Executive Director Johnathan McCullough and Artistic and Creative Director Christopher Allen have announced the formation of “Fourth Wall Ensemble,” a 12-person vocal group “committed to the transformative power of storytelling through sound and movement.”

Per an official press release, the group is founded on four core tenets: “A focus on creating an environment that fosters inclusivity; pay above the standard industry rates; Child care for all rehearsals and performances; a healthcare stipend to help offset healthcare costs.”

The ensemble will begin auditions this September at Reservoir Studios in New York City.

“As a singer myself, I wanted to create an environment focused on the artist. It is no secret that artists live in a world focused on surviving rather than thriving. Artists create at their best when basic necessities are taken care of, which we will make our goal as a company to provide. This ultimately serves the art, the artist, and the audience in the best way,” said McCullough in the release.

Allen is a recipient of The Sir Georg Solti Conductor Award and has led performances with such organizations as Atlanta Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Opéra de Montréal, English National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Kansas City Symphony, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and Wolf Trap Opera, among many others.

Meanwhile, McCullough is a Grammy-nominated baritone and director who headlined Opera Philadelphia’s recording of “Soldier Songs.” He has also performed with such organizations as Opera Philadelphia, Komische Oper Berlin, English National Opera, Opéra de Lausanne, Portland Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, among others.