Musical Theatre Factory Announces the inaugural MTF MAKERS Cohort

Musical Theatre Factory announces the inaugural MTF MAKERS cohort: Troy Anthony, Jacob Jarrett, Kit Yan and Melissa Li, Tidtaya Sinotoke and Ty Defoe, AriDy Nox and Brandon Webster, and Jillian Walker (MTF/STARR MAKER).

These six groups were chosen from a pool of more than 80 applicants, who were reviewed by 30 evaluators for the first round, then 12 finalists that were interviewed by a 14-person panel.

"The inaugural cohort of MTF Makers were chosen for their innovative, ground breaking work, their commitment to stories from under represented communities, and their vision of how musical theatre can transform our culture," said Mei Ann Teo, Producing Artistic Director, Musical Theatre Factory. "We are thrilled to support these artist-leaders to make paradigm-shifting work!"

MTF MAKERS is an 18-month initiative that supports six teams of groundbreaking musical theater artists in the creation of new work. Through this inclusive community of artists, MAKERS gather together at regular meetings to share work and support each other through feedback, collaboration, and discourse. In addition to meetings, MAKERS will also have access to MTF's assembly line suite of activities including studio time, the 4×15 series, developmental workshops, and opportunities to show work in front of an audience including MTF's Joe's Pub series. MAKERS receive support, advocacy, and resources from the organization, including dramaturgy from MTF artistic staff and Beehive Dramaturgy Studio. MAKERS will also be invited to take part and create MTF programming, including opportunities to host salons and teach workshops. More about the inaugural MAKERS cohort members at https://mtf.nyc/makers/.

MTF is partnering with The Bushwick Starr for a MTF/STARR MAKER. This MAKER, curated in collaboration by the two organizations, receives 18 months of development at MTF, culminating with a residency and world premiere production presented and co-produced by The Bushwick Starr. The inaugural MTF/STARR Maker is Jillian Walker.

Applicants went through several rounds of assessment before a final interview round. Every application was read by a carefully curated team of three to five evaluators from all over the country- made up of gatekeepers at major institutions (Sophie Ancival from ART, Olivia O'Conner from Pittsburgh CLO), scholars in Race, Gender, and Sexuality (Susana Loza, author of Speculative Imperialisms) and most of all, lovers and experts in musical theatre inclusive of age, race, and gender identities. Then the final panel included: Mei Ann Teo, director/dramaturg, MTF Producing Artistic Director; Natasha Sinha, Beehive & MTF dramaturg, Director of Artistic Programs at Signature Theatre Company; Molly Marinik, Beehive & MTF dramaturg; Jeremy Stoller, Beehive & MTF dramaturg; Gaven Trinidad, MTF MAKERS dramaturg associate; Robin Sokoloff, choreographer/dancer, MTF VP of the board, Executive Director of Town Stages; Jessica Huang, writer; Kate McGee, freelance lighting designer; Madeline Sayet, freelance director/writer/actor; Marie Cisco, Line Producer at The Public, freelance interdisciplinary artist; Alexis Williams, Associate Artistic Director of Playwrights Realm; Tonya Pinkins, Tony Award-winning performer; and Shakina Nayfack, MTF Founding Artistic Director.