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The brainchild of Paula D'Alessandris,Mind The Gap (MTG) Theatre Companywas conceived in 1998 to import edgy British productions, readings and workshops to New York audiences and, in return, export some of America's unknown theatrical talent to the United Kingdom. Featuring An Anglo-American repertory company of actors and writers, the New York City-based company maintains active ties to an assortment of British theatre agencies and has a literary staff that reads hundreds of new scripts each year. In 2001, DameHelen Mirrenand DameJudi Denchjoined MTG's Board of Advisors. In 2013 DameHarriet Walterjoined the board.
The title is taken from a warning message frequently heard on theLondon Undergroundtrain system, where a voice reminds passengers toMind the gapwhen alighting from the train; it also alludes to the gap between British and American theatre.
Notable Productions and Workshops
edit- U.S. premiere ofUnder the Blue SkybyDavid Eldridge (dramatist)(Best New West End Play 2000,Time OutLondon)
- Tony Vellela'sLabor Days,directed byAustin PendletonstarringTony Award-winnerDonna Murphy
- Three TablesbyDan Remmes,Flightsby Susan Cameron andThe Devil's Paroleby Eric Giancoli were MTG-sponsored productions in the annualSamuel French Inc.Festival of New Plays. All were winners and subsequently published.
- New York premiere ofGary Owen (playwright)'sIn the PipelineatManhattan Theatre Source
- World premiere of Tim Mark'sThe Clericat 59E59 Theatres in New York
- Theatrical premiere ofGary Oldman'sNil by Mouth,adapted for stage by Paula D'Alessandris as part of theBritish Airwayssponsored UKwithNYC
Regular Features and Projects
editThe company hosts periodic fundraisers which in the past have included celebrity talent such asStephen Frost,founding members ofStomp (dance troupe),Emily Harvey (from the West End production ofThe Phantom of the Opera) andTony AwardNominee Gavin Lee (Mary Poppins).
It also offers ongoing performances at the St. George's Arts Initiative alongside hostJim Daleand a monthly reading series at the British-themed Telephone Bar & Grill in New York.
Its new series, BritBits, performs every few months featuring new works by American and British playwrights as performed by its Anglo-American repertory company.