Founded in 2007, The Movement Theatre Company [TMTC] is a not-for-profit organization fiscally sponsored through Fractured Atlas. Rooted in the storytelling tradition, our goal is to generate a social movement by showcasing the country's most talented, cosmopolitan artists who aspire to create unique ways of expressing the stories of their cultures and communities. Our company is currently under the leadership of David Mendizábal – Artistic Director, Eric Lockley – Executive Director, Deadria Harrington – Administrative Director, Jonathan McCrory – Marketing Director, Christiamilda Correa – Communications Director, and comprised of 38 members who value artistic excellence.
In our first year, we promoted new voices and nurtured artists through a developmental process of theatre, including three new plays. In 2008 TMTC launched its first official season. Three new development programs were created - the Elevator Reading Series designed to support emerging playwrights through staged readings, the Ladder Series which focuses on the development of devised theatre and GO GREEN, where we dedicate our attention to developing theatre that incorporates and addresses eco-friendly practices. These programs have showcased the work of over 100 playwrights, directors, actors and visual artists.
In our 2009-2010 season, TMTC rose to new heights. We presented two devised pieces in our Ladder Series: Hope Speaks & Traces of Eruption. Both were highly successful and Hope Speaks is touring throughout the East Coast. We presented eco-friendly theatre at a NYC park with GO GREEN:Elements. Over 35 multidisciplinary artists came together at our Elevator Reading Series Festival: Impact of Change. Our artists have also gone into schools throughout NY, NJ, and MD to present their work, reach out and inspire younger audiences. TMTC received unprecedented critical and community praise for the North American Premiere of Koffi Kwahule's riveting play, Bintou, presented at Harlem School of the Arts. We displayed our dedication to creating conversation through theater with two community talk backs where a professional panel and audience members discussed challenging issues within the play. Additionally, Bintou received a positive review in the New York Times and three Audelco Nominations.
The Movement Theatre Company looks forward to nurturing and showcasing the talents of emerging young artists of color. It is our goal to change the face of American theatre to highlight the rich diversity and experiences this country truly holds. We are innovative in our approach, dynamic in our performance, and in action, unforgettable. Indeed, we are the change that we want to see in the world, and more than anything else, we want you to MOVE with us.
TMTC is a proud member of the Alliance of Resident Theatres (A.R.T) and Harlem Arts Alliance. TMTC has been awarded funding through The Nancy Quinn Fund, a project of A.R.T./New York, Harlem Arts Alliance Community Fund, Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, the Puffin Foundation and Etant donnés: The French-American Fund for the Performing Arts, a program of FACE.
