MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Biography

Ethan Whittaker is a BIPOC, queer, and nonbinary composer and multi-instrumentalist who is dedicated to promoting diversity and accessibility in musical theater. Ethan was always drawn to the magic and escapism of theatre cast albums and video games soundtracks: specifically  their ability to cross boundaries and bring people together. It wasn’t until they attended Princeton University when they realized their true passion for musical theatre composition. While at Princeton, they continued to study music theory, performance, and composition under the tutelage of Princeton professors: Steven Mackey, Ronald Cappon; alongside NYU Tisch professors Robert Lee and Randall Eng. 

After graduation, Ethan attended the CORE curriculum workshop at the Academy for New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles, where they expanded their knowledge of musical theatre, while honing their skills in music notation and orchestration (Sibelius, Logic). Currently, they are enrolled in the NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.

Ethan’s passion for diversity is evident in their crosscultural musical style: a contemporary blend of classical, jazz, and choral music, with afro-caribbean influences. Their work primarily explores the spectrum of coming-of-age narratives from the perspective of marginalized communities, highlighting themes of love, acceptance, and identity. With a commitment to authenticity, Ethan strives to produce works that holistically represent the unique experiences of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent individuals.

Awards

• Composer for “Tinseltown”, a Dramatists Guild National Fellowship Finalist
• Full tuition scholarship to NYU Tisch’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program