Welcome to the vibrant world of RiffRaff NYC, where we invite you to join us on a creative odyssey that celebrates the diverse voices of immigrant actors in the heart of New York City.

As actors, directors, and producers, our journeys have traversed continents and cultures, shaping a collective vision for RiffRaff NYC. Our paths converged at the prestigious Stella Adler Studio in New York City, igniting a shared passion for storytelling and a commitment to giving a voice to those who, like us, have known the challenges and triumphs of being immigrants.

The name "RiffRaff" is drawn from a hilarious line spoken by Jason Isaacs in the film "Dragonheart": "I should have known… foreign riffraff." Despite its hilarious delivery, it also encapsulates the essence of our mission — to amplify the stories and experiences of immigrant actors, celebrating the richness they bring to the world of theatre and film.

Our first major venture is an exciting and innovative production of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". For Joe Staton, this play has been a lifelong love affair since he first encountered its magic at the age of 10. We're thrilled to bring this timeless classic to life in a fresh and contemporary way.

Picture the enchanted forest of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" transported to the heart of an underground nightclub. Oberon and Titania become powerful drug kingpins, while Puck takes on the role of a street-smart drug dealer. It's a reimagining that blends Shakespearean elegance with the gritty reality of modern life, and we can't wait to share this unique vision with you.

To make our dream a reality, we're reaching out to our community for support. We've launched a GoFundMe campaign and we are also sponsored by Fractured Atlas. We invite you to be a part of this creative movement. Your donations will not only contribute to the production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" but will also empower immigrant artists to shine on stage and screen. We will also be holding various fundraising events throughout the year.

To all who explore our website, we extend our deepest thanks. Your support is not just an investment; it's a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the transformative power of storytelling. We, at RiffRaff NYC, are excited to embark on this creative journey and look forward to sharing the magic that unfolds when diverse stories take center stage. Stay tuned for an unforgettable experience as we set the scene for a new era of theatrical brilliance, where every voice is heard, celebrated, and immortalized in the spotlight of the arts.

Yours sincerely,

Joe Staton and Dorothea Gloria