The Playground

A disillusioned seeker blackmails her fraudulent guru into building a fake spiritual empire, only to infiltrate a global cult and confront the high cost of ambition—and the blurred line between magic and manipulation.

Video Block

Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

Synopsis

Matty, a struggling bartender and eternal seeker, has spent years searching for meaning in all the wrong places. She becomes enthralled by Erica, a charismatic healer and influencer whose meteoric rise hides a dangerous truth: her success is bound to Maestro, the manipulative leader of a global cult.

When Matty uncovers Erica’s lies, she flips the script—blackmailing Erica into creating a fake healing empire of their own. Together, they infiltrate Maestro’s inner circle with the goal of bringing him down. But as their scheme grows, Matty finds herself seduced by the very power she set out to expose—forcing her to choose between her integrity and the intoxicating allure of control.

Darkly comic and bitingly satirical, the series explores ambition, vulnerability, and the murky space where healing turns into hustle.

WHY NOW?

Spiritual scams, self-help empires, and influencer culture dominate headlines. The appetite for stories about cults, con artists, and the blurred line between belief and exploitation has never been stronger (The Vow, Wild Wild Country, The Deep End). This series taps into the cultural obsession—delivering a fresh, comedic, female-driven perspective that audiences are hungry for.

THE TEAM

JAVIER MOLINA, DIRECTOR

Javier Molina, Co-Artistic Director of The Actors Studio and lifetime member, is an award-winning director of Wonder (21 awards, HBO). With over 40 credits, he champions bold, diverse storytelling and has been recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work.

FIG CHILCOTT, WRITER/ ACTOR

Fig Chilcott is a writer, actor, and lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Her Off-Broadway work includes 72 Miles To Go, and she regularly crafts stories rooted in emotional truth and vulnerability. Her writing amplifies underheard voices and pulls no punches.

Video Block

Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

???

FRANK SOLORZANO, PRODUCER/ ACTOR

Francisco “Frank” Solorzano, Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Barefoot Theatre Company, is an award-winning writer, actor, and filmmaker. His stage adaptation of Dog Day Afternoon (World Premiere Off-Broadway) and diverse portfolio highlight his fearless voice and global acclaim.

Video Block

Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

???

writer, director, producer and actor

SAYRA PLAYER, WRITER/ EXEC. PRODUCER

Sayra Player seasoned storyteller and performer, her work spans Sundance, SXSW, and international festivals, combining magnetic presence with strategic creative leadership.

Video Block

Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

WONDER, director & producer

Video Block

Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

UNCLE SILAS

writer, director, producer and actor

“Over the past 8 months, The Playground has been the only place where I feel I can really face the challenges I have as an actor. What Javier and Sayra have built with The Playground, is a space where an actor not only learns how to go deeper with a character, but a space free of judgment where the individual artist can truly tap into different parts of themselves they’ve been afraid to shine a light on. ”

— Joshua Ster

“Javier guides the actor (safely!) through the process of discovering and rediscovering. He plays the facilitator versus director which makes his humility + experience a rare formula. Combined with the experience of the Playground’s breathwork series by @⁨Sayra⁩, and the possibilities for my instrument are endless.”

— Katherineking.nyc

what people are saying about the playground

follow us on insta

“Sayra is a connector who brings people, practices, ideas and healing communities together with a true generosity of spirit.”

— Jamie Berthe

“The Playground has made me better at what I do, not just through practice and expert guidance, but in removing my fear of failure and embracing curiosity and growth. My mantra has always been the Beckett quote “fail better” and that’s why I’ve found a groove here. It’s a wonderful group led by wonderful teachers. ”

— Timothy Nolan

“The Playground has truly been an invaluable sanctuary for my artistic and personal growth.

Under the guidance and mentorship of the incredibly talented Sayra and Javier, I have embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery. This nurturing environment has allowed me to delve deep into understanding not only my craft but also my authentic self.

The Playground has not only shaped my artistic path but has also taught me the importance of being fully present in every moment and embracing the power of my creative expression.
I am forever grateful for this profound community, The Playground has had on me.”

— Wonhee Kim

“Sayra has a rare gift as a breath practitioner for creating safe space through deep wisdom and joyful presence. She is nurturing, encouraging, motivating and always inspiring. I leave her breath sessions on a cloud, wondering how I ever did without them.”

— Brandi Nicole Wilson

“It’s a return to the unknowing, the true self. All we have to do is believe it.”

— Jay Johnston

“I have become more open as an actor at The Playground than I have managed to be in my entire career; it’s a truly magical space to blossom.”

— Kaitlyn

“Coming from a conservatory where I felt too afraid to play and honestly didn’t even know what that meant, Javier’s emphasis on play and even the need to fail has really made me unafraid to try new things. He really embodies the idea of “there is no getting it right” and I’m so so thankful to have fell into this group”

— Tina Gulati