Teaneck Theatre Maker Is Accelerating Her Career In NJ Fellowship

TEANECK, NJ — A Teaneck native is one of three fellows chosen statewide to participate in a program that accelerates the careers of theatre makers of color.

Amoria Burks, a senior at Montclair State University, will participate in a 6-month paid experience in the theatre arts field to learn about theatre management in real-world contexts. She joins an inaugural cohort of fellows — all "emerging leaders of color" — in the program developed by the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

Burks and the other fellows will be part of creating a "flourishing and equitable" future for the arts as leaders in the field, the Alliance's Deputy Director Erica Nagel said.

Much like the Alliance, Burks said, she hopes to one day use her platform to elevate others, and is very grateful for the opportunity to be a fellow.

“I have always been involved with theatre but seeing how it happens in a professional setting is an eye-opening experience," Burks said. "It’s amazing to see how quickly you can make a difference with the power of collaboration."

Burks, a theatre studies major, is pursuing a career in entertainment. Also an experienced production assistant, she aligns herself with projects that "reflect diversity and inclusivity," the Alliance said in a release.

"If I can make my mark in theatre then my possibilities in the entertainment industry are unlimited," Burks said.

Her goal is ultimately to become a producer of theatre, television and film, the release said.

Burks will be working with the Alliance, Luna Stage (West Orange) and Yendor Theatre Company (Newark) as part of the fellowship, which comprises placements with professional theatres. She was chosen for the program from a pool of 35 highly qualified applicants, the release said.

"(The Alliance) created this program because we know that there are many incredible theatre makers of color not yet connected to the professional theatre community," Deputy Director Nagel said. "We were thrilled with the response in this inaugural year, and it was very challenging to narrow down to just three fellows."