This week, I depart from the position of Associate Artistic Director of terraNOVA Collective. My decision comes after several months of weighing my career goals. At the forefront of these aspirations are my playwriting and pursuit of transmedia storytelling.
Eight years ago, I wrote a play called Baby Steps. I created it for Jennifer Conley Darling, and like so many other artists before us, we chose to self-produce. Little did we know it would lead to something much bigger than the production we mounted at The Lion in Theatre Row in the fall of 2003.
terraNOVA Collective grew into something fresh and stimulating. It is a vibrant not-for-profit theatre company in the heart of New York City developing playwrights and championing solo performers. No other company in the city provides this unique mission the way terraNOVA does. I’m tremendously proud of what we created, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. I learned to produce, curate, and be a strong leader both artistically and administratively. I’ve met brilliant people and received great opportunities.
The two pillar programs of terraNOVA Collective are the Groundbreakers Playwrights Group and the soloNOVA Arts Festival. Both enter their 9th seasons this fall and are extremely important. I received great satisfaction assisting other artists in their journeys over the past eight years; however, this dedication diverts energy from my playwriting, and it’s time to return to that path and see what it offers.
I consider terraNOVA Collective my greatest artistic accomplishment to date, and my decision to depart hasn’t been easy. To all of you who have supported terraNOVA over the years because of my affiliation: please, continue to sustain this exceptional organization. It is a company devoted to backing vital segments of the theatre community, and it presents
provocative new works to its audiences.
Thank you for your support over the years, and I look forward to sharing fun new art soon.
With warmth and anticipation,
James Carter
james carter 
JD, Congrats on everything you’ve accomplished with terraNOVA. Loved working with you, and I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeves next!! Best of luck from a big fan,
Thanks, Stephanie. Your good vibes mean much. Hope to see you soon!
I am so impressed with what you’ve accomplished, and of the artistic professional and man whom you’ve become. May this “terra nova” be the most wondrous yet.
Giselle.
Giselle, you’re such a kind a generous friend. Thanks for the words of support. The futures so bright, I gotta wear shades.
Sending my love and admiration to you. I always thought of you as someone who, by action held a light to the sometimes fuzzy process of following ones path. I am honored to have known you in NY and as I have followed your through your newsletters I am sure of a fantastic future as you bloom into yet another ¨stage¨ of this process…
Christian – Thanks so much for your encouraging words. It is really great to hear from my peoples from all over the globe who use to live in NYC with me> Coming from one of the most talented artists and someone who has followed his path, I take this as one of the highest compliments I could get. Would be great to see you. Must consider making it to Oaxaca finally. Blessings…
JD- I’ve watched you from the distance for all these years while I got myself together- I remember that fall of 2003 when Baby Steps went up… it was a short few months after my mother passed and venturing out to New York to see your premeire was my first (and most terrifying) social experience in months. But I had to come. I hadn’t left the house or really talked to anybody and I remember having an anxiety attack at the airport and almost turning back- but I’m so glad I did take that flight… because I was witnessing a part of history! Congratulations, Partner! My pride in your work right now overflows…
“Dana J. Upton”
Thanks, S. You rock, and your words are super sweet. Great to hear from you. Hope you’re doing well these days. Much love.