Mental Health & Equity in Theater with Tuan Malinowski

In today’s episode, Tuan Malinowski discusses:

• their non-traditional path from musician to grass-roots choreographer
• imposter syndrome and self-doubt as a choreographer
• the importance of setting boundaries for mental health and how it has helped ease their anxiety
• their experiences of quitting jobs because of emotionally unsafe and toxic environments
• the impact of white supremacy in the theater industry and the need to focus on equity and inclusion in the workplace
• the importance of challenging traditional practices in the current musical theater space

Tuan Malinowski is a New York-based director and choreographer, who most recently choreographed Cabaret at Northern Stage. They were the chosen choreographer for New York Theatre Barn’s Choreography Lab, where they were mentored by Emmy-winning, Tony-nominated choreographer Joshua Bergasse. 

Tuan’s work as choreographer has also been seen at Jay Armstrong Johnson’s I Put A Spell On You: The Witches Era, Leg Up On Life’s Night of Life, Weathervane Theatre, as well as at universities such as Texas State University, Ithaca College, Viterbo University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

They have associate and assistant credits at theatres such as Goodspeed Musicals, Pittsburgh CLO and Theater Row. Tuan has performed at regional theatres across the country, such as Pittsburgh CLO, Casa Mañana, Kansas City Starlight Theatre and Flat Rock Playhouse. Tuan received their BFA from Ithaca College. They are a member of Actors’ Equity Association and an associate member of Society of Directors and Choreographers.

Follow along on Tuan’s journey: @tuanmalinowski

Transcript available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!