At Great Performances, we believe in nurturing creativity—not just through the incredible events we produce but also by supporting the artistic passions of our team members. That’s why we were thrilled to celebrate the winners of our 2024 Artist Fellowship Awards at a special ceremony at Mae Mae Café and Plant Shop!
This year, we awarded $20,000 in grants to four talented GP team members, each receiving $5,000 to further their artistic careers. The projects they’re working on are as diverse and inspiring as the city we call home.
A Celebration of Creativity and Inspiration
On Monday, February 3rd, we gathered at our Mott Haven campus to recognize the incredible work of our 2024 fellows. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches, shared stories, and an overwhelming sense of support from the GP community. It was a joy to witness the excitement and passion of our awardees as they spoke about their projects.
Check out some highlights from the event below!
Meet the 2024 Artist Fellows
From music to animation, this year’s recipients represent a beautiful cross-section of New York’s creative energy:
Trifon Dimitrov
Trifon Dimitrov’s A View From Today (Ancestors) is a tribute album honoring legendary jazz bassists such as Jimmy Blanton, Sam Jones, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, Ray Brown, and Ron Carter. The project celebrates their contributions to jazz by featuring their compositions with a contemporary interpretation, performed in duo and trio settings with renowned musicians like Kenny Barron, George Cables, and Lewis Nash. The album aims to highlight the bass as a lead instrument while preserving and expanding the jazz tradition. With over 25 years of performance experience, Dimitrov sees this project as a pivotal step in establishing himself as a bandleader, with plans for recording, release, international promotion, and touring. The album will serve as both a tribute and a launching pad for future collaborations and artistic growth.
Trifon is a Bulgarian-born musician and sound artist specializing in experimental composition and live electronic performance. With a background in both classical and avant-garde music, his work bridges genres, creating deeply atmospheric and textured sound experiences. He is dedicated to exploring the intersection of sound, memory, and cultural identity.
Tira Adams
Tira is a poet, lyricist, and performer whose work navigates themes of exile, resistance, and personal transformation. With a sharp, evocative style, she collaborates with musicians and artists to bring socially charged poetry into new sonic landscapes. Her writing serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on censorship, displacement, and resilience.
Natasia Filiaeva
klonklona is an electronic music project by Natasia, an exiled artist using sound as a form of resilience, protest, and reconnection for the displaced Russian-speaking community. Born from personal upheaval after fleeing Russia due to political repression, klonklona blends environmental sound sampling, haunting vocals, and satire to create a “bedroom rave universe”—a safe space for self-expression and defiance. Through viral tracks like Vo Slavu Satane, which exposed Russian corruption, and How Do You Do, which captured the absurdity of exile, klonklona has built a global community of listeners seeking solidarity. With the GP Artist Fellowship, Natasia plans to elevate klonklona from single releases to full EPs and live performances, requiring essential equipment to continue producing music. Looking ahead, she envisions klonklona as a platform for censored and displaced Russian artists, fostering connection through performances, collaborations, and bilingual songwriting to amplify these urgent stories worldwide.
Natasia is an exiled Russian musician and producer who founded klonklona, an electronic music project exploring resilience, protest, and reconnection through sound. Forced to flee Russia due to political repression, she channels personal and collective trauma into haunting, satirical tracks that resonate with the displaced Russian-speaking community. Her work has gone viral, offering a space for defiance and healing through music.
David Quang Pham
David Quang Pham’s Turnover: A New Leaf is an award-winning plant-based musical that explores themes of immigration, queer identity, and environmental awareness through the story of a mother-son pair of Cilantros navigating life in Dirty City. With a dynamic mix of pop, rock, and Vietnamese folk music, the show has earned accolades at the Philadelphia New Musicals Festival and has been performed at various venues, including The Tank’s PrideFest. David’s proposal for the Great Performances Artist Fellowship focuses on producing a professional studio concept album of Turnover, aiming for a Fall 2025 release. This album would enhance the musical’s reach, support future theatrical productions, and lay the groundwork for an eventual cast recording and a potential animated series. Featuring a talented team of musicians, directors, and producers, the project seeks to bring Turnover’s vibrant world and educational themes to a broader audience through streaming and physical releases.
David is a multidisciplinary artist and composer whose work blends experimental sound design, electronic music, and visual storytelling. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, he explores themes of identity, displacement, and social change. His compositions weave together diverse sonic textures, inviting listeners into immersive and thought-provoking soundscapes.
We can’t wait to see these projects come to life!
A Tradition of Supporting the Arts
The Artist Fellowship Awards have been a cornerstone of GP’s mission, rooted in our company’s origins. When Liz Neumark founded GP, she was an aspiring photographer, and many of our earliest employees were artists looking for flexible work to support their creative pursuits. That commitment hasn’t changed.
“What started as two $1,000 grants has grown to four $5,000 grants and is a source of company-wide pride,” says Neumark. “We’re delighted to celebrate these artists and our commitment to arts and culture in New York City.”
A Panel of Esteemed Judges
A big thank you to our panel of judges—leaders from NYC’s arts and culture world—who helped select this year’s fellows:
- Ed Lewis – President and CEO, Caramoor
- Kamilah Forbes – Executive Producer, Apollo Theater
- Ryan Hill – Founder and CEO, Apotheosis
- Dr. Meisha Porter – Visiting Senior at the Center for Educational Innovation
- Adam Gwon – Composer and Lyricist
“We were all impressed that the applicants are working outside of their art and yet have created the time to pursue this work that means so much to them,” noted Dr. Porter.
February might be the shortest month of the year, but we’re making it one of the most flavorful. At Great Performances, we’re embracing a fun and thoughtful challenge: Gluten-Free February! It’s our way of raising awareness about the realities of living gluten-free—whether for health reasons, dietary preferences, or just as a way to shake things up in the kitchen.
For many, “gluten-free” is more than a trendy label—it’s a necessity. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger serious health issues for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. And while the idea of going gluten-free might conjure up visions of saying goodbye to bread, pasta, and pastries, there’s a world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored.
Navigating the Gluten-Free World
One of the most eye-opening parts of this challenge is realizing just how many everyday foods contain gluten—sometimes in unexpected places. Soy sauce? Most brands contain wheat. Many soups and sauces? Thickened with flour. Even some brands of oats, though naturally gluten-free, can be cross-contaminated during processing.
That’s why we’re making it easy. Throughout February, we’ll be offering gluten-free family meals, and our restaurants and cafés at our venues will be highlighting special gluten-free dishes. Whether you’re an expert in gluten-free living or just testing the waters, we invite you to join us in discovering new flavors, sharing your experiences, and celebrating the joys (and occasional frustrations!) of this journey.
Simple Gluten-Free Swaps
Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite meals—it just takes a little creativity. Here are some easy swaps to try:
- Pasta: Swap traditional wheat pasta for rice noodles, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta.
- Flour: Try almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for baking and cooking.
- Bread: Look for gluten-free bread options made with ingredients like millet, sorghum, or brown rice flour—or try lettuce wraps instead!
- Breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes, almond meal, or gluten-free panko make great alternatives.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute that delivers the same umami punch.
Gluten-Free Snacks to Love
Need a quick, gluten-free bite? These snacks will keep you satisfied:
- Rice cakes with almond butter and honey
- Hummus with fresh veggies
- Popcorn with sea salt and nutritional yeast
- Greek yogurt with berries and granola (just make sure the granola is gluten-free!)
- Roasted chickpeas or nuts for a crunchy, protein-packed option
- Dark chocolate and dried fruit for a sweet treat
Going gluten-free—even temporarily—offers a new way to think about food, try new flavors, and gain a deeper appreciation for what goes into every meal. Whether you’re joining in for the full month or just dipping a toe in, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your favorite gluten-free recipes, your go-to snacks, or the unexpected challenges (and wins!) you’ve encountered along the way.
Here’s to a delicious, gluten-free February!
Call me old fashioned, but in this era of electronic greetings, I prefer to wish a Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary with a hand-written snail-mail note card. I have taken this pleasure to a new level by actually creating them myself. With a stack of plain paper and a resource box brimming with clippings from catalogues, magazines & re-purposed cards (along with a sharp scissor and trusty glue-stick), I craft my own unique special-occasion greeting. And with pilot pen in hand, I dash off the message in my catholic-girls-school cursive handwriting….another lost art in itself. Voila – from me to you!
At Great Performances, we love celebrating the incredible stories of our team members. Today, we turn the spotlight on Blythe Lockwood, one of our talented team members and a resident of The Rehearsal Club (TRC) in New York City.
A Conversation with Blythe Lockwood
How long have you lived in New York City, and where are you from originally?
I’ve been in New York for just 10 months! I moved here from colorful Colorado, where I grew up dreaming of Broadway and the stage.
What inspired your move to New York City?
The city’s Broadway and theatre history is unmatched. If there’s a place to pursue a dream in musical theatre, it’s NYC. I’ve wanted to perform on Broadway since I was four years old, so it was a no-brainer for me. Originally, I planned to move in September 2023, but I stayed an extra six months in Colorado to co-direct a musical and take some advanced dance classes. It was worth the wait—I felt so much more prepared when I finally arrived!
How did you first hear about The Rehearsal Club, and what drew you to it?
I learned about TRC in September 2023, and it instantly caught my attention. The idea of a sanctuary for women in the arts, with subsidized rent and a network of connections, felt like it was tailor-made for people like me. I just knew it was the right fit.
Was there an audition process to join the Club?
Oh, absolutely! It was quite a process. I submitted video reels of myself singing and acting, along with a headshot, cover letter, and resume. Then came the interview with the board and past residents—it was nerve-wracking but so rewarding. Finally, I had to submit my qualifications for renting a unit. It took about a month and a half to finalize everything. Even though I was accepted, there wasn’t a room available at the time, so I had to wait. I officially became a resident in September 2024, almost a year after I first applied.
When did you start working with Great Performances?
I joined GP in June 2024, and it’s been such an amazing experience. The people I’ve met here are incredible. There’s such a sense of camaraderie—everyone’s in it together, even during those long 12-hour shifts. It’s been such a supportive environment.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On audition days, I’m up early to get to the audition house by 7 a.m. to sign my name on the non-union list. Then I grab coffee and breakfast before waiting for the auditions to start. If I get seen, it completely makes my day! When I’m not auditioning, I spend my time cleaning, hanging out with friends, working my real estate job, and picking up shifts with GP. I like staying busy—it keeps me energized and happy.
What would you like others to know about you?
I’ve been dreaming about performing on Broadway since I was a little girl, and being in this city feels like I’m one step closer to that goal. Sure, New York can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also the place where dreams come true. My biggest advice is to always follow your passion. It’s never too late to go after what makes you happiest—shoot for the stars!
Great Performances: A Legacy of Supporting Artists
When Great Performances was founded, it began as a staffing agency with a clear mission: to create opportunities for women in the arts, whether they were between gigs or seeking new paths. Our founder and CEO, Liz Neumark, envisioned a platform that would empower women to advance their careers while providing meaningful work. Over the years, Liz has continued to innovate, finding creative ways to help artists thrive.
This mission resonates deeply with the work of The Rehearsal Club, which has been a safe haven for young women in the performing arts since 1913. After partnering with Webster Apartments in 2018, TRC relaunched its residency program to provide safe, affordable housing and a nurturing community for artists. Today, aspiring residents can apply online through rehearsalclubnyc.com, and men and women alike are welcome to join as non-residency General Members. In October 2023, TRC celebrated its 110th anniversary, marking over a century of dedication to fostering talent in the arts.
A Bright Future Ahead
As a part of the Great Performances family and a resident of The Rehearsal Club, Blythe Lockwood continues to inspire us with her determination and passion. Her journey reminds us of the power of perseverance and the importance of creating opportunities for artists to shine. Here’s to supporting dreamers like Blythe, one audition and one event at a time.
A gold-brushed box replete with antique cogs, a delicate dancer wound to twirl through Tchaikovsky and Nabokov.
A dream long-lost–or so I thought.
Like many children, one of the first extracurriculars introduced to my young and disruptively energetic self was that which might be both enriching, and give my mom a few spare hours of solitude–dance.
The local studio was widely known for providing education in an array of styles. Tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and of course, ballet.
In the beginning, I took to them all with equal intrigue and excitement. But it wasn’t long before ballet began to outpace the others. A lover of stories and storytelling, the narrative undercurrent of the artform called to me.
The ability to embody such a range of characters, to step into their confidence, their vulnerability, their bravery, was a skill I’d not yet mastered in my personal life. Afraid to be called on in class, yet confident on stage before hundreds of strangers–the juxtaposition was a phenomenon my parents and teachers could not comprehend.
Ballet became a sacred place in which I shed the fear of being seen.
Yet as all easily distracted and exploratory teens are, I cycled through years of numerous hyper-fixations and hobbies, dance eventually taking a back seat. Sports team practices prevented any other outside indulgences, and besides, stereotypes would protest against my ancient age of fifteen’s ability to go professional. So what was the point?
I carried on, pocketing that part of me in favor of whatever came next. The following nine years were a period of immense growth, the standard early-twenties affair of broken hearts and moving away from home.
Arriving at the start of 2024 with a list of broad-stroke resolutions to help reconnect with myself, I was determined to re-introduce things I’d abandoned to my flighty youth.
Many years it may have been, my love for ballet remained safely tucked away, occasionally pulled from the drawer of days past to reminisce over fondly with wistful sighs of “What if?”
My hometown in Ohio had provided little opportunity for exploring such a question, especially at 24. But New York City held an abundance of it. A single Google search produced dozens of studios offering adult ballet, from beginner to professional to performances. It was a gold mine for the regret of an ignorant teen who wished she’d known what she was giving up before it was gone.
I wasn’t going to let it pass me by a second time. One class turned to two, to three, to five, to all of a sudden performing at Carnegie Hall come October. I again fell in love with that freedom I’d felt so long ago. The pure peace that comes with stepping up to the ballet barre or onto the stage–complex combinations a balm to a disquieted mind.
I gave it my all, and it gave right back. Not only did I regain an old part of me I’d nearly forgotten, I welcomed many new ones as well. New friends, new teachers, new experiences. A new, deeper connection to the community I’d been living in for 3 years.
Jersey City Ballet enveloped me in its arms, and nurtured the inner child I’d left behind. In turn, I have taken it upon myself to donate my time, energy, and expertise to ensure it feels the same amount of love and support.
In the historically exclusive world of dance, Jersey City Ballet is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity. It creates a safe place for individuals of all ages, body types, and socioeconomic standings to experience and learn the art of classical ballet.
These are the core reasons why I was so incredibly honored when recently approached about becoming a Board Member of Jersey City Ballet Theater. Though I would carry on happily assisting in any way I can regardless of official title or membership, the acknowledgment for my love of the organization was rewarding.
It brings me joy to know that Jersey City Ballet understands how fully I believe in it and its mission, and that those at the helm trust me to continue to assist in sharing these values as a representative.
I look forward to further serving the students, staff, and dancers of Jersey City Ballet through this opportunity.
And of course, to lots and lots of dancing.
If you’re interested in enrolling in or supporting Jersey City Ballet’s programs for youth, adults, or professionals, you can learn more at jerseycityballet.org.
I started sewing in 2019. I had taken a costuming class in my undergraduate program and enjoyed it. As time went on things started to press on me:
- The prevalence of human trafficking in the supply chain of my clothing
- The water and environmental cost of fast fashion
- The fact that I just didn’t like so many things being sold in stores
I decided I wanted to give it a try.
Cut to the fall of 2020*. The pandemic was driving on, and I exhausted my options for painting by numbers**. I decided to put more concerted effort into making my clothes. I bought more supplies, patterns, pattern paper, fusible interfacing, the works.
I started with a simple t-shirt, and it went well enough to make want to get better. I gave myself milestones:
- Making a 3-piece suit
- having 50% of my wardrobe being of my own making
Once I did those, I could consider myself having “graduated” as a clothier (atelier? tailor? seamster?***).
While both of these milestones are still in the future, I have gotten better and better. I’ve made some pieces that I very much enjoy. I’ve made pieces for friends and loved ones. I’ve made shirts and pants, overalls and jumpsuits, dresses and skirts, and cloaks for LARPing. My next project will be a pair of double-knee jeans from a pattern I received from Lorraine Polchinski.
* Many are drawn to the assumption that sewing was a pandemic venture. Was it? It was definitely pandemic related that I did as much as I did when I did, but I find myself clashing with the idea of sewing being my sourdough. I’d been dabbling.
** THIS was my sourdough.
*** This is not my first bout with the lack of a gender non-specific word for “one who sews”. I have not found a suitable option. While it is not necessarily one of the reasons for my wanting to sew, gender subversion is a big influence on my drive to be GOOD at sewing. Therefore, I’m not interested in name that leans toward gender reinforcement. Boo gender reinforcement!
****Gender Affirmation refers to the phenomenon of individuals, feeling their gender identity is challenged or questioned, exaggerating or strongly reaffirming behaviors and attitudes traditionally associated with their gender, in an attempt to reassert their sense of belonging within their gender category.
In the sprawling web of all our venues, Book Club emerged to bring GP employees together. It grew out of our Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), a space we carved out to amplify and mentor each other. The ERG has hosted mentorship, networking, and leadership events, often at cultural and historical venues that sparked interesting conversation. Book Club felt like a natural extension – a gender-inclusive group to share stories and ideas. For the launch, we looked for stories about the powerful role of food. We had a shortlist that claimed our attention, but we landed on Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel.
Picking a first book felt like scrolling through a never-ending To Be Read pile in late December. We started with a few contenders: The Kamogawa Food Detectives, a cozy, intrigue-laden escape, My Year of Meats, at the intersection of TV and agriculture, and Sous Chef: 24 Hours on the Line, 300 pages of adrenaline which at absolutely no point takes its foot off the gas. Each had its claim to our attention, but we landed on Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel.
It wasn’t just the food-centric narrative, but it’s both deeply familiar and unexpected. The story follows Tita, the youngest daughter in a rigidly traditional Mexican family. It’s a story we’ve seen countlessly: duty taking precedence over desire, especially in the kitchen – a place long known for confinement to women. Yet, we can understand what it feels like to pour energy and emotions into food. Tita reveals her rage and declaration of selfhood through it. She grows prolific in her cooking which – through the lens of magic realism – finds its power to leave her family weeping, or euphoric, or moved in whatever chaotic ways.
Esquivel touches on a common modern narrative, one with women, in her words, “radically abandoning the kitchen space”. Through Tita, however, she highlights the beauty of reclaiming these traditions on her own terms.
Of course, reading this in the context of the food industry feels a little different. There’s not as much room for catharsis in the middle of a dinner service. Yet, the book plants the idea that food, even in its structured, utilitarian form, carries intense emotion. Part of the pleasure is discovering how this unfolds, and as book club conversations start taking shape, leaves us with plenty to think about.
HR Specialist, Jonathan Siu, rang in the New Year in Peru. He kindly shared some details about the trip and, most importantly, the wonderful dishes that he got to enjoy.
It took me 21 years to return to Peru for the holidays. I’m not sure why it took this long, but I’m incredibly grateful for my wife’s insistence on going back to spend New Year’s with family.
I had a blast, got some well-deserved time off, and had the chance to reconnect with family and friends. I was able to escape NYC’s winter and enjoy the beach, though the weather wasn’t as hot as I expected (as my face mask can attest). And of course… the food. Summertime in Lima, a coastal city, means plenty of seafood. Although I’m trying to eat more plant-based—or “plant-forward”—it’s hard not to fall off the wagon, if only for a little while.
Since the trip was improvised, I didn’t have time to make reservations, so I skipped the well-known restaurants this time around. However, there were still some highlights.
One standout was Quipas, a recently opened modern-Peruvian restaurant from a former head chef at Mayta (#41 on the World’s 50 Best List). Their scallops and asparagus dish was absolutely amazing.
I also visited Almacén, a “northern-style” Cevichería, where they had a seasonal menu featuring sea urchin. We tried a variety of ceviches, including the northern-style one, which is typically served with beans and a side of corn pastries.
To cap off the culinary journey, I found a distilled Coca leaf spirit, which I used to make Coca Sours as we cheered in the New Year.
2024 has been a year of beautiful beginnings at Great Performances, as we’ve welcomed a new generation to our extended family. These moments of joy remind us of the importance of connection and growth—values that resonate deeply with our work and community. We’re thrilled to introduce you to the newest members of the GP family!
Meet Mila Deuel
Chef Mike Deuel, Executive Chef of Catering Operations welcomed a beautiful baby girl this year:
She was born on November 1st at 8:53pm. Another Scorpio in the family!!
She currently has been enjoying many walks outside at the NY Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo. As well as visits to The Met, The Guggenheim, and the Museum of Natural History. Anastassia and I have had the great pleasure of spending the last weeks getting to know her.
She wakes up with the cutest stretches I’ve ever seen, eats, then takes a nap on me. She also gives us a great concert during “the witching hour” on a daily basis. Each day something new happens and we cannot wait to see what happens next!
Meet Bowie Mayer
Zachary Mayer, Director of Fulfillment, welcomed his second child:
Bowie is 3 months old already and doing great! He loves being a part of the action, especially when his toddler sister is singing Disney songs right in his face. He’s smiling and growing each day and we’re excited to see what he has in store for us next!
Meet Olivia Asimeni Georgedakis
Chef Stratos Georgedakis, Executive Production Chef, also welcomed a darling daughter:
Olivia Asimeni Georgedakis was born on 12/20 at 6:58am. She weighed 7lbs 10oz. Her big sister, Meli, is very excited to have a baby sister and is taking her new role as big sister very seriously.
We celebrate these precious moments with our team members and their families, knowing that they enrich the heart and soul of Great Performances.
Through the busy holidays, we normally watch Chefs and Planners do the acrobatics of an event, but the mise en place is a quiet orchestration from every team, bent over slanted desks, pulling levers like Inside Out. When we hear the hums of the season, it’s pies goldening in crusts, and tastings being plated. Silverware rings through the hallways. It can be met at one of our office corners with a faint whirring, a little hum of calculators turning.
In the midst of the busyness, we gained a new member in Accounting, Nino Andre Dionio, in partnership with the SOAR Experimental Learning Program through LaGuardia Community College’s Center for Career and Professional Development, pairing students with experiential learning. He spent the fall with us, and as a student with interests ranging from Finance to Urban Sociology, he has fresh insight into GP’s culture, work, and the food:
Q: Hi Nino. Tell us a bit about yourself!
A: I’m currently a sophomore at LaGuardia Community College. I’m interested in doing something in business, more specifically in Accounting. I found it really unique to work in a catering company. What really hooked me was my interview – when I heard about the people and atmosphere, to me it sounded like a great working environment. It sounded fun but also professional.
Q: What have you enjoyed so far about your last month and a half at GP?
A: What I’ve liked so far is how I’ve gotten close with my coworkers. I’m glad to have a casual conversation with them in and out of the office. It helped a lot by how fast I got accustomed to GP. Another is the desserts and food – they’ve been really good and I’m thankful for the lunches too.
Q: I’m glad good food and conversations are the highlights. Anything interesting you’ve talked about, or anything you found surprising from people?
A: There have been a lot of funny conversations that I hear in the office. But what I found interesting were my meetings with everyone. It was interesting hearing about everyone’s career path. Many things they’ve said have stuck with me every time I think about my career.
Q: Putting this career plan aside for a second, if there were a job at GP you could have for just a day, what would it be?
A: I think Culinary is a really fun role to have. I really enjoy cooking at home and wouldn’t mind learning about some cooking from GP. And I really like the food, so I think it would be fun to have insights on how we make our food.
Q: So have you discovered any new favorite dishes or desserts since you’ve been here?
A: One dessert that always stuck out to me was the chocolate cake with banana I brought home. It was really good, and I’m glad I was able to share it with my mom because she also really liked it.
Q: And one last question. What do you find more satisfying – balancing a budget, or perfectly plating a dessert?
A: I find balancing a budget more satisfying, for sure.