Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is Gender Fucked’s new playwright residency.
This program is specifically focused on assisting in the early career development of trans/gnc playwrights in Chicago. Every cycle, a new playwright will be chosen to receive support from our production team in turning their pitched idea into a fully staged show. The 2025-27 term will be our first ever playwright cycle. Join us in seeing the transformation!
Over the course of the year residency, there will be two staged readings of the work-in-progress as well as other events to help connect the playwright, the piece, and the Chicago community. In September 2027, the new work will be staged in its entirety for one weekend only!
MEET THE TEAM
Harlow Bunten, PRODUCER
Harlow Bunten (they/them) is a producer, director, and writer based in Chicago. They graduated from The University of Missouri-Columbia with a BA in Theatre with an emphasis in playwriting. Since moving to the city in 2023, they have produced and directed a range of projects all across Chicago. This is their second year producing with Gender Fucked and they’re so excited for what the future holds for Metamorphosis and to be providing a space for trans playwrights to develop in a meaningful way.
THE PLAYWRIGHT & MENTOR
(2025-27)
Wren Andres, PLAYWRIGHT
Wren Andres (they/he) was born in Los Angeles and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. Wren is a playwright, director, performer, and theater artist. He strives to make work that explores new possibilities and challenges current reality. Wren earned their BA in Theater from Occidental College and his first play, "Emergency Contact", received the school's Jack Bell Award of Outstanding Creative Achievement in playwriting. Having moved back to the area from Los Angeles earlier this year, Wren is so grateful for the chance to participate in the Chicago theater scene and connect with so many amazing artists.
Sil Rivera, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Sil Rivera (they/them) is a Chicago-based theater artist who graduated from NYU Tisch with a BFA in Drama with a focus in directing and performance. Born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago, Sil is passionate about community building, arts access, and education. They strive to cultivate work and spaces that center laughter and empathy at their core. If you can’t find them, they are probably helping kids make puppets, teaching dogs how to swim or constructing something strange out of cardboard.
Preston Max Allen, MENTOR
Preston Max Allen (he/him) is a playwright, lyricist, and composer whose projects include WE ARE THE TIGERS (album streaming); NEVER BETTER (Theo Ubique); and THE RAGE: CARRIE 2, AN UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY (Underscore). UPCOMING: NUCLEAR (Manhattan Theatre Club Sloan Initiative reading) and CAROLINE (MCC, world premiere fall 2025). @prestonmaxallen