The Great Restart

Under The Great Restart concept, American Repertory Theater of WNY seeks to build a program focusing in on inclusivity for African Americans, People of Color, Latinos, LGBTQ, Asian Americans and Native Americans into the Dramatic Arts. Through particular programming and recruitment, American Repertory Theater of WNY will specifically include these individuals and specifically develop skills associated with the Dramatic Arts. This programming will include Acting, Directing, Design, Producing and Management with members of the Western New York Dramatic Arts contributing to the instructional aspects of the project.

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Additionally, under the production house name, the Compass Performing Arts Center, both the American Repertory Theater of WNY and the production house are establishing a Visual Arts gallery open to Western New York Artists and, specifically, individuals belonging to the demographic mentioned above.

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One final component of The Great Restart project is to establish a live-music forum for Western New York Artists. This forum entitled The Starting Block will provide a forum for new musical acts and singer/songwriters to highlight their material. 

These performances will be recorded and streamed free-of-charge to the artists. Although all would be welcome to the forum, special preference will be maintained in booking talent that will include African American, People of Color, Latino, LGBTQ, Asian American, and Indigenous People of Color musicians.

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Stay tuned for more updates regarding this programming.