“After the audience files out, the usher sweeps through the rows of seats to tidy up before the next performance. There are discarded drinks, wrappers, headphones that will live in the lost and found for a while, and, if the world is fair, at least a little bit of fallen money. But none of that confuses me like the abundance of playbills I see picked up and headed for the garbage after a show.”

So your friend has auditioned for your show.

Before casting them in the role that they have written down on the audition form, go through this checklist to make sure you’re not practicing nepotism, which in the workplace, is illegal!

“When people think of theatre, it’s probably one of the most well-known symbols that comes to mind with many interpretations that go beyond just the comedy and tragedy, happy and sad meaning. The comedy and tragedy symbol dates back to Greek Mythology and has been the central representation of the creative arts for decades.”

“Theatre has a rich history of taking real-life incidents, dramatizing them, and subsequently making the audience truly look at the world around them. Now more than ever that is hugely important. When theatre returns, I implore theatres to tap into this history and having strong activists pieces in their season.”

“Movie musicals are a good bridge into the world of live theatre. They allow new musical lovers to enjoy musicals without having to commit to a night at the theatre.”

“Interestingly enough, even though “Children of Eden” is Schwartz's favorite piece and has become one of his most-produced shows, it has never gotten a Broadway run. In fact, it's had quite an unfortunate professional production history. While never enjoying a full-scale production in New York, it’s mostly done in concert nowadays. So the question remains, will it ever get the Broadway run it deserves?”

When I tell people who are not involved with the performing arts that I am studying theatre and aspire to pursue it professionally, their reaction is almost always the same, no matter whom I’m speaking to.

“Theatre isn’t a 'white art'. It’s just an Art. However, it would be naïve and hypocritical to say it hasn’t benefited from systemic racism and that it’s not full of white privileges. Of course, change is on its way, and even with our theatres closed still due to the pandemic, we can start the change now. So here are five times I questioned myself and my privileges thanks to the theatre. “

“Your directors are responsible for the tenor, vision, and production of their shows but your theatre is ultimately responsible for its directors. Give them every chance and resource to be successful, but don’t be afraid to weed out a director who isn’t up to par.”

“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! “

“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 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.”