Christopher Maikish, MPA

Supported legislative lobbying efforts and public communications for coalition support building for California state bill SB 1116, which seeks to establish the Equitable Payroll Fund, a critical government program to aid the sustainability of the state's small nonprofit performing arts organizations. In Fall 2022, the measure was passed by state legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom. In 2023, the coalition's focus has been on lobbying Sacramento to include the new program in the… Show more

Supported legislative lobbying efforts and public communications for coalition support building for California state bill SB 1116, which seeks to establish the Equitable Payroll Fund, a critical government program to aid the sustainability of the state's small nonprofit performing arts organizations. In Fall 2022, the measure was passed by state legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom. In 2023, the coalition's focus has been on lobbying Sacramento to include the new program in the state budget. As a volunteer, I've attended weekly legislative and communications meetings, supported the coalition's partnership with Actors' Equity Association, designed coalition branding and graphics for public rallies and digital outreach, and advocated for community action with my artistic and professional networks. Our coalition's work was recognized in 2023 with community awards: LA-based Stage Raw "Angel" Award and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Association's Gordon Davidson Award for distinguished contribution to the Los Angeles theatrical community. Show less

A Little New Music provides a dual live and digital platform to introduce the Los Angeles theater community and beyond to the very best of new musical theatre songwriting, connecting writers with a critical, niche audience to broaden their visibility and further artistic development.

Our all-volunteer production team organizes a program of songs and performers 3 times per year, with a robust set of activities including writer outreach, submission adjudication, casting, rehearsals, event… Show more

A Little New Music provides a dual live and digital platform to introduce the Los Angeles theater community and beyond to the very best of new musical theatre songwriting, connecting writers with a critical, niche audience to broaden their visibility and further artistic development.

Our all-volunteer production team organizes a program of songs and performers 3 times per year, with a robust set of activities including writer outreach, submission adjudication, casting, rehearsals, event logistics, marketing/PR, and video.

Since 2013, A LITTLE NEW MUSIC has introduced an impressive array of nearly 200 songs by over 120 writing teams, including Broadway’s Sankoff & Hein (COME FROM AWAY); Academy Award-winners and Tony Award nominees Pasek & Paul (LA LA LAND, DEAR EVAN HANSEN); Miller & Tysen (TUCK EVERLASTING); Matt Gould (INVISIBLE THREAD); Ryan Scott Oliver (35MM); Carner & Gregor (ISLAND SONG); Milburn & Vigoda (ERNEST SHACKLETON LOVES ME); Adam Gwon (ORDINARY DAYS); Joe Iconis (THE BLACK SUITS); Drew Fornarola (CLAUDIO QUEST); Carmel Dean; Kerrigan & Lowdermilk; Gregory Nabours, and counting.

Songs have been showcased by over 200 performers of the stage and screen including Tony Award-winner Daisy Eagan (THE SECRET GARDEN); Tony Award-winning writer Jeff Marx (AVENUE Q); John Tartaglia (AVENUE Q, SHREK THE MUSICAL); Kevin Chamberlin (SEUSSICAL, DISASTER THE MUSICAL); Shoshana Bean (WICKED); Eric Petersen (SCHOOL OF ROCK); Barrett Foa (SPELLING BEE, “NCIS: LA”); Nicole Parker (WICKED, “MADtv”); Krysta Rodriguez (SPRING AWAKENING; “Smash”); Jon Jon Briones (MISS SAIGON); and more. Show less

Celebration Theatre is one of the country's oldest arts organizations focused on the narratives and artists that define the LGBTQIA+ and allied experience. As a company member, Chris has been involved as an actor, director, front-of-house volunteer, Director of Development, and most recently Executive Director. Chris has stepped away from the stage to help lead a volunteer management team that produces theatrical programs under the guidance of the Board of Directors.

Provided street communications and logistical support in event production for LA Pride's civil right march in one of the world's most famous urban destinations, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The event attracted 100k+ public attendees, as well as celebrities, and federal, state, and city dignitaries.

Joined the Michigan Democratic Party for five days of GOTV efforts in Oakland County in the final week of the general election campaign. Activities included door-to-door canvassing and phone banking. Despite the state and national electoral outcome, our county did deliver a majority for Hillary Clinton.

Door-to-door canvasser in LA County neighborhoods that voted in favor of (now unconstitutional) Prop 8 to bring a human narrative directly to citizens' doorsteps.

Door-to-door canvasser as part of the GOTV efforts to help defeat contentiously restrictive housing development policy, Measure S.

Door-to-door canvassing in Las Vegas as part of the Obama re-election GOTV effort.