“This past week controversy erupted at a regional theatre in Virginia over a Caucasian actress who was cast as Vanessa in their production of ‘In The Heights’. While on the surface this looks like another example of whitewashing, what actually transpired at Mill Mountain Theatre exposes deeper casting issues that all regional theatres should take notice.”
Read More“I did not expect to start my morning by defending a predominately all-white cast who just lost their jobs due to them being a predominately all-white cast, but here we are.”
Read More“It’s time to get our heads out of our collective asses and wake up to the fact that having a New York zip code does not make you a better actor by default. Nor does wanting a better quality of life mean you’re less ambitious. The industry has changed, and it’s time to put those outdated stereotypes to rest.”
Read More“While many professional theatres across the country are waiting out COVID 19 before they reopen, some aren’t being so patient. Over the past month, five theatres had dropped their Actor’s Equity Association(AEA) status in order to not abide by the union’s safety protocols to reopen. But according to one of those theatres, the decision came as a result of the union not being helpful in helping them to reopen and that they weren’t interested in helping their members.”
Read More“On June 12 of this year, a letter was sent to the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training and the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. In direct response to a Black Lives Matter statement made by the organizations in question on social media, a group of Conservatory students confronted the administration with stories and statistical examples of institutional racism. It’s been over a month since the letter was published and now the question remains: What happens next? This past week, I had the opportunity to join Naire Poole and Bonita Jackson Turner, two of the five students who co-authored the letter, on Zoom to hear more about their experience.”
Read More“On June 10th, the staff at the Old Creamery Theatre Company posted a statement of support for the Black Lives Matter movement and an action plan to do better on their social media platforms. Within days, the theatre’s Board of Trustees demanded they take down the post. Weeks later, the board fired ten of the eleven staff members. While the board is citing budget cuts as the reason for the terminations, the former staff aren’t so sure about that.”
Read More“While many regional theatres across the country continue to be closed due to the pandemic, some aren’t being so patient. In fact, some are so desperate to reopen, they’re dropping their Equity status so they don’t have to adhere to the union’s safety protocols.”
Read More“Over the weekend, a D.C.-area theatre terminated the employment of its artistic director due to allegations of sexual harassment from multiple women. However, questions are now arising about how the theatre’s board handled similar allegations against the former director three years ago and failed to take proper action.”
Read More“Serenbe Playhouse, the Georgia theatre company that has gained national attention for its gorgeously inventive and often-immersive productions, has come under fire for a multitude of racially-charged incidents against Black and Native American artists.”
Read MoreIn the past week, many businesses across the country have taken precautions to prevent damage to their buildings. However, one theatre company in Oregon decided to spray paint their own building in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Read More“Theatre organizations all over the country are wondering tonight where the proceeds for their tickets sales went after the selling website they used can’t come up with their money”
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