project

We Need Better Friends

Two Person Show · James Ferrero & Nicole Knudsen · Ages 13+ · United States of America

Content Warning world premiere

About the Project

6/22 UPDATE: Due to the growing number of Covid cases in LA County, the production team asks that you be prepared to mask while in the theater for our remaining performances. This is out of an abundance of caution, and to protect our audiences, cast, and crew. Thank you for your understanding.


Horatio and Benvolio are both going through a lot right now. Like, a lot. Thank God they have each other.

In an unassuming apartment, Horatio (of Hamlet fame) and Benvolio (you know, the sane one from Romeo & Juliet) meet up to chill, eat pizza, and vent about their friends. But when annoying relationship drama becomes a matter of life and death, these two will have to learn to lean on each other like never before.

A modern examination of the survivors of two of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, We Need Better Friends navigates the ups, the downs, the laughs, and the tears that come with just trying to get through another day, and what it means to not do it alone.

From the team that brought you the Shakespearean slasher Titus Kills (Fall 2023) and Shakes on the Rocks (a 2018 Hollywood Fringe debut).

Content warnings include profanity, alcohol consumption, grief, and discussion of suicide.

Show art by Mia Passarella.

Photography by Jill Petracek.

Production Team

Nicole Knudsen

nicole knudsen *

co-writer / actor / producer
James Ferrero

james ferrero *

co-writer / actor / producer
Cameron Rose

cameron rose *

co-director

* Fringe Veteran

we need better friends