M.E.W. FOUNDATION

Redefining the Stage :
The M.E.W. Production Foundation’s

STRATEGIC PLAN
FY 2026-2028

OUR MISSION

To amplify unheard diverse community voices of every age and hearing ability through inclusive performing arts education, unconventional youth scholarship support, and immersive community arts workshops.

OUR VISION

To create a movement where the arts serve as a communal bridge, not a barrier, for ALL.

Why We Amplify

Talent is universal, but access is often limited by the ability to hear. For too long, the performing arts have operated in a ‘hearing-first’ world, deepening the divide between Deaf and hearing communities and silencing vibrant creative voices. We exist to dismantle that barrier. Born from a mission to make entertainment accessible to all, M.E.W. Productions Foundation bridges these two worlds, ensuring that storytelling is not defined by sound, but by shared human connection.

Our Story: Beyond the Curtain

M.E.W. Productions (Making Entertainment Worthwild) was founded to prove a point: that entertainment is richer when it bridges the gap between the Deaf and hearing worlds. We successfully disrupted the industry by creating shared cultural experiences through film and theater. But we quickly realized that true inclusion requires more than just a final performance; it requires a pipeline of opportunity. We saw talented individuals across the entire spectrum of hearing loss—Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and those navigating new phases of hearing changes—with no place to train, and diverse voices with no platform to develop. The M.E.W. Productions Foundation was established to fill that void. We moved beyond just producing content to cultivating capacity. While the production company creates the art, the Foundation nurtures the people. By launching scholarships and immersive workshops open to all ages and all hearing abilities, we evolved from a company that tells stories into an organization that empowers people to write their own. We are no longer just putting on a show; we are building a legacy of access, education, and radical belonging for everyone, regardless of how they hear the world.

The Challenge: A Stage Divided

The performing arts world has long operated on a “hearing-first” default. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) individuals, accessibility is often treated as an afterthought—a caption added at the end rather than a core element of the design. This systemic exclusion creates deep silos, leaving talented D/HH artists without mentorship, young creatives without accessible education, and diverse communities separated by a language barrier that art should be breaking down, not reinforcing.

The Solution: Center Stage For All

M.E.W. Productions Foundation flips the script. We don’t just accommodate differences; we center them. By integrating American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf culture, and advocacy into our scholarship programs and immersive workshops, we create an environment in which hearing status does not dictate success. We function as a communal bridge, proving that when you design for the margins, you improve the experience for everyone—creating a unified stage where every voice resonates.

Our Ensemble

Cortney “L.A.” Culton — Executive Director

With a unique background in Theatre and Deaf Education from Grambling State University and a track record of raising over $1 million for charitable causes, L.A. brings a powerful blend of artistic vision and strategic leadership to the Executive Director role. As the founder of M.E.W. Productions, he has successfully bridged the gap between Deaf and hearing audiences through internationally acclaimed films and stage plays that champion authentic representation. Today, he channels that expertise into the M.E.W. Productions Foundation.He leads not just as an artist, but as a bridge-builder committed to radical belonging in the arts.

Katherine Moon
BOARD TREASURER
Ashley Smith
BOARD SECRETARY
Jumbe Lumumba
BOARD SECRETARY
Klijah Mitchell
BOARD TRUSTEE
Peter Quint
BOARD TRUSTEE
Nia Ellis
BOARD TRUSTEE
Jesse Crook
ADVISORY BOARD
Cortina Jackson
ADVISORY BOARD
Brandon Bush
ADVISORY BOARD
Velyncia Caldwell
ADVISORY BOARD
Casey Crook
ADVISORY BOARD

The “Yes, AND” Way

Our culture is our choreography—it dictates how we move, how we connect, and how we create impact.

To amplify our community, we must first create an environment where energy is never blocked, only expanded. Here are the core values that ground our work, ensuring that every space we enter is transformed into a stage of radical belonging and joyful disruption:

“Yes, And...”
From the heart of improv, "Yes, And..." is our philosophy. We build on ideas without shutting them down. We meet every person where they are and add to their experience, fostering a culture of collaboration, possibility, and enthusiastic support.
Joyful Disruption
We don't just think outside the box; we believe there is no box. We joyfully challenge "the way it's always been done," using playful creativity and new ideas to break down barriers and amplify our impact.
Listen With All Senses
We believe in listening in every way. We honor all forms of expression--from verbal language to sign language to body language-- by listening with our ears, our eyes, our minds, and our hearts.
Radical Belonging
Our commitment to belonging is active and shared. We build our spaces together so that every person, of every age and hearing ability, feels seen, valued, and knows that they truly and fully belong.
Be The Bridge
This is our core purpose. We are connectors, facilitators, and bridge-builders. We reject silos and actively foster connections between diverse communities, using art as the universal language for shared understanding.

Scripting the future

A great story doesn't just happen; it is carefully crafted scene by scene.

Although we are in the earliest chapter of our organization’s history, we are writing this script with the foresight of a seasoned production. This inaugural strategic plan represents a critical pivot from the spark of startup momentum to the discipline of long-term intentionality. It outlines the specific plot points—our directives and goals—that will anchor our vision, ensuring that even in our first years, we are building the infrastructure to make our impact inevitable.

Directive One ARCHITECT A GOVERNANCE OF BELONGING: To move beyond a traditional “governing” board by cultivating a diverse, active, and visionary leadership team that embodies the “Yes, And...” philosophy and champions the organization’s future.
Seat a fully diverse and inclusive Board of Directors that bridges the hearing and non-hearing communities. Establish a foundation of transparency and commitment, where 100% of our leadership team is personally invested in the financial and ethical health of the M.E.W. Production Foundation.
Directive Two LAY THE DIGITAL & LEGAL FOUNDATION: To implement the essential technology systems and legal compliance protocols necessary to run a professional, transparent, and scalable nonprofit organization.
Directive Three EMBED SENSORY-FIRST ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS: To codify a 'MEW Standard' of accessibility for all operations—ensuring interpreters, captioning, and sensory-friendly practices are not afterthoughts, but foundational to how we work.
We reject the idea of accessibility as an "add-on." Instead, we operate by the "MEW Standard," where inclusion is the starting point for every meeting, event, and decision. We guarantee that all public meetings and events include ASL interpreters, captioning, and accessible materials by default—no special requests required. Our accessibility standards are not theoretical; they are championed and drafted by Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Board Member(s) to ensure they reflect real community needs.
Directive Four AMPLIFY THE NARRATIVE: To broadcast our unique story of intergenerational and accessible arts, utilizing a visual and verbal brand voice that ensures the MEW mission is seen, heard, and felt across all platforms.
A new digital home will launch in Spring 2026, featuring a fully accessible website where our community can explore MEW’s history, learn about the benefits of arts inclusion, and easily support our mission. Consistent connection will define our social strategy, with active engagement on social media platforms to keep our community informed and inspired. Quarterly insights will arrive directly to inboxes starting Summer 2026, offering a curated newsletter of upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and impact stories to keep our supporters close to the work.
Directive Five BUILD THE BRIDGE TO SUSTAINABILITY: To secure the initial "Foundational 50" donors and launch a relationship-based development strategy that invites supporters to invest in the movement, not just the organization.
The "Foundational 50" Circle will launch Spring 2026, inviting our first fifty committed supporters to lay the financial groundwork for the M.E.W. Production Foundation’s future. The Inaugural Scholarship Gala will take center stage Spring 2026, welcoming 100 community members to learn about our mission and support the next generation of diverse artists. Thoughtful stewardship will define our approach to fundraising; we commit to matching every donor's passion with meaningful volunteer opportunities and community events, ensuring a relationship that goes beyond the checkbook.
Directive Six SPARK RADICAL COMMUNITY CONNECTION: To actively listen with all senses to our neighbors, creating spaces where diverse communities don't just attend events, but feel a deep sense of ownership and radical belonging.
Active listening will be our priority, with 2–3 inclusive community forums scheduled for late Spring 2026 to ensure our arts programming (acting, writing, and ASL) is directly shaped by the specific needs of the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and hearing communities. Joyful gatherings will sprinkle the calendar across Summer, Fall, and Winter 2026, offering purely social "bridge-building" events—such as game nights, movie screenings, and outdoor picnics.
Directive Seven CURATE “JOYFUL DISRUPTIONS” IN PROGRAMMING: To design and launch signature immersive workshops and strategic arts partnerships that serve as a bridge for unheard voices..
Three immersive experiences will anchor our 2026 season—spanning Acting (June), Deaf Awareness (September), and Creative Writing (December)—to spark creativity across the calendar year. Instruction will be facilitated by ASL-fluent teaching artists who specialize in bridging communication gaps through the arts. Our programs will be community-powered by partnering with established local youth/adult community organizations in the Denton and McKinney areas to ensure accessibility.
Directive Eight DEFINE & MEASURE THE “M.E.W. EFFECT”: To establish a simple, creative evaluation framework that captures the qualitative and quantitative impact of our work, allowing us to prove that art truly creates a bridge.
The success and challenges of the “M.E.W. Effect” will be informed to our community through an inaugural social impact report in Spring 2027.
Directive Nine CAST OUR CREW-VOLUNTEER & INTERN GROWTH: To mobilize a passionate corps of volunteers and interns, creating an internal culture of "Joyful Disruption" where team members gain professional skills while fueling our mission.
We will build a robust talent pipeline that offers more than just volunteer hours; we will provide mentorship, resume-building, and professional development for interns and community volunteers. We commit to transitioning from a volunteer-led model to a sustainable structure, creating paid contract roles for local creatives in Program Management and Development by Fall 2027/Spring 2028.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR SIGN LANGUAGE WORKSHOP PROGRAM
Accessible for All Ages and Hearing Abilities

Celebrating Deaf Awareness Month

Free ASL Workshop

Deaf Awareness Month Free ASL Workshop flyer

Join Us for a Free ASL Workshop

📅Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

📍Sunstone Village · 2801 Spencer Rd · Denton, TX

Celebrate Deaf Awareness Month with a fun, inclusive introduction to American Sign Language — no experience needed, and all ages and hearing abilities are welcome. Hosted with our friends at Sunstone Village, an Allure active adult community.

What You’ll Learn

Everyday signs & phrases
Introduction to Deaf culture
Basic communication skills
Hands-on, interactive activities

Presented by MEW Productions & MEW Foundation

Empowering Communities through Creativity, Education, and Fun.

SPONSORED BY:

HEB Helping Here Logo (Updated 2022) - Youth With Faces

free sign-language workshop

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Times: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM or 2:00 PM – 3:30. PM

Location: Denton Senior Center

Join us for a fun and inclusive introduction to American Sign Language (ASL)!

No prior experience needed!
ALL AGES
ALL Hearing Abilities Welcome!

What You’ll Learn:

Everyday signs and phrases

Introduction to Deaf culture

Basic communication skills

Hands-on, interactive activities

Light food and refreshments will be provided.

Space is limited to 50 participants – Reserve your spot today!
RSVP by August 29, 2025

scholarship:

Eligibility Requirements
Student Level:

High School Seniors

Junior College / University Students

Geographic Area:

Denton County

Collin County

Eligible Institutions:

University of North Texas

Texas Woman’s University

North Central Texas College

Collin College

GPA Requirement:

2.5 – 4.0

Applicant Focus Areas:

Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students involved in:

Deaf Advocacy

Creative Arts (Theatre, Film, Acting, Creative Writing, Storytelling, Spoken Word)

Community Impact (Leadership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship)

APPLY TODAY

MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION:

Volunteer Application

MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION is proud to present its 1st Annual Fundraising Gala, a landmark evening celebrating creativity, equity, and unheard voices—and we need dedicated, passionate VOLUNTEERS to help bring this vision to life in Denton & Collin County.

🌟 WHO SHOULD STEP FORWARD?

This opportunity is ideal for those seeking meaningful volunteer or community service hours, including:

🎓 College-age volunteers & young professionals
💼 Working professionals
🏡 Stay-at-home parents
🎖️ Military members & veterans
🌅 Retirees & encore leaders

Whether you’re passionate about the arts, love serving your community, or want to be part of a high-energy, purpose-driven team—there is a role for you.

APPLY TODAY

MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION:

Vendor Application

MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION is proud to present its 1st Scholarship Banquet, a landmark evening celebrating creativity, equity, and unheard voices in Denton & Collin County.

We are seeking community vendors and businesses who would like to participate in this exciting evening by showcasing their services, products, or resources while supporting a mission-driven arts initiative.

Vendor Participation Requirement

To support the mission of MEW Productions Foundation and help spread awareness of the event, vendors are required to:

✔ Follow MEW Productions Foundation on at least ONE social media platform
✔ Promote the event on their own social media platform before the event date

This helps increase visibility for the scholarship initiative and the community celebration.

Facebook: MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION
Instagram:MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION
LinkedIn: MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION

 

 

APPLY TODAY

MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION:

Internship Form

🎭✨ STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT — YOUR STORY BELONGS HERE ✨🎭

Thank you for your sincere interest in interning with MEW PRODUCTIONS FOUNDATION!
We’re not just excited — we’re thrilled to meet YOU.

At MEW Productions Foundation, we believe every voice deserves a stage, every story deserves an audience, and every person—regardless of age, background, or hearing ability—deserves access to creative expression.

We are a creative, inclusive charitable organization on a bold mission to amplify unheard and underrepresented community voices.

🌟 WHO SHOULD APPLY? (Hint: This Means YOU)

We proudly welcome interns of all life stages and professional backgrounds, including:

🎓 College-Age Interns & Young Professionals

Perfect for those exploring career paths, building resumes, and gaining real-world creative and nonprofit experience — all while networking with industry professionals.

🏡 Stay-At-Home Parents

Reignite your creativity, strengthen communication and leadership skills, and re-enter professional spaces with confidence — on a flexible, purpose-driven path.

🌅 Retirees & Encore Professionals

Share your wisdom, mentor emerging talent, stay engaged in the community, and continue growing while giving back through the arts.

APPLY TODAY
UPCOMING EVENT

Community Fundraiser at Atwood's

  • Saturday, September 26, 2026
  • 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Atwood's · 3401 US-377 · Aubrey, TX 76227

Help us raise funds to award two $1,000 scholarships to hearing, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing high school and college students in Denton & Collin Counties — plus community creative workshops all year long.

Support Future Scholars

Free to attend · Every age & hearing ability welcome

PAST HIGHLIGHTS

JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 8, 2026

1st Deaf Film Series

Our first Deaf Film Series, presented in partnership with the Denton Black Film Festival — five days of film, music, spoken word, comedy, and art.

APRIL 25, 2026 · AMERICAN LEGION HALL, DENTON

Opening Night: 1st Annual Fundraising Gala

An inspiring evening that uplifted voices, celebrated achievements, and kicked off the M.E.W. Foundation’s first year of giving.

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Contact Us

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M.E.W. Productions Foundation · Registered Nonprofit · EIN 33-2869516