I recently sat down with Grayce Carson, co-founder of the Paper Doll Ensemble, who reflects on the beauty of collaboration. It’s here, in the intersection of theater and community, where something truly special happens. Grayce, a multifaceted freelance content creator, and social media manager, has spent much of her career fostering connections between artists and audiences, both onstage and online. For her, the power of theater lies not just in the performances, but in the stories shared, the voices amplified, and the connections built between artists and audiences. In this conversation, Grayce opens up about how Paper Doll—a feminist, ensemble-driven production—is redefining the way we think about identity, representation, and the power of collective storytelling.
The Birth of Paper Doll
Paper Doll explores themes of identity, self-expression, and community through the lens of performers from varied backgrounds. The project aims to highlight the intersection of gender, race, and personal experience in ways that break down stereotypes and invite audiences into conversations they may not typically have.
Paper Doll creates devised absurdist tragicomedies that redefine traditional stories of feminine experiences. Grayce explains why they felt the need to create the ensemble, “We found this hole, we want all ladies all the time. And there just wasn’t a space for that for the kind of work that we were trying to produce. And it’s also like a little bit of an emotional support group, where for some reason or other we always have rehearsal on these giant monumentous days.”
What makes Paper Doll particularly compelling is the ensemble itself. The group is composed of performers who bring unique perspectives—whether through their gender identity, cultural background, or personal experiences. The diversity of the cast allows for a richer, more nuanced exploration of the themes they portray. Every performer brings something new to the table, whether it’s a unique interpretation of a character or a new way of engaging with the material.
Grayce explains her goal for the ensemble. “My dream is that there is a broader educational campaign about the independent artistry and smaller organizations that are so alive and well in Philly.”
One of the key components of Paper Doll is the sense of community that permeates every rehearsal and performance. This is a project where the focus is not just on the end result, but on the process of creation itself. “This is so fun. And so all of us were really aligned in this idea of taking traditional female experience and feminine storytelling and flaming it on our head. And so we make absurdist, tragic comedies with women really at the center of all of our stories. And that’s what we’ve been doing ever since,” Grayce says.
The ensemble’s diverse makeup allows for a fluid, collaborative approach to storytelling, where the performers’ lived experiences are seamlessly woven into the narrative. This inclusivity of voices is part of what makes Paper Doll resonate with audiences.
Paper Doll crafts their pieces through a foundation of trust and mutual confidence. As Grayce puts it, “We have our core ensemble members that we love working with in various capacities. And so we have a Dramaturg Paige Zubel. Sarah (Quagliata) and I perform often with Simha Toledano, who’s an amazing actor. And then Marcia Ferguson is sometimes actor, sometimes composer. And so she’s composing original music for this piece, and we all get together in a room after doing an insane amount of research.”
By emphasizing collaboration and inclusivity, Paper Doll seeks to build a space where creativity and identity are inseparable. The show’s focus on gender, race, and personal identity speaks to the growing demand for art that challenges the status quo and embraces the complexities of life even if spoken with an absurdist slant.
The Role of Digital Media in Amplifying the Message
While Paper Doll is a primarily live theatrical experience, Grayce’s role as a content creator means she is also thinking about how to amplify the show’s message online. She recognizes the power of digital media in spreading awareness and building an audience that goes beyond traditional theatergoers. “I think organizing groups of students so that they don’t have to go alone would really help,” she says. “I think that developing those relationships earlier in de-stigmatizing what it means to go to a theater or a theatrical performance like Come In Your Pajamas would be a really good way to make it a little bit more accessible because I don’t think it’s just the cost for students.” For Grayce, this approach is all about creating an inclusive space where people can engage. In her marketing role she says, “I feel like I’m helping maximize my impact for the most number of independent artists and smaller organizations.”
Moving Forward: The Future of Collaborative Theater in Philly
Looking ahead, Grayce sees Paper Doll as part of a larger movement within theater that embraces collaboration, innovation, and representation. “I’m obsessed with Philadelphia. My dream is that there is a broader educational campaign about the independent artistry and smaller organizations that are so alive and well in Philly.”
The ensemble remains committed to amplifying the voices of those who might otherwise be left out of the conversation. “How do we get those people to sit down in a theater and enjoy something that might actually make them reflect? We have the comedy piece and we’re all opening up and getting vulnerable in a space that only live theater can create.”
For Grayce and the Paper Doll ensemble, the future of theater is one where stories are shared, and identities are celebrated, from an absurdist perspective. As the conversation wraps up, Grayce reflects on the road ahead. “Maybe one day, ‘Eleanor Roosevelt,’ the musical on roller skates will happen.”But when we have the crazy ideas, we just say yes to them. And I think that that’s really important in keeping it fresh and new.”
