On the Couch with George Stus
George Strus (they/them) is a Tony Award-nominated and Obie Award-winning trans non-binary Latiné producer and dramaturg. They founded Breaking the Binary Theatre: an Obie Award-winning new work development and community building hub for transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit+ (TNB2s+) theater makers. Since the organization’s launch in July of 2022, Breaking the Binary Theatre has paid out over $500,000 to over 400 TNB2S+ artists. The third annual Breaking the Binary Theatre festival will take place October 21-27 at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Playwrights Horizons. The mission of Breaking the Binary is to allow space for TNB2s+ theater makers to come together to reclaim their artistic license and liberty.
George has also been a co-producer on Illinoise and Here We Are with many more projects in the works.
Read our full interview below, where you can hear about trenta Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refreshers with No Berry Scoop, Light Ice, and Light Water.
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What do you consider to be your best asset?
My unwavering passion.
What was your proudest moment?
The opening night of the inaugural Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival on Monday, October 10, 2022.
What is your favorite drink?
A trenta Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher with No Berry Scoop, Light Ice, and Light Water.
What is your favorite food?
A wheat cheeseburger empanada from Empanada Mama.
What is your favorite condiment?
I have the food palate of a toddler, meaning, I like everything plain. No ketchup/mayo/mustard/etc… for me!
What is your current obsession?
Hyper-analyzing every new Wicked movie trailer or soundbite they release (I already have three sets of tickets for its opening weekend).
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
My daily trenta Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher with No Berry Scoop, Light Ice, and Light Water.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Health insurance? JK. To be a Judge for the Jimmy Awards, the best night of the year.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Trenta Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refreshers with No Berry Scoop, Light Ice, and Light Water. (Okay, last time, I promise, but $7 a day adds up!)
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Rewatching my favorite episodes of Real Housewives of Atlanta.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Well, since I can’t say my daily Starbucks drink again… perhaps my fear of the men who hog the machines at my local gym?
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Fiscal solvency.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Stubbornness.
What in the world most thrills you?
A surprising moment of theatricality (Laura’s entrance in John Tiffany’s 2013 revival of THE GLASS MENAGERIE, for example).
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Hawk tuah (sp?). Please leave us be, hawk tuah girl.
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Unfortunately, I have too many of these moments to count. The first that comes to mind is tripping and faceplanting right in front of Brandy at a gala event I was helping produce.
What is your favorite place in the world?
An aisle seat at a 7pm curtain of a new <90-minute play.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Ambition (and the ability to name all three of Patti LuPone’s Tony Award-winning roles).
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs (my dog Gusher in particular).
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Winning the Mega Millions. As Ariana Grande wisely once said, “Whoever said money can’t solve your problems must not have had enough money to solve them.”
What is your personal motto?
VIP until I RIP.