Dear Michael,
Thanks so much for joining me on this journey for another episode of Tea For Two with Melanie Rose. I love these conversations with people who just live and breathe creativity: the artists, designers, and educators whose passion is so evident in just about everything they do.
Okay, I’m just going to jump right in with something you are intimately associated with: The Play LA. And yes, if you’ve got a theater background, you’re probably thinking, “The Play? In LA? Is there theater in LA? Now, you may know that I began my career on the stage in the West End in London, and it is very close to my heart. I’m here to tell you that there are 366 theaters in LA and over 200 professional theater companies.
And none of them are doing what my guest today is doing with The Play LA. While it’s definitely got a theatrical flair, this isn’t the kind of “play” that needs a script or a curtain call, though I am sure there is a standing ovation every night.
The Play LA is a beautifully curated sex party. And, honestly, it’s shaking up the city’s entire lifestyle and sensual events scene. Think less Shakespeare, more champagne and candlelight, with consent as the real star of the show.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure (pun totally intended) of going to not one, not two, but three of their events—and let me tell you, they’re as gorgeous as they are electric. Super stylish, deeply respectful, and just so intentional. And, more than anything else, a ton of fun.
But before we get swept up in the magic of The Play, let’s rewind a bit. Sex parties might seem like a modern curiosity, but honestly, they’ve been around forever—woven into religious rites, seasonal festivals, even political intrigue. So, it’s definitely not just a 21st-century phenomenon dressed up in latex and mood lighting!
What’s changed now is how events like The Play are redefining what pleasure looks like: inclusive, artful, and radically safe. Welcome to the new era of sensual connection, LA style.
So, before I spill any more tea, let me introduce you to Michael Hollice, the founder, CEO, and creative mind behind The Play.
You’ve had such a cool journey: TV and film production, plus big-league management gigs at places like LinkedIn and Google. How much of that experience did you bring into creating The Play? Did any of it surprise you in how it helped?
Absolutely, that experience has helped me tremendously. Working in television and film gave me a strong foundation in production design and storytelling, while my time in operations at companies like LinkedIn and Google taught me how to build scalable systems and lead teams. I was able to bring both worlds together to create a seamless back-end experience for my team while producing events that felt high quality, intentional, and visually stunning for our guests. What surprised me most was how natural it felt to blend structure with sensuality, and how much people appreciated the attention to both the logistics and the vibe.
The name ‘The Play’ is multi layered and really evocative. What does it mean to you, and how does it capture the spirit you’re trying to create?
The Play has multiple meanings. Since there are performances sometimes it feels like you are watching a play.The Play holds a few meanings for me. On one level, it’s literal. Sometimes our events feel like a performance, something theatrical and artful that you’re watching or participating in. On another level, we’re building an adult playground—a space where people can explore, express, and be vulnerable without judgment. And in today’s ENM and kink communities, the word “play” has also come to represent sexual expression. So The Play felt like the perfect name to capture all of it: the artistry, the freedom, the intimacy, and the joy.
Thanks so much for joining me on this journey for another episode of Tea For Two with Melanie Rose. I love these conversations with people who just live and breathe creativity: the artists, designers, and educators whose passion is so evident in just about everything they do.
Okay, I’m just going to jump right in with something you are intimately associated with: The Play LA. And yes, if you’ve got a theater background, you’re probably thinking, “The Play? In LA? Is there theater in LA? Now, you may know that I began my career on the stage in the West End in London, and it is very close to my heart. I’m here to tell you that there are 366 theaters in LA and over 200 professional theater companies.
And none of them are doing what my guest today is doing with The Play LA. While it’s definitely got a theatrical flair, this isn’t the kind of “play” that needs a script or a curtain call, though I am sure there is a standing ovation every night.
The Play LA is a beautifully curated sex party. And, honestly, it’s shaking up the city’s entire lifestyle and sensual events scene. Think less Shakespeare, more champagne and candlelight, with consent as the real star of the show.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure (pun totally intended) of going to not one, not two, but three of their events—and let me tell you, they’re as gorgeous as they are electric. Super stylish, deeply respectful, and just so intentional. And, more than anything else, a ton of fun.
But before we get swept up in the magic of The Play, let’s rewind a bit. Sex parties might seem like a modern curiosity, but honestly, they’ve been around forever—woven into religious rites, seasonal festivals, even political intrigue. So, it’s definitely not just a 21st-century phenomenon dressed up in latex and mood lighting!
What’s changed now is how events like The Play are redefining what pleasure looks like: inclusive, artful, and radically safe. Welcome to the new era of sensual connection, LA style.
So, before I spill any more tea, let me introduce you to Michael Hollice, the founder, CEO, and creative mind behind The Play.
You’ve had such a cool journey: TV and film production, plus big-league management gigs at places like LinkedIn and Google. How much of that experience did you bring into creating The Play? Did any of it surprise you in how it helped?
Absolutely, that experience has helped me tremendously. Working in television and film gave me a strong foundation in production design and storytelling, while my time in operations at companies like LinkedIn and Google taught me how to build scalable systems and lead teams. I was able to bring both worlds together to create a seamless back-end experience for my team while producing events that felt high quality, intentional, and visually stunning for our guests. What surprised me most was how natural it felt to blend structure with sensuality, and how much people appreciated the attention to both the logistics and the vibe.
The name ‘The Play’ is multi layered and really evocative. What does it mean to you, and how does it capture the spirit you’re trying to create?
The Play has multiple meanings. Since there are performances sometimes it feels like you are watching a play.The Play holds a few meanings for me. On one level, it’s literal. Sometimes our events feel like a performance, something theatrical and artful that you’re watching or participating in. On another level, we’re building an adult playground—a space where people can explore, express, and be vulnerable without judgment. And in today’s ENM and kink communities, the word “play” has also come to represent sexual expression. So The Play felt like the perfect name to capture all of it: the artistry, the freedom, the intimacy, and the joy.
As one of the few African American founders in the play party world, you bring such a unique and important perspective to a space where representation truly matters. How has your identity shaped the way you curate The Play—not just as an event, but as a cultural experience that’s all about inclusivity, creativity, and care?
Being a Black founder shapes everything about how I create The Play. I know what it feels like to be the only one in the room, so I built a space where no one has to feel that way. A lot of play parties feel overwhelmingly white, but LA is not. The Play reflects the real diversity of this city—culturally, sexually, and energetically.
It is not just about creating space for people of color, but for anyone who has ever felt unseen. That includes the LGBTQIA community, people of all sizes and backgrounds. Through intentional curation, community care, and artistic expression, The Play becomes more than a party. It is a space for transformation, connection, and cultural shift.
Let’s set the scene. For someone stepping into The Play for the very first time, what do they see, hear, maybe even smell in those first few moments?
I’m a stickler for details because they’re what turn a party into an experience. From the moment someone walks into The Play, I want all their senses engaged. The lighting is soft and cinematic. The air might carry the scent of fresh-baked cookies, not for eating, but to spark warmth and nostalgia. Our sheets are misted with lavender and rosewater so the space feels not just clean, but sensual.
Sound is just as intentional. We tell our DJs not to worry about the beat drop. Their role is to keep the energy sensual and the volume low enough for conversation. I do not want people shouting over music to flirt. I want them to speak in their natural voice—that’s when the best connections happen.
Everything is curated to move people out of performance and into presence. The Play is not just a party. It is a full-body experience built with care from the ground up.
Being a Black founder shapes everything about how I create The Play. I know what it feels like to be the only one in the room, so I built a space where no one has to feel that way. A lot of play parties feel overwhelmingly white, but LA is not. The Play reflects the real diversity of this city—culturally, sexually, and energetically.
It is not just about creating space for people of color, but for anyone who has ever felt unseen. That includes the LGBTQIA community, people of all sizes and backgrounds. Through intentional curation, community care, and artistic expression, The Play becomes more than a party. It is a space for transformation, connection, and cultural shift.
Let’s set the scene. For someone stepping into The Play for the very first time, what do they see, hear, maybe even smell in those first few moments?
I’m a stickler for details because they’re what turn a party into an experience. From the moment someone walks into The Play, I want all their senses engaged. The lighting is soft and cinematic. The air might carry the scent of fresh-baked cookies, not for eating, but to spark warmth and nostalgia. Our sheets are misted with lavender and rosewater so the space feels not just clean, but sensual.
Sound is just as intentional. We tell our DJs not to worry about the beat drop. Their role is to keep the energy sensual and the volume low enough for conversation. I do not want people shouting over music to flirt. I want them to speak in their natural voice—that’s when the best connections happen.
Everything is curated to move people out of performance and into presence. The Play is not just a party. It is a full-body experience built with care from the ground up.
Consent is such a big topic, and it’s often reduced to little more than a simple “yes” or “no.” But at The Play, it feels like consent is an ongoing, non-verbal conversation too. How do you make sure that’s a core part of the experience? Any rituals or practices that help keep that front and center? I’d love to hear a story; maybe a moment you witnessed at The Play that really made you feel like, “Yes, this is why I do this.” Something that showed just how important this community is, whether it was a moment of vulnerability, joy, or healing.
At every party, once the performances have ended and the energy has settled, I take a step back and observe. That moment, when everyone has fully dropped into the experience, is what I live for.
In one corner, a group is meditating in stillness. Nearby, a violinist plays as a guest, moved by the energy, begins a spontaneous nude ballet performance. Across the room, deep conversations are unfolding. In another area, ten people are playfully entangled in connection. Outside, someone is doing a fire performance while others are dancing, lost in the rhythm.
Each party is different, but what stays the same is this feeling. I have created a space where all of this can happen at once. A space where people feel safe, inspired, and free enough to express themselves without hesitation or fear of judgment.
This is why I love what I do. It is not just about the party. It is about witnessing people come alive, connect, and return to themselves in ways that feel real. That is the magic. And every time I see it, I know we have created something meaningful.
At every party, once the performances have ended and the energy has settled, I take a step back and observe. That moment, when everyone has fully dropped into the experience, is what I live for.
In one corner, a group is meditating in stillness. Nearby, a violinist plays as a guest, moved by the energy, begins a spontaneous nude ballet performance. Across the room, deep conversations are unfolding. In another area, ten people are playfully entangled in connection. Outside, someone is doing a fire performance while others are dancing, lost in the rhythm.
Each party is different, but what stays the same is this feeling. I have created a space where all of this can happen at once. A space where people feel safe, inspired, and free enough to express themselves without hesitation or fear of judgment.
This is why I love what I do. It is not just about the party. It is about witnessing people come alive, connect, and return to themselves in ways that feel real. That is the magic. And every time I see it, I know we have created something meaningful.
Trust is everything in spaces like this. What are some of the ways you help people feel safe and respected, from the moment they buy a ticket to the end of the night (and even after)?
Trust is the foundation of everything we do at The Play. From the moment someone shows interest, we begin building that trust with intention. It starts with our vetting process. Every guest submits an application, and based on their answers, they are invited to a one-on-one interview with someone from our team. I have always believed that if we are creating an experience centered on vulnerability and connection, we need to bring real human care into the onboarding. This step helps establish trust early on and lets people know we are not just allowing anyone in based on looks or social media. We are curating a community, not just hosting a party.
At the event itself, we have an entire infrastructure designed to support safety and care. Each party includes a consent coordinator, a harm reduction specialist, a designated first responder, and a trained security team. These roles are active and visible. Their presence creates a sense of grounding and makes it clear that we are committed to creating a space where people feel safe, held, and respected.
After the event, we continue that care by sending out a post-party survey. It includes space for feedback, reflections, and an incident reporting form. Any incidents reported are handled by a third-party mediator. This ensures the process is neutral and allows guests to trust that every concern will be treated with care, transparency, and professionalism, even if the issue involves someone on our team.
Trust is not just a value we talk about. It is something we practice at every stage, from the first point of contact to the days after the event. It is what allows people to let go, open up, and fully experience what The Play has to offer.
Trust is the foundation of everything we do at The Play. From the moment someone shows interest, we begin building that trust with intention. It starts with our vetting process. Every guest submits an application, and based on their answers, they are invited to a one-on-one interview with someone from our team. I have always believed that if we are creating an experience centered on vulnerability and connection, we need to bring real human care into the onboarding. This step helps establish trust early on and lets people know we are not just allowing anyone in based on looks or social media. We are curating a community, not just hosting a party.
At the event itself, we have an entire infrastructure designed to support safety and care. Each party includes a consent coordinator, a harm reduction specialist, a designated first responder, and a trained security team. These roles are active and visible. Their presence creates a sense of grounding and makes it clear that we are committed to creating a space where people feel safe, held, and respected.
After the event, we continue that care by sending out a post-party survey. It includes space for feedback, reflections, and an incident reporting form. Any incidents reported are handled by a third-party mediator. This ensures the process is neutral and allows guests to trust that every concern will be treated with care, transparency, and professionalism, even if the issue involves someone on our team.
Trust is not just a value we talk about. It is something we practice at every stage, from the first point of contact to the days after the event. It is what allows people to let go, open up, and fully experience what The Play has to offer.
As The Play keeps growing, what’s your vision? Are you looking to go bigger, deepen the community you already have, or maybe branch out into new types of experiences?
I am here for the journey. I do not know exactly what the future holds, but I do know the feeling I want to protect. As we grow, whether through larger events or new cities, I am focused on keeping the soul of The Play intact.
That feeling of care, creativity, and connection is what makes The Play special. The moment it starts to drift from that, I will course correct. Expansion is exciting, but our core pillars—Care, Consent, Connection, Creativity, and Community—will always lead the way.
Since you spend so much time curating pleasure for others, I’m curious: what’s your own go-to ritual for reconnecting with your own sensuality when you need to recharge?
When so much of my energy goes into curating pleasure and presence for others, I have to be intentional about reconnecting to my own. One of the ways I do that is by taking reflection-based vacations, often with my wife. These are not quick getaways. They are intentional pauses that help me slow down, reset, and come back to myself.
Plant medicine has also been a part of that journey. Ayahuasca in particular has helped me remember why I started this work in the first place. It reminds me to put people before profit. To prioritize depth over scale. To lead from purpose instead of ego.
These moments away help me stay grounded. They remind me that my legacy is not about how big the brand gets, but how deeply people feel seen, held, and transformed through what we create. That is what keeps me aligned. That is what brings me back to my own sensuality and truth.
I am here for the journey. I do not know exactly what the future holds, but I do know the feeling I want to protect. As we grow, whether through larger events or new cities, I am focused on keeping the soul of The Play intact.
That feeling of care, creativity, and connection is what makes The Play special. The moment it starts to drift from that, I will course correct. Expansion is exciting, but our core pillars—Care, Consent, Connection, Creativity, and Community—will always lead the way.
Since you spend so much time curating pleasure for others, I’m curious: what’s your own go-to ritual for reconnecting with your own sensuality when you need to recharge?
When so much of my energy goes into curating pleasure and presence for others, I have to be intentional about reconnecting to my own. One of the ways I do that is by taking reflection-based vacations, often with my wife. These are not quick getaways. They are intentional pauses that help me slow down, reset, and come back to myself.
Plant medicine has also been a part of that journey. Ayahuasca in particular has helped me remember why I started this work in the first place. It reminds me to put people before profit. To prioritize depth over scale. To lead from purpose instead of ego.
These moments away help me stay grounded. They remind me that my legacy is not about how big the brand gets, but how deeply people feel seen, held, and transformed through what we create. That is what keeps me aligned. That is what brings me back to my own sensuality and truth.
And just for fun, finish this sentence for me: “Pleasure is powerful because…”
Pleasure is powerful because it teaches us that vulnerability is not weakness, and that intimacy can be a form of liberation.
Okay, now for the most important question: tea! I’ve picked out three for you. Let me know which one calls your name:
Lapsang Souchong: Bold and smoky, with that pinewood fire aroma. Not for the faint of heart!
High-Quality Genmaicha: Japanese green tea with roasted brown rice. It’s fresh, nutty, and just a little sweet.
Hibiscus and Rosehip Blend: Caffeine-free, gorgeous crimson color, tart and floral, like a sensory party in a cup. A bit like The Play itself!
So, tea? Yes or no? And if yes, sugar? How many lumps or spoons?
I’m going with High-Quality Genmaicha. That blend of roasted brown rice and green tea feels grounded, warm, and just a little unexpected—like a quiet ritual with a twist. It’s soothing, but still playful. A little like The Play itself, if it were steeped in a cup.
And yes to honey. Just a touch. Enough to bring out the nutty sweetness without masking the soul of the tea.
This has been such a fun conversation, Michael. Thanks for sharing your world with us!
Pleasure is powerful because it teaches us that vulnerability is not weakness, and that intimacy can be a form of liberation.
Okay, now for the most important question: tea! I’ve picked out three for you. Let me know which one calls your name:
Lapsang Souchong: Bold and smoky, with that pinewood fire aroma. Not for the faint of heart!
High-Quality Genmaicha: Japanese green tea with roasted brown rice. It’s fresh, nutty, and just a little sweet.
Hibiscus and Rosehip Blend: Caffeine-free, gorgeous crimson color, tart and floral, like a sensory party in a cup. A bit like The Play itself!
So, tea? Yes or no? And if yes, sugar? How many lumps or spoons?
I’m going with High-Quality Genmaicha. That blend of roasted brown rice and green tea feels grounded, warm, and just a little unexpected—like a quiet ritual with a twist. It’s soothing, but still playful. A little like The Play itself, if it were steeped in a cup.
And yes to honey. Just a touch. Enough to bring out the nutty sweetness without masking the soul of the tea.
This has been such a fun conversation, Michael. Thanks for sharing your world with us!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons Japanese green tea (Bancha or Sencha)
1 tablespoon roasted brown rice
Method
Mix together and store airtight.
Ready to brew immediately.
Brewing Genmaicha (Important for Best Flavor)
Tea: 2 teaspoons
Water: 200 ml
Temperature: 80–85°C (176–185°F)
Steep: 30–60 seconds
Lower temperature preserves sweetness and prevents bitterness.
2 tablespoons Japanese green tea (Bancha or Sencha)
1 tablespoon roasted brown rice
Method
Mix together and store airtight.
Ready to brew immediately.
Brewing Genmaicha (Important for Best Flavor)
Tea: 2 teaspoons
Water: 200 ml
Temperature: 80–85°C (176–185°F)
Steep: 30–60 seconds
Lower temperature preserves sweetness and prevents bitterness.
