AM I REALLY BY MYSELF?: The Debut Screening

Hosted at the Phoenix Center for The Arts, presented by BAFip.org, and an after-screening panel hosted by Thyrd Space.
About this Event

Tickets start at $20 + an additional $3.18 convenience fee

$10 DISCOUNTS are available for all subscribers of BAFip.org or the Thyrd Space Newsletter

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Welcome everybody! This is David Stanek, Writer and Director of the 2026 Short Musical Film, "AM I REALLY BY MYSELF?" featuring original music composed by Phoenix artist Ronny Cash - Set to premiere SUNDAY, August 9th, 2026, at the Phoenix Center for the Arts | 4PM - 8PM

The official premiere begins at 6PM - and will be followed by a panel curated by Laila Kabongi and Chris Joseph of Thyrd Space. Prior to the screening will feature an Artists' Exhibition and Gala hosted by Twix of Black Artists Found in Phoenix (BAFip.org)

This film was a deeply personal of ours to make; we built it off a successfully reached $10,000 goal from our Seed & Spark campaign and recruited an exclusive All-Arizona Cast & Crew to extend our voices in unity for a city marked by disconnection, yet everlasting perseverance. This film would not have been possible without these prominent Arizona crew professionals, the actors from the historic Arizona Black Theatre Troupe, our performing movement artists from prominent Black spaces, and all who have followed this journey from Day 1 and made a contribution towards making this film a life-altering milestone for us all.

Our intention through this event is to curate our most talented and prominent voices across Arizona to congregate in honor of a film made exclusively for us. We often do not have the opportunity for artists, filmmakers, and cultural contributors to intermingle in one space exclusively to discuss prominent issues and topics native to Arizona, and we wish to generate this environment to be the most impactful artistic event of this Summer 2026.

We hope you will walk away feeling exhilarated and connected with more Arizona voices - thanks to our physical exhibition hosted by Twix from Black Artists Found in Phoenix (BAFip.org), Laila Kabongi and Chris Joseph of Thyrd Space, and the generous hospitality from the Phoenix Center for the Arts.

You do not want to miss this premiere! Your presence marks another growing voice in Arizona with a desire to be seen.

AM I REALLY BY MYSELF? is a phsychological muscial, written and directed by David Stanek, and features original music written and composed by Ronny Cash.

Synopsis: Cory Green, a 29-year old suburbanite from Ahwatukee, Arizona, must navigate his new normal following a massive, musical-indusing, head injury.

PRIMARY CAST

Cory Green - Ronny Cash

Dr. Robyn Green - Simmone Jefferson

Calvin Green - Roosevelt Watts

Dr. Michael Stanek - Himself

Featuring Choreography by Precious Ellis and Travon Schake

Performed by Ariel Alexander, Maya Felton, Tylaysha Guy, Caleb Hampson, Kayla Jones, Kesia Lloyd, Nia Lynn, and Kiosha Wilson

Agenda

🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Welcome Exhibition Presented by BAFip.org
Host: Twix The Drag Queen
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
AM I REALLY BY MYSELF? Debut Screening
🕑: 06:30 AM - 07:30 PM
Post-Screen Panel Hosted by Thyrd Space
Host: Laila Kabongi
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Audience Q&A + Wrap Up!