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Artist Metamorphosis Initiative (AMI)

This inaugural program is made possible by Subaru of El Cajon.

Teatro San Diego exists to use visual and performing arts to bring to life the multi-cultural spirit of San Diego. According to We See You White American Theater, 94% of Broadway directors hired between 2018 and 2020 were white. As an organization of social activists and artists with a passion for reaching the under-served communities of San Diego, we desire to change that. The Artist Metamorphosis Initiative was created to serve performing artists from historically underrepresented demographics who are transitioning into artistic careers as directors.

The primary objective of AMI is to provide transitioning Broadway veteran actors and graduates of Master’s programs in directing with the opportunity to direct musicals in San Diego. These burgeoning directors will gain experience and support in a professional setting as they navigate the difficult terrain of pursuing a career in directing. As they collaborate and learn how to lead full artistic teams, their networks will grow to include the talented performers of San Diego. These local actors will also benefit from AMI, because the nationwide connections of transitioning directors will provide employment opportunities far beyond that of local theaters.

In order to qualify artists must:

-Have 10 years of employment as a professional actor with consistent work on Broadway, equity tours, or Legion of Regional Theaters OR a graduate degree in directing 

-Have experience working with a professional director or choreographer as an associate or assistant on Broadway, equity tours, or Legion of Regional Theaters 

-Have less than four years of experience as a director

Applicants will be assessed by the AMI Committee, made up of members of Teatro San Diego’s Artistic Theatre Council and Board Members, which seeks to discover those who meet these requirements and strongly align with the company’s core values. Selected directors will become lifetime AMI Artists, with the hope of maintaining a career-long relationship with Teatro San Diego.

The inaugural recipient of this sponsorship is

Chadaé Nichol