About the Project
🏆 Winner of Outstanding Dramatic Ensemble (L.A. Hidden Gems)
🏆 Winner of Outstanding Set and Costumes (L.A. Hidden Gems)
🏆 2nd Place Winner of the Emerging Female/Non-Binary Playwright’s Award (Loud Karma)
🎗️ Top of Fringe Award Nominee (Hollywood Fringe)
🎗️ Best Drama Award Nominee (Hollywood Fringe)
🎗️ World Premiere Award Nominee (Hollywood Fringe)
🎗️ Jaxx Theatricals Cultural Envoy Award Nominee (Jaxx Theatre)
🎗️ Theatre/Theater Podcast Award Nominee (Theatre/Theater Podcast)
🎗️ Splash Award Finalist (NAMBA Arts)
🚐 Vanlyfe is a wild ride. Or it would be, if we could only get the stupid thing to run! Written and performed by formerly unhoused activists and actors, this site-specific homeless epic is a play and a political action rolled into one. Vanlyfe is a weekend trip to the fringes of the social fabric—and an exploration of the delicate threads that hold a community together.
🌻 Sunny and Finn are a rowdy queer couple living in a broken-down van in Venice Beach. When a nearby murder causes a 48-hour sweep of their encampment, Sunny and Finn must rely on their wits and community to fix their van and prevent their home from being impounded. As all easy fixes slip away, both their identities and dedications are tested as they learn where and with whom home truly lies. Filled with humor, heart, joy, and struggle, Vanlyfe includes immersive and interactive elements as well as a secret mission for the audience members.
⭐ “The fast-paced script masterfully balances action with profound emotional depth. The actors’ skillful handling of serious subject matter brought me to tears multiple times.” — Ryan Cassata, Rock the Pigeon
⭐ "…it introduces us to a resplendent and wildly talented group of actors and writers who make Vanlyfe a must-see experience. With its well-crafted story and through line, Vanlyfe offers something that perhaps I wasn’t expecting. It’s built and structured with outstanding dialogue that is smart, accessible and that rings true. " — Dan Ruth, LA Hidden Gems
🧼 250+ Hygiene Kits Distributed in 2024
⚠️ Content Warning: drug use, police violence, transphobia, depictions of poverty and mental illness.
📸 by Annie Lesser
Production Team
