"The best things come  from the talents that are members of a group; every one works better when they have companions working in the same line, and yielding the stimulus of suggestion, comparison, emulation."

-- Henry James

The seeds of tangent were planted in 1989 when Michael Rhodes joined Keith Teller’s Apple Blossom Productions for its staging of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.

Apple Blossom was a talented and very serious minded company - a small band of actors, writers and directors working together in a converted city courthouse as their home base. Over the next several years, the group met nearly every night, exploring different styles of acting instruction, improvisation, writing, scene study - all on the road to becoming an imposing ensemble. They talked and argued and developed a fierce commitment to each other and what they did, working closely in numerous productions. ABP were inspired by the works of Edward Albee, David Mamet, John Cassavetes, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the character-driven films of the 1970's, and their creative efforts reflected as much.

The ambitious members of ABP eventually dispersed to Chicago, LA and New York to pursue their careers.  Michael and Keith (along with Andrea) wanted to bring the independent spirit they cultivated to New York City, to take creative control of what they wanted to explore with theater and begin producing plays on their own.

tangent was born. We gained insight and confidence, forged lasting friendships and developed a devoted following. We aimed to find a corner to do the things we really believed in - and we did.

Seeing an opportunity to establish that corner in the Hudson Valley, Andrea and Michael relocated, excited at the prospect of bringing tangentArts (a 'tangent' of Apple Blossom) to Dutchess County where it all began for them nearly 20 years ago.  

 "... when you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it ... don't back down and don't give up."

-- Bob Dylan

Michael Rhodes - Artistic Director
Andrea Rhodes - Producing Director
Keith Teller - Co-Founder
Anna Nugent - Associate Artist
Paul Nugent - Literary Manager
Greg Skura - Associate Artist
Jennifer Skura - Associate Artist
Jessica Beasimer Teller - Business Associate
Steven Young - Associate Artist 

Michael Rhodes

Andrea Rhodes

Anna Nugent

Paul Nugent

Jennifer Skura

Keith Teller

Greg Skura

Jessica Beasimer Teller