Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
It's Time We Redefine How We Use the Term "#BlackExcellence" in the Arts
“I personally feel Black Excellence begins when a black person chooses to pursue their craft and emphatically says in their heart "I'm gonna do this. Stay out of my way!". Even though the adversity they probably go through, they don't give up, they see that light at the end of the tunnel, and they do it! That, to me, is Black Excellence! “
Do Not Censor 'Ragtime'
“It’s more important than ever that we allow shows like ‘Ragtime’ to be performed uncensored even though racial slurs are in the script. We can't keep saying racism is wrong without showing what racism actually is.”
The Theatre Industry in Latvia is Resuming Post COVID-19, Here's How They're Doing It
“The professional and amateur theatre industries in the small European country are resuming thanks to some smart safety measures that might make sense for the United States to follow.”
Dear White Allies, "Take the Note"
“White allies, your BIPOC pals are the director, and they have some notes for you.”
Dear White Theater People, It is Not the Job of the Black Artist to Change the Industry. It’s Ours.
“Artists of color, specifically Black artists, should not have to fight for this, educate us on this, or work to change our worldview. White members of the theater community, this is on OUR shoulders. Consider this your call to arms: you must use your privilege as a white person to amplify the voices of people that are not.”
It's Time for 'Hairspray' Creators to Prohibit All-White Productions
“It’s time for the creators of ‘Hairspray’ reverse their statement that allows for all-white productions of their Tony-winning musical.”
Theater is Not “On Demand”
“Even with all these recorded performances, people can enjoy while they’re quarantining, this pandemic has taught me that we will never take the physical togetherness of experiencing live, intimate moments in artistic spaces for granted ever again.”
Don't Feel Obliged to Do Anything Theatre-Related Right Now
“It’s okay to concentrate on your health. Theatre will always be waiting for you when you’re ready for it.”
Why Do We Love Bad Boys In Musicals?
“Bad Boys. The ones our mothers warned us away from, but we can’t resist. The world of musicals has a knack for creating male characters we hate to love, giving us eye candy and attitude all in one. But what is it about them that we can’t get enough of?”
How Theatre Producers Can Use Alternative Marketing Activations to Build Brand Awareness
“You’re asking the wrong question if you’re trying to replicate the “live theatre experience” over digital spaces. Instead, ask how does my audience engage with my show’s brand outside of the two hours they’re in the theater (if they ever even see it in person)? How can I extend my show’s brand to different formats I haven’t yet considered or explored?”
Teaching Your Young Actor to Advocate for Their Own Worth
“It is absolutely imperative that young actors know their own worth and value and that it is their right to speak on their own behalf.”
"The Humble Storyteller" : The Actor’s Most Important Role
“At its core, theatre is a collaboration, and we have the responsibility to understand and respect it in all capacities.”