MNE is a three-part organization that supports and advances the practice, production, and performance of emotionally driven dance-theatre works. It is a performance group, a production entity, and an incubator of movement-theater educational programs. Founded by Italian performer Nicola Iervasi and American actor/director Kevin Albert, MNE provides nurturing and non-competitive opportunities for performers and students to explore different disciplines and to produce both experimental and classical stagecraft. Established in 2001, the company has created original multidisciplinary works (Mediterranean Voices, Last Chance), produced Off-Broadway plays (The Crucible, Biography), established educational programs (The Young Wave) and presented works by emerging choreographers (Emerging Choreographers Series).
At the core of MNE is the desire to empower artists by giving them the tools they need to undertake the creation of meaningful work. In 2002, Nicola and Kevin created The Wave Within Method - a merger of dance and acting techniques that guides individual performers in developing personal and emotionally driven works. This approach was so well received by performers and audiences alike that it spurred original works for La MaMa ETC, Here Arts Center, The Secret Theater, Roccella Jazz Festival (IT),and many more. Since then, The Wave Within Method workshops and intensives have been offered at schools and festivals throughout New York City and Italy.
In 2010, The Wave Within Method was adapted for children K-12 with the name The Young Wave, and offered to public and private school students, alongside dance and acting schools in New York, Vermont and Italy.
Nurturing the next wave of artists and equipping them with the means to live sustainably are also part of MNE’s core beliefs. After the success of The Wave Within Method and The Young Wave, MNE established The Emerging Choreographer Series (ECS), in 2013. ECS provides artistic, logistics, and production support for the next generation of dance makers. Since its inception, it has funded, produced, and supported new works by countless young dance-makers.
MNE a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization and has received public support from New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer and Queens Council on the Arts. Since 2001, MNE has supported the NYC dance community through performances, workshops and outreach programs.