New Queer Play 'Keep Yourself Safe, or U-Haul Play' to Premiere at Hollywood Fringe

This Is A Front stages the world premiere of Jay Stalder's immersive relationship drama set around a U-Haul truck.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A striking abstract composition of geometric shapes in shades of blue, yellow, and grey, conveying a sense of transition, instability, and emotional tension.An avant-garde theatrical experience exploring the emotional turmoil of queer relationships in flux.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles-based theater company This Is A Front has announced the world premiere of the new play "Keep Yourself Safe, or U-Haul Play" by Jay Stalder, directed by Producing Artistic Director Brian Eckert. The production will run from April 30 to May 3 at MiViDa as part of the company's inaugural "Break-Up Season" programming, which explores themes of attachment and relationship dynamics in public settings.

Why it matters

The play examines the emotional limits of partnership and the fear of being alone through the lens of two queer relationships at turning points - one couple breaking up and moving out, the other moving in together for the first time. The immersive staging aims to invite audiences into a shared space where these private relationship dynamics unfold publicly.

The details

Set entirely around a U-Haul truck, the play follows the two queer relationships through revelations, conflict, and dark humor. The immersive staging places audiences inside a converted warehouse centered on a real U-Haul truck, with seating composed of couches, chairs, and moving boxes. The environment reflects the themes of transition and instability, as both the characters and the physical space are in flux.

  • The production will run from April 30 to May 3, 2026.
  • This Is A Front previously staged a sold-out reading of the play at the Zephyr Theater in October 2025.

The players

This Is A Front

A Los Angeles-based theater company staging the world premiere of "Keep Yourself Safe, or U-Haul Play" as part of their inaugural "Break-Up Season" programming.

Jay Stalder

The playwright of "Keep Yourself Safe, or U-Haul Play".

Brian Eckert

The Producing Artistic Director of This Is A Front and the director of "Keep Yourself Safe, or U-Haul Play".

Maya Knell

One of the lead actors in "Keep Yourself Safe, or U-Haul Play" and a co-producer of the production.

Jill Young

One of the lead actors in "Keep Yourself Safe, or U-Haul Play" and a co-producer of the production.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The season explores 'attachment' and the narratives people build around relationships, adding that the play interrogates when to forgive and when to leave.”

— Brian Eckert, Producing Artistic Director, This Is A Front

What’s next

The second production in This Is A Front's "Break-Up Season", titled "Playback" by Jessica Marie Fisher, will be staged later this summer at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in a live podcast studio setting.

The takeaway

This new queer play explores the complexities of relationships and the emotional challenges of partnership through an immersive theatrical experience, inviting audiences to witness these private dynamics unfold in a shared public space.