The All Stars Project Enhances Artistic Vision with New Advisory Council in NYC
The All Stars Project Launches Artistic Advisory Council
On June 8, 2026, the All Stars Project, Inc. (ASP) revealed the establishment of its new Artistic Advisory Council, aimed at enhancing the artistic vision and programming of the Performance Lab (PLab) at its multi-theatre performance and youth development center located on West 42nd Street, New York.
The Council is chaired by Gabrielle L. Kurlander, a seasoned actor, director, producer, and the founding CEO of ASP who has had a profound impact on the organization since its inception in 1989. Along with Kurlander, the Council features fellow theatre artists such as Madelyn Chapman, Reynaldo Piniella, and John Rankin III.
Kurlander expressed excitement about the initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to be creating a new cultural home where theatre artists and creatives can challenge boundaries and spark new possibilities through performance.” She highlighted the significance of this move at a time when numerous nonprofit theatres and their developmental programs are disappearing from New York. ASP's commitment to investing in theatrical performance emphasizes its potential as a catalyst for human creativity and community connection.
Two members of the Council, Piniella and Chapman, were instrumental in launching “Untitled,” a monthly play-reading series and developmental playwriting intensive sponsored by PLab, which has already seen participation from over 200 theatre artists and included more than 35 plays. This initiative serves as a vital platform for emerging artists to engage in collaborative experimentation and idea generation.
The Council members come with impressive credentials, having worked on Broadway and Off-Broadway for decades. Kurlander, in particular, has directed over 50 productions, earning multiple AUDELCO Awards, including recognition for Outstanding Director of a Musical. Chapman, a founding member of the Castillo Theatre, has a rich professional background in performance and mentorship. Piniella has made his mark on Broadway through notable performances and has recently received accolades in playwriting while also being featured in popular television series. Rankin, meanwhile, directs performance programs at ASP, highlighting his experience within the NYC theatre community.
The formation of this Council coincides with a significant milestone for ASP, as they plan to celebrate the completion of the mortgage on their West 42nd Street Center on June 13. This Mortgage Burning celebration will showcase performances by theatre artists and youth, marking the beginning of the center's new phase as a hub for performance arts, youth development, and cross-sector collaboration in New York.
Shadae McDaniel, President-Elect of ASP, emphasized the vision for the center, stating, “We are creating a center where young people, artists, business and community leaders can build new relationships, expand access and spur creativity through the developmental power of performance.” The establishment of the Artistic Advisory Council is viewed as a step forward in deepening ASP's ties to world-class artistry and reinforcing the West 42nd Street Center's role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and human development through the arts.
About the All Stars Project
The All Stars Project is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth from underserved communities through the power of performance. With 45 years of experience in grassroots organizing, ASP focuses on community building and empowerment, providing opportunities for personal growth across various backgrounds. In addition to its operations in New York City, it extends its influence nationally to cities like Dallas, Newark, Chicago, and beyond.
For further inquiries or more information about the All Stars Project, you can contact Jackie Lucas at Vera Voce Communication or visit their official website.
On June 8, 2026, the All Stars Project, Inc. (ASP) revealed the establishment of its new Artistic Advisory Council, aimed at enhancing the artistic vision and programming of the Performance Lab (PLab) at its multi-theatre performance and youth development center located on West 42nd Street, New York.
The Council is chaired by Gabrielle L. Kurlander, a seasoned actor, director, producer, and the founding CEO of ASP who has had a profound impact on the organization since its inception in 1989. Along with Kurlander, the Council features fellow theatre artists such as Madelyn Chapman, Reynaldo Piniella, and John Rankin III.
Kurlander expressed excitement about the initiative, stating, “We are thrilled to be creating a new cultural home where theatre artists and creatives can challenge boundaries and spark new possibilities through performance.” She highlighted the significance of this move at a time when numerous nonprofit theatres and their developmental programs are disappearing from New York. ASP's commitment to investing in theatrical performance emphasizes its potential as a catalyst for human creativity and community connection.
Two members of the Council, Piniella and Chapman, were instrumental in launching “Untitled,” a monthly play-reading series and developmental playwriting intensive sponsored by PLab, which has already seen participation from over 200 theatre artists and included more than 35 plays. This initiative serves as a vital platform for emerging artists to engage in collaborative experimentation and idea generation.
The Council members come with impressive credentials, having worked on Broadway and Off-Broadway for decades. Kurlander, in particular, has directed over 50 productions, earning multiple AUDELCO Awards, including recognition for Outstanding Director of a Musical. Chapman, a founding member of the Castillo Theatre, has a rich professional background in performance and mentorship. Piniella has made his mark on Broadway through notable performances and has recently received accolades in playwriting while also being featured in popular television series. Rankin, meanwhile, directs performance programs at ASP, highlighting his experience within the NYC theatre community.
The formation of this Council coincides with a significant milestone for ASP, as they plan to celebrate the completion of the mortgage on their West 42nd Street Center on June 13. This Mortgage Burning celebration will showcase performances by theatre artists and youth, marking the beginning of the center's new phase as a hub for performance arts, youth development, and cross-sector collaboration in New York.
Shadae McDaniel, President-Elect of ASP, emphasized the vision for the center, stating, “We are creating a center where young people, artists, business and community leaders can build new relationships, expand access and spur creativity through the developmental power of performance.” The establishment of the Artistic Advisory Council is viewed as a step forward in deepening ASP's ties to world-class artistry and reinforcing the West 42nd Street Center's role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and human development through the arts.
About the All Stars Project
The All Stars Project is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth from underserved communities through the power of performance. With 45 years of experience in grassroots organizing, ASP focuses on community building and empowerment, providing opportunities for personal growth across various backgrounds. In addition to its operations in New York City, it extends its influence nationally to cities like Dallas, Newark, Chicago, and beyond.
For further inquiries or more information about the All Stars Project, you can contact Jackie Lucas at Vera Voce Communication or visit their official website.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.