Mandy Rubeli of Burbank on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mandy Rubeli. Check out our conversation below.

Mandy , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m learning from several local creators from the Hollywood Fringe scene, namely Mark Vigeant, and Rosie Glen-Lambert and Hailey McAfee of the Attic Collective. They’ve produced some phenomenal art this past year. If you need me, I’ll be following them around until some of their genius rubs off on me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the artistic director and founder of a Los Angeles based theater collective, “The Nightmare Lizards,” a group of multifaceted artists specializing in creating work that is absurd, existential, and somehow, still sort of funny. I also act as the lead playwright for the collective. Since June 2023, we have staged three productions, all of which I wrote. Each production earned critical acclaim and multiple accolades, amassing a total of nine awards and nominations. Our work has been featured in over ten local publications and highlighted on two podcasts. Certified reviewers have praised our work, with one calling our sophomore piece, “Like watching an off-broadway show or a Netflix series,” and “The best play I have ever seen.” Looking ahead, we hope to tour my original script “Dinosaurs” in the coming year and to continue creating introspective, clever work. To support our endeavors, please visit nightmarelizards.com

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My family, a few remarkable educators, and countless positive Hollywood Fringe reviewers who affirmed by voice and helped me recognize my own potential. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and step fully into my work, ultimately shaping my career.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You deserve to feel popular, and one day you will. The right people will find you, love your humor, help you realize you were always cooler than you thought.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m probably more introverted than I seem. While I love being out in the world and connecting with others, I think all writers are inherently a bit introverted. I need time to wander around in my own thoughts before I can spill them all out into a new play, which in turn helps me connect with others, and the cycle continues…

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Definitely not getting enough sleep and not setting boundaries when I should. I need to stop saying yes to everything when my energy is already stretched and remember to honor the introvert I truly am, so I can show up as a better, more present human later.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nightmarelizards.com
• Instagram: nightmarelizards
• Linkedin: Mandy Rubeli
• Facebook: Amanda Rubeli
• Other: TikTok: @mandyrubeli

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Alexander Hahn and Peyton Pilgrim