About

Reducing stigma and increasing inclusion

Neurodivergent theatremakers have been present in the American theatre since its inception. Their artistry has been present in every discipline at every level of creation, ranging from small-scale community works to large commercial ventures, with their identity often remaining underwraps as an invisible disability. The Autistic Theatremakers Alliance (ATA) is a 501(c)(3) organization designed to bring autistic artists together in the American theatre in order to foster connections throughout the community, and offer support.

Mission

The ATA is an alliance of autistic friendly theatre companies and industry leaders that are dedicated to the mission of uplifting and supporting autistic individuals in the arts through institutional support. Currently New York-based, the ATA plans to expand to include companies across the United States.

In addition to this alliance between theatres, the ATA provides direct resources for individual autistic artists throughout the theatre industry in the form of grants and affinity events designed to foster community connections. Resources regarding sensory friendly performances and training are collated by the ATA to assist autistic artists and theatre lovers in their search for appropriate ways in which to engage with theatre in mind of their personal needs.

Officers

  • Margaret Hall (she/her)

    President of the Board

    Margaret Hall is an author, teacher, director, and theatre historian. She is currently a writer for Playbill, the preeminent theatre publication in the United States, as well as an adjunct professor at New York University, where she helps students orient themselves within musical theatre history as members of its newest generation. She has received both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama and a Masters in Musical Theatre History from New York University.

  • Jessica Vanek (she/her)

    Chief Executive Officer

    Jessica Vanek hails from Las Vegas, NV. She attended Oklahoma City university, where she received her Bachelor of Music in music theatre and her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership. She is a Sondheim fanatic and a lover of all things Broadway.

  • Madie Winningham (she/they)

    Deputy Director

    Madie Winningham is a New York–based stage manager currently working towards her BFA in Stage and Production Management at Marymount Manhattan College. She has many special interests in theatre and enjoys all aspects of the creative process.

  • Emmie D'Amico (she/he/they)

    Secretary

    Emmie D’Amico is an NYC–based director and theatre-maker who specializes in over the top comedy, nontraditional structure, and revitalized classics. She graduated with Highest Honors from High Point University with a BA in Collaborative Theatre and a BA in English Literature.

  • Matthew Nassida (he/they)

    Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Nassida is a New York-based musical theatre multi-hyphenate who has worked at all levels of the industry. He graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a BFA in musical theatre performance and from New York University with an MFA in musical theatre writing and has since been working all over the country.

Board

  • Aaron Feinstein

    Artistic Director, ACTIONPLAY

  • Anthony J. Piccione

    Founder, Neurodivergent New Play Series

  • Aubrie Therrien

    Artistic Director, EPIC Players