Latest news with #MixedBloodTheatre
CBS News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
How Trump's NEA grant cuts could impact Twin Cities theaters
How National Endowment for the Arts cuts may impact Minnesota theaters How National Endowment for the Arts cuts may impact Minnesota theaters How National Endowment for the Arts cuts may impact Minnesota theaters A real-life financial drama is playing out at several Twin Cities theaters as the Trump administration says it's pulling National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants to fund projects that reflect "creativity as prioritized by the President" instead. For 50 years, Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood has used the arts as a means to achieve social justice-related goals. But their nearly $100,000 in promised grant funding from NEA had been terminated. "I think it's decimating," Valdez said. "We were bracing for the punch, but the punch still hurts." Of that money, $75,000 was set to fund their Warroad Community Potluck show, set to be performed in the northern Minnesota town. Without the funding, Valdez says the show will be missing half its budget. "We have to figure out where that money comes from," Valdez said. Children's Theatre Company was also a victim of the grant terminations, losing upwards of $40,000 to $50,000 in NEA grant money. "Receiving this letter was a real blow to us," said Ryan French, the theatre's managing director. In fact, $40,000 of NEA funds went to their show, "Milo Imagines the World." French says they're still thinking through what changes the theater will face. "It's certainly going to make us take some tough choices going forward," French said. The same goes from Valdez and Mixed Blood. "I think we're all going to feel the impact. I think we're going to see fewer work, we might see companies folding," Valdez said. Despite the news, Valdez says the show must go on, continuing their mission of achieving justice for all Minnesotans. "We will probably have to adjust the kinds of projects that we do, but we're going to keep our doors open," Valdez said. "We're going to be a beacon for our community. We're not going to stop, we're just going to keep going." A Children's Theatre Company spokesperson says they're still trying to understand what they call the "many unclear elements" of the letter they received, including any processes for appeal.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New musical revue celebrates Latino artists on Broadway
A new production at the Park Square Theatre will celebrate the contributions that Latino artists have made to the music of Broadway. Teatro del Pueblo will present "Voces Latinas: A Broadway Musical Revue" at the theater from March 14–16. The performance features new and classic Broadway songs that were either written by or performed by Latino artists. "The Latino presence has always been strong in every art form. Broadway is no exception," says Mark Valdez, Artistic Director at the Mixed Blood Theatre and director of the revue. "In a moment where we (Latinos) are increasingly vilified, this is a moment to be seen and celebrated for work and artistry... plus, who doesn't like a good show tune?" The bilingual show will feature an all-Latino cast with a live band, Teatre del Pueblo says in an announcement. The cast includes Geri Jerez, Isaac Quiroga, Isabella Condo-Olivera, Katia Cardenas, Pedro Bayón, and Rueben Carbajal, as well as musical direction from recent Twin Cities transplant and theater veteran Brenda Varga. Tickets for the performances at the St. Paul theater are on sale now and cost $20–$38.
