Director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon has announced the launch of Toy Theater Productions, a new commercial production company championing innovation in storytelling. With his partners, producer Tobias Round and creative assistant Jillian Vanstone, Toy Theater Productions will commission and produce world-class theater, dance, music and film that, according to a press release, “transcends genres, captivates audiences worldwide and celebrates the connective power of the performing arts.”
In addition to developing projects that involve Wheeldon’s commercial work as a director and choreographer, Toy Theater Productions aims to produce and develop original projects, serve as creative consultant for fellow artists and producers and provide mentorship for emerging artists. The company will also invest in commercial theater, dance, TV and film projects, commission and acquire rights and develop intellectual property.
“I’m thrilled to embark on a new chapter with Toy Theater Productions,” said Wheeldon in a statement. “I’ve spent years pouring my energy into creating work of my own as a director and choreographer, and it will be gratifying to expand this practice by launching a production company that will support my creative exploration while also helping others bring their ideas to life. Musical theater is a place where I’ve been welcomed and allowed to shine, and I hope to use my experiences as a springboard to nurture bold new voices and fresh collaborations.”
On the origins of the company name, Wheeldon added, “As an only child, I spent hours building cardboard castles beneath wooden skies, where my toy theater brought tiny worlds to life. And now, with Toy Theater Productions we get to see those childhood imaginings become reality.”
Wheeldon is a two-time Tony Award winner for Best Choreography, for his work on “An American in Paris” and the currently running “MJ,” both of which he also directed, earning him additional Tony nominations in the category of Best Direction of a Musical. Wheeldon’s work as a choreographer and ballet dancer also extends internationally, and in 2016, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Wheeldon has created and staged productions for many of the world’s major ballet companies including San Francisco Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, the Mariinsky Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet and Hamburg Ballet, among others. He currently serves as artistic associate of the Royal Ballet.
“Christopher is a once-in-a-generation artist, and it’s an honor to be part of this journey with him,” added Round. “This company is a place where he can explore and develop the deep well of brilliant ideas only he can conjure, as well as engage with, support, commission and produce for groundbreaking artists.”
“I’ve had the deeply gratifying experience of working with Christopher for more than 15 years as a performer and rehearsal director, and it’s a joy to now collaborate on the development of new works and to support his extraordinary artistic vision,” said Vanstone. “Toy Theater Productions will be a company that builds on Christopher’s practice of creating art of the highest quality that is entertaining and enjoyed by all, and one that places the highest value on championing the greater artistic community.”
