My work lives at the intersection of imaginative, emotionally-resonant storytelling and intuitive, human-centered design—creating experiences where the audience’s presence is both essential and meaningful.

I’m Zach. I am an immersive theater director, experience designer, consultant, and educator.  

I am Co-Artistic Director of Third Rail Projects, a New York–based performance company  internationally recognized for creating works that place the audience at the very heart of the storytelling. For over two decades we have been hailed as one of the foremost companies in the field, trailblazing the creation of site-specific, immersive, and experiential works. 

During this time, I’ve translated that on-the-ground know-how into working as an experience designer and consultant for major museums, corporations, brands, cultural partners, and not-for-profits. 

I’ve enjoyed creating exhibits/installations, brand/marketing activations, corporate and conference events, and working with studios and streaming platforms to develop experiences for beloved IP.

I’ve taught at universities across the US, and conducted workshops on building evocative, intuitive audience engagement for corporations, brands, and conferences. 

I’ve been honored with numerous awards, including a Chita Rivera award, two BESSIE awards; and projects I’ve collaborated on have garnered a Drama Desk Nomination, a Peabody Award, and an Emmy Award. My work has been presented nationally and internationally with the support of numerous commissions, grants, and residencies, and I’ve had the pleasure of teaching, mentoring, and creating new platforms to support the work of creatives at home and abroad. 

I hold a BFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon University. 

Astrologically, I was born on the day of irreverence. I’m an excellent bartender and a passable baker.