How do you navigate the delicate balance between creative vision, financial stability, and community engagement as an Artistic Director? In this episode, as part of our Artistic Director Mini-Series, Jennifer chats with Brisa Areli Muñoz, Artistic Director of the Musical Theater Factory. Brisa shares her interest in the intersection of artistic practice, justice, community, and healing and how that guides her responsibilities as an AD. She talks about the importance of clarity around a theater’s mission, how to center underrepresented communities, balancing artistic vision with fundraising, and long-term organizational planning. They discuss how vulnerability, patience, and long-term vision are essential, how power dynamics within the creative process can be subverted through genuine collaboration, and the importance of making space for autonomy, curiosity, and care. Whether you’re an aspiring Artistic Director or looking for ways to build deeper, more supportive relationships with the artists you work with, this episode offers powerful tools to apply to your own creative practice.
About Brisa: Brisa Areli Muñoz (she /they) is a theater director, healing practitioner, and cultural worker. She is the Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Factory, a theater company based out of New York City that develops changemaking new musicals in a joyous, collaborative community for collective liberation. Brisa served as the Artist Lead for Arts for Everybody's national campaign in partnership with the city of Edinburg, Texas. Muñoz has directed & facilitated work on Broadway, across the world, and in communities in partnership with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, American Repertory Theater, Center Theatre Group, The Kennedy Center, The Public Theater, Carnegie Hall, REDCAT Cal Arts Theater, Arts Emerson, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, BRIC Arts Media, Sojourn Theatre, ¡Oye! Group, CUNY Creative Arts Team, Hi-ARTS, CO/LAB, and Actionplay.
Brisa’s IG: @brisaareli
Musical Theatre Factory's IG: @mtfmusicals
Musical Theatre Factory Website: www.mtf.nyc
Download the FREE Monologue Selection Toolkit: www.jenniferapple.net/freebie
Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple
Learn more about Jennifer Apple: www.jenniferapple.net
Jennifer Apple’s IG: @JenniferApple_
Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo
Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast
EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective
EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective
EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/
Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch
Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/
Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at EmpoweredArtistCollective@gmail.com