About us
our Leadership
James BENJAMIN Rodgers President and General Director
Over more than twenty five years, James (he/him) has worked in the performing arts. He believes deeply in the power of live storytelling to quantify the human experience. His work strives to examine the reality of how exceptional contributions are achieved. James hopes that deeper insight into our most profound achievements gives us a more nuanced perspective on our communities. He believes that this perspective nurtures in us a greater capacity and willingness to make considered, sustainable and lasting contributions to the world.
James has worked as a Performer, Administrator, Producer, Director and Educator. He is the Founder and Principal of Hemis, the General Manager of the Ciompi String Quartet, the President and General Director of the Manhattan Musical Theatre Lab and was the Managing Director of The Mac-Haydn Theatre from 2018 to 2024.
Born and raised in New Zealand, James has been based in New York City since 2005. He holds degrees from Victoria University of Wellington and the Manhattan School of Music where he was the Orvis Foundation Scholar and received the Janet D. Schenck Award for his distinguished contribution to the life of the school. In 2024, James attended the Commercial Theatre Institute Three-Day Intensive.
Amanda Calvin Administrative Director
Amanda (she/her) is a passionate arts administrator, marketer, producer and advocate for emerging musical theatre works. She currently serves as the Marketing Coordinator at The Metropolitan Opera.
She began producing while earning her Arts Administration degree at Wagner College, where she led student-run productions of titles including LIZZIE, The Wolves, Spring Awakening and various original works. In 2024, Amanda attended the Commercial Theatre Institute Three-Day Intensive.
Native to Columbia County, New York, Amanda was fortunate to spend her early career nestled in the center of the lively arts and culture scene in the Berkshires and Capital Region. She spent five years as Promotions and Patron Services Manager at the Mac-Haydn Theatre in Chatham, NY, where she championed subsidized ticket programs for audience access, and significantly expanded the theatre’s digital marketing capacity and reach.
our board
James Benjamin Rodgers President
Sheri Feigen Vice-President
Sara Brians Treasurer
Amanda Calvin Secretary
Aleba Gartner Director
Melina Leodas Director
Adam Richardson Director
Brian Wagner Director
our Mission Statement
Manhattan Musical Theatre Lab strives to identify new musical theatre creators while serving as an incubator for the development, fostering and progression of their work. Concurrently, we aim to identify and mentor the next generation of theatrical artistic leaders.
our Artistic Vision
The Development of Musical Theatre Creators
Through the New Works Initiative, MMTL will foster new musical theatre creative teams and individuals in whom we identify the potential for exceptional artistic achievement. We aim to provide the necessary support and guidance to nurture the capabilities of these creators as they build new musical theatre content.
The Mentoring of Artistic Leaders
Through the Artistic Director Fellowship, MMTL will create an incubator for aspiring Artistic Directors through real world experiences in curating, developing and managing a theatrical season. MMTL will provide ongoing mentorship, industry connections and resources to support, guide and execute the vision of the Artistic Director Fellow.
Building A Network of Creators and Leaders
MMTL will work to build an industry network designed to introduce our creators and fellows to industry professionals and each other.
The Enhancement of Industry Skills and Standards
The skills and standards solidified through MMTL will help contribute to the strength of theatrical organizations in the wider industry.
Providing A Platform For The Exposure of New Music theatre
Subsequent to our efforts in the development of musical theatre creators, MMTL will provide the resources, personnel and industry support for creators to take their specific projects to the next level, providing a strong platform for the presentation of new musical theatre work with a high level of artistic merit.