Saint Paul, Minnesota (June 8, 2023) — The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts today named 11 artistic fellows to its GreenRoom training fellowship created by and for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) artists to center and uplift underrepresented communities within musical theater. The six-week program, now in its second year, will operate out of the Ordway’s spaces in downtown Saint Paul. The 11 selected fellows—who range in age from 20s to 60s—will participate in an intensive, six-week program from July 6–August 22.
The GreenRoom program is for Minnesota actors, dancers, and singers who are 18 years and older, have less than three years of experience as a professional musical theater performer beyond high school or college and are interested in expanding their performing arts skills into musical theater. The 11 fellows will be paid $2,500 for their involvement in the program.
The Ordway’s 2023 GreenRoom artistic fellows are:
Kori-Ann Hermitt, Saint Paul
Anjeline Mae Ramirez, Minneapolis
Yolanda Pauly, Hopkins
Josephine Yang, Saint Paul
Anya Naylor, Minneapolis
Paulina Morera Quesada, Northfield
Patricia Lacy, Saint Paul
Nadya Mojica, Plymouth
Pierce Brown, Eagan
Tolu Ekisola, Minneapolis
Ileri Okikiolu, Minneapolis
“Notifying the GreenRoom fellows that they have been selected is an annual highlight from me,” said Ordway Director of Arts Learning and Community Engagement Maia Maiden, who leads GreenRoom. “Hearing the joy in their voices is one of many reasons why this program is so special. The Ordway is thrilled to bring these 11 talented individuals together to help them fulfill their artistic purpose.”
Additionally, the Ordway recently received a $35,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts which will help the GreenRoom program to continue to be offered in the future.
“We are grateful to the National Endowment for the Arts for their continued generous support to both the Ordway and organizations across the country committed to ensuring a thriving arts and culture ecosystem,” said Ordway President and CEO Chris Harrington. “GreenRoom represents the heart of the Ordway, as it addresses barriers to access, supports rising musical theater talent in our community, and aims to create more inclusive spaces on and off stages.”
GreenRoom’s faculty is made up of talented local artists who will develop the program curriculum, which will cover acting, vocal technique, movement and auditioning, as well as special master classes on business development, public speaking and wellness. Guest speakers and teaching artists will also participate.