Mitch Mattson reads Megan Frazier's testimony supporting Studio 54 rehab
Mitch Mattson reads testimony from Megan Frazier, a Local One stagehand and Roundabout workforce program alum. She describes how Studio 54 training launched her career and urges approval of the special permit and text amendment to restore the theater's technical capacities.
Thank you, Chair Lewis, Council and other committee members.
I'm Mitch Mattson, and I'm reading this on behalf of a friend who is sick today and had every intention of being here.
Megan Frazier, a TWDP, Theatrical Workforce Development Program, alumni who has worked at Studio 54 and wished for me to share this.
Good morning, Chair Lewis and Council Members.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak today on behalf of Roundabout Theatre Company.
My name is Megan Frazier, and I am a Local One stagehand and alumni of Roundabout's career training program.
Studio 54 was a critical piece of my training as a first-year fellow in Roundabout's theatrical workforce development program.
I was able to observe professional stagehands in action and participate in hands-on workshops where I learned how to operate chain motors on the stage and in the fly space of the theater.
The training set me on a career path that altered the course of my life.
After working consistently as an electrician and pyrotechnician for seven years, including three years on union contracts, I was officially sworn in as a member of the IATSE Local One in 2025.
Today, I am currently the most extensively licensed pyrotechnician.
within Local One with licenses in fire performance for film, television, and theater in New York, New Jersey, and Nevada.
My work as a pyrotechnician can be seen in multiple Broadway shows, including the musical and Juliet, now performing at Roundabout Stephen Sondheim Theater.
I am in full support
of the actions seeking a special permit and text amendment for the rehabilitation of Studio 54.
Roundabout's proposed renovations to restore Studio 54's original technical theater capacities will bring them up to the 21st century Broadway standards and will drastically improve TWDP's skill-based curriculum.
Year one in TWDP is critical for discovering your craft specialty and mastering those skills to stay competitive in our gig-based economy.
With the city's support for this application, Roundabout will be able to bring its vision for Studio 54 to life, not only for the artists and crews working, but for the next generation of technicians training up behind them.
Thank you for your time.