Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Salter.
Alysa, before we jump into specific questions about the organization, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
New Match Collective started in London, England during my time in graduate school. I had written a play based on my dating experiences online and knew it would be difficult to get produced. I did what most students in grad school do… I created a theatre company so I could put up my work. The play was called Swipe and it was all female, so it made sense that New Match Collective would be too.
Over the years we have morphed slightly. We are now a 501 (c) 3 non-profit in the state of California. We are located in San Diego, CA. We are focused on female and non-binary/GNC performers. We are trans inclusive. We have had two sell out shows. We have come a long way from a graduate student wanting to put on her play.
Has it been a smooth road?
The struggles have been there. When you take a stand, you put a target on your back. Because we hire womxn, trans men and women, and non-binary people we end up getting a little heat from cis-men. Aside from that, the relocating was tough because we went from one country to another and had to start all over. New Match Collective had rooted in London, uprooted, and re-rooted in San Diego. That meant starting all over with actors, the board of directors, projects, connections… All of it. Do I regret the move? Not.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
New Match Collective’s goal is simple: to tell stories about people, with womxn and gender queer performers, for everyone. Voice the voiceless. Hear the unheard. See the unseen.
This is a mission we do not take lightly. We do our research to understand where the stories we’re telling come from and we bring the people in the room and to the stage whose story it is to tell. We do not stand for injustice in the form of racism, homophobia, ableism, etc. and we are not associated with companies or performers in the community who have demonstrated these traits in their work or personal life.
We are proud to associate our company with The Theater Arts School of San Diego, where New Match Collective currently produces, directs, and acts in residency. We are thankful to Courtney Corey, owner of TAS+SD, to allow us a safe space to tell our stories. We also have a new partnership with Amplified Ale Works, where we perform our new shows of Boozin’ With The Bard.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
San Diego is a theatre town. It has several smaller companies, large companies, and LORT B theatres. It is a hodgepodge of art that has an opportunity for almost anyone.
San Diego has grown a lot in how progressive it is, theatre wise. I believe San Diego is a great place to start, to work, and to continue a career. All of our performers and creatives have been involved in a myriad of projects, ranging from Craig Noel Award winning performances to film and modeling and television. San Diego is like less traffic LA.
I think New Match Collective is NEEDED in a city that is so artsy. You have to represent and hear and see those who often are neglected. Whether this be race, gender, size, etc. We are here to challenge you and encourage you to expand your horizons.
Pricing:
- Tickets are always $25 or less
Contact Info:
- Website: https://newmatchcollective.wixsite.com/homesite
- Phone: 6193205586
- Email: newmatchcollective@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmatchcollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newmatchcollective/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/collectivenm
Image Credit:
Ell Rudgers Photography
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