Meet Morgan Middleton

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Morgan Middleton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Morgan Middleton and I am a multi-disciplinary artist and the founder and creative director of Morganacity, an arts production company based in Chicago. I started as a classical singer performing on stages at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, and Santa Fe Opera, and received my degrees from the University of Southern California and New England Conservatory.

Morganacity began as a repository for all of my ideas. The company focuses on writing, producing and directing various projects within the short film, television, literature, and theater sectors. We are still a very small company, but my goal is for Morganacity to be a go-to company known for quality projects and captivating storylines that push the envelope, particularly for people of color. Our ideas must be unique and deliver on story and character. Also, as a company with a founder of color, I want Morganacity to not only be committed to forging a path of representation, but creating something that will motivate, inspire, and change the landscape of the way Black women and other minorities are portrayed in media. What brings uniqueness to my company is that I strongly believe change requires uniqueness of story, emotional depth, and boldness to disrupt stereotypical presentations that limit the imagination.

We have some exciting things happening at the tail end of this year. First is the public release of our first film, Erlkönig, coming out October 24th. We also have another film in pre-production and a host of other projects in the pipeline.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

If I were to choose the three most impactful qualities on my artistic journey, they would be a vivid imagination, a strong work ethic, and a deep understanding of storytelling.

First, my vivid imagination has been the driving force behind everything I create. It allows me to think beyond conventional boundaries and envision possibilities that others might not see. Whether I’m working in opera, film, or graphic novels, my imagination fuels the ideas that lead to new ways of telling stories and connecting with audiences. For those early in their journey, cultivating an active imagination means allowing yourself the freedom to think boldly and without limits. The more you feed your creativity — by experiencing different art forms, immersing yourself in diverse worlds, and asking “why not that?” — the richer your ideas will become.

Second, my work ethic has been indispensable. Creative inspiration is important, but without the discipline to follow through, even the best ideas remain just that — ideas. My ability to see tasks through to completion is what turns imaginative concepts into finished projects. The key here is consistency and perseverance. Every project, no matter how exciting at first, will eventually hit obstacles or dull moments. Developing the discipline to push through, meet deadlines, and polish your work is what separates dreams from achievements. For those starting out, completion is essential to creating a portfolio and a foundation of confidence.

Finally, storytelling lies at the heart of everything I do. My focus is always on creating narratives that resonate on a deep, emotional level. Storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about connecting with people, sparking emotions, and offering fresh perspectives on the world. The better you understand storytelling — how to structure narratives, build characters, and evoke feelings — the more impact your work will have. For newcomers, immersing yourself in stories from a variety of mediums and practicing your own storytelling skills will sharpen your ability to convey meaning and emotion in your art. Ask yourself, “How long can I keep the intensity behind a scene? How can I take my audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride spanning one episode or even one season?”

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society

Confidence
Stories of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Learning from one another is what BoldJourney is all about. Below, we’ve shared stories and

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made