The Midtown International Theatre Festival Returns to New York After Decade-Long Hiatus and the Landmark American Theatre of Actors will host the event.

AN HISTORIC EVENT AT AN HISTORIC LOCATION

The Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF), a respected and influential platform for independent theatre, is set to make its triumphant return to New York City after an absence of nearly a decade. Founder and Executive Producer John Chatterton, a pivotal figure in the Off-Off-Broadway movement, is partnering with Jay Michaels, one of indie theatre’s most visible personalities, to bring the groundbreaking theatrical event back in June/July of 2026.

The new festival will encompass the entire ATA complex of three theatres starting June 15 through July 26, 2026

MITF is accepting applications for productions to be included in the festival until December 31, 2025. Please contact Jay Michaels at info@jaymichaelsarts.com for further details and an application form.

An Ambitious Return at a Historic Venue

The revived festival will be hosted by the prestigious American Theatre of Actors (ATA), marking an auspicious collaboration as the ATA celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“We’re thrilled this event could happen at our theatre—and especially during our 50th anniversary,” says Jessica Jennings, Executive Director of the American Theatre of Actors. The ATA was founded in 1976 by her father, James Jennings, who remains its President and Artistic Director.

The new incarnation of the MITF is planned to be the largest independent theatre festival in history. Already, more than two dozen projects and events have signed on, with plans underway to expand offerings to include:

• A dedicated Cabaret Section.
• A comprehensive One-Act Series.
• A full-fledged Film Festival.

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 2000 by John Chatterton, the original MITF was established following the suggestion for a “Midtown Fringe” to complement the downtown scene. It ran for 18 successful seasons before its hiatus in 2018.

The festival quickly became a highly visible and respected launchpad for independent theatre artists. Notably, the MITF pioneered a festival model of theater rental and shared box office revenue that continues to influence theatre festivals worldwide today.

About the American Theatre of Actors (ATA)

The American Theatre of Actors, founded in 1976, is a vibrant repertory theatre company dedicated to fostering new talent. It consists of 50 actors, 15 playwrights, and 8 directors, providing a creative atmosphere for artists to develop their work without the pressures of commercial theatre.

ATA focuses on presenting new dramas and comedies dealing with the social and ethical problems of contemporary society. Over its history, ATA has:

• Presented over 1,000 new works.
• Employed over 11,000 actors, including notable alumni such as Dennis Quaid, Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, Dan Lauria, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin O’Connor, William Fichtner, Edie Falco, and Kathryn Hahn.

The return of the MITF, in partnership with the ATA, promises to inject a significant burst of energy and opportunity into the New York independent theatre landscape.

Contact: Jay Michaels Global Communications     646-338-5472 // info@jaymichaelsarts.com