Dance-drama series featuring LGBTQ cast gets FX order

FX is adding a new Ryan Murphy show to its roster, announcing a series order for Pose, a dance musical drama centred around ball culture in 1980s New York.

Pose will serve as a snapshot into the changing tides of the city, juxtaposing the rise of Trump-era luxury with the downtown social scene.

“Along with being a dance musical and an affirming look at American life in the 1980s, I’m so proud that Pose and FX has made history right from the beginning by featuring the most trans series regular actors ever in an American television production,” Murphy said in a statement.

“Additionally, the first season Pose will feature 50-plus LGBTQ characters — a record in American television history. I can’t wait for people to see this incredibly talented, passionate cast.”

Co-created with frequent collaborator Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals, Murphy will direct the first two episodes of the series’ first season.

In addition to prominently featuring transgender actors as series regulars, transgender writers Janet Mock and Our Lady J will both serve as producers on the series.

“In the 15 years we’ve worked with Ryan, he has demonstrated time and again that every person’s story is joyful, illuminating, and must be told,” said John Landgraf, CEO of FX Networks and FX Productions, in Wednesday’s statement.

A six-month U.S.-wide casting search has led to a wide batch of new talent for the series, joining more established actors such as Evan Peters, Kate Mara, James Van Der Beek and Charlayne Woodard.

Pose is scheduled to begin production in New York in February for a summer 2018 première on FX.