Beth Morrison Projects Announces 2024 Producer Academy Cohort

BMP: Producer Academy has announced it's 2024 cohort, chosen from a list of applicants who aspire to be industry innovators and change-makers. Director of Administration Alexis Peart says "'I am beyond excited and proud to welcome this exceptional group of producers, artists, and theater makers to the 2024 Producer Academy. They represent a rich diversity of perspectives from across disciplines and around the globe. The Academy is all about laying a solid foundation for the next wave of industry leaders, and this cohort is especially one to watch as they rise to become the movers and shakers of the performing arts world." 

Established during the pandemic lockdown to support and mentor the next generation of creative producers and administrators, the BMP: Producer Academy is a tuition-free 8-week all-virtual intensive in creative and tour producing for early-career producers running from September 23 through November 14. The Producer Academy offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and weekly sessions on budgeting, touring, project pitching, and the creative process to build and support the knowledge and personal growth of new and diverse producers for the performing arts.   

"Supporting and cultivating the next generation of talent, and by extension helping shape and shift the future of the performing arts industry, is at the forefront of BMP's mission." BMP Executive Director Sam Linden says,  "We aim to create a creative ecosystem that is more artist-centric, innovative, and socially relevant, and the Producer Academy identifies and supports the movers and shakers that will bring this change.”

"It’s always inspiring to see the range of talent and ambition in each new cohort of the Producer Academy. At BMP, we are committed to nurturing bold, forward-thinking producers who will shape the future of our field, and I’m confident this group will do just that. They are poised to push boundaries and redefine what's possible in the world of theater and opera."  says Beth Morrison, BMP President and Creative Producer. “I’ve been so proud to watch their success and see the impact they’ve already had on the field, and am thrilled to be welcoming 25 more to the fold!"

During the 8-week program, participants will meet twice weekly to understand each phase of a production life cycle and hone their concrete skills to develop and produce new performance works. The program also includes:

• One-on-one mentoring with BMP creative producer and administrative and production staff

• Networking opportunities with professional producers and presenters in the industry

• Feedback on pitch materials and projects by high-level level industry presenters

2023 Producer Academy Alumna Carla Chambers describes the impact of the Producer Academy, saying, "The program helped me see how I can situate myself as an innovative, multidisciplinary artist in a global context. The challenges of working in the arts exist in most places—the Producer Academy helped me see new ideas and approaches to the arts and gave me the courage to follow them."

The Producer Academy has served over 1,200 students in 19 countries and is deeply committed to creating a fully accessible and inclusive experience. The Producer Academy encourages applicants of all gender identities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and mental and physical abilities to apply. The Producer Academy can provide accessibility accommodations and additional support as needed at the participant's request.

The BMP: Producer Academy staff includes Beth Morrison, Sam Linden, Julia Mendes, Sarah Bellin, Victoria Voketaitis, Roderick Murray, Zach Jenkins, and Maeve Chapman; as well as industry luminaries Afton Battle (Chicago Lyric Opera), Amy Cassello (BAM), Khori Dastoor (Houston Grand Opera) Naomi Grabel (Lincoln Center Theater), Emil Kang (Mellon Foundation), Christopher Koelsch (LA Opera)  Tommy Kriegsmann (ArKtype), Kristin Marting (Director/HERE), Paola Prestini (composer/ National Sawdust/ VisionIntoArt) and Huang Ruo (composer). The program is headed by Alexis Peart, BMP Director of Administration: The Producer Academy and Associate Creative Producer for The Slaying of Innocence.

The BMP: Producer Academy is a fully funded scholarship program by The Mellon Foundation, providing a unique opportunity for early career producers to receive high-quality training without financial barriers.

For more information and to learn more, visit BMP's website
or reach out via e-mail at academy@bethmorrisonprojects.org