The Collective
Brought together by the Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts and the Chicago no-budget theatre scene, Stephanie Acosta, Taavo Smith and Alex Miles Younger founded The Anatomy Collective in the spring of 2005 to support their own ongoing projects and the community at large. Since the resounding success (and December remount) of their July 2005 premiere, Many Things Are Destroying Me, The Anatomy Collective has resolved to create as much exciting new work as they can before going broke or crazy.
Our Mission
We believe that categorizing art inhibits free expression and creates a divide between artists and their audiences.
The Anatomy Collective explores performance at the intersection of disciplines—replacing rigid theatrical traditions with fluid structures tailored to each project, and promoting collaboration between actors, choreographers, composers, dancers, designers, directors, musicians, puppeteers, visual artists and others.
By uniting divergent artistic approaches we strive to create bold work that enriches artist and audience alike.
About Us
Stephanie Acosta
Stephanie M. Acosta is a theatre director, a visual artist, and a founding member of the Anatomy Collective. Stephanie received her Bachelors in Directing from the Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts in St. Louis, Missouri where her strong interest in translation and adaptation of found texts was the driving force behind many of her projects including her adaptation and direction of The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, her translation of Federico Garcia Lorca's Blood Wedding, and her direction of a new compiled version of Georg Büchner's Woyzeck. Stephanie worked at the Goodman Theatre as the Assistant Director on the world premier of Mariela in the Dessert. Stephanie also has the joy of creating metal work installation art and directing three short pieces by Taavo Smith for MANY THINGS ARE DESTROYING ME.
Anatomy Credits: Many Things Are Destroying Me (director), Many Things Are Destroying Me (director), The Prometheus Myth (director).
Christine Ferriter
Christine is a beautiful vintage purse with roses. Christine is here to stay. Christine is just as foxy. Christine is here. Christine is one of Fleet Yacht Charters' luxury motoryachts. Christine is a brunette with hazel eyes. Christine is definitely obsessed. Christine is my favorite. Christine is kool. Christine is always. Christine is here to stay November 24. Christine is now a complete wreck but arnie sets about restoring her. Christine is involved in a number of educational projects with Angus Council and Highland Council. Christine is no ordinary car
Anatomy Credits: Many Things Are Destroying Me (lighting designer), MTADM2 (lighting designer, scenic designer), The Prometheus Myth (lighting designer, scenic designer).
Taavo Smith
A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Taavo Smith earned his B.A. at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Outside of The Anatomy Collective, his work as a director, actor and playwright have been seen in Boston with New Theatre, in the Twin Cities with Bad Comedy and No Refunds Theatre Co., in Chicago with Experimental Theatre Chicago/The Mill, and in Melbourne with Concrete Cloud. Taavo is also a company member with Experimental Theatre Chicago/The Mill.
Anatomy Credits: Many Things Are Destroying Me (playwright, "The Author"), MTADM2 (playwright, "The Author"), The Prometheus Myth (dramaturg, Zeus).
Ben Stuber
Ben Stuber is an actor, dancer, puppeteer, visual artist, and member of the Anatomy Collective. For more information check out http://www.benstuber.com.
Anatomy Credits: Many Things Are Destroying Me (Gromp, Parker), MTADM2 (Gromp, Parker), The Prometheus Myth (puppetmaster, Oceanid).
Alex Miles Younger
Alex Miles Younger is an actor, director and performance studies enthusiast. He chalks up his experience to performing with Sprung movement theatre, Experimental Theatre Chicago/The Mill, Sandbox Theatre Project, and workshops with Plasticene and The Building Stage; as well as his B.F.A. from the Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts. Nerd hour, peanut butter and bicycle rides all make him very happy.
Anatomy Credits: Many Things Are Destroying Me (co-director), MTADM2 (co-director), The Prometheus Myth (Hermes).