The Press Release:
Open Jar Studios announced today that applications are now being accepted for the next quarter of the BROADWAY INCLUSION PROJECT, offering free studio space and resources to projects created by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ & Special Needs artists. Applications are being accepted until September 30th, 2024 at www.openjarstudios.com/broadway-inclusion

In January 2021, Open Jar Studios launched the BROADWAY INCLUSION PROJECT to increase accessibility to professional resources to Black, Indigenous and other marginalized artists. Each year, Open Jar Studios grants up to 500 hours of studio space and resources to assist BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ & Special Needs artists through the BROADWAY INCLUSION PROJECT. The project’s mission is to assist individual artists and small organizations with developing and/or presenting their work or even starting a new business.

“We are so proud to have sponsored the BROADWAY INCLUSION PROJECT for the past four years” said Jeff Whiting, CEO of Open Jar Studios. “This program was created to meet the needs of artists who are underrepresented, and we are thrilled to see that so many of the previous Broadway Inclusion Project projects have since thrived!”

Previous awardees have included the Emmy Award winning film project Wild:These Walls Can Talk, Breaking the Binary, Broadway Advocacy Coalition’s Storytellers’ Lab, Deaf West Theatre’s workshop of Sense and Sensibility, Boundless by Amita, Jagged Journey, Mixed Messages, Open Stage Project, Members of the Choir and others.

“The Broadway Inclusion Project was immensely helpful for the artistic process of Deaf West’s workshop of Sense and Sensibility. As a non-profit navigating the rising expenses of developing new work, Broadway Inclusion Project alleviated cost burdens that would have been barriers for our project. Our theatre company uniquely bridges both the Deaf and hearing worlds, and thanks to Broadway Inclusion Project, we were able to delve deeply into the layers of the text, explore the integration of sign language, and begin to see our concept come together. Thank you for offering a program like the Broadway Inclusion Project. We were honored to be recipients of this opportunity and look forward to our next project at the studios.” – Jeff Perri, Managing Director, Deaf West Theatre

“Instead of giving us just a seat, The Broadway Inclusion Project gave us the whole damn table,” said Rick Hamilton, director of Members of the Choir. “With a full cast and team made up of LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC creatives, holding our auditions and rehearsals in an esteemed space like Open Jar Studios, heightened the optics of our production and as a result, the show was sold out before we opened and nominated for Best New Off-Off Broadway play..”

Each quarter, up to 2 projects are selected. Each selected project is awarded a credit for free studio time at Open Jar Studios, discounted print services from Bway Printing (Open Jar Studio’s in-house theatrical printing service) and marketing exposure via Open Jar Studios’s various social media platforms.
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The selected project’s complimentary studio time may be used for rehearsals, writing sessions, readings, developmental workshops, etc. Awardees receive an account credit for the amount of the awarded studio space, which can be used to book space for development during the awarded quarter.

Applications for the fourth quarter of 2024 are now being accepted until September 30th, 2024 at www.openjarstudios.com/broadway-inclusion

OPEN JAR STUDIOS – Located in the heart of the Theater District OPEN JAR STUDIOS features some of the largest studios in New York City for rehearsals, auditions, and support offices for productions of all sizes. Two 4,000 square-foot studios with 22-foot high ceilings make the space ideal for Broadway rehearsals. The large studios accompany a number of different-sized studios also suited perfectly for dance rehearsals, music rehearsals, production offices, and even costume fittings. Open Jar Studios is dedicated to the creation of art and the cultivation of the artist. https://www.openjarstudios.com/ (linked below)

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Piercing Ken Thoughts: I’m not going to add to much additional thoughts to the mix as I’m really just here to share this super cool news. As someone who attends a whole lot of conventions, concerts and special events, I can agree that there is a need for stuff like this so everyone can be a part of the magic. Kudos to the folks over at Open Jar Studios for such an initiative. You folks out there in the readership can share your opinion down in the comments section as always because that is what they are there for. See you next time my friends, I hope this finds you all well and that your summer is not melting you. Please keep hydrated and don’t over extend yourself on the brutal days. Ciao.

Official: https://www.openjarstudios.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/openjarstudiosnyc