PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Kate Madigan, Representative from Public Theater
2:13:57
ยท
151 sec
Kate Madigan, representing the Public Theater, testifies about the theater's efforts to cultivate a skilled, diverse workforce in the American theater industry. She highlights the barriers faced by aspiring artists and the Public Theater's commitment to addressing these issues through various programs and initiatives.
- The Public Theater offers compensated fellowships and resident artist positions with an equitable selection process.
- They currently host 6 part-time fellows in collaboration with CUNY and 3 artists in residence.
- The theater's programs focus on both administrative and artistic development, aiming to provide opportunities and resources for emerging talents.
Kate Madigan
2:13:57
Good afternoon, chair Rivera and committee members and staff.
2:14:00
Thank you for calling this important hearing.
2:14:02
The Public Theater is pleased to share testimony on our work concerning this topic.
2:14:06
There are many critical issues currently facing the entire culture and arts community.
2:14:11
One of these issues is the cultivation of a skilled diverse work force for the American theater.
2:14:16
It is no secret that choosing a career in theater comes with taking risks, both artistically and economically.
2:14:22
A plethora of barriers preclude countless artists from ever realizing their artistic act aspirations.
2:14:28
These hurdles include low paying or unpaid internships and entry level positions, scarcity of said positions, and most prevalent, a lack of institutional connections.
2:14:38
Other systemic roadblocks include racial and educational prejudice.
2:14:43
Due to these barriers, many artists wait a lifetime for their breakthrough into the industry.
2:14:48
The Public Theater's mission is to operate on the principles that theater is an essential essential cultural force and that art and culture belongs to everyone.
2:14:57
The public continues the life work of our visionary founder, Joe Papp, as a civic institution engaging both on stage and off with some of the most important ideas with social issues today.
2:15:09
Our institution recognizes the systemic barriers that prevent fresh and diverse talent to emerge within the American theater, and we are committed to offering not only justly compensated part time fellowships and full time resident artist positions, but also ensuring impartial and equitable selection of individuals to these positions.
2:15:28
Each of our programs offer an encompassing curriculum that in ensures both administrative and artistic development.
2:15:35
Currently, The Public Theater is host to 6 part time fellows in collaboration with CUNY with support from the Miranda Family Foundation, the Theresa Tai Family Foundation, and many other generous donors that support this initiative.
2:15:51
And we also have 3 artists in residence.
2:15:56
Just to quickly summarize, our fellows started this past September and supposed, are from Brooklyn College and Hunter College, our inaugural partners to the robust workforce development program.
2:16:12
And our 3 artists in residence are concluding their time with the Public Theater, and we will offer, a network of resources, and we will stay in communication with them after the residencies have ended.
2:16:26
Thank you so much for your time.