GET TO KNOW US
Ryan MacPherson (Founder, President) grew up in a small suburb outside of Boston and was involved in theater for as long as he can remember. During his business school years, Ryan traded spreadsheets and accounting for time in the theater; producing, directing, acting, and doing everything he could to support his University’s theater program. He worked closely with Joey DeMita for a number of years helping to support his thriving theater company, jumping in to act, build sets, hang lights, paint flats, and do anything he could to help the company grow. Now with his MBA under his belt, Ryan hopes to help theater organizations build sustainable business models that balance artistic vision with financial viability.
Joey DeMita (Founder, Artistic Director) can’t remember a time when theatre wasn’t a part of his life. At the age of 18, Joey took the bold step of starting his first theatre company, The F.U.D.G.E. Theatre Company (Friends United Developing Genuine Entertainment) with two high school friends. The company quickly grew, attracting actors, designers and technicians from all over the Boston area. Not long after, FUDGE grew to gain recognition alongside some of Boston’s professional companies. Joey earned several IRNE (Independent Reviewers of New England) award nominations, including Best Production: Glory Days, Parade, Spring Awakening; Best Direction: Glory Days, Assassins, Parade, Spring Awakening; Best Choreography: Carousel. Joey also produced and directed several premieres with FUDGE, including I Sing! (Boston Premiere), bare: A Pop Opera (New England Premiere), Nevermore (New England Premiere), Half-Married (World Premiere), Drawin’ on the Walls (World Premiere) and Jack the Ripper: The Whitechapel Musical (World Premiere). Joey made the decision to close the door on The FUDGE Theatre Company in order to move to NYC. After taking a few years away from theater, Joey has excitedly teamed up with Ryan to bring Emergent TheatreWorks to New York City.
Katie Schiering (Board Member) is a mother, actor and business owner from Lancaster, MA. Her company, Firelight KIDS, focuses on music, theatre and sports education for the children in her community. Katie has a Masters degree in Theater Education from Emerson College. She first met the ETW team in 2009 when she became involved with The FUDGE Theatre Company as a performer. Katie is excited to be working with ETW to help them reach their business and creative goals.