Dead Canary Aims to Fill the Gaps with Storytelling that Bites

Launching with David Ives’s psychological drama, the company sets its sights on building a repertory ensemble and rethinking where—and how—professional theatre happens in the region.

By Avery Anderson

In the heart of St. Petersburg’s arts scene, a new theatre company is staking its claim—not with spectacle, but with sharp, intimate storytelling. Dead Canary, co-founded by Travis Moore, Stephen Riordan, and Rand Smith, will launch its inaugural production this weekend: Venus in Fur, David Ives’s provocative two-hander about power, gender, and desire.

For Riordan, who will direct, and Moore, who stars, it’s a long-awaited passion project—and the perfect introduction to what Dead Canary hopes to bring to the region.

Filling a Regional Theatre Gap

The idea for Dead Canary emerged in late 2021, when Riordan and Moore, longtime veterans of Tampa Bay’s theatre community, found themselves aligned on a vision. Both had spent decades in community theatre, often working without compensation. They saw a need for a professional company that could support artists while reaching audiences outside the traditional hubs.

“There’s a real void north of St. Pete,” Riordan said. “In Clearwater, Dunedin, Belleair, there’s not much in terms of professional theatre. People are used to driving to Tampa or Sarasota. We want to bring it closer to home.”

For Moore, who has worked as an artist, the timing felt right. “We believed there was space for a new company focused on compelling, urgent stories that also pay artists for their craft,” he said. “We knew we could build something sustainable with the right mission and partnerships.”

Smith, also a longtime fixture in the local scene, agreed. Together, the trio founded Dead Canary Theatre with a clear philosophy: produce intimate, actor-driven works that entertain, challenge, and resonate.

Why Venus in Fur?

Dead Canary’s debut choice is no accident. Venus in Fur is a psychological chess match between a playwright and an actress auditioning for his adaptation of the 19th-century novel Venus in Furs. What begins as a fraught casting session quickly spirals into a layered exploration of power dynamics, manipulation, and gender politics.

“It’s a play that grabs you from the start,” Riordan said. “It’s funny, seductive, and tense—but underneath, it’s a sharp critique of how power is wielded, especially by men who feel entitled to it.”

Moore, who will play Thomas, the self-important playwright, had long dreamed of tackling the role. For Riordan, directing the piece was equally high on his artistic bucket list. When both named Venus in Fur as their top choice for Dead Canary’s first production, the decision was made.

Beyond personal ambition, the play aligns perfectly with the company’s ethos. “It’s a two-person show, which makes sense for our inaugural production,” Riordan noted. “But it’s also rich with themes we care about—gender, desire, narcissism, and how easily people abuse power when they think they can get away with it.”

The production will feature Broadway veteran Rachel Prather opposite Moore, a pairing Riordan describes as “electric.” Their dynamic, he says, captures the play’s essential tension between humor and danger.

Theatre as Conversation, Not Lecture

While Venus in Fur delves into serious issues, Riordan emphasizes that Dead Canary’s work will never feel like homework.

“One thing we’re not going to do is be preachy,” he said. “We want to spark conversation, not deliver sermons. The best theatre makes you reflect—sometimes hours or days later—on what you’ve seen and how it connects to your own life.”

Riordan cites his own experiences as an audience member. “Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned about myself came from watching a play,” he said. “That’s the kind of engagement we hope to create.”

Building More Than a Company

Launching Dead Canary has required a shift in priorities. For Riordan, that meant leaving behind a successful 15-year career in casting to focus on the company full-time.

“I used to think money was the most precious commodity,” he reflected. “But it’s time. Time to build something meaningful. That’s the real investment.”

Moore balances his work as a consultant in the Florida legislature with his artistic pursuits, while Smith, now retired, contributes his expertise to the company’s development.

Dead Canary’s partnership with The Studio @ 620 provides a flexible home base, but Riordan and Moore envision expanding into under-served areas in the future. Their long-term goal is to establish a repertory company—a tight-knit ensemble of actors, directors, and technicians who share their collaborative ethos.

“We want artists to come back, again and again, because they know the work will be worth it,” Riordan said.

Theatre Church

For Riordan, the motivation is deeply personal. “Theatre has always been there for me,” he said. “I call it Theatre Church. Being in a room with people who believe in this art form gives me hope.”

Starting Dead Canary, he admits, is both terrifying and exhilarating. “There’s a saying: all the good stuff is on the other side of fear. That’s what this is. Risky, yes—but also incredibly fulfilling.”

As Dead Canary prepares to open Venus in Fur, its founders are betting on the enduring power of intimate, human storytelling. In a region rich with artistic talent but still seeking new voices, it’s a bet worth watching.

Venus in Fur

Starring Rachel Prather and Travis Moore

Dates: May 15–25, 2025

Location: The Studio@620, St. Petersburg

Tickets: studio620.org/tickets