Do you have a passion for creating, but don’t know the steps to get started? This Network meeting will delve into the many pathways to becoming a PRODUCER. Join us for an in-depth conversation with these titans of theatre to learn helpful tips, advice, and insight to pursuing a career as a producer. Join us Thursday, Feb. 25 at 5PM for So You Want to be a Producer.
Our Moderator:
Emilio Sosa, ATW Trustee and Costume Designer, Tony Awards® Nominee
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in NYC, Emilio began his theater career at Grace Costumes. Following working in several world tours, Emilio served as Spike Lee’s in-house designer before setting his sight on Broadway, where he was mentored by director George C. Wolfe for whom he designed his first Broadway show, TOPDOG / UNDERDOG. Other Broadway credits include, ON YOUR FEET! The Emilio and Gloria Estefan Story, MOTOWN: The Musical, PORGY AND BESS and LADY DAY at EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL. He shares the unique distinction of being the first designer of color to design The Radio City Music Hall Spring Spectacular. Emilio is TONY Award and Drama Desk Award nominee, and is the recipient a Lucille Lortell Award, NAACP Theater Awards, and LA Ovation Award.
Our Panelists:
Alia Jones-Harvey, Front Row Productions, Tony Awards® Nominee
The Olivier Award-Winning and Tony Nominated Producer has spent the past 15 years mounting productions on Broadway and London’s West End with a focus on people of color on the stage, creative team, in management, and as co-producers. As the only African American woman lead-producing on Broadway, she is extremely proud of directorial debuts for Debbie Allen and Liesl Tommy; as well as writing debuts for Danai Gurira and Dominique Morisseau. Past productions include Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof; A Streetcar Named Desire; Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed, currently “on intermission”, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. Upcoming productions: Get Up, Stand Up: The Bob Marley Musical set for London’s West End and MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical.
Matthew Rego, CEO, The Araca Group, Tony Awards® Winner
Matthew Rego is the Co-CEO of The Araca Group. He has also been a member of the Broadway League for 18 years. Matthew received a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan and a MBA from Fordham University. Araca’s producing credits include Diana, Urinetown, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Wicked, The Wedding Singer, A View from the Bridge, Lend Me a Tenor, Cinderella, SpongeBob, and Disgraced. In addition, The Araca Group provides merchandising services through its brand activation division for Broadway shows, music artists, and film and television studios. For more information, please visit araca.com.
Michael Rego, CEO, The Araca Group, Tony Awards® Winner
Michael Rego is the CEO of The Araca Group’s merchandising division and a founding partner of the company. Prior to Araca, he worked as a Labor Associate at The Broadway League from 1995 – 97, as the Artistic Administrator at Circle in the Square Theatre from 1993 – 1995, and as the Associate Artistic Director of the Berkshire Theatre Festival during the 1995 summer season. He served on the Executive Committee, Labor Relations Committee, and Board of Governors for The Broadway League. Michael received a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University and a J.D. from New York Law School.
About The Network
The Network provides emerging and developing theatre professionals advanced education, networking opportunities, and tools for career advancement within a supportive creative community.
