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High School Theatre Christopher Peterson High School Theatre Christopher Peterson

Two Plays High Schools Should Avoid Performing If They Value Their Black Students

“With the new call to arms for high schools to increase black presence on their stages, I don’t feel it’s a progressive step to have those performers play roles that perpetuate stereotypes or serve only as window dressing. That’s not fulfilling any type of call to action. So there are two popularly produced plays that I feel should be avoided by high schools that truly want to embrace and welcome black students to get more involved in their theatre departments.”

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Broadway, Observations Christopher Peterson Broadway, Observations Christopher Peterson

Will "Children of Eden" Ever Make it to Broadway?

“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?”

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Observations OnStage Blog Staff Observations OnStage Blog Staff

Five Times Theatre Has Educated Me About Racism

“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. “

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College Theatre Christopher Peterson College Theatre Christopher Peterson

'Red Flags' BIPOC Students Need to Look Out for with BFA Programs

“When it comes to BFA theatre programs, the questions and perspective between white and BIPOC students. differ greatly. What might be a perfect situation for a white student might not before someone who is not. So here are some “red flags” that BIPOC students should look for when evaluating some of these BFA theatre colleges.”

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Observations OnStage Blog Staff Observations OnStage Blog Staff

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! “

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