Cost n’ Mayor, the creative partnership of Austin and Marideth Telenko, are choreographers and performers who blend street dance styles with musical theater. After building a combined social media following of over 10 million, the duo transitioned from short-form digital content to the professional stage, recently completing a run of their off-Broadway production, 11 to Midnight.
From TikTok Virality to the Off-Broadway Stage
Austin and Marideth Telenko used TikTok as a strategic tool to bypass traditional industry gatekeepers. During the 2020 pandemic, the pair began posting synchronized choreography from North Carolina to increase their visibility in a competitive market. Marideth Telenko noted that the platform allowed them to share their artistry in “10 minutes,” avoiding the necessity of agents and casting directors to get into the room.
This digital presence evolved into a professional brand known as Cost n’ Mayor—a name resulting from a Siri misinterpretation of their nicknames, “Aust” and “Mar.” While they initially faced a stigma associated with the “TikTok choreographer” label, the duo eventually embraced it, using their platform to demystify the creative process for aspiring dancers.
The Creative Vision of ’11 to Midnight’
The Telenkos’ first major stage venture, 11 to Midnight, serves as an extension of their social media identity. The off-Broadway show follows a couple and their friends during the final hour of New Year’s Eve, mixing physical comedy with intricate choreography. According to Marideth Telenko, the production was designed to make dancers the stars rather than background accompaniment.
The production featured a cast of high-profile dance talent, including:
- Heather Morris
- Nia Sioux
- Melissa Becraft
To maintain artistic growth, the Telenkos provided a “blueprint” for the choreography, allowing rotating cast members to personalize their movements. Austin Telenko described this approach as giving the performers a framework without “decorating the house for them.”
Blending Street Styles and Musical Theater
The duo’s signature style is rooted in their divergent training. Marideth Telenko studied dance and choreography at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, specializing in street styles like house, waacking, and popping. Austin Telenko began with triple-threat classes in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, later expanding into street styles during his teens.
Before finding success online, both struggled with the rigid categories of the New York City audition circuit. Marideth Telenko reported feeling “too commercial” for musical theater and “too theater” for commercial gigs. This gap in the market became their niche, allowing them to merge commercial energy with theatrical storytelling.
Professional Milestones and ‘Waitress’
The pair’s transition to professional theater reached a turning point in 2024 when they choreographed the musical Waitress at the Ogunquit Playhouse. This marked their first time choreographing a full-scale musical.
Abbey O’Brien, the director of the production, described the Telenkos’ approach as “fearless,” stating that they “spice up the tradition” by bringing their specific dynamic into the production. This experience provided the foundational knowledge of lighting, stage direction, and storytelling that the duo later applied to 11 to Midnight.
Crowdsourcing the Choreographic Process
Unlike traditional choreography, which typically happens behind closed doors, Cost n’ Mayor utilizes their audience as a focus group. They use polls and comments to “beta-test” ideas, asking followers for input on props and specific movements. Marideth Telenko stated that showing the “messy, chaotic side” of dancemaking gives the final product more meaning for the audience.
This transparency is a deliberate effort to inspire others. Austin Telenko noted that providing an inside look at the process is a core part of their mission, while Marideth Telenko emphasizes the importance of showing that creating “bad” work is a necessary step toward a finished piece.
As they move forward, the Telenkos plan to continue exploring the intersection of movement and storytelling, shifting their social media focus from a primary creative outlet to a complementary tool for lifestyle and behind-the-scenes content.
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