“Pride means loving yourself completely!”
Leigh Honigman is an NYC-based producer across theater, live events, and film. She primarily works with queer and femme artists.
How did you get your start?
I first became enamored with acting but quickly fell in love with producing when I got to college. My time there gave me my footing in administration, as well as formative internships at HERE Arts Center and Killer Films. Taking internships is a privilege I don't take lightly, and I'm grateful for the education on my feet. I love working in theater and live events for their immediacy and intimacy, and appreciate film for the very opposite. Events will always be my number one for the direct community impact.
Tell us more about The Brick Theatre…
It’s an inarguable anchor of the Brooklyn arts scene, dedicated to developing and presenting the work of pioneering emerging artists and career experimenters in Williamsburg. The Brick prizes and facilitates a diverse, accessible, and inclusive artistic community for the city’s most daring artists.
Tell us more about Queer Prom, and how you’re involved…
Queer Prom is a celebration of queer community and love, and a fundraiser for a badass, boundary-pushing arts institution to continue its ability to support creatives. Me and the Artistic Director, Theresa Buchheister, joined forces last winter to plan a joyful, Queer-as-hell party that celebrates our community, while ensuring we can continue uplifting a brilliant pool of artists year-round.
What has been your toughest career challenge?
I struggled deeply during the pandemic. How do you bring people together when it's dangerous to do so? Covid-19 has profoundly changed the arts and how we share it, something I still find difficult as a producer.
And your proudest moment?
Selling out the Museum of Sex in 2018, with a sex workers fundraiser called Missed Connections Cabaret.
Who is a face to watch in your community?
Sami Pyne! She's an incredible theater producer focused on experimental/nontraditional works who similarly values community.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is loving yourself completely; even if you are the last person on earth or the millionth in a crowd.
What is your dream for the future?
I hope for a world where we all know our neighbor, where nobody has to put up a GoFundMe for basic needs, and we deeply invest in social services.
What advice would you give your much-younger self?
I would tell myself to slow down and don't worry about figuring it out by 25. Most of all, I would tell myself that work will become very hard if you don't believe in what you're doing.
What’s the story behind your oHHo collaboration?
I first got introduced to oHHo at a Humble Bloom event and, as a longtime insomniac, I immediately fell in love. I really admire and share oHHo's ethics and continued commitment to supporting the community. When Queer Prom began to formulate I knew I needed to reach out!
QUICKFIRE ROUND
Signature style in a sentence…
Light goth minimal!
Last thing you Googled…
”what is gorpcore"
On your nightstand…
My Phillips Sunlight Alarm Clock, The Her Highness Thigh High Ashtray, and my melatonin - clearly I prize my sleep routine!
Last book you read…
Bliss Montage by Ling Ma - if you love short story collections I couldn't recommend this book more. Ling Ma is an incredible magical realism writer who really confronts our ridiculous reality today.
Your life motto…
Little things make big things happen.
You never leave home without…
An extra KN95 mask, a portable charger, and my headphones!
Your favorite oHHo product and why…
The Pear and Fennel CBDots! These taste so yummy and really help me wind down.
