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People's Theatre Project Documentary
TYPE: Documentary Feature
GENRE: Documentary
STATUS: Development
LOGLINE
Art changes minds, hearts & policy. For over 15 years, People’s Theatre Project, based in Washington Heights, has made theatre with & for immigrant communities to create a more just, equitable world.
SYNOPSIS
For over 15 years, People’s Theatre Project has been an oasis for the immigrant community in Washington Heights & Inwood. Through Production, Advocacy & Education, Mino Lora & the PTP Team have created ensemble-based, multilingual, and multigenerational programming. In 2026 they will celebrate the opening of their new space, The People’s Theatre, Centro Cultural Inmigrante.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
Space. We don’t think much about it when we have it, though the moment it’s gone, there it is--- staring us in the face. New Yorkers feel it everyday; that last person squeezes through the halfway-closed-doors of the A train, at rush hour or ‘out of towners’ walking four across the span of the sidewalk along 5th Avenue. But let’s dig deeper. Space plays a role in all our lives. Space to work, to live, to create. Space to be ourselves, to pursue our passion, to learn, to voice our opinions. Space to feel important. Space to grow, to learn, to change...
I have witnessed Mino Lora providing space to students and grown ups alike, even before the birth of PTP. We taught at the same school on the upper east side. I had just completed my studies at a Meisner Conservatory in New York City and was starting my survival job as a first grade teacher. Knowing my background, the headmaster proudly shared, “ Our students perform a play by William Shakespeare every year.” It took all my strength to not snicker at this idea.
“Kindergarteners? First and Second Graders performing Shakespeare? Oh, Please,” I thought. “That’s ridiculous…the language is too sophisticated… ideas too great…stories too rich for children to understand.” “That’s Amazing!” I spat out. “Maybe you might help?” the headmaster continued. “Sure,” I said with more reservation than joy.
Then, I met Mino. My doubts dissolved, as her larger than life voice filled the air and met each and every student in exactly the space they needed. The students adored and trusted her. They would take huge risks mastering the complex text of the Bard himself, waving swords, nimbly dancing like fairies, declaring like kings and queens they believed they were.. The rehearsal process was always serious yet filled with so much joy. The performances? Electric. 5, 6 and 7 year olds feeling important and heard…taking up the space they deserved.
For over 15 years, Mino and the team at People’s Theatre Project have been providing space to its community. In this space, they have cultivated a sense of belonging, of creativity and a space to be heard; though, it's always been borrowed.
In 2026, PTP will open The People’s Theatre, Centro Cultural Inmigrante, a dedicated space of their own to showcase their unique brand of theatre; a powerful artistic platform for immigrants and members of the Latine, Black, and Queer communities.
In this documentary, we will explore and experience the past, present and future of PTP, through conversations with their Students, Community Members, Teaching Artists, Company Members and Supporters. Together, we will uncover what this new space means to their community, “the last borough in Manhattan,” and what lies ahead for PTP.
KEY CREW
Kate Forsatz - Director/ Producer
Kate Forsatz has been in the film and television industry for over two decades. With experience in studio, feature length films, network television, corporate, documentary and independent films, Kate has worked on both domestic and international productions. She is the founder and Creative Director of Exit 74 Productions since 2014.
Meredith Veach - Editor / Producer
Meredith Veach is an award-winning Film Editor and Producer with 10+ years experience in feature length film, digital and commercial editorial work, with a background in classical music and oil painting. She is currently a producer and editor for Blizzard Entertainment’s Original Content Team.
Sarah Waldron - Associate Producer
With experience in various departments including productions, camera, post productions and photography, Sarah Waldron, is a Rider University Alumni, with a B.A. in Film. Aspiring to change the industry by creating meaningful and impactful films about social issues and underrepresented voices.
Lisa D'Apolito - Consulting Producer
Lisa D'Apolito is an Emmy nominated producer and director Lisa's film documentary, LOVE, GILDA was selected as the opening night film of the Tribeca Film Festival, was distributed theatrically through Magnolia Pictures, had a broadcast premiere on CNN and was nominated for 2 creative Emmy's.
James David Redding III - Post Production Sound
James is an Emmy award winning veteran in the field of audio post-production, he has sculpted soundscapes for a diverse array of television and film productions, such as The Queen's Gambit, The Americans, Carol, The Patient, and most recently, Amazon Prime's Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
John Lissauer - Composer
John Lissauer is a music composer, producer and performer known for Watchmen, That Thing You Do, Se7en and most recently the documentary Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Song. John received his degree in Music Composition at Yale University. He has composed and conducted for orchestras in New York, Hollywood, London, Paris, Prague and Toronto. John was awarded a Canadian Academy Award for "Best Original Score in a Motion Picture” for La Tete de Normande St. Onge. John was recently inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Jennifer Snowdon - Key Make Up
Jennifer’s career spans over three decades, with credits in Film, TV and Theatre, Jennifer brings her vivacious love of collaboration to us. Her credits include Wonderama, No Pay, Nudity, Gun Hill Road and PBS’s American Masters.
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