Why New City Players and Live Theatre Matter Now More Than Ever

Live theatre does something that very few experiences can. It brings people into the same room, at the same time, to feel something together. No pause button. No algorithm. No replay. Just human beings sharing breath, silence, laughter, tension, and release. For the past 10 years, New City Players has been quietly and consistently creating those moments in South Florida, and the impact has been profound.

Founded with a mission to tell bold, relevant stories and to make theatre accessible, New City Players has grown into one of Broward County’s most respected independent theatre companies. Over the last decade, the company has produced more than 25 stage productions, earning awards, critical acclaim, and a fiercely loyal audience along the way. Their work has centered on contemporary voices, inclusive casting, and stories that reflect the complexity of the world we live in, all while maintaining high artistic standards and a strong sense of community.

At the heart of New City Players is Producing Artistic Director Timothy Mark Davis, whose career embodies what is possible when creative ambition meets discipline and purpose. Davis is a South Florida-based film and theatre director, producer, and actor who has built a body of work that bridges stage and screen while staying rooted in community-driven storytelling.

As a stage actor, Davis won the 2020 Carbonell Award for Best Actor, a milestone that reflects his depth, versatility, and commitment to the craft. Under his leadership, New City Players has continued to take creative risks while mentoring artists, developing local talent, and maintaining a clear artistic vision. His ability to guide ensembles, elevate new voices, and create work that resonates beyond the stage has been central to the company’s longevity.

Davis’ impact extends well beyond theatre. On screen, he has appeared in Apple TV+’s Bad Monkey and in numerous independent films and national commercials for brands including Rolex, Moe’s, and AAA. As a filmmaker, his directorial feature debut, Thank You, Places!, premiered at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, marking a major step in his evolution as a storyteller.

His short films have traveled widely and earned significant recognition. Konpa competed at the 2023 Tribeca Festival. Little Haiti, Miami, U.S.A. won Best Narrative Short at the 2024 Miami Short Film Festival. In 2021, his short film The Leap swept the 48 Hour Film Project, winning Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress. His work has screened at respected festivals including Tribeca Festival, Miami Film Festival, Heartland Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, and Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

Beyond awards and screenings, Davis is deeply invested in the creative lives of others. He writes a monthly newsletter for creatives who want to build meaningful lives, offering perspective, encouragement, and practical insight. In his most recent CreativeZen Talk, he spoke candidly about the long game of creativity, the importance of community, and the responsibility artists have to show up fully for their work and for one another. His story is not just about success, but about sustainability, resilience, and choosing purpose over shortcuts.

This philosophy is woven directly into the fabric of New City Players. Their recent production of It’s a Wonderful Life, staged as a live radio play, is a perfect example. The show does more than entertain. It reminds audiences that community is often what saves us in our darkest moments. That message lands differently when it is delivered live, by actors who are sharing that moment with you in real time.

Live theatre matters because it creates space for creative expression on both sides of the stage. For performers, it is a place to explore vulnerability, discipline, collaboration, and growth. For audiences, it is a place to reflect, to feel seen, and to connect with stories that might mirror their own lives or expand their understanding of others. These experiences build empathy, strengthen local culture, and foster a sense of belonging that cannot be replicated digitally.

New City Players is now marking its tenth season with a 10 Years, 10K fundraising goal, an effort designed to help sustain and expand their work for the next chapter. Independent theatre does not survive on applause alone. It survives because communities decide it matters. Supporting this campaign helps ensure that artists are paid, productions remain accessible, and bold stories continue to have a home in South Florida.

The most powerful way to support theatre companies like New City Players is simple and tangible. Show up. Buy a ticket. Bring a friend. Talk about the work. Donate if you are able. Presence is currency in the arts, and every seat filled strengthens the ecosystem.

For 10 years, New City Players has shown up for this community with integrity, ambition, and heart. Now is the moment to show up for them.

Learn more about Timothy Mark Davis and his work at http://timothymarkdavis.com/

Learn more about New City Players, upcoming productions, and their 10 Years, 10K campaign at www.newcityplayers.org

Choose954 friendly reminder. Communities with strong arts scenes do not happen by accident. They happen because people choose to support them.