Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) announces that theater producers Meredith Lucio (The 39 Steps, Rooms: a rock romance) and Christopher Massimine (Shall We Dance, Civil War Voices, Operations Director at Origin Theatre) have been named as the 2011/2012 Program Directors for TRU'S re-envisioned Producer Development and Mentorship Program (PDMP), following the successful tenure of outgoing directors Jane Dubin (The Norman Conquests, 39 Steps, unFramed) and Tom Smedes (Next Fall, Title of Show, Naked Boys Singing).
As part of TRU's ongoing efforts to address the needs of the community in innovative ways, this year's PDMP has been restructured to include two separate but interacting divisions: Career Producers Group (CPG) and Self-
Producing Artists (SPA), each with a curriculum geared to the specific needs of each. Mari Carras, creator and producer of the musical Opa! will serve as SPA Associate Director.
"The new SPA division primarily focuses on the goals of artists who produce themselves either as a method of getting their work noticed or as a means of building their own successful business. It's the only program of its kind," said Lucio. "Self
Producing Artists are a key group in TRU's membership.
Our goal in creating a dedicated SPA program is to focus on legal issues, budgeting, marketing and other theater business necessities from the perspective of a producer who must also maintain the artistic integrity of her work."
PDMP offers members, through a series of panels and one-on-one mentorships and consultations, dedicated opportunities to connect with theater professionals whose veteran knowledge and experience are aimed to help advance the understanding of producing theater. Previous panelists have included Broadway producers
Cheryl Wiesenfeld, Harriet Leve,
Jennifer Manocherian,
Ken Waissman,
Michael Alden, the late
Randall L. Wreghitt and
Ken Davenport; general managers
Peter Bogyo and
Carl White; and entertainment attorneys Donald Farber,
Jean Ward and
Ben Feldman.
"On the road to production it's not always easy moving from stage A to stage B," said Massimine, "especially if you don't have access to someone who may have already been down that road. Therein lies the importance of mentorships and consultations. CPG members will be given the opportunity to be mentored by some of the most-successful and innovative producers in the business. Likewise SPA members will have the opportunity to engage in consultations with top industry professionals who can advise them."
PDMP runs from September through July with new membership evaluated for selection on a rolling basis. Membership consists of producers at all levels - from newcomers to participants on current Broadway shows, which provides member opportunities for networking as well as education. For more about program requirements, or to apply, email Program Administrator Gary Hughes at trumentor@gmail.com.
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