All Arts, a streaming platform and television channel dedicated to the arts, will release a new documentary about the history of nonprofit theatrical institution Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC). “All Arts Docs: Manhattan Theatre Club, a Home for Artists” will premiere on Nov. 21 at 9 p.m. ET on the All Arts app and website, as well as on the All Arts TV channel in the New York metro area.
The documentary showcases the 50-year history of the theatrical organization, including its rise from an Off-Off-Broadway venue to an award-winning producing and educational entity that presents new works on and off Broadway. “Manhattan Theatre Club, A Home for Artists” will feature interviews with MTC’s leaders for the majority of its existence: artistic director Lynne Meadow and executive producer Barry Grove, who stepped down earlier in 2023.
One of the documentary’s themes is the cultivation of artists and their talent. Included in the documentary will be archival production footage and photos from MTC productions. Viewers will also enjoy never-before-seen interviews with Meadow and several artists who honed their craft at MTC, including playwrights David Auburn and John Patrick Shanley, directors Daniel Sullivan and Ruben Santiago-Hudson and actors, Christine Baranski, André De Shields, Laura Linney, Sarah Jessica Parker and Sam Waterston.
“Manhattan Theatre Club, a Home for Artists” is directed by Ann Benjamin and edited by Darren Peister. Contributing members from All Arts include senior multimedia producer Anna Campbell, executive producers Kristy Geslain and Joe Harrell, senior artistic director James King and executives in charge Diane Masciale and Neal Shapiro.
“We are delighted to shine a light on the impact of Manhattan Theatre Club, an artistic force that has nurtured and elevated generations of talent,” King said in a statement.
Harrell added, “Through their stewardship of Manhattan Theatre Club, Lynne Meadow and Barry Grove have left an indelible mark on the theatrical landscape for decades to come. Their story champions the vital role of nonprofit theaters in allowing artists to take risks, explore innovative ideas and challenge conventions.”
All Arts is created by the WNET Group, the community-supported home of New York’s PBS stations.
Leadership support for All Arts is provided by Jody and John Arnhold and the Arnhold Foundation; the Jerome L. Greene Foundation; the Kate W. Cassidy Foundation; the Rosalind P. Walter Foundation; the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; the Howard Gilman Foundation; the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation; and the Estate of Roland Karlen. Support for “All Arts Docs: Manhattan Theatre Club, a Home for Artists” is provided by Joseph and Carson Gleberman.
