Brave New Classics was founded in 2020 by Noelle Azarelo, an actor, director, costumer, and overall Triangle stage veteran. Precluded by the pandemic from traditional stage productions, Noelle and an assemblage of Triangle talent launched multiple virtual plays – reimagined classics by playwrights such as Mae West, Alice Gerstenberg, and Rachel Crothers. With a focus on women’s and queer voices, productions were performed and streamed live over Twitch, or pre-recorded and made available via YouTube, where they can still be viewed today. Shows included Rachel Crothers’ HE & SHE (Chatham Life & Style Outstanding Virtual Production, Outstanding Ensemble Performance – 2020), Mae West’s SEX, and THE SECOND SHEPHERD’S PLAY.
In 2024, Brave New Classics launched their first traditionally staged show – HITCHCOCK BLONDE – to critical acclaim at the Durham Arts Center.
Throughout 2025, the company produced several Shakespeare Roulette events, where actors are assigned roles 5 minutes before curtain -at various Triangle locations.
Now, they look forward to partnering with Burning Coal Theatre to stage Liza Birkenmeier’s brilliant new play, DR RIDE’S AMERICAN BEACH HOUSE, in June 2026.
Brave New Classics 