About the Company
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We founded Atlas in a spirit of exploration and discovery, with the mission of transporting our audiences to brave new worlds by presenting Shakespeare's plays as they were intended to be performed: vivid, character-driven, exciting, funny, relatable...and profoundly human. Shakespeare's work is often regarded as stuffy or boring; we aim to provide a fresh perspective by demonstrating that these plays—in their original form, without needing to be modernized or reconceptualized—are truly for everyone. Our productions are optimized for clear storytelling and three-dimensional characterization, informed by expert-level understanding of the text and historical context, and designed to be enjoyed by everyone from Shakespeare devotees to first-time theatergoers.
We respect the collaborative magic of live theater as a force for good, and believe that classic plays, not just new works, can interrogate cultural values, foster productive discourse, build community, and champion social change. ​Our casting practices are fully inclusive, and we prioritize maintaining a safe, supportive environment in which our performers are empowered to fully engage in creative experimentation and self-expression.​
Our founders, Adriana Alter and Alexander Nero, have combined decades of in-depth Shakespeare scholarship with extensive hands-on theater experience to bring their creative vision to New York City's theater community. ​
About our Founders
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Adriana Alter
Adriana Alter is a director and writer based in New York City. Her extensive theatrical credits include work with Two Good Dogs Productions, the Secret Theatre, Hip to Hip Theatre Company, the Riant Theatre, Chelsea Rep/The Acting Studio, Identity Theater Company/Nicu’s Spoon Theater Company, Royal Family Productions, and Hartford Stage, among others.
Adriana holds advanced degrees in Medieval and Renaissance Studies (Columbia University) and Shakespeare Studies (King’s College London, in association with the Globe Theatre).
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alexander Nero
Alexander Nero has performed in the works of many classic playwrights. His lengthy roster of notable Shakespearian rôles includes Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing, Buckingham in Richard III, Gonzalo in the The Tempest, Worcester in Henry IV, Part 1, Pompey in Measure for Measure, and Touchstone in As You Like It.
Alexander holds a B.A. in Classical Studies from Hunter College, and an M.L.S. from Queens College.
