Episode #105
A Producer's Mindset with Marjuan Canady
A Producer's Mindset
How can artists cultivate a multi-faceted career while staying true to their vision and values, specifically in producing? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with multi-hyphenate Marjuan Canady—writer, actress, producer, entrepreneur, and educator— shedding light on the power of independent artistry and the evolving role of producers in the entertainment industry. From independently producing her own work to stepping into the commercial producing world, Marjuan explains how producing is more than just securing funding: it’s about leadership, vision, and fostering storytelling from inception to execution with creative development to financial strategy, contracts, and team building. She emphasizes the need for artists to take ownership of their careers, find their unique voice, and expand beyond traditional industry models. Together, they also touch on the realities of balancing multiple passions, the importance of community in fostering artistic growth, and practical tips for balancing creativity with the logistical demands of producing. Whether you’re an artist looking to produce your own work, an emerging producer seeking guidance, or curious about what it means to create opportunities for yourself, this episode is for you!
About Our Guest
Named as a 2023, Woman to Watch on Broadway, Marjuan Canady is a Tony® Nominated Broadway Producer and award-winning Caribbean-American artist, entrepreneur, educator, and literacy advocate. A DC native, her work spans theater, film, television, children’s media and literature. Marjuan is the 2023 DC Mayor’s Arts LARRY NEAL Writer’s Awardee. She is currently a Co-Producer on the National Tour / Broadway revival production of The WIZ and the Broadway production of Alicia Key’s Hell’s Kitchen. Canady made her Broadway Producing debut on the 2022 production of Death of a Salesman.
She was the 2021-2022 inaugural Front Row Productions Fellow / Adjunct Research Scholar at Columbia University MFA Theatre Management and Producing Program. Her original work has been seen on Hoorae Media, Sensical TV, Sesame Street, at The John F. Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian, The Lincoln Center for Performing Arts, The National Theatre, Miami Book Fair, Ryan Seacrest Foundation and the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. She is the CEO/ Author and Creative Director of the children's media brand, Callaloo Kids.
Marjuan has held fellowships at The Kennedy Center, The Schomburg Center, , the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, Lincoln Center, Harlem Stage, and the Anacostia Arts Center. She is a 13 time DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Artist Fellow. She is the Founder of her production company Sepia Works and non-profit, Canady Foundation for the Arts.
Canady is a graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Fordham University and NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America, Actors Equity Association, Dramatist Guild, and the Parent Artist Advocacy League. She is the proud mom of her four year old daughter.