The Grand Guignolers presented their first show May 2007 co-directed and produced by Amanda Haney and Debbie McMahon who both graduated from the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre developing the actor/creator in ensemble based physical theatre including physical theater arts such as mime, commedia dell'arte, mask, theatrical clown, and melodrama. They returned later and studied Grand Guignol, in the melodrama genre.

The first show presented the classic Grand Guignol pieces The Final Kiss and A Crime in the Madhouse, and the US premiere of les petits guignolers (finger puppets) in The Kiss of Death, a show they created.

While Amanda Haney finished her MFA in Physical Performance, Debbie McMahon created and directed A Very Grand Guignol Christmas, an LA Times critics pick and part of the first LA Physical Theatre Festival, co-produced by [via] Corpora. The show, included original material, dance, les petits guignolers, and classic Grand Guignol pieces: These Cornfields, a farce, and The Laboratory of Hallucinations.

Both productions sold out almost every performance.

Debbie McMahon is now creating The Grand Guignol Children's Show slated to open Winter 2008, a highly physical show with dance, puppets and the bloodiest effects thus far. Audition dates will be posted.

BE A GUIGNOLER! While each production is treated as an ensemble show, The Grand Guignolers is not an exclusive company. Involvement in our productions is unique, demanding, physical but fun. We look for physical theatre experience and interest, ensemble minded players, high energy, absolute promptness, willilngness to share production duties, and the ability to have fun. Please contact us for more information or to let us know if you are interested in auditioning for our next production.