Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
The fleetingness of theatre
“Theatre creates something that wasn’t there before, and those of us who share in the beauty of that experience must live through the loss of letting it go.”
Dear Theatre, You Complete Me
“Theatre touches something deep within me, and that happens whether I’m working on a show or am an audience member watching one. Just being around art, in all forms, is a satisfying experience for me.”
As theatre returns, we need to be mindful of predators in our communities
“As many of us prepare to return to in-person theatre, there’s been an emphasis on safety like never before. While COVID precautions are vital, we must also take precautions to keep our casts safe from dangerous people. Simply put, predators appear anywhere people gather. But over time I’ve found person after person who somehow thinks that we theatremakers are immune from incidents happening in our communities. The truth is, we’re not.”
For Community Theatres, is this a time for reinvention or to play it safe?
“So, coming out of a shutdown, should local theatres be looking to do more of Suzan-Lori Parks’ work or Neil Simon’s? Is this the time to be bold and reinvent? Or should community theatres try to fill as many seats as possible by doing beloved “chestnuts” and worry about boldness for a later time?”
Community, Theatre – Which Comes First?
“I would like to say that for those of you who may have enjoyed being part of the theatre community, but now are refusing to do your part and protect that very community -I hope you enjoyed the work you did. You should not be allowed to do it anymore.”
Community Theatres Need to Stop Protecting Their Problematic Men
“Throughout my years of both being involved in community theatre and covering it, I’ve seen constant examples of theatre groups tolerating and ignoring the bad behavior of their male talent. This practice has led to serious issues such as sexual misconduct which could have been prevented if theatre officials took real action.”
A Love Letter to Community Theatre
Dear Community Theatre,
Before I had become acquainted with you, I was a young child. A young, introverted, homeschooled, shy-as-hell child. My mother had said before then we should get to know each other, but I didn’t budge. I didn’t want a spotlight. I didn’t want a line. I wanted to stay in my room and be left alone. I didn’t see what you had to offer, what my potential with you was, and I didn’t care.
Now, I can’t thank you enough.
Loving Your Body in a Looks-Oriented Industry
Although the world of musical theatre is slowly becoming more diverse and inclusive, our look still plays an important part in casting. In some cases, being in an industry that places so much focus on your body can lead you down a dangerous path. It took me years to love my short, slightly thicker body and to be perfectly honest; I'm still working on it.
Five Questions All Community Theatre Directors Should Ask Themselves
“Even if you’ve directed a million times before, every production brings its own unique needs. These five questions can help keep you honest and on track for many aspects of your upcoming production.”
Actor charged with molesting boy he met during a play at local FL theatre
“An actor in Ocala, FL has been charged with sexual battery after admitting to molesting a young boy he had met during a play at the local theatre. The abuse happened over a dozen times over a period of six months. In the wake of the arrest, the theatre has barred the actor from their stage but has not confirmed or denied knowing about the allegations while allowing the actor to appear in productions with minors.”
"COVID-19 canceled the last show I'll ever do"
“Virginia was excited to be cast in a one-act festival set to perform this past summer. But then COVID-19 arrived and the festival was canceled. Thus ending a 50 year run in community theatre.”
“Save Our Stages Act” Leaves Community Theatres Out In The Cold
“While the Save Our Stages Act certainly provides relief to commercial theatre venues, it excludes community theatres that desperately need aid as well. Without eligibility in future legislation, tens of thousands of these stages will remain dark for good.”