Black Theatre United (BTU)’s Designers Initiative launched Before the Curtain Rises: The Designers Series, which premiered Thursday, October 31, 2024. The BTU Designers Initiative is aimed to inform and educate Artists of Color about the world, people and opportunities for designing in the theater.
Before the Curtain Rises: The Designers Series is a mini-documentary series featuring BTU Founders in conversation with many of today’s designers working on Broadway. It will have two seasons and 18 episodes introducing artists, their journeys and their work. The season 1 premiere will feature Academy Award winning wig designer Mia Neal. Season 1 will also include lighting designer Natasha Katz, costume and scenic designer David Zinn, makeup designer Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche, scenographers Brett J. Banakis along with Christine Jones, special effects designer Jeremy Chernick, sound designer Justin Ellington, projection designer Jeff Sugg and New York Public Theater Curator Doug Reside. Premiering on the new BTU’s YouTube Channel, in each of the 18 episodes across two seasons, designers will share their personal journeys and commitment to creating new pathways into the industry.
Watch Episode 1 Before The Curtain Rises: The Designers Series: Mia Neal
Academy Award Winner, Hair & Wig Designer, Mia Neal: From Broadway stages to Hollywood’s biggest screens, Mia Neal is a name that demands respect and admiration. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Mia’s resume is studded with incredible achievements: an Academy Award, a BAFTA, an Emmy, and Drama Desk Awards – just to name a few! Ms. Neal has worked on powerhouse productions like Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Notebook, Hell’s Kitchen, and Shucked. She’s broken barriers, made history, and continues to push the boundaries of her craft.
Also part of the BTU Designers Initiative is The Design Hub, which was launched this October. It is a database with information on upcoming scholarships, internships, grants, initiatives, residencies, fellowships, and educational opportunities related to the many fields of design. Built in collaboration with the 32 members of the Designer Think Tank, this phase places the many opportunities that exist for up and coming and established designers all in one place. The database will continually evolve as more opportunities are shared and uploaded on our site. Access the BTU Design Hub at https://www.blacktheatreunited.com/design-hub/
The final phase of BTU’s Designers Initiative will launch in the summer of 2025. The BTU Design Expo will provide access to the many designers across all fields in the theater industry through panels, discussions, presentations, innovations in the field, portfolio review, and the latest information on research within the design field. This last phase is in development with one of New York’s top research and performance institution.
BLACK THEATRE UNITED: On the heels of a watershed moment in American society, Black Theatre United was formed in 2020 by a passionate group of theater professionals committed to ensuring advances in their beloved theater community. BTU’s mission is to provide access for up-and-coming Black artists, pathways for art makers, and opportunities for industry professionals historically marginalized within the theater world and beyond.
For more information, please visit www.BlackTheatreUnited.com.
