American Dream Casino
La Jolla Playhouse’s 2024 DNA New Works Festival
American Dream Casino Workshop
Devising Immersive Experiences
What does it take to collaborate on a fully immersive and interactive show?
My experience with Improv and collaborating on new works has prepared me for anything. Vulnerability is key—letting go of doubt and fully embracing the energy around you makes all the difference. After creating and conceptualizing IYKYK, I was ready for an even greater challenge, and this experience certainly delivered.
Working closely with creator Robert Karimi on this WOW Festival workshop piece was a delightfully wild challenge. Known for his unorthodox audience participation pieces, Karimi brings a unique energy to storytelling. American Dream Casino is no exception—it’s a vibrant celebration of the risks immigrants take in pursuit of the American Dream, blending humor, heart, and high-stakes interactivity in a way that keeps both performers and audiences on their toes.
We played, we laughed, and we gambled. For a week, Robert guided and challenged us to think more deeply about how to connect—not just with audiences, but with each other. We encouraged questions, pushed play-tests to their limits, and even broke the ‘game’ along the way. Through trial and error, we discovered what worked, what didn’t, and how to make the experience even stronger.
