regional theatre, and
major cultural and educational institutions.
Eugene Gwozdz
Eugene Gwozdz is a New York-based music director, arranger, orchestrator, and pianist with extensive Broadway, Off-Broadway, national touring, cabaret, and concert experience. His credits include Broadway’s The Full Monty and Oklahoma!, Off-Broadway’s Spamilton, and national tours including Sunset Boulevard,
Swing!, The Color Purple, The Phantom of the Opera, The Will Rogers Follies, and West Side Story. He has also worked as music director, pianist, and arranger for major Broadway artists including Anika Noni Rose, Donna McKechnie, Cady Huffman, Rachel York, and others.
Music Associate
A Houston-based Music Associate is joining the team—details coming soon!
Daniel Stringer
A dedicated educator and co-founder of the ROE Theater Club, Daniel Stringer has spent years championing youth arts in Houston by establishing impactful theater programs within local schools.
Foster Davis
Foster Davis is an accomplished actor, writer, and director with a career spanning Chicago, London, and New York. Locally, he has collaborated with premier institutions including the Alley Theatre, Stages, and The Ensemble Theatre, bringing deep industry expertise to his work with Houston’s rising talents.
Choreographer
A dynamic Houston-based choreographer is joining the team—full announcement coming soon!
Ty Fraser
Technical Director and Lighting Designer. Ty is an award-winning Houston-based professional with an extensive career across professional theatre and dance. As an expert in technical production and stagecraft, he is dedicated to bringing high-level industry standards to this workshop.
Participation in this workshop offers students a chance to work at a professional level on a new play that is being developed toward a future production and a New York production. The workshop itself is a focused professional development experience for serious young performers.
Interest and audition inquiries are now open. Formal registration will begin October 1st, once final participation materials are ready.
