30:
Jerry Mitchell

QUOTES

“Theater has the great ability to bring people together in a dark space without anything to distract them. So everyone’s there to hear the same story at the same time. And when they leave the theater, they walk away with that story.” (Jerry)

“Live theater is a very, very special and unique experience that can only happen with that particular group of people you happen to show up with for the same performance.” (Jerry)

“I looked into her eyes and I saw a 19-year-old. She was so eager to be the best that she could be, even at that age. Here’s this young choreographer, and she was willing to listen and take the notes because I was out front watching.” (Jerry)

“Making musicals is like fishing with a net. You throw it into the sea. If it comes back with a lot of fish, you’re going to have success. But if it comes back half empty, you’re not going to run very long.” (Jerry)

“There are more letters in the word business than there are in show. My mom always used to say, it’s our job to get them to come back tomorrow.” (Jerry)

“By giving to my community and creating a safe space and raising money with the help of millions of other dancers and creative artists, that philanthropic event gave me a career.” (Jerry)

“Michael Bennett used to say to me, don’t wait for the muses. Just show up and do the work. And really, that’s what it is. It’s about showing up.” (Jerry)

“The food that you eat, how you fuel your body, is as important as how you use your body to exercise and express itself. The fuel will actually help you in the longevity, without question.” (Jerry)

“When people are in physical spaces together, they are actually doing a dance not to bump into each other. And patterns start to emerge.” (Jerry)

“Finding space for those stories is important, because along with them comes a lot of young, new artists that have new voices. And we need those voices.” (Jerry)

“My relationships with my younger creative artists fuel me as much as I’m giving them advice and fueling them. It’s a give and take, there’s no question.” (Jerry)

“Patience. Patience is the one thing that so many young artists have to learn.” (Jerry)

NOTES

Jerry Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer known for shaping iconic Broadway productions like Hairspray, Kinky Boots, and Legally Blonde. With a career spanning decades, he has built a reputation for blending storytelling, movement and emotion to create memorable theatrical experiences.

Beyond his creative work, Jerry is deeply involved in the Broadway community, contributing as a mentor, collaborator and philanthropist. His leadership and influence extend across generations of performers and creators, helping shape both the art and business of theater.

Jerry is also the creator of Broadway Bares, a long-running fundraising initiative that has generated over $30 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. His philanthropic impact earned him the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award, recognizing his commitment to community and giving back.

Live theater creates a shared experience that connects audiences in a way no other medium can.

Great performances evolve over time, with shows becoming stronger and more refined as actors fully inhabit their roles.

Different generations engage with stories in unique ways, often reflecting their own personal experiences and perspectives.

Success in creative work comes from consistently showing up and putting in the effort.

Strong collaboration is essential, requiring alignment, trust and a shared vision to bring ideas to life.

Mentorship is a two-way exchange, where experienced artists and younger talent learn from each other.

Staying relevant requires adapting to changing audiences and understanding what resonates across generations.

Patience is a critical ingredient for long-term growth, especially for those early in their careers.