learn about
Our Mission
OUR MISSION
Who We Are, What We Do,
and Why We Do It
Formed 25 years ago, The Musical Theater Project is a unique “museum,” its doors open wide both locally and nationally. Our mission is to preserve and honor the 20th-century American musical (both stage and screen) in songs, stories and social history. We guide participants in learning about and making meaning personal connections with the art form’s past through local live performances and school programs, and in national radio broadcasts, online discussions and recordings.
TMTP has a steadfast commitment to inclusion. Everyone is fully welcomed and invited into all facets of the organization’s life regardless of age, race, nationality, disability, gender, sexual identity or economic status—not just as people living in the world, but as equal citizens living in a democracy.
As with any institution that documents the past, TMTP’s work grows out of a huge library of books containing both admirable and offensive chapters. These reflect the complexity of a society that was seriously conflicted in values and representation. But censoring that which is now rightly seen as disrespectful would be the same as declaring it never existed. We must not erase history; rather we are dedicated to providing context and background that illuminate the social forces behind whatever time period we are exploring. In short, we seek to reveal our nation’s biography as it unfolded through this art form. It is in so doing that we find a gateway to a better future.
By approaching the art with this degree of care, our goal is to bring us all closer together in greater understanding of each other, and in joy, hope and love—these are uplifting hallmarks of the classic American musical. In a society that has become increasingly coarse, our work is needed now more than ever before.
OUR MISSION IN ACTION
Local & National Programs
The Song is You
Part concert, part documentary, The Song Is You! combines powerful live performances with rare visuals and expert commentary to explore the cultural legacy of musical theater as a uniquely American art form.
Footlight Parade & On the Aisle
Footlight Parade & On the Aisle are fast-paced radio celebrations of American musical theater, blending iconic recordings with lively commentary and artist interviews, hosted by renowned musical theater expert (and TMTP Artistic Director) Bill Rudman.
Harbinger Records
The Harbinger label — devoted to musical theater, cabaret and the Great American Songbook — houses an extraordinary range of artists, from legendary performers such as Peggy Lee, Mabel Mercer and Ethel Merman to first-rate contemporary artists including Sylvia McNair, Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock.
Kids Love Musicals!
Our award-winning in-school residencies bring musicals to life, empowering students through singing, dancing, and storytelling to explore characters and themes that spark imagination and learning.
Let's Go to the Movies...at Home!
Join our virtual watch-party series featuring classic movie musicals, complete with expert video intros and live Zoom discussions that bring the films—and their magic—to life at home.
Further OUR MISSION
Contribute to TMTP
If you share an interest in education through musical theater, consider becoming a member of our nonprofit organization! Our members are invaluable, as they are the reason that we can continue to pursue our mission of fostering a deep appreciation of the classic American musical while examining the important social history that is inherently present in each performance.