Award-winning composer, lyricist, and scholar Masi Asare has been named the new artistic director of Northwestern University's American Music Theatre Project (AMTP), according to an announcement by the university's School of Communication.
In her role as artistic director, Asare will lead AMTP's efforts in developing new musicals, nurturing emerging talent, and providing educational experiences for students at Northwestern. Her leadership is expected to strengthen AMTP's position as a leader in music theatre development and education with a focus on inclusive storytelling and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“I am delighted to step into this role, bringing professionals to campus to incubate vibrant new works and connect with Northwestern students around a pursuit I am passionate about — making new musicals,” said Asare. “Today, there is both great need and great opportunity to find innovative ways to support artists, and I am excited about the role Northwestern can play, in collaboration with forward-thinking theatres, producers, and arts leaders, to nurture the next generation of field-changing musical theatre makers.”
As part of her initiatives at AMTP, Asare will introduce the Chicago Musical Theatre Writers Workshop this fall. This program aims to offer local composers, librettists, and book writers an opportunity for development akin to programs like the Dramatists Guild Fellowship in New York.
Asare brings significant experience from Broadway and academia. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her work on "Paradise Square" and has contributed to productions such as "Monsoon Wedding." Her scholarly research focuses on vocal sound and race in musical theatre history.
E. Patrick Johnson, dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University stated: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Masi Asare into this leadership role at AMTP. Her profound artistic talent coupled with her rigorous academic insights and dedication to nurturing new voices makes her the ideal person to guide AMTP into its next chapter."
Asare succeeds Alexander Gemignani who served as AMTP’s artistic director for two seasons but will continue teaching within Northwestern’s music theatre program.