Joe's Pub Names New Artist Working Group Cohort

The Public Theater venue selects five artists for its 11th annual development program.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Arts Theater — General

Bold vector editorial illustration showing two microphones and a trumpet on a stage, representing a theater artist development program. — Joe's Pub at The Public Theater has selected five artists for its 2026-27 Working Group, a program providing resources for New York performers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Joe's Pub has announced the five artists selected for its 2026-27 Working Group, the 11th iteration of the theater venue's development program. The initiative provides selected artists with essential administrative resources, physical rehearsal space, and curatorial services.

Why it matters

The program was created to support working artists with professional infrastructure while elevating underrepresented voices in the New York City performing arts scene. It serves as a response to the evolving nature of the music and theater industry in the region.

The cohort features five artists selected for the 11th annual iteration of this development program. These artists receive access to administrative infrastructure, physical space, and professional curatorial services.

The players

Joe's Pub

This iconic New York City venue is a program of The Public Theater known for hosting a wide array of musical and theatrical performances.

The Public Theater

An influential nonprofit theater company in New York City that focuses on experimental and contemporary works.

Lila Blue

An artist selected for the 2026-27 working group who is developing a music-theater piece expected to premiere in 2027.

Morgan Bassichis

A performing artist and member of the New York Voices program with a show scheduled for January 2027.

Emel Mathlouthi

A musician and member of the New York Voices program with a show scheduled for mid-January 2027.

The details

The 2026-27 cohort includes Lila Blue, Machiran, Daniela Serna, Greta Gertler Gold, and Jake Brasch. Beyond this group, Joe's Pub continues to operate The Vanguard Residency and New York Voices programs, which feature upcoming performances from artists including James Tom and Murray Hill.

November 5, 2026: James Tom performs as part of the Vanguard Residency.
November 21, 2026: Murray Hill Showbiz! book release party occurs.
December 2026: A Murray Little Christmas returns to the venue.
January 11, 2027: The Anania Show takes place.
January 13-20, 2027: New York Voices projects debut.

Industry Dynamics

This announcement follows a decade-long pattern established by the program of providing critical infrastructure for independent performance artists. It highlights the continued focus on institutional support for experimental works during a time of significant change for New York venues.

Audience members can attend upcoming performances from the New York Voices and Vanguard Residency programs throughout the winter season. Tickets for these events, including the New York Voices projects, are expected to be available through the venue box office.

The takeaway

The selection of this new cohort underscores the venue's ongoing commitment to fostering original music-theater works in New York City. Aspiring creators should monitor future application cycles for opportunities to secure institutional resources for their own projects.