Towey, Kristi

Kristi Towey (b. 19xx). An American arts administrator and the Executive Director of the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MSTDA), a non-profit performing arts organization based on Roosevelt Island, New York City. Towey has led MSTDA in its mission to provide accessible theatre, dance, and fitness programs to a diverse community, emphasizing inclusivity and artistic development.

Career

Towey serves as the Executive Director of MSTDA, a role she has held during a period of significant adaptation and growth for the organization. MSTDA, founded in 1983, operates out of the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center at 548 Main Street, offering classes and performances in theatre, dance, and related disciplines. Under Towey’s leadership, the alliance has maintained its commitment to fostering creativity and providing performance opportunities for all ages, regardless of socioeconomic or cultural background.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Towey guided MSTDA through unprecedented challenges, overseeing the transition to virtual programming and later a safe return to in-person activities. This included producing montages of dance, theatre, and musical theatre camps to showcase how the organization adapted, as noted in a 2022 interview with assistant executive director Kimbirdlee Fadner. Her tenure has been marked by a focus on resilience, ensuring MSTDA remained a cultural “safety net” for Roosevelt Island’s youth and families.

Towey collaborates closely with MSTDA’s board, including president Gina Enock and producing artistic director Ashleigh Herndon, as well as a staff of teaching artists. She has been instrumental in securing funding from sources like the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, sustaining MSTDA’s operations and scholarship programs. Her leadership was highlighted during the 2nd Annual Star Award Gala on July 11, 2024, where she helped honor Wendy L. Hersh of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association, reflecting MSTDA’s community engagement efforts.

Contributions and Recognition

Towey’s administration has prioritized accessibility, with MSTDA offering scholarships to ensure broad participation. Her efforts have been praised by local figures like Dr. Katherine Grimm, a Roosevelt Island pediatrician, who described MSTDA under Towey’s direction as a vital space for children to build self-esteem and resilience. The organization’s Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator (86% as of the latest review) reflects sound financial management during her tenure, though impact metrics remain unevaluated due to limited data.

Productions under Towey’s oversight, such as The Fire Is Still Burning (2024) and the development of new works like The Ghosts All Around You, demonstrate her support for innovative theatre. These efforts align with MSTDA’s goal of blending artistic excellence with community relevance.

External Links

Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance official website: www.mstda.org