I'm trying to get the Mac demo to create a new file (currently using  Mojave 10.14.6), but I  either am met with a message saying "Template file not found" when I select the  Create New option  or an eternal loading screen when I select "No recent files. Let's make a new character!" 

Hello! Did you run the app by downloading the ZIP file and extracting it? Unfortunately, for Mac the only way to install for now is using the itch.io desktop app. We're sorry for this inconvenience!