About Us
Alternative Theatre Company Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ artists and providing a home for unheard storytellers and activists. We believe theatre has the power to transform lives and build bridges, and are committed to producing socially-conscious plays by queer playwrights that examine and uplift stories in our communities. By showcasing the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ people, Alternative Theater Company aims to foster empathy and understanding, and to inspire a more just and equitable world.
In addition to producing live theatre, Alternative Theater Company also offers a variety of community programs, including workshops and classes for LGBTQ+ artists and allies. Alternative Theater Company is committed to representing LGBTQ+ experiences through live theatrical performances, and to providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to share their stories and connect with others.
With the world now immersed in visual and interactive media, the performing arts have perhaps never been more relevant in communication. Dramatic productions can powerfully communicate diversity, faith, compassion, understanding and acceptance across barriers of age, race, gender, orientation, culture, language and prejudice in a way few other mediums can.
Theatre not only communicates ideas, but also demonstrates them, touching the audience's mind and heart. That is and will always be our mission.
Founded in 1991 by Joe Marshall in Phoenix, Arizona, the company relocated to New York in 2009.
Meet the Company
Joe Marshall
Artistic Director, Producer, Actor, Director, Playwright
Actor, Director, Producer, Playwright
Joe is a proud member of the New York Dramatist Guild. After studying at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, Joe obtained his F.C.C. License in broadcast communication from the Arizona Technical Institute. Joe founded the Alternative Theatre Company while living in Phoenix, where he was also the Director of Children's Programming at Theatre Works, winning five People's Choice awards.
Joe's Off-Broadway plays include THE GAYEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER!, A NIGHT IN VEGAS, A WANING GIBBOUS MOON! and DIRTY SECRETS. A Night in Vegas received multiple AriZoni awards for Best Original Script, Best Overall Production, and Best Director. Throughout his theatre career, Joe has directed and choreographed more than thirty award-winning productions in Arizona, California, New York City, and Long Island.
Adrian Maynard
Managing Director, Producer
Adrian produces our shows, spearheads our sales, marketing and PR activities, and works closely with our volunteers and partners.
Jeff Pangburn
Member, Actor
Jeff has appeared in the last two Alternative Theatre Company productions on Long Island. He played Stan in the 2024 production of "A Waning Gibbous Moon", and in 2023 he performed the role of Ray in the production of "SONDER".
Regional Credits: "Nice Work If You Can Get It" (Chief Berry), "Bullets Over Broadway" (Long Island Premiere, Warner Purcell), "Curtains" (Oscar Shapiro), "Ragtime" (Henry Ford), "Memphis" (Mr. Simmons), "A New Brain" (The Minister), "Falsettos" (Mendel), "Little Shop of Horrors" (Mushnik), "Hairspray" (Wilbur Turnblad), "Company" (David), "Into the Woods" (Narrator/Mysterious Man), "The Secret Garden" (Albert Lennox).
Hayden Walsh
Member, Actor
Hayden is very excited to be a member of Alternative Theatre Company. You may have previously seen him as Cooper in 2024's "A Waning Gibbous Moon" in his role as Kurt, or in our 2023 production of "SONDER" performed at the BACCA Arts Center.
He was also the Munchkin Mayor in "The Wizard of Oz" performed at Farmingdale State College.
Hayden is currently studying at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Film in his pursuit of becoming a method actor.
Justin Cimmino
Member, Actor, Choreographer
Justin has been in a wide variety of productions over the past 17 years, including the last two Alternative Theatre Company productions. He played Mark and also served as choreographer for the 2024 production of "A Waning Gibbous Moon," and was Scott in the 2023 production of "SONDER."
Some favorite acting credits include "The Wild Party" (Oscar), "Beauty and the Beast" (Lefou), "Phantom" (Young Erik), "Ascension Day" (Randy), "Wizard of Oz" (Nikko), "Mary Poppins" (Neleus, Swing), "A Christmas Carol" (Featured Dancer) and many more.
Peter Zhong
Member, Tech Guy, Set Builder, Actor
Peter is excited to be part of Alternative Theatre Company. He has previously worked as lighting operator for Royal Star Theatre and Douglaston Community Theatre, stitcher/dresser for Artistree.
Peter made his acting debut in Alternative Theatre Company's 2024 production of A Waning Gibbous Moon. "Have courage and be kind."