Our Team

Company History 

TheREDprojectNYC (TRPNYC)  is an ensemble of artists dedicated to the study of movement philosophy, and its use towards building communal spaces for black process, documentation, and investigation. The company’s mission is to cultivate freedom,  emphasizing the importance of intentional internal self-reflection, and subconscious awareness. We produce community orientated events, workshops, concerts, and labs that center the progression of those who are oppressed. We are driven by change and believe that tradition is a map from the past that enriches our future. 

Originally founded in Richmond in 2015 by Company Director/Producer, Johnnie Cruise Mercer, Creative Director, Torian Ugworji, and Producer, Shanice Mason, the company is diving into ten years of service to its community. After relocating to New York City in 2016, the company has been in partnership with The Stephen Petronio Residency Center,  Appomattox Regional Governors School, The CUNY Dance Initiative, The 92NY Harkness Dance Center,  BAAD!, Ping Chong and Company, RestorationArts, First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, Movement Research's Dance Makers Program, The American Dance Festival, Center for Performance Research and  Brooklyn Arts Exchange's Practice Labs. 

At its root, TRPNYC is a company comprised of five branches of service; The Movement Ensemble (a rotating team of movement, theater, and performance artists), The TRPNYC Band (a tribe of sound makers, instrumentalists, and music producers), Community w/TRPNYC (a curated set of happenings/events centered around communional healing, resting, and joy), TRPNYC’s Visual Makers (a collaborative group of media, film, and visual artists), and the TRPNYC Think-Making Lab  (a series of process forward labs dedicated to learning, and collaboration in partnership with other like minded institutions/organizations).