Our mission
Little Engine Theater is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to producing bold international plays in unconventional spaces.
Founded in 2024 by actors and producers Lilly Englert, Theodora Miranne, and Elena Rusconi, Little Engine Theater was created to bring underrepresented international voices to American audiences. Drawing on their own international backgrounds, the company seeks to connect New York audiences with playwrights from around the world through works written in or translated into English, creating a home for stories that cross borders, challenge perspectives, and spark conversation.
We produce ambitious, contemporary work in unconventional venues throughout New York City, transforming underused spaces into intimate theatrical experiences. By pairing compelling writing with unexpected environments, we aim to make theater feel immediate, accessible, and alive for a new generation of audiences.
At the heart of our work is a belief that great storytelling can bridge cultures. We are drawn to plays that explore the complexities of modern life, illuminate overlooked perspectives, and invite audiences into worlds they may not otherwise encounter.
Little Engine Theater is committed to building a vibrant artistic community around adventurous work, creating memorable experiences that bring together artists and audiences in unexpected spaces.
We discover new and exciting plays from foreign playwrights outside of America. We then find a unique or underutilized location in NYC to transform into a stage. We want to create an artistic community that is based on our collective desire for a different way to experience theater.
what we do
‘The Little Engine That Could’ is a children’s book that teaches the value in believing in yourself and helping those in need when others pass them by. We loved this message of hope, strength and perseverance.
Also;
L (Lilly) E (Elena) T (Theodora)
LET’s...
what’s in a name
lilly englert
Lilly was born in London and moved to Tuscany at the age of eleven. She then moved to New York to attend the Stella Adler Studio. Immediately upon graduating, Lilly was cast as Hermia in Julie Taymor’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Theatre for a New Audience. She then played Cordelia in “King Lear” opposite Michael Pennington, and Marina in “Pericles” directed by the legendary Sir Trevor Nunn. Lilly originated the role of Cissy in the New York premiere of “Punk Rock” written by Simon Stephens and directed by Trip Cullman at MCC. Her film credits include Kate Vaughn in Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” for Sony, and Rose in “Wilde Wedding” alongside John Malkovich and Glenn Close. She had a recurring role as Maisie Doyle in the final season of ABC’s “Quantico”. Lilly has worked both in New York and Italy. She can next be seen as the leads of “Sicilian Holiday” and “Al progredire Della Notte”.
elena rusconi
Elena was born and raised in Italy. Upon graduating highschool, she moved to New York to study at the Stella Adler Studio. Since then she’s worked in theater, film and television both in the US and Europe. Screen credits include Netflix's 6 Underground, directed by Michael Bay, opposite Ryan Reynolds, ABC's The Catch, Netflix's Medici: The Magnificent, and most recently Rise of the Raven, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival and was described by Variety as "one of the most epic European productions of all time." Some of her favorite stage roles include Miranda in The Tempest, Helen Of Troy in Dress of Fire alongside Austin Pendleton, Cassie in Rumors, and Katarina in Araberlin. She is a certified PADI Dive Master. For Elena LET represents an opportunity to intertwine different cultures and fight stereotypes.
theodora miranne
Producer, director, and award-winning actress. Theodora spent her first three years of life barefoot on a wooden sailboat in South America, before moving with her Guyanese father and Swedish mother to South London, and eventually working her way to New York City, where she joined the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Repped by Innovative Artists and Authentic Talent and Literary Management, Theodora’s previous roles include: NBC’s "The Blacklist: Redemption" as Kat Carlson, CBS's "Person of Interest" as Brooks, CW's "Legacies" as The Lady of the Lake, CBS's "Blue Bloods" as Rada Radchenko, MTV's "Eye Candy" as Tessa, and in Ang Lee's "Gemini Man". LET is a true labor of love and a chance to collaborate with incredible talent to bring the world’s new and important work into the heart of New York City.