Boundless by Amita

“As a choreographer and movement artist with Indian heritage as a part of my journey, I believe there is so much work to be done when it comes to representation whether it be empowering minority groups through arts education, creating work that represents our stories, or simply creating work for humanity that also includes us. The fact that Open Jar Studios has been constantly willing to support me in my creative endeavors that take a step forward for representation feels like a win on its own. Open Jar Studios' Broadway Inclusion Program constantly provided me with a safe and beautiful space to create art, experiment, share, and expand the conversation of what Inclusion means. I am so thankful for this program and feel blessed to know that OJS stands with us.”  — Amita Batra

Invited Reading of the play “Jagged Journey”

“The Broadway Inclusion Project allowed me to present two readings of my play for industry in the Open Jar space. The staff at Open Jar were incredibly supportive as I prepped for and executed my industry readings.  As a playwright with a disability, this opportunity was particularly important because it provided a space that was ADA accessible which was necessary for one of my actors.  I was able to accommodate 40 people who had never seen the play before. In subsequent days, there has been demonstrated interest in having conversations to move this play on to a bigger stage. “ — Elana Gartner

Table reading of “Mixed Messages”

“Giving voice to a script is the only real way to determine if that script works before inviting the world to watch it on stage. The Broadway Inclusion Project (BIP) at Open Jar Studios, gave me a pristine, professional space in 2023 to do just that. Working with BIP and being at Open Jar Studios, the premier Broadway rehearsal space in New York City, lent legitimacy to my new play MIXED MESSAGES, about a multi-racial family. That legitimacy enabled me to assemble a cast of highly sought after actors to read and discuss a show that I believe now has a very long life ahead of it. And it’s all thanks to BIP.” — Evan Edwards

Open Stage Project

“Open Stage Project is a NYC non-profit dedicated to closing the gender gap in backstage and offscreen careers by introducing female-identifying, non-binary, and genderqueer NYC high school students to careers in theatre, TV, and film: positions that historically skew white and male. One of the ways we do this is through a free, year-long after school program in career education, development, and mentorship for students passionate about working in behind-the-scenes jobs. When returning to in-person meetings after the pandemic, it was important for us to find a centrally located, kind-staffed, and clean place to meet in Midtown. Open Jar Studios has been beyond beneficial for our students as they get a great place to learn while being surrounded by the actual creation of the shows we empower them to work on in the future.” — Lindsay Kiernan

Rehearsal of the play “Members of the Choir”

“An independent artists’ greatest need is affordable rehearsal space. By providing that space at no cost, The Broadway Inclusion Project (BIP) allowed me extended time with the actors to explore “Members of the Choir”, a play about seven gay men of color. 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. As a result, the show was sold out before we opened and nominated for Best New Off-Off Broadway play. Instead of giving us just a seat, BIP gave us the whole damn table.” — Rick Hamilton, Director

Collide

“When Collide was selected as an official play for the Downtown Urban Arts Festival, I worried about securing the necessary resources to mount this production. However, this award lifted that burden and allowed us to focus on creating quality work. “Thank you again for your tireless efforts in supporting us. You not only made theater possible, but you helped this emerging playwright’s dream come true. I will never forget your kindness and generosity. Without your generous support, our production would not have been possible.” - Marita A. McKee 

The Myth Of The Mountain

“As young musical theater writers it is increasingly hard to find affordable and legitimate opportunities to showcase our work. The Broadway Inclusion Project was immensely helpful in providing a platform to work in a formal setting with top-tier talent to showcase our musical to leading Broadway professionals. This program was intrinsic to being able to legitimize our nontraditional musical theater piece. BIP made room (literally and figuratively) for us to bring forward the story of a trans character in a queer world. We earnestly could not have presented this work without the Broadway Inclusion Project. Thanks again for everything! You guys rock.” - Danielle Koenig and Justin D. Cook

SMJ’s “At The Barre”, a mime, ballet, & indie-pop musical

“Being a part of Open Jar Studios' Broadway Inclusion Project was an incredible experience and a game-changer for our musical At The Barre. In seven years of development, our queer and Latiné mime & ballet musical has never been able to do a movement workshop. With the free rehearsal space, we were not only able to test out choreography for five songs, but make significant changes to the book and gather materials needed to boost our applications. Thank you Open Jar Studios for breaking down financial barriers and supporting new work!” - SMJ