Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
Five top musical theatre programs that deserve your attention
“In an effort to share more quality options, here are five top musical theatre programs that we have rarely, if ever, seen on other ranking lists. Each is incredible in its own way.”
Questions regarding body shaming arise over college musical theatre audition form
“A discarded form used for on-campus auditions for the BFA Musical Theatre program at Syracuse University is sparking outrage due to its usage of body shaming language and ranking aspiring students’ bodies.”
Music Director job posting ignites outrage among white musician community
A recent job posting seeking a music director for an upcoming college production has caused outrage among the white musician community. The posting encouraged anyone who isn’t a cis-white male to apply for the position, which has caused some to call this “discriminatory.”
Dear college programs without a virtual audition: How dare you
“Colleges have largely retained a virtual option for most auditioning high school seniors, increasing access for folks who don’t have the means or time to travel. But there are still some schools that demand only in-person auditions. On campus. I’m sorry, but who the hell do you think you are?”
Theatre Professor sues over requirement to use student’s they/them pronouns
“Rather than respect students’ gender identity, a theatre professor in Utah is going as far as suing his college employer in order not to have to acknowledge they/them pronouns because he is ‘politically and educationally opposed’ to it.”
College implies it let go theatre professor for being queer
“A theatre professor says she was let go from their position at Anderson University due to being queer. To make matters worse, the South Carolina university isn’t denying that was the reason.”
UNCSA has been exposed as a bastion of abuse. But real change is within reach.
“Everything at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts is about maintaining a facade. But after decades of abuse, secrets, and lies, an expertly crafted facade is finally crumbling.”
10 Keys to Becoming a Strong Contributor to the Theatre Community
“Directors will understandably get frustrated when they have to give the same note multiple times and sometimes it is even interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Do you want to be seen as a strong member of the theatre community? Take a note the first time it is given.”
College theatre professor suspended for slapping student during rehearsal
"The professor was apparently trying to demonstrate a “stage slap” and struck the student without preparing them or asking for their permission.”
College Theatre Programs Must Be Held Accountable for Their Promises of Change
“There have been colleges that fulfilled their promises of change over the past year. There have been programs that followed through on bringing a diverse first class to their campuses. But we fear there are plenty more that pledged such changes and failed. And we’re already seeing proof of that.”
Phylicia Rashad Needs to Resign from Howard University Immediately
“Phylicia Rashad’s tweet defending Bill Cosby was reckless, showed extremely poor judgement, two qualities no college dean should have. She should resign immediately.”
Yale School of Drama Goes Tuition Free with $150 million gift from David Geffen
“Arguably the most prestigious drama school in the country is now going to be tuition-free for current and future students. Yale University’s drama school will no longer pay tuition, thanks to a landmark $150 million gift from entertainment executive and philanthropist David Geffen, the university announced today.”