JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
Artist Fellowship Program

Main Street Theater’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Artist Fellowship Program is a paid artistic leadership development program for early-career artists of color. Applicants submit a resume and portfolio. The selected fellows will be assigned to a production either with the MainStage or Theater for Youth programs in their area of interest (Directing, Design, or Stage Management) while being given access to additional professional development opportunities within the Main Street Theater organization.

2026 – 2027 JEDI Artist Fellows

I am Sara Martinez, a first-generation American. I am blessed with a mother from Mexico and a father from Puerto Rico. My family did not come from much, but we found joy in the small things. We did struggle, but my mother took us to as many activities as she could. I fell in love with events, community, and arts. It helped me become the creative I am today. Throughout my youth, my family and I overcame so many obstacles. Art was my escape and haven. I have over 6 years of experience working in education and nonprofit, and a background in Sociology. I know art is essential, and it is a bridge from community to community.

I am a healer and a storyteller. I am an advocate for my community and a mentor for youth. I am a bridge and will bring change while uplifting voices.

Osvaldo Matute (he/him/él) is a Houston-born Hispanic queer theatre artist, emerging director, and arts leader passionate about creating spaces where artists feel empowered to bring their authentic selves into the room and audiences can see themselves reflected onstage. He is currently pursuing a BFA in Acting and Directing with a minor in Musical Theatre at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he will graduate in December 2026. His collegiate directing and assistant directing credits include Anna in the Tropics, Brother Mario, On Tidy Endings, The Motherfucker with the Hat, and many more. He has also participated in the Open Jar Intensive, training with Joanna Gleason, Bob Cline, Correy West, Judine Somerville, and Matthew Lee Robinson. Professionally, Osvaldo’s assistant directing credits include The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition and The SpongeBob Musical: TYA Edition at Casa Mañana, working alongside directors Monica Kapoor and Grady Bowman. He has also worked in theatre education and administration, most recently serving as Interim Education Manager at Casa Mañana this past summer. He will also be serving as the Education & Engagement Apprentice at Olney Theatre Center in Olney, Maryland, for the 2026–27 Season. Osvaldo is endlessly grateful for the friends, family, mentors, and chosen family who have supported and challenged him throughout his journey, always reminding him that it is in the struggle where the greatest growth begins. @matuteosvaldo

I AM a curious, passionate, detail-oriented, and committed arts leader who leads with empathy, creativity, and intention. I AM a collaborator, an advocate, and a lifelong learner who believes in the power of theatre to create connection, amplify voices, and build community. I AM dedicated to creating spaces where artists, young people, and audiences feel seen, valued, and most importantly, inspired.

Javon Rougely (he/him) is a Black American Director, Educator, Actor and Choreographer in the Houston area. He is a graduate from Sam Houston State University with a B.F.A in Theatre and recently earned his M.A in Theatre from the University of Houston. Javon is passionate about storytelling and bringing BIPOC voices to the forefront of stages across the world. He believes Theatre is an outlet for all to be free, take risks, collaborate and change the world through the fundamentals of storytelling. 

Some past Credits include; Send or Delete – Script Writers Houston Play Festival (Director), Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat – A.D Players (AD), New Play “August Mother” (Darius/Ensemble), “Gravity” – Fade to Black Series (Director), A Midnight Society – A.D. Players (SM), Steel Magnolias – A.D. Players (Assistant Director). Multiple High School productions with notable ones being Little Shop of Horrors, Mlima’s Tale, Before It Hits Home, Everybody and The African Company Presents Richard the III.

I am a black and bold Theatre Artist who is fiercely passionate about the Arts and connecting BIPOC stories and voices in every room.

APPLICATIONS FOR 2026 – 2027 ARE NOW CLOSED.