2025-2026 BringAbout Cohort
Thao Nguyen
Thao, known for her distinctive blend of indie rock and folk, has continued to evolve artistically and personally since dropping the lengthy moniker of “Thao & The Get Down Stay Down” in 2021. Her latest album, 'Temple,' reflects a profound exploration of themes like freedom and belonging, shaped by her experiences reconnecting with her cultural roots during a trip to Vietnam. This journey is also the subject of her intimate documentary, "Nobody Dies," which premiered to critical acclaim. Additionally, Thao’s recent involvement in PBS's Southern Storytellers series further highlights her narrative strength and ability to connect with diverse audiences through her music and storytelling. Balancing personal vulnerability with broader cultural commentary, Thao remains a prominent voice in the contemporary music scene.
Madeline Myers
A 2025 recipient of the Kleban Prize and named to the Broadway Women’s Fund 2022 “Women to Watch on Broadway” list, Madeline is a 2024, 2023, and 2022 Kleban Prize finalist for lyric writing, a winner of the 2021 Billie Burke Ziegfeld Award presented by New York Stage & Film and the Ziegfeld Club, a Jonathan Larson Grant finalist (2017-2020), a 2019 York Theatre Company NEO Writer, a seven-time ASCAP Plus Award recipient, and a 2016-2017 Dramatists Guild Fellow.
Luke Wygodny
As a composer/songwriter/singer, Luke wrote the music & performed it live in the World Premiere of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Primary Trust at Roundabout (NY Critics Pick) starring William Jackson Harper. Some other credits: 3rd Gen (A Survivor’s Story) at Spark Fest, Fucking A at Columbia University (Lenfest Center for the Arts) & a sold out reading of Crazy Mama at the Hollywood Museum starring Carolyn Hennesy.
Luke’s indie/folk band The Heartstrings Project was up for consideration at the 64th Grammy Awards 2022: Best Americana Album of the Year & Best American Roots Song. 2022 Song Contest Semi-Finalists for the American Songwriter. They performed at Yusuf/Cat Stevens' Virtual 50th Anniversary of Tea for the Tillerman with Dave Matthews Band, Haim & more. The've also been Deepak Chopra's Monthly Featured Artist Pick on Spotify. First Emerging Artist to perform at Bethel Woods Center of the Arts Horizon Stage.
Nicholas Connors
Nicholas Connors is a composer/lyricist, Broadway conductor and orchestrator. For his new musical COAL, he received a Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellowship and was selected for the Lortel Theatre’s inaugural 121 Project in 2024. He is also a two-time finalist for the Fred Ebb Award and a recent finalist for the Ed Kleban Prize and Jonathan Larson Grant.
Nicholas has orchestrated and arranged music for many stars of the stage and screen, including Kristin Chenoweth, André De Shields, Lea Salonga, and Jessica Vosk. His orchestrations have been performed by orchestras across the country, from Carnegie Hall to the White House. As a musician, Nicholas’ Broadway credits include ALMOST FAMOUS (Asst. Music Director), Kristin Chenoweth's FOR THE GIRLS (Assoc. Music Director, Orchestrator) and MEAN GIRLS (Pianist).