2024-2025 Producers in Residence
National New Play Network (NNPN) proudly announces the selection of four First-Year Residents for the 2024-2025 Producer in Residence program. These four will be fully immersed in the daily operations of their Host Theaters, learning from established professionals. By participating in season-long residencies at NNPN Core Member Theaters, they are gaining essential experience in production, professional development, mentorship, and engagement within a dynamic national network of theater practitioners.
Additionally, we are pleased to introduce NNPN’s first-ever Virtual PIR Alumni Mixer, a special event designed to bring together past and current Producers in Residence. The gathering will allow alumni to reconnect, share their experiences, and discuss their ongoing work in the field. It aims to strengthen the community, facilitate the exchange of ideas, explore potential collaborations, foster lateral mentorship, and sow the seeds for future new play development.
Meet the Producers & Their Host Theaters
Rio Alberto
Host Theater: Perseverance Theatre | Anchorage/Juneau, AK
Rio Alberto (He/They) is a Chicano artist and educator based on Dena'ina Ełnena. Raised in Eastern Washington, Alberto has studied and performed in New England, the Midwest, and across Washington state before settling in Alaska and joining Perseverance Theatre. A member of the 2022 Theatre Communications Group Inheritors' cohort, Alberto has presented at the Theatre Communications Group National convening in 2021 and 2022 and attended the Any Given Child Initiative Conference in 2023, hosted by The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Daniel ‘Danny’ Duque-Estrada
Host Theater: Magic Theatre | San Francisco, CA
Daniel Duque-Estrada is thrilled to be able to continue and deepen his work as Producing Director of the Magic Theatre, thanks to the help and support of NNPN. At the Magic, he is helping to develop new plays by Luis Alfaro, Migdalia Cruz, and his own play, "Sucio," based on the short stories of Junot Diaz. Over the past 15 years, Daniel has worked primarily as an actor throughout the country, including company memberships at the Dallas Theater Center, Trinity Repertory Company, and two seasons at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MFA in acting from Brown University/Trinity Rep.
Aria Velz
Host Theater: Theater Alliance | Washington, D.C.
Aria Velz is a dedicated director, dramaturg, sound designer, and teaching artist with a passion for storytelling and collaboration. She has directed productions at Olney Theatre Center, Prologue Theatre, NextStop Theatre Company, and Flying V Productions. Her work as an associate director has been featured at Signature Theatre, Keegan Theatre, Constellation Theatre Company, Theater Alliance, and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Aria is proud to serve as a Producer in Residence at Theater Alliance, where she continues exploring innovative theater-making approaches.
Kadijah Wingo
Host Theater: Cleveland Public Theatre | Cleveland, OH
Kadijah Wingo, also known as "Kwingo," is an actor, comedian, and writer based in Cleveland. She is a familiar figure in Cleveland's local theatre and comedy scene, performing at Imposters Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre, Convergence-Continuum, Snowflake Comedy Club, and Con tú. Kadijah co-founded the artist collective "Inside The Couch," where she aims to support and uplift fellow artists. She is committed to using her talents to build a more inclusive and thoughtful artistic community. She remains dedicated to her growth as an artist and advocate, continually seeking new opportunities to inspire and elevate those around her.
For more than a decade NNPN's Producers in Residence program has been transforming how theaters support new-play development by nurturing emerging leaders and training new producers. This initiative supports early-and-mid-career theater producers passionate about developing new plays, offering valuable opportunities to expand knowledge and increase professional visibility. To learn more about NNPN and all our offerings, visit our "About Us" page or stay in touch via Instagram