In April 2023, "11 Blocks To Go" co-creators Jack Utrata and Ashley Alexander of Washington Heights were awarded the NoMAA "Small Grant for Individual Artists" to help them on their way to produce a proof-of-concept for their show. The Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) is a nonprofit arts service organization with a mission to cultivate, support, and promote the work of artists and arts organizations in northern Manhattan.
This October, in compliance with both the WGA and SAG strike, and under a SAG Micro Budget contract, the pair will produce a short film based on the show in Manhattan. Joining the creative team as director of the project is NYC-based actor and director Nathaniel P. Claridad (Taylor Mac's 24 Hour Decade History of Popular Music (St. Ann's Warehouse), Here Lies Love (The Public Theater, dir. Alex Timbers)) and NYC-based actor, writer, and teaching artist, Amanda Bruton (The Addams Family Musical (International Tour, dir. Jerry Zaks), Confessions by Connie (Webseries)) as the 1st Assistant Director.
"11 Blocks To Go" explores the intricacies of a long-term friendship burdened with damaging secrets during a mutual journey to self-betterment. Packed with romance and many of life's most grueling complications, "11 Blocks To Go" offers a glimpse into two friends in a crisis of self who are unwilling to compromise their bad behavior.
The NoMAA Small Grants for Individual Artists program is made possible with the support of NewYork-Presbyterian and the Hispanic Federation.