Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
The 'Mrs. Doubtfire' Tour is Irresponsible and Dangerous
“Today it was announced that a national tour of the musical Mrs. Doubtfire will kick off this fall. The news is concerning as many find the show to be transphobic and touring it in states where there is active anti-trans legislation may lead to more hate toward the trans communities that live there.”
Summer Drag Camp at Local Theatre Ignites Protest and Debate
Debate in Canada has erupted over a children's youth theater hosting a drag summer camp for kids, which provides children with drag makeup kits while they learn how to access their "inner confidence."
Revival of ‘Cabaret’ to Open On Broadway in Spring 2024
“A new production of Cabaret, which originated on the West End in November 2021, will play Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre in spring 2024.”
U.K. Theatre Criticized for "Patronizing" Content Warning for 'The Sound of Music'
A theatre in the U.K. is being mocked over its listing a content warning for its upcoming production of ‘The Sound of Music’. Chichester Festival Theatre included information about the themes of the show as “Music; family; romance; the threat of Nazi Germany and the annexation of Austria.”
Colleen Ballinger Loses Sponsorships After Alleged Inappropriate Behavior With Minors
In the wake of multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior with minors and grooming against Colleen Ballinger, two sponsors of her podcast have ended their deals with the YouTube star.
Actor Guilt and How to Manage It
“The word “enough” is becoming commonplace. You did not do enough. You did not give enough to your scene partners. You did not meet the director’s expectations. You could go on and on about how you were not enough. Wracked with worry and guilt, you worry about your ability to play and depend more on the thoughts of others. You are not alone. It has a simple name that many have also felt: actor guilt.”
Colleen Ballinger's extraordinary failure
Facing accusations of inappropriate relationships with her teenage fans and grooming, Colleen Ballinger decided that the best course of action was to respond with a ditty on a ukulele explaining that she was actually the victim of a “toxic gossip train.”
Iconic Lyricist Sheldon Harnick has passed away at 99
“Sheldon Harnick, one of the greatest lyricists of 20th Century musical theatre, passed away at the age of 99.”
Want To Make Your Community Theatre More Inclusive? Try Casting Different People
“I see theatres take pride in saying how inclusive and welcoming they are toward many people, I couldn’t help but notice something: Many of them also cast the exact same people in the lead roles of nearly every show that they do.”
Denée Benton's poorly timed Tonys moment
“While I think it is fine to make political statements during awards acceptance speeches, I do feel there is a certain way they should be done and at specific moments. Doing it while honoring an educator is not the right time.'“
Legendary performer, Glenda Jackson, passes away at 87
“Jackson is considered one of Britain’s greatest actresses, winning two Oscars, three Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award.'“
Florida Teacher Joseph Zembuch-Young Receives 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award
When asked why he does an ASL performance, Young responds that it is about “actually doing theater for the deaf rather than simply making theater accessible to the deaf.” His advocacy for the deaf and hard of hearing just goes to show that theatre truly is for everyone.