“As theatre organizers and professionals, we need to do regular checks. Are you constantly hiring the same talent? Do your newcomers feel welcome? Are new artists applying to your show? These are simple ways to do checks and balances.”

“Every single minute matters to a stage manager in a rehearsal. So, if you’re going to be even 30 seconds late, just text or call your stage manager BEFORE the rehearsal time starts; it’s really not that difficult to give them a heads-up.”

“Early on, I decided to set clear rules and boundaries that were available to all campers and my full-time theatre students during the school year. This paid off hugely in helping me when the time came to deal with disruptive behavior.”

“Allow your space to be one of growth where everyone can refine their talents and learn the skills they need to be a great performer.”

“The best way to network in this day and age is to have an online presence. Create a portfolio website, have social media channels that showcase what you do, and don’t downplay the importance of meeting for coffee.”

“Whether as an artistic director, tech supervisor, box office manager, or performing arts coordinator, these jobs are once-in-a-lifetime, and preparing for them can be daunting.”

“For those of us who have or are currently working with youth, we must help mold them into the actors and actresses that they need to be.”

“Starting an improv troupe for the first time can be incredibly intimidating. Add youth ages into  the mix and the vision of throwing papers everywhere and walking out comes to mind. However,  it doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience.”

When asked why he does an ASL performance, Young  responds  that it is about “actually doing  theater for the deaf rather than simply making theater accessible to the deaf.” His advocacy for the deaf and hard of hearing just goes to show that theatre truly is for everyone.