“The publications that release college theatre program rankings failed BIPOC students. Because of how these programs were highlighted, it sent BIPOC students to audition for schools that had no BIPOC faculty. It sent BIPOC students to schools that didn’t know how to communicate with BIPOC students in the classroom. It sent students to schools where they would endure microaggressions, bullying, racism, discrimination that either pushed them out of the program or made graduation feel like more of an escape than an achievement.”

“Following disturbing accusations of sexual harassment by former students, the head of the theatre program at Salve Regina University is no longer employed by the school.”

“Passing Strange is refreshing from the get-go because it is conceived and voiced by black artists in an industry dominated by white people. It is refreshing because it’s a show where non-white characters aren’t reduced to stereotypes like they are in The Book of Mormon, and they also aren’t reduced to their trauma and tragedy, like they are in Miss Saigon.”

“In recent weeks, with theatres side-stepping AEA’s safety protocols and the COVID-19 outbreak among a community theatre cast of Mamma Mia, there has been a lot of discussion about what can be done to prevent theatres that are being unsafe, from producing shows. An idea that I’ve seen gaining steam on social media is for safety protocols to be approved by licensing companies in order to secure rights to do the show.”

“When you have teachers and directors who truly know their stuff, they don’t berate, they cultivate. Encouragement, corrections, creative teaching, positive reinforcement, confidence building. These are the keys to creating tomorrow’s performers and artists. Not Fear. Not Bullying. Not yelling.”

“I let myself take time. Think about the whole world slowing down with me, taking one, collective, deep breath. Maybe that’s what this is all, actually, about. “

“If you’re the leader of a community theatre and you care about its financial survival, do not let Richard Bento near it. After an explosive report by Boston’s NPR radio station, Bento’s trail of taking advantage of community theatres, and those who work within them, has finally been exposed.”

“Performers should know themselves, know what they feel more comfortable doing but they also shouldn’t feel frightened about getting out of their comfort zone and explore new things. You might miss something because you never tried.”

“On Aug 2nd, the North Platte Community Playhouse(NPCP) concluded its run of Mamma Mia. Two weeks later, 24 members of the cast and crew have tested positive for COVID-19. Serious questions of how this happened are now being asked to NPCP officials who promised they were taking precautions despite there being evidence to the contrary.”

“I miss everything about theatre right now. I miss going to see a show, being in a show, the big moments and the small details. One of the things I didn’t know how much I missed until I heard it were the stage manager pre-show calls. Thankfully, a Broadway stage manager has provided us with a wonderful peek back into normalcy.”

“Musical theater parody master and political commentator Randy Rainbow is under fire today after a series of old offensive tweets have resurfaced. The tweets consist of outdated and offensive language and labels regarding the Black and trans community, among others.”

“On December 11, 2019, police arrested Joshua Berman on charges of second-degree sexual assault for allegedly molesting a former student on multiple occasions while he served as theatre technical director at a Connecticut high school. Now, the victim has not only come forward publicly with her allegations but also details how high school officials mishandled her claims.”