ABOUT US
MISSION:
Ground UP Productions creates honest, intimate theatre. We believe in telling character driven stories with heart, bringing to life "The New Classics" - new works as well as old favorites produced in unique ways. We take pride in the aesthetic: design, attention to detail, and clever use of space. Theatre should be approachable and fun. We want our audiences to feel included, impressed, and inspired.
COMPANY:
BOARD MEMBERS
Kate Middleton, Artistic Director
Mark Thornton, Producing Director
Alexa Fitzpatrick, Managing Director
Travis McHale, Lighting Designer
Devan Hibbard, PSM/Secretary
Guy Olivieri, Casting/PR
Seth Shelden, General Counsel
COMPANY ASSOCIATES
Phil Ruvelas
Catya McMullen
Kate August
Josh Evans
Amanda Jenks
Wade Dansby 3
IN MEMORIUM
Dan Wheeless
HISTORY:
In 2005, a close group of friends from North Carolina with a shared passion for the arts formed Ground UP Productions. Fostered through camaraderie and a passion for theatrical excellence, Ground UP Productions was inspired to create high-quality productions of its own in New York City and beyond. We are proud to say that, we are currently in our 17th year, and we have produced 28 full-scale productions in New York City, New Jersey, and North Carolina, attracting audiences and interest from throughout the country.
Ground UP Productions has produced 9 original works, 3 of which have been published by Samuel French and Dramatists Play Service. We continue to develop new works with our From the Ground UP… New Works Reading Festival, each winter, and throughout the year with many readings and workshops.
Our productions have received numerous reviews, including raves from The New York Times, and have been repeatedly nominated for New York Innovative Theatre (NYIT) Awards in categories such as "Best Set Design", "Costume Design", "Original Music", and "Best New Musical". In 2014, Ground UP Productions' Travis McHale received the NYIT Award for "Best Set Design" for our summer 2013 production of Catya McMullen’s RUBBER DUCKS AND SUNSETS.
Ground UP Productions also believes in giving back to our roots. Since 2007, we have continued to develop a unique education outreach program, The UnderGround Project, with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This program has included on-campus residencies, full-scale productions, master classes, and week-long excursions to NYC, where we hosted undergrads here in The Big Apple with more classes, Broadway shows, city tours, and professional industry showcases. Our goal is to create a professional bridge for students, helping ease the transition from graduation to a professional career in the arts.