From Margins to Center Stage

An ethnographic study of Theater Mu in the Twin Cities

This brief looks at how a theater founded by and for Asian Americans creates a space for belonging and expression

December 2025

2 Min Read

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Table of Contents

Overview

Ideas In Practice

Publisher(s)
The Wallace Foundation

Page Count 2 pages

DOI Link
https://doi.org/10.59656/A-AO4745.001

Summary

How we did this

The research fellow reviewed archival research and conducted interviews with artists and staff. They observed rehearsals, staff training workshops, and internal meetings. They also assisted in directing and developing pieces for the theater to better understand Theater Mu’s approach to artists and audiences.

Theater Mu was established in 1992 in the Twin Cities to provide a space for Asian American artists to create and perform new works. The theater continues to play an important role in developing artists and local and national arts leaders, expanding Mu’s impact in the national arts ecosystem. This work remains important as Asian American artists continually experience discrimination and underrepresentation in the larger theatrical landscape.

Through their ethnographic research, kt shorb, Ph.D., suggests that having a space dedicated to Asian American artists provides a sense of belonging and opportunity to express themselves authentically and creatively. Mu also does this work off stage by investing in community engagement opportunities for Asian American and BIPOC organizations locally in the Twin Cities.

This brief is based on a study by kt shorb, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin.

Theater Mu, a space founded by and for Asian Americans, provides artists with a sense of belonging and space to be vulnerable, allowing them to express themselves authentically and creatively.