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The Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF) is the brainchild of John Chatterton, publisher and editor of OOBR ("the off-off-broadway review"). Mr. Chatterton started the MITF as a way to present the finest Off-Off-Broadway talent in convenience, comfort, and safety.

Our philosophy is based on a paradoxical combination of selectivity and diversity. We select projects that are pleasing to us as well as to audiences. We also recognize that not all plays appeal to all audiences. We don't stuff the Festival with zany productions whose chief recommendation is a long title or one with "sex" in it.

We encourage diversity because theatre itself is diverse. By diversity we don't mean political correctness; Shakespeare isn't politically correct by our standards, although he had to toe the political lines of his time. But we do encourage plays of all racial and sexual stripes, as well as plays in all genres.

While the word "eclectic" has bad connotations in the academic world, it describes our artistic thrust. We welcome any kind of stage play, musical or otherwise, new or classic, mainstream or specifically focused on an ethnic or cultural niche.

"A lot came out of our MITF run, including interest from multiple producers who might never otherwise have seen the show, and even an out of town run. It was also a great opportunity for me to see what is and isn't working in the show."

Gila Sand
Twist, MITF '07

"I've participated in a number of other festivals, and this one was the best-organized by far. It made me feel like Bloody Lies was always in very good hands. (Messy, perhaps, given the blood, but very good.)"

Greg Machlin
Bloody Lies, MITF '07

"If you are an independent producer or playwright and need to test the commercial viability of your project, you can't beat the MITF! Participation in the MITF is a financially feasible way to present your work, have it seen by reviewers and other theatre professionals, and assess your project’s readiness."

John Capo
John Capo Productions
The Subject Was Roses, MITF '04
It's Only a Play, MITF '05

"MITF is the perfect size for a festival — big enough to get some attention in the press, but not so large as to become chaotic and lack a sense of community. Overall, a great experience!"

Joya Scott
The Emergency Theatre Project
The Answer is Horse, MITF '06

"The MITF was a great experience; it provided fantastic exposure for my play, and for me as a playwright. I’d love to do it again next year!"

Duncan Pflaster

Cross-Eyed Bear Productions

The Wastes of Time, MITF '06

"My show sold well, more reviewers attended because I had the backing of a selective festival, and my cast had the chance to perform in a great space. I would rather premier a new work at the Midtown than anywhere in the city."

Ryan Metzler

The Quiet Model, MITF '06

"The Midtown International theatre Festival is a dynamite way to promote your show, further it’s development and work in a nurturing artistic environment. It is an experience for any theatre person that I highly recommend."

Romy Nordlinger

Sex & Sealing Wax, MITF '06

"Being in the MITF was a great experience. It helped us get industry in to our show and helped us get reviewered by the majors - Backstage, NYTheatre.com, and the Gothamist. Can't wait til next year."

Robin Hopkins

No Kneecap Productions

Love Punky, MITF '06